bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Socioeconomic Status and Survival after an invasive Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Sprague BL , Ramchandani R , Trentham-Dietz A , Newcomb P , Gangnon R , Remington PL , Hampton JM 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Significant progress has been achieved in the United States in improving survival rates following an invasive breast cancer diagnosis. Previous studies have shown, however, that women living in geographic areas with high poverty and low education levels experience poorer survival. However, nearly all of these studies have been restricted to use of community-level data (e.g. US Census) on socioeconomic status (SES), and thus have been limited in their ability to identify individual-level factors associated with the disparity in survival. We examined individual-level SES in relation to breast cancer survival in a population-based cohort of invasive breast cancer survivors, ages 20-69, diagnosed in Wisconsin during 1995-2003 (N = 5,865). Information on household income, household size, and education was obtained during telephone interviews conducted shortly after diagnosis. Vital status was determined through December 31, 2006, using automated searches of the National Death Index. A total of 676 deaths (461 from breast cancer) were observed during 41,751 person-years of follow-up. Compared to college graduates, women with no further education beyond high school were more likely to die from breast cancer (Hazard Ratio, HR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.76) and from all causes (HR 1.42; 95% CI: 1.17, 1.73) following their breast cancer diagnosis. Similarly, women with household income less than 2.5 times that of the poverty level were more likely to die from breast cancer (HR 1.46; 95% CI: 1.03, 2.08) and from all causes (HR 1.64; 95% CI: 1.20, 2.24) compared to women with household income at least 5 times the poverty level. Women with lower education and income levels were less likely to have had annual mammograms prior to diagnosis. There was little difference in stage at diagnosis according to education level, but women with low income levels were 2.7 (95% CI: 1.2, 6.2) times more likely than women with high income to be diagnosed with distant-stage breast cancer. Adjustment for these factors attenuated, but did not eliminate, the association between SES and survival after diagnosis. Thus, the disparities in breast cancer survival that exist according to individual-level SES cannot be fully explained by variation in mammography use and stage at diagnosis.
A Pooled Analysis on the Associations between Involuntary Smoking and Lung Cancer Risk by Histological Types
Authors: Lee YA , Hung R , Boffetta P , Brennan P , Yang P , Zhang ZF 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Background: While the association between involuntary tobacco smoke exposure and lung cancer is well established, few studies with sufficient power have been conducted to evaluate the relationship between involuntary smoking (IS) and lung cancer by histological type, especially for the association between IS and small cell lung cancer among nonsmokers.
Methods: We evaluated the associations between IS and lung cancer by histological type based on a pooled data of the International Lung Cancer Consortium (ILCCO). The individual-level epidemiological data from 17 participating studies were pooled, including 2,218 non-smoking lung cancer cases and 6,243 non-smoking controls. Logistic regression models were used to obtain adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), using SAS v9. Likelihood ratio tests were used to assess heterogeneity by study site.
Results: Among never tobacco smokers, IS exposure was associated with lung cancer with an adjusted OR of 1.33 (95% CI 1.18, 1.50), compared to never exposure to IS, when adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, and study site. Similar associations were observed in different histological types of lung cancer with adjusted ORs of 1.38 (95% CI 0.97, 1.98) for squamous cell carcinoma, 1.26 (95% CI 1.08, 1.46) for adenocarcinoma, 2.92 (95% CI 1.55, 5.48) for small cell lung cancer, and 1.30 (95% CI 1.14, 1.49) for non-small cell lung cancer. Similar associations with ever IS exposure were observed when the overall population including nonsmokers and smokers was included in the analysis. No apparent association was observed with IS exposure in childhood.
Conclusion: This is the first study with a relatively large sample size investigating the relationship between IS exposure and small cell lung cancer among nonsmokers. Our results corroborated the association between IS and lung cancer regardless of histological types, including adenocarcinoma, and we observed the strongest association between IS and small cell lung cancer. Our study provides more precise estimates of the impact of IS on major histological types of lung cancer and suggests the importance of smoking intervention for lung cancer prevention, especially for small cell lung cancer type.
Evaluation of Trade Cumulus in the ECMWF Model with Observations from CALIPSO
Authors: Ahlgrimm Maike , Köhler Martin 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Cloud–Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) are used to assess trade cumulus cloudiness in three versions of the Integrated Forecasting System of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. The observations are recast onto the model grid, and two simple threshold criteria for cloud-top height and cloud fraction are used to identify grid points containing trade cumulus clouds. The cloud fraction and cloud-top height distributions of the sample populations are then compared. Results show that all versions of the model overestimate the frequency of occurrence of trade cumulus clouds but underestimate their cloud fraction when present. These effects partially compensate. Cloud-top heights are overestimated in model cycles using the modified Tiedtke parameterization for shallow convection, but are in very good agreement with observations when the dual mass flux parameterization is introduced.
Mechanical performance comparison between RotaFlow and CentriMag centrifugal blood pumps in an adult ECLS model
Authors: Yulong Guan  , Xiaowei Su  , McCoach Robert , Kunselman Allen , El-Banayosy Aly , Ündar Akif 
Published: March 2010

