bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin and Carboplatin Compared With Paclitaxel and Carboplatin for Patients With Platinum-Sensitive Ovarian Cancer in Late Relapse
Authors: Pujade-Lauraine Eric , Wagner Uwe , Aavall-Lundqvist Elisabeth , Gebski Val , Heywood Mark , Vasey Paul A. , Volgger Birgit , Vergote Ignace , Pignata Sandro , Ferrero Annamaria , Sehouli Jalid , Lortholary Alain , Kristensen Gunnar , Jackisch Christian , Joly Florence , Brown Chris , Le Fur Nathalie , du Bois Andreas 
Published: May 2010

Purpose This randomized, multicenter, phase III noninferiority trial was designed to test the efficacy and safety of the combination of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) with carboplatin (CD) compared with standard carboplatin and paclitaxel (CP) in patients with platinum-sensitive relapsed/recurrent ovarian cancer (ROC). Patients and Methods Patients with histologically proven ovarian cancer with recurrence more than 6 months after first- or second-line platinum and taxane-based therapies were randomly assigned by stratified blocks to CD (carboplatin area under the curve [AUC] 5 plus PLD 30 mg/m2) every 4 weeks or CP (carboplatin AUC 5 plus paclitaxel 175 mg/m2) every 3 weeks for at least 6 cycles. Primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS); secondary end points were toxicity, quality of life, and overall survival. Results Overall 976 patients were recruited. With median follow-up of 22 months, PFS for the CD arm was statistically superior to the CP arm (hazard ratio, 0.821; 95% CI, 0.72 to 0.94; P = .005); median PFS was 11.3 versus 9.4 months, respectively. Although overall survival data are immature for final analysis, we report here a total of 334 deaths. Overall severe nonhematologic toxicity (36.8% v 28.4%; P < .01) leading to early discontinuation (15% v 6%; P < .001) occurred more frequently in the CP arm. More frequent grade 2 or greater alopecia (83.6% v 7%), hypersensitivity reactions (18.8% v 5.6%), and sensory neuropathy (26.9% v 4.9%) were observed in the CP arm; more hand-foot syndrome (grade 2 to 3, 12.0% v 2.2%), nausea (35.2% v 24.2%), and mucositis (grade 2-3, 13.9% v 7%) in the CD arm. Conclusion To our knowledge, this trial is the largest in recurrent ovarian cancer and has demonstrated superiority in PFS and better therapeutic index of CD over standard CP.
Metastatic Behavior of Breast Cancer Subtypes
Authors: Kennecke Hagen , Yerushalmi Rinat , Woods Ryan , Cheang Maggie Chon U. , Voduc David , Speers Caroline H. , Nielsen Torsten O. , Gelmon Karen 
Published: May 2010

Purpose Prognostic and predictive factors are well established in early-stage breast cancer, but less is known about which metastatic sites will be affected. Methods Patients with early-stage breast cancer diagnosed between 1986 and 1992 with archival tissue were included. Subtypes were defined as luminal A, luminal B, luminal/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), HER2 enriched, basal-like, and triple negative (TN) nonbasal. Distant sites were classified as brain, liver, lung, bone, distant nodal, pleural/peritoneal, and other. Cumulative incidence curves were estimated for each site according to competing risks methods. Association between the site of relapse and subtype was assessed in multivariate models using logistic regression. Results Median follow-up time among 3,726 eligible patients was 14.8 years. Median durations of survival with distant metastasis were 2.2 (luminal A), 1.6 (luminal B), 1.3 (luminal/HER2), 0.7 (HER2 enriched), and 0.5 years (basal-like; P < .001). Bone was the most common metastatic site in all subtypes except basal-like tumors. In multivariate analysis, compared with luminal A tumors, luminal/HER2 and HER2-enriched tumors were associated with a significantly higher rate of brain, liver, and lung metastases. Basal-like tumors had a higher rate of brain, lung, and distant nodal metastases but a significantly lower rate of liver and bone metastases. TN nonbasal tumors demonstrated a similar pattern but were not associated with fewer liver metastases. Conclusion Breast cancer subtypes are associated with distinct patterns of metastatic spread with notable differences in survival after relapse.
Phase III, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Three Doses of Citalopram for the Treatment of Hot Flashes: NCCTG Trial N05C9
Authors: Barton Debra L. , LaVasseur Beth I. , Sloan Jeff A. , Stawis Allen N. , Flynn Kathleen A. , Dyar Missy , Johnson David B. , Atherton Pamela J. , Diekmann Brent , Loprinzi Charles L. 
Published: May 2010

