bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Infrared Sea Surface Temperature Autonomous Radiometer (ISAR) for Deployment aboard Volunteer Observing Ships (VOS)
Authors: Donlon C. , Robinson I. S. , Wimmer W. , Fisher G. , Reynolds M. , Edwards R. , Nightingale T. J. 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
The infrared SST autonomous radiometer (ISAR) is a self-calibrating instrument capable of measuring in situ sea surface skin temperature (SSTskin) to an accuracy of 0.1 K. Extensive field deployments alongside two independent research radiometers measuring SSTskin using different spectral and geometric configurations show that, relatively, ISAR SSTskin has a zero bias ±0.14 K rms. The ISAR instrument has been developed for satellite SST validation and other scientific programs. The ISAR can be deployed continuously on voluntary observing ships (VOS) without any service requirement or operator intervention for periods of up to 3 months. Five ISAR instruments have been built and are in sustained use in the United States, China, and Europe. This paper describes the ISAR instrument including the special design features that enabled a single channel radiometer with a spectral bandpass of 9.6–11.5 μm to be adapted for autonomous use. The entire instrument infrared optical path is calibrated by viewing two blackbody reference cavities at different temperatures to maintain high accuracy while tolerating moderate contamination of optical components by salt deposition. During bad weather, an innovative storm shutter, triggered by a sensitive optical rain gauge, automatically seals the instrument from the external environment. Data are presented that verify the instrument calibration and functionality in such situations. A watchdog timer and auto-reboot function support automatic data logging recovery in case of power outages typically encountered on ships. An RS485 external port allows supporting instruments that are not part of the core ISAR package (e.g., a solarimeter) to be logged using the ISAR system. All data are processed by the ISAR instrument and are relayed to a host computer via the RS232 serial link as (National Electronics Manufacturers Association) NEMA-style strings allowing easy integration into many commercial onboard scientific data logging systems. In case of a communications failure, data are stored on board using a CompactFlash card that can be retrieved when the instrument is serviced. The success of the design is demonstrated using results obtained over 21 months in the English Channel and Bay of Biscay as part of a campaign to validate SSTskin observations derived from the Environmental Satellite (Envisat) Advanced Along-Track Scanning Radiometer (AATSR).
CD27-CD70 interactions in the pathogenesis of Waldenström macroglobulinemia
Authors: Ho Allen W. , Hatjiharissi Evdoxia , Ciccarelli Bryan T. , Branagan Andrew R. , Hunter Zachary R. , Leleu Xavier , Tournilhac Olivier , Xu Lian , O'Connor Kelly , Manning Robert J. , Santos Daniel Ditzel , Chemaly Mariana , Patterson Christopher J. , Soumerai Jacob D. , Munshi Nikhil C. , McEarchern Julie A. , Law Che-Leung , Grewal Iqbal S. , Treon Steven P. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractWaldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is a B-cell malignancy characterized by an IgM monoclonal gammopathy and bone marrow (BM) infiltration with lymphoplasmacytic cells (LPCs). Excess mast cells (MCs) are commonly present in WM, and provide growth and survival signals to LPCs through several TNF family ligands (CD40L, a proliferation-inducing ligand [APRIL], and B-lymphocyte stimulator factor [BLYS]). As part of these studies, we demonstrated that WM LPCs secrete soluble CD27 (sCD27), which is elevated in patients with WM (P < .001 vs healthy donors), and serves as a faithful marker of disease. Importantly, sCD27 stimulated expression of CD40L on 10 of 10 BM MC samples and APRIL on 4 of 10 BM MC samples obtained from patients with WM as well as on LAD2 MCs. Moreover, the SGN-70 humanized monoclonal antibody, which binds to CD70 (the receptor-ligand partner of CD27), abrogated sCD27 mediated up-regulation of CD40L and APRIL on WM MCs. Last, treatment of severe combined immunodeficiency–human (SCID-hu) mice with established WM using the SGN-70 antibody blocked disease progression in 12 of 12 mice, whereas disease progressed in all 5 untreated mice. The results of these studies demonstrate a functional role for sCD27 in WM pathogenesis, along with its utility as a surrogate marker of disease and a target in the treatment of WM.
