bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Process for Systematically Reviewing the Literature: Providing the Research Evidence for Public Health Nursing Interventions
Authors: Thomas B.H. , Ciliska D. , Dobbins M. , Micucci S. 
Published: August 2004

ABSTRACT Background: Several groups have outlined methodologies for systematic literature reviews of the effectiveness of interventions. The Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) began in 1998. Its mandate is to provide research evidence to guide and support the Ontario Ministry of Health in outlining minimum requirements for public health services in the province. Also, the project is expected to disseminate the results provincially, nationally, and internationally. Most of the reviews are relevant to public health nursing practice. Aims: This article describes four issues related to the systematic literature reviews of the effectiveness of public health nursing interventions: (1) the process of systematically reviewing the literature, (2) the development of a quality assessment instrument, (3) the results of the EPHPP to date, and (4) some results of the dissemination strategies used. Methods: The eight steps of the systematic review process including question formulation, searching and retrieving the literature, establishing relevance criteria, assessing studies for relevance, assessing relevant studies for methodological quality, data extraction and synthesis, writing the report, and dissemination are outlined. Also, the development and assessment of content and construct validity and intrarater reliability of the quality assessment questionnaire used in the process are described. Results: More than 20 systematic reviews have been completed. Content validity was ascertained by the use of a number of experts to review the questionnaire during its development. Construct validity was demonstrated through comparisons with another highly rated instrument. Intrarater reliability was established using Cohen's Kappa. Dissemination strategies used appear to be effective in that professionals report being aware of the reviews and using them in program planning/policymaking decisions. Conclusions: The EPHPP has demonstrated the ability to adapt the most current methods of systematic literature reviews of effectiveness to questions related to public health nursing. Other positive outcomes from the process include the development of a critical mass of public health researchers and practitioners who can actively participate in the process, and the work on dissemination has been successful in attracting external funds. A program of research in this area is being developed.
HIV Prevention Interventions in Adolescent Girls: What is the State of the Science?
Authors: Morrison‐Beedy Dianne , Nelson LaRon E. 
Published: August 2004

ABSTRACT Background and Purpose: Adolescent girls now represent one of the fastest growing groups of persons infected with HIV. A systematic review was undertaken to identify and critique the most scientifically rigorous HIV prevention interventions identified in the literature that focused on adolescent girls. Due to the limited number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in adolescent girls, the search was extended to identify any NIH‐funded studies underway to provide an additional dimension to our understanding of the state of the science in this area. Method: An extensive search of the Cochrane database of systematic reviews, PubMed, Medline, PsycInfo, CINAHL, and CRISP was undertaken. Ultimately, six completed RCTs targeted at adolescent girls and measuring behavioral outcomes were critiqued and summarized. Key strengths and limitations were identified. Four additional studies were also summarized but were not critically reviewed because of their ongoing nature. Findings: Most intervention studies targeted at adolescent girls have been shown to affect change in HIV risk‐related behaviors to varying degrees. Most intervention studies have been conducted using predominantly racial minority samples in the United States. Clinically relevant components of successful interventions include the combination of providing information and behavioral skills training, as well as enhancing motivation to reduce risk within these interventions. Considerable diversity in study methods (e.g., intervention, measures, outcomes assessed) was noted, thus limited research evidence has been amassed to guide practice implications. Conclusions and Implications: The state of the science for evidence‐based practice is severely restricted in the area of gender‐specific HIV prevention interventions for adolescent girls despite worldwide epidemiological trends that identify them as a high‐risk group. The critical need for full‐scale longitudinal interventions provided to both groups and individuals is evident. Studies that target various subpopulations of adolescent girls as well as those that address diverse cultures throughout the world are needed. Research in progress will provide further evidence of the efficacy of individual versus group‐based interventions.
Reviews
Authors: Sawicky Max B. , Schenk Christopher , Kelber Harry 
Published: August 2004

