bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of esophageal defects in the crouzon mouse model
Authors: Dab Sandeep , Sokhi Ramanpreet , Lee Jye‐Chang , Sessle Barry J. , Aubin Jane E. , Gong Siew‐Ging 
Published: September 2013

BACKGROUNDMutations in Fibroblastic Growth Factor Receptors (FGFR) have been associated with human craniosynostotic birth defects like Crouzon syndrome. Several anecdotes and case reports have indicated higher incidence of gastrointestinal tract disorders in FGFR‐associated craniosynostotic birth defects. Our objective was to characterize esophageal defects in a mouse model of human Crouzon syndrome, with a mutation in codon 290 of FGFR2.METHODSDissected esophagi of Fgfr2W290R postnatal heterozygous (HET) and wild‐type mice were analyzed by histological staining, immunohistochemically with cell proliferation marker, and functionally by strain gauge measures of electrically evoked contractile force.RESULTSThe esophagi of HETs were noticeably smaller but with wider lumen than those of wild‐type littermates. The HET esophagi showed a decrease in proliferation and an increase in expression of Sonic Hedgehog as compared to wild‐type esophagi. Histological investigations revealed reduced amounts and disorganization of collagen in muscle layers. Functional analysis revealed altered contractile properties in HET with reduced peak amplitude and prolonged duration of evoked contractile force response and lower stimulation threshold.CONCLUSIONThe defects observed in the esophagus of the mutant may explain some of the clinical symptoms observed in humans, for example, recurrent vomiting, gastroesophageal reflux, and esophageal strictures. Taken together, our results provide evidence for the importance of Fibroblastic Growth Factor signaling in the growth and patterning of the esophagus, providing a possible scientific basis for the gastrointestinal tract clinical findings in craniosynostotic patients. Furthermore, the findings also provide a sound scientific rationale for any changes in the clinical management of gastrointestinal tract problems in patients with craniosynostotic defects. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 97:578–586, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Monitoringbasierte Lebenszeitabschätzung von Betonstrukturen
Authors: Urban Susanne , Wagner Richard , Strauss Alfred , Reiterer Michael , Dehlinger Christian , Bergmeister Konrad 
Published: September 2013

AbstractUm Bauwerke bis zu ihrem wirklichen Lebensende zu nutzen, ist es von großer Bedeutung, den aktuellen Grad der Schädigung einer Struktur bestimmen zu können. Mithilfe der zurzeit gültigen Nachweis‐ und Bemessungskonzepte (z.B. CEB‐FIP Model Code 2010) ist dies nicht möglich. Ein gangbarer Weg, den Schädigungsgrad einer Betonstruktur vor Ort zu bestimmen, ist der Einsatz von zerstörungsfreien Prüfmethoden (Monitoring). Dieser Bereich ist allerdings noch nicht zur Gänze erforscht. Das konstante Monitoring von der Entstehung eines Bauwerks bis hin zu dessen Lebensende wird als eine vielversprechende Möglichkeit der Lebenszeitabschätzung gesehen. In diesem Beitrag werden Ermüdungsversuche an Betonprüfkörpern, begleitet mit konstantem Monitoring durch Ultraschall‐ und Körperschall‐Sensoren, näher betrachtet und ein möglicher Weg zur Bestimmung des Schädigungsgrades und der Lebenszeitabschätzung aufgezeigt.Monitoring based lifetime assessment of concrete structures – Research Project MOSESIn order to use structures up to their real end of lifetime it is of great importance to know the degree of damage of the structure. By using the actual Codes and Specifications (e.g. CEB‐FIP Model Code 2010) it is not possible to define the real degree of deterioration. A practicable way of determining the degree on‐site is the employment of non‐destructive testing methods (monitoring). This field until now is not finally explored. The constant monitoring from the erection of a structure up to the end of its lifetime is seen as a very promising possibility to assess the residual lifetime. In this article fatigue tests on concrete specimens, accompanied with ultrasonic and acoustic emission measurements will be investigated closer and a possible way for the determination of the degree of damage and lifetime assessment will be proposed.
Studie zur Potentialfeldmessung an 40 Jahre alten Stahlbetonbauteilen vom Olympiastadion München
Authors: Keßler Sylvia , Gehlen Christoph 
Published: September 2013

