bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chemotherapy Treatment and Survival in Older Women with Estrogen Receptor–Negative Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Population‐Based Analysis
Authors: Schneider Myra , Zuckerman Ilene H. , Onukwugha Eberechukwu , Pandya Naimish , Seal Brian , Gardner Jim , Mullins C. Daniel 
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVES:To investigate the survival benefit associated with chemotherapy receipt in older women with estrogen receptor–negative (ER–) Stage IV breast cancer.DESIGN: Observational, retrospective cohort study using Cox proportional hazards regression to determine effect of chemotherapy on hazard of all‐cause mortality. The two samples were an overall sample (n=1,519) and a propensity score–matched sample (n=580) to control for selection to treatment receipt. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained for regression models.SETTING: U.S. women within the National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results cancer registries (SEER) linked to Medicare enrollment and claims database.PARTICIPANTS: Female Medicare beneficiaries aged 66 and older with Stage IV ER– breast cancer diagnosed between 1999 and 2005.MEASUREMENTS: Outcome measure was all‐cause death during the follow‐up period. Survival was measured as time from breast cancer diagnosis until death or last follow‐up date. Information on receipt of chemotherapy, defined as chemotherapy received within 6 months after diagnosis, was obtained from linked Medicare claims.RESULTS: One thousand five hundred nineteen ER– women diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer were identified; 494 (33%) received chemotherapy. Chemotherapy was associated with a statistically significant survival benefit (HR=0.61, 95% CI=0.54–0.70). Age did not modify the survival benefit of chemotherapy.CONCLUSION: Chemotherapy received within 6 months after diagnosis was associated with a 39% lower hazard of death within the time period for the study. These findings reflect chemotherapy use outside of the clinical trial setting and have important clinical and policy implications for the study of treatments in older women with advanced ER– breast cancer.
Short‐Term, Light‐ to Moderate‐Intensity Exercise Training Improves Leg Muscle Strength in the Oldest Old: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Serra‐Rexach José A. , Bustamante‐Ara Natalia , Hierro Villarán Margarita , González Gil Pedro , Sanz Ibáñez Maria J. , Blanco Sanz Nekane , Ortega Santamaría Victor , Gutiérrez Sanz Natalia , Marín Prada Ana B. , Gallardo Cristian , Rodríguez Romo Gabriel , Ruiz Jonatan R. , Lucia Alejandro 
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of an 8‐week exercise training program with a special focus on light‐ to moderate‐intensity resistance exercises (30–70% of one repetition maximum, 1RM) and a subsequent 4‐week training cessation period (detraining) on muscle strength and functional capacity in participants aged 90 and older.DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial performed during March to September 2009.SETTING: Geriatric nursing home.PARTICIPANTS: Forty nonagenarians (90–97) were randomly assigned to an intervention or control group (16 women and 4 men per group).INTERVENTION: Eight‐week muscle strength exercise intervention focused on lower limb strength exercises of light to moderate intensity.MEASUREMENTS: Primary outcome: 1RM leg press. Secondary outcomes: handgrip strength, 8‐m walk test, 4‐step stairs test, Timed Up and Go test, and number of falls.RESULTS: A significant group by time interaction effect (P=.02) was observed only for the 1RM leg press. In the intervention group, 1RM leg press increased significantly with training by 10.6 kg [95% confidence interval (CI)=4.1–17.1 kg; P=.01]. Except for the mean group number of falls, which were 1.2 falls fewer per participant in the intervention group (95% CI=0.0–3.0; P=.03), no significant training effect on the secondary outcome measures was found.CONCLUSION: Exercise training, even of short duration and light to moderate intensity, can increase muscle strength while decreasing fall risk in nonagenarians.
Assessment of Systolic Ejection Time as a Hemodynamic Marker of Incipient Bradycardic Vasovagal Syncope. A Pilot Study
Authors: FUCÀ GIUSEPPE , DINELLI MAURIZIO , GIANFRANCHI LORELLA , BRESSAN SABRINA , CORBUCCI GIORGIO , ALBONI PAOLO 
Published: March 2011

