bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A MODEL FOR LOCKING IN GAINS WITH AN APPLICATION TO CLINICAL TRIALS
Authors: Ross Sheldon M. , Tijms Henk , Wu Shinyi 
Published: July 2009

We consider a model in which each round consists of a sequence of games, with each game resulting in either a positive or a zero score. If a zero score occurs, then the current round is ended with no points being accumulated during that round. If a game ends with a positive score, then the player can either end that round or play another game in the round. If she elects to end the round, then the sum of all scores earned in games played during that round are added to her cumulative score and a new round begins.Under the assumption that successive game scores are independent and identically distributed random variables whose conditional distribution, given that it is positive, is exponential, we consider this problem under such objectives as minimizing the expected number of rounds until a cumulative score exceeds a given goal g and maximizing the probability that a cumulative score of at least g is obtained by the end of round n. We present the model in the hypothetical context of a clinical trial of a treatment for reducing glycated hemoglobin in diabetic patients.
Biennial hyperepidemic shigellosis in an observant Jewish community
Authors: CALDERON-MARGALIT R. , NAVON-VENEZIA S. , GEFEN D. , AMITAI Z. , BARDA R. , VULIKH I. , SOMPOLINSKY D. 
Published: July 2009

SUMMARYWe aimed to study patterns of shigellosis in a large observant Jewish community in Israel and to describe local interventions during outbreaks. Surveillance data from the Ministry of Health were used to calculate incidence rates in 1998–2006, both in the city of Bene Beraq and the Tel Aviv district. Information on isolates was collected from the bacteriological laboratory of a community hospital. Public notices and educational conferences conveyed a message to increase personal hygiene and keep ill children at home. During a 9-year period, a clear biennial pattern of outbreaks was noticed. Annual incidence rates ranged between 18 and 353/100 000 population. Shigellosis outbreaks tended to occur in the winter and were attributed to clonally relatedShigella sonneistrains. Outbreaks in Bene Beraq preceded those in the other cities of Tel Aviv district, suggesting propagation of disease. In this population with highly endemic as well as superimposed outbreaks of shigellosis, short-term interventions had no lasting effect on prevention; future studies should focus on community-based programmes to avoid anticipated outbreaks.
Precipitation simulation for Dronning Maud Land using the COSMO Model
Authors: Wacker Ulrike , Ries Hinnerk , Schättler Ulrich 
Published: July 2009

AbstractA weather episode, characterized by the passage of synoptic disturbances, is investigated for Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica. Due to the sparsity of observations, information about the spatial and temporal distribution of precipitation at high resolution can be gained only by modelling. The simulations presented here are performed with the high-resolution, non-hydrostatic weather forecast COSMO Model with a horizontal mesh size of 7 km. The comparison with observations at four stations shows that the simulation captures the general meteorological conditions well, while a warm bias and a weak daily cycle are found in near-surface temperatures. With regard to precipitation, the timing relates well to the observations; the amount of precipitation, however, is that of an extreme event and possibly overestimated in some regions. The horizontal distribution of precipitation is dominated by topographic effects. The simulations show the general decrease of precipitation toward the interior, as seen in the accumulation climatology, however, the decrease is not monotonous. For example, in the simulations horizontal structures such as precipitation bands of some 100 km width appear on the plateau, which can only be resolved by models with mesh sizes of 10 km or less.
Dimensions of child maltreatment and their relationship to adolescent adjustment
Authors: Wolfe David A. , McGee Robin 
Published: July 2009

AbstractResearch in the broad area of child maltreatment has investigated the effects of these phenomena globally and without much attempt to distinguish the nature and extent of such experiences. This study sought to examine the underlying structure of child maltreatment and relate this structure to current adolescent adjustment. A principal components analysis was conducted with 162 adolescents who had backgrounds of child maltreatment, using a comprehensive measure of such experiences at two developmental time periods (birth to 6 years, and 7–12 years). This analysis resulted in interpretable factors that were used to create scales measuring maltreatment in a continuous, nonredundant manner. These scales were used to test main and interaction effects of each type of maltreatment on current adjustment of adolescent males and females. For males (N = 71), the relationship between early maltreatment and adjustment was significantly enhanced when interactions between physical and psychological abuse and between partner abuse and neglect were entered into the equation. For females (N = 91), current adjustment was significantly related to the developmental period in which neglect or psychological abuse had occurred. Results are discussed in relation to measurement and theoretical issues.
Planung und Selbstwirksamkeit von Teilnehmern an einer Online-Intervention für entwöhnungsmotivierte Raucher
Authors: Satow Lars , Lippke Sonia , Schwarzer Ralf 
Published: July 2009

