bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Excessive fluid accumulation during stem cell mobilization: a novel prognostic factor of first-year survival after stem cell transplantation in AL amyloidosis patients
Authors: Leung Nelson , Leung Tessa R. , Cha Stephen S. , Dispenzieri Angela , Lacy Martha Q. , Gertz Morie A. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractHigh-dose melphalan followed by stem cell transplantation (HDM-SCT) has become the treatment of choice for patients with immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis (AL). Unfortunately, treatment mortality can be excessive in certain subpopulations. We have noted that patients who gained more than 2% body weight during mobilization had a poorer outcome following HDM-SCT. Excluding 2 patients for lack of weight record and denial of consent, 126 patients between July 1997 and June 2003 were retrospectively studied. Weight increased more than 2.0% during mobilization in 51.6% of the patients. Patients who accumulated more than 2.0% tended to have more proteinuria, more organs involved, lower serum albumin, more diuretic use, and dosage adjustment during mobilization. First-year mortality was significantly higher in those with more than 2% weight gain (33.9% versus 9.8%, P = .002). Multivariate analysis showed weight gain, glomerular filtration rate, and septal thickness to be independent predictors of first-year mortality. The increase in mortality was noted even after the excess weight was diuresed prior to conditioning. The impact on mortality dissipated after the first year. Weight gain during mobilization appears to be a new marker of adverse outcome following HDM-SCT. Better prognostication may improve the treatment mortality rate of these patients.
CCR2 is required for CD8-induced graft-versus-host disease
Authors: Terwey Theis H. , Kim Theo D. , Kochman Adam A. , Hubbard Vanessa M. , Lu Sydney , Zakrzewski Johannes L. , Ramirez-Montagut Teresa , Eng Jeffrey M. , Muriglan Stephanie J. , Heller Glenn , Murphy George F. , Liu Chen , Budak-Alpdogan Tulin , Alpdogan Onder , van den Brink Marcel R. M. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractGraft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a major complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Migration of donor-derived T cells into GVHD target organs plays a critical role in the development of GVHD and chemokines and their receptors are important molecules involved in this process. Here, we demonstrate in murine bone marrow transplantation models that the expression of the inflammatory CC chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) on donor-derived CD8+ T cells is relevant for the control of CD8+ T-cell migration and development of GVHD. Recipients of CCR2-deficient (CCR2-/-) CD8+ T cells developed less damage of gut and liver than recipients of wild-type CD8+ T cells, which correlated with a reduction in overall GVHD morbidity and mortality. Assessment of donor CD8+ T-cell target organ infiltration revealed that CCR2-/- CD8+ T cells have an intrinsic migratory defect to the gut and liver. Other causes for the reduction in GVHD could be excluded, as alloreactive proliferation, activation, IFN-γ production and cytotoxicity of CCR2-/- CD8+ T cells were intact. Interestingly, the graft-versus-tumor effect mediated by CCR2-/- CD8+ T cells was preserved, which suggests that interference with T-cell migration by blockade of CCR2 signaling can separate GVHD from GVT activity.
Lung vasodilatory response to inhaled iloprost in experimental pulmonary hypertension: amplification by different type phosphodiesterase inhibitors
Authors: Schermuly Ralph Theo , Inholte Christiane , Ghofrani Ardeschir Hossein , Gall Henning , Weissmann Norbert , Weidenbach Andreas , Seeger Werner , Grimminger Friedrich 
Published: July 2005

