bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Factors for Children With Hodgkin’s Disease Treated With Combined-Modality Therapy
Authors: Smith Ron S. , Chen Qing , Hudson Melissa M. , Link Michael P. , Kun Larry , Weinstein Howard , Billett Amy , Marcus Karen J. , Tarbell Nancy J. , Donaldson Sarah S. 
Published: May 2003

Purpose: Evaluation of pretreatment factors to identify children at high risk for relapse after combined-modality therapy for Hodgkin’s disease. Patients and Methods: From 1990 to 2000, 328 pediatric patients with clinical stage I to IV Hodgkin’s disease were treated with chemotherapy and low-dose involved-field radiotherapy on prospective, collaborative, risk-adapted protocols at three institutions. Pretreatment factors were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analysis for prognostic significance for 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Results: With a median follow-up of 59 months (range, 8 to 125 months), the 5-year DFS and OS for all patients were 83% and 93%, respectively. Several factors were associated with inferior DFS and OS by univariate analysis. By multivariate analysis, male sex; stage IIB, IIIB, or IV disease; bulky mediastinal disease; WBC more than 13.5 × 103/mm3; and hemoglobin less than 11.0 g/dL were significant for inferior DFS. A prognostic index was developed incorporating the five significant factors from the multivariate analysis, assigning each a score of 1. The 5-year DFS and OS for children with a prognostic score of 0 to 1 were 94% and 99%; score 2, 85% and 96%; score 3, 71% and 92%; and score 4 or 5, 49% and 72%, respectively. There was a significant difference in DFS among each of these groups, with significantly worse OS in those with a score of 4 to 5. Conclusion: A prognostic index that was based on five pretreatment factors correlated with inferior DFS by multivariate analysis stratified patients by outcome; this may be useful in assigning children with Hodgkin’s disease to risk-adapted therapy.
Fluoxetine Versus Placebo in Advanced Cancer Outpatients: A Double-Blinded Trial of the Hoosier Oncology Group
Authors: Fisch Michael J. , Loehrer Patrick J. , Kristeller Jean , Passik Steven , Jung Sin-Ho , Shen Jianzhao , Arquette Matthew A. , Brames Mary J. , Einhorn Lawrence H. 
Published: May 2003

Purpose: To determine whether fluoxetine improves overall quality of life (QOL) in advanced cancer patients with symptoms of depression revealed by a simple survey. Patients and Methods: One hundred sixty-three patients with an advanced solid tumor and expected survival between 3 and 24 months were randomly assigned in a double-blinded fashion to receive either fluoxetine (20 mg daily) or placebo for 12 weeks. Patients were screened for at least minimal depressive symptoms and assessed every 3 to 6 weeks for QOL and depression. Patients with recent exposure to antidepressants were excluded. Results: The groups were comparable at baseline in terms of age, sex, disease distribution, performance status, and level of depressive symptoms. One hundred twenty-nine patients (79%) completed at least one follow-up assessment. Analysis using generalized estimating equation modeling revealed that patients treated with fluoxetine exhibited a significant improvement in QOL as shown by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–General, compared with patients given placebo (P = .01). Specifically, the level of depressive symptoms expressed was lower in patients treated with fluoxetine (P = .0005), and the subgroup of patients showing higher levels of depressive symptoms on the two-question screening survey were the most likely to benefit from treatment. Conclusion: In this mix of patients with advanced cancer who had symptoms of depression as determined by a two-question bedside survey, use of fluoxetine was well tolerated, overall QOL was improved, and depressive symptoms were reduced.
Significant Correlation Between the Degree of WT1 Expression and the International Prognostic Scoring System Score in Patients With Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Authors: Cilloni Daniela , Gottardi Enrico , Messa Francesca , Fava Milena , Scaravaglio Patrizia , Bertini Marilena , Girotto Mauro , Marinone Carlo , Ferrero Dario , Gallamini Andrea , Levis Alessandro , Saglio Giuseppe 
Published: May 2003

