bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early Identification of Resistance to First-Line Single-Agent Methotrexate in Patients With Persistent Trophoblastic Disease
Authors: van Trommel Nienke E. , Massuger Leon F. , Schijf Charles P. , ten Kate-Booij Marianne J. , Sweep Fred C. , Thomas Chris M. 
Published: December 2005

Purpose A generally accepted definition for resistance to first-line single-agent chemotherapy for persistent trophoblastic disease (PTD) is lacking. In the present study, a normogram for serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) from patients with normalization of serum hCG after first-line single-agent chemotherapy for PTD was constructed to identify patients resistant to this chemotherapy. Patients and Methods Between 1987 and 2004, data from 2,132 patients were registered at the Dutch Central Registry for Hydatidiform Moles. A normal serum hCG regression corridor was constructed for 79 patients with low-risk PTD who were cured by single-agent methotrexate (MTX) chemotherapy (control group). Another group of 29 patients with low-risk PTD needed additional alternative therapies (dactinomycin and multiagent chemotherapy) for failure of serum hCG to normalize with single-agent chemotherapy (study group). Results Serum hCG measurement preceding the fourth and sixth single-agent chemotherapy course proved to have excellent diagnostic accuracy for identifying resistance to single-agent chemotherapy, with an area under the curve (AUC) for receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of 0.949 and 0.975, respectively. At 97.5% specificity, serum hCG measurements after 7 weeks showed 50% sensitivity. Conclusion In the largest study to date, we describe the regression of serum hCG levels in patients with low-risk PTD successfully treated with MTX. At high specificity, hCG levels in the first few courses of MTX can identify half the number of patients who are extremely likely to need alternative chemotherapy to cure their disease and for whom further treatment with single-agent chemotherapy will be ineffective.
Low Value of [18F]-Fluoro-2-Deoxy-d-Glucose Positron Emission Tomography in Primary Staging of Early-Stage Cervical Cancer Before Radical Hysterectomy
Authors: Chou Hung-Hsueh , Chang Ting-Chang , Yen Tzu-Chen , Ng Koon-Kwan , Hsueh Swei , Ma Shih-Ya , Chang Chee-Jen , Huang Huei-Jean , Chao Angel , Wu Tzu-I , Jung Shih-Ming , Wu Yen-Ching , Lin Cheng-Tao , Huang Kuan-Gen , Lai Chyong-Huey 
Published: December 2005

Purpose The role of positron emission tomography (PET) with [18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) in early-stage cervical cancer is unclear. We aimed to investigate the clinical benefit of FDG-PET in primary staging before radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy (RH-PLND). Patients and Methods Patients with untreated stage IA2 to IIA adenocarcinoma (AD) or adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC) or nonbulky (≤ 4 cm) squamous cell carcinoma cervical cancer with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) –defined negative nodal metastasis were enrolled onto a prospective study with a two-stage design. All patients had a preoperative dual-phase FDG-PET, technetium-99m–sulfur colloid lymphoscintigraphy, and intraoperative sentinel lymph node (LN) detection at RH-PLND. The gold standard of LN metastasis is histologic. A sample size of 120 patients was calculated to fit study aims (diagnostic efficacy of PET and sentinel LN sampling). An interim analysis was performed when 60 patients were accrued, which led to the current report. Results There were 36 SCCs, 20 ADs, and four ASCs. Of the 60 patients, 10 (16.7%) had pelvic LN metastases, and one (1.7%) had para-aortic LN (PALN) metastasis histologically. FDG-PET detected the single PALN metastasis (one of one patient) but detected only one (10%) of the 10 pelvic LN metastases. The PET false-negative pelvic LN micrometastases measured a median of 4.0 × 3.0 mm (range, 0.5 × 0.5 to 7 × 6 mm). The second stage of this trial will be continued without PET. Conclusion This study shows that dual-phase FDG-PET has little value in primary, nonbulky, stage IA2 to IIA and MRI-defined, LN-negative cervical cancer.
