bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advancing age within established Gleason score categories and the risk of prostate cancer‐specific mortality (PCSM)
Authors: Russo Andrea L. , Chen Ming‐Hui , Aizer Ayal A. , Hattangadi Jona A. , D'Amico Anthony V.
Published: September 2012

Study Type – Prognosis (case series)

Level of Evidence 4

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

There is limited data that suggests that men aged >70 years have a higher proportion of Gleason 8–10 prostate cancer than men aged <70 years, as well as a higher risk of PSA recurrence, distant metastases, and disease‐specific death on univariate analysis.

The present study shows that older as compared with younger men with Gleason score 6 and 7 prostate cancer have an increased risk of prostate cancer‐specific mortality. This may be due to the presence of occult high‐grade disease and suggests further diagnostic studies, e.g. multiparametric MRI, may be indicated in these men to reduce biopsy sampling error.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if advancing age is a risk factor for high‐grade prostate cancer due to occult high‐grade disease in elderly men with Gleason score 6 or 7 prostate cancer. We investigated whether advancing age is associated with the risk of prostate cancer‐specific mortality (PCSM) within established Gleason score categories adjusting for known predictors of PCSM.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database between 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2007, 166 104 men with non‐metastatic prostate cancer were identified and formed the study cohort.

Within established Gleason score categories, Fine and Gray's multivariable competing risk regressions were used to evaluate whether increasing age at diagnosis was significantly associated with an increased risk of PCSM, adjusting for prostate‐specific antigen level and T‐category at diagnosis and whether treatment was curative or non‐curative.

RESULTS

After adjusting for treatment and prognostic factors, Gleason score 8–10 and 7 as compared with ≤6 was associated with an increased risk of PCSM (P < 0.001).

Increasing age was associated with an increased risk of PCSM only in Gleason score 6 (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04–1.08, P < 0.001) and 7 (AHR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01–1.03, P < 0.001), but not with Gleason score 8–10 (AHR 0.999, 95% CI 0.995–1.003, P= 0.61).

These risks were highest in men aged >70 years having Gleason score 6 (AHR 1.10, 95% CI 1.07–1.13, P < 0.001) and Gleason score 7 prostate cancer (AHR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02–1.06, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

PCSM increases with advancing age in men with Gleason score 6 and 7 but not 8–10 prostate cancer.

Techniques to reduce biopsy sampling error in men, particularly those aged >70 years and healthy with Gleason score 6 and 7 disease deserve further study.
BUILDERS NOT BANKERS
Authors: Laxer Richard
Published: September 2012

Richard Laxer heads GE Capital in Europe. He explains the GE approach to building business to Des Dearlove.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: BELIEVING IS SEEING
Authors: Pettit Nathan C , Sivanathan Niro
Published: September 2012

Nathan C Pettit and Niro Sivanathan, ‘The eyes and ears of status: How status colours perceptual judgment’, Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 3 January 2012, http://psp.sagepub.com/content/early/2012/01/03/0146167211431166.
THINK AGAIN: IN SEARCH OF EXCELLENCE – 30 YEARS ON
Authors: Crainer Stuart
Published: September 2012

Tom Peters and Robert Waterman's 1982 best‐seller, In Search of Excellence, ignited the business book market and altered the managerial debate in companies throughout the world. Thirty years on, and many of the themes that gave rise to the book — financial crises, volatile commodity prices and ferocious competition from the East — are strangely familiar. In this 2002 article, BSR celebrated the books 20th anniversary. Now, we have taken another look to mark the book's 30th anniversary. As Mark Twain observed, history may not repeat itself — but it sure does rhyme.
What implications does The Red Book have for my clinical practice?
Authors: MacKenna Christopher
Published: September 2012

Abstract:  The Red Book takes us to the heart of Jung's project, exposing the fundamentally religious nature of his work. Jungian analysts who heed the religious imperative will find themselves caught – as Jung was – between the ‘spirit of this time’ and the ‘spirit of the depths’, which raises significant questions for our clinical work.
A serious misunderstanding: synchronicity and the generation of meaning
Authors: Giegerich Wolfgang
Published: September 2012

Abstract:  This paper points to the problem caused by the fact that numerous academic ‘Jung studies’ are conducted on the basis of the English translation of Jung's works without any knowledge of his original texts and illustrates it with the misconstrual that Jung's concept of synchronicity suffered in the studies of many recent authors, as exemplified by two articles in the September 2011 issue of the JAP. The translation of ‘sinngemäße Koinzidenz’ as ‘meaningful coincidence’ seduced those writers to take synchronistic ‘meaning’ as meaning the meaningfulness of life or even as ‘transcendent meaning’, which is incompatible with Jung's synchronicity concept, and to replace Jung's strictly intellectual project of establishing an explanatory principle for synchronistic events (in addition to the principle of causality for all other events) by the fundamentally different project of focusing on the impact that such events may have for the experiencing subjective mind, on ‘human meaning‐making’, and, with a decidedly anti‐intellectual bias, of hoping for ‘shifts into non‐rational states of mind’.
The Fiscal Impact of Trade Tariff Cuts: Long‐Series Historical Evidence
Authors: Rajaraman Indira
Published: September 2012