Purpose: To determine whether pattern of WT1 gene expression is a useful marker for establishing prognosis and tracking disease progression in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Patients and Methods: We performed a quantitative assessment of the WT1 transcript amount by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR) in 173 samples (131 bone marrow samples and 42 peripheral-blood samples) from 131 patients with MDS (79 patients with refractory anemia [RA], 31 with RA with excess blasts [RAEB], 18 with secondary acute myeloid leukemia [s-AML] evolved from MDS, and three with deletion of 5q as the sole cytogenetic abnormality). Values obtained were correlated with the blast percentage and International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) score. Results: Sixty-five percent of BM and 78% of PB samples for RA and 100% of BM and PB samples of RAEB and s-AML expressed WT1 transcript amounts greater than the level observed in healthy volunteers. The degree of WT1 expression was highly correlated with the type of MDS, was much higher in RAEB and s-AML compared with RA, and increased during disease progression. Moreover, a significant correlation was found between WT1 expression levels, blast cell percentage, and the presence of cytogenetic abnormalities. Therefore, we found a significant correlation between the amount of WT1 transcripts and the IPSS score, which currently represents the most reliable risk index of disease progression available for MDS patients. Conclusion: WT1 is a useful molecular marker for risk assessment in MDS patients.
Rubinstein‐Taybi syndrome medical guidelines
Authors: Wiley Susan , Swayne Susan , Rubinstein Jack H. , Lanphear Nancy E. , Stevens Cathy A. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractChildren and adults with Rubinstein‐Taybi Syndrome have specific medical conditions that occur with greater frequency than the general population. Based on the available information from the literature and clinical experience, recommendations for specific surveillance and interventions are made to guide those clinicians caring for individuals with Rubinstein‐Taybi Syndrome. This is a first attempt at medical guidelines for individuals with RTS in the United States. On‐going research is needed in many areas to guide decisions in medical care and allow for refinement of these medical guidelines. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nickelation of [3‐Et‐7,8‐Ph2‐7,8‐nido‐C2B9H8]2−: synthesis and characterization of 1,2 → 1,2 and 1,2 → 1,7 isomerized products
Authors: Robertson Susan , Ellis David , Rosair Georgina M. , Welch Alan J. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractThe reaction between [3‐Et‐7,8‐Ph2‐7,8‐nido‐C2B9H8]2− and Ni(dppe)Cl2 in tetrahydrofuran affords major and minor products, identified spectroscopically and crystallographically. The major species is 1,2‐Ph2‐4‐dppe‐6‐Et‐4,1,2‐closo‐NiC2B9H8, which arises from the presumed initial product 1,2‐Ph2‐3‐dppe‐6‐Et‐3,1,2‐closo‐NiC2B9H8 by a sterically induced 1,2 → 1,2 C atom isomerization, typical of overcrowded nickelacarboranes. The minor species is 1,8‐Ph2‐2‐dppe‐4‐Et‐2,1,8‐closo‐NiC2B9H8, arising from an unexpected 1,2 → 1,7 carbon‐atom isomerization of the initial product. The fact that one boron atom is labelled with an Et group, coupled with the fact that these isomerizations occur at low temperatures, allows comment on the isomerization mechanisms. The minor isomer cannot be explained by reference to Wales' sequential diamond–square–diamond mechanism for 1,2‐closo‐C2B10H12 → 1,7‐closo‐C2B10H12. A simple rationalization of the formation of both major and minor isomers is available through triangle face rotation. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
o‐Carboranyl derivatives of 1,3,5‐s‐triazines: structures, properties and in vitro activities
Authors: Lee Chai‐Ho , Lim Hong‐Gyu , Lee Jong‐Dae , Lee Young‐Joo , Ko Jaejung , Nakamura Hiroyuki , Ook Kang Sang 
Published: May 2003

