bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A combinational feature selection and ensemble neural network method for classification of gene expression data
Authors: Liu Bing , Cui Qinghua , Jiang Tianzi , Ma Songde 
Published: September 2004

Abstract
Background
Microarray experiments are becoming a powerful tool for clinical diagnosis, as they have the potential to discover gene expression patterns that are characteristic for a particular disease. To date, this problem has received most attention in the context of cancer research, especially in tumor classification. Various feature selection methods and classifier design strategies also have been generally used and compared. However, most published articles on tumor classification have applied a certain technique to a certain dataset, and recently several researchers compared these techniques based on several public datasets. But, it has been verified that differently selected features reflect different aspects of the dataset and some selected features can obtain better solutions on some certain problems. At the same time, faced with a large amount of microarray data with little knowledge, it is difficult to find the intrinsic characteristics using traditional methods. In this paper, we attempt to introduce a combinational feature selection method in conjunction with ensemble neural networks to generally improve the accuracy and robustness of sample classification.

Results
We validate our new method on several recent publicly available datasets both with predictive accuracy of testing samples and through cross validation. Compared with the best performance of other current methods, remarkably improved results can be obtained using our new strategy on a wide range of different datasets.

Conclusions
Thus, we conclude that our methods can obtain more information in microarray data to get more accurate classification and also can help to extract the latent marker genes of the diseases for better diagnosis and treatment.
A comprehensive evaluation of food fortification with folic acid for the primary prevention of neural tube defects
Authors: Liu Shiliang , West Roy , Randell Edward , Longerich Linda , O'Connor Kathleen Steel , Scott Helen , Crowley Marian , Lam Angeline , Prabhakaran Victor , McCourt Catherine 
Published: September 2004

Abstract
Background
Periconceptional use of vitamin supplements containing folic acid reduces the risk of a neural tube defect (NTD). In November 1998, food fortification with folic acid was mandated in Canada, as a public health strategy to increase the folic acid intake of all women of childbearing age. We undertook a comprehensive population based study in Newfoundland to assess the benefits and possible adverse effects of this intervention.

Methods
This study was carried out in women aged 19–44 years and in seniors from November 1997 to March 1998, and from November 2000 to March 2001. The evaluation was comprised of four components: I) Determination of rates of NTDs; II) Dietary assessment; III) Blood analysis; IV) Assessment of knowledge and use of folic acid supplements.

Results
The annual rates of NTDs in Newfoundland varied greatly between 1976 and 1997, with a mean rate of 3.40 per 1,000 births. There was no significant change in the average rates between 1991–93 and 1994–97 (relative risk [RR] 1.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.76–1.34). The rates of NTDs fell by 78% (95% CI 65%–86%) after the implementation of folic acid fortification, from an average of 4.36 per 1,000 births during 1991–1997 to 0.96 per 1,000 births during 1998–2001 (RR 0.22, 95% CI 0.14–0.35). The average dietary intake of folic acid due to fortification was 70 μg/day in women aged 19–44 years and 74 μg/day in seniors. There were significant increases in serum and RBC folate levels for women and seniors after mandatory fortification. Among seniors, there were no significant changes in indices typical of vitamin B12 deficiencies, and no evidence of improved folate status masking haematological manifestations of vitamin B12 deficiency. The proportion of women aged 19–44 years taking a vitamin supplement containing folic acid increased from 17% to 28%.

Conclusions
Based on these findings, mandatory food fortification in Canada should continue at the current levels. Public education regarding folic acid supplement use by women of childbearing age should also continue.
Using email reminders to engage physicians in an Internet-based CME intervention
Authors: Abdolrasulnia Maziar , Collins Blanche C , Casebeer Linda , Wall Terry , Spettell Claire , Ray Midge N , Weissman Norman W , Allison Jeroan J 
Published: September 2004

Abstract
Background
Engaging practicing physicians in educational strategies that reinforce guideline adoption and improve the quality of healthcare may be difficult. Push technologies such as email offer new opportunities to engage physicians in online educational reinforcing strategies. The objectives are to investigate 1) the effectiveness of email announcements in engaging recruited community-based primary care physicians in an online guideline reinforcement strategy designed to promote Chlamydia screening, 2) the characteristics of physicians who respond to email announcements, as well as 3) how quickly and when they respond to email announcements.

