bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A retrospective analysis comparing the safety and efficacy of chemotherapy in elderly and non‐elderly non‐small‐cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Tsubata Yukari , Honda Takeshi , Okimoto Tamio , Miura Kiyotaka , Karino Fumi , Iwamoto Shinichi , Suzuki Taeko , Hamaguchi Shunichi , Kanda Hibiki , Sutani Akihisa , Kuraki Takashige , Isobe Takeshi 
Published: January 2012

Aim:  The number of elderly patients with non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is increasing in Japan. We retrospectively analyzed and compared the safety and efficacy of chemotherapy in elderly and non‐elderly NSCLC patients who received chemotherapy at Shimane University Hospital.Methods:  We carried out a retrospective analysis of survival in a series of 112 NSCLC patients treated from 2004 through 2009. We compared the data from the elderly group (≥70 years‐of‐age, 56 patients) with the non‐elderly group (<70 years‐of‐age, 56 patients) who had similar characteristics, such as sex and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status. We analyzed the patient characteristics, therapeutic regimen, dose intensity, toxicity and survival time in both groups.Results:  The patient characteristics were comparable between the two groups; however, there was a significant difference between the choice of first‐line therapeutic regimen. A platinum‐doublet regimen was more frequently used in the non‐elderly population (39.3% vs 64.3% for the elderly patients vs the non‐elderly patients, respectively; P < 0.01), whereas single agents and epidermal growth factor receptor‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors were more frequent in the elderly population (26.8% vs 10.7%, 19.6% vs 7.1%; P < 0.05, respectively). The relative dose intensity was approximately 80% or higher for all regimens, and toxicity was acceptable. The median survival time was 24.4 months and 18.6 months in the elderly and non‐elderly groups, respectively.Conclusion:  This retrospective study suggests that elderly patients can safely receive effective chemotherapy similar to non‐elderly patients under careful observation and management. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; 12: 499–505.
Use of FloSeal hemostatic matrix in a patient with severe postpartum hemorrhage
Authors: Lemmer Robert , Albrech Matthias , Bauer Guy 
Published: January 2012

AbstractFloSeal (hemostatic gelatin matrix with a human‐derived thrombin component; Baxter Healthcare, Deerfield, IL, USA) hemostatic matrix is used as an adjunct to hemostasis when conventional procedures have proved ineffective. In the present case, FloSeal was used in combination with transfusions, NovoSeven (recombinant activated human factor VIIa; Novo Nordisk, Copenhagen, Denmark) and compression to achieve hemostasis in a patient with postpartum bleeding and hypofibrinogenemia due to primary acute fatty liver of pregnancy. The patient presented with signs of acute hepatic failure, modified renal failure and bleeding disorder at week 37 of pregnancy. She suffered persistent hemorrhage after a soft vacuum‐assisted delivery. Local hemostasis was achieved, but not maintained and metrorrhagia resumed requiring transfusion. FloSeal was applied intrauterine and to the vaginal walls, and stable hemostasis was achieved after 2 h. At the one‐month post‐delivery visit, anatomic and physiological status had returned to normal, although the patient had low fibrinogen and prothrombin activity. This case demonstrates the safety and effectiveness of FloSeal in combination with conventional procedures to achieve hemostasis in postpartum bleeding in a patient with hypofibrinogenemia.
Similar risk for hemangiomas after amniocentesis and transabdominal chorionic villus sampling
Authors: Bauland Constantijn G. , Smit Jeroen M. , Scheffers Saskia M. , Bartels Ronald H. , van den Berg Paul , Zeebregts Clark J. , Spauwen Paul H. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractAim:  In an earlier study we have shown that transcervical chorionic villus sampling in excess of 90 mg increases the risk for hemangiomas of infancy three‐ to four‐fold compared to amniocentesis. In the present study we investigated whether transabdominal chorionic villus sampling (TA‐CVS), in which the samples are smaller, carries the same risk.Material and Methods:  Retrospectively, data were analyzed from 200 consecutive TA‐CVS procedures and 200 consecutive amniocentesis procedures. Forty‐two TA‐CVS procedures and 27 amniocentesis procedures were excluded on predefined criteria. Questionnaires were sent to the parents asking if there was any skin mark on the child: vascular, pigmented or otherwise. All hemangiomas were clinically confirmed.Results:  In the TA‐CVS group, 118/158 questionnaires (75%), and in the amniocentesis group 134/173 questionnaires (77%) were returned. Based on the results of the questionnaire (i.e. mentioning of any skin lesion), 24 children in the TA‐CVS group and 42 children in the amniocentesis group qualified for a physical examination. In the TA‐CVS group 11/118 children (9%) had one or more hemangiomas. In the amniocentesis group 6/134 children (4%) had one or more hemangiomas. There was no statistical difference between the two groups (P = 0134).Conclusion:  These results suggest that TA‐CVS does not cause an increase in the prevalence of hemangioma compared to amniocentesis. A larger series is, however, necessary to confirm this.