You Don't Always Get What You Pay For: The Economics of Privatization. By Elliott D. Sclar. The Quality of Work: A People‐Centred Agenda. By Graham Lowe. What's a Good Job? The Importance of Employment Relationships. By Graham Lowe and Grant Schellenberg. Harry Van Arsdale Jr.: Labor's Champion. By Gene Ruffini.
A STUDY ON COMBINING IMAGE REPRESENTATIONS FOR IMAGE CLASSIFICATION AND RETRIEVAL
Authors: LAI CARMEN , TAX DAVID M. J. , DUIN ROBERT P. W. , PĘKALSKA ELŻBIETA , PACLÍK PAVEL 
Published: August 2004

A flexible description of images is offered by a cloud of points in a feature space. In the context of image retrieval such clouds can be represented in a number of ways. Two approaches are here considered. The first approach is based on the assumption of a normal distribution, hence homogeneous clouds, while the second one focuses on the boundary description, which is more suitable for multimodal clouds. The images are then compared either by using the Mahalanobis distance or by the support vector data description (SVDD), respectively.The paper investigates some possibilities of combining the image clouds based on the idea that responses of several cloud descriptions may convey a pattern, specific for semantically similar images. A ranking of image dissimilarities is used as a comparison for two image databases targeting image classification and retrieval problems. We show that combining of the SVDD descriptions improves the retrieval performance with respect to ranking, on the contrary to the Mahalanobis case. Surprisingly, it turns out that the ranking of the Mahalanobis distances works well also for inhomogeneous images.
A POSTERIORI ERROR ESTIMATION FOR THE STOKES PROBLEM: ANISOTROPIC AND ISOTROPIC DISCRETIZATIONS
Authors: CREUSÉ E. , NICAISE S. , KUNERT G. 
Published: August 2004

The paper presents a posteriori error estimators for the stationary Stokes problem. We consider anisotropic finite element discretizations (i.e. elements with very large aspect ratio) where conventional, isotropic error estimators fail. Our analysis covers two- and three-dimensional domains, conforming and non-conforming discretizations as well as different elements. This large variety of settings requires different approaches and results in different estimators. Furthermore many examples of finite element pairs that are covered by the analysis are presented. Lower and upper error bounds form the main result with minimal assumptions on the elements. The lower error bound is uniform with respect to the mesh anisotropy with the exception of nonconforming 3D discretizations made of pentahedra or hexahedra. The upper error bound depends on a proper alignment of the anisotropy of the mesh which is a common feature of anisotropic error estimation. In the special case of isotropic meshes, the results simplify, and upper and lower error bounds hold unconditionally. Some of the corresponding results seem to be novel (in particular for 3D domains), and cover element pairs of practical importance. The numerical experiments confirm the theoretical predictions and show the usefulness of the anisotropic error estimators.
Letter to the Editor
Authors: Clarke David C. 
Published: August 2004