Methods
Over a 45-week period, 445 recruited physicians received up to 33 email contacts announcing and reminding them of an online women's health guideline reinforcing CME activity. Participation was defined as physician log-on at least once to the website. Data were analyzed to determine participation, to compare characteristics of participants with recruited physicians who did not participate, and to determine at what point and when participants logged on.

Results
Of 445 recruited physicians with accurate email addresses, 47.2% logged on and completed at least one module. There were no significant differences by age, race, or specialty between participants and non-participants. Female physicians, US medical graduates and MDs had higher participation rates than male physicians, international medical graduates and DOs. Physicians with higher baseline screening rates were significantly more likely to log on to the course. The first 10 emails were the most effective in engaging community-based physicians to complete the intervention. Physicians were more likely to log on in the afternoon and evening and on Monday or Thursday.

Conclusions
Email course reminders may enhance recruitment of physicians to interventions designed to reinforce guideline adoption; physicians' response to email reminders may vary by gender, degree, and country of medical training. Repetition of email communications contributes to physician online participation.
Components of a modern mental health service: a pragmatic balance of community and hospital care
Authors: Thornicroft Graham , Tansella Michele 
Published: September 2004

BackgroundThere is controversy about whether mental health services should be provided in community or hospital settings. There is no worldwide consensus on which mental health service models are appropriate in low-, medium- and high-resource areas.AimsTo provide an evidence base for this debate, and present a stepped care model.MethodCochrane systematic reviews and other reviews were summarised.ResultsThe evidence supports a balanced approach, including both community and hospital services. Areas with low levels of resources may focus on improving primary care, with specialist back-up. Areas with medium resources may additionally provide out-patient clinics, community mental health teams (CMHTs), acute in-patient care, community residential care and forms of employment and occupation. High-resource areas may provide all the above, together with more specialised services such as specialised out-patient clinics and CMHTs, assertive community treatment teams, early intervention teams, alternatives to acute in-patient care, alternative types of community residential care and alternative occupation and rehabilitation.ConclusionsBoth community and hospital services are necessary in all areas regardless of their level of resources, according to the additive and sequential stepped care model described here.
Cognitive therapy for the prevention of psychosis in people at ultra-high risk
Authors: Morrison Anthony P. , French Paul , Walford Lara , Lewis Shôn W. , Kilcommons Aoiffe , Green Joanne , Parker Sophie , Bentall Richard P. 
Published: September 2004

BackgroundAdvances in the ability to identify people at high risk of developing psychosis have generated interest in the possibility of preventing psychosis.AimsTo evaluate the efficacy of cognitive therapy for the prevention of transition to psychosis.MethodA randomised controlled trial compared cognitive therapy with treatment as usual in 58 patients at ultra-high risk of developing a first episode of psychosis. Therapy was provided over 6 months, and all patients were monitored on a monthly basis for 12 months.ResultsLogistic regression demonstrated that cognitive therapy significantly reduced the likelihood of making progression to psychosis as defined on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale over 12 months. In addition, it significantly reduced the likelihood of being prescribed antipsychotic medication and of meeting criteria for a DSM – IV diagnosis of a psychotic disorder. Analysis of covariance showed that the intervention also significantly improved positive symptoms of psychosis in this population over the 12-month period.ConclusionsCognitive therapy appears to be an acceptable and efficacious intervention for people at high risk of developing psychosis.
Prevalence and correlates of self-reported psychotic symptoms in the British population
Authors: Johns Louise C. , Cannon Mary , Singleton Nicola , Murray Robin M. , Farrell Michael , Brugha Traolach , Bebbington Paul , Jenkins Rachel , Meltzer Howard 
Published: September 2004

