bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
FDA Approval Summary: Sunitinib for the Treatment of Progressive Well-Differentiated Locally Advanced or Metastatic Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Blumenthal Gideon M. , Cortazar Patricia , Zhang Jenny J. , Tang Shenghui , Sridhara Rajeshwari , Murgo Anthony , Justice Robert , Pazdur Richard 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
On May 20, 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved sunitinib malate capsules (Sutent®; Pfizer, Inc., New York) for the treatment of progressive, well-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) in patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic disease. In a phase III randomized trial, 171 patients received either sunitinib (37.5 mg) or placebo once daily. The progression-free survival (PFS) interval was the primary efficacy endpoint. Secondary endpoints included the overall survival (OS) time, objective response rate (ORR), patient-reported outcomes, and safety.
Based on early results favoring sunitinib, the independent data monitoring committee recommended trial termination prior to the prespecified interim analysis. This premature analysis may have led to an overestimate of the treatment effect. In the FDA analysis of investigator-assessed PFS times, the median values for the sunitinib and placebo arms were 10.2 months and 5.4 months, respectively. The ORRs were 9.3% and 0% in the sunitinib and placebo arms, respectively. The OS data were not mature at the time of approval and were confounded by 69% crossover.
Common adverse reactions in patients receiving sunitinib included diarrhea, nausea, asthenia, fatigue, neutropenia, hypertension, and palmar–plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome. Two patients on sunitinib died as a result of cardiac failure.
The Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee voted eight to two that, despite residual uncertainty about the magnitude of the PFS effect because of early trial termination, sunitinib demonstrated a favorable benefit–risk profile in pNET patients. The FDA concurred with the committee's assessment and granted sunitinib regular approval for this rare malignancy with few available therapies.
Using Contemporary Technologies in the Rejuvenation of Brown Fields - "The Seplat's Experience"
Authors: Augustine Ekeigwe , Olalekan Badmus , Abdulhakeem Ibrahim , Olubusola Ogunbanwo , Onichabor Fidel 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
In the last few decades, the production of hydrocarbons from new sources such as green fields, deep and ultra-deep offshore fields and unconventional sources such as shale and Coal Bed Methane (CBM) has been on the increase. However, about 67 – 72% of total global hydrocarbon production are still derived from "brown fields", which have primary recovery factors in the range of ca. 30 – 35%. Thus, there still exists a significant potential to further maximise recovery from these fields.
Brown fields are basically characterised by declining oil production, high water cut, sand production, flow assurance challenges (wax, asphaltenes, scales etc.), well integrity issues and obsolete equipment. Thus, to reverse the declining production trend commonly experienced in brown fields, a holistic approach underpinned by a structured work flow in conjunction with the identification, selection and application of appropriate, available, modern and proven technology is central to the rejuvenation initiative. The rejuvenation of such fields is driven by the identification of underperforming wells, reservoirs and surface facilities, defining a clear work scope for the identified opportunities and the selection and application of modern and proven technologies that are cost effective.
This paper highlights the strategic approach adopted by an independent Operator in the Niger Delta basin in achieving over 100% increase in hydrocarbon production from four brown fields in less than two years of operatorship without drilling any new well.
However, going forward, the Operator intends to adopt novel technologies after stringent selection process and successful field trials. In addition, in-fill opportunities will be identified and executed for brown fields and FDP produced and implemented for the green fields.
Sociodemographic Disparities in the Composition of Metabolic Syndrome Components Among Adults in South Korea
Authors: Lim Hyunjung , Nguyen Tuan , Choue Ryowon , Wang Youfa 
Published: July 2012

OBJECTIVE
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is becoming a serious public health concern in many countries, including South Korea, which has faced remarkable changes in lifestyles and disease patterns in recent decades. We examined sex and socioeconomic status (SES) disparities in MetS and its components among South Koreans using recent, nationally representative data.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Data from the 2007−2008 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys for 7,289 adults 19−65 years of age were used to examine the patterns of MetS components (defined using International Diabetes Federation criteria), and regression models were used to study the association of MetS with SES, indicated by education and family income levels.

