bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cleavable Gemini Cationic Surfactants: Experimental and Theoretical Description of Adsorption
Authors: Wilk Kazimiera A , Frckowiak Renata , uczynski Jacek , Warszynski Piotr 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
The aim of the present study was to examine, both experimentally and theoretically, the interfacial behavior of cleavable gemini ester quat-type cationic surfactants in comparison to a standard gemini representative. For the theoretical description of the air/water surface tension isotherms of the corresponding geminis, a modified model of multiply charged ionic surfactant adsorption (surface quasi-two-dimensional electrolyte, STDE), taking into account counter ion specificity and formation of surfactant ion–counter-ion associates, was used. As a result, good agreement between theory and experiment was obtained.
Reliability of plasma fibroblast growth factor 23 as risk biomarker in epidemiological studies measured over a four-month period
Authors: di Giuseppe Romina , Hirche Frank , Montonen Jukka , Buijsse Brian , Dierkes Jutta , Stangl Gabriele I , Boeing Heiner , Weikert Cornelia 
Published: September 2012

Background Identified as a biomarker of altered calcium–phosphorus metabolism in chronic kidney disease, fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) can also be used as a biomarker of risk for cardiovascular disease in the general population. However, it is crucial to first evaluate the reproducibility (reliability) of plasma FGF-23 concentrations. Methods We assessed the reliability of plasma FGF-23 concentrations using replicate blood samples taken four months apart of 207 participants from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition-Potsdam Study. Results Plasma FGF-23 concentrations at baseline (geometric mean: 24.7 RU/mL; 95% confidence interval [CI] in RU/mL: 21.8–27.9) were not significantly different from those measured four months later (geometric mean: 23.7 RU/mL; 95% CI in RU/mL: 20.6–27.1; P = 0.42). The intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.69 (95% CI: 0.62–0.76) for all; 0.64 (95% CI: 0.50–0.75) for men and 0.73 (95% CI: 0.64–0.81) for women. Conclusions Plasma FGF-23 concentrations showed good reliability over time. Our findings suggest that in epidemiological studies, a single plasma FGF-23 measurement may be sufficient to derive the relative risk in prospective cohort studies.
Opportunistic screening for familial hypercholesterolaemia via a community laboratory
Authors: Bell Damon A , Hooper Amanda J , Bender Robert , McMahon Jenny , Edwards Glenn , van Bockxmeer Frank M , Watts Gerald F , Burnett John R 
Published: September 2012

Background Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is an inherited disorder characterized by increased serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol concentrations and premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The majority of people with FH are currently undiagnosed. We sought to determine the ability of a community laboratory to screen for individuals with potential FH. Methods Serum LDL-cholesterol concentrations issued by a private community laboratory in Western Australia were reviewed over a one-year period (1 May 2010 to 31 April 2011). We assessed the prevalence of possible FH based on LDL-cholesterol thresholds employed by the Make Early Diagnosis-Prevent Early Death (MED-PED), the Simon Broome Registry and the Dutch Lipid Clinic Network criteria. Results During this period, 84,823 people had 99,467 serum LDL-cholesterol measurements, with 91.8% requested by general practitioners. A secondary cause of hypercholesterolaemia was identified in 8.3% of subjects with an LDL-cholesterol ≥5.0 mmol/L. The prevalence of FH based on an LDL-cholesterol ≥6.5 mmol/L, the 99.75th percentile, was 1:398 in this sample population; similarly, the MED-PED LDL-cholesterol criteria gave a prevalence of 1:482. Conclusions The community laboratory is well placed to screen opportunistically for subjects with potential FH. This may be achieved using either the MED-PED criteria or a serum LDL-cholesterol cut-off point of ≥6.5 mmol/L, irrespective of age. Further investigation is required to determine the most effective method of identifying these individuals and, thereby, ensuring referral to a specialist lipid clinic.
Baseline brain activity changes in patients with clinically isolated syndrome revealed by resting-state functional MRI
Authors: Liu Yaou , Duan Yunyun , Liang Peipeng , Jia Xiuqin , Yu Chunshui , Ye Jing , Butzkueven Helmut , Dong Huiqing , Li Kuncheng 
Published: September 2012

