bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of in vivo labelled dendritic cell migration in cancer patients
Authors: Ridolfi Ruggero , Riccobon Angela , Galassi Riccardo , Giorgetti Gianluigi , Petrini Massimiliano , Fiammenghi Laura , Stefanelli Monica , Ridolfi Laura , Moretti Andrea , Migliori Giuseppe , Fiorentini Giuseppe 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Background
Dendritic Cell (DC) vaccination is a very promising therapeutic strategy in cancer patients. The immunizing ability of DC is critically influenced by their migration activity to lymphatic tissues, where they have the task of priming naïve T-cells. In the present study in vivo DC migration was investigated within the context of a clinical trial of antitumor vaccination. In particular, we compared the migration activity of mature Dendritic Cells (mDC) with that of immature Dendritic Cells (iDC) and also assessed intradermal versus subcutaneous administration.

Methods
DC were labelled with 99mTc-HMPAO or 111In-Oxine, and the presence of labelled DC in regional lymph nodes was evaluated at pre-set times up to a maximum of 72 h after inoculation. Determinations were carried out in 8 patients (7 melanoma and 1 renal cell carcinoma).

Results
It was verified that intradermal administration resulted in about a threefold higher migration to lymph nodes than subcutaneous administration, while mDC showed, on average, a six-to eightfold higher migration than iDC. The first DC were detected in lymph nodes 20–60 min after inoculation and the maximum concentration was reached after 48–72 h.

Conclusions
These data obtained in vivo provide preliminary basic information on DC with respect to their antitumor immunization activity. Further research is needed to optimize the therapeutic potential of vaccination with DC.
Specific TATAA and bZIP requirements suggest that HTLV-I Tax has transcriptional activity subsequent to the assembly of an initiation complex
Authors: Ching Yick-Pang , Chun Abel CS , Chin King-Tung , Zhang Zhi-Qing , Jeang Kuan-Teh , Jin Dong-Yan 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Background
Human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I) Tax protein is a transcriptional regulator of viral and cellular genes. In this study we have examined in detail the determinants for Tax-mediated transcriptional activation.

Results
Whereas previously the LTR enhancer elements were thought to be the sole Tax-targets, herein, we find that the core HTLV-I TATAA motif also provides specific responsiveness not seen with either the SV40 or the E1b TATAA boxes. When enhancer elements which can mediate Tax-responsiveness were compared, the authentic HTLV-I 21-bp repeats were found to be the most effective. Related bZIP factors such as CREB, ATF4, c-Jun and LZIP are often thought to recognize the 21-bp repeats equivalently. However, amongst bZIP factors, we found that CREB, by far, is preferred by Tax for activation. When LTR transcription was reconstituted by substituting either κB or serum response elements in place of the 21-bp repeats, Tax activated these surrogate motifs using surfaces which are different from that utilized for CREB interaction. Finally, we employed artificial recruitment of TATA-binding protein to the HTLV-I promoter in "bypass" experiments to show for the first time that Tax has transcriptional activity subsequent to the assembly of an initiation complex at the promoter.

