bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
More economic 25 mg 13C‐urea breath test can be effective in detecting primary Helicobacter pylori infection in children
Authors: Yang Yao‐Jong , Sheu Bor‐Shyang , Lee Shui‐Cheng , Wu Jiunn‐Jong 
Published: April 2006

AbstractBackground and Aim:  The high cost of the 13C‐urea breath test (UBT) limits its wide application for both epidemiological and clinical studies for diagnosing Helicobacter pylori infection. This study examined if a lower‐dose UBT, applying 1 mg/kg of bodyweight (maximum 25 mg, UBT25), could introduce cost savings while preserving high diagnostic yields for primary H. pylori infection.Methods:  Children aged less than 16 years were recruited after obtaining consent. Those children with administration of antibiotics or proton pump inhibitors within 1 month of the tests were excluded. Positive tests for both the UBT with 50 mg urea (UBT50) and the H. pylori stool antigen (HpSA) were qualifying criteria for H. pylori infection. Negative results for both indicated non‐infection. The UBT25 was conducted 1 week after the UBT50. The cut‐off points for the UBT25 ranging from 2δ to 5δ were examined for their sensitivity, specificity and accuracy rates.Results:  A total of 153 children were recruited (55% male; mean age 9.1 ± 3.5 years). Both the UBT50 and HpSA test were positive in 18 (13.1%) and negative in 119 children, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the UBT25 were optimally achieved at 88.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 71.4–100) and 95.0% (95% CI: 91.1–99.9), judged with a cut‐off point at 3.5δ. The diagnostic accuracy was significantly higher for children older than 7 years than for those younger than 7 years (98%vs 85%, P = 0.009).Conclusion:  Lower‐dose UBT titration by bodyweight can cut costs while maintaining a highly reliable method to screen primary H. pylori infection in children older than 7 years, which is generally beyond school age.
Determination of the ability of high‐frequency ECG to estimate left ventricular mass in humans, determined by magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Trägårdh Elin , Arheden Håkan , Pettersson Jonas , Wagner Galen S. , Pahlm Olle 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground:  Previous studies have shown a significantly higher correlation between left ventricular mass index (LVMi) and high‐frequency QRS components (HF‐QRS) than between LVMi and QRS amplitudes in the standard frequency range in rabbits. The purpose of the present study was to compare ECG measurements from standard and high‐frequency ranges with left ventricular mass (LVM) and LVMi determined by magnetic resonance imaging in humans.Methods:  Sixty‐two normal subjects were studied. Signal‐averaged ECGs from the 12 standard leads were analysed in the standard frequency range (0·05–150 Hz), in the middle (25–100 Hz) and high end (50–150 Hz) of the standard frequency range and in the 150–250 Hz range. Root‐mean square (RMS) values from the HF‐QRS and QRS amplitude measurements from the standard ECGs were compared with LVM and LVMi.Results:  The correlations between LVMi and HF‐QRS were similar to those between LVMi and standard ECG. When regarding LVM, however, the correlations found in the standard ECG were higher than those found in HF‐QRS.Conclusions:  Contrary to previous results in animals, we found in humans no better correlation between HF‐QRS and LVM/LVMi than between standard ECG and LVM/LVMi.
Decision support for the initial triage of patients with acute coronary syndromes
Authors: Olsson Sven‐Erik , Ohlsson Mattias , Öhlin Hans , Dzaferagic Samir , Nilsson Marie‐Louise , Sandkull Per , Edenbrandt Lars 
Published: April 2006

SummaryEarly revascularization of acute coronary syndromes improves the prognosis. It is of vital importance that the decision to treat the patient is taken as early as possible. The aim of this study was (i) to develop an automated tool for the analysis of electrocardiograms (ECGs) with regard to changes that indicate possible transmural ischaemia and (ii) to assess the influence of the tool on the ECG classifications of three interns with less than 12 months of experience in ECG reading. An artificial neural network was trained to automatically interpret ECGs using 3000 ECGs recorded at an emergency department. Thereafter, the performance of the network was evaluated using 1000 test ECGs. In the second step, three interns classified these test ECGs twice on different occasions, with and without the advice of the neural network. The gold standard was the classification made by two experienced cardiologists. On average, the three interns showed a sensitivity of 68% at a specificity of 92% without the advice of the neural network and a sensitivity of 93% at a specificity of 87% with the advice. The neural network itself showed a sensitivity of 95% at a specificity of 88%. The increase in sensitivity of 23–26% was significant (P<0·001) for all three interns. In conclusion, an artificial neural network can be trained to the improve performance in the interpretation of ST‐segment changes in accordance with that of the experienced cardiologists.
Hedging Strategies for Grain Processors
Authors: Wilson William W. , Nganje William E. , Wagner Robert 
Published: April 2006

