bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Teaching Techniques in the Clinical Setting: the Emergency Medicine Perspective
Authors: Wald David A. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractThe emergency department (ED) provides a unique educational experience that is distinct from both inpatient and ambulatory care settings. Because of the high acuity, interesting pathology, and rapid patient turnover, the ED is an ideal location to train medical students. Numerous teaching opportunities exist within the domain of the ED. In the preclinical years, the ED setting provides medical students with an introduction to clinical medicine and may serve as a venue for teaching basic history and physical examination skills. In the clinical years, medical students are exposed to a wide range of undifferentiated patients. Besides common medical and surgical complaints, many medical students will encounter clinical scenarios that they otherwise would have little direct contact with. Encounters such as the acutely poisoned or intoxicated patient, environmental emergencies, interaction with out‐of‐hospital providers, and patients requiring emergency procedures are just a few situations that make emergency medicine a distinct clinical specialty. These and other student–patient encounters can provide the teaching physician an opportunity to focus case‐based teaching on a number of elements including complaint‐directed medical interviewing and physical examination skills, development of case‐specific differential diagnosis, diagnostic evaluation, implementation of patient management plans, and patient disposition. In this review article, the authors discuss various ways to approach and improve clinical teaching of medical students, including: opportunities for teaching in the ED, teaching procedural skills, student case presentations, clinical teaching styles, qualities of an effective clinical teacher, and barriers to effective clinical teaching.
Regulation of p27 by S-Phase Kinase-Associated Protein 2 Is Associated With Aggressiveness in Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Osoegawa Atsushi , Yoshino Ichiro , Tanaka Shinji , Sugio Kenji , Kameyama Toshifumi , Yamaguchi Masafumi , Maehara Yoshihiko 
Published: October 2004

Purpose The F-box protein S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (Skp2) is one of the positive regulators of the cell cycle that promote ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27. In this study, we investigated the significance of Skp2 expression in human non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients and Methods Clinicopathologic features and immunohistochemical expression of Skp2 and p27 proteins were studied in 138 patients with NSCLC. Survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and the Cox regression model. To analyze the role of Skp2 in vitro, NSCLC cells were transfected with an Skp2-expressing vector or small interfering RNA. Results Skp2 was overexpressed in males, smokers, patients with squamous cell carcinomas, and patients with poorly differentiated cancers (P = .034, < .0001, < .0001, and .002, respectively). The multivariant analysis revealed that Skp2 expression is an independent prognostic factor for survival in NSCLC. An inverse relationship of Skp2 with p27 expression was observed (P = .012), and patients with both a higher expression of Skp2 and a lower expression of p27 showed a significantly unfavorable prognosis (P = .0002). In vitro ectopic expression of Skp2 in NSCLC cells reduced the protein level of p27. Conversely, induction of Skp2 siRNA increased the protein level of p27, leading to growth inhibition in NSCLC cells. Conclusion Skp2 overexpression is closely associated with the suppression of p27 and the aggressiveness in NSCLC. It also could be a therapeutic target in NSCLC.
Web-Based Survey of Fertility Issues in Young Women With Breast Cancer
Authors: Partridge Ann H. , Gelber Shari , Peppercorn Jeffrey , Sampson Ebonie , Knudsen Katherine , Laufer Marc , Rosenberg Randi , Przypyszny Michele , Rein Alison , Winer Eric P. 
Published: October 2004

