bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Proficiency Testing/External Quality Assessment: Current Challenges and Future Directions
Authors: Miller W Greg , Jones Graham RD , Horowitz Gary L , Weykamp Cas 
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUNDProficiency testing (PT), or external quality assessment (EQA), is intended to verify on a recurring basis that laboratory results conform to expectations for the quality required for patient care.CONTENTKey factors for interpreting PT/EQA results are knowledge of the commutability of the samples used and the process used for target value assignment. A commutable PT/EQA sample demonstrates the same numeric relationship between different measurement procedures as that expected for patients' samples. Noncommutable PT/EQA samples frequently have a matrix-related bias of unknown magnitude that limits interpretation of results. PT/EQA results for commutable samples can be used to assess accuracy against a reference measurement procedure or a designated comparison method. In addition, the agreement of the results between different measurement procedures for commutable samples reflects that which would be seen for patients' samples. PT/EQA results for noncommutable samples must be compared to a peer group mean/median of results from participants who use measurement procedures that are expected to have the same or very similar matrix-related bias. Peer group evaluation is used to asses whether a laboratory is using a measurement procedure in conformance to the manufacturer's specifications and/or in conformance to other laboratories using the same technology. A noncommutable PT/EQA sample does not give meaningful information about the relationship of results for patients' samples between different measurement procedures.SUMMARYPT/EQA provides substantial value to the practice of laboratory medicine by assessing the performance of individual laboratories and, when commutable samples are used, the status of standardization or harmonization among different measurement procedures.
GH deficiency in patients after cure of acromegaly by surgery alone
Authors: Yamada Shozo , Fukuhara Noriaki , Nishioka Hiroshi , Takeshita Akira , Suzuki Hisanori , Miyakawa Megumi , Takeuchi Yasuhiro 
Published: October 2011

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the frequency and characteristics of severe GH deficiency (sGHD) in patients after treatment of acromegaly by surgery alone.Design and methodsOne hundred and eighty-six patients fulfilling the criteria for cure of acromegaly were examined by GH-releasing peptide-2 stimulation test or arginine stimulation test as well as oral glucose tolerance test (GTT). In addition, the Japanese adult hypopituitarism questionnaire was completed to determine the quality of life (QoL).ResultssGHD was found in 17 patients (9.1%; the GH-deficient group), and not found in 169 patients (90.9%; the GH-sufficient group). There were no significant differences in preoperative serum GH levels, IGF1 levels, incidence of hyperprolactinemia, tumor volumes, or incidence of microadenoma between the two groups. Upon follow-up examination, IGF1 levels and Z-scores of IGF1 levels were significantly lower in the GH-deficient group than in the GH-sufficient group, whereas neither basal GH levels nor nadir GH levels during 75 g GTT were significantly different between the two groups. Moreover, sGHD patients had a substantially higher incidence of multiple pituitary failures (17.6 vs 2.4%) and dyslipidemia (60 vs 16.2%). sGHD patients had a substantially poorer condition-related QoL.ConclusionsThis is the first large-scale, single-center, clinical study to evaluate sGHD in patients after cure of acromegaly by surgery alone. This study found that sGHD occurred in ∼9% of patients and assessment of GHD by stimulation tests is critical after successful treatment of acromegaly by surgery.
The Epothilones: New Therapeutic Agents for Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Dorff Tanya B. , Gross Mitchell E. 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
The management of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) presents a clinical challenge because of limitations in efficacy and durability with currently available therapeutics. The epothilones represent a novel class of anticancer therapy that stabilizes microtubules, causing cell death and tumor regression in preclinical models. The structure of the tubulin-binding site for epothilones is distinct from that of the taxanes. Moreover, preclinical studies suggest nonoverlapping mechanisms of resistance between epothilones and taxanes. In early-phase studies in patients with CRPC, treatment with ixabepilone, a semisynthetic analog of epothilone B, induced objective responses and prostate-specific antigen declines in men previously progressing on docetaxel-based regimens. Clinical activity has been observed in nonrandomized trials for patients with CRPC using ixabepilone in the first- and second-line settings as a single agent and in combination with estramustine. Patupilone and sagopilone were also shown to have promising efficacy in phase II clinical trials of patients with CRPC. All three epothilones appear to be well tolerated, with modest rates of neutropenia and peripheral neuropathy. The lack of crossresistance between epothilones and taxanes may allow sequencing of these agents. Evaluating epothilones in phase III comparative trials would provide much-needed insight into their potential place in the management of patients with CRPC.
The Significance of Hürthle Cells in Thyroid Disease
Authors: Cannon Jennifer 
Published: October 2011

