bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multicenter Survey of Routine Determinations of Resistance of Helicobacter pylori to Antimicrobials over the Last 20 Years (1990 to 2009) in Belgium
Authors: Miendje Deyi V. Y. , Bontems P. , Vanderpas J. , De Koster E. , Ntounda R. , Van den Borre C. , Cadranel S. , Burette A. 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACT

We analyzed the rates of antimicrobial resistance of
Helicobacter pylori
strains isolated from patients from 1990 to 2009 and identified risk factors associated with resistance. Gastric biopsy specimens were collected from several digestive disease centers in Brussels, Belgium. We routinely performed antimicrobial susceptibility testing for clarithromycin (CLR), metronidazole, amoxicillin, tetracycline, and ciprofloxacin. Evaluable susceptibility testing was obtained for 9,430 strains isolated from patients who were not previously treated for
Helicobacter pylori
infection (1,527 isolates from children and 7,903 from adults) and 1,371 strains from patients who were previously treated (162 isolates from children and 1,209 from adults). No resistance to amoxicillin was observed, and tetracycline resistance was very rare (<0.01%). Primary metronidazole resistance remained stable over the years, with significantly lower rates for isolates from children (23.4%) than for isolates from adults (30.6%). Ciprofloxacin resistance remained rare in children, while it increased significantly over the last years in adults. Primary clarithromycin resistance increased significantly, reaching peaks in 2000 for children (16.9%) and in 2003 for adults (23.7%). A subsequent decrease of resistance rates down to 10% in both groups corresponded to a parallel decrease in macrolide consumption during the same period. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that female gender, age of the patient of 40 to 64 years, ethnic background, the number of previously unsuccessful eradication attempts, and the different time periods studied were independent risk factors of resistance to clarithromycin, metronidazole, and ciprofloxacin. Our study highlights the need to update local epidemiological data. Thus, the empirical CLR-based triple therapy proposed by the Maastricht III consensus report remains currently applicable to our population.
Understanding changes over time in workers' compensation claim rates using time series analytical techniques
Authors: Moore Ian C , Tompa Emile 
Published: March 2011

ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to better understand the inter-temporal variation in workers' compensation claim rates using time series analytical techniques not commonly used in the occupational health and safety literature. We focus specifically on the role of unemployment rates in explaining claim rate variations.MethodsThe major components of workers' compensation claim rates are decomposed using data from a Canadian workers' compensation authority for the period 1991–2007. Several techniques are used to undertake the decomposition and assess key factors driving rates: (i) the multitaper spectral estimator, (ii) the harmonic F test, (iii) the Kalman smoother and (iv) ordinary least squares.ResultsThe largest component of the periodic behaviour in workers' compensation claim rates is seasonal variation. Business cycle fluctuations in workers' compensation claim rates move inversely to unemployment rates.ConclusionsThe analysis suggests that workers' compensation claim rates between 1991 and 2008 were driven by (in order of magnitude) a strong negative long term growth trend, periodic seasonal trends and business cycle fluctuations proxied by the Ontario unemployment rate.
Serum resistin in acute myocardial infarction patients with and without diabetes mellitus
Authors: Korah Tarek E , Ibrahim Hesham H , Badr Eman A E , ElShafie Maathir K 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACT

Aim
Human resistin is an adipokine, with a possible link to coronary heart disease, and the relationship between serum resistin, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains controversial. Therefore, this study assessed serum resistin in patients with acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), with and without T2DM.

Methods
Between June 2009 and July 2010, 55 subjects were recruited into three groups: 20 non-diabetic patients with acute STEMI (group 1), 20 diabetic patients with acute STEMI (group 2), and 15 healthy controls (group 3). Concentrations of serum lipids, fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin, troponin I, creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and resistin, were estimated.

Results
Concentrations of serum total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, FBG, troponin I, CK, LDH, and resistin were significantly higher in group 2 subjects, than in those in groups 1 and 3 (p&lt;0.05). In group 2, serum resistin was positively correlated with serum troponin I and triglycerides (r=0.59, p&lt;0.05, and r=0.47, p&lt;0.05, respectively), but was negatively correlated with high density lipoprotein cholesterol (r=−0.46, p&lt;0.05). However, in this group, serum resistin was not correlated with age, gender, body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol, FBG, insulin, CK, LDH, and the calculated homeostasis model for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (p&gt;0.05). Regarding group 1, serum resistin was not correlated to any of these studied parameters (p&gt;0.05).

