bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Darbepoetin versus Epoetin Alfa for the Correction of Anemia in Cancer Patients Receiving Radiotherapy or Chemoradiotherapy Treatment
Authors: Ots Pilar M Samper , Carrizosa Concepción López , Pérez Aurora Rodríguez , De Dios Saez Garrido Juan , Delgado Pérez José M 
Published: September 2017

Introduction Anemia is the most frequent hematological disturbance in cancer patients, with prevalence between 30% and 90%, depending on the type of tumor, the antitumor treatment, and other factors (infection, malnutrition, bleeding, tumor infiltration of the bone marrow). A number of erythropoietic agents have shown to be effective in increasing the hemoglobin (Hb) levels, reducing the requirements for transfusion, and improving quality of life. The objective of this study is to compare darbepoetin alfa and epoetin alfa when used to correct anemia in cancer patients who are receiving radiotherapy or radiochemotherapy. Material and methods A prospective study of 125 consecutive patients with anemia (Hb < 13 g/dL in males or < 12 g/dL in females) who were undergoing treatment with radiotherapy (RT) or radiochemotherapy (RCT) in our department were enrolled between March 2003 and March 2005. The treatment for the anemia was either darbepoetin alfa 150 mcg/week (62 patients, group 1) or epoetin alfa 40,000 IU/week (63 patients, group 2). Patients received iron supplements in both groups. Treatment was administered in a consecutive manner depending on tumor type. If the increase in Hb was < 1 g/dL after 4 weeks of treatment, the dose was increased to 300 mcg/week in group 1 or to 60,000 IU/week in group 2. The treatment was terminated when a Hb value of ≥ 15 g/dL was reached during RT treatment, a Hb value of ≥ 14 g/dL was reached if the RT had been completed, or after 16 weeks of treatment whatever the Hb value. The mean age of patients was 63.36 ± 11.27 years, 67% were male. No significant differences were observed between the 2 groups in tumor type or stage, previous treatments, or intent to treat with RT or RCT. Results Comparing group 1 and group 2 by intent to treat, the mean Hb at the start of treatment with the study drug was 12.1 g/dL vs 11.8 g/dL, the proportion of patients whose dose was increased was19.7% vs 24.6%, the need for transfusion was 3.2% in each group, the duration of erythropoietic treatment was 6.5 weeks in both groups, and 2 patients in group 2 restarted treatment with epoetin alfa. The percentage of patients who responded (defined as an increase in the Hb ≥ 2 g/dL in the absence of transfusions) was of 72.6% and 66.7%, respectively. Four vascular adverse events were observed, 2 in each group. No significant differences were observed with respect to the baseline, week 4, and week 12 levels of endogenous erythropoietin, serum iron,% saturation, and ferritin. The increase in Hb 1 month after the final administration of the study drug was 2.21 g/dL in group 1 and 2.46 g/dL in group 2 (p = ns). Conclusions The results of our study demonstrate that both treatments are equally effective in correcting anemia in cancer patients undergoing RT or RCT.
The Metastasectomy and Timing of Pulmonary Metastases on the Outcome of Osteosarcoma Patients
Authors: Huang Yu-Min , Hou Chun-Han , Hou Sheng-Mou , Yang Rong-Sen 
Published: September 2017

