bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Joint spatial survival modeling for the age at diagnosis and the vital outcome of prostate cancer
Authors: Zhou Huafeng , Lawson Andrew B. , Hebert James R. , Slate Elizabeth H. , Hill Elizabeth G. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractProstate cancer (PrCA) is the most common malignancy in men and a leading cause of cancer mortality among males in the United States. Large geographical variation and racial disparities exist in both the incidence of PrCA and the survival rate after diagnosis. In this population‐based study, a joint spatial survival model is constructed to investigate factors that affect the age at diagnosis of PrCA and the subsequent survival. The joint model for these two time‐to‐event outcomes is specified through parametric models for age at diagnosis and survival time conditional on diagnosis age. To account for possible correlation in these outcomes among men from the same geographical region, frailty terms are included in the survival model. Both spatially correlated and uncorrelated frailties are incorporated in each model considered. The deviance information criterion is used to select a best‐fitting model within the Bayesian framework. The results from our final best‐fitting model indicate that race, marital status at diagnosis, and cancer stage are significantly associated with both of the two time‐to‐event outcomes. No pattern emerged in the geographical distribution of age at PrCA diagnosis. In contrast, a spatially clustered pattern was observed in the geographic distribution of survival experience post diagnosis. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measurement error correction for nutritional exposures with correlated measurement error: Use of the method of triads in a longitudinal setting
Authors: Rosner Bernard , Michels Karin B. , Chen Ya‐Hua , Day Nicholas E. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractNutritional exposures are often measured with considerable error in commonly used surrogate instruments such as the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) (denoted by Qi for the ith subject). The error can be both systematic and random. The diet record (DR) denoted by Ri for the ith subject is considered an alloyed gold standard. However, some authors have reported both systematic and random errors with this instrument as well.One goal in measurement error research is to estimate the regression coefficient of Ti (true intake for the ith subject) on Qi denoted by λTQ. If the systematic errors in Qi and Ri (denoted by qi and ri) are uncorrelated, then one can obtain an unbiased estimate of λTQ by λRQ obtained by regressing Ri on Qi. However, if Corr(qi, ri)>0, then λRQ>λTQ.In this paper, we propose a method for indirectly estimating λTQ even in the presence of correlated systematic error based on a longitudinal design where Qi (surrogate measure of dietary intake), Ri (a reference measure of dietary intake), and Mi (a biomarker) are available on the same subjects at 2 time points. In addition, between‐person variation in mean levels of Mi among people with the same dietary intake is also accounted for. The methodology is illustrated for dietary vitamin C intake based on longitudinal data from 323 subjects in the European Prospective Investigation of Cancer (EPIC)‐Norfolk study who provided two measures of dietary vitamin C intake from the FFQ (Qi) and a 7‐day DR (Ri) and plasma vitamin C (Mi) 4 years apart. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sample size for equivalence trials: A case study from a vaccine lot consistency trial
Authors: Ganju Jitendra , Izu Allen , Anemona Alessandra 
Published: April 2008

AbstractFor some trials, simple but subtle assumptions can have a profound impact on the size of the trial. A case in point is a vaccine lot consistency (or equivalence) trial. Standard sample size formulas used for designing lot consistency trials rely on only one component of variation, namely, the variation in antibody titers within lots. The other component, the variation in the means of titers between lots, is assumed to be equal to zero. In reality, some amount of variation between lots, however small, will be present even under the best manufacturing practices. Using data from a published lot consistency trial, we demonstrate that when the between‐lot variation is only 0.5 per cent of the total variation, the increase in the sample size is nearly 300 per cent when compared with the size assuming that the lots are identical. The increase in the sample size is so pronounced that in order to maintain power one is led to consider a less stringent criterion for demonstration of lot consistency. The appropriate sample size formula that is a function of both components of variation is provided. We also discuss the increase in the sample size due to correlated comparisons arising from three pairs of lots as a function of the between‐lot variance. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modern management of amenorrhoea
Authors: Maruthini Deivanayagam , Balen Adam 
Published: April 2008

