bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interval estimation and optimal design for the within-subject coefficient of variation for continuous and binary variables
Authors: Shoukri Mohamed M , Elkum Nasser , Walter Stephen D 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background
In this paper we propose the use of the within-subject coefficient of variation as an index of a measurement's reliability. For continuous variables and based on its maximum likelihood estimation we derive a variance-stabilizing transformation and discuss confidence interval construction within the framework of a one-way random effects model. We investigate sample size requirements for the within-subject coefficient of variation for continuous and binary variables.

Methods
We investigate the validity of the approximate normal confidence interval by Monte Carlo simulations. In designing a reliability study, a crucial issue is the balance between the number of subjects to be recruited and the number of repeated measurements per subject. We discuss efficiency of estimation and cost considerations for the optimal allocation of the sample resources. The approach is illustrated by an example on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). We also discuss the issue of sample size estimation for dichotomous responses with two examples.

Results
For the continuous variable we found that the variance stabilizing transformation improves the asymptotic coverage probabilities on the within-subject coefficient of variation for the continuous variable. The maximum like estimation and sample size estimation based on pre-specified width of confidence interval are novel contribution to the literature for the binary variable.

Conclusion
Using the sample size formulas, we hope to help clinical epidemiologists and practicing statisticians to efficiently design reliability studies using the within-subject coefficient of variation, whether the variable of interest is continuous or binary.
Weekly oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil and folinic acid (OXALF) as first-line chemotherapy for elderly patients with advanced gastric cancer: results of a phase II trial
Authors: Santini D , Graziano F , Catalano V , Di Seri M , Testa E , Baldelli AM , Giordani P , La Cesa A , Spalletta B , Vincenzi B , Russo A , Caraglia M , Virzi V , Cascinu S , Tonini G 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background
Elderly patients have been often excluded from or underrepresented in the study populations of combination chemotherapy trials. The primary end point of this study was to determine the response rate and the toxicity of the weekly oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil and folinic acid (OXALF) regimen in elderly patients with advanced gastric cancer. The secondary objective was to measure the time to disease progression and the survival time.

Methods
Chemotherapy-naive patients with advanced gastric cancer aged 70 or older were considered eligible for study entry. Patients received weekly oxaliplatin 40 mg/m2, fluorouracil 500 mg/m2 and folinic acid 250 mg/m2. All drugs were given intravenously on a day-1 schedule.

Results
A total of 42 elderly patients were enrolled. Median age was 73 years and all patients had metastatic disease. The response rate according to RECIST criteria was 45.2% (95% CIs: 30%–56%) with two complete responses, 17 partial responses, 13 stable diseases and 10 progressions, for an overall tumor rate control of 76.2% (32 patients). Toxicity was generally mild and only three patients discontinued treatment because of treatment related adverse events. The most common treatment-related grade 3/4 adverse events were fatigue (7.1%), diarrhoea (4.8%), mucositis (2.4%), neurotoxicity (2.4%) and neutropenia (4.8%). The median response duration was 5.3 months (95% CIs: 2.13 – 7.34), the median time to disease progression was 5.0 months (95% CIs: 3.75 – 6.25) and the median survival time was 9.0 months (95% CIs: 6.18 – 11.82).

Conclusion
OXALF represents an active and well-tolerated treatment modality for elderly patients with locally advanced and metastatic gastric cancer.
Reliability of case definitions for public health surveillance assessed by Round-Robin test methodology
Authors: Krause Gérard , Brodhun Bonita , Altmann Doris , Claus Hermann , Benzler Justus 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background
Case definitions have been recognized to be important elements of public health surveillance systems. They are to assure comparability and consistency of surveillance data and have crucial impact on the sensitivity and the positive predictive value of a surveillance system. The reliability of case definitions has rarely been investigated systematically.

Methods
We conducted a Round-Robin test by asking all 425 local health departments (LHD) and the 16 state health departments (SHD) in Germany to classify a selection of 68 case examples using case definitions. By multivariate analysis we investigated factors linked to classification agreement with a gold standard, which was defined by an expert panel.