RESULTS
MetS prevalence increased with age, from 4.6% at age 19−29 years to 25.0% at age 50−65 years. More men had MetS than women (15.8 vs. 11.6%); men had worse levels of all MetS components. In women, the low-income and low-education group was more likely to have MetS (odds ratio 2.75 [95% CI 1.75–4.31]); the high-income and high-education group was 52% less likely to have MetS (0.48 [0.25–0.89]) compared with the middle-income and middle-education group. The most common combination of MetS components was central obesity + low HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) + hypertriglyceridemia, which occurred in 15.5% of all MetS patients and in 3.4% of all South Korean adults (4.1% in men and 2.9% in women).

CONCLUSIONS
Those who were older and male as well as low-SES female had higher rates of MetS and its components in South Korea. The SES-MetS association was not found in men. Central obesity + low HDL-C + hypertriglyceridemia was the most common MetS pattern regardless of the SES.
Pharmacodynamic Effect of Cilostazol Plus Standard Clopidogrel Versus Double-Dose Clopidogrel in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Jeong Young-Hoon , Tantry Udaya S. , Park Yongwhi , Kwon Tae Jung , Park Jeong Rang , Hwang Seok-Jae , Bliden Kevin P. , Koh Eun-Ha , Kwak Choong Hwan , Hwang Jin-Yong , Kim Sunjoo , Gurbel Paul A. 
Published: July 2012

OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of adding cilostazol (100 mg b.i.d.) to standard-dose clopidogrel (75 mg/d) (TRIPLE) compared with double-dose clopidogrel (150 mg/d) (DOUBLE) and the influence of the cytochrome P450 (CYP2C19*2/*3, CYP3A5*3)and ATP-binding cassette subfamily B1(ABCB1 C3435T) genetic polymorphisms in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
T2DM patients were treated with TRIPLE (n = 41) or DOUBLE (n = 39) after percutaneous coronary intervention. Conventional aggregometry and VerifyNow were performed at baseline and at 30 days. The primary end point was absolute change in 20-μM ADP-induced maximal platelet aggregation (ΔMPA20) between baseline and switching values.

RESULTS
TRIPLE versus DOUBLE showed greater ΔMPA20 (22.9 ± 11.6 vs.12.7 ± 15.5%; difference, 10.2% [95% CI 4.2–16.3]; P &lt; 0.001). Carriage of one (β coefficient, −5.4%; P = 0.162) and two CYP2C19 loss-of-function allele(s) (−8.3%; P = 0.007) were associated with lower ΔMPA20 in DOUBLE–treated patients, but not in TRIPLE-treated patients.

CONCLUSIONS
Among T2DM patients, adding cilostazol achieves greater platelet inhibition compared with clopidogrel (150 mg/d), which is not influenced by genetic polymorphisms.
Health Utility Scores for People With Type 2 Diabetes in U.S. Managed Care Health Plans
Authors: Zhang Ping , Brown Morton B. , Bilik Dori , Ackermann Ronald T. , Li Rui , Herman William H. 
Published: July 2012

OBJECTIVETo estimate the health utility scores associated with type 2 diabetes, its treatments, complications, and comorbidities.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSWe analyzed health-related quality-of-life data, collected at baseline during Translating Research Into Action for Diabetes, a multicenter, prospective, observational study of diabetes care in managed care, for 7,327 individuals with type 2 diabetes. We measured quality-of-life using the EuroQol (EQ)-5D, a standardized instrument for which 1.00 indicates perfect health. We used multivariable regression to estimate the independent impact of demographic characteristics, diabetes treatments, complications, and comorbidities on health-related quality-of-life.RESULTSThe mean EQ-5D–derived health utility score for those individuals with diabetes was 0.80. The modeled utility score for a nonobese, non–insulin-treated, non-Asian, non-Hispanic man with type 2 diabetes, with an annual household income of more than $40,000, and with no diabetes complications, risk factors for cardiovascular disease, or comorbidities, was 0.92. Being a woman, being obese, smoking, and having a lower household income were associated with lower utility scores. Arranging complications from least to most severe according to the reduction in health utility scores resulted in the following order: peripheral vascular disease, other heart diseases, transient ischemic attack, cerebral vascular accident, nonpainful diabetic neuropathy, congestive heart failure, dialysis, hemiplegia, painful neuropathy, and amputation.CONCLUSIONSMajor diabetes complications and comorbidities are associated with decreased health-related quality-of-life. Utility estimates from our study can be used to assess the impact of diabetes on quality-of-life and conduct cost-utility analyses.
Periodontal Infection, Systemic Inflammation, and Insulin Resistance
Authors: Demmer Ryan T. , Squillaro Anthony , Papapanou Panos N. , Rosenbaum Michael , Friedewald William T. , Jacobs David R. , Desvarieux Moïse 
Published: July 2012

