bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A prospective cohort study of postoperative complications in the management of perforated peptic ulcer
Authors: Sharma Smita S , Mamtani Manju R , Sharma Mamta S , Kulkarni Hemant 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBackgroundWith dwindling rates of postoperative mortality in perforated peptic ulcer that is attributable to H2-receptor blocker usage, there is a need to shift the focus towards the prevention of postoperative morbidity. Further, the simultaneous contribution of several putative clinical predictors to this postoperative morbidity is not fully appreciated. Our objective was to assess the predictors of the risk, rate and number of postoperative complications in surgically treated patients of perforated peptic ulcer.MethodsIn a prospective cohort study of 96 subjects presenting as perforated peptic ulcer and treated using Graham's omentoplatsy patch or gastrojejunostomy (with total truncal vagotomy), we assessed the association of clinical predictors with three domains of postoperative complications: the risk of developing a complication, the rate of developing the first complication and the risk of developing higher number of complications. We used multiple regression methods – logistic regression, Cox proportional hazards regression and Poisson regression, respectively – to examine the association of the predictors with these three domains.ResultsWe observed that the risk of developing a postoperative complication was significantly influenced by the presence of a concomitant medical illness [odds ratio (OR) = 8.9, p = 0.001], abdominal distension (3.8, 0.048) and a need of blood transfusion (OR = 8.2, p = 0.027). Using Poisson regression, it was observed that the risk for a higher number of complications was influenced by the same three factors [relative risk (RR) = 2.6, p = 0.015; RR = 4.6, p < 0.001; and RR = 2.4, p = 0.002; respectively]. However, the rate of development of complications was influenced by a history suggestive of shock [relative hazards (RH) = 3.4, p = 0.002] and A-blood group (RH = 4.7, p = 0.04).ConclusionAbdominal distension, presence of a concomitant medical illness and a history suggestive of shock at the time of admission warrant a closer and alacritous postoperative management in patients of perforated peptic ulcer.
What properties characterize the hub proteins of the protein-protein interaction network of Saccharomyces cerevisiae?
Authors: Ekman Diana , Light Sara , Björklund Åsa K , Elofsson Arne 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Background
Most proteins interact with only a few other proteins while a small number of proteins (hubs) have many interaction partners. Hub proteins and non-hub proteins differ in several respects; however, understanding is not complete about what properties characterize the hubs and set them apart from proteins of low connectivity. Therefore, we have investigated what differentiates hubs from non-hubs and static hubs (party hubs) from dynamic hubs (date hubs) in the protein-protein interaction network of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Results
The many interactions of hub proteins can only partly be explained by bindings to similar proteins or domains. It is evident that domain repeats, which are associated with binding, are enriched in hubs. Moreover, there is an over representation of multi-domain proteins and long proteins among the hubs. In addition, there are clear differences between party hubs and date hubs. Fewer of the party hubs contain long disordered regions compared to date hubs, indicating that these regions are important for flexible binding but less so for static interactions. Furthermore, party hubs interact to a large extent with each other, supporting the idea of party hubs as the cores of highly clustered functional modules. In addition, hub proteins, and in particular party hubs, are more often ancient. Finally, the more recent paralogs of party hubs are underrepresented.

Conclusion
Our results indicate that multiple and repeated domains are enriched in hub proteins and, further, that long disordered regions, which are common in date hubs, are particularly important for flexible binding.