Results
A total of 7870 classifications were done by 396 LHD (93%) and all SHD. Reporting sensitivity was 90.0%, positive predictive value 76.6%. Polio case examples had the lowest reporting precision, salmonellosis case examples the highest (OR = 0.008; CI: 0.005–0.013). Case definitions with a check-list format of clinical criteria resulted in higher reporting precision than case definitions with a narrative description (OR = 3.08; CI: 2.47–3.83). Reporting precision was higher among SHD compared to LHD (OR = 1.52; CI: 1.14–2.02).

Conclusion
Our findings led to a systematic revision of the German case definitions and build the basis for general recommendations for the creation of case definitions. These include, among others, that testable yes/no criteria in a check-list format is likely to improve reliability, and that software used for data transmission should be designed in strict accordance with the case definitions. The findings of this study are largely applicable to case definitions in many other countries or international networks as they share the same structural and editorial characteristics of the case definitions evaluated in this study before their revision.
The contribution of general practice based research to the development of national policy: case studies from Ireland and Australia
Authors: Pirkis JE , Blashki GA , Murphy AW , Hickie IB , Ciechomski L 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackgroundThis paper aims to describe the influence of general practice based research on the development of two specific policy initiatives, namely the Heartwatch Programme in Ireland and the Better Outcomes in Mental Health Care (BOiMHC) program in Australia. A case study approach was used to explore the extent to which relevant general practice based research shaped these initiatives.ResultsIn both case studies, a range of factors beyond general practice based research shaped the initiative in question, including political will, the involvement of stakeholders (including key opinion leaders), and the historical context. Nonetheless, the research played an important role, and was not merely put to 'symbolic use' to support a position that had already been reached independently. Rather, both case studies provide examples of 'instrumental use': in the case of Heartwatch, the research was considered early in the piece; in the case of the BOiMHC program, it had a specific impact on the detail of the components of the initiative.ConclusionGeneral practice based research can influence policy-making and planning processes by strengthening the foundation of evidence upon which they draw. This influence will not occur in a vacuum, however, and general practice researchers can maximise the likelihood of their work being 'picked up' in policy if they consider the principles underpinning knowledge transfer.
The Inferelator: an algorithm for learning parsimonious regulatory networks from systems-biology data sets de novo
Authors: Bonneau Richard , Reiss David J , Shannon Paul , Facciotti Marc , Hood Leroy , Baliga Nitin S , Thorsson Vesteinn 
Published: May 2006

AbstractWe present a method (the Inferelator) for deriving genome-wide transcriptional regulatory interactions, and apply the method to predict a large portion of the regulatory network of the archaeon Halobacterium NRC-1. The Inferelator uses regression and variable selection to identify transcriptional influences on genes based on the integration of genome annotation and expression data. The learned network successfully predicted Halobacterium's global expression under novel perturbations with predictive power similar to that seen over training data. Several specific regulatory predictions were experimentally tested and verified.
Adult Height in Patients with Permanent Growth Hormone Deficiency with and without Multiple Pituitary Hormone Deficiencies
Authors: Maghnie Mohamad , Ambrosini Linda , Cappa Marco , Pozzobon Gabriella , Ghizzoni Lucia , Ubertini Maria Grazia , di Iorgi Natascia , Tinelli Carmine , Pilia Sabrina , Chiumello Giuseppe , Lorini Renata , Loche Sandro 
Published: May 2006

