bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variations in breast carcinoma treatment in older medicare beneficiaries
Authors: Mandelblatt Jeanne S. , Kerner Jon F. , Hadley Jack , Hwang Yi‐Ting , Eggert Lynne , Johnson Lenora E. , Gold Karen ,   For the OPTIONS (Outcomes and Preferences for Treatment in Older Women Nationwide Study) Research Team
Published: October 2002

AbstractBACKGROUNDTo evaluate associations between race and breast carcinoma treatment.METHODSData from 984 black and 849 white Medicare beneficiaries 67 years or older with local breast carcinoma and a subset of 732 surviving women interviewed 3–4 years posttreatment were used to calculate adjusted odds of treatment, controlling for age, comorbidity, attitudes, region, and area measures of socioeconomic and health care resources.RESULTSSixty‐seven percent of women received a mastectomy and 33% received breast‐conserving surgery. The odds of radiation omission were 48% higher (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–2.19) for blacks than for whites after considering covariates, but the absolute number of women who failed to receive this modality was small (11%). In race‐stratified models, the odds of having radiation omitted were significantly higher among blacks living greater distances from a cancer center (vs. lesser) or living in areas with high poverty (vs. low), but these factors did not affect radiation use among whites. Among those interviewed, blacks reported perceiving more ageism and racism in the health care system than whites (P = 0.001). The independent odds of receiving mastectomy (vs. breast conservation and radiation) were 2.72 times higher (95% CI 1.25–5.92) among women reporting the highest quartile of perceived ageism scores, compared with the lowest, and higher perceived ageism tended to be associated with higher odds of radiation omission (P = 0.06).CONCLUSIONSOlder black women with localized breast carcinoma may have a different experience obtaining treatment than their white counterparts. The absolute number of women receiving nonstandard care was small and the effects were small to moderate. However, if these patterns persist, it will be important to evaluate whether such experiences contribute to within‐stage race mortality disparities. Cancer 2002;95:1401–14. © 2002 American Cancer Society.DOI 10.1002/cncr.10825
Generation of band‐pass constant‐envelope signals with a pre‐assigned spectrum: a synthesis procedure
Authors: Callegari S. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractThe recent, increasing adoption of spread‐spectrum techniques, either in communications or in other fields, makes the design of band‐pass sources a topical subject. We consider the generation of constant‐envelope (i.e. constant power) band‐pass signals via a frequency modulation technique. In particular, we propose a general solution to the synthesis problem of delivering a constant envelope signal with a pre‐assigned band‐pass spectrum. Both quasi‐stationary and non‐stationary modulations are discussed and a novel optimization algorithm is proposed for the latter case. A design example concludes the presentation. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Progressive medial temporal lobe changes in Alzheimer's disease revealed by quantitative MRI: potential use for monitoring of drug‐related changes
Authors: Pantel Johannes , Schönknecht Peter , Essig Marco , Amann Michael , Eysenbach Katrin , Schad Lothar R. , Schröder Johannes 
Published: October 2002

AbstractWith the advent of new and more effective drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD), establishment of objective surrogate markers of disease progression has become an issue of high clinical relevance. In order to investigate the potential of volumetric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for monitoring disease progression, we investigated the progression rates of hippocampal and generalized brain atrophy in a group of AD patients with respect to rates of clinical deterioration. While AD, in comparison to healthy aging, was characterized by a rapid decline of hippocampal volumes, only a moderate decrease of whole brain volumes occurred, indicating that hippocampal atrophy was not merely a function of generalized brain atrophy. Progression of hippocampal atrophy, but not of whole brain atrophy, was significantly correlated with clinical deterioration. These findings indicate that progressive hippocampal volume reduction underlies clinical deterioration in AD and that the rate of hippocampal atrophy might be used as a morphometric index of disease progression in clinical drug trials. Drug Dev. Res. 56:51–56, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Biological markers of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Mehta Pankaj D. , Pirttilä Tuula 
Published: October 2002

AbstractAlzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects cognition, behavior, and function. The etiology of the disease is unknown; however, the primary risk factors for AD are aging and family history. Neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) and amyloid‐bearing neuritic plaques in the limbic and cerebral cortices are the characteristic neuropathologic lesions in brains of patients with AD. The NFT is mainly composed of hyperphosphorylated tau, whereas the major component of the neuritic plaques is the amyloid beta (Aβ) protein. The clinical diagnosis of probable AD is based on history, physical examination, neuropsychological testing, laboratory studies, and neuroimaging techniques. However, there is no laboratory marker to support the diagnosis of definite AD or monitoring the progression of the disease. Several biochemical markers related to neuropathology have been identified in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We describe the studies of CSF or blood levels of tau protein, amyloid β protein, amyloid precursor protein isoforms, neuronal thread protein, and iron‐binding protein (p97) in patients with AD and age‐matched nondemented controls. Due to the heterogeneity and complex nature of the disease, it is highly unlikely that a single marker specific for AD will be found. However, a panel of biomarkers may help to discriminate different subgroups of AD with distinct genetic backgrounds. Drug Dev. Res. 56: 74–84, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Vascular risk factors, ApoE ϵ4 allele, and gender and the risk of Alzheimer's disease: perspectives on prevention
Authors: Kivipelto Miia , Helkala Eeva‐Liisa , Nissinen Aulikki , Soininen Hilkka , Tuomilehto Jaakko 
Published: October 2002

AbstractThis review summarizes the main findings from our recent research within the prospective, population‐based study investigating midlife elevated blood pressure (BP) and cholesterol values as risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) later in life. Furthermore, we present some new data on the gender‐related differences in the risk factor profiles for AD. Our results suggest that vascular risk factors are important for the development of AD in both genders, but some gender‐related differences in the risk factors profiles for AD may exist. Our findings also suggest that different environmental factors such as antihypertensive drug treatment may modify the effect of apolipoprotein E ϵ4 allele in the development of AD. These data emphasize the importance of effective primary prevention and early treatment of hypertension and hypercholesterolemia as potential avenues for reducing the risk of AD. Drug Dev. Res. 56:85–94, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human Apolipoprotein E concentration in response to diseases and therapeutic treatments
Authors: Siest Gérard , Zaiou Mohamed , Visvikis Sophie 
Published: October 2002

AbstractApolipoprotein (Apo) E is an important circulating and tissular protein involved in cholesterol homeostasis and many other functions. The common polymorphism in the coding region of the gene, four polymorphisms in the promoter region, other additional single nucleotide polymorphisms, as well as several ApoE variants have been identified. Outside genetic polymorphism effects, ApoE concentration is modulated in human plasma and tissue through many processes: 1) transcription regulation through hormone responsive elements; 2) cytokines; 3) compartmentalization in particles or linkage to HSPG; 4) degradation after oxidation, glycation, and proteolysis; and 5) through many specific and nonspecific receptor interactions. Is the level of ApoE in tissue or plasma critical in different pathologies such as cardiovascular diseases (CVD) or Alzheimer's disease (AD)? ApoE is able to bind to Aβ, tau, to be an antioxidant, to respond to inflammation, and is involved in cholesterol delivery, uptake, and accumulation. In experimental situations ApoE injection or positive modulation decreases cholesterol and triglycerides and improves cognitive impairment. ApoE peptides are involved in immune response. It seems more and more clear that low vs. high plasma concentration should be evaluated in large epidemiological studies. Only after such studies can the question be answered: Is a low or high concentration of ApoE beneficial or dangerous? This fascinating apolipoprotein will then be an interesting marker and/or drug target. Drug Dev. Res. 56:95–110, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Olfactory functional testing: sensitivity and specificity for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Murphy Claire 
Published: October 2002