Conclusions
Optimal activation of the HTLV-I LTR by Tax specifically requires the core HTLV-I TATAA promoter, CREB and the 21-bp repeats. In addition, we also provide the first evidence for transcriptional activity of Tax after the recruitment of TATA-binding protein to the promoter.
The expanding role of Tax in transcription
Authors: de la Fuente Cynthia , Kashanchi Fatah 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThe viral transactivator of HTLV-I, Tax, has long been shown to target the earliest steps of transcription by forming quaternary complexes with sequence specific transcription factors and histone-modifying enzymes in the LTR of HTLV-I. However, a new study suggests that Tax preferentially transactivates the 21-bp repeats through CREB1 and not other bZIP proteins. The additional transactivation of Tax-responsive promoters subsequent to initiation is also presented. This result highlights a potentially novel role of Tax following TBP recruitment (i.e. initiation) and may expand the mechanism of Tax transactivation in promoter clearance and transcriptional elongation.
Research Fundamentals: Follow‐up of Subjects in Clinical Trials: Addressing Subject Attrition
Authors: Woolard Robert H. , Carty Kathleen , Wirtz Philip , Longabaugh Richard , Nirenberg Ted D. , Minugh P. Allison , Becker Bruce , Clifford Patrick R. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractMany published clinical trials have less than adequate follow‐up. When conducting a clinical trial, researchers attempt to minimize data loss; however, some data may not be collected, particularly when subjects are lost to follow‐up. Careful planning of research protocols, including comprehensive initial data collection, identification of locators, flexible scheduling, systematic subject tracking, monitoring subject loss, and systematically approaching problem cases can ensure high follow‐up rates. This article presents a compendium of techniques and procedures that researchers can use to enhance follow‐up and address attrition in their studies. Finally, this article outlines statistical techniques that can be used to address the effects of missing data, particularly when patients are lost to follow‐up.
Emergency Department Orientation Utilizing Web‐based Streaming Video
Authors: Mahadevan Swaminatha V. , Gisondi Michael A. , Sovndal Shannon S. , Gilbert Gregory H. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractTo assure a smooth transition to their new work environment, rotating students and housestaff require detailed orientations to the physical layout and operations of the emergency department. Although such orientations are useful for new staff members, they represent a significant time commitment for the faculty members charged with this task. To address this issue, the authors developed a series of short instructional videos that provide a comprehensive and consistent method of emergency department orientation. The videos are viewed through Web‐based streaming technology that allows learners to complete the orientation process from any computer with Internet access before their first shift. This report describes the stepwise process used to produce these videos and discusses the potential benefits of converting to an Internet‐based orientation system.
Comparison of Responses to a $2 Bill versus a Chance to Win $250 in a Mail Survey of Emergency Physicians
Authors: Tamayo‐Sarver Joshua H. , Baker David W. 
Published: August 2004

Abstract Objectives: To evaluate whether small monetary incentives improve physicians' responses to surveys. To the best of the authors' knowledge, no one has evaluated emergency physicians' response rate and cost per participant of a small monetary incentive relative to a chance to win a more substantial sum. The authors compared emergency physicians' responses and per‐participant costs between a $2 bill and a $250 lottery. Methods:Two groups of 288 emergency physicians were randomly selected and mailed a survey. Within each group of 288, half received a $2 bill and the other half received an offer that respondents would be entered into a drawing to win $250. Nonresponders received a reminder postcard one week later, and persistent nonresponders received a second mailing of the survey three weeks after the initial mailing. Results: Of the 576 surveys that were mailed, nine (2%) subjects were ineligible or undeliverable, leaving 567 eligible subjects, of whom 301 (53%) participated in the survey. The $2 bill had a substantially higher response rate: 170 (56%) of those receiving a $2 bill participated versus 131 (44%) of those receiving a chance to win $250 (95% confidence interval = 5% to 22%; p < 0.001). The $2 bill offer was less expensive per participant than the $250 offer. The cost of postage and incentives was $997.33 for 170 participants, or $5.87 per participant, for the $2 bill and $979.29 for 131 participants, or $7.48 per participant, for the chance to win $250. Conclusions: Mailing a $2 bill incentive produces a better response rate with lower cost per participant than offering a chance to win $250.
Basic Cardiac Life Support Providers Checking the Carotid Pulse: Performance, Degree of Conviction, and Influencing Factors
Authors: Lapostolle Frederic , Le Toumelin Philippe , Agostinucci Jean Marc , Catineau Jean , Adnet Frederic 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThe American Heart Association recently abolished the carotid pulse check during cardiopulmonary resuscitation for lay rescuers, but not for health care providers. Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate health care providers' performance, degree of conviction, and influencing factors in checking the carotid pulse. Methods:Sixty‐four health care providers were asked to check the carotid pulse for 10 or 30 seconds on a computerized mannequin simulating three levels of pulse strength (normal, weak, and absent). Health care providers were asked whether they felt a pulse and how certain were they that they felt a pulse. Performance was evaluated, as well as degree of conviction about the answer, using a visual analog scale. Data were compared by using a general linear model procedure. Results: In the pulseless situations, the answers were correct in 58% and 50% when checking the pulse for 10 and 30 seconds, respectively. In the situation with a weak pulse, the answer was correct in 83% when checking the pulse for 10 seconds. In situations with a normal pulse, the answers were correct in 92%, 84%, and 84%, respectively, when checking the pulse for 10 (twice) and 30 seconds. The exactitude of the answer was correlated with the pulse strength (p < 0.05). The degree of conviction about the answer was correlated with the exactitude of the answer (p < 0.01) and the pulse strength (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: These results question the routine use of the carotid pulse check during cardiopulmonary resuscitation, including for health care providers.
Effects of 4‐Methylpyrazole on Ethanol Neurobehavioral Toxicity in CD‐1 Mice
Authors: Páez Ana Maria , Shannon Michael , Maher Timothy , Quang Lawrence 
Published: August 2004

