bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Feasibility and efficacy of chemoradiotherapy for elderly patients with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma: results from a matched cohort analysis
Authors: Liu Huai , Chen Qiu-Yan , Guo Ling , Tang Lin-Quan , Mo Hao-Yuan , Zhong Zong-Liang , Huang Pei-Yu , Luo Dong-Hua , Sun Rui , Guo Xiang , Cao Ka-Jia , Hong Ming-Huang , Mai Hai-Qiang 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
To clarify the feasibility and efficacy of chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in elderly (age≥65 years) patients with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Methods
From January 2000 to December 2006, 101 newly diagnosed elderly non-metastatic NPC patients (age≥65 years) who received cisplatin 3-weekly or weekly concurrent CRT with/without sequential chemotherapy were recruited. Each patient from the CRT group was matched to another patient treated with radiotherapy (RT) alone based on age, gender, pathological type, performance status, overall stage, stage method, Adult Comorbidity Evaluation-27 (ACE-27) score and RT technique, from the same institute and time period. We also recruited 101 young patients (age<65 years) as the referent group, which had been matched to the CRT group based on patient characteristics and treatment parameters. Treatment tolerability and toxicity were clarified, and treatment outcomes were calculated and compared among groups.

Results
CRT was feasible in elderly NPC patients, while a concurrent regimen of weekly cisplatin was more tolerable. Grade≥3 acute toxicity in CRT group was similar with referent group, although it was significantly higher than the RT alone group (65.3% vs. 43.6%, P=0.002). Furthermore, patients with ACE-27 score≥2 in the CRT group had significantly higher severe acute toxicity and dose reduction. Survival was poorer in elderly patients than the referent group. Compared to RT alone, CRT significantly improved the 5-year overall survival (OS: 54.6% vs. 39.3%, P=0.009), cancer-specific survival (CSS: 56.6% vs. 42.7%, P=0.022), disease-free survival (DFS: 51.6% vs. 30.2%, P=0.028) and locoregional relapse-free survival (LRRFS: 78.4% vs. 52.2%, P=0.003), but not distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS: 69.6% vs. 63.6%, P=0.669). However, CRT did not significantly improve 5-year OS (43.6% vs. 27.3%, P=0.893) or CSS (43.6% vs. 34.1%, P=0.971) in elderly NPC patients with ACE-27 score≥2.

Conclusions
CRT is feasible and effective in elderly patients with locoregionally advanced NPC without severe comorbidities. CRT should be used under serious consideration and be further tested in elderly patients with severe comorbidities. As such, it is essential to perform a comprehensive evaluation of pretreatment comorbidity status for all elderly NPC patients.
Assessment of foot and ankle muscle strength using hand held dynamometry in patients with established rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Carroll Matthew , Joyce William , Brenton‐Rule Angela , Dalbeth Nicola , Rome Keith 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe foot and ankle are frequently affected in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). One of the negative consequences of RA on the physical function of patients is a decrease in muscle strength. However, little is known about foot and muscle strength in this population. The aim of the study was to evaluate significant differences in foot and ankle muscle strength between patients with established RA against age and sex‐matched controls using hand‐held dynamometry.MethodsThe maximal muscle strength of ankle plantarflexion, dorsiflexion, eversion and inversion was assessed in 14 patients with RA, mean (SD) disease duration of 22 (14.1) years, and 20 age and sex‐matched control participants using hand‐held dynamometry.ResultsSignificant differences were observed in muscle strength between the two groups in plantarflexion (p = 0.00), eversion (p = 0.04) and inversion (p = 0.01). No significant difference was found in dorsiflexion (p > 0.05). The patients with RA displayed a significantly lower plantarflexion‐dorsiflexion ratio than the control participants (p = 0.03).ConclusionsThe results from this study showed that the RA patients displayed a significant decrease in ankle dorsiflexion, eversion and inversion when compared to the non‐RA control group suggesting that foot and ankle muscle strength may be affected by the pathological processes in RA. This study is a preliminary step for the measurement of muscle impairments within the RA population.
