bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship Between Deficits in Overall Quality of Life and Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer Survival
Authors: Sloan Jeff A. , Zhao Xinghua , Novotny Paul J. , Wampfler Jason , Garces Yolanda , Clark Matthew M. , Yang Ping 
Published: March 2012

Purpose Evidence has suggested a clinically meaningful relationship between self-reported quality of life (QOL) of a patient with cancer at the time of receiving a cancer diagnosis and overall survival (OS). This study evaluated the prognostic value of QOL assessments with regard to OS in a large cohort of patients with lung cancer. Patients and Methods A total of 2,442 patients with non–small-cell lung cancer were observed between 1997 and 2007 and completed a single-item measure of overall QOL within the first 6 months of receiving a lung cancer diagnosis; these were dichotomized using an a priori definition of a clinically deficient score (CDS; ≤ 50 v > 50). Kaplan-Meier estimates and Cox models were used to evaluate the prognostic importance of QOL on OS alone and in the presence of covariates. Logistic regression modeling was used to identify which clinical and patient characteristics were related to a clinically meaningful deficit in QOL. Results QOL deficits at time of lung cancer diagnosis were significantly associated with OS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.55; P < .001), as were performance status, older age, smoking history, male sex, treatment factors, and stage of disease. The median survival for patients with CDS QOL was 1.6 years versus 5.6 years for patients with non-CDS QOL. After controlling for all these covariates, the indication of a clinically deficient baseline QOL still contributed significantly to the prediction of patient survival (HR, 0.67; P < .001). Conclusion Overall QOL measured by a simple single item at the time of lung cancer diagnosis is a significant and independent prognostic factor for survival in patients with lung cancer.
Genetic Variations and Patient-Reported Quality of Life Among Patients With Lung Cancer
Authors: Sloan Jeff A. , de Andrade Mariza , Decker Paul , Wampfler Jason , Oswold Curtis , Clark Matthew , Yang Ping 
Published: March 2012

Purpose Recent evidence has suggested a relationship between the baseline quality of life (QOL) self-reported by patients with cancer and genetic disposition. We report an analysis exploring relationships among baseline QOL assessments and candidate genetic variations in a large cohort of patients with lung cancer. Patients and Methods QOL data were provided by 1,299 patients with non–small-cell lung cancer observed at the Mayo Clinic between 1997 and 2007. Overall QOL and subdomains were assessed by either Lung Cancer Symptom Scale or Linear Analog Self Assessment measures; scores were transformed to a scale of 0 to 10, with higher scores representing better status. Baseline QOL scores assessed within 1 year of diagnosis were dichotomized as clinically deficient (CD) or not. A total of 470 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 56 genes of three biologic pathways were assessed for association with QOL measures. Logistic regression with training/validation samples was used to test the association of SNPs with CD QOL. Results Six SNPs on four genes were replicated using our split schemes. Three SNPs in the MGMT gene (adjusted analysis, rs3858300; unadjusted analysis, rs10741191 and rs3852507) from DNA repair pathway were associated with overall QOL. Two SNPs (rs2287396 [GSTZ1] and rs9524885 [ABCC4]) from glutathione metabolic pathway were associated with fatigue in unadjusted analysis. In adjusted analysis, two SNPs (rs2756109 [ABCC2] and rs9524885 [ABCC4]) from glutathione metabolic pathway were associated with pain. Conclusion We identified three SNPs in three glutathione metabolic pathway genes and three SNPs in two DNA repair pathway genes associated with QOL measures in patients with non–small-cell lung cancer.
Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase III Trial Comparing Docetaxel and Prednisone With or Without Bevacizumab in Men With Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: CALGB 90401
Authors: Kelly William Kevin , Halabi Susan , Carducci Michael , George Daniel , Mahoney John F. , Stadler Walter M. , Morris Michael , Kantoff Philip , Monk J. Paul , Kaplan Ellen , Vogelzang Nicholas J. , Small Eric J. 
Published: March 2012

