bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Obesity and survival in operable breast cancer patients treated with adjuvant anthracyclines and taxanes according to pathological subtypes: a pooled analysis
Authors: Pajares Bella , Pollán Marina , Martín Miguel , Mackey John R , Lluch Ana , Gavila Joaquín , Vogel Charles , Ruiz-Borrego Manuel , Calvo Lourdes , Pienkowski Tadeusz , Rodríguez-Lescure Álvaro , Seguí Miguel Angel , Tredan Olivier , Antón Antonio , Ramos Manuel , Cámara María del Carmen , Rodríguez-Martín César , Carrasco Eva , Alba Emilio 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Obesity is an unfavorable prognostic factor in breast cancer (BC) patients regardless of menopausal status and treatment received. However, the association between obesity and survival outcome by pathological subtype requires further clarification.

Methods
We performed a retrospective analysis including 5,683 operable BC patients enrolled in four randomized clinical trials (GEICAM/9906, GEICAM/9805, GEICAM/2003–02, and BCIRG 001) evaluating anthracyclines and taxanes as adjuvant treatments. Our primary aim was to assess the prognostic effect of body mass index (BMI) on disease recurrence, breast cancer mortality (BCM), and overall mortality (OM). A secondary aim was to detect differences of such prognostic effects by subtype.

Results
Multivariate survival analyses adjusting for age, tumor size, nodal status, menopausal status, surgery type, histological grade, hormone receptor status, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status, chemotherapy regimen, and under-treatment showed that obese patients (BMI 30.0 to 34.9) had similar prognoses to that of patients with a BMI < 25 (reference group) in terms of recurrence (Hazard Ratio [HR] = 1.08, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 0.90 to 1.30), BCM (HR = 1.02, 0.81 to 1.29), and OM (HR = 0.97, 0.78 to 1.19). Patients with severe obesity (BMI ≥ 35) had a significantly increased risk of recurrence (HR = 1.26, 1.00 to 1.59, P = 0.048), BCM (HR = 1.32, 1.00 to 1.74, P = 0.050), and OM (HR = 1.35, 1.06 to 1.71, P = 0.016) compared to our reference group. The prognostic effect of severe obesity did not vary by subtype.

Conclusions
Severely obese patients treated with anthracyclines and taxanes present a worse prognosis regarding recurrence, BCM, and OM than patients with BMI < 25. The magnitude of the harmful effect of BMI on survival-related outcomes was similar across subtypes.
Drag coefficients for single coral colonies and related spherical objects
Authors: Samuel Lianna C. , Monismith Stephen G. 
Published: November 2013