MicroRNAs overexpressed in ovarian ALDH1-positive cells are associated with chemoresistance
Authors: Park Young Tae , Jeong Ju-yeon , Lee Mi-jung , Kim Kwang-il , Kim Tae-Heon , Kwon Young-do , Lee Chan , Kim Ok Jun , An Hee-Jung 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Ovarian carcinoma is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide among gynecological malignancies, and the majority of cases are related with recurrence and chemoresistance. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are believed to be one of the causes of recurrent or chemoresistant ovarian cancer, and microRNAs are regulatory molecules newly implicated to control a variety of cellular processes, including CSCs. Therefore, we identified ovarian CSC-specific microRNAs and investigated their clinicopathological implication in ovarian carcinomas.

Methods
We isolated ALDH1 (+) cell population using the Aldefluor assay, and examined the differential expression pattern of miRNAs between ALDH1 (+) and ALDH1 (−) cells using a high-throughput microRNA microarray. We further investigated the expression patterns of differentially expressed miRNAs in human ovarian cancer samples using the real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and analyzed their clinical impact in patients with ovarian cancer.

Results
We found that high ALDH1 expression was associated with chemoresistance in in vitro and ex vivo samples (p = 0.024). We identified six miRNAs, including miR-23b, miR-27a, miR-27b, miR-346, miR-424, and miR-503, overexpressed in ALDH1 (+) cells, and they were significantly upregulated in chemoresistant ovarian cancer cells (1.4 ~ 3.5-fold) and tumor samples (2.8 ~ 5.5-fold) compared with chemosensitive group. Upregulation of ALDH1 (p = 0.019) and miR-503 (p = 0.033) correlated with high clinical stage, and upregulation of miR-27a was related with distant metastasis (p = 0.046) in patients with ovarian cancer.

Conclusion
Our findings indicate that ALDH1 is a useful marker for enriching ovarian CSCs, and high expression of ALDH1 and its related miRNAs, particularly miR-23b, miR-27b, miR-424, and miR-503, are significantly implicated in chemoresistance and tumor progression in ovarian cancer.
CD8 down-regulation and functional impairment of SIV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes in lymphoid and mucosal tissues during SIV infection
Authors: Xu Huanbin , Wang Xiaolei , Lackner Andrew A , Veazey Ronald S 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Biphasic and progressive downregulation of CD8 occurs on virus-specific T cells in SIV infection, which correlates with decreased cell function.
Functional impairment of virus-specific T cells is a hallmark of HIV/SIV infection, but the underlying mechanisms of this dysfunction are not well understood. To address this, we simultaneously analyzed the expression and intensity of CD8 and inhibitory PD-1 on CTL in blood and lymphoid tissues in SIV-infected rhesus macaques. The intensity (mean channel fluorescence) of CD8 expression was transiently down-regulated in early SIV infection (10–14 dpi), despite an increase in CD8+ T cell proliferation. In chronic infection, CD8 expression was maintained at low levels on CD8+ T cells in all tissues. Interestingly, Gag-specific CTLs were clearly divided into CD8high- and CD8low-expressing populations in SIV-infected macaques, and CD8low Gag-specific cells increased with disease progression, especially in lymphoid tissues when compared with peripheral blood or in Gag-vaccinated controls. Moreover, the CD8low CTL population secreted lower levels of cytokines upon SIV antigen stimulation and exhibited lower proliferative capacity during infection compared with the CD8high CTL population. Meanwhile, intensity of PD-1 expression on Gag-specific CTL in chronic infection was significantly higher than in acute SIV infection, although the frequencies of PD-1+ Gag-specific cells were similar in acute and chronic stages. In summary, down-regulation of CD8 expression and higher expression of PD-1 on SIV-specific CTLs could coordinately attenuate SIV-specific CTL responses and their ability to recognize virus-infected target cells, especially in lymphoid tissues, resulting in failure to contain viremia, and continued persistence and replication of HIV in lymphoid tissue reservoirs.
