bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Did past economic prosperity affect the health related quality of life predictors? A longitudinal study on a representative sample of Slovenian family medicine patients
Authors: Cerne Anja , Svab Igor , Kersnik Janko , Selic Polona 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background
Health related quality of life (HRQOL) as an important measure of medical outcomes has been shown to be associated with demographic factors and the most common mental and chronic somatic diseases. This study’s aim was to identify factors predicting changes in HRQOL over a follow-up period in a representative sample of Slovenian family medicine patients.

Methods
In a longitudinal multi-centred study between 2003 and 2005, data were collected from 1118 consecutive attendees from 60 family medicine practices in Slovenia on quality of life, socio-demographic factors and the presence of mental disorders, with follow-up after 6 and 24 months. Retrospective information on chronic diseases was obtained from patients` health records. In three time-sequential multiple linear regression models, data on 601 patients (53.8%) was analysed to determine factors associated with each component score of quality of life.

Results
At baseline the patients were 48.58 (SE = 0.58) years of age, over half were women (386 (64.2%)) and most were Slovenian (548 (91.2%)). Quality of life was seen to improve over the two-year period. Factors significantly and consistently associated with a better mental component score of quality of life were social support, satisfactory circumstances in patients` household and absence of anxiety. Major life events in the past year and depression were shown to be risk factors for mental and physical components, while level of education, absence of long-term disability and chronic pain were identified as predictors of the physical component.

Conclusions
Detection and successful treatment of depression and anxiety has a potential to lead to improved quality of life in family medicine attendees; family physicians should be alert for the early onset of these conditions, knowing that symptoms of chronic pain, depression and anxiety often overlap in patients. Poorly educated patients and those lacking social support and/or satisfactory household circumstances should be recognised and empowered, and appropriate coping mechanisms should be introduced.
Multimorbidity prevalence in the general population: the role of obesity in chronic disease clustering
Authors: Agborsangaya Calypse B , Ngwakongnwi Emmanuel , Lahtinen Markus , Cooke Tim , Johnson Jeffrey A 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background
The role of obesity in the prevalence and clustering of multimorbidity, the occurrence of two or more chronic conditions, is understudied. We estimated the prevalence of multimorbidity by obesity status, and the interaction of obesity with other predictors of multimorbidity.

Methods
Data from adult respondents (18 years and over) to the Health Quality Council of Alberta 2012 Patient Experience Survey were analyzed. Multivariable regression models were fitted to test for associations.

Results
The survey sample included 4803 respondents; 55.8% were female and the mean age was 47.8 years (SD, 17.1). The majority (62.0%) of respondents reported having at least one chronic condition. The prevalence of multimorbidity, including obesity, was 36.0% (95% CI, 34.8 – 37.3). The prevalence of obesity alone was 28.1% (95% CI 26.6 – 29.5). Having obesity was associated with more than double the odds of multimorbidity (odds ratio = 2.2, 95% CI 1.9 – 2.7) compared to non-obese.

Conclusions
The prevalence of multimorbidity in the general population is high, but even higher in obese than non-obese persons. These findings may be relevant for surveillance, prevention and management strategies for multimorbidity.
Leukocytes and systemic inflammatory response syndrome as prognostic factors in pulmonary embolism patients
Authors: Jo Jun Yeon , Lee Mi Young , Lee Jin Wook , Rho Byung Hak , Choi Won-Il 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background
Hemodynamic status and cardiac function are important factors for predicting pulmonary embolism (PE) prognosis. Although inflammation is considered a risk factor for deep vein thrombosis, the prognostic significance of both systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and leukocytosis has not been elucidated. This study evaluates PE prognostic factors, including SIRS and leukocytes.

Methods
This retrospective cohort study included 667 PE patients. Risk evaluation included SIRS and leukocytosis. A prediction model was developed based on independent predictors of 30-day mortality.

Results
Fifty-seven patients (8.5%) died within 30 days of PE. Multivariate analysis showed that SIRS satisfying the WBC criteria (odds ratio [OR], 2.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5–5.4), altered mental status (OR, 4.0; 95% CI, 1.8–8.7), shock (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.0-7.1), and right-to-left ventricle diameter ratio (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.0-2.8) were associated with 30-day mortality. SIRS criteria, including body temperature (OR, 4.6; 95% CI, 1.4–14.8), heart rate (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.1–3.6), respiratory rate (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.4–4.6), and white blood cells (WBC) count (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.2–3.5) predicted short-term mortality following PE. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the prognostic model performance was 0.76 (95% CI, 0.66–0.85); pulmonary embolism severity index (PESI) and PESI + WBC count were 0.72 (95% CI, 0.68–0.75) and 0.76 (95% CI, 0.72–0.79, P < 0.001 versus PESI), respectively.

