bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A centralized informatics infrastructure for the National Institute on Drug Abuse Clinical Trials Network
Authors: Pan Jeng-Jong , Nahm Meredith , Wakim Paul , Cushing Carol , Poole Lori , Tai Betty , Pieper Carl F 
Published: March 2009

Background Clinical trial networks (CTNs) were created to provide a sustaining infrastructure for the conduct of multisite clinical trials. As such, they must withstand changes in membership. Centralization of infrastructure including knowledge management, portfolio management, information management, process automation, work policies, and procedures in clinical research networks facilitates consistency and ultimately research. Purpose In 2005, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) CTN transitioned from a distributed data management model to a centralized informatics infrastructure to support the network's trial activities and administration. We describe the centralized informatics infrastructure and discuss our challenges to inform others considering such an endeavor. Methods During the migration of a clinical trial network from a decentralized to a centralized data center model, descriptive data were captured and are presented here to assess the impact of centralization. Results We present the framework for the informatics infrastructure and evaluative metrics. The network has decreased the time from last patient-last visit to database lock from an average of 7.6 months to 2.8 months. The average database error rate decreased from 0.8% to 0.2%, with a corresponding decrease in the interquartile range from 0.04%—1.0% before centralization to 0.01—0.27% after centralization. Centralization has provided the CTN with integrated trial status reporting and the first standards-based public data share. A preliminary cost-benefit analysis showed a 50% reduction in data management cost per study participant over the life of a trial. Limitations A single clinical trial network comprising addiction researchers and community treatment programs was assessed. The findings may not be applicable to other research settings. Conclusions The identified informatics components provide the information and infrastructure needed for our clinical trial network. Post centralization data management operations are more efficient and less costly, with higher data quality. Clinical Trials 2009; 6: 67—75. http://ctj.sagepub.com
Bayesian model averaging in meta-analysis: vitamin E supplementation and mortality
Authors: Berry Donald , Wathen J. Kyle , Newell Margaret 
Published: March 2009

Context The strength and relevance of a meta-analysis depends on the validity of the statistical methods used. Of special importance is appropriately assessing different sources of variability. Many studies including meta-analyses have evaluated the efficacy and safety of vitamin E and have yielded varying results. Illuminating and resolving these disparities requires addressing study variability and model uncertainty. Objective To describe Bayesian meta-analysis methods for combining data from clinical trials, using recent studies that analyzed the relationship between vitamin E dose and all-cause mortality. Data Sources Studies used in a previously published meta-analysis appended by studies identified by a search of MEDLINE from August 2004 to December 2005 using the MeSH terms vitamin e and alpha tocopherol. Study Selection Inclusion criteria: men and nonpregnant women; use of vitamin E alone or in combination with other vitamins or minerals; random allocation of participants to either vitamin E or a placebo or other control group; intervention and follow-up duration greater than 1 year; 10 or more deaths. Data Extraction Independent data extraction by one author was reviewed and confirmed by a second author. Corresponding authors of the original publications were contacted when questions arose. Data Synthesis Data collection included the number of patients and deaths, percent men, use of other vitamins or minerals, mean age, and length of follow-up. We combined study results using Bayesian hierarchical model averaging. Analyses used Markov chain Monte Carlo computational techniques. Conclusions Vitamin E intake is unlikely to affect mortality regardless of dose. The Bayesian meta-analyses presented here are ideal for incorporating disparate sources of variability, including trial effect and model uncertainty. Clinical Trials 2009; 6: 28—41. http://ctj.sagepub.com
Activation of mixtures of natural clay and glass cullet rejects
Authors: Carvalho J. , Carvalho P. , Pinto A. T. , Labrincha J. A. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractAlkaline activation involves a reaction between aluminium silicates and compounds with alkalis or alkaline-earth elements in a caustic environment and under certain thermal and pressure conditions. It has been used in the production of non-structural building materials and in so-called ‘green’ concrete, as products display high mechanical strength, low chemical reactivity and high resistance to fire. Green concrete could be an eco-efficient alternative to concrete made using ordinary Portland cement (OPC), reducing CO2 emissions substantially. The main goal of this work is to test common clays, glass cullet and other industrial wastes as an alternative to the commonly used binders (metakaolin or fly ash) in geopolymers. Optimized formulations show interesting mechanical strength (approaching 20 MPa) after just 48 h of curing. The addition of F-sand as aggregate minimizes the shrinkage upon curing and the amount of activator required, and increases the density/degree of compaction of the bodies, thus improving their mechanical resistance within certain limits. Curing in ambient conditions also has a beneficial affect on the mechanical strength.
Ron Hoy
Authors: Hoopes Laura L. Mays 
Published: March 2009