Background: Detection of markers of incipient syncope in patients with vasovagal syncope (VVS), without prodromal symptom, is still an open issue. The aim of this study was to assess the behavior of heart rate (HR) and ejection time, expressed as the percentage of the corresponding cardiac cycle (ET%), in patients with bradycardic VVS with a view to providing an alarm before the event.
Methods: In 33 patients with syncope and positive tilt testing and in 33 control patients, we collected beat‐to‐beat data on HR, ET%, stroke volume (SV), and blood pressure (BP). The trends of HR and ET% were analyzed. A set of combined changes of HR and ET% were tested in order to select the most appropriate algorithm for detecting the incipient syncope within the 3 minutes preceding the event.
Results: In patients with positive tilt testing, BP significantly decreased at 3 minutes before and at the time of syncope (P < 0.0001). HR slowly rose at 3 minutes before syncope and then suddenly decreased at the time of syncope (P < 0.0001). The correlation between SV and ET% was r = 0.79 (P < 0.0001). SV and ET% significantly decreased throughout tilt testing (P < 0.0001). The selected setting for the algorithm provided sensitivity of 97% and specificity of 73%. The theoretical alarm was generated at least 9 and 5 seconds before syncope, respectively, in 76% and 85% of the subjects.
Conclusion: The combined trends in HR and ET% may provide a marker of incipient bradycardic VVS in the majority of patients. (PACE 2011; 34:954–962)
Nurse Specialty Certification, Inpatient Mortality, and Failure to Rescue
Authors: Kendall‐Gallagher Deborah , Aiken Linda H. , Sloane Douglas M. , Cimiotti Jeannie P. 
Published: April 2011

