bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Non‐parametric estimation of the case fatality ratio with competing risks data: an application to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
Authors: Jewell Nicholas P. , Lei Xiudong , Ghani Azra C. , Donnelly Christl A. , Leung Gabriel M. , Ho Lai‐Ming , Cowling Benjamin J. , Hedley Anthony J. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractFor diseases with some level of associated mortality, the case fatality ratio measures the proportion of diseased individuals who die from the disease. In principle, it is straightforward to estimate this quantity from individual follow‐up data that provides times from onset to death or recovery. In particular, in a competing risks context, the case fatality ratio is defined by the limiting value of the sub‐distribution function, F1(t) = Pr(T ⩽t and J = 1), associated with death, as t → ∞, where T denotes the time from onset to death (J = 1) or recovery (J = 2). When censoring is present, however, estimation of F1(∞) is complicated by the possibility of little information regarding the right tail of F1, requiring use of estimators of F1(t*) or F1(t*)/(F1(t*)+F2(t*)) where t* is large, with F2(t) = Pr(T ⩽t and J = 2) being the analogous sub‐distribution function associated with recovery. With right censored data, the variability of such estimators increases as t* increases, suggesting the possibility of using estimators at lower values of t* where bias may be increased but overall mean squared error be smaller. These issues are investigated here for non‐parametric estimators of F1 and F2. The ideas are illustrated on case fatality data for individuals infected with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in Hong Kong in 2003. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An efficient test for the analysis of dichotomized variables when the reliability is known
Authors: Borm George F. , Munneke Marten , Lemmers Oscar , van Zuijlen Martien 
Published: September 2006

AbstractA difference in an outcome variable between the treatment groups in a trial does not necessarily mean that there is a difference in the number of patients who experience relevant improvement on that variable. When the relevant improvement corresponds with an outcome or change in outcome that exceeds a certain threshold, the outcome variable can be dichotomized. A responder is a patient whose outcome exceeds the threshold. Comparisons can be made between the number of responders in the two treatment groups using logistic regression, or some other method to evaluate binary outcomes. An important disadvantage of this approach is the loss of power. In general, it is more efficient to test the difference between the mean values.We developed a statistical test that compares response rates for a dichotomized variable. It requires that an estimate of the reliability of the outcome variable is available. Simulations showed that the test was valid and robust over a wide range of distributions and sample sizes. The power was greater than the power of a χ2 test, which would enable substantial reduction in the sample size. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Empirical Correlation Between Size and Two‐Photon Absorption Cross Section of CdSe and CdTe Quantum Dots
Authors: Pu Shih‐Chieh , Yang Meng‐Ju , Hsu Cheng‐Chih , Lai Chih‐Wei , Hsieh Cheng‐Chih , Lin Sheng Hsien , Cheng Yi‐Ming , Chou Pi‐Tai 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe tuning of CdSe quantum dot (QDs) sizes, and consequently their corresponding two‐photon absorption (TPA) cross section, has been systematically investigated. As the size (diameter) of the quantum dots increases, the TPA cross section is found to be empirically related via a power‐law proportionality of 3.5±0.5 and 5.6±0.7 to the diameters of CdSe and CdTe QDs, respectively. The results are tentatively rationalized via a theoretical model of two‐photon excitation properties in a system incorporating excitons and defects.
Flowing Lattices of Bubbles as Tunable, Self‐Assembled Diffraction Gratings
Authors: Hashimoto Michinao , Mayers Brian , Garstecki Piotr , Whitesides George M. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractWe demonstrate tunable, fluidic, two‐dimensional diffraction gratings based on a microfluidic platform comprising a flow‐focusing bubble generator and flowing, regular lattices of bubbles formed by dynamic self‐assembly. The structure of these lattices can be tuned with switching times of less than ten seconds by changing the pressures and rates of flow applied to the device. These diffraction gratings exhibit high stability (over hours of operation if properly designed and operated). For our devices, we achieved tunable ranges in pitch from 12 to 51 μm, corresponding to first‐order diffraction angles from 3.2° to 0.7° for light with a wavelength of 632 nm.
