bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Urinary VEGF and MMP Levels As Predictive Markers of 1-Year Progression-Free Survival in Cancer Patients Treated With Radiation Therapy: A Longitudinal Study of Protein Kinetics Throughout Tumor Progression and Therapy
Authors: Chan Linda W. , Moses Marsha A. , Goley Elizabeth , Sproull Mary , Muanza Thierry , Coleman C. Norman , Figg William D. , Albert Paul S. , Ménard Cynthia , Camphausen Kevin 
Published: January 2004

Purpose To determine the predictive value of urinary levels of two angiogenic factors, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs), in a longitudinal study to determine their correlation with 1-year progression-free survival in patients with cancer. Patients and Methods VEGF and MMP levels were measured in the urine of 65 cancer patients at first evaluation, during therapy, and at follow-up (n = 242); normalized by creatinine levels; and compared with 16 healthy controls. The correlation of initial levels and trends of VEGF and MMPs with 1-year progression-free survival was assessed using two-sample tests and stepwise logistic regression. Results Urinary VEGF levels at presentation were different between patients with local-regional cancer and normal controls, and between patients with metastatic prostate cancer and local-regional disease (P = .04 and .01, respectively). Similar results were found with MMP measurement (P = .03 and .0001, respectively). Of those patients subsequently treated with radiation, VEGF levels at presentation between patients with no evidence of disease (NED) after radiation and those who had persistent or recurrent disease after radiotherapy were also different (P = .039). The comparison between angiogenic factor levels taken at least 1 month postradiotherapy and the last level taken during treatment was the strongest predictor of patient 1-year progression-free survival (P = .004). Similarly, the overall MMP trend was also significantly associated with 1-year progression-free survival, as was the individual MMP-2 trend (P = .004 and .001, respectively). Stepwise logistic regression revealed that the VEGF trend comparing postradiation levels with last level taken during treatment was an independent predictor of progression-free survival (P = .02). Conclusion This small exploratory study suggests that the angiogenic urinary trends of VEGF and MMPs may be useful predictive markers for progression-free survival in cancer patients after the completion of radiotherapy.
Eligibility and Outcomes Reporting Guidelines for Clinical Trials for Patients in the State of a Rising Prostate-Specific Antigen: Recommendations From the Prostate-Specific Antigen Working Group
Authors: Scher Howard I. , Eisenberger Mario , D'Amico Anthony V. , Halabi Susan , Small Eric J. , Morris Michael , Kattan Michael W. , Roach Mack , Kantoff Philip , Pienta Kenneth J. , Carducci Michael A. , Agus David , Slovin Susan F. , Heller Glenn , Kelly William Kevin , Lange Paul H. , Petrylak Daniel , Berg William , Higano Celestra , Wilding George , Moul Judd W. , Partin Alan N. , Logothetis Christopher , Soule Howard R. 
Published: January 2004

Purpose To define methodology to show clinical benefit for patients in the state of a rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Results Hypothesis. A clinical states framework was used to address the hypothesis that definitive phase III trials could not be conducted in this patient population. Patient Population. The Group focused on men with systemic (nonlocalized) recurrence and a defined risk of developing clinically detectable metastases. Models to define systemic versus local recurrence, and risk of metastatic progression were discussed. Intervention. Therapies that have shown favorable effects in more advanced clinical states; meaningful biologic surrogates of activity linked with efficacy in other tumor types; and/or effects on a target or pathway known to contribute to prostate cancer progression in this state can be considered for evaluation. Outcomes. An intervention-specific posttherapy PSA-based outcome definition that would justify further testing should be described at the outset. Reporting. Trial reports should include a table showing the number of patients who achieve a specific PSA-based outcome, the number who remain enrolled onto the trial, and the number who came off study at different time points. The term PSA response should be abandoned. Trial Design. The phases of drug development for this state are optimizing dose and schedule, demonstration of a treatment effect, and clinical benefit. To move a drug forward should require a high bar that includes no rise in PSA in a defined proportion of patients for a specified period of time at a minimum. Agents that do not produce this effect can only be tested in combination. The preferred end point of clinical benefit is prostate cancer–specific survival; the time to development of metastatic disease is an alternative. Conclusion Methodology to show that an intervention alters the natural history of prostate cancer is described. At each stage of development, only agents with sufficient activity should be moved forward.
Low-Dose Thalidomide Ameliorates Cytopenias and Splenomegaly in Myelofibrosis With Myeloid Metaplasia: A Phase II Trial
Authors: Marchetti Monia , Barosi Giovanni , Balestri Francesca , Viarengo Gianluca , Gentili Sara , Barulli Sara , Demory Jean-Loup , Ilariucci Fiorella , Volpe Antonio , Bordessoule Dominique , Grossi Alberto , Le Bousse-Kerdiles Marie Caroline , Caenazzo Andrea , Pecci Alessandro , Falcone Antonietta , Broccia Giorgio , Bendotti Cesarina , Bauduer Fredric , Buccisano Francesco , Dupriez Brigitte 
Published: January 2004

