bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stereotactic body radiation therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis: Evaluation of radiological and pathological response
Authors: Facciuto Marcelo E. , Singh Manoj K. , Rochon Caroline , Sharma Jyoti , Gimenez Cecilia , Katta Umadevi , Moorthy Chitti R. , Bentley‐Hibbert Stuart , Rodriguez‐Davalos Manuel , Wolf David C. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackgroundLoco‐regional therapies for cirrhotic patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who are awaiting liver transplantation (OLT) attempt to prevent tumor progression. However, there is limited data regarding the efficacy of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) as loco‐regional treatment.MethodsFrom 2006 to 2009, 27 HCC patients (AJCC I, II) listed for OLT underwent SBRT. Thirty‐nine lesions were treated and 27 assessed radiologically. Seventeen patients had OLT, liver explants were analyzed and 22 lesions underwent pathological evaluation.ResultsIn a cumulative analysis of all imaging, 30% had complete response, 7% had partial response, 56% were stable, and 7% had progression of disease. Of the 22 pathologically evaluated lesions, 37% were responders: 14% with complete response, 23% with partial response, and 63% with no response. Side effects from SBRT were recorded in three patients, which included nausea in two and liver decompensation in one.ConclusionSBRT achieves total or partial radiological response in 37% of patients and total or partial pathological response in 37% of patients with early HCC in the setting of cirrhosis. SBRT may be a safe and effective alternative for local tumor control in patients with HCC and cirrhosis awaiting OLT. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 105:692–698. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Physical Properties of Biodegradable Films of Soy Protein Concentrate/Gelling Agent Blends
Authors: Kim Jun Tae , Netravali Anil N. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractSoy protein concentrate (SPC) is modified by blending with gelling agents such as agar, Agargel, and Phytagel and the properties of the blended films are characterized. Gelling agent addition significantly improves the mechanical properties, thermal stability, and moisture resistance. SPC blended with 30% PG show over 180% increase in the tensile stress and Young's modulus and the moisture regain decreases from 17.9 to 13.9%. The glass transition temperature of the SPC films increases from 132 to 148 °C after blending with Agargel and Phytagel. IPN‐like structure formation after adding gelling agents is responsible for the improvements. The results also suggest that the gelling agent chemistry determines the amount of gelling agent required to form IPN‐like structures.magnified image
Mathematical Modeling of the Response of Polymer Gel Dosimeters to HDR and LDR Brachytherapy Radiation
Authors: Nasr Abdullah T. , Schreiner L. John , McAuley Kim B. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractA model is developed to simulate the response of polyacrylamide gel (PAG) dosimeters to single spherical brachytherapy seeds. The model predicts the amount of polymer formed and crosslink density as a function of radial distance and time, using either a HDR Ir192 seed or a LDR I125 seed. Results indicate that PAG dosimeters should provide accurate dosimetry when used for HDR brachytherapy at distances larger than 4 mm from the center of the seed and that PAG dosimeters will give poor results for LDR dosimetry because of the long time available for the monomer and crosslinker to diffuse toward the seed during polymerization.magnified image
Mechanisms of weight maintenance under high‐ and low‐protein, low‐glycaemic index diets
Authors: Rubio‐Aliaga Isabel , Marvin‐Guy Laure F. , Wang Ping , Wagniere Sandrine , Mansourian Robert , Fuerholz Andreas , Saris Wim H. M. , Astrup Arne , Mariman Edwin C. M. , Kussmann Martin 
Published: September 2011

AbstractScope: Weight maintenance after intended weight loss is a challenge in an obesogenic environment. In a large multicentre dietary intervention study (DiOGenes), it has recently been demonstrated that a high‐protein/low‐glycaemic index (HP/LGI) diet was slightly more efficient in maintaining weight loss than low‐protein/LGI or high‐GI (LP/LGI or HGI) diets. Here, we use a proteomic approach to assess the molecular mechanisms behind this positive effect.Methods and results: A subset of the most successful (weight loser, n=12) and unsuccessful (weight re‐gainer, n=12) individuals consuming the LGI diets with either high‐ or low‐protein content (HP or LP/LGI), following an initial calorie deficit run‐in weight loss phase, were analyzed at the plasma protein level. Proteomic analysis revealed 18 proteins regulated after 6 months of the dietary weight maintenance phase. Furthermore, 12 proteins were significantly regulated as a function of success rate under an HP diet, arising as candidate biomarkers of mechanisms of successful weight maintenance under an HP/LGI diet. Pregnancy‐zone protein (PZP) and protein S (PROS1) were revealed as novel biomarkers of weight maintenance showing opposite effects.Conclusion: Semantic network analysis of the 12 regulated proteins revealed that under an HP/LGI an anti‐atherogenic effect and alterations of fat metabolism were associated with the success of maintaining the initial weight loss.