Purpose Young women with breast cancer often seek advice about whether treatment will affect their fertility. We sought to gain a better understanding of women’s attitudes about fertility and how these concerns affect decision making. Patients and Methods We developed a survey about fertility issues for young women with a history of early-stage breast cancer. The survey was e-mailed to all registered Young Survival Coalition survivor members (N = 1,702). E-mail reminders were used. Results Six hundred fifty-seven eligible respondents completed the survey. Mean age at breast cancer diagnosis was 32.9 years; mean current age was 35.8 years. Ninety percent of women were white; 62% were married; 76% were college graduates. Stages at diagnosis were as follows: 0, 10%; I, 27%; II, 47%; III, 13%. Sixty-two percent of women were within 2 years of diagnosis. Fifty-seven percent recalled substantial concern at diagnosis about becoming infertile with treatment. In multivariate logistic regression, greater concern about infertility was associated with wish for children/more children (odds ratio [OR], 120; P < .0001), number of prior pregnancies (OR, 0.78; P = .01), and prior difficulty conceiving (OR, 1.86; P = .08). Twenty-nine percent of women reported that infertility concerns influenced treatment decisions. Seventy-two percent of women reported discussing fertility concerns with their doctors; 51% felt their concerns were addressed adequately. Women seemed to overestimate their risk of becoming postmenopausal with treatment. Conclusion Fertility after treatment is a major concern for young women with breast cancer. There is a need to communicate with and educate young patients regarding fertility issues at diagnosis and a need for future research directed at preserving fertility for young breast cancer survivors.
Long-Term Follow-Up for Locally Advanced and Inflammatory Breast Cancer Patients Treated With Multimodality Therapy
Authors: Low Jennifer A. , Berman Arlene W. , Steinberg Seth M. , Danforth David N. , Lippman Marc E. , Swain Sandra M. 
Published: October 2004

Purpose To determine long-term event-free (EFS) and overall survival (OS) for patients with stage III breast cancer treated with combined-modality therapy. Patients and Methods Between 1980 and 1988, 107 patients with stage III breast cancer were prospectively enrolled for study at the National Cancer Institute and stratified by whether or not they had features of inflammatory breast cancer (IBC). Patients were treated to best response with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, methotrexate, fluorouracil, leucovorin, and hormonal synchronization with conjugated estrogens and tamoxifen. Patients with pathologic complete response received definitive radiotherapy to the breast and axilla, whereas patients with residual disease underwent mastectomy, lymph node dissection, and radiotherapy. All patients underwent six additional cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy. Results OS and EFS were obtained with a median live patient follow-up time of 16.8 years. The 46 IBC patients had a median OS of 3.8 years and EFS of 2.3 years, compared with 12.2 and 9.0 years, respectively, in stage IIIA breast cancer patients. Fifteen-year OS survival was 20% for IBC versus 50% for stage IIIA patients and 23% for stage IIIB non-IBC. Pathologic response was not associated with improved survival for stage IIIA or IBC patients. Presence of dermal lymphatic invasion did not change the probability of survival in clinical IBC patients. Conclusion Fifteen-year follow-up of stage IIIA and inflammatory breast cancer is rarely reported; IBC patients have a poor long-term outlook.
Response to Paclitaxel, Topotecan, and Topotecan-Cyclophosphamide in Children With Untreated Disseminated Neuroblastoma Treated in an Upfront Phase II Investigational Window: A Pediatric Oncology Group Study
Authors: Kretschmar Cynthia S. , Kletzel Morris , Murray Kevin , Thorner Paul , Joshi Vijay , Marcus Robert , Smith E. Ide , London Wendy B. , Castleberry Robert 
Published: October 2004

Purpose Most children older than 1 year of age with metastatic neuroblastoma (NB) die despite intensive chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation. The Pediatric Oncology Group conducted a study of paclitaxel, topotecan, and topotecan-cyclophosphamide (topo-cyclo) in newly diagnosed children with stage IV NB. Patients and Methods There were 102 patients enrolled between September 1993 and October 1995; two of them were later shown to be ineligible. Of the remaining 100 patients, the first cohort of 33 patients received paclitaxel 350 mg/m2 intravenously (IV) over 24 hours every 14 to 21 days; the next 33 patients received topotecan 2 mg/m2/d for 5 days IV every 21 days; a third cohort of 34 patients were treated with IV cyclophosphamide 250 mg/m2 followed by topotecan 0.75 mg/m2 each day for 5 days every 21 days. Patients were re-evaluated after two courses and then treated with intensive induction therapy and bone marrow transplantation. Results Objective responses (complete response + partial response + mixed response) were documented in 67% of children who received topotecan, 76% after topo-cyclo, and 25% after paclitaxel. Four patients had grade 3 to 4 allergic reactions to paclitaxel; most patients developed grade 3 to 4 marrow suppression after topotecan or topo-cyclo. Neither disease-free survival nor overall survival differed significantly between children who received a phase II agent and those who did not. The 6-year disease-free survival and overall survival rates for all 100 children were 18% ± 5% and 26% ± 5%, respectively. Conclusion Topotecan and topo-cyclo are active in children with NB, are well tolerated, and should be evaluated further in combination regimens.
Racial/Ethnic Differences in Functional Outcomes in the 5 Years After Diagnosis of Localized Prostate Cancer
Authors: Johnson Terri Kang , Gilliland Frank D. , Hoffman Richard M. , Deapen Dennis , Penson David F. , Stanford Janet L. , Albertsen Peter C. , Hamilton Ann S. 
Published: October 2004