AbstractDie Detektion von korrodierenden Bereichen in Stahlbetonbauwerken ist ein wesentlicher Schritt für die Zustandserfassung und die Planung von Instandsetzungsmaßnamen. Als etabliertes Messverfahren steht dafür die Potentialfeldmessung zur Verfügung. Obwohl dieses Verfahren schon seit Jahren eingesetzt wird und in verschiedenen Richtlinien und Merkblättern Eingang gefunden hat, gibt es immer noch offene Fragen zur Oberflächenvorbehandlung, zum geeigneten Messzeitpunkt bei frei bewitterten Bauteilen und zum optimalen Messraster. Diese Fragen werden anhand von Labormessungen und praxisnahen Feldmessungen qualitativ untersucht. Für die praxisnahen Feldmessungen wurden Potentialfelder an 40 Jahre alten, natürlich korrodierten Stahlbetonrandbalken vom Olympiastadion in München bei unterschiedlichen Oberflächenvorbehandlungen, nach verschiedenen Wetterszenarien und Messrastervariationen ausgewertet.Study of potential mapping at 40 year old reinforced elements from the Olympic stadium in Munich – Influence of concrete resistivity and grid sizeAn essential part of the inspection and repair planning of reinforced concrete structures is the detection of corroding areas. Potential mapping is a widely used and established procedure to do this. But there are still some open questions concerning this measurement procedure. Which is the proper pre‐wetting condition or which is the best time to measure when the structural element is exposed to weather conditions? Which is the optimal grid size? Investigations are made with a laboratory and practical test set up. For the practical test set up 40 year old, naturally corroded reinforced segments from the Olympic stadium in Munich are available and potential measurements under different condition were analyzed qualitatively.
Nachrechnung der Donaubrücke Ingolstadt (BAB A9) bis zur Stufe 4 der Nachrechnungsrichtlinie
Authors: Müller Andreas , Jähring Andreas , Goj Karl , Fischer Oliver 
Published: September 2013

AbstractIm Mai 2011 hat das Bundesministerium für Verkehr, Bau und Stadtentwicklung (BMVBS) die “Richtlinie für die Nachrechnung von Straßenbrücken im Bestand” (Nachrechnungsrichtlinie) bekannt gegeben. Unmittelbar darauf wurden in Bayern im Rahmen einer Pilotprojektphase verschiedene Straßenbrücken unter Zugrundelegung dieser Richtlinie nachgerechnet – darunter auch die Donaubrücke bei Ingolstadt im Zuge der BAB A9. Bei der Nachrechnung dieser 1976 errichteten Spannbetonbrücke mit Hohlkastenquerschnitt zeigten sich nach Stufe 1 und auch noch nach Stufe 2 der Nachrechnungsrichtlinie erhebliche rechnerische Defizite vor allem im Bereich des Anschlusses der Druckgurte in den Stützbereichen an die Stege. Durch die kombinierte Anwendung von physikalisch nichtlinearen Rechenverfahren und ergänzenden Bauwerksuntersuchungen konnten in Stufe 4 der Nachrechnungsrichtlinie letztlich alle Nachweise ohne Einschränkungen erbracht und daher auf verkehrsbeschränkende oder Verstärkungsmaßnahmen verzichtet werden. Im Rahmen des Beitrags werden die Vorgehensweise und die wesentlichen Ergebnisse der durchgeführten Berechnungen zusammengefasst. Abschließend werden die an der Donaubrücke Ingolstadt gewonnenen Erkenntnisse mit Ergebnissen eines aktuellen Forschungsvorhabens verglichen, das sich mit der systematischen Analyse von bisher durchgeführten Nachrechnungen von Massivbrücken befasst.Assessment and re‐analysis of the BAB A9 Danube bridge IngolstadtIn May 2011 the new guideline “Nachrechnungsrichtlinie” (standard for bridge re‐analysis and assessment) was recommended for application by the Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development. Since then several pilot projects have been launched in Bavaria aiming on the re‐analysis of different types of major road bridges based on the assessment guideline. One of these bridges is the BAB A9 Danube PC box girder bridge next to Ingolstadt. Upon completion of the re‐analyses according to the so‐called levels 1 and 2 of the guideline there were still severe calculatory deficits particularly regarding the connection zones of the compression flanges and webs close to the supports. By using a 3D FE model and physically non‐linear analysis methods combined with in‐situ investigations (i.e. level 4 of the guideline) it was finally possible to fulfill all design criteria and hence to avoid both traffic restrictions as well as strengthening measures. The present paper describes the general assessment approach and highlights important findings and results of the non‐linear analyses. Finally, the Danube Bridge results are discussed with the background of a current research project focusing on a systematic evaluation of available re‐analyses of RC/PC bridges performed on the basis of the new assessment guideline.
Development and characterization of a novel bioactive polymer with antibacterial and lysozyme‐like activity
Authors: Guascito Maria Rachele , Chirizzi Daniela , Malitesta Cosimino , Giotta Livia , Mastrogiacomo Disma , Valli Ludovico , Stabili Loredana 
Published: September 2013