miR‐34a predicts survival of Ewing's sarcoma patients and directly influences cell chemo‐sensitivity and malignancy
Authors: Nakatani Fumihiko , Ferracin Manuela , Manara Maria Cristina , Ventura Selena , del Monaco Valentina , Ferrari Stefano , Alberghini Marco , Grilli Andrea , Knuutila Sakari , Schaefer Karl‐Ludwig , Mattia Gianfranco , Negrini Massimo , Picci Piero , Serra Massimo , Scotlandi Katia 
Published: September 2011

AbstractIdentification of factors to detect chemotherapy‐resistant tumours at diagnosis is a first priority for risk‐adapted therapy in the oncology of children and young adults, where more individualized, effective, and less toxic treatments are highly desirable. In this study, we analysed the miRNAs discriminating Ewing's sarcoma (EWS) patients with different clinical outcomes in order to identify new indicators of prognosis. miRNA expression was investigated in 49 primary EWSs by using the Agilent human miRNA microarray v.2 and/or qRT‐PCR. Statistical power of the samples studied for miRNA expression was verified, indicating adequate sample size. Microarray analysis defined a signature of five miRNAs (miR‐34a, miR‐23a, miR‐92a, miR‐490‐3p, and miR‐130b) as an independent predictor of risk for disease progression and survival. Validation analysis in the extended sample set indicated that both miR‐34a and miR‐490‐3p achieved sufficient statistical power to predict prognosis. Results were particularly robust for miR‐34a, which appeared associated with either event‐free or overall survival and emerged as a significant predictor also after multivariate analysis. Patients with the highest expression of miR‐34a did not experience adverse events in 5 years; in contrast, patients with the lowest expression recurred within 2 years. High expression of miR34a can be detected also in paraffin‐embedded tissues by in situ hybridization, thus contributing to an easy routine evaluation of this miRNA. Functional analysis of miR‐34a in EWS cell lines indicated that when miR‐34a expression was enforced, cells were less proliferative, less malignant, and sensitized to doxorubicin and vincristine. Expression of miR‐34a could be increased in p53wt cells by treatment with nutlin‐3a. Accordingly, nutlin‐3a synergizes with doxorubicin. Overall, our data indicate that miR‐34a expression is a strong predictor of outcome in EWS. Restoration of miR‐34a activity may be useful to decrease malignancy and increase tumour sensitivity to current drugs, so sparing excessive long‐term toxicity to EWS patients. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recipient‐derived EDA fibronectin promotes cardiac allograft fibrosis
Authors: Booth Adam J , Wood Sherri C , Cornett Ashley M , Dreffs Alyssa A , Lu Guanyi , Muro Andrés F , White Eric S , Bishop D Keith 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAdvances in donor matching and immunosuppressive therapies have decreased the prevalence of acute rejection of cardiac grafts; however, chronic rejection remains a significant obstacle for long‐term allograft survival. While initiating elements of anti‐allograft immune responses have been identified, the linkage between these factors and the ultimate development of cardiac fibrosis is not well understood. Tissue fibrosis resembles an exaggerated wound healing response, in which extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules are central. One such ECM molecule is an alternatively spliced isoform of the ubiquitous glycoprotein fibronectin (FN), termed extra domain A‐containing cellular fibronectin (EDA cFN). EDA cFN is instrumental in fibrogenesis; thus, we hypothesized that it might also regulate fibrotic remodelling associated with chronic rejection. We compared the development of acute and chronic cardiac allograft rejection in EDA cFN‐deficient (EDA−/−) and wild‐type (WT) mice. While EDA−/− mice developed acute cardiac rejection in a manner indistinguishable from WT controls, cardiac allografts in EDA−/− mice were protected from fibrosis associated with chronic rejection. Decreased fibrosis was not associated with differences in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy or intra‐graft expression of pro‐fibrotic mediators. Further, we examined expression of EDA cFN and total FN by whole splenocytes under conditions promoting various T‐helper lineages. Conditions supporting regulatory T‐cell (Treg) development were characterized by greatest production of total FN and EDA cFN, though EDA cFN to total FN ratios were highest in Th1 cultures. These findings indicate that recipient‐derived EDA cFN is dispensable for acute allograft rejection responses but that it promotes the development of fibrosis associated with chronic rejection. Further, conditions favouring the development of regulatory T cells, widely considered graft‐protective, may drive production of ECM molecules which enhance deleterious remodelling responses. Thus, EDA cFN may be a therapeutic target for ameliorating fibrosis associated with chronic cardiac allograft rejection. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use and costs of oral anticancer agents in the Netherlands in the period 2000–2008
