bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Outcomes and Safety of Single-Agent Sorafenib in the Treatment of Elderly Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)
Authors: Wong Hilda , Tang Yuen Fong , Yao Tzy-Jyun , Chiu Joanne , Leung Roland , Chan Pierre , Cheung Tan To , Chan Albert C. , Pang Roberta W. , Poon Ronnie , Fan Sheung-Tat , Yau Thomas 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background.
With the aging population, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the elderly represents a significant health burden. We aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy and tolerability of single-agent sorafenib in treating elderly patients with advanced HCC versus the younger population.

Methods.
We retrospectively analyzed a consecutive cohort of advanced HCC patients with Child-Pugh A or B liver function and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status score of 0–2 treated with sorafenib. The patients were categorized into older (age ≥70 years) and younger (age &lt;70 years) groups. Treatment outcomes and related adverse events (AEs) were compared.

Results.
In total, 172 patients, 35 in the older (median age, 73 years) and 137 in the younger (median age, 55 years) group, were analyzed. The median progression-free survival time was similar in the older and younger groups (2.99 months versus 3.09 months; p = .275), as was the overall survival time (5.32 months versus 5.16 months; p = .310). Grade 3 or 4 AEs were observed in 68.6% of older and 62.7% of younger patients (p = .560), with neutropenia (11.4% versus 0.7%; p = .007), malaise (11.4% versus 2.2%; p = .033), and mucositis (5.7% versus 0.0%; p = .041) being more frequently reported in the elderly cohort.

Conclusions.
The survival benefits and overall treatment-related AEs of sorafenib are comparable in elderly and younger advanced HCC patients. Nevertheless, more vigilant monitoring in the elderly is warranted because they are more susceptible to develop neutropenia, malaise, and mucositis.
Valuing the Benefit for Cancer Patients of Receiving Blood Transfusions at Home
Authors: Havet Nathalie , Morelle Magali , Remonnay Raphaël , Carrere Marie-Odile 
Published: December 2011

In the field of health care management, contingent valuation surveys (CV) are used in cost benefit analyses (CBA) to elicit patients’ monetary valuation of program benefits. We considered the empirical situation of blood transfusions (BT) in cancer patients. Before planning such a CBA, we had to make sure that the CV approach could be used in a particularly critical clinical situation to estimate the marginal benefit of changing from hospital BT to home BT. The fact that the CV approach is feasible and acceptable to severely ill patients was not taken for granted a priori.We measured patient’s willingness-to-pay (WTP) for home BT in a sample of 139 patients who received transfusions either at home or in the hospital. After considering patient’s participation to the survey and protest responses, we identified possible determinants of WTP values derived from previous knowledge, then we compared their expected influences to predicted influences resulting from econometric analysis to assess the validity of our results. Participation was high (90%) and few patients gave protest responses. Most patients (65%) had received home care, including 43% BT. The median WTP for home BT was 26.5 € per patient.Good consistency was observed between the expected and predicted influences of possible determinants of WTP. The anchoring bias hypothesis was confirmed. The WTP for home BT increased with previous experience of home care, age, living far from the hospital and low quality of life. Our CV approach is thus a first contribution to the debate on the appropriateness of generalizing access to home BT. However, our results would be worth confirming with a formal cost-benefit analysis.
Thy28 partially prevents apoptosis induction following engagement of membrane immunoglobulin in WEHI-231 B lymphoma cells
Authors: Toyota Hiroko , Jiang Xiao-Zhou , Asakura Hideki , Mizuguchi Junichiro 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThy28 protein is conserved among plants, bacteria, and mammalian cells. Nuclear Thy28 protein is substantially expressed in testis, liver, and immune cells such as lymphocytes. Lymphocyte apoptosis plays a crucial role in homeostasis and formation of a diverse lymphocyte repertoire. In this study, we examined whether Thy28 affects induction of apoptosis in WEHI-231 B lymphoma cells following engagement of membrane immunoglobulin (mIg). Once they were established, the Thy28-overexpressing WEHI-231 cells showed similar expression levels of IgM and class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule compared with controls. The Thy28-overexpressing cells were considerably resistant to loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), caspase-3 activation, and increase in annexin-positive cells upon mIg engagement. These changes were concomitant with an increase in G1 phase associated with upregulation of p27Kip1. The anti-IgM-induced sustained activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), which was associated with late-phase hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production, was partially reduced in the Thy28-expressing cells relative to controls. Taken together, the data suggest that in WEHI-231 B lymphoma cells, Thy28 regulates mIg-mediated apoptotic events through the JNK-H2O2 activation pathway, concomitant with an accumulation of cells in G1 phase associated with upregulation of p27Kip1 in WEHI-231 B lymphoma cells.
Influence of adsorbed oxygen on charge transport and chlorine gas-sensing characteristics of thin cobalt phthalocyanine films
Authors: Samanta Soumen , Kumar Arvind , Singh Ajay , Debnath Anil , Aswal Dinesh , Gupta Shiv 
Published: December 2011

