bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predicting declines in physical function in persons with multiple chronic medical conditions: What we can learn from the medical problem list
Authors: Bayliss Elizabeth A , Bayliss Martha S , Ware John E , Steiner John F 
Published: September 2004

Abstract
Background
Primary care physicians are caring for increasing numbers of persons with comorbid chronic illness. Longitudinal information on health outcomes associated with specific chronic conditions may be particularly relevant in caring for these populations. Our objective was to assess the effect of certain comorbid conditions on physical well being over time in a population of persons with chronic medical conditions; and to compare these effects to that of hypertension alone.

Methods
We conducted a secondary analysis of 4-year longitudinal data from the Medical Outcomes Study. A heterogeneous population of 1574 patients with either hypertension alone (referent) or one or more of the following conditions: diabetes, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, respiratory illness, musculoskeletal conditions and/or depression were recruited from primary and specialty (endocrinology, cardiology or mental health) practices within HMO and fee-for-service settings in three U.S. cities. We measured categorical change (worse vs. same/better) in the SF-36® Health Survey physical component summary score (PCS) over 4 years. We used logistic regression analysis to determine significant differences in longitudinal change in PCS between patients with hypertension alone and those with other comorbid conditions and linear regression analysis to assess the contribution of the explanatory variables.

Results
Specific diagnoses of CHF, diabetes and/or chronic respiratory disease; or 4 or more chronic conditions, were predictive of a clinically significant decline in PCS.

Conclusions
Clinical recognition of these specific chronic conditions or 4 or more of a list of chronic conditions may provide an opportunity for proactive clinical decision making to maximize physical functioning in these populations.
Health-related quality of life as a predictor of pediatric healthcare costs: A two-year prospective cohort analysis
Authors: Seid Michael , Varni James W , Segall Darron , Kurtin Paul S 
Published: September 2004

Abstract
Background
The objective of this study was to test the primary hypothesis that parent proxy-report of pediatric health-related quality of life (HRQL) would prospectively predict pediatric healthcare costs over a two-year period. The exploratory hypothesis tested anticipated that a relatively small group of children would account for a disproportionately large percent of healthcare costs.

Methods
317 children (157 girls) ages 2 to 18 years, members of a managed care health plan with prospective payment participated in a two-year prospective longitudinal study. At Time 1, parents reported child HRQL using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ (PedsQL™ 4.0) Generic Core Scales, and chronic health condition status. Costs, based on health plan utilization claims and encounters, were derived for 6, 12, and 24 months.

Results
In multiple linear regression equations, Time 1 parent proxy-reported HRQL prospectively accounted for significant variance in healthcare costs at 6, 12, and 24 months. Adjusted regression models that included both HRQL scores and chronic health condition status accounted for 10.1%, 14.4%, and 21.2% of the variance in healthcare costs at 6, 12, and 24 months. Parent proxy-reported HRQL and chronic health condition status together defined a 'high risk' group, constituting 8.7% of the sample and accounting for 37.4%, 59.2%, and 62% of healthcare costs at 6, 12, and 24 months. The high risk group's per member per month healthcare costs were, on average, 12 times that of other enrollees' at 24 months.

Conclusions
While these findings should be further tested in a larger sample, our data suggest that parent proxy-reported HRQL can be used to prospectively predict healthcare costs. When combined with chronic health condition status, parent proxy-reported HRQL can identify an at risk group of children as candidates for proactive care coordination.
Skipping the co-expression problem: the new 2A "CHYSEL" technology
Authors: de Felipe Pablo 
Published: September 2004

