bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sequential treatment for recurrent localized prostate cancer
Authors: van der Poel H.G. , Moonen L. , Horenblas S. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractTo compare toxicity and efficacy of both salvage prostatectomy and salvage radiotherapy for prostate cancer a retrospective analysis was conducted. Thirty‐two and 41 patients were treated with external beam radiotherapy or prostatectomy for cT1c‐T2 prostate cancer later requiring salvage surgery or radiotherapy. Salvage surgery was performed when a local recurrence was biopsy confirmed and life‐expectancy was more than 10 years. Salvage external beam radiotherapy was performed when PSA rose over 0.1 ng/ml in the absence of systemic disease. Ten‐year PSA‐recurrence free survival after primary treatment in the salvage surgery group and salvage radiotherapy groups was 55% and 44% (P > 0.05) respectively whereas prostate cancer specific survival was 93% and 89%, respectively (P > 0.05). Both, biopsy Gleason score prior to primary treatment and PSADT prior to salvage treatment were predictive of PSA‐recurrence free survival. Patients after salvage radiotherapy (13%) were less likely to wear pads for urinary incontinence compared to patients after salvage surgery (56%). Erectile dysfunction was more frequent after salvage surgery (81%) compared to salvage radiotherapy (61%). Salvage surgery and salvage prostatectomy after primary cT1‐2 prostate cancer provide comparable PSA‐recurrence free survival after primary treatment. Genitourinary functions were better preserved in the salvage radiotherapy group compared to the salvage prostatectomy group. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;97:377–382. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Antimicrobial susceptibility of Haemophilus influenzae strains and antibiotics usage patterns in pediatric outpatients: Results from a children's hospital in China (2000–2004)
Authors: Wang Aihua , Yu Sangjie , Yao Kaihu , Zhang Wenshuang , Yuan Lin , Wang Yonghong , Wei Jinghai , Shen Xuzhuang , Yang Yonghong 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the nasopharyngeal carriage and antimicrobial susceptibility of H. influenzae among children younger than 5 years old and to assess antibiotics usage patterns in the outpatient department of Beijing Children's Hospital from 2000 to 2004.Materials and MethodsFrom 2000 to 2004, At least 100 strains of H. influenzae were isolated from the pediatric patients who were younger than 5 years and who presented with symptoms of acute upper respiratory tract infections during February to May in each of the study years. Antimicrobial susceptibilities were determined; and antibiotics usage was expressed as defined daily dose (DDD)/100 patient days.ResultsThe overall nasopharyngeal carriage rate of H. influenzae is 26.3% (562/2,137) in children younger than 5 years old with acute upper respiratory tract infection. The percentage of ampicillin‐resistant isolates ranges from 4.0% (4/100) to 14.3% (17/119) from 2000 to 2004. All the ampicillin‐resistant isolates are β‐lactamase producers. More than 80% of the isolates are susceptible to amoxicillin, cefaclor, and chloramphenicol; whereas, almost all (99–100%) of the isolates are sensitive to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, ceftriaxone, and cefuroxime. For antibiotics utilization, macrolides are the predominantly used antibiotics, followed by cephalosporins and penicillins among pediatric patients in the outpatient department during the study period.ConclusionAll amoxicillin‐resistant isolates of H. influenzae are producing β‐Lactamase; and the rates of amoxicillin‐resistant isolates are increasing over time. Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and cephalosporins are highly sensitive to H. influenzae isolated from Chinese pediatric patients. Macrolides are the most used antibiotics in the outpatient department during the study period. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008; 43:457–462. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
“Scarless” (in the Neck) Endoscopic Thyroidectomy (SET): An Evidence‐based Review of Published Techniques
Authors: Tan Charles T. K. , Cheah W. K. , Delbridge Leigh 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackgroundExcision of the thyroid through a skin crease incision in the anterior neck provides good direct exposure to facilitate safe dissection and a quick operation with low morbidity and minimal mortality. However, these patients still have a scar in the neck. Technologic innovations have allowed surgeons to remove the thyroid gland from a remote site, providing a scarless outcome in the neck. This study was designed to assess the different techniques of scarless (in the neck) endoscopic thyroidectomy (SET) by reviewing the current literature.MethodsA computer‐assisted search of the Medline database through September 2007 was undertaken. The combination of terms used included the following: endoscopic thyroidectomy; minimally invasive thyroidectomy; minimally invasive endocrine surgery; thyroidectomy via the axillary