Introduction: Centrifugal blood pumps have been widely adopted in conventional adult cardiopulmonary bypass and circulatory assist procedures. Different brands of centrifugal blood pumps incorporate distinct designs which affect pump performance. In this adult extracorporeal life support (ECLS) model, the performances of two brands of centrifugal blood pump (RotaFlow blood pump and CentriMag blood pump) were compared. Methods: The simulated adult ECLS circuit used in this study included a centrifugal blood pump, Quadrox D membrane oxygenator and Sorin adult ECLS tubing package. A Sorin Cardiovascular® VVR® 4000i venous reservoir (Sorin S.p.A., Milan, Italy) with a Hoffman clamp served as a pseudo-patient. The circuit was primed with 900ml heparinized human packed red blood cells and 300ml lactated Ringer’s solution (total volume 1200 ml, corrected hematocrit 40%). Trials were conducted at normothermia (36°C). Performance, including circuit pressure and flow rate, was measured for every setting analyzed. Results: The shut-off pressure of the RotaFlow was higher than the CentriMag at all measurement points given the same rotation speed (p < 0.0001). The shut-off pressure differential between the two centrifugal blood pumps was significant and increased given higher rotation speeds (p < 0.0001). The RotaFlow blood pump has higher maximal flow rate (9.08 ± 0.01L/min) compared with the CentriMag blood pump (8.37 ± 0.02L/min) (p < 0.0001). The blood flow rate differential between the two pumps when measured at the same revolutions per minute (RPM) ranged from 1.64L/min to 1.73L/min. Conclusions: The results obtained in this experiment demonstrate that the RotaFlow has a higher shut-off pressure (less retrograde flow) and maximal blood flow rate than the CentriMag blood pump. Findings support the conclusion that the RotaFlow disposable pump head has a better mechanical performance than the CentriMag. In addition, the RotaFlow disposable pump is 20-30 times less expensive than the CentriMag.
Psychometric testing of the modified Care Dependency Scale for Rehabilitation
Authors: Eichhorn-Kissel Juliane , Dassen Theo , Kottner Jan , Lohrmann Christa 
Published: March 2010

Objective: To determine the psychometric properties of the modified Care Dependency Scale for Rehabilitation. Design: All patients were assessed independently by a different set of two randomly selected nurses. Setting and subjects: A convenience sample consisting of 1197 patients and 42 nurses was recruited in an Austrian rehabilitation centre specialized on the treatment and care of neurological and orthopaedic patients. Measures: The Care Dependency Scale for Rehabilitation and the Barthel Index. Data analysis: To estimate aspects of reliability, Cronbach’s alpha, Cohen’s kappa, percentage agreement, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and standard error of measurement (SEM) were calculated. To evaluate the construct validity, a factor analysis was conducted. Criterion-related validity was examined by comparing data of the modified Care Dependency Scale for Rehabilitation with the Barthel Index and Pearson calculation. Results: The calculation of Cronbach’s alpha yielded values of 0.97. Kappa values were between 0.89 and 0.96, values of percentage agreement between 96% and 99%, ICC values between 0.94 and 0.99, and SEM values between 0.08 and 0.17. Pearson (r) was 0.88. The factor analysis revealed a one-factor solution. Conclusion: The modified Care Dependency Scale for Rehabilitation shows a high internal consistency, as well as a high level of equivalence. Furthermore, criterion-related validity and construct validity have shown satisfying results.
Patellofemoral Instability in Athletes
Authors: Tjoumakaris Fotios Paul , Forsythe Brian , Bradley James P. 
Published: March 2010

