bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measuring therapeutic alliance between oncologists and patients with advanced cancer
Authors: Mack Jennifer W. , Block Susan D. , Nilsson Matthew , Wright Alexi , Trice Elizabeth , Friedlander Robert , Paulk Elizabeth , Prigerson Holly G. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND:Patients consider their human connection with a physician an important aspect of end‐of‐life (EOL) care. In this study, the authors sought to develop and validate a measure of therapeutic alliance between patients with advanced cancer and their physicians and to evaluate the effects of therapeutic alliance on EOL experiences and care.METHODS:The Human Connection (THC) scale was developed to measure the extent to which patients felt a sense of mutual understanding, caring, and trust with their physicians. The scale was administered to 217 patients with advanced cancer along with measures of attributes that have been related hypothetically to therapeutic alliance, including emotional acceptance of terminal illness. EOL outcomes in 90 patients who died during the study also were examined.RESULTS:The 16‐item THC questionnaire was consistent internally (Cronbach α = .90) and valid based on its expected positive association with emotional acceptance of terminal illness (r = .31; P < .0001). THC scores were related inversely to symptom burden (r = −.19; P = .006), functional status (Karnofsky performance status; r = .22; P = .001), and mental illness (THC score: 50.69 for patients with any Diagnostic and Statistical Manual [DSM] diagnosis vs 55.22 for patients with no DSM diagnosis; P = .03). THC scores were not associated significantly with EOL discussions (P = .68). Among the patients who died, EOL intensive care unit (ICU) care was associated inversely with therapeutic alliance (THC score: 46.5 for patients who received ICU care vs 55.5 for patients without ICU care; P = .002), so that patients with higher THC scores were less likely to spend time in the ICU during the last week of life.CONCLUSIONS:The THC scale is a valid and reliable measure of therapeutic alliance between patients with advanced cancer and their physicians. In addition, there was no evidence to suggest that EOL discussions harm patients' therapeutic alliance. A strong therapeutic alliance was associated with emotional acceptance of a terminal illness and with decreased ICU care at the EOL among patients with advanced cancer. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Racial/ethnic diversity in children's oncology clinical trials
Authors: Lund Mary Jo , Eliason Mark T. , Haight Ann E. , Ward Kevin C. , Young John L. , Pentz Rebecca D. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND.During the past 50 years, clinical trials have led to dramatic improvement in pediatric cancer survival. Prior studies have shown that racial/ethnic and age groups have not been enrolled proportionally. Whites, Hispanics, and adolescents are under‐represented and black children are over‐represented. This study identifies the current racial/ethnic/age/sex representation in pediatric (ages birth to 19 years) cancer treatment trials.METHODS.The authors compared the observed proportions (O) of US children enrolled in Children's Oncology Group (COG) clinical trials from 2000 through 2003 with expected proportions (E), based on Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data. The enrollees were subgrouped by race/ethnicity, age, sex, and cancer type (solid or lymphohematopoietic). Chi‐square tests and 95% confidence intervals were used for O versus E comparisons.RESULTS.Although representation was fairly proportional for each racial/ethnic group, significantly under‐represented solid tumor subgroups were whites (males particularly), adolescents ages 10 to 19 years, and Hispanics aged <10 years. For lymphohematopoietic cancers, significantly under‐represented subgroups were blacks, Hispanics, adolescents ages 10 to 19 years, blacks aged <10 years, Hispanics aged <5 years, white and black males, and black and Hispanic females. The most significantly under‐represented groups were adolescents ages 15 to 19 years for both solid (9.1% O vs 34.3% E) and lymphohematopoietic (11.0% O vs 30.2% E) cancers and Hispanic females with lymphohematopoietic cancers (11.9% O vs 20.5% E). COG enrolled 26.8% of expected cancer cases.CONCLUSIONS.Although racial/ethnic groups are proportionally represented in COG trials, some specific subgroups including the youngest black and Hispanic children, Hispanic females, and particularly white adolescents ages 15 to 19 years may be under‐represented and may benefit from targeted attention. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