Price risk management confronting grain processors differs from that faced by conventional hedgers, especially when futures markets for outputs do not exist. Three components of this problem are addressed in this study. One is the relationship between input and output prices, which are impacted in part by the structure and conduct of an industry. In some cases, these are highly correlated and in others they are not. The second refers to the hedge horizon or how far forward a firm should cover its inherent and persistent short cash positions. This study incorporates these relationships into a utility maximizing model to evaluate hedging effectiveness relative to traditional hedging strategies for processors. Finally, stochastic dominance analysis is used to compare hedging strategies when output is sold at a fixed price for future delivery. Secondary data from the bread‐baking industry are used for empirical analysis. Results indicate that hedging decisions are impacted by these relationships and affect firm risk exposure. La gestion du risque de prix des conditionneurs de grain diffère de celle des opérateurs en couverture traditionnels, surtout lorsqu'il n'existe pas de marchés de contrats à terme pour les extrants. La présente étude traite de trois aspects du problème. Tout d'abord, il y a la relation entre le prix de l'intrant et le prix de l'extrant, prix qu'influencent en partie la structure et le comportement d'une industrie. Dans certains cas, la corrélation est très étroite et dans d'autres, elle ne l'est pas. Ensuite, il y a l'horizon de couverture ou jusqu'où dans le futur une entreprise devrait‐elle couvrir ses faibles positions de trésorerie inhérentes et soutenues. Dans la présente étude, nous avons intégré ces relations dans un modèle de maximisation de l'utilité pour évaluer l'efficacité des opérations de couverture par rapport aux stratégies de couverture traditionnelles des conditionneurs. Finalement, l'analyse de la dominance stochastique est utilisée pour comparer les stratégies de couverture lorsque l'extrant est vendu à un prix fixe pour livraison à terme. Des données secondaires issues de l'industrie de la boulangerie ont été utilisées pour l'analyse empirique. Les résultats ont indiqué que ces liens influaient sur les décisions de couverture et que ces décisions avaient des répercussions sur l'exposition au risque de l'entreprise.
THE SHORT‐TERM BEHAVIORAL REACTIONS OF BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS TO INTERACTIONS WITH BOATS IN DOUBTFUL SOUND, NEW ZEALAND
Authors: Lusseau David 
Published: April 2006

