bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum vitamin D levels and survival of patients with colorectal cancer: Post-hoc analysis of a prospective cohort study
Authors: Mezawa Hidetoshi , Sugiura Tsutomu , Watanabe Michiaki , Norizoe Chihiro , Takahashi Daisuke , Shimojima Akira , Tamez Seryna , Tsutsumi Yusuke , Yanaga Katsuhiko , Urashima Mitsuyoshi 
Published: July 2010

Abstract

Background
Recently, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels were shown to be associated with the survival of patients with colorectal cancer. However, 25OHD levels were measured a median of 6 years before diagnosis or were predicted levels. In this study, we directly measured serum 25OHD levels at surgery and examined the association with survival among patients with colorectal cancer.

Methods
We started a prospective cohort study to find prognostic factors in patients with colorectal cancer from 2003 to 2008 and stored serum samples and clinical data. As part of a post-hoc analysis, serum 25OHD levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. Association between overall survival and serum 25OHD levels were computed using the Cox proportional hazard model adjusted for month of serum sampling as well as age at diagnosis, gender, cancer stage, residual tumor after surgery, time period of surgery, location of tumor, adjuvant chemotherapy and number of lymph nodes with metastasis at surgery. Unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were determined.

Results
Serum 25OHD levels were measured in 257 patients. Only 3% had sufficient levels (30 ng/ml and greater). Based on month of blood sampling, an annual oscillation of 25OHD levels was seen, with levels being lower in spring and higher in late summer. Higher 25OHD levels were associated with better overall survival under multi-variate analysis (HR, 0.91: 95% CI, 0.84 to 0.99, P = 0.027).

Conclusions
These results suggest that higher 25OHD levels at surgery may be associated with a better survival rate of patients with colorectal cancer.
Molecular assays for the detection of prostate tumor derived nucleic acids in peripheral blood
Authors: Jost Matthias , Day John R , Slaughter Ryan , Koreckij Theodore D , Gonzales Deanna , Kinnunen Martin , Groskopf Jack , Rittenhouse Harry G , Vessella Robert L , Reynolds Mark A 
Published: July 2010

Abstract

Background
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer mortality in American men. Although serum PSA testing is widely used for early detection, more specific prognostic tests are needed to guide treatment decisions. Recently, the enumeration of circulating prostate epithelial cells has been shown to correlate with disease recurrence and metastasis following definitive treatment. The purpose of our study was to investigate an immunomagnetic fractionation procedure to enrich circulating prostate tumor cells (CTCs) from peripheral blood specimens, and to apply amplified molecular assays for the detection of prostate-specific markers (PSA, PCA3 and TMPRSS2:ERG gene fusion mRNAs).

Results
As few as five prostate cancer cells were detected per 5 mL of whole blood in model system experiments using anti-EpCAM magnetic particles alone or in combination with anti-PSMA magnetic particles. In our experiments, anti-EpCAM magnetic particles alone exhibited equivalent or better analytical performance with patient samples compared to a combination of anti-EpCAM + anti-PSMA magnetic particles. Up to 39% of men with advanced prostate cancer tested positive with one or more of the molecular assays tested, whereas control samples from men with benign prostate hyperplasia gave consistently negative results as expected. Interestingly, for the vast majority of men who tested positive for PSA mRNA following CTC enrichment, their matched plasma samples also tested positive, although CTC enrichment gave higher overall mRNA copy numbers.

Conclusion
CTCs were successfully enriched and detected in men with advanced prostate cancer using an immunomagnetic enrichment procedure coupled with amplified molecular assays for PSA, PCA3, and TMPRSS2:ERG gene fusion mRNAs. Our results indicate that men who test positive following CTC enrichment also exhibit higher detectable levels of non-cellular, circulating prostate-specific mRNAs.
Commonly applied positive end-expiratory pressures do not prevent functional residual capacity decline in the setting of intra-abdominal hypertension: a pig model
Authors: Regli Adrian , Hockings Lisen E , Musk Gabrielle C , Roberts Brigit , Noffsinger Bill , Singh Bhajan , van Heerden Peter V 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
Introduction
Intra-abdominal hypertension is common in critically ill patients and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The optimal ventilation strategy remains unclear in these patients. We examined the effect of positive end-expiratory pressures (PEEP) on functional residual capacity (FRC) and oxygen delivery in a pig model of intra-abdominal hypertension.