BackgroundThe psychosis phenotype is generally thought of as a categorical entity. However, there is increasing evidence that psychosis exists in the population as a continuum of severity rather than an all-or-none phenomenon.AimsTo investigate the prevalence and correlates of self-reported psychotic symptoms using data from the 2000 British National Survey of Psychiatric Morbidity.MethodA total of 8580 respondents aged 16–74 years were interviewed. Questions covered mental health, physical health, substance use, life events and socio-demographic variables. The Psychosis Screening Questionnaire (PSQ) was used to identify psychotic symptoms.ResultsOf the respondents, 5.5% endorsed one or more items on the PSQ. Factors independently associated with psychotic symptoms were cannabis dependence, alcohol dependence, victimisation, recent stressful life events, lower intellectual ability and neurotic symptoms. Male gender was associated with paranoid thoughts, whereas female gender predicted hallucinatory experiences.ConclusionsSelf-reported psychotic symptoms are less common in this study than reported elsewhere, because of the measure used. These symptoms have demographic and clinical correlates similar to clinical psychosis.
Characteristics of teams, staff and patients: associations with outcomes of patients in assertive outreach
Authors: Priebe Stefan , Fakhoury Walid , White Ian , Watts Joanna , Bebbington Paul , Billings Joanna , Burns Tom , Johnson Sonia , Muijen Matt , Ryrie Iain , Wright Christine 
Published: September 2004

BackgroundLittle is known about what characteristics of teams, staff and patients are associated with a favourable outcome of severe mental illness managed by assertive outreach.AimsTo identify predictors of voluntary and compulsory admissions in routine assertive outreach services in the UK.MethodNine features of team organisation and policy, five variables assessing staff satisfaction and burn-out and eleven patient characteristics taken from the baseline data of the Pan-London Assertive Outreach Study were tested as predictors of voluntary and compulsory admissions within a 9-month follow-up period.ResultsWeekend working, staff burn-out and lack of contact of the patient with other services were associated independently with a higher probability of both voluntary and compulsory admission. In addition, admissions in the past predicted further voluntary and compulsory admissions, and teams not working extended hours predicted compulsory admissions in the follow-up period.ConclusionsCharacteristics of team working practice, staff burn-out and patients' history are associated independently with outcome. Patient contact with other services is a positive prognostic factor.
In hospital, at home, or not at all
Authors: Crawford Mike J. , Gibbon Rebecca , Ellis Elizabeth , Waters Hannah 
Published: September 2004

Aims and MethodIn view of plans to reform Mental Health Act legislation to allow compulsory treatment in the community, we examined the views of service users about this form of care, and the most acceptable setting for its delivery. A cross-sectional survey of patients discharged from two in-patient units in West London over a 5-month period was carried out.ResultsHalf of the 109 respondents stated that compulsory treatment was justified under some circumstances; 103 people told us where they would prefer to receive compulsory treatment – 49 in their home, 41 in hospital and 13 in a community treatment centre. The most commonly stated reason for favouring home treatment was dislike of in-patient care.Clinical ImplicationsCompulsory treatment in the community may provide a means of improving patient experiences of non-consensual care. However, a significant minority of service users would rather this form of treatment was restricted to in-patient units. Continuing efforts are required to improve patient experiences of in-patient care.
Phase I Trial of Intrathecal Liposomal Cytarabine in Children With Neoplastic Meningitis
Authors: Bomgaars L. , Geyer J.R. , Franklin J. , Dahl G. , Park J. , Winick N.J. , Klenke R. , Berg S.L. , Blaney S.M. 
Published: September 2004

