bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical characteristics of bladder cancer in patients previously treated with radiation for prostate cancer
Authors: SANDHU JASPREET S. , VICKERS ANDREW J. , BOCHNER BERNARD , DONAT S. MACHELE , HERR HARRY W. , DALBAGNI GUIDO 
Published: April 2006

OBJECTIVETo determine if bladder cancer diagnosed after prostatic radiation therapy (RT) differs in behaviour from bladder cancer diagnosed after prostate cancer not treated with RT, as such bladder cancer is thought to be more aggressive than de novo bladder cancer, and epidemiological studies show a higher rate of bladder cancer in patients after irradiation.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe reviewed our records to identify patients who had a diagnosis of bladder cancer with a previous diagnosis of prostate cancer. Patient age, date of diagnosis of prostate cancer, date of diagnosis of bladder cancer, symptoms, clinical stage, initial pathology, definitive therapy, definitive pathological stage, and disease status were recorded.RESULTSIn all, 100 patients were identified who had a diagnosis of bladder cancer after a diagnosis of prostate cancer between January 1992 and August 2003; 58 had had RT for prostate cancer. The mean time between a diagnosis of bladder cancer and prostate cancer was 62 months in the RT group and 34 months in the unirradiated group (P = 0.002) At diagnosis of bladder cancer, 56 (97%) of the patients who received RT had high‐grade urothelial carcinoma, vs 27 (64%) of those not irradiated (P < 0.001). Thirty (52%) of the patients with RT had muscle‐invasive bladder cancer, vs 17 (40%) of those not irradiated (P = 0.3). The survival rate was similar for both groups.CONCLUSIONSBladder cancer is diagnosed later, and is of higher grade, in patients who are irradiated for prostate cancer than in those treated with other methods. Patients with prostate cancer who are treated with RT should be monitored closely for the presence of bladder cancer.
Income Aspirations, Television and Happiness: Evidence from the World Values Survey
Authors: Bruni Luigino , Stanca Luca 
Published: April 2006

SUMMARYThis paper investigates the role of television in producing higher material aspirations, by enhancing both adaptation and positional effects. Using a large sample of individuals from the World Values Survey, we find that the effect of income on both life and financial satisfaction is significantly smaller for heavy television viewers than for occasional viewers. This finding is robust to a number of specification checks and alternative interpretations. The results suggest an additional explanation for the income‐happiness paradox: the pervasive and increasing role of television viewing in contemporary society, by raising material aspirations, contributes to offset the effect of higher income on individual happiness.
Glycaemic index effects on fuel partitioning in humans
Authors: Díaz E. O. , Galgani J. E. , Aguirre C. A. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe purpose of this review was to examine the role of glycaemic index in fuel partitioning and body composition with emphasis on fat oxidation/storage in humans. This relationship is based on the hypothesis postulating that a higher serum glucose and insulin response induced by high‐glycaemic carbohydrates promotes lower fat oxidation and higher fat storage in comparison with low‐glycaemic carbohydrates. Thus, high‐glycaemic index meals could contribute to the maintenance of excess weight in obese individuals and/or predispose obesity‐prone subjects to weight gain. Several studies comparing the effects of meals with contrasting glycaemic carbohydrates for hours, days or weeks have failed to demonstrate any differential effect on fuel partitioning when either substrate oxidation or body composition measurements were performed. Apparently, the glycaemic index‐induced serum insulin differences are not sufficient in magnitude and/or duration to modify fuel oxidation.
The Political Economy of US Aid to Pakistan
Authors: Anwar Mumtaz , Michaelowa Katharina 
Published: April 2006

AbstractVariations of bilateral aid flows are difficult to explain on the basis of official development objectives or recipient need. Based on the example of US aid to Pakistan, this paper suggests alternative political economic explanations, notably the relevance of ethnic lobbying and the relevance of US business interests. Time series regressions for the period from 1980 to 2002 and logistic regressions based on votes for the Pressler and the Brown Amendment confirm the significance of these political economic determinants. While in case of the Pressler Amendment, the direct influence of population groups of Indian and Pakistani origins seems to have played a predominant role, the role of ethnic business lobbies appears to have dominated in the context of the Brown Amendment. Time series analysis also provides some evidence for the impact of US business interests based on FDI and exports, but these effects appear to be comparatively small.
Shortcuts and Signals: An Analysis of the Micro‐level Determinants of Aid Allocation, with Case Study Evidence from Brazil
Authors: Reinhardt Gina Yannitell 
Published: April 2006

