bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Features of extramedullary and extraosseous multiple myeloma: a report of 19 patients from a single center
Authors: Damaj G. , Mohty M. , Vey N. , Dincan E. , Bouabdallah R. , Faucher C. , Stoppa A. M. , Gastaut J. A. 
Published: November 2004

Abstract:Extramedullary (EM) localizations at diagnosis or during the course of multiple myeloma (MM) are rare. We conducted a large retrospective study to more accurately describe the clinical and laboratory features of this entity, and the outcome of these manifestations. The charts of 19 eligible patients out of 432 patients with MM were retrieved from the hematology department of the Institut Paoli‐Calmettes Cancer Center. Median age was 61 (range: 39–79) with a female/male sex ratio of 8/11. Ten patients were found to have EM and extraosseous tumor at the time of MM diagnosis, and nine patients developed EM tumor during the course of the disease. Neither the stage of the disease, the LDH level, or the type of immunoglobulin (Ig) was found to be associated with the development of EM disease. Patients who developed EM tumor during the course of MM had a lower serum Ig and a higher monoclonal Bence–Jones proteinuria at the diagnosis of MM than patients who presented with EM tumor at diagnosis. Multiple sites were usually involved. Resistance to chemotherapy was frequent and response to thalidomide was poor. Eight out of the 19 patients responded to high‐dose chemotherapy. The remaining 11 patients progressed while on therapy. With a median follow‐up of 13 months (range: 2–65), six patients are alive, four patients are in partial remission and two patients in present progressive disease. In conclusion, EM tumors are a rare manifestation of MM, with a cumulative incidence of 4.6% of MM. Multiple sites are usually involved. The response to chemotherapy is very poor with a very low response rate to thalidomide. The prognosis is very poor, especially when the diagnosis of EM tumor is concurrent with the diagnosis of MM.
Alemtuzumab: effective monotherapy for simultaneous B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and Sézary syndrome
Authors: Gibbs Simon D. J. , Herbert Kirsten E. , McCormack Christopher , Seymour John F. , Prince H. Miles 
Published: November 2004

Abstract:The simultaneous presentation of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a very rare occurrence where optimal treatment is unknown. We present the case of a 65‐yr‐old man who was successfully treated with alemtuzumab monotherapy for both disorders, but at a cost of severe infectious morbidity and prolonged pancytopenia.
VH gene mutation status and cellular drug resistance in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Authors: Åleskog Anna , Tobin Gerard , Laurell Anna , Thunberg Ulf , Lindhagen Elin , Roos Göran , Nilsson Kenneth , Nygren Peter , Sundström Christer , Höglund Martin , Larsson Rolf , Rosenquist Richard 
Published: November 2004

Abstract: Objective: B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (B‐CLL) can be divided into two clinical entities based on the immunoglobulin variable heavy chain (VH) gene mutation status, as cases with unmutated VH genes display a more aggressive disease with shorter survival time than mutated cases. The aim of this study was to investigate whether differences in cellular drug resistance could give an explanation for these divergent clinical courses. Methods: The VH gene mutation status was analysed in patients with previously untreated B‐CLL using VH gene family‐specific PCR amplification and nucleotide sequencing. In vitro sensitivity to cytarabine, fludarabine, cladribine, doxorubicin, idarubicin, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, melphalan and prednisolone was assessed using the non‐clonogenic in vitro assay, fluorometric microculture cytotoxicity assay. Results: The VH genes and in vitro drug resistance were successfully analysed in 46 cases, revealing that 25 (54%) cases showed unmutated and 21 (46%) cases mutated VH genes. Interestingly, the unmutated group generally tended to be more chemosensitive than the mutated group with significant differences for cytarabine and prednisolone (P ≤ 0.01). Conclusion: The propensity of inferior drug response in mutated B‐CLL may reflect a more differentiated disease than in unmutated B‐CLL. We conclude that the difference in prognosis between B‐CLL cases with unmutated and mutated VH genes could not be explained by difference in cellular drug resistance.
The influence of farnesyl protein transferase inhibitor R115777 (Zarnestra) alone and in combination with purine nucleoside analogs on acute myeloid leukemia progenitors in vitro
Authors: Korycka Anna , Smolewski Piotr , Robak Tadeusz 
Published: November 2004

