bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Meiobenthos from an active methane seepage area in the NW Black Sea
Authors: Sergeeva N. G. , Gulin M. B. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractMeiobenthos densities and higher taxon composition were studied in an active gas seepage area at depths from 182 to 252 m in the submarine Dnieper Canyon located in the northwestern part of the Black Sea. The meiobenthos was represented by Ciliata, Foraminifera, Nematoda, Polychaeta, Bivalvia, Gastropoda, Amphipoda, and Acarina. Also present in the sediment samples were juvenile stages of Copepoda and Cladocera which may be of planktonic origin. Nematoda and Foraminifera were the dominant groups. The abundance of the meiobenthos varied between 2397 and 52,593 ind.·m−2. Maximum densities of Nematoda and Foraminifera were recorded in the upper sediment layer of a permanent H2S zone at depths from 220 to 250 m. This dense concentration of meiobenthos was found in an area where intense methane seeps were covered by methane‐oxidizing microbial mats. Results suggest that methane and its microbial oxidation products are the factors responsible for the presence of a highly sulfidic and biologically productive zone characterized by specially adapted benthic groups. At the same time, an inverse correlation was found between meiofauna densities and methane concentrations in the uppermost sediment layers. The hypothesis is that the concentration of Nematoda and Foraminifera within the areas enriched with methane is an ecological compromise between the food requirements of these organisms and their adaptations to the toxic H2S.
CTLA‐4 gene promoter and exon 1 polymorphisms in Iranian patients with gastric and colorectal cancers
Authors: Hadinia Abolghasem , Hossieni Seyed Vahid , Erfani Nasrollah , Saberi‐Firozi Mehdi , Fattahi Mohammad Javad , Ghaderi Abbas 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen‐4 (CTLA‐4) is a potent immunoregulatory molecule that suppresses antitumor response by down‐regulating T‐cell activation. Effects of several polymorphisms in CTLA‐4 on CTLA‐4 expression and function have been previously documented. The aim of this study was to investigate the putative effect of CTLA‐4 polymorphisms on susceptibility to gastric and colorectal cancers in an Iranian population.Methods:  A total of 155 patients (109 with colorectal cancer and 46 with gastric cancer) and 190 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls were evaluated. Genotyping of −1722T/C, −1661A/G, and +49A/G were performed by PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism methods and of −318C/T by a PCR amplification refractory mutation system technique.Results:  No statistically significant differences were found in the genotype distribution and allele frequencies among patients and controls. Haplotype analysis demonstrated that the TACG haplotype (−1722T, −1661A, −318C, +49G) frequency was significant increased in patients with colorectal cancer (P = 0.009) and gastric cancer (P = 0.006) in comparison to the control group. In contrast, the TACA haplotype frequency was significantly decreased in patients with colorectal cancer (P = 0.02) and not significantly decreased in patients with gastric cancer (P = 0.13) compared to the control group.Conclusion:  A positive association between CTLA‐4 TACG haplotype and gastric and colorectal cancers was found in an Iranian population. A protective role for TACA haplotype is postulated.
Feasibility and cost‐effectiveness of using magnification chromoendoscopy and pepsinogen serum levels for the follow‐up of patients with atrophic chronic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia
Authors: Dinis‐Ribeiro Mário , Da Costa‐Pereira Altamiro , Lopes Carlos , Moreira‐Dias Luís 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBackground:  The follow‐up of patients with atrophic chronic gastritis or intestinal metaplasia may lead to early diagnosis of gastric cancer. However, to‐date no cost‐effective model has been proposed. Improved endoscopic examination using magnification chromoendoscopy together with non‐invasive functional assessment with pepsinogen serum levels are accurate in the diagnosis of intestinal metaplasia (extension) and minute dysplastic lesions. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and cost‐effectiveness of a follow‐up model for patients with atrophic chronic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia based on gastric mucosal status using magnification chromoendoscopy and pepsinogen.Methods:  A cohort of patients with lesions as severe as atrophic chronic gastritis were followed‐up according to a standardized protocol using magnification chromoendoscopy with methylene blue and measurement of serum pepsinogen I and II levels. A single node decision tree and Markov chain modeling were used to define cost‐effectiveness of this follow‐up model versus its absence. Transition rates were considered time‐independent and calculated using primary data following cohort data analysis. Costs, quality of life and survival were estimated based on published data and extensive sensitivity analysis was performed.Results:  A total of 100 patients were successfully followed‐up over 3 years. Seven cases of dysplasia were diagnosed during follow‐up, all among patients with incomplete intestinal metaplasia at baseline, six of whom had extensive (pepsinogen I to II ratio <3) incomplete intestinal metaplasia. For those individuals with atrophic chronic gastritis or complete intestinal metaplasia, a yearly measurement of pepsinogen levels or an endoscopic examination on a 3‐yearly basis would cost €455 per quality‐adjusted life year (QALY) gain. Endoscopic examination and pepsinogen serum level measurement on a yearly basis would cost €1868 per QALY for patients with extensive intestinal metaplasia.Conclusions:  The follow‐up of patients with atrophic chronic gastritis or intestinal metaplasia is both feasible and cost‐effective if improved accurate endoscopic examination of gastric mucosa together with non‐invasive assessment of gastric mucosal status are used to identify individuals at high‐risk for development of gastric cancer.