Conclusions
Leukocytosis and SIRS are important factors in determining short-term outcomes in PE patients.
Reduced tumorigenicity and pathogenicity of cervical carcinoma SiHa cells selected for resistance to cidofovir
Authors: De Schutter Tim , Andrei Graciela , Topalis Dimitri , Duraffour Sophie , Mitera Tania , van den Oord Joost , Matthys Patrick , Snoeck Robert 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundInsights into the mechanisms associated with chemotherapy-resistance are important for implementation of therapeutic strategies and for unraveling the mode of action of chemotherapeutics. Although cidofovir (CDV) has proven efficacious in the treatment of human papillomavirus (HPV)-induced proliferation, no studies concerning the development of resistance to CDV in HPV-positive tumor cells have been performed yet.MethodsFrom the cervical carcinoma SiHa cells (SiHaparental), which are HPV-16 positive, cidofovir-resistant cells (SiHaCDV) were selected, and differential gene expression profiles were analyzed by means of microarrays. We examinedin vitrophenotyping of resistant cells compared to parental cells as well as tumorigenicity and pathogenicity in a mouse-xenograft model.ResultsSiHaCDVhad a resistant phenotype and a reduced growth bothin vitroandin vivo. A markedly diminished inflammatory response (as measured by production of host- and tumor-derived cytokines and number of neutrophils and macrophages in spleen) was induced by SiHaCDVthan by SiHaparentalin the xenograft model. Gene expression profiling identified several genes with differential expression upon acquisition of CDV-resistance and pointed to a diminished induction of inflammatory response in SiHaCDVcompared to SiHaparental.ConclusionsOur results indicate that acquisition of resistance to cidofovir in SiHa cells is linked to reduced pathogenicity. The present study contributes to our understanding on the antiproliferative effects of CDV and on the mechanisms involved, the inflammatory response playing a central role.
Renal cell carcinoma metastasis to thyroid tumor: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Medas Fabio , Calò Pietro Giorgio , Lai Maria Letizia , Tuveri Massimiliano , Pisano Giuseppe , Nicolosi Angelo 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Introduction
Metastatic neoplasms to the thyroid gland are rare in clinical practice. Clear cell renal carcinoma is the most frequent site of origin of thyroid metastases and represents 12 to 34% of all secondary thyroid tumors. Tumor-to-tumor metastases, in which a thyroid neoplasm is the recipient of a metastasis, are exceedingly rare. We report a case of clear cell renal carcinoma metastatic to a follicular adenoma. This is the tenth case of renal cell carcinoma metastasis to thyroid tumor reported in the literature.

Case presentation
A 62-year-old Caucasian woman with a history of clear cell renal carcinoma was admitted to our institution for multinodular goiter. A histological examination after total thyroidectomy revealed clear cell renal carcinoma metastasis to a thyroid follicular adenoma.

Conclusions
Preoperative diagnosis of secondary thyroid neoplasm is difficult to achieve. The diagnosis of metastatic disease should be taken into account if patients have a history of clear cell renal carcinoma or if there is a multifocal growth pattern and clear cell appearance of the cytoplasm.
Progranulin antibodies entertain a proinflammatory environment in a subgroup of patients with psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Thurner Lorenz , Zaks Marina , Preuss Klaus-Dieter , Fadle Natalie , Regitz Evi , Ong Mei Fang , Pfreundschuh Michael , Assmann Gunter 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a distinctive inflammatory arthritis which may typically develop in a subgroup of individuals suffering from psoriasis. We recently described progranulin autoantibodies (PGRN-Abs) in the sera of patients with different autoimmune diseases including seronegative polyarthritis. In the present study we investigated the occurrence of PGRN-Abs in PsA.

Methods
PGRN-Abs were determined in 260 patients with PsA, 100 patients with psoriasis without arthritic manifestations (PsC) and 97 healthy controls using a recently described ELISA. PGRN plasma levels were determined from subgroups by a commercially available ELISA-kit. Possible functional effects of PGRN-antibodies were analysed in vitro by tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α mediated cytotoxicity assays using WEHI-S and HT1080 cells.

