bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disease Progression Following Imatinib Failure in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: Role of Surgical Therapy
Authors: Jamali Faek R. , Darwiche Sophie S. , El-Kinge Nizar , Tawil Ayman , Soweid Assaad M. 
Published: April 2007

Abstract
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) represent the most common mesenchymal neoplasms of the GI tract. The optimal management of GISTs has been evolving rapidly over the past 5 years and depends on proper histopathologic and radiologic diagnosis as well as appropriate multidisciplinary medical and surgical treatments. Complete surgical resection of primary localized GIST with negative margins remains the best therapeutic option today. In the setting of locally advanced or metastatic disease, imatinib mesylate has emerged as the initial treatment of choice, administered either as cytoreductive or as definitive treatment. Surgery or ablative modalities in this setting are becoming increasingly employed, particularly when all disease becomes amenable to gross resection or destruction, or to manage complications arising from the disease following imatinib failure.
We report on the surgical management of an unusual and clinically significant complication following progression of disease secondary to imatinib resistance. The role of surgical therapy in the management of GIST complications following resistance to imatinib and the integration of surgical and molecular therapy of locally advanced or metastatic GISTs are discussed.
A Histologic and Histomorphometric Evaluation of Anorganic Bovine Bone Retrieved 9 Years After a Sinus Augmentation Procedure
Authors: Traini Tonino , Valentini Pascal , Iezzi Giovanna , Piattelli Adriano 
Published: April 2007

Background: Anorganic bovine bone (ABB) has been shown to have osteoconductive properties and no inflammatory or adverse responses as grafting materials used in sinus augmentation procedures. Despite these successful results, histologic data in humans over the long‐term period are scarce. The purpose of this study was to analyze the histomorphometric data 9 years after surgery in a case of maxillary sinus augmentation using ABB.Methods: The histologic evaluation was performed in five different thin sections of the specimen, comparing histomorphometric measures for newly formed bone, marrow spaces, biomaterial particles remnants, and number of osteocytes embedded in both trabecular bone and bone tissue near the ABB. The investigation was carried out by means of scanning electron microscopy and brightfield and circularly polarized light microscopy.Results: We observed a mean amount of newly formed bone of 46.0% ± 4.67%, ABB remnants of 16.0% ± 5.89%, and marrow spaces of 38.0% ± 8.93%. The osteocyte index was 4.43 for bone around ABB and 3.27 in the trabecular bone at a distance from the particles.Conclusions: After 9 years, the tissue pattern appeared composed by residual ABB particles in close contact to the newly formed bone. The bone mineralized matrix around the ABB had collagen fibers randomly oriented and more osteocytes embedded. The results demonstrate both a high level of osteoconductivity and a “biomimetic” behavior over the long term.
Does It Pay To Pray? Costly Ritual and Cooperation
Authors: Ruffle Bradley J. , Sosis Richard 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
Time-consuming and costly religious rituals pose a puzzle for economists committed to rational choice theories of human behavior. We propose that either through selection or a causal relationship, the performance of religious rituals is associated with higher levels of cooperation. To test this hypothesis we design field experiments to measure the in-group cooperative behavior of members of religious and secular Israeli kibbutzim, communal societies for which mutual cooperation is a matter of survival. Our results show that religious males (the primary practitioners of collective religious ritual in Orthodox Judaism) are more cooperative than religious females, secular males and secular females. Moreover, the frequency with which religious males engage in collective religious rituals predicts well their degree of cooperative behavior.