AbstractIt is essential to differentiate between an oestrogen‐deficient state and an adequate or surplus state to define an holistic approach to the treatment of amenorrhoea. The authors summarise the initial assessment, investigations and management options for primary and secondary amenorrhoea. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd
Neuropeptide Y expression in vaginal epithelium of women with pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Zhu Lan , Lang Jinghe , Jiang Xueying , Jiang Fang , Chen Jie , Wong Felix 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjectivesTo determine the role of neuropeptide Y (NPY) in anterior and posterior vaginal epithelium in the etiologic development of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI).MethodsForty biopsy specimens from anterior and posterior vaginal epithelium were obtained from 40 POP/SUI patients and controls. The specimens were stained using hematoxylin and eosin and NPY immunohistochemical staining. NPY was measured semiquantitatively and NPY mRNA expression was assessed using DNA hybridization in situ.ResultsThere were no significant differences in NPY between anterior and posterior vaginal epithelium. NPY profiles in posterior vaginal epithelium in the SUI group were significantly lower than in the POP (P < 0.05) and control (P < 0.05) groups. In the POP group, the NPY profile correlated negatively with advancing age and years post menopause.ConclusionThe reduction in NPY in the anterior and posterior vaginal wall epithelium might be related to nerve damage or degeneration, resulting in a change in blood flow, atrophy, and pelvic floor laxity in patients with POP and SUI, especially post menopause and with advancing age.
Effect of 6‐Month Calorie Restriction and Exercise on Serum and Liver Lipids and Markers of Liver Function
Authors: Larson‐Meyer D. Enette , Newcomer Bradley R. , Heilbronn Leonie K. , Volaufova Julia , Smith Steven R. , Alfonso Anthony J. , Lefevre Michael , Rood Jennifer C. , Williamson Donald A. , Ravussin Eric ,   The Pennington CALERIE Team
Published: April 2008

Objective: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its association with insulin resistance are increasingly recognized as major health burdens. The main objectives of this study were to assess the relation between liver lipid content and serum lipids, markers of liver function and inflammation in healthy overweight subjects, and to determine whether caloric restriction (CR) (which improves insulin resistance) reduces liver lipids in association with these same measures.Methods and Procedures: Forty‐six white and black overweight men and women (BMI = 24.7–31.3 kg/m2) were randomized to “control (CO)” = 100% energy requirements; “CR” = 25%; “caloric restriction and increased structured exercise (CR+EX)”= 12.5% CR + 12.5% increase in energy expenditure through exercise; or “low‐calorie diet (LCD)” = 15% weight loss by liquid diet followed by weight‐maintenance, for 6 months. Liver lipid content was assessed by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and computed tomography (CT). Lipid concentrations, markers of liver function (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALK)), and whole‐body inflammation (tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP)) were measured in fasting blood.Results: At baseline, increased liver lipid content (by MRS) correlated (P < 0.05) with elevated fasting triglyceride (r = 0.52), ALT (r = 0.42), and hsCRP (r = 0.33) concentrations after adjusting for sex, race, and alcohol consumption. With CR, liver lipid content was significantly lowered by CR, CR+EX, and LCD (detected by MRS only). The reduction in liver lipid content, however, was not significantly correlated with the reduction in triglycerides (r = 0.26; P = 0.11) or with the changes in ALT, high‐density lipoprotein (HDL)‐cholesterol, or markers of whole‐body inflammation.Discussion: CR may be beneficial for reducing liver lipid and lowering triglycerides in overweight subjects without known NAFLD.
Effects of the New C1q/TNF‐related Protein (CTRP‐3) “Cartonectin” on the Adipocytic Secretion of Adipokines
Authors: Wölfing Britta , Buechler Christa , Weigert Johanna , Neumeier Markus , Aslanidis Charalampos , Schöelmerich Juergen , Schäffler Andreas 
Published: April 2008

