bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of Osteopontin as a Novel Marker for Early Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Shang Sufen , Plymoth Amelie , Ge Shaokui , Feng Ziding , Rosen Hugo R. , Sangrajrang Suleeporn , Hainaut Pierre , Marrero Jorge A. , Beretta Laura 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify a biomarker that could improve alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) performance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance among patients with cirrhosis. We performed proteomic profiling of plasma from patients with cirrhosis or HCC and validated selected candidate HCC biomarkers in two geographically distinct cohorts to include HCC of different etiologies. Mass spectrometry profiling of highly fractionated plasma from 18 cirrhosis and 17 HCC patients identified osteopontin (OPN) as significantly up-regulated in HCC cases, compared to cirrhosis controls. OPN levels were subsequently measured in 312 plasma samples collected from 131 HCC patients, 76 cirrhosis patients, 52 chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and B (CHB) patients, and 53 healthy controls in two independent cohorts. OPN plasma levels were significantly elevated in HCC patients, compared to cirrhosis, CHC, CHB, or healthy controls, in both cohorts. OPN alone or in combination with AFP had significantly better area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, compared to AFP, in comparing cirrhosis and HCC in both cohorts. OPN overall performance remained higher than AFP in comparing cirrhosis and the following HCC groups: HCV-related HCC, HBV-associated HCC, and early HCC. OPN also had a good sensitivity in AFP-negative HCC. In a pilot prospective study including 22 patients who developed HCC during follow-up, OPN was already elevated 1 year before diagnosis.

Conclusion :

OPN was more sensitive than AFP for the diagnosis of HCC in all studied HCC groups. In addition, OPN performance remained intact in samples collected 1 year before diagnosis. (Hepatology 2012)
Trust dynamics in acquisitions: A case survey
Authors: Stahl Günter K. , Larsson Rikard , Kremershof Ina , Sitkin Sim B. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractDrawing on the organizational trust literature and research on postmerger integration, the authors develop a model that conceptually synthesizes the antecedents and consequences of trust in acquired organizations. The model proposes that the acquiring and target firms' relationship history, the interfirm distance, and the acquirer's integration approach will affect target firm member trust in the acquiring firm's management. Target firm member trust, in turn, may influence several sociocultural integration outcomes as well as postacquisition performance. The results of a case survey suggest that certain aspects of the relationship history and interfirm distance, such as the firms' collaboration history and preacquisition performance differences, are poor predictors of trust, whereas integration process variables, such as speed of integration, communication quality, and acquirer multiculturalism are major factors influencing trust. The implications for postmerger integration research and practice are discussed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Wellbore flow‐rate solution for a constant‐head test in two‐zone finite confined aquifers
Authors: Tsai Chi‐Shan , Yeh Hund‐Der 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe solution describing the wellbore flow rate in a constant‐head test integrated with an optimization approach is commonly used to analyze observed wellbore flow‐rate data for estimating the hydrogeological parameters of low‐permeability aquifers. To our knowledge, the wellbore flow‐rate solution for the constant‐head test in a two‐zone finite‐extent confined aquifer has never been reported so far in the literature. This article is first to develop a mathematical model for describing the head distribution in the two‐zone aquifer. The Laplace domain solutions for the head distributions and wellbore flow rate in a two‐zone finite confined aquifer are derived using the Laplace transform, and their corresponding time domain solutions are then obtained using the Bromwich integral method and residue theorem. These new solutions are expressed in terms of an infinite series with Bessel functions and not straightforward to calculate numerically. A large‐time solution for the wellbore flow rate is therefore developed by employing the relationship of small Laplace variable versus large time variable and L'Hospital's rule. The result shows that the large‐time solution is identical to the steady‐state solution obtained after applying the Tauberian theorem into the Laplace domain solution. This large‐time solution can reduce to the Thiem equation in the case of no skin. Finally, the newly developed solution is used to investigate the effects of outer boundary distance and conductivity ratio on the wellbore flow rate. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Peripheral blood reverse transcription PCR assay for prostate stem cell antigen correlates with androgen‐independent progression in advanced prostate cancer
Authors: Zhao Zhigang , Zeng Guohua , Ma Wenjing , Ou Lili , Liang Yeping 
Published: September 2011

AbstractRecent studies show that prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) mRNA positivity in peripheral blood correlates with disease progression in prostate cancer (PCa). Our study is to evaluate the association between peripheral blood PSCA status and androgen‐independent progression (AIP) in a cohort of patients with advanced PCa under androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). PSCA mRNA was measured by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) assay in peripheral blood samples from 116 patients with locally advanced or metastatic PCa who were treated with primary ADT and from 40 healthy controls. The Kaplan–Meier and the Cox proportional hazards methods were used to assess potential predictors of AIP. Pretreatment RT‐PCR‐PSCA was positive in 37 (31.9%) of 116 patients. All healthy volunteers were negative for PSCA mRNA. Although seven (14.9%) of 47 patients with Gleason score ≤7 were PSCA positive, 30 (43.5%) of 69 patients with Gleason score >7 were PSCA positive (p = 0.016). PSCA mRNA was detected in 28 (58.3%) of 48 patients with metastatic PCa, compared to nine (13.2%) of 68 patients with locally advanced disease (p = 0.012). AIP developed in 59 (50.9%) patients during a median follow‐up period of 35.4 months (range: 4–78 months). Patients with PSCA negativity experienced significantly longer remissions compared to those with PSCA positivity (log‐rank test: p < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis further demonstrated that PSCA positivity had a significantly increased risk of AIP (HR = 4.303, 95% CI: 3.761–7.482, p < 0.001). Pretreatment RT‐PCR PSCA positivity in peripheral blood independently signals the presence of AIP in patients with advanced PCa treated with ADT.
Comparison of the effects of genetic and environmental risk factors on in situ and invasive ductal breast cancer
Authors: Reeves Gillian K. , Pirie Kirstin , Green Jane , Bull Diana , Beral Valerie ,   For the Million Women Study Collaborators
Published: September 2011

AbstractLittle is known about the etiology of in situ ductal breast cancer (DCIS) or what influences its possible progression to invasive ductal disease. Comparison of risk factors for DCIS and invasive ductal cancer may throw some light on these issues. We estimated relative risks for DCIS and invasive ductal breast cancer according to 12 genetic and eight environmental risk factors among 1.1 million postmenopausal women in a large prospective UK study. There was no strong evidence of a different association with DCIS versus invasive ductal cancer for any of the 12 susceptibility loci examined. We also found similar associations of age at menarche, age at first birth, parity, age at menopause, family history of breast cancer and use of hormone replacement therapy with DCIS and invasive ductal cancer. Only body mass index (BMI) showed a clear difference in association in that it was positively associated with the risk of invasive ductal cancer but not DCIS (RRs per 5 kg/m2 = 1.20 and 1.01, respectively; p‐value for heterogeneity = 0.002). The very similar risk factor profiles observed here for DCIS and invasive ductal cancer suggest that DCIS is a precursor of invasive ductal cancer and most risk factors affect the risk of invasive ductal cancer primarily through their effects on the risk of DCIS. The lack of association between BMI and DCIS suggests a greater influence of BMI on disease progression.