AbstractDoes the distribution of foreign development assistance depend on the organizational capacity of the recipient organization? I argue that employees at donor agencies seek signals of which recipients will implement aid most effectively, and use these signals to determine the destination of foreign aid on the micro level. Qualitative evidence gathered in the US and Brazil indicates the types of signals donors seek and recipients strive to transmit: signals of a recipient's professionalism, reputation, and sustainability. After developing a signaling game to derive the conditions under which these signals might be credible indicators of implementation effectiveness, I present quantitative evidence of aid recipient organizations in Brazil and score them on the three signals. Statistical tests confirm that organizations with higher levels of these signals are more likely to receive funding, suggesting that donors use these signals to determine the destination of development assistance.
Calciphylaxis – a topical overview
Authors: Arseculeratne G , Evans AT , Morley SM 
Published: April 2006

Abstract‘Calciphylaxis’, a calcification syndrome associated with ischaemic cutaneous necrosis, is acquired naturally in humans in disease states. It is a life and limb‐threatening complication, usually observed in patients with renal disease and secondary hyperparathyroidism, but known to occur in the absence of renal or parathyroid disease. The reported mortality rate, which ranges from 60–80%, relates to wound infection, sepsis and organ failure. It is a small‐vessel vasculopathy, which is estimated to occur in about 4% of haemodialysis patients. Clinically, violaceous, reticulate areas of cutaneous necrosis and eschar may be evident, particularly in the extremities. In addition to the clinical picture, a raised calcium phosphorous product, an elevated parathyroid hormone level, radiographic evidence of vessel and soft‐tissue calcification and the finding of mural calcification affecting small arteries and arterioles on histopathology help to confirm the diagnosis of this entity which generally has a poor prognosis. A high index of suspicion and an active multidisciplinary management approach, with rigorous attention to wound care and prevention of sepsis, are vital in the management of these patients. In this overview, we discuss the pathophysiology, clinical features and associations, risk factors, diagnosis and management issues relating to calciphylaxis.
The role of IVIg treatment in severe pemphigus vulgaris
Authors: Baum S , Scope A , Barzilai A , Azizi E , Trau H 
Published: April 2006

AbstractBackground  High‐dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) has become a part of the treatment armentarium in pemphigus vulgaris (PV). Some consider IVIg as an adjuvant steroid sparing agent in PV, while others as disease modifying that can be used as monotherapy.Methods  We report our experience with a series of 12 PV patients with severe disease treated with IVIg as an adjuvant therapy.Results  Ten of 12 patients (83%) showed response to six cycles of IVIg, six (50%) having complete remission and four (33%) having a partial response. This response rate is concordant with previous reports. The therapy was well tolerated. In all 12 patients, treatment with IVIg allowed a gradual reduction of prednisone dose compared with baseline levels.Conclusion  IVIg treatment was beneficial as a steroid sparing agent in our series of patients with severe PV.
Oculocutaneous tyrosinaemia or tyrosinaemia type 2: a case report
Authors: Valikhani M , Akhyani M , Jafari AK , Barzegari M , Toosi S 
Published: April 2006

AbstractOculo‐cutaneous tyrosinaemia type II is an autosomal recessive disease due to an abnormality of tyrosine metabolism, probably because of a deficiency of cytoplasmic tyrosine aminotransferase. It presents as a varying association of focal palmoplantar keratosis, bilateral keratitis and mental retardation. Herein, we report an 8‐year‐old boy with palmoplantar hyperkeratosis with peripheral oozing and dendritic keratitis appearing after the skin lesions. There was no mental deterioration despite the long delay in diagnosis of the disorder. The diagnosis was confirmed by the presence of hypertyrosinaemia and the absence of hepatorenal lesion. The child exhibited a remarkable degree of improvement in the hyperkeratotic lesions and keratitis after the dietary modifications were instituted. In conclusion, chronic focal bullous palmoplantar hyperkeratosis along with keratitis should alert the clinician to screen for abnormal serum and/or urine tyrosine level. Awareness of the presenting signs and symptoms may speed up the diagnosis and initiation of a tyrosine and phenylalanine‐restricted diet that is most efficient in improving the symptoms and preventing visual and cognitive impairment.
Meeting the Need for State‐Level Estimates of Health Insurance Coverage: Use of State and Federal Survey Data
Authors: Blewett Lynn A. , Davern Michael 
Published: April 2006

Objective. Critically review estimates of health insurance coverage available from different sources, including the federal government, state survey initiatives, and foundation‐sponsored surveys for use in state policy research.Study Setting and Design. We review the surveys in an attempt to flesh out the current weaknesses of survey data for state policy uses. The main data sources assessed in this analysis are federal government surveys (such as the Current Population Survey's Annual Social and Economic Supplement, and the National Health Interview Survey), foundation‐supported surveys (National Survey of America's Families, and the Community Tracking Survey), and state‐sponsored surveys.Principal Findings. Despite information on estimates of health insurance coverage from six federal surveys, states find the data lacking for state policy purposes. We document the need for state representative data on the uninsured and the recent history of state data collection efforts spurred in part by the Health Resources Services Administration State Planning Grant program. We assess the state estimates of uninsurance from the Current Population Survey and make recommendations for a new consolidated federal survey with better state representative data.Conclusions. We think there are several options to consider for coordinating a federal and state data collection strategy to inform state and national policy on coverage and access.
Na+/Ca2+ Exchanger Expression and Function in a Rabbit Model of Myocardial Infarction
Authors: SMITH GODFREY L. , ELLIOTT ELSPETH E.B. , KETTLEWELL SARAH , CURRIE SUSAN , QUINN FRANCIS R. 
Published: April 2006

