bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chemotherapy use in stage III colon cancer: a National Cancer Database analysis
Authors: Upadhyay Smrity , Dahal Sumit , Bhatt Vijaya Raj , Khanal Nabin , Silberstein Peter T. 
Published: June 2015

Background: Although adjuvant chemotherapy in stage III colon cancer improves overall survival, prior studies have shown that it is underused. We analyzed different factors that may influence its use. Methods: This is a retrospective study of stage III colon cancer patients ( n = 207,718) diagnosed between 2000 and 2011 in the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB). The NCDB contains ~70% of new cancer diagnosis from >1500 American College of Surgeons accredited cancer programs in the United States and Puerto Rico. The chi-squared test was used to determine any difference in characteristics of patients who did or did not receive chemotherapy. Results: A total of 35% of all stage III colon cancer patients, and 38% of stage III cases undergoing surgery, did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy. The use of chemotherapy had increased in recent years (64% in 2007–2011 versus 59% in 2000–2002; p < 0.0001). Its use was lower in whites (61%), females (60%), patients ⩾60 years (55%), patients with one or more comorbidities (55%), nonacademic centers (62%), those with medicare insurance (52%), lower education (61%) and income levels (59%, all p < 0.0001). The nonwhite and uninsured were more likely to be <60 years old. Conclusion: More than one-third did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy, although its use has increased in more recent years. Age was one of the most important determinants of chemotherapy use, which may explain higher rates in nonwhite and uninsured. In addition to patient characteristics, race, gender and socioeconomic factors influence chemotherapy use. These findings have important implications for healthcare reform.
Sex Differences in Outcome After an Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture
Authors: Grävare Silbernagel Karin , Brorsson Annelie , Olsson Nicklas , Eriksson Bengt I. , Karlsson Jon , Nilsson-Helander Katarina 
Published: June 2015