Methods
Thirteen adult pigs received standardised anaesthesia and ventilation. We randomised three levels of intra-abdominal pressure (3 mmHg (baseline), 18 mmHg, and 26 mmHg) and four commonly applied levels of PEEP (5, 8, 12 and 15 cmH2O). Intra-abdominal pressures were generated by inflating an intra-abdominal balloon. We measured intra-abdominal (bladder) pressure, functional residual capacity, cardiac output, haemoglobin and oxygen saturation, and calculated oxygen delivery.

Results
Raised intra-abdominal pressure decreased FRC but did not change cardiac output. PEEP increased FRC at baseline intra-abdominal pressure. The decline in FRC with raised intra-abdominal pressure was partly reversed by PEEP at 18 mmHg intra-abdominal pressure and not at all at 26 mmHg intra-abdominal pressure. PEEP significantly decreased cardiac output and oxygen delivery at baseline and at 26 mmHg intra-abdominal pressure but not at 18 mmHg intra-abdominal pressure.

Conclusions
In a pig model of intra-abdominal hypertension, PEEP up to 15 cmH2O did not prevent the FRC decline caused by intra-abdominal hypertension and was associated with reduced oxygen delivery as a consequence of reduced cardiac output. This implies that PEEP levels inferior to the corresponding intra-abdominal pressures cannot be recommended to prevent FRC decline in the setting of intra-abdominal hypertension.
Association of angiopoietin-like protein 3 with hepatic triglyceride lipase and lipoprotein lipase activities in human plasma
Authors: Nakajima K , Kobayashi J , Mabuchi H , Nakano T , Tokita Y , Nagamine T , Imamura S , Ai M , Otokozawa S , Schaefer E F 
Published: July 2010

Background The relationship between plasma angiopoietin-like protein 3 (ANGPTL3), and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity and hepatic triglyceride lipase (HTGL) activity has not been investigated in the metabolism of remnant lipoproteins (RLPs) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in human plasma. Methods ANGPTL3, LPL activity, HTGL activity, RLP-C and RLP-TG and small, dense LDL-cholesterol (sd LDL-C) were measured in 20 overweight and obese subjects in the fasting and postprandial states. Results Plasma TG, RLP-C, RLP-TG and sd LDL-C were inversely correlated with LPL activity both in the fasting and postprandial states, but not correlated with HTGL activity and ANGPTL3. However, plasma HDL-C was positively correlated with LPL activity both in the fasting and postprandial states, while inversely correlated with HTGL activity. ANGPTL3 was inversely correlated with HTGL activity both in the fasting and postprandial states, but not correlated with LPL activity. Conclusion HTGL plays a major role in HDL metabolism, but not RLP metabolism. These findings suggest that ANGPTL3 is strongly associated with the inhibition of HTGL activity and regulates HDL metabolism, but not associated with the inhibition of LPL activity for the metabolism of RLPs in human plasma.
An Investigation into the Current Practice of Tooth Whitening in a Southern English City in the Context of Associated Legal Issues
Authors: Beckett Heather A 
Published: July 2010

Aims This investigation examined the current practice of tooth whitening carried out by a sample of dentists and beauty therapists from Portsmouth in the context of the relevant law. Methods A random sample of dentists and all beauty salons in Portsmouth were invited to respond to two postal questionnaires, one for dentists and one for beauty salons. These questionnaires were used to assess whether tooth-whitening services were offered and if so, details of products and techniques employed. The findings were analysed and compared with the current United Kingdom law on tooth whitening. Results One hundred and seventy-nine dentists (88%) and 76 (75%) beauty salons responded. One hundred and nineteen (66%) of the responding dentists and eight (11%) responding beauty salons provided in-house and/or take-home tooth-whitening services. The vast majority employed whitening agents containing or releasing hydrogen peroxide at a concentration greater than that permitted by the Cosmetic Products (Safety) Regulations 2008. Conclusions The current practice of tooth whitening by the dentists and beauty salons surveyed in this study is at odds with the criminal law that has been developed in order to safeguard consumers in relation to the products employed and the individuals carrying out the practice of dentistry. The practice also raises civil law issues, and compensation may be necessary in the event of injury. A change in the law, based on a scientific background and professional standards of care, is required at both European and domestic levels in order to align reasonable practice with the law, while upholding patient safety.
Gender differences in variance and means on the Naglieri Non‐verbal Ability Test: Data from the Philippines
Authors: Vista Alvin , Care Esther 
Published: July 2010

