bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A single center comparison of one versus two venous anastomoses in 564 consecutive DIEP flaps: Investigating the effect on venous congestion and flap survival
Authors: Enajat Morteza , Rozen Warren M. , Whitaker Iain S. , Smit Jeroen M. , Acosta Rafael 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackground: Venous complications have been reported as the more frequently encountered vascular complications seen in the transfer of deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEA) perforator (DIEP) flaps, with a variety of techniques described for augmenting the venous drainage of these flaps to minimize venous congestion. The benefits of such techniques have not been shown to be of clinical benefit on a large scale due to the small number of cases in published series. Methods: A retrospective study of 564 consecutive DIEP flaps at a single institution was undertaken, comparing the prospective use of one venous anastomosis (273 cases) to two anastomoses (291 cases). The secondary donor vein comprised a second DIEA venae commitante in 7.9% of cases and a superficial inferior epigastric vein (SIEV) in 92.1%. Clinical outcomes were assessed, in particular rates of venous congestion. Results: The use of two venous anastomoses resulted in a significant reduction in the number of cases of venous congestion to zero (0 vs. 7, P = 0.006). All other outcomes were similar between groups. Notably, the use of a secondary vein did not result in any significant increase in operative time (385 minutes vs. 383 minutes, P = 0.57). Conclusions: The use of a secondary vein in the drainage of a DIEP flap can significantly reduce the incidence of venous congestion, with no detriment to complication rates. Consideration of incorporating both the superficial and deep venous systems is an approach that may further improve the venous drainage of the flap. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2010.
Fast targeted multidimensional NMR metabolomics of colorectal cancer
Authors: Ludwig C. , Ward D. G. , Martin A. , Viant M. R. , Ismail T. , Johnson P. J. , Wakelam M. J. O. , Günther U. L. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe study of small molecules in body fluids has become an important tool to monitor the state of biological organisms. Applications range from model studies using cell lines to applications where human body fluids are used to monitor disease states or drug responses. NMR spectroscopy has been an important tool for metabolomics although severe overlap of signals has limited the number of compounds, which can be unambiguously identified and quantified. Therefore, deconvolution of NMR spectra is one of the greatest challenges for NMR‐based metabolomics. This has commonly been achieved by using multidimensional spectra that have the disadvantage of requiring significantly longer acquisition times. Recently, a number of methods have been described to record NMR spectra much faster. Here, we explore the use of Hadamard‐encoded TOCSY spectra to simultaneously select multiple lines from crowded NMR spectra of blood serum samples to acquire pseudo‐two‐dimensional spectra in minutes which would otherwise require many hours. The potential of this approach is demonstrated for the detection of a signature for colorectal cancer from human blood samples. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The molecular machinery of germ line specification
Authors: Ewen‐Campen Ben , Schwager Evelyn E. , Extavour Cassandra G.M. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractGerm cells occupy a unique position in animal reproduction, development, and evolution. In sexually reproducing animals, only they can produce gametes and contribute genetically to subsequent generations. Nonetheless, germ line specification during embryogenesis is conceptually the same as the specification of any somatic cell type: germ cells must activate a specific gene regulatory network in order to differentiate and go through gametogenesis. While many genes with critical roles in the germ line have been characterized with respect to expression pattern and genetic interactions, it is the molecular interactions of the relevant gene products that are ultimately responsible for germ cell differentiation. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge on the molecular functions and biochemical connections between germ line gene products. We find that homologous genes often interact physically with the same conserved molecular partners across the metazoans. We also point out cases of nonhomologous genes from different species whose gene products play analogous biological roles in the germ line. We suggest a preliminary molecular definition of an ancestral “pluripotency module” that could have been modified during metazoan evolution to become specific to the germ line. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 77: 3–18, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neuronal and glial cerebrospinal fluid protein biomarkers are elevated after West Nile Virus infection