Abstract Purpose: To determine if hospital proportion of staff nurses with specialty certification is associated with risk‐adjusted inpatient 30‐day mortality and failure to rescue (deaths in surgical inpatients following a major complication). Design: Secondary analysis of risk‐adjusted adult general, orthopedic, and vascular surgical inpatients discharged during 2005–2006 (n= 1,283,241) from 652 nonfederal hospitals controlling for state, hospital, patient, and nursing characteristics by linking outcomes, administrative, and nurse survey data (n= 28,598). Method: Nurse data, categorized by education and certification status, were aggregated to the hospital level. Logistic regression models were used to estimate effects of specialty certification and other nursing characteristics on mortality and failure to rescue. Findings: Hospital proportion of baccalaureate and certified baccalaureate staff nurses were associated with mortality and failure to rescue; no effect of specialization was seen in the absence of baccalaureate education. A 10% increase in hospital proportion of baccalaureate and certified baccalaureate staff nurses, respectively, decreased the odds of adjusted inpatient 30‐day mortality by 6% and 2%; results for failure to rescue were identical. Conclusions: Nurse specialty certification is associated with better patient outcomes; effect on mortality and failure to rescue in general surgery patients is contingent upon baccalaureate education. Clinical Relevance: Investment in a baccalaureate‐educated workforce and specialty certification has the potential to improve the quality of care.
Gaining Adequate Interdental Space with Elastic Separating Rings against Implants: A Case Series
Authors: Smidt Ami , Venezia Eyal 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTBackground: It is clinically challenging to place and restore an implant when the mesio‐distal space is limited or reduced at the occlusal plane and/or the bone level. Placing implants in these cases while ignoring the clinical difficulties and compromising treatment could limit the successful outcome. Treatment options include strategic extractions, sectional orthodontics, and minor orthodontic movements.Purpose: To discuss the clinical problems and difficulties arising from limited edentulous mesio‐distal space interdentally and to present a treatment modality and technique.Materials and Methods: Orthodontic elastic separating rings are used to open interdental space between teeth and implants, exerting forces against implants for regaining the needed space and restoring implants with ease.Results: The advantages of this technique are illustrated by clinical cases.Conclusions: Implants placed in limited interdental edentulous ridges may well assist in regaining lost spaces after loading. Neither an orthodontic background nor special instruments are required for this technique.
The Accuracy of an Implant Impression Technique Using Digitally Coded Healing Abutments
Authors: Eliasson Alf , Örtorp Anders 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTBackground: A healing abutment (Encode®) provided with digitally coded information on length and diameter on the top was launched in 2007. So far, no study has evaluated working cast fabrication using impressions of the coded abutments and analogue placement using a robot technique.Purpose: To compare the accuracy of implant analogue placement in working casts using a robot technique and an impression of Encode healing abutments, with the traditional technique.Materials and Methods: One acrylic master model was fabricated, provided with two groups of three implant analogues. Encode healing abutments were mounted on the test side and conventional pickup impression copings were inserted on the control side. Fifteen impressions were made with a vinylpolysiloxane material. Implant analogues were placed by a robot on the test side. The center point of each implant analogue fitting surface was measured with a laser measuring machine in the x‐, y‐, and z‐axis, as were also the angular direction of the center axis and the position of the antirotational hex. Two‐way analysis of variance was performed using SPSS 17.0; the statistical significance was set at p < .05.Results: Mean center point deviation for the test and control side was 37.4 µm versus 18.5 µm (p = .001) in the x‐axis, 47.3 µm versus 13.9 µm (p < .001) in the y‐axis, and 35.0 µm versus 15.1 µm (p < .013) in the z‐axis. Mean angle error was 0.41 degrees for the test and 0.14 degrees for the control side (p < .001). Mean rotation of the hexagon was 2.88 degrees for the test side and 1.82 degrees for controls (p < .001).Conclusions: Both conventional and robot technique presented low levels of displacement of the implant analogues in all casts. The test technique was less precise, but the difference in accuracy was small, and both techniques are precise enough for single crowns and short‐span, implant‐supported fixed partial prostheses.
Controversies in Sexual Medicine
Authors: Jannini Emmanuele A. , Gravina Giovanni L. , Mortengaler Abraham , Morales Alvaro , Incrocci Luca , Hellstrom Wayne J.G. 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Is there any unequivocal evidence that testosterone (T) can stimulate growth and aggravate symptoms in men with locally advanced and metastatic prostate cancer (PCa)? This is not a controversial point: the answer is yes. However, this evidence does not imply that PCa is a result of T or therapy with T (TTh) of hypogonadal men. Furthermore, currently adequately powered and optimally designed long-term prostate disease data are not available to determine if there is an additional risk from normal T values in cured patients for PCa.

Methods
This Controversy is introduced by an endocrinologist, the section editor (E.A.J.) with G.L.G., a fellow urologist and radiotherapist expert in basic research on PCa. Two outstanding urologists, A.M and W.J.G.H., debate clinical data and clinical guidelines, respectively. Finally, other controversial issues are discussed by another leader in the field (A.M.) and a radiation oncologist and sexologist who is actually president of the International Society for Sexuality and Cancer (L.I.).

Main Outcome Measure
Expert opinion supported by the critical review of the currently available literature.

Result
The answer to the main question “is the prostate a really T-dependent tissue?” is definitively yes, but T stimulates the prostatic tissue in a dose-dependent fashion only to a saturation point, achieved at low T concentrations. At these low T concentrations, stimulation is near maximal, and T supplementation above this level would not lead to significantly greater stimulation. Furthermore, there is no conclusive evidence that TTh increases the risk of PCa or even prostatic hyperplasia. There is also no evidence that TTh will convert subclinical PCa to clinically detectable PCa. However, there is a limited clinical experience of TTh after successful treatment of PCa. So far, just 48 patients have been studied in the three published articles.

