bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anti‐tumour response despite loss of donor chimaerism in patients treated with non‐myeloablative conditioning and allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Dey Bimalangshu R. , McAfee Steven , Colby Christine , Cieply Kathy , Caron Martin , Saidman Susan , Preffer Frederic , Shaffer Juanita , Tarbell Nancy , Sackstein Robert , Sachs David , Sykes Megan , Spitzer Thomas R. 
Published: January 2005

SummaryBased on a murine model, we conducted a series of trials of m‐myeloablative human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐matched or mismatched related donor stem cell transplantation (SCT) with the intention of inducing mixed chimaerism (MC), then administering prophylactic donor lymphocyte infusions (DLIs), for the treatment of advanced haematologic malignancies. Preparative therapy consisted of cyclophosphamide, equine anti‐thymocyte globulin (ATG) or MEDI‐507 (an anti‐CD2 monoclonal antibody) for in‐vivo T‐cell depletion, thymic irradiation on day −1 and cyclosporine alone for graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis. DLIs were given as early as 5 weeks post‐SCT in patients with MC without evidence of GVHD. Twenty‐two patients ultimately lost their graft (<1% donor cells) that could no be rescued by DLIs. Nine of 22 (41%) patients who lost donor chimaerism achieved an objective response, including three patients who showed evidence of disease regression following DLI, despite continued absence of macrochimaerism. Six patients were alive at 2·5–5·5 years following SCT, including four in continuous complete remission. In summary, it is possible to achieve sustained remission in patients with chemorefractory malignancies following non‐myeloablative allogeneic SCT, even in the absence of sustained donor macrochimaerism; DLI may contribute to an ongoing anti‐tumour effect in these patients. Immunological mechanisms that correlated with rejection of the graft may have a role in anti‐tumour responses via a cell or cytokine‐mediated pathway.
Prognostic impact of low‐shear whole blood viscosity in hypertensive men
Authors: Ciuffetti G. , Schillaci G. , Lombardini R. , Pirro M. , Vaudo G. , Mannarino E. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractBackground The role of blood viscosity as a marker for discriminating cardiovascular risk in essential hypertension remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to assess whether whole blood viscosity (WBV) could be useful in assessing cardiovascular risk in men with a first diagnosis of hypertension.Design A total of 331 middle‐aged men with newly diagnosed essential hypertension (age at entry 40–64 years, average blood pressure 151/95 mmHg) underwent low‐shear‐rate (0·94 s−1) and high‐shear‐rate (94·5 s−1) WBV determination and were then followed for a mean of 4·8 ± 3 years (range 0–12 years).Results Cardiovascular event rates in the bottom, middle and top tertiles of the distribution of low‐shear WBV were 1·10, 2·13 and 4·43 per 100 patient‐years, respectively (log‐rank test,P < 0·001). After taking into account several established cardiovascular risk factors in a Cox survival analysis, a raised low‐shear WBV conferred an increased risk for cardiovascular events (top vs. bottom tertile hazard ratio = 3·42, 95% confidence interval = 1·4–8·4,P = 0·006; middle vs. bottom tertile hazard ratio = 2·25, 95% confidence interval = 0·9–5·6,P = 0·09). The independent association between high‐shear‐rate WBV and cardiovascular events bordered statistical significance (P = 0·07). Inclusion in the survival model of low‐shear‐rate resulted in a significantly greater χ2improvement (P < 0·05) than inclusion of high‐shear‐rate WBV.Conclusions In hypertensive men, an increased WBV at low shear rate is a predictor of cardiovascular events independently from the effect of several traditional risk factors. Low‐shear WBV is a better discriminator of cardiovascular risk than high‐shear WBV.