AbstractThe neuropathological changes of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are earliest observed in areas of the brain central to olfactory processing, suggesting the theoretical importance and potential diagnostic utility of assessment of olfactory function in these patients. Investigations conducted to assess olfaction function in both patients with AD and those at risk for the disease are reviewed. Functional testing included olfactory threshold, odor identification, odor memory, and odor fluency. Both Alzheimer's patients and those at risk for the disease showed significant impairment in olfactory function, with some measures showing more impairment than others in the early stages of the disease process. Longitudinal investigation of some measures indicated decreased function over time consonant with increasing dementia. The sensitivity and specificity of some of these olfactory assessments will be related to analogous assessments in other modalities. The results support the incorporation of olfactory measures in batteries for assessment of early AD. Drug Dev. Res. 56:123–131, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Targeting intracellular Aβ42 for Alzheimer's disease drug discovery
Authors: D'Andrea Michael R. , Lee Daniel H.S. , Wang Hoau‐Yan , Nagele Robert G. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractFor years, extracellular deposition of the “pathologic” β‐amyloid1–42 (Aβ42) in the brain has been considered as the major cause of the appearance of neuritic plaques that are subsequently responsible for neuronal death in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, recent work has shown that significant amounts of β‐amyloid, especially Aβ42, are being sequestered within the perikaryon of affected pyramidal neurons prior to the appearance of plaques. This has led us to challenge the prevailing theory and suggest that at least some of the amyloid plaques, specifically the dense‐core plaques in the cerebrum and hippocampus, may derive from the lysis of those neurons that are overburdened with intracellular Aβ42. We discuss the possible role of intracellular Aβ42 accumulation in the development of AD pathology and review an alternate hypothesis, where Aβ42 is first accumulated inside the neurons and later released out to the brain parenchyma via neuronal lysis finally forming a dense‐core plaque (“Inside‐Out” hypothesis). We describe a mechanism for Aβ42 internalization into neurons that involves the high affinity interaction between Aβ42 and the alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) and the internalization and intracellular accumulation of the Aβ42/α7nAChR complex. This alternative hypothesis can account for many of the well‐known features of AD pathology, including specific cholinergic and cholinoceptive neuronal and synaptic loss that affects cognitive and memory functions, the distribution, morphology and composition of dense‐core plaques, and their association with inflammation. More importantly, it provides the scientific rationale for targeting the mechanisms that lead to the intraneuronal Aβ42 as a novel strategy for AD drug discovery. Drug Dev. Res 56:194–200, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Lagrangian–Eulerian model of particle dispersion in a turbulent plane mixing layer
Authors: Oliveira L.A. , Costa V. A. F. , Baliga B. R. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractA Lagrangian–Eulerian model for the dispersion of solid particles in a two‐dimensional, incompressible, turbulent flow is reported and validated. Prediction of the continuous phase is done by solving an Eulerian model using a control‐volume finite element method (CVFEM). A Lagrangian model is also applied, using a Runge–Kutta method to obtain the particle trajectories. The effect of fluid turbulence upon particle dispersion is taken into consideration through a simple stochastic approach. Validation tests are performed by comparing predictions for both phases in a particle‐laden, plane mixing layer airflow with corresponding measurements formerly reported by other authors. Even though some limitations are detected in the calculation of particle dispersion, on the whole the validation results are rather successful. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hand grip strength: A phenotype suitable for identifying genetic variants affecting mid‐ and late‐life physical functioning
Authors: Frederiksen Henrik , Gaist David , Christian Petersen Hans , Hjelmborg Jacob , McGue Matt , Vaupel James W. , Christensen Kaare 
Published: October 2002