Abstract

Learning Objectives
After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Enumerate the variable thyroid pathological conditions in which Hürthle cells are seen and explain the significance of the findings within the appropriate clinical context.Describe the various means by which Hürthle cell neoplasms may be evaluated and their value in determining the likelihood of a benign or malignant lesion.
CME This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com
Hürthle cells (HCs) and HC change, along with the frequently employed synonyms “oncocytes/oncocytic change” or “oxyphils/oxyphilic change,” are not infrequently described on fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) reports of thyroid lesions. The description of HCs on FNAB reports may cause significant concern to the clinician; however, placing the finding in the appropriate clinical context may alleviate some anxiety. Not all oxyphilic cells are true HCs and not every aspirate containing HCs is or should be considered equivalent to an HC neoplasm (HCN). There are many benign thyroid lesions associated with HCs or HC change. For clinicians, it may be difficult to discern the significance of these findings and to determine an appropriate course of action. A skilled and experienced cytopathologist is invaluable in discriminating the subtle features that distinguish these lesions from those warranting a more aggressive approach. The diagnosis of HC carcinoma relies on histopathologic scrutiny and evidence of capsular and/or vascular invasion or metastasis to lymph nodes or distant organs. Many investigators have sought clinical, radiographic, cytological, genetic, and other factors to attempt to discriminate preoperatively between benign and malignant HCNs. To date, none have been definitively proven to be reliable. For now, because of the inability to determine the benign or malignant nature of such neoplasms based on cytology alone, a surgical approach is warranted.
HFS-14, a Specific Quality of Life Scale Developed for Patients Suffering from Hand–Foot Syndrome
Authors: Sibaud Vincent , Dalenc Florence , Chevreau Christine , Roché Henri , Delord Jean-Pierre , Mourey Loïc , Lacaze Jean-Louis , Rahhali Nora , Taïeb Charles 
Published: October 2011

Abstract

Background.
Hand–foot syndrome (HFS) is a common reaction to certain chemotherapies and new targeted therapies, impairing patient quality of life (QoL). However, there is currently no specific tool to measure QoL in patients with HFS.

Objective.
The objective was to develop and validate a HFS-specific QoL questionnaire (HFS-14).

Patients and Methods.
From a list of 31 items identified from a literature review and patient interview notes, item reduction and pilot testing by cognitive debriefing resulted in a final 14-item questionnaire with excellent internal reliability. Clinical validity was assessed in 43 patients with HFS by comparing the HFS-14 score according to HFS clinical grade based on the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI-CTCAE), version 3.0, and by measuring its correlation with the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Skindex-16, and short-form 12 health-related questionnaires and pain measurement.

Results.
The mean HFS-14 score was significantly higher in patients with clinical grade 2 and grade 3 HFS than in those with grade 1 HFS. The higher the HFS-14 score, the greater the QoL impairment. The HFS-14 score was highly correlated with the DLQI and Skindex-16 scores. In the population of patients with severe grade 3 NCI-CTCAE HFS, the HFS-14 score was significantly higher in patients having both hands and feet severely involved than in those with severe involvement of one limb (hands or feet) with the other one less severely affected.

