bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment of limited stage follicular lymphoma with Rituximab immunotherapy and involved field radiotherapy in a prospective multicenter Phase II trial-MIR trial
Authors: Witzens-Harig Mathias , Hensel Manfred , Unterhalt Michael , Herfarth Klaus 
Published: March 2011

Abstract

Background
The optimal treatment of early stage follicular Lymphoma is a matter of debate. Radiation therapy has frequently been applied with a curative approach beside watchful waiting. Involved field, extended field and total nodal radiation techniques are used in various protocols, but the optimal radiation field still has to be defined. Follicular lymphoma is characterized by stable expression of the CD20 antigen on the tumour cells surface. The anti CD20 antibody Rituximab (Mabthera®) has shown to be effective in systemic therapy of FL in primary treatment, relapse and maintenance therapy.

Methods/design
The MIR (Mabthera® and Involved field Radiation) study is a prospective multicenter trial combining systemic treatment with the anti CD20 antibody Rituximab (Mabthera®) in combination with involved field radiotherapy (30 - 40 Gy). This trial aims at testing the combination's efficacy and safety with an accrual of 85 patients.
Primary endpoint of the study is progression free survival. Secondary endpoints are response rate to Rituximab, complete remission rate at week 18, relapse rate, relapse pattern, relapse free survival, overall survival, toxicity and quality of life.

Discussion
The trial evaluates the efficacy of Rituximab to prevent out-filed recurrences in early stage nodal follicular lymphoma and the safety of the combination of Rituximab and involved field radiotherapy. It also might show additional risk factors for a later recurrence (e.g. remission state after Rituximab only).

Trial Registration
ClinicalTrials (NCT): NCT00509184
Impacts of highway traffic exhaust in alpine valleys on the respiratory health in adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hazenkamp-von Arx Marianne E , Schindler Christian , Ragettli Martina S , Künzli Nino , Braun-Fahrländer Charlotte , Liu Lee-Jane S 
Published: March 2011

Abstract

Background
Most studies having shown respiratory health effects from traffic exhaust were conducted in urban areas with a complex mixture of air pollution sources. This study has investigated the potential impact of traffic exhaust on respiratory symptoms among adults living along a Swiss alpine highway corridor, where traffic exhaust from the respective trans-Alpine highway is the predominate source of air pollution.

Methods
In summer 2005, we recruited 1839 adults aged 15 to 70 from a random sample of 10 communities along the Swiss alpine highway corridors. Subjects answered a questionnaire on respiratory health (asthmatic and bronchitic symptoms), risk factors, and potential confounding variables. We used logistic regression models to assess associations between respiratory symptoms and traffic exposure being defined a) as living within 200 m of the highway, and b) as a bell-shaped function simulating the decrease of pollution levels with increasing distance to the highway.

Results
Positive associations were found between living close to a highway and wheezing without cold (OR = 3.10, 95%-CI: 1.27-7.55) and chronic cough (OR = 2.88, 95%-CI: 1.17-7.05). The models using a bell-shaped function suggested that symptoms reached background levels after 400-500 m from the highway. The association with chronic cough was driven by a subgroup reporting hay fever or allergic rhinitis.

Conclusions
Highway traffic exhaust in alpine highway corridors, in the absence of other industrial sources, showed negative associations with the respiratory health of adults, higher than those previously found in urban areas.
Effects of a multi-herbal extract on type 2 diabetes
Authors: Yeo Jiyoung , Kang Young-Mi , Cho Su-In , Jung Myeong-Ho 
Published: March 2011

Abstract

Background
An aqueous extract of multi-hypoglycemic herbs of Panax ginseng C.A.Meyer, Pueraria lobata, Dioscorea batatas Decaisne, Rehmannia glutinosa, Amomum cadamomum Linné, Poncirus fructus and Evodia officinalis was investigated for its anti-diabetic effects in cell and animal models.

Methods
Activities of PPARγ agonist, anti-inflammation, AMPK activator and anti-ER stress were measured in cell models and in db/db mice (a genetic animal model for type 2 diabetes).

Results
While the extract stimulated PPARγ-dependent luciferase activity and activated AMPK in C2C12 cells, it inhibited TNF-α-stimulated IKKβ/NFkB signaling and attenuated ER stress in HepG2 cells. The db/db mice treated with the extract showed reduced fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels, improved postprandial glucose levels, enhanced insulin sensitivity and significantly decreased plasma free fatty acid, triglyceride and total cholesterol.

