bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel Algorithm for More Accurate Calculation of Renal Function in Adults with Cancer
Authors: Holweger Karin , Lipp Hans-Peter , Dietz Klaus , Hartmann Joerg Thomas , Bokemeyer Carsten 
Published: November 2008

Background: Cytotoxic agents have a narrow therapeutic window. A high percentage of some of them is renally excreted in unchanged form. Accurate assessment of an individual's glomerular filtration rate (GFR) helps to predict the pharmacokinetic behavior of those drugs more precisely. GFR calculations, however, have their limitations. Objective: To establish a more accurate calculation of renal function over a broad range of constitutive GFR values. Methods: Patients with cancer were included in the analysis. Serum levels of cystatin C, creatinine, urea, albumin, and β-trace protein were measured, and GFR was calculated by 8 mathematical formulas. The results were compared with creatinine clearance (CrCI) calculated from timed urine specimens. Results: One hundred two patients were evaluated: median age, 57.5 years (range 20–91); females, 52; males, 50; and mean urinary CrCI, 77.0 mL/min. The bias (mean percentage error) was -2% and the precision (mean absolute percentage error) was 23% for the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) estimation of GFR. All equations significantly overestimated CrCI in patients with measured clearance less than 50 mL/min (p <0.05), with the exception of the modified Salazar-Corcoran formula. All equations underestimated CrCI in patients with measured clearance greater than 100 mL/min. The Wright formula was the least biased and most precise (–5%, 16%, respectively). In patients with measured CrCI 50–100 mL/min, the MDRD calculation had a bias of -4% and a precision of 17%. The Jelliffe and Larsson equations were associated with significant sex bias (p <0.05). Conclusions: These observations suggest that individual GFR values over a broad range cannot be calculated accurately enough with only one selected formula. It may be useful to classify renal function of patients with cancer according to the novel algorithm by using MDRD first and then to subsequently calculate GFR in higher and lower ranges with the Wright and modified Salazar-Corcoran formulas, respectively. This algorithm should be validated using larger numbers of patients.
Discordant Results from “Real-World” Patient Samples Assayed for Digoxin
Authors: Jones Terry E , Morris Raymond G 
Published: November 2008

Background: Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic index and is primarily renally eliminated. To optimize dosing of digoxin, therapeutic drug monitoring has been important since assays became available in the 1970s. Immunoassays are not specific, and cross-reactivity with endogenous and exogenous compounds has been reported for more than 20 years. Interassay concordance has not been investigated in recent years in “real-world” patient samples. Objective: To identify whether different digoxin immunoassays produce clinically different results in real-world situations, estimate the frequency of discordance, and determine whether an equation-based estimate compares well with digoxin immunoassays. Methods: Plasma samples were sent to 2 accredited laboratories simultaneously and the digoxin results were compared. Results of immunoassays conducted using the Cedia DRI Digoxin Assay and the DGNA Digoxin Assay were compared with an equation-based estimate of plasma digoxin concentration. Results: Thirty-six digoxin samples were assayed; in 39% of these, digoxin concentrations were discordant and different dosage adjustments would have followed. The presence of digoxin-like immunoreactive substances may explain some of this discordance. The mean of the equation-based result was similar to the Immunoassay results, but marked variability was evident. The DGNA assay produced higher results on 24 samples; 9 higher values occurred with the DRI method. Conclusions: Commercial digoxin immunoassays frequently produce clinically significant discordant results. The equation-based estimate does not appear to be an acceptable alternative to therapeutic drug monitoring. Immunoassay manufacturers should be required to improve assay performance by including real-world blood samples in development and clinicians should consider digoxin assay results warily.
Agomelatine Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Dolder Christian R , Nelson Michael , Snider Morgan 
Published: November 2008

