bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Health‐related empowerment in cancer: Validity of scales from the Health Education Impact Questionnaire
Authors: Maunsell Elizabeth , Lauzier Sophie , Brunet Jennifer , Pelletier Sylvie , Osborne Richard H. , Campbell H. Sharon 
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUNDEmpowerment refers to an individual's feelings of being able to manage the challenges of the cancer experience and of having a sense of control over one's life. However, empowerment questionnaires that have been validated for the cancer setting are lacking. The objective of this study was to validate scales from the Health Education Impact Questionnaire (heiQ), which assesses the effects of health education programs among individuals with chronic conditions. The heiQ scalesSocial integration and support,Health service navigation,Constructive attitudes and approaches,Skill and technique acquisition,andEmotional distresswere identified as key dimensions of empowerment for the cancer context.METHODSAdults who were diagnosed with cancer <3 years earlier were recruited from a population‐based cancer registry and from the Canadian Cancer Society's information and peer‐support programs. The 731 participants completed a mailed questionnaire, which included the heiQ scales, related constructs, and demographics. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach α values, and validity was determined using confirmatory factor analysis and scale correlations with related constructs (self‐efficacy, intrusive thoughts about cancer, and mental and physical health).RESULTSThe hypothesized 5‐factor model fit the data adequately (chi‐square statistic, 528.17; degrees of freedom, 265; root mean square error of approximation, .04; non‐normed fit index, .99; comparative fit index, 1.00; standardized root mean residual, .05). Factor loadings were high (23 of 25 were ≥.70), and the factor correlations indicated separate but related constructs. Cronbach α values ranged from .75 to .90. A priori hypotheses about the correlations between heiQ scales and related constructs all were supported.CONCLUSIONSThe current results support the validity of these 5 heiQ scales as generic measures of health‐related empowerment in the cancer setting. These scales could fill an important gap in the measures currently available to evaluate proximal effects of support interventions.Cancer2014;120:3228–3236.©2014 American Cancer Society.
The nature and management of metastatic melanoma after progression on BRAF inhibitors: Effects of extended BRAF inhibition
Authors: Chan Matthew M. K. , Haydu Lauren E. , Menzies Alexander M. , Azer Mary W. F. , Klein Oliver , Lyle Megan , Clements Arthur , Guminski Alexander , Kefford Richard F. , Long Georgina V. 
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUNDThe v‐raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (BRAF) inhibitor (BRAFi) drugs dabrafenib and vemurafenib have high response rates in BRAF‐mutant, metastatic melanoma; however, 50% of patients progress by 7 months. In this study, the authors examined the nature and management of disease progression (PD) on BRAFi treatment, including characteristics and outcomes of patients who received continued BRAFi treatment beyond disease progression (TBP).METHODSClinicopathologic data at baseline and at the time of PD were collected for all patients with BRAF‐mutant metastatic melanoma who received BRAFi monotherapy within clinical trials between July 2009 and September 2012. Management and survival after PD were examined, including continued BRAFi TBP (>28 days beyond Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumor [RECIST]‐defined PD).RESULTSNinety‐five of 114 BRAFi‐treated patients had PD. Fifty‐three of those 95 patients (56%) progressed in extracranial sites alone, 18% (17 of 95 patients) progressed in intracranial and extracranial sites simultaneously, and 16% (15 of 95 patients) progressed in intracranial sites alone. Twenty‐nine of the 95 patients (31%) who had PD progressed in a single site or organ, 48% (46 of 95 patients) progressed in existing metastases only, and 18% (17 of 95 patients) had new metastases alone. At the time of PD, 35 of 95 patients (37%) received no subsequent systemic treatment, 20% (19 of 95 patients) changed systemic treatments, and 39% (37 of 95 