Zusammenfassung. Ein psychologisches Online-Raucherentwöhnungsprogramm wurde daraufhin untersucht, welche Bedeutung Selbstwirksamkeitserwartung, Handlungsplanung und Initiative für spätere Abstinenz haben. Die Studie enthält sechs Messzeitpunkte und endet mit der Angabe, ob die Teilnehmer es geschafft haben, vier Wochen lang nicht zu rauchen. Diejenigen der insgesamt N = 1 131 Teilnehmer, die bereits ein Planungsverhalten gezeigt haben (zum 1. Messzeitpunkt), wurden eher initiativ, d.h. sie berichteten darüber, einen Tag lang nicht geraucht zu haben (2. Messzeitpunkt). Hoch selbstwirksame Teilnehmer waren den weniger selbstwirksamen zwar nicht in der Initiative überlegen, aber sie erzielten später mehr Abstinenz. In einem Mediatormodell wurde abgebildet, wie Initiative zwischen Planungsverhalten und Abstinenz vermittelt.
Tracheoesophageal Voice Restoration After Salvage Total Laryngectomy
Authors: Graville Donna J. , Palmer Andrew D. , Wax Mark K. , Andersen Peter E. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Since the 1990s there has been a dramatic shift in the management of advanced laryngeal cancer. Today chemoradiation is often performed as a primary treatment with “salvage” total laryngectomy being performed subsequently if needed. In this article, the authors review the current protocols for the diagnosis of recurrent cancer, the surgical and reconstructive techniques used, and the strategies for management of post-operative complications. There is a paucity of literature about the functional outcomes after this type of procedure. It is known that voice restoration with a tracheoesophageal puncture may be challenging in this population of patients due to the complications associated with their previous treatment. Nonetheless, with appropriate patient selection, careful problem-solving, and persistence, positive outcomes may be achieved.
Study of human metapneumovirus‐associated lower respiratory tract infections in Egyptian adults
Authors: El Sayed Zaki Maysaa , Raafat Douaa , El‐Metaal Amal Abd , Ismail Mona 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTThere is a deficiency in the data concerning the role of hMPV in lower respiratory tract infections in adults, and until now there has been no data available regarding the prevalence of hMPV in adults in our region. In the present study the association of hMPV with varieties of lower respiratory tract disorders in immunocompetent adult patients, either alone or with bacterial pathogens, has been highlighted.Eighty‐eight patients were included in the study. They included 46 males and 42 females with an age range of 38–65 years. Patients presented with lower respiratory tract infections associated with acute exacerbation of asthma (67%), pneumonia (17%), and acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive lung diseases.Sputum and nasopharyngeal samples were obtained from the patients and subjected to a full microbiological study. In addition, detection of hMPV was performed by nested reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction.The pathogens isolated were Streptococcus pneumoniae 46.6%, Staphylococci aureus 35.2%, and human metapneumovirus 13.6%. Influenza virus and rhinovirus were each isolated from 4.5% of patients. Human metapneumovirus was associated with S. pneumoniae in 4.5% in studied patients, while in 9.1% it was the only pathogen found in those patients. The commonest clinical condition with significant association with human metapneumovirus was pneumonia.The clinical and laboratory studies demonstrated an association between lower respiratory tract infections in adults and hMPV either as sole pathogen or in association with Streptococcus pneumoniae. It was a common pathogen in community‐acquired pneumonia.
The spatial epidemiology of cocaine, methamphetamine and 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) use: a demonstration using a population measure of community drug load derived from municipal wastewater
Authors: Banta‐Green Caleb J. , Field Jennifer A. , Chiaia Aurea C. , Sudakin Daniel L. , Power Laura , De Montigny Luc 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTAims  To determine the utility of community‐wide drug testing with wastewater samples as a population measure of community drug use and to test the hypothesis that the association with urbanicity would vary for three different stimulant drugs of abuse.Design and participants  Single‐day samples were obtained from a convenience sample of 96 municipalities representing 65% of the population of the State of Oregon.Measurements  Chemical analysis of 24‐hour composite influent samples for benzoylecgonine (BZE, a cocaine metabolite), methamphetamine and 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). The distribution of community index drug loads accounting for total wastewater flow (i.e. dilution) and population are reported.Findings  The distribution of wastewater‐derived drug index loads was found to correspond with expected epidemiological drug patterns. Index loads of BZE were significantly higher in urban areas and below detection in many rural areas. Conversely, methamphetamine was present in all municipalities, with no significant differences in index loads by urbanicity. MDMA was at quantifiable levels in fewer than half the communities, with a significant trend towards higher index loads in more urban areas.Conclusion  This demonstration provides the first evidence of the utility of wastewater‐derived community drug loads for spatial analyses. Such data have the potential to improve dramatically the measurement of the true level and distribution of a range of drugs. Drug index load data provide information for all people in a community and are potentially applicable to a much larger proportion of the total population than existing measures.
Extended follow‐up of a phase 2 trial of bortezomib alone and in combination with dexamethasone for the frontline treatment of multiple myeloma
Authors: Jagannath Sundar , Durie Brian G. M. , Wolf Jeffrey Lee , Camacho Elber S. , Irwin David , Lutzky Jose , McKinley Marti , Potts Phyllis , Gabayan Afshin Eli , Mazumder Amitabha , Crowley John , Vescio Robert 
Published: July 2009