Objective: To review the efficacy, safety, pharmacologic, and pharmacokinetic data of agomelatine to better understand its potential role in the treatment of patients with major depressive disorder. Data: A MEDLINE search (1966–October 2008) was conducted using the following terms: agomelatine, antidepressant, S20098, melatonin, serotonin, 5-HT2C, MT, efficacy, safety, adverse effect, pharmacology, pharmacokinetic, receptor binding, depression, major depressive disorder, and mood disorder. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All articles in English identified from the data sources were evaluated. Randomized, controlled trials involving humans were prioritized in the review. The references of published articles identified in the initial search process were also examined for any additional studies appropriate for the review. Data Synthesis: Agomelatine, a potent agonist at type 1 and 2 melatonin receptors, selectively inhibits serotonin. It is extensively metabolized via cytochrome P450 isoenyzmes 1A1, 1A2, and 2C9 to metabolites with less activity than the parent drug. Five randomized controlled studies were identified that examined the efficacy and safety of agomelatine in major depressive disorder. In general, agomelatine was found to produce significant improvements in depressive symptoms compared with placebo on many, but not all, rating scales. Three of the trials had active comparator arms (le, venlafaxine, paroxetine). In these 3 investigations, agomelatine produced effects on depressive symptoms similar to those of the comparator drugs. A small number of studies have demonstrated sleep benefits with the use of agomelatine in depressed patients. Positive findings also exist for the use of agomelatine in seasonal affective disorder and bipolar depression. The most common adverse effects reported with agomelatine use were headache, nasopharyngitis, and gastrointestinal complaints. The magnitude of agomelatine-related adverse effects appears to be at least similar to some currently marketed antidepressants. Conclusions: Overall, agomelatine is a promising and well-tolerated medication for the treatment of major depressive disorder. More large-scale controlled trials are needed to gain a better understanding of the relative efficacy and safety of agomelatine.
Cephalosporin-Induced Neurotoxicity: Clinical Manifestations, Potential Pathogenic Mechanisms, and the Role of Electroencephalographic Monitoring
Authors: Grill Marie Francisca , Maganti Rama 
Published: November 2008

Objective: To review the clinical manifestations of cephalosporin-induced neurotoxicity, underlying potential mechanisms, role of electroencephalographic (EEG) monitoring, and management of neurotoxicity. Data: A PubMed search (1970–May 2006) was conducted using search terms such as cephalosporins, neurotoxicity, seizures, and status epilepticus. The search was not limited to the English language and yielded approximately 187 articles. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Several case reports and case series were included to outline the salient clinical features of cephalosporin neurotoxicity. Laboratory studies investigating the potential mechanisms were also included. Reports outlining the EEG features of cephalosporin neurotoxicity were included and the role of continuous EEG monitoring was extracted. Finally, management strategies of such neurotoxicity are discussed. Data Synthesis: Cephalosporin-induced neurotoxicity may manifest in a variety of clinical presentations, ranging from simple encephalopathy or mental status changes to myoclonus, asterixis, seizures, nonconvulsive status epilepticus, as well as coma. Patients who are elderly, those with renal insufficiency, and those with prior neurologic disease may be particularly prone to the neurotoxic effects. The main mechanism of neurotoxicity appears to involve γ-aminobutyric acid A receptor inhibition, although other mechanisms may be possible. Cephalosporin neurotoxicity may be associated with a variety of EEG manifestations. Treatment mainly involves withdrawal of the offending drug, in addition to hemodialysis in patients with renal failure, and use of benzodiazepines or other anticonvulsants in patients who develop frank status epilepticus. Neurotoxicity can be prevented in high-risk cases with dosage adjustments and monitoring of serum concentrations. Conclusions: Knowledge and awareness of the neurotoxic clinical manifestations, EEG findings, and underlying mechanisms are essential for clinicians in identifying and treating this potentially lethal but reversible complication of cephalosporin therapy. Further studies are needed to determine the most appropriate treatment paradigms for patients who develop status epilepticus as a result of cephalosporins.
Email Medication Counseling Services Provided by Finnish Community Pharmacies
Authors: Pohjanoksa-Mäntylä Marika K , Kulovaara Heidi , Bell J Simon , Enäkoski Marianne , Airaksinen Marja S 
Published: November 2008