Purpose A randomized, placebo-controlled study based on preclinical and clinical data that supports the potential role of vascular endothelial growth factor in prostate cancer was performed to evaluate the addition of bevacizumab to standard docetaxel and prednisone therapy in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Patients and Methods Patients with chemotherapy-naive progressive mCRPC with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≤ 2 and adequate bone marrow, hepatic, and renal function were randomly assigned to receive docetaxel 75 mg/m2 intravenously (IV) over 1 hour for 21 days plus prednisone 5 mg orally twice per day (DP) with either bevacizumab 15 mg/kg IV every 3 weeks (DP + B) or placebo. The primary end point was overall survival (OS), and secondary end points were progression-free survival (PFS), 50% decline in prostate-specific antigen, objective response (OR), and toxicity. Results In total, 1,050 patients were randomly assigned. The median OS for patients given DP + B was 22.6 months compared with 21.5 months for patients treated with DP (hazard ratio, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.78 to 1.05; stratified log-rank P = .181). The median PFS time was superior in the DP + B arm (9.9 v 7.5 months, stratified log-rank P < .001) as was the proportion of patients with OR (49.4% v 35.5%; P = .0013). Grade 3 or greater treatment-related toxicity was more common with DP + B (75.4% v 56.2%; P ≤ .001), as was the number of treatment-related deaths (4.0% v 1.2%; P = .005). Conclusion Despite an improvement in PFS and OR, the addition of bevacizumab to docetaxel and prednisone did not improve OS in men with mCRPC and was associated with greater toxicity.
Primary tibial vein aneurysm: a source of pulmonary emboli
Authors: Haqqani O P , Stratigis J D , Maloney S P , O'Donnell T F , Iafrati M D 
Published: March 2012

Objective To describe a case of a rare type of venous aneurysm (posterior tibial) with associated pulmonary embolus. We will discuss options and considerations germane to the diagnostic evaluation and possible interventions for this challenging clinical scenario. Methods Case presentation and literature review. Results A 36-year-old man presented to an outside hospital with a three-day history of left calf pain, acute shortness of breath and syncope elicited by exercise. Work-up demonstrated a pulmonary embolus and a posterior tibial venous aneurysm with mural thrombus. The patient presented to us 18 months later with persistent calf pain seeking an alternative to recommendations of lifelong anticoagulation. The patient was treated with surgical resection of the venous aneurysm with subsequent discontinuation of his anticoagulation. There were no surgical or thrombotic complications of this treatment course and the patient's discomfort improved. Conclusion Primary aneurysms of the tibial veins as a cause of pulmonary emboli are rare. A review of the literature suggests that anticoagulation alone does not provide effective amelioration of thromboembolic risk from lower extremity venous aneurysms. We have reported a case of successful surgical treatment of a posterior tibial venous aneurysm and recommend that surgical correction be strongly considered for accessible venous aneurysms.
Foot-sparing postoperative compression bandage: a possible alternative to the traditional bandage
Authors: Ricci S , Moro L , Trillo L , Incalzi R Antonelli 
Published: March 2012