patients) continued BRAFi TBP for a median of 97 days. BRAFi TBP and known prognostic factors (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, lactate dehydrogenase, RECIST sum of the greatest dimensions of target lesions) were associated with overall survival (OS) from the time of PD; however, in multivariable analysis, BRAFi TBP improved OS (hazard ratio, 0.50; 95% confidence interval, 0.27‐0.93; P=.029).CONCLUSIONSMost BRAFi‐treated patients progressed in existing extracranial sites, and 31% progressed in isolated sites. Compared with cessation, continued BRAFi TBP is associated with prolonged OS even after adjusting for potential prognostic factors at PD. Cancer 2014;120:3142–3153. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Gastric juice long noncoding RNA used as a tumor marker for screening gastric cancer
Authors: Shao Yongfu , Ye Meng , Jiang Xiaoming , Sun Weiliang , Ding Xiaoyun , Liu Zhong , Ye Guoliang , Zhang Xinjun , Xiao Bingxiu , Guo Junming 
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUNDLong noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a crucial role in tumorigenesis. However, the value of lncRNAs in the diagnosis of gastric cancer remains unknown. To identify whether lncRNA‐AA174084 is a potential marker for the early diagnosis of gastric cancer (GC), the authors investigated its levels in tissues, blood, and gastric juices from patients with various stage of gastric tumorigenesis.METHODSTotal RNA in 860 specimens from patients and healthy controls was extracted. Levels of AA174084 in 134 paired GC tissues, 127 gastric mucosal tissues, 335 plasma samples, and 130 gastric juice samples at each stage of gastric tumorigenesis were measured using real‐time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction analysis. The potential association between AA174084 levels and patients' clinicopathologic features were analyzed. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed for differentiating GC patients from controls.RESULTSExpression levels of AA174084 were down‐regulated significantly in 95 of 134 GC tissues (71%) compared with the levels in paired, adjacent, normal tissues (P < .001). AA174084 levels had significant, negative correlations with age (P = .031), Borrmann type (P = .016), and perineural invasion (P = .032). Plasma AA174084 levels in patients with GC dropped markedly on day 15 after surgery compared with preoperative levels (P < .001) and were associated with invasion (P = .049) and lymphatic metastasis (P = .042). AA174084 levels in gastric juice from patients with GC were significantly higher than the levels in normal mucosa or in patients with minimal gastritis, gastric ulcers, and atrophic gastritis (P < .001). The area under ROC was up to 0.848 (P < .001).CONCLUSIONSAA174084 may have potential as marker for the early diagnosis of GC. Cancer 2014;120:3320–3328. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Molecular analyses of 6 different types of uterine smooth muscle tumors: Emphasis in atypical leiomyoma
Authors: Zhang Qing , Ubago Julianne , Li Li , Guo Haiyang , Liu Yugang , Qiang Wenan , Kim J. Julie , Kong Beihua , Wei Jian‐Jun 
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUNDUterine smooth muscle tumors (USMTs) constitute a group of histologic, genetic, and clinical heterogeneous tumors that include at least 6 major histologically defined tumor types: leiomyoma (ULM), mitotically active leiomyoma (MALM), cellular leiomyoma (CLM), atypical leiomyoma (ALM), uncertain malignant potential (STUMP), and leiomyosarcoma (LMS). Apart from ULM and LMS, the nature of these variants is not well defined.METHODSA total of 167 cases of different USMT variants were collected, reviewed, and diagnostically confirmed based on the World Health Organization and Stanford schemes. These included 38 cases of LMS, 18 cases of STUMP, 42 cases of ALM, 22 cases of CLM, 7 cases of MALM, and 40 cases of ULM. Molecular analysis included selected microRNAs (miRNAs), oncogenes, and tumor suppressors that are highly relevant to USMT.RESULTSOverall, 49% (17/35) of LMS cases and 7% (1/14) of STUMP cases died due to their USMT, but no deaths were attributed to ALM. miRNA profiling revealed that ALM and LMS shared similar miRNA signatures. P53 mutations and PTEN deletions were significantly higher in LMS, ALM, and STUMP compared with other USMT variants (P < .01). In contrast, MED12 mutations were extremely common in ULM and MALM (>74%) but were significantly less common (<15%) in CLM, ALM, STUMP, and LMS (P < .01).CONCLUSIONSix types of USMT have different gene mutation fingerprints. ALM shares many molecular alterations with LMS. Our findings suggest that ALM may be a precursor lesion of LMS or have similar genetic changes during its early stage. Cancer 2014;120:3165–3177. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Mechanistic Insight into Oxide‐Promoted Palladium Catalysts for the Electro‐Oxidation of Ethanol