Note from the Editor Educator Highlights for CBE—Life Sciences Education show how professors at different kinds of institutions educate students in life sciences with inspiration and panache. If you have a particularly creative teaching portfolio yourself, or if you wish to nominate an inspiring colleague to be profiled, please e-mail Laura Hoopes at lhoopes@pomona.edu.
Proposed Mechanisms for HOOOH Formation in Two Typical Enzyme Reactions Responsible for Superoxide Anion Production in Biological Systems
Authors: Kohno Masahiro , Sato Emiko , Yaekashiwa Noriko , Mokudai Takayuki , Niwano Yoshimi 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
We investigated the hypoxanthine (HPX)–xanthine oxidase (XOD) reaction by examining the chemiluminescence (CL) response mediated by a luminol analog, 8-amino-5-chloro-7-phenylpyrido[3,4-d]pyridazine-1,4-(2H,3H)-dione sodium salt (L-012). It was found that addition of a high concentration of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), a potent •OH scavenger, could not completely reduce the CL response. This result suggests the existence of an unknown reactive oxygen intermediate other than O2−• and •OH. We further examined the HPX–XOD reaction and the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidation reaction by applying an electron spin resonance (ESR) spin-trapping method. In both reaction systems, similar responses were observed. That is, addition of DMSO increased the formation of 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO) –OOH in a concentration-dependent manner. This indicates that scavenging of •OH increases the detected O2−• level, further suggesting the existence of an intermediate oxygen species derived from O2−• and •OH. One candidate for this species is HOOOH, presumably formed in the following way.
O2−• + H+ + •OH →HOOOH
Liquid Crystallinity and Biological Activity of a Novel Amphiphilic Compound
Authors: Yoshizawa Atsushi , Takahashi Yuuka , Terasawa Rie , Chiba Shota , Takahashi Kenji , Hazawa Masaharu , Kashiwakura Ikuo 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
We have designed an amphiphilic compound in which phenylpyrimidine and d-glucamine are connected via a flexible spacer. The compound shows two thermotropic lamellar bilayer mesophases with different layer spacings. The liquid-crystalline compound showed cytostatic activity against A549 human lung carcinoma cell lines, however an amphiphilic phenylpyrimidine derivative, d-glucamine, and an equimolar mixture of them were not active on cell lines under identical conditions.
Synthesis of a Novel Asymmetric Gemini Surfactant and pH-controlled Vesicle Aggregation
Authors: Yan Feng , Huo Ming , Wang Mingxia , Yao Haibin , Zhang Lu , Yu Jiayong 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
A novel asymmetric Gemini surfactant, comprising two nonidentical hydrocarbon chain lengths and two different hydrophilic groups, abbreviated as C13COONa–O–C8BSO3Na, has been synthesized. The unique aggregation behavior was investigated by transmission electron microscopy in aqueous solution. Spontaneous vesicle formation (approximately 100–300 nm) was observed. The reversible morphological change of vesicle aggregation took place by varying the solution pH. These results indicated the potential application of the present amphiphile, which may be used as a model for cell membranes and drug delivery systems.
A retrospective study of recurrent chlamydia infection in men and women: is there a role for targeted screening for those at risk?
Authors: Evans C , Das C , Kinghorn G 
Published: March 2009