Adrenal Cysts: An Institutional Experience
Authors: Pradeep P. V. , Mishra Anand K. , Aggarwal Vivek , Bhargav P. R. K. , Gupta Sushil K. , Agarwal Amit 
Published: September 2006

AbstractIntroductionAdrenal cysts are rare clinical entities. We report our institutional experience with adrenal cysts and also assess various management options.Material and methodsOver the past 15 years the Department of Endocrine Surgery, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India, has had seven cases of adrenal cysts, of which two were functional: one patient had Cushing’s syndrome and the other patient had pheochromocytoma. The other five cases were incidentally detected. Ultrasound scan and computerized tomography (CT) scan were the imaging modalities. Four patients had a single cyst, two patients had two cysts, and one patient had multiple unilateral cysts.ResultsNone of these cysts had foci of malignancy. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy was possible in three patients with no morbidity or mortality.DiscussionThe reported incidence in clinical series has been 5.4%. Pseudocysts, endothelial cysts, epithelial cysts, and hemorrhagic cysts have been commonly described. The management can be conservative or surgical. It is generally agreed that a hormonal work‐up is necessary in all cases of adrenal cysts to rule out a sub‐clinical disease. Adrenal neoplasms, including adrenocortical carcinomas, can be associated with cysts that are benign in appearance. Percutaneous aspiration has been suggested as an alternative treatment option if the cyst is not hormonally active and if there is no suspicion of malignancy. However, surgical excision provides a definite histopathological diagnosis and also removes the fear of future complications such as hemorrhage into the cyst and local pressure effects due to the tumor.ConclusionsGiven that the adrenals are a vascular gland and taking into consideration the possibilities of bleeding and complications in the cyst, our treatment of choice is the elective excision of adrenal cysts.
Treatment of Abdominal Compartment Syndrome with Subcutaneous Anterior Abdominal Fasciotomy in Severe Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Leppäniemi Ari K. , Hienonen Piia A. , Siren Jukka E. , Kuitunen Anne H. , Lindström Outi K. , Kemppainen Esko A. J. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackgroundManaging the abdominal compartment syndrome associated with severe acute pancreatitis by the open abdomen method is associated with considerable morbidity and resource utilization.MethodsA technique of subcutaneous anterior abdominal fasciotomy is described for the first time in two patients with severe acute pancreatitis.ResultsFollowing the procedure, the intra‐abdominal pressure decreased from 30 mmHg immediately to 23 mmHg and to a sustained level of 12–14 mmHg in the first patient, and from 35 mmHg immediately to 23 mmHg and to a sustained level of 14–19 mmHg in the second patient.ConclusionsThe subcutaneous anterior abdominal fasciotomy is a promising method for safe and effective abdominal decompression with sustained effect and avoiding the morbidity associated with the alternative open abdomen techniques.
Commercial Mesh versus Nylon Mosquito Net for Hernia Repair. A Randomized Double‐blind Study in Burkina Faso
Authors: Freudenberg Sebastian , Sano Daman , Ouangré Edgar , Weiss Christel , Wilhelm Torsten J. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractPurposeThe goal of this study was to investigate whether locally available Nylon mosquito net might be a useful alternative to expensive commercial mesh implants for hernia repair, a clinical randomized double‐blind study was performed.Materials and MethodsOver a period of 3 months 35 patients with a total of 40 inguinal hernias were randomized for hernia repair with either a commercial graft (Ultrapro®) or a piece of sterilized 100% Nylon mesh available as mosquito net in most African village markets. The surgeons’ comfort in handling the meshes, the incidence of complications, and the patients’ quality of life before and 30 days after hernia repair were evaluated. In addition, the costs of the two materials were compared.ResultsThere was no significant difference in the clinical short‐term outcome of the hernia treatment or the surgeons’ comfort in handling the two different materials. The price of the locally bought Nylon mesh was 0.0043 US$ as compared to 108 US$ for the commercial mesh.ConclusionsIn situations where superior results of hernia repair depend on the use of a mesh prosthesis but where commercial material is not available or affordable, the use of Nylon mosquito net may be an alternative. Further studies with a larger number of patients and longer follow‐up are justified and recommended.