AbstractPhysical functioning late in life has been shown to be affected by genetic factors. Only a few genetic variants have been suggested to be associated with physical functioning, and this only in selected populations (e.g., young healthy males and elite athletes). Declining physical functioning late in life is a major problem in terms of prevalence, morbidity, functional limitations, and quality of life. It is therefore of interest to find a phenotype reflecting physical functioning which has a relatively high heritability and which can be measured in large samples. Hand grip strength is known to be associated with muscular functioning in other muscle groups and with activities of daily living (ADL) functioning, and it predicts incident disability. We studied 1,757 Danish twin pairs aged 45–96 years, and found that this phenotype has a heritability of 52% (95% confidence interval (CI), 48–55%). A powerful design to detect genes associated with a phenotype is obtained using the extreme discordant and concordant sib pairs, of whom 28 and 77 dizygotic twin pairs, respectively, were found in this study. Hence grip strength is a suitable phenotype for identifying genetic variants of importance to mid‐ and late‐life physical functioning. Genet. Epidemiol. 23:110–122, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Combined hearing and visual impairment and depression in a population aged 75 years and older
Authors: Lupsakko Taina , Mäntyjärvi Maija , Kautiainen Hannu , Sulkava Raimo 
Published: October 2002

AbstractBackgroundDepression is associated with both visual and hearing impairment. Little is known about the relationship between combined hearing and visual impairment and mood in this age group. The aim of this population‐based study was to investigate the association between functional sensory impairment, especially combined sensory impairment and depressive symptoms and depression diagnosed according to the DSM‐IV criteria.MethodThe study group consisted of 470 adults, population‐based sample, aged 75 years or older. We used the Snellen eye charts with E‐letters and reading charts to evaluate the functional visual acuity. The ability to conduct a face‐to‐face conversation, the hearing aid use and the self‐reported hearing problems were used to assess the functional hearing acuity. Depression was identified with two different methods. A geriatrician interviewed the subjects and the DSM‐IV checklist was used to determine whether they met the criteria for major depression. The Zung Depression Status Inventory (DSI) was used to identify depressive symptoms. The cut off points of 40/80 and 48/80 in the DSI‐score was used.ResultsSeventy‐two persons (15%) of the study population had depression diagnosed according to the DSM‐IV criteria. Twelve per cent of subjects in the Functional Hearing Impairment (FHI) group, twenty per cent in the Functional Visual Impairment (FVI) group, eighteen per cent in the Combined Sensory Impairment (CSI) group and fifteen per cent in the Adequate Sensory Function (ASF) group suffered major depression. The differences between these groups were insignificant. The occurrence rates of the DSI score equal or over 40 points was 50% in the FHI group, 53% in the FVI group, 70% in the CSI group and 45% in the ASF group. The difference between the ASF group and sensory impairment group including FHI, FVI and CSI groups was statistically significant (p = 0.03).ConclusionsDepressive symptoms, but not major depression, were common if elderly persons had combined sensory impairment. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spindle epithelial tumor with thymus‐like differentiation (SETTLE) of the thyroid
Authors: Iwasa Kazunori , Imai Miwa Akasofu , Noguchi Masakuni , Tanaka Shigehiro , Sasaki Tadashi , Katsuda Shogo , Kawahara Ei , Mizukami Yuji 
Published: October 2002

AbstractBackgroundTumors of the so‐called intrathyroidal epithelial thymoma type are a rare group of thyroid neoplasm tumors. Of this type of tumor, spindle epithelial tumor with thymuslike differentiation (SETTLE) has been reported only 17 times in English literature.MethodsAn 18‐year‐old woman was initially seen with a 6‐cm left thyroid mass that was resected with a left thyroidectomy. Histopathologic features of the excised left thyroid tumor together with an immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy led us to a diagnosis of SETTLE.ResultsMost of the specimen was composed of highly cellular spindle cells that formed intersecting and streaming fascicles. The spindle cells showed both vimentin immunoreactivity and cytokeratin immunoreactivity but no immunoreactivity for thyroglobulin or calcitonin. Electron microscopic examination of the spindle cells demonstrated prominent cytoplasmic tonofilaments, desmosomes, and basal lamina consistent with epithelial cell origin. DNA content analysis by flow cytometry revealed DNA diploidy.ConclusionsSETTLE of thyroid gland is an extremely rare entity. A review of the literature reveals that SETTLE has distinctive morphologic features and an immunohistochemical profile. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 24: 888–893, 2002
Copper‐transporting P‐type adenosine triphosphatase (ATP7B) as a cisplatin based chemoresistance marker in ovarian carcinoma: Comparative analysis with expression of MDR1, MRP1, MRP2, LRP and BCRP
Authors: Nakayama Kentaro , Kanzaki Atsuko , Ogawa Kenji , Miyazaki Kohji , Neamati Nouri , Takebayashi Yuji 
Published: October 2002

