bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Health-Related Quality of Life With Adjuvant Docetaxel- and Trastuzumab-Based Regimens in Patients with Node-Positive and High-Risk Node-Negative, HER2-Positive Early Breast Cancer: Results from the BCIRG 006 Study
Authors: Au Heather-Jane , Eiermann Wolfgang , Robert Nicholas J. , Pieńkowski Tadeusz , Crown John , Martin Miguel , Pawlicki Marek , Chan Arlene , Mackey John , Glaspy John , Pintér Tamás , Liu Mei-Ching , Fornander Tommy , Sehdev Sandeep , Ferrero Jean-Marc , Bée Valerie , Santana Maria J. , Miller Dave P. , Lalla Deepa , Slamon Dennis J. ,   on behalf of the Translational Research in Oncology BCIRG 006 trial investigators.
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background.
This study aims to describe and compare health-related quality of life (HRQL) in patients with node-positive and high-risk node-negative HER2-positive early breast cancer receiving adjuvant docetaxel and trastuzumab-based or docetaxel-based regimens alone.

Methods.
Eligible patients (n = 3,222) were randomly assigned to either four cycles of adjuvant doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide followed by four cycles of docetaxel (AC→T) or one of two trastuzumab-containing regimens: adjuvant doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide followed by docetaxel plus trastuzumab administered for 1 year (AC→TH) or six cycles of docetaxel plus carboplatin combined with trastuzumab administered for 1 year (TCH). The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 and BR-23 were administered at baseline, the start of cycle 4 (mid), and the end of chemotherapy (EOC), as well as at 6, 12, and 24 months after chemotherapy.

Results.
Compliance rates for the EORTC questionnaires were acceptable at 72%–93% of eligible patients out to the 12-month assessment. Systemic side effect (SE) change scores were significantly improved for TCH-treated patients compared with AC→TH and AC→T at EOC, suggesting improved tolerability. Physical functioning (PF) was only slightly worse at midpoint for those receiving TCH, compared with patients who were just starting on taxane in an AC→TH regimen, but was otherwise similar between arms. All treatment arms recovered from the deterioration in SE, PF, and Global Health Scale scores by 1 year and median future perspective change scores continued to improve throughout treatment and follow-up.

Conclusion.
HRQL outcomes for adjuvant docetaxel and trastuzumab-based regimens are favorable and support TCH as a more tolerable treatment option.
Novel Targets in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: ROS1 and RET Fusions
Authors: Gainor Justin F. , Shaw Alice T. 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
The discovery of chromosomal rearrangements involving the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has stimulated renewed interest in oncogenic fusions as potential therapeutic targets. Recently, genetic alterations in ROS1 and RET were identified in patients with NSCLC. Like ALK, genetic alterations in ROS1 and RET involve chromosomal rearrangements that result in the formation of chimeric fusion kinases capable of oncogenic transformation. Notably, ROS1 and RET rearrangements are rarely found with other genetic alterations, such as EGFR, KRAS, or ALK. This finding suggests that both ROS1 and RET are independent oncogenic drivers that may be viable therapeutic targets. In initial screening studies, ROS1 and RET rearrangements were identified at similar frequencies (approximately 1%–2%), using a variety of genotyping techniques. Importantly, patients with either ROS1 or RET rearrangements appear to have unique clinical and pathologic features that may facilitate identification and enrichment strategies. These features may in turn expedite enrollment in clinical trials evaluating genotype-directed therapies in these rare patient populations. In this review, we summarize the molecular biology, clinical features, detection, and targeting of ROS1 and RET rearrangements in NSCLC.
Experimental Study on Natural-Gas-Hydrate-Slurry Flow
Authors: Lv X.F.. F. , Gong J.. , Li W.Q.. Q. , Shi B.H.. H. , Yu D.. , Wu H.H.. H. 
Published: June 2013

