bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The use of genetic programming in the analysis of quantitative gene expression profiles for identification of nodal status in bladder cancer
Authors: Mitra Anirban P , Almal Arpit A , George Ben , Fry David W , Lenehan Peter F , Pagliarulo Vincenzo , Cote Richard J , Datar Ram H , Worzel William P 
Published: June 2006

Abstract

Background
Previous studies on bladder cancer have shown nodal involvement to be an independent indicator of prognosis and survival. This study aimed at developing an objective method for detection of nodal metastasis from molecular profiles of primary urothelial carcinoma tissues.

Methods
The study included primary bladder tumor tissues from 60 patients across different stages and 5 control tissues of normal urothelium. The entire cohort was divided into training and validation sets comprised of node positive and node negative subjects. Quantitative expression profiling was performed for a panel of 70 genes using standardized competitive RT-PCR and the expression values of the training set samples were run through an iterative machine learning process called genetic programming that employed an N-fold cross validation technique to generate classifier rules of limited complexity. These were then used in a voting algorithm to classify the validation set samples into those associated with or without nodal metastasis.

Results
The generated classifier rules using 70 genes demonstrated 81% accuracy on the validation set when compared to the pathological nodal status. The rules showed a strong predilection for ICAM1, MAP2K6 and KDR resulting in gene expression motifs that cumulatively suggested a pattern ICAM1>MAP2K6>KDR for node positive cases. Additionally, the motifs showed CDK8 to be lower relative to ICAM1, and ANXA5 to be relatively high by itself in node positive tumors. Rules generated using only ICAM1, MAP2K6 and KDR were comparably robust, with a single representative rule producing an accuracy of 90% when used by itself on the validation set, suggesting a crucial role for these genes in nodal metastasis.

Conclusion
Our study demonstrates the use of standardized quantitative gene expression values from primary bladder tumor tissues as inputs in a genetic programming system to generate classifier rules for determining the nodal status. Our method also suggests the involvement of ICAM1, MAP2K6, KDR, CDK8 and ANXA5 in unique mathematical combinations in the progression towards nodal positivity. Further studies are needed to identify more class-specific signatures and confirm the role of these genes in the evolution of nodal metastasis in bladder cancer.
Fluoro-edenitic fibres in the sputum of subjects from Biancavilla (Sicily): a pilot study
Authors: Putzu Maria Grazia , Bruno Caterina , Zona Amerigo , Massiccio Marilena , Pasetto Roberto , Piolatto Pier Giorgio , Comba Pietro 
Published: June 2006

Abstract

Background
An excess of mortality for malignant neoplasms of the pleura in Biancavilla, promoted an investigation for pleural mesothelioma, disclosing 17 cases. As the absence of known sources of asbestos exposure, a local stone quarry, located near the inhabited area, used for the extraction of building materials, was investigated. Amphibolic fibres were found in the quarry and identified as fluoro-edenite "new end-member of the edenite / fluoro-edenite series" and recognized as the fluoro-edenite holotype by International Mineralogical Association – Commission on New Minerals and Mineral Names. A pilot study was performed to verify the feasibility of using spontaneous sputum as an exposure indicator for these fibres, in a context in which the use of aerosol-induced sputum technique would not be easily accepted.

Methods
Hypothesizing a behaviour of the new fibre analogous to that of asbestos, the determination of the free fibres and the ferruginous bodies in spontaneous sputum was carried out. Phase Contrast Optical Microscope and an Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope fitted with X-ray energy dispersive analysis system (micro-analysis) were used to examine the samples. The criteria for inclusion in the study were: 1) subjects hospitalized for exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease symptoms, 2) age ≥ 45 years, 3) residence in Biancavilla for at least 30 years.

Results
The preliminary findings are related to 12 subjects (7 females and 5 males). Uncoated fibres (with length > 5 μm, diameter < 3 μm, aspect ratio 3.1) and ferruginous bodies were searched. Six out of twelve subjects (4 females, 2 males) had at least one of the three samples positive for the presence of fluoro-edenite, confirmed by micro-analysis. The fibre concentration found in the sputum ranged from 0.04 to 10 fibres/g; the length from 20 to 40 μm, the diameter was < 0.5 μm.
No ferruginous bodies were found in any of the samples. The four women with a positive sample were housewives. Of the two men with a positive sample, one was a farmer and the other a mason. Therefore, it may be assumed that the exposure to fluoro-edenitic fibres was mainly environmental.

