bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hepatic angiosarcoma: Detection with computed tomography
Authors: Chiu O , Frank JD , Dow CA 
Published: April 2005

SummaryHepatic angiosarcoma is a rare vascular neoplasm which occurs typically in men aged between 50 and 70 years. The cause is unknown but previous studies have linked several carcinogens to its pathogenesis. A case of advanced multifocal hepatic angiosarcoma with splenic metastasis is presented with brief discussion of the clinical and histological features. Typical CT features and contrast enhancement characteristics are also reviewed.
Magnetic resonance imaging findings in fatal primary cerebral infection due to Chaetomium strumarium
Authors: Aribandi M , Bazan III C , Rinaldi MG 
Published: April 2005

SummaryThis report describes MRI findings of a rare case of biopsy‐proven fatal cerebral infection with Chaetomium strumarium in a 28‐year‐old man with a history of i.v. drug abuse. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed rapidly progressing lesions with irregular peripheral enhancement, possible central haemorrhage and significant mass effect. Only six cases of cerebral infection with Chaetomium have been reported in the English literature. This is the first report in the radiology literature describing the imaging findings. The previously reported cases of cerebral infection by the Chaetomium species are also reviewed.
Measurement error in computed tomography pelvimetry
Authors: Anderson N , Humphries N , Wells JE 
Published: April 2005

SUMMARYComputed tomography pelvimetry is still used in clinical practice. We wished to quantify observer error in order to assess the level of confidence with which pelvic measurements can be described as adequate or inadequate. Anteroposterior inlet, anteroposterior outlet, transverse inlet and interspinous distances were measured from 11 CT pelvimetry examinations by five observers at one institution. Three CT pelvimetries were measured by five observers at a second institution. Intraobserver and interobserver variation was assessed using analysis of variance. Reliability of measurements was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient. Combined error was calculated to determine 95% confidence limits for published minimum recommended pelvic measurements. The standard error of measurement, combining all sources, for measurement of the bony dimensions of the pelvis were: for anteroposterior inlet, 2.0 mm; anteroposterior outlet, 6.9 mm; transverse inlet, 1.3 mm; and interspinous distance, 2.1 mm. The 95% confidence interval around the recommended anteroposterior outlet of 100 mm was 88.5–111.3 mm. Observer variation in measurement of anteroposterior outlet is so large as to make the measurement of doubtful clinical utility.
Homocysteine, renal disease and cardiovascular disease in a remote Australian Aboriginal community
Authors: McDonald S. , Maguire G. , Duarte N. , Wang X. L. , Hoy W. 
Published: April 2005

Abstract Background:  Rates of renal and cardiovascular disease are high among Aboriginal Australians living in remote communities. Nutritional problems, in particular low folate levels, are also common. This suggests that increased homocysteine concentrations might be widespread, and a possible contributor to the high rates of cardiovascular disease.Aims:  To examine homocysteine concentrations, and their relationships to folate levels, and to markers of renal disease and cardiovascular disease in a remote Aboriginal Australian communityMethods:  As part of a cross‐sectional survey among adults in one community, homocysteine concentrations, concentrations of the crucial determinants (red blood cell (RBC) folate, vitamin B12 and the C677T methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphism) and cardiovascular risk factors were examined.Results:  Among 221 people, geometric mean homocysteine concentration was 11.8 µmol/L (range: 11.1–12.5 µmol/L), with 57/221 (26%) values ≥15.0 µmol/L. Higher concentrations were associated with older age, male gender, lower RBC folate and lower vitamin B12 concentrations and homozygosity for C677T. Homocysteine concentrations were not related to the presence of albuminuria, other than over the overt albuminuria range. Homocysteine concentrations were inversely correlated with calculated glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Carotid intima‐media thickness, however, was not related to homocysteine concentration. In multivariate analyses, age, male gender, lower RBC folate concentrations, lower vitamin B12 concentrations, lower calculated GFR and the C677T polymorphism were all associated with homocysteine concentrations.Conclusions : Homocysteine concentrations were consistent with previous limited reports in Aboriginal communities. Although superficially they are similar to reports from non‐Aboriginal settings, the younger age of this cohort and the association of homocysteine concentrations with age suggest that age‐specific concentrations are higher among Aboriginal Australians. In addition to dietary determinants, the high prevalence of apparently reduced renal function renal disease appears to be an important determinant of homocysteine concentrations in remote Aboriginal communities. The role of homocysteine concentrations as a potential mediator of the high rates of cardiovascular disease remains to be determined. (Intern Med J 2005; 35: 289–294)
Determining the professional attributes of a hospitalist: experience in one Australian metropolitan hospital
Authors: Kingston M. 
Published: April 2005