Cardiac valve calcifications and predictive parameters in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Selcoki Yusuf , Turgut Faruk , Kanbay Mehmet , Ozkara Adem , Tekin Oguz , Uz Burak , Akcay Ali 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
Cardiac valvular calcification is frequent among hemodialysis (HD) patients. The presence of valvular calcification can help identify HD patients with a higher risk for cardiovascular diseases. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of valvular calcification (VC) in our maintenance hemodialysis (HD) population and to examine some possible etiologic factors for its occurrence. We studied forty-four patients on hemodialysis (23 women and 21 men; mean age 57 ± 18 year; mean HD duration 34 ± 28 months). Valvular calcification (VC) was observed in 21 patients (48%). Of these patients, 6 patients (13%) had mitral valvular calcification, 9 patients (20%) had aortic valvular calcification, and 6 patients (13%) had calcification of both valves. The patients with VC were older than patients without VC (66±14 vs. 50±18). The patients with aortic calcification had longer HD duration than others (48±29 vs. 27±24 months). Patients with VC had higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures than patients without VC. The patients with mitral calcification had higher C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (14 ± 13 vs. 7 ± 7). No significant differences were found with respect to calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, alkaline phosphatase and mean Ca × P product. Our study confirmed that there is an increased prevalence of VC in HD patients. Age is a risk factor for cardiac VC in HD patients. Longer HD duration was associated with aortic valve calcification. In addition, elevated level of CRP is associated with mitral valve calcification in HD patients.
Characterization of surfaces of CTMP fibers using inverse gas chromatography combined with multivariate data analysis
Authors: Börås Linda , Sjöström Jaana , Gatenholm Paul 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
The effect of CTMP fiber surface composition on interactions with various solvents was characterized using inverse gas chromatography, and the data obtained with this method was evaluated using multivariate data analysis. The amount of extractives was shown to have a major influence on the degree of interactions between fiber and solvents. There were also discemible effects of counter-ions to acidic groups and mild peroxide bleaching on surfaces. IGC combined with multivariate data analysis may be a useful tool in explaining variations in e.g. retention and sizing on the board machine.
Effect of headbox slice geometry during the stratified forming of woodfree paper
Authors: Lloyd Mike D. , Norman Bo 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
Stratified forming, or the simultaneous forming of a multi-layer sheet from a single headbox, can produce an heterogeneous surface due to flocs from the different layers being mixed together in the headbox jet. In this paper we investigated the effect of the slice geometry on the layer mixing process. Sharply contracting slice lips downstream of the vane tips appeared to reduce layer mixing. while parallel slice lips downstream of the vane tips appeared to increase layer mixing. However the type of slice lips had little effect on layer mixing if the vanes finished outside the headbox. A narrower slice opening reduced layer mixing in all cases. Reducing the jet speed from 830 mlmin to 540 m/min had little effect on layer mixing and paper properties. Sharply contracting slice lips improved the small scale formation. The higher consistency associated with a narrower slice opening worsened the large scale formation, but had no effect on small scale formation. The jet speed did not alter the formation within the range tested.
Surface characterization of a rosin sizing agent in paper by means of EPMA, ESCA and TOF-SIMS
Authors: Ozaki Yasushi , Sawatari Atsushi 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
EPMA(e1ectronprobe micro analysis), ESCA (electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis) and TOF-SIMS (time of flight type secondary ion mass spectrometry) were used to detect the distribution of a rosin sizing agent in paper. For EPMA we labelled paper samples with osmium tetroxide which enabled the detection of rosin in the XY direction of the paper sheet. For ESCA we labelled paper samples with fluorine which also enabled the detection of rosin. At the same time, the ESCA angle-dependent technique was used to obtain depth profiles of the rosin. Also, distribution images of rosin on an extremely thin ( 1 nm) surface layer were made observable by monitoring fragment ions from the rosin with TOF-SIMS. By using EPMA, a notable difference in rosin distribution was shown on the pulp fiber. However, according to the TOF-SIMS examination, the rosin was shown to be distributed relatively even in an extremely thin surface layer. The ESCA angle- dependent technique showed that rosin was present mainly on the outer surface layer.