Randomized Phase III Study of Trastuzumab, Paclitaxel, and Carboplatin Compared With Trastuzumab and Paclitaxel in Women With HER-2–Overexpressing Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Robert Nicholas , Leyland-Jones Brian , Asmar Lina , Belt Robert , Ilegbodu Des , Loesch David , Raju Robert , Valentine Elizabeth , Sayre Robert , Cobleigh Melody , Albain Kathy , McCullough Cecelia , Fuchs Lea , Slamon Dennis 
Published: June 2006

Purpose This randomized, multicenter, phase III trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of trastuzumab and paclitaxel with or without carboplatin as first-line therapy for women with HER-2–overexpressing metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Patients and Methods HER-2 overexpression was defined as immunohistochemical staining scores of 2+ or 3+. Between November 1998 and May 2002, 196 women with HER-2–overexpressing MBC were randomly assigned to six cycles of either trastuzumab 4 mg/kg loading dose plus 2 mg/kg weekly thereafter with paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 every 3 weeks (TP), or trastuzumab 4 mg/kg loading dose plus 2 mg/kg weekly thereafter with paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 and carboplatin area under the time-concentration curve = 6 every 3 weeks (TPC) followed by weekly trastuzumab alone. Results Baseline characteristics of the 196 patients were well balanced between study arms. Objective response rate (ORR) was 52% (95% CI, 42% to 62%) for TPC versus 36% (95% CI, 26% to 46%) for TP (P = .04). Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 10.7 months for TPC and 7.1 months for TP (hazard ratio [HR], 0.66; 95% CI, 0.59 to 0.73; P = .03). Improved clinical outcomes with TPC were most evident in HER-2 3+ patients, with an ORR of 57% (95% CI, 45% to 70%) v 36% (95% CI, 25% to 48%; P = .03) and median PFS of 13.8 v 7.6 months (P = .005) for TPC and TP, respectively (HR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.46 to 0.64). Both regimens were well tolerated, and febrile neutropenia and neurotoxicity occurred infrequently; grade 4 neutropenia occurred more frequently with TPC (P < .01). Conclusion The addition of carboplatin to paclitaxel and trastuzumab improved ORR and PFS in women with HER-2–overexpressing MBC. This well-tolerated regimen represents a new therapeutic option.
The “Big Dog” Effect: Variability Assessing the Causes of Error in Diagnoses of Patients With Lung Cancer
Authors: Raab Stephen S. , Meier Frederick A. , Zarbo Richard J. , Jensen D. Chris , Geisinger Kim R. , Booth Christine N. , Krishnamurti Uma , Stone Chad H. , Janosky Janine E. , Grzybicki Dana M. 
Published: June 2006

Purpose The frequency of diagnostic error in patients who have a lung mass and a pathology specimen is as high as 15%. This study examined the role of inter-pathologist agreement in identifying the cause of error in these patients. Methods Pathologists from six institutions reviewed the slides of 40 patients who had a pulmonary specimen false-negative diagnosis. The initial assessment of error cause arose from cytologic-histologic correlation slide review of discrepant diagnostic samples in patients who had both a bronchial brushing cytologic and surgical specimen. The cause of error was attributed either to clinical sampling (diagnostic material obtained in one but not the other sample) or interpretation (pathologist failed to identify the salient diagnostic features). The pairwise kappa (κ) statistic was used to calculate interobserver agreement between the review and original diagnoses and between the separate review diagnoses. Results The pairwise κ statistic ranged widely from −0.154 to 1.0, and the pairwise κ statistic of the slides from one institution was undetermined because that institutional pathologist never made the assessment that error was secondary to interpretation. Agreement for observers within the same institution was better than agreement between observers from different institutions. Conclusion Pathologists exhibit poor agreement in determining the cause of error for pulmonary specimens sent for cancer diagnosis. We developed a psychosocial hypothesis (the “Big Dog” Effect) that partially explains biases in error assessment. This lack of agreement precludes confident targeting of these errors for quality improvement interventions with prospects of success across a variety of institutions.