Summary
To better understand hydrate-slurry flow, a series of experiments was performed, including water, natural gas, and diesel oil, under 4-MPa system pressure and 1.25-m/s initial linear velocity. The experiments have been conducted in a high-pressure hydrate-flow loop newly constructed at China University of Petroleum (Beijing), and dedicated to flow-assurance studies. A focused-beam reflectance measurement (FBRM) probe is installed in this flow loop, which provides a qualitative chord length distribution (CLD) of the particles/droplets in the system. First, the influence of flow rate on the hydrate-slurry flow was discussed. Then, we studied other influencing factors—such as water cut and additive dosage—on the hydrate induction period and the CLD before/after hydrate formation. Third, a new correlation was fitted between the dimensionless rheological index n′ and water cut as well as additive dosage, according to these experimental data. Finally, a laminar-flow model for the prediction of the pressure drop for the quasisingle-phase hydrate slurry was established, and tested by comparison with the experimental results in this paper.
The Impact of Physical and Psychological Comorbid Conditions on the Quality of Life of Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Multi-Center, Cross-Sectional Observational Study from Turkey
Authors: Sertoz O. Onen , Aydemir O. , Gulpek D. , Elbi H. , Ozenli Y. , Yilmaz A. , Ozan E. , Atesci F. , Abay E. , Semiz M. , Direk N. , Hocaoglu C. , Elyas Z. , Ozmen M. , Ozen S. , Konuk N. 
Published: June 2013

Objective: Acute myocardial infarction (MI) has significant and detrimental effects on the lifestyles of the patients. It has been shown that quality of life (QoL) in patients with MI is impaired in every aspect. This study aims to evaluate the impact of depression and physical comorbidity on QoL in Turkish patients with acute first MI. Method: This multi-center cross-sectional study was carried out in 15 centers with 998 patients hospitalized for acute first MI. For detection of depression, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used. For evaluation of QoL, World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL) was applied. Results: The mean age of the patients was 57.5 ± 10.1 years and 79.2 % ( n = 792) of the patients were men. Patients with comorbid depression (BDI ≤ 10) and comorbid medical conditions, and female patients had significantly lower scores in every domain of WHOQOL. In the regression analysis model, female gender, low education, comorbid medical conditions, especially comorbid hypertension, and BDI score were found to have a significant effect on the domains of WHOQOL. Conclusions: Female patients are more prone to impairment in quality of life after myocardial infarction. Both comorbid medical conditions and depression have a significant impact on the impairment of QoL in Turkish patients with acute MI. In order to improve the subjective wellbeing of post MI patients, both psychiatric and physical comorbidities must be detected and managed even in the short term.
Perioperative Psycho-Educational Intervention Can Reduce Postoperative Delirium in Patients after Cardiac Surgery: A Pilot Study
Authors: Lee Jeewon , Jung Joonho , Noh Jai Sung , Yoo Seungmin , Hong You Sun 
Published: June 2013

Objective: Postoperative delirium after cardiac surgery is associated with many consequences such as poorer functional recovery, more frequent postoperative complications, higher mortality, increased length of hospital stay, and higher hospital costs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of perioperative psycho-educational intervention in preventing postoperative delirium in post cardiac surgery patients. Method: We conducted a comparative retrospective study between 49 patients who had received perioperative psycho-educational intervention and 46 patients who had received standard care. The primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative delirium. Secondary outcomes included length of ICU stay, and severity and duration of postoperative delirium among the patients who had developed delirium. Results: The incidence of postoperative delirium was significantly lower in the intervention group than that in the control group (12.24% vs. 34.78%, P = 0.009). Among the patients who had developed postoperative delirium, there was no statistical difference between the two groups regarding secondary outcomes. Conclusions: Our results show that the patients who received perioperative psycho-educational intervention were associated with a lower incidence of postoperative delirium after cardiac surgery than those who received standard care. Clinicians would be able to implement this psycho-educational intervention as part of routine practice to reduce delirium.
Association of Anxiety and Depression with Pulmonary-Specific Symptoms in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Doyle Todd , Palmer Scott , Johnson Julie , Babyak Michael A. , Smith Patrick , Mabe Stephanie , Welty-Wolf Karen , Martinu Tereza , Blumenthal James A. 
Published: June 2013

