bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Prognostic Significance of Patient-Reported Outcomes in Cancer Clinical Trials
Authors: Gotay Carolyn C. , Kawamoto Crissy T. , Bottomley Andrew , Efficace Fabio 
Published: January 2008

Purpose Patient-reported outcomes (PROs), routinely collected as a part of cancer clinical trials, have been linked with survival in numerous clinical studies, but a comprehensive critical review has not been reported. This study systematically assessed the impact of PROs on patient survival after a cancer diagnosis within the context of clinical trials. Design Cancer clinical trials that assessed baseline PROs and mortality were identified through MEDLINE (through December 2006) supplemented by the Cochrane database, American Society of Clinical Oncology/European Society for Medical Oncology abstracts and hand searches. Inclusion criteria were publication in English language and use of multivariate analyses of PROs that controlled for one or more clinical factors. Two raters reviewed each study, abstracted data, and assessed study quality; two additional raters verified abstractions. Results In 36 of 39 studies (N = 13,874), at least one PRO was significantly associated with survival (P < .05) in multivariate analysis, with varying effect sizes. Studies of lung (n = 12) and breast cancer (n = 8) were most prevalent. The most commonly assessed PRO was quality of life, measured by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 in 56% of studies. Clinical variables adjusted for included performance status (PS), treatment arm, stage, weight loss, and serum markers. Results indicated that PROs provide distinct prognostic information beyond standard clinical measures in cancer clinical trials. Conclusion PROs might be considered for stratification purposes in future trials, as they were often better predictors of survival than PS. Studies are needed to determine whether interventions that improve PROs also increase survival and to identify explanatory mechanisms through which PROs relate to survival.
Differential loss of histone H3 isoforms mono-, di- and tri-methylated at lysine 4 during X-inactivation in female embryonic stem cells
Authors: O'Neill Laura P. , Spotswood Hugh T. , Fernando Milan , Turner Bryan M. 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
Silencing of genes on one of the two female X chromosomes early in development helps balance expression of X-linked genes between XX females and XY males and involves chromosome-wide changes in histone variants and modifications. Mouse female embryonic stem (ES) cells have two active Xs, one of which is silenced on differentiation, and provide a powerful model for studying the dynamics of X inactivation. Here, we use immunofluorescence microscopy of metaphase chromosomes to study changes in H3 mono-, di- or tri-methylated at lysine 4 (H3K4me1, -2 or -3) on the inactivating X (Xi) in female ES cells. H3K4me3 is absent from Xi in approximately 25% of chromosome spreads by day 2 of differentiation and in 40–50% of spreads by days 4–6, making it one of the earliest detectable changes on Xi. In contrast, loss of H3K4me2 occurs 1–2 days later, when histone acetylation also diminishes. Remarkably, H3K4me1 is depleted on both (active) X chromosomes in undifferentiated female ES cells, and on the single X in males, and remains depleted on Xi. Consistent with this, chromatin immunoprecipitation reveals differentiation-related reductions in H3K4me2 and H3K4me3 at the promoter regions of genes undergoing X-inactivation in female ES cells, but no comparable change in H3K4me1.
Within-plant variation in palatability and chemical defenses in the green seaweed Avrainvillea elliottii
Authors: Lima Leonardo Martha de S. , Alor Rosemarie , Uriostegui Ricardo , Murray Steven N. , Pereira Renato C. 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
This study tested potential chemical defense of the green seaweed Avrainvillea elliottii against grazing by the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus. We examined intraspecific variation of defensive chemicals in different parts of the thallus (margin, blade and stipe). We predicted that thallus parts making the greatest contributions to thallus fitness would show the greatest chemical deterrence to herbivory. The susceptibility of the whole alga and its different parts to consumption by L. variegatus was evaluated using assays consisting of powdered algae treated with natural concentrations of crude A. elliottii extract. Results from feeding evaluations showed that the crude extracts of whole plants and different thallus parts deterred consumption by this sea urchin. The results also supported our prediction that stronger chemical defenses occur in the more apical and younger areas of the thallus (margins), parts whose loss would result in the greatest reduction of fitness. These results provide added evidence supporting the ability of siphonaceous or coenocytic green macroalgae to concentrate defensive chemicals in growing parts.