Lay AbstractWhile spheres and cylinders are sometimes used to model the flows over and through coral canopies or isolated coral colonies, these models may not adequately represent the effects of complex coral geometry. We report the results of a series of lab experiments measuring drag on branching coral colonies and spherical objects. Our results show that the drag on an individual branching coral can be much higher than on a sphere. This difference is highest at low velocities, when the flow interacts with the coral's inner branches. In contrast, the drag on a perforated plastic ball is much closer to what is observed for single coral colonies, suggesting that at high flows the inner branches of the coral do not contribute to the drag. Using our findings, we also show that drag is likely to dominate inertial forces for wavy conditions commonly found on coral reefs. These findings will help us understand how benthic (bottom‐dwelling) organisms live in environments with complex and sometimes challenging hydrodynamics.
Applicability of a Spectrophotometric Method for Assessment of Oxidative Stress in Poultry
Authors: Regenhard Petra , Nakov Dimitar , Sauerwein Helga 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Oxidative stress is discussed as being related to health, welfare, and also to product quality. Recently, a spectrophotometric method based on the Fenton reaction (reactive oxygen metabolites, ROM) has been proposed to characterize pro-oxidative stressors in body fluids by determining early products of oxidation from proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. The applicability of this method for blood samples from various bird species was tested. The validity of the method for mammalian domestic animals was demonstrated by linearity yielded with increasing amounts of serum. In contrast, serum obtained from chicken yielded ROM concentrations below the limit of detection when serum volumes comparable to mammalian samples were used. Applying higher amounts of serum was not increasing the optical density readings in a linear way. To assess whether the lack of sensitivity and linearity is a problem limited to chicken or poultry in general, we tested sera from laying hens, turkey, duck, goose, pheasant, pigeon, and guinea fowl. For most of the species tested, the method could not be validly applied. There is no reason to assume that oxidative stress in birds may not exist, therefore we conclude that bird specific matrix effects hinder the valid application of the ROMs test in poultry.
Detection of Recessive Mutations (BLAD and CVM) in Holstein-Friesian Cattle Population in Republic of Macedonia
Authors: Adamov Nikola , Mitrov Dine , Esmerov Igor , Dovc Peter 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
BLAD and CVM are Holstein-specific recessive mutations which have had significant economic impact on dairy cattle breeding worldwide. The aim of this study was to optimize a diagnostic test for detection of these two disorders and to obtain a preliminary picture about theire existence in Macedonian HF population. Blood samples were obtained from 84 HF cows from several different farms in Macedonia. Genomic DNA was extracted using DNeasy blood and tissue kit (Qiagen) which was also used for DNA extraction from deeply frozen sperm doses from 6 different HF bulls. Genotyping was performed by PCR-RFLP analysis with TaqI and HaeIII restriction endonucleases for BLAD and with PstI for CVM. The correctness of the genotyping was evaluated by direct sequencing of the amplified products. Among 90 HF cattle tested two cows were identified as carriers of the BLAD allele and one was carrier of the CVM allele. No bulls were found to be carriers of either of the two disorders. This study demonstrates that carriers of BLAD and CVM are present in Macedonia, although at low frequency. PCR followed by RFLP is efficient and inexpensive method for detection of the carriers and should be used as laboratory test in eradication programs. In order to establish a more accurate picture of the prevalence of these disorders, it is necessary to screen a larger number of animals. It is indispensable to test each bull before entering the A.I. program to prevent accidental transmission to a large number of offspring.
Small heat shock proteins: recent developments
Authors: Eisenhardt Benjamin Dennis 
Published: November 2013