Contemporary empirical evidence shows that trade tariff cuts have a negative impact on customs revenue in low‐income countries. This article documents the historical experience of the US and Canada from 1870 to 1996, which shows that customs revenue declined in these two countries with falling trade tariffs. Such a decline should therefore have been anticipated while advocating trade liberalisation in low‐income countries, and trade reform hyphenated with fiscal reform, so as to identify compensating revenue ex ante. A recent cross‐country study by Baunsgaard and Keen covering the period 1975–2006 fails to find complete replacement from other revenue sources in low‐income countries even in the long run, let alone concurrently. This is an issue affecting countries all across the size spectrum, and is of immediate importance in the context of the slow progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Another problem, limited to large federal countries in the developing world, is that trade taxes are levied exclusively by the national government, so that compensating revenue from a source not similarly restricted to that level has the potential to destabilise the balance of power within the federation.

Policy Implications

The Millennium Development Goals call for fiscal revenue with which to finance the public expenditure required.

Policy advice to the developing world advocating trade liberalisation has neglected the revenue impact of trade tariff cuts. This article documents the historically negative impact of trade tariff cuts on customs revenue in the US and Canada, on the basis of which the fiscal impact in the developing world should have been anticipated, and compensating revenue identified ex ante.

VAT, which is identified as the optimal replacement source for lost trade tariff revenue, may not be optimal from a political economy perspective in some fiscal federations.

Recent cross‐country evidence, showing that the revenue loss from reduced trade tariffs persists in the long run, highlights the difficulty of finding complete replacement from other revenue sources, and shows that the policy homework for achievement of the MDGs remains sadly unaddressed.
Natural Crack Growth Analyses for Circumferential and Axial PWSCC Defects in Dissimilar Metal Welds
Authors: Shim Do-Jun , Kalyanam Sureshkumar , Brust Frederick , Wilkowski Gery , Smith Mike , Goodfellow Andrew
Published: September 2012

The natural crack growth analysis (sometimes referred to as advanced finite element analysis (AFEA)) methodology has been developed by the US NRC and the nuclear industry to evaluate the natural crack growth due to primary water stress corrosion cracking (PWSCC) in nickel-based alloy materials. The natural crack growth (or AFEA) methodology allows the progression of a planar crack subjected to typical stress corrosion cracking (SCC)-type growth laws by calculating stress intensity factors at every nodal point along the crack front and incrementally advancing the crack front in a more natural manner. This paper describes the step-by-step procedure enhancements that have been made to the existing AFEA methodology. A significant enhancement was the feature to evaluate axial crack growth, where the crack was contained within the susceptible material. This methodology was validated by performing an AFEA evaluation for the axial crack that was found in the V.C. Summer hot-leg dissimilar metal weld (DMW). Other enhancements to the AFEA methodology include: feature to handle nonidealized circumferential through-wall cracks, mapping of weld residual stress for crack growth, and determination of limiting crack size using elastic-plastic J-integral analysis that included secondary stress (weld residual stress and thermal transient stress) effects.
Response to Comment on “Orthographic Processing in Baboons (
Papio papio
)”
Authors: Grainger Jonathan , Dufau Stéphane , Montant Marie , Ziegler Johannes C. , Fagot Joël
Published: September 2012

Bains pointed out that some of our nonwords were in fact real words and that an algorithm using only information about single letters and their positions achieves the same level of accuracy as baboons in discriminating words from nonwords. We clarify the operational definition of words and nonwords in our study and point out possible limits of the proposed algorithm.
Fermilab Looks Abroad for Help With Neutrino Experiment
Authors: Cho Adrian
Published: September 2012

Last week, Fermilab officials presented a plan for a first stage of the proposed Long-Baseline Neutrino Experiment that would drop the price from $1.9 billion to $789 million.
A Life Outside Work
Authors: Normile Dennis
Published: September 2012

Outstanding job opportunities in Hong Kong and Singapore may be the prime draw for globe-trotting academics. But their families, their interests, and their social lives are also important considerations.
Influenza Virus H5 DNA Vaccination Is Immunogenic by Intramuscular and Intradermal Routes in Humans
Authors: Ledgerwood J. E. , Hu Z. , Gordon I. J. , Yamshchikov G. , Enama M. E. , Plummer S. , Bailer R. , Pearce M. B. , Tumpey T. M. , Koup R. A. , Mascola J. R. , Nabel G. J. , Graham B. S.
Published: September 2012

