bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A prospective study to assess the value of MMP-9 in improving the appropriateness of urgent referrals for colorectal cancer
Authors: Ryan Angela V , Wilson Sue , Wakelam Michael JO , Warmington Sally A , Dunn Janet A , Hobbs Richard FD , Martin Ashley , Ismail Tariq 
Published: October 2006

Abstract

Background
Bowel cancer is common and is a major cause of death. Most people with bowel symptoms who meet the criteria for urgent referral to secondary care will not be found to have bowel cancer, and some people who are found to have cancer will have been referred routinely rather than urgently. If general practitioners could better identify people who were likely to have bowel cancer or conditions that may lead to bowel cancer, the pressure on hospital clinics may be reduced, enabling these patients to be seen more quickly. Increased levels of an enzyme called matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) have been found to be associated with such conditions, and this can be measured from a blood sample. This study aims to find out whether measuring MMP-9 levels could improve the appropriateness of urgent referrals for patients with bowel symptoms.

Methods
People aged 18 years or older referred to a colorectal clinic will be asked to complete a questionnaire about symptoms, recent injuries or chronic illnesses (these can increase the level of matrix metalloproteinases) and family history of bowel cancer. A blood sample will be taken from people who consent to take part to assess MMP-9 levels, and the results of examination at the clinic and/or investigations arising from the clinic visit will be collected from hospital records. The accuracy of MMP-9 will be assessed by comparing the MMP-9 level with the resulting diagnosis. The combination of factors (e.g. symptoms and MMP-9 level) that best predict a diagnosis of malignancy (invasive disease or polyps) will be determined.

Discussion
Although guidelines are in place to facilitate referrals to colorectal clinics, symptoms alone do not adequately distinguish people with malignancy from people with benign conditions. This study will establish whether MMP-9 could assist this process. If this were the case, measurement of MMP-9 levels could be used by general practitioners to assist in the identification of people who were most likely to have bowel cancer or conditions that may lead to bowel cancer, and who should, therefore, be referred most urgently to secondary care.
Resource use among patients with diabetes, diabetic neuropathy, or diabetes with depression
Authors: Le Trong K , Able Stephen L , Lage Maureen J 
Published: October 2006

Abstract

Background
Diabetes is often associated with complications and comorbidities. The purpose of this research is to compare medical resources used by patients with the following diagnoses: diabetes mellitus (DM), diabetic neuropathy (DN), and diabetes mellitus combined with comorbid depression (DD).

Methods
Adult patients who were diagnosed with DM, DN, or DD were included in the study. There were 55,972 patients in the DM cohort, 2,146 in the DN, and 2,379 in the DD. P values for comparisons between the three mutually exclusive cohorts were conducted using the Tukey-Kramer method. Cost comparisons among the cohorts were conducted using a stepwise multivariate regression that controlled for patient characteristics and comorbid conditions.

Results
Individuals in the DM or DN cohorts were generally more likely to use antidiabetic medications than patients in the DD group. Those diagnosed with DN or DD generally used more pain medications than individuals in the DM cohort. The DM cohort had significantly lower diabetes-related total medical costs ($1,297 v $5,125, p < 0.0001) and lower total medical costs ($4,819 v $24,765, p < 0.0001) than the DN cohort. The DM cohort also had significantly lower diabetes-related total medical costs ($1,297 v $3,264, p < 0.0001) as well as significantly lower total medical costs ($4,819 v $19,298, p < 0.0001) than the DD cohort.