Objectives: To verify whether a foot-sparing bandage is effective for patients who have undergone varicose vein surgery, being in the C2 class, having a normal deep venous system and actively walking. Methods: Ninety consecutive lower legs meeting the inclusion criteria underwent treatment with an inelastic foot-sparing bandage. Patient's satisfaction, efficacy and local effects were systematically documented. Results: The bandage was well tolerated and highly effective. Four of the first 20 cases experienced a slight morning oedema of the foot, which disappeared while walking. Thus, in the remaining cases we covered the foot and distal limb with a custom short tubular-shaped ‘sock’ providing 10 mmHg compression, only during the first 24 hours. Conclusion: The foot-sparing inelastic bandage is effective, cheap and tolerated by well-selected patients who have undergone varicose vein surgery.
Digital PCR Analysis of Maternal Plasma for Noninvasive Detection of Sickle Cell Anemia
Authors: Barrett Angela N , McDonnell Thomas C R , Chan K C Allen , Chitty Lyn S 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBACKGROUNDCell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) constitutes approximately 10% of the cell-free DNA in maternal plasma and is a suitable source of fetal genetic material for noninvasive prenatal diagnosis (NIPD). The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of using digital PCR for NIPD in pregnancies at risk of sickle cell anemia.METHODSMinor-groove binder (MGB) TaqMan probes were designed to discriminate between wild-type hemoglobin A and mutant (hemoglobin S) alleles encoded by the HBB (hemoglobin, beta) gene in cffDNA isolated from maternal plasma samples obtained from pregnancies at risk of sickle cell anemia. The fractional fetal DNA concentration was assessed in male-bearing pregnancies with a digital PCR assay for the Y chromosome–specific marker DYS14. In pregnancies with a female fetus, a panel of biallelic insertion/deletion polymorphism (indel) markers was developed for the quantification of the fetal DNA fraction. We used digital real-time PCR to analyze the dosage of the variant encoding hemoglobin S relative to that encoding wild-type hemoglobin A.RESULTSThe sickle cell genotype was correctly determined in 82% (37 of 45) of male fetuses and 75% (15 of 20) of female fetuses. Mutation status was determined correctly in 100% of the cases (25 samples) with fractional fetal DNA concentrations &gt;7%. The panel of indels was informative in 65% of the female-bearing pregnancies.CONCLUSIONSDigital PCR can be used to determine the genotype of fetuses at risk for sickle cell anemia. Optimization of the fractional fetal DNA concentration is essential. More-informative indel markers are needed for this assay's comprehensive use in cases of a female fetus.
TXNIP is highly regulated in bone biopsies from patients with endogenous Cushing's syndrome and related to bone turnover
Authors: Lekva Tove , Ueland Thor , Bøyum Hege , Evang Johan Arild , Godang Kristin , Bollerslev Jens 
Published: March 2012

ObjectivePatients with endogenous Cushing's Syndrome (CS), as long-time treated patients with exogenous glucocorticoids (GCs), have severe systemic manifestations including secondary osteoporosis and low-energy fractures. The aim of the present study was to investigate the functional role ofTXNIPin bone with focus on osteoblast (OB) differentiation and OB-mediated osteoclast activity and functionin vitro.Design and methodsNine bone biopsies from CS before and after surgical treatment were screened for expressional candidate genes. Microarray analyses revealed that the gene encodingTXNIPranked among the most upregulated genes. Subsequentin vitroandin vivostudies were performed.ResultsWe found thatTXNIPgene in bone is downregulated in CS following surgical treatment. Furthermore, ourin vivodata indicate novel associations between thioredoxin andTXNIP. Ourin vitrostudies showed that silencingTXNIPin OBs was followed by increased differentiation and expression and secretion of osteocalcin as well as enhanced activity of alkaline phosphatase. Moreover, treating osteoclasts with silenced TXNIP OB media showed an increased osteoclast activity.ConclusionsTXNIPexpression in bone is highly regulated during the treatment of active CS, and by GC in bone cellsin vitro. Our data indicate that TXNIP may mediate some of the detrimental effects of GC on OB function as well as modulate OB-mediated osteoclastogenesis by regulating the OPG/RANKL ratio.
Pharmacy Communication to Adolescents and Their Physicians Regarding Access to Emergency Contraception
Authors: Wilkinson Tracey A. , Fahey Nisha , Shields Christine , Suther Emily , Cabral Howard J. , Silverstein Michael 
Published: March 2012

OBJECTIVE:
Emergency contraception (EC) is an effective pregnancy prevention strategy. EC is available without a prescription to those aged 17 years or older. The objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of information provided to adolescents and their physicians when they telephone pharmacies to inquire about EC.

METHODS:
By using standardized scripts, female callers telephoned 943 pharmacies in 5 US cities posing as 17-year-old adolescents or as physicians calling on behalf of their 17-year-old patients. McNemar tests were used to compare outcomes between adolescent and physician callers.