Are the cardiac dimensions spared in growth‐restricted fetuses resulting from uteroplacental insufficiency?
Authors: Uerpairojkit Boonchai , Manotaya Saknan , Tanawattanacharoen Somchai , Wuttikonsammakit Piyawadee , Charoenvidhya Dhiraphongs 
Published: January 2012

AbstractAim:  The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), specifically from uteroplacental insufficiency, on fetal cardiac dimensions.Material and Methods:  Cardiac circumference (CC) and cardiac area (CA) were measured in four‐chamber view in 143 normal fetuses between 18 and 40 weeks of gestation. A study group comprised a homogeneous group of 49 IUGR fetuses with abnormal umbilical artery impedance. Multiple regression analysis was used to compare the cardiac dimensions between normal and IUGR fetuses and to determine if there were differences in cardiac measurements between those with normal and with abnormal ductus venosus Doppler.Results:  Fetal cardiac dimensions did not differ significantly between normal and IUGR fetuses. In IUGR fetuses, cardiac dimensions were not statistically different between those with normal and abnormal ductus venosus Doppler.Conclusion:  Cardiac dimensions are spared and may be used for gestational age estimation in growth‐restricted fetuses resulting from uteroplacental insufficiency.
Delayed transanal repair of persistent coloanal anastomotic leak in diverted patients after resection for rectal cancer
Authors: Blumetti J. , Chaudhry V. , Prasad L. , Abcarian H. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractAim  Anastomotic leakage is a feared complication of colorectal surgery and can be devastating in low pelvic anastomosis. With the advent of nonoperative treatments for leakage, the question of management of persistent low colorectal and coloanal anastomosis arises. A review of patients who have undergone transanal repair of anastomotic leakage is presented.Method  A review of all anastomoses performed in the Division of Colorectal surgery at two institutions, from January 2000 to June 2008, was performed. Anastomotic leakage was defined as the finding at reoperation of a dehiscence, or radiographic findings of extravasation from the anastomosis, or the identification of intra‐abdominal abscess formation at the site of the anastomosis, enterocutaneous fistula or rectovaginal fistula. Patients who underwent transanal repair of the leakage were identified.Results  There were 663 low anterior resections performed during the study period. Of these, 36 experienced leakage of a low colorectal or coloanal anastomosis. Of these 36 patients, five underwent transanal repair of the anastomotic leak. All had had a low anterior resection for rectal cancer (coloanal = 4; low colorectal anastomosis = 1). Four had had prior chemoradiation and ileostomy defunctioning at the initial operation. The fifth had an ileostomy created to treat a leak. Six transanal repairs were performed, including endorectal advancement flap (n = 3), dermal flap (n = 1), direct suture repair (n = 1) and debridement of an infected cavity (n = 1). At the time of the present assessment, four patients had undergone reversal of ileostomy after radiographic evidence of complete healing and the fifth patient has a persistent leak.Conclusion  Transanal repair of a persistent low colorectal or coloanal anastomotic leakage is feasible in selected cases, even when chemoradiation has been performed.
Nocturia is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease and death
Authors: Lightner Deborah J. , Krambeck Amy E. , Jacobson Debra J. , McGree Michaela E. , Jacobsen Steven J. , Lieber Michael M. , Roger Véronique L. , Girman Cynthia J. , St. Sauver Jennifer L. 