Background: The importance of email as a mode of communication between medication users and pharmacists is likely to increase. However, little is known about the email medication counseling practices of community pharmacies. Objective: To determine the prevalence of email medication counseling services in Finland and to assess the accuracy and comprehensiveness of responses by pharmacies providing the opportunity for email medication counseling to inquiries related to use of antidepressants. Methods: An inventory was made of all Finnish community pharmacies that provided the opportunity for email medication counseling. Data related to the accuracy and comprehensiveness of responses were collected, using a virtual pseudo-customer method with 3 scenarios related to common concerns of patients on antidepressants. Two inquiries were emailed to each pharmacy that provided the opportunity for email medication counseling in January and February 2005. The responses were content analyzed by 2 researchers, using a prestructured scoring system. Results: Almost one-third (30%, n = 182) of Finnish community pharmacies maintained a working Web site, and 94% of those provided the opportunity for email medication counseling. An online “ask-the-pharmacist” service was offered by 13% (n = 23) of the pharmacies with a Web site. Pharmacies responded to 54% of the email inquiries sent by the virtual pseudo-customers. The response rate and the content score ratio between mean and maximum scores varied among the scenarios. The content score ratio was highest for the scenarios concerning the adverse effects of fluoxetine (0.53, n = 55) and interactions with mirtazapine (0.52, n = 63) and lowest for the scenario related to sexual dysfunction and weight gain associated with citalopram (0.38, n = 52). Conclusions: Community pharmacies are potential providers of email medication counseling services. However, more attention should be directed to responding to consumer inquiries and to the content of these responses.
Free Jazz and the French Critic
Authors: Drott Eric 
Published: November 2008

AbstractFrom the mid-1960s to the early 1970s, free jazz was the subject of considerable public interest in France. The present article examines the conditions that fueled enthusiasm for American avant-garde jazz, focusing on the politicization of discourse surrounding the ‘new thing.’ Critics hostile to the movement felt that it undermined jazz's claim to universality, a cornerstone of postwar attempts to valorize the genre in the French cultural sphere. Yet the tendency to identify free jazz with various forms of African American political radicalism presented no less of a challenge for the movement's advocates. By constructing an image of free jazz that stressed its irremediable difference from the norms and values of European culture, writers were compelled to find alternative ways of relating it to contemporary French concerns. A reading of Philippe Carles and Jean-Louis Comolli's text Free Jazz Black Power shows how the authors' attempt to reinscribe African American cultural nationalism as an expression of transnational anticolonial struggle not only helped bring free jazz closer to the French experience, but also served as a way of working through the unresolved legacies of colonialism.
Biomimetic materials
Authors: Vincent Julian F.V. 
Published: November 2008

I’ve long been suspicious about attempts to see energy as the overwhelmingly central item setting both options and criteria for design in nature. Indeed, when I tried to create a conceptual framework for teaching biology to college students, I ended up putting energy distinctly second to information. Where energy rules, one can find some analog of voltage potential. But in nature, who eats whom boils down to the design and operation of one’s particular teeth and other equipment. I once set up an electrical analog of an ecosystem, but it gave an unreasonable picture until I addedad hocdiodes to keep the trees from eating the caterpillars at night and other such misbehavior.(Steve Vogel, Duke University, 2007)In materials processing, Nature replaces the massive use of energy (for example high temperatures or harsh chemical reactions) with the use of information (which equates with structure at all levels, molecule to ecosystem). Indeed, most of the exceptional functionality of biological materials is due to their complex structure, driven by their chemical composition and morphology derived from DNA. It is here that the most important aspect of biomimetics emerges, and it has the power to redesign engineering.
A Role for von Hippel-Lindau Protein in Pancreatic β-Cell Function
Authors: Puri Sapna , Cano David A. , Hebrok Matthias 
Published: November 2008