Outcome of Critically Ill Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation Recipients: A Reappraisal of Indications for Organ Failure Supports
Authors: Pène Frédéric , Aubron Cécile , Azoulay Elie , Blot François , Thiéry Guillaume , Raynard Bruno , Schlemmer Benoît , Nitenberg Gérard , Buzyn Agnès , Arnaud Philippe , Socié Gérard , Mira Jean-Paul 
Published: December 2005

Purpose Because the overall outcome of critically ill hematologic patients has improved, we evaluated the short-term and long-term outcomes of the poor risk subgroup of allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients requiring admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). Patients and Methods This was a retrospective multicenter study of allogeneic HSCT recipients admitted to the ICU between 1997 and 2003. Results Two hundred nine critically ill allogeneic HSCT recipients were included in the study. Admission in the ICU occurred during the engraftment period (≤ 30 days after transplantation) for 70 of the patients and after the engraftment period for 139 patients. The overall in-ICU, in-hospital, 6-month, and 1-year survival rates were 48.3%, 32.5%, 27.2%, and 21%, respectively. Mechanical ventilation was required in 122 patients and led to a dramatic decrease in survival rates, resulting in in-ICU, in-hospital, 6-month, and 1-year survival rates of 18%, 15.6%, 14%, and 10.6%, respectively. Mechanical ventilation, elevated bilirubin level, and corticosteroid treatment for the indication of active graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) were independent predictors of death in the whole cohort. In the subgroup of patients requiring mechanical ventilation, associated organ failures, such as shock and liver dysfunction, were independent predictors of death. ICU admission during engraftment period was associated with acceptable outcome in mechanically ventilated patients, whereas patients with late complications of HSCT in the setting of active GVHD had a poor outcome. Conclusion Extensive unlimited intensive care support is justified for allogeneic HSCT recipients with complications occurring during the engraftment period. Conversely, initiation or maintenance of mechanical ventilation is questionable in the setting of active GVHD.
Psychological Distress in Men With Breast Cancer
Authors: Brain Kate , Williams Buddug , Iredale Rachel , France Liz , Gray Jonathon 
Published: December 2005

Purpose This article reports the first United Kingdom study to examine the prevalence of psychological distress in men with breast cancer and the factors associated with increased distress. Patients and Methods One hundred and sixty-one men with breast cancer completed a cross-sectional questionnaire that included measures of anxiety and depressive symptoms, cancer-specific distress, body image, coping, information and support needs, and clinical and demographic variables. Results Clinical levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms were reported by 6% and 1% of men, respectively, while 23% reported high levels of cancer-specific distress. Anxiety was most strongly associated with avoidance coping and fear and uncertainty about the future (42% of the variance in anxiety scores, P < .001). Depressive symptoms were associated with altered body image (35% of the variance, P < .001). Body image, avoidance coping, referral to the study by a clinician, fear and uncertainty, and wanting to receive more gender-specific information together explained 51% of the variance in cancer-related distress (P < .001). Clinical and demographic factors did not account for a significant proportion of the variance in any of the distress measures. Conclusion Although the prevalence of clinical anxiety and depressive symptoms were low in this sample, almost a quarter of men experienced traumatic stress symptoms specific to breast cancer. Potential risk factors for distress include the use of avoidant coping strategies, negative body image, feelings of fear and uncertainty in relation to breast cancer, and unmet information needs. Suggestions are made for improving the information and support available to men with breast cancer.
Chiral Symmetry Breaking in Chiral Crystallization and Soai Autocatalytic Reaction
Authors: Gridnev Ilya D 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
Complete chiral crystallization and absolute chiral synthesis are both fascinating phenomena shedding light on the possible origins of homochirality in nature and opening perspectives for efficient preparations of optically pure materials. Originally these two phenomena have been considered mechanistically quite different belonging to the hetero- and homogeneous systems, respectively. However, the results of the active research in both fields undertaken in the last few years suggest that there may be a much closer likeness of the most important mechanistic features of these two phenomena. In the present review, we bring together the latest data on the complete chiral crystallization and absolute chiral synthesis including our own data on the mechanism and spontaneous break of chirality in the Soai asymmetric autocatalysis.