Avian influenza virus causes outbreaks in domestic and wild birds around the world, and sporadic human infections have been reported. A DNA vaccine encoding hemagglutinin (HA) protein from the A/Indonesia/5/05 (H5N1) strain was initially tested in two randomized phase I clinical studies. Vaccine Research Center study 304 (VRC 304) was a double-blinded study with 45 subjects randomized to placebo, 1 mg of vaccine, or 4 mg of vaccine treatment groups (n= 15/group) by intramuscular (i.m.) Biojector injection. VRC 305 was an open-label study to evaluate route, with 44 subjects randomized to intradermal (i.d.) injections of 0.5 mg by needle/syringe or by Biojector or 1 mg delivered as two 0.5-mg Biojector injections in the same deltoid or as 0.5 mg in each deltoid (n= 11/group). Injections were administered at weeks 0, 4, and 8 in both studies. Antibody responses to H5 were assessed by hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and neutralization assay, and the H5 T cell responses were assessed by enzyme-linked immunospot and intracellular cytokine staining assays. There were no vaccine-related serious adverse events, and the vaccine was well tolerated in all groups. At 1 mg, i.d. vaccination compared to i.m. vaccination induced a greater frequency and magnitude of response by ELISA, but there were no significant differences in the frequency or magnitude of response between the i.d. and i.m. routes in the HAI or neutralization assays. T cell responses were more common in subjects who received the 1- or 4-mg dose i.m. These studies demonstrated that the DNA vaccine encoding H5 is safe and immunogenic and served to define the proper dose and route for further studies. The i.d. injection route did not offer a significant advantage over the i.m. route, and no difference was detected by delivery to one site versus splitting the dose between two sites for i.d. vaccine administration. The 4-mg dose (i.m) was further investigated in prime-boost regimens.
Reversible Inhibition of Fusion Activity of a Paramyxovirus Fusion Protein by an Engineered Disulfide Bond in the Membrane-Proximal External Region
Authors: Zokarkar Aarohi , Connolly Sarah A. , Jardetzky Theodore S. , Lamb Robert A.
Published: September 2012

Cysteines were introduced into the membrane-proximal external region (MPER) of the paramyxovirus F protein. A disulfide bond formed, and the mutant protein was expressed at the cell surface but was fusion inactive. Reduction of the disulfide bond restored fusion activity. The data indicate that in addition to dissociation of the three-helix bundle stalk domain of prefusion F, the MPER region also needs to separate for F to be able to refold and cause fusion.
Relevance of the stochastic stratigraphic well correlation approach for the study of complex carbonate settings: application to the Malampaya buildup (Offshore Palawan, Philippines)
Authors: Lallier Florent , Caumon Guillaume , Borgomano Jean , Viseur Sophie , Fournier Francois , Antoine Christophe , Gentilhomme Théophile
Published: September 2012

The stochastic stratigraphic well correlation method considers the stratigraphic correlation of well data as a set of possible models to sample and manage uncertainty in subsurface studies. This method was applied to the Malampaya buildup (a well documented offshore gas field located NW of the Palawan Island, Philippines), aged upper Eocene to lower Miocene. Previous studies highlight that rock petrophysical properties are mainly controlled by diagenesis. Correlation rules are thus developed in order to adapt the stochastic stratigraphic well correlation method to the study of diagenetic units. These rules are based on wireline log shape and diagenetic units types. Four stratigraphic correlation models are generated using the proposed correlation method: a deterministic one corresponding to the most probable model considering only well data and three stochastic ones. These correlation models are bound with geostatistical methods to build static reservoir models. Synthetic seismic profiles are computed from facies models conditioned to acoustic impedance models. It leads to comparable seismic amplitude images, highlighting the importance of considering several well correlation models for one given seismic survey. Stochastic stratigraphic correlations are shown to have a first-order impact on reservoir unit characterization, rock volumes and fluid flow response on the reservoir model.
An Investigation into the Use of Stimulant Therapy during Pregnancy
Authors: Shields Natalie , Muza Rexford , Kosky Christopher , Williams Adrian J.
Published: September 2012

Introduction. A lack of documentation of stimulant use during pregnancy means that doctors have difficulty advising narcoleptic and hypersomnolent patients.Objectives. To investigate the use of stimulant therapy in narcoleptic and hypersomnolent patients during pregnancy.Method. A search of clinic letters at a tertiary sleep clinic identified women who became pregnant whilst receiving stimulant therapy between 01/09/1999 and 18/11/2010. Fifteen patients were included in a telephone survey.Results. There were 20 pregnancies. The reported advice received with regards to stimulant use was variable. In 7 pregnancies, medication was stopped preconceptually: 1 had a cleft palate and an extra digit 6 had good foetal outcomes. In 8 pregnancies, medication was stopped postconceptually: 1 had autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder; 7 had good foetal outcomes. In 5 pregnancies, medication was continued throughout pregnancy: 2 ended in miscarriage; 1 was ectopic; 2 had good foetal outcomes. The most common symptom experienced was debilitating hypersomnolence.Conclusion. There are no standardised guidelines for use of stimulants during pregnancy. Women have significant symptoms during pregnancy for which there is an unmet clinical need. More research is needed into whether medication can be safely continued during pregnancy, and if not, when it should be discontinued. Better standardized advice should be made available.
The Nonlinear Analysis of Perturbation Solution for a Parabolic Differential System
Authors: Dailyudenko Victor F.
Published: September 2012