AbstractSmall heat shock proteins (sHSPs) are abundantly present in many different organisms at elevated temperatures. Members of the subgroup of alpha crystallin domain (ACD)-type sHSPs belong to the large family of protein chaperones. They bind non-native proteins in an ATP-independent manner, thereby holding the incorporated clients soluble for subsequent refolding by other molecular chaperoning systems. sHSPs do not actively refold incorporated peptides therefore they are sometimes referred to as holdases. Varying numbers of sHSPs have been documented in the different domains of life and dependent on the analyzed organism. Generally, diverse sHSPs possess more sequence similarities in the conserved ACD, whereas the N- and C-terminal extensions are less conserved. Despite their designation as sHSPs, they are not solely present during heat stress. sHSPs presumably help to protect cells under various stresses, but they were also found during development, e.g., in embryonic development of higher plants which is associated with ongoing seed desiccation. The functional and physiological relevance of several different sHSPs in one organism remains still unclear, especially in plants where several highly similar sHSPs are present in the same compartment. The wide range of biotic and abiotic stresses that induce the expression of multiple sHSP genes makes it challenging to define the physiological relevance of each of these versatile proteins.
A critical review of the influence of hydrogen on the mechanical properties of medium-strength steels
Authors: Liu Qian , Atrens Andrej 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAs medium-strength steels are promising candidates for the hydrogen economy, it is important to understand their interaction with hydrogen. However, there are only a limited number of investigations on the behavior of medium-strength steels in hydrogen. The existing literature indicates that the influences of hydrogen on the tensile properties of medium-strength steels are mainly the following: (i) the steel can be hardened by hydrogen, as demonstrated by an increase in the yield stress or ultimate tensile stress; (ii) some steels can be embrittled by hydrogen, as revealed by lower yield stress or ultimate tensile stress; (iii) in most cases, these steels may experience hydrogen embrittlement (HE), as indicated by a reduction in ductility. The degree of HE mainly depends on the test conditions and the steel. The embrittlement can lead to catastrophic brittle fracture in service. The influence of hydrogen on the fatigue properties of medium-strength steels is dependent on many factors such as the stress ratio, temperature, yield stress of the steel, and test frequency. Generally, the hydrogen influence on fatigue limit is small, whereas hydrogen can accelerate the fatigue crack growth rate, leading to a shorter fatigue life. Inclusions are an important factor influencing the properties of medium-strength steels in the presence of hydrogen. However, it is not possible to predict the influence of hydrogen for any particular steel that has not been experimentally evaluated or to predict service performance. It is not known why similar steels can have different behavior, ranging from good resistance to significant embrittlement. A better understanding of the microstructural characteristics is needed.
Human parvovirus B19 infection causing discrepant prenatal findings and outcome in monochorionic diamniotic twins
Authors: Witteborn Katharina , Schoner Katharina , Enders Martin , Gembruch Ulrich , Arabin Birgit 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Monochorionic (MC) twins are characterized by prenatal intertwin placental anastomoses, which can lead to twin oligo-polyhydramnios sequence (TOPS) or twin anemia-polycytemia sequence (TAPS). Symptoms of both TOPS and TAPS may interfere with symptoms of parvovirus B19 (B19V) infection. We describe here the course of an MC twin pregnancy with prenatal B19V infection and intrauterine death of one twin. Both the antenatal and postnatal diagnoses of B19V infection require a detailed approach including serology, DNA analysis, and specific fetopathologic investigation.
Synthesis and physicochemical properties of hydroxypropyl tannins from maritime pine bark (Pinus pinaster Ait.)
Authors: García Danny E. , Glasser Wolfgang G. , Pizzi Tony A. , Osorio-Madrazo Anayancy , Laborie Marie-Pierre G. 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Simple derivatives of condensed tannins are described, which allow the tailoring of gelation (with aldehydes) and thermal degradation behaviors that have been obstacles to the commercial utilization of this abundant bioresource. Hydroxypropyl tannin (HPT) derivatives from bark of Pinus pinaster with varying degrees of substitution (DS 0.1–4.7) were analyzed with regard to molecular and physical characteristics, such as structure, molecular weight, thermal behavior, solubility and gelation. The modification reaction of tannin proceeds stoichiometrically to a mixture of oligomeric derivatives, mostly to trimers and tetramers, as demonstrated by 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance, elemental analysis, and gel permeation chromatography. The derivatives have an improved solubility in organic solvents and increased thermal stability. The glass transition temperature (Tg) was reduced by up to 37°C over unmodified tannin. At DS ≥1.0, the HPT lost the capacity to produce gel with formaldehyde. A structure-property relationship was established by means of multivariate analysis, and the derivatives could be grouped according to their physicochemical profile. HPTs are promising biomacromolecular building blocks for tannin-derived materials.
Cross-talk between reproduction and energy homeostasis: central impact of estrogens, leptin and kisspeptin signaling
Authors: Nestor Casey C. , Kelly Martin J. , Rønnekleiv Oline K. 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
The central nervous system receives hormonal cues (e.g., estrogens and leptin, among others) that influence reproduction and energy homeostasis. 17β-estradiol (E2) is known to regulate gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion via classical steroid signaling and rapid non-classical membrane-initiated signaling. Because GnRH neurons are void of leptin receptors, the actions of leptin on these neurons must be indirect. Although it is clear that the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus is the primary site of overlap between these two systems, it is still unclear which neural network(s) participate in the cross-talk of E2 and leptin, two hormones essential for reproductive function and metabolism. Herein we review the progress made in understanding the interactions between reproduction and energy homeostasis by focusing on the advances made to understand the cellular signaling of E2 and leptin on three neural networks: kisspeptin, pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and neuropeptide Y (NPY). Although critical in mediating the actions of E2 and leptin, considerable work still remains to uncover how these neural networks interact in vivo.
Application of Neural Network for Two-Phase Flow through Chokes
Authors: Al-Khalifa Mohammed A. , Al-Marhoun Muhammad A. 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
This study shows the utilization of the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) as a practical engineering tool for estimating the flow rate and selecting the optimal choke size. In this study, the existing choke correlations available in the literature were reviewed, evaluated and compared with the newly derived ANN. The new method can be used to predict the required choke size and can also be used to provide a quick and accurate evaluation of the well performance, by considering wellhead conditions and pressure-volume-temperature (PVT) parameters.
Two models were developed based on 4,031 data points: 80% for training, 10% for validation and 10% for testing. The new models were found to outperform all the existing correlations and have provided the lowest error, with an average absolute percent error of 3.7% for the choke size prediction and 6.7% for the flow rate estimation. The new models can estimate with a higher accuracy the optimal choke size and flow rate. Therefore, the new models can help advance reservoir management and production operations in the following ways: producing the reservoir at the optimal rate; preventing water or gas coning; maintaining back pressure; and protecting formation and surface equipment from unusual pressure fluctuation.
Nurse Managers’ Strategies for the Integration of Newly Graduated Nurses into Clinical Units in Japan: A Qualitative Exploratory Study
Authors: Gregg Misuzu F. , Wakisaka Toyomi , Hayashi Chifuyu 
Published: November 2013