Authors: Martinez Ulises , Serov Alexey , Padilla Monica , Atanassov Plamen 
Published: July 2014

AbstractRecent advancements in the development of alternatives to proton exchange membrane fuel cells utilizing less‐expensive catalysts and renewable liquid fuels, such as alcohols, has been observed for alkaline fuel cell systems. Alcohol fuels present the advantage of not facing the challenge of storage and transportation encountered with hydrogen fuel. Oxidation of alcohols has been improved by the promotion of alloyed or secondary phases. Nevertheless, currently, there is no experimental understanding of the difference between an intrinsic and a synergistic promotion effect in high‐pH environments. This report shows evidence of different types of promotion effects on palladium electrocatalysts obtained from the presence of an oxide phase for the oxidation of ethanol. The correlation of mechanistic in situ IR spectroscopic studies with electrochemical voltammetry studies on two similar electrocatalytic systems allow the role of either an alloyed or a secondary phase on the mechanism of oxidation of ethanol to be elucidated. Evidence is presented for the difference between an intrinsic effect obtained from an alloyed system and a synergistic effect produced by the presence of an oxide phase.
Surface expression of CD39 identifies an enriched Treg‐cell subset in the rheumatic joint, which does not suppress IL‐17A secretion
Authors: Herrath Jessica , Chemin Karine , Albrecht Inka , Catrina Anca I. , Malmström Vivianne 
Published: July 2014

Treg cells are important for the maintenance of self‐tolerance and are implicated in autoimmunity. Despite enrichment of Treg cells in joints of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, local inflammation persists. As expression of the ATP‐hydrolyzing enzymes CD39 and CD73 and the resulting anti‐inflammatory adenosine production have been implicated as an important mechanism of suppression, we characterized FOXP3+ Treg cells in blood and synovial fluid samples of RA patients in the context of CD39 and CD73 expression. Synovial FOXP3+ Treg cells displayed high expression levels of rate‐limiting CD39, whereas CD73 was diminished. FOXP3+CD39+ Treg cells were also abundant in synovial tissue. Furthermore, FOXP3+CD39+ Treg cells did not secrete the proinflammatory cytokines IFN‐γ and TNF after in vitro stimulation in contrast to FOXP3+CD39− T cells. FOXP3+CD39+ Treg cells could be isolated by CD39 and CD25 coexpression, displayed a demethylated Treg‐specific demethylated region and coculture assays confirmed that CD25+CD39+ T cells have suppressive capacity, while their CD39− counterparts do not. Overall, our data show that FOXP3+CD39+ Treg cells are enriched at the site of inflammation, do not produce proinflammatory cytokines, and are good suppressors of many effector T‐cell functions including production of IFN‐γ, TNF, and IL‐17F but do not limit IL‐17A secretion.
Synthesis and Photoelectrochemical Properties of Efficient Photoanodes Built from Fe2O3/NiO Heterostructures
Authors: Fan Weiqiang , Zhang Chao , Bai Hongye , Yu Xiaoqiang , Shi Weidong 
Published: July 2014

AbstractNew photoanodes built from Fe2O3/NiO heterostructures were successfully prepared, and their morphologies and structures were systematically characterized by SEM, XRD, TEM, and HRTEM. The photoelectrochemical (PEC) properties of the heterostructures, including transient photocurrent density versus time (I–t) curves, photocurrent versus potential (I–V) curves, and incident‐photon‐to‐current efficiency (IPCE) curves, were also researched in depth. The p–n heterostructure composed of NiO and Fe2O3 results in the improvement of electron transfer between Fe2O3 and NiO.