Baseline and time‐averaged fluid removal affect technique survival in peritoneal dialysis in a non‐linear fashion
Authors: WIGGINS KATHRYN J , RUMPSFELD MARKUS , HAWLEY CARMEL M , O'SHEA AMANDA , ISBEL NICOLE M , CAMPBELL SCOTT B , JOHNSON DAVID W 
Published: February 2007

SUMMARY:Aim:  The longevity of peritoneal dialysis (PD) is limited by technique failure and patient mortality. The authors assessed the influence of baseline and time‐averaged fluid removal on patient, technique and death‐censored technique survival.Methods:  Peritoneal and total fluid removal was measured 1 month after commencing PD, then 6 monthly, in 225 incident patients (mean age 55.3 ± 15.8 years, 52% male). A Cox proportional hazards model regression analysis was performed to identify variables independently predictive of technique and patient survival.Results:  Seventy (31.9%) patients were transferred to haemodialysis and 39 (17.63%) died. Technique survival was greatest in the middle tertile of baseline total fluid removal (mean survival time 3.5 vs 2.5 and 2.2 years for the lower and upper tertiles, respectively, log rank 6.5, P = 0.039). The middle tertile of both baseline and time‐averaged total fluid removal were significant predictors of PD survival (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.476, 95% CI 0.286–0.795, P = 0.005 relative to the upper tertile and HR 0.573, 95% CI 0.350–0.939, P = 0.027 for baseline and time‐averaged, respectively). Other significant variables on multivariate analysis were body mass index (HR 1.044 per kg/m2, 95% CI 1.005–1.084, P = 0.028), creatinine (HR 0.999 per μmol, 95% CI 0.998–1.000, P = 0.048) and residual Kt/V (HR 0.418, 95% CI 0.233–0.747, P = 0.003). Patient survival was not affected by fluid removal.Conclusion:  Patients with moderate total fluid removal both at baseline and throughout their PD career have improved technique survival. Attention should be paid to optimizing total fluid removal.
Dose of epoetin alfa used in haemodialysis patients when switching from subcutaneous to intravenous administration
Authors: PUSSELL BRUCE A , WALKER ROWAN 
Published: February 2007

SUMMARY:Aim:  To determine whether there is a change in the dose of epoetin alfa when switching from subcutaneous (SC) to intravenous (IV) administration in Australian haemodialysis patients.Methods:  Validated data from 2214 haemodialysis patients at 16 Australian hospitals who switched from SC to IV administration of epoetin alfa from January 2002 to September 2003 were extracted from the Renal Anaemia Management database provided by Janssen‐Cilag. Of these patients, 806 had dosing data for at least 1 month before switch through to 6 months post switch (6 month cohort).Results:  In the 6 month cohort, the mean dose was 10 776 IU/week (95% CI: 10 235, 11 317) at switch compared with 12 008 IU/week (95% CI: 11 447, 12 569) 6 months post switch, an increase in a dose of 1232 IU/week (95% CI: 868, 1596). The mean haemoglobin levels at switch were 11.55 g/dL (95% CI: 11.45, 11.66) compared with 11.59 g/dL (95% CI: 11.49, 11.68) 6 months after switch. Centre and dosing frequency of epoetin alfa before switch were determinants of increased dose.Conclusion:  Changing from SC to IV administration of epoetin alfa resulted in an 11% increase in mean dose to maintain haemoglobin levels in Australian haemodialysis patients.