Purpose A phase II dose-escalation trial was conducted to ascertain low-dose thalidomide safety and response in patients with advanced myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia (MMM). Patients and Methods Thalidomide was administered together with current therapy to 63 patients, starting at 50 mg daily and increasing to 400 mg as tolerated. Results Half of the patients sustained daily doses more than 100 mg and the drop-out rate was 51% at 6 months: the drop-out rate was lower in patients with high baseline fatigue score. At efficacy analysis, anemia was ameliorated in 22% of the patients and transfusions were eliminated in 39% of transfusion-dependent patients. Platelet count increased by 50 × 109/L or more in 22% of patients with an initial count lower than 100 × 109/L. Splenomegaly decreased by more than 50% of the initial size in 19% of patients. Reduction of an overall disease severity score occurred in 31% of patients and was associated with a significant reduction of fatigue. Disease severity amelioration was independently predicted by a high baseline myeloproliferative index (ie, large splenomegaly, thrombocytosis, or leukocytosis). Conclusion Low-dose thalidomide displays an acceptable toxicity profile and provides an objective and subjective advantage to a relevant portion of MMM patients.
Strategies for Developing Biomarkers of Heart Failure
Authors: Jortani Saeed A , Prabhu Sumanth D , Valdes Roland 
Published: February 2004

