bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Value of smear and PCR in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in culture positive pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Tueller C. , Chhajed P. N. , Buitrago-Tellez C. , Frei R. , Frey M. , Tamm M. 
Published: November 2005

At present, further investigations are needed in patients with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) and either negative sputum smear or without sputum. The aim of the present study was to analyse the yield of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) smear and PCR in patients with confirmed pulmonary TB.Patients with a positive culture forMycobacterium tuberculosiscomplex in sputum or BALF were analysed over 5 yrs.In total, 90 out of 230 (39%) patients with culture-positive pulmonary TB had a positive sputum smear, and 120 patients underwent bronchoscopy. BALF smear was positive in 56 (47%), BALF PCR in 93 (78%) patients, and BALF smear and/or PCR was positive in 83%. In total, 71 patients who underwent bronchoscopy and had complete clinical records were further analysed. BALF (smear orMycobacterium tuberculosiscomplex-PCR) allowed a rapid diagnosis in 10 (59%) out of 17 patients who had a negative sputum smear, and 49 (91%) out of 54 patients without sputum production. Of these 71 patients, 12 (17%) were only culture positive. Rapid diagnosis of pulmonary TB by smear and/or PCR was made in 190 out of 210 patients (90%) in sputum or BALF.In conclusion, combined use of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid smear andMycobacterium tuberculosiscomplex-PCR has a good diagnostic yield in patients with sputum smear-negative tuberculosis or without sputum production.
The Chrispin–Norman score in cystic fibrosis: doing away with the lateral view
Authors: Benden C. , Wallis C. , Owens C. M. , Ridout D. A. , Dinwiddie R. 
Published: November 2005

The Chrispin–Norman chest radiograph scoring (CNS) system is widely used to assess respiratory disease progression in cystic fibrosis (CF). Frontal and lateral chest radiographs were performed. The present authors developed a modified CNS, which obviates the need for the lateral film. This study compares the original and the current authors' modified scoring system.A total of 50 chest radiographs from CF children, taken between August and December 2003, were scored according to the original and modified CNS. Two observers scored all 50 chest radiographs, scoring in random order the frontal radiographs, and separately the frontal and lateral radiographs together.There was no evidence of a difference between the methods for either observer, using the Bland and Altman 95% limits of agreement as follows: observer 1 (−2.0–1.9), and observer 2 (−1.77–2.2). No evidence of a difference between the observers for either method was found, comparing the 95% limits of agreement (−5.5–5.7) with the modified CNS (−5.6–6.4).In conclusion, in terms of the final score, good agreement was found between the use of the original and modified Chrispin–Norman score. In addition, low inter-observer variability was shown for both methods. The use of the modified Chrispin–Norman chest radiograph scoring system to stage disease severity in cystic fibrosis removes the need for a lateral chest radiograph.
A 20-year follow-up study on chronic respiratory effects of exposure to cotton dust
Authors: Wang X-R. , Zhang H-X. , Sun B-X. , Dai H-L. , Hang J-Q. , Eisen E. A. , Wegman D. H. , Olenchock S. A. , Christiani D. C. 
Published: November 2005

In order to evaluate chronic effects of long-term exposure to cotton dust on respiratory health, and the role of dust and endotoxin, longitudinal changes in lung function and respiratory symptoms were observed prospectively from 1981 to 2001 in 447 cotton textile workers, along with 472 silk textile controls.The results from five surveys conducted over the 20-yr period are reported, including standardised questionnaires, pre- and post-shift spirometric measurements, work-area inhalable dust sample collections and airborne Gram-bacterial endotoxin analysis.Cotton workers had more persistent respiratory symptoms and greater annual declines in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity as compared with silk workers. After exposure cessation, in the final 5-yr period, the rate of FEV1decline tended to slow in nonsmoking males, but not in nonsmoking females. Workers who reported byssinotic symptoms more persistently suffered greater declines in FEV1. Chronic loss in lung function was more strongly associated with exposure to endotoxin than to dust.In conclusion, the current study suggests that long-term exposure to cotton dust, in which airborne endotoxin appears to play an important role, results in substantial adverse chronic respiratory effects.
Violent behaviour in schizophrenia
Authors: Vevera Jan , Hubbard Alan , Veselý Arnošt , Papežová Hana 
Published: November 2005