Conclusions
It is evident that the issue is still controversial and much more research is needed. However, the available data suggest to the expert in sexual medicine that TTh can be cautiously considered in selected hypogonadal men previously treated for curative intent of low-risk PCa and without evidence of active disease.
A new perspective on the submillimetre galaxy MM 18423+5938 at redshift 3.9296 from radio continuum imaging
Authors: McKean J. P. , Berciano Alba A. , Volino F. , Tudose V. , Garrett M. A. , Loenen A. F. , Paragi Z. , Wucknitz O. 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
The bright submillimetre (sub-mm) galaxy MM 18423+5938 at redshift 3.9296 has been predicted from mid-infrared (MIR) and millimetre photometry to have an exceptionally large total IR luminosity. We present new radio imaging at 1.4 GHz with the Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope that is used to determine a radio-derived total IR luminosity for MM 18423+5938 via the well-established radio-far-IR correlation. The flux density is found to be S1.4 GHz= 217 ± 37 µµ, which corresponds to a rest-frame luminosity density of L1.4 GHz= 2.32 ± 0.40 × 1025¼-1 W Hz-1, where ¼ is the magnification from a probable gravitational lens. The radio-derived total IR luminosity and star formation rate are L8–1000 ¼m = 5.6-2.4+4.1 × 1013 ¼-1 L⨀ and SFR =9.4-4.9+7.4× 103 ¼-1 M⨀ yr-1, respectively, which are ∼9 times smaller than those previously reported. These differences are attributed to the IR spectral energy distribution of MM 18423+5938 being poorly constrained by the limited number of reliable photometric data that are currently available, and from a previous misidentification of the object at 70 µm. Using the radio derived total IR luminosity as a constraint, the temperature of the cold dust component is found to be Td∼ 24-5+7 K for a dust emissivity of β= 1.5 ± 0.5. The radio-derived properties of this galaxy are still large given the low excitation temperature implied by the CO emission lines and the temperature of the cold dust. Therefore, we conclude that MM 18423+5938 is probably gravitationally lensed.
Detection of a planetary system orbiting the eclipsing polar HU Aqr
Authors: Qian S.-B. , Liu L. , Liao W.-P. , Li L.-J. , Zhu L.-Y. , Dai Z.-B. , He J.-J. , Zhao E.-G. , Zhang J. , Li K. 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Using the precise times of mid-egress of the eclipsing polar HU Aqr, we discovered that this polar is orbited by two or more giant planets. The two planets detected so far have masses of at least 5.9 and 4.5MJup. Their respective distances from the polar are 3.6 and 5.4 au with periods of 6.54 and 11.96 yr, respectively. The observed rate of decrease of period derived from the downward parabolic change in the observed — calculated (O — C) curve is a factor of 15 larger than the value expected for gravitational radiation. This indicates that it may be only a part of a long-period cyclic variation, revealing the presence of one more planet. It is interesting to note that the two detected circumbinary planets follow the Titus-Bode law of solar planets with n = 5 and 6. We estimate that another 10 yr of observations will reveal the presence of the predicted third planet.
THE IMPORTANCE OF FOOD MICROSTRUCTURE IN FRACTURE PHYSICS AND TEXTURE PERCEPTION
Authors: LILLFORD PETER J. 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTThe operational definition of any material called food is that, at a minimum, it must be swallowed, which means that any solid food must be broken down and reassembled to a swallowable structure.The unique capability of Homo sapiens is that we process and convert many inedible materials into food. The success of the food manufacturing industry depends on the efficiency with which we build new structures, and how they match the expectation and enjoyment of individuals when they break them down in the mouth. Starting with the oral processing of common foods, such as meat, baked goods and vegetables, we have built simple models of the sequence of events necessary to produce edible products from various raw materials. We have related performance in the mouth to the mechanics of the complex composite materials that biology produces, or the butcher, baker and confectioner can create.We have few quantitative rules as yet, but the qualitative principles are becoming obvious.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThis type of work is crucial in understanding food assembly processing and the resultant texture perception in the mouth. It will lead to design rules for reformulation, saving costs and improving nutritional quality while maintaining a pleasurable eating experience.
Prevalence Estimates of Health Risk Behaviors of Immigrant Latino Men Who Have Sex With Men
Authors: Rhodes Scott D. , McCoy Thomas P. , Hergenrather Kenneth C. , Vissman Aaron T. , Wolfson Mark , Alonzo Jorge , Bloom Fred R. , Alegría‐Ortega Jose , Eng Eugenia 
Published: March 2011