Conclusion
The occurrence of the pleural mesothelioma cases and the presence of fluoro-edenitic fibres in spontaneous sputum, evidence the need to study the biological activity of fluoro-edenitic fibres and the implementation of epidemiological monitoring systems.
Fine needle aspiration cytology of bone tumours--the experience from the National Orthopaedic and Lagos University Teaching Hospitals, Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Nnodu Obiageli E , Giwa S O , Eyesan Samuel U , Abdulkareem Fatima B 
Published: June 2006

Background:
Due to difficulty in confirming clinical suspicions of malignancy in patients presenting with bone tumours, the cost of surgical biopsies where hospital charges are borne almost entirely by patients, competition with bone setters and healing homes with high rate of loss to follow up; we set out to find if sufficient material could be obtained to arrive at reliable tissue diagnosis in patients with clinical and radiological evidence of bone tumours in our hospitals.

Methods:
After initial clinical and plain radiographic examinations, patients were sent for fine needle aspirations. Aspirations were carried out with size 23G needles of varying lengths with 10 ml syringes in a syringe holder (CAMECO, Sebre Medical, Vellinge, Sweden). The aspirates were air dried, stained by the MGG method and examined microscopically. Histology was performed on patients who had subsequent surgical biopsy. These were then correlated with the cytology reports.

Results:
Out of 96 patients evaluated, [57 males, 39 females, Mean age 31.52 years, Age Range 4-76 years,] material sufficient for diagnosis was obtained in 90 patients. Cytological diagnosis of benign lesions was made in 40 patients and malignant in 47. Of these, 27 were metastases, osteogenic sarcoma 16, giant cell tumour 19, infection 11. Histology was obtained in 41 patients. Correct diagnosis of benignity was made in 17 out of 18 cases, malignancy in 21 out of 22 cases. One non-diagnostic case was malignant. The accuracy of specific cytological diagnosis was 36/41 (87.8%) and incorrect in 5/41 (12.2%).

Conclusion:
We conclude that FNAC can be useful in the pre-operative assessment of bone tumours especially where other diagnostic modalities are unavailable.
Community-acquired pneumonia on the intensive care unit: secondary analysis of 17,869 cases in the ICNARC Case Mix Programme Database
Authors: Woodhead Mark , Welch Catherine A , Harrison David A , Bellingan Geoff , Ayres Jon G 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Introduction
This paper describes the case mix, outcome and activity for admissions to intensive care units (ICUs) with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).

Methods
We conducted a secondary analysis of a high quality clinical database, the Intensive Care National Audit & Research Centre (ICNARC) Case Mix Programme Database, of 301,871 admissions to 172 adult ICUs across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, 1995 to 2004. Cases of CAP were identified from pneumonia admissions excluding nosocomial pneumonias and the immuno-compromised. It was not possible to review data from the time of hospital admission; therefore, some patients who developed hospital-acquired/nosocomial pneumonia may have been included.

Results
We identified 17,869 cases of CAP (5.9% of all ICU admissions). There was a 128% increase in admissions for CAP from 12.8 per unit to 29.2 per unit during the study period compared to only a 24% rise in total ICU admissions (p < 0.001). Eighty-five percent of admissions were from within the same hospital. Fifty-nine percent of cases were admitted to the ICU <2 days, 21.5% between 2 and 7 days, and 19.5% >7 days after hospital admission. Between 1995 and 1999 and 2000 and 2004 there was a rise in admissions from accident and emergency (14.8% to 16.8%; p < 0.001) and high dependency units (6.9% to 11.9%; p < 0.001) within the same hospital, those aged >74 (18.5 to 26.1%; p < 0.001), and mean APACHE II score (6.83 to 6.91; p < 0.001). There was a fall in past history of severe respiratory problems (8.7% to 6.4%; p < 0.001), renal replacement therapy (1.6% to 1.2%; p < 0.01), steroid treatment (3.4% to 2.8%; p < 0.05), sedation/paralysis (50.2% to 40.4%; p < 0.001), cardiopulmonary resuscitation prior to admission (7.5% to 5.5%; p < 0.001), and septic shock (7.3% to 6.6%; p < 0.001). ICU mortality was 34.9% and ultimate hospital mortality 49.4%. Mortality was 46.3% in those admitted to the ICU within 2 days of hospital admission rising to 50.4% in those admitted at 2 to 7 days and 57.6% in those admitted after 7 days following hospital admission.

