bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MALDI‐TOF MS Analysis of the Grafting of Clay Nanoparticles with Poly(butyl acrylate)
Authors: Chirowodza Helen , Hartmann Patrice C. , Pasch Harald 
Published: March 2012

AbstractPolymer/clay hybrid materials are synthesised by grafting polymer chains from the surface of Laponite clay via surface‐initiated RAFT polymerisation of butyl acrylate. The grafted polymer chains are analysed directly from the clay using MALDI‐TOF MS. The polymer‐grafted clay particles are analysed regarding their oligomer distribution using a matrix of dihydroxy‐9,10‐dihydroanthracen‐9‐one (dithranol) without the addition of a cationising salt. The end‐group structures of the free and grafted polymers are also studied. The work presented here expands the application bracket for MALDI‐TOF MS as it shows that the analysis of polymers attached to a solid surface via electrostatic interactions is possible without detaching them. Complimentary results from SEC and NMR are also presented.
Effects of Soy Protein on the Crystallization and Dielectric Properties of PEG/PEG Copolymers
Authors: Ji Jianying , Li Bin , Zhong Wei‐Hong 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe effects of SP on the crystallization and dielectric properties of PEG and PE‐b‐PEG are studied. POM, SEM, DSC, FTIR, and dielectric spectroscopy are used to analyze the interaction between PEG and SP. The results indicate that the involvement of the nonpolar hydrophobic PE block improves the compatibility between PEG and SP. The melting temperature and crystallinity of the PEG block in the copolymer decrease by 85 and 81%, respectively. In contrast, the melting peak does not show any shift and the crystallinity decreases only slightly (less than 6%) in pure PEG. Concomitant with the increase in the amorphous characteristics of the polymer, there is a strong decrease in the dielectric constant in the blend of copolymer and SP, indicating a strong interaction between SP and copolymer.
Ruthenium(II) Metallo‐Supramolecular Polymers of Click‐Derived Tridentate Ditopic Ligands
Authors: Schulze Benjamin , Friebe Christian , Hoeppener Stephanie , Pavlov Georges M. , Winter Andreas , Hager Martin D. , Schubert Ulrich S. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractNew ditopic 2,6‐bis(1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)pyridine ligands featuring a π‐conjugated spacer and clicked‐on solubilizing groups were employed in the synthesis of RuII metallo‐supramolecular polymers that exhibit an intense metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer absorption in the visible light region. The coordination polymers obtained were studied in solution by means of size exclusion chromatography and analytical ultracentrifugation, revealing a comparably high molar mass and moderate rigidity. Investigations in the solid state by atomic force and transmission electron microscopy confirmed the formation of rod‐like polymers. Furthermore, film preparation by drop‐casting showed good film‐forming properties. Thus, the solution‐processable, photoredoxactive polymers might be applicable in solar cells.
The Nonhematopoietic Effects of Erythropoietin in Skin Regeneration and Repair: From Basic Research to Clinical Use
Authors: Sorg Heiko , Harder Yves , Krueger Christian , Reimers Kerstin , Vogt Peter M. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractErythropoietin (EPO) is the main regulator of red blood cell production but there exists also a variety of nonhematopoietic properties. More recent data show that EPO is also associated with the protection of tissues suffering from ischemia and reperfusion injury as well as with improved regeneration in various organ systems, in particular the skin. This review highlights the mechanisms of EPO in the different stages of wound healing and the reparative processes in the skin emphasizing pathophysiological mechanisms and potential clinical applications. There is clear evidence that EPO effectively influences all wound‐healing phases in a dose‐dependent manner. This includes inflammation, tissue, and blood vessel formation as well as the remodeling of the wound. The molecular mechanism is predominantly based on an increased expression of the endothelial and inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase with a consecutive rapid supply of NO as well as an increased content of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the wound. The improved understanding of the functions and regulatory mechanisms of EPO in the context of wound‐healing problems and ischemia/reperfusion injury, especially during flap surgery, may lead to new considerations of this growth hormone for its regular clinical application in patients.
