bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Health‐related quality of life and its predictive role for analgesic effect in patients with painful polyneuropathy
Authors: Otto Marit , Bach Flemming W. , Jensen Troels S. , Sindrup Søren H. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractPainful polyneuropathy is a common neuropathic pain condition. The present study describes health‐related quality of life (HRQL) in a sample of patients with painful polyneuropathy of different origin and the possible predictive role of HRQL for analgesic effect.Ninety‐three patients with a diagnosis of painful polyneuropathy were included in the analysis. Data were obtained from three randomised, placebo‐controlled cross‐over studies testing the effect of different drugs on polyneuropathic pain (St. John's wort, venlafaxine/imipramine and valproic acid). Patients completed a HRQL questionnaire (SF‐36) after a drug‐free baseline period and at the end of each treatment period.At baseline, all eight SF‐36 scores were lower than in the normal population. No significant differences were found between SF‐36 scales during placebo and treatment with valproic acid and St. John's wort. Those two drugs had not shown a pain relieving effect in former analysis. The SF‐36 scale of bodily pain (BP) was improved by venlafaxine treatment (p=0.023). General health (GH) and vitality (VT) were improved under treatment with imipramine (GH: p=0.006, VT: p=0.015). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, baseline SF‐36 scores predicted subsequent response to pharmacological treatment. Results show an impaired HRQL in painful polyneuropathy and suggest that HRQL may predict response to analgesic treatment.
Evidence of underestimation of European hake growth in the Bay of Biscay, and its relationship with bias in the agreed method of age estimation
Authors: de Pontual Hélène , Groison Anne Laure , Piñeiro Carmen , Bertignac Michel 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
In 2002, a pilot experiment on hake tagging was carried out using methodology specifically developed to catch and handle fish in good condition. By the end of 2005, 36 hake and five tags had been returned to the laboratory (a 3.1% return rate) with a maximum time at liberty of 1066 days. The somatic growth of the recoveries proved to be twofold higher than that expected from published von Bertalanffy growth functions for the species in the Bay of Biscay. The growth underestimation was related to age overestimation, as demonstrated by two independent analyses. The first was based on a blind interpretation of marked otoliths conducted independently by two European experts involved in the routine age estimation of hake. The result shows that the age estimates were neither accurate (inconsistent with oxytetracycline mark positions) nor precise. The second approach compared the predicted otolith growth with the observed growth, and the discrepancy between the two data sets was large. Both types of analyses invalidate the internationally agreed age estimation method and demonstrate a need for further research. Although based on limited data, the study highlights the need to improve biological knowledge of the species in order to improve assessment and management advice. It also strengthens the argument for age validation.
Hospital visiting in obstetrics and gynecology: A tool for the advancement of training
Authors: Creatsas G. , Vrachnis N. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractObjective: To assess the improvement of obstetric and gynecologic training brought about by peer influence in Europe.Methods: In 1996, the European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (EBCOG) initiated a visiting process by international and local peers to improve training and decrease differences in health care standards.Results: A large number of visits of obstetrics and gynecology departments have been conducted across Europe at teaching hospitals by the Hospital Visiting Committee. Compliance with the structured approach of the visiting policy and problems met during these visits are reported.Conclusion: The program focuses on the continuous improvement of the competencies of all persons trained in the obstetrics and gynecology departments of teaching hospitals throughout Europe. It also increases the understanding of diversity in training methods and can gradually lead to the convergence of training and health care standards in Europe.