AbstractOur objective was to design and synthesize substituted o‐carboranes carrying the 1,3,5‐s‐triazine units as potential boron neutron capture therapy agents. The preliminary results indicated that selective substitution was successful, and the structural AB2 (mono‐o‐carboranyl‐1,3,5‐s‐triazine) or A2B (bis‐o‐carboranyl‐1,3,5‐s‐triazine) type was used as the starting point for the generation of biologically active species. In the first series, the influence of the structural changes in the central core unit was investigated. Thus, a procedure for the sequential, selective derivatization of cyanuric chloride that allows for the incorporation of o‐carborane was elucidated. As a result, a variety of mono‐, di‐, and tri‐substituted triazines were produced in good yield. In the second series, the effect of additional amine substituents on the 1,3,5‐s‐triazine was studied. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Single gene controlling black eyes found from the intercross of two yellow‐eyed strains of Heliothis virescens
Authors: Cho Sae‐Youll , Payne Gregory T. , Brown Thomas M. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractSummary: Black eyes of the moth of Heliothis virescens were controlled by a single, autosomal recessive gene, b. Black‐eyed moths were discovered among progeny in an outcross made to test for allelism of two known genes ye, conferring yellow eyes, and yes, conferring yellow eyes and scales. Complementation to the wildtype gray eye color was observed in 686 (99.1%) of the progeny; however, six progeny of one mating exhibited the new phenotype, black eyes. Two black‐eyed females mated to a wildtype sibling produced descendents displaying golden eyes, striped eye, purple eyes, white eyes, and “cat's” eyes. No black‐eyed progeny were observed in the F2 generation of lines segregating for y, ye, and yes, confirming that black eye was not a combination of those other genes. These newly discovered genes could be useful in basic studies of developmental genetics or in applied transgenesis. genesis 36:34–39, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
PSPICE HF model for a tin solder joint
Authors: Fourcaudot S. , Vasilescu G. , Alquié G. , Hanna V. F. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractA lumped equivalent circuit is proposed for a tin solder joint, by connecting a single copper wire (it is supposed as belonging to a device) to a metal path on a printed circuit board (PCB). © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 38: 38–40, 2003
Differential expression and function of A20 and TRAF1 in Hodgkin lymphoma and anaplastic large cell lymphoma and their induction by CD30 stimulation
Authors: Dürkop Horst , Hirsch Burkhard , Hahn Corinna , Foss Hans‐Dieter , Stein Harald 
Published: May 2003

AbstractA20 and TRAF1 are two anti‐apoptotic components of the intracellular signalling pathway of the tumour necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) family. Induction of apoptosis seems to be a main function of these receptors. It is astonishing that a member of this family, CD30, is overexpressed by highly proliferating tumours such as Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). It is known that CD30 stimulation leads to the apoptosis of ALCL tumour cells but not of Hodgkin–Reed–Sternberg (HRS) cells. We have already established the overexpression of TRAF1 in HRS cells. In this study we demonstrate that A20 is highly expressed in the HRS cells in 20/22 of cases of classical HL, in 4/4 cases of nodular lymphocyte‐predominant HL (NLPHL), and in 2/2 cases of the anaplastic variant of diffuse large B cell lymphoma. In contrast, all other non‐Hodgkin lymphomas, including ALCL, revealed either no A20 reactivity, or reactivity in less than 1% of all tumour cells. CD30 stimulation induced A20 and TRAF1 expression. This effect was most prominent in HL and ALCL cell lines with low basal expression levels of these molecules. Immunohistological studies of reactive lymphoid blasts in tonsillar tissue demonstrated that co‐expression of CD30, A20, and TRAF1 also occurs in vivo. Cell lines with high basal A20 and TRAF1 expression were resistant to CD30‐mediated apoptosis. The sensitivity to CD30‐induced apoptosis was increased by inhibition of protein synthesis. TRAF1 transfection decreased CD30‐induced apoptosis. Our data suggest that A20 and TRAF1 contribute to apoptosis resistance and, therefore, play an important role in the pathogenesis of classical HL. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sensing of liquids by electrically conductive immiscible polypropylene/thermoplastic polyurethane blends containing carbon black
Authors: Segal E. , Tchoudakov R. , Narkis M. , Siegmann A. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractImmiscible polymer blends based on polypropylene/thermoplastic polyurethane (PP/TPU) are interesting host multiphase systems for the incorporation of low concentrations of conductive carbon black (CB) particles. The enhancement of conductivity (and the lower critical CB content for percolation) in the PP/TPU blend is achieved via double percolation, that is, structural and electrical. The CB particles form chainlike network structures within the TPU phase, which exhibit phase continuity of elongated particles within the PP matrix. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis studies indicated that the incorporation of CB particles into the PP/TPU blend has a “compatibilizing” effect, resulting in an enhanced interaction between the two polymers. Extruded PP/TPU/CB filaments produced by a capillary rheometer process at various shear rates were examined as sensing materials for a homologous series of alcohols, that is, methanol, ethanol, and 1‐propanol. All filaments displayed increasing resistance upon exposure to the various alcohols combined with excellent reproducibility and recovery behavior. An attempt is made to identify the dominant mechanisms controlling the sensing process in a CB‐containing immiscible polymer blend characterized by a double‐continuity structure. The interphase region, its quantity, and continuity played a significant role in the liquid‐transport process. Blend composition, filaments' extrusion temperature, and production shear rate level were considered as significant parameters determining the structure and the resultant sensing properties. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 1428–1440, 2003
Antifertility effects of Ricinus communis (Linn) on rats
Authors: Sandhyakumary K. , Bobby R. G. , Indira M. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractThe antifertility effects of 50% ethanol extracts of Ricinus communis have been studied in male rats. There was a drastic reduction in the epididymal sperm counts. Alteration in the motility, mode of movement and morphology of the sperms were observed. Reductions in the fructose and testosterone levels were suggestive of reduced reproductive performance. Reversibility tests showed that the antifertility effect of Ricinus communis was completely reversible on withdrawal of the drug. The ethanol extracts of Ricinus communis did not cause any hepatotoxicity since the hepatic GOT and GPT levels were unaltered. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bronchoscopic Ultrasonography for Staging Supracarinal Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Impact on Outcome
Authors: Osugi Harushi , Nishimura Yoshihiko , Takemura Masashi , Higashino Masayuki , Takada Nobuyasu , Kishida Touru , Kinoshita Hiroaki 
Published: May 2003