Aim:
The purpose of this study was to explore the strategies used by nurse managers in Japan to facilitate the integration of newly graduate nurses (NGNs) into their clinical units.

Background:
The integration of NGNs into clinical units is an important issue for both NGNs and nurse managers because the first year of practice plays a vital role in a NGN’s career.

Method:
Data were generated through semi-structured interviews with 9 nurse managers in 9 acute care hospitals. Data analysis was conducted using a qualitative content analysis method.

Results:
Nurse managers used a total of 6 strategies: understanding the circumstances of NGNs, providing opportunities for experience and learning, supporting nurses who teach NGNs, facilitating self-learning, promoting awareness of being a nurse in the clinical unit, and strengthening the sense of comradeship in clinical units. Three of these strategies were particularly important for NGNs’ integration into clinical units: facilitating self-learning, promoting awareness of being a nurse in the clinical unit, and strengthening the sense of comradeship in clinical units. These strategies were described in this study.

Conclusions:
The strategies adopted by nurse managers should be aimed at all nurses, not just NGNs, in order to strengthen the sense of comradeship in clinical units. This approach would create a supportive environment for the integration of NGNs into clinical units. The strategies presented in this study can be utilized not just by nurse managers but all senior nurses in the unit. NGNs can use these strategies to help them understand what they need to do to become a full member of their unit.
Restoring Insulin Secretion (RISE): Design of Studies of β-Cell Preservation in Prediabetes and Early Type 2 Diabetes Across the Life Span
Authors:   The RISE Consortium
Published: November 2013

OBJECTIVE
The Restoring Insulin Secretion (RISE) Consortium is testing interventions designed to preserve or improve β-cell function in prediabetes or early type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
β-Cell function is measured using hyperglycemic clamps and oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs). The adult medication protocol randomizes participants to 12 months of placebo, metformin alone, liraglutide plus metformin, or insulin (3 months) followed by metformin (9 months). The pediatric medication protocol randomizes participants to metformin or insulin followed by metformin. The adult surgical protocol randomizes participants to gastric banding or metformin (24 months). Adult medication protocol inclusion criteria include fasting plasma glucose 95–125 mg/dL (5.3–6.9 mmol/L), OGTT 2-h glucose ≥140 mg/dL (≥7.8 mmol/L), HbA1c 5.8–7.0% (40–53 mmol/mol), and BMI 25–40 kg/m2. Adult surgical protocol criteria are similar, except for fasting plasma glucose ≥90 mg/dL (≥5.0 mmol/L), BMI 30–40 kg/m2, HbA1c &lt;7.0% (&lt;53 mmol/mol), and diabetes duration &lt;12 months. Pediatric inclusion criteria include fasting plasma glucose ≥90 mg/dL (≥5.0 mmol/L), 2-h glucose ≥140 mg/dL (≥7.8 mmol/L), HbA1c ≤8.0% (≤64 mmol/mol), BMI &gt;85th percentile and ≤50 kg/m2, 10–19 years of age, and diabetes &lt;6 months.

RESULTS
Primary outcomes are clamp-derived glucose-stimulated C-peptide secretion and maximal C-peptide response to arginine during hyperglycemia. Measurements are made at baseline, after 12 months on treatment, and 3 months after treatment withdrawal (medication protocols) or 24 months postintervention (surgery protocol). OGTT-derived measures are also obtained at these time points.