DNA repair polymorphisms associated with cytogenetic subgroups in B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Ganster Christina , Neesen Jürgen , Zehetmayer Sonja , Jäger Ulrich , Esterbauer Harald , Mannhalter Christine , Kluge Britta , Fonatsch Christa 
Published: May 2009

AbstractGenetic polymorphisms in DNA repair genes can affect the risk of developing different forms of cancer. Therefore, we have studied the putative association of seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in five DNA repair genes with the incidence of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). We included 461 CLL patients and the same number of age‐ and sex‐matched controls. As chromosomal aberrations are important prognostic markers in CLL, we additionally correlated the SNPs with the occurrence of favorable and unfavorable cytogenetic aberrations in CLL patients. Patients with del(13q) as a sole aberration were allocated to the favorable cytogenetic risk group, and patients with del(17p) and/or del(11q) to the unfavorable cytogenetic risk group. All investigated SNPs were equally distributed between patients with the favorable cytogenetic aberration and controls. However, differences were observed in the distribution of rs13181 in ERCC2 between all CLL patients and controls. Moreover, the clearest differences were found for rs13181 in ERCC2 and rs25487 in XRCC1 between CLL patients with unfavorable cytogenetic aberrations and controls. These data suggest that inborn genetic polymorphisms may predict the outcome of CLL. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Correlating percutaneous absorption with physicochemical parameters in vivo in man: agricultural, steroid, and other organic compounds
Authors: Alikhan Ali , Farahmand Sara , Maibach Howard I. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractIn vitro data are currently used to predict cutaneous chemical exposure based on physicochemical parameters. However, this in vitro data may not sufficiently account for what occurs in vivo. Previously, we modeled (via multivariate analysis) percutaneous absorption with physicochemical parameters using in vivo human transdermal patch‐based data. In our current study, we correlated absorption data from three human in vivo data sets to physicochemical parameters. Most univariate and multivariate analyses did not provide satisfactory fits, and only steroids demonstrated significant relationships, where: (1) total percentge absorption inversely correlated with molecular weight and number of hydrogen bond acceptor groups on the molecule; and (2) maximal absorption rate inversely correlated with molecular weight, and number of hydrogen bond donor and acceptor groups on the molecule. For the most part, however, disparities exist between our previous results with transdermal patches and our current results with acetone as the solvent. Reasons for this discordance may include: drug–vehicle interactions, compound variability and endpoint differences. With such variability between in vivo human data, current in vitro predictive models should be critically scrutinized. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of the effect of the degree of acetylation on the inflammatory response to 3D porous chitosan scaffolds
Authors: Barbosa Judite N. , Amaral Isabel F. , Águas Artur P. , Barbosa Mário A. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe effect of the degree of acetylation (DA) of 3D chitosan (Ch) scaffolds on the inflammatory reaction was investigated. Chitosan porous scaffolds with DAs of 4 and 15% were implanted using a subcutaneous air‐pouch model of inflammation. The initial acute inflammatory response was evaluated 24 and 48 h after implantation. To characterize the initial response, the recruitment and adhesion of inflammatory cells to the implant site was studied. The fibrous capsule formation and the infiltration of inflammatory cells within the scaffolds were evaluated for longer implantation times (2 and 4 weeks). Chitosan with DA 15% attracted the highest number of leukocytes to the implant site. High numbers of adherent inflammatory cells were also observed in this material. For longer implantation periods Ch scaffolds with a DA of 15% induced the formation of a thick fibrous capsule and a high infiltration of inflammatory cells within the scaffold. Our results indicate that the biological response to implanted Ch scaffolds was influenced by the DA. Chitosan with a DA of 15% induce a more intense inflammatory response when compared with DA 4% Ch. Because inflammation and healing are interrelated, this result may provide clues for the relative importance of acetyl and amine functional groups in tissue repair and regeneration. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Mechano‐functional assessment of human mesenchymal stem cells grown in three‐dimensional hyaluronan‐based scaffolds for cartilage tissue engineering