BackgroundA number of studies have reported increased violence in patients with schizophrenia.AimsTo determine the prevalence of violence among those with schizophrenia in samples from 1949, 1969, 1989 and 2000 in Prague (Czech Republic) and to examine trends in this behaviour.MethodRecords from 404 patients meeting DSM–IV criteria for schizophrenia were screened for violence (defined as 3 points on the Modified Overt Aggression Scale) from the first observed psychotic symptoms until the time of latest available information.ResultsLogistic regression revealed a marginally significant increase in violence only inthe 2000 cohort. Overall, violence was associated with schizophrenia in 41.8% of men and 32.7% of women, with no association between substance misuse and violence.ConclusionsThe violence rate found in our sample is expected to remain stable over time under stable conditions. Substance misuse is not the leading cause of violence among those with schizophrenia.
Processes of disengagement and engagement in assertive outreach patients: qualitative study
Authors: Priebe Stefan , Watts Jay , Chase Mike , Matanov Aleksandra 
Published: November 2005

BackgroundAssertive outreach has been established to care for ‘difficult to engage’ patients, yet little is known about how patients experience their disengagement with mainstream services and later engagement with outreach teams.AimsTo explore the views of disengagement and engagement held by patients of assertive outreach teams.MethodIn-depth interviews were conducted with 40 purposefully selected patients and analysed using components of both thematic analysis and grounded theory.ResultsPatients reported a desire to be independent, a poor therapeutic relationship and a loss of control due to medication effects as most important for disengagement. Time and commitment of staff, social support and engagement without a focus on medication, and a partnership model of the therapeutic relationship were most relevant for engagement.ConclusionsThe findings underline the importance of a comprehensive care model, committed staff with sufficient time, and a focus on relationship issues in dealing with ‘ifficultto engage'patients.
Experience of caring for someone with anorexia nervosa: qualitative study
Authors: Whitney Jenna , Murray Joanna , Gavan Kay , Todd Gill , Whitaker Wendy , Treasure Janet 
Published: November 2005

BackgroundCaring for someone with anorexia nervosa is distressing.AimsTo gain a detailed understanding of carers' illness models and caregiving experiences.MethodQualitative analysis and computerised text analysis were conducted on narratives written by parents as part of a family intervention at a specialist in-patient unit (20 mothers, 20 fathers)ResultsThemes concerned illness perceptions, impact on the family and carers' emotional, cognitive and behavioural responses towards the illness. Parents perceived anorexia nervosa to be chronic and disabling. Carers blamed themselves as contributing to the illness and perceived themselves as helpless in promoting recovery. Mothers illustrated an intense emotional response, whereas fathers produced a more cognitive and detached account.ConclusionsPart of the distress in living with anorexia nervosa may be explained by unhelpful assumptions and maladaptive responses to the illness. Training parents in skills to manage the illness may improve outcome by reducing interpersonal maintaining factors.
Mortality and suicide after non-fatal self-poisoning: 16-year outcome study
Authors: Owens David , Wood Christopher , Greenwood Darren C. , Hughes Tom , Dennis Michael 
Published: November 2005

BackgroundSuicide reduction is government strategy in many countries. We need to quantify the connection between non-fatal self-poisoning and eventual suicide.AimsTo determine mortality after an episode of self-poisoning and to identify predictors of death by any cause or by suicide.MethodA retrospective single-group cohort study was undertaken with 976 consecutive patients attending a large accident and emergency unit in 1985–1986 after non-fatal self-poisoning. Information about deaths was determined from the Office for National Statistics.ResultsOf the original patients, 94% were traced 16 years later; 17% had died, 3.5% by probable suicide. Subsequent suicide was related to numerous factors evident at the time of the episode of self-poisoning but, when examined for their independent effects, only the severity of the self-poisoning episode and relevant previous history seemed important.ConclusionsPatients attending a general hospital after self-poisoning all require good basic assessment and care responsive to their needs. Attempts to reduce the huge excess of suicide subsequent to self-harm are not likely to achieve much if they are based on the identification of subgroups through ‘risk assessment’
Temozolomide in Combination With Interferon-Alfa Versus Temozolomide Alone in Patients With Advanced Metastatic Melanoma: A Randomized, Phase III, Multicenter Study from the Dermatologic Cooperative Oncology Group
Authors: Kaufmann Roland , Spieth Konstanze , Leiter Ulrike , Mauch Cornelia , von den Driesch Peter , Vogt Thomas , Linse Ruthild , Tilgen Wolfgang , Schadendorf Dirk , Becker Jürgen C. , Sebastian Günther , Krengel Sven , Kretschmer Lutz , Garbe Claus , Dummer Reinhard 
Published: November 2005