Conclusions.
This scale specifically developed for patients with HFS is a valid and valuable tool for measuring HFS-related QoL impairment.
The European Medicines Agency Review of Tegafur/Gimeracil/Oteracil (Teysuno™) for the Treatment of Advanced Gastric Cancer When Given in Combination with Cisplatin: Summary of the Scientific Assessment of the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP)
Authors: Matt Petra , van Zwieten-Boot Barbara , Calvo Rojas Gonzalo , ter Hofstede Hadewych , Garcia-Carbonero Rocio , Camarero Jorge , Abadie Eric , Pignatti Francesco 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
The product Teysuno™ (S-1) contains tegafur, a prodrug of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and two modulators of 5-FU metabolism, gimeracil and oteracil.
The main clinical study in this application was a randomized controlled study comparing S-1 plus cisplatin with 5-FU plus cisplatin. In this study, median overall survival times of 8.6 months and 7.9 months for S-1 plus cisplatin and 5-FU plus cisplatin, respectively, were observed (hazard ratio, 0.92; 95% confidence interval, 0.80–1.05). The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use of the European Medicines Agency concluded that S-1 in combination with cisplatin (75 mg/m2) was noninferior to 5-FU plus cisplatin (100 mg/m2) in patients with advanced gastric cancer and adopted a positive opinion recommending the marketing authorization for this product for the treatment of advanced gastric cancer when given in combination with cisplatin. The recommended dose of S-1 is 25 mg/m2 (expressed as tegafur content) twice a day, for 21 consecutive days followed by 7 days rest (one treatment cycle), in combination with 75 mg/m2 cisplatin i.v. administered on day 1. This treatment cycle is repeated every 4 weeks.
The most common side effects reported in the pivotal study were anemia, neutropenia, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight decrease, anorexia, and fatigue.
The objective of this paper is to summarize the scientific review of the application leading to approval in the EU. The full scientific assessment report and the summary of product characteristics are available on the European Medicines Agency website (http://www.ema.europa.eu).
Comparison of use of an infrared anesthetic gas monitor and refractometry for measurement of anesthetic agent concentrations
Authors: Ambrisko Tamas D. , Klide Alan M. 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
Objective—To assess agreement between anesthetic agent concentrations measured by use of an infrared anesthetic gas monitor (IAGM) and refractometry.
Sample—4 IAGMs of the same type and 1 refractometer.
Procedures—Mixtures of oxygen and isoflurane, sevoflurane, desflurane, or N2O were used. Agent volume percent was measured simultaneously with 4 IAGMs and a refractometer at the common gas outlet. Measurements obtained with each of the 4 IAGMs were compared with the corresponding refractometer measurements via the Bland-Altman method. Similarly, Bland-Altman plots were also created with either IAGM or refractometer measurements and desflurane vaporizer dial settings.
Results—Bias ± 2 SD for comparisons of IAGM and refractometer measurements was as follows: isoflurane, −0.03 ± 0.18 volume percent; sevoflurane, −0.19 ± 0.23 volume percent; desflurane, 0.43 ± 1.22 volume percent; and N2O, −0.21 ± 1.88 volume percent. Bland-Altman plots comparing IAGM and refractometer measurements revealed nonlinear relationships for sevoflurane, desflurane, and N2O. Desflurane measurements were notably affected; bias ± limits of agreement (2 SD) were small (0.1 ± 0.22 volume percent) at < 12 volume percent, but both bias and limits of agreement increased at higher concentrations. Because IAGM measurements did not but refractometer measurements did agree with the desflurane vaporizer dial settings, infrared measurement technology was a suspected cause of the nonlinear relationships.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Given that the assumption of linearity is a cornerstone of anesthetic monitor calibration, this assumption should be confirmed before anesthetic monitors are used in experiments.
Pharmacokinetics and physiologic effects of intramuscularly administered xylazine hydrochloride-ketamine hydrochloride-butorphanol tartrate alone or in combination with orally administered sodium salicylate on biomarkers of pain in Holstein calves following castration and dehorning