Background: Cartonectin (collagenous repeat‐containing sequence of 26‐kDa protein; CORS‐26) was described as a new adipokine of the C1q/TNF molecular superfamily C1q/TNF‐related protein‐3 (CTRP‐3), secreted by the adipocytes of mice and humans. The receptor and function of cartonectin are unknown and the recombinant protein is not commercially available.Objective: To investigate the effects of recombinant cartonectin on the secretion of adipokines such as adiponectin, leptin, and resistin from adipocytes of human and murine origin. The effect of the BMI of the adipocyte donor was also investigated.Methods and Procedures: Human adipocytes from pooled lean and preobese healthy individuals and murine 3T3‐L1 adipocytes were used for stimulation experiments. Recombinant cartonectin was expressed in insect H5 cells. Adipokine secretion was measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. In addition, western blot analysis and luciferase reporter gene assays were employed.Results: Cartonectin (1, 10, 50, and 250 ng/ml) in higher doses stimulates the secretion of adiponectin and resistin from murine adipocytes. This effect is not caused by an induction of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPAR‐γ) protein expression, as confirmed by western blot analysis. Also, luciferase reporter gene assay revealed that cartonectin failed to induce luciferase activity at the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor responsive element site containing the adiponectin/luciferase promoter fragment. Human adipocytes from lean individuals secrete higher amounts of adiponectin and leptin when compared with adipocytes of individuals with a preobesity BMI (25–30 kg/m2). Cartonectin failed to stimulate adiponectin or leptin secretion from human adipocytes, irrespective of the BMI value.Discussion: Cartonectin is a new adipokine that differentially regulates the secretion of classical adipokines, with marked differences between the human and the murine systems. These effects are species‐dependent, while basal adipokine secretion is influenced by the BMI.
State Ranks of Incident Cancer Burden due to Overweight and Obesity in the United States, 2003
Authors: Chang Shine , Mâsse Louise C. , Moser Richard P. , Dodd Kevin W. , Arganaraz Facundo , Fuemmler Bernard F. , Jemal Ahmedin 
Published: April 2008

Objective: Given links between obesity and cancer, we estimated incident cancer burden due to overweight and obesity at the state level in the United States.Methods and Procedures: Using state rankings by per capita burden of incident cancer cases diagnosed in 2003 that were related to overweight and obesity, we examined the frequency with which states ranked in the highest and lowest quintiles of weight‐related burden for cancers of the postmenopausal breast, endometrium, kidney, colon, and prostate. In this study, data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), US Census, US Mortality Public Use Data Tapes, and National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program were used.Results: Western states had the lowest weight‐related cancer burden for both sexes. Iowa, South Dakota, and West Virginia had the highest burden for all three types of male cancers. West Virginia is the only state that ranked in the quintile of highest weight‐related burden for all four cancers considered in women.Discussion: For certain cancers, including endometrial, postmenopausal breast, and colon cancers, states with high burdens clustered in geographic regions, warranting further inquiry. Although state ranks for the total cancer burden and the prevalence of overweight and obesity correlated with state ranks for weight‐related incident cancer burden, they often served poorly as its proxy. Such a finding cautions against simply targeting states with high overweight and obesity or high total burdens of cancers for which overweight and obesity are risk factors, as this approach may not reach areas of unrecognized burden.
Umberto Bossi: charisma, personality and leadership
Authors: Barraclough Richard 
Published: April 2008

Summary
The Northern League is sometimes referred to as a ‘charismatic party’. The reason for this description is the presence of a highly visible—and audible—leader: Umberto Bossi. This article aims to demonstrate that Bossi is perceived as a charismatic leader largely thanks to a constructed personality and image which is designed to symbolize the League's identity. Since it is this image, along with Bossi's organizational skills and tactical abilities, rather than his ‘charisma’ which is the basis of his authority within the League, it is erroneous to regard the League as a true example of a charismatic party.
Nature, Craft, Domesticity, and the Culture of Consumption: the Feminine Face of Design in Italy, 1945–70
Authors: Sparke Penny 
Published: April 2008