Background A clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) is the first manifestation of multiple sclerosis (MS). Previous task-related functional MRI studies demonstrate functional reorganization in patients with CIS. Purpose To assess baseline brain activity changes in patients with CIS by using the technique of regional amplitude of low frequency fluctuation (ALFF) as an index in resting-state fMRI. Material and Methods Resting-state fMRIs data acquired from 37 patients with CIS and 37 age- and sex-matched normal controls were compared to investigate ALFF differences. The relationships between ALFF in regions with significant group differences and the EDSS (Expanded Disability Status Scale), disease duration, and T2 lesion volume (T2LV) were further explored. Results Patients with CIS had significantly decreased ALFF in the right anterior cingulate cortex, right caudate, right lingual gyrus, and right cuneus ( P < 0.05 corrected for multiple comparisons using Monte Carlo simulation) compared to normal controls, while no significantly increased ALFF were observed in CIS. No significant correlation was found between the EDSS, disease duration, T2LV, and ALFF in regions with significant group differences. Conclusion In patients with CIS, resting-state fMRI demonstrates decreased activity in several brain regions. These results are in contrast to patients with established MS, in whom ALFF demonstrates several regions of increased activity. It is possible that this shift from decreased activity in CIS to increased activity in MS could reflect the dynamics of cortical reorganization.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration Approval: Peginterferon-alfa-2b for the Adjuvant Treatment of Patients with Melanoma
Authors: Herndon Thomas M. , Demko Suzanne G. , Jiang Xiaoping , He Kun , Gootenberg Joseph E. , Cohen Martin H. , Keegan Patricia , Pazdur Richard 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Learning Objectives
After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Describe the setting in which the use of peginterferon-alfa-2b is appropriate for melanoma patients.Define the expectations with regard to survival and side effect profile in patients with melanoma receiving peginterferon-alfa-2b.
CME This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com
On March 29, 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved peginterferon alfa-2b (PEG-IFN) (Sylatron™; Schering Corporation, Kenilworth, NJ) for the adjuvant treatment of melanoma patients with microscopic or gross nodal involvement following definitive surgical resection including complete lymphadenectomy.
The approval was based on a single, open-label, multicenter trial enrolling 1,256 patients. After surgical resection, patients were randomized (1:1) to either PEG-IFN or observation for 5 years. PEG-IFN, 6 μg/kg per week, was administered s.c. for eight doses, followed by 3 μg/kg per week for up to 252 weeks.
Stratification factors included microscopic or gross nodal involvement, number of positive nodes, Breslow thickness, ulceration, sex, and study center. Patients were assessed for recurrence by the investigators based on physical examination every 3 months for 2 years and every 6 months thereafter.
The relapse-free survival (RFS) interval, the primary efficacy endpoint, was significantly longer in PEG-IFN–treated patients. The median RFS times were 34.8 months and 25.5 months, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the overall survival time.
The most common (&gt;60%) grade 1–4 adverse reactions were fatigue, increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), pyrexia, headache, anorexia, myalgia, nausea, chills, and injection site reactions. The most common serious adverse reactions were fatigue, increased ALT and AST, and pyrexia. Thirty-three percent of patients receiving PEG-IFN discontinued treatment as a result of adverse reactions. Five deaths were reported within 30 days of the last treatment dose, two resulting from cardiovascular disease considered as possibly related to treatment.
A Randomized Feasibility Study of Docetaxel Versus Vinorelbine in Advanced Breast Cancer
Authors: Palmieri Carlo , Alifrangis Constantine , Shipway David , Tat Tri , Watson Vivienne , Mackie Diane , Emson Marie , Coombes R. Charles 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background.
Docetaxel and vinorelbine have demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer (MBC). This prospective feasibility study compared the efficacy of these two treatments in MBC.

Methods.
Patients with MBC progressing following anthracycline treatment were randomly assigned to either docetaxel (100 mg/m2 day 1 q3W) or vinorelbine (25 mg/m2 day 1 q2W). Patients were eligible to cross over at progression. Objective response rates (ORR), time to progression (TTP), and overall survival (OS) were measured.