Published: January 2012

Study Type – Prognosis (inception cohort)Level of Evidence 1bWhat's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Nocturia has been associated with multiple chronic conditions, however, previous studies have been conducted only at a single time.We found that nocturia preceded the development CHD in young men. Moderate nocturia may be an early marker of CHD in young men.OBJECTIVE
To determine whether nocturia is associated with the development of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary heart disease (CHD) and occurrence of death.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We studied data obtained from a retrospective cohort of randomly selected men, aged 40–79 years in 1990, from Olmsted County, MN, USA.
Moderate nocturia was defined as waking to urinate ≥2 times per night.
Men were followed every 2 years through repeated questionnaires and community medical records to assess development of diabetes mellitus and hypertension, and occurrence of death. CHD was ascertained through ongoing surveillance of heart disease in Olmsted County.
Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate associations between baseline nocturia and each of the outcomes.
RESULTS
A total of 2447 men were followed for a median of 17.1 years (25th and 75th percentiles: 15.0, 17.4 years).
Moderate nocturia was not significantly associated with the later development of diabetes mellitus or hypertension in this study.
Younger men (<60 years of age) with moderate nocturia were more likely to develop CHD later in life than younger men without nocturia (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.68; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13, 2.49). This association was no longer significant when adjusted for age, body mass index (BMI) and urological medications (HR: 1.36; 95% CI: 0.87, 2.12).
Older men (≥60 years of age) with moderate nocturia were more likely to die than older men without moderate nocturia, even after adjusting for age, BMI, urological medications and CHD (HR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.15, 1.91).
CONCLUSION
Nocturia may be a marker for increased risk of CHD in younger men, and death in older men.
Do Powerful CEOs Determine Microfinance Performance?
Authors: Galema Rients , Lensink Robert , Mersland Roy 
Published: January 2012

abstractRecently, microfinance has been coming under public and media attacks. The microcredit crisis following from microfinance‐induced suicides in 2010 in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh indicates that weak corporate governance and imprudent risk taking have far‐reaching consequences. Yet, analyses of corporate governance mechanisms among microfinance institutions (MFIs) remain underdeveloped. As a response, this study examines the impact of CEO power on MFI risk taking by deriving explicit predictions of this effect from a characterization of the microfinance industry. Based on a sample of 280 microfinance institutions, our results suggest that powerful CEOs of microfinance non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) have more decision‐making freedom than powerful CEOs of other types of MFIs. This induces them to make more extreme decisions that increase risk. Furthermore, the decision‐making freedom powerful CEOs have in NGOs appears to lead to worse decisions, because the presence of powerful CEOs in microfinance NGOs is associated with lower performance.
Crizotinib (PF‐02341066) reverses multidrug resistance in cancer cells by inhibiting the function of P‐glycoprotein
Authors: Zhou Wen‐jing , Zhang Xu , Cheng Chao , Wang Fang , Wang Xiao‐kun , Liang Yong‐ju , To Kenneth Kin Wah , Zhou Wang , Huang Hong‐bing , Fu Li‐wu 
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEBesides targeting the well‐known oncogenic c‐Met, crizotinib is the first oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor inhibiting anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) in clinical trials for the treatment of non‐small cell lung cancer. Here, we assessed the possible reversal of multidrug resistance (MDR) by crizotinib in vitro and in vivo.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH1‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐3,5‐ diphenylformazan was used in vitro and xenografts in nude mice were used in vivo to investigate reversal of MDR by crizotinib. To understand the mechanisms for MDR reversal, the alterations of intracellular doxorubicin or rhodamine 123 accumulation, doxorubicin efflux, ABCB1 expression level, ATPase activity of ABCB1 and crizotinib‐induced c‐Met, Akt and ERK1/2 phosphorylation were examined.KEY RESULTSCrizotinib significantly enhanced the cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutic agents which are also ABCB1 substrates, in MDR cells with no effect found on sensitive cells in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, crizotinib significantly increased intracellular accumulation of rhodamine 123 and doxorubicin and inhibited the drug efflux in ABCB1‐overexpressing MDR cells. Further studies showed that crizotinib enhanced the ATPase activity of ABCB1 in a concentration‐dependent manner. However, expression of ABCB1 was not affected, and reversal of MDR by crizotinib was not related to the phosphorylation of c‐Met, Akt or ERK1/2. Importantly, crizotinib significantly enhanced the effect of paclitaxel against KBv200 cell xenografts in nude mice.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSCrizotinib reversed ABCB1‐mediated MDR by inhibiting ABCB1 transport function without affecting ABCB1 expression or blocking the Akt or ERK1/2 pathways. These findings are useful for planning combination chemotherapy of crizotinib with conventional chemotherapeutic drugs.