Role of the Simultaneous Sequential Strategy for Failed Acute Sinus Restoration after Modified Left Maze Procedure for Persistent Atrial Fibrillation with Concomitant Mitral Surgery
Authors: Chang Jen‐Ping , Chen Mien‐Cheng , Kao Chiung‐Lun , Yang Cheng‐Hsu , Yu Teng‐Hung , Chen Chien‐Jen 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackgroundWe assessed whether the simultaneous sequential strategy could (1) achieve additional sinus restoration for those patients who were not in sinus rhythm while coming off bypass after modified left maze procedure and (2) attain the same long‐term success rates as the bi‐atrial maze procedure in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) and mitral valve disease.Materials and MethodsTwenty‐seven consecutive patients – ten men and 17 women with a mean age of 52 ± 13 years, all with persistent AF and mitral valve disease – underwent the modified maze procedure with the simultaneous sequential strategy. In the first phase, the modified left atrial maze operation was carried out with concomitant valvular surgery; the right side maze operation was subsequently carried out as a second phase of the sequential strategy only if AF re‐appeared following the spontaneous restoration of heart beats during the operation.ResultsTwenty patients (74.1%) underwent the left atrial maze procedure only, and seven patients (25.9%) required the subsequent right atrial maze procedure as part of the sequential strategy. At a mean follow‐up of 15.1 ± 7.7 months, six of the 27 patients (22.2%) who underwent additional right atrial maze procedure had restored sinus rhythm. At a mean follow‐up of 17.8 ± 7.3 months, 24 of the 27 patients (88.9%) had restored sinus rhythm and 22 patients (81.5%) had restored bi‐atrial transport function (right atrial filling fraction: 40.8 ± 11.7%; left atrial filling fraction: 22.9 ± 8.1%) after application of the sequential strategy.ConclusionsCompared with modified left atrial maze procedure, the application of the simultaneous sequential strategy successfully restored sinus rhythm in an additional 22.2% of patients with persistent AF. The overall sinus conversion rate of 88.9% was comparable with that of the standard bi‐atrial maze procedure.
Religious Involvement and Its Association to Risk Behaviors among Older Youth in Foster Care
Authors: Scott Lionel D. , Munson Michelle R. , McMillen J. Curtis , Ollie Marcia T. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThis study examined religious involvement and its association to risk behaviors (sexual behavior, marijuana use, alcohol use, and cigarette use) among older youth in foster care (N=383). Three dimensions of religious involvement were assessed—church or religious service attendance, religious practices, and religious beliefs. Findings showed that gender, ethnic group membership, sexual abuse history, and placement type were significantly associated with older foster care youth's religious involvement. Hierarchical logistic regression analyses showed that religious service attendance was associated with reduced odds of youth's engagement in sexual behavior in the past 2 months and current use of cigarettes. In addition, greater religious beliefs were associated with a reduction in odds of youth's use of alcohol in the past 6 months and current use of cigarettes. The consideration of religious involvement as a positive influence and resource that may reduce unhealthy risk behaviors among older youth in foster care is discussed.
Review of: Methylation of estrogen receptor β promoter correlates with loss of ER-β expression in mammary carcinoma and is an early indication marker in premalignant lesions
Authors: Skliris G. P. , Murphy L. C. 