Background: Tendon healing differs between the sexes. Comparisons in outcome between the sexes after an Achilles tendon rupture are often not possible because of the small cohort (<20%) of women. Purpose: To evaluate whether there are any differences in outcome between the sexes by combining the data from 2 large randomized controlled trials that used identical outcome measures. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Included in the evaluation were patients from 2 consecutive randomized controlled trials comparing surgical and nonsurgical treatment performed at our research laboratory. Patients who had a rerupture were excluded from analysis. A total of 182 patients (152 males, 30 females), with mean ± SD age of 40 ± 11 years, were included; 94 (76 males, 18 females) were treated with surgery and 88 (76 males, 12 females) nonsurgically. Patient-reported outcome was evaluated using the Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS), and the functional outcome was measured with a heel-rise test (measurement of muscular endurance and heel-rise height) at 6 and 12 months after injury. Results: Male patients had a greater improvement in heel-rise height at 12 months ( P = .004). When each treatment group was analyzed separately, it was found that female patients had significantly ( P < .03) more symptoms after surgical treatment (mean ± SD ATRS, 59 ± 24) compared with males at 6 (73 ± 19) and 12 months (74 ± 27 vs 86.5 ± 17). This sex difference was not found in the nonsurgical treatment group. For the entire group, there were no significant differences between treatments on ATRS at 6 and 12 months. The surgical group had significantly better results compared with the nonsurgical group in heel-rise endurance at 6 and 12 months and in heel-rise height recovery at 6 months ( P < .03 for both). Conclusion: Sex differences were demonstrated, and female patients had a greater degree of deficit in heel-rise height as compared with males, irrespective of treatment. Females had more symptoms after surgery both at 6 and 12 months, but this difference was not found when treated nonsurgically. Clinical Relevance: Further research is needed to determine whether women will benefit more from nonsurgical compared with surgical treatment after an Achilles tendon rupture.
Diabetic foot: prevalence, knowledge, and foot self‐care practices among diabetic patients in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Chiwanga Faraja S. , Njelekela Marina A. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundAt the time of diagnosis, more than 10 % of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus have one or two risk factors for a foot ulceration and a lifetime risk of 15 %. Diabetic foot ulcers can be prevented through well‐coordinated foot care services. The objective of this study was to determine knowledge of foot care and reported practice of foot self‐care among diabetic patients with the aim of identifying and addressing barriers to preventing amputations among diabetic patients.MethodsPatients were randomly selected from all public diabetic clinics in Dar es Salaam. A questionnaire containing knowledge and foot care practice questions was administered to all study participants. A detailed foot examination was performed on all patients, with the results categorized according to the International Diabetes Federation foot risk categories. Statistics were performed using SPSS version 14.ResultsOf 404 patients included in this study, 15 % had foot ulcers, 44 % had peripheral neuropathy, and 15 % had peripheral vascular disease. In multivariate analysis, peripheral neuropathy and insulin treatment were significantly associated with presence of foot ulcer. The mean knowledge score was 11.2 ± 6.4 out of a total possible score of 23. Low mean scores were associated with lack of formal education (8.3 ± 6.1), diabetes duration of < 5 years (10.2 ± 6.7) and not receiving advice on foot care (8.0 ± 6.1). Among the 404 patients, 48 % had received advice on foot care, and 27.5 % had their feet examined by a doctor at least once since their initial diagnosis. Foot self‐care was significantly higher in patients who had received advice on foot care and in those whose feet had been examined by a doctor at least once.ConclusionsThe prevalence of diabetic foot is high among patients attending public clinics in Dar es Salaam. There is an urgent need to establish coordinated foot care services within the diabetic clinic to identify feet at risk, institute early management, and provide continuous foot care education to patients and health care providers.
Molecular drivers of lobular carcinoma in situ
Authors: Logan Greg J. , Dabbs David J. , Lucas Peter C. , Jankowitz Rachel C. , Brown Daniel D. , Clark Beth Z. , Oesterreich Steffi , McAuliffe Priscilla F. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractLobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) is considered to be a risk factor for the development of invasive breast carcinoma, but it may also be a non-obligate precursor to invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC). Many LCIS lesions do not progress to ILC, and the molecular changes that are necessary for progression from LCIS to ILC are poorly understood. Disruption in the E-cadherin complex is the hallmark of lobular lesions, but other signaling molecules, such as PIK3CA and c-src, are consistently altered in LCIS. This review focuses on the molecular drivers of lobular carcinoma, a more complete understanding of which may give perspective on which LCIS lesions progress, and which will not, thus having immense clinical implications.
Adolescent endogenous sex hormones and breast density in early adulthood
Authors: Jung Seungyoun , Egleston Brian L. , Chandler D. Walt , Van Horn Linda , Hylton Nola M. , Klifa Catherine C. , Lasser Norman L. , LeBlanc Erin S. , Paris Kenneth , Shepherd John A. , Snetselaar Linda G. , Stanczyk Frank Z. , Stevens Victor J. , Dorgan Joanne F. 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Introduction
During adolescence the breasts undergo rapid growth and development under the influence of sex hormones. Although the hormonal etiology of breast cancer is hypothesized, it remains unknown whether adolescent sex hormones are associated with adult breast density, which is a strong risk factor for breast cancer.

Methods
Percentage of dense breast volume (%DBV) was measured in 2006 by magnetic resonance imaging in 177 women aged 25–29 years who had participated in the Dietary Intervention Study in Children from 1988 to 1997. They had sex hormones and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) measured in serum collected on one to five occasions between 8 and 17 years of age. Multivariable linear mixed-effect regression models were used to evaluate the associations of adolescent sex hormones and SHBG with %DBV.

Results
Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and SHBG measured in premenarche serum samples were significantly positively associated with %DBV (all Ptrend ≤0.03) but not when measured in postmenarche samples (all Ptrend ≥0.42). The multivariable geometric mean of %DBV across quartiles of premenarcheal DHEAS and SHBG increased from 16.7 to 22.1 % and from 14.1 to 24.3 %, respectively. Estrogens, progesterone, androstenedione, and testosterone in pre- or postmenarche serum samples were not associated with %DBV (all Ptrend ≥0.16).

Conclusions
Our results suggest that higher premenarcheal DHEAS and SHBG levels are associated with higher %DBV in young women. Whether this association translates into an increased risk of breast cancer later in life is currently unknown.