Abstract Data were prospectively recorded on 1294 consecutive patients admitted to a General Medical Unit at the Gold Coast Hospital to review the caseload and pre­requisite professional skills of a general physician working as a full‐time hospitalist. Based on this review, the general physician hospitalist must possess expertise in the manage­ment of common medical conditions and comorbidities, uncommon medical conditions, elderly patients, the seriously ill, the terminally ill, psychiatric patients, surgical patients and patients with dermatologic, ophthalmic and gynaecological problems. The hospitalist must also be proficient in medical education and organization governance. The demonstration of such skills ensures the ‘hospitalist’ model is efficient and effective for hospital‐based care. (Intern Med J 2005; 35: 305–308)
Mediating links between maternal depression and offspring psychopathology: the importance of independent data
Authors: Burt Keith B. , Van Dulmen Manfred H.M. , Carlivati Jill , Egeland Byron , Alan Sroufe L. , Forman David R. , Appleyard Karen , Carlson Elizabeth A. 
Published: April 2005

Background:  Research examining intergenerational transmission of psychopathology is often limited by reliance on the same individuals for information on multiple constructs of interest. To counteract this limitation, data from a prospective, longitudinal study of at‐risk youth were analyzed to test the hypothesis that parenting and family environmental factors mediate the association between maternal depressive symptoms and offspring psychopathology in late adolescence.Method:  Data were taken from 184 families of the Minnesota Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. Measures included the CES‐D and Beck depression inventories, home environment ratings and a family conflict scale, and CBCL behavior problem checklist and K‐SADS psychiatric symptom scores. Regression analyses were conducted to test for mediation of maternal depression effects by family environmental factors.Results:  Analyses using a single informant and time point showed evidence for substantial mediation; however, in analyses spanning independent informants and multiple time points mediating effects were markedly reduced. Sex differences were found, in that parenting and family environmental factors related to psychopathology for males, whereas maternal depression was more directly related to psychopathology for females.Conclusions:  Results emphasize the importance of independent data for testing mediational claims, and support claims that the processes involved in the intergenerational transmission of psychopathology are different for male and female youth.
Bringing Conservation Biology into a Position of Influence in Natural Resource Management*
Authors: THOMAS JACK WARD , SALWASSER HAL 
Published: April 2005

Abstract:The maintenance of biological diversity has emerged as a primary issue in natural resource management The best chance to establish biological diversity as a land management objective is on the public lands of the United States. Those lands are publicly owned legislation and regulations exist that direct attention to maintaining biological diversity, and cadres of appropriately trained people exist to formulate and carry out managementplam Tbese public lands contain 111 of the 135 Küchler potential natural vegetation types in the United States, with “adequate” representation of 102 types. It seems unlikely that large‐scale reservation of much more land will occur. Therefore, the real test for maintenance of biological diversity will occur on lands dedicated to multiple‐use management. Conservation biologists are desperately needed to focus attention on biodiversity as a management goal; to provide information necessary to guide management, to train agency personnel in the philosophy and mechanisms of prescribing biodiversity, and to make sure that conservation biology goes to work on the ground Time is short and opportunities to preserve biodiversity diminish by the day. Speed inputting conservation biology to work on the public lands is essential.
Conservation Genetics of a Spring‐dwelling Desert Fish, the Pecos Gambusia (Gambusia nobilis, Poeciliidae)
Authors: ECHELLE ALICE F. , ECHELLE ANTHONY A. , EDDS DAVID R. 
Published: April 2005