Abstract:R115777 (Tipifarnib, Zarnestra) – farnesyl transferase inhibitor belongs to the new class of signal transduction inhibitors which seems to be yielding results in the treatment of patients with solid tumors. Recently it has also been considered as a drug of promise in hematologic malignancies such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML), especially in older patients, in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) as well as myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). The aim of our study was to evaluate the influence of R115777 used alone or with purine nucleoside analogs (PNA): cladribine (2‐CdA) and fludarabine (F‐ara‐A) on leukemic progenitors [colony‐forming unit‐leukemia (CFU)‐L] from AML patients. Our studies were based on the methods of semisolid leukemic CFU‐L and normal granulocyte–macrophage progenitor (CFU‐GM) cultures in vitro. R115777 was added to the culture alone or in combinations with PNA. We showed that R115777 used alone or together with PNA at all combinations significantly inhibited the colony growth of AML CFU‐L, when compared with normal CFU‐GM (P < 0.01). In addition, the drugs used in combinations of two higher concentrations in significantly higher degree inhibited CFU‐L colony growth, when compared either with R115777 or with any of PNA used alone (P < 0.04). IC50 for R115777 were 67.1 and 121.9 nm for AML CFU‐L and normal CFU‐GM, respectively. Furthermore, in the case of AML the combination index was 0.89 and 1.16, respectively, for the combination of R115777 with 2‐CdA and R115777 with F‐ara‐A. An additive effect on AML CFU‐L cells and subadditive effect on normal CFU‐GM were seen. To assess a proapoptotic effect, the drugs were added to the liquid cultures at the same concentrations as for clonogenic assays. A significant increase in the rate of apoptosis induced by combinations of drugs in comparison with single agents was observed. In conclusion, the combination of R115777 with both PNA could be more effective than the drugs used alone. However, further experimental studies on the usefulness of these combinations in the treatment of myeloid leukemia patients are warranted.
Sociocultural influences on infant feeding decisions among HIV‐infected women in rural Kwa‐Zulu Natal, South Africa
Authors: Thairu Lucy N. , Pelto Gretel H. , Rollins Nigel C. , Bland Ruth M. , Ntshangase Ncamisile 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe promotion of exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, followed by rapid transition to alternative food sources may be an important public health approach to the reduction of mother‐to‐child transmission of HIV through breastmilk. The basic ethical principle of ‘informed choice’ requires that HIV positive women are provided with adequate information about their options. However, information is only one factor that affects their decisions. The objective of this ethnographic study was to identify sociocultural influences on infant feeding decisions in the context of a large cohort study designed to assess the impact of a breastfeeding counselling and support strategy to promote exclusive breastfeeding on postnatal transmission of HIV in African women. Following an initial period of exploratory interviewing, ethnographic techniques were used to interview 22 HIV positive women about their views on infant feeding and health. Interviews were tape‐recorded, transcribed and analysed with a text analysis program. Five themes of influences on feeding decisions emerged: (1) social stigma of HIV infection; (2) maternal age and family influences on feeding practices; (3) economic circumstances; (4) beliefs about HIV transmission through breastmilk; and (5) beliefs about the quality of breastmilk compared to formula. The study highlights the role of cultural, social, economic and psychological factors that affect HIV positive women's infant feeding decisions and behaviour.
Evaluation of the use of health care assistants to support disadvantaged women breastfeeding in the community
Authors: Beake Sarah , McCourt Christine , Rowan Cathy , Taylor Jane 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThere is little experience of the use of health care assistants in the community to support breastfeeding in the UK. The aim of this project was to evaluate the implementation of a small‐scale pilot project using health care assistants in the community to support disadvantaged women breastfeeding. The evaluation was funded as part of the Department of Health's Infant Feeding Initiative. A longitudinal observational and quasi‐experimental design was used. The project involved women, who had recently given birth, living in an area of London identified by the government's Sure Start scheme as socio‐economically disadvantaged. This paper focuses mainly on the findings drawn from the qualitative data focusing on the process of implementation, the role of the Support Worker and women's perceptions of the support. The findings suggest that the use of health care assistants in the community may offer a practical and encouraging approach in supporting breastfeeding which is acceptable to both breastfeeding women and health care professionals. More research is needed to establish whether the intervention significantly increases breastfeeding rates.
MOLECULAR MECHANISMS OF RESISTANCE IN ANTIMALARIAL CHEMOTHERAPY: The Unmet Challenge
Authors: Arav-Boger Ravit , Shapiro Theresa A. 
Published: November 2004