AbstractThe precise, accurate diagnosis of malignant airway invasion is essential to determine the likelihood of complete resection and survival of patients with invasive carcinoma of the upper esophagus. The usefulness of ultrasonic scanning of the tracheobronchial wall by bronchoscopic ultrasonography (BUS) was studied, and results were compared with those of computed tomography (CT). Sixty‐six consecutive patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the upper esophagus treated from 1997 to 2000 were studied. The presence of tracheobronchial invasion was diagnosed by BUS based on an interruption in the most external hyperechoic layer of the tracheobronchus (corresponding to its adventitia). BUS was completed without any complication in all patients. The accuracy of diagnosis was validated intraoperatively, and it was better for BUS (90%) than for CT (62%) (p = 0.001). Of the 26 patients diagnosed as being invasion‐free by BUS, only 2 had invasion, compared to 7 of 22 patients who had invasion after CT scans had suggested they did not. Survival was worse for patients diagnosed as having invasion than not having it based on CT scans (p = 0.0071), but the difference was more significant with BUS (p < 0.0001). BUS is a safe, reliable staging modality for cancer in the upper esophagus. When surgery is considered, BUS is essential for determining whether a curative resection is possible.
Does Drainage Fluid Amylase Reflect Pancreatic Leakage after Pancreaticoduodenectomy?
Authors: Shyr Yi‐Ming , Su Cheng‐Hsi , Wu Chew‐Wun , Lui Wing‐Yiu 
Published: May 2003

AbstractThis study tried to determine if drainage fluid amylase reflects pancreatic leakage after pancreaticoduodenectomy and to determine the factors affecting the drainage amylase level. Patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy were recruited. The drainage amylase was measured from postoperative day (POD) 1 to POD 7. Direct evidence of pancreatic leakage was provided by upper gastrointestinal studies using a water‐soluble contrast medium and methylene blue dye in the pancreaticogastrostomy group or by pancreaticography with injected contrast medium via an exteriorized pancreatic stent in the pancreaticojejunostomy group on POD 7. A total of 37 patients were recruited. The drainage amylase level was higher than the normal serum amylase (≥ 190 U/L) in more than half of the cases on the initial POD 2 specimen, with a median of 745 U/L on POD 1 and 663 U/L on POD 2. The drainage amylase level was more than three times the normal serum amylase level (≥ 190 × 3 U/L) in 56.8% on POD 1, in 51.4% on POD 2, and in nearly one‐third on POD 7 (29.7%). However, no pancreatic leakage occurred in any of the patients with a drainage amylase of ≥ 190 U/L. Only one case of pancreatic leakage with a small amount of drainage fluid (10 ml) and low amylase level (74 U/L), was noted. Soft pancreatic parenchyma and a nondilated pancreatic duct were significantly associated with higher drainage amylase levels. In conclusion, biochemical leakage defined by amylase‐rich drainage fluid might have no clinical significance and was not necessarily clinical pancreatic leakage following pancreaticoduodenectomy.
Competing on design quality: A strategic planning approach for product quality with the use of a control theoretic model
Authors: Kouvelis Panagiotis , Mukhopadhyay Samar K. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractDesign quality is a strategic variable, a dimension for product differentiation, which can effectively be used to edge out competition and increase market share. Planning for design quality should be based on sound analysis because of the serious effects on the firm's profitability. The decision about design quality is also interlinked with that about price. In this paper, we develop a control theoretic model that can effectively support the strategic planning process for design quality and price. The idea behind the optimal control formulation is to use the design quality level and the price as the control variables to maximize the discounted net present value of the total profit over the life of the product. Managerial insights through analytical results are obtained on the form of the optimal design quality and pricing policies. An extensive set of numerical experiments helped us to gain useful insights on the effects of various model parameters on the optimal policies.
Proteomic comparison between human young and old brains by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis and identification of proteins
Authors: Chen Wen , Ji Jianguo , Xu Xiaoman , He Sizhi , Ru Binggen 
Published: May 2003