Abstract:The genetic population structure of the Pecos gambusia was assessed with protein lectrophoresis to determine the best way to preserve the genetic diversity of the species. This small, federally protected live‐bearing fish is endemic to the Chihuahuan Desert region of New Mexico and Texas, where it occupies four isolated spring systems in the Pecos River drainage. Drying of springs due to lowering water tables is the most pervasive threat to the species.Fifty‐two percent of the total gene diversity detected in the species was due to differences between samples at different localities, while 48 percent was due to variability within samples. Most (67%) of the between‐sample diversity was due to differences among populations in the four major areas of occurrence. Populations in the Toyah Creek area of Texas exhibited striking spatial heterogeneity in allele frequencies and, compared with populations in the other three areas, unusually high levels of within‐sample genetic variability.The spatial pattern of genetic variation in the Pecos gambusia closely parallels that of a locally endemic, federally protected pupfish species in each of tux different areas. Also, one or more endemic species of invertebrate occurs in each area occupied by Pecos gambusia Protection of the natural pattern of genetic variability in Pecos gambusia would thus contribute significantly toward conservation of the genetic resources in a diverse assemblage of spring‐adapted species.
Clinical experience with the delivery of thawed and washed autologous blood cells, with an automated closed fluid management device: CytoMate
Authors: Lemarie Claude , Calmels Boris , Malenfant Carine , Arneodo Vérane , Blaise Didier , Viret Frédéric , Bouabdallah Réda , Ladaique Patrick , Viens Patrice , Chabannon Christian 
Published: April 2005

BACKGROUND: Washing out of thawed autologous grafts, before reinfusion in poor‐prognosis cancer patients who undergo high‐dose chemotherapy, is desirable. The procedure allows for the reduction of infused dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) quantities and the performance of biologic controls on the infused cell product.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Three‐hundred four patients were treated with intensified chemotherapy and autologous transplantation at a single institution. Fifty‐four of them received washed cell products, because three or more bags were to be reinfused. The recently available, closed, automated, and current good manufacturing practice–compliant device (CytoMate, Baxter Oncology) was used for this purpose.RESULTS: The performances of the device were similar to previously reported results, with greater than 75 percent CD34+ cell recovery. Neutrophil and platelet (PLT) recoveries were similar in the group of patients receiving washed cells and in the group of patients for whom cell products were extemporaneously thawed at the bedside. Adverse events that are typically reported after DMSO infusion were significantly less frequent and less severe in patients who received washed cells. Finally, the nurse staff on the transplant ward reported a decreased workload and more satisfactory procedure when infusing washed cell products.CONCLUSION: The CytoMate device allows for a significant reduction in DMSO infusion, with a diminished frequency and severity of immediate side effects and does not compromise neutrophil or PLT engraftment.
After major ABO‐mismatched allogeneic hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation, erythroid engraftment occurs later in patients with donor blood group A than donor blood group B
Authors: Schetelig Johannes , Breitschaft Astrid , Kröger Nicolaus , Zabelina Tatjana , Ebell Wolfram , Bornhäuser Martin , Haack Astrid , Ehninger Gerhard , Salama Abdulgabar , Siegert Wolfgang ,   Cooperative Transplantations Study Group
Published: April 2005

