bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of fractionated gemtuzumab ozogamicin combined with cytarabine in advanced childhood myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Brethon Benoit , Yakouben Karima , Oudot Caroline , Boutard Patrick , Bruno Bénédicte , Jérome Cécile , Nelken Brigitte , De Lumley Lionel , Bertrand Yves , Dalle Jean‐Hugues , Chevret Sylvie , Leblanc Thierry , Baruchel André 
Published: August 2008

SummaryGemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) monotherapy is reported to yield a 20–30% response rate in advanced acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). This study examined the efficacy and tolerability of GO combined with cytarabine (GOCYT) in children with refractory/relapsed CD33+ AML. Seventeen children received GO 3 mg/m2 on days 1, 4 and 7 plus cytarabine 100 mg/m2/d for 7 d on a compassionate‐use basis. Seven patients then received GO‐based consolidation. At the outset of GOCYT, two patients were refractory; eight patients were in refractory first relapse; six patients had relapsed after stem cell transplantation (SCT); and one patient [del(5q) therapy‐related AML (t‐AML)] had not yet been treated. Mean follow‐up was 17 months (8–33 months). Ten responses were obtained after GOCYT induction, including complete remission (CR) or CR without complete recovery of platelets (CRp) in six patients (35%). The responses improved in three children who received GOCYT consolidation, increasing the CR + CRp rate to 53%. SCT was subsequently performed in eight responders. Grade 3–4 adverse events consisted of haematological disorders (n = 17, 100%) and documented infections (n = 5, 29%). No cases of sinusoidal obstructive syndrome occurred. Three patients were alive at the cut‐off date for this analysis, all of whom had responded to GOCYT. GOCYT combination therapy yielded a high response rate (53%) and showed acceptable toxicity in heavily pretreated children with refractory/relapsed AML. These results warrant a larger prospective study.
GH replacement in patients with non‐functioning pituitary adenoma (NFA) treated solely by surgery is not associated with increased risk of tumour recurrence
Authors: Arnold J. R. , Arnold D. F. , Marland A. , Karavitaki N. , Wass J. A. H. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryBackground  Subjects with non‐functioning pituitary adenomas (NFAs) frequently develop GH deficiency due to tumour expansion or as a consequence of tumour therapy. The safety of GH replacement (GHR) in these individuals remains unclear.Objective  To assess the effect of GHR on tumour recurrence in patients with NFAs solely treated by surgical removal.Patients and methods  The study involved all patients with NFA who presented to the Department of Endocrinology in Oxford between January 1989 and July 2005 and were treated solely by surgical removal of the tumour. Patients with follow up < 1 year were excluded. Recurrence was diagnosed on the basis of radiological appearances (detectable tumour after gross total removal or regrowth of pre‐existing residue) on regular imaging surveillance.Results  One hundred and thirty patients were included in the study, and were followed up for a mean period of 6·8 ± 4·2 years (median 5·7, range 1·2–17·6). Twenty‐three patients received GHR [16 male, 7 female, mean age at tumour diagnosis 53·7 ± 14·6 years (range 20–80)]. The mean duration of GHR was 4·6 ± 2·5 years (median 5·3, range 0·4–8·7). One hundred and seven subjects did not receive GH therapy [61 male, 46 female, mean age at tumour diagnosis 56·2 ± 14·0 years (range 20–87)]. Tumour regrowth occurred in 38 non‐GH treated subjects (36%) and 8 GHR subjects (35%). Regrowth was detected at a mean of 4·8 ± 2·8 years (range 1–11 years) in the non‐GH treated group, and at 6·5 ± 2·3 years in the GHR group. In the GHR group, recurrence occurred after a mean of 2·9 ± 2·2 years (range 0·4–5·9 years) following commencement of GH treatment. The Cox regression analysis showed that after adjusting for sex, age at tumour diagnosis, cavernous sinus invasion at diagnosis and type of tumour removal (partial or complete based on postoperative scan), GH treatment was not a significant independent predictor of recurrence (P = 0·09; hazard ratio = 0·51; 95% CI, 0·24–1·12).Conclusion   GH replacement in patients with NFA treated by surgery alone is not associated with an increased risk of tumour recurrence.