RESULTS:
Seven hundred fifty-nine pharmacies (80%) indicated to adolescent callers, and 766 (81%) to physician callers, that EC was available on the day of the call. However, 145 pharmacies (19%) incorrectly told the adolescent callers that it would be impossible to obtain EC under any circumstances, compared with 23 pharmacies (3%) for physician callers. Pharmacies conveyed the correct age to dispense EC without a prescription in 431 adolescent calls (57%) and 466 physician calls (61%). Compared with physician callers, adolescent callers were put on hold more often (54% vs 26%) and spoke to self-identified pharmacists less often (3% vs 12%, P &lt; .0001). When EC was not available, 36% and 33% of pharmacies called by adolescents and physicians respectively offered no additional suggestions on how to obtain it.

CONCLUSIONS:
Most pharmacies report having EC in stock. However, misinformation regarding who can take EC, and at what age it is available without a prescription, is common. Such misinformation may create barriers to timely access.
Are We Poor at Explaining Things?
Authors: Karl Jeffery 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
5 men on an offshore rig.
They are making a decision about whether it is safe to remove drilling mud from a well.
They are discussing the results of a test.
The test results show that it might not be safe.
This means that when the drilling mud is removed, there could be enormous flows of oil and gas up to the platform, causing a big loss of live and massive uncontrollable pollution.
But one of the men says that the test results are showing what they do because of the ‘bladder effect’, and tries to explain it.
The other men do not understand.
What do the men do next?
Do the other men say, "We're not going to risk our lives, and let our children grow up without a father, and massive amounts of pollution, because of something we don't understand? We need to do more testing."
Or do they say "fine, we can remove the drilling mud".
Protection of Petroleum Industry from Hackers by Monitoring and Controlling SCADA System
Authors: Vijay Anne , Unni Vaisakh S 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
A control system refers to a computer based facility - system and equipment which is used to remotely monitor and control sensitive processes and physical functions. It collects and processes measured values and operational data in the field of facilities and conveys control commands to local or remote equipment. These control systems play the role of a central nervous system for energy-based facilities. If a control system were to undergo cyber attack from the outside, there could be negative consequences for public health and safety. These control systems have been regarded as safe from external threats of cyber attack up to now, but remote systems in the wrong hands could be utilized to cripple or shut down infrastructure systems through insertion of a virus or other malicious software which seriously damage other systems in the network, or associated networks in the industry (SQL injection attacks, DNS poisoning, Dos attacks). Data theft and hacking process control terminals that are left un-monitored are the major problems in oil and gas industry. Continuous monitoring regular scanning and updates of the software that are being used can leave us in safe zone. However, considering the cases of attacks recently reported abroad and the trend of openness and standardization of SCADA facilities, we cannot be sure about their safety from such cyber threats as hacking and cyber terror because of the potential threats posed by specific groups.
This paper explores the recent evolution of SCADA and its environment, it further explains the need for improved security in these systems, and describes some of the emerging research areas in SCADA security, especially for oil & gas industries, that offer promise for the future.
Distributed Acoustic Sensing - A New Way of Listening to Your Well/Reservoir
Authors: Johannessen Kjetil , Drakeley Brian , Farhadiroushan Mahmoud 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
There is a new generation of in-well monitoring technologies that are being characterized under the Acoustic Energy sensing banner. Some are essentially disturbance or vibration event monitoring techniques but this paper describes a Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) technology [1]. The subject sensing system uniquely allows the user to listen to the acoustic field at every point along many kilometers of fiber optic cable deployed in the well. With a spatial resolution of 1 meter, for example, there will be 10,000 synchronized sensors along a 10,000 meter fiber. The system uses a novel digital optical detection technique to precisely capture the true full acoustic field (amplitude, frequency and phase over a wide dynamic range) at every point simultaneously. A number of signal processing techniques have been developed to process a large array of acoustic signals to quantify the coherent temporal and spatial characteristics of the acoustic waves. Potential in-well monitoring applications have been identified, and significant benefits are predicted for optimizing and maximizing production in many types of oil and gas fields by facilitating informed decisions.
The system can be retrofitted to existing installations of permanent in-well fiber optics based monitoring systems with the addition of surface instrumentation. New installations are also planned.