Conclusion
Results from this study indicated significant differences in demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and medication use among individuals diagnosed with DM, DN, or DD. These differences translated into significant cost differences. Patients diagnosed with DN or DD had higher diabetes-related costs than patients diagnosed with DM.
Cancer control policy in Australia
Authors: Anderiesz Cleola , Elwood Mark , Hill David J 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
Australia has an evolving national cancer control agenda. In this paper, we review the history and development of cancer control policies in Australia up to the end of 2005, and discuss the principal publications produced by both government and non-government groups which have given rise to cancer control recommendations, goals and targets. These cancer control plans have arisen in response to the impact of cancer on the Australian community and in recognition of the health gains that can be made through effective cancer control. They have been developed either in the context of a broader framework of health policy or as specific endeavours in regard to cancer. The specific recommendations and strategies proposed have focused on reducing the impact of cancer in the Australian population. Most commonly, recommendations, goals, and targets within the cancer control plans have addressed points along the continuum of care, specific cancers, and frameworks and processes. The strength of these reports is their comprehensive approach in identifying priority cancers and areas where specific developments should impact on morbidity and mortality. In the future, cancer control plans should be better supported by economic evaluations, and greater financial support for implementation and regular assessment is needed to identify progress on cancer outcomes. The more recent national and State cancer control plans include the development of frameworks to foster a coordinated and cohesive approach to the delivery of cancer care. These plans represent important reforms in cancer care in Australia, and have the potential to reduce the impact of cancer on the community and improve health outcomes.
ASCO 2006 Update of Recommendations for the Use of Tumor Markers in Gastrointestinal Cancer
Authors: Locker Gershon Y. , Hamilton Stanley , Harris Jules , Jessup John M. , Kemeny Nancy , Macdonald John S. , Somerfield Mark R. , Hayes Daniel F. , Bast Robert C. 
Published: October 2006

Purpose To update the recommendations for the use of tumor marker tests in the prevention, screening, treatment, and surveillance of gastrointestinal cancers. Methods For the 2006 update, an update committee composed of members from the full Panel was formed to complete the review and analysis of data published since 1999. Computerized literature searches of Medline and the Cochrane Collaboration Library were performed. The Update Committee's literature review focused attention on available systematic reviews and meta-analyses of published tumor marker studies. Recommendations and Conclusion For colorectal cancer, it is recommended that carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) be ordered preoperatively, if it would assist in staging and surgical planning. Postoperative CEA levels should be performed every 3 months for stage II and III disease for at least 3 years if the patient is a potential candidate for surgery or chemotherapy of metastatic disease. CEA is the marker of choice for monitoring the response of metastatic disease to systemic therapy. Data are insufficient to recommend the routine use of p53, ras, thymidine synthase, dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase, thymidine phosphorylase, microsatellite instability, 18q loss of heterozygosity, or deleted in colon cancer (DCC) protein in the management of patients with colorectal cancer. For pancreatic cancer, CA 19-9 can be measured every 1 to 3 months for patients with locally advanced or metastatic disease receiving active therapy. Elevations in serial CA 19-9 determinations suggest progressive disease but confirmation with other studies should be sought. New markers and new evidence to support the use of the currently reviewed markers will be evaluated in future updates of these guidelines.
Initial Steps Taken by Nine Primary Care Practices to Implement Alcohol Screening Guidelines with Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Miller Peter M. , Stockdell Ruth , Nemeth Lynne , Feifer Chris , Jenkins Ruth G. , Liszka Heather , Ornstein Steven , Nietert Paul J. , Wessell Andrea 
Published: October 2006