BACKGROUND: Isohemagglutinins directed against the donor blood group frequently delay erythroid engraftment after major ABO‐mismatched allogeneic hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation (HPCT). Graft‐versus‐host reactions are capable of accelerating the clearance of isohemagglutinins. Whether immunogenicity of the A‐ and B‐antigen is important in this process is unknown.PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data of 807 patients from three centers were screened for patients with major or bidirectionally ABO‐mismatched donors. Clinical data and red blood cell (RBC) transfusion support were analyzed retrospectively.RESULTS: A total of 158 patients with major or bidirectionally mismatched donors were identified. After major mismatched HPCT, patients with anti‐A directed against the donor blood group required RBC transfusion support for a median of 109 days (range, 0‐324 days) compared to 21 days (range, 2‐98 days) for patients with anti‐B directed against donor blood group (log‐rank test, p = 0.0001). Other risk factors associated with prolonged RBC transfusion support in univariate analysis were age (p = 0.024), cytomegalovirus infection (p = 0.016), hemolytic anemia (p = 0.027), and chronic bleeding disorders (p = 0.038). The independent influence of donor blood group and recipient age were confirmed in a multivariate analysis.CONCLUSION: These results indicate that the immunogenicity of the ABO antigen plays an important role for the kinetics of erythroid engraftment after ABO‐mismatched HPCT.
Detection of weak D with a fully automated solid‐phase red cell adherence system
Authors: Lai Marco , Mavilia Gerarda , D’Onofrio Giuseppe , Leone Giuseppe 
Published: April 2005

BACKGROUND: Microplate agglutination methods (MAMs) and column agglutination technology are widely employed for red cell typing and can be automated. Some tests, however, such as detection of weak D, require manual testing. The possibility of detecting weak D by a solid‐phase RBC adherence (SPRCA) test was studied in a fully automated system.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The results of 2609 blood samples, characterized as being D– or with a incomplete agglutination reaction, were analyzed for the presence of the weak D phenotype. The 2609 samples were tested by a weak D tube test (antiglobulin method) and a weak D‐test with the new SPRCA method. When weak D was detected, which D epitope was involved and whether it was associated with a partial D phenotype were determined.RESULTS: Weak D was detected in 60 (2.3%) of the 2609 samples. The 60 samples that were weak D by the tube test were also weak D+ with the new automated SPRCA test. The sensitivity and specificity for the new weak D typing method were 100 percent, when compared with the standard weak D manual test.CONCLUSIONS: These results support the possibility of performing weak D detection with a SPRCA fully automated system. These preliminary results are encouraging, showing good sensitivity and specificity of the test. Detection of weak D will permit full automation of blood typing.
Reticulated platelets: a reliable measure to reduce prophylactic platelet transfusions after intensive chemotherapy
Authors: Chaoui Driss , Chakroun Tahar , Robert Françoise , Rio Bernard , Belhocine Ramdane , Legrand Ollivier , Salanoubat Celia , Lecrubier Chantal , Casadevall Nicole , Marie Jean‐Pierre , Elalamy Ismail 
Published: April 2005

BACKGROUND: Reticulated platelets (RPs) are the youngest circulating platelets (PLTs). The aim of our study was to predict PLT recovery with RP percentage (RP%) and therefore to identify PLT transfusions that could be avoided after autologous peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) transplantation.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: With a whole‐blood dual‐labeling flow cytometric method, RP% was prospectively assessed in 47 patients who received myeloablative chemotherapy followed by autologous PBPC transplantation. Retrospective analysis of RP evolution identified three time points: nadir of the RP% (NRP), imminent PLT recovery (IPR) corresponding to an RP% of greater than 7 percent, and PLT transfusion autonomy (PTA).RESULTS: Median occurrences of NRP, IPR, and PTA were on Days +5, +8, and +12 after transplantation, respectively. The RP% value at NRP (4%) was significantly lower compared to the IPR (15%) and PTA (14%). Thirty patients (64%) achieved PTA within 4 days after IPR. On Day +8, if RP% was greater than 7 percent, positive and negative predictive values for PTA within 4 days, specificity, and sensitivity were 79, 63, 66, and 76 percent, respectively. Fever between IPR and PTA was the only factor found to negatively influence PLT recovery (p = 0.02). All patients required at least one PLT transfusion. Among patients with rapid PLT recovery (IPR‐PTA interval < 4 days; n = 30), half of them received one PLT transfusion after RP increase, which could be avoided.CONCLUSION: These encouraging results may allow us to reduce the prophylactic PLT transfusion according to patients RP% increase.
The value of pH as a quality control indicator for apheresis platelets
Authors: Tudisco Cynthia , Jett Betsy W. , Byrne Karen , Oblitas Jaime , Leitman Susan F. , Stroncek David F. 
Published: April 2005