Estimation of false discovery proportion under general dependence
Authors: Pawitan Yudi , Calza Stefano , Ploner Alexander 
Published: October 2006

AbstractMotivation: Wide-scale correlations between genes are commonly observed in gene expression data, due to both biological and technical reasons. These correlations increase the variability of the standard estimate of the false discovery rate (FDR). We highlight the false discovery proportion (FDP, instead of the FDR) as the suitable quantity for assessing differential expression in microarray data, demonstrate the deleterious effects of correlation on FDP estimation and propose an improved estimation method that accounts for the correlations.Methods: We analyse the variation pattern of the distribution of test statistics under permutation using the singular value decomposition. The results suggest a latent FDR model that accounts for the effects of correlation, and is statistically closer to the FDP. We develop a procedure for estimating the latent FDR (ELF) based on a Poisson regression model.Results: For simulated data based on the correlation structure of real datasets, we find that ELF performs substantially better than the standard FDR approach in estimating the FDP. We illustrate the use of ELF in the analysis of breast cancer and lymphoma data.Availability: R code to perform ELF is available in .Contact: yudi.pawitan@ki.seSupplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Potentiation of erythroid abnormalities following macrophage depletion in aged rats
Authors: Lisa Giuliani Anna , Graldi Giuseppe , Veronesi Massimo , Lorenzini Franco , Gandini Gloria , Unis Lorenza , Previato Antonio , Wiener Edith , Wickramasinghe Sunitha N. , Berti Gilberto 
Published: October 2006

Abstract Objectives: The effects of prolonged macrophage depletion on haematological parameters were investigated in aged rats and compared with those in young ones. Methods: Four weekly i.v. injections of dichloromethylene diphosphonate‐containing liposomes (Cl2MDP‐CL) were employed to achieve a prolonged depletion of bone marrow (BM) and spleen macrophages. The number of BM macrophages was then assessed by flow cytometry, whereas the spleen clearance function was judged by the elimination of oxidised red blood cells (RBC). Haematological parameters and signs of RBC ageing (reduced MCV, increased density and augmented 4.1a/4.1b membrane protein ratio) were determined. Finally, the recovery from phlebotomy‐induced acute anaemia was investigated. Results: Following the Cl2MDP‐CL treatment, in comparison with young rats, the aged animals showed: (i) reduced numbers of BM macrophages; (ii) greater impairment of spleen clearance function; (iii) similar anaemic condition and signs of RBC ageing; (iv) greater increase in white blood cell (WBC) numbers (mainly neutrophils). In addition, whereas aged control rats showed a recovery from phlebotomy‐induced acute anaemia which was similar to that of the untreated young animals, in the aged‐treated rats, a significantly diminished/delayed restoration of RBC, Hb and reticulocyte to normal values was observed, accompanied by a significantly higher increase in WBC numbers than in the other groups of animals. Conclusion: Haematological abnormalities because of Cl2MDP‐CL‐induced macrophage depletion are potentiated in aged rats in which the BM regenerative potential of the erythroid lineage as well as the clearance function of the spleen appear compromised. Thus, in aged rats, macrophage dysfunction is likely to interfere with erythroid homeostasis particularly during haemopoietic stress.
Drug eruption caused by the nonionic contrast medium iohexol. “Recall‐like phenomenon” appearing on an area previously affected by herpes zoster
Authors: MATSUMURA Takumi , WATANABE Hideaki , BATCHELOR Jonathan , SUEKI Hirohiko , IIJIMA Masafumi 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACTWe report a case of “recall‐like phenomenon” caused by nonionic contrast medium. A 62‐year‐old woman suffering from postherpetic neuralgia developed erythematous plaques 12 h after an intercostal nerve block under X‐ray guidance using iohexol (Omnipaque) as contrast medium. The erythematous plaques were preferentially located in the sites where she had experienced herpes zoster 4 months previously. The lesions cleared spontaneously leaving no pigmentation. Both patch testing and intradermal testing with iohexol and ioversol were positive. We postulate that local immunological changes in the skin, such as an increased number and/or accelerated activity of Langerhans cells and mast cells in the herpes zoster lesions, were responsible for this phenomenon. This “recall‐like phenomenon”, occurring preferentially in skin previously affected by herpes zoster, could facilitate understanding of the pathology of drug eruptions.