Background. Research on gender differences in intelligence has focused mostly on samples from Western countries and empirical evidence on gender differences from Southeast Asia is relatively sparse.Aims. This article presents results on gender differences in variance and means on a non‐verbal intelligence test using a national sample of public school students from the Philippines.Sample. More than 2,700 sixth graders from public schools across the country were tested with the Naglieri Non‐verbal Ability Test (NNAT).Methods. Variance ratios (VRs) and log‐transformed VRs were computed. Proportion ratios for each of the ability levels were also calculated and a chi‐square goodness‐of‐fit test was performed. An analysis of variance was performed to determine the overall gender difference in mean scores as well as within each of three age subgroups.Results. Our data show non‐existent or trivial gender difference in mean scores. However, the tails of the distributions show differences between the males and females, with greater variability among males in the upper half of the distribution and greater variability among females in the lower half of the distribution. Descriptions of the results and their implications are discussed.Conclusions. Results on mean score differences support the hypothesis that there are no significant gender differences in cognitive ability. The unusual results regarding differences in variance and the male–female proportion in the tails require more complex investigations.
The importance of perceiving social contexts when predicting crime and antisocial behaviour in CCTV images
Authors: Grant Dawn , Williams David 
Published: July 2010

Purpose. The aim of this study was to establish which visual cues are used within CCTV images to accurately predict a criminal act and to investigate observer descriptions of the meaning of such cues. This study also tested whether professional CCTV surveillance experience influenced the ability to predict antisocial acts using real CCTV footage. Method. CCTV operators (N = 12) and inexperienced observers (N = 12) were shown 24 short scenes in which half led to an antisocial act. An eye‐tracker was used to identify the visual cues attended whilst participants predicted whether or not each scene led to criminal behaviour. Participants also verbalized their impressions of selected scenes and reported any features arousing suspicion. Results. More accurate predictions of impending criminal action were associated with looking at the face/head of lone individuals and the bodies of individuals engaged in reciprocal social interaction or communication. Qualitative data revealed that accurate observers attended to the spatial configuration of individuals within the scene and were able to appropriately identify distinct social entities (i.e., subgroups of people that appear to belong together within the scene as a whole). Conclusion. The perception of social entities sensitizes successful observers to violations of normative conduct. Thus, better prediction accuracy in CCTV images appears to be associated with a more sophisticated awareness of the social context present in the scene.
Bifocal cortical electrical stimulation for pain by interdural implantation of the electrodes
Authors: Sakas Damianos E. , Flaskas Theofanis N. , Panourias Ioannis G. , Georgakoulias Nikolaos 
Published: July 2010

Chronic electrical cortical stimulation (ECS) is an evolving therapy for alleviating treatment-refractory chronic pain syndromes. In this report, the authors describe a modified technique of ECS that involves resection of dural strips and interdural placement of the electrodes as a patch, and bifocal stimulation by implanting 2 electrode strips, that is, one over the motor and one over the sensory cortices.
The technique was used in 4 patients with treatment-refractory pain syndromes: a 76-year-old woman with poststroke central pain, 2 women, (71 and 73 years old) with trigeminal pain, and a 44-year-old man with phantom limb pain. All 4 patients experienced a sustained significant improvement in the intensity of pain and have gained a substantially improved functionality and quality of life. An important finding in these patients was the constancy of impedance within a narrow values range throughout the postoperative period. For the cases, the follow-up exceeds 24, 15, 12, and 9 months. The factors affecting the efficacy of ECS are discussed. In the authors' opinion, interdural implantation of the electrodes holds the promise to improve the efficacy and consistency of ECS compared with the standard epidural or subdural implantation without increasing the risk of the procedure. The technical considerations and the potential therapeutic advantages of the interdural bifocal approach are discussed.
Coupled dynamic response of a three-column mini TLP
Authors: Joseph Anitha , Mangal Lalu , George Precy Sara 
Published: July 2010