Nanoflagellates from coastal waters of southern Brazil (32°S)
Authors: Bergesch Marli , Odebrecht Clarisse , Moestrup Øjvind 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
A taxonomic survey of nanoflagellates in the extreme southern Brazilian coastal waters of the Patos Lagoon estuary and adjacent coastal shelf was undertaken using transmission electron microscopy. A total of 44 species was recorded including 42 nanoflagellates, one scale-bearing amoeba and two species incertae sedis. Scale-bearing haptophytes predominated (27 species), followed by prasinophytes (7), chrysophytes (6), pedinellids (2), incertae sedis (2) and one scale-bearing amoeba. Most of the species (42) are new records for Brazilian marine waters. Among the haptophytes, Chrysochromulina was the most species-rich genus, occurring mainly in high salinity waters, and C. simplex was the most frequent species. Scales of undescribed Chrysochromulina species were observed and documented. Other haptophytes present were Prymnesium parvum and Phaeocystis scrobiculata. Five scale-bearing prasinophytes of the genus Pyramimonas were observed including the uncommon species P. longicauda, in addition to Micromonas pusilla and Nephroselmis pyriformis. Among the chrysophytes, the scale-bearing Paraphysomonas species (4) and the loricate Dinobryon belgica were recorded. The pedinellids (Apedinella radians and Parapedinella reticulata), the amoeba Rabdiophrys sp. and the incertae sedis (Meringosphaera mediterranea, Thaumatomastix sp.) are all scale-bearing protists. The 44 taxa (mostly scale-bearing flagellate species) identified and the finding of further undescribed Chrysochromulina species indicate that only a fraction of the species present in the region are known, and that an effort must be made to increase general knowledge of biodiversity in these southern waters.
A New Laboratory Apparatus to Evaluate Hydrodynamic Dispersibility of Soil During Ocean Dumping
Authors: Yeung Albert T. , W. Maxwell S. , Fung Ivan W. H. , Alfred Au S. K. 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
Hydrodynamic dispersion of soft marine dredging during ocean dumping may cause ecologic damage of the marine environment. The dispersibility of the fine-grained marine deposit may be mitigated by soil treatment, so as to eliminate the potential ecologic damage. An apparatus is specifically designed, fabricated, and assembled to simulate the ocean dumping process, in particular the process of how the material settles through water, to evaluate the viability, feasibility, and practicality of ocean dumping of cement-treated marine deposit, and to develop a better understanding of various complex hydrodynamic and dispersion processes during ocean dumping of soft marine deposit. The design criteria and details of each component of the new apparatus are presented. The distinct advantages of the newly developed apparatus are discussed. Typical experimental results obtained by the apparatus are presented to demonstrate its simplicity of operation and versatility in the measurement of various parameters at temporal intervals.