The following is the abstract of the article discussed in the subsequent letter: Silverthorn DU. Restoring physiology to the undergraduate biology curriculum: a call to action. Adv Physiol Educ 27:91–96, 2003.—The National Research Council-sponsored report, BIO 2010: Transforming Undergraduate Education for Future Research Biologists, describes a number of significant changes that should be made to the undergraduate biology curriculum if we are to adequately train students to become the researchers of the 21st century. What should be of concern to the physiology community is the lack of identifiable physiology in the proposed revisions. This article describes the report and suggests some steps that physiologists can take to enhance our discipline in the undergraduate biology curriculum.
Imatinib and pegylated human recombinant interferon-α2b in early chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Baccarani Michele , Martinelli Giovanni , Rosti Gianantonio , Trabacchi Elena , Testoni Nicoletta , Bassi Simona , Amabile Marilina , Soverini Simona , Castagnetti Fausto , Cilloni Daniela , Izzo Barbara , de Vivo Antonio , Messa Emanuela , Bonifazi Francesca , Poerio Angela , Luatti Simona , Giugliano Emilia , Alberti Daniele , Fincato Gianluca , Russo Domenico , Pane Fabrizio , Saglio Giuseppe ,   for the GIMEMA Working Party on Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Since interferon-α and imatinib (IM; STI571, Glivec, Gleevec) are effective for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), and their mechanisms of action are different, we designed an exploratory study investigating the effects of a standard IM dose (400 mg/d) and a variable pegylated interferon-α (PegIFN) dose (50 μg/wk, 100 μg/wk, and 150 μg/wk). The criteria for dose adjustment were designed so as to ensure the delivery of the IM dose and to protect life quality. There were 76 patients with previously untreated Philadelphia (Ph)–positive CML enrolled in the study. There were 3 patients who discontinued IM and 45 patients who discontinued PegIFN. The severity of adverse events increased with increasing PegIFN dose. The IM dose could be administered to the patients who were assigned to receive 50 μg/wk or 100 μg/wk PegIFN but not to those who were assigned to receive 150 μg/wk. The median administered dose of PegIFN ranged between 32 μg/wk and 36 μg/wk. The cytogenetic response was 70% complete (Ph-neg 100%) and 83% major (Ph-neg &gt; 65%). The BCR/ABL transcript was reduced by at least 3 logs in 68% of complete cytogenetic responders. These data of toxicity, compliance, and efficacy may assist in the design and preparation of prospective studies.
Growth retardation and dyslymphopoiesis accompanied by G2/M arrest in APEX2-null mice
Authors: Ide Yasuhito , Tsuchimoto Daisuke , Tominaga Yohei , Nakashima Manabu , Watanabe Takeshi , Sakumi Kunihiko , Ohno Mizuki , Nakabeppu Yusaku 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
APEX2/APE2 is a secondary mammalian apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease that associates with proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and the progression of S phase of the cell cycle is accompanied by its expression. To determine the biologic significance of APEX2, we established APEX2-null mice. These mice were about 80% the size of their wild-type littermates and exhibited a moderate dyshematopoiesis and a relatively severe defect in lymphopoiesis. A significant accumulation of both thymocytes and mitogen-stimulated splenocytes in G2/M phase was seen in APEX2-null mice compared with the wild type, indicating that APEX2 is required for proper cell cycle progression of proliferating lymphocytes. Although APEX2-null mice exhibited an attenuated immune response against ovalbumin in comparison with wild-type mice, they produced both antiovalbumin immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG, indicating that class switch recombination can occur even in the absence of APEX2. (Blood. 2004;104: 4097-4103)
The use of retroviral vectors for gene therapy-what are the risks? A review of retroviral pathogenesis and its relevance to retroviral vector-mediated gene delivery
Authors: Anson Donald S 
Published: August 2004

AbstractRetroviral vector-mediated gene transfer has been central to the development of gene therapy. Retroviruses have several distinct advantages over other vectors, especially when permanent gene transfer is the preferred outcome. The most important advantage that retroviral vectors offer is their ability to transform their single stranded RNA genome into a double stranded DNA molecule that stably integrates into the target cell genome. This means that retroviral vectors can be used to permanently modify the host cell nuclear genome. Recently, retroviral vector-mediated gene transfer, as well as the broader gene therapy field, has been re-invigorated with the development of a new class of retroviral vectors which are derived from lentiviruses. These have the unique ability amongst retroviruses of being able to infect non-cycling cells. Vectors derived from lentiviruses have provided a quantum leap in technology and seemingly offer the means to achieve significant levels of gene transfer in vivo.The ability of retroviruses to integrate into the host cell chromosome also raises the possibility of insertional mutagenesis and oncogene activation. Both these phenomena are well known in the interactions of certain types of wild-type retroviruses with their hosts. However, until recently they had not been observed in replication defective retroviral vector-mediated gene transfer, either in animal models or in clinical trials. This has meant the potential disadvantages of retroviral mediated gene therapy have, until recently, been seen as largely, if not entirely, hypothetical. The recent clinical trial of γc mediated gene therapy for X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency (X-SCID) has proven the potential of retroviral mediated gene transfer for the treatment of inherited metabolic disease. However, it has also illustrated the potential dangers involved, with 2 out of 10 patients developing T cell leukemia as a consequence of the treatment. A considered review of retroviral induced pathogenesis suggests these events were qualitatively, if not quantitatively, predictable. In addition, it is clear that the probability of such events can be greatly reduced by relatively simple vector modifications, such as the use of self-inactivating vectors and vectors derived from non-oncogenic retroviruses. However, these approaches remain to be fully developed and validated. This review also suggests that, in all likelihood, there are no other major retroviral pathogenetic mechanisms that are of general relevance to replication defective retroviral vectors. These are important conclusions as they suggest that, by careful design and engineering of retroviral vectors, we can continue to use this gene transfer technology with confidence.
Role of Tax protein in human T-cell leukemia virus type-I leukemogenicity
Authors: Azran Inbal , Schavinsky-Khrapunsky Yana , Aboud Mordechai 
Published: August 2004