Loss of Bcl-x in Ph+ B-ALL increases cellular proliferation and does not inhibit leukemogenesis
Authors: Harb Jason G. , Chyla Brenda I. , Huettner Claudia S. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe kinase inhibitors imatinib mesylate and dasatinib are the preferred treatment for Philadelphia chromosome–positive (Ph+) leukemias, and they are highly successful in the chronic phase of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). However, they are not efficient in Ph+ B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). Ph+ leukemia cells are highly resistant to apoptosis, and evidence from cell lines and primary cells suggest Bcl-xL as a critical mediator of resistance to apoptosis: however, this concept has never been rigorously tested in an animal model. To clarify the role of Bcl-xL in Ph+ B-ALL, we generated 2 mouse models. In the first model, Ph+ B-ALL and loss of Bcl-xL expression are coinduced; in the second model, leukemia is induced with expression of Bcl-xL protein well above the levels found in wild-type lymphoblasts. Deletion of Bcl-xL did not inhibit leukemogenesis or affect apoptosis, but increased cellular proliferation. Consistent with this result, overexpression of Bcl-xL led to decreased cellular proliferation. These models reveal an unexpected role for Bcl-xL in cell-cycle entry and the proliferation of tumor cells.
CD32B is highly expressed on clonal plasma cells from patients with systemic light-chain amyloidosis and provides a target for monoclonal antibody–based therapy
Authors: Zhou Ping , Comenzo Raymond L. , Olshen Adam B. , Bonvini Ezio , Koenig Scott , Maslak Peter G. , Fleisher Martin , Hoffman James , Jhanwar Suresh , Young James W. , Nimer Stephen D. , Boruchov Adam M. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractDespite advances in therapy, many patients with systemic light-chain amyloidosis (AL) die within 3 years from diagnosis. The humanized 2B6 monoclonal antibody (MoAb) is specific for the low-affinity IgG Fc receptor CD32B and effective in a human CD32B+ B-cell lymphoma murine xenograft model. Because MoAb therapy could improve outcomes in AL, we studied CD32B expression by clonal plasma cells obtained from 48 patients with AL. Transcript profiling showed that expression of CD32B was significantly higher than expression of all other Fc receptor family members. Reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using double-enriched CD138+ plasma cells showed uniform expression of the stable cell surface CD32B1 isoform at diagnosis and relapse, and flow cytometry showed intense CD32B cell surface staining on 99% of CD138+ plasma cells at diagnosis and relapse. These data provide a rationale for the novel therapeutic targeting of CD32B using the humanized 2B6 MoAb in patients with systemic AL-amyloidosis.
European reference equations for CO and NO lung transfer
Authors: Aguilaniu B. , Maitre J. , Glénet S. , Gegout-Petit A. , Guénard H. 
Published: January 2008

The aim of the present study was to calculate reference equations for carbon monoxide and nitric oxide transfer, measured in two distinct populations.The transfer factor of the lung for nitric oxide (TL,NO) and carbon monoxide (TL,CO) were measured in 303 people aged 18–94 yrs. Measurements were similarly made in two distant cities, using the single-breath technique. Capillary lung volume (Vc) and membrane conductance, the diffusing capacity of the membrane (Dm), for carbon monoxide (Dm,CO) were derived.The transfer of both gases appeared to depend upon age, height, sex and localisation. The rate of decrease in both transfers increased after the age of 59 yrs.TL,NO/alveolar volume (VA) andTL,CO/VAwere only age-dependent. The meanTL,NO/TL,COwas 4.75 and the meanDm/Vcwas 6.17 min−1·kPa−1; these parameters were independent of any covariate.VcandDm,COcalculations depend upon the choice of coefficients included in the Roughton–Forster equation. Values of 1.97 forDm,NO/Dm,COratio and 12.86 min·kPa−1for 1/red cell CO conductance are recommended.The scatter of transfer reference values in the literature, including the current study, is wide. The present results suggest that differences might be due to the populations themselves and not the methods alone.
