bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Multicenter Phase II Study of Erlotinib and Sorafenib in Chemotherapy-Naïve Patients with Advanced Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Lind Joline S.W. , Dingemans Anne-Marie C. , Groen Harry J.M. , Thunnissen Frederik B. , Bekers Otto , Heideman Daniëlle A.M. , Honeywell Richard J. , Giovannetti Elisa , Peters Godefridus J. , Postmus Pieter E. , van Suylen Robert Jan , Smit Egbert F. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractPurpose: This multicenter, phase II study evaluates the efficacy and safety of erlotinib, an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor, plus sorafenib, a multityrosine kinase inhibitor against vascular endothelial growth factor receptors, in patients with previously untreated advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Experimental Design: Chemotherapy-naïve patients with stage IIIB/IV NSCLC received erlotinib (150 mg once a day) and sorafenib (400 mg twice a day) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary end point was the rate of nonprogression at 6 weeks. Secondary end points included objective response rate (ORR), time to progression, overall survival, and adverse events. Exploratory end points included pretreatment EGFR and KRAS mutation status, pharmacokinetics, and cytochrome P450 polymorphisms.Results: Fifty patients initiated therapy. The nonprogression rate at 6 weeks was 74%: 12 (24%) partial response and 25 (50%) stable disease. Ultimately, the ORR was 28%. Median time to progression was 5.0 months [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 3.2-6.8 months]. Median overall survival was 10.9 months (95% CI, 3.8-18.1 months). Grade 3/4 adverse events included fatigue (16%), hand-foot skin reaction (16%), rash (16%), diarrhea (14%), and hypophosphatemia (42%). There was one treatment-related fatal pulmonary hemorrhage. Patients with wild-type EGFR had a higher ORR (19%) than previously reported for single-agent erlotinib/sorafenib. Erlotinib levels were lowered. This was associated with CYP3A4 polymorphism and was possibly due to sorafenib.Conclusion: Despite a possible drug interaction, sorafenib plus erlotinib has promising clinical activity in patients with stage IIIB/IV NSCLC and has an acceptable safety profile. Further evaluation of this combination as potential salvage therapy in EGFR mutation–negative patients and the possible drug interaction is warranted. Clin Cancer Res; 16(11); 3078–87. ©2010 AACR.
PPARγ Activation Prevents Hypertensive Remodeling of Cerebral Arteries and Improves Vascular Function in Female Rats
Authors: Cipolla Marilyn J. , Bishop Nicole , Vinke R. Saman , Godfrey Julie A. 
Published: April 2010

Background and Purpose—Previous studies have shown that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), a ligand-activated transcription factor expressed in vascular cells, is protective of the vasculature. We hypothesized that activation of PPARγ could prevent hypertensive remodeling of cerebral arteries and improve vascular function.Methods—Ten female Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with the nitric oxide synthase inhibitorNG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) for 5 weeks, 8 were treated withl-NAME plus the PPARγ activator rosiglitazone, and 8 received no treatment and served as controls. Blood pressure, myogenic activity, passive diameters and wall thickness of cerebral arteries, and brain capillary density were compared between the groups.Results—Treatment withl-NAME caused an increase in arterial blood pressure that was sustained with rosiglitazone treatment.l-NAME also caused inward hypertrophic remodeling and enhanced myogenic reactivity of cerebral arteries that was reversed by rosiglitazone. In addition,l-NAME hypertension caused rarefaction of brain capillaries by approximately 12%, whereas treatment with rosiglitazone increased capillary density by approximately 20%.Conclusion—PPARγ activation may be an effective and clinically relevant way to prevent hypertensive remodeling of cerebral arteries and capillary rarefaction as well as improving vascular function without affecting blood pressure.
Tradition and Ideology in Contemporary Sunnite Qur'ānic Exegesis: Qur'ānic Commentaries from the Arab World, Turkey and Indonesia and their Interpretation of Q 5:51
Authors: Pink Johanna 
Published: April 2010