Purpose Temozolomide (TMZ) has shown efficacy in metastatic melanoma equal to that of dacarbazine (DTIC), the standard chemotherapeutic agent for melanoma. As the combination with interferon-alfa (IFN-α) appears superior to single-agent DTIC regarding response rates, the purpose of this study was to compare TMZ alone and TMZ plus IFN-α in terms of objective response (OR), overall survival, and safety in a prospective, randomized, multicenter trial. Patients and Methods Two hundred ninety-four patients with untreated stage IV metastatic melanoma (American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system) were randomly assigned to receive either oral TMZ alone (200 mg/m2/day; days 1 through 5 every 28 days) or in combination with subcutaneous IFN-α (5 MU/m2; days 1, 3, and 5 every week). Results Two hundred eighty-two patients were eligible for an intent-to-treat analysis, 271 patients were treated per protocol. In the TMZ + IFN-α arm, 33 (24.1%) of 137 patients responded to therapy (partial or complete remission) whereas in the monotherapy arm, in 18 (13.4%) of 134 patients, a response was evident. Thus, the response rate was significantly higher in the combination arm (P = .036). Median survival time was 8.4 months for patients treated with TMZ (95% CI, 7.07 to 9.27) and 9.7 months for those treated with the combination (95% CI, 8.26 to 11.18; P = .16). Dose modifications and interval prolongations due to hematologic toxicity were significantly more frequent in the TMZ + IFN-α arm (P < .001). Conclusion In metastatic melanoma treatment with TMZ + IFN-α leads to a significantly superior OR rate compared to treatment with TMZ alone, which did not translate into prolonged survival in our study population.
Risk-Adapted Management for Patients With Clinical Stage I Seminoma: The Second Spanish Germ Cell Cancer Cooperative Group Study
Authors: Aparicio Jorge , Germà José R. , del Muro Xavier García , Maroto Pablo , Arranz José A. , Sáenz Alberto , Barnadas Agustín , Dorca Joan , Gumà Josep , Olmos David , Bastús Romá , Carles Joan , Almenar Daniel , Sánchez Miguel , Paz-Ares Luis , Satrústegui Juan J. , Mellado Begoña , Balil Ana , López-Brea Marta , Sánchez Alfredo 
Published: November 2005

Purpose To assess the efficacy of a risk-adapted treatment policy for patients with stage I seminoma by using universally accepted risk criteria. Patients and Methods Between 1999 and 2003, 314 patients with clinical stage I seminoma after orchiectomy were prospectively included. One hundred patients (31.8%) presented no risk factors and were managed with surveillance. In contrast, 131 patients (41.7%) had tumors larger than 4 cm, 33 patients (10.5%) had rete testis involvement, and 50 patients (15.9%) had both risk factors. All the latter received two courses of adjuvant carboplatin. Results Chemotherapy was well tolerated, as only 17 patients (7.9%) presented grade 3 to 4 toxicity. Relapses were observed in six patients (6.0%) on surveillance and in seven patients (3.3%) treated with carboplatin (0.8% of tumors larger than 4 cm, 9.1% of those involving the rete testis, and 6.0% of patients with both risk criteria). All were located at the retroperitoneum, except for one at the spermatic cord. Median tumor size was 25 mm (range, 11 to 70 mm), and median time to relapse was 9 months (range, 4 to 28 months). All patients were rendered disease-free with chemotherapy (etoposide plus cisplatin). Median follow-up was 34 months (range, 12 to 72 months). The actuarial 5-year disease-free survival rate was 93.4% for patients on surveillance and 96.2% for patients treated with adjuvant chemotherapy. Overall 5-year survival was 100%. Conclusion Adjuvant carboplatin is effective in reducing the relapse rate in patients with stage I seminoma and risk factors. A risk-adapted strategy is safe and feasible and should be considered an alternative to systematic approaches, such as irradiation, chemotherapy, or surveillance.
Kinetics of Response to Long-Term Treatment Combining Pentoxifylline and Tocopherol in Patients With Superficial Radiation-Induced Fibrosis
Authors: Delanian Sylvie , Porcher Raphaël , Rudant Jérémie , Lefaix Jean-Louis 
Published: November 2005