Microstructure and mechanical properties related to particle size distribution and composition in dark chocolate
Authors: Afoakwa Emmanuel Ohene , Paterson Alistair , Fowler Mark , Vieira Joselio 
Published: August 2008

SummaryComposition in dark chocolate was varied and the effects determined on microstructure, using light microscopy, and mechanical properties of molten and tempered chocolates, using a TA.HD Plus Texture Analyser. Compositional parameters were particle size distribution (PSD) (D90 of 18, 25, 35 and 50 μm), fat (25%, 30% and 35%) and lecithin (0.3% and 0.5%) contents. Micrographs revealed wide variations in sugar crystalline network structure and inter‐particle interaction strengths related to PSD and fat level. Samples containing 25% fat had more crystal agglomerates, well flocculated with greater particle‐to‐particle interaction strengths than those with higher (30% and 35%) fat contents. Increasing the D90 to 35–50 μm caused broadening of the PSD, with particles becoming coarser, which were similar at all fat levels. Mechanical analysis showed that PSD, fat and lecithin content significantly influenced firmness of molten chocolate and hardness of solid (tempered) chocolate with significant interactions among factors. Particle size was inversely correlated with firmness (1235–173 g) and hardness (7062–5546 g). Greatest effect of PSD was with 25% fat and 0.3% lecithin. With higher fat and lecithin contents, the PSD influence was reduced. It was concluded that PSD, fat and lecithin contents and their interactions were central to mechanical properties of dark chocolates.
Application of failure mode and effect analysis and cause and effect analysis on processing of ready to eat vegetables – part II
Authors: Varzakas Theodoros H. , Arvanitoyannis Ioannis S. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryFailure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) model has been applied for the risk assessment of ready to eat vegetables manufacturing. A tentative approach of FMEA application to the ready to eat vegetables industry was attempted in conjunction with cause and effect diagrams. critical control points have been identified and implemented in the cause and effect diagram (also known as Ishikawa, tree diagram and fishbone diagram). The main emphasis was put on the quantification of risk assessment by determining the risk priority number (RPN) per identified processing hazard. Receiving, storage and distribution, packaging and cooling were the processes identified as the ones with the highest RPN (225, 225, 180 and 144 respectively) and corrective actions were undertaken. Following the application of corrective actions, a second calculation of RPN values was carried out leading to considerably lower values (below the upper acceptable limit of 130). It is noteworthy that the application of Ishikawa (cause and effect or tree diagram) led to converging results thus corroborating the validity of conclusions derived from risk assessment and FMEA. Therefore, the incorporation of FMEA and cause and effect analysis within the ISO22000 system of a ready to eat vegetables processing industry is considered imperative.
Identifying health‐related quality of life (HRQL) domains for multiple chronic conditions (diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia): patient and provider perspectives
Authors: Bounthavong Mark , Law Anandi V. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjective  To examine patient and provider perspectives about the impact of having diabetes, hypertension and/or dyslipidemia (DHD) on health‐related quality of life (HRQL) in order to identify domains for an HRQL instrument focusing on specific chronic diseases (DHD).Study design  Exploratory qualitative design was used to elicit patient and provider responses. Patient survey contained 11 demographic and nine content questions inquiring how the disease(s) affected patient HRQL. Provider survey examined how the disease(s) affected their patient's HRQL and crucial factors for improvement. Patients were included if they had DHD and spoke English. Providers working with DHD patients were identified among university faculty and community practitioners.Results  Thirty‐eight patients (24.7%) completed the interviews. Three judges content analysed patient responses and proposed seven categories (patients ranked physical functioning first followed by diet, emotional well‐being (E), general well‐being, social functioning (S), ‘no change in HRQL’ and medications). One question about medications had four categories (medication inconvenience, medication side effects, forgetfulness and general well‐being). Index for reliability was greater than 80% for all categories. Providers ranked lifestyle modification (LM), first followed by complications, medication, self‐care, E, education, S, physical activity and resources (ability to pay) as components that impact HRQL.Conclusions  Patient and provider perspectives were similar in four areas (E, S, medication and diet); however, the differences were in how these impacted HRQL – patients focused on activities relevant to daily life that were affected, while providers based it on processes of therapy management and self‐care (education and implementation of LM).