Porous poly(D,L‐lactic acid) foams with tunable structure and mechanical anisotropy prepared by supercritical carbon dioxide
Authors: Floren Michael , Spilimbergo Sara , Motta Antonella , Migliaresi Claudio 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe design and tunability of tissue scaffolds, such as pore size and geometry, is crucial to the success of an engineered tissue replacement. Moreover, the mechanical nature of a tissue scaffold should display properties similar to the tissue of interest; therefore, tunability of the foam mechanical properties is desirable. Polymeric foams prepared using supercritical carbon dioxide as a blowing agent has emerged in recent years as a promising technique to prepare porous scaffolds. While a number of groups have reported on the tailoring of scaffold morphologies by using gas foaming techniques, few have considered the effects of such processing conditions on the physical and mechanical anisotropy achieved. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the tunability of the structure and mechanical anisotropy of foams prepared using a variety of different gas foaming conditions. Porous poly(D,L lactic acid) foams were prepared by the systematic adjustment of processing conditions, namely pressure, temperature and venting time, resulting in an extensive range of scaffold morphologies. Characterization of sample anisotropy was achieved by mechanical evaluation of foam specimens both longitudinal and transverse to the foaming direction. The obtained mechanical properties demonstrated a strong dependence of the processing conditions on mechanical anisotropy and performance. Furthermore, results indicate that factors other than pore geometry may be necessary to define the mechanical behavior of the foam specimens. The favorable compressive moduli, coupled with large degrees of anisotropy, suggests these foams may have suitable application as scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2011.
Failures in cognitive‐behavior therapy for children
Authors: Rey Yasmin , Marin Carla E. , Silverman Wendy K. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThis article discusses treatment failures in child therapy, specifically cognitive‐behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety and its disorders. The theoretical foundations and principles of CBT are discussed first, followed by a summary of the treatment outcome literature. Also discussed is how treatment failure is defined and gauged in CBT, as well as factors implicated in treatment failure. A case illustration highlights these factors, which resulted in the child not advancing positively in treatment. The article concludes with key practice recommendations. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 67:1–11, 2011.
Unusual combination of bilateral testicular microlithiasis and tubular ectasia of the rete testis with left intra‐ and extratesticular varicocele in a 17‐year‐old boy
Authors: Hansen Neil , Sanchez Ramon , Ivancic Vesna 
Published: September 2011

AbstractWe describe the rare combination of testicular microlithiasis, unilateral intra/extratesticular varicocele, and tubular ectasia of the rete testis in a 17‐year‐old boy who presented with testicular pain following a trauma. He had a prior history of undescended testis and orchiopexy in childhood. His workup included a normal abdominal ultrasound and a sperm analysis demonstrating a low sperm count with sperm dysmotility. A follow‐up ultrasound was unchanged, and he has been managed conservatively. This combined set of findings has not been previously reported. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2012
Ten‐year survival of esophageal cancer after an en‐bloc esophagectomy
Authors: Oezcelik Arzu , Kaiser Gernot M. , Niebel Wolfgang , Sleyman Christopher , Treckmann Juergen W. , Sotiropoulos Georgios C. , Reinhardt Renate , Trarbach Tanja , Malamutmann Eugen , Paul Andreas 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackgroundEsophagectomy with gastric pull‐up is the optimal treatment for patients with resectable esophageal cancer. Although the morbidity and mortality of an esophagectomy is reduced, the long‐term outcome remains poor. The aim of this study was to evaluate the 10‐year survival of a standardized multidisciplinary therapy concept for esophageal cancer.MethodsBetween 1989 and 1999, 114 patients were treated for esophageal cancer at the University of Essen. All patients underwent an en‐bloc esophagectomy with systematic lymphadenectomy. Patients with locally advanced disease (stage III) received neoadjuvant therapy. All patients were followed‐up for 10 years or more or until death.ResultsThe 3‐year survival was 35%, the 5‐year survival 25%, and the 10‐year survival was 18%. The recurrence rate was 44% with a median time of 13 months. There was no significant difference in survival between patients with locally advanced disease who received neoadjuvant therapy and patients with early disease (stadium I + II) who underwent surgery alone. Of the patients who achieved 10‐year survival, 60% had locally advanced disease and received neoadjuvant therapy.ConclusionPatients with locally advanced disease, managed by a multidisciplinary treatment strategy, achieved a similar long‐term survival to patients with early disease (stadium I + II). J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 105:284–287. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spatio‐temporal variation in male white‐tailed deer harvest rates in Pennsylvania: Implications for estimating abundance