AbstractWe have investigated the morphology, charge transport, and gas-sensing characteristics of thin films of cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) deposited on glass and sapphire substrates, using molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). CoPc films deposited on glass were found to be highly disordered. The ambient oxygen was found to be chemisorbed and created deep trap states, which led not only to hysteretic current-voltage (J-V) characteristics but also reduce the charge mobility. These properties render them unsuitable for gas-sensing. On the other hand, films deposited on sapphire were polycrystalline, which was attributed to an improved molecule-substrate interaction. The physically sorbed oxygen only created shallow traps, and the J-V characteristics were non-hysteretic, rendering them suitable for gas-sensing applications. It was demonstrated that the ultrathin (20 nm) CoPc films deposited on sapphire acted as highly sensitive and selective sensors for chlorine present in the w Cl concentration range of 5 × 10−9−2 × 10−6 (5–2000 ppb).
Thermal analysis of (NaF/AlF3)-FeF3 and (NaF/AlF3)-FeO systems
Authors: Šimko František 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThermal analysis of the two systems, (NaF/AlF3)-FeF3 and (NaF/AlF3)-FeO, was carried out with three different cryolite ratios. In these systems, “impurity compounds” decreased the temperature of primary crystallisation with decreasing cryolite ratios. From the slope of the dependencies, it can be assumed that the excess of AlF3 plays a more significant role in changes in the “Fe(III)” systems than in “Fe(II)” systems.
Muscle Atrophy and Functional Deficits of Knee Extensors and Flexors in People With Chronic Stroke
Authors: Prado-Medeiros Christiane L. , Silva Milla P. , Lessi Giovanna C. , Alves Marcela Z. , Tannus Alberto , Lindquist Ana R. , Salvini Tania F. 
Published: December 2011

BackgroundFurther clarification is needed with regard to the degree of atrophy in individual muscle groups and its possible relationship to joint torque deficit poststroke.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate quadriceps and hamstring muscle volume and strength deficits of the knee extensors and flexors in people with chronic hemiparesis compared with a control group.DesignThis was a cross-sectional study.MethodsThirteen individuals with hemiparesis due to chronic stroke (hemiparetic group) and 13 individuals who were healthy (control group) participated in this study. Motor function, quadriceps and hamstring muscle volume, and maximal concentric and eccentric contractions of the knee extensors and flexors were assessed.ResultsOnly the quadriceps muscle of the paretic limb showed reduced muscle volume (24%) compared with the contralateral (nonparetic) limb. There were no differences in muscle volume between the hemiparetic and control groups. The peak torque of the paretic-limb knee extensors and flexors was reduced in both contraction modes and velocities compared with the nonparetic limb (36%–67%) and with the control group (49%–75%). The nonparetic limb also showed decreased extensor and flexor peak torque compared with the control group (17%–23%). Power showed similar deficits in strength (12%–78%). There were significant correlations between motor function and strength deficits (.54–.67).LimitationsMagnetic resonance imaging coil length did not allow measurement of the proximal region of the thigh.ConclusionsThere were different responses between quadriceps and hamstring muscle volumes in the paretic limb that had quadriceps muscle atrophy only. However, both paretic and nonparetic limbs showed knee extensor and flexor torque and power reduction.
Effect of Time Ratio of Heat to Cold on Brachial Artery Blood Velocity During Contrast Baths
Authors: Shih Chiao-Yu , Lee Wen-Li , Lee Chih-Wei , Huang Chien-Hui , Wu Yu-Zu 
Published: December 2011

Background
Contrast baths have been adopted widely in clinics. However, the time ratio of heat to cold modalities has not been well established.