Group-based cognitive–behavioural anger management for people with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities: cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Willner Paul , Rose John , Jahoda Andrew , Kroese Biza Stenfert , Felce David , Cohen David , MacMahon Pamela , Stimpson Aimee , Rose Nicola , Gillespie David , Shead Jennifer , Lammie Claire , Woodgate Christopher , Townson Julia , Nuttall Jacqueline , Hood Kerenza 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundMany people with intellectual disabilities find it hard to control their anger and this often leads to aggression which can have serious consequences, such as exclusion from mainstream services and the need for potentially more expensive emergency placements.AimsTo evaluate the effectiveness of a cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) intervention for anger management in people with intellectual disabilities.MethodA cluster-randomised trial of group-based 12-week CBT, which took place in day services for people with intellectual disabilities and was delivered by care staff using a treatment manual. Participants were 179 service users identified as having problems with anger control randomly assigned to either anger management or treatment as usual. Assessments were conducted before the intervention, and at 16 weeks and 10 months after randomisation (trial registration: ISRCTN37509773).ResultsThe intervention had only a small, and non-significant, effect on participants' reports of anger on the Provocation Index, the primary outcome measure (mean difference 2.8, 95% Cl −1.7 to 7.4 at 10 months). However, keyworker Provocation Index ratings were significantly lower in both follow-up assessments, as were service-user ratings on another self-report anger measure based on personally salient triggers. Both service users and their keyworkers reported greater usage of anger coping skills at both follow-up assessments and keyworkers and home carers reported lower levels of challenging behaviour.ConclusionsThe intervention was effective in improving anger control by people with intellectual disabilities. It provides evidence of the effectiveness of a CBT intervention for this client group and demonstrates that the staff who work with them can be trained and supervised to deliver such an intervention with reasonable fidelity.
An Essential Role for Insulin and IGF1 Receptors in Regulating Sertoli Cell Proliferation, Testis Size, and FSH Action in Mice
Authors: Pitetti Jean-Luc , Calvel Pierre , Zimmermann Céline , Conne Béatrice , Papaioannou Marilena D. , Aubry Florence , Cederroth Christopher R. , Urner Françoise , Fumel Betty , Crausaz Michel , Docquier Mylène , Herrera Pedro Luis , Pralong François , Germond Marc , Guillou Florian , Jégou Bernard , Nef Serge 
Published: March 2013

AbstractTestis size and sperm production are directly correlated to the total number of adult Sertoli cells (SCs). Although the establishment of an adequate number of SCs is crucial for future male fertility, the identification and characterization of the factors regulating SC survival, proliferation, and maturation remain incomplete. To investigate whether the IGF system is required for germ cell (GC) and SC development and function, we inactivated the insulin receptor (Insr), the IGF1 receptor (Igf1r), or both receptors specifically in the GC lineage or in SCs. Whereas ablation of insulin/IGF signaling appears dispensable for GCs and spermatogenesis, adult testes of mice lacking both Insr and Igf1r in SCs (SC-Insr;Igf1r) displayed a 75% reduction in testis size and daily sperm production as a result of a reduced proliferation rate of immature SCs during the late fetal and early neonatal testicular period. In addition, in vivo analyses revealed that FSH requires the insulin/IGF signaling pathway to mediate its proliferative effects on immature SCs. Collectively, these results emphasize the essential role played by growth factors of the insulin family in regulating the final number of SCs, testis size, and daily sperm output. They also indicate that the insulin/IGF signaling pathway is required for FSH-mediated SC proliferation.
A Truncated Progesterone Receptor (PR-M) Localizes to the Mitochondrion and Controls Cellular Respiration
Authors: Dai Qunsheng , Shah Anish A. , Garde Rachana V. , Yonish Bryan A. , Zhang Li , Medvitz Neil A. , Miller Sara E. , Hansen Elizabeth L. , Dunn Carrie N. , Price Thomas M. 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
The cDNA for a novel truncated progesterone receptor (PR-M) was previously cloned from human adipose and aortic cDNA libraries. The predicted protein sequence contains 16 unique N-terminal amino acids, encoded by a sequence in the distal third intron of the progesterone receptor PR gene, followed by the same amino acid sequence encoded by exons 4 through 8 of the nuclear PR. Thus, PR-M lacks the N terminus A/B domains and the C domain for DNA binding, whereas containing the hinge and hormone-binding domains. In this report, we have localized PR-M to mitochondria using immunofluorescent localization of a PR-M-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion protein and in Western blot analyses of purified human heart mitochondrial protein. Removal of the putative N-terminal mitochondrial localization signal obviated association of PR-M with mitochondria, whereas addition of the mitochondrial localization signal to green fluorescent protein resulted in mitochondrial localization. Immunoelectron microscopy and Western blot analysis after mitochondrial fractionation identified PR-M in the outer mitochondrial membrane. Antibody specificity was shown by mass spectrometry identification of a PR peptide in a mitochondrial membrane protein isolation. Cell models of overexpression and gene silencing of PR-M demonstrated a progestin-induced increase in mitochondrial membrane potential and an increase in oxygen consumption consistent with an increase in cellular respiration. This is the first example of a truncated steroid receptor, lacking a DNA-binding domain that localizes to the mitochondrion and initiates direct non-nuclear progesterone action. We hypothesize that progesterone may directly affect cellular energy production to meet the increased metabolic demands of pregnancy.