Authors: Petzold A. , Groves M. , Leis A.A. , Scaravilli F. , Stokic D.S. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractNeurotrophic West Nile virus (WNV) disease is a severe arbovirus infection in which neuronal loss is the likely anatomical substrate for the high morbidity and mortality. We investigated whether cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein biomarkers were elevated in vivo and related to disease severity in patients with WNV infection. This exploratory study included 114 patients (24 acute WNV, 77 noninflammatory controls, six peripheral neuropathies, seven aseptic meningoencephalitis). CSF levels of neuronal (neurofilaments, NfH‐SMI35) and glial (glial fibrillary acidic protein, GFAP, S100B) biomarkers were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Immunocytochemistry was performed in two fatal WNV cases. A significant proportion of patients with WNV had pathological CSF levels for NfH‐SMI35 (58%, median concentration 1.01 ng/mL), GFAP (58%, 10 pg/mL), and S100B (90%, 1.29 ng/mL). The results were consistent with postmortem evidence for neuronal death and astrogliosis. Surprisingly, CSF protein biomarker levels were also found to be pathological in a considerable proportion of patients who presented with WNV fever only (100% for GFAP and S100B and 43% for NfH‐SMI35). Elevated CSF protein biomarker levels are suggestive of neuronal death and glial pathology in human WNV infection. The results indicate the presence of neuroinvasive disease across the spectrum of WNV disease, including WNV fever. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Role of gelatinases in disuse‐induced skeletal muscle atrophy
Authors: Liu Xuhui , Lee David J. , Skittone Laura K. , Natsuhara Kyle , Kim Hubert T. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractGelatinases are a subgroup of the family of matrix metalloproteinases, which contains two members—gelatinase A and B. These enzymes play an important role in basement membrane homeostasis. Previous studies have associated basement membrane degradation with skeletal muscle atrophy. However, the specific contribution of gelatinases to the pathobiology of muscle atrophy remains unknown. In this study we examined the specific roles of gelatinase A and B in disuse‐induced skeletal muscle atrophy using knockout mice. Although both gelatinase A and B are highly upregulated in disused muscle, only gelatinase A null mice had significantly reduced muscle atrophy as compared to wildtype littermates. Type IV collagen and laminin, two major components of basement membrane, were relatively well‐preserved in disused muscle in gelatinase A null mice, but not in gelatinase B null mice. These findings suggest that gelatinase A, and not gelatinase B, plays a critical role in disuse‐induced skeletal muscle atrophy. Muscle Nerve, 2010
The effects of welfare reform on the academic performance of children in low‐income households
Authors: Miller Amalia R. , Zhang Lei 
Published: September 2009

AbstractDuring the 1990s, U.S. welfare policy underwent dramatic reforms aimed at promoting employment and reducing dependence. Although the immediate effects on adult labor supply and family income have been studied extensively, this paper is the first to evaluate the long‐run effects on children's well‐being. Using a decade of national math achievement data and controlling for contemporaneous changes in education policy and environment, we associate welfare reform with relative test score improvements for low‐income students. Greater gains occur in states with larger initial welfare caseloads and larger caseload reductions.© 2009 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
Voter‐weighted environmental preferences
Authors: Bell Jason , Huber Joel , Viscusi W. Kip 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThis article examines the political economy of preferences with respect to the environment using a new stated preference survey that presents the first benefit values for national water quality levels. The mean valuation greatly exceeds the median value, as the distribution of valuations is highly skewed. The study couples the survey valuations with unique and extensive information on respondent voting patterns. Preferences of registered voters are similar to the preferences of the population at large, but median voters value water quality more than nonvoters. The strongest contrast related to voter‐weighted preferences is among voters for different candidates, as those who voted for Gore in the 2000 presidential election have the highest environmental values. © 2009 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
Collusion in auctions for emission permits: An experimental analysis
Authors: Burtraw Dallas , Goeree Jacob , Holt Charles A. , Myers Erica , Palmer Karen , Shobe William 
Published: September 2009

AbstractEnvironmental markets have several institutional features that provide a new context for the use of auctions and that have not been studied previously. This paper reports on laboratory experiments testing three auction forms—uniform and discriminatory price sealed‐bid auctions and an ascending clock auction. We test the ability of subjects to tacitly or explicitly collude in order to maximize profits. Our main result is that the discriminatory and uniform price auctions produce greater revenues than the clock auction, both with and without explicit communication. The clock appears to facilitate successful collusion, both because of its sequential structure and because it allows bidders to focus on one dimension of cooperation (quantity) rather than two (price and quantity).© 2009 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
Phenomenon of phase inversion in high impact polystyrene: Physico‐chemical, rheological and morphological study in the presence of chain transfer agent and using different tapered block copolymers as the precursor rubber
Authors: de León Ramon Díaz , Morales Graciela , Acuña Pablo , Soriano Florentino 
Published: September 2009