Conclusion
The aqueous extract of these seven hypoglycemic herbs demonstrated many therapeutic effects for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in cell and animal models.
Transfusion in trauma: thromboelastometry-guided coagulation factor concentrate-based therapy versus standard fresh frozen plasma-based therapy
Authors: Schöchl Herbert , Nienaber Ulrike , Maegele Marc , Hochleitner Gerald , Primavesi Florian , Steitz Beatrice , Arndt Christian , Hanke Alexander , Voelckel Wolfgang , Solomon Cristina 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Thromboelastometry (TEM)-guided haemostatic therapy with fibrinogen concentrate and prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) in trauma patients may reduce the need for transfusion of red blood cells (RBC) or platelet concentrate, compared with fresh frozen plasma (FFP)-based haemostatic therapy.

Methods
This retrospective analysis compared patients from the Salzburg Trauma Centre (Salzburg, Austria) treated with fibrinogen concentrate and/or PCC, but no FFP (fibrinogen-PCC group, n = 80), and patients from the TraumaRegister DGU receiving ≥ 2 units of FFP, but no fibrinogen concentrate/PCC (FFP group, n = 601). Inclusion criteria were: age 18-70 years, base deficit at admission ≥2 mmol/L, injury severity score (ISS) ≥16, abbreviated injury scale for thorax and/or abdomen and/or extremity ≥3, and for head/neck < 5.

Results
For haemostatic therapy in the emergency room and during surgery, the FFP group (ISS 35.5 ± 10.5) received a median of 6 units of FFP (range: 2, 51), while the fibrinogen-PCC group (ISS 35.2 ± 12.5) received medians of 6 g of fibrinogen concentrate (range: 0, 15) and 1200 U of PCC (range: 0, 6600). RBC transfusion was avoided in 29% of patients in the fibrinogen-PCC group compared with only 3% in the FFP group (P< 0.001). Transfusion of platelet concentrate was avoided in 91% of patients in the fibrinogen-PCC group, compared with 56% in the FFP group (P< 0.001). Mortality was comparable between groups: 7.5% in the fibrinogen-PCC group and 10.0% in the FFP group (P = 0.69).

Conclusions
TEM-guided haemostatic therapy with fibrinogen concentrate and PCC reduced the exposure of trauma patients to allogeneic blood products.
Medical pre-hospital management reduces mortality in severe blunt trauma: a prospective epidemiological study
Authors: Yeguiayan Jean-Michel , Garrigue Delphine , Binquet Christine , Jacquot Claude , Duranteau Jacques , Martin Claude , Rayeh Fatima , Riou Bruno , Bonithon-Kopp Claire , Freysz Marc ,   The FIRST (French Intensive Care Recorded In Severe Trauma) Study Group
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Severe blunt trauma is a leading cause of premature death and handicap. However, the benefit for the patient of pre-hospital management by emergency physicians remains controversial because it may delay admission to hospital. This study aimed to compare the impact of medical pre-hospital management performed by SMUR (Service Mobile d'Urgences et de Réanimation) with non-medical pre-hospital management provided by fire brigades (non-SMUR) on 30-day mortality.

Methods
The FIRST (French Intensive care Recorded in Severe Trauma) study is a multicenter cohort study on consecutive patients with severe blunt trauma requiring admission to university hospital intensive care units within the first 72 hours. Initial clinical status, pre-hospital life-sustaining treatments and Injury Severity Scores (ISS) were recorded. The main endpoint was 30-day mortality.

Results
Among 2,703 patients, 2,513 received medical pre-hospital management from SMUR, and 190 received basic pre-hospital management provided by fire brigades. SMUR patients presented a poorer initial clinical status and higher ISS and were admitted to hospital after a longer delay than non-SMUR patients. The crude 30-day mortality rate was comparable for SMUR and non-SMUR patients (17% and 15% respectively; P = 0.61). After adjustment for initial clinical status and ISS, SMUR care significantly reduced the risk of 30-day mortality (odds ratio (OR): 0.55, 95% CI: 0.32 to 0.94, P = 0.03). Further adjustments for the delay to hospital admission only marginally affected these results.