Summary Chalmydia trachomatis remains the commonest sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the UK. This study identifies those at risk of recurrent infection (RI) attending a central genitourinary clinic, time to subsequent reinfection and duration of at-risk behaviour for the consideration of targeted chlamydia screening. From 1995 to 2005, a total of 14,011 patients' were diagnosed with chlamydia and 1743 (12.4%) had RI, classified as a repeat infection greater than three months after initial diagnosis. Individual risk factors for both sexes include young age <25, two or more partners and failure to attend for test of cure (TOC) and previous STI. Men of non-White ethnicity, symptoms and those self-referred were also at risk. Combined risk factors for both sexes were non-White ethnicity, symptoms, young age, previous STI and two or more partners. Attendance for TOC considerably reduced RI rates in men (odds ratio [OR] = 0.549; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.359–0.840). Mean time to first and last reinfection in men was 1.91 and 2.49 years, in women 1.76 and 1.92 years. One in eight individuals with chlamydia infection are at risk of RI, the majority of which will occur within two years of initial presentation. These individuals have identifiable risk factors facilitating targeted re-screening, enhanced follow-up and support for behavioural change.
Prevalence of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization in men who have sex with men
Authors: Antoniou T , Devlin R , Gough K , Mulvey M , Katz K C , Zehtabchi M , Polsky J , Tilley D , Brunetta J , Arbess G , Guiang C , Chang B , Kovacs C , Ghavam-Rassoul A , Cavacuiti C , Corneslon B , Berger P , Loutfy M R 
Published: March 2009

Summary Outbreaks of skin and soft tissue infections mediated by community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) are being reported with increasing frequency among men who have sex with men (MSM). However, the potential role of asymptomatic colonization with this organism in perpetuating these infections is unclear. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence of colonization with CA-MRSA among a cohort of 500 MSM recruited from two inner city clinics in Toronto, Canada. Following the provision of informed consent, subjects completed a questionnaire capturing demographic and clinical variables, which may be associated with MRSA colonization. A nasal swab for MRSA was collected from each subject, and instructions were provided regarding the self-collection of a rectal swab. Cultured MRSA underwent pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and virulence testing for Panton-Valentine leukocidin gene expression. The prevalence of CA-MRSA colonization was 1.6% (95% CI: 0.5–2.6%).
Devolving of statin prescribing to general practitioners for HIV-infected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Benn P D , Miller R F , Evans L , Minton J , Edwards S G 
Published: March 2009

Summary Serious adverse events and medication errors are common in clinical practice and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Management of HIV-positive patients is likely to become more complex as people age, developing multiple medical conditions and thus requiring polypharmacy. We undertook a casenote review and interview of patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) to audit the safety of devolving statin prescribing to general practitioners (GPs). Of 26 patients only 50% had their statin prescribing successfully been devolved to GPs. Many experienced significant difficulties and two of 26 (8%) were switched to simvastatin while receiving a protease inhibitor. We demonstrate that prescribing ART and non-ART medication by different practitioners on different sites can potentially expose patients to serious life-threatening adverse events. We make recommendations to minimize these risks and suggest that care pathways are reviewed to ensure they remain both convenient and user-friendly without compromising patient safety.
Acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinitis in late latent syphilis
Authors: Tsimpida M , Low L C M , Posner E , Goh B T , Westcott M 
Published: March 2009

Summary Diverse manifestations of ocular syphilis may involve any structure in the eye, at any stage of the disease. Posterior uveitis in the form of posterior placoid chorioretinitis has been described in secondary- and tertiary-acquired syphilis. In this case report, we present a 47-year-old man with late latent syphilitic infection and fundoscopic, as well as angiographic findings consistent with acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinitis. To our knowledge this form of patchy multifocal choroiditis has never been described in the latent stage of the disease.
Chlamydia trachomatis infection: the efficacy and safety of a fast-track referral and treatment system
Authors: Sethupathi M , Blackwell A 
Published: March 2009

Summary We introduced a Nurse/Health Advisor-led fast-track service for treating patients diagnosed with chlamydia outside a genitourinary medicine setting and contacts of chlamydia/non-specific urethritis/cervicitis wherever diagnosed. Asymptomatic patients were treated without initial testing and asked to return for full screening at four to six weeks. We assessed the efficacy and safety of the system and need for follow-up after treatment. Case-notes of 226 patients (121 men and 105 women) were analysed, of whom 140 attended follow-up. With the exception of one case of gonorrhoea, no other serious sexually transmitted infection was detected. Twenty-seven (19.2%) patients were re-treated for either chlamydia (six patients, 4.4%) or non-specific genital infection or because of having unprotected intercourse with untreated or partially treated partners. We conclude that in our relatively low-risk population, our fast-track service is safe and effective. Test of cure for chlamydia seems essential because of the high percentage of patients requiring re-treatment.
Termination is not the treatment of choice for severe hyperemesis gravidarum: Successful management using prednisolone
Authors: Al-Ozairi E , Waugh J J S , Taylor R 
Published: March 2009