By investigation of perturbation solution for nonlinear reaction-diffusion system, we derive related differential model for perturbations that involves weak nonlinearities up to third order. For a first time, this model is shown to result in derivation of the system for amplitude distribution by means of nonlinear integration on orthogonal basis in spatial region. The obtained time-dependent system (TDS) contains all possible functional relations between the modes of wave train under consideration along with delayed relations, and after numerical simulation it provides some conclusions concerning the natural frequency of the investigated self-organization process in active medium. The related matrix and modulo operations which substantiate the derivation of the TDS are also considered.
Integrated Instrumentation and Sensor Systems Enabling Condition-Based Maintenance of Aerospace Equipment
Authors: Millar Richard C.
Published: September 2012

The objective of the work reported herein was to use a systems engineering approach to guide development of integrated instrumentation/sensor systems (IISS) incorporating communications, interconnections, and signal acquisition. These require enhanced suitability and effectiveness for diagnostics and health management of aerospace equipment governed by the principles of Condition-based maintenance (CBM). It is concluded that the systems engineering approach to IISS definition provided clear benefits in identifying overall system requirements and an architectural framework for categorizing and evaluating alternative architectures, relative to a bottom up focus on sensor technology blind to system level user needs. CBM IISS imperatives identified include factors such as tolerance of the bulk of aerospace equipment operational environments, low intrusiveness, rapid reconfiguration, and affordable life cycle costs. The functional features identified include interrogation of the variety of sensor types and interfaces common in aerospace equipment applications over multiplexed communication media with flexibility to allow rapid system reconfiguration to adapt to evolving sensor needs. This implies standardized interfaces at the sensor location (preferably to open standards), reduced wire/connector pin count in harnesses (or their elimination through use of wireless communications).
Management and Outcomes of Male Breast Cancer in Zaria, Nigeria
Authors: Ahmed Adamu , Ukwenya Yahaya , Abdullahi Adamu , Muhammad Iliyasu
Published: September 2012

Male breast cancer is an uncommon disease accounting for only 1% of all breast cancers. We present the evaluation, treatment and outcome of male patients seen with breast cancer in our institution. Male patients that had histological diagnosis of breast cancer from 2001 to 2010 were retrospectively evaluated. After evaluation patients were treated with modified radical mastectomy. Combination chemotherapy was given to patients with positive axillary lymph nodes. Radiotherapy and hormonal therapy were also employed. There were 57 male patients with breast cancer which accounted for 9% of all breast cancers seen during the study period. Their mean age was 59 ± 2.3 years. The mean tumor diameter was 13 ± 2.5 cm. Fifty three (93%) patients presented with advanced disease including 15 with distant metastasis. Four patients with stage II disease were treated with modified radical mastectomy, chemotherapy and tamoxifen. Of the 30 patients with sage III disease that had modified radical mastectomy, complete axillary clearance and tumor free margins were achieved in 25. Overall 21 (36.8%) patients were tumor free at one year. Overall 5-year survival was 22.8%. In conclusion, male patients with breast cancer present with advanced disease which is associated with poor outcome of treatment.
Influence of Light-Curing Mode on the Erosion Preventive Effect of Three Different Resin-Based Surface Sealants
Authors: Wegehaupt Florian J. , Tauböck Tobias T. , Sener Beatrice , Attin Thomas
Published: September 2012

Objectives. To investigate if reducing the light-curing time (while maintaining similar energy density) of resin-based surface sealants influences their erosion-preventive potential and mechanical stability after thermomechanical loading.Methods. Dentine samples were treated as follows: group 1—untreated, groups 2–4—Seal&Protect, groups 5–7—experimental sealer, and groups 8–10—Syntac Classic system. Groups 2, 5 and 8 were light-cured for 10 s (1000 mW/cm2), groups 3, 6 and 9 for 7 s (1400 mW/cm2), and groups 4, 7, and 10 for 3 s (3200 mW/cm2). After water storage (7 d), first measurement was performed to evaluate baseline permeability of the sealants. After a thermomechanical loading (5000 cycles, 50/5°C, 12000 brushing strokes) a second evaluation of permeability was conducted (measurement 2). Permeability was tested by storing the samples in HCl (pH 2.3; 24 h) and measuring the dentine calcium release by atomic absorption spectroscopy.Results. For the first and second measurements, no influence of light-exposure time on permeability was observed (ANOVA:P>0.05). No significant difference in the stability of the respective sealants was observed when light-cured for different durations.Conclusion. Shortening the light-curing time, while maintaining energy density constant, has no influence on permeability and stability of the investigated sealants.
Antibody Response to Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Associated with Incident Lymphoma in the Epilymph Case–Control Study in Spain
Authors: Robles Claudia , Poloczek Andre , Casabonne Delphine , Gonzalez-Barca Eva , Bosch Ramon , Benavente Yolanda , Viscidi Raphael P. , de Sanjosé Silvia
Published: September 2012

Background: Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) has been identified as the cause of Merkel cell carcinoma. The increased incidence of chronic lymphocytic leukemia in Merkel cell cancer cohorts and the lymphotropic properties of the virus suggest a possible viral association with lymphomagenesis. To investigate this potential role, we explored seroreactivity against MCV VP1 capsids within the Epilymph case–control study in Spain.