Long-standing, insulin-treated type 2 diabetes patients with complications respond well to short-term resistance and interval exercise training
Authors: Praet S F E , Jonkers R A M , Schep G , Stehouwer C D A , Kuipers H , Keizer H A , van Loon L J 
Published: January 2008

ObjectiveTo determine the feasibility and the benefits of combined resistance and interval exercise training on phenotype characteristics and skeletal muscle function in deconditioned, type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients with polyneuropathy.DesignShort-term, single-arm intervention trial.MethodsEleven male T2D patients (age: 59.1±7.5 years; body mass index: 32.2±4.0 kg/m2) performed progressive resistance and interval exercise training thrice a week for 10 weeks. Besides primary diabetes outcome measures, muscle strength (MUST), maximal workload capacity (Wmax), whole-body peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and muscle oxidative capacity (MUOX), intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) and glycogen (IMCG) storage, and systemic inflammation markers were determined before and after training. Daily exogenous insulin requirements (EIR) and historic individualized EIR were gathered and analysed.ResultsMUST and Wmax increased with 17% (90% confidence intervals 9–24%) and 14% (6–21) respectively. Furthermore, mean arterial blood pressure declined with 5.5 mmHg (−9.7 to −1.4). EIR dropped with 5.0 IU/d (−11.5 to 1.5) compared with baseline. A decline of respectively −0.7 mmol/l (−2.9 to 1.5) and −147 μmol/l (−296 to 2) in fasting plasma glucose and non-esterified fatty acids concentrations were observed following the intervention, but these were not accompanied by changes in VO2peak, MUOX, IMCL or IMCG, and blood glycolysated haemoglobin, adiponectin, tumor necrosis factor-α and/or cholesterol concentrations.ConclusionShort-term resistance and interval exercise training is feasible in deconditioned T2D patients with polyneuropathy and accompanied by moderate improvements in muscle function and blood pressure. Such a specific exercise regimen may provide a better framework for future exercise intervention programmes in the treatment of deconditioned T2D patients.
Methylprednisolone pulse therapy for patients with moderately severe Graves' orbitopathy: a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study
Authors: van Geest Rob J , Sasim Inna V , Koppeschaar Hans P F , Kalmann Rachel , Stravers Simone N , Bijlsma Ward R , Mourits Maarten P 
Published: January 2008

ObjectiveTo assess whether methylprednisolone (MP) pulse therapy is efficacious in the treatment of moderately severe Graves' orbitopathy (GO).DesignProspective, placebo (PL)-controlled, double-blind, randomized study.MethodsFifteen previously untreated patients with active, moderately severe GO participated in the study; 6 patients received MP and 9 patients a PL. Moderately severe disease was defined using the NOSPECS classification of clinical signs of GO . Activity was measured with the clinical activity score (CAS). A dose of 500 mg MP or only solvent was administered intravenously, over three consecutive days, in four cycles at 4 weekly intervals (6 g of MP in total). Qualitatively, a successful treatment outcome was defined as an improvement in one major and/or two minor criteria in the worst eye at week 48. The major criteria were: improvement in diplopia grade; improvement in eye movement; a decrease in CAS of three points. The minor criteria were: decrease of eyelid retraction; decrease of proptosis; improvement in grade of soft tissue swelling; a decrease in CAS of two points.ResultsThe qualitative treatment outcome was successful at the end of the trial in five out of six (83%) patients receiving MP and in one out of nine (11%) patients given the PL (relative risk=7.5; (95% confidence interval 1.1–49.3), P=0.005). The treatment was well tolerated.ConclusionsIn spite of the small number of patients, a significant difference in outcome was observed between MP- and PL-treated patients. We conclude that MP pulse therapy appears to be an effective treatment for active, moderately severe GO.
Incidence and Characteristics of Arthritis in Norwegian Children: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Riise Øystein Rolandsen , Handeland Kai Samson , Cvancarova Milada , Wathne Karl-Olaf , Nakstad Britt , Abrahamsen Tore Gunnar , Kirkhus Eva , Flatø Berit 
Published: January 2008

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this work was to assess the annual incidence of arthritis in children and describe early disease and patient characteristics, microbiologic features, and immunogenetic factors in children with different subgroups of childhood arthritis.PATIENTS AND METHODS. A population-based multicenter study was performed in southeastern Norway between June 1, 2004, and May 31, 2005. The total population of children under 16 years of age was 255303. Physicians were asked to refer their patients with suspected arthritis to the local department of pediatrics or rheumatology. The children were assessed on the basis of clinical, radiologic, and laboratory examinations at inclusion and followed up at 6 weeks, 6 months, and thereafter as long as clinically indicated. A chart review was performed to identify patients with arthritis who had not been included prospectively.RESULTS. The total annual incidence of arthritis was 71 per 100000 children. Transient arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, postinfectious arthritis, and infectious arthritis were found in 43, 14, 9, and 5 of 100000 children, respectively. The incidence was higher in children under the age of 8 years than in older children (107 vs 34 per 100000). Arthritis occurred more frequently in boys than in girls before the age of 8 years but not thereafter. The median age of onset was lower in children with infectious arthritis than in those with other types of arthritis. Monarthritis was less frequent in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis than in the other subgroups (64% vs 83%–100%). Ten percent of the patients had poststreptococcal reactive arthritis, and only 1 had enteropathic arthritis. Autoantibodies and the presence of HLA-B27 were associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.CONCLUSIONS. The annual incidence of childhood arthritis was 71 per 100000 children. We found several factors that may help in differentiating between subgroups of arthritis.