AbstractHTLV-1 is the etiological agent of adult T-cell leukemia (ATL), the neurological syndrome TSP/HAM and certain other clinical disorders. The viral Tax protein is considered to play a central role in the process leading to ATL. Tax modulates the expression of many viral and cellular genes through the CREB/ATF-, SRF- and NF-κB-associated pathways. In addition, Tax employs the CBP/p300 and p/CAF co-activators for implementing the full transcriptional activation competence of each of these pathways. Tax also affects the function of various other regulatory proteins by direct protein-protein interaction. Through these activities Tax sets the infected T-cells into continuous uncontrolled replication and destabilizes their genome by interfering with the function of telomerase and topoisomerase-I and by inhibiting DNA repair. Furthermore, Tax prevents cell cycle arrest and apoptosis that would otherwise be induced by the unrepaired DNA damage and enables, thereby, accumulation of mutations that can contribute to the leukemogenic process. Together, these capacities render Tax highly oncogenic as reflected by its ability to transform rodent fibroblasts and primary human T-cells and to induce tumors in transgenic mice. In this article we discuss these effects of Tax and their apparent contribution to the HTLV-1 associated leukemogenic process. Notably, however, shortly after infection the virus enters into a latent state, in which viral gene expression is low in most of the HTLV-1 carriers' infected T-cells and so is the level of Tax protein, although rare infected cells may still display high viral RNA. This low Tax level is evidently insufficient for exerting its multiple oncogenic effects. Therefore, we propose that the latent virus must be activated, at least temporarily, in order to elevate Tax to its effective level and that during this transient activation state the infected cells may acquire some oncogenic mutations which can enable them to further progress towards ATL even if the activated virus is re-suppressed after a while. We conclude this review by outlining an hypothetical flow of events from the initial virus infection up to the ultimate ATL development and comment on the risk factors leading to ATL development in some people and to TSP/HAM in others.
Critical care procedure logging using handheld computers
Authors: Carlos Martinez-Motta J , Walker Robin , Stewart Thomas E , Granton John , Abrahamson Simon , Lapinsky Stephen E 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Introduction
We conducted this study to evaluate the feasibility of implementing an internet-linked handheld computer procedure logging system in a critical care training program.

Methods
Subspecialty trainees in the Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care at the University of Toronto received and were trained in the use of Palm handheld computers loaded with a customized program for logging critical care procedures. The procedures were entered into the handheld device using checkboxes and drop-down lists, and data were uploaded to a central database via the internet. To evaluate the feasibility of this system, we tracked the utilization of this data collection system. Benefits and disadvantages were assessed through surveys.

Results
All 11 trainees successfully uploaded data to the central database, but only six (55%) continued to upload data on a regular basis. The most common reason cited for not using the system pertained to initial technical problems with data uploading. From 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2003, a total of 914 procedures were logged. Significant variability was noted in the number of procedures logged by individual trainees (range 13–242). The database generated by regular users provided potentially useful information to the training program director regarding the scope and location of procedural training among the different rotations and hospitals.