Conclusions
This study suggests that SMUR management is associated with a significant reduction in 30-day mortality. The role of careful medical assessment and intensive pre-hospital life-sustaining treatments needs to be assessed in further studies.
Constitutive Gs activation using a single-construct tetracycline-inducible expression system in embryonic stem cells and mice
Authors: Hsiao Edward C , Nguyen Trieu D , Ng Jennifer K , Scott Mark J , Chang Wei Chun , Zahed Hengameh , Conklin Bruce R 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Introduction
The controlled expression of many genes, including G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), is important for delineating gene functions in complex model systems. Binary systems for inducible regulation of transgene expression are widely used in mice. One system is the tTA/TRE expression system, composed of a tetracycline-dependent DNA binding factor and a separate tetracycline operon. However, the requirement for two separate transgenes (one for each tTA or TRE component) makes this system less amenable to models requiring directed cell targeting, increases the risk of multiple transgene integration sites, and requires extensive screening for appropriately-functioning clones.

Methods
We developed a single, polycistronic tetracycline-inducible expression platform to control the expression of multiple cistrons in mammalian cells. This platform has three basic constructs: regulator, responder, and destination vectors. The modular platform is compatible with both the TetOff (tTA) and TetOn (rtTA) systems. The modular Gateway recombineering-compatible components facilitate rapidly generating vectors to genetically modify mammalian cells. We apply this system to use the elongation factor 1α (EF1α) promoter to drive doxycycline-regulated expression of both the fluorescent marker mCherry and an engineered Gs-coupled GPCR "Rs1" separated by a 2A ribosomal skip site.

Results
We show that our combined expression construct drives expression of both the mCherry and Rs1 transgenes in a doxycycline-dependent manner. We successfully target the expression construct into the Rosa26 locus of mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells. Rs1 expression in mouse ES cells increases cAMP accumulation via both basal and ligand-induced Gs mechanisms and is associated with increased embryoid body size. Heterozygous mice carrying the Rs1 expression construct showed normal growth and weight, and developed small increases in bone formation that could be observed in the calvaria.

Conclusions
Our results demonstrate the feasibility of a single-vector strategy that combines both the tTA and TRE tetracycline-regulated components for use in cells and mouse models. Although the EF1α promoter is useful for driving expression in pluripotent cells, a single copy of the EF1α promoter did not drive high levels of mCherry and Rs1 expression in the differentiated tissues of adult mice. These findings indicate that promoter selection is an important factor when developing transgene expression models.
Neuroanatomical profiles of personality change in frontotemporal lobar degeneration
Authors: Mahoney Colin J. , Rohrer Jonathan D. , Omar Rohani , Rossor Martin N. , Warren Jason D. 
Published: March 2011

BackgroundThe neurobiological basis of personality is poorly understood. Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) frequently presents with complex behavioural changes, and therefore potentially provides a disease model in which to investigate brain substrates of personality.AimsTo assess neuroanatomical correlates of personality change in a cohort of individuals with FTLD using voxel-based morphometry (VBM).MethodThirty consecutive individuals fulfilling consensus criteria for FTLD were assessed. Each participant's carer completed a Big Five Inventory (BFI) questionnaire on five key personality traits; for each trait, a change score was derived based on current compared with estimated premorbid characteristics. All participants underwent volumetric brain magnetic resonance imaging. A VBM analysis was implemented regressing change score for each trait against regional grey matter volume across the FTLD group.ResultsThe FTLD group showed a significant decline in extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness and openness and an increase in neuroticism. Change in particular personality traits was associated with overlapping profiles of grey matter loss in more anterior cortical areas and relative preservation of grey matter in more posterior areas; the most robust neuroanatomical correlate was identified for reduced conscientiousness in the region of the posterior superior temporal gyrus.ConclusionsQuantitative measures of personality change in FTLD can be correlated with changes in regional grey matter. The neuroanatomical profiles for particular personality traits overlap brain circuits previously implicated in aspects of social cognition and suggest that dysfunction at the level of distributed cortical networks underpins personality change in FTLD.
Previous prenatal loss as a predictor of perinatal depression and anxiety
Authors: Blackmore Emma Robertson , Côté-Arsenault Denise , Tang Wan , Glover Vivette , Evans Jonathan , Golding Jean , O'Connor Thomas G. 
Published: March 2011

