bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transvaginal sonographic features of peritoneal carcinomatosis
Authors: Savelli L. , De Iaco P. , Ceccaroni M. , Ghi T. , Ceccarini M. , Seracchioli R. , Cacciatore B. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractObjectivesPeritoneal carcinomatosis involves the dissemination of intra‐abdominal tumor tissue often associated with gynecological malignancies. The objective of this study was to describe the transvaginal sonographic appearance of this condition.MethodsThe data of 60 patients with surgically and histologically proven peritoneal carcinomatosis were analyzed. Transvaginal sonograms performed within 7 days of admission to the operating theater were re‐evaluated in order to identify the sonographic features associated with peritoneal carcinomatosis.ResultsCarcinomatosis was revealed in 53/60 cases (88%) by the presence of hypoechoic nodules attached to the peritoneum and visible on transvaginal sonography (TVS). The pouch of Douglas was the site most frequently involved. Power Doppler sonography showed the presence of blood vessels in 48 (91%) of these metastases. Ascites was found in 50 (83%) women. An adnexal mass suggestive of being the primary tumor was present in only 41 women (68%).ConclusionsPeritoneal carcinomatosis has typical features on TVS and, in the vast majority of cases, its genital origin can be correctly hypothesized. Power Doppler sonography strengthens the diagnosis by showing vascularity of the peritoneal implants. In a patient with a known pelvic malignancy or whenever peritoneal carcinomatosis is suspected, TVS can give useful information in order to better assess the presence and extension of metastatic nodules within the abdominal cavity. Copyright © 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ventricular remodeling in Loeffler endocarditis: Implications for therapeutic decision making
Authors: Lofiego Carla , Ferlito Marinella , Rocchi Guido , Biagini Elena , Perugini Enrica , Branzi Angelo , Rapezzi Claudio 
Published: September 2005

AbstractBackground:Little is known about the morphological and functional evolution of ventricular abnormalities in Loeffler endocarditis.Methods and Results:We describe 5 patients, including 3 with long‐term echocardiographic follow‐up, in whom apical obliteration due to fibro‐thrombotic thickening of the endocardium showed favorable patterns of evolution. In one patient there was almost complete resolution of the obliterative process with consequently increased effective ventricular volume. In two patients formation of a flow‐passage in the fibrocalcific apical ‘floor’ between the main medioventricular cavity and the apical chamber, leading to a ‘double‐chambered’ left ventricle was observed.Conclusions:Medical therapy and appropriate anticoagulation, can induce favorable long‐term ventricular remodeling in Loeffler endocarditis.
Patients' knowledge and beta blocker treatment improve prognosis of patients from a heart failure clinic
Authors: Lainscak Mitja , Keber Irena 
Published: September 2005