Conclusions
Serum resistin concentrations are elevated in patients with acute STEMI. This increase is more prominent in patients with T2DM than in those without. However, serum resistin is not correlated with age, gender, BMI, and insulin resistance. These data suggest that serum resistin concentration might be used as a diagnostic biomarker for acute STEMI.
Partial Splenic Embolization UsingBletilla striataParticles for Hypersplenism in Cirrhosis: A Prospective Study
Authors: Liu Rong , Teng Xiao-Jun , He Jiang-Fu , Xiao Shao-Shu , Yuan Zhi-Bing , Li Xiang-Jin , Gao Xin-Sheng , Zhou Bai-Ming 
Published: March 2011

The article evaluates the long-term follow-up results of PSE using Bletilla striata (BS) particles for hypersplenism in cirrhosis, as compared to PSE using gelfoam particles. Fifty-nine patients with cirrhosis-induced hypersplenism were treated with PSE. The patients were randomly assigned into two groups: gelfoam group, which includes 32 patients using gelfoam particles as the embolic material, and BS group, which includes 27 patients using BS particles. The peripheral blood cell counts and parameters for complications associated with PSE were measured during the follow-up. The mean values of leukocyte and thrombocyte, but not hemoglobin, were significantly increased after PSE (p < 0.01) in both groups. The values of leukocyte and thrombocyte during the long-term follow-up were significantly improved in BS group than that in gelfoam group (both p < 0.01). The frequency of bleeding episodes from esophageal varices in both groups was significantly reduced after PSE (both p < 0.01), but the post-PSE bleeding episodes showed no remarkable differences between the two groups (p = 0.084). Post-embolization syndrome consisted mainly of fever, nausea and vomiting, and abdominal pain in the two groups. The incidence of grade II to III abdominal pain in BS group (82.8%, 27/33) was significantly higher than in gelfoam group (57.9%, 33/57) (p = 0.020). The mean survival time was 61.5 ± 9.1 (median 60, 1–157) months in gelfoam group and 63.4 ± 9.9 (median 52, 0–161) months in BS group, which showed no significant difference (p = 0.930).In conclusion, BS particles could be used as the embolic material in PSE. Compared to gelfoam used in PSE, BS can achieve even better efficacy in alleviating hypersplenism. It provides a long-term effect on the hematological parameters, bleeding from esophageal varices and good palliation, and improved clinical status contributing to symptomatic control.
Numerical modelling of Plio-Quaternary slope evolution based on geological constraints: a case study from the Caramanico Valley (Central Apennines, Italy)
Authors: Bianchi Fasani G. , Di Luzio E. , Esposito C. , Martino S. , Scarascia-Mugnozza G. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Evidence of deep-seated gravitational slope deformations (DSGSD) and of large prehistoric landslides is fairly widespread within the Central Apennines (Italy). These gravity-induced processes accompanied the intense Plio-Quaternary uplift phases that affected the mountain chain. In this study a multidisciplinary approach has been adopted in order to better constrain the relationship between the tectonic evolution and the gravitational morphogenesis of a typical Apennine morphostructure, such as the Caramanico Valley. For this purpose a conceptual model of the morphostructural evolution of the area has been reconstructed, on the basis of geological constraints derived by the integration of detailed geological–structural and geomorphological surveys with available literature data. Based on this evolutionary model, a multistage numerical modelling using the finite difference method code FLAC 6.0 has been performed in order to: (i) evaluate the effect of the uplift-related morphological changes of the valley–slope system; and (ii) assess the role of the horizontal/vertical stress ratio variations due to geodynamic regime shifts. The results of the numerical model show a good fit with the actual geomorphical evidence and also confirm the presence during some evolutionary stages of stress–strain conditions compatible with those necessary to produce the massive rock slope failures testified by the presence of large palaeo-landslide deposits.
Paraglacial gravitational deformations in the SW Alps: a review of field investigations,
10
Be cosmogenic dating and physical modelling
Authors: El Bedoui S. , Bois T. , Jomard H. , Sanchez G. , Lebourg T. , Trics E. , Guglielmi Y. , Bouissou S. , Chemenda A. , Rolland Y. , Corsini M. , Pérez J. L. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Catastrophic deep-seated landslides (DSL) are generally considered to be the result of large slope deformations also known as deep-seated gravitational slope deformation (DSGSD). This paper aims to build a synthesis of multiple studies made in the Tinée Valley (southern French Alps) to assess the geometrical, kinematical, mechanical and chronological relationships between these two gravitational processes.