Results
PGRN-Abs were detected with relevant titres in 50/260 (19.23%) patients with PsA, but in 0/100 patients with psoriasis without arthritic manifestations (P = 0.0001). All PGRN-Abs belonged to immunoglobulin G (IgG). PGRN-Abs were significantly more frequent in PsA patients with enthesitis or dactylitis. PGRN-Abs were also more frequent in PsA patients receiving treatment with TNF-α-blockers than in patients treated without TNF-α-blockers (20.8% versus 17.4%; P = 0.016). PGRN plasma levels were significantly lower in PGRN-Ab-positive patients with PsA than in healthy controls and patients with psoriasis without arthritic manifestations (P < 0.001), indicating a neutralizing effect of PGRN-Abs. Moreover cytotoxicity assays comparing PGRN-antibody positive with negative sera from matched patients with PsA, clearly showed a proinflammatory effect of PGRN antibodies.

Conclusion
Neutralizing PGRN-Abs occur with relevant titres in a subgroup of patients with PsA, but not in patients without arthritic manifestations (PsC). PGRN-Ab-positive patients had more frequent enthesitis or dactylitis. TNF-α-induced cytotoxicity assays demonstrated that the protective effects of progranulin were inhibited by serum containing PGRN-Abs. This suggests that PGRN-Ab might not only be useful as a diagnostic and prognostic marker, but may provide a proinflammatory environment in a subgroup of patients with PsA.
Phase I Study of Neratinib in Combination With Temsirolimus in Patients With Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2–Dependent and Other Solid Tumors
Authors: Gandhi Leena , Bahleda Rastislav , Tolaney Sara M. , Kwak Eunice L. , Cleary James M. , Pandya Shuchi S. , Hollebecque Antoine , Abbas Richat , Ananthakrishnan Revathi , Berkenblit Anna , Krygowski Mizue , Liang Yali , Turnbull Kathleen W. , Shapiro Geoffrey I. , Soria Jean-Charles 
Published: December 2013

Purpose Human epidermal growth factor (HER) –mediated signaling is critical in many cancers, including subsets of breast and lung cancer. HER family members signal via the phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) –AKT/protein kinase B–mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) cascade; mTOR activation is critical for the expression of multiple contributors to tumor growth and invasion. On the basis of preclinical data suggesting synergy of HER2 inhibition and mTOR inhibition in breast and lung cancer models, we conducted a phase I combination study of neratinib, a small-molecule irreversible pan-HER tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and temsirolimus, an mTOR inhibitor, in patients with advanced solid tumors. Patients and Methods This study enrolled patients to dosing combinations of neratinib and temsirolimus. The primary objective was to estimate the toxicity contour of the combination and establish recommended phase II doses. Results Sixty patients were treated on 12 of 16 possible dosing combinations. Diarrhea was the most common drug-related (93%) and dose-limiting toxicity (DLT), constituting four of 10 DLTs. Dose-limiting grade 3 metabolic abnormalities were also observed. Other frequent drug-related toxicities included nausea, stomatitis (both 53%), and anemia (48%). Two maximum-tolerated dose combinations were identified: 200 mg of neratinib/25 mg of temsirolimus and 160 mg of neratinib/50 mg of temsirolimus. Responses were noted in patients with HER2-amplified breast cancer resistant to trastuzumab, HER2-mutant non–small-cell lung cancer, and tumor types without identified mutations in the HER-PI3K-mTOR pathway. Conclusion The combination of neratinib and temsirolimus was tolerable and demonstrated antitumor activity in multiple tumor types, warranting further evaluation.
Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Phase III Trial of Sunitinib Plus Prednisone Versus Prednisone Alone in Progressive, Metastatic, Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Michaelson M. Dror , Oudard Stephane , Ou Yen-Chuan , Sengeløv Lisa , Saad Fred , Houede Nadine , Ostler Peter , Stenzl Arnulf , Daugaard Gedske , Jones Robert , Laestadius Fredrik , Ullèn Anders , Bahl Amit , Castellano Daniel , Gschwend Juergen , Maurina Tristan , Chow Maneval Edna , Wang Shaw-Ling , Lechuga Maria Jose , Paolini Jolanda , Chen Isan 
Published: December 2013