approach; thyroidectomy via the anterior approach; and thyroidectomy via the breast approach. Additional data were provided based on previously unpublished experience from our own unit with SET.ResultsThere were seven studies that involved 186 patients in whom the thyroid was excised via the axillary method and five published series that involved 169 patients who had thyroidectomies performed via the anterior approach. There were four published series of thyroidectomies performed via a hybrid approach, which is a combination of both the anterior and axillary approach, involving 180 patients. Four studies compared SET and another approach for a thyroidectomy. In our unpublished series of SET, we performed 20 cases during a 2‐year period comprising 11 cases via the axillary approach and 9 cases via the anterior/breast approach. Nineteen cases were lobectomies and one case was an isthmusectomy. SET was associated with a longer operative time and increase postoperative pain. Patients who had SET were satisfied with the aesthetic outcome of the procedure.ConclusionScarless (in the neck) endoscopic thyroidectomy is not a minimally invasive technique but a maximally invasive one that involves a longer operative time and greater postoperative pain. What it does provide is a safe excision of the thyroid pathology with the absence of a scar in the neck. However, there is a steep learning curve. With experience and newer surgical instruments, the operative time and postoperative pain might decrease.
Effect of atrial natriuretic peptide on adiponectin in patients with heart failure
Authors: Tanaka Toshinari , Tsutamoto Takayoshi , Sakai Hiroshi , Nishiyama Keizo , Fujii Masanori , Yamamoto Takashi , Horie Minoru 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackground:The adipocyte‐specific cytokine adiponectin, has cardioprotective effects, correlates with endogenous cardiac natriuretic peptides and adipocyte has guanylyl cyclase‐A receptors of natriuretic peptides.Aims:To evaluate the effect of carperitide (atrial natriuretic peptide; ANP) on plasma adiponectin in patients with heart failure.Methods and results:Seventy‐five patients admitted to our hospital with decompensated heart failure were randomised (1:2) to nitroglycerin (group I: n = 23) or carperitide infusion (group II: n = 52). Blood samples were collected at baseline and after 7 days. Plasma levels of total and high‐molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin, ANP and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were measured. There were no differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups. In group I, plasma levels of total and HMW adiponectin were significantly decreased (21.1±2.5 to 18.6±2.5 μg/mL, p < 0.05, 12.3±1.8 to 10.8±1.7 μg/mL, p < 0.05, respectively) concomitant with the decrease in plasma levels of ANP and BNP. In group II, plasma levels of total and HMW adiponectin were significantly increased (17.3±1.3 to 19.7±1.6 μg/mL, p < 0.0001, 9.8±1.0 to 10.5±1.0 μg/mL, p < 0.05, respectively) concomitant with the increase in ANP.Conclusions:These findings indicate that carperitide infusion increases plasma levels of total and HMW adiponectin in patients with heart failure.
Prognostic role of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines and their polymorphisms in acute decompensated heart failure
Authors: Miettinen Kati H. , Lassus Johan , Harjola Veli‐Pekka , Siirilä‐Waris Krista , Melin John , Punnonen Kari R. , Nieminen Markku S. , Laakso Markku , Peuhkurinen Keijo J. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackground:Cytokines play an important role in chronic heart failure (HF), but little is known about their involvement in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF).Aim:To evaluate the prognostic role of inflammatory cytokines in patients with ADHF.Methods:Levels of interleukin (IL)‐6, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), IL‐10 and N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) were measured in 423 patients with ADHF. In addition, appropriate cytokine gene polymorphisms were determined. Survival was followed up to 12 months, and prognostic factors were evaluated.Results:Elevated levels of IL‐6 and TNF‐α were strongly associated with increased 12‐month mortality (P < 0.001 for both), whereas the level of IL‐10 was predictive only of 6‐month mortality (P < 0.01). In multivariate analysis IL‐6, chronic renal insufficiency, NT‐proBNP, age/10 years' increase and TNF‐α were identified as the most powerful predictors of 12‐month mortality. Furthermore, high levels of both IL‐6 and NT‐proBNP were associated with >7‐fold mortality. Cytokine gene polymorphisms were not associated with outcome.Conclusions:Circulating levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐6 and TNF‐α, and the level of an anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10, but not their gene polymorphisms, provide novel and important prognostic information in patients with ADHF. Combining measurements of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and NT‐proBNP seems a promising tool in the prognostic assessment of these patients.