OBJECTIVE—The Vhlh gene codes for the von Hippel-Lindau protein (VHL), a tumor suppressor that is a key player in the cellular response to oxygen sensing. In humans, a germline mutation in the VHL gene leads to the von Hippel-Lindau disease, a familial syndrome characterized by benign and malignant tumors of the kidney, central nervous system, and pancreas.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We use Cre-lox recombination to eliminate Vhlh in adult mouse pancreatic β-cells. Morphology of mutant islets is assessed by immunofluorescence analysis. To determine the functional state of Vhlh−/− islets, insulin secretion is measured in vivo and in vitro, and quantitative PCR is used to identify changes in gene expression.
RESULTS—Loss of VHL in β-cells leads to a severe glucose-intolerant phenotype in adult animals. Although VHL is not required for β-cell specification and development, it is critical for β-cell function. Insulin production is normal in β-cells lacking VHL; however, insulin secretion in the presence of high concentrations of glucose is impaired. Furthermore, the loss of VHL leads to dysregulation of glycolytic enzymes, pointing to a perturbation of the intracellular energy homeostasis.
CONCLUSIONS—We show that loss of VHL in β-cells leads to defects in glucose homeostasis, indicating an important and previously unappreciated role for VHL in β-cell function. We believe that the β-cell–specific Vhlh-deficient mice might be a useful tool as a “genetic hypoxia” model, to unravel the possible link between hypoxia signaling and impairment of β-cell function.
Objectively Measured Physical Activity and Its Association With Adiponectin and Other Novel Metabolic Markers
Authors: Metcalf Brad S. , Jeffery Alison N. , Hosking Joanne , Voss Linda D. , Sattar Naveed , Wilkin Terence J. 
Published: November 2008

OBJECTIVE—Recent evidence suggests that, in children, traditional markers of metabolic disturbance are related only weakly to physical activity. We therefore sought to establish the corresponding relationships with newer metabolic markers.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—This was a nonintervention longitudinal study of 213 healthy children recruited from 54 schools in Plymouth, U.K. MTI accelerometers were used to make objective 7-day recordings of physical activity at ages 5 ± 0.3 (mean ± SD), 6, 7, and 8 years. Overall physical activity was taken as the average of the four annual time points. The metabolic markers at 8 years were adiponectin, leptin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment). Potential confounders included percent body fat measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and diet measured by food frequency questionnaire.
RESULTS—Whereas physical activity did not correlate with insulin resistance (r = −0.01), leptin (r = +0.04), or hsCRP (r = +0.01) independently of percent body fat, it did correlate with adiponectin, but inversely (r = −0.18, P = 0.02). This unexpected inverse relationship was strongest among the less active children (physical activity &lt; median: r = −0.30, P = 0.01) but negligible in the more active children (physical activity &gt; median: r = +0.04, P = 0.76). Adiponectin was significantly higher (0.52 SD, P &lt; 0.01) in the least active tertile compared with the other two tertiles. Insulin resistance, however, did not differ across the physical activity tertiles (P = 0.62).
CONCLUSIONS—Adiponectin levels in children are highest among those who are least active, but their insulin resistance is no different. Adiponectin has a known insulin-sensitizing effect, and our findings are consistent with a selective effect at low levels of physical activity.
STM investigation of cobalt silicide nanostructuresâ€™ growth on Si(111)-(âˆš19 Ã— âˆš19) substrate
Authors: Cegiel Maciej , Bazarnik Maciej , Czajka Ryszard 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Continuing miniaturization of electronic devices necessarily requires assembly of several different objects or devices in a small space. Therefore, besides thin films growth, the possibility of fabricating wires and dots [1, 2] at the nanometre scale composed of metal silicides is of the top interest. This report is about the STM/STS investigation of cobalt silicidesâ€™ nanostructures created on Si(111)-(âˆš19 Ã— âˆš19) substrates via Co evaporation and post deposition annealing. This (âˆš19 Ã— âˆš19) reconstruction was induced by Ni doping. Less than 1ML of Co on surface was obtained. Surface reconstruction induced growth of agglomerates of clusters rather than an uniform layer. The post deposition annealing of a crystal sample (up to 670 K, 770 K, 870 K, 970 K, 1070 K and 1170 K) led to creation of silicidesâ€™ nanostructures. Measurements showed that coalescence of Co nanoislands begun around 970 K. Annealing above 1070 K led to alloying of a Co, Ni and Si. As a consequence the Si(111)-(7Ã—7) reconstruction occurred at the cost of Si(111)-(âˆš19 Ã— âˆš19).
A reliable treatment of the homotopy analysis method for viscous flow over a non-linearly stretching sheet in presence of a chemical reaction and under influence of a magnetic field
Authors: Dinarvand Saeed 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
The similarity solution for the steady two-dimensional flow of an incompressible viscous and electrically conducting fluid over a non-linearly semi-infinite stretching sheet in the presence of a chemical reaction and under the influence of a magnetic field gives a system of non-linear ordinary differential equations. These non-linear differential equations are analytically solved by applying a newly developed method, namely the Homotopy Analysis Method (HAM). The analytic solutions of the system of non-linear differential equations are constructed in the series form. The convergence of the obtained series solutions is carefully analyzed. Graphical results are presented to investigate the influence of the Schmidt number, magnetic parameter and chemical reaction parameter on the velocity and concentration fields. It is noted that the behavior of the HAM solution for concentration profiles is in good agreement with the numerical solution given in reference [A. Raptis, C. Perdikis, Int. J. Nonlinear Mech. 41, 527 (2006)].
The work horse of skull base surgery: orbitozygomatic approach. Technique, modifications, and applications
Authors: Seçkin Hakan , Avci Emel , Uluç Kutluay , Niemann David , Başkaya Mustafa K. 
Published: November 2008