Published: September 2006

Citation of original article:A. Rody, U. Holtrich, C. Solbach, K. Kourtis, G. von Minckwitz, K. Engels, S. Kissler, R. Gätje, T. Karn, M. Kaufmann. Methylation of estrogen receptor β promoter correlates with loss of ER-β expression in mammary carcinoma and is an early indication marker in premalignant lesions. Endocrine-Related Cancer 2005; 12: 903–916.Abstract of the original articleThe function of estrogen receptor beta (ER-β) in mammary tissue is not completely understood. While early observations were often conflicting, more recent data suggest an important role as a tumor-suppressor gene. A decrease of ER-β expression has been observed in ductal carcinoma in situ and invasive carcinomas as compared with benign mammary epithelial cells. The loss of ER-β resulted in abnormal growth of mammary epithelial cells. We have previously shown that the mRNA expression of the ER-β gene is almost totally suppressed in breast carcinomas from patients with a poor prognosis. Here we analyzed whether methylation changes in the different promoters of ER-β are responsible for the loss of expression of the gene. A methylation assay with high specificity and sensitivity was developed, and a panel of breast tissue samples (n = 175) was characterized for methylation status. In contrast to benign breast, more than two-thirds of invasive breast cancers showed a high degree of methylation. Importantly, increased methylation was also detectable in numerous premalignant lesions. By analysis of breast tumors, previously characterized by gene-expression profiling, methylation was predominantly detected in a subgroup of patients with an unfavorable prognosis, suggesting a possible prognostic value of the ER-β methylation status. We also investigated the structural characteristics of the two ER-β promoters, which were both found to be closely associated with a second, downstream, localized and opposite-oriented promoter. However, we could not detect endogenous antisense RNA transcribed from these promoters, which may be involved in epigenetic gene silencing. We also failed to induce ER-β promoter methylation by expressing siRNAs in cell lines. Interestingly, by comparing the promoter sequences of ER-β with other genes known to be epigenetically inactivated in breast cancers, we identified a sequence motif possibly involved in promoter methylation.
Cell‐Free Protein Synthesis System Prepared from Insect Cells by Freeze‐Thawing
Authors: Ezure Toru , Suzuki Takashi , Higashide Shoken , Shintani Eiichi , Endo Kohki , Kobayashi Shin‐ichiro , Shikata Masamitsu , Ito Masaaki , Tanimizu Koji , Nishimura Osamu 
Published: September 2006

AbstractWe established a novel cell‐free protein synthesis system derived from Trichoplusia ni (HighFive) insect cells by a simple extraction method. Luciferase and β‐galactosidase were synthesized in this system with active forms. We analyzed and optimized (1) the preparation method of the insect cell extract, (2) the concentration of the reaction components, and (3) the 5′‐untranslated region (5′‐UTR) of mRNA. The extract was prepared by freeze‐thawing insect cells suspended in the extraction buffer. This preparation method was a simple and superior method compared with the conventional method using a Dounce homogenizer. Furthermore, protein synthesis efficiency was improved by the addition of 20% (v/v) glycerol to the extraction buffer. Concentrations of the reaction components were optimized to increase protein synthesis efficiency. Moreover, mRNAs containing 5′‐UTRs derived from baculovirus polyhedrin genes showed high protein synthesis activity. Especially, the leader composition of the Ectropis obliqua nucleopolyhedrovirus polyhedrin gene showed the highest enhancement activity among the six 5′‐UTRs tested. As a result, in a batch reaction approximately 71 μg of luciferase was synthesized per milliliter of reaction volume at 25 °C for 6 h. Moreover, this method for the establishment of a cell‐free system was applied also to Spodoptera frugiperda 21 (Sf21) insect cells. After optimizing the concentrations of the reaction components and the 5′‐UTR of mRNA, approximately 45 μg/mL of luciferase was synthesized in an Sf21 cell‐free system at 25 °C for 3 h. These productivities were sufficient to perform gene expression analyses. Thus, these cell‐free systems may be a useful tool for simple synthesis in post‐genomic studies as a novel protein production method.
Differential levels of soluble angiopoietin‐2 and Tie‐2 in patients with haematological malignancies
Authors: Quartarone E. , Alonci A. , Allegra A. , Bellomo G. , Calabrò L. , D'Angelo A. , Del Fabro V. , Grasso A. , Cincotta M. , Musolino C. 