Purpose Up to 75% of women experience hot flashes, which can negatively impact quality of life. As hot flash physiology is not definitively understood, it cannot be assumed that effective agents represent class effects. Therefore, there is a continued need for rigorous evaluation to identify effective nonhormonal options for hot flash relief. Methods A randomized, double-blind trial evaluated citalopram at target doses of 10, 20, or 30 mg/d versus placebo for 6 weeks. Postmenopausal women with at least 14 bothersome hot flashes per week recorded hot flashes for 7 days before starting treatment and were then titrated to their target doses. The primary end point was the change from baseline to 6 weeks in hot flash score. Results Two hundred fifty-four women were randomly assigned onto this study. Data for hot flash scores and frequencies showed significant improvement in hot flashes with citalopram over placebo, with no significant differences among doses. Reductions in mean hot flash scores were 2.0 (23%), 7.0 (49%), 7.7 (50%), and 10.7 (55%) for placebo and 10, 20, and 30 mg of citalopram, respectively (P ≤ .002). Improvement in secondary outcomes, such as the Hot Flash Related Daily Interference Scale, was statistically superior in the 20-mg arm. Citalopram was well-tolerated, with no significant negative adverse effects. Conclusion Citalopram is an effective, well-tolerated agent in managing hot flashes. There does not appear to be a significant dose response above 10 mg/d, but broader helpful effects of the agent appear to be more evident at 20 mg/d.
Decision Making by Parents of Children With Incurable Cancer Who Opt for Enrollment on a Phase I Trial Compared With Choosing a Do Not Resuscitate/Terminal Care Option
Authors: Maurer Scott H. , Hinds Pamela S. , Spunt Sheri L. , Furman Wayne L. , Kane Javier R. , Baker Justin N. 
Published: May 2010

Purpose Parents of children with incurable cancer make complex and difficult decisions about remaining treatment options. We compared the self-reported rationale, good parent definition, and desired clinical staff behaviors of parents who recently decided for phase I (P1) chemotherapy with parents who chose a do not resuscitate (DNR) or terminal care (TC) option. Patients and Methods Sixty-two parents of 58 children were asked for the basis of their decision, their definition of a good parent, and what staff behaviors supported their good parent role. After semantic content analysis, results were compared in the P1 versus DNR/TC groups. These categories were mutually exclusive but did not necessarily represent an either/or decision. Results Thirty-one decisions were for P1 chemotherapy and 27 for DNR/TC. Median survival time after study enrollment was greater in the P1 group (0.4 v 0.1 years). Most P1 group parents reported having felt compelled to continue cancer-directed therapy (71% v 7%), whereas those who opted for DNR/TC cited quality of life (QOL; 74% v 3%) and patient wishes (67% v 13%). Decision factors common to both groups were medical facts, doing right, and others’ opinions. Both groups believed that a good parent did right, provided support and presence, and sacrificed for the child. The groups desired similar support from clinicians and expressed gratitude. Conclusion Despite similar definitions of a good parent and desired staff behaviors, parents in the P1 group reported having felt compelled to continue cancer-directed therapy, whereas QOL and patient wishes were emphasized in decisions for DNR/TC.
Soluble Mesothelin-Related Peptide and Osteopontin As Markers of Response in Malignant Mesothelioma
Authors: Wheatley-Price Paul , Yang Boming , Patsios Demetris , Patel Devalben , Ma Clement , Xu Wei , Leighl Natasha , Feld Ronald , Cho B.C. John , O'Sullivan Brenda , Roberts Heidi , Tsao Ming Sound , Tammemagi Martin , Anraku Masaki , Chen Zhuo , de Perrot Marc , Liu Geoffrey 
Published: May 2010