CONCLUSIONS
RISE is determining whether medication or surgical intervention strategies can mitigate progressive β-cell dysfunction in adults and youth with prediabetes or early type 2 diabetes.
Rationality of the quotient of ℙ2 by finite group of automorphisms over arbitrary field of characteristic zero
Authors: Trepalin Andrey 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Let $$\Bbbk$$ be a field of characteristic zero and G be a finite group of automorphisms of projective plane over $$\Bbbk$$. Castelnuovo’s criterion implies that the quotient of projective plane by G is rational if the field $$\Bbbk$$ is algebraically closed. In this paper we prove that $${{\mathbb{P}_\Bbbk ^2 } \mathord{\left/
{\vphantom {{\mathbb{P}_\Bbbk ^2 } G}} \right.
\kern-\nulldelimiterspace} G}$$ is rational for an arbitrary field $$\Bbbk$$ of characteristic zero.
Early Experience with Transobturator Tape in Management of Female Stress Urinary Incontinence
Authors: Hamal Bhairab Kumar , Bhandari Bharat Bahadur , Thapa Narayan 
Published: November 2013

Introduction: Female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a fairly common problem, with widely varying prevalence rates primarily due to inconsistencies in the definitions of SUI and also due to differences in the populations studied. Surgery is the definitive treatment for women who have failed a trial of conservative treatment. Although hundreds of different surgical procedures have been described, and published in literature, the ideal surgical technique that is simple, inexpensive and easy to learn and perform, with high efficacy needs yet to be established. One of the procedures, the transobturator sling (TOT), which is a subfascial sling, is a new, simple and most promising surgical technique with a good outcome. Methods: This is a prospective observational study undertaken in 20 patients of stress incontinence who underwent a TOT with outside-in technique between Jan 2010 and Jan 2012 . Various outcomes were recorded and patients were followed up for a period of at least 1 year post surgery. Results: Out of 20 patients, satisfactory outcome of TOT was observed in 85% of cases. A total of 17 patients were completely satisfied, whereas 3 patients were partially satisfied. There were a few procedure-related complications which could be managed either intraoperativelyor during the follow up. Conclusions: The transobturator tape (TOT) is an effective treatment of SUI with high patient satisfaction and less morbidity. However, a larger study and longer follow up is recommended to verify our initial results. Medical Journal of Shree Birendra Hospital; January-June 2013/vol.12/Issue1/18-22DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/mjsbh.v12i1.9087
Ceftriaxone, ofloxacin or both in the treatment of enteric fever
Authors: Khatri Rishi , Deo Rajeeb Kumar , Karki Binod , Sharma Arun 
Published: November 2013

Introduction: Enteric fever is a common diagnosis in febrile patients admitting to the hospital of Nepal. The treatment of enteric fever, though looks straightforward, in recent times has been complicated by emerging resistance to various antibiotics including fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins.Methods: This was a randomized clinical study done at Shree Birendra Hospital from January 2011 to December 2011. Patients with with high grade fever, headache, relative bradycardia, abdominal pain, diarrhoea or constipation with normal to low leukocyte count were clinically diagnosed as Enteric fever and were randomized to either ofloxacin or ceftriaxone group, both well accepted first line treatment for enteric fever and observed for at least five days before the addition of the second drug that is ceftriaxone in ofloxacin group and ofloxacin in ceftriaxonegroup and the response to the drug was noted in terms of defervescence of fever.Results: Total 50 patients were enrolled, 25 in each treatment group. After five days, six patients in Ceftriaxone group needed addition of Ofloxacin and two patients in Ofloxacin group needed Ceftriaxone. The average fever defervescence time in Ceftriaxone group was 3.88 days and in Ofloxacin group was 3.04 days. All patients were afebrile by 9 days of antibiotics.Conclusions: Fever defervescence time with Ofloxacin was lesser than ceftriaxone group and need of supplementary antibiotic is lesser in ofloxacine group. So, ofloxacin can be recommended as 1st line drug for enteric fever.Medical Journal of Shree Birendra Hospital; January-June 2013/vol.12/Issue1/37-40DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/mjsbh.v12i1.9092