AbstractBackground:Several studies have shown improvement of prognosis in patients managed in heart failure (HF) clinics. However, the value of the individual management components is not well established.Aim:To assess the prognostic value of pharmacological treatment and patient's knowledge in patients receiving care in a HF clinic.Methods and results:In our prospective cohort study we followed 115 patients (50 from an HF clinic and 65 receiving usual care) for at least 12 months. Knowledge was assessed using a Patient Knowledge Questionnaire (PKQ). During a median follow‐up of 561 days, fewer patients from the HF clinic died or were rehospitalized due to HF than those receiving usual care (42% vs. 65%, p=0.016). The prescription rates of ACE inhibitors (94% to 98%) and beta blockers (40% to 94%) increased in the patients from the HF clinic. In these patients the PKQ score also increased from 4.8 (1.5) to 7.9 (1.3), p<0.001. In the Cox proportional hazard model, treatment with beta blockers at ≥50% of the target daily dose (Hazard Ratio [HR] 0.3, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 0.10—0.95) and a PKQ score <7 (HR 3.92, 95% CI 1.39—11.03) predicted prognosis in the patients from the HF clinic.Conclusions:Patient management in the HF clinic reduced the incidence of death or of HF rehospitalization. Poor prognosis of patients receiving care in the HF clinic was predicted by poor patient knowledge and underdosing with beta blockers.
Increased circulating endothelial cells in acute heart failure: Comparison with von Willebrand factor and soluble E‐selectin
Authors: Chong Aun Yeong , Lip Gregory Y.H. , Freestone Bethan , Blann Andrew D. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractBackground:Circulating endothelial cells (CECs) in the peripheral blood, probably representing the most direct evidence of endothelial cell damage, are increased in myocardial infarction, unstable angina and critical limb ischaemia. As chronic heart failure is also associated with endothelial abnormalities, we hypothesised that CECs are raised in acute heart failure and that they would correlate with plasma indices of endothelial perturbation, that is, von Willebrand factor (vWf) and soluble E‐selectin.Methods:We studied 30 patients with acute heart failure (venesected within 24 h of emergency hospital admission), 30 patients with chronic stable heart failure (venesected as out‐patients, all patients in sinus rhythm with ejection fraction ≤40%) and 20 healthy controls. CECs were quantified using epifluorescence microscopy after CD146‐immunomagnetic separation and phenotyped by streptavidin/biotin immunocytochemistry. Citrated plasma was analysed for soluble E‐selectin and vWf by ELISA.Results:Levels of CECs, vWf and soluble E‐selectin were significantly higher (all p<0.01) in patients with heart failure compared to controls, with no significant differences between acute and chronic heart failure. CECs correlated with plasma vWf (p<0.0001) and soluble E‐selectin (p=0.022) but not ejection fraction or NYHA class. In multiple regression analysis, heart failure was the only independent predictor of raised CECs (p<0.0001). Immunoperoxidase‐defined surface expression of CD34, CD45 and CD36 by CECs was <2%, 0% and 8%, respectively.Conclusion:CECs, a possibly heterologous population, may be used as a novel measure of endothelial damage in acute heart failure and may have implications for the thrombotic risk associated with acute and chronic heart failure and prognosis in this condition.
Predicting peak oxygen uptake from 6‐min walk test performance in male patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction
Authors: Ingle L. , Goode K. , Rigby A.S.R. , Cleland J.G.F. , Clark A.L. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractBackground:In patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD), peak oxygen uptake (pV̇O2) has strong predictive power for mortality, and can be used to guide management. However, many patients cannot tolerate standard test protocols. The 6‐min walk test (6‐MWT) is often used to estimate functional capacity due to its simplicity, cost effectiveness and familiarity to patients with LVSD. The relationship between 6‐MWT performance and pV̇O2 is not certain, but if closely related could allow substitution of an expensive and cumbersome test for a cheaper and more familiar one.Methods and results:120 male patients with LVSD (LVEF <40%; (mean±S.D.) age 68±13 years; BMI 28±5) performed, in random order, a maximal incremental treadmill exercise test with metabolic gas exchange measurements to derive peak oxygen consumption (pV̇O2=19.8±5.8 mL·kg·1·min·1), and a standardised 6‐MWT (308±142 m; r=0.44; P=0.00001). In multivariate models including demographic data, resting blood pressure and heart rate, spirometry, routine blood samples, and walk distance, five variables were independently predictive of peak oxygen consumption. pV̇O2 = 11.92+(1.48×FEV1(L))+(1.12×haemoglobin (g dl−1))+(0.016×distance walked (m))−(0.33×BMI)−(0.11×age (years)). This equation accounted for 48% of the variation in pV̇O2.Conclusions:Using these five simple variables, peak oxygen consumption can be estimated with moderate accuracy. In clinical practice, however, when an estimate of peak oxygen consumption is required, incremental exercise testing with metabolic gas exchange measurements cannot be avoided in male patients with LVSD. Further work is needed to assess the relation between estimated pV̇O2 and outcome.
Maximum oxygen uptake corrected for skeletal muscle mass accurately predicts functional improvements following exercise training in chronic heart failure
Authors: LeMaitre John P. , Harris Stuart , Hannan Jim , Fox Keith A.A. , Denvir Martin A. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractBackground:Skeletal muscle mass and peak oxygen uptake are important predictors of functional status and outcome in patients with stable chronic heart failure.Aims:To assess changes in skeletal muscle mass and peak oxygen uptake following an exercise training program.Methods:Thirty‐six patients with moderate stable chronic heart failure were randomly allocated to either a bicycle ergometer (bike) or functional electrical muscle stimulators (FES) applied to quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles to be used daily for six weeks. Dual‐energy X‐ray absorptionometry (DEXA) scanning was performed before and after training along with symptom limited cardiopulmonary exercise test, quadriceps strength and fatigue resistance, and 6‐min walk test.Results:Both exercise modalities resulted in improvements in treadmill exercise time, leg strength, 6‐min walk test and peak oxygen uptake per kilogram of skeletal muscle. Despite significant improvements in functional capacity, there were no significant changes in body composition for total skeletal muscle mass, leg muscle mass or total body fat content. Skeletal muscle mass was strongly predictive of maximum oxygen uptake at baseline (r=0.61, p<0.001) and after exercise training (r=0.68, p<0.001).Conclusions:In moderate stable chronic heart failure, exercise training using bicycle ergometer or FES results in favourable qualitative rather than quantitative changes in skeletal muscle. Correction of maximum oxygen uptake for skeletal muscle mass rather than total body mass is a more sensitive measure of changes associated with exercise training.
Geographic variation of golden redfish (Sebastes marinus) and deep-sea redfish (S. mentella) in the North Atlantic based on otolith shape analysis
Authors: Stransky Christoph 
Published: September 2005