Chronic heart failure, selected risk factors and co‐morbidities among adults treated for hypertension in a cardiac referral hospital in Cameroon
Authors: Dzudie Anastase , Kengne Andre Pascal , Mbahe Salomon , Menanga Alain , Kenfack Monique , Kingue Samuel 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackground:Information on clinical characteristics of heart failure (HF) among Africans with hypertension is needed to help define the burden of hypertension in this population, but currently there is little data available.Aims:To determine the clinical characteristics of HF, related risk factors and co‐morbidities among adult Cameroonians treated for hypertension.Methods and results:Medical files of 1218 patients with hypertension followed at the cardiac clinic of Yaounde General Hospital were evaluated over a 10‐year period from 1995 to 2005. One hundred and forty (11.5%) patients with clinical HF or asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction were included in the present analysis. Ages ranged from 26 to 84 years (mean 54.9 years) and 86 (61.4%) were men. Systolic dysfunction and isolated diastolic HF were found in 64% and 23% of patients, respectively. Seventy nine (56.4%) patients had at least one co‐morbidity and 43 (30.7%) had multiple co‐morbidities. Co‐morbidities included: renal impairment (24.3%), overweight and obesity (20.7%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (17.1%), gout (16.4%), anaemia (15.7), diabetes mellitus (13.5%), atrial fibrillation (12.9%), stroke (9.3%), and ischaemic heart disease (5.7%).Conclusions:HF is frequent among Cameroonian patients treated for hypertension and is regularly associated with co‐morbidities. Efforts are needed to improve the control of hypertension and enhance early detection of these co‐morbidities in this context.
Prognostic value of sequential measurements of amino‐terminal prohormone of B‐type natriuretic peptide in ambulatory heart failure patients
Authors: Moertl Deddo , Hammer Alexandra , Huelsmann Martin , Pacher Richard , Berger Rudolf 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackground:We evaluated the prognostic value of sequential NT‐proBNP values in ambulatory heart failure patients after discharge, investigating whether the current value or the recent percent change is more important.Methods and results:In 166 patients, NT‐proBNP was measured at discharge from heart failure hospitalisation and three months later. The combined endpoint of death or heart failure rehospitalisation was evaluated after a maximum of 18 months or at follow‐up closure. During a mean observation time of 14±4 months, 63 patients (38%) reached the endpoint. In multiple Cox analysis, NT‐proBNP three months after discharge (NT‐proBNP‐3Mo) and NT‐proBNP percent change (NT‐proBNP‐%change) were the only independent predictors of the endpoint among various clinical and laboratory variables. After definition of a high‐ (n = 83, 57% endpoints) and a low‐NT‐proBNP patient subgroup (n = 83, 19% endpoints) according to the median NT‐proBNP‐3Mo (1751 pg/ml), NT‐proBNP‐%change was the strongest predictor in the high‐NT‐proBNP subgroup. In the low‐NT‐proBNP subgroup, NT‐proBNP‐3Mo was the only independent predictor.Conclusions:In ambulatory heart failure patients, the prognostic value of sequential NT‐proBNP measurements depends on the magnitude of the current NT‐proBNP value. Recent percent changes in NT‐proBNP provide important prognostic information in patients with high NT‐proBNP but not in patients with low NT‐proBNP.