At the scale of the valley, data issued from geological, geomorphological and
10
Be dating indicate a clear geometrical link between DSGSD and DSL occurring at the base of the slope and suggest that gravitational slope evolution began after the glacial retreat (13 ka BP). This is supported by the example of the well-documented La Clapière slope. A continuous evolution process is characterized geometrically and temporally from geomorphic observations and analogue modelling. Coupling structural, geomorphological, physical and chronological studies allowed us to propose a four-dimensional (4D) deformation model mechanically correlated with progressive failure concept. The validity and variability of this reference site are discussed at the valley scale (taking Isola and Le Pra slope deformation as examples).

It allows a rough estimation of the state of slope deformation at the valley scale to be constructed and the slope evolution with time to be considered. This 4D model could then be considered as a reference for other deep-seated gravitational slope deformations in comparable Alpine valleys.
Inheritance of ductile and brittle structures in the development of large rock slope instabilities: examples from western Norway
Authors: Saintot A. , Henderson I. H. C. , Derron M.-H. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
The high density of slope failures in western Norway is due to the steep relief and to the concentration of various structures that followed protracted ductile and brittle tectonics. On the 72 investigated rock slope instabilities, 13 were developed in soft weathered mafic and phyllitic allochthons. Only the intrinsic weakness of such rocks increases the susceptibility to gravitational deformation. In contrast, the gravitational structures in the hard gneisses reactivate prominent ductile or/and brittle fabrics. At 30 rockslides along cataclinal slopes, weak mafic layers of foliation are reactivated as basal planes. Slope-parallel steep foliation forms back-cracks of unstable columns. Folds are specifically present in the Storfjord area, together with a clustering of potential slope failures. Folding increases the probability of having favourably orientated planes with respect to the gravitational forces and the slope. High water pressure is believed to seasonally build up along the shallow-dipping Caledonian detachments and may contribute to destabilization of the rock slope upwards. Regional cataclastic faults localized the gravitational structures at 45 sites. The volume of the slope instabilities tends to increase with the amount of reactivated prominent structures and the spacing of the latter controls the size of instabilities.
Oncogene-Mediated Human Lung Epithelial Cell Transformation Produces Adenocarcinoma Phenotypes In Vivo
Authors: Sasai Ken , Sukezane Taiko , Yanagita Emmy , Nakagawa Harumi , Hotta Azusa , Itoh Tomoo , Akagi Tsuyoshi 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
It has been challenging to engineer lung adenocarcinoma models via oncogene-mediated transformation of primary cultured normal human cells. Although viral oncoprotein-mediated malignant transformation has been reported, xenografts derived from such transformed cells generally represent poorly differentiated cancers. Here, we demonstrate that the combined expression of multiple cellular factors induces malignant transformation in normal human lung epithelial cells. Although a combination of four genetic alterations, including hTERT overexpression, inactivation of the pRB and p53 pathways, and KRAS activation, is insufficient for normal human small airway epithelial cells to be fully transformed, expression of one additional oncogene induces malignant transformation. Notably, we have succeeded in reproducing human lung adenocarcinoma phenotypes in the flanks of nude mice by introducing an active form of PIK3CA, CYCLIN-D1, or a dominant-negative form of LKB1 in combination with the four genetic alterations above. Besides differentiated lung cancer, poorly differentiated cancer models can also be engineered by employing c-MYC as one of the genetic elements, indicating that histologic features and degree of differentiation of xenografts are controllable to some extent by changing the combination of genetic elements introduced. This is the first study reporting malignant transformation of normal lung epithelial cells in the absence of viral oncoproteins. We propose that our model system would be useful to identify the minimal and most crucial set of changes required for lung tumorigenesis, and that it would provide a broadly applicable approach for discovering attractive therapeutic targets. Cancer Res; 71(7); 2541–9. ©2011 AACR.