AbstractDoubtful Sound is home to one of the southernmost resident populations of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.). This population regularly interacts with scenic cruises. During these interactions, dolphins tend to horizontally and vertically avoid vessels, especially when the behavior of these vessels is intrusive. This study aimed at understanding the behavioral reactions of individuals to these interactions that lead to the disruption of the school's behavioral state. Observing the behavioral events performed by individuals during an interaction can help define the short‐term reactions elicited by the boat presence. I recorded the behavioral events performed by all individuals of focal schools. The frequency of occurrence of all events was compared depending on the presence of vessels, their behavior, and the behavioral state of the focal school. Dolphins tended to perform more side flops while interacting with powerboats, a behavior which may be used as a non‐vocal communication tool. Moreover, the movement of dolphins became more erratic during interactions with all types of vessels. These effects increased when the boats were more intrusive while interacting. This study shows that the impact of interaction with boats can be minimized if the vessels respect the guidelines in place.
Analysis
of Enthalpy Approximation for Compressed Liquid
Water
Authors: Kostic Milivoje
M. 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
It is custom to approximate solid and liquid thermodynamic properties as being a function of temperature only, since they are virtually incompressible, and Pdv boundary work may be neglected. Furthermore, in classical literature, for isothermal compression processes, a general “improvement” and correction for liquid enthalpy approximation is given by adding the “pressure correction,” vdP, to the corresponding saturation value. It is shown that such correction given for isothermal processes is generally valid for isentropic processes only. Analysis of water real properties, over the saturation temperature range and a wide pressure range up to 100MPa, shows that the recommended corrections are only beneficial for higher pressures at smaller temperatures (below 200°C), insignificant for smaller pressures at most of the temperatures, about the same but opposite sign (thus unnecessary) for intermediate temperatures and pressures, and more erroneous (thus counterproductive and misleading) for higher temperatures and pressures, than the corresponding saturation values without any correction. The misconception in the literature is a result of the erroneous assumption, that due to incompressibility for liquids in general, the internal energy is less dependent on pressure than enthalpy.
A Novel Methionine Aminopeptidase-2 Inhibitor, PPI-2458, Inhibits Non–Hodgkin's Lymphoma Cell Proliferation In vitro and In vivo
Authors: Cooper Andrew C. , Karp Russell M. , Clark Edward J. , Taghizadeh Nazbeh R. , Hoyt Jennifer G. , Labenski Matthew T. , Murray Michael J. , Hannig Gerhard , Westlin William F. , Thompson Charles D. 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
Purpose: Fumagillin and related compounds have potent antiproliferative activity through inhibition of methionine aminopeptidase-2 (MetAP-2). It has recently been reported that MetAP-2 is highly expressed in germinal center B cells and germinal center–derived non–Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL), suggesting an important role for MetAP-2 in proliferating B cells. Therefore, we determined the importance of MetAP-2 in normal and transformed germinal center B cells by evaluating the effects of MetAP-2 inhibition on the form and function of germinal centers and germinal center–derived NHL cells.
Experimental Design: To examine the activity of PPI-2458 on germinal center morphology, spleen sections from cynomolgus monkeys treated with oral PPI-2458 were analyzed. Antiproliferative activity of PPI-2458 was assessed on germinal center–derived NHL lines in culture. A MetAP-2 pharmacodynamic assay was used to determine cellular MetAP-2 inhibition following PPI-2458 treatment. Finally, inhibition of MetAP-2 and proliferation by PPI-2458 was examined in the human SR NHL line in culture and in implanted xenografts.
Results: Oral PPI-2458 caused a reduction in germinal center size and number in lymphoid tissues from treated animals. PPI-2458 potently inhibited growth (GI50 = 0.2-1.9 nmol/L) of several NHL lines in a manner that correlated with MetAP-2 inhibition. Moreover, orally administered PPI-2458 significantly inhibited SR tumor growth, which correlated with inhibition of tumor MetAP-2 (&gt;85% at 100 mg/kg) in mice.
Conclusions: These results show the potent antiproliferative activity of PPI-2458 on NHL lines in vitro and oral antitumor activity in vivo and suggest the therapeutic potential of PPI-2458 as a novel agent for treatment of NHL should be evaluated in the clinical setting.
Protective Effect of Erythropoietin and Its Carbamylated Derivative in Experimental Cisplatin Peripheral Neurotoxicity
Authors: Bianchi Roberto , Brines Michael , Lauria Giuseppe , Savino Costanza , Gilardini Alessandra , Nicolini Gabriella , Rodriguez-Menendez Virginia , Oggioni Norberto , Canta Annalisa , Penza Paola , Lombardi Raffaella , Minoia Claudio , Ronchi Anna , Cerami Anthony , Ghezzi Pietro , Cavaletti Guido 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
Purpose: Antineoplastic drugs, such as cisplatin (CDDP), are severely neurotoxic, causing disabling peripheral neuropathies with clinical signs known as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity. Cotreatment with neuroprotective agents and CDDP has been proposed for preventing or reversing the neuropathy. Erythropoietin given systemically has a wide range of neuroprotective actions in animal models of central and peripheral nervous system damage. However, the erythropoietic action is a potential cause of side effects if erythropoietin is used for neuroprotection. We have successfully identified derivatives of erythropoietin, including carbamylated erythropoietin, which do not raise the hematocrit but retain the neuroprotective action exerted by erythropoietin.
Experimental Design: We have developed previously an experimental chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity that closely resembles CDDP neurotoxicity in humans. The present study compared the effects of erythropoietin and carbamylated erythropoietin (50 μg/kg/d thrice weekly) on CDDP (2 mg/kg/d i.p. twice weekly for 4 weeks) neurotoxicity in vivo.
Results: CDDP given to Wistar rats significantly lowered their growth rate (P &lt; 0.05), with slower sensory nerve conduction velocity (P &lt; 0.001) and reduced intraepidermal nerve fibers density (P &lt; 0.001 versus controls). Coadministration of CDDP and erythropoietin or carbamylated erythropoietin partially but significantly prevented the sensory nerve conduction velocity reduction. Both molecules preserved intraepidermal nerve fiber density, thus confirming their neuroprotective effect at the pathologic level. The protective effects were not associated with any difference in platinum concentration in dorsal root ganglia, sciatic nerve, or kidney specimens.
Conclusions: These results widen the spectrum of possible use of erythropoietin and carbamylated erythropoietin as neuroprotectant drugs, strongly supporting their effectiveness.
Targeted Delivery of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α to Tumor Vessels Induces a Therapeutic T Cell–Mediated Immune Response that Protects the Host Against Syngeneic Tumors of Different Histologic Origin
Authors: Balza Enrica , Mortara Lorenzo , Sassi Francesca , Monteghirfo Stefano , Carnemolla Barbara , Castellani Patrizia , Neri Dario , Accolla Roberto S. , Zardi Luciano , Borsi Laura 
Published: April 2006