AbstractThe rapid progress in the field of genomics is increasing our knowledge of multi-gene diseases. However, any realistic hope of gene therapy treatment for those diseases needs first to address the problem of co-ordinately co-expressing several transgenes. Currently, the use of internal ribosomal entry sites (IRESs) is the strategy chosen by many researchers to ensure co-expression. The large sizes of the IRESs (~0.5 kb), and the difficulties of ensuring a well-balanced co-expression, have prompted several researchers to imitate a co-expression strategy used by many viruses: to express several proteins as a polyprotein. A small peptide of 18 amino acids (2A) from the foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) is being used to avoid the need of proteinases to process the polyprotein. FMDV 2A is introduced as a linker between two proteins to allow autonomous intra-ribosomal self-processing of polyproteins. Recent reports have shown that this sequence is compatible with different sub-cellular targeting signals and can be used to co-express up to four proteins from a single retroviral vector. This short peptide provides a tool to allow the co-expression of multiple proteins from a single vector, a useful technology for those working with heteromultimeric proteins, biochemical pathways or combined/synergistic phenomena.
Co-administration of a DNA vaccine encoding the prostate specific membrane antigen and CpG oligodeoxynucleotides suppresses tumor growth
Authors: Ren Jiaqiang , Zheng Li , Chen Qi , Li Hua , Zhang Lin , Zhu Hongguang 
Published: September 2004

Abstract
Background
Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a well characterized prostate-specific tumor associated antigen. Its expression is elevated in prostate carcinoma, particularly in metastatic and recurrent lesions. These observations suggest that PSMA can be used as immune target to induce tumor cell-specific recognition by the host and, consequently tumor rejection. We utilized a DNA-based vaccine to specifically enhance PSMA expression. An immune modulator, such as CpG oligodeoxynucleotides which promote Th1-type immune responses was combined to increase the efficacy of tumor recognition and elimination.

Methods
A eukaryotic expression plasmid pCDNA3.1-PSMA encoding full-length PSMA was constructed. C57BL/6 mice were immunized with endotoxin-free pCDNA3.1-PSMA alone or in combination with CpG oligodeoxynucleotides by intramuscular injection. After 4 immunizations, PSMA specific antibodies and cytotoxic T lymphocyte reactivity were measured. Immunized C57BL/6 mice were also challenged subcutaneously with B16 cells transfected with PSMA to evaluate suppression of tumor growth.

Results
Vaccine-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes reactive with B16 cells expressing PSMA could be induced with this treatment schedule. Immune protection was observed in vaccinated mice as indicated by increased tumor growth in the control group (100%) compared with the groups vaccinated with DNA alone (66.7%) or DNA plus CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (50%) respectively. Average tumor volume was smaller in vaccinated groups and tumor-free survival time was prolonged by the vaccination.

Conclusion
The current findings suggest that specific anti-tumor immune response can be induced by DNA vaccines expressing PSMA. In addition, the suppression of in vivo growth of tumor cells expressing PSMA was augmented by CpG oligodeoxynucleotides. This strategy may provide a new venue for the treatment of carcinoma of prostate after failure of standard therapy.
Combination of histopathological and electromyographic patterns can help to evaluate functional outcome of critical ill patients with neuromuscular weakness syndromes
Authors: Kerbaul François , Brousse Muriel , Collart Frédéric , Pellissier Jean-François , Planche Denis , Fernandez Carla , Gouin François , Guidon Catherine 
Published: September 2004

Abstract
Introduction
The aim of the study was to describe patterns of neuromuscular weakness using a combination of electromyography and histology, and to evaluate functional outcome in patients following complicated cardiovascular surgery.

Methods
Fifteen adults requiring long-term mechanical ventilation (>15 days) following cardiovascular surgery associated with postoperative complications were prospectively included. Electrophysiological and histological analyses (muscle and nerve) were performed when failure to wean from mechanical ventilation associated with peripheral neuromuscular weakness was noticed. Functional disability was evaluated 12 months after surgery.

Results
Six patients had a predominantly axonal neuropathy, six presented with myopathy, and three patients had a combination of axonal neuropathy and myopathy. All of them presented with acute tetraparesis and failure to wean from mechanical ventilation. All of the study patients who received corticosteroids exhibited a myopathic pattern (with or without axonopathic changes) but never an axonopathic pattern only. Only two of the eight survivors at 12 months were not ambulatory. These two patients had no detectable compound muscle action potential on electrophysiological examination.