ABSTRACTThe development and characterization of a novel bioactive polymer based on the immobilization of glucose oxidase enzyme (GOx) in a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film showing antibacterial activity is presented. The PVA‐GOx composite material was extensively characterized by UV‐vis, X‐ray Photoelectron (XPS) spectroscopy and by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to verify the preservation of enzyme structural integrity and activity. The antimicrobial activity of this composite material against Escherichia coli and Vibrio alginolyticus was assessed. Furthermore the lysozyme‐like activity of PVA‐GOx was highlighted by a standard assay on Petri dishes employing Micrococcus lysodeikticus cell walls. The findings from this study have implications for future investigations related to the employment of PVA‐GOx system as a composite material of pharmaceutical and technological interest. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 101: 461–470, 2014.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between diabetes mellitus and incidence and mortality in breast and colorectal cancer
Authors: De Bruijn K M J , Arends L R , Hansen B E , Leeflang S , Ruiter R , van Eijck C H J 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Increasing evidence suggests that diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with increased cancer incidence and mortality. Several mechanisms involved in diabetes, such as promotion of cell proliferation and decreased apoptosis, may foster carcinogenesis. This study investigated the association between DM and cancer incidence and cancer-specific mortality in patients with breast and colorectal carcinoma.

Methods
A meta-analysis of controlled trials, prospective cohort studies and pooled cohort studies published after 2007 was conducted. Embase, PubMed and the Cochrane Library were searched. Summary hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated using a random-effects model. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were performed to adjust for confounders, mode of DM assessment and follow-up time.

Results
Twenty studies were included to investigate the association between DM and breast and colorectal cancer incidence and cancer-specific mortality. The studies predominantly comprised patients with type II DM. The overall HR for breast cancer incidence was 1·23 (95 per cent confidence interval 1·12 to 1·34) and that for colorectal cancer was 1·26 (1·14 to 1·40) in patients with DM compared with those without diabetes. The overall HR was 1·38 (1·20 to 1·58) for breast cancer- and 1·30 (1·15 to 1·47) for colorectal cancer-specific mortality in patients with DM compared with those without diabetes.

Conclusion
This meta-analysis indicated that DM is a risk factor for breast and colorectal cancer, and for cancer-specific mortality.
Prospective study of pain, quality of life and the economic impact of open inguinal hernia repair
Authors: Palmqvist E , Larsson K , Anell A , Hjalmarsson C 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
There are variations in quality of life (QoL) and reported risk of chronic pain after inguinal hernia repair. The aim of this study was to investigate the improvement in pain and QoL after open inguinal hernia repair, and the economic impact.

Methods
Patients undergoing open mesh repair of a primary unilateral inguinal hernia were stratified depending on preoperative levels of symptoms and pain. Short Form 36 (SF-36®) and EQ-5D™ questionnaires were filled in before, and at 3 and 12 months after surgery. EQ-5D™ data, together with information on the mean value of a quality-adjusted life-year and the societal cost of hernia repair, were used to calculate the monetary value of QoL gained and the mean return on investment.

Results
Of 225 patients who began the study, 184 completed follow-up at 12 months. Some 77·2 per cent reported improvement in pain and 5·4 per cent reported increased pain after surgery. Significant improvement in SF-36® scores, pain scores measured on a visual analogue scale (VAS), and symptoms were found in the majority of patients, even those with mild symptoms before surgery. For the whole group, the bodily pain score increased from 56·4 before surgery to 82·6 at 12 months after hernia repair (P &lt; 0·050), and the VAS score decreased from a median of 4 to 0 (P &lt; 0·050). The return on investment was positive for all groups of patients, including those with mild symptoms.