Background Surgical treatment of patellofemoral instability can successfully diminish episodes of subluxation and dislocation, as well as symptoms of pain and instability. Hypothesis Surgical treatment of lateral patellar instability in a strictly athletic population will facilitate return to sports. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods From 1999 to 2004, 41 Fulkerson osteotomies combined with an arthroscopic lateral release were performed in 34 athletes for patellofemoral instability. Three patients were lost to follow-up. All patients participated in sports at least 3 times per week in at least one sport for 4 months of the year. There were 4 male and 30 female patients; 7 patients underwent bilateral, staged procedures. There were 14 high school, 12 collegiate, and 8 recreational athletes. Results were obtained by an independent examiner. Results The mean age was 20.05 years (range, 14-54 years) with a mean follow-up of 46 months (range, 22-71 months). Patients averaged 1.3 dislocations before reconstruction (range, 0-6). The average Lysholm score was 91.8 (range, 67-100) at follow-up. The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores were A (normal) in 27 knees, B (near normal) in 12, and C (abnormal) in 2. Seventeen patients had symptomatic hardware removed at an average of 8 months. There were 2 complications: one saphenous neuroma that resolved, and one recurrent dislocation in a patient later diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Conclusion This series is the largest to date documenting the successful treatment of patellofemoral instability in athletes with concomitant Fulkerson osteotomy and arthroscopic lateral release. Forty-nine percent of patients in our series required removal of screws from the osteotomy site.
“Microenvironmental contaminations” induced by fluorescent lipophilic dyes used for noninvasive in vitro and in vivo cell tracking
Authors: Lassailly Francois , Griessinger Emmanuel , Bonnet Dominique 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Determining how normal and leukemic stem cells behave in vivo, in a dynamic and noninvasive way, remains a major challenge. Most optical tracking technologies rely on the use of fluorescent or bioluminescent reporter genes, which need to be stably expressed in the cells of interest. Because gene transfer in primary leukemia samples represents a major risk to impair their capability to engraft in a xenogenic context, we evaluated the possibility to use gene transfer–free labeling technologies. The lipophilic dye 3,3,3′,3′ tetramethylindotricarbocyanine iodide (DiR) was selected among 4 near-infrared (NIR) staining technologies. Unfortunately we report here a massive transfer of the dye occurring toward the neighbor cells both in vivo and in vitro. We further demonstrate that all lipophilic dyes tested in this study (1,1′-dioctadecyl-3,3,3′,3′-tetramethylindotricarbocyanine perchlorate [DiI], DiD, DiR, and PKH26) can give rise to microenvironmental contamination, including when used in suboptimal concentration, after extensive washing procedures and in the absence of phagocytosis or marked cell death. This was observed from all cell types tested. Eventually, we show that this microenvironmental contamination is mediated by both direct cell-cell contacts and diffusible microparticles. We conclude that tracking of labeled cells using non–genetically encoded markers should always be accompanied by drastic cross validation using multimodality approaches.
C4BPB/C4BPA is a new susceptibility locus for venous thrombosis with unknown protein S–independent mechanism: results from genome-wide association and gene expression analyses followed by case-control studies
Authors: Buil Alfonso , Trégouët David-Alexandre , Souto Juan Carlos , Saut Noémie , Germain Marine , Rotival Maxime , Tiret Laurence , Cambien Françcois , Lathrop Mark , Zeller Tanja , Alessi Marie-Christine , Rodriguez de Cordoba Santiago , Münzel Thomas , Wild Philipp , Fontcuberta Jordi , Gagnon France , Emmerich Joseph , Almasy Laura , Blankenberg Stefan , Soria José-Manuel , Morange Pierre-Emmanuel 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThrough its binding with protein S (PS), a key element of the coagulation/fibrinolysis cascade, the C4b-binding protein (C4BP) has been hypothesized to be involved in the susceptibility to venous thrombosis (VT). To identify genetic factors that may influence the plasma levels of the 3 C4BP existing isoforms, α7β1, α6β1, and α7β0, we conducted a genome-wide association study by analyzing 283 437 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the Genetic Analysis of Idiopathic Thrombophilia (GAIT) study composed of 352 persons. Three SNPs at the C4BPB/C4BPA locus were found genome-wide significantly associated with α7β0 levels. One of these SNPs was further found to explain approximately 11% of the variability of mRNA C4BPA expression in the Gutenberg Heart Study composed of 1490 persons, with no effect on C4BPB mRNA expression. The allele associated with increased α7β0 plasma levels and increased C4BPA expression was further found associated with increased risk of VT (odds ratio [OR] = 1.24 [1.03-1.53]) in 2 independent case-control studies (MARseille THrombosis Association study [MARTHA] and FActeurs de RIsque et de récidives de la maladie thromboembolique VEineuse [FARIVE]) gathering 1706 cases and 1379 controls. This SNP was not associated with free PS or total PS. In conclusion, we observed strong evidence that the C4BPB/C4BPA locus is a new susceptibility locus for VT through a PS-independent mechanism that remains to be elucidated.
Mitochondrial haplogroup U is associated with a reduced risk to develop exfoliation glaucoma in the German population
Authors: Wolf Christiane , Gramer Eugen , Müller-Myhsok Bertram , Pasutto Francesca , Wissinger Bernd , Weisschuh Nicole 
Published: March 2010