Novel Formation of Oxazepino[4,5-a]quinolines by Tandem 1,3-Dipolar and Insertion Reaction of Quinoline N-Oxides with Arynes
Authors: Okuma Kentaro , Hirano Koki , Shioga Chisato , Nagahora Noriyoshi , Shioji Kosei 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
By combination of 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition and N–O single bond insertion, tandem synthesis of dibenzo[1,4]oxazepino[4,5-a]quinolines was accomplished. Reaction of quinoline N-oxides with arynes afforded 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)quinolines and 7-membered pentacyclic oxazepino[4,5-a]quinolines.
Alkylhydrazide Derivatives as New Organogelators and Their Potential Ability to Gel Electrolytes
Authors: Ohsedo Yutaka , Miyamoto Misao , Watanabe Hisayuki , Oono Masashi , Tanaka Akihiro 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
We found that alkylhydrazides, which are commercially available reagents, formed organogels in various organic solvents having dielectric constants ranging from 2 to 66. We also found that gel electrolytes consisting of alkylhydrazide, PC, and LiClO4 showed good ionic conductivities, which were comparable to those of the corresponding liquid electrolytes.
C–F Bond Breaking through Aromatic Nucleophilic Substitution with a Hydroxo Ligand Mediated via Water Bifunctional Activation
Authors: Dub Pavel A , Wang Hui , Matsunami Asuka , Gridnev Ilya D , Kuwata Shigeki , Ikariya Takao 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Transformation of C–F to C–O bond mediated by bifunctional ruthenium and iridium complexes is described. This reaction proceeds through water O–H bond cleavage via metal–ligand cooperation in the newly developed 16e bifunctional ruthenium and iridium complexes bearing chiral (S,S)-C6F5SO2-dpen ligand. The 16e Ru amido complex, [Ru{(S,S)-Pfbsdpen}(η6-hmb)] (1a), readily reacted with water at room temperature producing oxometallacyclic compound, (R)-[Ru{κ3(N,N′,O)-(S,S)-OC6F4SO2dpen}(η6-hmb)] (3aR), as a result of bifunctional water activation followed by ortho-oxometallation via SNAr. Complex 3aR can be prepared either from 1a or, more conveniently from its 18e chlorido precursor, complex (R)-[RuCl{(S,S)-Pfbsdpen}(η6-hmb)]. On the contrary, the 16e Ir amido complex, [Cp*Ir{(S,S)-Pfbsdpen}] (2), is kinetically stable toward water at room temperature. Oxometallacyclic compound (R)-[Cp*Ir{κ3(N,N′,O)-(S,S)-OC6F4SO2dpen}] (4R) was prepared in high yield by the reaction of [Cp*IrCl2]2 with 2 equiv of (S,S)-Pfbsdpen in the presence of KOH under reflux in THF. In either case 3R or 4R is obtained as a single diastereomer, the structure of which has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies in solid state and NMR-analysis in solution. Reaction mechanism was studied by NMR spectroscopy combined with continuum solvent reaction-field density functional theory (DFT) analysis. Experimental studies showed that diastereoselective oxocyclometallation 1a → 3aR proceeds at temperatures &gt;0 °C in a stepwise manner through the detectable intermediate, hydroxo complex (R)-[Ru(OH){(S,S)-Pfbsdpen}(η6-hmb)] (6aR), which exists in equilibrium with less-populated diastereomer (S)-[Ru(OH){(S,S)-Pfbsdpen}(η6-hmb)] (6aS) in 10:1 ratio at −80 °C in CD2Cl2. Computational analysis essentially explains the diastereoselectivity in this reaction via a significant difference in the stabilities of the corresponding transition states: although diastereomers 6aR and 6aS are in equilibrium via complex 1a, only 6aR is transformed into 3aR via rate-determining Meisenheimer-type transition state.