Background The author intended to clarify the therapeutic effect and prognostic factors of metastasectomy and timing of pulmonary metastases in osteosarcoma patents. Methods Data was obtained retrospectively on all consecutive osteosarcoma patients from 1985 to 2005 in author's institute. Fifty-two patients with pulmonary nodules were identified, including 24 patients undergoing pulmonary metastasectomy treatment. These patients were categorized into four groups: group 1, patients with lung metastases at the initial presentation; group 2, lung metastases identified during the period of pre-operative chemotherapy; group 3, lung metastases identified during period of the post-operative chemotherapy; group 4, lung metastases identified after therapy for the primary osteosarcoma completed. Results In our study, the 2-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates for 52 patients were 49%, 39% and 20%. The 2-year overall survival rates were 18% for group 1, 32% for group 3, and 70% for group 4 (p < 0.001). The 5-year overall survival rate was 34% for group 4. Patients who underwent metastesectomy showed a better survival outcome as compared with the patients not undergoing metastasectomy (p = 0.003). The 2-year and 5-year overall survival rates of only one lung metastatic nodule were 62% and 50%, and for initially multiple lung metastatic nodules, 45% and 5%, respectively. In addition, the patients presented with lung metastases had a worse prognosis as compared with those without initial lung metastases (p = 0.0001). Conclusions The patients having single metastatic nodule showed a better prognosis than those with multiple lung nodules. Furthermore, those patients who underwent metastasectomy survived longer than those not undergoing metastasectomy. Patients who had late metastases after complete chemotherapy had a better prognosis; whereas those who had metastases identified at the initial presentation predicted a poor prognosis.
Phase II Study of S-1 Monotherapy as a First-line, Combination Therapy of S-1 plus Cisplatin as a Second-line, and Weekly Paclitaxel Monotherapy as a Third-line Therapy in Patients with Advanced Gastric Carcinoma
Authors: Rino Yasushi , Yukawa Norio , Wada Nobuyuki , Suzuki Makoto , Murakami Hitoshi , Yamada Takanobu , Nakayama Hirotaka , Yamamoto Naoto , Sato Tsutomu , Yamada Roppei , Ohshima Takashi , Masuda Munetaka , Imada Toshio 
Published: September 2017

Background We conducted a pilot phase II study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of S-1 as a first-line, S-1 plus cisplatin as a second-line, and weekly paclitaxel as a third-line therapy for advanced gastric cancer. Patients and Methods Between 2002 and 2005, 19 patients were enrolled in this study. Chemotherapy consisted of either 60 mg/m2 of S-1 for 4 weeks at 6 weeks interval, a combination of 60 mg/m2 S-1 for 3 weeks and 60 mg/m2 cisplatin on day 8 at 5 weeks interval, or 60 mg/m2 paclitaxel at day 1, 8, 15, at 4 weeks interval. The regimen was repeated until the occurrence of unacceptable toxicities, disease progression, or patient refusal. The primary end point was the overall survival. Results The response rates were 33.3%, 12.5%, and 0% after the first, second, and third line chemotherapy, respectively. The mean overall survival time was 994 days. The median survival time could not be calculated because 12 out of 19 patients were still alive when the study was concluded. Regarding hematological toxicity, the major adverse effect was leukopenia, which reached grades 3–4 in all lines of chemotherapy investigated. In addition, regarding non-hematological toxicities, the major adverse effect was anorexia, which reached grade 3–4 in the second line chemotherapy, and no deaths were attributable to the adverse effects of the drugs. Conclusion This sequential therapy was an effective treatment for advanced gastric cancer with acceptable toxic side-effects. We considered this sequential therapy to be effective because of the smooth switch to the next regimen.
Increased Incidence of Loco-Regional Recurrences among African American Women with Terminal Stage Breast Cancer
Authors: Colón-Otero Gerardo , King Sherry , Smith Vandelyn , Bieber Carolyn , Crook Julia , Solberg Lawrence A. , Shannon Robert , Perez Edith A. 
Published: September 2017

A prospective analysis of women with terminal breast cancer admitted to CHNE from November 2006-August 2007 evaluated anecdotal observations that African American (AA) women are likelier than Caucasian women to evidence loco-regional recurrences (LRR). Women with terminal breast cancer who were admitted to CHNE, a not-for-profit hospice serving over 90% of Northeast Florida hospice patients, were eligible for participation. 134 terminal breast cancer patients were assessed by hospice nurses for LRR presence via chest wall examination. 80% of them (107) were Caucasian, 17% (23) were AA and 3% (4) were of other ethnicities. Evidence of LRR were noted in 13% of the women (17/134). The proportion of patients with LRR was higher in AA women than Caucasian women (26% vs. 10%, 6/23 vs. 11/107, respectively), although this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.08). The majority of Caucasian women with LRR consented to a medical record review, but a minority of AA women consented (8/11 vs. 2/6, respectively, p = 0.16). Conclusion Evaluating disparities in breast cancer care outcomes is possible by reviewing data from patients served by hospice programs that aid a majority of patients within a community. This pilot data suggests that AA women with breast cancer have a higher incidence of loco-regional failure as a component of their terminal breast cancer disease than Caucasian women. A smaller proportion of AA patients and families agreed to participate in a medical record review study than Caucasians. Larger studies are necessary to confirm these findings, to elucidate factors contributing to disparities and to develop potential solutions.
Detection of Oxacillin Resistance in Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from the Neonatal and Pediatric Units of a Brazilian Teaching Hospital
Authors: Pereira Valéria Cataneli , Martins André , Suppo de Souza Rugolo Lígia Maria , de Lourdes Ribeiro de Souza da Cunha Maria 
Published: September 2017