Clinical trials registration
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier, NCT00458588 April 9, 2007; NCT00000459 October 27, 1999
Independent genomewide screens identify the tumor suppressor VTRNA2-1 as a human epiallele responsive to periconceptional environment
Authors: Silver Matt J , Kessler Noah J , Hennig Branwen J , Dominguez-Salas Paula , Laritsky Eleonora , Baker Maria S , Coarfa Cristian , Hernandez-Vargas Hector , Castelino Jovita M , Routledge Michael N , Gong Yun Yun , Herceg Zdenko , Lee Yong Sun , Lee Kwanbok , Moore Sophie E , Fulford Anthony J , Prentice Andrew M , Waterland Robert A 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Background
Interindividual epigenetic variation that occurs systemically must be established prior to gastrulation in the very early embryo and, because it is systemic, can be assessed in easily biopsiable tissues. We employ two independent genome-wide approaches to search for such variants.

Results
First, we screen for metastable epialleles by performing genomewide bisulfite sequencing in peripheral blood lymphocyte (PBL) and hair follicle DNA from two Caucasian adults. Second, we conduct a genomewide screen for genomic regions at which PBL DNA methylation is affected by season of conception in rural Gambia. Remarkably, both approaches identify the genomically imprinted VTRNA2-1 as a top environmentally responsive epiallele. We demonstrate systemic and stochastic interindividual variation in DNA methylation at the VTRNA2-1 differentially methylated region in healthy Caucasian and Asian adults and show, in rural Gambians, that periconceptional environment affects offspring VTRNA2-1 epigenotype, which is stable over at least 10 years. This unbiased screen also identifies over 100 additional candidate metastable epialleles, and shows that these are associated with cis genomic features including transposable elements.

Conclusions
The non-coding VTRNA2-1 transcript (also called nc886) is a putative tumor suppressor and modulator of innate immunity. Thus, these data indicating environmentally induced loss of imprinting at VTRNA2-1 constitute a plausible causal pathway linking early embryonic environment, epigenetic alteration, and human disease. More broadly, the list of candidate metastable epialleles provides a resource for future studies of epigenetic variation and human disease.
The post-genomic era of biological network alignment
Authors: Faisal Fazle E , Meng Lei , Crawford Joseph , Milenković Tijana 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Biological network alignment aims to find regions of topological and functional (dis)similarities between molecular networks of different species. Then, network alignment can guide the transfer of biological knowledge from well-studied model species to less well-studied species between conserved (aligned) network regions, thus complementing valuable insights that have already been provided by genomic sequence alignment. Here, we review computational challenges behind the network alignment problem, existing approaches for solving the problem, ways of evaluating their alignment quality, and the approaches’ biomedical applications. We discuss recent innovative efforts of improving the existing view of network alignment. We conclude with open research questions in comparative biological network research that could further our understanding of principles of life, evolution, disease, and therapeutics.
Coincidence point theorems for generalized contractions with application to integral equations
Authors: Hussain Nawab , Ahmad Jamshaid , Ćirić Ljubomir , Azam Akbar 
Published: June 2015

