bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Telomere Length Homeostasis Responds to Changes in Intracellular dNTP Pools
Authors: Gupta Amitabha , Sharma Sushma , Reichenbach Patrick , Marjavaara Lisette , Nilsson Anna Karin , Lingner Joachim , Chabes Andrei , Rothstein Rodney , Chang Michael 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
Telomeres, the ends of linear eukaryotic chromosomes, shorten due to incomplete DNA replication and nucleolytic degradation. Cells counteract this shortening by employing a specialized reverse transcriptase called telomerase, which uses deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs) to extend telomeres. Intracellular dNTP levels are tightly regulated, and perturbation of these levels is known to affect DNA synthesis. We examined whether altering the levels of the dNTP pools or changing the relative ratios of the four dNTPs in Saccharomyces cerevisiae would affect the length of the telomeres. Lowering dNTP levels leads to a modest shortening of telomeres, while increasing dNTP pools has no significant effect on telomere length. Strikingly, altering the ratio of the four dNTPs dramatically affects telomere length homeostasis, both positively and negatively. Specifically, we find that intracellular deoxyguanosine triphosphate (dGTP) levels positively correlate with both telomere length and telomerase nucleotide addition processivity in vivo. Our findings are consistent with in vitro data showing dGTP-dependent stimulation of telomerase activity in multiple organisms and suggest that telomerase activity is modulated in vivo by dGTP levels.
The Potential Role of Aerobic Exercise to Modulate Cardiotoxicity of Molecularly Targeted Cancer Therapeutics
Authors: Scott Jessica M. , Lakoski Susan , Mackey John R. , Douglas Pamela S. , Haykowsky Mark J. , Jones Lee W. 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
Molecularly targeted therapeutics (MTT) are the future of cancer systemic therapy. They have already moved from palliative therapy for advanced solid malignancies into the setting of curative-intent treatment for early-stage disease. Cardiotoxicity is a frequent and potentially serious adverse complication of some targeted therapies, leading to a broad range of potentially life-threatening complications, therapy discontinuation, and poor quality of life. Low-cost pleiotropic interventions are therefore urgently required to effectively prevent and/or treat MTT-induced cardiotoxicity. Aerobic exercise therapy has the unique capacity to modulate, without toxicity, multiple gene expression pathways in several organ systems, including a plethora of cardiac-specific molecular and cell-signaling pathways implicated in MTT-induced cardiac toxicity. In this review, we examine the molecular signaling of antiangiogenic and HER2-directed therapies that may underpin cardiac toxicity and the hypothesized molecular mechanisms underlying the cardioprotective properties of aerobic exercise. It is hoped that this knowledge can be used to maximize the benefits of small molecule inhibitors, while minimizing cardiac damage in patients with solid malignancies.
Radiotherapy Can Improve the Disease-Free Survival Rate in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Patients with T1–T2 Disease and One to Three Positive Lymph Nodes After Mastectomy
Authors: Chen Xingxing , Yu Xiaoli , Chen Jiayi , Yang Zhaozhi , Shao Zhimin , Zhang Zhen , Guo Xiaomao , Feng Yan 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Learning Objectives
Evaluate the effect of postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) in terms of locoregional recurrence-free survival and disease-free survival in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients. Identify the subgroup of TNBC patients most likely to benefit from PMRT. Assess the role of PMRT in TNBC patients with intermediate-risk (T1/2N1) disease.

Purpose.
Several studies have demonstrated poor locoregional control in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), compared with other molecular subtypes of breast cancer. We sought to evaluate whether or not postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) improves locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRFS) and disease-free survival (DFS) outcomes in TNBC patients.

Methods and Materials.
Between January 2000 and July 2007, 553 TNBC patients treated with modified radical mastectomy from a single institution were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were categorized into three groups: low risk (stage T1–T2N0), intermediate risk (stage T1–T2N1), and high risk (stage T3–T4 and/or N2–N3). Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the association between PMRT and LRFS and DFS times after adjusting for other clinicopathologic covariates.

Results.
With a median follow-up of 65 months (range, 1–140 months), 51 patients (9.2%) developed locoregional recurrence and 135 patients (24.4%) experienced disease recurrence. On multivariate analysis, PMRT was associated with significantly longer LRFS and DFS times in the entire cohort. In the intermediate-risk group, PMRT was associated with a longer DFS time but not with the LRFS interval. In the high-risk group, PMRT was associated with significantly longer LRFS and DFS times.