OBJECTIVE
Adverse microbial exposures might contribute to diabetogenesis. We hypothesized that clinical periodontal disease (a manifestation of microbial exposures in dysbiotic biofilms) would be related to insulin resistance among diabetes-free participants. The roles of inflammatory mediation and effect modification were also studied.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
The continuous National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2004 enrolled 3,616 participants (51% women) who received a periodontal examination and fasting blood draw. Participants were mean age (± SD) 43 ± 17 years and 28% Hispanic, 52% Caucasian, 17% African American, and 3% other. Log-transformed values of the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) or HOMA-IR ≥3.30 (75th percentile) were regressed across full-mouth periodontal probing depth (PD) levels using linear and logistic models. White blood cell (WBC) count and C-reactive protein (CRP) were considered as either mediators or effect modifiers in separate analyses. Risk ratios (RRs) stem from marginal predictions derived from the logistic model. Results were adjusted for multiple periodontal disease and insulin resistance risk factors.

RESULTS
In linear regression, geometric mean HOMA-IR levels increased by 1.04 for every 1-mm PD increase (P = 0.007). WBC mediated 6% of the association (P &lt; 0.05). Among participants with WBC ≤6.4 × 109, PD was unrelated to HOMA-IR ≥3.30. Fourth-quartile PD was associated with HOMA-IR ≥3.30 among participants with WBC &gt;7.9 × 109; RR 2.60 (1.36–4.97) (P for interaction = 0.05). Findings were similar among participants with CRP &gt;3.0 mg/L (P for interaction = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS
Periodontal infection was associated with insulin resistance in a nationally representative U.S. sample of diabetes-free adults. These data support the role of inflammation as both mediator and effect modifier of the association.
Comparison of Two Creatinine-Based Estimating Equations in Predicting All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Targher Giovanni , Zoppini Giacomo , Mantovani William , Chonchol Michel , Negri Carlo , Stoico Vincenzo , Mantovani Alessandro , De Santi Francesca , Bonora Enzo 
Published: July 2012

OBJECTIVE
To compare the performance of two glomerular filtration rate (GFR)-estimating equations in predicting the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in type 2 diabetic patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We followed 2,823 type 2 diabetic outpatients for a period of 6 years for the occurrence of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. GFR was estimated using the four-variable Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) study equation and the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation.

RESULTS
At baseline, an estimated GFR (eGFR) &lt;60 mL/min/1.73 m2 was present in 22.0 and 20.2% of patients using the MDRD study equation and the CKD-EPI equation, respectively. A total of 309 patients died during the follow-up (152 patients from cardiovascular causes). Both creatinine-based equations were associated with an increased risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. However, the CKD-EPI equation provided a more accurate risk prediction of mortality than the MDRD study equation. Receiving operating characteristic curves showed that the areas under the curve (AUCs) for all-cause mortality (AUC 0.712 [95% CI 0.682–0.741]) and cardiovascular mortality (0.771 [0.734–0.808]) using eGFRCKD-EPI were significantly greater (P &lt; 0.0001 by the z statistic) than those obtained by using eGFRMDRD (0.679 [0.647–0.711] for all-cause mortality and 0.739 [0.698–0.783] for cardiovascular mortality).

CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that the estimation of GFR using the CKD-EPI equation more appropriately stratifies patients with type 2 diabetes according to the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality compared with the MDRD study equation.
Increased Pulse Pressure Independently Predicts Incident Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Valbusa Filippo , Bonapace Stefano , Bertolini Lorenzo , Zenari Luciano , Arcaro Guido , Targher Giovanni 
Published: July 2012

OBJECTIVE
To examine whether baseline pulse pressure (PP), a marker of arterial stiffness, is associated with subsequent development of atrial fibrillation (AF) in type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
A total of 350 type 2 diabetic patients, who were free from AF at baseline, were followed for 10 years. A standard electrocardiogram was performed annually and a diagnosis of incident AF was confirmed in affected participants by a single cardiologist.

RESULTS
During the follow-up, 32 patients (9.1% of total) developed incident AF. After adjustments for age, sex, BMI, diabetes duration, presence of left ventricular hypertrophy, hypertension treatment, kidney dysfunction, and pre-existing history of coronary heart disease, heart failure, and mild valvular disease, baseline PP was associated with an increased incidence of AF (adjusted odds ratio 1.76 for each SD increment [95% CI 1.1–2.8]; P &lt; 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that increased PP independently predicts incident AF in patients with type 2 diabetes.
The Effect of Direct Renin Inhibition Alone and in Combination With ACE Inhibition on Endothelial Function, Arterial Stiffness, and Renal Function in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Cherney David Z.I. , Scholey James W. , Jiang Shan , Har Ronnie , Lai Vesta , Sochett Etienne B. , Reich Heather N. 
Published: July 2012

OBJECTIVE
Diabetes is associated with renin-angiotensin system (RAS) activation, leading to renal and systemic vascular dysfunction that contribute to end-organ injury and significant morbidity. RAS blockade with ACE inhibitors reduces, but does not abolish, RAS effects. Accordingly, our aim was to determine if direct renin inhibition alone, and in combination with an ACE inhibitor, corrects early hemodynamic abnormalities associated with type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Arterial stiffness (augmentation index), flow-mediated vasodilatation (FMD), and renal hemodynamic function (inulin and paraaminohippurate clearance) were measured at baseline under clamped euglycemic and hyperglycemic conditions (n = 21). Measures were repeated after 4 weeks of aliskiren therapy and again after aliskiren plus ramipril.

RESULTS
Blood pressure–lowering effects of aliskiren were similar during clamped euglycemia and hyperglycemia. Combination therapy augmented this effect under both glycemic conditions (P = 0.0005). Aliskiren reduced arterial stiffness under clamped euglycemic and hyperglycemic conditions, and the effects were augmented by dual RAS blockade (−3.4 ± 11.2 to −8.0 ± 11.5 to −14.3 ± 8.4%, respectively, during euglycemia, P = 0.0001). During clamped euglycemia, aliskiren increased FMD; dual therapy exaggerated this effect (5.1 ± 3.3 to 7.5 ± 3.0 to 10.8 ± 3.5%, repeated-measures ANOVA, P = 0.0001). Aliskiren monotherapy caused renal vasodilatation during clamped hyperglycemia only. In contrast, dual therapy augmented renal vasodilatory effects during clamped euglycemia and hyperglycemia.

CONCLUSIONS
In patients with uncomplicated type 1 diabetes, aliskiren-based dual RAS blockade is associated with greater arterial compliance, FMD, and renal vasodilatation.
Is Basel III a Panacea? Lessons from the Greek Sovereign Fiscal Crisis
Authors: Vassiliadis Spyros , Baboukardos Diogenis , Kotsovolos Panagiotis 
Published: July 2012