AbstractPurpose: Little is known about the health status of rural immigrant Latino men who have sex with men (MSM). These MSM comprise a subpopulation that tends to remain “hidden” from both researchers and practitioners. This study was designed to estimate the prevalence of tobacco, alcohol, and drug use, and sexual risk behaviors of Latino MSM living in rural North Carolina.Methods: A community‐based participatory research (CBPR) partnership used respondent‐driven sampling (RDS) to identify, recruit, and enroll Latino MSM to participate in an interviewer‐administered behavioral assessment. RDS‐weighted prevalence of risk behaviors was estimated using the RDS Analysis Tool. Data collection occurred in 2008.Results: A total of 190 Latino MSM was reached; the average age was 25.5 years and nearly 80% reported being from Mexico. Prevalence estimates of smoking everyday and past 30‐day heavy episodic drinking were 6.5% and 35.0%, respectively. Prevalence estimates of past 12‐month marijuana and cocaine use were 56.0% and 27.1%, respectively. Past 3‐month prevalence estimates of sex with at least one woman, multiple male partners, and inconsistent condom use were 21.2%, 88.9%, and 54.1%, respectively.Conclusions: Respondents had low rates of tobacco use and club drug use, and high rates of sexual risk behaviors. Although this study represents an initial step in documenting the health risk behaviors of immigrant Latino MSM who are part of a new trend in Latino immigration to the southeastern United States, a need exists for further research, including longitudinal studies to understand the trajectory of risk behavior among immigrant Latino MSM.
Can markets be expected to prevent themselves from self‐destruction?
Authors: Rothstein Bo 
Published: March 2011

AbstractEven if competitive markets have shown themselves to be the most efficient organizational form for creating economic efficiency, the question of how they can avoid destructive influence from agents with opportunistic motives remains unresolved. Different institutional approaches have argued that to be efficient, markets need to be embedded in a set of formal and informal institutions. Because such institutions will in the long run make all market agents better off, they are labeled efficient institutions. Contrary to what is argued in neoclassical economics, it is unlikely that such institutions will be created endogenously by market agents because the institutions are to be understood as genuine public goods. Moreover, if such institutions have been established, we should expect market agents to face a collective action problem when sustaining them, leading to the destruction of the institutions. The conclusion is that if left to themselves, markets should be understood as inherently self‐destructive.
Transmission parameters of the A/H1N1 (2009) influenza virus pandemic: a review
Authors: Boëlle Pierre‐Yves , Ansart Séverine , Cori Anne , Valleron Alain‐Jacques 
Published: March 2011

Please cite this paper as: Boëlle P‐Yet al.(2011) Transmission parameters of the A/H1N1 (2009) influenza virus pandemic: a review. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 5(5), 306–316.Background The new influenza virus A/H1N1 (2009), identified in mid‐2009, rapidly spread over the world. Estimating the transmissibility of this new virus was a public health priority.Methods We reviewed all studies presenting estimates of the serial interval or generation time and the reproduction number of the A/H1N1 (2009) virus infection.Results Thirteen studies documented the serial interval from household or close‐contact studies, with overall mean 3 days (95% CI: 2·4, 3·6); taking into account tertiary transmission reduced this estimate to 2·6 days. Model‐based estimates were more variable, from 1·9 to 6 days. Twenty‐four studies reported reproduction numbers for community‐based epidemics at the town or country level. The range was 1·2–3·1, with larger estimates reported at the beginning of the pandemic. Accounting for under‐reporting in the early period of the pandemic and limiting variation because of the choice of the generation time interval, the reproduction number was between 1·2 and 2·3 with median 1·5.Discussion The serial interval of A/H1N1 (2009) flu was typically short, with mean value similar to the seasonal flu. The estimates of the reproduction number were more variable. Compared with past influenza pandemics, the median reproduction number was similar (1968) or slightly smaller (1889, 1918, 1957).