Purpose In malignant mesothelioma (MM), radiologic assessment of disease status is difficult. Both soluble mesothelin-related peptide (SMRP) and osteopontin (OP) have utility in distinguishing MM from benign pleural disease. We evaluated whether SMRP and OP also correlated with the disease course of MM. Patients and Methods Serial plasma samples from patients with MM were prospectively collected, and SMRP and OP levels were measured. Radiologic tests across time periods showing disease progression, stability, or shrinkage were compared with corresponding changes in SMRP/OP levels. Results From 41 patients, 165 samples were collected (range, 2 to 10; median 4). At study entry, 37 of 41 patients had measurable disease, of whom 92% (34 of 37) had elevated baseline SMRP levels; four of 41 patients had no evidence of recurrence and each had normal baseline SMRP levels. In 21 patients receiving systemic therapy, percentage change in SMRP more than 10% correlated with the radiologic assessment by a trained thoracic radiologist (P < .001), by formal Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST; P = .008), or by modified RECIST (P < .001). All seven patients who underwent surgical resection with negative margins had elevated preoperative SMRP levels that fell to normal postoperatively. Rising SMRP was observed in all patients with radiologic disease progression. No associations were found with OP. Conclusion Percentage changes in SMRP levels, but not changes in OP levels, are a potentially useful marker of disease course. These findings should be validated prospectively for a role as an objective adjunctive measure of disease course in both clinical trials and clinical practice.
Incompetence of the gastrocnemius vein
Authors: Hobbs J T , Vandendriessche M A W 
Published: May 2010

The veins of the popliteal fossa are more complex than is generally realised. It is frequently taught that the short saphenous vein need only be divided deep to the popliteal fascia. However, the pattern and level of termination of the short saphenous vein shows wide variation. Sometimes, the short saphenous vein is normal and the pathology involves other veins. The 'vein of the popliteal fossa' may sometimes be present as a large tortuous varicosity and pierce the fascia to become superficial at the back of the knee. Incompetence of a gastrocnemius vein, usually the medial, may cause swelling and discomfort within the calf yet nothing is apparent. Awareness may be precipitated by attempting to wear tight fitting boots or trousers when the difference in calf circumference is recognised yet there is no ankle oedema. Next a venous flare or dilated venules appear over a perforator site, usually the mid-calf perforator, but sometimes the Boyd's perforator, filling the posterior arch tributary of the greater saphenous vein. Incompetence of a gastrocnemius vein is suggested by the history and clinical examination. Reflux is demonstrated by Doppler ultrasound and accurately localized by duplex ultrasound with colour-flow imaging. The anatomy is clearly visualized by venography.Large gastrocnemius veins are seen in athletes and ballerinas with well-developed calf muscles and such veins are physiological and should not be interrupted. It is imperative that reflux is demonstrated before surgical treatment is offered. Treatment involves ligating the incompetent gastrocnemius vein through a small incision over the popliteal fossa. If the mid-calf perforator is also incompetent it is divided deep to the fascia through a small vertical incision and the fascial defect closed. The distal short saphenous vein may be removed by partial stripping and any tributaries removed by phlebectomies using Oesch hooks. Strong below-knee stockings are worn for a month following this surgery.
Value of the Trendelenburg tourniquet test in the assessment of primary varicose veins
Authors: Hoffmann W H , Toonder I M , Wittens C H A 
Published: May 2010

Objective: Trendelenburg tourniquet tests should determine long saphenous vein (LSV), short saphenous vein (SSV) or perforating vein incompetence. This study analyses the inter-observer variability of the Trendelenburg test and the results are compared with duplex scanning - the standard for venous incompetence analysis. Methods: A total of 54 legs of 43 patients with varicose veins were investigated (36 female and seven male patients; mean age 47 years [range: 17-75]). All legs were evaluated for valvular incompetence by Trendelenburg tourniquet tests performed by three different investigators. A duplex scan was also performed in all legs. The inter-observer variability of the tourniquet test was expressed in Kappa (κ <0.5 indicated poor agreement). The sensitivity and specificity of the tourniquet tests are determined using the duplex scan as standard. Results: The inter-observer variability of the Trendelenburg test in detecting valvular incompetence of the LSV, SSV, perforating veins in the upper leg (PVU) and lower leg (PVL), expressed in Kappa, were: 0.39, 0.42, 0.14 and 0.49, respectively. The sensitivity of the tourniquet test in detecting valvular incompetence of the LSV, SSV, PVU and PVL, in relation to duplex scanning was: 50, 35, 52 and 35% respectively, and the specificity was 59, 72, 46 and 80%, respectively. Conclusions: The evaluation of patients with varicose veins with the Trendelenburg tourniquet test is unreliable and therefore obsolete. In order to manage patients with varicose veins properly duplex investigation is mandatory.
Microcirculatory changes parallel the clinical deterioration of chronic venous insufficiency
Authors: Labropoulos N , Wierks C , Golts E , Volteas S K , Leon M , Volteas N , Nicolaides A N 
Published: May 2010