Purpose We evaluated angiogenesis-targeted sunitinib therapy in a randomized, double-blind trial of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Patients and Methods Men with progressive mCRPC after docetaxel-based chemotherapy were randomly assigned 2:1 to receive sunitinib 37.5 mg/d continuously or placebo. Patients also received oral prednisone 5 mg twice daily. The primary end point was overall survival (OS); secondary end points included progression-free survival (PFS). Two interim analyses were planned. Results Overall, 873 patients were randomly assigned to receive sunitinib (n = 584) or placebo (n = 289). The independent data monitoring committee stopped the study for futility after the second interim analysis. After a median overall follow-up of 8.7 months, median OS was 13.1 months and 11.8 months for sunitinib and placebo, respectively (hazard ratio [HR], 0.914; 95% CI, 0.762 to 1.097; stratified log-rank test, P = .168). PFS was significantly improved in the sunitinib arm (median 5.6 v 4.1 months; HR, 0.725; 95% CI, 0.591 to 0.890; stratified log-rank test, P < .001). Toxicity and rates of discontinuations because of adverse events (AEs; 27% v 7%) were greater with sunitinib than placebo. The most common treatment-related grade 3/4 AEs were fatigue (9% v 1%), asthenia (8% v 2%), and hand–foot syndrome (7% v 0%). Frequent treatment-emergent grade 3/4 hematologic abnormalities were lymphopenia (20% v 11%), anemia (9% v 8%), and neutropenia (6% v < 1%). Conclusion The addition of sunitinib to prednisone did not improve OS compared with placebo in docetaxel-refractory mCRPC. The role of antiangiogenic therapy in mCRPC remains investigational.
Breast Implant–Associated Anaplastic Large-Cell Lymphoma: Long-Term Follow-Up of 60 Patients
Authors: Miranda Roberto N. , Aladily Tariq N. , Prince H. Miles , Kanagal-Shamanna Rashmi , de Jong Daphne , Fayad Luis E. , Amin Mitual B. , Haideri Nisreen , Bhagat Govind , Brooks Glen S. , Shifrin David A. , O'Malley Dennis P. , Cheah Chan Y. , Bacchi Carlos E. , Gualco Gabriela , Li Shiyong , Keech John A. , Hochberg Ephram P. , Carty Matthew J. , Hanson Summer E. , Mustafa Eid , Sanchez Steven , Manning John T. , Xu-Monette Zijun Y. , Miranda Alonso R. , Fox Patricia , Bassett Roland L. , Castillo Jorge J. , Beltran Brady E. , de Boer Jan Paul , Chakhachiro Zaher , Ye Dongjiu , Clark Douglas , Young Ken H. , Medeiros L. Jeffrey 
Published: December 2013

Purpose Breast implant–associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a recently described clinicopathologic entity that usually presents as an effusion-associated fibrous capsule surrounding an implant. Less frequently, it presents as a mass. The natural history of this disease and long-term outcomes are unknown. Patients and Methods We reviewed the literature for all published cases of breast implant–associated ALCL from 1997 to December 2012 and contacted corresponding authors to update clinical follow-up. Results The median overall survival (OS) for 60 patients was 12 years (median follow-up, 2 years; range, 0-14 years). Capsulectomy and implant removal was performed on 56 of 60 patients (93%). Therapeutic data were available for 55 patients: 39 patients (78%) received systemic chemotherapy, and of the 16 patients (28%) who did not receive chemotherapy, 12 patients opted for watchful waiting and four patients received radiation therapy alone. Thirty-nine (93%) of 42 patients with disease confined by the fibrous capsule achieved complete remission, compared with complete remission in 13 (72%) of 18 patients with a tumor mass. Patients with a breast mass had worse OS and progression-free survival (PFS; P = .052 and P = .03, respectively). The OS or PFS were similar between patients who received and did not receive chemotherapy (P = .44 and P = .28, respectively). Conclusion Most patients with breast implant–associated ALCL who had disease confined within the fibrous capsule achieved complete remission. Proper management for these patients may be limited to capsulectomy and implant removal. Patients who present with a mass have a more aggressive clinical course that may be fatal, justifying cytotoxic chemotherapy in addition to removal of implants.
Young Women's Contraceptive Microbicide Preferences: Associations with Contraceptive Behavior and Sexual Relationship Characteristics
Authors: Best Candace , Tanner Amanda E. , Hensel Devon J. , Fortenberry J. Dennis , Zimet Gregory D. 
Published: December 2013