Abstract

Background
Various lines of evidence demonstrate the involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of glaucoma. Therefore, mitochondrial DNA is a promising candidate for genetic susceptibility studies on glaucoma. To test the hypothesis that mitochondrial haplogroups influence the risk to develop glaucoma, we genotyped 12 single-nucleotide polymorphisms that define the European mitochondrial DNA haplogroups in healthy controls and two German patient cohorts with either exfoliation glaucoma or the normal tension subgroup of primary open angle glaucoma.

Results
Mitochondrial haplogroup U was significantly under-represented in patients with exfoliation glaucoma (8.3% compared with 18.9% in controls; p = 0.004).

Conclusions
People with haplogroup U have a lower risk to develop exfoliation glaucoma. Our results substantiate the suggestion that mitochondrial alterations have an impact on the etiology of glaucoma.
Recombinational landscape of porcine X chromosome and individual variation in female meiotic recombination associated with haplotypes of Chinese pigs
Authors: Ma Junwu , Iannuccelli Nathalie , Duan Yanyu , Huang Weibing , Guo Beili , Riquet Juliette , Huang Lusheng , Milan Denis 
Published: March 2010

Abstract

Background
Variations in recombination fraction (θ) among chromosomal regions, individuals and families have been observed and have an important impact on quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping studies. Such variations on porcine chromosome X (SSC-X) and on other mammalian chromosome X are rarely explored. The emerging assembly of pig sequence provides exact physical location of many markers, facilitating the study of a fine-scale recombination landscape of the pig genome by comparing a clone-based physical map to a genetic map. Using large offspring of F1 females from two large-scale resource populations (Large White ♂ × Chinese Meishan ♀, and White Duroc ♂ × Chinese Erhualian ♀), we were able to evaluate the heterogeneity in θ for a specific interval among individual F1 females.

Results
Alignments between the cytogenetic map, radiation hybrid (RH) map, genetic maps and clone map of SSC-X with the physical map of human chromosome X (HSA-X) are presented. The most likely order of 60 markers on SSC-X is inferred. The average recombination rate across SSC-X is of ~1.27 cM/Mb. However, almost no recombination occurred in a large region of ~31 Mb extending from the centromere to Xq21, whereas in the surrounding regions and in the Xq telomeric region a recombination rate of 2.8-3.3 cM/Mb was observed, more than twice the chromosome-wide average rate. Significant differences in θ among F1 females within each population were observed for several chromosomal intervals. The largest variation was observed in both populations in the interval UMNP71-SW1943, or more precisely in the subinterval UMNP891-UMNP93. The individual variation in θ over this subinterval was found associated with F1 females' maternal haplotypes (Chinese pig haplotypes) and independent of paternal haplotype (European pig haplotypes). The θ between UMNP891 and UMNP93 for haplotype 1122 and 4311 differed by more than fourteen-fold (10.3% vs. 0.7%).