Thermodynamic parameters governing the stereoselective degradation of arylglycerol-B-aryl ether bonds in milled wood lignin under kraft pulping conditions
Authors: Ahvazi Behzad C. , Argyropoulos Dimitris S. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
During this investigation, softwood (picea mariana) milled wood lignin was subjected to kraft pulping conditions at the temperature range 100-160 oC, for variable lengths of time. After quantitative isolation of the treated lignins, they were subjected to 31PNMR analyses which allowed the absolute rates of scission of the erythro and thewo diastereomers of the arylglycerol-B-aryl ether structures present in lignin to be derived.The plots of the kinetic data revealed that two kinetic regimes operate i.e. an initial fast phase that is followed by another slower phase. In agreement with previous accounts, the rate constants for these scission reactions were found to follow a pseudo-first-order rate law, during both phases. Rate constant data obtained during this effort, invariably indicated that the erythro isomers of the R-0-4 units of softwood milled wood lignin cleave faster than their thr-eo counterparts during both phases. At elevated temperatures (160 "C) the difference was found to be augmented. The general stability of the threo diastereomers toward kraft pulping seems to be the manifestation of a considerably slower reaction of the pulping reagents with the threo diastereomers of the B-aryl ethers. Arrhenius and Eyring plots o i these data supplied the complete profile of thermodynamic parameters governing this commercially important ether scission reaction.
Molecular Barbed Wire: Threading and Interlocking for the Mechanical Reinforcement of Polymers
Authors: Tsui N. T. , Torun L. , Pate B. D. , Paraskos A. J. , Swager T. M. , Thomas E. L. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe incorporation of pendant iptycene units into polyesters creates a novel polymer‐chain contour resembling “molecular barbed wire.” These types of units contain a unique structural property called the internal molecular‐free volume (IMFV) and have been shown to induce steric interactions between polymer chains through the minimization of the IMFV. This process creates a sterically interconnected polymer‐chain network with high ductility because of two new mechanisms: molecular threading and molecular interlocking. The ability for these mechanisms to enhance the mechanical properties of polyesters is robust across concentration and processing conditions. The size, shape, and concentration of these pendant units affect the mechanical behavior, and results indicate that the larger units do not necessarily produce superior tensile properties. However, the molecular‐barbed‐wire architecture consistently produces enhanced mechanical properties compared to the reference polyester. The particular stress–strain response can be tailored by minute changes to the periphery of the iptycene unit.
Job stress and depressive symptoms among Japanese fire fighters
Authors: Saijo Yasuaki , Ueno Takeji , Hashimoto Yoshihiro 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBackgroundAssociations between job stresses, as assessed by theoretical job stress model and depressive symptoms among fire fighters have not been fully investigated. The purpose of this study is to clarify the factors of job stress that influence the depressive symptoms in Japanese fire fighters.MethodsThe subjects involved 1,672 fire fighters from a local government. The questionnaire comprised age, gender, job type, job class, martial status, smoking, and drinking habit, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D), and The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) generic job questionnaire.ResultsA group showing depressive symptoms (CES‐D ≥ 16) included 373 subjects (22.3%). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, high variance in workload, high intergroup conflict, high role conflict, and low self‐esteem had significantly higher odds ratio for depressive symptoms.ConclusionsHigh variance in workload, high intergroup conflict, high role conflict, and low self‐esteem were significantly related to depressive symptoms among Japanese fire fighters. Further prospective studies are needed to clarify the influence of these stress factors on other health outcomes, and to elucidate whether alleviation of these stress factors improve the mental health among fire fighters. Am. J. Ind. Med. 50:470–480, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Factors associated with back problems among emergency medical technicians
Authors: Studnek Jonathan R. , Crawford J. Mac 
Published: April 2007