AbstractThis paper analyses the genre of contemporary tafsīr, focussing on the attitude of modern Sunnite exegetes towards Jews and Christians, on the role of different strands of tradition and of ideological bias for their interpretion of the Qur'ān, and on the similarities and differences between Qur'ānic commentaries from different regions of the Muslim word. It is based on the study of seventeen Qur'ānic commentaries from the Arab World, Indonesia and Turkey that have been published since 1967. The analysis of the authors' background reveals that in recent times, Qur'ānic commentaries tend to be written by professional male 'ulamā' from a provincial background, usually holding a faculty position in Islamic theology. As most exegetes' aim is to stress the timeless relevance of the Qur'ān, few of the commentaries make direct reference to contemporary events. Still, many of them are, in a very modern way, more concerned with providing religious guidance than with explaining the Qur'ān's meaning. However, the “traditional” explanatory approach is still alive, predominantly in commentators who are affiliated with Egypt's Azhar University. Besides the tradition of premodern Sunnite tafsīr, which all commentaries build on to a certain extent, Salafī exegesis is clearly influential in the way in which several commentaries strive at disassociating themselves from Christians and Jews and at building up a dichotomy between “us” and “them” in their exegesis of Q 5:51, which contains an interdiction against taking Christians and Jews as awliyā' (a term that is variably understood as meaning friends, allies, intimates, confidants, helpers, or leaders). It is striking that Arab commentators, for the most part, show a much more hostile attitude towards Christians and Jews than their Indonesian and Turkish counterparts.
Intellect and the One in Porphyry’s Sententiae
Authors: Dillon John 
Published: April 2010

AbstractThis article seeks to provide some support for the troublesome report of Damascius in the De Principiis that, for Porphyry, the first principle is the Father of the Noetic Triad—and thus more closely implicated with the realm of Intellect and Being than would seem proper for a Neoplatonist and faithful follower of Plotinus. And yet there is evidence from other sources that Porphyry did not abandon the concept of a One above Being. A clue to the complexity of the situation may be provided by a passage from Proclus (In Parm. 1070, 155ff. Cousin) which criticises him for making the One the subject also of the Second Hypothesis of the Parmenides. Here, I consider a series of passages from Porphyry’s Sententiae which seem to indicate a doctrine of the One essentially faithful to that of Plotinus, but modulated in the direction of closer linkage to the levels of reality below it.
Locomotor imagery training improves gait performance in people with chronic hemiparetic stroke: a controlled clinical trial
Authors: Hwang Sujin , Jeon Hye-Seon , Yi Chung-hwi , Kwon Oh-yun , Cho Sang-hyun , You Sung-hyun 
Published: April 2010

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether locomotor imagery training leads to clinical improvements in gait after stroke. Design: Pretest—posttest matched control design. Participants: A total of 24 people with chronic hemiparetic stroke (13 for experimental and 11 for control) were recruited in this study. Interventions: The subjects in the experimental group participated in videotape-based locomotor imagery training five days a week for four weeks. They also conducted regular physical therapy. Outcome measures: Kinematic gait parameters were collected using a three-dimensional motion analysis system. Functional gait performance was assessed using clinical measures: Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale, Berg Balance Test, Dynamic Gait Index and modified Emory Functional Ambulation Profile. Results: After training, walking velocity increased 0.07 ± 0.06 m/s in the experimental group and 0.01 ± 0.07 m/s in the control group. In the experimental group, the affected and less affected limb stride lengths increased by 0.09 ± 0.12 m and 0.10 ± 0.07 m respectively, whereas in the control group they decreased by 0.00 ± 0.04 m and increased by 0.02 ± 0.06 m, respectively. Kinematic parameters in the lower extremity joints during walking were more improved after the training in the experimental group. Confidence in balance, postural control, dynamic balance and performance time for different environmental walking situations were also improved more in the experimental group. Conclusion: Locomotor imagery training can be considered as a useful option for restoration of ambulation for individuals with chronic hemiparetic stroke who are unable to participate in physical gait training.
A Long-Term, Prospective, Randomized Study Comparing Biodegradable and Metal Interference Screws in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery
Authors: Stener Sven , Ejerhed Lars , Sernert Ninni , Laxdal Gauti , Rostgård-Christensen Lars , Kartus Jüri 
Published: April 2010