Purpose We performed a phase I trial of intrathecal (IT) liposomal cytarabine (DepoCyt; Enzon Pharmaceuticals, Piscataway, NJ and SkyePharma Inc, San Diego, CA) to determine the maximum-tolerated dose, the dose-limiting toxicities, and the plasma and CSF pharmacokinetics of IT lipsomal cytarabine in children ≥ 3 years of age with advanced meningeal malignancies. Patients and Methods Eighteen assessable patients received IT liposomal cytarabine through either an indwelling ventricular access device or via lumbar puncture. Liposomal cytarabine was given once every 2 weeks during induction, once every 4 weeks during consolidation, and once every 8 weeks during the maintenance phase of treatment. The initial dose was 25 mg, with subsequent escalations to 35 and 50 mg. CSF pharmacokinetic samples were obtained in a subset of patients. Results Arachnoiditis, characterized by fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and back pain was noted in the first two patients at the 25 mg dose level. Therefore, subsequent patients were treated with dexamethasone, beginning the day of liposomal cytarabine administration and continuing for 5 days. Headache (grade 3) was dose limiting in two of eight patients enrolled at the 50 mg dose level. Eight of the 14 patients assessable for response demonstrated evidence of benefit manifest as prolonged disease stabilization or response. Conclusion The maximum-tolerated dose and recommended phase II dose of liposomal cytarabine in patients between the ages of 3 and 21 years is 35 mg, administered with dexamethasone (0.15 mg/kg/dose, twice a day for 5 days). A phase II trial of IT liposomal cytarabine in children with CNS leukemia in second or higher relapse is in development.
Inpatient Versus Outpatient Management of Low-Risk Pediatric Febrile Neutropenia: Measuring Parents' and Healthcare Professionals' Preferences
Authors: Sung Lillian , Feldman Brian M. , Schwamborn Gina , Paczesny Diana , Cochrane Ashley , Greenberg Mark L. , Maloney Anne Marie , Hendershot Eleanor I. , Naqvi Ahmed , Barrera Maru , Llewellyn-Thomas Hilary A. 
Published: September 2004

Purpose Our primary objective was to describe and compare parents' and healthcare professionals' strength of preference scores for outpatient oral antibiotic relative to inpatient parenteral antibiotic treatment for low-risk febrile neutropenic children. Our secondary objective was to identify predictors of strength of preference for oral outpatient treatment. Methods Respondents were parents of children receiving cancer chemotherapy, and pediatric oncology healthcare professionals. First, the inpatient and outpatient options were described, and the respondent indicated their initially preferred option. The respondent next ranked how important seven factors (including “fear/anxiety” and “comfort”) were in making their initial choice. The threshold technique was then used to elicit the respondent's strength of preference score for oral outpatient, relative to parenteral inpatient management. Results There were 75 parent and 42 healthcare-professional respondents. There was no significant difference (P = .08) in the proportions of parents (40 of 75; 53%) and healthcare professionals (30 of 42; 71%) who initially would choose outpatient management. For parents, stronger preference for oral outpatient therapy was associated with higher anticipated quality of life for the parent and child at home relative to hospital, lower importance rank for “fear/anxiety,” and higher importance rank for “comfort.” Conversely, for professionals, only lower importance rank for “fear/anxiety” was associated with higher strength of preference scores for outpatient oral antibiotic management. Conclusion Only 53% of parents would choose outpatient oral antibiotic management for low-risk febrile neutropenia. Predictors of strength of preference scores for outpatient oral antibiotic relative to inpatient parenteral antibiotic treatment differed between parent and professional respondents.
Serial Follow-Up and the Prognostic Significance of Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction—Staged Sentinel Lymph Nodes From Melanoma Patients
Authors: Kammula Udai S. , Ghossein Ronald , Bhattacharya Satyajit , Coit Daniel G. 
Published: September 2004