The Effect of Aggregate Gradation on Engineering Properties of High Performance Concrete
Authors: Tasi CT , Li LS , Hwang CL 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
The main theme of this paper is to study the effects of aggregate packing types on the engineering properties of high performance concrete (HPC). Three types of aggregate packing (primitive, dense, gap gradation) and five kinds of paste amount (1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, 2.0 of void content within aggregate) are the major parameters to evaluate the properties of HPC. The test result indicates that the denser the aggregate packing the better the workability and engineering properties are under sufficient paste content. The application of the densified mixture design algorithm (DMDA) on designing HPC for every aggregate packing type can obtain high flowability and suitable strength growth. The strength efficiency of HPC designed by DMDA is much higher than that by the traditional one. The significant contribution of the aggregate packing to the performance of hardened HPC is obvious. The conclusion is that by applying DMDA, the gap-graded aggregate or other marginal material may be utilized to produce HPC.
Benchmark on the 3-D VENUS-2 MOX-Fueled Reactor Dosimetry Calculations by DANTSYS Code System
Authors: Kim DH , Gil C-S , Chang J 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
The benchmark calculation for the 3-D VENUS-2 MOX-fueled reactor dosimetry has been performed by the TRANSX/DANTSYS code system. The nuclear data from the ENDF/B-VI.8, JENDL-3.3, and JEFF-3.0 have been processed for the MATXS-format 199-group neutron libraries by NJOY99.90. The equivalent fission fluxes at the 34 measurement positions on the core mid-plane have been calculated using the dosimetry reaction rates for the 58Ni(n,p), 115In(n,n'), 103Rh(n,n'), 64Zn(n,p), 237Np(n,f), and 27Al(n,α) detectors. The estimated results by the JENDL-3.3 and JEFF-3.0 have been compared with those by the ENDF/B-VI.8.
Dosimetry Requirements for Pressure Vessel Steels Toughness Curve in the Ductile to Brittle Range
Authors: Carcreff H , Alberman A , Barbot L , Rozenblum F , Beretz D , Lee YK 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
As part of PWR life-time assessment project, a large R&D program, PV-CT50, has been carried out from 1995 to 2004, to assess pressure vessel (PV) steel's toughness curve using very large compact tension (CT) specimens (50 × 125 × 120 mm3) allowing measurements in the ductile to brittle transition range. A new high capacity irradiation rig was designed to meet the specific CT50 specimens loading requirements in the 70 MWth OSIRIS material testing reactor operated by CEA's Nuclear Energy Division at the Saclay Research Center. This paper presents the measurement and calculation developments required in these particular conditions. Spectrum characteristics and neutron flux levels were determined by a comprehensive dosimetry on mock-ups featuring activation foils and damage monitors. At the same time, a new calculation methodology based on the TRIPOLI-4.3 Monte Carlo code and IRDF-2002 dosimetry files was validated against calorimetric and neutron activation measurements.
Advances in Calculation of Fluence to Reactor Structures
Authors: Lippincott EP , Manahan MP 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
Accurate calculation of fluence to reactor structures involves integration of exposure over time taking into account changes in operating conditions and also estimation of the uncertainty in the calculation process. This paper reports on recent improvements we have made in calculation techniques and also on validation of those techniques by benchmarking against measurements in operating boiling water reactors (BWRs). Results and discussion of calculations in regions that fall outside the reactor beltline and thus require 3-D calculations to produce accurate results are presented.
Comparison of Predicted and Measured Helium Production in U.S. BWR Reactors
Authors: Greenwood LR , Oliver BM 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
Helium production in reactor steel is calculated as the summation of all neutron reactions that produce helium either with thermal or fast neutrons. Thermal helium production is due to elements or impurities that are known to have a thermal neutron cross section for helium production, including 10B and 59Ni. Fast neutrons produce helium in all materials due to the threshold (n, α) reactions as well as other reactions that include helium as one of the reaction products. A generalized equation is given for helium production in all reactor materials and comparisons are given for helium measurements in steel and inconel samples. The helium production calculated using the generalized equation is in good agreement with helium measurements in samples from BWR reactors. Simplified equations are given with numerical values and generic parameters to facilitate calculations. However, it is important to use the actual boron content when known to obtain reliable estimates of the helium production.