Is Basel III a Panacea? Lessons from the Greek Sovereign Fiscal Crisis
In the period 2007-2009 the global economy faced the most severe crisis after the Great Recession of 1929. In the aftermath of the crisis a substantially revised version of Basel II, named Basel III, was proposed, introducing new, tighter capital adequacy and liquidity guidelines. Basel III constitutes the new basic embankment against a possible crisis in the future. The same period these discussions were taking place for the new global regulatory framework, the most severe sovereign debt crisis the country ever faced burst out in Greece. One of the main victims of the crisis is the country's banking sector which is sustaining great pressure in its profitability, volume of deposits and credit growth, amongst others. Having as a starting point the Greek banking sector and the effects of the fiscal crisis on it, this paper discusses the new Basel III guidelines and their possible implications in times of turmoil. The new framework can play a crucial role in deterring a new financial crisis; however it should not be regarded as a panacea for all the shortcomings of banking sectors.
Residential Characteristics of Armed-Forces Personnel and the Urban Economy: Evidence from a Medium Sized City in Greece
Authors: Skouras Dimitrios , Arvanitidis Paschalis , Kollias Christos 
Published: July 2012

Residential Characteristics of Armed-Forces Personnel and the Urban Economy: Evidence from a Medium Sized City in GreeceThe paper explores the locational and residential decisions of Greek military households. To achieve this, primary data were collected by means of a questionnaire survey addressed to military personnel located in Volos, a medium-sized Greek city in the greater area of which a number of major military facilities are located. The study starts by examining the residential distribution of military households to consider whether clustering or dispersion is evident. Then, an attempt is made to explain the observed pattern with reference to conventional urban economics' determinants of location choice or to other factors related to the social or professional characteristics of the group. Such analysis enables us to draw some preliminary conclusions on the potential effects military facilities have on both the urban spatial structure and the housing market.
Corruption, Licensing and Elections - A New Analysis Framework
Authors: Imami Drini 
Published: July 2012

Corruption, Licensing and Elections - A New Analysis FrameworkThis paper analyses corruption and licensing in conjunction with elections in Albania. The paper develops an analysis framework utilizing datasets of two types of national licenses, namely licenses for media and notaries about which there have been concerns of transparency in Albania. In the months preceding elections, a higher number of both types of licenses are issued. One possible explanation for the "intensification of licensing" during pre-election months may be corruption, given that licensing is widely perceived as related to corruption in countries with high levels of corruption such as Albania.
Sun Tzu's "The Art of War" and Implications for Leadership: Theoretical Discussion
Authors: Dimovski Vlado , Marič Miha , Uhan Miha , Đurica Nina , Ferjan Marko 
Published: July 2012

Sun Tzu's "The Art of War" and Implications for Leadership: Theoretical Discussion
We present a study of the Art of War from a leadership perspective, one in which we make a closer connection to the context of general organization and management. The Art of War written by Sun Tzu is one of those books that could be classified in the genre of pop-culture. Although its content used to be considered as a carefully protected state secret in the past, it is now available to everyone. Its use has in the past century of moved from warfare also to other areas of human activity. Strategic advices that it contains can be used in many more areas than just the conduct in the times of war. In fact, the success in wars, as well as in business, of course, depends on leadership, which is why we identify the positive and negative attributes of a leader in relation to strategic leadership. People are those who fight in battles and are also those who win them; and the most important person in every battle is the general. Historically, a number of successful military commanders ascribe the credit for their victories to Sun Tzu's principles. In addition, this wisdom is now being examined and used by senior executives from all around the world, especially in Asia, because it can be utilized in many business and political situations. The Chinese classic "The Art of War" is still considered as one of the most influential and important works on strategy, why a discussion on theoretical and practical implications of Sun Tzu's strategic leadership theory in a global environment is also included.
Integration of Technology Management and Selected Specifics of Best Technology-Integrated Companies
Authors: Jemala Marek 
Published: July 2012

Integration of Technology Management and Selected Specifics of Best Technology-Integrated Companies
Technological know-how is a very significant determinant of success that can primarily depend on a systemic, integrated approach to Technology management (TM), on a well-defined and implemented technology strategy, but also on adequate overall socio-environmental characteristics of the technological system. The main tasks of integrated TM are to ensure systematic monitoring, analysis, planning, organizing, controlling, assessment, and effective use of the technological system to more effectively integrate it into a functional entity and to support also other related business goals and processes. This article deals with the specification of key parts of the TM integration with the particular emphasis on the selected specifics of the best technology-integrated companies in the world.