Authors: Timmers Lonneke , Beckeringh Jan Jacob , van Herk‐Sukel Myrthe P. P. , Boven Epie , Hugtenburg Jacqueline G. 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTPurposeIn recent years, the number of oral anticancer agents has increased substantially. Although these agents have quickly been incorporated in the treatment of a variety of malignancies, data on their incidence, prevalence and costs are lacking. The objective of the present study was to obtain insight into the use and the costs of oral anticancer agents (with Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification system (World Health Organisation) code L01) in the Netherlands between 2000 and 2008.MethodsIncidence and prevalence were determined using community pharmacy dispensing records obtained from the PHARMO Record Linkage System database. The data of costs were provided by the Genees‐ en hulpmiddelen Informatie Project of the Dutch Health Care Insurance Board (CVZ, Diemen, The Netherlands).ResultsIn the years 2000–2008, the use of oral anticancer agents has more than doubled from 64 to 140 users per 100 000 inhabitants. The increase is mainly caused by the prescription of capecitabine for various indications. There was a 50‐fold rise in costs on oral anticancer agents from €2 m in 2000 to approximately €100 m in 2008. The share in the costs of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in 2008 was 67% (€70 m) with the oldest TKI, imatinib, having a share of more than 50% within the group of TKIs.ConclusionsThe increased use of oral anticancer agents is mainly due to the frequent prescription of capecitabine. The increased costs are caused by the registration of a variety of TKIs, in particular imatinib. The costs of new agents with an orphan drug status are very high as compared with those of capecitabine, a newer agent for which there are alternative treatment options. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mental health professionals' attitudes to partnership in medicine taking: a validation study of the Leeds Attitude to Concordance Scale II
Authors: de las Cuevas Carlos , Rivero‐Santana Amado , Perestelo‐Perez Lilisbeth , Perez‐Ramos Jeanette , Gonzalez‐Lorenzo Marien , Serrano‐Aguilar Pedro , Sanz Emilio J. 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTPurposeTo explore psychiatrists' attitudes toward concordance by validating the Leeds Attitude to Concordance Scale II (LATCon II) in a Spanish sample.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional survey. An opportunistic sample of 125 psychiatrist and 100 psychiatry registrars attending a national conference completed the LATCon II questionnaire and sociodemographic and professional data. The principal component analysis of the LATCon II items was performed. Associations with sociodemographic and mental health professional variables were calculated.ResultsPrincipal component analysis yielded three components labeled “communication/empathy,” “shared control,” and “eventual paternalistic style.” Women obtained significantly lower scores than men on the second component. Mental health professional variables were not related to attitude to concordance.ConclusionsPsychiatrists show a favorable attitude to involve patients in a process of reciprocal communication, where patients' preferences, values, and expectations are considered, but they are more cautious in their attitude to sharing decisions with patients. There is scope for the different kinds of research in this area: studying sex‐based differences in psychiatrists' attitudes to concordance and also exploring the gap in mental health care between patients' and professionals' views of shared decision making. Only in this way can the real partnership for shared decision making be fully understood. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Work stress and well‐being in oncology settings: a multidisciplinary study of health care professionals
Authors: Jones Martyn C. , Wells Mary , Gao Chuan , Cassidy Bernadette , Davie Jackie 
Published: September 2011