Abstract
The unresolved interrelationships of North Atlantic redfish stocks have prevented adaptive fisheries assessment and management in the past. Otolith shapes of golden redfish (S. marinus) and deep-sea redfish (S. mentella) were analysed for geographic variation within the entire distribution range in the North Atlantic, in order to evaluate this technique for stock separation. Multivariate analysis of elliptical Fourier shape descriptors revealed high similarity of S. marinus within the central North Atlantic areas (West and East Greenland, Iceland) that were relatively well separated from the Flemish Cap and Barents Sea samples. A similar separation of the Barents Sea area was also observed for S. mentella, whereas the western (Flemish Cap, Davis Strait) and central areas were overlapping to a greater extent. The overall classification rate given by discriminant analysis was poor for both species (<50%) but increased to 72–74% by combining sampling areas to regions (west, central, east). Geographic variation in otolith shapes of both redfish species suggests a separation of the Northeast Arctic stocks (Barents Sea) of both species from the other redfish stocks assessed within ICES and NAFO, whereas similarities observed for the highly migratory S. mentella give reason for integrated management of demersal and pelagic occurrences of this important fisheries resource that straddles the ICES/NAFO boundaries.
Optimization of volunteer labor assignments
Authors: Sampson Scott E. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractLabor is a crucial resource in most organizations. In not‐for‐profit, public, and government services, it is common for labor to include unpaid volunteers. This article demonstrates how the volunteer labor assignment (VLA) problem is markedly different from traditional labor assignment (TLA) problems such as labor scheduling. One core difference pertains to the cost structure of labor, where TLA problems seek to minimize labor costs, yet labor costs for volunteers are usually trivial. Another difference is the assumed size of the labor pool: TLA typically assumes sufficient labor to cover task requirements, whereas the VLA labor pool is limited by the number of volunteers that can be recruited. These and other distinctions coming from the volunteerism literature are described and confirmed with empirical data. One important finding is that volunteers who were not utilized had a reduced propensity to volunteer in the future. These VLA distinctions are incorporated into an integer goal program. Empirical data are used to demonstrate how VLA assumptions produce solutions that are significantly different from solutions coming from TLA assumptions. Sensitivity analysis is described, as are applications in other VLA contexts.
the functionally univentricular circulation in the norwood procedure: from analysis of fluid dynamics to surgical procedures
Authors: napoleone carlo pace , gargiulo gaetano 
Published: September 2005

the norwood procedure and its modifications have become the most commonly used surgical procedures for patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. many efforts have been made to understand the fluid dynamics of the norwood circulation, with the major impetus coming from the lumped-parameter model described by migliavacca et al. in this model, a large number of variables have been analysed to understand their effect on the norwood circulation. in the clinical setting, some of these parameters can be influenced by the surgeon during the operation. the shunt has been demonstrated to be the critical element in regulating the pulmonary and systemic flows, with the goal of the surgeon being to obtain balanced flows. in order to do this, it is possible to influence the flow through the shunt in three ways:by augmenting the pressure of perfusion of the shunt, with a suboptimal aortic reconstruction that can leave some residual pressure gradient. this can work like an increment of systemic vascular resistance;by varying the size of the shunt;by varying the type of architecture of the shunt, since flow through the shunt is dependent on the site of anastomosis, the angle with the vessels, and so on.in order to validate or verify the results obtained from the lumped-parameter model, we have reviewed our experience with the norwood procedure since 1992.
New Therapeutic Strategies for Systemic Sclerosis—a Critical Analysis of the Literature
Authors: Zandman-Goddard Gisele , Tweezer-Zaks Nurit , Shoenfeld Yehuda 
Published: September 2005