Many medical conditions are caused or exacerbated by heavy drinking, necessitating alcohol screening and discussion in primary care practices. This is particularly true of hypertension, the most common primary diagnosis in the United States, which has been linked to the regular consumption of 3 or more standard alcoholic beverages a day. The Accelerating Alcohol Screening-Translating Research into Practice (AA-TRIP) project was designed to improve detection and management of alcohol problems in primary care patients with hypertension. Medical providers are being trained using the Practice Partner Research Network's-Translating Research into Practice (PPRNet-TRIP) quality improvement model. This includes a multi-method intervention (electronic medical records, on-site academic detailing, practice feedback reports and annual network meetings) to help practices increase adherence to clinical guidelines. Qualitative analyses of initial steps taken by nine primary care practices toward the routine implementation of alcohol screening guidelines are presented. Organizational factors and provider and patient characteristics all influenced the method and consistency of alcohol screening and intervention. Perceived time constraints, patient sensitivity to questions about alcohol, and possible stigma associated with a diagnosis of alcoholism were also relevant barriers requiring problem solving.
Torg Syndrome Is Caused by Inactivating Mutations in MMP2 and Is Allelic to NAO and Winchester Syndrome
Authors: Zankl Andreas , Pachman Lauren , Poznanski Andrew , Bonafé Luisa , Wang Fengqiang , Shusterman Yelena , Fishman David A , Superti-Furga Andrea 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
Torg syndrome is a multicentric osteolysis syndrome of unknown etiology. We identified mutations in the MMP2 gene in a patient with Torg syndrome that resulted in complete loss of MMP2 activity. MMP2 mutations were previously identified in patients with NAO and Winchester syndrome. Our findings suggest that Torg, NAO, and Winchester syndrome are allelic disorders.
Introduction: Torg, nodulosis-arthropathy-osteolysis (NAO), and Winchester syndrome are a group of autosomal recessive osteolysis syndromes with marked clinical and radiological overlap. It has been suggested that the three conditions are causally related, but molecular evidence for this assumption has been lacking. Recently, mutations in the matrix metalloproteinase 2 gene (MMP2) have been reported in patients with NAO and Winchester syndrome.
Materials and Methods: We sequenced the MMP2 gene in a patient with clinical and radiographic findings of Torg syndrome. MMP2 activity was measured with gelatin zymography.
Results: Two mutations in the MMP2 gene were identified in this patient. Gelatin zymography indicated complete loss of MMP2 activity.
Conclusions: Torg, NAO, and Winchester syndrome are allelic disorders. The name Torg-Winchester syndrome is suggested as a common denominator for this group of disorders.
Predictors of Non-Spine Fracture in Elderly Men: The MrOS Study
Authors: Lewis Cora E , Ewing Susan K , Taylor Brent C , Shikany James M , Fink Howard A , Ensrud Kristine E , Barrett-Connor Elizabeth , Cummings Steven R , Orwoll Eric 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
We examined determinants of nonvertebral fracture in elderly men from six U.S. communities followed an average of 4.1 years. Six clinical risk factors predicted fracture risk independent of hip BMD: tricyclic antidepressant use, previous fracture, inability to complete a narrow walk trial, falls in previous year, age ≥80 years, and depressed mood.
Introduction: There are few prospective studies of fracture determinants in men. We examined the associations between a comprehensive set of clinical risk factors and risk of nonspine fracture in older men and whether determinants of fracture risk were independent of total hip BMD.
Materials and Methods: A total of 5995 men ≤65 years of age were recruited from six communities in the Unites States and followed prospectively for an average of 4.1 years. Baseline assessments of demographic, lifestyle, medical history, functional status, anthropometry, and cognitive, visual, and neuromuscular function were assessed by questionnaire or examination. Triannual mailed questionnaires ascertained incident fracture; reported fractures were adjudicated by physicians using medical records and X-ray reports. Proportional hazards models were used to develop multivariable models, selecting variables and controlling for BMD.