Authors: Stok Kathryn S. , Lisignoli Gina , Cristino Sandra , Facchini Andrea , Müller Ralph 
Published: May 2009

AbstractHuman mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are an alternative cell source in bioconstruct production for cartilage regeneration, and hyaluronic acid (HA) is a widely‐used bioabsorbable scaffold material used for cartilage regeneration. In this work, the aims were to evaluate the mechanical competency of hMSC‐seeded HA scaffolds compared with native intact human articular cartilage, and in relation to its cellular properties. Human MSCs were grown under static conditions in HA scaffolds and then tested, in stepwise, stress‐relaxation indentation, 7, 14, and 21 days later. Scaffolds at days 14 and 21 showed a significant increase in mechanical measures when compared with day 7 and unseeded scaffold material, but did not achieve the same levels as human cartilage. There was consistent stiffness within the scaffold, with a decreased stiffness around the edge. In vitro culture of hMSC‐seeded HA scaffolds over 3 weeks produces a white, solid tissue compared with unseeded constructs. Increased cell proliferation and collagen type II expression were also seen over this period of time. These results demonstrate the competency of the neo‐formed cartilage‐like tissue in relation to its mechanical and cellular properties, and further, the importance, for future clinical use, of implanting this construct after 14 days of culture. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
VEGF‐E enhances endothelialization and inhibits thrombus formation on polymeric surfaces
Authors: Knetsch Menno L. W. , Koole Leo H. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThrombotic complications of long‐term blood‐contacting devices can be avoided by formation of an endothelial cell layer on the blood‐contacting surface. The endothelial cells form a bioactive boundary between the synthetic surface and blood, regulating haemostasis and inflammation. Biofunctionalization of synthetic blood‐contacting surfaces is necessary to accommodate growth of endothelial cells. Vascular endothelial growth factor E (VEGF‐E) or collagen I may stimulate endothelialization of a polymeric surface coating of a prototype small diameter vascular prosthesis. VEGF‐E was produced in Escherichia coli and could be easily purified in large quantities. Recombinant VEGF‐E or purified collagen I was allowed to adsorb onto the polymeric surfaces and enhanced formation of an endothelial cell layer. Adsorption of VEGF‐E was increased by the inclusion of the anti‐coagulant drug heparin in the polymeric coating. Collagen I adsorption induced rapid thrombin generation and increased platelet adhesion on surfaces with or without heparin. VEGF‐E inhibited thrombus formation, and did not interfere with the anti‐thrombogenic effect of heparin. Additionally, VEGF‐E did not affect platelet adhesion. Adsorption of VEGF‐E, especially on heparin containing surfaces, provides an economical strategy to improve endothelialization of cardiovascular implants without disturbing blood‐compatibility. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Substrate influence on cell shape and cell mechanics: HepG2 cells spread on positively charged surfaces
Authors: Saravia Veronica , Toca‐Herrera José L. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractA human hepatoma cell line (HepG2) was cultured on positively and negatively charged polyelectrolytes. Cell/surface adhesion and cell shape evolution were followed with quartz microbalance with dissipation (QCM‐D) and optical microscopy as a function of time, respectively. In particular, substrates coated with poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) led to fast cell attachment and further spreading, with average maximum frequency Δf = 79 Hz and dissipation ΔD = 40 × 10−6. On the contrary, no cell spreading was observed on poly(sodium‐4‐styrenesulfonate) (PSS), with Δf = 33 Hz and ΔD = 4.5 × 10−6. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to investigate the influence of cell shape on its mechanical properties. Considering the cells as an homogenous solid material, the corresponding elastic modulus was estimated using the Hertz model. The elastic modulus was calculated at the central part of the cell, and the average values obtained were 191 ± 14 Pa and 941 ± 58 Pa for cells adsorbed on PSS and PEI, respectively. Thus, different cell–substrate interaction implied different cell mechanical properties reflected in a higher elastic modulus for stronger cell/substrate interaction. The combination of QCM‐D, AFM, and optical microscopy allowed the online study of the cell adhesion process, and the mechanical properties of the adhered cells. Microsc. Res. Tech. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fabrication of composite polyaniline/CNT nanofibers using an ultrasonically assisted dynamic inverse emulsion polymerization technique