Conclusion
QoL improves after open inguinal hernia repair, with a good return on investment independent of symptom severity.
Identification and characterization of human UDP‐glucuronosyltransferases responsible for the in vitro glucuronidation of bergenin
Authors: Song Haojing , Wang Jin , Zhang Rui , Liu Xiaoyan , Yuan Guiyan , Wei Chunmin , Wang Benjie , Guo Ruichen 
Published: September 2013

ABSTRACTGlucuronidation plays critical role in the elimination of bergenin; however the metabolic mechanism of UDP‐glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) in the process remains to be investigated. In this study, the kinetics of bergenin glucuronidation by pooled human liver microsomes (HLMs) and 12 recombinat UGT isozymes were investigated. The glucuronidation of bergenin can be shown in HLMs with a Km value of 231.62 ± 14.08 µm and a Vmax value of 2.17 ± 0.21 nmol/min/(mg protein). Among the 12 human UGTs investigated, UGT1A1 was identified as the major isoform catalyzing the glucuronidation of bergenin [Km value of 200.37 ± 26.73 µm and Vmax value of 1.88 ± 0.26 nmol/min/(mg protein)]. The bergenin glucuronosyltransferase activities in HLMs and UGT1A1 were inhibited by phenylbutazone, estradiol and bilirubin. The results demonstrate that bergenin glucuronidation in HLMs is specifically catalyzed by UGT1A1. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Second‐Generation Amino Acid Furanoside Based Ligands from D‐Glucose for the Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation of Ketones
Authors: Coll Mercedes , Pàmies Oscar , Adolfsson Hans , Diéguez Montserrat 
Published: September 2013

AbstractA novel series of modular amino acid thioamide ligands functionalized with carbohydrates were introduced and employed in the rhodium‐catalyzed asymmetric transfer hydrogenation (ATH) of aryl alkyl ketones, including the less‐studied heteroaromatic ketones. The ligands are based on amino acid hydroxyamides (pseudodipeptides), which are the most successful ligands previously used in asymmetric hydrogen transfer reactions. High enantioselectivities [up to 99 % enantiomeric excess (ee)] were achieved in the ATH of a wide range of aryl alkyl ketones by using catalysts generated in situ from [RhCl2Cp*]2 (Cp*=C5Me5) and thioamide ligands comprising a 3‐benzyl glucofuranoside backbone and a bulky isopropyl group in the α‐amino acid moiety. Interestingly, both enantiomers of the alcohol products can readily be obtained with high enantioselectivity by simply changing the absolute configuration of the α‐amino acid. The good performance can be extended to a very challenging class of industrially interesting heteroaromatic ketones (up to 99 % ee).
Unusual Stabilization of an Intermediate Spin State of Iron upon the Axial Phenoxide Coordination of a Diiron(III)–Bisporphyrin: Effect of Heme–Heme Interactions
Authors: Bhowmik Susovan , Dey Soumyajit , Sahoo Dipankar , Rath Sankar Prasad 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThe binding of a series of substituted phenols as axial ligands onto a diiron(III)bisporphyrin framework have been investigated. Spectroscopic characterization revealed high‐spin states of the iron centers in all of the phenolate complexes, with one exception in the 2,4,6‐trinitrophenolate complex of diiron(III)bisporphyrin, which only stabilized the pure intermediate‐spin (S=3/2) state of the iron centers. The average FeN (porphyrin) and FeO (phenol) distances that were observed with the 2,4,6‐trinitrophenolate complex were 1.972(3) Å and 2.000(2) Å, respectively, which are the shortest and longest distances reported so far for any FeIIIporphyrin with phenoxide coordination. The alternating shift pattern, which shows opposite signs of the chemical shifts for the meta versus ortho/para protons, is attributed to negative and positive spin densities on the phenolate carbon atoms, respectively, and is indicative of π‐spin delocalization onto the bound phenolate. Electrochemical data reveals that the E1/2 value for the FeIII/FeII couple is positively shifted with increasing acidity of the phenol. However, a plot of the E1/2 values for the FeIII/FeII couple versus the pKa values of the phenols shows a linear relationship for all of the complexes, except for the 2,4,6‐trinitrophenolate complex. The large deviation from linearity is probably due to the change of spin for the complex. Although 2,4,6‐trinitrophenol is the weakest axial ligand in the series, its similar binding with the corresponding FeIIImonoporphyrin only results in stabilization of the high‐spin state. The porphyrin macrocycle in the 2,4,6‐trinitrophenolate complex of diiron(III)bisporphyrin is the most distorted, whilst the “ruffling” deformation affects the energy levels of the iron d orbitals. The larger size and weaker binding of 2,4,6‐trinitrophenol, along with hemeheme interactions in the diiron(III)bisporphyrin, are responsible for the larger ring deformations and eventual stabilization of the pure intermediate‐spin states of the iron centers in the complex.
Naphthyridines as Novel BET Family Bromodomain Inhibitors
Authors: Mirguet Olivier , Lamotte Yann , Chung Chun‐wa , Bamborough Paul , Delannée Delphine , Bouillot Anne , Gellibert Françoise , Krysa Gael , Lewis Antonia , Witherington Jason , Huet Pascal , Dudit Yann , Trottet Lionel , Nicodeme Edwige 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBromodomains (BRDs) are small protein domains found in a variety of proteins that recognize and bind to acetylated histone tails. This binding affects chromatin structure and facilitates the localisation of transcriptional complexes to specific genes, thereby regulating epigenetically controlled processes including gene transcription and mRNA elongation. Inhibitors of the bromodomain and extra‐terminal (BET) proteins BRD2–4 and T, which prevent bromodomain binding to acetyl‐modified histone tails, have shown therapeutic promise in several diseases. We report here the discovery of 1,5‐naphthyridine derivatives as potent inhibitors of the BET bromodomain family with good cell activity and oral pharmacokinetic parameters. X‐ray crystal structures of naphthyridine isomers have been solved and quantum mechanical calculations have been used to explain the higher affinity of the 1,5‐isomer over the others. The best compounds were progressed in a mouse model of inflammation and exhibited dose‐dependent anti‐inflammatory pharmacology.
Bortezomib‐containing induction regimens in transplant‐eligible myeloma patients
Authors: Nooka Ajay K. , Kaufman Jonathan L. , Behera Madhusmita , Langston Amelia , Waller Edmund K. , Flowers Christopher R. , Gleason Charise , Boise Lawrence H. , Lonial Sagar 
Published: September 2013