AbstractContext: It has been reported that patients with multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies (MPHDs) achieve a greater final height, compared with patients with isolated GH deficiency (IGHD). However, the outcome of patients with permanent GH deficiency (GHD) has not yet been reported.Objectives: The objectives of the study were to evaluate and compare adult height data and the effect of spontaneous or induced puberty after long-term treatment with GH in young adults with either permanent IGHD or MPHD.Design and Setting: This was a retrospective multicenter study conducted in university research hospitals and a tertiary referral endocrine unit.Patients and Methods: Thirty-nine patients with IGHD (26 males, 13 females) and 49 with MPHD (31 males, 18 females), diagnosed at a median age of 7.7 and 6.9 yr, respectively, were reevaluated for GH secretion after adult height achievement (median age 17.6 and 19.8 yr). The diagnosis of permanent GHD was based on peak GH levels less than 3 μg/liter after an insulin tolerance test or peak GH levels less than 5 μg/liter after two different tests. Fifteen subjects had idiopathic GHD and seventy-three had magnetic resonance imaging evidence of congenital hypothalamic-pituitary abnormalities. Height sd score (SDS) was analyzed at diagnosis, the onset of puberty (either spontaneous or induced), and the time of GH withdrawal.Results: The subjects with IGHD entered puberty at a median age of 12.6 yr (females) and 13.4 yr (males). Puberty was induced at a median age of 13.5 and 14.0 yr, respectively, in males and females with MPHD. Median height SDS at the beginning of puberty was similar in the IGHD and MPHD subjects. Total pubertal height gain was similar between patients with IGHD or MPHD. Median adult height was also not significantly different between IGHD and MPHD patients (males, 168.5 vs. 170.3 cm; females, 160.0 vs. 157.3 cm). The adult height SDS of the IGHD subjects was positively correlated with height at the time of diagnosis and with total pubertal height gain. Conversely, the adult height SDS of the MPHD subjects was positively correlated with both the duration of GH treatment and height SDS at the time of GHD diagnosis.Conclusions: Adult height in patients with permanent IGHD and spontaneous puberty is similar to adult height in patients with MPHD and induced puberty.
The Diagnosis of Ectopic Focal Hyperinsulinism of Infancy with [18F]-Dopa Positron Emission Tomography
Authors: Hussain Khalid , Seppänen Marko , Näntö-Salonen Kirsti , Adzick N. Scott , Stanley Charles A. , Thornton Paul , Minn Heikki 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Background: Congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) is a cause of severe hypoglycemia in the neonatal and infancy period. Histologically, there are two subtypes with diffuse and focal disease. The preoperative differentiation of these two forms is very important because the surgical management is radically different. The focal form of the disease can be cured if the focal lesion can be localized accurately and completely resected with surgery.
Aim: We report the case of a child who underwent three pancreatectomies with a choledochoduodenostomy and a cholecystectomy but continued to have severe hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia.
Methods/Results: Radiological investigations including imaging with 18fluoro-l-Dopa positron emission tomography scan showed a clear focus of increased 18F-fluoro-l-Dopa uptake in the vicinity of the former head of the pancreas. On the magnetic resonance imaging scan, this focal uptake appeared to localize adjacent or next to duodenum (in the wall or cavity of the duodenum).
Conclusions: This unique case highlights the importance of correctly localizing and completely resecting the focal lesion in patients with CHI. 18Fluoro-l-Dopa positron emission tomography scan can identify ectopic focal lesions in patients with CHI.
Outcomes of pharmaceutical care intervention to hypertensive patients in a Nigerian community pharmacy
Authors: Oparah Azuka C , Adje David U , Enato Ehijie F O 
Published: May 2006