Adverse Events From Cough and Cold Medications in Children
Authors: Schaefer Melissa K. , Shehab Nadine , Cohen Adam L. , Budnitz Daniel S. 
Published: January 2008

BACKGROUND. Adverse drug events in children from cough and cold medications have been identified as a public health issue with clinical and policy implications. Nationally representative morbidity data could be useful for targeting age-appropriate safety interventions.
OBJECTIVE. To describe emergency department visits for adverse drug events from cough and cold medications in children.
METHODS. Emergency department visits for adverse drug events attributed to cough and cold medications among children aged &lt;12 years were identified from a nationally representative stratified probability sample of 63 US emergency departments from January 1, 2004, through December 31, 2005.
RESULTS. Annually, an estimated 7091 patients aged &lt;12 years were treated in emergency departments for adverse drug events from cough and cold medications, accounting for 5.7% of emergency department visits for all medications in this age group. Most visits were for children aged 2 to 5 years (64%). Unsupervised ingestions accounted for 66% of estimated emergency department visits, which was significantly higher than unsupervised ingestions of other medications (47%), and most of these ingestions involved children aged 2 to 5 years (77%). Most children did not require admission or extended observation (93%).
CONCLUSIONS. Timely national surveillance data can help target education, enforcement, and engineering strategies for reducing adverse events from cough and cold medications among children. Engineering innovations could be particularly helpful in addressing unsupervised ingestions, which is the most frequent cause of adverse events. These innovations could be applicable to other children's medications.
Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycans and Microglia Prevent Migration and Integration of Grafted Müller Stem Cells into Degenerating Retina
Authors: Singhal Shweta , Lawrence Jean M. , Bhatia Bhairavi , Ellis James S. , Kwan Anthony S. , MacNeil Angus , Luthert Philip J. , Fawcett James W. , Perez Maria-Thereza , Khaw Peng T. , Limb G. Astrid 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
At present, there are severe limitations to the successful migration and integration of stem cells transplanted into the degenerated retina to restore visual function. This study investigated the potential role of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) and microglia in the migration of human Müller glia with neural stem cell characteristics following subretinal injection into the Lister hooded (LH) and Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rat retinae. Neonate LH rat retina showed minimal baseline microglial accumulation (CD68-positive cells) that increased significantly 2 weeks after transplantation (p &lt; .001), particularly in the ganglion cell layer (GCL) and inner plexiform layer. In contrast, nontransplanted 5-week-old RCS rat retina showed considerable baseline microglial accumulation in the outer nuclear layer (ONL) and photoreceptor outer segment debris zone (DZ) that further increased (p &lt; .05) throughout the retina 2 weeks after transplantation. Marked deposition of the N-terminal fragment of CSPGs, as well as neurocan and versican, was observed in the DZ of 5-week-old RCS rat retinae, which contrasted with the limited expression of these proteins in the GCL of the adult and neonate LH rat retinae. Staining for CSPGs and CD68 revealed colocalization of these two molecules in cells infiltrating the ONL and DZ of the degenerating RCS rat retina. Enhanced immune suppression with oral prednisolone and intraperitoneal injections of indomethacin caused a reduction in the number of microglia but did not facilitate Müller stem cell migration. However, injection of cells with chondroitinase ABC combined with enhanced immune suppression caused a dramatic increase in the migration of Müller stem cells into all the retinal cell layers. These observations suggest that both microglia and CSPGs constitute a barrier for stem cell migration following transplantation into experimental models of retinal degeneration and that control of matrix deposition and the innate microglial response to neural retina degeneration may need to be addressed when translating cell-based therapies to treat human retinal disease.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Clinical Relevance of Non-HDL Cholesterol in Patients With Diabetes
Authors: Peters Anne L. 