Differentiation of NUT Midline Carcinoma by Epigenomic Reprogramming
Authors: Schwartz Brian E. , Hofer Matthias D. , Lemieux Madeleine E. , Bauer Daniel E. , Cameron Michael J. , West Nathan H. , Agoston Elin S. , Reynoird Nicolas , Khochbin Saadi , Ince Tan A. , Christie Amanda , Janeway Katherine A. , Vargas Sara O. , Perez-Atayde Antonio R. , Aster Jon C. , Sallan Stephen E. , Kung Andrew L. , Bradner James E. , French Christopher A. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
NUT midline carcinoma (NMC) is a lethal pediatric tumor defined by the presence of BRD-NUT fusion proteins that arrest differentiation. Here we explore the mechanisms underlying the ability of BRD4-NUT to prevent squamous differentiation. In both gain-of and loss-of-expression assays, we find that expression of BRD4-NUT is associated with globally decreased histone acetylation and transcriptional repression. Bulk chromatin acetylation can be restored by treatment of NMC cells with histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi), engaging a program of squamous differentiation and arrested growth in vitro that closely mimics the effects of siRNA-mediated attenuation of BRD4-NUT expression. The potential therapeutic utility of HDACi differentiation therapy was established in three different NMC xenograft models, where it produced significant growth inhibition and a survival benefit. Based on these results and translational studies performed with patient-derived primary tumor cells, a child with NMC was treated with the FDA-approved HDAC inhibitor, vorinostat. An objective response was obtained after five weeks of therapy, as determined by positron emission tomography. These findings provide preclinical support for trials of HDACi in patients with NMC. Cancer Res; 71(7); 2686–96. ©2011 AACR.
Targeting BRAF in Advanced Melanoma: A First Step toward Manageable Disease
Authors: Vultur Adina , Villanueva Jessie , Herlyn Meenhard 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and its incidence has been increasing worldwide. The disease manifests itself as clinically and genetically distinct subgroups, indicating the need for patient-specific diagnostic and treatment tools. The discovery of activating mutations (V600E) in the BRAF kinase in approximately 50% of patients spurred the development of compounds to inhibit aberrant BRAF activity, and the first drug candidate to show promising clinical activity is PLX4032 (also known as RG7204). Most recent clinical data from a phase II trial indicate that PLX4032 causes tumor regression and stabilized disease in &gt;50% of advanced melanoma patients harboring BRAF V600E tumors. These data validate the effectiveness of oncogene-targeted therapy against advanced melanoma and offer hope that the disease can be overcome. However, as melanoma is dynamic and heterogeneous, careful treatment strategies and combination therapies are warranted to obtain long-term clinical effects. Clin Cancer Res; 17(7); 1658–63. ©2011 AACR.
Prognostic Utility of Anti-EBV Antibody Testing for Defining NPC Risk among Individuals from High-Risk NPC Families
Authors: Yu Kelly J. , Hsu Wan-Lun , Pfeiffer Ruth M. , Chiang Chun-Ju , Wang Cheng-Ping , Lou Pei-Jen , Cheng Yu-Juen , Gravitt Patti , Diehl Scott R. , Goldstein Alisa M. , Chen Chien-Jen , Hildesheim Allan 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Purpose: Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection and a family history of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) are associated with NPC risk. We examined the risk associated with EBV markers and their clinical utility to identify NPC susceptibles within high-risk NPC families.
Experimental Design: We evaluated antibody titers against viral capsid antigen (VCA) IgA, EBV nuclear antigen-1 (EBNA1) IgA, and DNase among unaffected relatives of NPC cases from 358 multiplex families in Taiwan. Incident NPC cases were identified via linkage to the National Cancer Registry. Clinical examinations of 924 individuals were also done to identify occult, asymptomatic NPC. Baseline EBV serology was used to estimate NPC risk using rate ratios with 95% CI. Associated sensitivity/specificity and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were calculated.