Proximity ligation assays for isoform‐specific Akt activation in breast cancer identify activated Akt1 as a driver of progression
Authors: Spears Melanie , Cunningham Carrie A , Taylor Karen J , Mallon Elizabeth A , Thomas Jeremy St J , Kerr Gillian R , Jack Wilma JL , Kunkler Ian H , Cameron David A , Chetty Udi , Bartlett John MS 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe PI3K/Akt signal transduction pathway plays an important role in cancer progression and cell survival. Akt activation is associated with poor outcome in endocrine‐treated breast cancer, whereas high levels of cytoplasmic Akt2 are associated with an improved overall survival. Proximity ligation assays (PLAs) were used to determine quantitative expression levels of isoform‐specific activation (phosphorylation) of Akt1 and Akt2 in formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded cell lines and breast cancer tumour tissues in situ. PLAs demonstrated a range of expression in breast cancer samples for total pAkt1 and pAkt2. High levels of pAkt1 were associated with reduced DRFS (HR: 1.45, 95% CI 1.14–1.83, p = 0.002) and OS (HR: 1.42, 95% CI 1.10–1.83, p = 0.007). When PLA results were combined, patients that had high levels of pAkt1 only had a significantly decreased DRFS (HR: 1.92, 95% CI 1.34–2.76, p = 0.005) and OS (HR: 1.94, 95% CI 1.32–2.86, p = 0.008) compared to other patients. Using PLAs to discriminate activation of Akt1 versus Akt2 suggests that Akt1 drives progression in early breast cancers. In cases where both Akt1/Akt2 are activated, Akt2 may act to reverse this effect. Using PLAs, we have measured activation of Akt1 and Akt2 proteins separately in situ in FFPE breast cancer samples. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The pathological roles of BART miRNAs in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Lo Angela K‐F , Dawson Christopher W , Jin Dong‐Yan , Lo Kwok‐Wai 
Published: March 2012

AbstractNasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a distinct type of head and neck cancer prevalent in south‐east Asia and southern China, where it constitutes a significant health burden. Although the close association of NPC with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection has been known for more than four decades, the exact role that EBV plays in the pathogenesis of this malignancy is still unclear. While NPC tumours are known to express a number of EBV‐encoded proteins, they also express a large number of virus‐encoded microRNAs (miRNAs), the most abundant of which are those encoded from the BamHI‐A region of the viral genome: the so‐called BART miRNAs. miRNAs are small non‐coding mRNAs that negatively regulate the expression of various genes at the post‐transcriptional level. Accumulating evidence suggests that miRNAs play important roles in tumourigenesis. Here, we review the role of EBV‐encoded BART miRNAs in modulating apoptosis and host innate defence mechanisms and their contribution to NPC pathogenesis. The rationale and strategies for therapeutic targeting of BART miRNAs in EBV‐infected NPC are also discussed. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk factors for cisplatin‐associated ototoxicity in pediatric oncology patients
Authors: Yancey Allison , Harris Michael S. , Egbelakin Akinbode , Gilbert Jaimie , Pisoni David B. , Renbarger Jamie 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackgroundCisplatin is an effective chemotherapy agent against several pediatric malignancies. One of its side effects is irreversible sensorineural hearing damage that is highly variable with a reported incidence of 22–70%. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and identify clinical predictors of cisplatin‐related ototoxicity.ProceduresWe performed a retrospective chart review of 102 pediatric patients who had completed cisplatin therapy for osteosarcoma, neuroblastoma, hepatoblastoma, or germ cell tumor. Patients were diagnosed at Riley Hospital for Children between January 1995 and June 2008, were less than 18 years old at diagnosis, and had normal hearing prior to therapy. Audiograms were scored using the Brock scale (0–4), a validated grading system for cisplatin‐related hearing loss.ResultsForty‐two percent of the patients experienced hearing loss and 28% had moderate to severe ototoxicity (Brock score ≥2). Males were at significantly greater risk for developing hearing loss than were females (P = 0.005, OR 4.812). Age at cancer diagnosis was inversely related to severity of ototoxicity. Patients who suffered Brock grade 3 ototoxicity had a mean age of 4.5 years versus 11.5 years and 7.2 years for grades 1 and 2, respectively (P = 0.02). Cumulative cisplatin dose was also identified as a risk factor for development of ototoxicity (P = 0.03).ConclusionsGender and cumulative dose are important clinical biomarkers of cisplatin ototoxicity. Severity of ototoxicity may be inversely related to age at time of exposure, with very young patients exhibiting higher grades of hearing loss following cisplatin therapy. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 59: 144–148. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nuchal translucency screening in triplets: Down syndrome risk calculation taking account of between‐fetus correlations
