bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Emergency department triage of patients with acute chest pain: definition of cardiac troponin I decisional value to manage patients without electrocardiographic evidence of ischemia
Authors: Beyne Pascale , Bouvier Erik , Werner Patrick , Bourgoin Pierre , Logeart Damien , Alliot Laurent , Daïkha Habiba , Vidaud Michel 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThe aim of this study was to define the use of a new cardiac troponin I (cTnI) assay for emergency patients with chest pain and no specific electrocardiographic changes consistent with the presence of ischemia. Patients (n=106) admitted in Emergency/Cardiology Departments for chest pain and suspicion of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) were randomized into two diagnosis groups (ACS or non-ACS) by two independent cardiologists. cTnI measurements were performed at admission, and 6 hours and 12 hours later with a new generation assay (Access AccuTnI, Beckman Coulter). Using an upper reference limit of 0.04 μg/l, 27 patients had a cTnI elevation not related to the final diagnosis of ischemia; the positive predictive value (PPV) was 67% with specificity 48%. The decisional value was re-defined and set at 0.16 μg/l, a concentration corresponding to the 99th percentile of the non-ACS patient group. Precision (coefficient of variation) was 8% at this level, PPV 97% and specificity 98%. This new decisional value is now used in our institution and could be included in standard care guidelines to improve the management of patients presenting chest pain in emergency departments.
Normality: the unreachable star?
Authors: Petitclerc Claude 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThe concept of reference values is widely accepted, but their application has been quite lax over the years. This is due primarily to the difficulty of properly selecting and documenting samples from a reference population. In the absence of a clear description of reference individuals, reference values lose their meaning, are ambiguous at best, and are often confused with decision limits. The clinical medicine perspective of reference values is to rule out diseases and to define health, while that of preventive medicine is to appreciate the state of health. Defining reference limits and normality in this context is a great challenge. Advances in the fields of genomics and proteomics and the rapid pace of technological advances help highlight the biological diversity among individuals. However, there is a great need for reference values that are representative of healthy humans and presented in a manner that they can be utilized by all laboratories. In addition, as secure information technology becomes available, the goal of using an individual as their own reference during a lifetime is now possible, provided that consistency of databases is ensured.
The IFCC recommendation on estimation of reference intervals. The RefVal Program
Authors: Solberg Helge Erik 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThe International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC) published between 1987–91 a series of six recommendations on reference values in laboratory medicine. This paper reviews the history and scope of the fifth part of these recommendations. This fifth recommendation deals with statistical methods used for analysis of reference values and estimation of reference intervals. The RefVal program, which implements the recommended method, is also described.
Parametric methods for estimating covariate-dependent reference limits
Authors: Virtanen Arja , Kairisto Veli , Uusipaikka Esa 
Published: August 2004

AbstractAge-specific reference limits are required for many clinical laboratory measurements. Statistical assessment of calculated intervals must be performed to obtain reliable reference limits. When parametric, covariate-dependent limits are derived, normal distribution theory usually is applied due to its mathematical simplicity and relative ease of fitting. However, it is not always possible to transform data and achieve a normal distribution. Therefore, models other than those based on normal distribution theory are needed. Generalized linear model theory offers one such alternative. Regardless of the statistical model used, the assumptions behind the model should always be examined.
Reference regions of two or more dimensions
Authors: Boyd James C. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractDespite being proposed over 30 years ago, the multivariate reference region (MRR) remains an interpretive tool with uncertain value in clinical practice. This paper reviews the mathematical theory of the MRR, presents topics in the clinical application of MRRs, and examines the advantages and disadvantages of MRRs. Finally, some thoughts are offered regarding future directions for work in this field.