Validation of assays for inflammatory mediators in exhaled breath condensate
Authors: Bayley D. L. , Abusriwil H. , Ahmad A. , Stockley R. A. 
Published: January 2008

The use of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) as a tool for noninvasive assessment of lung inflammation is becoming commonplace. Many authors use commercial ELISA kits to measure inflammatory mediators within EBC. However, the very low concentrations of mediators within EBC are often below the commercially validated concentration range of the relevant ELISA and crucially below the linear part of the sigmoid standard curve. The present study seeks to validate a series of assays for use in EBC and to compare the results in EBC with those from matched sol phase sputum samples.The following mediators were measured by ELISA: leukotriene (LT)B4, interleukin (IL)-8, secretory leukoprotease inhibitor and α1-antitrypsin (AAT). Myeloperoxidase was measured by chromogenic substrate assay.Mediator concentrations reached the lower limit of quantification in only one assay (AAT) in 19.6% of subjects, while mediator concentrations reached the lower limit of detection in three assays (LTB4, IL-8 and AAT in 31, 6.5 and 61% of subjects, respectively). No significant correlations were present between any mediators in EBC and sol phase sputum.The results of the present study indicate that care must be exercised when interpreting mediator measurements in exhaled breath condensate and that assays must be validated at concentrations relevant to those found within the biological fluid.
Antibacterial class is not obviously important in outpatient pneumonia: a meta-analysis
Authors: Maimon N. , Nopmaneejumruslers C. , Marras T. K. 
Published: January 2008

The aim of the present study was to systematically compare outcomes between antibiotic classes in treating outpatient community-acquired pneumonia, with regard to antibacterials active against atypical organisms, as well as between various antibacterial classes with similar atypical coverage.A meta-analysis was performed on randomised controlled trials of antibacterials for community-acquired pneumonia in outpatients aged ≥18 yrs. The studies were independently reviewed by two reviewers. Clinical success and mortality were compared between different oral antibiotic classes, and antibacterials with atypical coverage (macrolides and fluoroquinolones) were specifically compared with other antibacterials.In total, 13 eligible studies involving a total of 4,314 patients were included. The quality of the studies was variable. Five studied macrolides and fluoroquinolones, three macrolides and β-lactams, three fluoroquinolones and β-lactams and two cephalosporinsversusβ-lactams/ β-lactamase inhibitors. No significant difference was detected regarding clinical success or mortality, regardless of atypical coverage or between antibacterial classes with similar atypical coverage.It was not possible to demonstrate any advantage of specific antibacterials for mild community-acquired pneumonia in relatively healthy outpatients. The need for coverage of atypical pathogens in this setting was not apparent. In mild-to-moderate cases of outpatient-treated community-acquired pneumonia, it might be most appropriate to select antibacterials according to side-effects, patient preferences, availability and cost.
A Prospective Study of the Case-Notes of MRSA-Positive Patients: A Vehicle of MRSA Spread
Authors: Hamza N , Bazoua G , Al-Shajerie Y , Kubiak E , James P , Wong C 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has received much publicity and remains a major problem for the health service. The aim of this study was to determine whether case-notes of MRSA-positive patients can act as a vehicle for MRSA transmission. PATIENTS AND METHODS A prospective study was performed of patients with active MRSA infection identified from a microbiology department database. Two swabs were taken from the cover of the case-notes and the page with the most recent entry for identification of MRSA using MRSA ID (Chromogenic agar medium), Pastorex and DNase tests. Positive case-notes were re-swabbed 96 h later. RESULTS A total of 50 MRSA-positive patients were identified from medical, surgical, high dependency and intensive care Three sets of notes were MRSA positive (3/50; 6%). None of the positive case-notes was positive on re-swabbing at 96 h. CONCLUSIONS Case-notes of MRSA-positive patients can act as carriers of MRSA with the potential to spread MRSA to both healthcare and non-healthcare workers without direct contact with infected patients. We recommend extending the universal precautions to the handling of case-notes belonging to MRSA-infected patients.
What do Patients Think About Minimally Invasive Total Hip Arthroplasty?