Object
The aim of this study was to describe the microsurgical anatomy of the orbitozygomatic craniotomy and its modifications, and detail the stepwise dissection of the temporalis fascia and muscle and explain the craniotomy techniques involved in these approaches.

Methods
Nine cadaveric embalmed heads injected with colored silicone were used to demonstrate a stepwise dissection of the 3 variations of orbitozygomatic craniotomy. The craniotomies and dissections were performed with standard surgical instruments, and the microsurgical anatomy was studied under microscopic magnification and illumination.

Results
The authors performed 2-piece, 1-piece, and supraorbital orbitozygomatic craniotomies in 3 cadaveric heads each. Stepwise dissection of the temporalis fascia and muscle, and osteotomy cuts were shown and the relevant microsurgical anatomy of the anterior and middle fossae was demonstrated in cadaveric heads. Surgical case examples were also presented to demonstrate the application of and indications for the orbitozygomatic approach.

Conclusions
The orbitozygomatic approach provides access to the anterior and middle cranial fossae as well as the deep sellar and basilar apex regions. Increased bone removal from the skull base obviates the need for vigorous brain retraction and offers an improved multiangled trajectory and shallower operative field. Modifications to the orbitozygomatic approach provide alternatives that can be tailored to particular lesions, enabling the surgeon to use the best technique in each individual case rather than a “one size fits all” approach.
Vascular neurosurgery following the International Subarachnoid Aneurysm Trial: modern practice reflected by subspecialization
Authors: Crocker Matthew , Corns Robert , Hampton Timothy , Deasy Neil , Tolias Christos M. 
Published: November 2008

Object
In this paper the authors' goal was to report on and examine (in the context of a large hospital with good endovascular intervention provisions) the activities of a neurosurgeon with a dedicated vascular interest in the era after the International Subarachnoid Aneurysm Trial in the United Kingdom. They also aimed to establish therapeutic trends and outcomes.

Methods
The authors reviewed the multidisciplinary team activity of 1 neurosurgeon and 2 interventional radiologists during a period of 22 months (2005–2007). They reviewed 281 aneurysm interventions; the majority was used to treat subarachnoid hemorrhage. Data analysis showed a strong preference for endovascular treatment for acute rupture (86.6 vs 13.4%), with a progressively greater role for open microsurgery in the more elective context (57% endovascular vs 43% surgical). They also reviewed 66 interventions for arteriovenous malformations, of which only 6 were surgical. These data are compared against a sample year from 2001 to 2002 (pre–International Subarachnoid Aneurysm Trial), showing comparable rates of surgically treated aneurysms versus endovascularly treated aneurysms, but an increase overall in the number of patients requiring open surgery.

Results
The authors found that excellent outcomes for microsurgical clipping compared with endovascular therapy can be achieved within the current climate. These and previously published data strongly support a continuing role for vascular neurosurgery as a subspecialist interest in combination with a dedicated endovascular service and a multidisciplinary team.

Conclusions
Despite a trend to prefer coiling for ruptured aneurysms, the authors have shown that there is still a vital role for open surgery in the management of the ruptured and unruptured aneurysm. They consider the remaining role for surgery for arteriovenous malformations within the modern era of endovascular therapy.