Conclusion
The combination of electromyographic evaluation and neuromuscular histological abnormalities could help to identify the type and severity of neuromuscular weakness, in turn helping to evaluate the patient's potential functional prognosis.
Activation of cytotoxic lymphocytes by interferon-α: role of oxygen radical-producing mononuclear phagocytes
Authors: Hansson Markus , Romero Ana , Thorén Fredrik , Hermodsson Svante , Hellstrand Kristoffer 
Published: September 2004

AbstractA significant part of the therapeutic benefit of interferon-α (IFN-α) therapy in malignant diseases and in chronic viral infections is assumed to result from activation of lymphocytes with natural killer (NK) and T cell phenotype. In tumor tissue and in chronically infected tissue, the function and viability of these lymphocytes are frequently impaired. Mononuclear phagocyte (MP)-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been proposed to contribute to the lymphocyte suppression in these tissues. Here, we report that three types of human cytotoxic lymphocytes of relevance to immunoactivation by IFN-α, CD3ɛ+/8+/56– T cells, CD3ɛ–/56+ NK cells, and CD3ɛ+/56+ NK/T cells became anergic to IFN-α induction of the cell-surface activation marker CD69 after exposure to autologous MPs in vitro. In addition to their incapacity to express CD69, cytotoxic lymphocytes acquired features characteristic of apoptosis after incubation with MPs. The lymphocyte apoptosis and nonresponsiveness to IFN-α were prevented by two inhibitors of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase-dependent formation of ROS in MPs, histamine dihydrochloride and diphenylene ionodonium, as well as by catalase, a scavenger of ROS. We conclude that MP-derived ROS may negatively affect IFN-α-induced immunostimulation and propose that ROS inhibitors or scavengers may be useful to improve lymphocyte activation during treatment with IFN-α.
Early Hospital Discharge Followed by Outpatient Management Versus Continued Hospitalization of Children With Cancer, Fever, and Neutropenia at Low Risk for Invasive Bacterial Infection
Authors: Santolaya María E. , Alvarez Ana M. , Avilés Carmen L. , Becker Ana , Cofré José , Cumsille Miguel A. , O'Ryan Miguel L. , Payá Ernesto , Salgado Carmen , Silva Pamela , Tordecilla Juan , Varas Mónica , Villarroel Milena , Viviani Tamara , Zubieta Marcela 
Published: September 2004

Purpose To compare outcome and cost of ambulatory versus hospitalized management among febrile neutropenic children at low risk for invasive bacterial infection (IBI). Patients and Methods Children presenting with febrile neutropenia at six hospitals in Santiago, Chile, were categorized as high or low risk for IBI. Low-risk children were randomly assigned after 24 to 36 hours of hospitalization to receive ambulatory or hospitalized treatment and monitored until episode resolution. Outcome and cost were determined for each episode and compared between both groups using predefined definitions and questionnaires. Results A total of 161 (41%) of 390 febrile neutropenic episodes evaluated from June 2000 to February 2003 were classified as low risk, of which 149 were randomly assigned to ambulatory (n = 78) or hospital-based (n = 71) treatment. In both groups, mean age (ambulatory management, 55 months; hospital-based management, 66 months), sex, and type of cancer were similar. Outcome was favorable in 74 (95%) of 78 ambulatory-treated children and 67 (94%) of 71 hospital-treated children (P = NS). Mean cost of an episode was US $638 (95% CI, $572 to $703) and US $903 (95% CI, $781 to $1,025) for the ambulatory and hospital-based groups, respectively (P = .003). Conclusion For children with febrile neutropenia at low risk for IBI, ambulatory management is safe and significantly cost saving compared with standard hospitalized therapy.
Systematic Review of the Staging Performance of18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography in Esophageal Cancer
Authors: van Westreenen H.L. , Westerterp M. , Bossuyt P.M.M. , Pruim J. , Sloof G.W. , van Lanschot J.J.B. , Groen H. , Plukker J.Th.M. 
Published: September 2004