BackgroundPrenatal loss, the death of a fetus/child through miscarriage or stillbirth, is associated with significant depression and anxiety, particularly in a subsequent pregnancy.AimsThis study examined the degree to which symptoms of depression and anxiety associated with a previous loss persisted following a subsequent successful pregnancy.MethodData were derived from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children cohort, a longitudinal cohort study in the west of England that has followed mothers from pregnancy into the postnatal period. A total of 13 133 mothers reported on the number and conditions of previous perinatal losses and provided self-report measures of depression and anxiety at 18 and 32 weeks' gestation and at 8 weeks and 8, 21 and 33 months postnatally. Controls for pregnancy outcome and obstetric and psychosocial factors were included.ResultsGeneralised estimating equations indicated that the number of previous miscarriages/stillbirths significantly predicted symptoms of depression (β = 0.18, s.e. = 0.07,P<0.01) and anxiety (β = 0.14, s.e. = 0.05,P<0.01) in a subsequent pregnancy, independent of key psychosocial and obstetric factors. This association remained constant across the pre- and postnatal period, indicating that the impact of a previous prenatal loss did not diminish significantly following the birth of a healthy child.ConclusionsDepression and anxiety associated with a previous prenatal loss shows a persisting pattern that continues after the birth of a subsequent (healthy) child. Interventions targeting women with previous prenatal loss may improve the health outcomes of women and their children.
Removal of Azo Dye Molecules from Aqueous Solution Using Novolac Resin Based Network Polymer
Authors: Ghosh Samaresh , Acharyya Mridula , Manna Rajkumar , Dey Chandan K 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Synthesis of novolac resin based novel network polymer 1 based on the reaction between novolac epoxy resin and ethylenediamine has been achieved for the first time and its sorption characteristics toward methyl orange as azo dye source have been investigated.
Mechanistic Studies on Fluorobenzene Synthesis from 1,1-Difluorocyclohexane via Pd-Catalyzed Dehydrofluoro–Dehydrogenation
Authors: Tojo Masahiro , Fukuoka Shinsuke , Tsukube Hiroshi 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
The chemical reactivity and reaction mechanism of fluorobenzene synthesis via dehydrofluoro–dehydrogenation of 1,1-difluorocyclohexane was investigated. 1,1-Difluorocyclohexane reacted with molecular oxygen to give fluorobenzene in good yields in the presence of both Pd and metal fluoride catalysts. The reaction proceeded with dehydrofluorination of 1,1-difluorocyclohexane to yield 1-fluorocyclohexene as the sole intermediate species, followed by oxidative dehydrogenation. The present system offers a selective synthesis of fluorobenzene.
Inclusion Complexes of Cyclodextrins with Benzo[c]cinnoline, Phenanthridine, and Phenanthrene in Aqueous Solution Containing an Organic Ion Having a Long Alkyl Chain
Authors: Hamai Sanyo 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
In aqueous solution, γ-CD forms a 1:1 inclusion complex with phenanthrene analogs (phenanthrene (Phen), phenanthridine (Phent), and benzo[c]cinnoline (Bcc)). The equilibrium constants, K1, for the formation of the 1:1 inclusion complex for the phenanthrene analogs have been evaluated from the fluorescence intensity change. The K1 values for the phenanthrene analogs are in the range from 100 to 150 mol−1 dm3. The 1:1 inclusion complexes further associate with an alkyltrimethylammonium cation (alkyl sulfate or alkanesulfonate) to form a 1:1:1 γ-CD–phenanthrene analog–alkyltrimethylammonium cation (alkyl sulfate or alkanesulfonate) inclusion complex. The equilibrium constants, K2, for the formation of the 1:1:1 inclusion complex have been evaluated from a simulation for the fluorescence intensity change. The K2 value for the same alkyltrimethylammonium cation is decreased on going from Phen to Bcc. The K2 value of the phenanthrene analog is increased with the alkyl chain length of the alkyltrimethylammonium cation (alkyl sulfate or alkanesulfonate). In the case of Phen, the K2 value for an alkyltrimethylammonium cation is less than that for alkyl sulfate or alkanesulfonate having the same alkyl group as the alkyltrimethylammonium cation.
Outliers as a Cause of False Cardiac Troponin Results: Investigating the Robustness of 4 Contemporary Assays
Authors: Pretorius Carel J , Dimeski Goce , O'Rourke Peter K , Marquart Louise , Tyack Shirley A , Wilgen Urs , Ungerer Jacobus PJ 
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND
It is important that cardiac troponin be measured accurately with a robust method to limit false results with potentially adverse clinical outcomes. In this study, we characterized the robustness of 4 analytical platforms by measuring the outlier rate between duplicate results.

METHODS
We measured cardiac troponin concurrently in duplicate with 4 analyzers on 2391 samples. The outliers were detected from the difference between duplicate results and by calculating a z value: z = (result 1 − result 2) ÷ √(SD1est2 + SD2est2), with z &gt; 3.48 identifying outliers with a probability of 0.0005.