Conclusion.
PMRT is associated with longer LRFS and DFS times in high-risk TNBC patients and a longer DFS time in intermediate-risk TNBC patients. Prospective randomized studies are needed to investigate the best locoregional treatment approaches for patients with this molecular subtype of breast cancer.
The End-of-Life Phase of High-Grade Glioma Patients: Dying With Dignity?
Authors: Sizoo Eefje M. , Taphoorn Martin J.B. , Uitdehaag Bernard , Heimans Jan J. , Deliens Luc , Reijneveld Jaap C. , Pasman H. Roeline W. 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background.
In the end-of-life (EOL) phase, high-grade glioma (HGG) patients have a high symptom burden and often lose independence because of physical and cognitive dysfunction. This might affect the patient's personal dignity. We aimed to (a) assess the proportion of HGG patients dying with dignity as perceived by their relatives and (b) identify disease and care factors correlated with dying with dignity in HGG patients.

Methods.
We approached relatives of a cohort of 155 deceased HGG patients for the study. Participants completed a questionnaire concerning the EOL phase of the patient, covering several subthemes: (a) symptoms and signs, (b) health-related quality of life, (c) decision making, (d) place and quality of EOL care, and (e) dying with dignity.

Results.
Relatives of 81 patients participated and 75% indicated that the patient died with dignity. These patients had fewer communication deficits, experienced fewer transitions between health care settings in the EOL phase, and more frequently died at their preferred place of death. Relatives were more satisfied with the physician providing EOL care and reported that the physician adequately explained treatment options. Multivariate analysis identified satisfaction with the physician, the ability to communicate, and the absence of transitions between settings as most predictive of a dignified death.

Conclusions.
Physicians caring for HGG patients in the EOL phase should timely focus on explaining possible treatment options, because patients experience communication deficits toward death. Physicians should strive to allow patients to die at their preferred place and avoid transitions during the last month of life.
Lower-Limb Drainage Mapping for Lymphedema Risk Reduction After Pelvic Lymphadenectomy for Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Bats Anne-Sophie , Nos Claude , Bensaïd Chérazade , Le Frère-Belda Marie-Aude , Collignon Marie-Anne , Faraggi Marc , Lécuru Fabrice 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Learning Objectives
Identify lower-limb drainage nodes preoperatively and during pelvic lymphadenectomy for endometrial cancer. Map lower-limb drainage nodes during pelvic lymphadenectomy for endometrial cancer, using the “reverse mapping” concept. Preserve lower-limb drainage nodes during pelvic lymphadenectomy for endometrial cancer in order to reduce the risk of lower limb lymphedema.

Objectives.
Pelvic lymphadenectomy is associated with a significant risk of lower-limb lymphedema. In this proof-of-concept study, we evaluated the feasibility of identifying the lower-limb drainage nodes (LLDNs) during pelvic lymphadenectomy for endometrial cancer. Secondary objectives were to map lower-limb drainage and to assess the diagnostic value of our mapping technique.

Methods.
This prospective study included patients with endometrial cancer requiring pelvic lymphadenectomy, without neoadjuvant radiotherapy or chemotherapy and without history of lower-limb surgery. A radiopharmaceutical was injected into both feet on the day before surgery. LLDNs were identified using preoperative lymphoscintigraphy and intraoperative isotopic probe detection, then removed before complete pelvic lymphadenectomy. LLDNs and pelvic lymphadenectomy specimens underwent separate histological analysis.

Results.
Of the 12 patients with early-stage endometrial cancer, 10 underwent preoperative lymphoscintigraphy, which consistently identified inguinal, femoral, and pelvic LLDNs (detection rate: 100%). The intraoperative detection rate was 83% (10/12). Median number of hot nodes per patient was 5 nodes (range: 3–7) on the right and 3 nodes (range: 2–6) on the left. Of 107 LLDNs, 106 were in the external iliac area, including 38 in the lateral group and 45 in the intermediate and medial groups. None of the patients had node metastases at any site. No early complications related to the technique occurred.