SummaryHigh‐quality response to multiple myeloma (MM) therapy can be predictive for improved outcomes. Novel agents may improve the depth of responses and therefore prolong survival. We report on the extended follow‐up of a phase II study in frontline MM of bortezomib alone and in combination with dexamethasone. Forty‐nine previously untreated, symptomatic MM patients received bortezomib 1·3 mg/m2, days 1, 4, 8, 11, for up to six 3‐week cycles. High‐dose dexamethasone was added for patients not reaching either a partial response after cycle 2 or a complete response (CR) after cycle 4. The overall response rate in 48 evaluable patients was 90%, with 42% achieving at least a very good partial response, of which 19% were CR/near CR. Thirty‐six patients received high‐dose dexamethasone with 28 (77%) showing improved response. Twenty‐seven patients have undergone successful stem‐cell transplantation (SCT). After median follow‐up of 49 months, 15 patients have died; median overall survival has still not been reached, with an estimated survival at 4 years of 67%. Overall survival with and without SCT was not different (P = 0·54). Grade 3/4 adverse events included neutropenia (10%), sensory neuropathy (6% grade 3), neuropathic pain (4% grade 3), and diarrhoea (4% grade 3). Bortezomib ± dexamethasone is an effective and well‐tolerated induction regimen for the frontline treatment of MM.
Pretreatment angiogenic cytokines predict response to chemoimmunotherapy in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Authors: Shanafelt Tait D. , Byrd John C. , LaPlant Betsy , Zent Clive S. , Call Tim , Secreto Charla , Grever Michael R. , Lin Thomas S. , Kay Neil E. 
Published: July 2009