Authors: Baldridge Sarah L. , Coetzee Johann F. , Dritz Steve S. , Reinbold James B. , Gehring Ronette , Havel James , Kukanich Butch 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
Objective—To determine the pharmacokinetic parameters of xylazine, ketamine, and butorphanol (XKB) administered IM and sodium salicylate (SAL) administered PO to calves and to compare drug effects on biomarkers of pain and distress following sham and actual castration and dehorning.
Animals—40 Holstein bull calves from 3 farms.
Procedures—Calves weighing 108 to 235 kg (n = 10 calves/group) received one of the following treatments prior to sham (period 1) and actual (period 2) castration and dehorning: saline (0.9% NaCl) solution IM (placebo); SAL administered PO through drinking water at concentrations from 2.5 to 5 mg/mL from 24 hours prior to period 1 to 48 hours after period 2; butorphanol (0.025 mg/kg), xylazine (0.05 mg/kg), and ketamine (0.1 mg/kg) coadministered IM immediately prior to both periods; and a combination of SAL and XKB (SAL+XKB). Plasma drug concentrations, average daily gain (ADG), chute exit velocity, serum cortisol concentrations, and electrodermal activity were evaluated.
Results—ADG (days 0 to 13) was significantly greater in the SAL and SAL+XKB groups than in the other 2 groups. Calves receiving XKB had reduced chute exit velocity in both periods. Serum cortisol concentrations increased in all groups from period 1 to period 2. However, XKB attenuated the cortisol response for the first hour after castration and dehorning and oral SAL administration reduced the response from 1 to 6 hours. Administration of XKB decreased electrodermal activity scores in both periods.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—SAL administered PO through drinking water decreased cortisol concentrations and reduced the decrease in ADG associated with castration and dehorning in calves.
Independent and combined effects of prednisone and acetylsalicylic acid on thromboelastography variables in healthy dogs
Authors: Flint Sarah K. , Abrams-Ogg Anthony C. G. , Kruth Stephen A. , Bersenas Alexa M. , Wood R. Darren 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
Objective—To describe the effects of prednisone and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) on results of thromboelastography in healthy dogs.
Animals—16 male mixed-breed dogs.
Procedures—Dogs were randomly assigned to 3 treatment groups (4 dogs/group) that received prednisone (median dose, 2.07 mg/kg), ASA (median dose, 0.51 mg/kg), or both drugs, PO, every 24 hours from days 0 through 6. Another group received no treatment (control dogs; n = 4). Thromboelastography variables (reaction time, clotting time, α-angle, maximum amplitude [MA], global clot strength, coagulation index, and percentage of clot lysis at 60 minutes [CL60]) were evaluated in blood samples collected (prior to drug administration in treated dogs) on days 0 (baseline), 2, 4, and 6.
Results—Administration of ASA alone did not alter TEG variables. For treatment effect, mean global clot strength was increased in the prednisone and drug combination groups, compared with values for control dogs; MA was also increased in the prednisone and drug combination groups, compared with that of controls. For treatment-by-time effect, median CL60 was increased in the prednisone group on day 6, compared with baseline value in the same dogs and with median CL60 of the control group on day 6. Median CL60 was also increased in the drug combination group on day 6, compared with the baseline value and with that of the control group on day 6.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Prednisone administered at approximately 2 mg/kg/d, PO, for 7 days with or without concurrently administered ASA increased clot strength and decreased clot lysis in healthy dogs.
Evaluation of perinuclear antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibodies in sera from dogs with inflammatory bowel disease or intestinal lymphoma
Authors: Mancho Carolina , Sainz Ángel , García-Sancho Mercedes , Villaescusa Alejandra , Rodríguez-Franco Fernando 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
Objective—To assess and compare the expression of perinuclear antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibodies (pANCA) in sera obtained from dogs with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and dogs with intestinal lymphoma.
Animals—104 dogs with IBD and 23 dogs with intestinal lymphoma.