Published: January 2008

IN BRIEF
Patients with type 2 diabetes have high rates of cardiovascular disease(CVD), much of which may be preventable with appropriate treatment of lipid abnormalities. Diabetic dyslipidemia most commonly manifests as elevated triglycerides and low levels of HDL cholesterol, with a predominance of small,dense LDL particles amid relatively normal LDL cholesterol levels. In diabetic patients, non-HDL cholesterol may be a stronger predictor of CVD than LDL cholesterol or triglycerides because it correlates highly with atherogenic lipoproteins. Target goals for LDL and non-HDL cholesterol in patients with diabetes are &lt; 100 and &lt; 130 mg/dl, respectively. Failure to consider the importance of non-HDL cholesterol in type 2 diabetes may result in undertreatment of patients with diabetes.
β-Endorphin in pressor response to hyperventilation in elderly patients with essential and secondary hypertension
Authors: Fontana Fiorella , Bernardi Pasquale , Pizzi Carmine , Toro Rosanna , Spampinato Santi 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
It has been observed that a distinct blood pressure (BP) response to prolonged and forced hyperventilation in adult patients with essential hypertension is associated with significant changes in plasma catecholamine and β-endorphin levels. This paper investigated whether hemodynamic and neuro-endocrine responses to hyperventilation in elderly patients with essential hypertension (n = 39, mean age 81 ± 3 years) differ from those in elderly patients with secondary hypertension (isolated systolic hypertension, bilateral chronic nephropathy, nephroangiosclerosis, diabetic nephropathy and hyperparathyroidism) (n = 39, mean age 80 ± 1 years). Plasma β-endorphin levels were normal in patients with essential hypertension and increased in patients with secondary hypertension. Plasma norepinephrine levels were normal in both populations. Hyperventilation decreased BP and norepinephrine levels and increased β-endorphin levels in essential hypertensive patients, whereas it did not significantly change BP or neuro-hormonal levels in secondary hypertensive patients. Hierarchical cluster analysis based on BP response to hyperventilation disclosed a sub-group of essential hypertensive patients with the highest basal levels of norepinephrine and the lowest β-endorphin levels, in whom the BP decrease following hyperventilation was correlated with the decrease in norepinephrine and increase in β-endorphin levels. This suggests that b-endorphin may be involved in modulating sympatho-adrenergic activity in elderly patients with essential hypertension.
Safety and efficacy of two protocols for sedation in pediatric oncology procedures
Authors: Crea Francesca , Ruggiero Antonio , Genovese Orazio , Tortorolo Luca , Zorzi Giulia , Chiaretti Antonio 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
Invasive procedures, such as the lumbar puncture, can cause anxiety and pain in children undergoing treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We investigated the safety and efficacy of two different protocols for pain relief in 20 children with ALL undergoing lumbar puncture. Protocol A was composed of an association between propofol and alfentanil. Protocol B consisted in the combination of propofol and ketamine. Vital and behavioural parameters, sedation and pain scores were recorded at different times during and after the procedure. All patients showed a satisfactory sedation and analgesia. We found a statistically significant difference of vital parameters between protocol A and protocol B, while there were no significative differences between sedation scores and the other parameters evaluated. Patients in protocol A showed a higher incidence of major side effects, such as respiratory depression. Our results show that both protocols are effective to obtain a good sedation and analgesia in children with ALL undergoing lumbar puncture, but the association between propofol and ketamine appears more safe due to the lower incidence of side effects.