SummarySerum levels of pro‐[vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)] and anti‐[thrombospondin‐1 (TSP)] angiogenic cytokines were prospectively measured in a phase II trial of chemoimmunotherapy (CIT) for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) patients (n = 56). Pretreatment VEGF levels were lower among patients who achieved complete remission (CR) or nodular partial remission (nPR) relative to those with partial remission (PR) or stable/progressive disease (median 122·0 pg/ml vs. 246·8 pg/ml; P = 0·03). VEGF:TSP ratio was lower (anti‐angiogenic phenotype) among patients who achieved CR/nPR. The pretreatment VEGF:TSP ratio also correlated with overall survival (P = 0·008). A pro‐angiogenic profile appears associated with diminished response and inferior survival in CLL patients receiving CIT.
Human immature dental pulp stem cells share key characteristic features with limbal stem cells
Authors: Monteiro B. G. , Serafim R. C. , Melo G. B. , Silva M. C. P. , Lizier N. F. , Maranduba C. M. C. , Smith R. L. , Kerkis A. , Cerruti H. , Gomes J. A. P. , Kerkis I. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractObjectives:  Limbal stem cells (LSC) are self‐renewing, highly proliferative cells in vitro, which express a set of specific markers and in vivo have the capacity to reconstruct the entire corneal epithelium in cases of ocular surface injury. Currently, LSC transplantation is a commonly used procedure in patients with either uni‐ or bilateral total limbal stem cells deficiency (TLSCD). Although LSC transplantation holds great promise for patients, several problems need to be overcome. In order to find an alternative source of cells that can partially substitute LSC in cornea epithelium reconstruction, we aimed at investigating whether human immature dental pulp stem cells (hIDPSC) would present similar key characteristics as LSC and whether they could be used for corneal surface reconstruction in a rabbit TLSCD model.Materials:  We used hIDPSC, which co‐express mesenchymal and embryonic stem cell markers and present the capacity to differentiate into derivative cells of the three germinal layers. TLSCD was induced by chemical burn in one eye of rabbits. After 30 days, the opaque tissue formed was removed by superficial keratectomy. Experimental group received undifferentiated hIDPSC, while control group only received amniotic membrane (AM). Both groups were sacrificed after 3 months.Results and conclusions:  We have demonstrated, using immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction, that hIDPSCs express markers in common with LSC, such as ABCG2, integrin β1, vimentin, p63, connexin 43 and cytokeratins 3/12. They were also capable of reconstructing the eye surface after induction of unilateral TLSCD in rabbits, as shown by morphological and immunohistochemical analysis using human‐specific antibodies against limbal and corneal epithelium. Our data suggest that hIDPSCs share similar characteristics with LSC and might be used as a potential alternative source of cells for corneal reconstruction.
Promotion of stem cell proliferation by vegetable peptone
Authors: Lee J. , Lee J. , Hwang H. , Jung E. , Huh S. , Hyun J. , Park D. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractObjectives:  Technical limitations and evolution of therapeutic applications for cell culture‐derived products have accelerated elimination of animal‐derived constituents from such products to minimize inadvertent introduction of microbial contaminants, such as fungi, bacteria or viruses. The study described here was conducted to investigate the proliferative effect of vegetable peptone on adult stem cells in the absence of serum, and its possible mechanisms of action.Materials and methods:  Cell viability and proliferation were determined using the MTT assay and Click‐iT™ EdU flow cytometry, respectively. In addition, changes in expression of cytokine genes were analysed using MILLIPLEX™ human cytokine enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kit.Results:  Viability of cord blood‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (CB‐MSC) and adipose tissue‐derived stem cells (ADSC) increased significantly when treated with the peptone. In addition, median value of the group treated with peptone shifted to the right when compared to the untreated control group. Furthermore, quantitative analysis of the cytokines revealed that production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor‐beta1 (TGF‐β1), and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) increased significantly in response to treatment with our vegetable peptone in both CB‐MSCs and ADSCs.Conclusions:  Our findings revealed that the vegetable peptone promotes proliferation of CB‐MSCs and ADSCs. In addition, results of this study suggest that induction of stem cell proliferation by vegetable peptone is likely to be related to its induction of VEGF, TGF‐β1, and IL‐6 expression.
Inflammatory biomarkers in airways of patients with severe asthma compared with non‐severe asthma
Authors: Macedo P. , Hew M. , Torrego A. , Jouneau S. , Oates T. , Durham A. , Chung K. F. 
Published: July 2009