Purpose Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) may provide an extremely sensitive method for detection of occult nodal disease. We evaluated the role of a single-marker RT-PCR assay for tyrosinase mRNA in the detection of melanoma sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastases and correlated the results with long-term clinical outcome. Patients and Methods One hundred twelve patients who underwent SLN biopsy for melanoma were prospectively analyzed. SLNs were bivalved, with half of each specimen evaluated by histologic methods and the other half evaluated by nested RT-PCR for tyrosinase. Results Fifteen patients (13%) had histologically positive SLNs, all of whom were also positive by RT-PCR (HISTO+/PCR+). Thirty-nine patients (35%) had SLNs that were negative by both histology and RT-PCR (HISTO−/PCR−). Fifty-eight patients (52%) were histologically negative but upstaged with a positive RT-PCR result (HISTO−/PCR+). Initially, at a median follow-up of 42 months, recurrence rates among the three cohorts were statistically different (HISTO+/PCR+, 53%; HISTO−/PCR+, 14%; and HISTO−/PCR−, 0%). However, at a longer median follow-up (67 months), recurrence rates for the HISTO−/PCR+ (24%) and HISTO−/PCR− (15%) groups were no longer statistically different (P = .25). The median time to relapse between the HISTO−/PCR+ and HISTO−/PCR− groups differed by 10 months (31 v 41 months, respectively). Conclusion With extended follow-up of patients with histologically negative SLNs, detection of submicroscopic disease by tyrosinase RT-PCR does not define a subgroup that is at higher recurrence risk when compared with patients with RT-PCR–negative SLNs. Future studies evaluating molecular staging will require approximately 5 years of median follow-up to accurately define outcome for patients with occult melanoma metastases.
Breast Cancer Treatment in Older Women: Does Getting What You Want Improve Your Long-Term Body Image and Mental Health?
Authors: Figueiredo Melissa I. , Cullen Jennifer , Hwang Yi-Ting , Rowland Julia H. , Mandelblatt Jeanne S. 
Published: September 2004

Purpose Little is known about the impact of surgical treatment on body image and health outcomes in older breast cancer patients. The purpose of this article is to evaluate whether concordance between treatment received and treatment preferences predicts posttreatment body image and whether body image, in turn, affects mental health in older women with breast cancer 2 years after treatment. Patients and Methods A longitudinal cohort of 563 women who were 67 years old or older and who had stages I and II breast cancer were surveyed by telephone at 3, 12, and 24 months after surgery. All women were clinically eligible for breast conservation. Body image was measured using questions adapted from the Cancer Rehabilitation Evaluation System–Short Form, and mental health was evaluated using a Medical Outcomes Study subscale. Results Body image was an important factor in treatment decisions for 31% of women. Women who received breast conservation had better body image 2 years after treatment than women who had mastectomies (P < .0001). Women who preferred breast conservation but received mastectomy had the poorest body image. Using generalized estimating equations, we found that body image, in turn, predicted 2-year mental health. Conclusion Body image is important for many older women, and receiving treatment consistent with preferences about appearance was important in long-term mental health outcomes. Health professionals should elicit preferences about appearance from women and provide treatment choices in concordance with these preferences. Enhancing shared decision making has the potential to improve mental health in older breast cancer survivors.
Phase III Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study of Farnesyl Transferase Inhibitor R115777 in Patients With Refractory Advanced Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Rao S. , Cunningham D. , de Gramont A. , Scheithauer W. , Smakal M. , Humblet Y. , Kourteva G. , Iveson T. , Andre T. , Dostalova J. , Illes A. , Belly R. , Perez-Ruixo J.J. , Park Y.C. , Palmer P.A. 
Published: September 2004

Purpose To determine whether R115777 improves survival in patients with refractory advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) in a multicenter, double-blind, prospective randomized study. Patients and Methods Three hundred sixty-eight patients were randomly assigned to R115777 (300 mg twice daily) orally for 21 days every 28 days or placebo in a 2:1 ratio. All patients received best supportive care. The primary end point was overall survival; secondary end points were progression free survival, tumor response, toxicity, and quality of life. Results The two treatment groups were well balanced for baseline demographics, including previous chemotherapy for advanced CRC. The median overall survival for R115777 was 174 days (95% CI, 157 to 198 days), and 185 days (95% CI, 158 to 238 days) for those patients receiving placebo (P = .376). One patient achieved a partial response in the R115777 arm. Stable disease (> 3 months) was observed in 24.3% patients in the R115777 group compared to 12.8% in the placebo arm. This did not translate into a statistically significant increase in progression-free survival. Overall, treatment was well tolerated. There was an increased incidence of reversible myelosuppression (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia), rash, and grade 1 to 2 diarrhea in the R115777 arm. There was no statistically significant difference in quality of life between arms. Conclusion Single agent R115777 , given at this dose and schedule, has an acceptable toxicity profile, but does not improve overall survival compared to best supportive care alone in refractory advanced CRC.