AbstractIntroductionBack problems are a common complaint among emergency medical technicians (EMTs). It is hypothesized that the likelihood of reporting back problems will be associated with the individual and work‐related characteristics of a national sample of EMTs.MethodsA case‐control analysis was performed on 579 EMTs wherein cases were the 104 subjects who reported new back problems in 2004. Controls were 475 subjects who reported no back problems in 2003 and 2004.ResultsEMTs dissatisfied with their current assignment were significantly more likely to report back problems (OR = 9.33; 95% CI = 3.04–28.67), as were EMTs reporting good or fair fitness when compared to excellent fitness (OR = 3.39; 95% CI = 1.54–7.45, OR = 3.43; 95% CI = 1.37–8.56).ConclusionsResults from this analysis suggest that there are two modifiable factors associated with self‐reported back problems among EMTs, satisfaction with current assignment and self‐reported physical fitness. Am. J. Ind. Med. 50:464–469, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development of a decision aid to address racial disparities in utilization of knee replacement surgery
Authors: Weng Haoling H. , Kaplan Robert M. , Boscardin W. John , MacLean Catherine H. , Lee Irene Y. , Chen Weiling , Fitzgerald John D. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractObjectivePrevious studies suggest that poorer knowledge and expectations about surgical outcomes may be responsible for low rates of total knee replacement (TKR) among African American males. The goal of this study was to pilot test the scope, acceptability, and efficacy of an educational videotape and tailored TKR decision aid designed to reduce disparities in TKR knowledge and expectations.MethodsAfrican American and Caucasian male veteran volunteers ages 55–85 years with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis (OA) were recruited. During group meetings, patients viewed a video about knee OA treatments and were provided a personalized arthritis report that presented predicted patient outcomes should they decide to undergo TKR. Patients completed baseline and postintervention questionnaires that included an adapted Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) instrument to measure post‐TKR expectations (0–100 scale with higher scores reflecting poorer outcomes).ResultsA total of 102 patients (54 African American, 48 Caucasian) completed the baseline survey and 64 patients attended the intervention. There were no significant differences by race between patients completing and those dropping out of the study. At baseline (n = 102), African American patients expressed lower expectations about post‐TKR outcomes than did Caucasian patients for both pain (WOMAC score 41 versus 34; P = 0.18) and physical function expectations (WOMAC score 38 versus 30; P = 0.13). Among African Americans who underwent the intervention, expected pain and physical function improved to 31 (P = 0.04 versus baseline) and 30 (P = 0.09 versus baseline), respectively. Caucasian patients' expectations changed little.ConclusionDisparities in baseline knowledge and expectations about TKR may be improved with the combined educational video and tailored decision aid.
Churg‐Strauss syndrome with poor‐prognosis factors: A prospective multicenter trial comparing glucocorticoids and six or twelve cyclophosphamide pulses in forty‐eight patients
Authors: Cohen Pascal , Pagnoux Christian , Mahr Alfred , Arène Jean‐Pierre , Mouthon Luc , Le Guern Véronique , André Marie‐Hélène , Gayraud Martine , Jayne David , Blöckmans Daniel , Cordier Jean‐franÇois , Guillevin Loïc ,   The French Vasculitis Study Group
Published: April 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo compare long and short durations of adjunctive cyclophosphamide for the treatment of severe Churg‐Strauss syndrome (CSS).MethodsIn this prospective multicenter therapeutic trial, 48 patients with CSS with at least 1 poor‐prognosis factor at baseline were treated with glucocorticoids and either 12 or 6 intravenous cyclophosphamide pulses.ResultsAt 8 years, complete remission rates and severe side effects of therapy were comparable for both groups. The overall difference in relapses was not significant between the 12‐pulse and the 6‐pulse regimens (P= 0.07), but when considering only the number of mild relapses this difference became statistically significant (P< 0.02). Although the total number of inclusions was not reached, the study was stopped prematurely in response to the superiority of the 12‐pulse regimen.ConclusionWe concluded that 12 cyclophosphamide pulses were better able to control severe CSS than a 6‐pulse regimen. The optimal duration of therapy remains to be determined.