Objectives: To examine the association of anxiety and depression with pulmonary-specific symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and to determine the extent to which disease severity and functional capacity modify this association. Method: Patients ( N = 162) enrolled in the INSPIRE-II study, an ongoing randomized, clinical trial of COPD patients and their caregivers who received either telephone-based coping skills training or education and symptom monitoring. Patients completed a psychosocial test battery including: Brief Fatigue Inventory, St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire, UCSD Shortness of Breath Questionnaire, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Beck Depression Inventory. Measures of disease severity and functional capacity (i.e., FEV1 and six-minute walk test) were also obtained. Results: After covariate adjustment, higher anxiety and depression levels were associated with greater fatigue levels ( ps < .001, ΔR2 = 0.16 and 0.29, respectively), shortness of breath ( ps < .001, ΔR2 = 0.12 and 0.10), and frequency of COPD symptoms ( ps < .001, ΔR2 = 0.11 and 0.13). In addition, functional capacity was a moderator of anxiety and pulmonary-specific COPD symptoms. The association between anxiety and shortness of breath ( p = 0.009) and frequency of COPD symptoms ( p = 0.02) was greater among patients with lower functional capacity. Conclusions: Anxiety and depression were associated with higher levels of fatigue, shortness of breath, and frequency of COPD symptoms. It is important for clinicians to be aware of the presence of anxiety and depression in COPD patients, which appears to correlate with pulmonary-specific COPD symptoms, especially in patients with lower functional capacity. Prospective design studies are needed to elucidate the causal relationships between anxiety and depression and pulmonary-specific symptoms in COPD patients.
Renal Clearance and Intestinal Generation of p-Cresyl Sulfate and Indoxyl Sulfate in CKD
Authors: Poesen Ruben , Viaene Liesbeth , Verbeke Kristin , Claes Kathleen , Bammens Bert , Sprangers Ben , Naesens Maarten , Vanrenterghem Yves , Kuypers Dirk , Evenepoel Pieter , Meijers Björn 
Published: June 2013

Summary

Background and objectives

p-Cresyl sulfate and indoxyl sulfate contribute to cardiovascular disease and progression of renal disease. Renal clearance of both solutes mainly depends on tubular secretion, and serum concentrations are widely dispersed for any given stage of CKD. From this information, it is inferred that estimated GFR is not a suitable proxy of the clearance of these solutes. Formal clearance studies have, however, not been performed to date.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
This study analyzed renal clearances of p-cresyl sulfate and indoxyl sulfate in the Leuven CKD cohort (NCT00441623; inclusion between November of 2005 and September of 2006) and explored their relationship with estimated GFR. Multivariate linear regression models were built to evaluate contributions of estimated GFR, demographics, and generation rates to p-cresyl sulfate and indoxyl sulfate serum concentrations.

Results
Renal clearances were analyzed in 203 patients with CKD stages 1–5. Indoxyl sulfate clearances (median=17.7, interquartile range=9.4–33.2 ml/min) exceeded p-cresyl sulfate clearances (median=6.8, interquartile range=3.4–12.0 ml/min) by about threefold. A linear relationship was observed between estimated GFR and clearances of p-cresyl sulfate (R
2=0.50, P<0.001) and indoxyl sulfate (R
2=0.55, P<0.001). In multivariate regression, p-cresyl sulfate concentrations were associated (R
2=0.75) with estimated GFR and generation rate (both P<0.001). Indoxyl sulfate concentrations were associated (R
2=0.74) with estimated GFR, generation rate (both P<0.001), age (P<0.05), and sex (P<0.05).

Conclusions
Estimated GFR provides an acceptable estimate of renal clearance of p-cresyl sulfate and indoxyl sulfate. Remarkably, clearances of indoxyl sulfate exceed clearances of p-cresyl sulfate by approximately threefold, suggesting substantial differences between tubular transporter affinities and/or involvement of separate transporter systems for p-cresyl sulfate and indoxyl sulfate.
Length Polymorphism in Heme Oxygenase-1 and Cardiovascular Events and Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Chen Yu-Hsin , Hung Szu-Chun , Tarng Der-Cherng 
Published: June 2013

Summary

Background and objectives
Persistent inflammation and oxidative stress play a pathogenic role in the high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality of hemodialysis patients. Heme oxygenase-1 is considered to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This study assessed the association between the length of guanosine thymidine dinucleotide repeats in the heme oxygenase-1 gene microsatellite promoter and cardiovascular events and mortality among hemodialysis patients.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
Study participants were recruited from October 1, 2006 to December 31, 2006. The allelic frequencies of the length of guanosine thymidine dinucleotide repeats (the S allele represents shorter [<27] repeats, and the L allele represents longer [≥27] repeats) in the heme oxygenase-1 gene promoter were analyzed in 1080 unrelated chronic hemodialysis patients and 365 healthy controls for distribution comparison. Cardiovascular events and mortality were the study outcomes, and the hemodialysis patients were followed until June 30, 2011.