Introduction: In general, sarcolemmal Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) protein and activity is increased in hearts with ventricular dysfunction. However, in a subset of studies, reduced activity of NCX has been reported. Left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) was induced in the rabbit eight weeks after an apical myocardial infarction. Methods: Using single microelectrode voltage clamp to assess the NCX activity in isolated ventricular cells, a decrease in NCX activity by ∼30% was observed. Immunoblot analysis indicated increased NCX protein levels by ∼20% in the LVD group. The cause of this paradox is unknown. Overexpression of the protein sorcin increased the activity of NCX without affecting NCX protein levels. Results: Sorcin protein (dimer) levels were significantly lower in the LVD group (0.67 ± 0.05 n = 15, P < 0.05) compared to sham (1.0 ± 0.16, n = 15). Sorcin monomer levels were not significantly different (sham: 1.0 ± 0.26, LVD: 0.83 ± 0.13). Mathematical modeling of NCX suggests that a reduction of NCX activity during diastole to that in LVD could be achieved by holding the diastolic membrane potential at −60 mV instead of −80 mV. Holding Em at −60 mV decreased NCX‐mediated Ca2+ efflux rates to values comparable to those seen in LVD and increased SR Ca2+ content and peak systolic [Ca2+] in sham and LVD cardiomyocytes. Conclusions: In conclusion, reduced sorcin expression may be linked to the lower NCX activity in the rabbit model of LVD. Reduced NCX activity during diastole increases SR Ca2+ content and Ca2+ transient amplitude.
Analyzing technology adoption using microstudies: limitations, challenges, and opportunities for improvement
Authors: Doss Cheryl R. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractPolicy makers and interest groups have many questions about the use of improved technologies in developing country agriculture. These include the roles of policies, institutions, and infrastructure in the adoption of improved technologies and their impact on productivity and welfare. Most micro‐level adoption studies, however, cannot address these important policy issues. Drawing on an extensive review of the literature on the adoption of agricultural technologies, this article suggests alternative approaches for designing technology adoption studies to make them useful for policy makers. It explores the generic limitations of cross‐sectional adoption studies carried out in small numbers of communities and discusses some problems faced in conducting such studies. Recommendations include the use of sampling approaches that allow data from microstudies to be generalized to higher levels of aggregation, adherence to clearly defined terms that are standardized across studies, and careful examination of the assumptions that often underlie such studies.
Isokinetic profile of wrist and forearm strength in elite female junior tennis players
Authors: Ellenbecker T S , Roetert E P , Riewald S 
Published: April 2006

Background:In tennis, injuries to the elbow and wrist occur secondary to the repetitive nature of play and are seen at increasingly young ages. Isokinetic testing can be used to determine muscular strength levels, but dominant/non-dominant and agonist/antagonist relations are needed for meaningful interpretation of the results.Objectives:To determine whether there are laterality differences in wrist extension/flexion (E/F) and forearm supination/pronation (S/P) strength in elite female tennis players.Methods:32 elite female tennis players (age 12 to 16 years) with no history of upper extremity injury underwent bilateral isokinetic testing using a Cybex 6000 dynamometer. Peak torque and single repetition work values for wrist E/F and forearm S/P were measured at speeds of 90°/s and 210°/s, with random determination of the starting extremity. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to determine differences between extremities for peak torque and single repetition work values.Results:Significantly greater (p<0.01) dominant arm wrist E/F and forearm pronation strength was measured at both testing speeds. Significantly less (p<0.01) dominant side forearm supination strength was measured at both testing speeds.Conclusions:Greater dominant arm wrist E/F and forearm pronation strength is common and normal in young elite level female tennis players. These strength relations indicate sport specific muscular adaptations in the dominant tennis playing extremity. The results of this study can guide clinicians who work with young athletes from this population. Restoring greater dominant side wrist and forearm strength is indicated after an injury to the dominant upper extremity in such players.
Genes contributing to minimal residual disease in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: prognostic significance of CASP8AP2
Authors: Flotho Christian , Coustan-Smith Elaine , Pei Deqing , Iwamoto Shotaro , Song Guangchun , Cheng Cheng , Pui Ching-Hon , Downing James R. , Campana Dario 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
In childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), early response to treatment is a powerful prognostic indicator. To identify genes associated with this response, we analyzed gene expression of diagnostic lymphoblasts from 189 children with ALL and compared the findings with minimal residual disease (MRD) levels on days 19 and 46 of remission induction treatment. After excluding genes associated with genetic subgroups, we identified 17 genes that were significantly associated with MRD. The caspase 8–associated protein 2 (CASP8AP2) gene was studied further because of its reported role in apoptosis and glucocorticoid signaling. In a separate cohort of 99 patients not included in the comparison of gene expression profiles and MRD, low levels of CASP8AP2 expression predicted a lower event-free survival (P = .02) and a higher rate of leukemia relapse (P = .01) and were an independent predictor of outcome. High levels of CASP8AP2 expression were associated with a greater propensity of leukemic lymphoblasts to undergo apoptosis. We conclude that measurement of CASP8AP2 expression at diagnosis offers a means to identify patients whose leukemic cells are highly susceptible to chemotherapy. Therefore, this gene is a strong candidate for inclusion in gene expression arrays specifically designed for leukemia diagnosis.
In silico identification and comparative analysis of differentially expressed genes in human and mouse tissues
Authors: Pao Sheng-Ying , Lin Win-Li , Hwang Ming-Jing 
Published: April 2006

