bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Proportional hazards models and age–period–cohort analysis of cancer rates
Authors: Rosenberg Philip S. , Anderson William F. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractAge–period–cohort (APC) analysis is widely used in cancer epidemiology to model trends in cancer rates. We develop methods for comparative APC analysis of two independent cause‐specific hazard rates assuming that an APC model holds for each one. We construct linear hypothesis tests to determine whether the two hazards are absolutely proportional or proportional after stratification by cohort, period, or age. When a given proportional hazards model appears adequate, we derive simple expressions for the relative hazards using identifiable APC parameters. To demonstrate the utility of these new methods, we analyze cancer incidence rates in the United States in blacks versus whites for selected cancers, using data from the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. The examples illustrate that each type of proportionality may be encountered in practice. Published in 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A weighted combination of pseudo‐likelihood estimators for longitudinal binary data subject to non‐ignorable non‐monotone missingness
Authors: Troxel Andrea B. , Lipsitz Stuart R. , Fitzmaurice Garrett M. , Ibrahim Joseph G. , Sinha Debajyoti , Molenberghs Geert 
Published: March 2010

AbstractFor longitudinal binary data with non‐monotone non‐ignorably missing outcomes over time, a full likelihood approach is complicated algebraically, and with many follow‐up times, maximum likelihood estimation can be computationally prohibitive. As alternatives, two pseudo‐likelihood approaches have been proposed that use minimal parametric assumptions. One formulation requires specification of the marginal distributions of the outcome and missing data mechanism at each time point, but uses an ‘independence working assumption,’ i.e. an assumption that observations are independent over time. Another method avoids having to estimate the missing data mechanism by formulating a ‘protective estimator.’ In simulations, these two estimators can be very inefficient, both for estimating time trends in the first case and for estimating both time‐varying and time‐stationary effects in the second. In this paper, we propose the use of the optimal weighted combination of these two estimators, and in simulations we show that the optimal weighted combination can be much more efficient than either estimator alone. Finally, the proposed method is used to analyze data from two longitudinal clinical trials of HIV‐infected patients. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparison of United States and United Kingdom EQ‐5D health states valuations using a nonparametric Bayesian method
Authors: Kharroubi Samer A. , O'Hagan Anthony , Brazier John E. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractCost‐effectiveness analysis of alternative medical treatments relies on having a measure of effectiveness, and many regard the quality adjusted life year (QALY) to be the current ‘gold standard.’ In order to compute QALYs, we require a suitable system for describing a person's health state, and a utility measure to value the quality of life associated with each possible state. There are a number of different health state descriptive systems, and we focus here on one known as the EQ‐5D. Data for estimating utilities for different health states have a number of features that mean care is necessary in statistical modelling.There is interest in the extent to which valuations of health may differ between different countries and cultures, but few studies have compared preference values of health states obtained from different countries. This article applies a nonparametric model to estimate and compare EQ‐5D health state valuation data obtained from two countries using Bayesian methods. The data set is the US and UK EQ‐5D valuation studies where a sample of 42 states defined by the EQ‐5D was valued by representative samples of the general population from each country using the time trade‐off technique. We estimate a utility function across both countries which explicitly accounts for the differences between them, and is estimated using the data from both countries. The article discusses the implications of these results for future applications of the EQ‐5D and for further work in this field. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On Bayesian shared component disease mapping and ecological regression with errors in covariates