BACKGROUNDThe objective of this meta‐analysis in patients with myeloma was to test the hypothesis that the addition of bortezomib to induction therapy not only improves the depth of response but also improves post‐transplant progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) outcomes.METHODSPhase 3 trials that randomized newly diagnosed, transplant‐eligible patients with myeloma to receive either a bortezomib‐containing induction regimen (BCIR) or a nonbortezomib‐containing induction regimen (NBCIR) were identified. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were adapted for data synthesis, and comprehensive meta‐analysis software was used to report pooled data as hazard ratios or odds ratios under a random‐effects model.RESULTSFour published phase 3 trials that included 2169 patients were analyzed. The postinduction and post‐transplant pooled odds ratio for achieving a complete response/near complete response or a very good partial response or better and the overall response rate were higher with BCIR. The pooled hazard ratios for 3‐year PFS and OS were 0.71 (95% confidence interval, 0.60‐0.83; P < .00,001) and 0.79 (95% confidence interval, 0.66‐0.96; P = .014), respectively, favoring BCIR. The odds of developing selected grade ≥3 toxicities (peripheral neuropathy and varicella‐zoster virus reactivation) also were higher with BCIR.CONCLUSIONSThe current meta‐analysis demonstrated that BCIR results in an improved depth of response, which translates into improved post‐transplant PFS and OS outcomes despite a higher incidence of toxicity. This analysis supports the concept that the choice of induction regimen can influence post‐transplant outcomes such as PFS and OS. Cancer 2013;119:4119–4128. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Suggestions from adolescents, young adults, and parents for improving informed consent in phase 1 pediatric oncology trials
Authors: Baker Justin N. , Leek Angela C. , Salas Halle Showalter , Drotar Dennis , Noll Robert , Rheingold Susan R. , Kodish Eric D. 
Published: September 2013

BACKGROUNDInformed consent for a pediatric oncology phase 1 trial is a delicate process, and is made more complex by the difficulty of the information and the requirement for parental consent, and patient assent when applicable. This analysis identifies suggestions for improving the informed consent process received from parents and adolescent and young adult patients (aged 14 years‐21 years) who had the option of participating in a phase 1 pediatric oncology trial.METHODSA total of 57 parents and 20 patients completed interviews as part of a multisite, prospective, descriptive study. These transcribed interviews were studied using established content analysis methods.RESULTSParent and patient responses contained 220 suggestions and 54 suggestions, respectively. A total of 21 unique suggestions for improvement emerged in 3 main themes: 1) provision of more information; 2) structure and presentation of the informed consent process, and 3) suggestions for physicians conducting the process. Common suggestions included providing more specific information about the trial, allowing more time for decision‐making, and using different methods to deliver information.CONCLUSIONSParticipants involved in the informed consent process for a phase 1 trial provided specific recommendations to research teams to enhance the process. Physician/investigators should be informed of these recommendations and develop and test interventions incorporating them. Cancer 2013;119:4154–4161. © 2013 American Cancer Society.