The use of d‐dimer testing and Wells score in patients with high probability for acute pulmonary embolism
Authors: Söderberg Mårten , Brohult Johan , Jorfeldt Lennart , Lärfars Gerd 
Published: August 2008

AbstractRationale, aims and objective  To investigate if a combination of Wells pre‐test probability score and D‐dimer testing could be used as a safe base for making clinical decisions on further investigations for patients with intermediate to high risks of pulmonary embolism (PE).Methods  One hundred and twenty patients with signs or symptoms of acute PE were investigated with pulmonary angiography (PA) or contrast enhanced computed tomography of the pulmonary arteries (CTPA), D‐dimer testing (Tinaquant®) and clinical scoring using the Wells pre‐test probability score during their first 48 hours at the hospital. Patients were recruited consecutively from emergency departments at two teaching hospitals.Results  The cut‐off value of 0.5 mg L−1 in D‐dimer analysis is proved adequate with a negative predictive value (NPV) of 92% in this group of patients with intermediate to high risks. The combination of D‐dimer testing and Wells score increases the NPV to 94%. The specificities of both tests were low.Conclusion  D‐dimer and Wells pre‐test probability scores are safe to rule out acute PE even in patients with at least an intermediate risk of PE, but the specificity is low. D‐dimer testing had a higher NPV than Wells score and the combination improved the algorithm further. The cut‐off level for a high risk of PE measured with the Wells score was four and it seems reasonable to use that cut‐off level in future algorithms. In addition, both PA and CTPA can present false positive and negative results difficult to interpret.
Electronic health records: Use, barriers and satisfaction among physicians who care for black and Hispanic patients
Authors: Jha Ashish K. , Bates David W. , Jenter Chelsea , Orav E. John , Zheng Jie , Cleary Paul , Simon Steven R. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjectives  Electronic health records (EHRs) are a promising tool to improve the quality of health care, although it remains unclear who will benefit from this new technology. Given that a small group of providers care for most racial/ethnic minorities, we sought to determine whether minority‐serving providers adopt EHR systems at comparable rates to other providers.Methods  We used survey data from stratified random sample of all medical practices in Massachusetts in 2005. We determined rates of EHR adoption, perceived barriers to adoption, and satisfaction with EHR systems.Results  Physicians who reported patient panels of more than 40% black or Hispanic had comparable levels of EHR adoption than other physicians (27.9% and 21.8%, respectively, P = 0.46). Physicians from minority‐serving practices identified financial and other barriers to implementing EHR systems at similar rates, although these physicians were less likely to be concerned with privacy and security concerns of EHRs (47.1% vs. 64.4%, P = 0.01). Finally, physicians from high‐minority practices had similar perceptions about the positive impact of EHRs on quality (73.7% vs. 76.6%, P = 0.43) and costs (46.9% vs. 51.5%, P = 0.17) of care.Conclusions  In a state with a diverse minority population, we found no evidence that minority‐serving providers had lower EHR adoption rates, faced different barriers to adoption or were less satisfied with EHRs. Given the importance of ensuring that minority‐serving providers have equal access to EHR systems, we failed to find evidence of a new digital divide.
Polarized light field microscopy: an analytical method using a microlens array to simultaneously capture both conoscopic and orthoscopic views of birefringent objects
Authors: OLDENBOURG R. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryFor the comprehensive analysis of anisotropic materials, a new approach, called ‘polarized light field microscopy’ is introduced. It uses an LC‐PolScope to which a microlens array was added at the image plane of the objective lens. The system is patterned after the ‘light field microscope’ that achieves both lateral and axial resolution in thick specimens in a single camera exposure. In polarized light field microscopy, the microlens array generates a hybrid image consisting of an array of small conoscopic images, each sampling a different object area. Analysis of the conoscopic images reveals the birefringence of each object area as a function of the propagation direction of transmitted light rays. The principles and utility of the instrument that we are calling ‘light field LC‐PolScope’ are demonstrated with images of a thin, polycrystalline calcite film, revealing the azimuth and inclination angle of the optic axis for many crystals simultaneously, including crystals with diameters as small as 2 μm. Compared to traditional conoscopy and related methods, the vastly improved throughput and quantitative analysis afforded by the light field LC‐PolScope make it the instrument of choice for measuring 3D birefringence parameters of complex structures.