Background: During the past decade, the use of biodegradable implants in anterior cruciate ligament surgery has increased. Hypothesis: Poly-L-lactide acid (PLLA) interference screws would render the same clinical results but greater tunnel enlargement than metal screws 8 years after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using hamstring tendon (semitendinosus/gracilis) autografts. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: A randomized series of 77 patients, all with a unilateral anterior cruciate ligament rupture, were divided into 2 groups (PLLA and metal). In both groups, hamstring tendon autografts were used with interference screw fixation at both ends and the patients were examined with standard radiographs, Tegner activity level, Lysholm knee score, single-legged hop test, early C-reactive protein response, and KT-1000 arthrometer knee laxity measurements. Results: The preoperative assessments in both groups were similar in terms of gender, clinical tests, and the time from injury to surgery. The patients returned for a radiographic and clinical examination a mean of 96 months (range, 78-120 months) after the index operation. The PLLA group displayed significantly larger bone tunnels on the radiographs than the metal group on the femoral side (mean, 11.4 mm [range, 0-17.8 mm] vs 8.0 mm [range, 0-16.3 mm]; P < .005) but not on the tibial side (mean, 10.7 mm [range, 7.8-14.1 mm] vs 10.5 mm [range, 0-20.3 mm]; difference not significant). At follow-up, no significant differences were found between the PLLA and metal groups in terms of knee laxity measurements (median, 1.0 mm [range, –2.0-4.0 mm] vs 1.0 mm [range, –3.0-6.5 mm]), Tegner activity level (median, 7 [range,3-9] vs 6 [range, 2-9]), or the Lysholm knee score (median, 90 points [range, 51-100] vs 89 points [range, 53-100]). The C-reactive protein values did not differ significantly between the 2 groups except for an increase in the PLLA group compared with the metal group at day 1 postoperatively—23 mg/L (range, <6-55) vs 9 mg/L (range, <6-55) ( P < .001). Conclusion: There were significantly larger radiographically visible bone tunnels on the femoral side but not on the tibial side in the PLLA group compared with the metal group 8 years after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using hamstring tendon autografts. This finding did not correlate with inferior clinical results. Because of the results in the present study, the authors have discontinued the use of PLLA interference screws.
Predictive biomarker validation in practice: lessons from real trials
Authors: Mandrekar Sumithra J , Sargent Daniel J 
Published: April 2010

Background With the advent of targeted therapies, biomarkers provide a promising means of individualizing therapy through an integrated approach to prediction using the genetic makeup of the disease and the genotype of the patient. Biomarker validation has therefore become a central topic of discussion in the field of medicine, primarily due to the changing landscape of therapies for treatment of a disease and these therapies purported mechanism(s) of action. Purpose In this report, we discuss the merits and limitations of some of the clinical trial designs for predictive biomarker validation using examples from ongoing or completed clinical trials. Methods The designs are broadly classified as retrospective (i.e., using data from previously well-conducted randomized controlled trials (RCT)) versus prospective (enrichment or targeted, unselected or all-comers, hybrid, and adaptive analysis). We discuss some of these designs in the context of real trials. Results Well-designed retrospective analysis of prospective RCT can bring forward effective treatments to marker defined subgroup of patients in a timely manner. An example is the KRAS gene status in colorectal cancer — the benefit from cetuximab and panitumumab was demonstrated to be restricted to patients with wild type status based on prospectively specified analyses using data from previously conducted RCTs. Prospective enrichment designs are appropriate when compelling preliminary evidence suggests that not all patients will benefit from the study treatment under consideration; however, this may sometimes leave questions unanswered. An example is the established benefit of trastuzumab as adjuvant therapy for breast cancer; a clear definition of HER2-positivity and the assay reproducibility have, however, remained unanswered. An all-comers design is optimal where preliminary evidence regarding treatment benefit and assay reproducibility is uncertain (e.g., EGFR expression and tyrosine kinase inhibitors in lung cancer), or to identify the most effective therapy from a panel of regimens (e.g., chemotherapy options in breast cancer). Limitations The designs discussed here rest on the assumption that the technical feasibility, assay performance metrics, and the logistics of specimen collection are well established and that initial results demonstrate promise with regard to the predictive ability of the marker(s). Conclusions The choice of a clinical trial design is driven by a combination of scientific, clinical, statistical, and ethical considerations. There is no one size fits all solution to predictive biomarker validation. Clinical Trials 2010; 7: 567—573. http://ctj.sagepub.com
Minimally-invasive correction of ureteropelvic junction obstruction: do retrograde endo-incision techniques still have a role in the era of laparoscopic pyeloplasty?
Authors: Elabd Shawky A. , Elbahnasy Abdelhamid M. , Farahat Yaser A. , Soliman Mohamed G. , Taha Mohamed R. , Elgarabawy Mohmed A. , Figenshau Robert 
Published: April 2010