PurposeDespite the increasing number of publications concerning18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) for staging of esophageal cancer and the increasing availability of this novel diagnostic modality, its exact role in preoperative staging of these tumors is still unknown. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature regarding the diagnostic performance of FDG-PET in preoperative staging of patients with esophageal cancer, and to calculate summary estimates of its sensitivity and specificity.MethodsThe databases of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane were searched for relevant studies. Two reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality of each study. A meta-analysis of the reported sensitivity and specificity of each study was performed.ResultsTwelve studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies had several design deficiencies. Pooled sensitivity and specificity for the detection of locoregional metastases were 0.51 (95% CI, 0.34 to 0.69) and 0.84 (95% CI, 0.76 to 0.91), respectively. For distant metastases, pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.67 (95% CI, 0.58 to 0.76) and 0.97 (95% CI, 0.90 to 1.0), respectively.ConclusionFDG-PET showed moderate sensitivity and specificity for the detection of locoregional metastases, and reasonable sensitivity and specificity in detection of distant lymphatic and hematogenous metastases.
Impact of the Percentage of Positive Prostate Cores on Prostate Cancer–Specific Mortality for Patients With Low or Favorable Intermediate-Risk Disease
Authors: D'Amico Anthony V. , Renshaw Andrew A. , Cote Kerri , Hurwitz Mark , Beard Clair , Loffredo Marian , Chen Ming-Hui 
Published: September 2004

Purpose We investigated whether pretreatment factors predicted time to prostate cancer–specific mortality (PCSM) after conventional-dose and conformal radiation therapy (CRT). Patients and Methods Between 1988 and 2002, 421 patients with low (prostate-specific antigen [PSA] level ≤ 10 ng/mL and biopsy Gleason score ≤ 6) or favorable intermediate-risk (PSA > 10 to 15 ng/mL or biopsy Gleason score 3 + 4, but not both factors) disease underwent CRT (median dose, 70.4 Gy). Cox regression multivariable analysis was performed to determine whether the PSA level, Gleason score, T category, or the percentage of positive cores (% PC) predicted time to PCSM after CRT. After a median follow-up of 4.5 years, 117 (28%) patients have died. Results The % PC was the only significant predictor (Cox P ≤ .03). The relative risk of PCSM after CRT for patients with ≥ 50% as compared with less than 50% PC was 10.4 (95% CI, 1.2 to 87; Cox P = .03), 6.1 (95% CI, 1.3 to 28.6; Cox P = .02), and 12.5 (95% CI, 1.5 to 107; Cox P = .02) in men with a PSA ≤ 10 and Gleason score ≤ 6, PSA ≤ 10 and Gleason score ≤ 7, and PSA ≤ 15 and Gleason score ≤ 6, respectively. By 5 years after CRT, 5% to 9% compared with less than 1% (log-rank P ≤ .01) of these patients experienced PCSM if they had ≥ 50% compared with less than 50% PC, respectively. Conclusion CRT dose-escalation techniques, the addition of hormonal therapy, or both should be considered in the management of patients with low or favorable intermediate-risk disease and ≥ 50% PC.
Randomized Comparison of Power Doppler Ultrasound-Directed Excisional Biopsy With Standard Excisional Biopsy for the Characterization of Lymphadenopathies in Patients With Suspected Lymphoma
Authors: Picardi Marco , Gennarelli Nicola , Ciancia Rosanna , De Renzo Amalia , Gargiulo Giovanna , Ciancia Giuseppe , Sparano Lucianna , Zeppa Pio , Martinelli Vincenzo , Pettinato Guido , Lobello Roberto , Pane Fabrizio , Rotoli Bruno 
Published: September 2004

Purpose The sensitivity of lymph node excisional biopsy requires validation. Power Doppler ultrasound (US) helps predict the malignant status of lymphadenopathies. We used power Doppler US to select for biopsy the lymph node most suspected of malignancy. Patients and Methods One hundred fifty-two patients having lymphadenopathies with clinical suspicion of lymphoma were divided into two well-matched groups and randomly assigned to undergo either standard or power Doppler US-directed lymph node excisional biopsy. Results Histology showed a malignancy in 64% of patients in the standard group (lymphoma, 49 patients; carcinoma, two patients) and in 87% of patients in the US-assisted group (lymphoma, 62 patients; carcinoma, one patient). There were significantly fewer biopsy-related complications in the assisted group than in the standard group. During the follow-up of the patients with lymph nodes reported as being reactive, 14 of 29 patients in the standard group were rebiopsied and were found to have lymphoma (13 patients) or carcinoma at the subsequent lymph node histology, whereas none of the patients in the assisted group (nine patients) required a second biopsy. Thus, biopsy provided false-negative results for malignancy in 21% of patients affected by lymphoma in the standard group and never in the assisted group (P < .01). Conclusion Power Doppler US is an accurate tool for screening lymphadenopathies to be removed by excisional biopsy in patients with suspected lymphoma.
Effect of Doxorubicin Plus Cyclophosphamide on Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction in Patients With Breast Cancer in the North Central Cancer Treatment Group N9831 Intergroup Adjuvant Trial
Authors: Perez Edith A. , Suman Vera J. , Davidson Nancy E. , Kaufman Peter A. , Martino Silvana , Dakhil Shaker R. , Ingle James N. , Rodeheffer Richard J. , Gersh Bernard J. , Jaffe Allan S. 
Published: September 2004