Results: Of 5876 men, 4.7% (N = 275) reported an incident nonspine fracture during follow-up (11.46/1000 person-years). Tricyclic antidepressant use (hazard ratio [HR], 2.36; 95% CI, 1.25–4.46), history of fracture at or after age 50 (HR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.62–2.65), inability to complete a narrow walk trial (HR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.23–2.34), falls in previous year (HR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.23–2.05), age ≤80 years (HR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.01–1.76), depressed mood (HR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.00–2.95), and decreased total hip BMD (HR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.34–1.74) were independently related to increased risk. Compared with having none (48.0% of men), having three or more of the clinical risk factors (4.9% of men) increased fracture risk 5-fold, independent of BMD. Having three or more risk factors and being in the lowest tertile of BMD was associated with a 15-fold greater risk than having no risk factors and being in the highest BMD tertile.
Conclusions: Several clinical risk factors were independently associated with nonspine fractures in elderly men. The combination of multiple risk factors and low BMD was a very powerful indicator of fracture risk.
Self‐Assembly of a Micelle Structure from Graft and Diblock Copolymers: An Example of Overcoming the Limitations of Polyions in Drug Delivery
Authors: Lo C.‐L. , Lin K.‐M. , Huang C.‐K. , Hsiue G.‐H. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractA novel mixed micelle with a multifunctional core and shell is successfully prepared from a graft copolymer, poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide‐co‐methacrylic acid)‐g‐poly(d,l‐lactide) (P(NIPAAm‐co‐MAAc)‐g‐PLA) and two diblock copolymers, poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐poly(d,l‐lactide) and poly (2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline)‐b‐poly(d,l‐lactide). This nanostructure completely screens the highly negative charges of the graft copolymer and exhibits multifunctionality because it has a specialized core/shell structure. An example of this micelle structure used in intracellular drug delivery demonstrates a strong relationship between drug release and the functionality of the mixed micelle. Additionally, the efficiency of the screening feature is also displayed in the cytotoxicities; mixed micelles exhibit higher drug activity and lower material cytotoxicity than micelles from P(NIPAAm‐co‐MAAc)‐g‐PLA ([NIPAAm]/[MAAc]/[PLA] = 84:5.9:2.5 mol/mol) copolymer. This study not only presents a new micelle structure generated using a graft–diblock copolymer system, but also elucidates concepts upon which the preparation of a multifunctional micelle from a graft copolymer with a single (or many) diblock copolymer(s) can be based for applications in drug delivery.
Osteoarthritis in Siberia's Cis‐Baikal: Skeletal indicators of hunter‐gatherer adaptation and cultural change
Authors: Lieverse Angela R. , Weber Andrzej W. , Bazaliiskiy Vladimir Ivanovich , Goriunova Olga Ivanovna , Savel'ev Nikolai Aleksandrovich 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThis examination of osteoarthritis in Siberia's Cis‐Baikal region focuses on the reconstruction of mid‐Holocene mobility and activity patterns with particular interest in an alleged fifth millennium BC biocultural hiatus. Five cemetery populations—–two representing the pre‐hiatus Kitoi culture (6800–4900 BC) and three the post‐hiatus Serovo‐Glaskovo (4200–1000 BC)—are considered. The objective is to investigate osteoarthritic prevalence and distribution (patterning) within and among these populations in order to reconstruct mobility and activity patterns among the Cis‐Baikal foragers, and to test for possible disparities that may reflect differing adaptive strategies. The data reveal that levels of activity remained relatively constant throughout the mid‐Holocene but that mobility and specific activity patterns did not. Although results are consistent with the current understanding of distinct Kitoi and Serovo‐Glaskovo subsistence regimes, specifically the lower residential mobility and narrower resource base of the former, they also draw attention to adaptive characteristics shared by all occupants of the Cis‐Baikal. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Study of the structure transformation of wool fibers with Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Liu Hongling , Yu Weidong 
Published: October 2006