SummaryBackground
About 5–10% of patients with asthma suffer from poorly‐controlled disease despite corticosteroid (CS) therapy.Objective
We determined whether there were any differences in inflammatory biomarkers between severe and non‐severe asthma patients.Methods
Nineteen severe and 20 non‐severe asthma patients were recruited and underwent collection of induced sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and bronchial biopsies.Results
Biopsy results showed no differences in eosinophils (major basic protein positive), neutrophils, macrophages, T cells and mast cells in the bronchial submucosa. However, subbasement membrane (SBM) thickness and smooth muscle area were increased in the biopsies. No significant differences were observed in the induced sputum inflammatory cells. In BAL fluid, there was a significant increase in neutrophils but a significant decrease in macrophages. Eosinophil counts were non‐significantly increased threefold in both sputum and BAL in severe asthma. Levels of IL‐8 and IL‐13 in sputum supernatants were similar in both groups of asthma patients. There was a significant inverse correlation between post‐bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s and provocative concentration of methacholine causing a 20% fall in FEV1 with SBM thickness.Conclusion
Differences in inflammatory cells were observed mainly in terms of increased neutrophils and reduction in macrophage numbers in BAL fluid with a trend towards increased eosinophils in severe asthma compared with non‐severe asthma. However, the most notable features are the increase in features of airway wall remodelling of SBM thickness and smooth muscle area.
Distribution du système souterrain et régénération végétative (à partir des fragments de rhizome) de Salpichroa origanifolia (Lamarck) Baillon/ Thellung (Solanaceae)
Authors: Omezine A. , Skiri‐Harzalla F. 
Published: July 2009

RésuméEn Tunisie, la capacité des rhizomes de Salpichroa origanifoliaà se régénérer a étéétudiée dans une serre vitrée de l’Institut Supérieur d’Agronomie de Chott‐Marien (Sousse). Des essais ont également été conduits dans un verger d’agrumes pour étudier la distribution spatiale du système souterrain de la plante. Ces études ont mis en évidence des comportements biologiques pouvant être utilisés dans la gestion de cette adventice des cultures. Le système rhizomateux est localisé dans les 10 premiers centimètres de la couche superficielle du sol et il est rare de rencontrer des rhizomes dans les couches profondes. Toutefois, le système racinaire peut descendre à des profondeurs beaucoup plus importantes, jusqu’à 40 cm. Les rhizomes ont une capacité de croissance très élevée et forment de nombreux bourgeons. Cette capacité régénérative est très importante si les rhizomes sont sectionnés en petits fragments. Les longs fragments de rhizomes donnent une biomasse plus importante que ceux plus courts. Les bourgeons des fragments sont capables de croître à n’importe quelle profondeur mais l’émergence et le temps mis pour émerger dépend de la masse d’hydrate de carbone contenue dans le rhizome (longueur). L’élimination du bourgeon terminal augmente la croissance et le développement des bourgeons latéraux. Les essais ont montré que l’addition d’azote au milieu de culture augmente la croissance des bourgeons latéraux tout en réduisant l’effet de la dominance du bourgeon terminal sans l’éliminer complètement. Il a également été observé que toute activité fragmentant le système rhizomateux de la plante favorise sa dispersion.
Chronic erythropoietin treatment affects different molecular pathways of diabetic cardiomyopathy in mouse
Authors: Shushakova N. , Park J. K. , Menne J. , Fliser D. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackground Recent studies in mice experimental models with acute ischaemic injury revealed that erythropoietin (EPO) has numerous tissue‐protective effects in the heart, brain and kidneys. We therefore explored the tissue‐protective properties of chronic EPO treatment in an experimental model of the db/db mouse with diabetic heart injury.Material and methods We randomly treated 11 db/db mice with placebo (saline), 0·4 μg of the continuous erythropoietin receptor activator (CERA) per week (n = 11) or 1·2 μg CERA per week (n = 11) for 14 weeks, and analysed cardiac tissue. The lower CERA dose was a non‐haematologically effective dose, whereas the second increased the haematocrit.Results Compared with mice in the placebo group, CERA‐treated mice had a reduction in TGF‐β1and collagen I expression in cardiac tissue (P < 0·01 vs. higher dose CERA). In addition, an increased expression of the pro‐survival intracellular pathway p‐AKT was observed (P < 0·05 vs. higher dose CERA). The values for the lower C.E.R.A had an intermediate nonsignificant effect. Furthermore, we were able to show that atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) expression was increased in both CERA groups.Conclusions Chronic treatment with CERA protects cardiac tissue in diabetic animals, i.e. it inhibits molecular pathways of cardiac fibrosis, and the effects are dose‐dependent.