Cutaneous B-Cell Lymphoproliferative Disorders
Authors: Swerdlow Steven H. , Quintanilla-Martinez Leticia , Willemze Rein , Kinney Marsha C. 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
The diagnosis and classification of the cutaneous B-cell lymphomas can be quite a challenge, with a definitive diagnosis sometimes being elusive, even when an extensive workup has been performed. Distinction of benign from neoplastic disorders can be difficult, with some hyperplasias mimicking lymphomas and vice versa. There are only a limited number of skin-specific B-cell lymphomas, including primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma and primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, leg type. Cutaneous marginal zone lymphomas have distinctive features but are classified with the other mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphomas. It is important, however, to also remember that many other B-cell lymphomas/ plasma cell neoplasms can primarily, or more often secondarily, involve the skin. Some may mimic one of the skin-specific lymphomas but have very different clinical implications. Iatrogenic and senescent immunodeficiency-associated lymphoproliferative disorders that are often Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) positive can also primarily involve the skin, including cases also known as EBV-positive mucocutaneous ulcer.
Applicability of the Accelerated Mortar Bar Test for Alkali-Silica Reactivity of Recycled Concrete Aggregates
Authors: Adams Matthew P. , Jones Angela , Beauchemin Sean , Johnson Robert , Fournier Benoit , Shehata Medhat , Tanner Jennifer E. , Ideker Jason H. 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Using recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) as a replacement for natural aggregate in new concrete is a promising way to increase the overall sustainability of new concrete. This has been hindered, however, by a general perception that RCA is a sub-standard material because of the lack of technical guidance, specifically related to long-term durability, on incorporating RCA into new concrete. The goal of this research was to determine whether current testing methods (namely, ASTM C1260) for assessing natural aggregate susceptibility to alkali-silica reactivity could be used to assess the potential reactivity of concrete incorporating RCA. Seven different RCA sources were investigated. It was determined that ASTM C1260 was effective in detecting reactivity, but expansion varied based on RCA processing. Depending on the aggregate type and the extent of processing, up to a 100 % increase in expansion was observed. Replicate testing was performed at four university laboratories to evaluate the repeatability and consistency of results. The authors recommend modifications to the mixing and aggregate preparation procedures when testing the reactivity of RCA using ASTM C1260.
Promoting the Well-Being of Children Whose Parents Are Gay or Lesbian
Authors: Perrin Ellen C. , Siegel Benjamin S. ,   the COMMITTEE ON PSYCHOSOCIAL ASPECTS OF CHILD AND FAMILY HEALTH, Pawelski James G. , Siegel Benjamin S. , Dobbins Mary I. , Lavin Arthur , Mattson Gerri , Pascoe John , Yogman Michael 
Published: March 2013

This Technical Report was reaffirmed September 2022.
Extensive data available from more than 30 years of research reveal that children raised by gay and lesbian parents have demonstrated resilience with regard to social, psychological, and sexual health despite economic and legal disparities and social stigma. Many studies have demonstrated that children's well-being is affected much more by their relationships with their parents, their parents' sense of competence and security, and the presence of social and economic support for the family than by the gender or the sexual orientation of their parents. Lack of opportunity for same-gender couples to marry adds to families’ stress, which affects the health and welfare of all household members. Because marriage strengthens families and, in so doing, benefits children’s development, children should not be deprived of the opportunity for their parents to be married. Paths to parenthood that include assisted reproductive techniques, adoption, and foster parenting should focus on competency of the parents rather than their sexual orientation.
Automation in Drilling: Future Evolution and Lessons From Aviation
Authors: Thorogood J.L.. L. 
Published: March 2013

Summary
Automation of the drilling process has been gathering pace over the last 10 years, with progress made on many fronts: from choke control in managed-pressure-drilling (MPD) operations through a new generation of autodrillers to intelligent systems that prevent the driller from exceeding parameters that might cause downhole problems.
Given the current state of automation in drilling, it is clear that in the case of MPD, automation has resulted in closer and more stable control of a process than can be achieved by a manual system. Autodrillers combined with downhole rotary-steerable systems have resulted in improved progress rates compared with manual systems. By contrast, modern rigs with highly mechanized pipe-handling systems are still controlled manually with a crewing arrangement that has changed little, although the technology has evolved dramatically. These developments pose a number of questions: In what direction is automation likely to evolve in the future, and why? Can the drilling community avoid the mistakes of other industries, and how?
This paper reviews developments of automation in aviation and describes some of the problems that have arisen. It then outlines the analogous efforts in drilling and identifies lessons that could be learned. This paper presents a rationale on which further automation initiatives might be based and some of the related changes that might be necessary as a result.