Guideline for the production of multicentre physiological reference values using the same measurement system. A proposal of the Catalan Association for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
Authors: Fuentes-Arderiu Xavier , Mas-Serra Roser , Alumà-Trullàs Alba , Martí-Marcet Maria Isabel , Dot-Bach Dolors 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThis article is intended as a guide for the production of biological reference values of healthy people (physiological reference values) by several clinical laboratories using the same measurement system. This guide is a proposal from the Catalan Association of Clinical Laboratory Sciences to be applied worldwide at a regional level. This guide makes it possible for all clinical laboratories in a region using the same measurement system to adopt the same physiological reference limits. The model presented here is based on the assumption that the production of physiological reference values is a professional task that should be shared by both clinical laboratories and the in vitro diagnostics industry.
Reference intervals for plasma proteins: similarities and differences between adult Caucasian and Asian Indian males in Yorkshire, UK
Authors: Johnson A. Myron , Petersen Per Hyltoft , Whicher John T. , Carlström Anders , MacLennan Sheila 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate similarities and differences in the distribution of serum concentrations of nine proteins in two racial groups (Caucasian and Asian Indian) of adult males living in the same geographical area (Leeds, Bradford, UK) for at least two generations. This is part of a larger study to determine the need for separating reference intervals for racial and ethnic groups worldwide. The distributions of concentrations for all proteins evaluated in the Indians fit ln-Gaussian distributions, indicating probable homogeneity. However, for the Caucasians, the distributions for α
Diagnostic and epidemiological implications of regional differences in serum concentrations of proteins observed in six Asian cities
Authors: Ichihara Kiyoshi , Itoh Yoshihisa , Min Won-Ki , Yap Sook Fan , Lam Christopher W. K. , Kong Xian Tao , Chou Chiung-Tei , Nakamura Haruo 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThe IFCC Committee on Plasma Proteins has been investigating regional differences for commonly assayed plasma proteins to determine whether universal reference intervals can be applied. As a part of this study, we launched an Asian project analyzing the concentrations of 13 serum proteins whose values are standardized to CRM470, and five newer analytes: retinol-binding protein (RBP), cystatin C (CysC), lightchain-κ (L-κ), and light-chain-λ (L-λ). In Tokyo, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Taipei and Shanghai, serum samples were collected from 146 to 415 apparently healthy individuals with nearly equal gender ratios. All assays were performed in Tokyo on a Behring Nephelometer II (BN II). Seven chemical analytes (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), γ-glutamyltransferase (γGT), creatinine, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)) were also measured. These results were used for excluding individuals with possible latent clinical disorders.Positive acute phase reactants were consistently lower, and negative ones were higher, in Tokyo than those in other cities. The most conspicuous difference was observed in C-reactive protein (CRP). There were no regional differences in transferrin, albumin, or CysC. Creatinine was much lower in Tokyo despite comparable CysC levels. ALT and γGT were higher in Shanghai, Taipei and Seoul; γGT and TG were higher in Shanghai; and HDL-C was higher in Tokyo.Gender-related differences in reference intervals were observed for immunoglobulin (Ig)M, haptoglobin, RBP, transferrin, αEnvironmental factors and lifestyle seem to have a great influence on many commonly measured analytes.
Establishment of a serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) reference interval in healthy adults. The importance of environmental factors, including thyroid antibodies
Authors: Jensen Esther , Petersen Per Hyltoft , Blaabjerg Ole , Hansen Pia Skov , Brix Thomas H. , Kyvik Kirsten Ohm , Hegedüs Laszlo 
Published: August 2004

AbstractIt has previously been shown that thyroid antibodies affect thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations in men and women and that TSH levels are predictive of future thyroid disease. We investigated the validity of the National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry (NACB) guidelines regarding the TSH reference interval by studying 1512 individuals. Two hundred and fifty had at least one thyroid antibody, 121 were taking medications other than estrogens and occasional analgesics, and 105 reported a family history of thyroid disease. Serum TSH, thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOab) and thyroglobulin antibodies (Tgab) were determined on AutoDELFIA and TSHRab by a radioreceptor assay (RRA) from Brahms Diagnostica.For individuals without thyroid antibodies and other risk factors, no effect of age and gender was seen for serum TSH. Neither medication nor the presence of Tgab alone had any influence on serum TSH. TPOab alone or in combination with Tgab were associated with an increased serum TSH level.The ‘cumulative percentage distributions’ of subgroups, as well as the combined population, was ln-Gaussian distributed. The central 95% of the population was within the 95% CI in rankit-plots. Consequently, a common reference interval for serum TSH of 0.58–4.07 mIU/l for all adults between 17 and 66 years of age was established. This reference interval is much higher than expected from the NACB-guidelines.