Conclusion
CAP makes up a small, but important and rising, proportion of adult ICU admissions. Survival of over half of all cases vindicates the use of ICU facilities in CAP management. Nevertheless, overall mortality remains high, especially in those admitted later in their hospital stay.
Use and Outcomes of Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Older Women With Breast Cancer
Authors: Giordano Sharon H. , Duan Zhigang , Kuo Yong-Fang , Hortobagyi Gabriel N. , Goodwin James S. 
Published: June 2006

Purpose This study was undertaken to determine patterns and outcomes of adjuvant chemotherapy use in a population-based cohort of older women with primary breast cancer. Patients and Methods Women were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results–Medicare-linked database who met the following criteria: age ≥ 65 years, stage I to III breast cancer, and diagnosis between 1991 and 1999. Adjuvant chemotherapy use was ascertained by Common Procedural Terminology J codes. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors associated with chemotherapy use. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate the hazard of death for women with and without chemotherapy. Results A total of 41,390 women met study criteria, of whom 4,500 (10.9%) received chemotherapy. The use of adjuvant chemotherapy more than doubled during the 1990s, from 7.4% in 1991 to 16.3% in 1999 (P < .0001), with a significant shift toward anthracycline use. Women who were younger, white, with lower comorbidity scores, more advanced stage disease, and estrogen receptor (ER) –negative disease were significantly more likely to receive chemotherapy. Chemotherapy was not associated with improved survival among women with lymph node–negative (LN) disease or LN-positive, ER-positive disease (hazard ratio [HR], 1.05; 95% CI, 0.85 to 1.31). However, among women with LN-positive, ER-negative breast cancer, chemotherapy was associated with a significant reduction in breast cancer mortality (HR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.54 to 0.96). A similar significant benefit of chemotherapy was seen in the subset of women age 70 years or older (HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.56 to 0.97). Conclusion In this observational cohort, chemotherapy was associated with a significant reduction in mortality among older women with ER-negative, LN-positive breast cancer.
Phase III Trial of Chemotherapy Plus Radiotherapy Compared With Radiotherapy Alone for Pure and Mixed Anaplastic Oligodendroglioma: Intergroup Radiation Therapy Oncology Group Trial 9402
Authors: Cairncross Gregory , Berkey Brian , Shaw Edward , Jenkins Robert , Scheithauer Bernd , Brachman David , Buckner Jan , Fink Karen , Souhami Luis , Laperierre Normand , Mehta Minesh , Curran Walter 
Published: June 2006

Purpose Anaplastic oligodendroglioma (AO) and anaplastic oligoastrocytoma (AOA) are treated with surgery and radiotherapy (RT) at diagnosis, but they also respond to procarbazine, lomustine, and vincristine (PCV), raising the possibility that early chemotherapy will improve survival. Furthermore, better outcomes in AO have been associated with 1p and 19q allelic loss. Patients and Methods Patients with AO and AOA were randomly assigned to PCV chemotherapy followed by RT versus postoperative RT alone. The primary end point was overall survival. The status of 1p and 19q alleles was assessed by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Results Two hundred eighty-nine eligible patients were randomly assigned to either PCV plus RT (n = 147) or RT alone (n = 142). At progression, 80% of patients randomly assigned to RT had chemotherapy. With 3-year follow-up on most patients, the median survival times were similar (4.9 years after PCV plus RT v 4.7 years after RT alone; hazard ratio [HR] = 0.90; 95% CI, 0.66 to 1.24; P = .26). Progression-free survival time favored PCV plus RT (2.6 years v 1.7 years for RT alone; HR = 0.69; 95% CI, 0.52 to 0.91; P = .004), but 65% of patients experienced grade 3 or 4 toxicity, and one patient died. Patients with tumors lacking 1p and 19q (46%) compared with tumors not lacking 1p and 19q had longer median survival times (> 7 v 2.8 years, respectively; P ≤ .001); longer progression-free survival was most apparent in this subset. Conclusion For patients with AO and AOA, PCV plus RT does not prolong survival. Longer progression-free survival after PCV plus RT is associated with significant toxicity. Tumors lacking 1p and 19q alleles are less aggressive or more responsive or both.
Detection of Occult Lymph Node Metastases in Locally Advanced Node-Negative Prostate Cancer
Authors: Pagliarulo Vincenzo , Hawes Debra , Brands Frank H. , Groshen Susan , Cai Jie , Stein John P. , Lieskovsky Gary , Skinner Donald G. , Cote Richard J. 
Published: June 2006