Authors: Cuckle Howard , Moskovitch Miki , Vaknin Zvi , Levental Sharon , Rosen Hadar , Maymon Ron 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo describe a method for calculating fetus‐specific Down syndrome risk in triplets, allowing for nuchal translucency (NT) correlation between fetuses.MethodsThe between‐fetus correlation coefficient of log NT, in multiples of the median, was estimated from a series of 95 unaffected triplets. A trivariate log Gaussian model was used to calculate likelihood ratios for discordant and concordant Down syndrome. Applying these to the prior maternal age‐specific risk yielded risks in monozygous, dizygous and trizygous triplets. The weighted average risk was then computed with weights relating to chorionicity and assisted reproduction. The method was illustrated.ResultsThe correlation coefficient in unaffected pregnancies was 0.408 (P < 0.0001; 95% confidence interval 0.30–0.50) and estimated to be 0.205 and 0.107 in triplets pairs with one or two affected fetuses. The illustration showed that very large differences could be obtained in the risks when the extent of correlation in NT between fetuses is taken into account compared with when the measurements are treated as independent.ConclusionFetus‐specific Down syndrome risks in triplets should be calculated using its own NT value and that in the other fetuses, chorionicity, and method of conception. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Three‐dimensional ultrasound is an accurate and reproducible technique for fetal crown‐rump length measurement
Authors: Youssef Aly , Salsi Ginevra , Bellussi Federica , Arcangeli Tiziana , Farina Antonio , Contro Elena , Maroni Elisa , Pilu Gianluigi , Rizzo Nicola , Ghi Tullio 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTObjectiveThe aim of the study was to evaluate the accuracy and reproducibility of fetal crown‐rump length (CRL) measurement using three‐dimensional ultrasound (3DUS).MethodsWe included a series of women with singleton pregnancy at 6–13 + 6 weeks. Following CRL measurement by the two‐dimensional ultrasound (2DUS), a 3DUS volume was acquired. On the reconstructed midsagittal plane, CRL was measured twice by an operator and once by another. The correlation between CRL measured by 3DUS and 2DUS, as well as the intraobserver and interobserver agreement, was then calculated. Furthermore, the agreement between 2DUS and 3DUS CRL measurements together with intraobserver and interobserver agreement was calculated separately for the groups with a midsagittal acquisition plane (MSAP) and non‐midsagittal acquisition plane (NMSAP).ResultsOverall, 137 pregnancies were included in the analysis. CRL measurements performed using 3DUS showed excellent correlation with 2DUS [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.992]. In addition, the 3DUS showed a high intraobserver and interobserver agreement (ICC = 0.999 and 0.993, respectively). Finally, when we divided the acquired volumes according to the plane of acquisition, excellent 2DUS–3DUS, as well as intraobserver and interobserver agreement, was maintained for both MSAP and NMSAP.Conclusion3DUS is a highly accurate and reproducible tool for fetal CRL measurement regardless of the fetal position at the time of 3D volume acquisition. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal Ebstein's anomaly: early and late appearance
Authors: Zimmer Etan Z. , Blazer Shraga , Lorber Avraham , Solt Ido , Egenburg Sandro , Bronshtein Moshe 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo present sonographic findings in early and late appearance of fetal Ebstein's anomaly.MethodsFetal sonography was performed in 53 447 consecutive pregnant women at 14 to 16 weeks’ gestation.ResultsEbstein's anomaly was detected in eight fetuses, in four of them additional anomalies were observed. All eight pregnancies were terminated. In an additional fetus, a normal four‐chamber view without valvular regurgitation was visualized at 15 weeks’ gestation. At 24 weeks, a normal four‐chamber view was depicted. No Doppler examination was performed at that time. The newborn was found to have Ebstein's anomaly with pulmonary stenosis. A balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty was performed with a good outcome at three months of age.ConclusionFetal Ebstein's anomaly may be detected in early pregnancy. The incidence is higher than what is reported in newborns. Depiction of a normal fetal heart in early and midpregnancy does not exclude the possibility of subsequent development of Ebstein's anomaly. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of population parameters and mathematical strategies for the calculation of prenatal risk of Down syndrome in the first trimester of pregnancy