Authors: MacNab Ying C. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractRecent literature on Bayesian disease mapping presents shared component models (SCMs) for joint spatial modeling of two or more diseases with common risk factors. In this study, Bayesian hierarchical formulations of shared component disease mapping and ecological models are explored and developed in the context of ecological regression, taking into consideration errors in covariates. A review of multivariate disease mapping models (MultiVMs) such as the multivariate conditional autoregressive models that are also part of the more recent Bayesian disease mapping literature is presented. Some insights into the connections and distinctions between the SCM and MultiVM procedures are communicated. Important issues surrounding (appropriate) formulation of shared‐ and disease‐specific components, consideration/choice of spatial or non‐spatial random effects priors, and identification of model parameters in SCMs are explored and discussed in the context of spatial and ecological analysis of small area multivariate disease or health outcome rates and associated ecological risk factors. The methods are illustrated through an in‐depth analysis of four‐variate road traffic accident injury (RTAI) data: gender‐specific fatal and non‐fatal RTAI rates in 84 local health areas in British Columbia (Canada). Fully Bayesian inference via Markov chain Monte Carlo simulations is presented. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transvaginal mesh repair of anterior and posterior vaginal wall prolapse: a clinical and ultrasonographic study
Authors: Velemir L. , Amblard J. , Fatton B. , Savary D. , Jacquetin B. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate whether ultrasonography coupled with clinical examination can help in understanding the mechanism of recurrence after transvaginal mesh repair of anterior and posterior vaginal wall prolapse.MethodsNinety‐one patients who had undergone surgery for anterior and/or posterior vaginal wall prolapse with the Prolift system had a clinical examination and introital/endovaginal two‐dimensional ultrasonography a minimum of 1 year later. The retraction of anterior and posterior meshes was estimated relative to the original length of the mesh by transvaginal palpation. Patients with no, moderate (< 50%) or severe (≥ 50%) mesh retraction were compared. Anterior recurrence of prolapse was defined according to the International Continence Society by a Ba value ≥ −1 and posterior recurrence by a Bp value ≥ −1 (where Ba represents the most distal position of the anterior vaginal wall and Bp the most distal position of the posterior vaginal wall). On ultrasonography, two distances were measured in the midsagittal plane: Distance 1, from the distal margin of the anterior mesh to the bladder neck, and Distance 2, from the distal margin of the posterior mesh to the rectoanal junction.ResultsSeventy‐five anterior and 62 posterior meshes were studied at a mean follow‐up of 17.9 months. Patients with anterior recurrence presented significantly more often with severe anterior mesh retraction compared with patients without anterior recurrence (5/8 vs. 2/67, P < 0.001) and also had an increased Distance 1 (P < 0.001). Patients with posterior recurrence presented significantly more often with severe posterior mesh retraction compared with patients without posterior recurrence (3/4 vs. 3/58, P < 0.01) and also had an increased Distance 2 (P < 0.01).ConclusionsRecurrence of prolapse after transvaginal mesh repair appears to be associated with severe mesh retraction and loss of mesh support on the distal part of the vaginal walls. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Spectroscopic Properties of [2,13‐Bis(1‐naphthalenylmethyl)‐5,16‐dimethyl‐2,6,13,17‐tetraazatricyclo(14,4,01.18,07.12)docosane]copper(II) Diperchlorate Acetonitrile Disolvate
Authors: Choi Jong‐Ha , Clegg William , Nichol Gary S. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe N‐functionalized macrocyclic ligand 2,13‐bis(1‐naphthalenylmethyl)‐5,16‐dimethyl‐2,6,13,17‐tetraazatricyclo(14,4,01.18,07.12)docosane (L3) and its copper(II) complex were prepared. The crystal structure of [Cu(L3)](ClO4)2·2CH3CN was determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction at 150 K. The copper atom, which lies on an inversion centre, has a square planar arrangement and the complex adopts a stable trans‐III configuration. The longer distance [2.081(2) Å] for Cu–N(tertiary) compared to 2.030(3) Å for Cu–N(secondary) may be due to the steric effect of the attached naphthalenylmethyl group on the tertiary nitrogen atom. Two perchlorate ions are weakly attached to copper in axial sites and are further connected to the ligand of the cation through NH···O hydrogen bonds [N···O 3.098 Å]. IR and UV/Vis spectroscopic properties are also described.