Gunshot Residue Particle Velocity and Deceleration
Authors: De Forest PR , Martir K , Pizzola PA 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
The velocity of over 800 gunshot residue particles from eight different sources was determined using high speed stroboscopic photography (spark gap light source). These particles were found to have an average velocity of 500 to 600 ft per second. Many particles acquired considerably higher velocities. Thus, the particles have sufficient energy to embed themselves within certain nearby targets like skin or fabric. The relatively high velocity that the particles acquire explain the formation of stippling on skin in close proximity to a muzzle discharge. These findings also indicate little influence of air currents on particle behavior near the muzzle. The deceleration of less than 100 particles during a 100-microsecond interval was also calculated. The particles experienced rapid rates of deceleration which would explain why few particles are found in test firings beyond 3 ft from the muzzle of a discharged firearm. Because of their relatively high velocity, normal wind velocity would not be expected to significantly influence their motion near the muzzle.
Oxycodone Intoxication in an Infant: Accidental or Intentional Exposure?
Authors: Levine B , Moore KA , Aronica-Pollak P , Fowler DF 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
A case is presented of a 10 month old male who went into cardiac arrest at a local store. The infant subsequently expired and was autopsied at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, State of Maryland. The only remarkable finding was the detection of oxycodone in the postmortem specimens; the blood and liver oxycodone concentrations were 0.6 mg/L and 1.6 mg/kg, respectively. Oxycodone was identified and quantitated by gas chromatography-nitrogen-phosphorus detection and confirmed by full scan electron ionization gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The medical examiner ruled that the cause of death was oxycodone intoxication, and the manner of death was homicide. The key toxicologic question in this case was whether or not it was reasonable for the infant to be exposed to oxycodone exclusively through breast milk or through an alternate source. It was concluded that, at best, there were serious concerns about the likelihood of drug exposure through consumption of breast milk.
Paramoebiasis Associated with Mass Mortality of American Lobster Homarus americanus in Long Island Sound, USA
Authors: Mullen Thomas E. , Russell Spencer , Tucker Meghan T. , Maratea Jennifer L. , Koerting Claudia , Hinckley Lynn , De Guise Sylvain , Frasca Salvatore , French Richard A. , Burrage Thomas G. , Perkins Christopher 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
In the autumn of 1999, a mass mortality of American lobster Homarus americanus was reported by lobster fishermen from western Long Island Sound (LIS). At the conclusion of the 1999 season, dead lobsters were estimated at 11 million, resulting in a 90– 99% reduction of landings in western LIS and failure of the natural lobster fishery. Fishermen described moribund lobsters that were “limp,” interpreted clinically as paretic or flaccidly paralyzed. Necropsies were performed on dead or dying limp lobsters, and tissue samples were collected for histopathological, ultrastructural, microbiological, and toxicological analysis. Microbiological cultures of hemolymph and hepatopancreas failed to isolate a bacterium or group of bacteria in any significant frequency or pattern. Toxicological analyses of hepatopancreas and skeletal muscle did not identify significant amounts of trace elements, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyl congeners, or pesticides. Microscopic analyses of hemocoelomic viscera and nervous tissues revealed a protozoan parasite in foci of hemocytic infiltration of nerves, in cytoplasm of neurons, and between nerve fibers without attendant hemocytic infiltrates as well as in micronodular aggregates of hemocytes in the subcuticular interstitium and tegumental glands. Histologic and ultrastructural features of this parasite were characteristic of protozoa of the genus Paramoeba (Schaudinn, 1896), and contact transmission experiments involving lobsters from uninfected, geographically distant sites and infected lobsters from western LIS resulted in transmission of paramoebiasis. This report represents the first description of a proximate cause of lobster mortality from the 1999 epizootic, along with additional evidence supporting the assertion that this parasitic paramoeba may be the primary cause of the 1999 lobster mass mortality.