Objective To determine, by phenotypic and genotypic methods, oxacillin susceptibility in Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from pediatric and neonatal intensive care unit patients seen at the University Hospital of the Botucatu School of Medicine. Methods A total of 100 S. aureus strains isolated from the following materials were studied: 25 blood cultures, 21 secretions, 12 catheters, 3 cannulae and one chest drain from 62 patients in the neonatal unit, and 36 blood cultures, one pleural fluid sample and one peritoneal fluid sample from 38 patients in the pediatric unit. Resistance of the S. aureus isolates to oxacillin was evaluated by the disk diffusion method with oxacillin (1 μg) and cefoxitin (30 μg), agar screening test using Mueller-Hinton agar supplemented with 6 μg/ml oxacillin and 4% NaCl, and detection of the mecA gene by PCR. In addition, the isolates were tested for β-lactamase production using disks impregnated with Nitrocefin and hyperproduction of β-lactamase using amoxicillin (20 μg) and clavulanic acid (10 μg) disks. Results Among the 100 S. aureus strains included in the study, 18.0% were resistant to oxacillin, with 16.1% MRSA being detected in the neonatal unit and 21.0% in the pediatric unit. The oxacillin (1 μg) and cefoxitin (30 μg) disk diffusion methods presented 94.4% and 100% sensitivity, respectively, and 98.8% specificity. The screening test showed 100% sensitivity and 98.8% specificity. All isolates produced β-lactamase and one of these strains was considered to be a hyperproducer. Conclusions The 30 μg cefoxitin disk diffusion method presented the best result when compared to the 1 μg oxacillin disk. The sensitivity of the agar screening test was similar to that of the cefoxitin disk diffusion method and higher than that of the oxacillin disk diffusion method. We observed variations in the percentage of oxacillin-resistant isolates during the study period, with a decline over the last years which might be related to improved nosocomial infection control and the rational use of antibiotics.
Lemierre Syndrome: Two Preschool Children with Cerebral Infarcts
Authors: Santschi Miriam , David Michèle , Garel Laurent , Vanasse Michel , Gauvin France 
Published: September 2017

We report two children who developed hemiparesis secondary to cerebral infarcts complicating Lemierre syndrome. The first case is a one-year-old patient who presented a left internal jugular vein thrombosis and a left carotid compression due to retropharyngeal cellulitis. The second case is a five-year-old girl who presented a left internal jugular vein and a right carotid artery thrombosis associated with an oropharyngeal cellulitis. Etiologic agents involved were Staphylococus aureus in the first case and Fusobacterium necrophorum in the second case. These cases call for vigilance among physicians for this rare syndrome, its unusual presentation and its associated severe complications.
More financial burden-sharing for developing countries that host refugees
Authors: Luecke Matthias , Schneiderheinze Claas 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
The authors call on G20 leaders to extend more predictable and substantial support to lowand- middle-income countries that host refugees, in recognition of the global public good that these countries provide. Together with other high-income countries, G20 countries should fully cover the cost of providing for the basic and social needs of refugees. They should also help to expand public services and infrastructure for refugees as well as resident populations. Such international support for the economic integration and social inclusion of refugees will be most effective if host countries grant refugees a firm legal status with access to employment and entrepreneurship.
Contributions of transported Prudhoe Bay oil field emissions to the aerosol population in Utqiaġvik, Alaska
Authors: Gunsch Matthew J. , Kirpes Rachel M. , Kolesar Katheryn R. , Barrett Tate E. , China Swarup , Sheesley Rebecca J. , Laskin Alexander , Wiedensohler Alfred , Tuch Thomas , Pratt Kerri A. 
Published: September 2017