Abstract
Inhaled prostanoids and phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors have been suggested for treatment of severe pulmonary hypertension. In catheterized rabbits with acute pulmonary hypertension induced by continuous infusion of the stable thromboxane analogue U46619, we asked whether sildenafil (PDE1/5/6 inhibitor), motapizone (PDE3 inhibitor) or 8-Methoxymethyl-IBMX (PDE1 inhibitor) synergize with inhaled iloprost. Inhalation of iloprost caused a transient pulmonary artery pressure decline, levelling off within <20 min, without significant changes in blood gases or systemic hemodynamics. Infusion of 8-Methoxymethyl-IBMX, motapizone and sildenafil caused each a dose-dependent decrease in pulmonary artery pressure, with sildenafil possessing the highest efficacy and at the same time selectivity for the pulmonary circulation. When combining a per se ineffective dose of each PDE inhibitor (200 μg/kg × min 8-Methoxymethyl-IBMX, 1 μg/kg × min sildenafil, 5 μg/kg × min motapizone) with subsequent iloprost nebulization, marked amplification of the prostanoid induced pulmonary vasodilatory response was noted and the area under the curve of PPA reduction was nearly threefold increased with all approaches, as compared to sole iloprost administration. Further amplification was achieved with the combination of inhaled iloprost with sildenafil plus motapizone, but not with sildenafil plus 8MM-IBMX. Systemic hemodynamics and gas exchange were not altered for all combinations. We conclude that co-administration of minute systemic doses of selective PDE inhibitors with inhaled iloprost markedly enhances and prolongs the pulmonary vasodilatory response to inhaled iloprost, with maintenance of pulmonary selectivity and ventilation perfusion matching. The prominent effect of sildenafil may be operative via both PDE1 and PDE5, and is further enhanced by co-application of a PDE3 inhibitor.
Comparison of codon usage measures and their applicability in prediction of microbial gene expressivity
Authors: Supek Fran , Vlahoviček Kristian 
Published: July 2005

Abstract
Background
There are a number of methods (also called: measures) currently in use that quantify codon usage in genes. These measures are often influenced by other sequence properties, such as length. This can introduce strong methodological bias into measurements; therefore we attempted to develop a method free from such dependencies. One of the common applications of codon usage analyses is to quantitatively predict gene expressivity.

Results
We compared the performance of several commonly used measures and a novel method we introduce in this paper – Measure Independent of Length and Composition (MILC). Large, randomly generated sequence sets were used to test for dependence on (i) sequence length, (ii) overall amount of codon bias and (iii) codon bias discrepancy in the sequences. A derivative of the method, named MELP (MILC-based Expression Level Predictor) can be used to quantitatively predict gene expression levels from genomic data. It was compared to other similar predictors by examining their correlation with actual, experimentally obtained mRNA or protein abundances.

Conclusion
We have established that MILC is a generally applicable measure, being resistant to changes in gene length and overall nucleotide composition, and introducing little noise into measurements. Other methods, however, may also be appropriate in certain applications. Our efforts to quantitatively predict gene expression levels in several prokaryotes and unicellular eukaryotes met with varying levels of success, depending on the experimental dataset and predictor used. Out of all methods, MELP and Rainer Merkl's GCB method had the most consistent behaviour. A 'reference set' containing known ribosomal protein genes appears to be a valid starting point for a codon usage-based expressivity prediction.
QT interval prolongation after sertraline overdose: a case report
Authors: de Boer Rudolf A , van Dijk Tonnis H , Holman Nicole D , van Melle Joost P 
Published: July 2005

Abstract

Background
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most common antidepressants used in first-world countries and are generally well tolerated. Specifically, less cardiovascular toxicity has been reported in comparison with tricyclic antidepressants. Here we report QT interval prolongation after an overdose of the SSRI sertraline.

Case presentation
A previously healthy female patient presented with an attempted suicide with overdoses sertraline (2250 mg), diazepam (200 mg), and temazepam (400 mg). Routine laboratory studies were normal and her ECG upon admission showed a normal QT interval. The next day, her ECG showed prolongation of the QTc interval up to 525 ms. After discontinuation of sertraline the QT interval normalized. Echocardiography and exercise electrocardiography were normal. After hospitalization, the patient resumed sertraline in the normally recommended dose and QT interval remained within normal ranges.

Conclusion
It seems that the SSRI sertraline in overdose may cause QT interval prolongation.
Kocuria kristinae infection associated with acute cholecystitis
Authors: Ma Edmond SK , Wong Chris LP , Lai Kristi TW , Chan Edmond CH , Yam WC , Chan Angus CW 
Published: July 2005

Abstract

Background

Kocuria, previously classified into the genus of Micrococcus, is commonly found on human skin. Two species, K. rosea and K. kristinae, are etiologically associated with catheter-related bacteremia.

Case presentation
We describe the first case of K. kristinae infection associated with acute cholecystitis. The microorganism was isolated from the bile of a 56-year old Chinese man who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. He developed post-operative fever that resolved readily after levofloxacin treatment.

Conclusion
Our report of K. kristinae infection associated with acute cholecystitis expands the clinical spectrum of infections caused by this group of bacteria. With increasing number of recent reports describing the association between Kocuria spp. and infectious diseases, the significance of their isolation from clinical specimens cannot be underestimated. A complete picture of infections related to Kocuria spp. will have to await the documentation of more clinical cases.
Nerve tolerance to high-dose-rate brachytherapy in patients with soft tissue sarcoma: a retrospective study
Authors: Kubo Tadahiko , Sugita Takashi , Shimose Shoji , Matsuo Toshihiro , Hirao Ken , Kimura Hiroaki , Kenjo Masahiro , Ochi Mitsuo 
Published: July 2005

Abstract

Background
Brachytherapy, interstitial tumor bed irradiation, following conservative surgery has been shown to provide excellent local control and limb preservation in patients with soft tissue sarcomas (STS), whereas little is known about the tolerance of peripheral nerves to brachytherapy. In particular, nerve tolerance to high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy has never been properly evaluated. In this study, we examined the efficacy and radiation neurotoxicity of HDR brachytherapy in patients with STS in contact with neurovascular structures.

Methods
Between 1995 and 2000, seven patients with STS involving the neurovascular bundle were treated in our institute with limb-preserving surgery, followed by fractionated HDR brachytherapy. Pathological examination demonstrated that 6 patients had high-grade lesions with five cases of negative margins and one case with positive margins, and one patient had a low-grade lesion with a negative margin. Afterloading catheters placed within the tumor bed directly upon the preserved neurovascular structures were postoperatively loaded with Iridium-192 with a total dose of 50 Gy in 6 patients. One patient received 30 Gy of HDR brachytherapy combined with 20 Gy of adjuvant external beam radiation.

Results
With a median follow-up of 4 years, the 5-year actuarial overall survival, disease-free survival, and local control rates were 83.3, 68.6, and 83.3%, respectively. None of the 7 patients developed HDR brachytherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Of 5 survivors, 3 evaluable patients had values of motor nerve conduction velocity of the preserved peripheral nerve in the normal range.

Conclusion
In this study, there were no practical and electrophysiological findings of neurotoxicity of HDR brachytherapy. Despite the small number of patients, our encouraging results are valuable for limb-preserving surgery of unmanageable STS involving critical neurovascular structures.
Cancer incidence in Arkhangelskaja Oblast in northwestern Russia. The Arkhangelsk Cancer Registry
Authors: Vaktskjold Arild , Lebedintseva Jelena A , Korotov Dmitrij S , Tkatsjov Anatolij V , Podjakova Tatjana S , Lund Eiliv 
Published: July 2005

Abstract

Background
Data concerning incidence and prevalence of cancer in the different regions of Russia have traditionally not been provided on a basis that facilitated comparison with data from countries in western parts of Europe. The oncological hospital in Arkhangelsk, in co-operation with Universitetet i Tromsø (Norway), has established a population based cancer registry for Arkhangelskaja Oblast (AO). AO is an administrative unit with 1.3 million inhabitants in northwestern Russia. The aim of this investigation was to assess the content and quality of the AO cancer registry (AKR), and to present the site-specific cancer-incidence rates in AO in the period 1993–2001.

Methods
The population in this study consisted of all individuals registered as residents of AO. All new cancer cases in the period 1993 – 2001, registered the AKR, were included in the study (ICD-10: C00-C95, except for C77-78). The annual gender and age-group-specific population figures were obtained from the AO statistics office.

Results
A total of 34 697 cases of primary cancers were included. The age-adjusted (world standard) incidence rate for all sites combined was 164/100 000 for women and 281/100 000 for men. The highest incidence was for cancer of the trachea, bronchus and lung (16.3% of all cases), whereof 88.6 % of the cases were among men. Among women, cancer of the breast constituted 15.9 percent of all cases. The age-adjusted incidences of the most frequent cancer sites among men were: lung (77.4/100 000); stomach (45.9); rectum (13.4); oesophagus (13.0); colon (12.2); bladder (11.6); and prostate cancer (11.1). Among women they were: breast (28.5); stomach (19.7); colon (12.2); and ovary cancer (9.0).

Conclusion
Our findings confirm and strengthen the indication that the incidences of stomach, larynx, liver, pancreas, prostate, colon, bladder and melanoma cancer are quite different in male populations in Russia compared to many other European countries. Among women, most major cancer types, except stomach, appear to be relatively low in Russian populations. The AKR provides quality data for estimations and insight to the cancer incidence in a northern Russian population, and we consider the reported incidence rates to reflect the cancer situation in AO well.
Application of serum SELDI proteomic patterns in diagnosis of lung cancer
Authors: Yang Shuan-ying , Xiao Xue-yuan , Zhang Wang-gang , Zhang Li-juan , Zhang Wei , Zhou Bin , Chen Guoan , He Da-cheng 
Published: July 2005

Abstract

Background
Currently, no satisfactory biomarkers are available to screen for lung cancer. Surface-Enhanced Laser Desorption/ionization Time-of- Flight Mass Spectrometry ProteinChip system (SELDI-TOF-MS) is one of the currently used techniques to identify biomarkers for cancers. The aim of this study is to explore the application of serum SELDI proteomic patterns to distinguish lung cancer patients from healthy individuals.

Methods
A total of 208 serum samples, including 158 lung cancer patients and 50 healthy individuals, were randomly divided into a training set (including 11 sera from patients with stages I/II lung cancer, 63 from patients with stages III/IV lung cancer and 20 from healthy controls) and a blinded test set (including 43 sera from patients with stages I/II lung cancer, 41 from patients with stages III/IV lung cancer and 30 from healthy controls). All samples were analyzed by SELDI technology. The spectra were generated on weak cation exchange (WCX2) chips, and protein peaks clustering and classification analyses were made using Ciphergen Biomarker Wizard and Biomarker Pattern software, respectively. We additionally determined Cyfra21-1 and NSE in the 208 serum samples included in this study using an electrochemiluminescent immunoassay.

Results
Five protein peaks at 11493, 6429, 8245, 5335 and 2538 Da were automatically chosen as a biomarker pattern in the training set. When the SELDI marker pattern was tested with the blinded test set, it yielded a sensitivity of 86.9%, a specificity of 80.0% and a positive predictive value of 92.4%. The sensitivities provided by Cyfra21-1 and NSE used individually or in combination were significantly lower than that of the SELDI marker pattern (P < 0.005 or 0.05, respectively). Based on the results of the test set, we found that the SELDI marker pattern showed a sensitivity of 91.4% in the detection of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC), which was significantly higher than that in the detection of small cell lung cancers (P < 0.05); The pattern also had a sensitivity of 79.1% in the detection of lung cancers in stages I/II.

Conclusion
These results suggest that serum SELDI protein profiling can distinguish lung cancer patients, especially NSCLC patients, from normal subjects with relatively high sensitivity and specificity, and the SELDI-TOF-MS is a potential tool for the screening of lung cancer.
A population-based nested case control study on recurrent pneumonias in children with severe generalized cerebral palsy: ethical considerations of the design and representativeness of the study sample
Authors: Veugelers Rebekka , Calis Elsbeth AC , Penning Corine , Verhagen Arianne , Bernsen Roos , Bouquet Jan , Benninga Marc A , Merkus Peter JFM , Arets Hubertus GM , Tibboel Dick , Evenhuis Heleen M 
Published: July 2005