High levels of C‐reactive protein with low total cholesterol concentrations additively predict all‐cause mortality in patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Jánoskuti L. , Förhécz Z. , Hosszúfalusi N. , Kleiber M. , Walentin S. , Bálint O. , Duba J. , Rugonfalvi‐Kiss S. , Romics L. , Karádi I. , Füst G. , Prohászka Z. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractBackground This study aimed to investigate independent and additive predictive effects of raised C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels and decreased total cholesterol levels on mortality in patients with chronic coronary artery disease (CAD). Low total cholesterol (TC) levels are associated with worsened survival in chronic and acute diseases. Elevated CRP level is an important predictor of vascular events and mortality in patients with CAD. Potential inhibition of immune activation by circulating lipoproteins could be a link between cholesterol and inflammatory markers.Materials and methods A group of 387 patients (median age 59 years) with CAD and with or without severe heart failure (HF) were followed for a median of 5·06 years. Serum total cholesterol and CRP concentrations were measured at enrollment.Results The relationship between lipoproteins, CRP and survival was explored. High CRP concentrations were in significant association with severity of HF and predicted worsened survival in patients with CAD (hazard ratio 5·214, 95% CI 1·762–15·427). The association between CRP levels and mortality was independent of potential confounding factors such as age, body‐mass index, severity of HF, smoking habits, hypertension and TC levels. The prediction of mortality by low TC levels was significant (hazard ratio 2·932, 95% CI 1·021–8·422). Furthermore, patients with increased CRP and decreased TC (additive predictive effect) phenotype had 11·714‐times higher risk (95% CI 2·619–52·385) of being nonsurvivors than patients with low CRP/high TC.Conclusions High CRP levels and low TC concentrations are independent and additive predictors of mortality in patients with CAD. Our data indicate that joint analysis of circulating lipoproteins and inflammatory biomarkers may improve prediction of survival in patients with CAD.
Improved early risk stratification and diagnosis of myocardial infarction, using a novel troponin I assay concept
Authors: Ilva T. , Eriksson S. , Lund J. , Porela P. , Mustonen H. , Pettersson K. , Pulkki K. , Voipio‐Pulkki L.‐M. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractBackground  We evaluated the clinical performance of a novel cardiac troponin I (cTnI) assay specifically designed to improve the very early risk stratification in acute coronary syndromes.Subjects and methods  Serum and plasma samples (taken 0, 6–12 h and 24 h after admission) from 531 patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome were studied using a novel investigational cTnI assay, reference cTnI assay and myoglobin. The lowest cTnI concentration giving a total assay imprecision of 10% was used as the positive myocardial infarction (MI) cut‐off value.Results  At the time of admission, the investigational assay was positive in 27·9% of the patients, the reference cTnI assay was positive in only 17·5% (P < 0·001) and myoglobin in 24·1% (P = 0·067). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis for the detection of myocardial injury on admission gave area‐under‐curve (AUC) values of 0·937, 0·775 and 0·762, respectively (P < 0·001). Of those MI patients who presented within 3 h of symptom onset, 50·0% were identified by the investigational assay at the time of presentation, compared with 44·2% by myoglobin (P = 0·791) but only 11·5% by the reference assay (P < 0·001).Conclusions  The novel cTnI assay considerably improves the performance of cTnI as an early rule‐in biomarker for MI.
Influence of irrigant needle depth in removing bioluminescent bacteria inoculated into instrumented root canals using real‐time imaging in vitro
Authors: Sedgley C. M. , Nagel A. C. , Hall D. , Applegate B. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractAim  To test the hypothesis that the mechanical efficacy of irrigation in reducing bacteria in the root canal is dependent on depth of placement of the irrigation needle.Methodology  The root canals of 30 permanent cuspids were instrumented to apical size 60 using a crown‐down technique. A suspension of the bioluminescent reporter strain Pseudomonas fluorescens 5RL was inoculated into each canal of sterilized teeth. Emission of bioluminescence (photons s−1) from each tooth was quantified on four sequential occasions using luminometry and bioluminescence imaging: (i) background, (ii) after inoculation, (iii) after irrigating the inoculated teeth with 3 mL of a nonantimicrobial irrigant delivered either 1 mm (group 1, n = 15) or 5 mm (group 2, n = 15) from working length (WL) using a 28G safety‐ended irrigating needle, (iv) after an additional 3 mL irrigation (total 6 mL). Intragroup and intergroup comparisons were made using Wilcoxon matched pairs and Mann–Whitney tests, respectively.Results  In group 1, there was a mean log10 decrease in bacteria of 0.68 ± 0.26 after 3 mL of irrigant compared with 1.19 ± 0.48 after 6 mL (P < 0.001); in group 2 the mean log10 decrease was 0.58 ± 0.28 after 3 mL of irrigant compared with 0.69 ± 0.35 after 6 mL (P < 0.02) (Wilcoxon matched pairs). Using 3 mL of irrigant, needle depth did not have a significant effect on reduction of intracanal bacteria (P = 0.407), but the effect became significant when 6 mL of irrigant was used (P < 0.002) (Mann–Whitney tests).Conclusions  The mechanical efficacy of 6 mL of irrigant in reducing intracanal bacteria was significantly greater when delivered 1 mm compared with 5 mm from WL.