Conclusion
A handheld computer procedure logging system can be effectively used in a critical care training program. However, user acceptance was not uniform, and continued training and support are required to increase user acceptance. Such a procedure database may provide valuable information that may be used to optimize trainees' educational experience and to document clinical training experience for licensing and accreditation.
Novel applications of therapeutic hypothermia: report of three cases
Authors: Hartemink Koen J , Wisselink Willem , Rauwerda Jan A , Girbes Armand RJ , Polderman Kees H 
Published: August 2004

AbstractTherapeutic hypothermia can provide neuroprotection in various situations where global or focal neurological injury has occurred. Hypothermia has been shown to be effective in a large number of animal experiments. In clinical trials, hypothermia has been used in patients with postanoxic injury following cardiopulmonary resuscitation, in traumatic brain injury with high intracranial pressure, in the perioperative setting during various surgical procedures and for various other indications. There is thus evidence that hypothermia can be effective in various situations of neurological injury, although a number of questions remain unanswered. We describe three patients with unusual causes of neurological injury, whose clinical situation was in fundamental aspects analogous to conditions where hypothermia has been shown to be effective.
Detection of antigen-specific lymphocytes/Detektion von Antigen-spezifischen Lymphozyten
Authors: Scheffold Alexander , Thiel Andreas 
Published: August 2004

Abstract

Abstract Antigen-specific lymphocytes are the cellular basis for the unique features of the adaptive immune system and are critically involved in both immune protection and immune pathology. Their low frequency and technical limitations with respect to specific labeling methods have prevented their in-depth analysis on the cellular level until only a few years ago. For a long time, most of our knowledge about the antigen-specific cells was obtained from indirect assays measuring antigen-induced effector functions of whole lymphocyte populations. During the last few years, several developments in flow-cytometry and cell sorting have been made which now allow to correlate phenotype and function on the single cell level. These new technologies allowed us to obtain a more detailed view of the role of antigen-specific lymphocytes for immune protection from infectious diseases as well as for immune pathology like autoimmunity or allergy. Information about frequency and function of antigen-specific lymphocytes in vivo will not only lead to improved diagnostic tools but also open up new avenues for the specific treatment of various immune-mediated disorders. Here, we give an overview of the state-of-the-art in antigen-specific cytometry.
Telomere length analysis by fluorescence in situ hybridization and flow cytometry (Flow-FISH)/Telomerlängen-Messung mittels Fluoreszenz-in-situ-Hybridisierung und Durchflusszytometrie (Flow-FISH)
Authors: Hartmann Ulrike , Beier Fabian , Brümmendorf Tim H. 
Published: August 2004

Abstract

Abstract Telomeres are located at the ends of chromosomes and consist of non-coding TTAGGG repeats and telomere-binding proteins. Telomeres protect the chromosomal ends from degradation, aberrant recombination and end-to-end fusion. Due to the end-replication problem, telomeres shorten with each round of replication in vitro and in vivo, eventually leading to genetic instability and cellular senescence. In germline cells and in the majority of human cancers studied, telomere length is maintained by the enzyme telomerase, which adds terminal TTAGGG repeats onto the chromosome ends and thus counteracts replication-dependent telomere shortening.
Assessment of telomere length is of value to study the mitotic history as well as the proliferative potential of cells both in vitro and in vivo. In the hematopoietic system, telomere length has been found to be correlated with disease progression and response to specific treatment in a variety of diseases, that are associated with increased cellular (e.g. stem cell) turnover. Therefore, telomere biology might potentially provide prognostic information that may help to guide the direction and intensity of therapeutic strategies in the future. Based on these considerations, it is obligatory to be able to use reliable, fast and sensitive technology for the accurate assessment of telomere length. In this review, we will characterize the most commonly used methodes to measure telomere length in cells, with particular focus on fluorescence in situ hybridization and flow cytometry (Flow-FISH).