Authors: Zelikman E. , Suckeveriene R. Y. , Mechrez G. , Narkis M. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThis communication describes an ultrasonically assisted in‐situ dynamic inverse emulsion polymerization process of aniline in the presence of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) in toluene. During polymerization, MWNT are coated with polyaniline (PANI), forming a core‐shell structure of nano‐wires observed by high‐resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM). The PANI coating of MWNT leads to a remarkable improvement in separation and dispersion of MWNT in toluene, which otherwise would have rapidly coagulated and settled. The presented dynamic polymerization process is very fast and produces stable clear dispersions. CNT enhances both the mechanical properties and electrical conductivity of PANI. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Piperacillin/tazobactam versus cefepime for the empirical treatment of pediatric cancer patients with neutropenia and fever: A randomized and open‐label study
Authors: Uygun Vedat , Karasu Gulsun Tezcan , Ogunc Dilara , Yesilipek Akif , Hazar Volkan 
Published: May 2009

AbstractObjectivesThis is a prospective, randomized, and open‐label clinical trial that examines the efficiency and safety of PIP/TAZO monotherapy in comparison to cefepime (CEF), for the empirical treatment of pediatric cancer patients with neutropenia and fever.MethodsOne hundred thirty‐one consecutive febrile episodes in 70 neutropenic pediatric cancer patients received randomized treatment either with piperacillin/tazobactam (PIP/TAZO) 80 mg/kg piperacillin/10 mg/kg tazobactam every 6 hr or CEF 50 mg/kg every 8 hr. Clinical response was determined at completion of therapy. Duration of fever, neutropenia, hospitalization, the need for modification of the therapy, and mortality rates were compared between the two groups.ResultsOne hundred twenty‐seven episodes in 69 patients (35 females, 34 males) with a median age of 4.2 years were assessed for efficiency (65 PIP/TAZO, 62 CEF). The frequency of success without modification of treatment was nearly identical for both PIP/TAZO (60.0%) and CEF (61.3%) (P > 0.05). The overall response rate, with or without modification of assigned treatment, was 96.9% for PIP/TAZO and 98.4% for CEP (P > 0.05). Infection‐related mortality at the end of the febrile episode was 2.4%. Duration of fever and hospitalization were not different between the treatment groups. No major side effects were observed in neither of the groups.ConclusionsPIP/TAZO treatment was as effective and safe as CEF monotherapy as an initial empirical regimen in pediatric cancer patients with fever and neutropenia. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:610–614. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Oral health and dental anomalies in patients treated for leukemia in childhood and adolescence
Authors: Maciel Júlio César Cordova , de Castro Cláudio Galvão , Brunetto Algemir Lunardi , Di Leone Luciane Pons , da Silveira Heloisa Emília Dias 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackgroundThis study was conducted to evaluate oral health and dental anomalies in children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and to compare results with those of a group of healthy children matched for sex and age.ProcedureFifty‐six children treated for ALL and 56 healthy controls were examined for dental anomalies, and data on decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) score, visible plaque (VPI), and gingival bleeding (GBI) indices, and saliva flow were collected. Mean age of all children treated for ALL was 5.3 ± 2.6 years at diagnosis and 11.8 ± 4.2 at evaluation. Thirty‐two were males.ResultsForty‐five treated children (80.4%) had at least one dental anomaly, and patients treated with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and bone marrow transplantation had the greatest mean number of dental anomalies (15.37 ± 15.03). Patients younger than 5 years at beginning of treatment were also more affected (P = 0.031). Children treated for ALL had a DMFT score of 1.9 ± 4.0, GBI of 26.5%, VPI of 72.0%, and mean saliva flow of 0.19 ml/min; healthy children had a DMFT score of 1.52 ± 3.5, GBI of 11.1%, VPI of 53.8%, and mean saliva flow of 0.27 ml/min.ConclusionThe treatment of ALL causes a significant increase in the number of dental anomalies. Their GBI and VPI were also elevated. Changes in salivary glands during treatment did not affect saliva flow permanently. Follow‐up of these patients by an oral health team is recommended. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:361–365. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High molecular weight thermoplastic polyether ester elastomer by reactive extrusion