Effect of ProRoot® MTA mixed with chlorhexidine on apoptosis and cell cycle of fibroblasts and macrophages in vitro*
Authors: Hernandez E. P. , Botero T. M. , Mantellini M. G. , McDonald N. J. , Nör J. E. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractAim  To compare the percentage of apoptotic cells and the cell cycle profile of fibroblasts and macrophages exposed to either ProRoot® mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) mixed with chlorhexidine (CHX), or exposed to ProRoot® MTA mixed with sterile water.Methodology  Mouse gingival fibroblasts or mouse macrophages were seeded in six‐well plates and allowed to attach overnight. Freshly mixed or set (allowed to dry for 24 h) specimens of tooth‐coloured (white) ProRoot® MTA were prepared with 0.12% CHX gluconate (MTA/CHX) or with sterile water (MTA/H2O). The cells were exposed for 24 h to the MTA specimens, which were placed over permeable membrane inserts to avoid direct contact with the cells. Untreated cells served as controls. Propidium iodide staining followed by flow cytometry was used to evaluate the effects of ProRoot® MTA on cell apoptosis and cell cycle. Statistical analyses were performed by one‐way anova followed by post‐hoc tests with the use of the SigmaStat 2.0 software, and significance was determined at P ≤ 0.05.Results  MTA specimens containing CHX induced apoptosis of macrophages and fibroblasts (P < 0.05). In contrast, no change in the proportion of apoptotic cells was observed when sterile water was used to prepare the specimens (P > 0.05). Cell cycle analysis showed that exposure to MTA/CHX decreased the percentage of fibroblasts and macrophages in S phase (DNA synthesis) as compared with exposure to MTA/H2O (P < 0.05).Conclusion  This in vitro study demonstrated that the substitution of CHX for sterile water in MTA increases its cytotoxicity. This suggests that the potentially beneficial antimicrobial effect of CHX may be accompanied by an increase in the cytotoxicity of the resulting MTA‐based material.
Reproductive decisions by couples undergoing artificial insemination with donor sperm for severe male infertility: implications for medical counselling
Authors: VERNAEVE V. , FESTRÉ V. , BAETENS P. , DEVROEY P. , VAN STEIRTEGHEM A. , TOURNAYE H. 
Published: January 2005

SummarySince 1992, ICSI has been introduced as a successful treatment for male infertility, including azoospermia. The present study is aimed at evaluating the practice of insemination with donor sperm (AID) in infertile couples who may benefit from the new developments that ICSI has brought in the last decade. AID was performed in 440 heterosexual couples. Twelve couples were lost for follow‐up (3%). In 128 (29.9%) and 229 (53.5%) of the couples the husband was either oligozoospermic (OAT) or azoospermic. In 60 couples (14.0%) the man had a transmissible genetic trait. In 11 couples (2.6%) there were other indications for performing AID. In the OAT group 36 couples never had ICSI treatment (28.1%) because they had already an AID child born before the introduction of ICSI (n = 16), the burden of ICSI treatment was too high (n = 9) or they considered that ICSI success rate was too low (n = 7). Ninety‐two couples tried ICSI treatment before opting for AID (71.9%), mainly because ICSI failed (n = 43). In 229 couples the husband had azoospermia (53.5%). In 112 couples (49%) no sperm or too few testicular sperm were found at testicular biopsy (TESE) and 15 couples (6.5%) had more than three failed ICSI‐TESE attempts. Eighty‐one azoospermic men refused TESE (35.4%) because of an anticipated low success rate (n = 28) or the burden of this approach (n = 23). Although a majority of patients could opt for ICSI, our results show that AID is still an option for many couples for whom these techniques were either not feasible or not successful. A substantial proportion of patients (33%) did not even opt for these advanced fertility treatments.