Summary Severe hyperemesis gravidarum causes profound maternal morbidity. Termination of pregnancy is still offered before the use of medical therapy. This report describes management of a woman who had undergone two previous terminations for hyperemesis, and additionally presents the dosage profile of prednisolone used to successfully manage a consecutive series of 33 women with severe hyperemesis gravidarum. The treatment protocol is described. The group had a median weight loss in pregnancy of 5.5 kg (range 2.0–12.5 kg), had been admitted on a median of 3.0 (range 0–9) occasions and had spent 7.5 (range 0–25) days on i.v. fluids. Continuing vomiting prevented oral steroid therapy in 14 women and i.v. hydrocortisone (50 mg t.i.d.; two women required 100 mg t.i.d.) was used initially for 24–48 h. Nineteen women commenced prednisolone 10 mg t.i.d. and this achieved suppression of vomiting within 48 h in all but two women who required 15 mg t.i.d. Two distinct subtypes of hyperemesis gravidarum were identified. Remitting hyperemesis spontaneously ceases between 14 and 22 weeks gestation and accounts for approximately 80% of cases. In contrast, full-term hyperemesis persists until minutes after delivery. These separate sub-types have not previously been described. Steroid treatment of hyperemesis should be considered in women who fulfil the criteria of severe disease.
Dipeptidyl-peptidase IV and B-type natriuretic peptide. From bench to bedside
Authors: Vanderheyden Marc , Bartunek Jozef , Goethals Marc , Verstreken Sofie , Lambeir Anne-Marie , De Meester Ingrid , Scharpé Simon 
Published: March 2009