Purpose Significant regression of radiation (RT) -induced fibrosis (RIF) has been achieved after treatment combining pentoxifylline (PTX) and alpha-tocopherol (vitE). In this study, we focus on the maximum response, how long it takes to achieve response, and changes after treatment discontinuation. Patients and Methods Measurable superficial RIF was assessed in patients treated by RT for breast cancer in a long-treatment (24 to 48 months) PTX-vitE (LPE) group of 37 patients (47 RIFs) and in a short-treatment (6 to 12 months) PTX-vitE (SPE) group of seven patients (eight RIFs). Between April 1995 and April 2000, women were treated with a daily combination of PTX (800 mg) and VitE (1,000 IU). Results Combined PTX-vitE was continuously effective and resulted in exponential RIF surface area regression (−46% for LPE and −68% for SPE at 6 months, −58% for LPE and −69% for SPE at 12 months, −63% for LPE and −62% for SPE at 18 months, and −68% for LPE at 24 and 36 months). The mean estimated maximal treatment effect was 68% RIF surface area regression. The mean time to this effect was 24 months and was shorter (16 months) in more recent RIF (< 6 years since RT) than in older RIF (28 months; P = .0003). Symptom severity (Subjective Objective Medical Management and Analytic Evaluation score) was halved in both groups. After treatment discontinuation, mean RIF surface area at 1 year had increased by +40% in the SPE group (rebound) and +8.5% in the LPE group. Conclusion Under combined PTX-vitE treatment, RIF regression was exponential, with a two-thirds maximum response after a mean of 2 years. There was a risk of a rebound effect if treatment was too short. Long treatment (≥ 3 years) is recommended in patients with severe RIF.
Colorectal Cancer Surveillance: 2005 Update of an American Society of Clinical Oncology Practice Guideline
Authors: Desch Christopher E. , Benson Al B. , Somerfield Mark R. , Flynn Patrick J. , Krause Carol , Loprinzi Charles L. , Minsky Bruce D. , Pfister David G. , Virgo Katherine S. , Petrelli Nicholas J. 
Published: November 2005

Purpose To update the 2000 American Society of Clinical Oncology guideline on colorectal cancer surveillance. Recommendations Based on results from three independently reported meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials that compared low-intensity and high-intensity programs of colorectal cancer surveillance, and on recent analyses of data from major clinical trials in colon and rectal cancer, the Panel recommends annual computed tomography (CT) of the chest and abdomen for 3 years after primary therapy for patients who are at higher risk of recurrence and who could be candidates for curative-intent surgery; pelvic CT scan for rectal cancer surveillance, especially for patients with several poor prognostic factors, including those who have not been treated with radiation; colonoscopy at 3 years after operative treatment, and, if results are normal, every 5 years thereafter; flexible proctosigmoidoscopy every 6 months for 5 years for rectal cancer patients who have not been treated with pelvic radiation; history and physical examination every 3 to 6 months for the first 3 years, every 6 months during years 4 and 5, and subsequently at the discretion of the physician; and carcinoembryonic antigen every 3 months postoperatively for at least 3 years after diagnosis, if the patient is a candidate for surgery or systemic therapy. Chest x-rays, CBCs, and liver function tests are not recommended, and molecular or cellular markers should not influence the surveillance strategy based on available evidence.
The Spectrochemical Determination of Argon in Air
Authors: Lee Ted 
Published: November 2005