Methods: Serum samples from 468 incident lymphomas, categorized into up to 11 entities, and 522 controls frequency matched by age, sex, and recruitment center were tested for MCV antibodies by enzyme immunoassay using Virus-Like-Particles. Adjusted multinomial logistic regression was used to estimate the OR and 95% confidence interval (CI) associated to MCV seroprevalence. Immunosuppressed subjects were excluded.

Results: MCV seroprevalence was 82% in controls and 85% in lymphoma cases. Among 11 lymphoma categories, MCV seropositivity was significantly higher in diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL; 96.4%; OR = 6.1, 95%CI = 1.9–19.8), as compared with controls. MCV prevalences were also higher in follicular lymphoma, lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Hodgkin lymphoma, and mature T-cell lymphoma but differences did not reach statistical significance. Lower prevalences were observed for multiple myeloma and other B-cell lymphoma. Exclusion of samples collected after start of treatment did not change the results. In a subset analysis, no significant association was observed between BKV and JCV seroprevalence and DLBCL.

Conclusion: The association observed between serologic evidence of MCV exposure and DLBCL warrants further research.

Impact: MCV might be involved in the pathway of DLBCL and other lymphomas. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(9); 1592–8. ©2012 AACR.
Cervical Cancer in Latin America and the Caribbean: The Problem and the Way to Solutions
Authors: Villa Luisa Lina
Published: September 2012

Latin America and the Caribbean have one of the highest incidence and mortality rates from cervical cancer in the world. In this region, age-adjusted incidence rates range from 20 to 80 per 100,000 women per year. Overall, the mortality rates are extremely high in spite of the availability of Pap screening in several countries. Women from lower socioeconomic status, often less educated, are unaware of cervical cancer screening or have no access to it. Despite the efforts to reorganize screening programs in the region, in a few countries, only a slight decrease in cervical cancer mortality has been observed. New modalities for primary and secondary screening should be evaluated and disseminated, including HPV testing and vaccination against the most common HPV types. HPV prophylactic vaccines were approved in most Latin American countries, but only few are considering its implementation in national immunization programs. Besides cost and other logistical issues, lack of recommendation by policy makers or lawmakers is deterring the introduction of HPV vaccines in the region. Furthermore, studies conducted in the region have indicated that HPV vaccination only or vaccination supplemented with screening may be considered a cost-effective strategy to reduce mortality by cervical cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(9); 1409–13. ©2012 AACR.
Use of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs and Risk of Ovarian and Endometrial Cancer: The Multiethnic Cohort
Authors: Setiawan Veronica Wendy , Matsuno Rayna K. , Lurie Galina , Wilkens Lynne R. , Carney Michael E. , Henderson Brian E. , Kolonel Laurence N. , Goodman Marc T.
Published: September 2012

Background: Chronic inflammation may play an etiologic role in ovarian and endometrial cancer, and it is hypothesized that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) decrease the risk of developing these malignancies. No prospective study with a large multiethnic population has explored this hypothesis.

Methods: We investigated whether NSAID use was associated with risks of ovarian and endometrial cancer in the Multiethnic Cohort Study. Medication use of at least twice a week for ≥1 month was assessed at baseline. Multivariable relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results: During 13.3 years of follow-up, 275 ovarian and 620 endometrial incident cases were identified among approximately 64,000 women included in this analysis (16.5% African Americans, 30.8% Japanese, 7.7% Native Hawaiians, 18.9%, Latinas, and 26.0% whites). The RR (95% CI) for ovarian cancer associated with aspirin, non-aspirin NSAIDs, and acetaminophen were 0.87 (0.68–1.14), 0.97 (0.74–1.26), and 0.86 (0.67–1.12), respectively. The RR (95% CI) for endometrial cancer associated with aspirin, non-aspirin NSAIDs, and acetaminophen were 0.93 (0.79–1.10), 0.88 (0.74–1.05), and 0.96 (0.81–1.13), respectively. No heterogeneity across ethnic groups (P ≥ 0.29) or dose–response relation with increased duration of use (Ptrend ≥ 0.16) was observed. The results did not differ by tumor histology.

Conclusions: We found no compelling evidence to support an association between the use of NSAIDs and risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers in a multiethnic population.

Impact: It is unlikely that NSAID is involved in the etiology of endometrial and ovarian cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(9); 1441–9. ©2012 AACR.
Disparities in the Early Adoption of Chemoimmunotherapy for Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma in the United States
Authors: Flowers Christopher R. , Fedewa Stacey A. , Chen Amy Y. , Nastoupil Loretta J. , Lipscomb Joseph , Brawley Otis W. , Ward Elizabeth M.
Published: September 2012

Background: Since the 1970s, CHOP chemotherapy has been the standard treatment for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). In 2002, randomized trials changed this standard by showing that adding rituximab immunotherapy to CHOP improved survival. However, how these results influenced chemoimmunotherapy adoption in clinical practice remains unclear.

Methods: Using the National Cancer Database to compare chemoimmunotherapy use with chemotherapy alone, we collected data on demographics, stage, health insurance, area-level socioeconomic status (SES), facility characteristics, and type of treatment for DLBCL patients diagnosed in the United States 2001–2004. Multivariable log binomial models examined associations between race, insurance, and treatment allocation, adjusting for covariates.