Observing Tutorial Dialogues Collaboratively: Insights About Human Tutoring Effectiveness From Vicarious Learning
Authors: Chi Michelene T. H. , Roy Marguerite , Hausmann Robert G. M. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe goals of this study are to evaluate a relatively novel learning environment, as well as to seek greater understanding of why human tutoring is so effective. This alternative learning environment consists of pairs of students collaboratively observing a videotape of another student being tutored. Comparing this collaboratively observing environment to four other instructional methods—one‐on‐one human tutoring, observing tutoring individually, collaborating without observing, and studying alone—the results showed that students learned to solve physics problems just as effectively from observing tutoring collaboratively as the tutees who were being tutored individually. We explain the effectiveness of this learning environment by postulating that such a situation encourages learners to become active and constructive observers through interactions with a peer. In essence, collaboratively observing combines the benefit of tutoring with the benefit of collaborating. The learning outcomes of the tutees and the collaborative observers, along with the tutoring dialogues, were used to further evaluate three hypotheses explaining why human tutoring is an effective learning method. Detailed analyses of the protocols at several grain sizes suggest that tutoring is effective when tutees are independently or jointly constructing knowledge: with the tutor, but not when the tutor independently conveys knowledge.
The Role of Words and Sounds in Infants' Visual Processing: From Overshadowing to Attentional Tuning
Authors: Sloutsky Vladimir M. , Robinson Christopher W. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractAlthough it is well documented that language plays an important role in cognitive development, there are different views concerning the mechanisms underlying these effects. Some argue that even early in development, effects of words stem from top‐down knowledge, whereas others argue that these effects stem from auditory input affecting attention allocated to visual input. Previous research (e.g., ) demonstrated that non‐speech sounds attenuate processing of corresponding visual input at 8, 12, and 16 months of age, whereas the current study demonstrates that words attenuate visual processing at 10 months but not at 16 months (Experiment 1). Furthermore, prefamiliarization with non‐speech sounds (Experiment 2) resulted in able processing of visual input by 16‐month‐olds. These findings suggest that some effects of labels found early in development may stem from familiarity with human speech. The possibility of general‐auditory factors underlying the effects of words on cognitive development is discussed.
Trade‐Offs Between Grounded and Abstract Representations: Evidence From Algebra Problem Solving
Authors: Koedinger Kenneth R. , Alibali Martha W. , Nathan Mitchell J. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThis article explores the complementary strengths and weaknesses of grounded and abstract representations in the domain of early algebra. Abstract representations, such as algebraic symbols, are concise and easy to manipulate but are distanced from any physical referents. Grounded representations, such as verbal descriptions of situations, are more concrete and familiar, and they are more similar to physical objects and everyday experience. The complementary computational characteristics of grounded and abstract representations lead to trade‐offs in problem‐solving performance. In prior research with high school students solving relatively simple problems, demonstrated performance benefits of grounded representations over abstract representations—students were better at solving simple story problems than the analogous equations. This article extends this prior work to examine both simple and more complex problems in two samples of college students. On complex problems with two references to the unknown, a “symbolic advantage” emerged, such that students were better at solving equations than analogous story problems. Furthermore, the previously observed “verbal advantage” on simple problems was replicated. We thus provide empirical support for a trade‐off between grounded, verbal representations, which show advantages on simpler problems, and abstract, symbolic representations, which show advantages on more complex problems.
Effects of Attention on the Strength of Lexical Influences on Speech Perception: Behavioral Experiments and Computational Mechanisms
Authors: Mirman Daniel , McClelland James L. , Holt Lori L. , Magnuson James S. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe effects of lexical context on phonological processing are pervasive and there have been indications that such effects may be modulated by attention. However, attentional modulation in speech processing is neither well documented nor well understood. Experiment 1 demonstrated attentional modulation of lexical facilitation of speech sound recognition when task and critical stimuli were identical across attention conditions. We propose modulation of lexical activation as a neurophysiologically plausible computational mechanism that can account for this type of modulation. Contrary to the claims of critics, this mechanism can account for attentional modulation without violating the principle of interactive processing. Simulations of the interactive TRACE model extended to include two different ways of modulating lexical activation showed that each can account for attentional modulation of lexical feedback effects. Experiment 2 tested conflicting predictions from the two implementations and provided evidence that is consistent with bias input as the mechanism of attentional control of lexical activation.