Plasma osteoprotegerin levels are associated with glycaemic status, systolic blood pressure, kidney function and cardiovascular morbidity in type 1 diabetic patients
Authors: Rasmussen Lars Melholt , Tarnow Lise , Hansen Troels Krarup , Parving Hans-Henrik , Flyvbjerg Allan 
Published: December 2005

Objective: The bone-related peptide osteoprotegerin (OPG) has recently been found in increased amounts in the vasculature in diabetes. It is produced by vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells, and may be implicated in the development of vascular calcifications. OPG is present in the circulation, where increased amounts have been observed in patients with diabetes. In this study, we examined whether plasma OPG is associated with the glycaemic and vascular status of patients with type 1 diabetes.
Methods: Two gender-, age- and duration-comparable groups of type 1 diabetic patients either with (n = 199) or without (n = 192) signs of diabetic nephropathy were studied. Plasma OPG was determined by an ELISA.
Results: The plasma OPG concentration was significantly higher in patients with nephropathy than those without (3.11 (2.49–3.99) vs 2.57 (2.19–3.21) (median (interquartiles), ng/ml), P < 0.001). Plasma OPG correlated with haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), systolic blood pressure and age in both groups and, in addition, with kidney function in the nephropathic group. These correlations remained significant in multivariate models. In addition, we found that plasma OPG concentrations were increased among patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD), both in the normoalbuminuric and the nephropathic groups. The differences between nephropathic and normoalbuminuric, as well as subgroups with and without CVD, could largely be ascribed to changes in HbA1c, age, systolic blood pressure and creatinine.
Conclusion: OPG is associated with glycaemic control and CVD in patients with type 1 diabetes, compatible with the hypothesis that OPG is associated with the development of diabetic vascular complications.
Regulation of plasma fibroblast growth factor 23 by calcium in primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Kobayashi Keisuke , Imanishi Yasuo , Miyauchi Akimitsu , Onoda Naoyoshi , Kawata Takehisa , Tahara Hideki , Goto Hitoshi , Miki Takami , Ishimura Eiji , Sugimoto Toshitsugu , Ishikawa Tetsuro , Inaba Masaaki , Nishizawa Yoshiki 
Published: December 2005

Objective: While the importance of fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-23 is established in phosphate-wasting disorders, little is known about the mechanisms regulating its circulating level. To investigate the role of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcium in FGF-23 metabolism, we examined plasma FGF-23 levels in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT).
Patients and methods: Fifty patients with PHPT and 52 controls were employed in this study. Plasma was obtained from 18 PHPT patients who underwent parathyroidectomy (PTX) on the first postoperative morning without vitamin D administration. Time-course samples were also obtained from 5 of 18 PTX patients without vitamin D analogs or calcium administration. The expression of Fgf23 on resected parathyroid glands was analyzed by reverse transcription (RT)–PCR and immunohistochemistry.
Results: FGF-23 was significantly elevated in PHPT patients compared with controls. FGF-23 levels were significantly correlated positively with serum corrected calcium and intact PTH levels, and negatively with creatinine clearance and inorganic phosphate, among which creatinine clearance and corrected calcium were independently associated factors. In 18 PTX patients, postoperative FGF-23 levels were significantly decreased compared with preoperative levels. Corrected-calcium levels were significantly decreased 1 h after PTX, and this was followed by a reduction in plasma FGF-23 levels in time-course study. In addition, postoperative FGF-23 levels in 18 PTX patients were significantly correlated with corrected calcium, consistent with a role of serum calcium as one of the major regulators of FGF-23. The absence of Fgf23 expression in parathyroid glands indicated that the parathyroid glands were not major sources of circulating FGF-23.
Conclusions: Serum calcium may regulate circulating FGF-23 levels in PHPT.