Results: Among 38,002 patients with DLBCL, 27% received chemoimmunotherapy and 50% chemotherapy alone. Patients who had localized disease, were diagnosed in 2001 or who were black, uninsured/Medicaid insured, or lower SES were less likely to receive any form of chemotherapy (all P < 0.0001). Patients who were diagnosed in 2001 or who were black [relative risk (RR), 0.83; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.78–0.89], >60 years (RR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.90–0.98), or had localized disease (RR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.86–0.92) were less likely to receive chemoimmunotherapy. Receiving treatment at high DLBCL volume teaching/research facilities was associated with the greatest likelihood of chemoimmunotherapy (RR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.52–1.89).

Conclusions: Black DLBCL patients were less likely to receive chemotherapy or chemoimmunotherapy during this period.

Impact: This large national cohort study shows disparities in the diffusion of chemoimmunotherapy for DLBCL. Improving DLBCL outcomes will require efforts to extend access to proven advances in therapy to all segments of the population. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(9); 1520–30. ©2012 AACR.
The influence of hepatitis B virus on antiviral treatment with interferon and ribavirin in Asian patients with hepatitis C virus/hepatitis B virus coinfection: a meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Jun-Ying , Sheng Yun-Jian , Hu Huai-Dong , Zhong Qing , Wang Jing , Tong Shi-Wen , Zhou Zhi , Zhang Da-Zhi , Hu Peng , Ren Hong
Published: September 2012

Background

Clinical and laboratory studies have indicated that coinfection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) can suppress one another, eliciting a dominant disease phenotype. To assess whether HBV can influence the antiviral effect of treatment on HCV, we performed a meta-analysis to comparatively analyze the response to interferon plus ribavirin treatment in patients with HBV/HCV coinfection and HCV mono-infection.

Methods

Published studies in the English-language medical literature that involved cohorts of HBV/HCV coinfection and HCV mono-infection were obtained by searching Medline, Cochrane and Embase databases. Studies that compared the efficacy of treatment with interferon plus ribavirin in HBV/HCV coinfection and HCV mono-infection were assessed. End-of-treatment virological response (ETVR), sustained virological response (SVR), HCV relapse rate, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalization rate were compared between HBV/HCV coinfection and HCV mono-infection patients.

Results

Five trials involving 705 patients were analyzed. At the end of follow-up serum ALT normalization rates in patients with HCV mono-infection were significantly higher than in patients with HBV/HCV coinfection (odds ratio (OR) = 0.56, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.40–0.80,P = 0.001). The ETVR and SVR achieved in HBV/HCV coinfection patients were comparable to those in HCV mono-infection patients (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.37–2.82,P = 0.96 and OR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.62–1.21,P = 0.38, respectively). The rate of relapse for HCV or HCV genotype 1 was not significantly different between HBV/HCV coinfection patients and HCV mono-infection patients (OR = 1.55, 95% CI: 0.98–2.47,P = 0.06; HCV genotype 1: OR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.17–4.91,P = 0.19).

Conclusions

Treatment with interferon and ribavirin achieves similar ETVR and SVR in HBV/HCV coinfection and HCV mono-infection. HBV/HCV coinfection patients had distinctively lower end of follow-up serum ALT normalization.
Industrial-Organisational Psychology in New Zealand: Who Are We and Where Are We Going?
Authors: Cooper-Thomas Helena D. , Wright Sarah
Published: September 2012

In spite of a long history, Industrial and Organisational (I/O) psychology appears to be relatively unknown beyond those who teach or practise it. Research in Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia and Aotearoa/New Zealand is reviewed to illustrate common problems. To provide an update on the local situation, a survey of 46 I/O psychologists was conducted to identify what types of activities I/O psychologists in New Zealand are engaged in, and what they think the issues are for the profession both now and in the future. We present the issues under five themes: current role, education and training, strategic perspectives, contribution to New Zealand business, and the future. In conclusion, we provide suggestions to address the key problems that our I/O psychologist respondents identified.
Lorentzkraft — Anemometrie für die berührungslose Durchflussmessung von Elektrolyten
Authors: Wegfraß Andre , Diethold C. , Werner M. , Alferenok Artem , Resagk C. , Fröhlich T. , Halbedel B. , Lüdtke U. , Thess André
Published: September 2012

Der Beitrag beschreibt den experimentellen Aufbau und die ersten Messergebnisse einer neuen Durchflussmesstechnik für schwach leitfähige Fluide mittels Lorentzkraft-Anemometrie, einem berührungslosen Messverfahren, welches schon erfolgreich für gut leitfähige Fluide wie Metallschmelzen eingesetzt wurde. Potentielle Anwendungen sind heiße und chemisch aggressive sowie nicht transparente Flüssigkeiten, da hier verfügbare Durchflussmesstechniken nur bedingt anwendbar sind.
Helicobacter pylori – 2012
Authors: Buzás György Miklós
Published: September 2012