Assessing chronic joint pain: Lessons from a focus group study
Authors: Gooberman‐Hill Rachael , Woolhead Gillian , MacKichan Fiona , Ayis Salma , Williams Susan , Dieppe Paul 
Published: April 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo explore the pain experience of persons with chronic pain of the hip or knee in the context of self‐assessment instruments commonly used to assess pain severity in individuals with osteoarthritis.MethodsParticipants who reported that they currently had either hip or knee pain were recruited from the UK Somerset and Avon Survey of Health. A total of 28 participants (14 men and 14 women, ages 57–89 years) took part in 6 focus groups stratified according to pain site and severity. Using the “questerviews” technique, participants described and discussed their experience of joint pain in the context of standard self‐assessment questionnaires: the Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score. The focus groups were audio recorded and transcribed. Data were analyzed by identifying emergent codes that were grouped and compared, resulting in the identification of key categories.ResultsBoth knee pain and hip pain participants expressed similar pain experiences. Four key categories were identified, all of which impacted upon participants' responses to the standardized questionnaires: pain is intermittent and variable, pain elsewhere in the body influences the experience of joint pain, pain is inextricable from function, and adaptation and avoidance strategies modify the experience of pain.ConclusionThe assessment or measurement of pain should take into account the importance of pain experience as well as severity through use of patient narrative accounts.
Incidence of systemic lupus erythematosus in the United Kingdom, 1990–1999
Authors: Somers Emily C. , Thomas Sara L. , Smeeth Liam , Schoonen W. Marieke , Hall Andrew J. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate the annual incidence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) over a 10‐year period in the UK, and to examine age‐, sex‐, and region‐specific rates.MethodsThe study was based on the UK General Practice Research Database (GPRD), which covers ∼5% of the UK population. We estimated SLE incidence rates, during the period 1990–1999, among persons registered with practices contributing to the GPRD, representing >33 million person‐years of observation.ResultsA total of 1,638 patients with incident SLE (1,374 females, 264 males) were identified. The age‐standardized SLE incidence in the UK during the 1990s was 7.89 per 100,000 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 7.46, 8.31) for females and 1.53 per 100,000 (95% CI 1.34, 1.71) for males (overall female‐to‐male ratio 5.2:1). Peak incidence occurred at age 50–54 years for females and 70–74 years for males. There was a small but insignificant increase of SLE incidence over the 10 years among females but not males. No clear association between latitude and SLE incidence was found, but regional variations existed, with age‐standardized rates ranging from 3.56 per 100,000 (95% CI 3.00, 4.13) for the West Midlands to 7.62 per 100,000 (95% CI 5.59, 9.65) for Northern Ireland.ConclusionThis study provides updated estimates of SLE incidence in the UK. Standard methodology throughout the study period and target population allowed for comparison of rates over time and across regions.
Role of age, sex, and obesity in the higher prevalence of arthritis among lower socioeconomic groups: A population‐based survey
Authors: Busija Lucy , Hollingsworth Bruce , Buchbinder Rachelle , Osborne Richard H. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the prevalence of arthritis among population groups based on demographic, socioeconomic, and body mass index (BMI) characteristics; to investigate the combined influence of these factors on arthritis; and to assess the relationship between self‐reported health and psychological distress and arthritis.MethodsData from the Victorian Population Health Survey (n = 7,500) were used in the study. Psychological distress was assessed using the Kessler Psychological Distress scale, and self‐reported health was assessed by a single item. Multiple logistic regression was used to investigate the combined influence of demographic and socioeconomic factors and BMI on arthritis.ResultsOverall, 23% of Victorian adults (20% men and 26% women) reported having arthritis. The presence of arthritis was associated with high psychological distress (odds ratio [OR] 1.2; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.1–1.4) and poor self‐reported health (OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.7–2.1). Increased prevalence of arthritis was found in older age groups, lower education and income groups, and in people who were overweight or obese. Women had higher risk of arthritis, even after adjustment for age, residence, education, occupation, income, and BMI. Age and BMI independently predicted arthritis for men and women. For men, higher risk of arthritis was also associated with lower income.ConclusionArthritis is a highly prevalent condition associated with poor health and high psychological distress. Prevalence of arthritis is disproportionately high among women and individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. As the prevalence of arthritis is predicted to increase, careful consideration of causal factors, and setting priorities for resource allocation for the treatment and prevention of arthritis are required.