RESULTS
The outlier rates were as follows: Abbott Architect i2000SR STAT Troponin-I, 0.10% (0.01%–0.19%); Beckman Coulter Access2 Enhanced AccuTnI, 0.44% (0.25%–0.63%); Roche Cobas e601 TroponinT hs, 0.06% (0.00%–0.13%); and Siemens ADVIA Centaur XP TnI-Ultra, 0.10% (0.01%–0.19%). The occurrence of outliers was higher than statistically expected on all platforms except the Cobas e601 (χ2 = 2.7; P = 0.10). A conservative approach with a constant 10% CV and z &gt; 5.0 identified outliers with clear clinical impact and resulted in outlier rates of 0.11% (0.02%–0.20%) with the Architect i2000SR STAT Troponin-I, 0.36% (0.19%–0.53%) with the Access2 Enhanced AccuTnI, 0.02% (0.00%–0.06%) with the Cobas e601 TroponinT hs, and 0.06% (0.00%–0.13%) with the ADVIA Centaur XP TnI-Ultra.

CONCLUSIONS
Outliers occurred on all analytical platforms, at different rates. Clinicians should be made aware by their laboratory colleagues of the existence of outliers and the rate at which they occur.
Asymptotic utility-based pricing and hedging for exponential utility
Authors: Kallsen Jan , Rheinländer Thorsten 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
This paper deals with pricing and hedging based on utility indifference for exponential utility. We consider the limit for vanishing risk aversion or, equivalently, small quantities of the contingent claim. In first order approximation the utility indifference price and the corresponding hedge can be determined from the corresponding quadratic hedging problem relative to the minimal entropy martingale measure. This extends similar results obtained by Mania and Schweizer [21], Becherer [3], and Kramkov and Sîrbu [20,19].
On the maximization of financial performance measures within mixture models
Authors: Hentati Rania , Prigent Jean-Luc 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
We introduce mixtures of probability distributions to model empirical distributions of financial asset returns. In this framework, we examine the problem of maximizing performance measures. For this purpose, we consider a large class of reward/risk ratios such as the Kappa measures and in particular the Omega ratio. This latter measure is associated to a downside risk measure based on a put component. All these measures can take account of the asymmetry of the probability distribution, which is important when dealing with mixture of distributions. We examine first a fundamental example: the ranking and maximization of Gaussian mixture distributions, according to the Omega performance measure. Then we provide a general result for the maximization of mixture distributions with respect to a very large family of performance measures, including Kappa measures.
Primary Treatment for Cleft Lip and/or Cleft Palate in Children in Japan
Authors: Uchiyama Takeshi , Yamashita Yukari , Susami Takafumi , Kochi Shoko , Suzuki Shigehiko , Takagi Ritsuo , Tachimura Takashi , Nakano Yoko , Shibui Takeo , Michi Ken-Ichi , Nishio Juntaro , Hata Yuiro 
Published: March 2011

Objective To investigate current trends in primary treatment for children with cleft lip and/or cleft palate in Japan. Design Nationwide, retrospective study under the direction of the Academic Survey Committee of the Japanese Cleft Palate Association based on analysis of data obtained via a booklet-style questionnaire completed by institutions providing primary treatment for cleft lip and/or palate patients. Participants, Patients Patients were 4349 children undergoing primary repair for cleft lip and/or palate at 107 participating institutions between 1996 and 2000. Main Outcome Measure(s) Cleft type, laterality; use of infant palatal plate; and timing and technique of primary repair for cleft lip and/or palate were evaluated by cleft surgeons at 107 participating institutions. Results Of a total of 2874 patients with cleft lip and palate or cleft palate only, infant palatal plates were used with 1087 (37.8%) and were not used with 1787 (62.2%). Primary unilateral lip repair was performed at the age of 2 to 6 months in more than 90% of patients. Bilateral cleft lip was treated by one-stage repair in 285 patients (44.5%) and by two-stage repair in 258 (40.2%). Primary one-stage palatal repair was performed in 2212 (76.9%) and two-stage palatal repair in 262 (9.1%) cleft palate patients. Information on treatment of the remaining 400 (14%) patients was unavailable. Conclusion This investigation clarified current trends in primary treatment for cleft lip and/or palate in Japan. The results suggest the need for an increase in regional core hospitals and greater variation in treatment options.