Conclusions
This study reveals marked regional, individual and haplotype-specific differences in recombination rate on SSC-X. Lack of recombination in such a large region makes it impossible to narrow QTL interval using traditional fine-mapping approaches. The relationship between recombination variation and haplotype polymorphism is shown for the first time in pigs.
Documentation of preventive screening interventions by general practitioners: a retrospective chart audit
Authors: Ngwakongnwi Emmanuel , Hemmelgarn Brenda , Quan Hude 
Published: March 2010

Abstract

Background
Screening and early diagnosis has been shown to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with certain conditions such as cervical cancer. The role of general practitioners in promoting primary prevention of diseases is particularly important given that they have frequent contact with a large proportion of the population. This study assessed the extent to which general practitioners documented recommended preventive screening interventions among eligible patients.

Methods
We used a retrospective chart audit to assess patient visits to primary care clinics in Calgary, Canada from 2002-2004. We included fee for service physicians who practiced ≥ 2 days per week at their current location and excluded those whose primary practice was at walk-in clinics, community health centers, hospitals or emergency rooms. We included charts of patients who during the study period were age 35 years or older and had at least 2 visits to a clinic. We randomly selected and reviewed charts (N = 600) from 12 primary care clinics and abstracted information on 6 conditions recommended for preventive screening. Opportunities for preventive screening were determined based on recommendations of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care, the American College of Physicians, and the Canadian Cancer Society. Our main outcome measures included cancer screening (mammography and pap smears), immunization (influenza and pneumococcal), and risk factor assessment (cholesterol measurement and smoking cessation consultation).

Results
Patient visits to GP clinics present opportunities for preventive screening. However, we found that documentation of interventions was low, ranging from 40.3% (cholesterol measurement) to 0.9% (pneumococcal vaccination) within 1 year, and from 67.4% to 1.8% within the prior 3 years.

Conclusions
Documentation of preventive screening interventions by general practitioners was relatively low compared to the number of patients eligible for preventive screening. Some physicians opt to screen for PSA and DRE which is not recommended by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive HealthCare.
Evaluation of immunological escape mechanisms in a mouse model of colorectal liver metastases
Authors: Grimm Martin , Gasser Martin , Bueter Marco , Strehl Johanna , Wang Johann , Nichiporuk Ekaterina , Meyer Detlef , Germer Christoph T , Waaga-Gasser Ana M , Thalheimer Andreas 
Published: March 2010

Abstract

Background
The local and systemic activation and regulation of the immune system by malignant cells during carcinogenesis is highly complex with involvement of the innate and acquired immune system. Despite the fact that malignant cells do have antigenic properties their immunogenic effects are minor suggesting tumor induced mechanisms to circumvent cancer immunosurveillance. The aim of this study is the analysis of tumor immune escape mechanisms in a colorectal liver metastases mouse model at different points in time during tumor growth.

Methods
CT26.WT murine colon carcinoma cells were injected intraportally in Balb/c mice after median laparotomy using a standardized injection technique. Metastatic tumor growth in the liver was examined by standard histological procedures at defined points in time during metastatic growth. Liver tissue with metastases was additionally analyzed for cytokines, T cell markers and Fas/Fas-L expression using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and RT-PCR. Comparisons were performed by analysis of variance or paired and unpaired t test when appropriate.

Results
Intraportal injection of colon carcinoma cells resulted in a gradual and time dependent metastatic growth. T cells of regulatory phenotype (CD4+CD25+Foxp3+) which might play a role in protumoral immune response were found to infiltrate peritumoral tissue increasingly during carcinogenesis. Expression of cytokines IL-10, TGF-β and TNF-α were increased during tumor growth whereas IFN-γ showed a decrease of the expression from day 10 on following an initial increase. Moreover, liver metastases of murine colon carcinoma show an up-regulation of FAS-L on tumor cell surface with a decreased expression of FAS from day 10 on. CD8+ T cells express FAS and show an increased rate of apoptosis at perimetastatic location.

Conclusions
This study describes cellular and macromolecular changes contributing to immunological escape mechanisms during metastatic growth in a colorectal liver metastases mouse model simulating the situation in human cancer.