The paper also describes the background technology with focus on full reconstruction of the acoustic signal along the well bore, sensing system capabilities and the results of field trial surveys, with first generation instrumentation in seven offshore Norwegian Continental Shelf wells. These seven offshore wells already contained in-well fiber optics sensing systems, and comprised of two water injectors, one gas injector, three producers with gas lift valves, and one high rate Gas Oil Ratio producer. Installed sensing included Bragg grating based Pressure and Temperature gauges and fiber based flow meters. DAS measurements were recorded on fibers with both types of sensors installed on the same fibers. An acoustic signal for flowing wells was obtained in all cases and for most of the wells it was possible to also extract qualitative information on the flow regime, speed of sound and an estimate for flow velocity in at least parts of the wells.
Digital Oil Field Implementation in High-Pressure, High-Temperature Sour Environments: Kuwait Oil Company Challenges and Guidelines
Authors: Dashti Q. , Al Jasmi A. , Al Qaoud B. , Ali Zaki , Bonilla J. C. 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
In 2009, Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) launched the Kuwait Integrated Digital Field Jurassic (KwIDF-Jurassic) Project as a cross-domain solution consisting of a fully integrated infrastructure supporting field instrumentation, automated workflows, and ergonomic collaboration. The Jurassic gas field is a challenging environment consisting of heterogeneous carbonate reservoirs with natural fractures that can contribute significantly to productivity. Parts of the Jurassic reservoir consist of a tight matrix with a high density of connected fractures, but in other areas fractures are sparse and have limited connectivity. The high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) environment, the near-critical nature of the reservoir fluids, and the presence of H2S and CO2 are additional challenges for the development of the Jurassic complex.
This project is the first in Kuwait to instrument gas wells with pressure and temperature gauges; H2S, gas, and corrosion sensors, and safety and control devices as a first step toward delivering on KOC's vision for integrated operations. The application of intelligent automation at the wellhead and advanced instrumentation minimizes the health, safety, and environmental (HSE) exposure of field personnel. Interventions at the wellsite can be supported by handheld portable devices embedded with work orders. New digital field work processes, supported by collaboration rooms, enable proactive, real-time decisions in accordance to the exploitation strategy defined for the field. One outcome is to use technology to leverage the competence of disciplines, such as the subsurface team, to contribute in real time to production operations as opposed to the traditional nonoperational role of studies and reviews.
This paper presents a case study demonstrating the methodology and tools KOC has used to achieve timely and reliable data delivery for the Jurassic asset as part of the KwIDF-Jurassic Project.
The Missing Pieces of the Intelligent Energy Puzzle – The People Effect
Authors: Dickson Mark 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
The value of "intelligent" (i.e., digital, automated) energy solutions is now undisputed. Across the industry, these solutions are known by different names, such as: I-Field, Digital Oilfield, Asset of the Future, Field of the Future, Integrated Operations, and Integrated Oilfield Solutions. But regardless of what name is used, the expectation remains the same: technical staff are now expected to work in new ways––with new or automated processes, with new people, with new technologies, in new office operational facilities, and with new responsibilities––and meet expectations of new levels of performance and effectiveness in their jobs.
However, in the author's experience, there is widespread uncertainty among staff using the new technology. Specifically, there is confusion about job roles and responsibilities in the constantly changing technical work environment. While uncertainty eats away at staff morale, confusion poses a larger risk of failure, both at an individual and project level. Moreover, the success of hard-won Integrated Oilfield Solution project mandates comes under jeopardy––but this can be rectified if due care and attention is given to all stakeholders and end users who have an influence on the acceptance and use of the technology.
This paper examines some of the most recent cases of Integrated Oilfield technology implementations, either individual projects or technology campaigns in terms of "the people aspects". The author proposes as a hypothesis, a model for Change Management and tests its completeness and exhaustiveness against these technology implementation cases.
The paper concludes that if an all-inclusive Change Management Framework is adopted and therefore those issues relating to the engagement of people are addressed as a concerted effort at the beginning of an Integrated Oilfield Project, and these efforts are continued throughout the life of the project and into post implementation support, that projects will have a greater chance of success and sustainability.