AbstractB-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) has emerged as a reliable biomarker in patients with congestive heart failure. The mature, biologically active B-type natriuretic peptide, BNPClin Chem Lab Med 2009;47:248–52.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor as Marker for Tissue Hypoxia and Transfusion Need in Anemic Infants: A Prospective Clinical Study
Authors: Tschirch Edda , Weber Benedikt , Koehne Petra , Guthmann Florian , von Gise Alexander , Wauer Roland R. , Rüdiger Mario 
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVE. Oxygen-carrying capacity of blood is reduced in anemic infants because of low hemoglobin levels. Red blood cell transfusions become necessary if low hematocrit causes tissue hypoxia. No reliable parameters exist for detecting chronic tissue hypoxia. Vascular endothelial growth factor is upregulated by hypoxia; hence, elevated vascular endothelial growth factor levels may be a marker for tissue hypoxia and may indicate the need for red blood cell transfusions.METHODS. In a prospective study, plasma vascular endothelial growth factor levels were measured in 3 groups of infants suspected of requiring red blood cell transfusions to find a vascular endothelial growth factor cutoff value indicative of tissue hypoxia. The 3 groups were acute anemic (an episode of acute bleeding [hematocrit drop &gt; 5%] per day); chronic anemic (hematocrit drop &lt; 5% per day); and nontransfused (hematocrit drop &lt; 5% per day) but not meeting clinical criteria for a transfusion. Blood was sampled before transfusion and again 48 hours after transfusion if required. Plasma vascular endothelial growth factor and erythropoietin concentrations were measured.RESULTS. Vascular endothelial growth factor concentrations were lower in acutely anemic compared with chronically anemic infants, whereas erythropoietin levels did not differ between these groups. The vascular endothelial growth factor concentration was &lt;140 pg/mL in all acutely anemic infants, and this was deemed the threshold level indicating sufficient tissue oxygenation in subsequent analysis. We found that 30% of chronically anemic and 43% of nontransfused infants had vascular endothelial growth factor levels of &gt;140 pg/mL. In transfused infants, with elevated vascular endothelial growth factor levels, red blood cell transfusion resulted in lowering of vascular endothelial growth factor concentrations.CONCLUSIONS. Vascular endothelial growth factor concentrations of &gt;140 pg/mL may indicate insufficient oxygen delivery to tissues and may serve as a marker of the need for transfusion or of tissue hypoxia in other diseases.
Interaction of Hemolysis and Hyperbilirubinemia on Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in the Collaborative Perinatal Project
Authors: Kuzniewicz Michael , Newman Thomas B. 
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVE. Our objective was to reanalyze data from the Collaborative Perinatal Project to investigate whether bilirubin is more neurotoxic in newborns with a positive direct antiglobulin test.PATIENTS AND METHODS. The Collaborative Perinatal Project enrolled 54795 newborns at 12 centers in the United States between 1959 and 1966. We restricted our analysis to those with a birth weight of ≥2000 g and gestational age of ≥36 weeks who had follow-up at 7 to 8 years of age (n = 32808 for IQ testing; n = 33278 for neurologic examination, and n = 16354 for hearing testing). We examined the association between maximum total serum bilirubin levels and these 3 neurodevelopmental outcomes by using multiple linear and logistic regression models. We included interaction terms for the effect of bilirubin category and direct antiglobulin test result on the neurodevelopmental outcome.RESULTS. Overall, maximum total serum bilirubin level was not a significant predictor of IQ scores. However, there was a statistically significant interaction between a positive direct antiglobulin test and a maximum total serum bilirubin level of ≥25 mg/dL on IQ scores (eg, full-scale IQ: −6.7 points). No similar direct antiglobulin test interaction was seen for those with those with a total serum bilirubin of 20 to 24.9 mg/dL (eg, full-scale IQ: −1.7 points). We found no evidence of an interaction between a positive direct antiglobulin test and total serum bilirubin levels on the risk of an abnormal or suspicious neurologic examination or sensorineural hearing loss.CONCLUSIONS. In the Collaborative Perinatal Project, evidence of increased bilirubin toxicity in those with a positive direct antiglobulin test result was confined to an adverse association with IQ in those with total serum bilirubin of ≥25 mg/dL.
Prevalence and Natural History of Gastroesophageal Reflux: Pediatric Prospective Survey
Authors: Campanozzi Angelo , Boccia Gabriella , Pensabene Licia , Panetta Fabio , Marseglia Antonio , Strisciuglio Pietro , Barbera Cristiana , Magazzù Giuseppe , Pettoello-Mantovani Massimo , Staiano Annamaria 
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVE. The prevalence and natural history of gastroesophageal reflux in infants have been poorly documented. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and natural history of infant regurgitation in Italian children during the first 2 years of life.
METHODS. A detailed questionnaire, according to the Rome II criteria, was completed by 59 primary care pediatricians to assess infant regurgitation in consecutive patients seen in their office over a 3-month period. A total of 2642 patients aged 0 to 12 months were prospectively enrolled during this 3-month period. Follow-up was performed at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months of age.
RESULTS. A total of 313 children (12%; 147 girls) received the diagnosis of infant regurgitation. Vomiting was present in 34 of 313 patients. Their score for the Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire was 8.51 ± 4.75 (mean ± SD). Follow-up visits were conducted to the end in 210 of 313 subjects. Regurgitation had disappeared in 56 of 210 infants by the first 6 months of age, in 128 by the first 12 months, in 23 at 18 months, and in 3 patients by the first 24 months. At follow-up, 1 of 210 patients had developed a gastroesophageal reflux disease with esophagitis, proven endoscopically and histologically; another patient received a diagnosis of cow milk protein intolerance. The Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire score reached 0 after 8.2 ± 3.9 months in breastfed infants (89 of 210) and after 9.6 ± 4.1 months in artificially fed infants.
CONCLUSIONS. We found that 12% of Italian infants satisfied the Rome II criteria for infant regurgitation. Eighty-eight percent of 210 infants who had completed a 24-month follow-up period had improved at the age of 12 months. Only 1 patient later turned out to have gastroesophageal reflux disease. Use of breast milk was associated with a shorter time necessary to reach an Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire score of 0.