Authors: Martínez‐Morillo Eduardo , García Belén Prieto , Calvo Francisco Moreno , Álvarez Francisco V. 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo evaluate the population parameters applied to the calculation of risk for Down syndrome (DS) in the first trimester screening (FTS) and the comparison of performance obtained including or excluding maternal age from the mathematical algorithm.MethodsThree different calculation engines for prenatal risk of DS were developed on the basis of the population parameters from the Serum, Urine and Ultrasound Screening Study, the Fetal Medicine Foundation, and a combination of both of them. These calculators were evaluated in 14 645 first trimester pregnant women, including 59 DS affected fetuses, comparing their performance with that obtained by our commercial software Elipse® (Perkin Elmer Life and Analytical Sciences, Turku, Finland). Advanced first trimester screening (AFS) strategy was also analyzed, and a hybrid strategy (FTS + AFS) was evaluated.ResultsBy selecting population parameters from the Serum, Urine and Ultrasound Screening Study, the detection rate increased from 76% (Elipse) to 86% with a small increase in the false positive rate (FPR), from 3.3% to 3.7%, respectively. DS screening performance significantly improved by using the hybrid strategy (AFS in pregnant women under 35 years and FTS in pregnant women over 35 years), with a 92% detection rate (FPR: 3.9%).ConclusionsIn the present study, a new hybrid screening strategy has been proposed to achieve DS detection rates higher than 90%, for a convenient <4% FPR. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nasal bone assessment in fetuses with trisomy 21 at 16–24 weeks of gestation by three‐dimensional ultrasound
Authors: Persico Nicola , Molina Francisca , Azumendi Guillermo , Fedele Luigi , Nicolaides Kypros H. 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the length and shape of the nasal bones in fetuses with trisomy 21 at 16–24 weeks' gestation.MethodWe acquired three‐dimensional volumes of the fetal profile from 41 fetuses with trisomy 21. The multiplanar mode was used to measure nasal bone length in the exact midsagittal plane and in parasagittal and oblique views of the fetal face and to examine the nasal bones in the coronal plane.ResultsThere was bilateral absence of the nasal bones in 11 (26.8%) cases and unilateral absence in one (2.4%). In 29 (70.7%) cases with present nasal bones, there was progressive over‐estimation of nasal bone length when measured in parasagittal and oblique views compared to measurements taken in the exact midsagittal plane. In the coronal plane, in 18 of 29 (62.1%) fetuses with trisomy 21, the nasal bones were divergent, whereas in 131 of 135 (97.0%) euploid fetuses, the bones were entirely fused in the midline.ConclusionParasagittal and oblique scanning planes may produce over‐estimation of nasal bone length in trisomy 21 fetuses because they often have divergent nasal bones. Consequently, it is essential that measurement of nasal bone length is carried out in the exact midsagittal plane of the face. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maternal smoking and fetal lung signals – an in utero MRI investigation
Authors: Schmid Maximilian , Marschalek Julian , Springer Stephanie , Klein Katharina , Kasprian Gregor , Prayer Daniela 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo investigate whether fetal lung signals and fetal lung signal progression over gestation observed on magnetic resonance imaging are different in mothers who reported smoking during pregnancy compared with nonsmoking controls.MethodCross‐sectional retrospective study of 100 consecutive singleton pregnancies that underwent magnetic resonance imaging. Fetal lung–liver signal intensity ratios of 18 fetuses of mothers who reported smoking during pregnancy were compared with 82 fetuses of nonsmoking controls.ResultsAverage gestational age at magnetic resonance imaging was 26.4 ± 5.2 weeks (Range 18.4–38.2 weeks). Cases reported smoking between 2 and 15 cigarettes per day. The mean number of cigarettes per day for cases was 9.2 ± 3.4. Mean fetal lung‐liver signal intensity ratios did not differ significantly between the two groups (p = 0.8). They showed a linear increase with gestational age (r2 = 0.3). Multiple regression analysis of lung–liver signal intensity ratios using gestational age and smoking status as predictors revealed a significant influence of gestational age (p < 0.0001) but not maternal smoking status (p = 0.8) on fetal lung–liver signal intensity ratios.ConclusionsFetuses of mothers who reported smoking during pregnancy show similar lung signals and lung signal progression over gestation on magnetic resonance imaging as nonsmoking controls. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isolated corpus callosum agenesis: a ten‐year follow‐up after prenatal diagnosis (How are the children without corpus callosum at 10 years of age?)