Ghrelin, insulin sensitivity and postprandial glucose disposal in overweight and obese children
Authors: Maffeis Claudio , Bonadonna Riccardo C , Consolaro Alessandro , Vettor Roberto , Banzato Claudia , Silvagni Davide , Bogoni Giovanna , Pellegrino Maristella , Tatò Luciano 
Published: December 2005

Objective: To explore the changes of ghrelin circulating levels induced by a mixed meal and their relationship with postprandial substrate oxidation rates in overweight and obese children with different levels of insulin sensitivity.
Methods: A group of ten boys (age 9–12 years) with different levels of overweight (standard deviation score of body mass index: 1.6–3.2) was recruited. Body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Insulin sensitivity was assessed by a frequently sampled i.v. glucose tolerance test. Pre-prandial and postprandial (3 h) substrate oxidation was measured by indirect calorimetry. The energy content of the test meal (16% protein, 36% carbohydrate and 48% fat) was 40% of pre-prandial energy expenditure (kJ/day).
Results: Pre-prandial serum concentration of total ghrelin was 701.4±66.9 pg/ml (S.E.M.). The test meal induced a rapid decrease in ghrelin levels and maximal decrease was 27.3±2.7% below baseline. Meal intake induced a progressive increase of the carbohydrate oxidation rate for 45 min after food ingestion, followed by a slow decrease without returning to pre-prandial values. Postprandial cumulative carbohydrate oxidation was 16.9±0.8 g/3 h. Insulin sensitivity and postprandial maximal decrease of ghrelin concentration showed a significant correlation (r = 0.803, P < 0.01). Moreover, the postprandial carbohydrate oxidation rate correlated with the area under the curve for both insulin (r = 0.673, P < 0.03) and ghrelin (r = −0.661, P < 0.04).
Conclusions: A relevant association between postprandial insulin-mediated glucose metabolism and ghrelin secretion in children with different levels of overweight was found. It is possible that the maintenance of an adequate level of insulin sensitivity and glucose oxidation may affect appetite regulation by favoring a more efficient postprandial ghrelin reduction.
Effects of retinoid therapy on insulin sensitivity, lipid profile and circulating adipocytokines
Authors: Corbetta S , Angioni R , Cattaneo A , Beck-Peccoz P , Spada A 
Published: December 2005

Objective:In vitroandin vivomodels indicate that all-transretinoic acids influence glucose and lipid metabolism. We aimed to evaluate the effects of chronic treatment with acitretin, an all-transretinoic acid, on glucose metabolism, lipid profile and adiponectin and resistin levels.Design: Ten normoglycemic, normolipemic patients affected with psoriasis vulgaris were studied before and after 1 and 3 months of oral treatment with 35 μg of acitretin.Methods: Glucose metabolism, lipid profile, and adiponectin and resistin levels were evaluated in basal conditions and after acitretin treatment. Ten healthy subjects matched for age, body mass index (BMI) and insulin sensitivity were studied as controls.Results: One-month acitretin treatment reduced psoriasis activity, insulin sensitivity, evaluated as QUICKI values (0.364 ± 0.034 versus 0.329 ± 0.051;P< 0.05) and HOMA-IR index (1.53 ± 0.73 versus 2.59 ± 1.41;P< 0.05), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol levels (45.2 ± 11.7 versus 39.4 ± 10.4 mg/dl;P= 0.01). The impairment in glucose and lipid homeostasis was transient and not associated to BMI variations. Adiponectin levels did not change during the treatment, while resistin levels, which were higher in untreated patients than in controls (9.4 ± 4.4 versus 6.2 ± 2.1 ng/ml;P= 0.05), fell within the normal range after 1 and 3 months of therapy. The normalization of resistin levels occurred without significant changes in circulating tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) levels, which persisted elevated throughout the treatment.Conclusions: Treatment with a low dose of acitretin induced a mild, transient reduction of insulin sensitivity and HDL-cholesterol levels that was not related to modifications of adiponectin, resistin and TNFα levels. Although the role of resistin in humans remains elusive, the levels of this adipocytokine seem to be affected, at least in part, by retinoids.