Procedures—Each ill dog had persistent gastrointestinal signs (> 3 weeks in duration) and absence of response to diet changes or antimicrobial treatments. Gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed in ill dogs to obtain intestinal biopsy specimens for histologic confirmation of IBD or lymphoma. A serum sample was obtained from each ill dog. Neutrophils were isolated from a blood sample from the healthy dog; neutrophil-bearing slides were incubated with serum from each ill dog and examined for expression of pANCA by use of an indirect immunofluorescence technique. Detection of cells that had a perinuclear fluorescence pattern was considered a positive result.
Results—The 2 groups of dogs did not differ with regard to breed and sex but did differ with regard to age. Expression of pANCA was detected in 38 of the 104 (36.5%) dogs with IBD and 4 of the 23 (17.4%) dogs with intestinal lymphoma. Although the frequency of pANCA expression was higher in dogs with IBD, compared with findings in dogs with intestinal lymphoma, the difference was not significant.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that circulating pANCA are present in some dogs with IBD or intestinal lymphoma. However, pANCA detection does not seem to be useful for distinguishing dogs with IBD from dogs with intestinal lymphoma.
Use of data collected at cessation of lactation to predict incidence of sole ulcers and white line disease during the subsequent lactation in dairy cows
Authors: Machado Vinícius S. , Caixeta Luciano S. , Bicalho Rodrigo C. 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
Objective—To develop a parsimonious statistical model to predict incidence of lameness in the subsequent lactation by use of data collected at cessation of lactation in dairy cows.
Animals—574 cows.
Procedures—At cessation of lactation during hoof trimming, body condition score (BCS), visual locomotion score, digital cushion thickness (DCT), and digital lesions were assessed.
Results—140 (24%) cows were treated for claw horn disruption lesions (CHDLs) at cessation of lactation (114 with sole ulcers [pododermatitis circumscripta] and 26 with white line disease). The BCS was highly associated with DCT. Cows with CHDLs at cessation of lactation had significantly lower DCT, compared with other cows. All 3 logistic regression models predicted the incidence of CHDLs in the subsequent lactation with good accuracy; the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves was 0.76, 0.76, and 0.77 for the first, second, and third logistic regression models, respectively.
Conclusion and Clinical Relevance—Evaluation of 3 logistic regression models indicated that lameness could be predicted with good accuracy by use of all 3. The ability to predict lameness will facilitate the implementation of lameness prevention strategies by targeting specific cows.
Perfusion method for harvesting bone marrow cells from dogs
Authors: Sato Masahiko , Goto-Koshino Yuko , Mochizuki Hiroyuki , Fujino Yasuhito , Ohno Koichi , Tsujimoto Hajime 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
Objective—To compare composition and colony formation of bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMCs) harvested from dogs by means of a new perfusion method and the conventional aspiration method.
Animals—7 healthy adult Beagles.
Procedures—BMMCs were collected from the humeri and femurs of Beagles via perfusion and aspiration methods. Flow cytometric analysis was performed to quantify the presence of contaminant cells from the peripheral blood and the percentage of CD34+ progenitor cells in the BMMCs. A CFU assay was conducted to determine the number of progenitor cells in the BMMCs.
Results—The perfusion method was safely performed in all 7 dogs. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that the percentages of contaminant CD3+CD4+, CD3+CD8+, and CD21 + lymphocytes in BMMCs obtained via perfusion were significantly lower than percentages obtained via aspiration. The percentage of CD34+ cells obtained via perfusion was significantly higher than that obtained via aspiration. In addition, perfusion yielded a significantly higher CFU count than did aspiration.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The perfusion method used in this study can minimize the contamination of bone marrow samples with peripheral blood and was a more efficient means for collecting canine bone marrow progenitor cells than the conventional aspiration method. Therefore, the perfusion method can be more suitable than aspiration for harvesting bone marrow cells for transplantation in dogs.