Evaluating the use of a scanning laser‐derived oedema index to grade diabetic retinopathy and maculopathy
Authors: Styles Caroline J , Park Serena JK , McGhee Charles NJ , Gamble Greg , Donaldson Mark L 
Published: February 2007

AbstractPurpose:   To evaluate the Heidelburg Retina Tomograph II (HRTII) retinal module as a tool for grading severity of retinopathy in a diabetic retinal screening and treatment service.Methods:   Seventy‐seven consecutive patients with type 2 diabetes underwent scanning laser tomography using the HRTII. Scan data were analysed using the proprietary macular module software and oedema indices calculated for each of nine topographic macular zones. Two consultant ophthalmologists, masked to the result of the HRTII scans, graded each subject for severity of retinopathy and presence of macular oedema. The oedema indices were analysed statistically to determine whether these correlated with severity of retinopathy and presence of macular oedema.Results:   There is an increased oedema index in severe non‐proliferative diabetic retinopathy in the outer temporal zone compared with lesser grades of diabetic retinopathy (P = 0.001). In patients with clinically detectable macular oedema, the oedema index from the 500‐µm‐diameter central zone was significantly higher than those without (P = 0.03).Conclusion:   The scanning laser‐derived oedema index differentiated between moderate and severe non‐proliferative diabetic retinopathy in this series and detected diabetic macular oedema. Further development of this technology may provide an important tool to supplement retinal photographic surveillance in eye clinics overwhelmed by an increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes.
Langerhans cell histiocytosis of the optic chiasm
Authors: Gangwani Vinod , Walker Mark , El‐Defrawy Hany , Nicoll James AR , Reck Anne , Pathmanathan Thillainathan 
Published: February 2007

AbstractLangerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disease with clonal proliferation of dendritic histiocytes forming a pseudotumoral growth. LCH occurs most frequently in infancy or early childhood. It can present either as a localized self‐limiting form or as a diffuse form with multisystem involvement. Herein an unusual case of LCH involving the optic chiasm is presented. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported case of LCH presenting with visual disturbance. The clinical, radiological and histopathological findings are discussed.
Employees’ Well‐being in Greater China: The Direct and Moderating Effects of General Self‐efficacy
Authors: Siu Oi‐ling , Lu Chang‐qin , Spector Paul E. 
Published: February 2007

This study investigated the direct and moderating effect of general self‐efficacy on the relationship between stressors and well‐being in Chinese societies. Survey data were collected from 386 and 306 employees in Hong Kong and Beijing, respectively. The results consistently showed that general self‐efficacy was positively related to mental well‐being and physical well‐being. A series of hierarchical regressions revealed that general self‐efficacy moderated the relationship between stressors and mental well‐being, yet did not moderate the relationship between stressors and physical well‐being. Results verified that general self‐efficacy plays an important role in employees’ well‐being in the collectivist society of China.Cette recherche porte sur l’effet direct et régulateur de l’auto‐efficience générale sur la relation entre les facteurs de stress et le bien‐être dans les sociétés chinoises. Les données d’enquête ont été obtenues auprès de 386 salariés de Hong‐Kong et 306 de Pékin. Les résultats montrent régulièrement que l’auto‐efficience générale est positivement corrélée avec le bien‐être physique et mental. Une succession de régressions hiérarchiques a révélé que l’auto‐efficience générale régulait la relation entre les facteurs de stress et le bien‐être mental, mais pas celle entre les facteurs de stress et le bien‐être physique. Les résultats vérifient l’hypothèse selon laquelle l’auto‐efficience générale joue un rôle important pour le bien‐être des salariés dans la société collectiviste chinoise.