Abstract Objectives: 4‐Methylpyrazole (4‐MP), an alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) antagonist, is used for the treatment of ethylene glycol and methanol ingestions. However, ethanol is frequently coingested by those who ingest these more toxic alcohols. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have shown a decrease in the elimination rate of ethanol after the administration of 4‐MP, but none has evaluated the effects of 4‐MP administration on the neurobehavioral toxicity of ethanol. This was a study to determine whether ADH blockade with 4‐MP prolongs ethanol neurobehavioral toxicity in a murine model. Methods:CD‐1 mice were pretreated with 4‐MP, with observation of its effect on ethanol dose–response curves. 4‐MP (25 mg/kg) or an equal volume of saline was administered intraperitoneally. Ten minutes later, incremental ethanol doses of 1–5 g/kg were administered intraperitoneally. Pretreated and control groups were composed of ten mice each for each dose of ethanol tested. Outcomes for assessing ethanol neurobehavioral toxicity were successful performance on the rotarod test and presence of the righting reflex, two established and validated outcome measures for ethanol‐induced neurobehavioral toxicity in mice. Results: The dose of ethanol at which 50% of the animals failed a particular outcome test (toxic dose 50 [TD50]) was decreased with 4‐MP administration for both the rotarod test and the righting reflex. The TD50 intergroup differences (control vs. 4‐MP) were statistically significant at 60, 120, and 180 minutes (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Pretreatment with 4‐MP significantly prolonged ethanol neurobehavioral toxicity in CD‐1 mice, presumably by inhibiting its metabolism by ADH. Further investigation is warranted to evaluate this interaction.
Initial Emergency Department Trauma Scores from the OPALS Study: The Case for the Motor Score in Blunt Trauma
Authors: Al‐Salamah Majid A. , McDowell Ian , Stiell Ian G. , Wells George A. , Perry Jeff , Al‐Sultan Mohammed , Nesbitt Lisa ,   for the OPALS Study Group
Published: August 2004

Abstract Objectives: To compare the predictive accuracy of the Revised Trauma Score (RTS), the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), and their components in blunt trauma patients. Methods:This multicenter prospective cohort study was conducted in 20 communities as part of the Ontario Prehospital Advanced Life Support (OPALS) Study. It included adult trauma patients with Injury Severity Scores >12. The assessments made by trauma team leaders for the RTS, GCS, and their subscales were analyzed: 1) receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve areas and Kendall's tau c correlation coefficient (Tc) for survival to hospital discharge, 2) Mann‐Whitney U test and Tc correlations for intensive care unit admission, and 3) Spearman correlations with the disability measure Glasgow Outcome Scale. Results: The authors analyzed data from 795 blunt trauma patients with these characteristics: median age of 40 years, 70% male, and 18% mortality. The scores that best predicted survival were the RTS (ROC = 0.83, Tc = 0.39), the GCS (ROC = 0.82, Tc = 0.38), the motor component of the GCS (ROC = 0.81, Tc = 0.37), and the verbal component of the GCS (ROC = 0.81, Tc = 0.36). Only scores for the RTS (p = 0.03), the GCS (p = 0.02), and the motor component of the GCS (p = 0.03) showed a significant association with admission to the intensive care unit. The associations with disability were weak in all scores. Conclusions: The initial emergency department motor score showed the highest predictive validity among all of the other components. These results suggest its validity for blunt trauma triage when compared with the GCS or RTS.
Individual Patient Data–Based Meta-Analysis of Patients Aged 16 to 60 Years With Core Binding Factor Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Survey of the German Acute Myeloid Leukemia Intergroup
Authors: Schlenk R.F. , Benner A. , Krauter J. , Büchner T. , Sauerland C. , Ehninger G. , Schaich M. , Mohr B. , Niederwieser D. , Krahl R. , Pasold R. , Döhner K. , Ganser A. , Döhner H. , Heil G. 
Published: August 2004