AbstractObjectivesStaff working in oncology report high levels of work‐related stress. This arises partly from the nature of clinical work, including practitioner perceptions of high demand and low control or high effort and low reward. This comparative study investigated the correlates of work stress in a multidisciplinary group of staff and the associations between staff perceptions of the work environment, emotional distress, job satisfaction and work‐based social support.MethodsThis questionnaire study combined quantitative and qualitative assessment in a cohort sample of multidisciplinary staff (N = 85) working in a cancer centre in North East Scotland. Ethical approval was granted by the local Research Ethics Committee. This paper reports on the quantitative element of the study,ResultsResponse rate was 50.6% (N = 85). Older, female and nursing and support staff were more likely to participate. Support staff reported the lowest perceptions of control, job satisfaction and managerial support. Radiographers reported the highest levels of job satisfaction, co‐worker and managerial support. Nurses perceived lower decision control and job satisfaction than allied health professionals or doctors. In general, perceptions of decisional control and reward were protective of job satisfaction, particularly when work demands were high. Co‐worker support was associated with perceptions of reduced effort, greater reward and increased satisfaction. Managerial support was also associated with greater control beliefs. Overall, sickness absence exceeded the 5% rates seen in other National Health Service surveys, whereas turnover intention rates were similar.ConclusionThe development and introduction of multilevel strategies to reduce demand, improve control and support perceptions are warranted, particularly for support staff. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Internet guidance in oncology practice: determinants of health professionals' Internet referral behavior
Authors: Emond Yvette , de Groot Jos , Wetzels Wendy , van Osch Liesbeth 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackgroundMany cancer patients turn to the Internet to obtain information on their disease. This digital quest is often motivated by a perceived discrepancy between the information received from health professionals and patients' actual informational needs. This discrepancy may be reduced by supplementing standard patient education with reliable online information sources. This study investigates health professionals' opinions, cognitions, and behavior regarding referring cancer patients to Internet‐based information.MethodsOnline and written questionnaires were distributed among Dutch oncology nurses and medical specialists, measuring perception of patients' informational needs, prompted and unprompted Internet referral, and socio‐cognitive factors regarding referral behavior.ResultsHealth professionals (N = 130) positively appraised Internet use among cancer patients. Despite recognizing patients' needs for additional information (84%) and need for referral to reliable websites (67%), only 20% frequently referred patients to Internet‐based information. Prompted Internet referral was higher (64%). Motives for nonreferral included unfamiliarity with websites and uncertainty about information quality. Intentions towards future referral were moderate to high. To translate intentions into referral, health professionals need reminder tools and information on reliability and content of websites. Cognitive determinants of referral behavior included professionals' attitude, self‐efficacy, and intentions regarding referral.ConclusionsRecognition of patients' information needs does not culminate in Internet referral among health professionals in cancer care. High intentions to change, however, indicate good prospects for future referral. This study yields valuable insights into behavioral determinants of health professionals' Internet referral behavior. Targeting determinants and barriers in future interventions will provide opportunities for optimization of educational practices. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Care needs after primary breast cancer treatment. Survivors' associated sociodemographic and medical characteristics