Heat release rates of modern residential furnishings during combustion in a room calorimeter
Authors: Bwalya Alex , Gibbs Eric , Lougheed Gary , Kashef Ahmed 
Published: July 2014

SummaryResults are presented from a number of fire experiments that were conducted in a room environment to study the fire characteristics of typical residential furnishings and assist in the design of a subsequent phase of a project involving fully furnished room fire experiments. The experiments were conducted in a 16‐m2 test room (with dimensions 3.8 m wide × 4.2 m long × 2.4 m high), which had a 1.5 × 1.5‐m window opening. The furnishings tested included mattresses, bed clothes, bed assemblies, upholstered seating furniture, clothing arrangements, books, plastic audio/video media and storage cases, toys, shoes, and a computer workstation setup. The smoke (gaseous products of combustion) from the room was collected using a hood system in order to measure the heat release rate (HRR) and optical density of the smoke. The test room was instrumented with load cells, heat flux gauges, thermocouples and velocity probes in order to take the following measurements: mass loss, total heat flux on gauge‐installed flush with the internal surfaces (floor, walls, and ceiling), temperatures at numerous locations, and gas velocities in the window opening. Twin‐size mattresses produced peak HRRs of approximately 3800 kW, and the maximum room temperature was approximately 980°C. The HRRs of bed assemblies of various sizes and configurations ranged from 1800 kW for a twin‐size bed to 6250 kW for a bunk bed. The maximum temperature and heat flux recorded in the experiments were 1071°C and 221 kW/m2, respectively. Upholstered chairs and sofas had HRRs ranging from 630 kW for an ottoman to 3360 kW for a two‐seat sofa. In tests with clothing, toys, shoes, books, a computer workstation, and CD/DVD media, the peak HRRs ranged from 440 kW for a bookcase to 2045 kW for toys. Furnishings containing a large proportion of rigid thermoplastic plastics, such as shoes and media cases, produced very dense smoke even at low HRRs. The effect of parameters such as bed clothes, mattress type, foundation type, bed assembly and chair size, material composition, and fuel package arrangement was evident in the results. Because the room dimensions and wall lining materials remained constant, temperatures were linearly proportional to the peak HRR (and exposure time) until the ventilation limit (approximately 4100 kW) was reached. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tuber starch amylose content is associated with cold‐induced sweetening in potato
Authors: Jansky Shelley H. , Fajardo Diego A. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractCold‐induced sweetening (CIS) is the accumulation of reducing sugars in potato tubers at low storage temperatures. It is undesirable because it results in dark fry products. Our study evaluated the relationship between genetic resistance to CIS and two starch parameters, amylose content and starch granule size. We found that the amylose content in four CIS‐resistant varieties was higher than that in five susceptible varieties. Amylose content was influenced not only by variety but also storage, production year, and field location. However, interactions between amylose content and environmental variables were not detected. In contrast, starch granule size was not associated with CIS resistance. No effect of storage on starch granule size was detected, and interactions among variety, production year, and field location were observed. Tuber starch amylose content should be considered a source of variability for CIS.
Distinct neural responses to conscious versus unconscious monetary reward cues
Authors: Bijleveld Erik , Custers Ruud , Van der Stigchel Stefan , Aarts Henk , Pas Pascal , Vink Matthijs 
Published: July 2014

AbstractHuman reward pursuit is often assumed to involve conscious processing of reward information. However, recent research revealed that reward cues enhance cognitive performance even when perceived without awareness. Building on this discovery, the present functional MRI study tested two hypotheses using a rewarded mental‐rotation task. First, we examined whether subliminal rewards engage the ventral striatum (VS), an area implicated in reward anticipation. Second, we examined differences in neural responses to supraliminal versus subliminal rewards. Results indicated that supraliminal, but not subliminal, high‐value reward cues engaged brain areas involved in reward processing (VS) and task performance (supplementary motor area, motor cortex, and superior temporal gyrus). This pattern of findings is striking given that subliminal rewards improved performance to the same extent as supraliminal rewards. So, the neural substrates of conscious versus unconscious reward pursuit are vastly different—but despite their differences, conscious and unconscious reward pursuit may still produce the same behavioral outcomes. Hum Brain Mapp 35:5578–5586, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Empirical Testing of the External Validity of a Discrete Choice Experiment to Determine Preferred Treatment Option: The Case of Sleep Apnea