Adjuvant Procarbazine, Lomustine, and Vincristine Improves Progression-Free Survival but Not Overall Survival in Newly Diagnosed Anaplastic Oligodendrogliomas and Oligoastrocytomas: A Randomized European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Phase III Trial
Authors: van den Bent Martin J. , Carpentier Antoine F. , Brandes Alba A. , Sanson Marc , Taphoorn Martin J.B. , Bernsen Hans J.J.A. , Frenay Marc , Tijssen Cees C. , Grisold Wolfgang , Sipos Laslo , Haaxma-Reiche Hanny , Kros Johannes M. , van Kouwenhoven Mathilde C.M. , Vecht Charles J. , Allgeier Anouk , Lacombe Denis , Gorlia Thierry 
Published: June 2006

Purpose Anaplastic oligodendrogliomas are more responsive to chemotherapy than high-grade astrocytomas. We investigated, in a multicenter randomized controlled trial, whether adjuvant procarbazine, lomustine, and vincristine (PCV) chemotherapy improves overall survival (OS) in newly diagnosed patients with anaplastic oligodendrogliomas or anaplastic oligoastrocytomas. Patients and Methods The primary end point of the study was OS; secondary end points were progression-free survival (PFS) and toxicity. Patients were randomly assigned to either 59.4 Gy of radiotherapy (RT) in 33 fractions only or to the same RT followed by six cycles of standard PCV chemotherapy (RT/PCV). 1p and 19q deletions were assessed with fluorescent in situ hybridization. Results A total of 368 patients were included. The median follow-up time was 60 months, and 59% of patients have died. In the RT arm, 82% of patients with tumor progression received chemotherapy. In 38% of patients in the RT/PCV arm, adjuvant PCV was discontinued for toxicity. OS time after RT/PCV was 40.3 months compared with 30.6 months after RT only (P = .23). RT/PCV increased PFS time compared with RT only (23 v 13.2 months, respectively; P = .0018). Twenty-five percent of patients were diagnosed with combined 1p/19q loss; 74% of this subgroup was still alive after 60 months. RT/PCV did not improve survival in the subgroup of patients with 1p/19q loss. Conclusion Adjuvant PCV chemotherapy does not prolong OS but does increase PFS in anaplastic oligodendroglioma. Combined loss of 1p/19q identifies a favorable subgroup of oligodendroglial tumors. No genetic subgroup could be identified that benefited with respect to OS from adjuvant PCV.
Quality of Life and Pain in Advanced Stage Prostate Cancer: Results of a Southwest Oncology Group Randomized Trial Comparing Docetaxel and Estramustine to Mitoxantrone and Prednisone
Authors: Berry Donna L. , Moinpour Carol M. , Jiang Caroline S. , Ankerst Donna Pauler , Petrylak Daniel P. , Vinson Lynne V. , Lara Primo N. , Jones Sharon , Taplin Mary E. , Burch Patrick A. , Hussain Maha H.A. , Crawford E. David 
Published: June 2006

Purpose Palliation of bone pain can be achieved in men with androgen-independent prostate cancer treated with docetaxel and estramustine (DE) or mitoxantrone and prednisone (MP). While Southwest Oncology Group trial 99-16 demonstrated a survival improvement of DE over MP, the study also was designed to compare the palliation of disease-related symptoms. Methods Pain palliation and global quality of life (QOL) were the two primary patient-reported outcomes. Pain was measured with the Present Pain Intensity scale of the McGill Pain Questionnaire-Short Form. The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 (QLQ-C30) and its Prostate Cancer Module (PR25) measured QOL and symptom status. Pain and analgesic use were measured at random assignment, every cycle for eight cycles, and 1 year from random assignment; the QLQ-C30 and the PR25 were administered at random assignment, before cycle four (week 10) and cycle eight (month 6) and at 1 year. In addition to the primary intent-to-treat, missing at random analysis, sensitivity analyses were performed to assess robustness of global QOL conclusions under alternative informative missing data assumptions. Results Six hundred seventy four eligible patients received DE (n = 338) or MP (n = 336). In an intention-to-treat analysis, median overall survival was 17.5 months for the DE arm and 15.6 months for the MP arm (P = .02). There were no statistically significant differences in pain palliation between the treatment arms. The sensitivity analyses showed a consistent lack of statistically significant global QOL differences for the two arms. Conclusion DE had superior clinical efficacy (overall survival, time-to-progression, and prostate-specific antigen declines) with similar global QOL and pain palliation in the MP arm.
Phase II Trial of Intravesical Gemcitabine in Bacille Calmette-Guérin–Refractory Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder
Authors: Dalbagni Guido , Russo Paul , Bochner Bernard , Ben-Porat Leah , Sheinfeld Joel , Sogani Pramod , Donat Machelle S. , Herr Harry W. , Bajorin Dean 
Published: June 2006

Purpose The aim of this phase II study was to determine the efficacy of gemcitabine administered as an intravesical agent in patients with bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) –refractory transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. Patients and Methods Patients with superficial bladder cancer refractory or intolerant to intravesical BCG therapy and refusing a cystectomy were considered eligible for the trial. Eligible patients received two courses of intravesical gemcitabine twice weekly at a dose of 2,000 mg/100 mL for 3 consecutive weeks, with each course separated by 1 week of rest. Patients were evaluated for response at 8 weeks, then every 3 months to 1 year. Results Thirty eligible patients were included on study. The median follow-up for all the patients was 19 months (range, 0 to 35 months). Of the 30 patients, 15 (50%; 95% CI, 32% to 68%) achieved a complete response (CR). Twelve patients had tumor recurrence with a median recurrence-free survival time of 3.6 months (95% CI, 2.9 to 11.0 months). Two patients maintained a CR at 23 and 29 months, respectively. The 1-year recurrence-free survival rate for patients with a CR was 21% (95% CI, 0% to 43%). Two patients progressed to a higher stage while receiving gemcitabine treatment. The median follow-up for patients who did not have a progression or a cystectomy was 19 months (range, 2 to 35 months). Eleven patients (37%) underwent a cystectomy subsequent to gemcitabine therapy. Conclusion Gemcitabine has activity in a high-risk patient population and remains a viable option for some patients who refuse cystectomy.