Conclusion.
Our mapping technique appears feasible, safe, and associated with a high LLDN identification rate. LLDN mapping may allow the preservation of LLDNs, thereby decreasing the risk of lower-limb lymphedema and improving quality of life.
Low Plasma α-Tocopherol Concentrations and Adverse Clinical Outcomes in Diabetic Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Espe Katharina M. , Raila Jens , Henze Andrea , Blouin Katja , Schneider Andreas , Schmiedeke Daniel , Krane Vera , Pilz Stefan , Schweigert Florian J. , Hocher Berthold , Wanner Christoph , Drechsler Christiane 
Published: January 2013

Summary

Background and objectives
Trials with the antioxidant vitamin E have failed to show benefit in the general population. Considering the different causes of death in ESRD, this study investigated the association between plasma concentrations of α-tocopherol and specific clinical outcomes in diabetic hemodialysis patients.

Design, settings, participants, & measurements
In 1046 diabetic hemodialysis patients (participants of the German Diabetes and Dialysis Study), α-tocopherol was measured in plasma by reversed-phase HPLC. By Cox regression analyses, hazard ratios were determined for prespecified end points according to baseline plasma α-tocopherol levels: sudden death (n=134), myocardial infarction (n=172), stroke (n=89), combined cardiovascular events (n=398), fatal infection (n=107), and all-cause mortality (n=508).

Results
Patients had a mean age of 66±8 years, and mean plasma α-tocopherol level was 22.8±9.6 µmol/L. Levels of α-tocopherol were highly correlated to triglycerides (r=0.63, P<0.001). Patients in the lowest α-tocopherol quartile had (in unadjusted analyses) a 79% higher risk of stroke and a 31% higher risk of all-cause mortality compared with patients in the highest quartile. The associations were attenuated after adjustment for confounders (hazard ratiostroke=1.56, 95% confidence interval=0.75–3.25; hazard ratiomortality=1.22, 95% confidence interval=0.89–1.69, respectively). There was no association between α-tocopherol and myocardial infarction, sudden death, or infectious death.

Conclusions
Plasma α-tocopherol concentrations were not independently associated with cardiovascular outcomes, infectious deaths, or all-cause mortality in diabetic hemodialysis patients. The lack of association can partly be explained by a confounding influence of malnutrition, which should be considered in the planning of trials to reduce cardiovascular risk in dialysis patients.
Comparison of Serum Concentrations of β-Trace Protein, β2-Microglobulin, Cystatin C, and Creatinine in the US Population
Authors: Juraschek Stephen P. , Coresh Josef , Inker Lesley A. , Levey Andrew S. , Köttgen Anna , Foster Meredith C. , Astor Brad C. , Eckfeldt John H. , Selvin Elizabeth 
Published: January 2013

Summary

Background and objectives

β-trace protein (βTP), β2-microglobulin (β2M), and cystatin C (CysC) have advantages over creatinine for estimating GFR and prognosis. This study compares the distribution of all four markers in the general population and their associations with possible determinants of GFR.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

βTP and β2M were measured in 7596 participants (aged ≥12 years) of the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988–1994). βTP and β2M concentrations and the proportion of persons with elevated (≥99th percentile for young healthy participants) βTP (≥0.81 mg/L), β2M (≥2.80 mg/L), standardized CysC (≥1.03 mg/L), and creatinine (≥1.2 mg/dl for men and ≥1.0 mg/dl for women) were compared across demographic and clinical factors.

Results
Elevated βTP, β2M, and CysC showed stronger associations with age than elevated serum creatinine, the prevalence of elevated levels reaching 47%, 44%, 58%, and 26%, respectively, by age 80 years. βTP, CysC, and creatinine were higher in men but β2M was not associated with sex. Mexican Americans had lower βTP, β2M, CysC, and creatinine compared with non-Hispanic whites. Hypertension and higher C-reactive protein were associated with elevations in all markers, whereas non-Hispanic black race, body mass index, diabetes, smoking status, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, and education were not associated in a consistent manner across the different markers.

Conclusions

βTP, β2M, CysC, and creatinine differ in their associations with demographic and clinical factors, suggesting variation in their non-GFR determinants. Future studies should examine these markers with measured GFR to determine their diagnostic and prognostic utility.
β-Trace Protein
Authors: Orenes-Piñero Esteban , Manzano-Fernández Sergio , López-Cuenca Ángel , Marín Francisco , Valdés Mariano , Januzzi James L. 
Published: January 2013

Summary

β-trace protein, also known as Lipocalin type prostaglandin D synthase, is a low-molecular mass glycoprotein (between 23,000 and 29,000 Da depending on the degree of glycosylation) that converts prostaglandin H2 into prostaglandin D2. β-trace protein was initially isolated from cerebrospinal fluid and served as a marker of cerebrospinal fluid leakage; however, its cDNA and gene have been isolated in numerous human body tissues, including central nervous system, retina, melanocytes, heart, and male genital organs. In recent years, β-trace protein has emerged as a promising novel endogenous marker of GFR, representing a more sensitive marker for mild kidney dysfunction than serum creatinine. In this regard, β-trace protein has been proposed as an alternative marker to Cystatin C for measuring kidney function. Beyond its role for estimating renal function, β-trace protein is also emerging as a novel biomarker in cardiovascular risk. It has been associated with several cardiovascular disorders, playing a potential role for prognostic stratification in patients with acutely decompensated heart failure and acute coronary syndromes and being advocated as a novel marker for cardiovascular risk prediction.
Serum FGF23 and Risk of Cardiovascular Events in Relation to Mineral Metabolism and Cardiovascular Pathology
Authors: Ärnlöv Johan , Carlsson Axel C. , Sundström Johan , Ingelsson Erik , Larsson Anders , Lind Lars , Larsson Tobias E. 
Published: January 2013

Summary

Background and objectives
Circulating fibroblast growth factor-23 is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes in CKD and non-CKD individuals, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study tested whether this association is independent of mineral metabolism and indices of subclinical cardiovascular pathology.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
The prospective association between fibroblast growth factor-23 and major cardiovascular events (a composite of hospital-treated myocardial infarction, hospital-treated stroke, or all-cause mortality) was investigated in the community-based Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors (n=973; mean age=70 years, 50% women) using multivariate logistic regression. Subjects were recruited between January of 2001 and June of 2004.

Results
During follow-up (median=5.1 years), 112 participants suffered a major cardiovascular event. In logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, and estimated GFR, higher fibroblast growth factor-23 was associated with increased risk for major cardiovascular events (odds ratio for tertiles 2 and 3 versus tertile 1=1.92, 95% confidence interval=1.19–3.09, P<0.01). After additional adjustments in the model, adding established cardiovascular risk factors, confounders of mineral metabolism (calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone, and 25(OH)-vitamin D), and indices of subclinical pathology (flow-mediated vasodilation, endothelial-dependent and -independent vasodilation, arterial stiffness, and atherosclerosis and left ventricular mass) attenuated this relationship, but it remained significant (odds ratio for tertiles 2 and 3 versus tertile 1=1.69, 95% confidence interval=1.01–2.82, P<0.05).

Conclusions
Fibroblast growth factor-23 is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events in the community, even after accounting for mineral metabolism abnormalities and subclinical cardiovascular damage. Circulating fibroblast growth factor-23 may reflect novel and important aspects of cardiovascular risk yet to be unraveled.
The Risk of AKI in Patients Treated with Intravenous Solutions Containing Hydroxyethyl Starch
Authors: Shaw Andrew D. , Kellum John A. 
Published: January 2013

Summary
Intravenous fluids are arguably one of the most commonly administered inpatient therapies and for the most part have been viewed as part of the nephrologist’s toolkit in the management of acute kidney disease. Recently, findings have suggested that intravenous fluids may be harmful if given in excess (quantitative toxicity) and that some may be more harmful than others (qualitative toxicity), particularly for patients who already have AKI. Recent clinical trials have investigated hydroxyethyl starch solutions and found worrying results for the renal community. In this brief review, we consider the published literature on the role of hydroxyethyl starch solutions in AKI, with particular emphasis on two large recent randomized clinical trials conducted in Europe and Australia.
Polyamide grafted with polypyrrole: formation, properties, and stability
Authors: Mosnáčková Katarína , Chehimi Mohamed , Fedorko Pavol , Omastová Mária 
Published: January 2013

AbstractConducting textiles of polyamide (PA) fabrics and polypyrrole (PPy) were prepared by in situ oxidative chemical polymerisation of pyrrole (Py) on the surface of PA textiles using FeCl3 as oxidant. The anionic surfactant, dodecylbenzenesulphonic acid, was used as co-dopant during Py polymerisation on the textile surface. The influence of the monomer amount and polymerisation conditions on formation of the conducting PPy layer, conductivity, morphology, and stability of the prepared PA/PPy was studied. The conductivity of modified textiles decreased rapidly after the washing process, so a special Py-functionalised silane (1-(3-(triethoxysilyl)propylamino)-3-(1-H-pyrrole-1-yl)propan-2-ol; SP) was synthesised and applied to the PA surface prior to PPy formation. The presence of SP on the PA surface after completion of the sol-gel process was verified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with an attenuated total reflectance. Pyrrole polymerisation was subsequently applied to the SP pre-treated textile surface. The influence of SP concentration on both the fastness of the conducting layer after the washing process and stability of the electrical conductivity of the prepared PA/PPy samples was investigated. Surface conductivity of the samples treated and untreated by the sol-gel process of SP was measured both prior to and after washing of the prepared textiles. It was found that an application of 0.6 mass % of SP significantly improved the fastness of the PPy layers. Examination of the modified PA surface using scanning electron microscopy disclosed the differences in the formation of PPy on PA textiles when using SP and also showed differences on the PPy modified textile surface prior to and after washing. The method of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used for a detailed study of the surface composition. It was confirmed that the pre-treatment with Py-functionalised triethoxysilane significantly influenced the chemical composition of the PA surface modified with PPy.
Synthesis of nanostructured perovskite powders via simple carbonate co-precipitation
Authors: Cristiani Cinzia , Dotelli Giovanni , Mariani Mario , Pelosato Renato , Zampori Luca 
Published: January 2013

AbstractA very simple, cost-effective, chloride- and alkali-free, carbonate co-precipitation synthesis in aqueous medium was applied in the preparation of perovskite-type lanthanum manganese oxide-based powders, i.e. La0.70Sr0.30MnO3−δ (LSM) and La0.75Sr0.25Cr0.5Mn0.5O3−δ (LSCrM). The precursors so obtained yielded nano-structured perovskite oxides when treated at 900°C and 800°C, respectively. The measured BET surface areas were in the low-end range for high temperature oxides (4 m2 g−1 and 10 m2 g−1) but the X-ray crystallite size was as low as 50 nm for LSCrM and 90 nm for LSM.
Base-catalysed reduction of pyruvic acid in near-critical water
Authors: Luo Li , Hou Zhi , Wang Yuan , Dai Li 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe reduction of pyruvic acid in near-critical water has successfully been conducted under conditions of various temperatures, pressures, reaction time and the presence of formic acid as the reducing agent. In this work, additives (K2CO3, KHCO3, and sodium acetate) used in the reduction of pyruvic acid were also investigated. The results showed that by adding K2CO3 (25 mole %) a markedly higher lactic acid yield (70.7 %) was obtained than without additives (31.3 %) at 573.15 K, pressure of 8.59 MPa, 60 min, and in the presence of 2 mol L−1 formic acid. As a base catalyst, K2CO3 definitely accelerated the reduction of pyruvic acid. The reaction rate constants, average apparent activation energy and pre-exponential factor were evaluated in accordance with the Arrhenius equation. The reaction mechanism of the reduction was proposed on the basis of the experimental results.
Nanosized sulfated zirconia as solid acid catalyst for the synthesis of 2-substituted benzimidazoles
Authors: Abdollahi-Alibeik Mohammad , Hajihakimi Mohammad 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe condensation reaction of o-phenylenediamine and arylaldehydes was investigated in the presence of nanosized sulfated zirconia (SO42−-ZrO2) as the solid acid catalyst. Nanosized SO42−-ZrO2 was prepared and characterized by the XRD, FT-IR, and SEM techniques. The results confirm good stabilization of the tetragonal phase of zirconia in the presence of sulfate. Reusability experiments showed partial deactivation of the catalyst after each run; good reusability can be achieved after calcinations of the recovered catalyst before its reuse.
Three-component one-pot reaction for the synthesis of β-amide ketones
Authors: Luo Yan-Ping , Chen Qiong 
Published: January 2013

Abstractβ-amide ketones were synthesised by a three-component one-pot reaction of phenylacetylene, aldehydes, and amides in anhydrous acetonitrile containing trifluoroacetic acid and acetic acid in the presence of AlCl3 catalyst. The title compound structures were identified by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, MS, and elemental analysis.