Correspondence Between Gonadal Steroid Hormone Concentrations and Secondary Sexual Characteristics Assessed by Clinicians, Adolescents, and Parents
Authors: Huang Bin , Hillman Jennifer , Biro Frank M. , Ding, Lili , Dorn Lorah D. , Susman Elizabeth J. 
Published: January 2012

Adolescent sexual maturation is staged using Tanner criteria assessed by clinicians, parents, or adolescents. The physiology of sexual maturation is driven by gonadal hormones. We investigate Tanner stage progression as a function of increasing gonadal hormone concentration and compare performances of different raters. Fifty‐six boys (mean age, 12.7 ± 1.3 years) and 52 girls (mean age, 12.0 ± 1.6 years) were seen at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Estradiol and testosterone concentrations were determined from three morning serum samples and Tanner stage by three different raters (clinician, parent, and adolescent). Results confirm that Tanner criteria reflect gonadal hormone concentrations, and clinician rating provides optimal assessment. Detailed insight about the strengths and limitations of different raters is provided, augmenting the scientific understanding of pubertal development.
Therapy Switching, Augmentation, and Discontinuation in Patients with Osteoarthritis and Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Gore Mugdha , Sadosky Alesia B. , Leslie Douglas L. , Tai Kei‐Sing , Emery Paul 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackground:  Recommended pain treatments for osteoarthritis (OA) and chronic low back pain (CLBP) are suboptimal, and limited information is available regarding patterns of pharmacotherapy among patients with these conditions.Aims:  Evaluate patterns of therapy switching, augmentation, and discontinuation after treatment initiation with select pain medications in patients with OA and CLBP.Methods:  Using the U.K. The Health Improvement Network (THIN) database, OA and CLBP patients newly prescribed (index‐event) nonselective nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NS‐NSAIDs), cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitors (Cox‐2s), acetaminophen, tramadol and weak or strong opioids were selected. Descriptive statistics, Kaplan–Meier analyses, and COX proportional hazards models were used to evaluate patterns of changes in pharmacotherapy during the 12‐month postindex period.Results:  Rates of therapy switching, augmentation, and discontinuation, respectively, were significantly different (all P values < 0.0001) across the evaluated medication cohorts for both OA and CLBP patients. Discontinuation rates in OA patients were 91.9% (NS‐NSAIDs), 86.9% (Cox‐2s), 91.4% (acetaminophen), 89.7% (tramadol), 93.2% (weak opioids), and 84.3% (strong opioids); and in CLBP patients were 97.2% (NS‐NSAIDs), 94.0% (Cox‐2s), 95.0% (acetaminophen), 92.8% (tramadol), 97.0% (weak opioids), and 86.8% (strong opioids). The rates of switching (range 30.0% to 59.6%) and augmentation (range 7.5% to 15.2%) were lower. Estimated probability evaluations suggested that two‐thirds of patients who switched, augmented, or discontinued therapy did so within the first couple of months, and a majority did so within 6‐months of treatment initiation.Conclusions:  This study demonstrates that therapy switching and discontinuation of select pain medications were common among OA and CLBP patients in the U.K. and may result from inadequate pain relief or undesirable side effects.