BACKGROUND:Standards and regulations require measurement of pH as an apheresis platelet (PLT) component quality monitor. The usefulness of this quality control (QC) measure was investigated.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:QC data were retrospectively reviewed for apheresis PLTs collected over 4.5 years. Three collection devices were used, the Amicus (Baxter), the CS‐3000 Plus (Baxter), and the MCS+ LN9000 (Haemonetics). Each month, four components from each instrument were sampled. PLT counts and component volume were measured immediately after collection, and pH, after 5 days of storage.RESULTS:A total of 668 products were studied. pH decreased as PLT concentration increased (r2 = 0.129, p < 0.001) and as component volume decreased (r2 = 0.086, p = 0.02). PLT concentration and volume, however, were poor predictors of a low pH. Apheresis instrument type affected pH. The 216 components collected with use of the CS‐3000 device had a lower pH than components from the other two instruments. Only 13 components had a pH value less than the acceptable level of 6.2, 12 of which were collected with the CS‐3000.CONCLUSIONS:For newer‐model blood cell separators, pH measurements do not provide information that might identify a manufacturing problem. Because factors that influence pH are controlled or monitored for each component, evaluation of pH on a sample group provides an indication of the quality of specific component only, rather than an effective monitor of the quality of the manufacturing process.
Who's Monitoring the Monitor? Do Outside Directors Protect Shareholders' Interests?
Authors: Helland Eric , Sykuta Michael 
Published: April 2005

AbstractThe corporate governance literature is rich with empirical tests of the relation between board composition and firm performance. We consider the effect of board composition on a different measure of performance, the probability a firm will be sued by shareholders. We find firms that are defendants in securities litigation have higher proportions of insiders and of gray directors and have smaller boards than a matched group of firms that are not sued, even when controlling for firm value and industry. The results suggest that boards with higher proportions of outside directors do a better job of monitoring management.
Price Movement Effects on the State of the Electronic Limit‐Order Book
Authors: Chan Yue‐cheong 
Published: April 2005

AbstractThis paper investigates public‐trader order‐placement strategies by examining the relations between the state of the limit‐order book and previous price movements. There is support for an information effect, as traders become more aggressive in buying and more patient in selling after previous positive stock returns. The widening of the bid‐ask spread also causes traders to place less aggressive orders. However, there is no evidence of the options effect on limit‐order trading. This study also reveals that orders at the best quotes react faster and complete the adjustment earlier than orders that are far away from the best quotes.
State Welfare Options: Why Are Some States Tough?
Authors: Rodgers Harrell 
Published: April 2005

AbstractIn implementing PRWORA, why have some states chosen the most stringent or toughest policy options allowed by the new law? A considerable literature on state policy decisions addresses this topic. The most consistent finding is that “tough states” are those with a conservative ideology and historically high rates of welfare use by minority populations. These conservative policies impact all welfare recipients in the state, regardless of race or sex.
Research and Welfare Reform
Authors: Mead Lawrence M. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractSocial science research had an important but limited effect on welfare reform, meaning recent enactments that imposed work requirements on family welfare. Policymakers sometimes ignored findings, but the features of research also limited its influence. Most academics did not accept the conservative goals of reform, many of their predictions proved to be incorrect, and research also lacked sufficient policy content to interest government. These features reflect the recent development of the social sciences. For research to have more influence, it must become more catholic about goals and more realistic, and it must offer more governmental content. Especially, inquiry should rely less on the statistical analysis of databases and more on field observation of how poor communities live and programs operate.