AbstractRaman spectroscopy and tensile tests were used to investigate the structure transformation of stretched wool fibers with stretching ratios up to 110%. The typical bands analyzed in this article included the amide I region, the amide III region, the CC skeletal vibration region, and the SS and CS bond vibration region. To investigate the variations of the crystallinity and orientation of the wool fibers, the density and birefringence of the fibers were also measured. The results showed that the secondary structure of the wool fibers was transformed from an α‐helical structure to a β‐pleated‐sheet structure during the early stage of stretching. When the fiber was stretched more than 80%, the mechanism of stretching mainly relied on the slippage of the peptides. Meanwhile, the pretreatment of the wool fibers with sodium bisulfite and the setting processing resulted in the reduction of the concentration of the SS bonds. The results for the density and birefringence showed that the degree of crystallinity of the wool fibers decreased, whereas the degree of orientation increased during the stretching. The tensile behavior of the stretched wool also supported the α→β microstructure transformation. The diameter results showed that the extent of slenderization was about 25.3% when the stretching ratio was 80%. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 1–7, 2007
Characterization of end‐functionalized styrene–butadiene–styrene copolymers and their application in modified asphalt
Authors: Wang Qiang , Liao Mingyi , Wang Yurong , Ren Yan 
Published: October 2006

AbstractEnd amino, carboxylic acid, and hydroxyl functionalized styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS) triblock copolymers were prepared with 1,5‐diazabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane, carbon dioxide, and epoxy ethane as capping agents, respectively. The effects of the end polar groups on the morphology and dynamic mechanical properties were investigated. Transmission electron microscopy images suggested that the group at the end of the polystyrene (PS) segment made the morphology of the PS domains disordered and incompact. Dynamic mechanical results showed that the storage and loss modulus increased after SBS was end‐functionalized. End amino and carboxylic acid groups improved the compatibility and storage stability of SBS‐modified asphalt. However, the effect of the end‐hydroxyl group on the improvement of the storage stability of SBS‐modified asphalt was not obvious. The differential scanning calorimetry analysis of SBS‐modified asphalt further showed that the compatibility and storage stability of SBS‐modified asphalt were improved by the attachment of amino or carboxylic acid groups through the anionic polymerization method. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 8–16, 2007
Flame retardancy afforded by polyaniline deposited on wood
Authors: Stejskal Jaroslav , Trchová Miroslava , Brodinová Jitka , Sapurina Irina 
Published: October 2006

AbstractWood scantlings were coated with polyaniline (PANI) during the in situ polymerization of aniline with ammonium peroxydisulfate in an aqueous medium. The coating was made in hydrochloric or phosphoric acid solutions in both the absence and presence of stabilizers, poly(N‐vinylpyrrolidone) or colloidal silica. The PANI‐coated wood was placed in a flame or in a furnace operating at 400 or 600°C, and the decrease in the mass was determined. The wood coated with PANI was less reduced in its mass than uncoated samples and was converted to charcoal rather than to ashes. The deposition of related polymers, polypyrrole and poly(1,4‐phenylenediamine), provided similar protection against heat exposure. Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectra of the residues after the burning of PANI‐coated wood were compared. The soaking of wood in PANI colloids did not result in similar protection of wood against fire; the coating of the cellulose fibers with PANI during the polymerization was needed for the enhanced stability of wood at elevated temperatures. The concept of carbonization processes at the surface layer of PANI‐coated cellulose fibers leading to the formation of carbonaceous microtubes is offered to explain the improved stability of wood against flame and heat exposure. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl PolymSci 103: 24–30, 2007
Tailoring of phase‐segregation structures in two‐soft‐segment urethane/urea polymer membranes
Authors: Queiroz Denise P. , Gonçalves Maria C. , de Pinho Maria Norberta 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe synthesis of two‐soft‐segment urethane/urea polymeric membranes with various proportions of the two soft segments, poly(propylene oxide) and polybutadiene, yielded very distinct morphologies depending on the degree of phase segregation. The morphologies were identified with transmission electron microscopy. With a low concentration of polybutadiene, this soft segment segregated into ellipsoidal microdomains dispersed in a poly(propylene oxide) matrix. With an intermediate concentration of polybutadiene, the morphology was characterized by nanoscale phase separation and could be described as a disordered, wormlike domain structure. With a high concentration of polybutadiene, a single phase was observed. This was attributed to molecular mixing of the two soft segments and was associated with membranes that under the application of a shear stress developed bands that efficiently scattered light. These bands were identified by field emission scanning electron microscopy with a periodicity of approximately 4–5 μm. The change in the membrane morphology from microscale phase segregation to nanoscale phase segregation led to very different membrane gas‐permeation properties, that is, a reduction of the CO2 permeability from 191 to 90 Barrer. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 315–320, 2007