Results
The genotype proportions were 20.6%, 48.8%, and 30.6% for S/S, S/L, and L/L, respectively, in the hemodialysis patients and comparable with those proportions in healthy controls. The patients with the L/L genotype had significantly higher baseline serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and malondialdehyde levels than the patients with the S/S or S/L genotypes. During a median follow-up of 50 months, 307 patients died. A Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed the highest cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality in patients with the L/L genotype. The adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for each L allele in additive model were 1.42 (1.20 to 1.67 [P<0.001]) for cardiovascular events and 1.19 (1.01 to 1.40 [P=0.03]) for all-cause mortality.

Conclusions
Chronic hemodialysis patients with longer lengths of guanosine thymidine dinucleotide repeats in the heme oxygenase-1 gene promoter exhibit higher inflammation and oxidative stress. These patients have higher risk of long-term cardiovascular events and mortality.
Preoperative Venous Intimal Hyperplasia, Postoperative Arteriovenous Fistula Stenosis, and Clinical Fistula Outcomes
Authors: Allon Michael , Robbin Michelle L. , Young Carlton J. , Deierhoi Mark H. , Goodman Jeremy , Hanaway Michael , Lockhart Mark E. , Litovsky Silvio 
Published: June 2013

Summary

Background and objectives
Arteriovenous fistulas often fail to mature, and nonmaturation has been attributed to postoperative stenosis caused by aggressive neointimal hyperplasia. Preexisting intimal hyperplasia in the native veins of uremic patients may predispose to postoperative arteriovenous fistula stenosis and arteriovenous fistula nonmaturation.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
This work explored the relationship between preexisting venous intimal hyperplasia, postoperative arteriovenous fistula stenosis, and clinical arteriovenous fistula outcomes in 145 patients. Venous specimens obtained during arteriovenous fistula creation were quantified for maximal intimal thickness (median thickness=22.3 μm). Postoperative ultrasounds at 4–6 weeks were evaluated for arteriovenous fistula stenosis. Arteriovenous fistula maturation within 6 months of creation was determined clinically.

Results
Postoperative arteriovenous fistula stenosis was equally frequent in patients with preexisting venous intimal hyperplasia (thickness>22.3 μm) and patients without hyperplasia (46% versus 53%; P=0.49). Arteriovenous fistula nonmaturation occurred in 30% of patients with postoperative stenosis versus 7% of those patients without stenosis (hazard ratio, 4.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.55 to 12.06; P=0.001). The annual frequency of interventions to maintain arteriovenous fistula patency for dialysis after maturation was higher in patients with postoperative stenosis than patients without stenosis (0.83 [95% confidence interval, 0.58 to 1.14] versus 0.42 [95% confidence interval, 0.28 to 0.62]; P=0.008).

Conclusions
Preexisting venous intimal hyperplasia does not predispose to postoperative arteriovenous fistula stenosis. Postoperative arteriovenous fistula stenosis is associated with a higher arteriovenous fistula nonmaturation rate. Arteriovenous fistulas with hemodynamically significant stenosis frequently mature without an intervention. Postoperative arteriovenous fistula stenosis is associated with an increased frequency of interventions to maintain long-term arteriovenous fistula patency after maturation.
Socioeconomic Measures and CKD in the United States and The Netherlands
Authors: Vart Priya , Gansevoort Ron T. , Coresh Josef , Reijneveld Sijmen A. , Bültmann Ute 
Published: June 2013

Summary

Background and objectives
According to the cost of health care utilization systems, there may be regional differences in the relative strength of association of income and education-based socioeconomic status measures with CKD. This study investigated the relative strength of the association of income and education with CKD in a United States and a Dutch population.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
This cross-sectional study examined individuals who participated in the 1999–2002 National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) and in Prevention of Renal and Vascular End-stage Disease (PREVEND 1997–1998), general population-based cohorts in the United States and The Netherlands, respectively. The main outcome was CKD, defined as estimated GFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (using creatinine) or albuminuria ≥30 mg/24 hours or albumin-to-creatinine ratio ≥30 mg/g.