AbstractTo investigate molecular mechanisms of human brain aging, brain proteins were isolated from postmortem human young and old brains and profiled by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2‐DE). With the help of special software, five down‐regulated protein spots in two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis gels of old brains were found compared with young brains, four of which was identified as a protein similar to peroxiredoxin 2 (accession‐numbered as gi | 13631440), two of stathmin (phosphoprotein p19) and apolipoprotein A‐I precursor (apo‐AI) by matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization‐time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS). Eight common proteins, whose expressions were not altered between young and old brains, were also identified. The possible relevance of changes was analyzed. This study shows that the contribution of proteomics could be valuable in experimental gerontology field.
Clinical trials update from the European Society of Cardiology: CARMEN, EARTH, OPTIMAAL, ACE, TEN‐HMS, MAGIC, SOLVD‐X and PATH‐CHF II
Authors: Coletta A.P. , Louis A.A. , Clark A.L. , Nikitin N. , Cleland J.G.F. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractThis article continues a series of reports on research developments related to the field of heart failure. Reports of presentations made at the Hot Line sessions of the European Society of Cardiology XXIV Congress held in Berlin, Germany, between 31 August and 4 September 2002 are included. Summaries of the results of the following trials are presented: CARMEN, EARTH, OPTIMAAL, ACE, TEN‐HMS, MAGIC, SOLVD‐X and PATH‐CHF II.
Cytotoxic perforin+ and TIA‐1+ infiltrates are associated with cell adhesion molecule expression in dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Noutsias Michel , Pauschinger Matthias , Schultheiss Heinz‐Peter , Kühl Uwe 
Published: May 2003

AbstractObjective:To phenotypically characterize cytotoxic T‐lymphocytes (CTLs: Perforin+ and TIA‐1+ phenotypes) and to study the interactions with cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).Background:DCM is linked to intramyocardial inflammation, being characterized by T‐lymphocytic infiltration and CAMs abundance. However, the pathogenic significance of increased CD3+ lymphocytes remains obscure as these do not correlate with CTLs (perforin+ and TIA1+ phenotypes). CAMs participate in the phenotypic repertoire and effector pathways of CTLs.Methods:CAMs‐expression (ICAM‐1, VCAM‐1, LFA‐3, CD29, CD62E and CD62P and β2‐integrins), CD3+ (T‐lymphocytes), CD57+ (NK‐cells) and adhesion related (CD18+, CD11a+, CD11b+, CDw49d+) phenotyped infilitrates were investigated in endomyocardial biopsies (EMBs) from 89 DCM patients (33 female; LVEF<40%) using immunohistochemisty. The enteroviral genome was identified by nested RT‐PCR.Results:CAMs abundance was confirmed in 55 DCM patients (62%) and 29 EMBs (33%) were graded CTLs+ (>1.5 TIA‐1+ and/or >2.0 perforin+ infiltrates/hpf). CTLs correlated with all endothelial CAMs‐markers studied (P<0.01), the adhesion related phenotypes of infilitrates (LFA‐1, VLA‐4, CD18) and CD57+ NK‐cells (P<0.02). There was no correlation of CTLs with CD3+ T‐lymphocytes, CD11b+ macrophages, enteroviral infection (present in n=16/18%), clinical history and LVEF (P>0.05). Phenomena suggestive of CTLs mediated myocytolysis were observed in 10 patients (11%).Conclusions:CTLs‐infilitrates are associated with endothelial CAMs‐abundance and co‐express adhesion related (β2‐integrins, VLA‐4) and NK‐cellular antigens (CD57) in DCM. Endothelial CAMs expression also reflects cytotoxic activation of intramyocardial infilitrates, which is not reflected by immunologically naïve CD3 T‐lymphocytes.