▪ Abstract  The enormous public health problem posed by malaria has been substantially worsened in recent years by the emergence and worldwide spread of drug-resistant parasites. The utility of two major therapies, chloroquine and the synergistic combination of pyrimethamine/sulfadoxine, is now seriously compromised. Although several genetic mechanisms have been described, the major source of drug resistance appears to be point mutations in protein target genes. Clinically significant resistance to these agents requires the accumulation of multiple mutations, which genetic studies of parasite populations suggest arise focally and sweep through the population. Efforts to circumvent resistance range from the use of combination therapy with existing agents to laboratory studies directed toward discovering novel targets and therapies. The prevention and management of drug resistance are among the most important practical problems of tropical medicine and public health. Leonard J. Bruce-Chwatt, 1972
Mate Guarding Conflict, Extra-Pair Courtship And Signalling in the Harlequin Duck, Histrionicus Histrionicus
Authors: Inglis Ian , Lazarus John , Torrance Rebecca 
Published: November 2004

AbstractSocially monogamous birds pursuing extra-pair reproductive strategies may be in conflict, both sexes seeking new mates or copulations outside the pair, while simultaneously attempting to prevent infidelity by the partner. Intra-pair conflicts are augmented by inter-pair conflicts when pairs meet, when all four individuals may be sexually attracted to one member of the other pair while seeking to prevent their mate from copulating, or deserting, with the other. We studied the dynamics, signalling and resolution of these conflicts in a field experiment with the harlequin duck, recording responses to single model birds of both sexes, and to model pairs. Both sexes mate guarded by placing themselves between the mate and a model competitor, and by signalling with the head nod display. Females were closer to model pairs than their mates. Female mate guarding responded adaptively to infidelity risk, increasing to models of paired females, single females and single females inviting copulation, respectively. Males head nodded to signal the goal of (extra-pair) copulation, pairing or mate switching. Courtship by unpaired males increased to models of paired females, single females and single females inviting copulation, respectively. Paired males courted these models equally, perhaps inhibited by the parallel increase in mate guarding of their mates. Males signalled mate guarding using the head nod more than females, but this predicted difference in mate guarding was not shown for the measure of relative proximity to the models. In spite of male extra-pair courtship the harlequin is strictly monogamous, due to female fidelity and close mate guarding. The use of models revealed mate guarding by females, and failed extra-pair reproductive attempts by males, neither of which were apparent from observational studies alone.
A comparison of vas occlusion techniques: cautery more effective than ligation and excision with fascial interposition
Authors: Sokal David , Irsula Belinda , Chen-Mok Mario , Labrecque Michel , Barone Mark A 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
Background
Vasectomy techniques have been the subject of relatively few rigorous studies. The objective of this analysis was to compare the effectiveness of two techniques for vas occlusion: intraluminal cautery versus ligation and excision with fascial interposition. More specifically, we aimed to compare early failure rates, sperm concentrations, and time to success between the two techniques.