Authors: Gerrand C , McNulty G , Brewster N , Holland J , McCaskie A 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION The introduction of minimally invasive techniques for hip replacement into clinical practice has been driven by the perceived benefits of smaller incisions, shorter in-patient stays and faster rehabilitation. This may be at the cost of higher complication rates. The purpose of this study was to explore the opinions and priorities of patients in relation to these techniques. PATIENTS AND METHODS A cross-sectional survey was performed in an elective out-patient setting. RESULTS Of 44 patients approached, 36 agreed to participate. From most important to least important, patients rated the following items in order: ‘rate of complications’; ‘implant survival’; ‘length of rehabilitation’; ‘time in hospital’ and ‘length of scar’. Despite this, 21 of 35 (60%) responders stated they would accept the offer of minimally invasive techniques if made. CONCLUSIONS Patients appear to prioritise long-term outcomes and low complication rates over the shorter scars, reduced in-patient stay and reduced rehabilitation times potentially offered by minimally invasive hip arthroplasty. Despite this, the technique remains popular among patients.
With Adequate Supervision, the Grade of the Operating Surgeon is not a Determinant of Outcome for Patients Undergoing Urgent Colorectal Surgery
Authors: Hawkins WJ , Moorthy KM , Tighe D , Yoong K , Patel RT 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION It is essential that higher surgical trainees (HSTs) obtain adequate emergency operative experience without compromising patient outcome. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of patients operated by HSTs with those operated by consultants and to look at the effect of consultant supervision. PATIENTS AND METHODS A retrospective analysis of 362 patients who underwent urgent colorectal surgery was performed. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes were intra-operative and postoperative surgery, specific and systemic complications, and delayed complications. RESULTS Comparison of the patients operated by a consultant (n = 190) and a HST (n = 172) as the primary surgeon revealed no significant difference between the two groups for age, gender, ASA status or indication for surgery. There was a difference in the type of procedure performed (left-sided resections: consultants 122/190, HST 91/172; P = 0.050). There was no difference between the two groups for the primary and secondary outcomes. However, HSTs operating unsupervised performed significantly fewer primary anastomoses for left-sided resections (P =0.019) and had more surgery specific complications (P = 0.028) than those supervised by a consultant. CONCLUSIONS HSTs can perform emergency colorectal surgery with similar outcomes to their consultants, but adequate consultant supervision is vital to achieving these results.
The Implementation of European Association of Urology Guidelines in the Management of Acute Epididymo-Orchitis
Authors: Garthwaite Mary AE , Johnson G , Lloyd S , Eardley I 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION Acute epididymo-orchitis is a common and increasing problem. This retrospective study reviewed whether the European Association of Urology guidelines for the management of acute epididymo-orchitis, which form the basis of this Trust's present inter-departmental guidelines, are being effectively implemented. PATIENTS AND METHODS Case notes of 53 patients attending the emergency department with acute epididymo-orchitis over a 6-month period were reviewed retrospectively. The hospital results' database was used to confirm the diagnostic tests requested on patients at the time of their initial presentation. RESULTS Of the study cohort, 26 patients were aged ≤ 35 years and 27 patients were aged > 35 years. The results demonstrated that a sexual history was documented in only 43.4% of cases. A mid-stream urine sample was sent for routine culture in 54.7% of cases whilst urine for the Chlamydia polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test was obtained in 17% and a urethral swab performed in 5.6%. Antibiotics were prescribed in 81% of cases. Of these patients, 46.5% received ciprofloxacin alone (mean age, 52 years; range, 18–87 years), 25.5% received doxycycline alone (mean age, 30 years; range, 18–45 years) and 21% received both ciprofloxacin and doxycycline (mean age, 33 years; range 18–49 years). In 26.4% of cases, verbal advice to attend a genito-urinary medicine clinic was given, whilst a formal telephone referral was made in only one case. Formal urological follow-up was arranged for only three out of 11 patients aged > 50 years. CONCLUSIONS Although a joint emergency department/urology clinical protocol for the investigation and treatment of acute epididymo-orchitis already exists within the Trust, our current management conforms to this in only a minority of cases. Many different strategies can be employed in the implementation of clinical practice guidelines and all are associated with variable degrees of success. The regular movement of junior staff through each department necessitates that the distribution of management protocols and guidelines occurs at frequent intervals throughout the year and that their implementation is continuously monitored so that, if necessary, further implementation strategies can be employed.