Background:This study was designed to review the long-term results and complications of the two techniques of retrograde endopyelotomy; ureteroscopic holmium laser endopyelotomy versus Acucise endopyelotomy. The results were then compared with the laparoscopic pyeloplasty results from a recent publication. Patients and methods: The study was conducted retrospectively from January 2004 to July 2007. Seventy-two patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) underwent retrograde endopyelotomy using either ureteroscopic laser endoincision (42 patients) or fluoroscopic guided hot-wire balloon (Acucise) endoincision (30 patients). Preoperative radiological assessment included intravenous pyelogram (IVP), helical computerized tomography and diuretic renography. The follow-up period ranged from 12 to 42 months. Subjective success was guided by the change in the preoperative flank pain while objective success on radiological evaluation was documented by either nonobstructed curve of diuretic renogram and/or T1/2 less than 10 min. Results: The mean patient age was 42.6±7.5 years for the laser group and 39.2±15.1 years for the Acucise group ( p = 0.24). The operative time was 66.8±22.2 min in the laser group and 59.8±20.3 min in the Acucise group ( p = 0.84). By objective standards (renal scan), a total of 56 (77.8%) cases were successful (nonobstructed curve). This number included 34 cases in the laser group (80.9%) and 22 cases in the Acucise group (73.3%) ( p = 0.2). Overall 16 failure cases were evident clinically within 1 year of the procedure (eight cases in each group). Most of the failure cases (13/16) presented with clinical obstructive symptoms during the early follow-up period (within 3 months postoperatively) and were then confirmed radiologically (six cases in the laser group and seven cases in the Acucise group) while only three patients had failures at 6, 9 and 11 months postoperatively. There was no statistically significant difference as regards intra-operative complications between the two groups ( p = 0.4). Intra-operative bleeding was seen in three cases in the Acucise group while postoperatively it was reported in one case. Conclusion: The retrograde endopyelotomy approach is safe and effective for the treatment of patients with UPJO. Both ureteroscopic laser and the hot-wire balloon (Acucise) techniques have an important role in the management of UPJO, especially in secondary cases, and they provide comparable long-term objective and subjective outcomes. Laparoscopic pyeloplasty provides far better results but with higher costs, and requires well-equipped centers and involves a long learning curve.
Association of Human Development Index with rates and outcomes of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for patients with acute leukemia
Authors: Giebel Sebastian , Labopin Myriam , Ehninger Gerhard , Beelen Dietrich , Blaise Didier , Ganser Arnold , Bacigalupo Andrea , Czerw Tomasz , Holowiecki Jerzy , Fagundes Evandro M. , Nowara Elzbieta , Frassoni Francesco , Rocha Vanderson ,   for the Acute Leukemia Working Party of the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation
Published: April 2010