Purpose To evaluate changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) after four cycles of adjuvant doxorubicin plus cyclophosphamide (AC) in women with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–positive (node-positive or node-negative) breast cancer enrolled onto the North Central Cancer Treatment Group N9831 Intergroup Adjuvant Trial. Patients and Methods Patients were randomly assigned to receive standard doxorubicin (60 mg/m2) plus cyclophosphamide (600 mg/m2) every 3 weeks for four cycles followed by (1) weekly paclitaxel for 12 weeks; (2) weekly paclitaxel for 12 weeks, then weekly trastuzumab for 52 weeks; or (3) weekly paclitaxel plus trastuzumab for 12 weeks, then weekly trastuzumab for 40 weeks. LVEF was monitored before and after AC. Results Of the 1,576 eligible patients who completed AC, 1,458 had pre- and post-AC LVEF measurements taken using the same methodology (multiple-gated acquisition in 1,153 patients and echocardiogram in 305 patients). Among these 1,458 patients, 745 (51.1%) had ≤ 15% decrease in LVEF and LVEF that remained at or above the radiologic lower limit of normal (LLN); 42 patients (2.9%) had ≤ 15% decrease in LVEF and LVEF that decreased to or below the LLN; and 37 patients (2.5%) had an LVEF decrease of more than 15%. There was grade 2 LVEF toxicity in 96 (6.6%) of the 1,458 patients. Conclusion Standard AC chemotherapy is associated with frequent decreases in LVEF, which are noted when measured 3 weeks after completion of the fourth cycle. Patients are being observed to determine the long-term significance of this and the potential impact on subsequent treatment options.
Residual Tumor Resection After High-Dose Chemotherapy in Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Germ Cell Cancer
Authors: Rick O. , Bokemeyer C. , Weinknecht S. , Schirren J. , Pottek T. , Hartmann J.T. , Braun T. , Rachud B. , Weißbach L. , Hartmann M. , Siegert W. , Beyer J. 
Published: September 2004

Purpose To assess the role of residual tumor resection performed after high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) in patients with relapsed or refractory germ cell tumors (GCT). Patients and Methods Between July 1987 and October 1999, postchemotherapy resections of residual tumors were performed in 57 patients who had been treated with HDCT for relapsed or refractory GCT and who had achieved a partial remission to this treatment. Results Complete resections of residual masses were achieved in 52 (91%) of 57 patients who were rendered disease free; in five (9%) of 57 patients, the resections were incomplete. Resection of a single site was performed in 39 (68%) of 57 patients, and the remaining 18 (32%) of 57 patients required interventions at two or more residual tumor sites. Necrosis was found in 22 (38%) of 57 patients, mature teratoma with or without necrosis was found in nine (16%) of 57 patients, and viable cancer with or without additional necrosis or mature teratoma was found in 26 (46%) of 57 patients. Viable cancer consisted either of residual germ cell or undifferentiated cancer in 22 (85%) of 26 patients, with additional non-GCT histologies in the remaining four patients. Patients with viable cancer had a significantly inferior outcome after surgery compared with patients with necrosis and/or mature teratoma even if all cancer was completely resected. Pulmonary lesions with a diameter of more than 2 cm were the only predictive variable for viable cancer in univariate analysis. Conclusion Resections of all residual tumors should be attempted in patients with relapsed or refractory GCT and partial remissions after HDCT.