Abstract. Loss of sea ice is opening the Arctic to increasing development involving oil and gas extraction and shipping. Given the significant impacts of absorbing aerosol and secondary aerosol precursors emitted within the rapidly warming Arctic region, it is necessary to characterize local anthropogenic aerosol sources and compare to natural conditions. From August to September 2015 in Utqiaġvik (Barrow), AK, the chemical composition of individual atmospheric particles was measured by computer-controlled scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (0.13–4 µm projected area diameter) and real-time single-particle mass spectrometry (0.2–1.5 µm vacuum aerodynamic diameter). During periods influenced by the Arctic Ocean (70 % of the study), our results show that fresh sea spray aerosol contributed  ∼ 20 %, by number, of particles between 0.13 and 0.4 µm, 40–70 % between 0.4 and 1 µm, and 80–100 % between 1 and 4 µm particles. In contrast, for periods influenced by emissions from Prudhoe Bay (10 % of the study), the third largest oil field in North America, there was a strong influence from submicron (0.13–1 µm) combustion-derived particles (20–50 % organic carbon, by number; 5–10 % soot by number). While sea spray aerosol still comprised a large fraction of particles (90 % by number from 1 to 4 µm) detected under Prudhoe Bay influence, these particles were internally mixed with sulfate and nitrate indicative of aging processes during transport. In addition, the overall mode of the particle size number distribution shifted from 76 nm during Arctic Ocean influence to 27 nm during Prudhoe Bay influence, with particle concentrations increasing from 130 to 920 cm−3 due to transported particle emissions from the oil fields. The increased contributions of carbonaceous combustion products and partially aged sea spray aerosol should be considered in future Arctic atmospheric composition and climate simulations.
Deriving principal channel metrics from bank and long-profile geometry with the R package cmgo
Authors: Golly Antonius , Turowski Jens M. 
Published: September 2017

Abstract. Landscape patterns result from landscape forming processes. This link can be exploited in geomorphological research by reversely analyzing the geometrical content of landscapes to develop or confirm theories of the underlying processes. Since rivers represent a dominant control on landscape formation, there is a particular interest in examining channel metrics in a quantitative and objective manner. For example, river cross-section geometry is required to model local flow hydraulics, which in turn determine erosion and thus channel dynamics. Similarly, channel geometry is crucial for engineering purposes, water resource management, and ecological restoration efforts. These applications require a framework to capture and derive the data. In this paper we present an open-source software tool that performs the calculation of several channel metrics (length, slope, width, bank retreat, knickpoints, etc.) in an objective and reproducible way based on principal bank geometry that can be measured in the field or in a GIS. Furthermore, the software provides a framework to integrate spatial features, for example the abundance of species or the occurrence of knickpoints. The program is available at https://github.com/AntoniusGolly/cmgo and is free to use, modify, and redistribute under the terms of the GNU General Public License version 3 as published by the Free Software Foundation.
Kingdom of Heaven and its ideological message
Authors: Liu Yiou 
Published: September 2017

As a Crusades epic, the film Kingdom of Heaven revives the 12th century history in the critical city of Jerusalem. The story surrounds a French blacksmith Balian who defends Jerusalem and contends with the Islamic leader Saladin who attempts to seize back the holy city from the Christians. Through the special themes in region, religion and war, Kingdom of Heaven seems to indicate the conflicts between the East and the West. Furthermore, the outbreaks of 9/11 and the Iraq War definitely make this film’s release more controversial. Kingdom of Heaven, being a film, an essential medium of mass communication, the style in which it expresses its story and ideology is worth considering in depth. By exploring this Hollywood film which lacks of the typical Hollywood style, this paper discusses the significance in making Kingdom of Heaven in the wake of 9/11 and how the critical debate surrounding the film is a reflection of contemporary ideologies.
A contemporary population-based study of testicular sex cord stromal tumours: Presentation, treatment patterns, and predictors of outcome
Authors: Yuh Lindsay M. , Lara Jr Primo N. , Wagenaar Rebecca M. , Evans Christopher P. , Dall'era Marc A. , Cress Rosemary , Yap Stanley A. 
Published: September 2017