Monoclonal antibody c262 counteracts the stimulatory effect of progesterone on sperm–oocyte fusion
Authors: PANDOLFI C. , MACEROLA B. , ZUGARO A. , SANTUCCI R. , FRANCAVILLA S. , FRANCAVILLA F. 
Published: January 2005

SummarySome evidence suggests that the non‐genomic effects exerted by progesterone (P) on human spermatozoa are mediated by membrane receptor(s) displaying the C‐terminal domain, but not the N‐terminal domain of the genomic P receptor (PR). This study aimed at determining whether the monoclonal antibody (mAb) c‐262, directed against the C‐terminal domain of the genomic PR, counteracts the stimulatory effect of P on the human sperm ability to fuse with oocytes. Sperm/oocyte fusion was evaluated by means of the hamster egg penetration test. The brief exposure of capacitated spermatozoa to P produced a stimulatory effect on sperm/oocyte fusion. mAb c262 counteracted this stimulatory effect in a dose‐dependent manner. No counteraction was observed when capacitated spermatozoa were pre‐exposed to PGR‐312, a mAb directed against the N‐terminal domain of the genomic PR. These results reinforce the hypothesis that the non‐genomic effects exerted by P on human spermatozoa are mediated by membrane receptor(s) displaying the C‐terminal domain, but not the N‐terminal domain of the genomic PR.
Changes in osmolality during liquefaction of human semen
Authors: COOPER TREVOR G. , BARFIELD JENNIFER P. , YEUNG CHING‐H. 
Published: January 2005

SummaryThe osmolality of 18 liquefying human semen samples from 15 volunteers was measured by vapour pressure osmometry to be low (294 mmol/kg, range 269–311). For each sample the osmolality increased during liquefaction to reach a mean of 312 mmol/kg (280–331) by 30 min at 37 °C. These results are at variance with the widely held view that semen osmolality is greater than that of serum, which results from its first being examined after liquefaction in vitro. Thus when sperm are routinely examined after liquefaction they have been subjected to osmotic stresses that are not experienced by spermatozoa entering the female tract at coitus.
Circannual rhythm in the incidence of cryptorchidism in Finland
Authors: KALEVA MARKO , VIRTANEN HELENA E. , HAAVISTO ANNE‐MAARIT , MAIN KATHARINA M. , REUNANEN MIKKO , SKAKKEBÆK NIELS E. , TOPPARI JORMA 
Published: January 2005

SummaryConflicting data on circannual variation in birth rates of urogenital malformations have been reported previously. To assess risk factors of cryptorchidism we studied the seasonal variation of cryptorchidism in Finland. We performed a prospective cryptorchidism study in Turku, Finland, from 1997 to 2001 to evaluate the incidence of cryptorchidism. Clinical examinations were performed at birth and at 3 months. Of 9511 liveborn boys (1471 preterm boys) 216 (53 preterm boys) were cryptorchid at birth and 106 (19 preterm boys) at 3 months. The incidence of cryptorchidism was significantly higher in spring (February–April) (3.0%) than in summer (May–July) (1.7%) (OR 1.79; 95% CI: 1.23–2.63). This seasonal difference was observed both among preterm and term boys. We conclude that a circannual fluctuation in the incidence of cryptorchidism exists, which indicates an influence by environmental factors. The underlying reason for cyclicity affects similarly both preterm and term boys.