The author overviews some aspects of literature data of the past 2 years. Genetic research has dentified polymorphisms of Helicobacter pylori virulence factors and the host which could play a role in the clinical outcome of the infection (peptic ulcer or gastric cancer). So far they have been performed in research centers but with a decrease of costs, they will take their place in diagnosing the diseaes and tailoring the treatment. Antibiotic resistance is still growing in Southern European countries and is decreasing in Belgium and Scandinavia. Currently, the clarithromycin resistance rate is of 17–33% in Budapest and levofloxacin resistance achieved 27%. With careful assessment of former antibiotic use the resistance to certain antibiotics can be avoided and the rates of eradication improved. Immigration is a growing problem worldwide: according to Australian, Canadian and Texan studies, the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori is much higher in the immigrant groups than in the local population. An Italian study showed that the eradication rate of triple therapy is significantly lower in the Eastern European immigrants than in the Italians. A recent research has suggested a link between female/male infertility, habitual abortion and Helicobacter pylori infection. However, there are no published data or personal experience to show whether successful eradication of the virus in these cases is followed by successful pregnancies or not. The author overviews the Maastricht process and analyzes the provisions of the Maastricht IV/Florence consensus, in which the new diagnostic algorithms and indications of eradication therapy are reformulated according to the latest levels of evidence and recommendation grading. According to the “test and treat” strategy, either the urea breath test or the stool monoclonal antigen test are recommended as a non-invasive diagnostic method in primary care. Endoscopy is still recommended in case of alarm symptoms, complicated ulcer, or if there is a suspicion of malignancy or MALT lymphoma. Local resistance to clarithromycin and levofloxacin should be considered in the choice of first-line therapy, in case of levels >15–20% these compounds should not be used. In regions with low resistance rates, classical triple therapy remains the regimen of choice; its alternative is the bismuth-based quadruple therapy. Determining antimicrobial resistance is justified after failed second- or third-line therapies; where available, molecular methods (fluorescence in situ hybridization, polymerase chain reaction) should be used. As second/third line treatments, the sequential, bismuth-based quadruple, concomitant quadruple regimens, hybrid are all possible alternatives. The Hungarian diagnostic and therapeutic approach in practice is different in some aspects from the provisions of the European consensus. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 1407–1418.
A Bi-Directional Refinement Algorithm for the Calculus of (Co)Inductive Constructions
Authors: Asperti Andrea , Ricciotti Wilmer , Coen Claudio Sacerdoti , Tassi Enrico
Published: September 2012

The paper describes the refinement algorithm for the Calculus of (Co)Inductive Constructions (CIC) implemented in the interactive theorem prover Matita. The refinement algorithm is in charge of giving a meaning to the terms, types and proof terms directly written by the user or generated by using tactics, decision procedures or general automation. The terms are written in an "external syntax" meant to be user friendly that allows omission of information, untyped binders and a certain liberal use of user defined sub-typing. The refiner modifies the terms to obtain related well typed terms in the internal syntax understood by the kernel of the ITP. In particular, it acts as a type inference algorithm when all the binders are untyped. The proposed algorithm is bi-directional: given a term in external syntax and a type expected for the term, it propagates as much typing information as possible towards the leaves of the term. Traditional mono-directional algorithms, instead, proceed in a bottom-up way by inferring the type of a sub-term and comparing (unifying) it with the type expected by its context only at the end. We propose some novel bi-directional rules for CIC that are particularly effective. Among the benefits of bi-directionality we have better error message reporting and better inference of dependent types. Moreover, thanks to bi-directionality, the coercion system for sub-typing is more effective and type inference generates simpler unification problems that are more likely to be solved by the inherently incomplete higher order unification algorithms implemented. Finally we introduce in the external syntax the notion of vector of placeholders that enables to omit at once an arbitrary number of arguments. Vectors of placeholders allow a trivial implementation of implicit arguments and greatly simplify the implementation of primitive and simple tactics.
Semantics and Algorithms for Parametric Monitoring
Authors: Rosu Grigore , Chen Feng
Published: September 2012

Analysis of execution traces plays a fundamental role in many program
analysis approaches, such as runtime verification, testing, monitoring, and
specification mining. Execution traces are frequently parametric, i.e., they
contain events with parameter bindings. Each parametric trace usually consists
of many meaningful trace slices merged together, each slice corresponding to
one parameter binding. This gives a semantics-based solution to parametric
trace analysis. A general-purpose parametric trace slicing technique is
introduced, which takes each event in the parametric trace and dispatches it to
its corresponding trace slices. This parametric trace slicing technique can be
used in combination with any conventional, non-parametric trace analysis
technique, by applying the later on each trace slice. As an instance, a
parametric property monitoring technique is then presented. The presented
parametric trace slicing and monitoring techniques have been implemented and
extensively evaluated. Measurements of runtime overhead confirm that the
generality of the discussed techniques does not come at a performance expense
when compared with existing parametric trace monitoring systems.
Genetically modified trees: State and perspectives
Authors: Nonic Marina , Vettori Cristina , Boscaleri Fabio , Milovanovic Jelena , Sijacic-Nikolic Mirjana
Published: September 2012