AbstractDifferent high impact polystyrenes were synthesized using styrene/butadiene copolymers (SB) with PS/PB composition: 30/70 and 20/80 as the precursor rubber, benzoyl peroxide (BPO) as the initiator, and ter‐dodecyl mercaptane (TDM) as the chain transfer agent. During the polymerization, several samples were taken and analyzed under different techniques to evaluate the phase inversion (PI) phenomenon. The PI was determined through transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and through dynamic oscillatory behavior, where the PI takes places when the relaxation process presents the lower value of activation energy. Finally, the Choi and Schowalter emulsion model was employed to elucidate the PI, and relevant information was revealed about the interfacial tension in the PI. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Pain and hip lateral rotator muscle strength contribute to functional status in females with patellofemoral pain
Authors: Long‐Rossi Frances , Salsich Gretchen B. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackground and Purpose. Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is a common musculoskeletal pain condition, especially in females. Decreased hip muscle strength has been implicated as a contributing factor, yet the relationships between pain, hip muscle strength and function are not known. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that pain and hip muscle strength explain unique portions of variance in the functional status of females with PFP. Methods. An observational, cohort study was conducted. The subjects for this study were twenty‐one females with PFP (age: 26 ± 7 years; height: 163 ± 4 cm; and body mass: 62 ± 10 kg). Subjects had a minimum pain duration of two months (mean pain duration: 4.9 ± 3.6 years). The main measures were pain during a unilateral squat, measured with a visual analogue scale; isometric muscle force of gluteus medius, gluteus maximus and hip lateral rotators; and Kujala score (self‐report measure of function). Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed with Kujala score as the dependent variable. Pain and hip lateral rotator muscle strength were independent variables, entered in that order. Other strength measures were not correlated with the Kujala score, and as such, were not used in the analysis. Results. Pain explained 22% of the variance in the Kujala score (p = 0.03). Hip lateral rotator strength explained an additional 14% of the variance, after accounting for pain level (p = 0.06). Conclusions. Pain and hip lateral rotator strength contributed to the functional status of females with PFP. Improving pain and hip lateral rotator muscle strength may improve function in females with this common pain condition. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cell‐autonomous intracellular androgen receptor signaling drives the growth of human prostate cancer initiating cells
Authors: Vander Griend Donald J. , D'Antonio Jason , Gurel Bora , Antony Lizamma , DeMarzo Angelo M. , Isaacs John T. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe lethality of prostate cancer is due to the continuous growth of cancer initiating cells (CICs) which are often stimulated by androgen receptor (AR) signaling. However, the underlying molecular mechanism(s) for such AR‐mediated growth stimulation are not fully understood. Such mechanisms may involve cancer cell‐dependent induction of tumor stromal cells to produce paracrine growth factors or could involve cancer cell autonomous autocrine and/or intracellular AR signaling pathways.METHODSWe utilized clinical samples, animal models and a series of AR‐positive human prostate cancer cell lines to evaluate AR‐mediated growth stimulation of prostate CICs.RESULTSThe present studies document that stromal AR expression is not required for prostate cancer growth, since tumor stroma surrounding AR‐positive human prostate cancer metastases (N = 127) are characteristically AR‐negative. This lack of a requirement for AR expression in tumor stromal cells is also documented by the fact that human AR‐positive prostate cancer cells grow equally well when xenografted in wild‐type versus AR‐null nude mice. AR‐dependent growth stimulation was documented to involve secretion, extracellular binding, and signaling by autocrine growth factors. Orthotopic xenograft animal studies documented that the cellautonomous autocrine growth factors which stimulate prostate CIC growth are not the andromedins secreted by normal prostate stromal cells. Such cell autonomous and extracellular autocrine signaling is necessary but not sufficient for the optimal growth of prostate CICs based upon the response to anti‐androgen plus/or minus preconditioned media.CONCLUSIONSAR‐induced growth stimulation of human prostate CICs requires AR‐dependent intracellular pathways. The identification of such AR‐dependent intracellular pathways offers new leads for the development of effective therapies for prostate cancer. Prostate 70: 90–99, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tumor suppressor PAX6 functions as androgen receptor Co‐repressor to inhibit prostate cancer growth