SummaryThis article sets out to outline the way in which existing narratives dealing with the development of modern design in post-1945 Italy have ignored those aspects of the story which do not concur with a characterization of that phenomenon that relies on the concepts of rationality, mass production and the impact of new materials. By focusing on and elaborating a number of ‘other’ themes—namely those of nature, craft, domesticity and the culture of consumption—this study sets out to redress this imbalance and to introduce the possibility of a new reading of modern design in Italy which can be seen to be rooted in a set of cultural values which are more obviously feminine’ in nature.
Hemodynamic Changes Associated with Spinal Anesthesia for Cesarean Delivery in Severe Preeclampsia
Authors: Dyer Robert A. , Piercy Jenna L. , Reed Anthony R. , Lombard Carl J. , Schoeman Leann K. , James Michael F. 
Published: April 2008

Background
Hemodynamic responses to spinal anesthesia (SA) for cesarean delivery in patients with severe preeclampsia are poorly understood. This study used a beat-by-beat monitor of cardiac output (CO) to characterize the response to SA. The hypothesis was that CO would decrease from baseline values by less than 20%.

Methods
Fifteen patients with severe preeclampsia consented to an observational study. The monitor employed used pulse wave form analysis to estimate nominal stroke volume. Calibration was by lithium dilution. CO and systemic vascular resistance were derived from the measured stroke volume, heart rate, and mean arterial pressure. In addition, the hemodynamic effects of phenylephrine, the response to delivery and oxytocin, and hemodynamics during recovery from SA were recorded. Hemodynamic values were averaged for defined time intervals before, during, and after SA.

Results
Cardiac output remained stable from induction of SA until the time of request for analgesia. Mean arterial pressure and systemic vascular resistance decreased significantly from the time of adoption of the supine position until the end of surgery. After oxytocin administration, systemic vascular resistance decreased and heart rate and CO increased. Phenylephrine, 50 mug, increased mean arterial pressure to above target values and did not significantly change CO. At the time of recovery from SA, there were no clinically relevant changes from baseline hemodynamic values.

Conclusions
Spinal anesthesia in severe preeclampsia was associated with clinically insignificant changes in CO. Phenylephrine restored mean arterial pressure but did not increase maternal CO. Oxytocin caused transient marked hypotension, tachycardia, and increases in CO.
Effects of Anemia and Hypotension on Porcine Optic Nerve Blood Flow and Oxygen Delivery
Authors: Lee Lorri A. , Deem Steven , Glenny Robb W. , Townsend Ian , Moulding Jennifer , An Dowon , Treggiari Miriam M. , Lam Arthur 
Published: April 2008

Background
Perioperative ischemic optic neuropathy occurs after major surgical procedures, which are often associated with hypotension, anemia, or venous congestion. However, the effects of these conditions on optic nerve (ON) blood flow are unknown and cannot be studied adequately in humans.

Methods
Farm-raised pigs were anesthetized with isoflurane, kept normocapnic and normothermic, and subjected to conditions of euvolemic or hypovolemic hypotension (mean arterial pressure 50-55 mm Hg), anemia (hematocrit 17%), venous congestion, and combinations thereof. Control animals were kept euvolemic and normotensive for the entire experiment. Fluorescent microspheres were used to measure cerebral blood flow (CBF) and ON blood flow at baseline and after experimental conditions, and to calculate oxygen delivery (DO2).

Results
No significant changes in CBF or ON blood flow or DO2 occurred with euvolemic hypotension (n = 5), compared with controls (n = 12). Hypovolemic hypotension (n = 4) resulted in stable CBF and cerebral DO2, but significant reductions in ON DO2 (P = 0.032). The significant increase in CBF associated with anemia (n = 6) resulted in stable cerebral DO2. In contrast, ON blood flow did not significantly change with anemia, with (n = 5) or without (n = 6) euvolemic hypotension, resulting in significant reductions in ON DO2 (P < 0.01).