AbstractPurpose: We sought to demonstrate that a single systemic administration of L19mTNFα (a fusion protein constituted by the scFv L19 specific for the oncofetal ED-B domain of fibronectin and tumor necrosis factor α, TNFα) in combination with melphalan induced complete and long-lasting tumor eradication in tumor-bearing mice and triggered the generation of a specific T cell–based immune response that protects the animals from a second tumor challenge, as well as from challenges with syngeneic tumor cells of different histologic origin.Experimental Design and Results: Treatment with L19mTNFα, in combination with melphalan, induced complete tumor regression in 83% of BALB/c mice with WEHI-164 fibrosarcoma and 33% of animals with C51 colon carcinoma. All cured mice rejected challenges with the same tumor cells and, in a very high percentage of animals, also rejected challenges with syngeneic tumor cells of different histologic origin. In adoptive immunity transfer experiments, the splenocytes from tumor-cured mice protected naive mice both from C51 colon carcinoma and from WEHI-164 fibrosarcoma. Similar results were also obtained in adoptive immunity transfer experiments using severely immunodepressed mice. Experiments using depleted splenocytes showed that T cells play a major role in tumor rejection.Conclusions: The results show that the selective targeting of mTNFα to the tumor enhances its immunostimulatory properties to the point of generating a therapeutic immune response against different histologically unrelated syngeneic tumors. These findings predicate treatment approaches for cancer patients based on the targeted delivery of TNFα to the tumor vasculature.
Identification of a Set of Seven Genes for the Monitoring of Minimal Residual Disease in Pediatric Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Steinbach Daniel , Schramm Alexander , Eggert Angelika , Onda Masanori , Dawczynski Kristin , Rump Andreas , Pastan Ira , Wittig Susann , Pfaffendorf Nadine , Voigt Astrid , Zintl Felix , Gruhn Bernd 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
Background: Monitoring of minimal residual disease (MRD) has become a strong diagnostic tool in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It is used for risk-adapted therapy and for the recognition of pending relapses. In acute myeloid leukemia (AML), there is still a need for more suitable MRD markers.
Experimental Design: A stepwise approach which combined genome-wide expression profiling, TaqMan low density arrays, and a TaqMan real-time PCR-based screening was used to identify new markers for the monitoring of MRD in AML. Leukemic cells from 52 children with AML and 145 follow-up samples from 25 patients were analyzed.
Results: Seven genes were identified which are vastly overexpressed in many patients with AML compared with healthy bone marrow: CCL23, GAGED2, MSLN, SPAG6, and ST18 as well as the previously described markers WT1 and PRAME. The expression of all genes decreased to normal levels in patients who achieved a continuous complete remission. Elevated levels of at least one gene were found prior to relapse in 7 out of 10 patients who relapsed.
Conclusions: This set of genes should allow a sensitive and specific monitoring of MRD in AML. Notably, some of these markers could also serve as therapeutic targets or might be involved in leukemogenesis. MSLN is already used as a target for immunotherapy in clinical trials in other malignancies.
On the Classification of Vertical Wind Shear as Directional Shear versus Speed Shear
Authors: Markowski Paul , Richardson Yvette 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
Vertical wind shear is commonly classified as “directional” or “speed” shear. In this note, these classifications are reviewed and their relevance discussed with respect to the dynamics of convective storms. In the absence of surface drag, storm morphology and evolution only depend on the shape and length of a hodograph, on which the storm-relative winds depend; that is, storm characteristics are independent of the translation and rotation of a hodograph. Therefore, traditional definitions of directional and speed shear are most relevant when applied to the storm-relative wind profile.
Subtropical Cyclogenesis over the Central North Pacific*
Authors: Caruso Steven J. , Businger Steven 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
The occurrence of subtropical cyclones over the central North Pacific Ocean has a significant impact on Hawaii’s weather and climate. In this study, 70 upper-level lows that formed during the period 1980–2002 are documented. In each case the low became cut off from the polar westerlies south of 30°N over the central Pacific, during the Hawaiian cool season (October–April). The objectives of this research are to document the interannual variability in the occurrence of upper-level lows, to chart the locations of their genesis and their tracks, and to investigate the physical mechanisms important in associated surface development. Significant interannual variability in the occurrence of upper-level lows was found, with evidence suggesting the influence of strong El Niño–Southern Oscillation events on the frequency of subtropical cyclogenesis in this region. Of the 70 upper-level lows, 43 were accompanied by surface cyclogenesis and classified as kona lows. Kona low formation is concentrated to the west-northwest of Hawaii, especially during October and November, whereas lows without surface development are concentrated in the area to the east-northeast of Hawaii. Kona low genesis shifts eastward through the cool season, favoring the area to the east-northeast of Hawaii during February and March, consistent with a shift in the climatological position of the trough aloft during the cool season. Consistent with earlier studies, surface deepening is well correlated with positive vorticity advection by the thermal wind. Static stability and advection of low-level moisture are less well correlated to surface deepening. These results suggest that kona low formation, to first order, is a baroclinic instability that originates in the midlatitudes, and that convection and latent-heat release play a secondary role in surface cyclogenesis.
The training and development needs of nurses in Indonesia: paper 3 of 3
Authors: Hennessy Deborah , Hicks Carolyn , Hilan Aflah , Kawonal Yoanna 
Published: April 2006