Genetically modified trees are the result of modern plant breeding. Its
introduction into the environment for experimental purposes or wider
cultivation is defined differently from country to country. Public opinion is
divided! Conducted research are part of the activities within the COST Action
FP0905 ?Biosafety of forest transgenic trees?, which aims to collect
information and define the scientific attitude on genetically modified trees
as a basis for future European Union (EU) policy in this field. The collected
information refer to eight countries: four EU member states (Italy, Slovenia,
Romania and Bulgaria) and four countries in the process of pre-accession
(Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina). A comparative
analysis involved the state of forest resources (area of forest land and
forest cover), forestry legislation, legislation relating to genetically
modified organisms and the general public attitude on this issue. The
collected information provide a good basis for understanding this issue in
order to define a clear scientific attitude as a recommendation.
Measuring the Carbon Dioxide Metabolism of Aquatic Organisms
Authors: Beyers Robert J. , Gillespie Bill
Published: September 2012

A method of measuring the carbon dioxide metabolism of aquatic organisms based on the relationship of acidity and carbon dioxide concentration in water is presented. This method is suitable for use in any high school biology laboratory possessing a modern pH meter. Experimental examples of the metabolism of a fish and an aquarium are shown, and three tables of constants are given to aid in the calculations necessary to this method. Additional experiments using the method are suggested.
Erythropoietin: New Directions for the Nervous System
Authors: Maiese Kenneth , Chong Zhao Zhong , Shang Yan Chen , Wang Shaohui
Published: September 2012

New treatment strategies with erythropoietin (EPO) offer exciting opportunities to prevent the onset and progression of neurodegenerative disorders that currently lack effective therapy and can progress to devastating disability in patients. EPO and its receptor are present in multiple systems of the body and can impact disease progression in the nervous, vascular, and immune systems that ultimately affect disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, retinal injury, stroke, and demyelinating disease. EPO relies upon wingless signaling with Wnt1 and an intimate relationship with the pathways of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI 3-K), protein kinase B (Akt), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Modulation of these pathways by EPO can govern the apoptotic cascade to control b-catenin, glycogen synthase kinase-3b, mitochondrial permeability, cytochrome c release, and caspase activation. Yet, EPO and each of these downstream pathways require precise biological modulation to avert complications associated with the vascular system, tumorigenesis, and progression of nervous system disorders. Further understanding of the intimate and complex relationship of EPO and the signaling pathways of Wnt, PI 3-K, Akt, and mTOR are critical for the effective clinical translation of these cell pathways into robust treatments for neurodegenerative disorders.
Percutaneous Acetabuloplasty: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Eilers Mark , Banerjee Devraj , Beck Ryan T. , Freitag Per , Saleh Khaled J.
Published: September 2012

Periacetabular osteolysis is a common etiology of prosthesis failure in patients who undergo total hip arthroplasty. These lesions are treated by open and, more recently, percutaneous techniques. The purpose of this study was to determine the relevant surface anatomy and bony landmarks in establishing percutaneous access to periacetabular regions and identifying critical at-risk structures in establishing access. Percutaneous access to the periacetabular region was established superiorly, anteroinferiorly, and posteroinferiorly by using 5 L5-to-mid thigh fixed cadaver pelvises with latex-injected vessels using threaded guidewires. Dissection was completed to identify structures at risk, with the distance from the wires recorded to the nearest millimeter. C-arm position for the optimal visualization and placement of guidewires was recorded. Average distance from the pin and the at-risk structures ranged from 11.2 to 38.7 mm. All 3 approaches allowed for safe percutaneous access to the periacetabular regions without injuring significant anatomical structures. This study established safe starting points and orientation for guidewires and radiograph projections associated with percutaneous access to the periacetabular regions. The findings in this study will be useful for developing minimally invasive approaches to these regions for the treatment of osteolytic lesions of diverse etiology. However, a biomechanical evaluation of the impact of these bony channels on the strength of pelvis under physiological and unanticipated loading must be performed before this technique can be safely translated to clinical practice.
Effects of a Less-invasive Surgical Technique on Cement Mantle Quality in Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Ast Michael P. , Dimaio Frank R.
Published: September 2012

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of a less-invasive midvastus exposure during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) on cement mantle grade compared with a standard parapatellar arthrotomy and standard TKA. Fifty consecutive cemented minimally invasive TKAs using a midvastus approach, patellar subluxation without eversion, and less-invasive instrumentation were compared radiographically with a control cohort of 50 consecutive cemented standard TKAs. To eliminate patient selection bias, the standard cohort included consecutive surgeries completed before 2004, prior to the advent of minimally invasive techniques in TKA. Analog supine anteroposterior and lateral radiographs were evaluated using Ewald’s criteria. Lucent lines, cement voids, and cement debris were recorded for each group.

Radiographic analysis revealed compromised femoral component cement mantle grades in the minimally invasive group. The number of anterior femoral cement voids (zone 1) was significantly higher in the minimally invasive group, and peripatellar and tibial cement debris was also more common in the minimally invasive group. Based on these findings, the midvastus approach compromises the surgeon’s ability to duplicate a consistent femoral cement mantle obtained using a standard exposure.