Introduction: We aimed to characterize demographic distribution, patient outcomes, and prognostic features of testicular sex cord stromal tumours (SCST) using a large statewide database.Methods: Adult male patients diagnosed with SCST between 1988 and 2010 were identified within the California Cancer Registry (CCR). Baseline demographic variables and disease characteristics were reported. Primary outcome measures were cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS). Bivariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were employed to identify predictors of survival.Results: A total of 67 patients with SCST were identified, of which 45 (67%) had Leydig cell and 19 (28%) had Sertoli cell tumours. Median age was 40 years and the majority of patients (84%) presentedwith localized disease. Following orchiectomy, nine patients (15%) underwent retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND), whereas 54 patients (80%) had no further treatment. With a median followup of 75 months, two-year OS and CSS was 91% and 95%, respectively, for those presenting with stage I disease. For those presenting with stage II disease, two-year OS and CSS was 30%. Predictors of worse OS included age >60 (hazard ratio [HR] 5.64; p<0.01) and metastatic disease (HR 8.56; p<0.01). Presentation with metastatic disease was the only variable associated with worse CSS (HR 13.36; p<0.01). Histology was not found to be a significant predictor of either CSS or OS.Conclusions: We present the largest reported series to date for this rare tumour and provide contemporary epidemiological and treatment data. The primary driver of prognosis in patients with SCSTis disease stage, emphasizing the importance of early detection and intervention.
De jurisdictie van het Hof van Justitie op het terrein van het gemeenschappelijk buitenlands en veiligheidsbeleid
Authors: van der Mei A.P. 
Published: September 2017

De jurisdictie van het Hof van Justitie op het terrein van het gemeenschappelijk buitenlands en veiligheidsbeleid
In de zaken H en Rosneft werd het Hof van Justitie in de gelegenheid gesteld de eigen rechtsmacht op het terrein van het gemeenschappelijk buitenlands en veiligheidsbeleid (GBVB) te verduidelijken. Meer specifiek, het Hof van Justitie werd gevraagd vast te stellen (1) of het bepaalde ‘niet-politieke’ GBVB-besluiten ongeldig kan verklaren (art. 263 VWEU) en (2) of het zich ook in prejudiciële procedures (art. 267 VWEU) kan uitspreken over de geldigheid van GBVB-besluiten die strekken tot het opleggen van sancties aan natuurlijke of rechtspersonen. De arresten maken duidelijk dat de rechtsmacht van het Hof van Justitie ruimer is dan de tekst van de relevante Verdragsbepalingen suggereert.HvJ 19 juli 2016, zaak C-455/14 P, H/Raad van de Europese Unie, Europese Commissie en Politiemissie van de Europese Unie (EUPM) in Bosnië-Herzegovina, ECLI:EU:C:2016:569 en HvJ 28 maart 2017, zaak C-72/15, PJSC Rosneft Oil Company, voorheen Rosneft Oil Company OJSC/Her Majesty’s Treasury, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, The Financial Conduct Authority, ECLI:EU:C:2017:236
Ozone Design Values in Southern California's Air Basins: Temporal Evolution and U.S. Background Contribution
Authors: Parrish David D. , Young Lindsay M. , Newman Mia H. , Aikin Kenneth C. , Ryerson Thomas B. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractCalifornia's ambient ozone concentrations have two principal contributions: U.S. background ozone and enhancements produced from anthropogenic precursor emissions; only the latter effectively respond to California emission controls. From 1980 to 2015 ozone has been monitored in eight air basins in Southern California. The temporal evolution of the largest measured concentrations, i.e., those that define the ozone design value (ODV) upon which the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) is based, is described very well by an exponential decrease on top of a positive offset. We identify this offset as the ODV due to the U.S. background ozone (i.e., the concentration that would be present if U.S. anthropogenic precursor emissions were reduced to zero) and is estimated to be 62.0 ± 1.9 ppb in six of the basins. California's emission control efforts have reduced the anthropogenic ozone enhancements by a factor of ~5 since 1980. However, assuming that the current rate of exponential decrease is maintained and that U.S. background ODV remains constant, projections of the past decrease suggest that ~35 years of additional emission control efforts will be required to reach the new NAAQS of 70 ppb in the Los Angeles area. The growing predominance of U.S. background ozone contributions has shifted the maximum ozone concentrations in all air basins from later to earlier in the summer. Comparisons indicate that currently accepted model estimates of U.S. background ozone concentrations in Southern California are somewhat underestimated; thus, reducing ozone in this region to the 2015 NAAQS may be more difficult than currently expected.