For the development of deepwater marginal fields, many new platform concepts and designs are on the anvil. The mini TLP is a proven concept in this regard wherein an optimised conventional TLP system economically and efficiently serves in developing small marginal deepwater reserves. Various new geometric configurations and designs of mini TLPs are reported in the literature. This paper presents a new geometric configuration which could be a better alternative to an existing configuration. A 3-column mini TLP is designed and its platform-mooring coupled dynamic behaviour is investigated and compared with an existing 4-column mini TLP. The numerical investigation is carried out for the 1:56 scaled model using a finite element computer program suitable for compliant offshore platforms. A combination wave force model with diffraction-radiation loading on large members and Morison loading on slender members is adopted for computing the non-linear dynamic response of the structure. The effects of parameters such as pretension in tethers and wave approach angle have been studied. The results obtained are compared with published results of the 4-column mini TLP. It is found that the dynamic responses of the 3-column mini TLP are close to the 4-column mini TLP with relatively higher surge and tether tension. Accounting for this in the design stage, the newly designed structure could be a promising candidate which can be used as an alternative to the 4-column mini TLP. Reducing the number of columns from four to three has added advantages in terms of cost and time during fabrication, installation and maintenance of the platform. Keywords: Deepwater structures; Coupled dynamics; Finite element method; Mini TLP; Nonlinear dynamicanalysis. DOI: 10.3329/jname.v6i2.2789
Le village celtique de Levroux : la fouille du terrain Charbonnier 1992-1993 : données préliminaires / A method for the study of internal organisation of habitats : animal bones spatial analysis. example at Levroux (Indre)
Authors: Krausz Sophie 
Published: July 2010

Un sauvetage urgent sur le site de Levroux, effectué durant l'hiver 1992-1993, a permis d'explorer une surface d'un hectare et demi en grand décapage, ce qui porte aujourd'hui notre connaissance du village celtique de plaine à près de trois hectares.
58 000 objets divers ont été recueillis dans 450 structures : trous de poteau, fosses, fossés. Un bâtiment sur poteaux et une construction sur tranchées de fondation indiquent l'existence d'un quartier qui se distingue nettement des zones précédemment fouillées. Un grand fossé formant angle droit, suivi sur une cinquantaine de mètres, semble constituer une limite du vaste quartier artisanal ou une limite ouest du village de plaine. La datation de ce secteur est proche de ceux que nous connaissions déjà : elle se situe principalement entre La Tène C2 et Dl mais quelques structures sont toutefois attribuables à l'Age du Bronze. L'époque gallo-romaine est représentée par une petite nécropole de nourrissons aménagée dans le fossé laténien.
P-33 : un nouvel ensemble stylistique sur sigillée moulée de Lezoux (Puy-de-Dôme) / P-33 : a new stylistic group on moulded sigillata from Lezoux workshops
Authors: Delage Richard 
Published: July 2010

P-33 is a new decorative style made by a potter of Lezoux terra sigillata workshops (Puy-de-
Dôme) at the end of the 2nd century and during the beginning of the 3nd century. This style is caracterised by poor compositions, and appears exclusively on small holds, and diffused on Gallia Lugdunensis andAquitania provinces.
Productions agricoles en Auvergne carolingienne d'après un dépotoir découvert à Saint-Germain-des-Fossés (Allier) / Farming productions in caroungian auvergne from a refuse pit recovered at Saint-Germain-des-Fossés (Allier).
Authors: Ruas Marie-Pierre 
Published: July 2010

Une fosse employée comme dépotoir et comblée peu avant l'an mil a livré les restes carpologiques
de 98 plantes. La majorité des déchets végétaux se compose de résidus de marc de raisin (Vitis vinifera). Les autres rebuts, dont certains sont d'origine fécale, sont constitués par des céréales, des légumineuses, du chanvre (Cannabis sativa) ainsi que de nombreux noyaux de prunes (Prunus domestica) et de prunelles (Prunus spinosa) qui attestent l'exploitation de plusieurs variétés fruitières. Les plantes sauvages témoignent de l'origine locale de ces cultures et permettent de discuter de la mise en valeur des sols autour du site, de l'organisation des cycles agricoles et de la probable intégration de prairies dans ce système. L'ensemble renvoie au mode d'exploitation polyculturale et à la production vivrière d'une ferme relativement aisée évoquant un manse seigneurial carolingien.
Le site du promontoire du château de Blois du VIIIe au XIe s. (Loir-et-Cher). (Première partie : niveaux et structures) / The site of the promontory of the castle of Blois from the 8th to the 11th century (Loir-et-Cher). (First part : layers and structures)
Authors: Aubourg Viviane , Josset Didier 
Published: July 2010