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multi‐system disease characterized by skin
fibrosis and visceral disease. Therapy is organ and pathogenesis targeted. In
this review, we describe novel strategies in the treatment of SSc. Utilizing the
MEDLINE and the COCHRANE REGISTRY, we identified open trials, controlled
trials, for treatment of SSc from 1999 to April 2005. We used the terms scleroderma,
systemic sclerosis, Raynaud′s phenomenon, pulmonary hypertension,
methotrexate, cyclosporin, tacrolimus, relaxin, low‐dose penicillamine, IVIg,
calcium channel blockers, losartan, prazocin, iloprost, N‐acetylcysteine, bosentan,
cyclophosphamide, lung transplantation, ACE inhibitors,
anti‐thymocyte globulin, and stem cell transplantation. Anecdotal reports were
omitted.Methotrexate, cyclosporin, tacrolimus, relaxin, low‐dose penicillamine,
and IVIg may be beneficial in improving the skin tightness in SSc. Calcium
channel blockers, the angiotensin II receptor type 1 antagonist losartan,
prazocin, the prostacyclin analogue iloprost, N‐acetylcysteine and the dual
endothelin‐receptor antagonist bosentan may be beneficial for Raynaud′s
phenomenon. Epoprostenol and bosentan are approved for therapy of
pulmonary hypertension (PAH). Other options under investigation include
intravenous or aerolized iloprost. Cyclophosphamide (CYC) pulse therapy
is effective in suppressing active alveolitis. Stem cell and lung transplantation
is a viable option for carefully selected patients. Renal crisis can be effectively
managed when hypertension is aggressively controlled with angiotensin converting
enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Patients should continue taking ACE inhibitors even after
beginning dialysis in hope of discontinuing dialysis. Anti‐thymocyte globulin and
mycophenolate mofetil appear safe in SSc. The improvement in skin score and
the apparent stability of systemic disease during the treatment period suggest
that controlled studies of these agents are justified. Stem cell transplantation is
under investigation for severe disease. Novel therapies are currently being tested
in the treatment of SSc and have the potential of modifying the disease process
and overall
clinical outcome. The evaluation of these studies is still a difficult process.
The Diagnostic Utility of Anti‐cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibodies, Matrix Metalloproteinase‐3, Rheumatoid Factor, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, and C‐reactive Protein in Patients with Erosive and Non‐erosive Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Shovman O. , Gilburd B. , Zandman-Goddard G. , Sherer Y. , Orbach H. , Gerli R. , Shoenfeld Y. 
Published: September 2005

Objective: To compare the diagnostic utility of laboratory variables,
including matrix metalloproteinase‐3 (MMP‐3), anti‐cyclic citrullinated peptide
(CCP) antibodies, rheumatoid factor (RF), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR),
and C‐reactive protein (CRP) in
patients with erosive and non‐erosive rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods: We assembled a training set, consisting of 60 patients with RA,
all fulfilling the revised criteria of the American College of Rheumatology. A
commercial enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used both to
test for anti‐CCP antibodies (second generation ELISA kit) and MMP; RF were
detected by latex‐enhanced immunonephelometric assay. CRP
was measured by latex turbidimetric immunoassay.Results: The levels of anti‐CCP antibody titers and ESR were significantly
higher in patients with erosive disease than those in non‐erosive RA patients
(p < 0.001 and 0.0341) respectively. Moreover, a higher frequency of elevated
titers of anti‐CCP antibodies was found in RA patients with erosions compared
to patients with non‐erosive RA (78.3% vs. 43.2% respectively). The ROC curves
of anti‐CCP passed closer to the upper left corner than those other markers and
area under the curve (AUC) of anti‐CCP was significantly larger than AUC of other
markers (0.755 for anti‐CCP,
0.660 for ESR, 0.611 for CRP, 0.577 for RF, and 0.484 for MMP‐3 female).A positive predictive value was higher for anti‐CCP antibodies in comparison to
other markers. We did not find significant statistical correlation between anti‐CCP
antibody titers and inflammatory markers such as ESR or CRP. However, we
confirmed the correlation of elevated titers of anti‐CCP antibodies and RF in both
groups of patients whereas
the degree of correlation was more significant in non‐erosive patients.Conclusion: The results of our study suggest that the presence of elevated
anti‐CCP antibody titers have better diagnostic
performance than MMP‐3, RF, CRP and ESR in patients with erosive RA.
SNPselector: a web tool for selecting SNPs for genetic association studies
Authors: Xu Hong , Gregory Simon G. , Hauser Elizabeth R. , Stenger Judith E. , Pericak-Vance Margaret A. , Vance Jeffery M. , Züchner Stephan , Hauser Michael A. 
Published: September 2005