Conclusion
Compensatory mechanisms for porcine CBF maintain stable DO2 under specified conditions of hypotension or anemia, whereas ON compensatory mechanisms were unable to maintain blood flow and to preserve DO2. The authors conclude that the porcine ON is more susceptible to physiologic perturbations than the brain.
Case of anaphylaxis caused by ingestion of royal jelly
Authors: KATAYAMA Mirei , AOKI Mikako , KAWANA Seiji 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACTAnaphylaxis is a severe form of allergic disease. Royal jelly is widely consumed in Japan, but a few cases of anaphylaxis caused by royal jelly have been reported. We encountered a 26‐year‐old Japanese woman who developed anaphylaxis after drinking a beverage of crude royal jelly including honey. She had a history of bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis and food allergy (abalone). Prick tests were performed with the beverage of crude royal jelly including honey and with two other beverages including honey. Only the crude royal jelly beverage showed a positive reaction. An oral challenge test with the crude royal jelly beverage was not performed, but a similar test with a beverage including honey caused no symptoms. A positive response to the beverage of crude royal jelly was not observed in normal volunteers. A positive diagnosis of anaphylaxis due to royal jelly was made based on the positive prick test, systemic clinical symptoms and the negative prick tests in healthy volunteers. Moreover, the patient had no symptoms when taking lemon and orange, which were present as essences in the crude royal jelly beverage, and also had no response to honey after anaphylaxis. Increased consumption of royal jelly in health food supplements may increase the incidence of royal jelly‐related allergic reactions. Therefore, royal jelly should be considered as a causative allergen in food‐induced anaphylaxis.
Destiny matters: distal developmental influences on adult alcohol use and abuse
Authors: Schulenberg John E. , Maggs Jennifer L. 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACTA foundational assumption in the fields of addiction and developmental psychopathology is that child and adolescent experiences set the stage for adult functioning and adjustment. However, the empirical literature documenting life‐span linkages with adult alcohol (and other drug) use and abuse is sparse. This gap is due to a slow adoption of life‐span developmental conceptualizations and the lack of long‐term prospective longitudinal studies. This supplemental issue provides evidence for such linkages from six long‐term longitudinal studies, which together follow individuals from birth through to the late 40s. The data sets include national and regional samples from Britain, Finland and the United States. In this introductory paper, we consider conceptual issues concerning linkages across the life‐span culminating in adult alcohol use and disorders, and provide a summary of the purposes and common themes.
Season of grazing and stocking rate interactively affect fuel loads in Baikiaea plurijuga Harms woodland in northwestern Zimbabwe
Authors: Gambiza J. , Campbell B. M. , Moe S. R. , Mapaure I. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractWildfire is a major disturbance in Baikiaea plurijuga Harms woodland savannas. We tested the hypothesis that the timing and intensity of herbivory influence fuel loads. We used three stocking rates namely light (three cows and four goats ha−1), medium (six cows and eight goats ha−1) and heavy (eleven cows and sixteen goats ha−1) and three times of grazing namely early‐, middle‐ and late‐growing seasons. Season of grazing and stocking rate influenced herbaceous phytomass. Phytomass was generally the highest (53.5 g DM m−2) in paddocks grazed during the early growing season and the lowest (27.8 g DM m−2) in those grazed during the late growing season. Phytomass was also generally the highest (40.4 g DM m−2) in lightly stocked paddocks and the lowest (32.7 g DM m−2) in heavily stocked ones. Litter mass was the lowest (160.8 g DM m−2) in paddocks grazed during the early season whereas there were no differences in ungrazed paddocks and those grazed during either mid‐ or late growing seasons (205.4 g DM m−2). There was a negative relationship between litter mass and stocking rate. Baikiaea Benth. woodlands should be grazed during either the mid‐ or late‐growing season at stocking rates greater than 0.1 LU ha−1 to reduce grass fuel loads.