Objective
The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of time ratio on brachial artery mean blood velocity (aMBV) and determine the optimal duration in the second heating phase.

Design
This was a within-participant, repeated-measures, experimental study.

Methods
Thirty-four young volunteers who were healthy were recruited. Each participant performed 2 kinds of contrast baths within 2 separate sessions. In the first trial with a fixed time ratio, participants immersed their left hands in a 40°C hot bath for 3 minutes and then in an 18°C cold bath for 1 minute. This procedure was repeated 3 times. In the second trial, after the initial 3-minute hot bath and 1-minute cold bath, a 10-minute 40°C hot bath immersion was adopted as the second cycle. A color Doppler ultrasound scanner was used to measure aMBV, which was used to calculate the percentage of change related to the baseline (aMBV%) and the fluctuation in the heating phases (ΔaMBV%).

Results
In the first trial, compared with the first heating phase, the ΔaMBV% was significantly lower by 57% and by 46% in the second and third heating phases, respectively. In the second trial, the ΔaMBV% beyond the 7th minute did not reach a significantly lower level.

Limitations
The results cannot be generalized to elderly individuals or patients with medical conditions.

Conclusion
A longer duration in the second heating phase during contrast baths was required to produce a sufficient fluctuation in blood flow.
Effect of Peroneal Electrical Stimulation Versus an Ankle-Foot Orthosis on Obstacle Avoidance Ability in People With Stroke-Related Foot Drop
Authors: van Swigchem Roos , van Duijnhoven Hanneke J.R. , den Boer Jasper , Geurts Alexander C. , Weerdesteyn Vivian 
Published: December 2011

BackgroundWalking ability of people with foot drop in the chronic phase after stroke is better with functional electrical stimulation (FES) of the peroneal nerve than without an orthotic device. However, the literature is not conclusive on whether peroneal FES also is better than an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) in this regard.ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify potential benefits of peroneal FES over an AFO with respect to the ability to negotiate a sudden obstacle.DesignThe study design was a within-subject comparison between FES and AFO using repeated measures.MethodsTwenty-four community-dwelling people with stroke (mean age=52.6 years, SD=12.7) who regularly used a polypropylene AFO were fitted with a transcutaneous FES device. The participants' obstacle avoidance ability was tested after 2 and 8 weeks. They had to avoid 30 obstacles that were suddenly dropped on a treadmill in front of the affected leg while walking with either FES or an AFO. The obstacle avoidance success rates were determined.ResultsSuccess rates were higher with FES than with an AFO, especially after adjustment for individual leg muscle strength. Participants with relatively low muscle strength (Motricity Index score &lt;64) were most likely to benefit from FES regarding obstacle avoidance ability.LimitationFurther work is needed to determine whether the results may be generalized to other groups of people with stroke.ConclusionsPeroneal FES seems to be superior to an AFO with regard to obstacle avoidance ability in community-dwelling people with stroke. The observed gains in obstacle avoidance ability appear to be clinically most relevant in the people with relatively low leg muscle strength.
Defining, Agreeing on, and Testing an International Physical Therapy Core Data Set: Results of a Feasibility Study Involving Seven Countries
Authors: Holdsworth Lesley K. , Webster Valerie S. , Rafferty Daniel 
Published: December 2011

Background
To date, there has been no attempt to describe or compare physical therapy as practiced globally, nor any evidence that an international data set exists to support this effort. It is known that research evidence can be used in strategic and tactical ways, especially within the highly politicized context of the policy arena. The International Private Practitioners Association recognized the potential value a global evidence base could have in influencing policy and supporting professional development in a number of countries, yet it lacked a mechanism to achieve these aims.