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and clinical significance of occult metastases in the lymph nodes of patients with prostate cancer originally considered node negative by routine histologic evaluation. Methods Two hundred seventy four patients with pT3 prostate carcinoma treated by radical prostatectomy and bilateral lymph node dissection were included in this study. One hundred eighty patients were staged node negative (N0), while 94 patients were lymph node positive (N+), based on routine histologic evaluation. All lymph nodes from the 180 N0 patients were evaluated for occult metastases by immunohistochemistry using antibodies to cytokeratins and, if positive, prostate-specific antigen. Recurrence and overall survival were compared among patients with occult tumor cells (OLN+), with patients whose lymph nodes remained negative (OLN−), and with the 94 N+ patients. Results A total of 3,914 lymph nodes were evaluated from 180 N0 patients (average, 21.7 lymph nodes per patient). Occult tumor cells were found in 24 of 180 patients (13.3%). The presence of OLN+ was significantly associated with increased recurrence and decreased survival compared with OLN− patients (P < .001 and P = .019, respectively; relative risk of recurrence, 2.27; relative risk of death 2.07, respectively). The presence of occult lymph node metastases was an independent predictor of recurrence and death in a multivariable analysis. The outcome for patients with OLN+ disease was similar to that for patients with N+ disease. Conclusion The detection of occult lymph node metastases in patients with pT3N0 prostate cancer identifies those with significantly increased risk of prostate cancer recurrence and death.
Phase III Randomized Trial of Very Accelerated Radiation Therapy Compared With Conventional Radiation Therapy in Squamous Cell Head and Neck Cancer: A GORTEC Trial
Authors: Bourhis Jean , Lapeyre Michel , Tortochaux Jacques , Rives Michel , Aghili Mehdi , Bourdin Sylvain , Lesaunier François , Benassi Toufik , Lemanski Claire , Geoffrois Lionel , Lusinchi Antoine , Verrelle Pierre , Bardet Etienne , Julieron Morbize , Wibault Pierre , Luboinski Monique , Benhamou Ellen 
Published: June 2006

Purpose With the aim to increase the dose intensity of radiation therapy (RT), and subsequently the locoregional control rate, a very accelerated RT regimen was compared with conventional RT in a series of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Patients and Methods Between 1994 and 1998, 268 patients with T3 or T4, N0 to N3 HNSCC (staged by 1997 International Union Against Cancer criteria) that was not eligible for surgery were randomly assigned to receive either conventional RT, delivering 70 Gy in 7 weeks to the primary tumor and 35 fractions of 2 Gy over 49 days, or to receive very accelerated RT, delivering 62 to 64 Gy in 31 to 32 fractions of 2 Gy over 22 to 23 days (2 Gy/fraction bid). Results The most common tumor site was the oropharynx and most of the patients (70%) had T4 and N1 to N3 tumors in 72% of patients. The main patient and tumor characteristics were well-balanced between the two arms. The median total doses were 63 Gy (accelerated) and 70 Gy (conventional), with a median overall time of 22 days and 48 days, respectively. Acute mucositis was markedly increased in the accelerated-RT arm (P < .001). The locoregional control rate was improved by 24% at 6 years with accelerated RT. In contrast, disease-free survival and overall survival were not significantly different between the two arms. There was no difference in late effects between the two arms. Conclusion The very accelerated RT regimen was feasible and provided a major benefit in locoregional control but had a modest effect on survival.
Hypothesis on interferences in kinetic interaction of microparticles in solution (KIMS) technology
Authors: Giovanni Nadia De , Fucci Nadia 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe present paper describes an evaluation of the interferences found with an immunochemical drug test performed during a workplace control. During the period 1993–2003 more than 200,000 urine samples from workers were examined by the Italian Air Force. Samples were screened for drugs of abuse (opiates, cocaine, cannabinoids, amphetamines, methadone) using an immunochemical technique (Roche, kinetic interaction of microparticles in solution, KIMS). A total of 520 positive samples were sent to the Forensic Toxicology Laboratory for confirmation by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Approximately 39% of these were found to be true positives. For the remaining samples, pharmacological therapy in subjects was estimated to evaluate possible interferences due to medicine intake. Our study showed a high frequency of false-positive results with this immunochemical technique, mainly for the cannabinoid and amphetamine groups. Recurrent references to some medicines during subject anamnesis were noted.Clin Chem Lab Med 2006;44;894–7.
Hypoadiponectinemia is associated with symptomatic atherosclerotic peripheral arterial disease
Authors: Dieplinger Benjamin , Poelz Werner , Haltmayer Meinhard , Mueller Thomas 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThere is growing evidence that adiponectin, an adipocytokine with anti-inflammatory and antiathero-genic properties, is involved in the development of atherosclerosis. The aim of the present study was to examine whether serum levels of adiponectin were associated with symptomatic atherosclerotic peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Serum concentrations of adiponectin were measured in 433 patients with symptomatic PAD and 433 controls from the Linz Peripheral Arterial Disease (LIPAD) study. Cases and controls were matched for age, sex and diabetes mellitus. The median serum level of adiponectin was significantly lower in PAD patients than in control subjects (9.5 vs. 10.8mg/L; p=0.014). After adjustment for several possible confounding variables using multivariable logistic regression, odds ratios for symptomatic PAD were 0.95 (95% CI, 0.64–1.42; p=0.080) and 0.59 (95% CI, 0.36–0.97; p=0.037) in the second and third tertiles for adiponectin serum concentrations, respectively, compared with the first tertile. Low serum levels of adiponectin were associated with the presence of symptomatic atherosclerotic PAD, independent of traditional and non-traditional risk factors, suggesting that hypoadiponectinemia may be a marker for systemic atherosclerotic disease.Clin Chem Lab Med 2006;44:830–3.
Evaluation of clinical markers of atherosclerosis in young and elderly Japanese adults
Authors: Hara Takanobu , Takamura Noboru , Akashi Saori , Nakazato Mio , Maeda Takahiro , Wada Mitsuhiro , Nakashima Kenichiro , Abe Yasuyo , Kusano Yosuke , Aoyagi Kiyoshi 
Published: June 2006