Purpose We investigated racial/ethnic differences in functional outcomes up to 5 years after diagnosis among men with aggressively treated localized prostate cancer. Patients and Methods Patients were from the Prostate Cancer Outcomes Study, a population-based cohort study that surveyed patients at 6, 12, 24, and 60 months after diagnosis. Analyses were stratified by primary treatment. Racial/ethnic differences at each time point were assessed using Generalized Estimating Equations, adjusting for pretreatment function, age at diagnosis, secondary treatment, and other confounders. An adjusted summary score for each functional domain was calculated for each time period. Results Patients included 1,475 non-Hispanic white, 321 African-American, and 279 Hispanic prostate cancer patients. After 60 months, among prostatectomy patients, African-Americans had significantly higher sexual function scores than non-Hispanic whites (43.9 v 36.1; P = .02), but were more likely to have a moderate to big problem with sexual function (50.6% v 44.4%; P = .04). African-Americans also had higher urinary function scores at 5 years than non-Hispanic whites (78.5 v 72.4; P = .04) and were less likely to have problems with incontinence. Changes in sexual and bowel function after radiotherapy showed no significant racial/ethnic differences. Conclusion This long-term cohort study found that, among prostatectomy patients, African-Americans had better recovery of sexual and urinary function at 60 months after diagnosis that was likely to be of mild clinical significance, despite reporting more problems with sexual function than non-Hispanic whites. More study is necessary to understand reasons for these differences. In contrast, no racial/ethnic differences in recovery from radiotherapy were found.
Circulating Deoxyribonucleic Acid As Prognostic Marker in Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy
Authors: Gautschi Oliver , Bigosch Colette , Huegli Barbara , Jermann Monika , Marx Arthur , Chassé Eveline , Ratschiller Daniel , Weder Walter , Joerger Markus , Betticher Daniel C. , Stahel Rolf A. , Ziegler Annemarie 
Published: October 2004

PurposeCirculating cell-free DNA is present in increased amounts in the blood of cancer patients, but the clinical relevance of this phenomenon remains unclear. We conducted a clinical study to assess the value of circulating DNA as a prognostic marker in patients with non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Patients and MethodsA standard protocol for the quantification of circulating DNA by real-time polymerase chain reaction was set up and validated at two oncology units. One hundred eighty-five informed patients with NSCLC and 46 healthy controls were included in the study. DNA concentrations were determined in paired plasma and serum samples and analyzed for a relationship with leukocyte counts and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. DNA concentrations in healthy controls and in patients were compared, and cutoff levels for plasma and serum DNA were determined. Patient survival was analyzed relative to baseline DNA concentrations, and the relationship between tumor responses and changes in DNA concentrations was assessed in patients receiving chemotherapy.ResultsWe found a significant correlation between increased plasma DNA concentrations and elevated LDH levels (P = .009), advanced tumor stage (P < .003), and poor survival (P < .001). Tumor progression after chemotherapy was significantly (P = .006) associated with increasing plasma DNA concentrations. Serum DNA concentrations strongly correlated (P < .001) with leukocyte counts.ConclusionOur data demonstrate that quantification of plasma DNA is an accurate technique amenable to standardization, which might complement current methods for the prediction of patient survival. This approach might be considered for evaluation in large prospective studies.
Immediate Versus Deferred Hormonal Treatment for Patients With Prostate Cancer Who Are Not Suitable for Curative Local Treatment: Results of the Randomized Trial SAKK 08/88
Authors: Studer Urs E. , Hauri Dieter , Hanselmann Silvia , Chollet Dominique , Leisinger Hans-Jürg , Gasser Thomas , Senn Edgar , Trinkler Felix B. , Tscholl Reto M. , Thalmann George N. , Dietrich Daniel 
Published: October 2004