AbstractBackground: Heart failure (HF) is a devastating disease with increasing prevalence in elderly populations. One-half of all patients die within 5 years of diagnosis. The annual cost of treating patients with HF in the US is more than $20 billion, which is estimated to be greater than that of myocardial infarction and all cancers combined. Given the complex pathophysiology and varied manifestations of HF, interest has intensified in developing biological markers to predict susceptibility and aid in the early diagnosis and management of this disease.Methods: We searched Medline via Ovid for studies published during the period 1966–2003 regarding various biomarkers suggested for HF. Our review focused on developing strategies for discovering and using new biomarkers, particularly those potentially linked to pathophysiologic mechanisms. We also point out strategic advantages, limitations, and methods available for measuring each of the currently proposed markers.Results: Biomarkers reviewed include those released from the heart during normal homeostasis (natriuretic peptides), those produced elsewhere that act on the heart (endogenous cardiotonic steroids and other hormones), and those released in response to tissue damage (inflammatory cytokines). The concept of using a combination of multiple markers based on diagnosis, prognosis, and acute vs chronic disease is also discussed. In view of recent advances in our understanding of molecular biochemical derangements observed during cardiac failure, we consider the concept of myocardial remodeling and the heart as part of an endocrine system as strategies.Conclusion: Strategically, biomarkers linked to mechanisms involved in the etiology of HF, such as dysregulation of ion transport, seem best suited for serving as early biological markers to predict and diagnose disease, select therapy, or assess progression.
Sustainable development strategies in France: institutional settings, policy style and political discourse
Authors: Szarka Joseph 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThe sustainable development (SD) strategies of two successive French governments, led by Prime Ministers Jospin (1997–2002) and Raffarin (from 2002), are compared and analysed in relation to three debates: (i) the influence of institutional settings and levels of continuity between international, European and national policy frameworks; (ii) compatibility between SD policy frames, national policy style and institutional capacity and (iii) relationships between traditional political discourses and SD discourse. Difficulties in achieving a good ‘fit’ are identified in each of these areas, explanations are offered and implications for future developments outlined. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
The bright and dark sides of individual and group innovation: a Special Issue introduction
Authors: Janssen Onne , van de Vliert Evert , West Michael 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThis introduction essay proposes a challenging program for researchers eager to explore factors and process mechanisms contributing to the benefits and costs individuals and groups incur from pursuing innovative approaches. With respect to individual innovation, such moderating factors might be found in the characteristics of the innovative idea, the innovator, co‐workers, supervisors, the broader organizational context, and in national culture. Examples of factors that are likely to shape the beneficial and detrimental outcomes of group innovation include knowledge, skills and ability of group members, group tenure, diversity among group members, group processes (clarifying group objectives, participation, constructive management of competing perspectives), and external demands on groups. This Special Issue contains a state‐of‐the‐science paper, three articles dealing with the benefits and costs of individual innovation, and three articles addressing the bright and dark sides of group innovation. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
North Atlantic teleconnection patterns of low‐frequency variability and their links with springtime precipitation in the western Mediterranean
Authors: Martín M. L. , Luna M. Y. , Morata A. , Valero F. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThe relationship between springtime (March–May) precipitation in the western Mediterranean area and several North Atlantic teleconnection patterns of low‐frequency variability is analysed for the period 1948–89. Singular value decomposition analysis (SVDA) of the springtime monthly mean fields for the three paired combinations of 300 hPa geopotential height–precipitation, 300 hPa zonal wind–precipitation and 300 hPa meridional wind–precipitation has shown that their covariability is dominated by two main large‐scale atmospheric circulation patterns. In every SVD combination, the first mode relates precipitation anomalies to the east Atlantic jet pattern. Above‐normal rainfall anomalies are linked with a blocking pattern affecting Iberian weather. The second covariability mode for the three SVD As takes into account the response of the precipitation to the North Atlantic oscillation (NAO) pattern. An enhanced spring NAO pattern is related to positive (negative) precipitation anomalies over the southern (northern) western Mediterranean. Through these two modes, the North Atlantic large‐scale atmospheric dynamics explains about 50% of the total spring precipitation variability in the western Mediterranean area. A Monte Carlo approach has allowed setting the statistical significance of the modes obtained and to assess the effectiveness of the western Mediterranean precipitation response to the teleconnection patterns. Copyright © 2004 Royal Meteorological Society
Farewell
Authors: Hinze William J. 
Published: February 2004

I am pleased to welcome Paul M. Davis, Professor of Geophysics at the University of California, Los Angeles, as the new Senior Editor of the Journal of Geophysical Research‐Solid Earth for a 4‐year term commencing January 1,1997. Dr. Davis is a world renowned seismologist who brings a broad geophysical background to his new duties. I am especially pleased because I am convinced that he is dedicated to improving the quality and readability of our journal and in maximizing its service to the geophysical research community.My 5 years at the helm of JGR‐Solid Earth have been much more enjoyable and rewarding than I anticipated. The task has been eased by an extremely competent, dedicated, and forgiving office staff, Deborah Gray, Melanie King, and Lois Gast; by an encouraging group of colleagues and the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at Purdue University; by cooperative co workers in the AGU office; and by a superb cadre of referees and Associate Editors. The Associate Editors have done an outstanding job of maintaining the quality of our journal. The tasks they perform are time‐consuming and thus have taken valuable professional time that could have been spent on more professionally visible activities. I thank all those who served, but I especially want to recognize the following geophysicists who have acted as Associate Editors in 1996. I thank them for the time devoted to the journal and for the uniformly high quality of editing.
Efficacy of mefloquine and mefloquine–artesunate for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in the Amazon region of Bolivia
Authors: Avila Juan Carlos , Villaroel Rodolfo , Marquiño Wilmer , Zegarra Jorge , Mollinedo René , Ruebush Trenton K. 
Published: February 2004