Results.
Thirty-seven patients were randomized. Two patients were excluded due to protocol violations. Of 35 remaining patients, 17 received docetaxel and 18 received vinorelbine per protocol. ORR was 12.5% and 6.0%, respectively, for docetaxel and vinorelbine. The median time to progression was 10.4 weeks (range, 6–14 weeks) in docetaxel arm and 7.6 weeks (range, 4–11 weeks) in vinorelbine arm (p = .82). The clinical benefit rate (defined as complete response, partial response plus stable disease) was 44% in the docetaxel arm and 12% in the vinorelbine arm. Based on intent to treat, the median OS in the docetaxel arm was 34 weeks (95% CI, 20.7–48) and 21.2 weeks (95% CI, 17–25.4) in vinorelbine arm (p = .388). Sixteen patients crossed over, 5 from docetaxel to vinorelbine and 11 from vinorelbine to docetaxel. At crossover, the ORR was 0% and 18% on crossover to vinorelbine and docetaxel, respectively, with a median TTP of 17.3 weeks (95% CI, 16.3–18.1) and 18.7 weeks (95% CI, 13.9–23.4) for those receiving vinorelbine and docetaxel at crossover, respectively. Vinorelbine, however, was much better tolerated with fewer grade 3–4 toxicity events (n = 4) than docetaxel (n = 27).
Determinants and Short-Term Reproducibility of Relative Plasma Volume Slopes during Hemodialysis
Authors: Anand Sanjiv , Sinha Arjun D. , Agarwal Rajiv 
Published: September 2012

Summary

Background and objectives
Hypervolemia is a major cause of morbidity, in part because of the lack of well characterized diagnostic tests. The hypothesis was that relative plasma volume (RPV) slopes are influenced by ultrafiltration rate, directly associate with improvement in arterial oxygen saturation, and are reproducible.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
RPV slopes were measured on three consecutive hemodialysis sessions. Various relationships were tested using mixed models. Reproducibility was assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient.

Results
RPV slopes averaged 1.37±1.45% per hour. The mean RPV slopes were steeper on the first dialysis of the week, which correlated with a higher ultrafiltration rate; RPV slope and ultrafiltration rate were directly related. Increasing ultrafiltration rate quartiles were associated with similar change in RPV in the first 1 hour of dialysis but steeper changes in RPV subsequently. A direct relationship emerged between increasing RPV slopes and increasing arterial oxygen saturation slopes. The intraclass correlation coefficient for the relative plasma volume slope was 0.77.

Conclusions
Although ultrafiltration rate is a major determinant of RPV slope, similar ultrafiltration rates are associated with varying RPV between individuals. Because RPV is associated with little change by ultrafiltration rate during the first 1 hour of dialysis, probing dry weight during the earlier part of dialysis may be safer. RPV slopes are physiologically meaningful, because they are associated with parallel changes in arterial oxygenation saturation slopes. RPV slopes are reproducible, and therefore, RPV may serve as a useful marker to judge changes in volume status within an individual.
Asymptomatic carriers of clostridium difficile in serbian population
Authors: Stojanović Predrag , Stojanović Nevena , Kocic Branislava , Stanković-Đorđević Dobrila , Babić Tatjana , Stojanović Kristina 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
The aim of the research was to determine the intestinal carriers of C. difficile in different human population groups in Serbia. The research enrolled 877 persons with formed stools: (newborn children in maternity hospitals for up to two weeks old) (23), group A; children aged from two weeks to two years (121), group B; children aged two to 10 years (54), group C, healthy individuals aged 10 and over (516), group D; patients hospitalized for at least 48 hours (100), group E; staff of the Clinical Center in Nis, Serbia, (63), group F. The toxins A and B of C. difficile were detected by ELISA-ridascreen Clostridium difficile Toxin A/B (R — Biopharm AG, Darmstadt, Germany). The toxin A of C. difficile was detected using ColorPAC Toxin A test (BectonDickinson, New Jersey, USA). Out of the total number of persons (877), the carriers of certain types of toxin-producing strains of C. difficile were distributed as: 6.04% (A−/B−), 1.83% (A+/B+) and 0.11% (A−/B+). In most groups (5/6), the dominance of non-toxigenic (A−/B−) isolates was established, with the rate of carriers 1.75 – 30.43% depending on the group. Toxigenic isolates were prevalent only in the group F in relation to non — toxigenic (7.94% versus 4.76% of persons). In other groups, the carriers of toxigenic strains ranged from 0.00 – 17.45%. The presence of asymptomatic intestinal carriers of C. difficile in the human population, indicate the possible reservoirs and sources of infection.
Evaluation of melanogenesis in A-375 melanoma cells treated with 5,7-dimethoxycoumarin and valproic acid
Authors: Chodurek Ewa , Orchel Arkadiusz , Orchel Joanna , Kurkiewicz Sławomir , Gawlik Natalia , Dzierżewicz Zofia , Stępień Krystyna 
Published: September 2012