High Performance BaTiO3‐Based BME‐MLCC Nanopowder Prepared by Aqueous Chemical Coating Method
Authors: Zhang Yichi , Wang Xiaohui , Kim Jin‐Yong , Tian Zhibin , Fang Jian , Hur Kang‐Heon , Li Longtu 
Published: January 2012

Dispersion plays an important role in aqueous chemical coating process for the preparation of BaTiO3‐based powder for base‐metal‐electrode multilayer ceramic capacitors (BME‐MLCCs) in our previous research. In this article, a powerful sand mill (SC‐milling) machine is utilized instead of traditional ball milling to produce BaTiO3 MLCC nanopowder, in which small ZrO2 beads help to achieve high centrifugal accelerations and avoid BaTiO3 agglomerates. As much as 1 kg BaTiO3 nanopowder has been effectively dispersed very well in one time, then a uniform coating of additives on BT nanoparticles has been achieved by aqueous chemical coating method. High performance X7R BaTiO3 nanoceramics with the average grain size of about 96 nm are obtained. The experimental result indicates that this technology can be feasible to the industry for manufacturing next generation BME‐MLCCs.
Low‐risk labor – outcomes after introduction of special guidelines combined with increased awareness of risk category
Authors: NESHEIM BRITT‐INGJERD 
Published: January 2012

Abstract Objective. To study whether special guidelines for low‐risk parturients combined with increased awareness of risk category affect the management of labor. Design. Hospital‐based registry study. Setting. Two identical birth units in one university hospital in Oslo, Norway. Population. All low‐risk parturient women in the years 2001–2009; a total of 28 533 deliveries. Methods. From September 2005, a special protocol for management of low‐risk labors was introduced in one of the units. Data were obtained from standardized patient records, routinely recorded electronically. Outcomes were extracted for each year, and for the years 2006–2009 the outcomes for the two units were compared. Logistic regression was used to study factors associated with spontaneous vaginal delivery. Main outcome measures. Delivery method, use of electronic fetal monitoring, use of oxytocin, duration of labor and Apgar score at five minutes. Results. For nulliparas, the unit with special guidelines had a slightly higher rate of spontaneous vaginal deliveries (76 vs. 72.5%, p=0.006), lower use of oxytocin (48.8 vs. 56.1%, p<0.001) and electronic fetal monitoring (63.8 vs. 69.4%, p<0.001) and longer duration of labor. In multiparas, there was a small difference (15.5 vs. 18.4%, p=0.003) in the use of oxytocin. In a logistic regression, spontaneous vaginal delivery in nulliparas was negatively associated with use of oxytocin and electronic fetal monitoring, but not with the birth unit. Conclusions. A special protocol to increase awareness of risk category led to a small, although statistically significant, increase in the rate of spontaneous vaginal delivery in nulliparous, but not in parous low‐risk parturients.
Efficacy of tranexamic acid in the treatment of idiopathic and non‐functional heavy menstrual bleeding: A systematic review
Authors: NAOULOU BECKY , TSAI MING C. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract Objective. To evaluate the efficacy of tranexamic acid in the treatment of idiopathic and non‐functional heavy menstrual bleeding. Design. Systematic review. Population. Women with a diagnosis of idiopathic and non‐functional heavy menstrual bleeding treated with tranexamic acid. Methods. Electronic searches were conducted in literature databases up to February 2011 by two independent reviewers. We included all trials involving the efficacy of tranexamic acid for the treatment of heavy uterine bleeding. Pregnant, postmenopausal and cancer patients were excluded. Main outcome measures. Effect of tranexamic acid treatment on objective reduction of menstrual bleeding and improvement in patient quality of life. Results. A total of 10 studies met our inclusion criteria. Available evidence indicates that tranexamic acid therapy in women with idiopathic menorrhagia resulted in 34–54% reduction in menstrual blood loss. Following tranexamic acid treatment, patient's quality‐of‐life parameters improved by 46–83%, compared with 15–45% for norethisterone treatment. When compared with placebo, tranexamic acid use significantly decreased the blood loss by 70% in women with menorrhagia secondary to an intrauterine device (p<0.001). Limited evidence indicated potential benefit in fibroid patients with menorrhagia. No thromboembolic event was reported in all studies analyzed. Conclusions. Available evidence indicates that tranexamic acid treatment is effective and safe, and could potentially improve quality of life of patients presenting with idiopathic and non‐functional heavy menstrual bleeding. Data on the therapeutic efficacy of tranexamic acid in patients with symptomatic fibroids are limited, and further studies are therefore needed.