Abstract
Summary: Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are commonly used for association studies to find genes responsible for complex genetic diseases. With the recent advance of SNP technology, researchers are able to assay thousands of SNPs in a single experiment. But the process of manually choosing thousands of genotyping SNPs for tens or hundreds of genes is time consuming. We have developed a web-based program, SNPselector, to automate the process. SNPselector takes a list of gene names or a list of genomic regions as input and searches the Ensembl genes or genomic regions for available SNPs. It prioritizes these SNPs on their tagging for linkage disequilibrium, SNP allele frequencies and source, function, regulatory potential and repeat status. SNPselector outputs result in compressed Excel spreadsheet files for review by the user.
Availability: SNPselector is freely available at
Contact: mike.hauser@duke.edu
Noise and rank-dependent geometrical filter improves sensitivity of highly specific discovery by microarrays
Authors: Fathallah-Shaykh Hassan M. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractSummary: MASH is a mathematical algorithm that discovers highly specific states of expression from genomic profiling by microarrays. The goal at the outset of this analysis was to improve the sensitivity of MASH. The geometrical representations of microarray datasets in the 3D space are rank-dependent and unique to each dataset. The first filter (F1) of MASH defines a zone of instability whose F1-sensitive ratios have large variations. A new filter (Fs) constructs in the 3D space rank-dependent lower and upper-bound contour surfaces, which are modeled based on the geometry of the unique noise intrinsic to each dataset. As compared with MASH, Fs increases sensitivity significantly without lowering the high specificity of discovery. Fs facilitates studies in functional genomics and systems biology.Contact: hfathall@rush.eduSupplementary information:
Doelan: a solution for quality control monitoring of microarray production
Authors: Jourdren Laurent , Le Crom Stéphane 
Published: September 2005

Abstract
Summary: Doelan is an automated tool designed to monitor the quality of DNA microarray production. The software executes a series of quality control tests on hybridizations to validate batches of chips. The reports generated by Doelan should help microarray platforms aiming at quality labels, such as ISO 9001 certification. The Doelan application is written in Java and works with a plug-in system that allows everyone to add custom validation tests.
Availability: The Doelan application is distributed under the GNU General Public License at
Contact: lecrom@biologie.ens.fr
Supplementary information: Complete documentation, source code and screenshots are available at
Lysosomal membrane permeabilization during apoptosis ‐ involvement of Bax?
Authors: Kågedal Katarina , Johansson Ann‐Charlotte , Johansson Uno , Heimlich Gerd , Roberg Karin , Wang Nancy S. , Jürgensmeier Juliane M. , Öllinger Karin 
Published: September 2005

SummaryBcl‐2 family members have long been known to control permeabilization of the mitochondrial membrane during apoptosis, but involvement of these proteins in lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP) was not considered until recently. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism underlying the release of lysosomal proteases to the cytosol seen during apoptosis, with special emphasis on the role of Bax. In human fibroblasts, exposed to the apoptosis‐inducing drug staurosporine (STS), the release of the lysosomal protease cathepsin D to the cytosol was observed by immunocytochemistry. In response to STS treatment, there was a shift in Bax immunostaining from a diffuse to a punctate pattern. Confocal microscopy showed co‐localization of Bax with both lysosomes and mitochondria in dying cells. Presence of Bax at the lysosomal membrane was confirmed by immuno‐electron microscopy. Furthermore, when recombinant Bax was incubated with pure lysosomal fractions, Bax inserted into the lysosomal membrane and induced the release of lysosomal enzymes. Thus, we suggest that Bax is a mediator of LMP, possibly promoting the release of lysosomal enzymes to the cytosol during apoptosis.