Generalized morphea and primary biliary cirrhosis coexisting in a male patient
Authors: GONZÁLEZ‐LÓPEZ Marcos A. , DRAKE Marta , GONZÁLEZ‐VELA M. Carmen , ARMESTO Susana , LLACA Héctor F. , VAL‐BERNAL J. Fernando 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACTWe present further evidence that generalized morphea (GM) and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) may be associated. As far as we know, only six cases with this association have been previously reported in the published work, all of which were observed in women. We describe the case of a 62‐year‐old man diagnosed with M2‐antibody‐positive PBC who developed multiple generalized indurated plaques on the trunk and extremities 3 years later. Clinical history, laboratory data and histopathological examination were consistent with the diagnosis of GM. The coexistence in a male of these two entities that predominantly affect females reinforces the hypothesis that a pathogenic link exists between GM and PBC. Consequently, PBC should be looked for in all patients with GM.
Granuloma caused by subcutaneous injection of leuprorelin acetate product: Case report and histopathological findings
Authors: OUCHI Takeshi , KOYAMA Tetushi , MIYATA Naho , SUGIURA Makoto 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACTLeuprorelin acetate is a luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone (LH‐RH) analog, which is used for chemical castration. Chemical castration treatment has an especially important role for prostate cancer. To ensure ongoing chemical castration, a novel sustained‐action injection system using spherical microcapsules has been developed. We report a patient who had granuloma caused by administration of the 11.25 mg leuprorelin acetate product. Histological examination revealed many giant cells with vacuoles. On the basis of reported cases, these vacuoles are characteristic for the granuloma caused by leuprorelin acetate product. The vacuoles in the granuloma are the same size as the microcapsules, and their shape is almost spherical. We assume that the vacuoles in the granuloma are actually the microcapsules. We expect that there will be investigations regarding the procatarctic cause of granuloma formation.
Cost–utility analysis of different peg‐interferon alpha‐2b plus ribavirin treatment strategies as initial therapy for naïve Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: LIN W.‐A. , TARN Y.‐H. , TANG S.‐L. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryBackgroundDifferent peg‐interferon alpha‐2b plus ribavirin treatment strategies are more effective in treating hepatitis C. However, no cost‐effectiveness data have been published using the clinical data from the peg‐interferon alpha‐2b and ribavirin in the treatment of patients with hepatitis C in Taiwan.AimTo estimate the cost‐effectiveness of different treatments with peg‐interferon alpha‐2b plus ribavirin for the initial treatment of patients with different genotype chronic hepatitis C.MethodsIndividual patient level data from a randomized clinical trial with peg‐interferon plus ribavirin were applied to a Markov model to project lifelong clinical outcomes. Economic estimates and quality of life were based on published data and Taiwan patient data. We used a societal perspective and applied a 3% annual discount rate.ResultsCompared with different combination therapy strategies, peg‐interferon alpha‐2b plus weight‐based dosing of ribavirin in all patients for 24 weeks is the most cost‐effective treatment strategy. If the sustained virological response of peg‐interferon plus ribavirin treatment for 48 weeks therapy in genotype 1 patients was higher than 67.8%, the best strategy of treating patients will be the peg‐interferon plus weight‐based dosing of ribavirin therapy for 48 weeks in genotype 1 patients and for 24 weeks in non‐genotype 1 patients.ConclusionsPeg‐interferon alpha‐2b plus ribavirin combination for 24 weeks therapy in all genotype patients should reduce the incidence of liver complications, prolong life, improve quality of life and be cost‐effective for the initial treatment of chronic hepatitis C.
Systematic review: cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 in human oesophageal adenocarcinogenesis
Authors: MEHTA S. , BODDY A. , JOHNSON I. T. , RHODES M. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryBackgroundPublished in vitro and animal in vivo studies have demonstrated that cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 plays an important role during oesophageal adenocarcinogenesis. However, the extent to which these studies are directly relevant to events in the human lower oesophagus is questionable.AimTo perform a systematic review of all available human studies that have evaluated levels of cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 expression during the progression from Barrett's metaplasia to oesophageal adenocarcinoma.MethodsA literature search was performed to identify all studies which qualitatively or quantitatively assessed cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 protein or gene expression in either Barrett's, dysplastic or adenocarcinoma tissue in humans.ResultsA total of 27 studies met the inclusion criteria. There was general agreement that cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 was either absent or very weakly expressed in normal oesophageal squamous mucosa, but considerable disagreement regarding the presence of cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 in Barrett's and low‐grade dysplasia. All studies agreed that high‐grade dysplasia and adenocarcinoma expressed cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 to some extent although levels varied considerably between tissue samples.ConclusionsThere is conflicting evidence in the literature for cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 playing an important role in early oesophageal adenocarcinogenesis. Other non‐cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 targets may account for the epidemiological data supporting the use of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs in the chemoprevention of oesophageal adenocarcinoma.