AbstractIntrinsic or acquired resistance to chemotherapy is the major obstacle to overcome in the treatment of patients with solid carcinoma. Cisplatin is one of the most effective chemotherapeutic agents for treating ovarian carcinoma. Recently, copper‐transporting P‐type adenosine triphosphatase (ATP7B) has been demonstrated as one of the genes responsible for cisplatin resistance in vitro. We hypothesized that the expression of ATP7B gene increases resistance to cisplatin in ovarian carcinoma and a priori knowledge of its expression is important for the choice of therapy. The aim of our study was to assess the role of ATP7B gene in ovarian carcinoma and compare its expression with those of multidrug resistance‐related transporters such as MDR1, MRP1, MRP2, LRP and BCRP genes. The transporters' gene expression profiles from 82 patients treated with cisplatin‐based chemotherapy after surgery were assessed by RT‐PCR. We did not observe any significant correlation between ATP7B gene expression and those of MDR1, MRP1, MRP2, LRP or BCRP. The expression level of ATP7B gene was significantly increased (p < 0.05) in patients with moderately‐/poorly‐differentiated ovarian carcinomas treated with cisplatin‐based chemotherapy, thus ATP7B may serve as an independent prognostic factor in these patients. In contrast, the expression level of MDR1, MRP1, MRP2, LRP and BCRP genes were not prognostic indicators of disease. These findings suggest that ATP7B gene may be considered as a novel chemoresistance marker and that inhibitor(s) of ATP7B might be useful, in patients with ovarian carcinoma treated with cisplatin‐based chemotherapy. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The density of melanocytic nevi correlates with constitutional variables and history of sunburns: A prevalence study among Italian schoolchildren
Authors: Carli Paolo , Naldi Luigi , Lovati Silvia , Vecchia Carlo La ,   Oncology Cooperative Group of the Italian Group for Epidemiologic Research in Dermatology (GISED)
Published: October 2002

AbstractIn several studies from northern Europe, north America and Australia, melanocytic nevi are correlated with pigmentary traits and with intense sun exposure in a way similar to malignant melanoma. However, it is unclear if these data can be extrapolated to populations in other geographic locations and with different prevalent phenotypes. Our study was conducted among schoolchildren aged 13–14 years in 16 Italian cities. The parents of 3,127 children of a total of 3,160 (99%) consented to our study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information about sun exposure and lifetime history of sunburns. Children were also examined by trained dermatologists to assess pigmentary traits and to make a count of melanocytic nevi. The median nevus density was higher among boys than girls. Areas that are usually chronically exposed to the sun exhibited a higher density of nevi compared to intermittently and rarely exposed areas. A higher density of nevi was found in children with lighter skin, blond hair and blue eyes. Red‐haired children had a remarkably lower nevus density compared to the other color categories. The density of nevi increased with an increased number of reported episodes of sunburns. The results concerning nevi ≥6 mm in diameter paralleled those obtained for the total nevus density. However, at variance with total nevus density, a significant relation was also observed between larger nevi and freckling. Our study confirms that, in Italian schoolchildren, there is a relation between pigmentary traits, history of sunburns and the density of melanocytic nevi. Melanocytic nevi and malignant melanoma share a similar risk factor profile. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.