Purpose To evaluate prognostic factors for relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) and to assess the impact of different postremission therapies in adult patients with core binding factor (CBF) acute myeloid leukemias (AML). Patients and Methods Individual patient data–based meta-analysis was performed on 392 adults (median age, 42 years; range, 16 to 60 years) with CBF AML (t(8;21), n = 191; inv(16), n = 201) treated between 1993 and 2002 in prospective German AML treatment trials. Results RFS was 60% and 58% and OS was 65% and 74% in the t(8;21) and inv(16) groups after 3 years, respectively. For postremission therapy, intention-to-treat analysis revealed no difference between intensive chemotherapy and autologous transplantation in the t(8;21) group and between chemotherapy, autologous, and allogeneic transplantation in the inv(16) group. In the t(8;21) group, significant prognostic variables for longer RFS and OS were lower WBC and higher platelet counts; loss of the Y chromosome in male patients was prognostic for shorter OS. In the inv(16) group, trisomy 22 was a significant prognostic variable for longer RFS. For patients who experienced relapse, second complete remission rate was significantly lower in patients with t(8;21), resulting in a significantly inferior survival duration after relapse compared with patients with inv(16). Conclusion We provide novel prognostic factors for CBF AML and show that patients with t(8;21) who experience relapse have an inferior survival duration.
Prognostic Factors of Thin Cutaneous Melanoma: An Analysis of the Central Malignant Melanoma Registry of the German Dermatological Society
Authors: Leiter Ulrike , Buettner Petra G. , Eigentler Thomas K. , Garbe Claus 
Published: August 2004

Purpose The increasing number of thin cutaneous melanomas (CM) with tumor thickness up to 1 mm demands a detailed analysis of prognostic factors for the classification and grading of these tumors. The aim of the present study was to identify prognostic factors in thin CM. Patients and Methods A series of 12,728 patients with thin incident primary invasive CM and follow-up data recorded between 1976 and 2000 by the German-based Central Malignant Melanoma Registry was analyzed using the multivariate Cox proportional hazard model to evaluate prognostic factors, and classification and regression trees analysis (CART) to define prognostic groups. Results Multivariate analysis found tumor thickness, sex, age, body site, and histopathologic subtype to be significant prognostic factors of thin CM. Ulceration and regression did not affect prognosis significantly. Prognostic classification based on the results of CART analysis resulted in three groups defined by tumor thickness, age, and sex. Ten-year survival rates of these groups varied between 91.8% and 98.1%, with improved classification as compared with subgroups by tumor thickness alone. Conclusion Classification by tumor thickness identified prognostic subgroups with highest significance in thin CM, and the classification was improved by the introduction of age and sex. However, neither ulceration nor the level of invasion included in the new American Joint Committee on Cancer TNM system classification, revealed statistical significance as prognostic factors in thin CM.
Chemotherapy Sensitivity and Resistance Assays: A Systematic Review
Authors: Samson David J. , Seidenfeld Jerome , Ziegler Kathleen , Aronson Naomi 
Published: August 2004