Authors: Shyr Chih‐Rong , Tsai Meng‐Yin , Yeh Shuyuan , Kang Hong‐Yo , Chang Yun‐Chao , Wong Pei‐Ling , Huang Chao‐Cheng , Huang Ko‐En , Chang Chawnshang 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBACKGROUNDPAX6, a transcription factor, has currently been suggested to function as a tumor suppressor in glioblastoma and to act as an early differentiation marker for neuroendocrine cells. The androgen receptor (AR) plays a pivotal role in prostate cancer development and progression due to its transcriptional activity in regulating genes involved in cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis. To determine the role of PAX6 in prostate cancer, we investigated whether PAX6 interacts with AR to affect prostate cancer development.METHODSWe used immunostaining, RT‐PCR, and Western blotting assays to show the expression status of PAX6 in prostate tissue and human prostate cancer cell lines. The role of PAX6 in cell growth and colony regeneration potential of LNCaP cells were evaluated by MTT assay and soft agar assay with PAX6‐overexpressed LNCaP cells. Mammalian two‐hybrid and co‐immunoprecipitation (Co‐IP) assays were used to demonstrate the interaction between PAX6 and AR. Reporter gene and Q‐RT‐PCR assays were performed to determine the effects of PAX6 on the function of AR.RESULTSIn prostate cancer tissues, PAX6 expression was stronger in normal epithelial cells than cancer cells, and decreased in LNCaP cells compared to that of DU145 and PC3 cells. Enforced expression of PAX6 suppressed the cell growth of LNCaP cells and also inhibited the colony formation of LNCaP cells. PAX 6 interacted with AR and repressed its transcriptional activity. PAX6 overexpression decreased the expression of androgen target gene PSA in LNCaP cells.CONCLUSIONSIn this study, we found that PAX6 may act as a prostate cancer repressor by interacting with AR and repressing the transcriptional activity and target gene expression of AR to regulate cell growth and regeneration. Prostate 70: 190–199, 2010. ©2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Antisense oligonucleotide targeting of insulin‐like growth factor‐1 receptor (IGF‐1R) in prostate cancer
Authors: Furukawa Junya , Wraight Christopher J. , Freier Susan M. , Peralta Eigan , Atley Lynne M. , Monia Brett P. , Gleave Martin E. , Cox Michael E. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractOBJECTIVEAltered expression of insulin‐like growth factor receptor (IGF‐1R) is associated with castrate‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) progression. We hypothesize that increased expression and/or responsiveness of IGF‐IR may promote disease progression. This study assesses ATL1101, a 2′‐MOE‐modified antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) targeting human IGF‐IR, with regard to potency and anti‐cancer activity in androgen‐responsive (LNCaP) and ‐independent (PC3) prostate cancer cells in vitro and in vivo.METHODSIGF‐IR mRNA and protein expression was assessed in ATL1101‐ and control oligonucleotides (ODN)‐treated prostate cancer cells by QT‐PCR and immunoblotting. The effect of IGF‐1R ASO on cell growth and apoptosis in vitro was examined by crystal violet assay, flow cytometry, and expression and activation state of downstream signaling targets was examined by immunoblotting. In vivo growth of subcutaneous xenografts was performed in nude mice treated with intraperitoneally administered ATL1101 or control ODN by measuring tumor volume of PC3 xenografts in intact mice, and tumor volume and serum prostate‐specific antigen levels in castrated mice harboring LNCaP xenografts.RESULTSWe observed dose‐ and sequence‐specific suppression of IGF‐IR mRNA and protein expression in ATL1101‐treated cells in vitro. Suppressed IGF‐IR expression correlated with decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis of PC3 cells under standard culture conditions and of LNCaP cells under androgen‐deprived culture conditions. ATL1101 suppressed PC3 tumor growth as a monotherapy and delayed CRPC progression of LNCaP xenografts.CONCLUSIONSThis study reports the first preclinical proof‐of‐principle data that this novel IGF‐IR ASO selectively suppresses IGF‐1R expression, suppresses growth of CRPC tumors, and delays CRPC progression in vitro and in vivo. Prostate 70: 206–218, 2010. ©2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Docetaxel–ST1481 sequence exerts a potent cytotoxic activity on hormone‐resistant prostate cancer cells by reducing drug resistance‐related gene expression
Authors: Fabbri Francesco , Brigliadori Giovanni , Carloni Silvia , Ulivi Paola , Tesei Anna , Silvestrini Rosella , Amadori Dino , Zoli Wainer 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe efficacy of current therapy for hormone‐refractory prostate cancer is still unsatisfactory and new agents and therapeutic modalities are needed. The aims of the present work were to examine the in vitro activity and mechanisms of action of different antitumor drug combinations in hormone‐resistant prostate cancer (HRPC) cell lines.METHODSThe activity of docetaxel (Doc), cisplatin (Cis), oxaliplatin (Oxa), SN‐38 and ST1481, singly or in combination, was assessed in different HRPC cell lines (PC3, parental DU145 and taxane‐resistant DU145‐R) by SRB test. Apoptosis was evaluated by TUNEL and ANN‐V assays. Extrusion pump activity was studied by Hoechst 33342 assay, while gene expression related to drug efflux mechanisms and DNA damage repair was analyzed by RT‐PCR.RESULTSDoc induced a high cytocidal effect in the HRPC cells, whereas Cis, Oxa, SN‐38 and ST1481 exerted prevalently cytostatic activity. Doc followed by ST1481 proved to be the most effective drug sequence among those investigated, producing an important synergistic effect (R.I. from 2.0 to 5.2) in all the tested cell lines. Moreover, this sequence induced a significant downregulation of xenobiotic extrusion pump and DNA damage repair gene expression. ST1481 synergistically increased the cytocidal effect of Doc, probably through a downregulation of extrusion pump activity and DNA damage repair‐related genes.CONCLUSIONSOur results show that the Doc → ST1481 sequence effectively reduces the cancer cell population and restores Doc activity in taxane‐resistant HRPC, indicating its potential usefulness as first‐ or second‐line treatment of hormone‐refractory prostate cancer. Prostate 70: 219–227, 2010. ©2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.