Perioperative CA19-9 Levels Can Predict Stage and Survival in Patients With Resectable Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ferrone Cristina R. , Finkelstein Dianne M. , Thayer Sarah P. , Muzikansky Alona , Castillo Carlos Fernandez-del , Warshaw Andrew L. 
Published: June 2006

Purpose Different prognostic factors stratify patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The purpose of this study was to determine whether preoperative CA19-9 levels can predict stage of disease or survival and whether a change in preoperative to postoperative CA19-9 or the postoperative CA19-9 predicts overall survival. Patients and Methods Four hundred twenty-four consecutive patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma underwent resection between January 1, 1985 and January 1, 2004. Of the patients with a bilirubin less than 2 mg/dL, 176 had preoperative CA19-9 values, and 111 had pre- and postoperative CA19-9 values. Survival was measured from the first postoperative CA19-9 level measured (median, 39 days) until death or last follow-up. A multivariate failure time model was fit using clinical, operative, pathologic, and adjuvant treatment characteristics, and a categorization was defined by the values and changes in CA19-9 before and after surgery. Results Of the 176 patients, 128 (73%) had T3 lesions, and 99 (56%) had N1 disease; 138 patients (78%) underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy. Median preoperative CA19-9 levels were lower in N0 patients compared with patients with positive nodes (nine v 164 U/mL, respectively; nonparametric P = .06) and in T1/T2 patients versus T3 patients (41 v 162 U/mL, respectively; P = .03). Median follow-up time (n = 111) was 1.8 years (range, 1 to 12.9 years), with overall actuarial 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of 70%, 36%, and 30%, respectively. Significant predictors of survival on multivariate analysis included a decrease in CA19-9 (P = .0005), negative lymph nodes (P = .001), lower T stage (P = .0008), and postoperative CA19-9 less than 200 U/mL (P = .0007). Conclusion In patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, preoperative CA19-9 correlates with stage of disease. Both a postoperative decrease in CA19-9 and a postoperative CA19-9 value of less than 200 U/mL are strong independent predictors of survival, even after adjusting for stage. CA19-9 levels should be included in a patient's perioperative care and should be considered for prognostic nomograms.
Phase III Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial of Black Cohosh in the Management of Hot Flashes: NCCTG Trial N01CC1
Authors: Pockaj Barbara A. , Gallagher James G. , Loprinzi Charles L. , Stella Philip J. , Barton Debra L. , Sloan Jeff A. , Lavasseur Beth I. , Rao Radha M. , Fitch Tom R. , Rowland Kendrith M. , Novotny Paul J. , Flynn Patrick J. , Richelson Elliott , Fauq Abdul H. 
Published: June 2006

Purpose Hot flashes can cause significant morbidity in postmenopausal women undergoing or finished with breast cancer treatment. Black cohosh has been used to treat hot flashes, but definitive clinical data about efficacy have been equivocal. Methods A double-blind, randomized, cross-over clinical trial with two 4-week periods, was used to study the efficacy of black cohosh (1 capsule, Cimicifuga racemosa 20 mg BID) for the treatment of hot flashes in women. Participants kept a daily hot flash diary during a baseline week and then during two 4-week crossover treatment periods. Hot flash scores were measured by assigning points (1 to 4 for mild to very severe) to each hot flash based on severity and then adding the points for a given time period. Results Between October 31, 2003, to March 4, 2004, 132 patients were randomly assigned. Toxicity was minimal and not different by treatment group. Patients receiving black cohosh reported a mean decrease in hot flash score of 20% (comparing the fourth treatment week to the baseline week) compared with a 27% decrease for patients on placebo (P = .53). Mean hot flash frequency was reduced 17% on black cohosh and 26% on placebo (P = .36). Patient treatment preferences were measured after completion of both treatment periods by ascertaining which treatment period, if any, the patient preferred. Thirty-four percent of patients preferred the black cohosh treatment, 38% preferred the placebo, and 28% did not prefer either treatment. Conclusion This trial failed to provide any evidence that black cohosh reduced hot flashes more than the placebo.