Objectives
The purposes of this study were: (1) to identify and test an international data set, definitions, and means of data collection and (2) to establish views in relation to the value of international collaborations.

Design
A mixed, prospective design was used in the study.

Method
Phase 1 (2006–2007) involved the development of a data set, definitions, and Web-based and paper-based data collection options involving 98 physical therapists from 68 physical therapy practices in 7 countries. Phase 2 (2008–2009) involved testing of the data set in 34 practices involving 3,195 patient episodes and included physical therapist feedback of experience, local relevance of the data set, and value of international collaborations.

Results
Testing confirmed the relevance and reliability of the data set and definitions and a preference for Web-based data collection (74.0%). Physical therapist feedback supported these findings. Most respondents (60.0%–100.0%) reported the value of further international collaborations for their profession nationally or internationally.

Limitations
Although a true international collaboration, the limited sample size should be recognized.

Conclusions
It is possible to develop an agreed-upon international data set and means of data collection. Testing appears to support its acceptability and relevance for use in practice. Participants highly valued the opportunity to undertake international collaborations that may benefit their profession nationally and internationally. Further testing and use of the data set are advocated before final validation is sought.
Effect of Motor Control Exercises Versus Graded Activity in Patients With Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Macedo Luciana Gazzi , Latimer Jane , Maher Christopher G. , Hodges Paul W. , McAuley James H. , Nicholas Michael K. , Tonkin Lois , Stanton Chris J. , Stanton Tasha R. , Stafford Ryan 
Published: December 2011

BackgroundMotor control exercises to improve control and coordination of trunk muscles and graded activity under the principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy are 2 commonly used exercise therapies, yet there is little evidence to support the use of one intervention over the other.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of motor control exercises and graded activity for patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain.DesignThis study was a prospectively registered randomized controlled trial with outcome assessment and statistical analyses conducted blind to group.SettingThe study was conducted in primary care settings.PatientsThe participants were 172 patients with chronic (&gt;12 weeks) nonspecific low back pain.InterventionsPatients were randomly assigned to receive either motor control exercises or graded activity. There was no attempt to subclassify patients to match them to a treatment. Patients in both groups received 14 sessions of individualized, supervised exercise therapy.MeasurementsPrimary outcomes were average pain over the previous week (numeric rating scale) and function (Patient-Specific Functional Scale); secondary outcomes were disability (24-item Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire), global impression of change (Global Perceived Effect Scale), and quality of life (36-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire [SF-36]). Outcome measures were collected at baseline and at 2, 6, and 12 months after intervention.ResultsA linear mixed models analysis showed that there were no significant differences between treatment groups at any of the time points for any of the outcomes studied. For example, the effect for pain at 2 months was 0.0 (−0.7 to 0.8).LimitationsClinicians could not be blinded to the interventions.ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that motor control exercises and graded activity have similar effects for patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain.
Déplacements dans Sophie's Choice de William Styron : Du texte de la valeur à la valeur du texte
Authors: Thomières Daniel 
Published: December 2011

Résumé : Le présent article s'interroge sur ce que pourrait être la valeur des textes littéraires. Il part d'une étude du roman de William Styron, Le Choix de Sophie, qui aborde notamment la question d'Auschwitz, ainsi que celle de l'esclavage au XIXe siècle dans le Sud des États-Unis. Le roman de Styron propose explicitement à ce propos plusieurs théories de la valeur. Peut-on passer de définitions de la valeur dans un texte à une conceptualisation de la valeur d'un texte ? Nous proposons un certain nombre d'hypothèses qui tournent autour de la notion de choix. Le problème devient alors : comment procéder à des choix qui soient assumés de la manière la plus consciente possible ? C'est à ce point précis que l'on doit considérer que lire, relire et interpréter un texte littéraire touche aux niveaux le plus profonds de notre identité. Il s'ensuit que la théorie littéraire devrait accorder une place à l'éthique et à la pragmatique de l'acte de lecture.
Running Out of Gas: The Energy Crisis in 1970s Suburban Narratives
Authors: Long Christian 
Published: December 2011