Purpose To determine if immediate hormonal therapy is advantageous compared with deferred treatment in newly diagnosed asymptomatic prostate cancer patients who, for any reason, were not candidates for curative local treatment. Patients and Methods Between February 1988 and February 1992, 197 patients with a median age of 76 years (range, 56 to 86 years) were randomly assigned to receive either immediate or deferred orchiectomy on symptomatic progression. The two groups did not differ significantly in clinical or laboratory parameters; 67% had T3-4 tumors and 20% had lymph node metastases. Patient accrual was stopped prematurely because of a similar competing trial. Therefore, observation time was prolonged to achieve the desired number of events and statistical power. Results Deferred orchiectomy was necessary in 58% of the patients. Median time to disease progression was 2.8 years less than for patients with immediate orchiectomy. However, overall pain-free time from random assignment to symptomatic progression after immediate or deferred orchiectomy, and performance status, were identical in both groups. Cancer-specific survival tended to be longer in the immediate group (P = .09) but there was no difference in overall survival between the two groups (P = .96). The median hemoglobin value decreased significantly after immediate orchiectomy (P < .001). Conclusion For elderly, asymptomatic patients not undergoing curative local treatment, we were unable to show any major advantage of immediate compared with deferred hormonal treatment regarding quality of life or overall survival in our limited number of patients. Disabling complications were prevented in the deferred-treatment arm by careful follow-up; 42% of these patients never required any tumor-specific treatment.
Single High-Dose Rectal Acetaminophen in Children
Authors: Varela Marie L , Howland Mary Ann 
Published: October 2004

OBJECTIVE To determine whether there is sufficient evidence to support the use of one-time high-dose (>30 mg/kg) rectally administered acetaminophen to control postoperative pain in children. DATA SOURCES Literature was accessed through MEDLINE (1966–May 2004) and bibliographic searches. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION All articles identified from the data sources were evaluated and all studies regarding the use of greater than 30 mg/kg of acetaminophen in children were included for this review. DATA SYNTHESIS A single high dose of rectally administered acetaminophen has been used in children to control postoperative pain. Ten randomized controlled trials and pharmacokinetic studies evaluating the use of greater than 30 mg/kg of rectally administered acetaminophen in children were identified and reviewed. Each study had a unique objective. The studies also differed substantially in regard to design, study population, dosing, rectal formulation used, and monitoring. CONCLUSIONS Due to limited study data, wide study variability, and lack of standardization in terms of design, objectives, study population, dosing, rectal formulation, and monitoring, compounded by the fact that children often require additional doses of acetaminophen to control postoperative pain, the practice of using one-time, high-dose, rectally administered acetaminophen in children cannot be recommended at this time.
Patient and Physician Attitudes to Using Medications with Religiously Forbidden Ingredients
Authors: Sattar S Pirzada , Ahmed Mohammed Shakeel , Madison James , Olsen Denise R , Bhatia Subhash C , Ellahi Shahid , Majeed Farhan , Ramaswamy Sriram , Petty Frederick , Wilson Daniel R 
Published: October 2004

BACKGROUND Over 1000 medications contain pork- and/or beef-derived gelatin and stearic acid as inert ingredients. Use of these medications in patients with religious beliefs against consumption of these ingredients might constitute an ethical conflict. OBJECTIVE To assess patients’ and physicians’ attitudes about using medications with religiously prohibited ingredients derived from pork and/or beef. METHODS In this pilot study, 100 patients and 100 physicians completed a survey designed to assess their knowledge and opinion on using medications that might contain inert ingredients derived from animals whose consumption offends followers of certain religions. RESULTS Of the 100 patients surveyed, most (84%) reported that they were not aware that several medications contained ingredients derived from pork and/or beef. About 63% of the patients wanted their physicians, and 35% of the patients wanted their non-physician healthcare providers (pharmacists, nurses), to inform them when using such medications. Thirteen percent of the patients shared religious reasons for not consuming pork and/or beef products. Approximately 70% of physicians were unaware that several medications contain ingredients that might be against their patients’ religion, and most (70%) thought that it was important to inform their patients if such drugs were prescribed. CONCLUSIONS This pilot study suggests that both patients and physicians think that patients should be informed whenever medications that contain pork- and/or beef-derived products are prescribed. The use of medications with these ingredients is an ethical issue. Informing patients about this issue promotes respect for their religious beliefs and may promote therapeutic alliance; therefore, this might have public health implications and needs further research.
Development, Implementation, and Evaluation of a Community Pharmacy–Based Asthma Care Model
Authors: Saini Bandana , Krass Ines , Armour Carol 
Published: October 2004