AbstractIn this article, we introduce a new type of contraction and prove certain coincidence point theorems which generalize some known results in this area. As an application, we derive some new fixed point theorems for F-contractions. The article also includes an example which shows the validity of our main result and an application in which we prove an existence and uniqueness of a solution for a general class of Fredholm integral equations of the second kind.
Cell-based construction site simulation model for earthmoving operations using real-time equipment location data
Authors: Pradhananga Nipesh , Teizer Jochen 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundSimulation is a proven technique for effective construction site layout planning and heavy equipment resource optimization. Traditional simulation uses historical data as input for task durations. Data is fed into activity cycle diagrams which many times do not consider any of the rapidly changing spatial constraints that are present on a construction site. Very little research has been conducted towards more realistic, real-time simulation involving data gathering from live actors and documenting the effect of potential changes to such a spatial-temporal work environment.MethodsCell-based simulation, incorporating continuous spatial changes to the site layout during project operations and real-time Global Positioning System (GPS) location tracking data from equipment resources, is introduced for more realistic and rapid modeling. The potential of analyzing and visualizing the effects of spatial consideration of varying resource combinations in earthmoving cycles on productivity and site congestion are explored. It provides insight and awareness in decision making for resource management, site layout and internal traffic control planning.ResultsThe proposed cell-based simulation system handles complex and more realistic scenarios. Various cell parameters were tested in a case study of common earthmoving operations. The advantages of the cell-based over a traditional simulation model include ease of visualization and simplicity in modeling spatial constraints (e.g., ramp restricting traffic to one-way flow). The system provides full control over the flow of resources by using predefined rules or algorithms. It simplifies the design process since, except for some certain key cells, other ordinary cells followed the same rules without being programmed individually. Future research may involve multiple, non-interacting crews competing for resources and study of time-space conflicts in more detail.ConclusionsThe presented cell-based simulation system is able to model and visualize the cyclic activities of earthmoving equipment that occur on a construction site in greater detail than previous simulation methods have done. Using near real-time location data from equipment as input value in the simulation helps construction site project engineers, planners, and managers to improve coordination and monitoring of such construction resources.
Development of a standardized testing system for orthodontic sliding mechanics
Authors: Fathimani Maryam , Melenka Garrett W , Romanyk Dan L , Toogood Roger W , Heo Giseon , Carey Jason P , Major Paul W 
Published: June 2015

Abstract

Background
The primary objective of this study was to develop a computer-controlled three-dimensional friction measuring system, the orthodontic friction simulator (OFS). A clinically-based in vitro experiment considering wet and dry friction for conventionally and self-ligated brackets is presented to elucidate debate surrounding sliding mechanics and illustrate capabilities of the OFS.

Methods
The OFS was designed and manufactured using sound engineering principles and with the primary concern of being able to measure all forces and moments generated during sliding mechanics. This required the implementation of a six-axis load cell. A variety of translation and rotation stages were also incorporated to allow for precise positioning of the bracket relative to the archwire. Once designed and built, the OFS was then used to compare conventional and self-ligation methods in both the wet and dry state. Damon Q brackets and 0.018″ × 0.025″ stainless steel wires were used for all tests with a sample size of n = 65 for each ligation method. Archwires were pulled at a speed of 0.1 mm/s in 11 increments of 0.1 mm. At each increment, the bracket would be rotated 0.5° resulting in a total archwire travel of 1.1 mm and a second-order bracket angle range of 0°–5°. A repeated measures ANOVA was conducted to determine if ligation method and/or addition of moisture effected resulting orthodontic loads.

Results
The developed equipment for studying orthodontic sliding mechanics was able to measure forces and moments in all three directions; a capability not previously realized in the literature. Additionally, it was found that passive ligation significantly reduced resistance to sliding, P ≤ 0.05, while the dry/wet state did not.

Conclusions
The OFS certainly proved to be an adequate instrument for the scientific evaluation of orthodontic sliding mechanics. It is capable of measuring loads generated in all directions and is a fully automated apparatus allowing for simple and repeatable friction tests to be conducted. Furthermore, the addition of saliva was not found to significantly influence the loads generated during sliding mechanics regardless of ligation method.
Risk and protective factors for suicidal ideation and behaviour in Rwandan children
Authors: Ng Lauren C. , Kirk Catherine M. , Kanyanganzi Frederick , Fawzi Mary C. Smith , Sezibera Vincent , Shema Evelyne , Bizimana Justin I. , Cyamatare Felix R. , Betancourt Theresa S. 
Published: June 2015