Zur Kristallchemie der Alkali‐, Erdalkali‐, Selten Erdmetall‐Oxozirconate und Zirconiumoxide
Authors: Müller‐Buschbaum Hanskarl 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe contribution on oxozirconates gives a view on the crystal chemistry of zirconium compounds with large cations, like alkaline, alkaline‐earth and rare earth elements. This is completed by a short overview of the structure types of ZrO2 synthesized by different methods, temperatures and pressures. The most important observation is the missing reflection of the coordination chemistry of zirconiumoxides into the oxozirconates. Usual coordination numbers of zirconium in zirconiumoxide are CN = 8 and occasionally CN = 9. The described oxozirconates instead show mainly octahedral (CN = 6) coordination (such as Li2ZrO3, K2Zr2O5, Li0.8K0.9(LiMgZr)Zr2O6.5, Li6Zr2O9, K4Zr5O12, K2Li14Zr3O14, Pb0.5Ca0.5ZrO3, Nd2Zr2O7, BaCexZr1–xO3). Exceptions with the coordination number six exhibit trigonal ZrO6‐prisms (K4Zr5O12). This facts result in the observation, that zirconium is a member of the anionic parts of the crystal structures. Lower coordination spheres are enforced by the cations. The larger a cation and the larger its amount in the chemical composition is, the lower the coordination number of zirconium gets. For example: CNZr = 5 (tetragonal pyramid) in K2ZrO3, Cs2ZrO3; CNZr = 4 (tetrahedron) in Cs4ZrO4. Furthermore, Zr4+ can also be found in statistical distribution with ions of the same size, like Li+ and Mg2+. Calculations of the Madelung part of lattice energies of zirconium oxides show unexpected uniform data, independent from shape and size of the coordination polyhedra.
Preoperative Radiochemotherapy in T3 Operable Low Rectal Cancers: A Gold Standard?
Authors: Fucini Claudio , Pucciani Filippo , Elbetti Claudio , Gattai Riccardo , Russo Antonio 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackgroundPreoperative chemoradiation followed by total mesorectal excision (TME) has become a standard treatment of preoperatively staged T3 low rectal cancers in many institutions; however, a direct comparison of generalized preoperative versus selective adjuvant chemoradiation has never been assessed in a clinical practice setting.PatientsOver a 4‐year period, 80 patients with T3 primary low adenocarcinoma of the rectum, judged operable at preoperative staging, were offered preoperative chemoradiation. Forty‐seven patients (Group I) accepted the neoadjuvant treatment and 33 (Group II) preferred immediate surgery and postoperative chemoradiation if indicated.ResultsMajor postoperative complications occurred in 21% of Group I versus in 11% of Group II (p = 0.3) patients. After a mean follow‐up of 92 months, the local recurrence rate was 4 and 9% (p = 0.4), metastasis rate was 30 and 24% (p = 0.5), 5‐year survival probability was 0.79 (95% CI = 0.49–0.92) and 0.82 (95% CI = 0.70–1.00) (log‐rank test, p = 0.6) for Group I and Group II, respectively.ConclusionsIn T3 operable low rectal cancers, selective postoperative radiochemotherapy yielded similar long‐term results regarding recurrence rate and survival as extended preoperative chemoradiation.
Expression of Hepatocyte Growth Factor Activator Inhibitor Type 1 in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Postoperative Outcomes
Authors: Funagayama Mayumi , Kondo Kazuhiro , Chijiiwa Kazuo , Kataoka Hiroaki 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackgroundHepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitor type 1 (HAI‐1), one of the Kunitz‐type serine protease inhibitors, has an important role in cancer progression through regulation of the activity of hepatocyte growth factor. HAI‐1 is expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to various degrees. Investigation of the relationship between HAI‐1 expression and clinicopathological features of HCC may contribute to improved treatment outcomes for HCC through understanding the mechanism of tumor progression or improvement in the prediction of tumor malignancy.MethodsThe study included 121 HCC patients treated surgically from 1996 to 2005. We performed immunohistological examination for HAI‐1 in resected HCC specimens by use of anti‐human HAI‐1 monoclonal antibody. Clinicopathological features, including postoperative overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) rates, were compared between the immunoreaction positive and negative groups.ResultsThe immunoreaction positive group included 38 patients (31%), and the negative group included 83 patients (69%). OS and DFS rates were significantly higher in the HAI‐1 negative group than in the positive group. HAI‐1 positivity related to multiplicity, vascular invasion, and characteristics of advanced tumor stage. In multivariate analysis, expression of HAI‐1 was a significant independent prognostic tumor factor.ConclusionsExpression of HAI‐1 in HCC cells is associated with poor prognosis for HCC patients. HAI‐1 may be important in HCC progression and may be a new prognostic factor for HCC.