BACKGROUND Pharmacists are uniquely placed in the healthcare system to address critical issues in asthma management in the community. Various programs have shown the benefits of a pharmacist-led asthma care program; however, no such programs have previously been evaluated in Australia. OBJECTIVE To measure the impact of a specialized asthma service provided through community pharmacies in terms of objective patient clinical, humanistic, and economic outcomes. METHODS A parallel controlled design, where 52 intervention patients and 50 control patients with asthma were recruited in 2 distinct locations, was used. In the intervention area, pharmacists were trained and delivered an asthma care model, with 3 follow-up visits over 6 months. This model was evaluated based on clinical, humanistic, and economic outcomes compared between and within groups. RESULTS There was a significant reduction in asthma severity in the intervention group, 2.6 ± 0.5 to 1.6 ± 0.7 (mean ± SD; p < 0.001) versus the control group, 2.3 ± 0.7 to 2.4 ± 0.5. In the intervention group, peak flow indices improved from 82.7% ± 8.2% at baseline to 87.4% ± 8.9% (p < 0.001) at the final visit, and there was a significant reduction in the defined daily dose of albuterol used by patients, from 374.8 ± 314.8 μg at baseline to 198.4 ± 196.9 μg at the final visit (p < 0.015). There was also a statistically significant improvement in perceived control of asthma and asthma-related knowledge scores in the intervention group compared with the control group between baseline and the final visit. Annual savings of $132.84(AU) in medication costs per patient and $100,801.20 for the whole group, based on overall severity reduction, were demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS Based on the results of this study, it appears that a specialized asthma care model offers community pharmacists an opportunity to contribute toward improving asthma management in the Australian community.
Serum Amyloid A (SAA): a Concise Review of Biology, Assay Methods and Clinical Usefulness
Authors: Yamada Toshiyuki 
Published: October 2004

AbstractSerum amyloid A (SAA) is a family of proteins encoded in a multigene complex. Acute phase isotypes SAA1 and SAA2 are synthesized in response to inflammatory cytokines. SAA and C-reactive protein (CRP) are now the most sensitive indicators for assessing inflammatory activity. In viral infection and kidney allograft rejection, SAA proved more useful than CRP. Development of convenient assay methods for SAA will facilitate its use in clinical laboratories.
Serum Cystatin C as an Endogenous Marker of the Renal Function – a Review
Authors: Randers Else , Erlandsen Erland J. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractSince 1985, cystatin C has been suggested to be a marker of the renal function. Cystatin C is a proteinase inhibitor with a low molecular weight (Mr= 13359) . It is produced at a constant rate in all nucleated cells investigated to date, freely filtered in the renal glomeruli and reabsorbed and catabolised in the proximal tubules. The concentration of serum cystatin C is mainly determined by glomerular filtration, which makes cystatin C an endogenous marker of glomerular filtration rate (GFR). There are few data describing the influence of various factors on the production and elimination of cystatin C. Fully automated assays using particle-enhanced turbidimetry or particle-enhanced nephelometry are available and the assays are precise, rapid and usable in clinical routine practice. Reference intervals have been determined for cystatin C in adults and in children older than one year. It has been suggested that the same reference interval can be used in children older than one year and in adults without gender differences, on the assumption that the same method with the same standardisation is used. Several studies including adults and children with different renal diseases with various kidney function have suggested serum cystatin C to be a better marker of GFR than serum creatinine.