BackgroundSuicide is a leading cause of death for young people. Children living in sub-Saharan Africa, where HIV rates are disproportionately high, may be at increased risk.AimsTo identify predictors, including HIV status, of suicidal ideation and behaviour in Rwandan children aged 10–17.MethodMatched case–control study of 683 HIV-positive, HIV-affected (seronegative children with an HIV-positive caregiver), and unaffected children and their caregivers.ResultsOver 20% of HIV-positive and affected children engaged in suicidal behaviour in the previous 6 months, compared with 13% of unaffected children. Children were at increased risk if they met criteria for depression, were at high-risk for conduct disorder, reported poor parenting or had caregivers with mental health problems.ConclusionsPolicies and programmes that address mental health concerns and support positive parenting may prevent suicidal ideation and behaviour in children at increased risk related to HIV.
Hepatic De Novo Lipogenesis in Obese Youth Is Modulated by a Common Variant in the GCKR Gene
Authors: Santoro Nicola , Caprio Sonia , Pierpont Bridget , Van Name Michelle , Savoye Mary , Parks Elizabeth J. 
Published: June 2015

Objective:
This study's aim was to evaluate whether the GCKR rs1260326 variant increases hepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL).

Setting and Design:
To test this hypothesis, 14 adolescents, seven homozygous for the common allele (CC) and seven homozygous for the risk allele (TT), underwent measurement of hepatic DNL during the fasting state and after consumption of a carbohydrate (CHO) drink (75 g glucose and 25 g fructose). DNL was assessed through incorporation of deuterium in the palmitate contained in the very low-density lipoprotein.

Results:
Subjects with TT demonstrated higher fasting fractional DNL (P = .036) and a lower increase in fractional DNL after the CHO challenge (P = .016). With regard to absolute lipogenesis, TT subjects had both higher fasting rates (P = .015) and 44% greater area under the curve of absolute lipogenesis during the study (P = .016), compared to CC subjects. Furthermore, subjects carrying the TT genotype showed higher basal rates of glucose oxidation (P = .0028) and a lower ability than CC subjects to increase the rates of glucose oxidation after the CHO load (P = .054).

Conclusions:
This study reports for the first time rates of DNL in obese adolescents and suggests that the GCKR rs1260326 gene variant, which is associated with greater glycolysis, increases hepatic DNL. These data highlight the role of glycolytic carbon flux in liver lipid synthesis and hypertriglyceridemia in these youngsters.
Embryo oxygenation in pipefish brood pouches: novel insights
Authors: Goncalves Ines Braga , Ahnesjö Ingrid , Kvarnemo Charlotta 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACT
The pipefish brood pouch presents a unique mode of parental care that enables males to protect, osmoregulate, nourish and oxygenate the developing young. Using a very fine O2 probe, we assessed the extent to which males of the broad-nosed pipefish (Syngnathus typhle) oxygenate the developing embryos and are able to maintain pouch fluid O2 levels when brooding in normoxia (100% O2 saturation) and hypoxia (40% O2 saturation) for 24 days. In both treatments, pouch fluid O2 saturation levels were lower compared with the surrounding water and decreased throughout the brooding period, reflecting greater offspring demand for O2 during development and/or decreasing paternal ability to provide O2 to the embryos. Male condition (hepatosomatic index) was negatively affected by hypoxia. Larger males had higher pouch fluid O2 saturation levels compared with smaller males, and levels were higher in the bottom section of the pouch compared with other sections. Embryo size was positively correlated with O2 availability, irrespective of their position in the pouch. Two important conclusions can be drawn from our findings. First, our results highlight a potential limitation to brooding within the pouch and dismiss the notion of closed brood pouches as well-oxygenated structures promoting the evolution of larger eggs in syngnathids. Second, we provide direct evidence that paternal care improves with male size in this species. This finding offers an explanation for the documented strong female preference for larger partners because, in terms of oxygenation, the brood pouch can restrict embryo growth.
Heteropolyacids as Efficient Catalysts for the Synthesis of Precursors to Ethylene Glycol by the Liquid-phase Carbonylation of Dimethoxymethane
Authors: Wang Junpeng , Liu Jianhua , Song Heyuan , Chen Jing 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Methyl methoxyacetate (MMAc), a precursor to ethylene glycol (EG), was synthesized successfully via the liquid-phase carbonylation of dimethoxymethane (DMM) catalyzed by heteropolyacids (HPAs). The experiment results showed that H3PW12O40 (PW12) exhibited the best catalytic performance for the carbonylation of DMM, and its high catalytic activity was attributed to the synergistic effect between its superior acidic strength and the high polarity of the solvent.