AbstractMalignant melanoma (melanoma malignum) is one of the most dangerous types of tumor. It is very difficult to cure. In recent years, a lot of attention has been given to chemoprevention. This method uses natural and synthetic compounds to interfere with and inhibit the process of carcinogenesis. In this study, a new treatment strategy was proposed consisting of a combination of 5,7-dimethoxycoumarin (DMC), an activator of melanogenesis, and valproic acid (VPA), a well-known drug that is one of the histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis). In conjunction with 1 mM VPA, all of the tested concentrations of DMC (10–150 μM) significantly decreased the proliferation of A-375 cells. VPA and DMC also induced the synthesis of melanin and the formation of dendrite and star-shaped cells. Tyrosinase gene expression and tyrosinase activity significantly increased in response to VPA treatment. Pyrolysis with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) was used to investigate the structure of the isolated melanin. This showed that the quantitative and qualitative components of melanin degradation products are dependent on the type of applied melanogenesis inductor. Products derived from eumelanin were detected in the pyrolytic profile of melanin isolated from A-375 cells stimulated with DMC. Thermal degradation of melanin isolated from melanoma cells after exposure to VPA or a mixture of VPA and DMC revealed the additional presence of products derived from pheomelanin.
Preoperative Prediction of Ambulatory Status at 6 Months After Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Nankaku Manabu , Tsuboyama Tadao , Akiyama Haruhiko , Kakinoki Ryosuke , Fujita Yasuko , Nishimura Jun , Yoshioka Yuji , Kawai Haruna , Matsuda Shuichi 
Published: September 2012

BackgroundTotal hip arthroplasty (THA) is an effective procedure that provides patients with long-term relief from pain and enables them to resume their normal daily activities. Preoperative instruction about the functional outcomes and optimum goal of rehabilitation is helpful for patients undergoing THA.ObjectiveThe purposes of this study were: (1) to examine the relationships between preoperative physical functions and ambulation following THA and (2) to identify optimal cutoff values for estimating ambulatory status at 6 months after THA.DesignThis was a retrospective study.MethodsThe study participants were 204 patients who underwent a unilateral THA. Hip abductor and knee extensor strength were measured and the Timed “Up & Go” Test (TUG) was conducted preoperatively. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to self-reported walking ability at 6 months postoperatively: an independent ambulation group (n=118) and a cane-assisted ambulation group (n=86). Differences between the 2 groups were examined using an unpaired t test or the chi-square test. A stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis was performed with walking ability at 6 months postoperatively as a dependent variable and age, sex, contralateral hip osteoarthritis (ie, whether a participant had contralateral hip osteoarthritis or not), body mass index, hip abductor strength, knee extensor strength, and TUG score as independent variables. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to identify a cutoff point for classifying the participants into the 2 groups.ResultsA stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis selected 3 factors (age, knee extensor strength, and TUG score) as significant variables affecting the midterm ambulatory ability after THA. Moreover, receiver operating characteristic curve analyses revealed that the midterm (ie, 6-month) ambulatory status after THA was more accurately predicted by the patient's TUG score (cutoff point=10 seconds, sensitivity=76.7%, specificity=93.2%, area under the curve=0.93) than by age and knee extensor strength.LimitationsThe categorization of ambulatory status in this study was based solely on self-reported walking ability.ConclusionThe findings indicate that patients with a preoperative TUG score of less than 10 seconds are likely to walk without an assistive device at 6 months after THA.
Development and characterization of 59 polymorphic cDNA‐SSR markers for the edible oil crop Sesamum indicum (Pedaliaceae)
Authors: Wang Linhai , Zhang Yanxin , Qi Xiaoqiong , Gao Yuan , Zhang Xiurong 
Published: September 2012