Authors: Cho Sunghwan , Jang Yunjoo , Kim Dongmin , Lee Taeyoung , Lee Dongho , Lee Youngkwan 
Published: May 2009

AbstractA reactive branched thermoplastic polyether‐ester elastomer (TPEE) precursor was synthesized by the esterification reaction of dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) with poly(tetramethylene etherglycol) (PTMEG), 1,4‐butadiene, and glycerol as a soft segment, hard segment, and a branching agent, respectively. The high molecular weight TPEE was further synthesized with the prepared branched TPEE precursor, poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) and modified methylene diisocyanate (m‐MDI, 0.5–2.0 wt%) by the reactive extrusion method. Their chemical structures were determined by Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR) and Proton‐Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR). Thermal characteristics and rheological properties of TPEE were measured by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and rheometer as a function of m‐MDI content. The intrinsic viscosity (IV) and melt index ratio (MIR) of TPEE increased as the content of m‐MDI increased up to 1.5 wt% and remained constant thereafter. The variation of the MIR was consistent with that of the IV. The storage modulus and viscosity did not vary with the measurement time up to 1.0 wt% of m‐MDI at the first extrusion, which indicates that the m‐MDI reacted fully. However, the viscosity and storage modulus increased with increasing measurement time at m‐MDI contents over 1.5 wt%. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Societyof Plastics Engineers
Oxygen and carbon dioxide transport through high barrier polyester blends
Authors: Hernández‐Rivera M.A. , de la Mora G. García , Likhatchev D. , de la Cruz‐Guerra C. , Díaz L.L. , López‐Castillo N.N. , Cruz‐Gómez M.J. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide through a set of random copolymer films based on poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and poly(ethylene 2,6‐naphthalate) (PEN) were explored. Diffusivity and permeability of both gases decreased with increasing PEN content. The oxygen and carbon dioxide diffusion coefficients decreased 74 and 82% from pure PET to pure PEN, respectively. The presence of stiffer PEN moieties had an effect on the glass transition temperature (Tg) of PET/PEN blends and gas barrier. In the complete range of tested blends, the differential scanner calorimeter analysis displayed a single value of thermal glass transition temperature. As the PEN content was increased, the fractional free volume (FFV) and the diffusion coefficients of the blends were decreased. The Doolittle equation provided the best fit for diffusivity and FFV and showed that the gas transport behavior was better understood when it was taken into consideration the cohesive energy of blends. As the PEN content in films was increased, their rigidity and the glass/rubber transition temperature were increased, and their capacity to be penetrated by small molecules like O2 and CO2 was decreased. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Modeling the development of elastic anisotropy as a result of plastic flow for glassy polycarbonate
Authors: Goel A. , Strabala K. , Negahban M. , Turner J.A. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe development of anisotropy as a result of plastic deformation below the glass‐transition temperature is investigated and modeled for amorphous polycarbonate. Initially, isotropic polycarbonate was subjected to different extents of plastic flow in compression, and the development of its anisotropic wave speed moduli were studied using ultrasonic wave speed measurements. Longitudinal and shear wave speed measurements were performed both in the axial and transverse directions, with respect to the axis of compression. The moduli clearly indicated the development of a transversely elastic response as a result of the uniaxial compression. The measured moduli were used to model the elastic response of polycarbonate using a model for stress that depends both on the elastic and plastic parts of the deformation. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers