bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The degree of tumor volume reduction during the early phase of induction chemotherapy is an independent prognostic factor in patients with high‐risk neuroblastoma
Authors: Yoo So Young , Kim Jung‐Sun , Sung Ki Woong , Jeon Tae Yeon , Choi Joon Young , Moon Seung Hwan , Son Meong Hi , Lee Soo Hyun , Yoo Keon Hee , Koo Hong Hoe 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND:In patients with high‐risk neuroblastoma, the reduction in primary tumor volume was measured during the early phase of induction chemotherapy as an indicator of early tumor response, and the authors investigated whether the degree of tumor volume reduction could predict outcome in these patients.METHODS:Primary tumor volumes were measured both at diagnosis and at the first tumor response evaluation (after 2 or 3 cycles of induction chemotherapy) in 90 patients with high‐risk neuroblastoma who had volumetrically evaluable computed tomography or magnetic resonance scans. If the tumor volume at the first response evaluation was >40% of the initial tumor volume, then the patient was categorized as a poor responder; otherwise, the patient was categorized as a good responder. Outcomes were compared according to the degree of tumor volume reduction at the first response evaluation.RESULTS:The tumor volume reduction was greater in patients who remained relapse free than in patients who had a relapsed tumor (median percentage tumor volume, 21% vs 41.5%; P = .037). The 5‐year relapse‐free survival rate was higher in the good responders than in the poor responders (83% [95% confidence interval, 72%‐94%] vs 51% [95% confidence interval, 31%‐71%]; P = .002). In a multivariate analysis of relapse‐free survival, a poor early response was identified as an independent, unfavorable prognostic factor (hazard ratio, 4.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.59‐11.29; P = .004).CONCLUSIONS:A greater reduction in tumor volume reduction the early phase of induction chemotherapy was associated with a better outcome in patients with high‐risk neuroblastoma. Tailoring treatment intensity according to the early tumor response to induction chemotherapy may improve patient outcomes. Cancer 2013. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Pain outcomes in patients with advanced breast cancer and bone metastases
Authors: Cleeland Charles S. , Body Jean‐Jacques , Stopeck Alison , von Moos Roger , Fallowfield Lesley , Mathias Susan D. , Patrick Donald L. , Clemons Mark , Tonkin Katia , Masuda Norikazu , Lipton Allan , de Boer Richard , Salvagni Stefania , Oliveira Celia Tosello , Qian Yi , Jiang Qi , Dansey Roger , Braun Ada , Chung Karen 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND:In this study, the authors evaluated the effect of denosumab versus zoledronic acid (ZA) on pain in patients with advanced breast cancer and bone metastases.METHODS:The prevention of pain, reduction in pain interference with daily life activities, and the proportion of patients requiring strong opioid analgesics were assessed in a randomized, double‐blind, double‐dummy phase 3 study comparing denosumab with ZA for preventing skeletal‐related events in 2046 patients who had breast cancer and bone metastases. Patients completed the Brief Pain Inventory‐Short Form at baseline and monthly thereafter.RESULTS:Fewer patients who received denosumab reported a clinically meaningful worsening of pain severity (≥2‐point increase) from baseline compared with patients who received ZA, and a trend was observed toward delayed time to pain worsening with denosumab versus ZA (denosumab, 8.5 months; ZA, 7.4 months; P = .08). In patients who had no/mild pain at baseline, a 4‐month delay in progression to moderate/severe pain was observed with denosumab compared with ZA (9.7 months vs 5.8 months; P = .002). Denosumab delayed the time to increased pain interference by approximately 1 month compared with ZA (denosumab, 16.0 months; ZA, 14.9 months; P = .09). The time to pain improvement (P = .72) and the time to decreased pain interference (P = .92) were similar between the groups. Fewer denosumab‐treated patients reported increased analgesic use from no/low use at baseline to strong opioid use.CONCLUSIONS:Denosumab demonstrated improved pain prevention and comparable pain palliation compared with ZA. In addition, fewer denosumab‐treated patients shifted to strong opioid analgesic use. Cancer 2013. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Area‐specific substratification of deep layer neurons in the rat cortex
Authors: Watakabe Akiya , Hirokawa Junya , Ichinohe Noritaka , Ohsawa Sonoko , Kaneko Takeshi , Rockland Kathleen S. , Yamamori Tetsuo 
Published: September 2012

AbstractGene markers are useful tools to identify cell types for fine mapping of neuronal circuits. Here we report area‐specific sublamina structure of the rat cerebral cortex using cholecystokinin (cck) and purkinje cell protein4 (pcp4) mRNAs as the markers for excitatory neuron subtypes in layers 5 and 6. We found a segregated expression, especially pronounced in layer 6, where corticothalamic and corticocortical projecting neurons reside. To examine the relationship between gene expression and projection target, we injected retrograde tracers into several thalamic subnuclei, ventral posterior (VP), posterior (PO), mediodorsal (MD), medial and lateral geniculate nuclei (MGN and LGN); as well as into two cortical areas (M1 and V1). This combination of tracer‐in situ hybridization (ISH) experiments revealed that corticocortical neurons predominantly express cck and corticothalamic neurons predominantly express pcp4 mRNAs in all areas tested. In general, cck(+) and pcp4(+) cells occupied the upper and lower compartment of layer 6a, respectively. However, the sublaminar distribution and the relative abundance of cck(+) and pcp4(+) cells were quite distinctive across areas. For example, layer 6 of the prelimbic cortex was almost devoid of cck(+) neurons, and was occupied instead by corticothalamic pcp4(+) neurons. In the lateral areas, such as S2, there was an additional layer of cck(+) cells positioned below the pcp4(+) compartment. The claustrum, which has a tight relationship with the cortex, mostly consisted of cck(+)/pcp4(−) cells. In summary, the combination of gene markers and retrograde tracers revealed a distinct sublaminar organization, with conspicuous cross‐area variation in the arrangement and relative density of corticothalamic connections. J. Comp. Neurol. 520:3553–3573, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diversity protects plant communities against generalist molluscan herbivores
Authors: Fabian Yvonne , Sandau Nadine , Bruggisser Odile T. , Kehrli Patrik , Aebi Alexandre , Rohr Rudolf P. , Naisbit Russell E. , Bersier Louis‐Félix 
Published: August 2012

AbstractWildflower strips are used to increase natural enemies of crop pests and to conserve insect diversity on farmland. Mollusks, especially slugs, can affect the vegetation development in these strips considerably. Although recent theoretical work suggests that more diverse plant communities will exhibit greater resistance against herbivore pressure, empirical studies are scarce. We conducted a semi‐natural experiment in wildflower strips, manipulating trophic structure (reduction in herbivorous mollusks and reduction in major predators) and plant diversity (2, 6, 12, 20 and 24 sown species). This design allowed us to assess the effect of plant diversity, biomass and composition on mollusks, and vice versa, the effect of mollusc abundance on vegetation. Seven species of mollusks were found in the strips, with the slugs Arion lusitanicus, Deroceras reticulatum and Deroceras panormitanum being most frequent. We found a negative relationship between plant diversity and mollusk abundance, which was due predominantly to a decrease in the agricultural pest species A. lusitanicus. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that plant diversity can reduce the impact of herbivores. However, plant identity also had an effect on mollusks, and accounted for a much larger fraction of the variation in mollusk communities than biodiversity effects. While overall plant diversity decreased during the 3 years of the study, in the final year the highest plant diversity was found in the plots where mollusk populations were experimentally reduced. We conclude that selective feeding by generalist herbivores leads to changes in plant community composition and hence reduced plant diversity. Our results highlight the importance of plant biodiversity as protection against generalist herbivores, which if abundant can in the long term negatively impact plant diversity, driving the system along a “low plant diversity – high mollusk abundance” trajectory.
Competing Electronic and Size Effects When Substituting 3d Elements for Nb in Nb3Ru5B2 En Route to the Quaternary Phases (Nb2–xScx)4gNb2aRu5B2 (1 ≤ x < 2), Nb3–xMxRu5B2 (M = Ti, V; x ≈ 1), and Nb2+xM1–xRu5B2 (M = Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni; 0 < x ≤ 0.5)
Authors: Hermus Martin , Fokwa Boniface P. T. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractSingle crystals and polycrystalline samples of (Nb2–xScx)4gNb2aRu5B2 (1 ≤ x < 2), Nb3–xMxRu5B2 (M = Ti, V; x ≈ 1), and Nb2+xM1–xRu5B2 (M = Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni; 0 < x ≤ 0.5) were synthesized from the elements and characterized by single‐crystal and powder X‐ray diffraction as well as energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis. These phases are substitutional variants of the recently reported Nb3Ru5B2 phase and crystallize in the Ti3Co5B2‐type structure (tetragonal, space group P4/mbm, no. 127). The structure consists of layers of ruthenium atoms that build trigonal, tetragonal, and pentagonal prisms, in which the other atoms are incorporated. The larger 3d metals, Sc, Ti, and V are found on the larger pentagonal prisms, together with niobium, and also (except for Sc) on the tetragonal prisms. The smaller 3d metals, Cr–Ni, are only found on the tetragonal prisms, but also mix with niobium. DFT calculations on the ternary phase Nb3Ru5B2 suggested that the reason for this site mixing can be found in its electronic structure and the application of the rigid band model proposed a valence electron (VE) range between ca. 58 and 64 for the derived stable phases. All synthesized quaternary phases fit very well within this VE range.
Enantioselective Friedel–Crafts Alkylation of N‐Methylindoles with Nitroalkenes Catalyzed by Chiral Bifunctional Abietic‐Acid‐Derived Thiourea‐ZnII Complexes
Authors: Huang Wei‐gen , Wang Heng‐shan , Huang Guo‐bao , Wu Yong‐ming , Pan Ying‐ming 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe catalytic asymmetric Friedel–Crafts alkylation of N‐methylindoles with nitroalkenes catalyzed by bifunctional abietic‐acid‐derived thiourea‐ZnII complexes was investigated. Various types of the nitroalkylated indoles were synthesized under mild conditions and obtained with excellent yields (up to 99 %) and good enantioselectivities (up to 86 % ee). These chiral thiourea catalysts are easily available from the commercial abietic acid.
Synthesis of Spinosyn Analogues for Modern Crop Protection
Authors: Tietze Lutz F. , Schützenmeister Nina , Grube Alexander , Scheffer Timo , Baag Mohammad Merajuddin , Granitzka Markus , Stalke Dietmar 
Published: September 2012

AbstractNew spinosyn analogues 3 with an arene group as ring A and containing a L‐rhamnose moiety have been prepared. The key step in the synthesis of 3 is a Pd‐catalyzed twofold Heck reaction of glycosylated bromoarene 4, containing an iodovinyl side chain and a tri‐O‐methyl‐L‐rhamnose moiety with the cyclopentene‐annulated macrolactone 5. Compounds 3 may be of interest as new insecticides.
Probabilistic performance assessment of low‐ductility reinforced concrete frames retrofitted with dissipative braces
Authors: Freddi F. , Tubaldi E. , Ragni L. , Dall'Asta A. 
Published: August 2012

SUMMARYThe paper illustrates a probabilistic methodology for assessing the vulnerability of existing reinforced concrete (RC) buildings with limited ductility capacity retrofitted by means of dissipative braces. The aim is to highlight the most important parameters controlling the capacity of these coupled systems and specific aspects concerning the response uncertainties. The proposed methodology is based on the use of local engineering demand parameters for monitoring the seismic response and on the development of component and system fragility curves before and after the retrofit. In the first part of the paper, the methodology is illustrated by highlighting its advantages with respect to the existing approaches. Then, its capability and effectiveness are tested by considering a benchmark two‐dimensional RC frame designed for gravity‐loads only. The frame is retrofitted by introducing elasto‐plastic dissipative braces designed for different levels of base shear capacity. The obtained results show the effectiveness of the methodology in describing the changes in the response and in the failure modalities before and after the retrofit, for different retrofit levels. Moreover, the retrofit effectiveness is evaluated by introducing proper synthetic parameters describing the fragility curves and by stressing the importance of employing local engineering demand parameters (EDPs) rather than global EDPs in the seismic risk evaluation of coupled systems consisting in low‐ductility RC frames and dissipative braces. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Examination of Adults on Antipsychotic Medication at Risk for Metabolic Syndrome: A Comparison with Obese and Eating Disorder Populations
Authors: Stiles‐Shields Colleen , Bogue Cynthia , Grange Daniel Le , Yohanna Daniel 
Published: August 2012

AbstractLittle research has explored how eating disorders (ED) may be involved in the increased risk for metabolic syndrome in adults on antipsychotic medication. This pilot study compared participants on antipsychotic medication with obese and ED samples with respect to demographic and psychosocial factors. Participants (antipsychotic medication n = 12; obese n = 12; ED n = 12), were adults presenting to an outpatient psychiatry department (83.3% women; M age = 45.75 ± 11.5). Analysis of variance, analysis of covariance and chi‐square tests were used to compare the samples. Participants on antipsychotic medications had a significantly lower mean body mass index than the obese (p < .001) and ED (p < .05) samples, as well as significantly lower Restraint Total scores (p < .05) and subjective binge episode frequency (p < .05) than the ED sample. The lack of significant differences that occurred between the antipsychotic medication sample and two eating disorder samples significantly different from one another indicates that this population may have unique symptomology and treatment needs. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Sensing with boots and trousers — qualitative field observations of shallow soil moisture patterns
Authors: Rinderer Michael , Kollegger Andrea , Fischer Benjamin M. C. , Stähli Manfred , Seibert Jan 
Published: September 2012

AbstractWhile soil moisture patterns can be interesting traits to investigate spatio‐temporal heterogeneity of catchments relevant for various physical processes of soil–atmosphere interaction and soil water redistribution, many of the existing methods to capture spatial patterns are time consuming, expensive or need site‐specific calibration. In this study we present a quick and inexpensive supplementary field method for classifying soil wetness in wet environments. The seven wetness classes are based on qualitative indicators, which one can touch, hear or see on the soil surface. To counter critics that such qualitative methods are considerably affected by subjectivity, we performed systematic testing of the method by taking qualitative measurements in the field with 20 non‐expert raters. We then analyzed these in terms of degree of agreement and assessed the results against gravimetric sampling and time domain reflectometry measurements. In 70% of all classifications raters agreed on the wetness class assigned to the marked sampling locations and in 95% they were not off by more than one wetness class. The seven quantitative wetness classes agreed with gravimetric and time domain reflectometry measurements, although intermediate to wet classes showed an overlap of their range whereas the driest classes showed considerable spread. Despite some potential to optimize the method, it has been shown to be a reliable supplement to existing quantitative techniques for assessing soil moisture patterns in wet environments. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Targeting the hedgehog signal transduction pathway at the level of GLI inhibits neuroblastoma cell growth in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Wickström Malin , Dyberg Cecilia , Shimokawa Takashi , Milosevic Jelena , Baryawno Ninib , Fuskevåg Ole M. , Larsson Rolf , Kogner Per , Zaphiropoulos Peter G. , Johnsen John I. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractHedgehog (HH) signaling is an important regulator of embryogenesis that has been associated with the development of several types of cancer. HH signaling is characterized by Smoothened (SMO)‐dependent activation of the GLI transcription factors, which regulate the expression of critical developmental genes. Neuroblastoma, an embryonal tumor of the sympathetic nervous system, was recently shown to express high levels of key molecules in this signaling cascade. Using compounds blocking SMO (cyclopamine and SANT1) or GLI1/GLI2 (GANT61) activity revealed that inhibition of HH signaling at the level of GLI was most effective in reducing neuroblastoma growth. GANT61 sensitivity positively correlated to GLI1 and negatively to MYCN expression in the neuroblastoma cell lines tested. GANT61 downregulated GLI1, c‐MYC, MYCN and Cyclin D1 expression and induced apoptosis of neuroblastoma cells. The effects produced by GANT61 were mimicked by GLI knockdown but not by SMO knockdown. Furthermore, GANT61 enhanced the effects of chemotherapeutic drugs used in the treatment of neuroblastoma in an additive or synergistic manner and reduced the growth of established neuroblastoma xenografts in nude mice. Taken together this study suggests that inhibition of HH signaling is a highly relevant therapeutic target for high‐risk neuroblastoma lacking MYCN amplification and should be considered for clinical testing.
Enhanced antitumoral activity of oncolytic herpes simplex virus with gemcitabine using colorectal tumor models
Authors: Esaki Shinichi , Goshima Fumi , Kimura Hiroshi , Murakami Shingo , Nishiyama Yukihiro 
Published: September 2012

AbstractTo enhance the oncolytic activity of herpes simplex viruses (HSVs) control of immune‐suppression and immune‐resistance by cancer cells is important. Myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), which interfere with tumor‐suppressive environments, are inhibited by gemcitabine (GEM) treatment. We investigated the oncolytic activity and systemic antitumor immunity induced by oncolytic HSVs in combination with GEM treatment. A mouse model with subcutaneous tumors on both sides of the lateral flanks was used. A highly attenuated HSV type 1, strain HF10, was inoculated into one side of each tumor three times following intraperitoneal injection of GEM. Histopathological changes and IFN‐γ secretion of the tumor and leukocytes in the spleen were analyzed. These treatments were repeated to enhance oncolytic activity. HF10 inoculation reduced tumor growth only on the HF10‐treated side. HF10 inoculation following GEM treatment resulted in greater reduction of tumor growth on the HF10‐treated tumor; furthermore, reduction of tumors on the contralateral untreated side was also observed. Necrosis of the tumor was observed in areas where HSV‐infected cells were detected. F4/80+ macrophages around the tumor were eliminated, and CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells increased in the spleen. A single injection of GEM decreased CD11b+/Gr‐1+ MDSCs while retaining CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells. Repetition of this treatment regimen resulted in even greater reduction of tumor growth on both sides and complete rejection in some of the mice. Intratumoral injection of oncolytic HSVs following GEM injection reduced MDSCs. Repeated treatment with oncolytic HSVs following GEM resulted in enhanced oncolytic activity.
A Systematic Review of the Evidence for Pharmacist Care of Patients With Dyslipidemia
Authors: Charrois Theresa L. , Zolezzi Monica , Koshman Sheri L. , Pearson Glen , Makowsky Mark , Durec Tamara , Tsuyuki Ross T. 
Published: September 2012

Study ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of pharmacist care on patients with dyslipidemia.DesignSystematic review of 21 randomized controlled trials.PatientsA total of 5416 patients who received enhanced pharmacist care or standard care as part of a research study.Measurements and Main ResultsNineteen databases and four trial registries were systematically searched from inception through February 21, 2010, with an update in September 2011. In addition, Web sites of relevant professional associations, scientific meetings, and research groups were reviewed, and manual searches of select journals were performed. A total of 8771 articles were identified, and 21 studies included. Data from the studies were analyzed using a random‐effects model. The primary outcome measure assessed was the difference between the groups (pharmacist intervention vs standard care) in low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) level at the end of follow‐up. Secondary outcome measures included the difference between the groups at the end of follow‐up in total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels; and the proportion of patients who achieved target lipid parameters, underwent lipid panel measurements, adhered to therapy, and/or were instructed to change their lipid‐lowering therapy. At the end of follow‐up, the mean LDL level was 10.7 mg/dl lower in the enhanced pharmacy care groups compared with the standard care groups (95% confidence interval [CI] –16.9 to –4.6 mg/dl), with moderate heterogeneity. The mean total cholesterol level was significantly lower in the enhanced pharmacy care groups compared with the standard care groups; however, these results were highly heterogeneous. Patients who received enhanced pharmacist care were also more likely than those receiving standard care to achieve target lipid parameters (odds ratio [OR] 2.46, 95% CI 1.43–4.25) and to have a lipid panel ordered or recommended by a pharmacist during the study (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.30–3.24). Patients in the pharmacist intervention groups were almost twice as likely as patients in the standard care groups to have a change in lipid‐lowering therapy (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.09–3.06). Adherence data could not be analyzed.ConclusionThis systematic review showed that enhanced pharmacist care improves lipid parameters, notably LDL levels, in patients with dyslipidemia. These results point to the benefit that pharmacist care can provide across the spectrum of dyslipidemia management, from screening patients to treating them to assisting them in the attainment of clinical targets.