Authors: Moutard Marie‐Laure , Kieffer Virginie , Feingold Josué , Lewin Fanny , Baron Jean‐Michel , Adamsbaum Catherine , Gélot Antoinette , Isapof Arnaud , Kieffer François , de Villemeur Thierry Billette 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTBackgroundCorpus callosum agenesis (CCA) is generally diagnosed in utero. Outcome appears to be better if the malformation is isolated. The aim of this study, which is the first one with a long (10 years) and standardized follow up, was to report cognitive abilities of children with isolated CCA diagnosed prenatally.MethodsWe prospectively evaluated 17 children. Clinical examinations, neuropsychological tests were performed each year. School achievement and personal and familial data were collected.ResultsTwelve children completed the entire follow up. One child was finally considered to have associated CCA, because signs of fetal alcohol syndrome had become obvious. Of the 11 other children, three (27%) had borderline intelligence whereas the intelligence levels of eight (73%) were in the normal range, although half of these children experienced some difficulties in scholastic achievement. Neither epilepsy nor intellectual deficiency was noted and intellectual quotient scores correlated strongly with the mother's education level.ConclusionAlthough prenatal diagnosis of isolated CCA is reliable, false postnatal diagnoses remain possible (10–20%) even with complete prenatal screening. Outcome is mostly favorable because intelligence is within the normal range for nearly 3/4 of the children. However, they frequently have mild learning difficulties. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Initiation of sulfonylureas versus metformin is associated with higher blood pressure at one year
Authors: Roumie Christianne L. , Liu Xulei , Choma Neesha N. , Greevy Robert A. , Hung Adriana M. , Grijalva Carlos G. , Griffin Marie R. 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTPurposeTo determine if incident oral antidiabetic drug (OAD) use was associated with 12‐month systolic blood pressure (BP) and if this was mediated through body mass index (BMI) changes.MethodsA retrospective cohort of veterans with hypertension who initiated metformin (n = 2057) or sulfonylurea (n = 1494) between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2007 in the Veterans Administration Mid‐South Network was assembled. Patients were included if they had complete covariates, including 12‐month BP and BMI, and persisted on therapy for 12 months. Linear regression was conducted to investigate the effect of OADs on 12‐month systolic BP adjusting for demographics, glycated hemoglobin, creatinine, BMI, health care utilization, and comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). A second analysis examined if these effects were mediated by BMI change. The secondary outcome was the proportion of patients who had a controlled BP (≤140/90 mmHg) at 12 months adjusted for baseline BP and covariates.ResultsPatients were white (82%) males (97%) with median age of 64 years (interquartile range [IQR] 57, 72), and 27% had history of CVD. Sulfonylurea users had a 1.33 mmHg (0.16, 2.50, p = 0.03) higher 12‐month systolic BP than metformin users. The median change in BMI from OAD initiation to 12 months was −0.76 (IQR −1.78, 0.07) and 0.21 (IQR −0.57, 1.03) among metformin and sulfonylurea users, respectively. In a model adjusting for BMI change, the difference in 12‐month systolic BP between sulfonylurea and metformin users became insignificant (0.23 (−1.00, 1.45), p = 0.72), while one BMI unit change was associated with an increase in 12‐month systolic BP of 1.07 mmHg (0.74, 1.40, p < 0.0001). At 12 months, 68.3% of metformin patients had controlled BP versus 64.2% of sulfonylurea patients (p = 0.01).ConclusionsCompared with metformin, sulfonylurea initiation was associated with increased systolic BP at 12 months, which appears to be mediated by the differential effects of these drugs on BMI. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.