Review article: from 1906 to 2006 – a century of major evolution of understanding of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease
Authors: DENT J. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryBackgroundOur understanding of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease has undergone significant changes over the last century.AimTo trace the rise in understanding of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease and highlight remaining areas of uncertainty.MethodsLiterature review.ResultsIn 1906, Tileston published his observations on ‘peptic ulcer of the oesophagus’. Winkelstein, in 1934, first correlated symptoms of heartburn with acid regurgitation and reflux oesophagitis. In 1946, Allison described hiatus hernia as a causal factor in the development of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease. In 1958, Bernstein and Baker showed a direct relationship between oesophageal acidification and heartburn in patients with gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease, irrespective of endoscopic findings, leading to the recognition of non‐erosive gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease. In the 1980s, continuous recordings of the lower oesophageal sphincter showed that episodes of reflux were related to transient relaxations of lower oesophageal sphincter tone. There is now increasing recognition that gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease arises from the interaction of several anatomical and physiological factors. A turning point in the medical treatment of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease came with the introduction of the first proton pump inhibitor, omeprazole, in 1989.ConclusionsFuture efforts need to identify the multifactorial interactions of gastro‐oesophageal junction anatomy and physiology in patients with gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease. Increased understanding of the disease will guide development of new therapies.
Review article: pathogenesis and management of gastric carcinoid tumours
Authors: BURKITT M. D. , PRITCHARD D. M. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryBackgroundGastric carcinoid tumours are rare, but are increasing in incidence.AimTo discuss tumour pathogenesis and outline current approaches to patient management.MethodsReview of published articles following a Pubmed search.ResultsAlthough interest in gastric carcinoids has increased since it was recognized that they are associated with achlorhydria, to date there is no definite evidence that humans taking long‐term acid suppressing medication are at increased risk. Type I tumours are associated with autoimmune atrophic gastritis and hypergastrinaemia, type II are associated with Zollinger–Ellison syndrome, multiple endocrine neoplasia‐1 and hypergastrinaemia and sporadic type III carcinoids are gastrin‐independent and carry the worst prognosis. Careful investigation of these patients is required, particularly to identify the tumour type, the source of hypergastrinaemia and the presence of metastases. Treatment can be directed at the source of hypergastrinaemia if type I or II tumours are still gastrin responsive and not growing autonomously. Type III tumours should be treated surgically.ConclusionsAdvances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of gastric carcinoids have led to recent improvements in investigation and management. Challenges remain in identifying the genetic and environmental factors, in addition to hypergastrinaemia, that are responsible for tumour development in susceptible patients.
Acquired C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency: an atypical first presentation intra‐operatively
Authors: Hendron D. , Reid M. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryWe report a case of airway difficulties encountered as a result of blistering, oedema and bleeding from the oropharyngeal mucosa of an 85‐year‐old female undergoing an elective excision of a submandibular neck lump. This led to a delay in extubation by several hours. The patient was subsequently found to have an acquired form of C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency considered to be consequent of haematological malignancy.