SummaryWe assessed the efficacy of mefloquine monotherapy and mefloquine–artesunate (MQ–AS) combination therapy for the treatment of Plasmodium falciparum malaria at four sites in the Bolivian Amazon region. Patients with uncomplicated P. falciparum infections between 5 and 60 years of age were randomly assigned to be treated with either MQ (15 mg/kg in a single oral dose) or MQ (15 mg/kg) plus AS (4 mg/kg daily for 3 days). A total of 143 patients were enrolled and followed for 28 days. None of the 73 patients who received MQ alone or the 70 patients who received MQ–AS combination therapy had recurrences of parasitaemia during the 28‐day follow‐up period. Asexual parasite densities fell significantly more rapidly and the proportion of patients with gametocytes was significantly lower on days 7–28 in patients treated with MQ–AS than in those treated with MQ alone. All patients tolerated the medications well. After this study, the Bolivian Ministry of Public Health changed its treatment policy for uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in the Amazon region to combination therapy with MQ–AS to slow or prevent the development of resistance.
Association between the occurrence of the anticardiolipin IgM and mite allergen‐specific IgE antibodies in children with extrinsic type of atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome
Authors: Szakos E. , Lakos G. , Aleksza M. , Gyimesi E. , Páll G. , Fodor B. , Hunyadi J. , Sólyom E. , Sipka S. 
Published: February 2004

Background:  As the literature has only controversial data on the role of nonallergen‐specific antibodies in atopic eczema dermatitis syndrome, the authors investigated the link between the occurrence of the antiphospholipid [anticardiolipin (ACL), anti‐β2‐glycoprotein I] and allergen‐specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in 72 children with atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome (AEDS).Methods:  The measurement of antiphospholipid antibodies was carried out by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), serum total IgE by nephelometry, and allergen‐specific IgE by immunoblotting assay. The statistical analysis was carried out by Fisher's exact test and odds ratio was calculated.Results:  Thirteen of 72 children with AEDS (mean age 8.3 years) had elevated serum levels of ACL, and eight anti‐β2‐glycoprotein I antibodies. The presence of allergen‐specific IgE against inhalant allergens and nutritive allergens was among eight of 13 and three of eight in the cases with elevated ACL. The ratio of patients with highly increased severity scoring of atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) index (>75) was significantly higher in the group with elevated (4/13) than in those with the normal ACL levels (2/59). There was a significant association between the appearance of mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, D. farinae)‐specific IgE and ACL IgM antibodies (6/13).Conclusion:  These findings show that there are significant linkage and association between the appearance of ACL IgM or the production of allergen‐specific IgE against inhalant (mainly mite) allergens in children with atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome.
Expression of Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling molecules in ameloblastomas
Authors: Kumamoto Hiroyuki , Ohki Kousuke , Ooya Kiyoshi 
Published: February 2004

Background:  To clarify the roles of Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signal transduction in oncogenesis and cytodifferentiation of odontogenic tumors, expression of SHH, Patched (PTC), Smoothened (SMO), and GLI1 was analyzed in ameloblastomas as well as in tooth germs.Methods:  Tissue specimens of 9 tooth germs, 36 benign ameloblastomas, and 1 malignant ameloblastoma were examined by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and immunohistochemistry for the expression of SHH, PTC, SMO, and GLI1.Results:  Expression of SHH, PTC, SMO, and GLI1 mRNA was detected in all tooth germ and ameloblastoma samples. Immunohistochemical reactivity for SHH, PTC, SMO, and GLI1 was detected in both normal and neoplastic odontogenic tissues. Expression of SHH, PTC, and GLI1 was more evident in epithelial cells than in mesenchymal cells, whereas SMO reactivity was marked in both epithelial and mesenchymal components in tooth germs and ameloblastomas. In ameloblastomas, these SHH signaling molecules were expressed more intensely in peripheral columnar or cuboidal cells than in central polyhedral cells; keratinizing cells and granular cells showed no or little reactivity.Conclusion:  Expression of SHH, PTC, SMO, and GLI1 in tooth germs and ameloblastomas suggests that these SHH signaling molecules might play a role in epithelial–mesenchymal interactions and cell proliferation in tooth development as well as in growth of these epithelial odontogenic tumors.
Internet project‐based learning environment: the effects of thinking styles on learning transfer
Authors: Lee C.‐I. , Tsai F.‐Y. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThe purpose of this study, in an environment of Internet project‐based learning, is to undertake research on the effects of thinking styles on learning transfer. In this study, we establish an environment that incorporates project‐based learning and Internet. Within this environment, we divide our sample of elementary school students into four groups: Executive Group, Legislative Group, Judicial Group, and Mixed Group. Taking the learning of ‘Natural Science’ as an example, we investigate the effects of different thinking styles on learning transfer. The results of this study are:

significant differences between the near transfer of the Executive Group and the Legislative Group,
no significant differences in far transfer are found among groups of different thinking styles,
the near transfer of the Mixed Group is superior to that of the Legislative Group and the Judicial Group, and
the far transfer of the Mixed Group is superior to that of the Legislative Group.
Risk of hip fracture in protected and unprotected falls in nursing homes in Norway
Authors: Forsén L , Søgaard A J , Sandvig S , Schuller A , Røed U , Arstad C 
Published: February 2004

Objectives:To compare the probability of hip fracture in protected and unprotected falls in a real world setting in nursing homes.Design:Observational study.Setting:Seventeen nursing homes (965 beds) in Norway.Subjects:All residents in the nursing homes with at least one fall during the intervention period.Intervention:Hip protectors were introduced as a regular part of the health care service for all the residents for an intervention period of 18 months. Residents who were considered high risk were especially encouraged to be regular users of hip protectors.Main outcome measures:Hip fracture in protected and unprotected falls.Results:At the time of the first fall within each faller, 430 were non-users of hip protectors, while 84 were registered as users, but did not wear it, and 191 were users and did wear it. The odds ratio of suffering a hip fracture was 0.31, 95% confidence interval 0.13 to 0.75 for wearers compared with non-wearers in the first fall, adjusted for age, gender, and whether they were registered as users or not.Conclusion:The odds of suffering a hip fracture for nursing home high risk residents was reduced to less than a third in protected falls compared with unprotected falls. Or, in other words, the odds of hip fracture showed a 69% reduction in protected falls compared with unprotected falls.
Diabetes in a high secure hospital
Authors: MacFarlane I A , Gill G V , Finnegan D , Pinkney J 
Published: February 2004

Abstract

Aims
To determine the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and its possible causes and to assess its control in a high secure hospital.

Methods
A cross sectional survey and a prospective cohort study were conducted. The cross sectional survey included 408 patients admitted under the Mental Health Act, and the prospective study included 22 patients with known diabetes followed up for 24 months. The outcome measures evaluated were drug treatment, status of microvascular and macrovascular complications, glycated haemoglobin, and body mass index.

Results
In the cross sectional survey, 35 out of 408 patients (8.6%; 95% confidence interval 5.9% to 11.3%) had known diabetes, and all of these had type 2 diabetes. Obesity, cigarette smoking, schizophrenia, and antipsychotic drug use were frequent, and weight gain was common after hospital admission. Glycaemic control was variable, and, although a majority of patients were above recommended treatment targets, control remained stable over the follow up period.

Conclusions
Type 2 diabetes was common in this hospital. Both its prevalence and the suboptimal glycaemic control in some patients probably relate to sedentary life, dietary factors, smoking, and perhaps widespread use of antipsychotic drugs. However, regular multidisciplinary input enabled most patients to maintain relatively stable glycaemic control, with good control of blood pressure and lipids, at levels similar to those seen in community and hospital diabetic clinics. Further modification of lifestyle risk factors is probably needed to reduce the prevalence and impact of diabetes in this patient group.