Methods
We compared semen analysis data from men following vasectomy using two occlusion techniques. Data on intraluminal cautery came from a prospective observational study conducted at four sites. Data on ligation and excision with fascial interposition came from a multicenter randomized controlled trial that evaluated the efficacy of ligation and excision with versus without fascial interposition. The surgical techniques used in the fascial interposition study were standardized. The surgeons in the cautery study used their customary techniques, which varied among sites in terms of type of cautery, use of fascial interposition, excision of a short segment of the vas, and use of an open-ended technique. Men in both studies had semen analyses two weeks after vasectomy and then approximately every four weeks. The two outcome measures for the analyses presented here are (a) time to success, defined as severe oligozoospermia, or <100,000 sperm/mL in two consecutive semen analyses; and (b) early vasectomy failure, defined as >10 million sperm/mL at week 12 or later.

Results
Vasectomy with cautery was associated with a significantly more rapid progression to severe oligozoospermia and with significantly fewer early failures (1% versus 5%).

Conclusion
The use of cautery improves vasectomy outcomes. Limitations of this comparison include (a) the variety of surgical techniques in the cautery study and differences in methods of fascial interposition between the two studies, (b) the uncertain correlation between sperm concentrations after vasectomy and the risk of pregnancy, and (c) the use of historical controls and different study sites.
Are the effects of nicotinic acid on insulin resistance precipitated by abnormal phosphorous metabolism?
Authors: Al-Shaer Moutasim H , AbuSabha Hatem S 
Published: November 2004

AbstractNicotinic acid is a unique cholesterol modifying agent that exerts favorable effects on all cholesterol parameters. It holds promise as one of the main pharmacological agents to treat mixed dyslipidemia in metabolic syndrome and diabetic patients. The use of nicotinic acid has always been haunted with concerns that it might worsen insulin resistance and complicate diabetes management.We will discuss the interaction between phosphorous metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism and the possibility that worsening of insulin resistance could be related to adrug induced alteration in phosphorous metabolism, and the implications of that in medical management of diabetes and metabolic syndrome patients with mixed dyslipidemia.
Genomic transcriptional response to loss of chromosomal supercoiling in Escherichia coli
Authors: Peter Brian J , Arsuaga Javier , Breier Adam M , Khodursky Arkady B , Brown Patrick O , Cozzarelli Nicholas R 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
Background
The chromosome of Escherichia coli is maintained in a negatively supercoiled state, and supercoiling levels are affected by growth phase and a variety of environmental stimuli. In turn, supercoiling influences local DNA structure and can affect gene expression. We used microarrays representing nearly the entire genome of Escherichia coli MG1655 to examine the dynamics of chromosome structure.

Results
We measured the transcriptional response to a loss of supercoiling caused either by genetic impairment of a topoisomerase or addition of specific topoisomerase inhibitors during log-phase growth and identified genes whose changes are statistically significant. Transcription of 7% of the genome (306 genes) was rapidly and reproducibly affected by changes in the level of supercoiling; the expression of 106 genes increased upon chromosome relaxation and the expression of 200 decreased. These changes are most likely to be direct effects, as the kinetics of their induction or repression closely follow the kinetics of DNA relaxation in the cells. Unexpectedly, the genes induced by relaxation have a significantly enriched AT content in both upstream and coding regions.

Conclusions
The 306 supercoiling-sensitive genes are functionally diverse and widely dispersed throughout the chromosome. We propose that supercoiling acts as a second messenger that transmits information about the environment to many regulatory networks in the cell.
Consensus clustering and functional interpretation of gene-expression data
Authors: Swift Stephen , Tucker Allan , Vinciotti Veronica , Martin Nigel , Orengo Christine , Liu Xiaohui , Kellam Paul 
Published: November 2004

AbstractMicroarray analysis using clustering algorithms can suffer from lack of inter-method consistency in assigning related gene-expression profiles to clusters. Obtaining a consensus set of clusters from a number of clustering methods should improve confidence in gene-expression analysis. Here we introduce consensus clustering, which provides such an advantage. When coupled with a statistically based gene functional analysis, our method allowed the identification of novel genes regulated by NFκB and the unfolded protein response in certain B-cell lymphomas.
Isochronous creep rupture loci for metals under biaxial stress
Authors: Kowalewski Z. L 
Published: November 2004