Results
In NHANES (n=6428), income was strongly associated with CKD (adjusted odds ratio, 2.34 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.68 to 3.27]; P for trend<0.001) but education was not (adjusted odds ratio, 1.62 [95% CI, 0.87 to 2.25]; P for trend=0.05]. In contrast, in PREVEND (n=7983), low income was weakly associated with CKD whereas low education had a strong association. The fit of the logistic regression model estimating association of income and education with CKD was significantly improved only after income was added in NHANES (P<0.001) and education was added in PREVEND (P=0.01). Sensitivity analyses that used other CKD-defining variables and restricted analyses to participants <65 years of age resulted in similar findings.

Conclusion
In the United States, where access to health care is traditionally income dependent, income appeared more strongly associated with CKD than in The Netherlands, where education showed a stronger association.
The Association of Skin Intrinsic Fluorescence With Type 1 Diabetes Complications in the DCCT/EDIC Study
Authors: Orchard Trevor J. , Lyons Timothy J. , Cleary Patricia A. , Braffett Barbara H. , Maynard John , Cowie Catherine , Gubitosi-Klug Rose A. , Way Jeff , Anderson Karen , Barnie Annette , Villavicencio Stephan ,   the DCCT/EDIC Research Group
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVE
To determine whether skin intrinsic fluorescence (SIF) is associated with long-term complications of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and, if so, whether it is independent of chronic glycemic exposure and previous intensive therapy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We studied 1,185 (92%) of 1,289 active Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT)/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (EDIC) participants from 2010 to 2011. SIF was determined using a fluorescence spectrometer and related cross-sectionally to recently determined measures of retinopathy (stereo fundus photography), cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN; R-R interval), confirmed clinical neuropathy, nephropathy (albumin excretion rate [AER]), and coronary artery calcification (CAC).

RESULTS
Overall, moderately strong associations were seen with all complications, before adjustment for mean HbA1c over time, which rendered these associations nonsignificant with the exception of sustained AER &gt;30 mg/24 h and CAC, which were largely unaffected by adjustment. However, when examined within the former DCCT treatment group, associations were generally weaker in the intensive group and nonsignificant after adjustment, while in the conventional group, associations remained significant for CAN, sustained AER &gt;30 mg/24 h, and CAC even after mean HbA1c adjustment.

CONCLUSIONS
SIF is associated with T1D complications in DCCT\EDIC. Much of this association appears to be related to historical glycemic exposure, particularly in the previously intensively treated participants, in whom adjustment for HbA1c eliminates statistical significance.
A Precise and High Speed Charge-Pump PLL Model Based on SystemC/SystemC-AMS
Authors: Ma Kezheng , Van Leuken Rene , Vidojkovic Maja , Romme Jac , Rampu Simonetta , Pflug Hans , Huang Li , Dolmans Guido 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
The Phase Locked Loop (PLL) has become an important part of electrical systems. When designing a PLL, an efficient and reliable simulation platform for system evaluation is needed. However, the closed loop simulation of a PLL is time consuming. To address this problem, in this paper, a new PLL model containing both digital and analog parts based on SystemC/SystemC-AMS (BETA version) is presented. Many imperfections such as Voltage Control Oscillator (VCO) noise or reference jitter are included in this model. By comparing with the Matlab model, the SystemC/SystemC-AMS model can dramatically reduce simulation time. Also, by comparing with Analog Devices ADI SimPLL simulation results, Cadence simulation results and real measurement results, the accuracy of the SystemC/SystemC-AMS model is demonstrated. The paper shows the feasibility of a unified design environment for mixed-signal modelling based on SystemC/SystemC-AMS in order to reduce the cost and design time of electrical systems.
Communication with Environment in Alvis Models
Authors: Szpyrka Marcin , Matyasik Piotr , Mrówka Rafał , Kotulski Leszek 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Alvis is a modelling language defined for the design and a formal verification of embedded systems. An Alvis model is a system of agents that usually run concurrently, communicate one with another, compete for shared resources etc. Due to the fact that an embedded system usually collects inputs that come from its environment and provides outputs that go to the environment it is necessary to provide a mechanism to describe such a communication. In contrast to another formal languages used to model embedded systems it is not necessary, using Alvis, to design such an environment as a part of a model. The paper deals with the problem of modelling a communication with an embedded system environment with Alvis.