Abstract

Background
Screening for differentially expressed genes on the genomic scale and comparative analysis of the expression profiles of orthologous genes between species to study gene function and regulation are becoming increasingly feasible. Expressed sequence tags (ESTs) are an excellent source of data for such studies using bioinformatic approaches because of the rich libraries and tremendous amount of data now available in the public domain. However, any large-scale EST-based bioinformatics analysis must deal with the heterogeneous, and often ambiguous, tissue and organ terms used to describe EST libraries.

Results
To deal with the issue of tissue source, in this work, we carefully screened and organized more than 8 million human and mouse ESTs into 157 human and 108 mouse tissue/organ categories, to which we applied an established statistic test using different thresholds of the p value to identify genes differentially expressed in different tissues. Further analysis of the tissue distribution and level of expression of human and mouse orthologous genes showed that tissue-specific orthologs tended to have more similar expression patterns than those lacking significant tissue specificity. On the other hand, a number of orthologs were found to have significant disparity in their expression profiles, hinting at novel functions, divergent regulation, or new ortholog relationships.

Conclusion
Comprehensive statistics on the tissue-specific expression of human and mouse genes were obtained in this very large-scale, EST-based analysis. These statistical results have been organized into a database, freely accessible at our website http://gln.ibms.sinica.edu.tw/product/HMDEG/EST/index.php, for easy searching of human and mouse tissue-specific genes and for investigating gene expression profiles in the context of comparative genomics. Comparative analysis showed that, although highly tissue-specific genes tend to exhibit similar expression profiles in human and mouse, there are significant exceptions, indicating that orthologous genes, while sharing basic genomic properties, could result in distinct phenotypes.
Prenatal origin of childhood AML occurs less frequently than in childhood ALL
Authors: Burjanivova Tatiana , Madzo Jozef , Muzikova Katerina , Meyer Claus , Schneider Bjoern , Votava Felix , Marschalek Rolf , Stary Jan , Trka Jan , Zuna Jan 
Published: April 2006

Abstract

Background
While there is enough convincing evidence in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the data on the pre-natal origin in childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are less comprehensive. Our study aimed to screen Guthrie cards (neonatal blood spots) of non-infant childhood AML and ALL patients for the presence of their respective leukemic markers.

Methods
We analysed Guthrie cards of 12 ALL patients aged 2–6 years using immunoglobulin (Ig) and T-cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrangements (n = 15) and/or intronic breakpoints of TEL/AML1 fusion gene (n = 3). In AML patients (n = 13, age 1–14 years) PML/RARalpha (n = 4), CBFbeta/MYH11 (n = 3), AML1/ETO (n = 2), MLL/AF6 (n = 1), MLL/AF9 (n = 1) and MLL/AF10 (n = 1) fusion genes and/or internal tandem duplication of FLT3 gene (FLT3/ITD) (n = 2) were used as clonotypic markers. Assay sensitivity determined using serial dilutions of patient DNA into the DNA of a healthy donor allowed us to detect the pre-leukemic clone in Guthrie card providing 1–3 positive cells were present in the neonatal blood spot.

Results
In 3 patients with ALL (25%) we reproducibly detected their leukemic markers (Ig/TCR n = 2; TEL/AML1 n = 1) in the Guthrie card. We did not find patient-specific molecular markers in any patient with AML.

Conclusion
In the largest cohort examined so far we used identical approach for the backtracking of non-infant childhood ALL and AML. Our data suggest that either the prenatal origin of AML is less frequent or the load of pre-leukemic cells is significantly lower at birth in AML compared to ALL cases.