Authors: Norton Andrew S. , Diefenbach Duane R. , Wallingford Bret D. , Rosenberry Christopher S. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe performance of 2 popular methods that use age‐at‐harvest data to estimate abundance of white‐tailed deer is contingent on assumptions about variation in estimates of subadult (1.5 yr old) and adult (≥2.5 yr old) male harvest rates. Auxiliary data (e.g., estimates of survival or harvest rates from radiocollared animals) can be used to relax some assumptions, but unless these population parameters exhibit limited temporal or spatial variation, these auxiliary data may not improve accuracy. Unfortunately maintaining sufficient sample sizes of radiocollared deer for parameter estimation in every wildlife management unit (WMU) is not feasible for most state agencies. We monitored the fates of 397 subadult and 225 adult male white‐tailed deer across 4 WMUs from 2002 to 2008 using radio telemetry. We investigated spatial and temporal variation in harvest rates and investigated covariates related to the patterns observed. We found that most variation in harvest rates was explained spatially and that adult harvest rates (0.36–0.69) were more variable among study areas than subadult harvest rates (0.26–0.42). We found that hunter effort during the archery and firearms season best explained variation in harvest rates of adult males among WMUs, whereas hunter effort during only the firearms season best explained harvest rates for subadult males. From a population estimation perspective, it is advantageous that most variation was spatial and explained by a readily obtained covariate (hunter effort). However, harvest rates may vary if hunting regulations or hunter behavior change, requiring additional field studies to obtain accurate estimates of harvest rates. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
AdOPTION AND ADAPTATION OF IMPROVED SOIL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN THE EASTERN UGANDAN HILLS
Authors: Mcdonagh J. , Lu Y. , Semalulu O. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThis research investigated empirically the qualities of improved soil management practices (ISMPs) most likely to lead to land user adoption. Land users' perceptions of soil‐related constraints were investigated in two hillside districts of eastern Uganda. The research looked at land user rationale for adopting and adapting specific ISMPs at the end of a two‐year period of increased advice and support. Land user engagement with soil management improved markedly after this period of support and multifunctionality, that is, provision of a number of different products or benefits, was seen to be a common characteristic of those ISMPs taken up by land users. It is argued that in the search for ‘best‐bet’ ISMPs, multifunctionality may be a particularly relevant and easily measurable indicator of likely adoption of a practice by land users. The research also demonstrates the value of supporting land users in their efforts to adapt ISMPs to fit with their own circumstances. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Integrated optical devices for lab‐on‐a‐chip biosensing applications
Authors: Estevez M.C. , Alvarez M. , Lechuga L.M. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe application of portable, easy‐to‐use and highly sensitive lab‐on‐a‐chip biosensing devices for real‐time diagnosis could offer significant advantages over current analytical methods. Integrated optics‐based biosensors have become the most suitable technology for lab‐on‐chip integration due to their ability for miniaturization, their extreme sensitivity, robustness, reliability, and their potential for multiplexing and mass production at low cost. This review provides an extended overview of the state‐of‐the‐art in integrated photonic biosensors technology including interferometers, grating couplers, microring resonators, photonic crystals and other novel nanophotonic transducers. Particular emphasis has been placed on describing their real biosensing applications and wherever possible a comparison of the sensing performances between each type of device is included. The way towards achieving operative lab‐on‐a‐chip platform incorporating the photonic biosensors is also reviewed. Concluding remarks regarding the future prospects and potential impact of this technology are also provided.