Depuis 1991, les fouilles de sauvetage réalisées sur le promontoire du château de Blois ont permis
de mettre au jour de nombreux vestiges du haut Moyen-Âge dont les phases d'occupation sont datées à l'aide de la céramique et des monnaies entre le VIIIe et le début du XIe s. Outre le mobilier archéologique découvert en très grande quantité, et dont la publication est en préparation, l'analyse des structures archéologiques offre des arguments propres à reconnaître et définir une occupation originale de type castrai. La diversité et la singularité de certains vestiges immobiliers, comme par exemple un fossé défensif, une enceinte maçonnée et des silos à forte capacité, confèrent au site du promontoire un statut très particulier. Cette première approche permet ainsi d'appréhender une réalité historique et matérielle pour laquelle les éléments de comparaisons sont très rares. Toutefois, à titre d'hypothèse, il est désormais possible de restituer l'évolution du site, de l'origine de la forteresse carolingienne au VIIIe-IXe s., alors lieu d'une importante activité domaniale et vraisemblablement siège du pouvoir d'une des plus puissantes familles du royaume aux Xe et XIe s., aux restructurations radicales menant au château féodal dans le courant du XIe s.
The donjon at Montrichard, Loir-et-Cher : observations on its date and function /Le donjon de Montrichard (Loir-et-Cher) : observations sur la datation et la fonction
Authors: Impey Edward 
Published: July 2010

Tour carrée de 9,62 m de côté (à l'intérieur), s 'élevant jadis jusqu'à 25 m, et constituée à l'origine
d'un sous-sol surmonté d'un seul étage, le donjon du château de Montrichard est un exemple important de l'architecture domestique et militaire du XIIe s. On sait qu'un hall (aula) et une tour (turris) ont été bâtis en ce lieu en 1109-31, mais la destruction attestée de la turris fortissima (" tour très forte " ou " la plus forte tour ") de Montrichard en 1188 a conduit à considérer le donjon actuel comme le hall plutôt que la tour. Cependant, un examen de l'édifice montre que le mur est et une grand partie du mur sud ont été intentionnellement détruits et reconstruits ; comme les détails architecturaux de la structure d'origine et des ouvrages ultérieurs peuvent se rapporter à une construction située respectivement vers 1125 et vers 1200, on peut reconnaître dans le donjon la turris de 1109-30, endommagée mais non détruite en 1188, et réparée peu de temps après. Cette identification précise entraîne deux conséquences, en dehors de l'étude même de Montrichard. D'une part, elle permet d'écarter largement la conclusion tirée de l'interprétation traditionelle de Montrichard - considérant des édifices similaires comme des "halls" autrefois accompagnés de tours depuis longtemps disparues. D'autre part, elle permet d'explorer les véritables implications de sa construction cum aula, et vient renforcer l'idée, découlant de l'architecture de cet édifice et de plusieurs autres, que les donjons à une pièce par étage différaient fondamentalement dans leur fonction, leur échelle et leur conception, du type que résument, par exemple, la Tour Blanche de Londres ou Falaise, qui possédaient plusieurs pièces à chacun des niveaux supérieurs (deux ou plus). Tout en présentant quelques-uns des attributs de défense et de parade propres aux structures plus grandes, ces donjons n'étaient pas conçus comme des résidences complètes, mais fournissaient tout au plus une partie des aménagements dans un ensemble plus vaste. L'identification du second bâtiment de Montrichard comme une aula renforce l'idée que le premier était normalement destiné à un logement privé plutôt qu'à la réception du public.
Du nouveau sur la viticulture biturige ? Réinterprétation d'une découverte / New improvments in vine-groning in berry? New interpretation of a discovery
Authors: Ferdière Alain , Luberne Alexis , Ruffier Olivier 
Published: July 2010

La mise en évidence, il y a quelques années, d'une importante série de petites structures excavées,
à Bourges " Saint-Martin-des-Champs " est ici réinterprétée : il s'agit de plantations de vignes (provignage), attribuables au Haut-Empire. Cette découverte repose la question du développement de la viticulture antique en Berry.