Authors: Pauwels Evelyn E. J. , Charlier Caroline , De Bourdeaudhuij Ilse , Lechner Lilian , Van Hoof Elke 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackgroundThis study examines the care needs of rehabilitating breast cancer survivors and determines what sociodemographic and medical characteristics are associated with these care needs.MethodsA large‐scale cross‐sectional study (n = 465, response rate = 65%) was conducted among survivors who had ended primary treatment less than 6 months previously. Questionnaires were completed regarding participants' care needs, how these needs were met and the time and manner preferred for receiving information and support. Care needs regarding seven specific rehabilitation topics were assessed separately: (1) physical functioning, (2) psychological functioning, (3) self and body image, (4) sexuality, (5) relationship with partner, (6) relationship with others, and (7) work, return to work and social security.ResultsHigh unmet needs were reported across all topics. The time preferred for receiving information and support across most topics was the period of breast cancer treatment. The most popular sources of information and support were informative brochures, consultation with a psychologist, information sessions and an informative website. Younger age and lower income were associated with care needs after treatment.ConclusionsA valuable contribution is made to the literature on post‐treatment care needs by comprehensively mapping unmet needs and the preferred time and source for meeting those needs. This study leads to greater awareness of the struggle facing breast cancer survivors and should guide those developing post‐treatment interventions. As optimal tailoring to the needs of the target group is a prerequisite for success, preparatory needs assessment should be essential to the development of supportive interventions. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐sensitivity C reactive protein as a biomarker for grading of childhood asthma in relation to clinical classification, induced sputum cellularity, and spirometry
Authors: Deraz T.E. , Kamel Terez B. , El‐Kerdany Tahany A. , El‐Ghazoly Heba M.A. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackgroundAsthma is the most common chronic inflammatory disease in childhood and some reports have demonstrated systemic inflammation. The relevance of high‐sensitivity assays for C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), which are known to be a sensitive marker of low‐grade systemic inflammation, has not been fully studied in childhood asthma.Aim of studyThis cross sectional case–control study aimed at evaluating serum hs‐CRP in asthmatic children with different grades of severity and control.MethodsSerum hs‐CRP, sputum cytology study, and forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) % of predicted for age and sex were estimated in 60 asthmatic children (30 uncontrolled steroid‐naïve, and 30 controlled on inhaled steroid). They were recruited from Pediatric Chest Clinic, Children's Hospital, Ain Shams University. Sixty healthy children‐age and sex‐matched were included as a control group.ResultsSerum hs‐CRP concentrations were significantly higher in asthmatics than in controls with a median of 1.93 mg/L and 0.24 mg/L, respectively. Serum hs‐CRP levels were significantly higher in uncontrolled steroid‐naïve asthmatics than those controlled on inhaled steroid with a median of 3.15 mg/L and 1.55 mg/L, respectively. Serum hs‐CRP showed a sensitivity of 72% and a specificity of 93%.ConclusionsDespite that pulmonary function tests and clinical classification are the gold standard for grading of asthma, hs‐CRP can be considered as a new marker for assessment of different grades of asthma severity and control. It can be used for indirect detection and monitoring of airway inflammation, disease severity, and response to steroid treatment in asthmatic children. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012; 47:220–225. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bounding the parameters of block‐structured nonlinear feedback systems
Authors: Cerone V. , Piga D. , Regruto D. 
Published: September 2011

SUMMARYIn this paper, a procedure for set‐membership identification of block‐structured nonlinear feedback systems is presented. Nonlinear block parameter bounds are first computed by exploiting steady‐state measurements. Then, given the uncertain description of the nonlinear block, bounds on the unmeasurable inner signal are computed. Finally, linear block parameter bounds are evaluated on the basis of output measurements and computed inner‐signal bounds. The computation of both the nonlinear block parameters and the inner‐signal bounds is formulated in terms of semialgebraic optimization and solved by means of suitable convex LMI relaxation techniques. The problem of linear block parameter evaluation is formulated in terms of a bounded errors‐in‐variables identification problem. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.