Abstract

Background
Indonesia's recent economic and political history has left a legacy of widespread poverty and serious health problems, and has contributed to marked inequalities in health care. One means of responding to these challenges has been through a reconsideration of the professional roles of nurses, to enable them to deal with the range and complexity of health problems. However, there are currently a number of obstacles to achieving these aims: there is a serious shortfall in trained nurses; the majority of nurses have only limited education and preparation for the role; and there is no central registration of nurses, which means that it is impossible to regulate either the profession or the standards of care. This study aimed to establish the occupational profiles of each grade of nurse, identify their training and development needs and ascertain whether any differences existed between nurses working in different regions or within hospital or community settings.

Methods
An established and psychometrically valid questionnaire was administered to 524 nurses, covering three grades and coming from five provinces.

Results
Significant differences in job profile were found in nurses from different provinces, suggesting that the nature of the role is determined to some degree by the geographical location of practice. The roles of hospital and community nurses, and the different grades of nurse, were fairly similar. All nurses reported significant training needs for all 40 tasks, although these did not vary greatly between grade of nurse. The training needs of nurses from each of the provinces were quite distinct, while those of hospital nurses were greater than those of community nurses.

Conclusion
The results suggest that the role of the nurse is not as diverse as might be expected, given the different levels of preparation and training and the diversity of their work environments. This may reflect the lack of a central registration system and quality framework, which would normally regulate clinical activities according to qualifications. The differences in training needs between subsections of the sample highlight the importance of identifying skills deficits and using this information to develop customized post-registration education programmes. Together, these results provide a rigorous and reliable approach to defining the occupational roles and continuing education needs of Indonesian nurses.