Effects of Supplemental Amino Acid-Chelated Trace Elements on the Immune Response of Rainbow Trout Subjected to Bacterial Challenge
Authors: Apines-Amar M. J. S. , Satoh S. , Kiron V. , Watanabe T. 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
This study examined whether supplemental amino acid-chelated trace elements were effective in improving disease resistance in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. Four semipurified diets containing trace elements from either sulfates or an amino acid chelate source were fed to the fish for 18 weeks. Subsequently, fish weighing about 20–40 g were challenged with β-hemolytic Streptococcus sp. The cumulative mortality was less in the chelate-supplemented groups but not significantly different from that of the sulfate groups. Antibody titer was significantly higher in the chelate-fed fish. Lysozyme activity and total immunoglobulin content were slightly more enhanced in the chelate-fed than in the sulfate-fed groups. Despite the increased antibody production, no distinct improvement in disease resistance against Streptococcus sp. was achieved by supplementing rainbow trout diets with amino acid-chelated trace elements. Further confirmatory studies focusing on the amounts of the trace elements used are needed to shed light on the influence of amino acid chelates on disease resistance.
Detection of Flavobacterium psychrophilum in Eggs and Sexual Fluids of Pacific Salmonids by a Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay: Implications for Vertical Transmission of Bacterial Coldwater Disease
Authors: Taylor Peter W. 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Ovarian fluid and eggs were collected from returning salmonid species during normal spawning operations and examined for the presence of Flavobacterium psychrophilum, the causative agent of bacterial coldwater disease (BCWD). A nested polymerase chain reaction assay (PCR) that targets the 16S rRNA gene of F. psychrophilum was used for detection of the pathogen. Samples from coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch, chum salmon O. keta, Chinook salmon O. tshawytscha, and steelhead O. mykiss were taken from four fish culture facilities in the Pacific Northwest. Ovarian fluids were pelleted by centrifugation, and yolk material from within the eggs was aseptically removed and prepared for testing by PCR. Flavobacterium psychrophilum was detected in ovarian fluids and unfertilized eggs from species sampled at all facilities. This confirmed the use of PCR as a valid assay for the detection of F. psychrophilum in returning salmonid broodstock of all species tested. More importantly, PCR confirmed the presence of the pathogen within egg contents, not just in the surrounding fluids or on the egg surface.
Prevalence of Walleye Discrete Epidermal Hyperplasia by Age-Class in Walleyes from Oneida Lake, New York
Authors: Getchell R. G. , Wooster G. A. , Rudstam L. G. , Van DeValk A. J. , Brooking T. E. , Bowser P. R. 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
The prevalence of visible proliferative lesions was followed on walleyes Sander vitreus at ages 3 to more than 8 years from 1997 to 2003 in Oneida Lake, New York. Walleye discrete epidermal hyperplasia, the focus of this report, is a seasonally limited skin disease caused by two closely related retroviruses, walleye epidermal hyperplasia virus type 1 and type 2. As with walleye dermal sarcoma, the in-lake transmission patterns of this disease are unknown. The percent of fish developing walleye epidermal hyperplasia lesions increased incrementally with age in this study. It is unlikely that all walleyes of a given year-class will contract discrete epidermal hyperplasia in their lifetimes because fewer than 20% of the fish age 8 and older were affected. In contrast, the prevalence of walleye dermal sarcoma, a disease we believe eventually affects almost all exposed walleyes, changes with age, decreasing after age 6, which suggests that walleyes develop resistance to that disease.