Motion‐enhanced, differential interference contrast (MEDIC) microscopy of moving vesicles in live cells: VE‐DIC updated
Authors: HILL D. B. , MACOSKO J. C. , HOLZWARTH G. M. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryVideo‐enhanced differential interference contrast microscopy with background subtraction has made visible many structures and processes in living cells. In video‐enhanced differential interference contrast, the background image is stored manually by defocusing the microscope before images are acquired. We have updated and improved video‐enhanced differential interference contrast by adding automatic generation of the background image as a rolling average of the incoming image stream. Subtraction of this continuously updated 12‐bit background image from the incoming 12‐bit image stream provides a flat background which allows the contrast of moving objects, such as vesicles, to be strongly enhanced while suppressing stationary features such as the overall cell shape. We call our method MEDIC, for motion‐enhanced differential interference contrast. By carrying out background subtraction with 12‐bit images, the number of grey levels in the moving vesicles can be maximized and a single look‐up table can be applied to the entire image, enhancing the contrast of all vesicles simultaneously. Contrast is increased by as much as a factor of 13. The method is illustrated with raw, background and motion‐enhanced differential interference contrast images of moving vesicles within a neurite of a live PC12 cell and a live chick motorneuron.
The advantages of topical combination therapy in the treatment of inflammatory dermatomycoses
Authors: Havlickova Blanka , Friedrich Markus 
Published: August 2008

SummaryDermatomycoses are contagious superficial fungal infections, which are highly prevalent in developed and developing countries. Caused by a range of Epidermophyton, Microsporum and Trichophyton species, dermatomycoses manifest on glabrous skin as ‘ringworm’, an annular scaly lesion with a variable inflammatory component. Itch is the chief subjective symptom, particularly in tinea cruris. Unless lesions are extensive or resistant to local therapy, dermatomycoses of glabrous skin are treated with topical antifungal agents, such as imidazoles and allylamines. Studies show, however, that the addition of a topical corticosteroid to imidazole therapy increases the bioavailability and prolongs the activity of the antimycotic, while rapidly reducing inflammatory symptoms. Travocort® is a combination of 1% isoconazole nitrate (ISN), a broad‐spectrum imidazole with established antimicrobial activity and antimycotic efficacy, and 0.1% diflucortolone valerate (DFV), a potent topical corticosteroid with low systemic absorption and therefore a low risk of systemic glucocorticoid side‐effects. In randomised, double‐blind controlled clinical trials, Travocort® therapy showed a more rapid onset of action, faster relief of itch and other inflammatory symptoms, improved overall therapeutic benefits and better mycological cure rate during the first 2 weeks of treatment compared with ISN monotherapy. Travocort® is well tolerated and, because of prolonged ISN retention in the skin, provides antifungal protection against reinfection for some weeks after therapy.