• Premise of the study: Polymorphic simple sequence repeat markers from transcript sequences (cDNA–simple sequence repeat [SSR]) were developed for the edible oil crop Sesamum indicum to facilitate the genetic study of this species.• Methods and Results: We found 7702 SSR loci in the 60960 unigenes, and 1550 primer pairs were designed and synthesized. In total, 59 primer pairs showed polymorphism within 36 individuals; the number of alleles per locus ranged from two to four, and the expected and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.05 to 0.74 and 0 to 0.30, respectively.• Conclusions: These polymorphic markers will greatly facilitate studies of the genetic structure of S. indicum populations as well as the identification and conservation of the species.
Low‐copy nuclear primers and ycf1 primers in Cactaceae
Authors: Franck Alan R. , Cochrane Bruce J. , Garey James R. 
Published: September 2012

• Premise of the study: To increase the number of variable regions available for phylogenetic study in the Cactaceae, primers were developed for a portion of the plastid ycf1 gene and intron‐spanning regions of two low‐copy nuclear genes (isi1, nhx1).• Methods and Results: Primers were tested on several families within Caryophyllales, focusing on the Cactaceae. Gel electrophoresis indicated positive amplification in most samples. Sequences of these three regions (isi1, nhx1, ycf1) from Harrisia exhibited variation similar to or greater than two plastid regions (atpB‐rbcL intergenic spacer and rpl16 intron).• Conclusions: The isi, nhx, and ycf1 primers amplify phylogenetically useful information applicable to the Cactaceae and other families in the Caryophyllales.
Variable length chloroplast markers for population genetic studies in Acmispon (Fabaceae)
Authors: Wheeler Gregory L. , McGlaughlin Mitchell E. , Wallace Lisa E. 
Published: September 2012

• Premise of the study: To estimate genetic structure, chloroplast loci containing length‐variable regions were developed for two legumes, Acmispon argophyllus and A. dendroideus.• Methods and Results: Primers for 14 chloroplast loci containing repeat regions were developed from the chloroplast genome sequence of the legume Lotus japonicus and tested in Acmispon. Nine loci exhibited polymorphism in Acmispon, with up to six alleles per locus. Gene diversity ranged from 0 to 0.775 in A. argophyllus and 0.142 to 0.766 in A. dendroideus. The primers also amplified in other Acmispon species. Sequencing of the fragments revealed discordance between fragment sizes and underlying sequence for three loci containing complex repeat regions.• Conclusions: Although genotypes were easily generated and sized, sequencing may be more informative of genetic variation in loci with complex repeat regions. These loci exhibit substantial variation and should be useful for understanding genetic structure associated with seed dispersal in Acmispon.
Apport de l'analyse des réseaux sociaux à l'étude des communautés d'apprentissage en ligne
Authors: Sarré Cédric 
Published: September 2012

S'il est vrai que de nombreuses recherches ont porté, ces vingt dernières années, sur l'apport de la communication médiatisée par ordinateur (CMO) à l'acquisition des langues secondes (L2), peu de travaux se sont intéressés à ce jour à la CMO à base orale (audioconférence et visioconférence) et à ses différences et similitudes avec la CMO à base écrite. Cet article se propose d'examiner et de comparer les interactions entre apprenants générées lors de la réalisation de tâches collaboratives en anglais L2 selon trois modes de CMO : le clavardage, la visioconférence et le forum électronique. Les tâches collaboratives ont été proposées aux apprenants dans le cadre du dispositif hybride English for biologists dont l'objectif principal était de favoriser le développement de leur compétence interactionnelle en L2. L'analyse sociométrique des échanges nous permet de mettre en évidence l'influence du mode de CMO utilisé sur la charge interactionnelle (degré de prise en compte de l'autre) et sur la configuration des interactions, ainsi que sur l'efficacité de la télécollaboration. Nous en tirons également des conclusions relatives à l'impact du mode de CMO sur l'entrée des apprenants dans la communauté d'apprentissage qui émerge de chacun des groupes de travail auquel ils appartiennent.