Objective: This study was designed to determine microcirculatory changes in patients belonging to different chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) classes. Methods: A total of 80 patients from all CVI classes and 15 symptom-free volunteers were studied prospectively. Venous reflux was verified with duplex scanning. Patients with conditions that may have affected the local microcirculation were excluded. Skin blood flux (SBF) was measured using a laser Doppler flowmeter in the supine position in a constant room temperature of 22°C and after 10 minutes acclimatization. The veno-arteriolar response (VAR) was estimated from the SBF change from supine to dependent position. The vasomotor activity (VMA) was determined from the baseline SBF.The amplitude of cycles (AC) and SBF during heat stress at 45°C were also measured. Results: Mean age, duration of disease and prevalence of deep vein thrombosis were greater in classes 4-6 compared with classes 1-3 ( P <0.02). Although there was an increase in SBF and AC in classes 2 and 3 compared with the controls this was not significant. Values for SBF and AC were higher in classes 4-6 than classes 1-3 ( P <0.01), and higher in class 6 than class 4 ( P <0.01). Upon heating, the SBF increased more in classes 1-3 than in classes 4-6 ( P <0.01), and in class 4 more than in class 6 ( P <0.01). Values for VAR and VMA decreased with worsening of CVI, but these changes were not significant. Conclusions: Deterioration of the microcirculation is largely responsible for the clinical symptoms and signs seen in patients with CVI classes 4-6.
Quality of life in a trial of short stretch versus four-layer bandaging in the management of chronic venous ulceration
Authors: Franks P J , Moody M , Moffatt C J , Patton J , Bradley L , Chaloner D , Stevens J ,   C Lewis on behalf of the Wound Healing Nursing Research Group C.
Published: May 2010