The management of severe emergence agitation using droperidol
Authors: Hatzakorzian R. , Shan W. Li Pi , Côté A. V. , Schricker T. , Backman S. B. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryEmergence agitation can occur following recovery from general anaesthesia. The patient may exhibit aggressive behaviour, disorientation, agitation and restlessness. Untreated, this complication may result in significant morbidity. We report two cases where droperidol was successfully used in the management of severe emergence agitation. In the first case, droperidol was administered to prevent the occurrence of postoperative agitation in a patient known to suffer from this condition following previous general anaesthetics. In the second case, droperidol was used to treat emergence agitation in a morbidly obese patient with a difficult airway who was aggressive and difficult to restrain. Both of these patients remained calm and co‐operative, with stable cardio‐respiratory parameters, following the administration of droperidol and showed no further signs of agitation. We suggest that droperidol is an effective medication that may be used to prevent and treat severe emergence agitation due to its rapid sedative effect and minimal cardio‐respiratory depression.
A comparison of cyclizine and granisetron alone and in combination for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting
Authors: Johns R. A. , Hanousek J. , Montgomery J. E. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryWe conducted a randomised double‐blinded study of 960 women undergoing day‐case surgery to determine whether combination anti‐emetic therapy of granisetron and cyclizine was more effective at decreasing the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting than these agents used alone. The women were randomly allocated to three groups to receive intravenous granisetron 1 mg, cyclizine 50 mg or both before induction of general anaesthesia. The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting was 77/322 (24%) in the granisetron group, 73/316 (23%) in the cyclizine group and 53/322 (17%) in those women given both drugs (p = 0.04). There was no difference in the requirement for rescue anti‐emetic drugs. There were no differences in the anaesthetic techniques used in the three groups. We conclude that the risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting is less with cyclizine and granisetron given together than with either given alone.
An observational study of changes to long‐term medication after admission to an intensive care unit*
Authors: Campbell A. J. , Bloomfield R. , Noble D. W. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryMany patients admitted to intensive care units consume long‐term medication. New drugs may be commenced during intensive care intended for the short term or longer. Patients are often cared for by several teams during hospital admission and long‐term medication may inadvertently be permanently discontinued. Following admission, new therapies relevant only in the short term could be continued beyond intensive care and hospital discharge. We conducted a retrospective analysis of drug prescription by examining patients' notes and charts before, during and after intensive care admission. Of 197 drugs prescribed up to intensive care admission to 59 patients, 112 (57%) were stopped. Ninety‐nine of these were not reintroduced by intensive care discharge and 34 were not reintroduced by hospital discharge. Of 154 drugs commenced during intensive care, 96 (62%) had no listed reason for their introduction. Twenty‐eight were continued beyond hospital discharge, some without apparent ongoing indication. Reliable mechanisms to prevent prescription errors are required.
An open‐label, unit dose‐finding study of AMG 531, a novel thrombopoiesis‐stimulating peptibody, in patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Newland Adrian , Caulier Marie T. , Kappers‐Klunne Mies , Schipperus Martin R. , Lefrere Francois , Zwaginga Jaap J. , Christal Jenny , Chen Chien‐Feng , Nichol Janet L. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe objective of this open label, phase 1–2, multicentre trial was to evaluate the safety of AMG 531, a novel thrombopoiesis‐stimulating peptibody, and its effect on platelet counts in adults with immune thrombocytopenic purpura. Four patients were assigned to each of four unit‐dose cohorts: 30, 100, 300 or 500 μg, administered subcutaneously on days 1 and 15 (or day 22 if the day 15 platelet count was >50 × 109/l). Safety was assessed by adverse event (AE) monitoring, clinical laboratory studies and antibody assays. Platelet response was defined as a platelet count double the baseline value and between 50 and 450 × 109/l. Sixteen patients (10 women) were enrolled. The 500‐μg cohort was discontinued because the first patient's platelet count became unacceptably high. AEs were generally expected and mild or moderate; the most frequent was headache (eight of 16 patients). Two patients experienced serious AEs related to AMG 531 (severe headache and elevated serum lactic dehydrogenase; thrombocytopenia). Platelet responses occurred with all doses and with a dose equivalent to ≥1 μg/kg in eight of 11 patients. In summary, patients tolerated AMG 531 well at the doses tested. No anti‐AMG or antithrombopoietin antibodies were detected. Doses equivalent to ≥1 μg/kg increased platelet counts.