Authors: Krucien Nicolas , Gafni Amiram , Pelletier‐Fleury Nathalie 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThere is an increasing use of the discrete choice experiment (DCE) method in health care to estimate preferences of individuals and the public for different services. Despite this increasing use, there are few studies that investigate the validity of the DCE in health. This study investigates the external validity of DCE by comparing the predicted treatment choices from the DCE to the actual treatment choices made by the same respondents using a decision board (DB) approach. The sample includes 140 patients who came for a sleep apnea routine visit in a hospital setting. Each respondent answered 10 DCE tasks and 1 DB task. The preferences were estimated with a generalized multinomial logit model and the predicted and actual treatment choices were compared both at the sample and individual levels. The results raise questions about the external validity of DCE in health. At the sample level, the comparison showed large but not significant differences between the two methods. This can be explained in part by the aggregation process that obscures variability in the individuals’ preferences. At the individual level, the comparison showed that the two methods led to significantly different patterns of choices. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical utility of the modified Glasgow prognostic score in patients with advanced head and neck cancer
Authors: Nakayama Masahiro , Tabuchi Keiji , Hara Akira 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic potential of the modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS), known to reflect the degree of tumor‐associated inflammation and cancer cachexia, in patients with advanced head and neck cancer.MethodsPatients with advanced head and neck cancer treated at the University of Tsukuba Hospital between January 2002 and December 2011 were retrospectively evaluated. They were categorized by their mGPS.ResultsA total of 210 patients were enrolled in this study. Patients with an mGPS of 0 had better overall survival and disease‐free survival than did those with an mGPS of 1 or 2. Multivariate analysis revealed that the mGPS was a significant risk factor for overall survival and disease‐free survival.ConclusionsOur results suggest that the mGPS is useful for predicting outcome in patients with advanced head and neck cancer and should be included in their routine clinical assessment. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 1745–1749, 2015
Demographic and socioeconomic factors predictive of compliance with American Thyroid Association guidelines for the treatment for advanced papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Wenaas Ashley E. , Nagy Celeste Z. , Yiu Yin , Xu Li , Horter Kelsey , Zevallos Jose P. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe American Thyroid Association (ATA) publishes evidence‐based guidelines for the treatment of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). We sought to identify factors associated with receiving treatment compliant with the 2006 ATA guidelines for advanced‐stage PTC.MethodsThe 2006 ATA guideline compliance was examined in patients with stage III and IV PTC extrapolated from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER).ResultsSixty percent of patients received ATA‐compliant treatment. A stepwise increase in compliance occurred between 2006 and 2009 (p‐value trend = .0003). Age 45 to 64 years versus ≥65 (odds ratio [OR] = 0.682; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.57–0.81; p < .0001) and higher income (p trend = .012) were associated with an increased likelihood of receiving ATA‐compliant care. African Americans (OR = 0.56; 95% CI = 0.42–0.76; p = .0001) and single patients (OR = 0.81; 95% CI = 0.67–0.97; p = .02) were less likely to receive ATA‐compliant care.ConclusionThis study highlights specific populations at risk for receiving non–ATA‐compliant care for PTC and underscores the need to further implement guideline‐based practice. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 1776–1780, 2015
Toxic Effects of Paraquat on Cytokine Expression in Common Carp, Cyprinus carpio L.
Authors: Ma Junguo , Li Xiaoyu , Li Yuanyuan , Li Yao , Niu Daichun 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTIn this study, the acute toxicity of paraquat (PQ) in common carp was determined. Then, the contents and mRNA levels of the cytokines interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) were evaluated following subacute exposure to PQ. The results show that the LC50 of PQ for common carp at 72 and 96 h was 15.962 and 15.106 mg/L, respectively. Moreover, after 7 days of subacute PQ exposure, the IL‐1β content in the fish liver and kidney increased, although it decreased in spleen. However, changes in the IFN‐γ content showed an irregular trend. The TNF‐α content increased in the liver and spleen but decreased in the kidney. Additionally, PQ exposure also induced alterations in the mRNA levels of IL‐1β, IFN‐γ, and TNF‐α. These results suggest that PQ exposure may result in suppression or excessive activation of the immune system in treated fish and lead to immune dysfunction and reduced immunity.