Laser photobiostimulation of wound healing: Reciprocity of irradiance and exposure time on energy density for splinted wounds in diabetic mice
Authors: Peplow Philip V. , Chung Tzu‐Yun , Ryan Brigid , Baxter G. David 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesWe have used a 660 nm laser diode in genetic diabetic mice to stimulate the healing of wounds covered with a Tegaderm HP dressing that causes a retardation of contraction (splinted wounds). The influence of irradiance (power density) on wound healing has been examined with the same energy dose delivered to the wounds. This energy dose caused maximal stimulation of healing in a previous study.Materials and MethodsA circular excisional wound was made on the left flank of diabetic mice using a 5‐mm skin punch, and covered with a Tegaderm HP dressing. Four different treatments were tested: Treatment 1, not irradiated (control); treatment 2, 100 mW, 20 seconds; treatment 3, 50 mW, 40 seconds; treatment 4, 25 mW, 80 seconds. Treatments were given daily for 7 days. The irradiances for treatments 2, 3, and 4 were estimated to be 233–313, 116–156, and 58–78 mW/cm2, respectively. In total, 53 mice were used. Wounds were harvested on day 14 and healing assessed from hematoxylin–eosin stained sections examined by light microscopy.ResultsThe wounds were splinted in 42 of the mice, and splinting caused a retardation of healing. The findings showed that wound healing was stimulated to a similar extent by treatments 2, 3, and 4 and occurred mainly by reepithelization and granulation tissue formation. The laser parameters used represent an energy dose of 2.0 J per irradiation and, for an estimated area of irradiation of 32–43 mm2, corresponds to an energy density of 4.7–6.3 J/cm2.ConclusionIrradiation 660 nm with irradiances estimated to be 233–313, 116–156, and 58–78 mW/cm2 and an estimated energy density of 4.7–6.3 J/cm2 each day for 7 days stimulated healing to a similar extent in splinted wounds of diabetic mice. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Oscillation criteria for fourth‐order differential equations with middle term
Authors: Amara Jamel Ben 
Published: September 2011

AbstractOscillation criteria for self‐adjoint fourth‐order differential equations

were established for various conditions on the coefficients r(x) > 0, q(x) and p(x). However, most of these results deal with the case when limx → ∞∫x1q(s) ds < +∞. In this note we give a new oscillation criterion in the case when this condition is not fulfilled, in particular when q(x)↗ + ∞ (even with exponential growth).
Caffeine in Parkinson's disease: A pilot open‐label, dose‐escalation study
Authors: Altman Robert D. , Lang Anthony E. , Postuma Ronald B. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractIntroduction:Epidemiologic studies consistently find an inverse association between caffeine use and PD. Numerous explanations exist, but are difficult to evaluate as caffeine's symptomatic effect and tolerability in PD are unknown.Patients and Methods:We designed an open‐label, 6‐week dose‐escalation study of caffeine to establish dose tolerability and evaluate potential motor/nonmotor benefits. Caffeine was started at 200 mg daily and was increased to a maximum of 1,000 mg.Results:Of 25 subjects, 20 tolerated 200 mg, 17 tolerated 400 mg, 7 tolerated 800 mg, and 3 tolerated 1,000 mg. The most common adverse events were gastrointestinal discomfort, anxiety, and worsening/emerging tremor. At 400 mg daily, we found potential improvements in motor manifestations and somnolence (UPDRS III: −4.5 ± 4.6, P = 0.003; Epworth: −2.0 ± 3.0, P = 0.015).Conclusion:Maximum dose tolerability for caffeine in PD appears to be 100 to 200 mg BID. We found pilot preliminary evidence that caffeine may improve some motor and nonmotor aspects of PD, which must be confirmed in longer term, placebo‐controlled, clinical trials. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Treatment of dysarthria following subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease
Authors: Tripoliti Elina , Strong Laura , Hickey Freya , Foltynie Tom , Zrinzo Ludvic , Candelario Joseph , Hariz Marwan , Limousin Patricia 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackground:Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN‐DBS) is an established treatment for patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Speech impairment is a frequent side effect of the surgery. This study examined the efficacy of an intensive speech treatment, the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) on dysarthria after STN‐DBS.Methods:The LSVT was administered to 10 patients with STN‐DBS (surgical group) and 10 patients without (medical group). Patients were assessed before, immediately after, and 6 months following the speech treatment using sustained phonation, a speech intelligibility scale, and monologue. Vocal loudness, speech intelligibility, and perceptual ratings were the primary outcome measures.Results:Vocal loudness and perceptual scores improved significantly across tasks for the medical group only. Speech intelligibility did not significantly change for either group. Results in the surgical group were variable, with some patients deteriorating.Conclusions:Treatment of dysarthria following STN‐DBS needs further investigation because of the variable response to LSVT. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society