Theoretical and experimental methods are presented for the determination of creep isochronous loci of copper and aluminium alloy subjected to multiaxial stresses. Creep tests were carried out in a complex stress state at elevated temperature equal to 523 K in the case of copper and 423 K for aluminium alloy. Typical creep parameters, such as the duration of primary creep, the duration of secondary creep, the minimum creep rate and the time to rupture are analysed. The preliminary results for copper proved its isotropy during monotonic loading tests. In the case of creep conditions the material demonstrated anisotropic behaviour. A similar effect was observed for aluminium alloy; however, in this case the material exhibited additionally an initial anisotropy during monotonic loading tests. It is shown that for both materials, at the range of selected effective stresses, all typical creep parameters (e. g. minimum creep rate, time to rupture) are functions of the state of stress. The isochronous creep rupture surfaces were determined on the basis of experimental data and compared with those resulting from theoretical considerations. The surfaces describing the time to the end of primary creep and the start of tertiary creep are the same as the isochronous rupture surface. The latter is best described using the Sdobyrev equation with appropriate coefficients.
Intramuscular Olanzapine in the Management of Acute Agitation
Authors: Tulloch Karen J , Zed Peter J 
Published: November 2004

OBJECTIVE To review the current efficacy and safety evidence for the use of intramuscular olanzapine in the management of acute agitation. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PubMed (all to March 2004) were searched for full-text, English-language publications in humans. Search terms included olanzapine, psychosis, agitation, psychiatric emergency, and intramuscular. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION Prospective, randomized, controlled trials that evaluated efficacy or safety endpoints of intramuscular olanzapine in the management of acute agitation were included. All studies were evaluated independently by both authors. For clinical outcomes (efficacy, safety), the definitions as specified by each study were used. DATA SYNTHESIS Four prospective trials were included in this review. Intramuscular olanzapine is comparable to haloperidol or lorazepam monotherapy in managing acute agitation associated with schizophrenia and dementia. Intramuscular olanzapine is superior to lorazepam monotherapy in the management of agitation associated with bipolar affective disorder. Preliminary evidence demonstrates that intramuscular olanzapine is associated with fewer adverse movement disorders than monotherapy with intramuscular haloperidol. Interpretation of published evidence is limited by confounding factors of comparator regimens and the patient populations studied. CONCLUSIONS Additional studies comparing intramuscular olanzapine with combination antipsychotic/benzodiazepine therapy in more severely ill patients and patients with concomitant medical illnesses are needed to determine the most effective dosing regimen, use of adjunctive medications, and to obtain a comprehensive safety profile.
The impact of supervisors' cognitive styles on the quality of research supervision in management education
Authors: Armstrong Steven J. 
Published: November 2004

Background: An aspect of teaching and learning that has been seriously overlooked in higher education is the process of research supervision. High failure rates for research dissertations in the social sciences have been partly attributed to student dissatisfaction with supervision and poor student‐supervisor relationships. One personality variable that has been shown to be partly responsible for shaping the effectiveness of supervisory relationships is cognitive style.Aims: The study examined the effects of supervisor cognitive style on the quality of supervision for students undertaking a research project in the field of management education.Sample: Both parties in each of 118 supervisor‐student dyads within a university business school in the UK participated in the study.Method: Data were collected using the Cognitive Style Index to measure subjects on the analytic‐intuitive dimension of cognitive style. A self‐developed Thurstone attitude scale was used to measure students' perceptions of the quality of supervision. The scale's validity was assured by making extensive use of subjects' (N = 100) judgments from the population of interest in the scale's development. A second parallel scale was developed to test the instrument's reliability characteristics.Results: Findings revealed that students perceived the quality of supervision to increase significantly with the degree to which supervisors were analytic in their cognitive style. Students whose supervisors were more analytic also achieved significantly higher grades for their dissertations.Conclusions: Whilst there may be many factors influencing interpersonal relationships of this nature, this study demonstrated the potential relevance of cognitive style, which may prove to be a fertile area for further investigation.