Don de sperme: le lien entre l’anonymat et le bénévolat
Authors: David G. 
Published: March 2010

Résumé
La France a été le premier pays à introduire une nouvelle politique en matière de don du sperme, fondée sur l’anonymat et le bénévolat. L’objectif était de faire entrer le sperme et, d’une manière plus large, les gamètes dans la catégorie des éléments ou des produits humains qui ne peuvent, d’après la loi et en raison de la dignité de la personne, faire l’objet d’un paiement. On assiste de nos jours à une remise en cause de l’anonymat. Or, si l’on se réfère aux nombreux travaux de sociologie concernant le don, il apparaît que le bénévolat est étroitement lié à l’anonymat, avec une vertu sociale, le renforcement de la solidarité collective par un effet d’altruisme désintéressé. Dissocier anonymat et bénévolat ouvrirait la porte à une logique de marché.
A Journey of Skills—Theory and Practice of a Multi-Modal Learning Approach to Holmium Laser Prostatectomy
Authors: Kastner Christof , Beard Ralph , Woodhams Simon , Knight Olivia , Vyas Lona , Popert Rick 
Published: March 2010

Introduction: Holmium Laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is an effective treatment, yet the learning curve is considered difficult. We propose the trimodal approach of Holmium Laser ablation (HoLAP), then ablation with resection (HoLARP) and finally enucleation (HoLEP) during the development of surgical competence. Methods: A centre experienced in Holmium Laser (HoL) prostatectomy evaluated ablation techniques in prostates less than 50cc as a training modality. Prospective data were collected and outcomes compared with controls who had HoLEP. Subsequently a HoL prostatectomy service was introduced to a new centre and evaluated prospectively during the initial experience of two surgeons mentored by another trained in the trimodal staged approach. Results: Outcomes following HoLAP were comparable to HoLEP in prostate volumes under 50 cm3. The new HoL service was evaluated over 6 months. 70 cases were carried out, 42 HoLAP and 28 HoLEP. Outcomes were compared prospectively with 30 TURPs by another surgeon. A decrease in catheterisation time and hospital stay was noted in the laser group. Conclusion: The staged progression from HoLAP, then HOLARP and finally to HOLEP with morcellation appears a safe and reproducible way to introduce HoL prostatectomy into standard urological practice.
Report of the FIGO Working Group on Sexual Violence/HIV: Guidelines for the management of female survivors of sexual assault
Authors: Jina Ruxana , Jewkes Rachel , Munjanja Stephen P. , Mariscal José David Ortiz , Dartnall Elizabeth , Gebrehiwot Yirgu 
Published: March 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo review the evidence and provide guidelines on the management of sexual violence against women, specifically, rape.OutcomesOutcomes evaluated include effectiveness of post‐rape care provision.EvidenceThe MEDLINE database was searched for articles published up to December 2008 on the topic of post‐rape care and expert opinion was sought from the Sexual Violence Research Initiative membership. In addition, a search was performed for English‐language protocols on Google. One Spanish language protocol was considered in the development of the guidelines.ValuesThe evidence was evaluated by authors and reviewers of the South African Department of Health's sexual assault curriculum, and by members of the FIGO Working Group and recommendations were made according to the guidelines developed by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care.Benefits, Harms, and CostsImplementation of the recommendations in this Guideline should result in more appropriate management of survivors of sexual violence and better physical and psychological outcomes.
Automated Compound Management Systems: Maximizing Return on Investment through Effective Life-Cycle Planning
Authors: Walsh Chris , Ratcliffe Stuart 
Published: March 2010

Investing in an Automated Compound Management System (ACMS) is a major investment and it is therefore imperative that return on investment is maximized. This article will demonstrate how the life cycle of an ACMS can be managed effectively to drive system efficiency, reduce costs, and meet customer demand to maximize return on investment. The article will discuss: The long-term management approach taken for ACMS. The challenges faced after initial implementation and beyond. Major system enhancements made to the original system after implementation. Evaluate the benefits from adopting an active life-cycle management approach. The learning points gained through experiences.