CONTEXTIn time, microbicides may provide women with dual prevention against pregnancy and STDs. Although several microbicide dimensions have been evaluated, little is known about women's preferences for contraceptive microbicides and correlates of these preferences.METHODSAcceptability of a hypothetical contraceptive microbicide cream or jelly was examined among a clinic‐based sample of 266 women in Indianapolis from 2004 (when participants were aged 14–22) to 2008. Group conjoint analyses and individual conjoint analyses were used to compare preferences with respect to four microbicide dimensions: contraceptive ability, efficacy in relation to condoms, timing of use and texture. Pearson's product moment correlations were used to examine the relationship between preferences for a contraceptive microbicide and selected characteristics of the women.RESULTSOverall, the top‐rated microbicide dimensions were efficacy in relation to that of condoms and contraceptive ability (importance scores, 40.0 and 35.4 out of 100.0, respectively). When all dimension levels were compared, contraceptive ability was the most strongly preferred (part‐worth utility score, 8.9), and lower efficacy than that of condoms was the least strongly preferred (−11.9). Preference for contraceptive microbicides was positively associated with current contraceptive use, sexual agency, partner communication, commitment to avoiding pregnancy and perceived partner agreement about avoiding pregnancy (coefficients, 0.07–0.18). It was negatively associated with current or past nonuse of contraceptives, seeking pregnancy and perceived partner agreement about seeking pregnancy (−0.08 to −0.14).CONCLUSIONSMicrobicides with dual prevention properties may be attractive to young women. Microbicide development and subsequent clinical trials should incorporate contraceptive microbicides.
A characterization of vertex operator algebras V
+
ℤα: I
Authors: Dong Chongying , Jiang Cuipo 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
A characterization of vertex operator algebra V
+
ℤα with (α,α)/2
not being a perfect square is given in terms of dimensions of homogeneous subspaces of small weights.
This result contributes to the classification of rational vertex operator algebras of central charge 1.
The Σ1-invariant for Artin groups of circuit rank 1
Authors: Almeida Kisnney , Kochloukova Dessislava 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
We define an Artin group of circuit rank 1 as an Artin group based on a connected graph with fundamental group a free group of rank 1. For an Artin group G of circuit rank 1 the Bieri–Neumann–Renz–Strebel invariant

Σ
1

(
G
,
ℤ
)

${\Sigma ^1(G, \mathbb {Z})}$

is calculated.
Numerical modeling of timber with knots: the progressively damaged lattice approach vs. the equivalent damaged continuum
Authors: Guindos Pablo 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Two new numerical models for simulating structural timber with knots are presented. The first one, the lattice model (LM), was built from an arrangement of linear truss elements, meanwhile, the second one, the continuum model (CM), was constructed of nonquadratic quadrilateral elements. Both models shared similar characteristics, which allows for an objective comparison between the two approaches. Common characteristics are as follows: they (1) possess identical geometry and node locations, (2) consider the fiber deviation of wood based on the flow-grain theory, (3) account for the longitudinal and transverse plasticity, and (4) permit tensile damage. Experimental four-point bending tests were performed to compare failure prediction, failure location, deflection, and qualitative failure pattern. Considerable construction and calibration work were required for the LM approach in comparison with the CM approach. However, the LM acceptably predicted the behavior of wood at the macroscale, and previous research documented satisfactory predictions for small scales. This suggests the lattice paradigm to be a valid approach for multiscalar simulations of wood. Moreover, complex mechanical principles (e.g., plasticity and damage) were found to be easier to incorporate into lattice elements. This can lead to deeper material understanding and innovation, as limitations for multiscale modeling may be more computational than theoretically constrained.
Migration of cesium chloride dissolved in the liquid water of sugi (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don) during drying at 65°C
Authors: Tanaka Takashi , Kawai Yasuo 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
The objective of this study was the visualization of the migration of a dissolved substance in the liquid water of wood during drying by means of X-ray imaging. The formation of a characteristic deposition pattern has been observed in the course of drying small pieces of sugi soaked in a cesium chloride (CsCl) aqueous solution. Expectedly, CsCl migrated from the inside to the surface and was deposited just below the surface because of the evaporation of water at the evaporation front. At the end of the drying process, the relative concentration of CsCl at the surface of sapwood samples was determined to be 130%–400% of the initial amount of dissolved CsCl, while the CsCl concentration deep inside samples was below 50%. Sapwood accumulated more CsCl than heartwood did, and the CsCl concentration in latewood was higher than in earlywood.