Purpose This systematic review evaluates evidence comparing therapy guided by chemotherapy sensitivity and resistance assays with empiric chemotherapy, emphasizing survival outcomes. Methods Prospective studies were sought comparing patients treated contemporaneously by assay-guided chemotherapy and empiric therapy. An initial MEDLINE search and a search performed by a Working Group of the American Society of Clinical Oncology were reviewed with attention to prespecified study selection criteria. Results This review identified 10 studies meeting selection criteria, plus one retrospective study, using seven different assays. Only two studies randomly assigned patients to assay-guided treatment or empiric treatment. Five of nine nonrandomized studies found significantly higher response rates for patients who received assay-guided therapy compared with those treated empirically. One of the two randomized trials found a significantly higher response rate in the assay-guided group. Four additional studies found response rates favoring assay-guided therapy, but comparisons did not achieve statistical significance. Two nonrandomized studies found overall survival to be significantly improved with assay-guided therapy. One randomized study used a cross-over design that made it difficult to determine whether survival differed between groups, while the other randomized trial found no difference in survival. Six studies provided no comparison of groups on baseline patient characteristics. Only one study reported adverse events data. Conclusion While higher response rates for assay-guided therapy have been observed, differences may be attributable to bias or confounding. Little evidence on survival is available. These results do not establish the relative effectiveness of assay-guided treatment and empiric treatment. Randomized trials are needed.
American Society of Clinical Oncology Technology Assessment: Chemotherapy Sensitivity and Resistance Assays
Authors: Schrag Deborah , Garewal Harinder S. , Burstein Harold J. , Samson David J. , Von Hoff Daniel D. , Somerfield Mark R. 
Published: August 2004

Purpose To develop a technology assessment of chemotherapy sensitivity and resistance assays in order to define the role of these tests in routine oncology practice. Methods The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) established a Working Group to develop the technology assessment. The Working Group collaborated with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) Technology Evaluation Center. The Working Group developed independent criteria for selecting articles for inclusion in the ASCO assessment, and developed a structured data abstraction tool to facilitate review of selected manuscripts. One Working Group member and an ASCO staff member independently reviewed the 1,139 abstracts identified by the BCBSA comprehensive literature search, and by an updated literature search performed by ASCO using the BCBSA search strategy (1966 to January 2004). Of the 12 articles included in this technology assessment, eight were identified by the original BCBSA systematic review, one was provided by industry, and three were identified by the ASCO updated literature review. Results Review of the literature does not identify any CSRAs for which the evidence base is sufficient to support use in oncology practice. Recommendations The use of chemotherapy sensitivity and resistance assays to select chemotherapeutic agents for individual patients is not recommended outside of the clinical trial setting. Oncologists should make chemotherapy treatment recommendations on the basis of published reports of clinical trials and a patient's health status and treatment preferences. Because the in vitro analytic strategy has potential importance, participation in clinical trials evaluating these technologies remains a priority.
Compliance With Consensus Recommendations for Systemic Therapy Is Associated With Improved Survival of Women With Node-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Hébert-Croteau Nicole , Brisson Jacques , Latreille Jean , Rivard Michèle , Abdelaziz Nadia , Martin Ginette 
Published: August 2004

Purpose The impact of consensus recommendations for systemic therapy on outcome of disease is unclear. We evaluated if compliance with guidelines for systemic adjuvant treatment is associated with improved survival of women with node-negative breast cancer. Patients and Methods The study population included women diagnosed with invasive node-negative breast cancer in Québec, Canada, in 1988 to 1989, 1991 to 1992, and 1993 to 1994. Information was collected by chart review, linkage with administrative databases, and queries to attending physicians. Guidelines from the 1992 St Gallen conference were used as standard of care. Survival was estimated by Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards analyses. Results Among 1,541 women, 358 died before December 1999. Median follow-up was 6.8 years. Seven-year event-free and overall survivals were 66% and 81%, respectively. Survival was 88%, 84%, and 74% in women at minimal, moderate, or high risk of recurrence. Virtually all women at minimal risk were treated according to the consensus (98.4% of 370). In comparison, adjusted hazard ratios of death were 1.0 (95% CI, 0.6 to 1.7) and 2.3 (95% CI, 1.3 to 4.0) among women at moderate risk treated according to the consensus or not, respectively. Among women at high risk, adjusted hazard ratios of death were 2.0 (95% CI, 1.4 to 2.8) and 2.7 (95% CI, 1.9 to 3.9), respectively. Both risk category (P < .0005) and compliance with guidelines (P < .0005) were independent significant predictors of survival. Conclusion Treatment according to consensus recommendations is associated with improved survival of women with breast cancer in the community. Promoting the adoption of guidelines for treatment is an effective strategy for disease control.