Abstract: In Back to the Future 1 and Part II, The Ice Storm, and The Virgin Suicides the negative effects of suburbanization are written onto the nature it purports to provide its residents. The cultural and economic logic of sprawl generates a built environment that accelerates the energy-crisis apocalypse tasted during the 1973 energy crisis. The paradoxes of suburban ideology generate unsustainable—even fatal—built environments, figuring two apocalypses as competing for space in suburban narratives: the concrete-grey and the green. In the grey, all hell breaks loose when the built environment can no longer deliver on suburban ideology's promises. But suburban ideology so drives American culture that hell must be displaced onto terrorists, weather, and parenting to make the future safe by keeping it recognizably suburban, literally concrete. The potential green apocalypse—what a return to nature would actually entail—critically engages the concrete-grey apocalypse, but at the cost of (suburban) life as we know its obsolescence.
The Goyishe Gaze: Reading Against American Movie Reviews of The Reader
Authors: Relke Diana M.A. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract: The ongoing American obsession with the Holocaust has had a profound effect on the production and reception of Holocaust films in the United States. This article addresses some of the American reviews—several by Jewish Americans—of the 2008 British film The Reader that are critical of the ambiguous characterization of former SS guard Hanna Schmitz, the film's depictions of sexuality, and the absence of images of Holocaust violence. The author offers an alternative reading that provides some historical context and focuses more on protagonist Michael Berg, the theme of Germany's struggle to come to terms with its murderous past, and the conflict between law and morality in post-war Germany.
Differences between soft-disc herniation and spondylosis in cervical arthroplasty: CT-documented heterotopic ossification with minimum 2 years of follow-up
Authors: Wu Jau-Ching , Huang Wen-Cheng , Tu Tsung-Hsi , Tsai Hsiao-Wen , Ko Chin-Chu , Wu Ching-Lan , Cheng Henrich 
Published: December 2011

ObjectCervical arthroplasty is a valid option for patients with single-level symptomatic cervical disc diseases causing neural tissue compression, but postoperative heterotopic ossification (HO) can limit the mobility of an artificial disc. In the present study the authors used CT scanning to assess HO formation, and they investigated differences in radiological and clinical outcomes in patients with either a soft-disc herniation or spondylosis who underwent cervical arthroplasty.MethodsMedical records, radiographs, and clinical evaluations of consecutive patients who underwent single-level cervical arthroplasty were reviewed. Arthroplasty was performed using the Bryan disc. The patients were divided into a soft-disc herniation group and a spondylosis group. Clinical outcomes were measured using the visual analog scale (VAS) for neck and arm pain and the Neck Disability Index (NDI), whereas HO grading was determined by studying CT scans. Radiological and clinical outcomes were analyzed, and the minimum follow-up duration was 24 months.ResultsForty-seven consecutive patients underwent a single-level cervical arthroplasty. Forty patients (85.1%) had complete radiological evaluations and clinical follow-up of more than 2 years. Patients were divided into 1 of 2 groups: soft-disc herniation (16 cases) and the spondylosis group (24 cases). Their mean age was 45.51 ± 11.12 years. Sixteen patients (40%) were female. Patients in the soft-disc herniation group were younger than those in the spondylosis group, but the difference was not statistically significant (42.88 vs 47.26, p = 0.227). The mean follow-up duration was 38.83 ± 9.74 months. Sex, estimated blood loss, implant size, and perioperative NSAID prescription were not significantly different between the groups (p = 0.792, 0.267, 0.581, and 1.000, respectively). The soft-disc herniation group had significantly less HO formation than the spondylosis group (1 HO [6.25%] vs 14 Hos [58.33%], p = 0.001). Almost all artificial discs in both groups remained mobile (100% and 95.8%, p = 0.408). The clinical outcomes were not significantly different between the groups at all postoperative time points of evaluation, and clinical improvements were also similar.ConclusionsClinical outcomes of single-level cervical arthroplasty for soft-disc herniation and spondylosis were similar 3 years after surgery. There was a significantly higher rate of HO formation in patients with spondylosis than in those with a soft-disc herniation. The mobility of the artificial disc is maintained, but the long-term effects of HO and its higher frequency in spondylotic cases warrant further investigation.