SIMULTANEOUS MODELLING OF THE MICHAELIS‐MENTEN KINETICS OF PARACETAMOL SULPHATION AND GLUCURONIDATION
Authors: Reith David , Medlicott Natalie J , Kumara De Silva Rohana , Yang Lin , Hickling Jeremy , Zacharias Mathew 
Published: August 2008

SUMMARYThe aim of the present study was to perform anin vivoestimation of the Michaelis‐Menten constants of the major metabolic pathways of paracetamol (APAP).A two‐occasion, single‐dose cross‐over trial was performed using 60 and 90 mg/kg doses of APAP in healthy patients undergoing third molar dental extraction. Plasma samples were collected over 24 h and urine was collected for 8 h after dosing. Twenty patients were enrolled in the study and complete data for plasma and urine were available for both doses for 13 volunteers who were included in the analysis; seven of the volunteers were men, the median age (range) was 22 years (19–31) and the median weight (range) was 68 kg (50–86).The mean (95% CI) kmfor APAP glucuronidation was 6.89 mmol/L (3.57–10.22) and the Vmaxwas 0.97 mmol/h per kg (0.65–1.28). The kmfor APAP sulphation was 0.097 mmol/L (0.041–0.152) and the Vmaxwas 0.011 mmol/h per kg (0.009–0.013). For the combined excretion of APAP‐cysteine and APAP‐mercapturate, the kmwas 0.303 mmol/L (0.131–0.475) and the Vmaxwas 0.004 mmol/h per kg (0.002–0.005).The estimates forin vivoMichaelis‐Menten constants for APAP glucuronidation and sulphation were in the order of those reported previously usingin vitromethods.
Are traditional risk factors valid for assessing cardiovascular risk in end‐stage renal failure patients?
Authors: SHAH DIBYA S , POLKINGHORNE KEVAN R , PELLICANO REBECCA , KERR PETER G 
Published: August 2008

SUMMARY:Aim:  Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the major cause of morbidity and mortality in end‐stage renal failure (ESRF). Establishing whether traditional risk factors are valid predictors of CVD in ESRF is important in order to devise preventive and interventional strategies for the ESRF populations.Methods:  In this retrospective cohort study, a cohort of patients on dialysis were examined between September 2000 and February 2001. Only those without previous CVD events at baseline were included. For each individual, 5 year CVD risk was calculated using the New Zealand 5 year CVD risk prediction charts based on the Framingham Heart Study prognostic algorithm. The subsequent 5 year CVD outcome for each patient was determined and the observed rate of first CVD events was compared to the predicted risk. Relation of individual risk factors with the CVD outcome was also assessed.Results:  Of the patients, 274 were without previous CVD events at baseline and 27% experienced CVD events during the subsequent 5 years. Observed CVD risk was more than twofold that of predicted risk although there was a linear correlation between the two. Among individual risk factors, increasing age, diabetes and smoking were significantly related to the incidence of the CVD events but, unlike in the general population, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol/high‐density lipoprotein ratio and body mass index were not significantly related to CVD events.Conclusion:  The very high incidence of CVD in ESRF patients suggest that non‐traditional risk factors present in the uraemic state are independent risk factors for CVD in ESRF patients. Nevertheless, the application of traditional cardiovascular risk profiles does allow risk stratification of the ESRF population.
Long‐term safety, tolerability, and efficacy of the novel anti‐muscarinic agent imidafenacin in Japanese patients with overactive bladder
Authors: Homma Yukio , Yamaguchi Osamu 
Published: August 2008

Objectives:  To evaluate the long‐term safety, tolerability, and efficacy of imidafenacin, a novel anti‐muscarinic agent, in Japanese patients with overactive bladder.Methods:  Men and women who had overactive bladder symptoms were enrolled for open‐label treatment with 0.1 mg of imidafenacin twice daily for 52 weeks; the safety and efficacy of the treatment regimen were assessed.Results:  A total of 478 patients received the treatment and 376 patients completed the 52‐week program. Imidafenacin was well tolerated, the most common adverse event being a dry mouth (40.2% of the patients). Compared with short‐term treatment, long‐term treatment did not produce an increase in the frequency of adverse events. Imidafenacin had no significant effects on the corrected QT interval, vital signs, results from laboratory tests, or post‐void residual volume. A significant efficacy of imidafenacin was observed from week 4 through week 52. After 52 weeks, imidafenacin produced mean changes from baseline in the number of incontinence episodes (−83.51%), urgency incontinence episodes (−84.21%), voiding frequency (−2.35 micturitions/day), urgency episodes (−70.53%), and volume voided per micturition (28.99 mL). There were also significant reductions from baseline in all domains of the King's Health Questionnaire.Conclusions:  Favorable safety, tolerability, and efficacy profiles for 0.1 mg of imidafenacin administered twice daily were maintained over 52 weeks in Japanese patients with overactive bladder.