AbstractClin Chem Lab Med 2006;44:824–9.
Fluorimetric determination of activity and isoenzyme composition of N-acetyl-β-D-hexosaminidase in seminal plasma of fertile men and infertile patients with secretory azoospermia
Authors: Tassi Carmelo , Angelini Antonio , Beccari Tommaso , Capodicasa Enrico 
Published: June 2006

AbstractClin Chem Lab Med 2006;44:843–7.
Incentive Instruments in Fruit and Vegetable Contracts: Input Control, Monitoring, Measuring, and Price Risk
Authors: Hueth Brent , Ligon Ethan , Wolf Steven , Wu Steven 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThis article examines the structure of contractual relations between growers and first handlers in California fruit and vegetable markets. Evidence on existing structures is collected from on‐site interviews and from a small mail survey of market intermediaries who contract with independent growers. Four generic instruments are identified—input control, field visits, quality measurement, and residual price risk—which are used to coordinate relations between growers and first handlers and which help to alleviate information asymmetries and align incentives between contracting parties. Drawing from our interviews and survey, we offer examples of how each of these instruments are employed.
Site‐Specific Crop Management: Adoption Patterns and Incentives
Authors: Khanna Madhu , Epouhe Onesime Faustin , Hornbaker Robert 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThis article examines the current level and likely trends in adoption of a variety of technologies for site‐specific crop management in four north‐central states. It also explores the extent to which farmers are jointly adopting multiple components. Technology adoption theories are applied to rationalize the observed selectivity in adoption. Farmer responses reveal that uncertainty in returns due to adoption, high costs of adoption, and lack of demonstrated effects of the advanced site‐specific technologies on yields and input‐use are some of the major reasons for current low rates of adoption and for the piecemeal approach to site‐specific crop management.
Value‐at‐Risk Analysis: A Review and the Potential for Agricultural Applications
Authors: Manfredo Mark R. , Leuthold Raymond M. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractValue‐at‐risk (VaR) determines the probability of a portfolio of assets losing a certain amount in a given period at a particular level of confidence. Value‐at‐risk is receiving considerable attention in the finance literature for its use in reporting the risks of derivatives. This article provides a state‐of‐the‐art review of VaR estimation techniques and empirical findings. The ability of VaR estimates to represent large losses varies among procedure, confidence levels, and data used. To date no consensus exists regarding the most appropriate estimation technique. Potential applications of VaR are suggested in the context of agricultural risk management.