Characteristics of incidental prostatic adenocarcinoma in contemporary radical cystoprostatectomy specimens
Authors: Winkler Mathias H. , Livni Naomi , Mannion Ethna M. , Hrouda David , Christmas Timothy 
Published: February 2007

OBJECTIVESTo investigate the relationship between prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level and tumour volume for incidental adenocarcinoma of the prostate found in cystoprostatectomy (CP) specimens, and to analyse the incidence of clinically significant prostate cancers in CP specimens and the biochemical recurrence of incidental prostate cancers on short‐term follow up.PATIENTS AND METHODSComplete data from 97 of 105 prostates from CP specimens were available. Prostates were thoroughly analysed and sectioned at 2 mm intervals. PSA levels and the findings at digital rectal examination before surgery were obtained prospectively. None of the patients had any evidence of prostate cancer before CP.RESULTSIncidental prostate cancer was detected in 58 of 97 (60%) of the CP specimens; of these, 31 (53%) were significant according to the definition of Stamey et al. There was a weak correlation between tumour volume and PSA level, weighted solely by the four larger‐volume cancers. The median PSA level for patients with and without prostate cancer was not significantly different (3.1 vs 1.1 ng/mL, P = 0.06). The follow‐up of the 35 patients alive with prostate cancer showed four PSA recurrences (PSA >0.02 ng/mL) with one distant metastasis after a median follow‐up of 3 years. None of the patients with insignificant tumours developed biochemical recurrence.CONCLUSIONSThe weak correlation between PSA level and tumour volume in these patients supports the argument that PSA is largely produced by benign prostatic hyperplasia and is therefore a poor screening tool for asymptomatic healthy men. Most incidental prostate cancers in CP specimens are significant, contrary to previous analyses, but have little practical importance in terms of oncological outcome.
JOHN HARRIS' ARGUMENT FOR A DUTY TO RESEARCH
Authors: BRASSINGTON IAIN 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTJohn Harris suggests that participation in or support for research, particularly medical research, is a moral duty. One kind of defence of this position rests on an appeal to the past, and produces two arguments. The first of these arguments is that it is unfair to accept the benefits of research without contributing something back in the form of support for, or participation in, research. A second argument is that we have a social duty to maintain those practices and institutions that sustain us, such as those which contribute to medical knowledge. This argument is related to the first, but it does not rely so heavily on fairness. Another kind of defence of the duty to research rests on an appeal to the future benefits of research: research is an effective way to discharge a duty to rescue others from serious illness or death, therefore we have a duty to research. I suggest that all three of Harris' lines fail to provide a compelling duty to research and spell out why. Moreover, not only do the lines of argument fail in their own terms: in combination, they turn out to be antagonistic to the very position that Harris wants to defend. While it is not my intention here to deny that there might be a duty to research, I claim that Harris' argument for the existence of such a duty is not the best way to establish it.
ISLAMIC MEDICAL ETHICS: A PRIMER
Authors: PADELA AASIM I. 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTModern medical practice is becoming increasingly pluralistic and diverse. Hence, cultural competency and awareness are given more focus in physician training seminars and within medical school curricula. A renewed interest in describing the varied ethical constructs of specific populations has taken place within medical literature. This paper aims to provide an overview of Islamic Medical Ethics. Beginning with a definition of Islamic Medical Ethics, the reader will be introduced to the scope of Islamic Medical Ethics literature, from that aimed at developing moral character to writings grounded in Islamic law. In the latter form, there is an attempt to derive an Islamic perspective on bioethical issues such as abortion, gender relations within the patient‐doctor relationship, end‐of‐life care and euthanasia. It is hoped that the insights gained will aid both clinicians and ethicists to better understand the Islamic paradigm of medical ethics and thereby positively affect patient care.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with thick (= 4 mm) melanoma: a single‐centre experience
Authors: Cecchi R , Buralli L , Innocenti S , Seghieri G , De Gaudio C 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBackground and objective  Lymphatic mapping/sentinel lymph node biopsy (LM/SLNB) have become routine techniques for staging the regional lymph nodes in early stage melanoma, yet their role in the management of thick (= 4 mm) melanoma is debated. The aim of the present study is to review our experience with LM/SLNB in a series of patients with thick primary melanoma, to evaluate its utility in this melanoma subset.Patients and methods  Thirty patients (18 men and 12 women; mean age 70.6 years; median 75 years) with thick primary melanoma underwent LM/SLNB, using both radioisotope and blue dye. The statistical tests were performed by using SAS software for Windows, version 8.2.Results  The primary tumour sites were head/neck (n = 5; 16.6%), trunk (n = 10; 33.3%), and extremities (n = 15; 50%). Tumour thickness ranged from 4 to 17 mm (mean 5.14 mm; median 4.5 mm). Ulceration was observed in 23 (76.6%) tumours. Eleven patients (36.6%) had at least a positive sentinel lymph node (SLN). The mean follow‐up was 27.3 months (median 26 months; range 5–63 months). Patients without SLN metastases had a 5‐year disease‐free survival rate of 78.9%, vs. 18.2% for patients with SLN metastases (P = 0.0121 by log rank test). The 5‐year overall survival rate for patients without SLN metastases was 89.5%, whereas patients with SLN metastases had a 5‐year overall survival rate of 36.4% (P = 0.0272 by log rank test).Conclusion  Our retrospective analysis indicates that the SLN status is predictive of recurrence and survival in patients with thick melanoma, and LM/SLNB should be routinely performed in this subset of melanoma patients.