Published: September 2006

Abstract:The system involving angiopoietin‐2 (Ang‐2) and its receptor, Tie‐2, appears to play an important role not only in tumor angiogenesis, but also in the biology of haematological and non‐haematological malignancies. In the present study we evaluated the serum levels of soluble Ang‐2 (sAng‐2) and soluble Tie‐2 (sTie‐2) in patients with haematological malignancies. Measurements were carried out in 15 patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), 25 with essential thrombocythemia (ET), 24 with multiple myeloma (MM) and six with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). In addition, we correlated the levels of angiopoietins with known prognostic factors. sAng‐2 and sTie‐2 were quantified with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In patients with CML and MM the levels of sAng‐2 were significantly higher (1686.53 ± 936.41 pg/mL and 1917.82 ± 1427 pg/mL, respectively) than in controls (n = 15; 996.096 ± 414.65 pg/mL) (P < 0.01). In patients with MM sAng‐2 levels were significantly increased with increasing stage of disease, from stage I to stage III (P < 0.03) and presented a trend of correlation with Beta2‐microglobulin levels (r = 0.317) and grade of bone involvement. Furthermore, the levels of sAng‐2 determined after 6 months of chemotherapy in CML patients were significantly lower than at diagnosis in the patients who achieved haematological remission. Circulating sTie‐2 levels were increased in patients with ET (17.5 ± 9.2 vs 9 ± 3.5 ng/mL; P < 0.01) and in those with CML (16.29 ± 8.7 ng/mL; P < 0.04). In conclusion, abnormal levels of sAng‐2 and sTie‐2 are present in some haematological malignancies. These markers may play a role in the pathophysiology of these conditions and their progression.
Clinical implications ofSOCS1methylation in myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Wu Shang‐Ju , Yao Ming , Chou Wen‐Chien , Tang Jih‐Luh , Chen Chien‐Yuan , Ko Bo‐Sheng , Huang Shen‐Yi , Tsay Woei , Chen Yao‐Chang , Shen Ming‐Ching , Wang Chiu‐Hwa , Yeh Yo‐Chia , Tien Hwei‐Fang 
Published: September 2006

SummaryThe suppressor of cytokine signalling‐1 (SOCS1) protein is a tumour suppressor. Hypermethylation ofSOCS1gene, resulting in transcriptional silencing, is suggested to play an important role in cancer development. We sought to characteriseSOCS1methylation in primary myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and clarify its clinical implications. The methylation status ofSOCS1was analysed by methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction in 114 patients with primary MDS and serial studies were performed in 29 of them.SOCS1methylation occurred in 54 patients (47·4%), and was more frequent in patients with high‐risk MDS than in those with low‐risk (52·6% vs. 25·8%,P = 0·011).SOCS1methylation was closely associated withNRASmutation (P = 0·010) and inversely associated with good‐risk karyotype (P = 0·021). With a median follow‐up of 17 months (range: 1–231 months), two patients acquiredSOCS1methylation during disease progression. In two patients,SOCS1methylation present at diagnosis, disappeared after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Patients withSOCS1methylation had a higher cumulative risk of leukaemic transformation than those without (55·8% vs. 27·7% at 3 years,P = 0·004). This difference remained significant within the subgroup of patients with high‐risk MDS (67·3% vs. 45·1% at 3 years,P = 0·045). This is the first report to demonstrate the clinical relevance ofSOCS1methylation in MDS. It may play an important role in the pathogenesis of MDS, especially among patients with high‐risk subtypes.
When parents use drugs: key findings from qualitative research on parenting and children in Iran
Authors: Pirsaraee Hossein Yahyazadeh 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACTThis paper reports on the finding of a grounded theory study on drug dependency and parenting in Iran. This study is qualitative in nature; data were obtained through semi‐structured interviews. The grounded theory method was used to guide the analysis. Interviews with 41 opium‐ and heroin‐dependent parents selected from a treatment centre in Rasht, Iran provided detailed information on the impact of drug dependency on parenting. The study focused on drug dependency and parenting and explored the links between them in order to understand the impact of drug dependency on parental duties and responsibilities. The findings showed that parental drug dependency affects various aspects of parenting, including children’s material needs and basic requirements; parent–child relationships; parent–child communication; and the disciplinary strategies of parents. The results showed that children’s material needs and basic requirements may be overshadowed by parents’ drug dependency. It was also discovered that abuse of children by drug‐dependent parents was manifested in three major forms. This study also found that the bonds within families of drug‐dependent parents tended to weaken and that control over children almost disappeared in many cases. Intervention and prevention programmes should be offered to the children of drug‐dependent parents.