Results: A total of 2,444 unaffected individuals with 15,519 person-years (6.5 years median follow-up) yielded 14 incident NPC cases (nearly 11 times the general population rate). The absolute rate of NPC among anti-EBV EBNA1 IgA seropositives using a standard positivity cutoff versus an optimized cutoff point defined by ROC analyses was 265/100,000 person-years with a 4.7-fold increased risk of NPC (95% CI: 1.4–16) and 166/100,000 person-years with a 6.6-fold increase (95% CI: 1.5–61), respectively. Sensitivity and specificity using the optimized positivity cutoff points were 85.7% and 51.2%, respectively. It is estimated that active evaluation of 49% of individuals from high-risk NPC families seropositive for this marker could lead to earlier detection of up to 86% of NPC cases. Risks associated with the other three EBV markers were weaker.
Conclusions: Future efforts are needed to identify susceptibility markers among high-risk NPC families that maximize both sensitivity and specificity. Clin Cancer Res; 17(7); 1906–14. ©2011 AACR.
Predicting Accrual Achievement: Monitoring Accrual Milestones of NCI-CTEP–Sponsored Clinical Trials
Authors: Cheng Steven K. , Dietrich Mary S. , Dilts David M. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Purpose: The need to increase the number oncology clinical trials with sufficient enrollments is a well-known issue, particularly for trials targeting therapeutic applications. It is critical to identify early predictors of eventual study accrual achievement.
Experimental Design: All nonpediatric phase I, I/II, II, and III therapeutic studies supported by the National Cancer Institute Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program (NCI-CTEP) between 2000 and 2007 (n = 764) were analyzed for accrual performance. Accrual achievement is defined as those enrolling 100% or more of the stated minimum accrual goal at the time of trial closure. Two accrual milestones were analyzed per trial: time to first patient enrollment and expected time to accrual goal. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to calculate the OR with respect to the likelihood of clinical trial accrual achievement.
Results: A total of 81.5% (n = 623) of the trials did not achieve the projected accrual goals within the anticipated accruing period. Furthermore, 37.2% (n = 284) of trials failed to achieve the minimum projected accrual at study closure regardless of time the trial was open. Trials that accrue the first enrollment beyond 2 months (n = 379, 49.6%) are significantly less likely to achieve the accrual performance than those trials that enroll patients under 2 months (OR: 0.637, 95% CI: 0.464–0.875, P = 0.005). Of the studies that are open beyond the anticipated enrollment period (n = 603), those do not achieve at least 60.0% of the projected minimum accrual (n = 391, 64.8%) have a significantly less likelihood of achieving final accruals by study closure (OR: 0.190, 95% CI: 0.055–0.652, P = 0.008).
Conclusions: The time to first patient enrollment and expected time to accrual goal are shown to be valid measures to evaluate the likelihood of achieving the minimum projected accrual. Clin Cancer Res; 17(7); 1947–55. ©2011 AACR.
Two Drug Interaction Studies of Sirolimus in Combination with Sorafenib or Sunitinib in Patients with Advanced Malignancies
Authors: Gangadhar Tara C. , Cohen Ezra E.W. , Wu Kehua , Janisch Linda , Geary David , Kocherginsky Masha , House Larry K. , Ramirez Jackie , Undevia Samir D. , Maitland Michael L. , Fleming Gini F. , Ratain Mark J. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Purpose: Sirolimus is the prototypical mTOR inhibitor. Sorafenib and sunitinib are small molecule inhibitors of multiple kinases including VEGF receptor (VEGFR) kinases. These agents have different mechanisms of action, providing a strong rationale for combination.
Experimental Design: Patients with advanced cancer were assigned to receive either sirolimus or the VEGFR inhibitor alone for a 2-week lead-in period, followed by combination therapy. The primary end point of each trial was to determine whether a drug interaction exists between sirolimus and either sorafenib or sunitinib, as defined by a difference in Cmax for each drug alone compared with its Cmax during combination therapy.
Results: The sorafenib and sunitinib trials enrolled 34 and 23 patients, respectively. There were no clinically significant differences in Cmax for any of the drugs alone compared with the Cmax during combination therapy. Toxicity profiles were similar to those expected for each drug alone. One patient with adrenal cortical cancer had a partial response to sirolimus and sunitnib.
Conclusions: Sirolimus can be safely combined with sorafenib or sunitinib. Our trial design is feasible and informative in screening for potential drug–drug interactions, using a relatively small number of patients and limited pharmacokinetic sampling. Clin Cancer Res; 17(7); 1956–63. ©2011 AACR.