Gold: an old drug still working in refractory pemphigus
Authors: Iranzo P , Alsina MaM , Martínez‐De Pablo I , Segura S , Mascaró JM , Herrero C 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBackground  The mainstay of treatment for pemphigus is systemic corticosteroids. Different adjuvants have been used to reduce side‐effects of long‐term corticotherapy. Gold is an anti‐inflammatory drug used in autoimmune diseases, whose use has waned with the advent of new immunosuppressive agents.Objective  To study the outcome of the use of intramuscular gold treatment of pemphigus vulgaris refractory to previous therapies.Methods  Thirteen patients with pemphigus vulgaris who had failed to respond to several prior therapies were treated with aurothiomalate, as a steroid‐sparing agent. Patients were monitored to assess disease activity and gold toxicity.Results  Seven patients achieved complete remission. Four patients were able to taper prednisone doses, although pemphigus flared when prednisone was discontinued or reduced. Toxicity was observed in the other two patients.Conclusions  In 53.4% of the patients, the use of chrysotherapy resulted in the complete clearing of the disease, discontinuation of all systemic therapies and induced a long‐term clinical remission. Prednisone doses were able to be reduced in the remaining 46.6%. Any side‐effects were reversible with drug discontinuation. Gold therapy showed efficacy as a secondary line treatment in refractory pemphigus vulgaris.
Temporal Variability of Atrial Fibrillation in Pacemaker Recipients for Bradycardia: Implications for Crossover Designed Trials, Study Sample Size, and Identification of Responder Patients by Means of Arrhythmia Burden
Authors: BOTTO GIOVANNI LUCA , SANTINI MASSIMO , PADELETTI LUIGI , BORIANI GIUSEPPE , LUZZI GIANNI , ZOLEZZI FRANCESCO , ORAZI SERAFINO , PROCLEMER ALESSANDRO , CHIARANDÀ GIACOMO , FAVALE STEFANO , SOLIMENE FRANCESCO , LUZI MARIO , VIMERCATI MARCO , DeSANTO TIZIANA , GRAMMATICO ANDREA 
Published: February 2007

Background: Most clinical trials that have tested pacing therapies to prevent and treat atrial tachyarrhythmias (AT) have chosen endpoints such as AT frequency or burden (defined as percentage of time a patient is in AT), but failed to show unequivocal evidence of a clinical impact. Aim: The aim of our multicenter prospective observational study was to measure the variability of AT burden and estimate its impact on study outcomes. Methods and Results: Two hundred and fifty patients indicated for permanent pacing and suffering from AT (age 71 ± 9 years; 47.2% male) received a dual‐chamber pacemaker. AT burden was measured in two consecutive, 2‐month observation periods; the Monte Carlo method was then applied to simulate findings of a crossover design study. We simulated several models of therapy impact, each model being characterized by the percentage of responder patients and the percentage reduction in AT burden. To show a significant impact of AT therapies in a sample of 250 patients in whom 100, 75, or 50% would be theoretical responders to therapies, AT burden reduction should be at least 27, 32, or 57%, respectively. Temporal fluctuations in AT burden were so high that about 60% of patients would falsely appear as responders or nonresponders in a crossover study, regardless of AT burden reduction. Conclusions: In patients paced for bradycardia and suffering from AT, high intrapatient variability in AT burden was measured. Various models of therapy impact showed that, in crossover trials of AT therapies, time‐related fluctuations in AT burden negatively impact on sample sizes and impair the ability to identify patients as responders or nonresponders.