AbstractBackgroundIn children with severe generalized cerebral palsy, pneumonias are a major health issue. Malnutrition, dysphagia, gastro-oesophageal reflux, impaired respiratory function and constipation are hypothesized risk factors. Still, no data are available on the relative contribution of these possible risk factors in the described population. This paper describes the initiation of a study in 194 children with severe generalized cerebral palsy, on the prevalence and on the impact of these hypothesized risk factors of recurrent pneumonias.Methods/DesignA nested case-control design with 18 months follow-up was chosen. Dysphagia, respiratory function and constipation will be assessed at baseline, malnutrition and gastro-oesophageal reflux at the end of the follow-up. The study population consists of a representative population sample of children with severe generalized cerebral palsy. Inclusion was done through care-centres in a predefined geographical area and not through hospitals. All measurements will be done on-site which sets high demands on all measurements. If these demands were not met in "gold standard" methods, other methods were chosen. Although the inclusion period was prolonged, the desired sample size of 300 children was not met. With a consent rate of 33%, nearly 10% of all eligible children in the Netherlands are included (n = 194). The study population is subtly different from the non-participants with regard to severity of dysphagia and prevalence rates of pneumonias and gastro-oesophageal reflux.DiscussionEthical issues complicated the study design. Assessment of malnutrition and gastro-oesophageal reflux at baseline was considered unethical, since these conditions can be easily treated. Therefore, we postponed these diagnostics until the end of the follow-up. In order to include a representative sample, all eligible children in a predefined geographical area had to be contacted. To increase the consent rate, on-site measurements are of first choice, but timely inclusion is jeopardised. The initiation of this first study among children with severe neurological impairment led to specific, unexpected problems. Despite small differences between participants and non-participating children, our sample is as representative as can be expected from any population-based study and will provide important, new information to bring us further towards effective interventions to prevent pneumonias in this population.
Intermittent preventive treatment of malaria during pregnancy: a qualitative study of knowledge, attitudes and practices of district health managers, antenatal care staff and pregnant women in Korogwe District, North-Eastern Tanzania
Authors: Mubyazi Godfrey , Bloch Paul , Kamugisha Mathias , Kitua Andrew , Ijumba Jasper 
Published: July 2005

Abstract

Background
Intermittent preventive treatment of malaria during pregnancy (IPTp) is a key intervention in the national strategy for malaria control in Tanzania. SP, the current drug of choice, is recommended to be administered in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy during antenatal care (ANC) visits. To allow for a proper design of planned scaling up of IPT services in Tanzania it is useful to understand the IPTp strategy's acceptability to health managers, ANC service providers and pregnant women. This study assesses the knowledge, attitudes and practices of these groups in relation to malaria control with emphasis on IPTp services.

Methods
The study was conducted in February 2004, in Korogwe District, Tanzania. It involved in-depth interviews with the district medical officer (DMO), district hospital medical officer in charge and relevant health service staff at two peripheral dispensaries, and separate focus group discussions (FGDs) with district Council Health Management Team members at district level and pregnant women at dispensary and community levels.

Results
Knowledge of malaria risks during pregnancy was high among pregnant women although some women did not associate coma and convulsions with malaria. Contacting traditional healers and self-medication with local herbs for malaria management was reported to be common. Pregnant women and ANC staff were generally aware of SP as the drug recommended for IPTp, albeit some nurses and the majority of pregnant women expressed concern about the use of SP during pregnancy. Some pregnant women testified that sometimes ANC staff allow the women to swallow SP tablets at home which gives a room for some women to throw away SP tablets after leaving the clinic. The DMO was sceptical about health workers' compliance with the direct observed therapy in administering SP for IPTp due to a shortage of clean water and cups at ANC clinics. Intensified sensitization of pregnant women about the benefits of IPTp was suggested by the study participants as an important approach for improving IPTp compliance.

Conclusion
The successful implementation of the IPTp strategy in Tanzania depends on the proper planning of, and support to, the training of health staff and sustained sensitization of pregnant women at health facility and community levels about the benefits of IPTp for the women and their unborn babies.
Gastrointestinal autonomic nerve tumours – report of a case and review of literature
Authors: Mulchandani Manoj H , Chattopadhyay Dipankar , Obafunwa John O , Joypaul Vickram B 
Published: July 2005

Abstract

Background
Gastrointestinal autonomic nerve tumours are uncommon stromal tumours of the intestinal tract. They can involve any part of the gastrointestinal system, but are very rarely seen in the rectum.

Case presentation
We report a unique case of rectal schwannoma with associated synchronous adenocarcinoma of the splenic flexure and adenoma of the descending colon. A 70-year-old patient was admitted with complaint of bleeding per rectum and investigations revealed the presence of a large submucosal rectal lesion in addition to the colonic pathologies. Following panproctocolectomy with permanent spout ileostomy, histopathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed the rectal lesion to be a schwannoma.

Conclusion
Literature review of the few reported cases has suggested radical surgical excision to be the best approach. Prognosis tends to be favourable after resection.