Radiographic diagnosis of trans‐stapedial cerebrospinal fluid fistula
Authors: Ehmer Dale R. , Booth Timothy , Kutz J. Walter , Roland Peter S. 
Published: March 2010

ObjectiveTo report the high‐resolution computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of a bulging oval window in children with recurrent meningitis and congenital cerebrospinal fluid fistula.Study DesignCase series.SettingAcademic medical center children's hospital.Subjects and MethodsA series of eight ears in four children with profound, bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and perilymphatic hydrops were evaluated. Two patients presented with recurrent meningitis. All children were assessed with high‐resolution computed tomography, and two children also underwent MRI.ResultsSeven of eight ears had a common cavity malformation. The vestibular compartment showed severe dysplasia (n = 5), moderate dysplasia (n = 1), or a single semicircular canal (n = 2). The lamina cribrosa was clearly absent in four of eight ears. Its presence was difficult to assess in ears with small internal auditory canals. A bulging oval window, present in six of eight ears, was defined as a fluid density on high‐resolution computed tomography or a hyperintense mass demonstrated by T2‐weighted MRI protruding from the vestibule into the middle ear cavity. When present, this herniation of a fluid‐filled sac could be seen on both MRI and computed tomography. This imaging finding was surgically confirmed in two patients.ConclusionThe bulging oval window, which represents a fluid‐filled sac, can be identified by both high‐resolution computed tomography and MRI. Communication between the middle ear and the subarachnoid space through the inner ear is an important etiology for recurrent meningitis in children with sensorineural hearing loss.
NONCOMPLETE MACKEY TOPOLOGIES ON BANACH SPACES
Authors: BONET JOSÉ , CASCALES BERNARDO 
Published: March 2010

AbstractAnswering a question of W. Arendt and M. Kunze in the negative, we construct a Banach spaceXand a norm closed weak* dense subspaceYof the dualX′ofXsuch thatX, endowed with the Mackey topologyμ(X,Y) of the dual pair 〈X,Y〉, is not complete.
Botched-Up Elections, Treaty Amendments and Judicial Independence in the East African Community
Authors: Onoria Henry 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThis article examines developments in the East African Community from October 2006 to April 2007, against the background of the challenge to the “elections” of members of the East African Legislative Assembly. The article also examines the saga over the Kenyan regional court judges, emanating from the decision to grant an injunction restraining the nine Kenyan nominees to the Assembly from taking office and to dismiss a recusal application brought against the court's Kenyan judges. The article explores the hurried amendments to the Community treaty in a largely political response to the regional court's decisions and the implications for the future of the court and the Community. The haste involved in amending the treaty itself raises concerns over the growing tendency to flout processes and procedures at the national and community levels for the sake of political expedience on the part of the partner states.
CONSISTENCY IN REPORTING CONDOM USE BETWEEN HUSBANDS AND WIVES IN BANGLADESH
Authors: ISLAM MOHAMMAD AMIRUL , PADMADAS SABU S. , SMITH PETER W. F. 
Published: March 2010

SummaryConsistency in reporting contraceptive use between spouses is little understood, especially in developing settings. This research challenges the accuracy of measuring contraceptive prevalence rate, which is traditionally calculated based on women's responses. Multinomial logistic regression techniques are employed on a couple dataset from the 1999–2000 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) to investigate the consistency in reporting condom use between husbands and wives. The level of inconsistency in reporting condom use was about 46%, of which about 32% was explained by husbands reporting condom use while wives did not, and 14% by wives reporting condom use while husbands did not. Regression analysis showed that couple education and age difference between the spouses are significant determinants of inconsistent reporting behaviour. The findings suggest the need for alternative approaches (questions) in the DHS to ensure consistency in the collection of data related to use of family planning methods.