A Probabilistic Model of Melody Perception
Authors: Temperley David 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThis study presents a probabilistic model of melody perception, which infers the key of a melody and also judges the probability of the melody itself. The model uses Bayesian reasoning: For any “surface” pattern and underlying “structure,” we can infer the structure maximizing P(structure|surface) based on knowledge of P(surface, structure). The probability of the surface can then be calculated as ∑ P(surface, structure), summed over all structures. In this case, the surface is a pattern of notes; the structure is a key. A generative model is proposed, based on three principles: (a) melodies tend to remain within a narrow pitch range; (b) note‐to‐note intervals within a melody tend to be small; and (c) notes tend to conform to a distribution (or key profile) that depends on the key. The model is tested in three ways. First, it is tested on its ability to identify the keys of a set of folksong melodies. Second, it is tested on a melodic expectation task in which it must judge the probability of different notes occurring given a prior context; these judgments are compared with perception data from a melodic expectation experiment. Finally, the model is tested on its ability to detect incorrect notes in melodies by assigning them lower probabilities than the original versions.
The epitope space of the human proteome
Authors: Berglund Lisa , Andrade Jorge , Odeberg Jacob , Uhlén Mathias 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIn the post‐genome era, there is a great need for protein‐specific affinity reagents to explore the human proteome. Antibodies are suitable as reagents, but generation of antibodies with low cross‐reactivity to other human proteins requires careful selection of antigens. Here we show the results from a proteome‐wide effort to map linear epitopes based on uniqueness relative to the entire human proteome. The analysis was based on a sliding window sequence similarity search using short windows (8, 10, and 12 amino acid residues). A comparison of exact string matching (Hamming distance) and a heuristic method (BLAST) was performed, showing that the heuristic method combined with a grid strategy allows for whole proteome analysis with high accuracy and feasible run times. The analysis shows that it is possible to find unique antigens for a majority of the human proteins, with relatively strict rules involving low sequence identity of the possible linear epitopes. The implications for human antibody‐based proteomics efforts are discussed.
Analysis of solvent content and oligomeric states in protein crystals—does symmetry matter?
Authors: Chruszcz Maksymilian , Potrzebowski Wojciech , Zimmerman Matthew D. , Grabowski Marek , Zheng Heping , Lasota Piotr , Minor Wladek 
Published: March 2008

AbstractA nonredundant set of 9081 protein crystal structures in the Protein Data Bank was used to examine the solvent content, the number of polypeptide chains, and the oligomeric states of proteins in crystals as a function of crystal symmetry (as classified by crystal systems and space groups). It was found that there is a correlation between solvent content and crystal symmetry. Surprisingly, proteins crystallizing in lower symmetry systems have lower solvent content compared to those crystallizing in higher symmetry systems. Nevertheless, there is no universal correlation between solvent content and preferences of macromolecules to crystallize in certain space groups. Crystal symmetry as a function of oligomeric state was examined, where trimers, tetramers, and hexamers were found to prefer to crystallize in systems where the oligomer symmetry could be incorporated in the crystal symmetry. Our analysis also shows that the frequency distribution within the enantiomorphous pairs of space groups does not differ significantly, in contrast to previous reports.
Quantitative analysis of multi‐protein interactions using FRET: Application to the SUMO pathway
Authors: Martin Sarah F. , Tatham Michael H. , Hay Ronald T. , Samuel Ifor D.W. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractProtein–protein binding and signaling pathways are important fields of biomedical science. Here we report simple optical methods for the determination of the equilibrium binding constant Kd of protein–protein interactions as well as quantitative studies of biochemical cascades. The techniques are based on steady‐state and time‐resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between ECFP and Venus‐YFP fused to proteins of the SUMO family. Using FRET has several advantages over conventional free‐solution techniques such as isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC): Concentrations are determined accurately by absorbance, highly sensitive binding signals enable the analysis of small quantities, and assays are compatible with multi‐well plate format. Most importantly, our FRET‐based techniques enable us to measure the effect of other molecules on the binding of two proteins of interest, which is not straightforward with other approaches. These assays provide powerful tools for the study of competitive biochemical cascades and the extent to which drug candidates modify protein interactions.