A spectrochemical procedure to determine the ratio of the concentration of argon in a sample slightly different from air to the concentration of argon in air was developed using an electrodeless discharge tube and a 22-foot direct-reading optical spectrometer. A precision of ±0.43% at the 95% confidence level was obtained for a single determination made in 1 minute. A method of relative precisions to obtain optimum adjustments of the equipment is described. This method was used to determine the optimum discharge tube pressure and the optimum entrance slit width.
The Determination of Parts per Million of Iron in Adipic Acid by Ultraviolet Absorption
Authors: Seeber Richard E. , White Robert G. , Ferber Kelvin H. 
Published: November 2005

The near ultraviolet absorption of the FeCl3 complex affords a convenient means of determining iron in adipic acid in the range 0.25–15 ppm The use of a predominantly alcoholic solvent system obviates the necessity of carefully controlling chloride ion concentration. Oxidation with H2O2 assures that all the iron is present in the ferric state. The method may be extended to other alcohol soluble substances having sufficient transparency in the near ultraviolet. High purity adipic acid (hexanedioic acid) must contain less than 3 ppm iron. Analysis for iron at this level by conventional colorimetric methods is not entirely satisfactory. The preliminary ashing of the sample is time consuming and there is an inherent lack of precision due to a high reagent blank. Since adipic acid contains no chromophores which might give rise to near ultraviolet absorption, a direct spectrophotometric determination of iron was suggested in view of the intense absorbance of iron ion complexes.
A New Density Function Based on the Poisson Distribution for the Characteristic Curve and Linear at Very Low Densities
Authors: Arrak Arno 
Published: November 2005

It is suggested that densitometric data be represented in terms of the density function [Formula: see text] which differs from the corresponding Seidel (Baker-Sampson) function2 by the addition of the constant δ Use of log ω has distinct advantages if density measurements have to be made in the toe part of the H and D curve The constant δ bears a definite relationship to the inertia threshold The fact that the existence of the inertia threshold can be taken into account considerably improves the linearity of the function at very low densities Relationship of the suggested density function to the characteristic curve based upon a Poisson distribution is discussed and a practical formula for calculating approximate values of δ will be given. Linearization of the H and D curve is possible down to densities where deviations from Beer's law for reduced silver set in, and except for such photometric effects the new characteristic curve can be extrapolated down to inertia threshold Although use of log ω instead of simple density or the Seidel density may be cumbersome in routine applications, it should become an important tool to the research man using the toe part of the H and D curve for measurment of densities.
Quantitative Spectrochemical Methods of Broad Applicability
Authors: Jaycox Edwin K. 
Published: November 2005

One important factor restricting the applications of the emission spectrograph to the quantitative analysis of any and all kinds of materials has been the limited availability of suitable analyzed standard samples in some required areas of analysis. Techniques are described wherein available standard samples are used in combination with synthetic laboratory-made standards and spectroscopic buffers These methods utilize a single set of three to six standards for the analysis of each class of alloys For example, one set of standards is used for the analysis of lead-base, lead-tin-base (solders) and tin-base alloys; and in like manner a single set of standards for each of copper-base, aluminum-base, zinc-base, and magnesium-base alloys, and for ceramics. The availability of standard samples, their usefulness, and their limitations are discussed Data are presented to indicate the precision and accuracy of the methods as applied to various base materials.
An Infrared Spectrophotometer for the Organic Chemist
Authors: Van Williams Zandt 
Published: November 2005

In the last decade there has been tremendous growth in the application of both infrared and ultraviolet spectrometry by the organic chemist. In each case, single-beam instruments appeared first, to be followed by the more versatile double-beam spectrophotometers. Because of the simplicity of ultraviolet spectrometry, both instruments are used in this field. In the infrared, however, the requirements are such that the double-beam instrument displaced the single-beam type even though it was more expensive. Because of this cost, infrared use has been limited to larger sites using central group, specialized personnel and the equipment has not been available to the chemist at the bench In order to meet the chemist's need directly, there has been developed an inexpensive, reliable, double-beam infrared spectrophotometer The significance of this development to the chemist is described and illustrated.