Children's accounts of their preoperative information needs
Authors: Smith Lucy , Callery Peter 
Published: January 2005

Aims and objectives.  To explore the information needs of children aged 7–11 years relating to planned admission for surgery. To identify the knowledge of a group of children prior to admission and their own identified information needs.Background.  There is widespread agreement that children should be given information prior to surgery but continuing debate about the most appropriate form and content of preadmission preparation. There is little research evidence about children's concerns, fears and misconceptions about hospitals and surgery. Previous investigations have examined the views of parents/carers and health care professionals rather than the direct reports of children themselves. This study was designed to explore whether children could identify their own information needs prior to admission for elective surgery.Design.  Qualitative.Method.  Nine children aged 7–11 years were interviewed using the write and draw technique to ascertain their preadmission information needs. Data collection occurred several weeks prior to the child's first admission to hospital for planned surgery.Results.  Children reported that they had not received direct information from the hospital or from health professionals. They obtained information from a variety of sources including leaflets for parents, television and the experiences of relatives and friends. Some children knew very little about hospitals and their own planned operation. Children identified 61 questions about their forthcoming admissions, including questions about: getting information; procedures; anaesthesia; timing; hospital environment; family support; feelings/pain; their condition; and concerns.Conclusions.  Children aged 7–11 years can identify their own information needs and so contribute to the development of preadmission education.Relevance to clinical practice.  Patients attending a children's hospital can have little information provided prior to admission. Information about hospital should be presented directly to children in the most accessible and flexible form.
Children's Emotional Manifestation Scale: development and testing
Authors: Li Ho Cheung William , Lopez Violeta 
Published: January 2005

Aims and objectives.  The objectives of this study were to develop an objective and operationalized behavioural observation scale that can be used to document children's emotional responses during stressful medical procedures, and to test the psychometric properties of this newly developed scale.Background.  The availability of a valid and reliable instrument that accurately documents the manifestation of children's emotions prior to undergoing surgery or during stressful medical procedures is crucial before any intervention can be appropriately planned and evaluated. There is a lack of such an instrument with effective psychometric properties in the literature.Design.  A cross‐sectional study was employed. A convenience sample of 82 children admitted for day surgery was recruited in this study.Method.  Based on systematic literature search, a number of observable emotional behaviours with different levels or intensities were identified. A panel of nurse experts was set up to review this finding and develop the scale. Intra‐class correlation was used to estimate the inter‐rater reliability coefficient. Internal consistency reliability was assessed by determining the Cronbach's alpha. Content validity was established by six nurse experts’ ratings. The validity of the scale was also confirmed by convergent validity.Results.  The results showed that there was adequate inter‐rater reliability, high internal consistency reliability, good content validity and excellent convergent validity.Conclusions.  This study has addressed a gap in the literature by developing an objective tool to document children's emotional responses during stressful medical procedure, which are under‐researched in the literature.Relevance to clinical practice.  The Children's Emotional Manifestation Scale was developed to provide a simple, objective and consistent method for nurses to document children's emotional behaviour during stressful medical procedures. Clinical nurses can also use this scale to evaluate preoperative interventions directed towards minimizing anxiety and bolstering coping mechanisms in children undergoing surgery.
Dementia: involving patients in storytelling – a caring intervention. A pilot study
Authors: Holm Ann‐Kristin , Lepp Margret , Ringsberg Karin C 
Published: January 2005

Aims and objectives.  The aim of this study was to explore the potential therapeutic role of storytelling in patients with dementia and, if so, to formulate pedagogic implications for the field of nursing with the focus on dementia care.Background.  The present study is part of a larger project, Drama‐Ger (Lepp et al. 2003: Journal of Clinical Nursing 12, 873–881), consisting of a cultural drama programme designed for patients with dementia and their caregivers. The programme consisted of two groups (A and B). Group A focused on dance, rhythm and songs, group B focused on storytelling and conversations. The present pilot study deals with group B.Design.  The study was an intervention study.Methods.  Six strategically selected patients, five women and one man, with intermediate and severe dementia, and their three female paid caregivers participated in the programme. They met on six occasions for 1.5 hours once a week for two months. The leader of the group, a Registered Nurse, who was also trained as a symbol pedagogue/teacher, told stories that were related to Erikson's development theory. She continuously kept a reflective diary which was qualitatively analysed.Results.  This pilot study clearly indicates that storytelling invited the patients to take part in associative conversations. The storytelling appeared to help them to remember and make associations with situations they had previously experienced in their lives. Erikson's stages of development could be traced in the conversations. The patients interacted with each other, their caregivers and the leader.Conclusions.  A drama programme using storytelling appears to stimulate patients with dementia to communicate and interact with other people. Ten implications four statements about storytelling as a pedagogic tool and six statements to facilitate a pedagogic approach have been drawn from this study.Relevance to clinical practice.  The implications can be used as a guide when using storytelling for caring intervention with the focus on dementia care.