History of the Development of Arsenic Derivatives in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Waxman Samuel , Anderson Kenneth C. 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Arsenic is a natural substance that has been used medicinally for over 2,400 years. In the 19th century, it was the mainstay of the materia medica. A solution of potassium arsenite (Fowler's solution) was used for a variety of systemic illnesses from the 18th until the 20th century. This multipurpose solution was also primary therapy for the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia until replaced by radiation and cytotoxic chemotherapy. The past 100 years have seen a precipitous decline in arsenic use and, by the mid-1990s, the only recognized indication was the treatment of trypanosomiasis. Much of this decline was due to concerns about the toxicity and potential carcinogenicity of chronic arsenic administration. The rebirth of arsenic therapy occurred in the 1970s when physicians in China began using arsenic trioxide as part of a treatment for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Their accumulated experience showed that a stable solution of arsenic trioxide given by intravenous infusion was remarkably safe and effective both in patients with newly diagnosed APL leukemia and in those with refractory and relapsed APL. The mechanisms of action of arsenic derivatives in this disease and other malignancies are many and include induction of apoptosis, partial cytodifferentiation, inhibition of proliferation, and inhibition of angiogenesis. Molecular studies and ongoing clinical trials suggest that, as a chemotherapeutic agent, arsenic trioxide shows great promise in the treatment of malignant disease.
Taxane/Anthracycline Combinations: Setting a New Standard in Breast Cancer?
Authors: Nabholtz Jean-Marc , Riva Alessandro 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Among the novel chemotherapeutic drugs introduced in the 1990s, the taxanes have emerged as the most powerful compounds in breast cancer. Both compounds, paclitaxel and docetaxel, have been evaluated in metastatic settings before adjuvant trials proceeded. Docetaxel was shown in several phase III trials to be superior, particularly in terms of survival, for salvaging polychemotherapies after failure of prior chemotherapy, including that with anthracyclines. A benefit of docetaxel was also reported when compared with doxorubicin after failure of alkylating agents. In phase III trials paclitaxel was reported to be as efficacious over 24 hours as doxorubicin 60 mg/m2, while paclitaxel was significantly inferior to doxorubicin 75 mg/m2 over 3 hours and was close to CMF in another trial. The role of taxanes in combination with anthracyclines in first-line therapy of advanced breast cancer is emerging. Following several phase II studies, a phase III trial showed the significant superiority of docetaxel/doxorubicin (AT) versus doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide (AC) in terms of response and time to progression. In several phase II studies with paclitaxel (3 hours), anthracyclines in the metastatic setting showed high efficacy but produced cardiac toxicity related to a pharmacokinetic interaction between the two agents. This finding led to the implementation of metastatic strategies (phase III trials) aimed at avoiding the pharmacokinetic interaction, while the adjuvant strategies with paclitaxel focused primarily on the sequential approach (AC followed by paclitaxel). In contrast, adjuvant strategies with docetaxel/anthracycline-based programs were implemented following both sequential and combination approaches.
Vision of the Future: Capecitabine
Authors: Twelves Chris 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Capecitabine is a thymidine phosphorylase (TP)-activated oral fluoropyrimidine, rationally designed to generate 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) preferentially within tumors. This tumor selectivity is achieved through exploitation of the significantly higher activity of TP in tumor compared with healthy tissue. The high single-agent activity of capecitabine in breast and colorectal cancer suggests that capecitabine may have a role in the treatment of other tumor types that are sensitive to 5-FU, such as pancreatic cancer. Tumor types known to have a high level of TP activity, such as renal cancer, are especially attractive targets for capecitabine therapy. Capecitabine has potential as monotherapy in these tumor types, or as a combination partner for other cytotoxic agents with different mechanisms of action and little overlap of key toxicities. In particular, some cytotoxic drugs, such as the taxanes and cyclophosphamide, are known to upregulate TP activity in tumor tissue, offering the potential for synergistic action. The combination of capecitabine and docetaxel has demonstrated significant activity in women with anthracycline-pretreated breast cancer, and is the only cytotoxic combination to significantly increase survival compared with standard therapy in this setting. In addition, capecitabine as monotherapy or in combination with other cytotoxic agents has shown encouraging activity in pancreatic, ovarian, and renal cell cancers. This article discusses recent data from clinical trials investigating capecitabine in a range of tumor types, highlighting the potential future role of capecitabine as an alternative to traditional i.v. chemotherapy.