Objective: To evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a prospective randomized trial of patients suffering from venous ulceration comparing a generic four-layer elastic bandage (4LB) with a new cohesive short stretch bandage system (CSSB). Methods: Randomized prospective open parallel groups trial in community leg ulcer clinics within twelve trusts in England and Northern Ireland. Patients newly presenting for treatment suffering from chronic venous ulceration, with ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI) >0.8 were entered into the trial. Patients were asked to complete the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) at entry, at end of trial period (withdrawal or healing), and at 24 weeks. Principal analysis was the comparison of final NHP scores using linear regression with baseline scores entered as a covariate. Results: In all, 154 of the 156 patients who entered the trial completed the initial questionnaire, with 139/154 (90.2%) patients completing at least one follow-up questionnaire. Improvements were noted for all scores after 24 weeks. The improvements were significantly greater in the 114 patients whose ulcers had healed compared with the 40 whose ulcers remained open in the domains of bodily pain (mean difference [d]=13.2, 95% CI 3.6-22.9, P =0.008), emotional reactions (d=10.5, 95% CI 2.8-18.1, P =0.007) and social isolation (d=8.5, 95% CI 1.2-15.9, P =0.024). There were similar mean scores between the 72 patients treated with the 4LB and the 82 patients treated with CSSB for all domains of the NHP, the largest adjusted difference favoured CSSB for energy (d=3.6, 95% CI-4.3-11.4, P =0.37). Conclusions: Patients suffering from leg ulceration show improvements in perceived health following effective ulcer management. The two bandage systems achieved similar improvements in perceived health over 24 weeks.
Integrated Air Trap and Volume Gauge for Axis Translation Systems
Authors: Infante Sedano Julio Ángel , Garga Vinod K. , Vanapalli Sai K. 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
This Technical Note presents the design detail of a combined air trap and volume gauge burette used for flushing air bubbles from under ceramic disks in axis translation systems that are used to measure or apply matric suction to unsaturated soil specimens. Axis translation systems are commonly used in the testing of unsaturated soils to subject soil specimens to matric suction values greater than 1 atm. Diffused air may come out of solution and accumulate below the ceramic disk of the axis translation system, prompting to provide a flushing system to remove them. An apparatus consisting of two concentric glass tubes, alongside a graduated scale, two water vessels permitting the isolation of the water phase to reduce moisture exchange with the surrounding atmosphere, and connected to the flushing groove below the ceramic disk of the axis translation system through two plastic tubes was developed. The apparatus described permits an accurate measurement of the volume of water expelled from the specimen and can allow for the volume of diffused air flushed out.
Modeling of Crack Propagation in Weld Beam-to-Column Connections Submitted to Cyclic Loading with a Cohesive Zone Model
Authors: Lequesne Cédric , Plumier André , Duchêne Laurent , Habraken Anne Marie 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
During the earthquakes in Japan and California in the 1990s, cracks appeared in some weld beam-to-column connections of heavy rigid frame steel buildings. This prompted the necessary assessment of the performance of weld connections in terms of rotation capacity and crack propagation. In the present study, experimental tests were performed where weld connections were submitted to cyclic loadings with increasing amplitude until a macrocrack event was reached. However the crack phenomenon depends on many parameters: The geometry, the material, the welding process…. For this reason, it was interesting to develop a finite element modeling of these connections in order to complete these experiments and perform a parametric study. This paper describes the finite element model development, its material parameter identification, and its comparison with experimental results. The weld connections were modeled by using three-dimensional mixed solid elements. The constitutive laws applied were elastoplastic with isotropic hardening identified for the base metal and the weld metal. Crack propagation was modeled by a cohesive zone model. The parameters of this cohesive zone model were identified by an inverse method with the modeling of three-point bending tests of pre-cracked samples performed on the base and weld metals. The fatigue damage generated by the cyclic loading was computed by the fatigue continuum damage model of Lemaitre and Chaboche, which was coupled with the cohesive zone model.
Selection of Collaborative Technology Used by Software Contractors
Authors: Wu Cheng-Ru , Chang Che-Wei , Liao Chia-Chun 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
Applying collaborative technology in the software technology can shorten the product design cycle and improve competitiveness. The enterprise and suppliers can use this technology to develop a new communication platform, which can bring collaborative effect and improve technological efficacy. Most studies had proposed objective measurements for the evaluation criteria from different types of collaboration technological guidance to provide an overall framework for thinking. This study uses analysis hierarchy process, benefits, opportunities, costs, and risks, and sensitivity analysis to analyze the collaboration software technology in thin film transistor liquid crystal display panel plant and research the software performance. Consequently, the present study may provide a useful reference for enterprises considering the selection of development partners.
Ölsensorsystem zur Echtzeit-Zustandsüberwachung von technischen Anlagen und Maschinen
Authors: Gegner Jürgen , Kuipers Ulrich , Mauntz Manfred 
Published: May 2010

Zusammenfassung
Es wird ein neues Ölsensorsystem zur kontinuierlichen Online-Messung der ölqualitätsabhängigen Parameter elektrische Leitfähigkeit und Dielektrizitätszahl für die Bewertung von Bauteilverschleiß und Ölalterung vorgestellt. Die Bestimmung der Kontamination bzw. Abnahme der Schmierstoffqualität erlaubt zeitgerechte, bedarfsabhängige Wartung. Da die Leitfähigkeit des Öls im Vergleich zu den Verunreinigungen wesentlich niedriger ist, besteht ein direkter Zusammenhang mit dem Verschmutzungsgrad. Wassergehalt im Öl bzw. Abbau von Additiven werden über eine genaue Messung der Dielektrizitätszahl verfolgt. Wichtige Anwendungsfelder sind die Echtzeit-Schmierstoffüberwachung in (Industrie-) Getrieben, Hydraulikanlagen, Turbinen, Generatoren und Transformatoren.