Abstract
Human Development Index (HDI) is used by the United Nations Organization to measure socioeconomic achievements of countries. We evaluated the association of HDI with rates and outcomes of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for patients with acute leukemia. For the analysis of HSCT rates, all adults with acute leukemia (n = 16 403) treated in 30 European countries, between 2001 and 2005, were included. Association of HDI with the outcome was analyzed for 2015 patients with acute myeloid leukemia treated with myeloablative allotransplantation. Countries were classified according to HDI quintiles. Highly significant correlation was found for HDI and the total number of HSCT per population (R = 0.78; P < .001), as well as separately for sibling HSCT (R = 0.84; P < .001), unrelated HSCT (R = 0.66; P < .001), and autologous HSCT (R = 0.43; P = .02). The probabilities of leukemia-free survival for 5 consecutive groups of countries with increasing HDI were: 56%, 59%, 63%, 58%, and 68% (P = .01). In a multivariate analysis, transplantations performed in countries belonging to the upper HDI category were associated with higher leukemia-free survival compared with the remaining ones (HR = 1.36, P = .008), which resulted mainly from reduced risk of relapse (HR = 0.72, P = .04). We conclude that, in Europe, the HDI is associated with both rates and results of HSCT for acute leukemia.
Invasion of Ureaplasma diversum in Hep-2 cells
Authors: Marques Lucas Miranda , Ueno Priscilla M , Buzinhani Melissa , Cortez Beatriz A , Neto Renata L , Yamaguti Maurício , Oliveira Rosângela C , Guimarães Ana Márcia S , Monezi Telma A , Braga Antonio Carlos R , Machado-Santelli Gláucia M , Timenetsky Jorge 
Published: April 2010

Abstract

Background
Understanding mollicutes is challenging due to their variety and relationship with host cells. Invasion has explained issues related to their opportunistic role. Few studies have been done on the Ureaplasma diversum mollicute, which is detected in healthy or diseased bovine. The invasion in Hep-2 cells of four clinical isolates and two reference strains of their ureaplasma was studied by Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy and gentamicin invasion assay.

Results
The isolates and strains used were detected inside the cells after infection of one minute without difference in the arrangement for adhesion and invasion. The adhesion was scattered throughout the cells, and after three hours, the invasion of the ureaplasmas surrounded the nuclear region but were not observed inside the nuclei. The gentamicin invasion assay detected that 1% of the ATCC strains were inside the infected Hep-2 cells in contrast to 10% to the clinical isolates. A high level of phospholipase C activity was also detected in all studied ureaplasma.

Conclusions
The results presented herein will help better understand U. diversum infections, aswell as cellular attachment and virulence.
Factors associated with use of breast cancer screening services by women aged ≥ 40 years in Korea: The Third Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005 (KNHANES III)
Authors: Lee Kiheon , Lim Hyung Taek , Park Sang Min 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBackgroundDespite evidence that breast cancer screening reduces morbidity and mortality, until recently most women have not undergone regular mammogram examinations in Korea. We aimed to identify factors associated with use of breast cancer screening services.MethodsThe Health Promotion Knowledge, Attitude and Practice survey (HP-KAP survey) is part of the Third Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005 (KNHANES III), a nationwide health survey in Korea. Of 7,802 individuals who participated in the HP-KAP survey, 4,292 were female. Of these, 2,583 were women aged at least 40 years and without a history of breast cancer; these women were included in this study. Information about breast cancer screening participation was obtained from the responses to questionnaires. The overall rate of regular breast cancer screening was measured. Factors that affect participation in a breast cancer screening program were identified using multiple logistic regression analysis.ResultsAmong women aged at least 40 years, 30.4% complied with breast screening recommendations. Age of at least 65 years (adjusted odds ratio, aOR 0.61, 95% CI: 0.42-0.88), education level (no [ref], elementary school [aOR 1.51, 95% CI: 1.06-1.47], middle/high school [aOR 1.99, 95% CI: 1.36-2.92], university/higher [aOR 2.73, 95% CI: 1.71-4.35]), private health insurance (aOR 1.42, 95% CI: 1.71-4.35), attitude towards screening tests (aOR 0.18, 95% CI: 0.14-0.23), self-reported health status of 'fair' (aOR 1.26 95% CI: 1.00-1.58), and smoking (aOR 0.52, 95% CI: 0.35-0.79) were associated with the rate of regular breast cancer screeningConclusionsTo increase the nationwide breast cancer screening rate, more attention should be given to underrepresented groups, particularly the elderly, those with a low education level, smokers, and those with a negative attitude towards screening tests. These issues highlight the need for a new emphasis in health education, promotional campaigns and public health policy aimed at these underrepresented groups.