AbstractObjectiveTo describe pharmaceutical care interventions provided to hypertensive patients in a Nigerian community pharmacy setting, and to assess the impact of the practice on selected patient outcomes.MethodA non-randomised, single-site study was conducted using community-dwelling patients with hypertension. A pharmaceutical care intervention, which consisted mainly of verbal counselling, provision of an information leaflet, and subsequent monitoring with reinforcement, was provided. Parameters assessed at baseline and end of investigation included blood pressure control, body mass index determination, level of medication adherence, patient knowledge of the disease, and patient satisfaction.Key findingsForty-two (42) patients were recruited and 36 completed the study, 26 (73%) were males, and 33 (92%) were married. Twenty (20, 58%) had post-secondary education. About three-quarters (27, 81%) were either overweight or obese (BMI &gt;25). There was a significant difference between mean systolic blood pressure at baseline (187.67 ± 29.46 mmHg) and at the end of the study (137.22 ± 21.65 mmHg), P&lt; 0.0001. Changes in mean diastolic blood pressure at baseline (117.56 ± 21.65) and end of study (89 ± 17.23), were also significant (P&lt; 0.0001). Some 27 (75%) reached systolic blood pressure goals while 25 (69%) attained diastolic blood pressure goals. Prior to the pharmaceutical care intervention, 27 (75%) were not aware that salt intake was a risk factor in hypertension, and a similar proportion thought that hypertension was curable. The pharmaceutical care intervention produced a significantly higher patient-reported satisfaction rating than baseline: 3.48 ± 0.83 (49%) versus 3.92 ± 0.62 (74%); t = 2.548; P=0.013 and 3.30 ± 0.72 (41%) versus 4.27 ± 0.56 (87%); t= 6.381, P&lt; 0.0001 on the subscales respectively.ConclusionPharmaceutical care provided to hypertensive patients in a Nigerian community pharmacy setting improved blood pressure control and overall patient satisfaction with pharmaceutical services.
Benzenetellurinic Mixed Anhydrides as Mild Oxidizing Agents
Authors: Fukumoto Takahiro , Matsuki Toshiaki , Hu Nan Xing , Aso Yoshio , Otsubo Tetsuo , Ogura Fumio 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Three benzenetellurinic mixed anhydrides, i.e., benzenetellurinyl acetate, trifluoroacetate, and trifluoromethanesulfonate, have been found to be mild oxidizing agents for various substrates such as thiol, phosphine, acyloin, α-hydroxy ester, catechol, hydroquinone, thiourea, and thioamide. The reactions towards the last two substrates are highly chemoselective, depending on both the reagent and substrate.
N-Tosyltriarylbismuthimines. Synthesis and Reactions with Some Electrophiles
Authors: Suzuki Hitomi , Nakaya Chie , Matano Yoshihiro , Ogawa Takuji 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
N-Tosyltriarylbismuthimines were prepared by the reaction of triarylbismuthines with chloramine-T and their properties were characterized. These bismuthimines reacted with aromatic aldehydes, acid chlorides, and isocyanates to form N-arylidenetosylamides, N-aroyltosylamides, and N-aryl-N′-tosylureas, respectively. In the presence of copper catalyst, they readily decomposed into N-aryl- and N,N-diaryltosylamides, tosylamide, and triarylbismuthine.
Double Germylation of Unsaturated Carbon Compounds with Digermanes in the Presence of Palladium and Platinum Catalysts
Authors: Hayashi Teruyuki , Yamashita Hiroshi , Sakakura Toshiyasu , Uchimaru Yuko , Tanaka Masato 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Double germylation of acetylenes, isoprene, and ethylene with 1,2-dichloro-1,1,2,2-tetramethyldigermane proceeds in the presence of palladium- and platinum-phosphorus ligand complexes to afford α,ω-bis(chlorodimethylgermyl) compounds in moderate to good yields.
The Disadvantages of Aggregate Deductibles
Authors: Cohen Alma 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
This paper analyzes the choice of deductible in insurance contracts that insure against a risk that, as is common, might materialize more than once during the life of the policy. As was established by Arrow (1963), from the perspective of risk-bearing costs, the optimal contract is one that uses an aggregate deductible that applies to the aggregate losses incurred over the life of the policy. Aggregate deductibles, however, are uncommon in practice. This paper identifies two disadvantages that aggregate deductibles have. Aggregate deductibles are shown to produce higher expected verification costs and moral hazard costs than contracts that apply a per-loss deductible to each loss that occurs. I further show that each of these disadvantages can make an aggregate deductible contact inferior to a contract with per loss deductibles. The results of the analysis can help explain the rare use of aggregate deductibles and, in addition, might explain why umbrella policies that cover all types of losses are rarely used.
What Did the "Illegitimacy Bonus" Reward?
Authors: Korenman Sanders , Joyce Ted , Kaestner Robert , Walper Jennifer 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
The Out-Of-Wedlock Birth Reduction Bonus (Illegitimacy Bonus), part of the 1996 welfare reform legislation, awarded up to $100 million in each of five years to the five states with the greatest reduction in the non-marital birth ratio. Alabama, Michigan, and Washington D.C. each won bonuses four or more times, claiming nearly 60% of award monies. However, for these bonus winners, changes in the racial composition of births accounted for between one-third and 100% of the decline in the non-marital birth ratio. The non-marital birth ratio fell most in D.C., averaging 1.5 percentage points per year over the award period. Declines in non-marital birth ratios in Michigan and Alabama were slight. But the non-marital birth ratio fell in D.C. in large part because the number of black children born there fell dramatically, and a decline in the black population alone accounted for one third of the decline in black births. Within-race changes in non-marital birth ratios raised the overall non-marital birth ratio 0.5 percentage points in Alabama, and lowered the non-marital ratio by one percentage point in Michigan, and by about three percentage points in Washington D.C. Because it was based on unadjusted changes in states aggregate non-martial birth ratios, the Illegitimacy Bonus rewarded racial/ethnic compositional changes at least as much as it rewarded declining non-marital birth ratios within major racial/ethnic groups.
Increased Plasma Amylin in Type 1 Diabetic Patients After Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation
Authors: Stadler Marietta , Anderwald Christian , Karer Tina , Tura Andrea , Kästenbauer Thomas , Auinger Martin , Bieglmayer Christian , Wagner Oswald , Kronenberg Florian , Nowotny Peter , Pacini Giovanni , Prager Rudolf 
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVE—In response to hyperglycemia, β-cells release insulin and C-peptide, as well as islet amyloid pancreatic polypeptide, which is involved in glucose homeostasis. After successful pancreas-kidney transplantation (PKT), type 1 diabetic patients may revert to a nondiabetic metabolism without exogenous insulin therapy and re-secrete all β-cell hormones.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Using mathematical models, we investigated hormone (amylin, insulin, C-peptide) and metabolite (glucose, free fatty acids) kinetics, β-cell sensitivity to glucose, and oral glucose insulin sensitivity index (OGIS) in 11 nondiabetic type 1 diabetic patients after PKT (BMI 25 ± 1 kg/m2, 47 ± 2 years of age, 4 women/7 men, glucocorticoid-free), 6 matching nondiabetic patients after kidney transplantation (25 ± 1 kg/m2, 50 ± 5 years, 3 women/3 men, on glucocorticoids), and 9 matching nondiabetic control subjects (24 ± 1 kg/m2, 47 ± 2 years, 4 women/5 men) during a 3-h 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).
RESULTS—PKT patients had higher fasting amylin (19 ± 3 vs. control subjects: 7 ± 1 pmol/l) and insulin (20 ± 2 vs. control subjects: 10 ± 1 μU/ml; each P &lt; 0.01) levels. Kidney transplant subjects showed increased OGTT plasma insulin at 90 min and C-peptide levels (each P &lt; 0.05). In PKT patients, plasma glucose from 90 to 150 min was 9–31% higher (P &lt; 0.05 vs. control subjects). Amylin clearance was comparable in all groups. Amylin’s plasma concentrations and area under the concentration curve were up to twofold higher in PKT patients during OGTT (P &lt; 0.05). OGIS was not significantly different between groups. β-Cell sensitivity to glucose was reduced in PKT patients (−64%, P &lt; 0.009). Fasting plasma amylin was inversely associated with β-cell sensitivity to glucose (r = −0.543, P &lt; 0.004).
CONCLUSIONS—After successful PKT, type 1 diabetic patients with nondiabetic glycemia exhibit increased fasting and post–glucose load plasma amylin, which appears to be linked to impaired β-cell function. Thus, higher amylin release in proportion to insulin might also reflect impaired β-cell function in type 1 diabetic patients after PKT.
Mealtime Interactions Relate to Dietary Adherence and Glycemic Control in Young Children With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Patton Susana R. , Dolan Lawrence M. , Powers Scott W. 
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVE—This study examined the relationships between parent-child mealtime interactions and dietary adherence and glycemic control in young children with type 1 diabetes. It was hypothesized that young children who exhibited disruptive mealtime behaviors would have more dietary deviations (poorer dietary adherence) and poor glycemic control. It was also hypothesized that parents of young children who used ineffective/coercive parenting strategies at mealtimes would have children with more dietary deviations and poor glycemic control.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—A total of 35 families of children (aged 2.2–7.9 years) with type 1 diabetes were recruited from a pediatric hospital. Families had at least three meals videotaped in their home, which were coded for parent, child, and eating behaviors, using the Dyadic Interaction Nomenclature for Eating. Children’s dietary adherence was assessed according to deviations from the prescribed number of carbohydrate units per meal. Children’s average glycemic excursion was assessed prospectively for 2 weeks, using a standardized home blood glucose meter.
RESULTS—Findings demonstrated significant positive relationships between children’s mealtime behavior, dietary deviations, and glycemic control. An examination of parent behaviors revealed significant positive correlations between parents’ use of ineffective/coercive parenting strategies and children’s dietary deviations and glycemic control.
CONCLUSIONS—This was the first study to examine the relationship between parent-child mealtime interactions and health outcomes in young children with type 1 diabetes. The mealtime problems examined can be improved through specific behavioral interventions. Future research is needed to examine how parent-child interactions at mealtimes relate to children’s health outcomes to inform clinical care.