Flow-cytometric immunophenotyping of normal and malignant lymphocytes
Authors: Szczepański Tomasz , van der Velden Vincent H.J. , van Dongen Jacques J.M. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractDuring the past two decades, flow-cytometric immunophenotyping of lymphocytes has evolved from a research technique into a routine laboratory diagnostic test. Extensive studies in healthy individuals resulted in detailed age-related reference values for different lymphocyte subpopulations in peripheral blood. This is an important tool for the diagnosis of hematological and immunological disorders. Similar, albeit less detailed, information is now available for other lymphoid organs, e.g., normal bone marrow, lymph nodes, tonsils, thymus and spleen. Flow-cytometric immunophenotyping forms the basis of modern classification of acute and chronic leukemias and is increasingly applied for initial diagnostic work-up of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. Finally, with multiparameter flow cytometry, it is now possible to identify routinely and reliably low numbers of leukemia and lymphoma cells (minimal residual disease).Clin Chem Lab Med 2006;44:775–96.
Recommendation to treat continuous variable errors like attribute errors
Authors: Krouwer Jan S. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractClinical laboratory errors can be considered as either belonging to attribute or continuous variables. Attribute errors are usually considered to be pre- or post-analytical errors, whereas continuous variable errors are analytical. Goals for each error type are different. Error goals for continuous variables are often specified as limits that contain 95% of the results, whereas attribute error goals are specified as allowed error rates for serious events. This leads to a discrepancy, because for a million results, there can be up to 50,000 medically unacceptable analytical errors, but allowable pre- and post-analytical error rates are much lower than 5%. Steps to remedy this are to classify analytical error rates into severity categories, exemplified by existing glucose error grids. The results in each error grid zone are then counted, as has been recommended by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This in effect transforms the continuous variable errors into attribute errors. This is an improvement over current practices for analytical errors, whereby the use of uncertainty intervals is recommended that include only 95% of the results (i.e., leaves out the worst 5%), and it is precisely this 5% of results that are likely to be in the most severe zones of an error grid.Clin Chem Lab Med 2006;44:797–8.
The Role of Education in Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Policy
Authors: Ribaudo Marc O. , Horan Richard D. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractEducation is often used to provide producers with information on how to operate more efficiently with current technologies or on profitable new technologies that generate less pollution. While such “win‐win” solutions to water quality problems are attractive, we use a simple economic framework to show that education cannot be considered a strong tool for water quality protection. Its success depends on a number of factors related to profitability and altruism, and “win‐win” solutions are not always guaranteed, even when they appear to exist. Evidence suggests that net returns are the chief concern of producers when they adopt alternative management practices.
Industrial Hemp: China's Experience and Global Implications
Authors: Wang Qingbin , Shi Guanming 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThis article examines major factors of China's hemp production and export and derives implications for the global market and the ongoing debate in the United States. Although China's declining hemp production is mainly due to the low relative purchase price, its lack of response to changes in the world market is a result of the extremely low price transmission elasticity from world price to domestic price. One major implication is that China's ongoing market reform is likely to have a positive impact on its hemp production and export and a negative impact on the world price and the projected profit for U.S. farmers.
Potential Benefits of Agricultural Biotechnology: An Example from the Mexican Potato Sector
Authors: Qaim Matin 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe study analyzes ex ante the socioeconomic effects of transgenic virus resistance technology for potatoes in Mexico. All groups of potato growers could significantly gain from the transgenic varieties to be introduced, and the technology could even improve income distribution. Nonetheless, public support is needed to fully harness this potential. Different policy alternatives are tested within scenario calculations in order to supply information on how to optimize the technological outcome, both from an efficiency and an equity perspective. Transgenic disease resistance is a promising technology for developing countries. Providing these countries with better access to biotechnology should be given higher political priority.