The Management of Foreign Bodies in the Pharynx and Oesophagus Using Transnasal Flexible Laryngooesophagoscopy (TNFLO)
Authors: Bennett AMD , Sharma A , Price T , Montgomery PQ 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION We describe our experience of the diagnosis and removal of foreign bodies from the pharynx and oesophagus using transnasal flexible laryngo-oesophagoscopy (TNFLO) under local analgesic. The advantages of this novel instrumentation and technique are discussed. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients were examined with a Pentax 80K Series Digital Video Endoscope after local analgesia. The instrument was passed transnasally examining the oro- and hypopharynx, and then passed into the oesophagus. The presence, type and site of a foreign body could then be established. If a foreign body was detected, such as fish bone, it was extracted using flexible grabbing forceps passed down the instrument channel and delivered through the nasal or oral cavity. The object was then inspected to ensure removal in its entirety. RESULTS Five cases have been successfully managed using TNFLO. CONCLUSIONS TNFLO represents an improvement in the diagnosis and subsequent treatment of a selected group of foreign bodies as compared with established methodologies.
Age as a Predictive Factor for In-Patient Admission Following Day-Case Shoulder Arthroscopic Sub-Acromial Decompression – A District General Hospital Audit
Authors: Jain NPM , Ogonda L , Trimmings NP 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION Admission following day-case surgery can be problematic for both the patient and the health service. The purpose of this study was to identify any factors predictive of admission following arthroscopic sub-acromial decompression (ASAD) of the shoulder planned as day-case procedures. PATIENTS AND METHODS A postal questionnaire provided data for 27 patients undergoing ASAD as a day-case procedure between June 2002 and June 2004. RESULTS Eighteen (66.7%) questionnaires were returned. Of respondents, 38.9% (mean age, 58 years) felt the procedure required in-patient admission due to postoperative pain. These patients had an older mean age than those (61.1%) content with a day-case procedure (mean age, 49 years; P = 0.04). Of patients 55 years and older, 67% felt that the procedure should have an in-patient admission due to postoperative pain compared to 11% of patients under the age of 55 years (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS Patient age may be useful as a predictor of the likelihood of postoperative admission for pain control following day-case shoulder surgery and should be taken into account when planning day case lists.
The Misuse of ‘No Significant Difference’ in British Orthopaedic Literature
Authors: Sexton SA , Ferguson N , Pearce C , Ricketts DM 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION Many studies published in medical journals do not consider the statistical power required to detect a meaningful difference between study groups. As a result, these studies are often underpowered: the sample size may not be large enough to pick up a statistically significant difference (or other effect of interest) of a given size between the study groups. Therefore, the conclusion that there is no statistically significant difference between groups cannot be made unless a study has been shown to have sufficient power. The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of negative studies with inadequate statistical power in British journals to which orthopaedic surgeons regularly submit. MATERIALS AND METHODS We assessed all papers in the last consecutive six issues prior to the start of the study (April 2005) in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (British), Injury, and Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. We sought published evidence that a power analysis had been performed in association with the main hypothesis of the paper. RESULTS There were a total of 170 papers in which a statistical comparison of two or more groups was undertaken. Of these 170 papers, 49 (28.8%) stated as their primary conclusion that there was no statistically significant difference between the groups studied. Of these 49 papers, only 3 (6.1%) had performed a power analysis demonstrating adequate sample size. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that the majority of negative studies in the British orthopaedic literature that we have looked at have not performed the statistical analysis necessary to reach their stated conclusions. In order to remedy this, we recommend that the journals sampled include the following guidance in their instructions to authors: the statement ‘no statistically significant difference was found between study groups’ should be accompanied by the results of a power analysis.