bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Mechanical and Impact Property Correlation of Nanoclay and Graphite Platelet Reinforced Vinyl Ester Nanocomposites
Authors: Gupta Swasti , Raju Mantena P. , Al-Ostaz Ahmed 
Published: September 2009

An experimental investigation was carried out to correlate the impact response of nanocomposites with the dynamic, inherent damping, and glass transition properties of Derakane 411-350 vinyl ester thermoset reinforced with 1.25 and 2.5 wt% Cloisite 30B nanoclay and exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets (xGnP). Dynamic mechanical analysis was performed to obtain the visco-elastic properties such as storage modulus (E'), loss modulus (E''), glass transition temperature (Tg) and loss factor (Tan δ). Low velocity impact tests were performed at an approximate strain rate of 15 s-1 on notched and un-notched Charpy samples using a drop-tower impact test system. Storage modulus was observed to increase with increasing nano reinforcements (max 40% for graphite platelet/vinyl ester nanocomposite). Loss factor also showed a significant increase of 80% with the addition of nanoclay, and 125% with graphite platelet. Glass transition temperature and loss modulus of nanoclay and graphite platelet reinforced nanocomposites also showed significant improvements over the pristine polymer. Low-velocity impact tests showed an increase of almost 100% energy absorption for un-notched samples with increasing nano reinforcement. However, a 70—90% reduction was observed in the case of notched samples. A direct correlation between impact response and dynamic mechanical properties for these vinyl ester nanocomposites was observed.
Economic Crisis and its Social Impacts
Authors: Ramesh M. 
Published: September 2009

The objective of this paper is to survey the social consequences of the 1997 Asian financial crisis with the purpose of drawing policy lessons. The outbreak of the financial crisis and the ensuing increase in unemployment and poverty triggered a worsening of education and health outcomes. The situation stabilized and eventually improved only after governments and international organizations intervened. Employment creation and cash transfers programs played a positive role in maintaining income, while education and health care programs helped meet the population’s vital education and health care needs. La Crise Économique et ses Impacts Sociaux: Des Leçons Tirées de la Crise Économique Asiatique de 1997 Le but de cet article est d’examiner les conséquences sociales de la crise financière asiatique de 1997, afin d’en tirer des leçons de politique. L’ouverture de la crise financière, et l’augmentation du taux de chômage et de pauvreté qui suivit, ont provoqué la détérioration des conséquences sur l’éducation et la santé. La situation s’est stabilisée, et enfin s’est améliorée, seulement grâce à l’intervention des gouvernements et des organisations internationales. La création d’emplois et les programmes de transfert d’espèces ont aidé à protéger les revenus, pendant que les programmes d’éducation et de soins médicaux ont contribué à satisfaire aux besoins urgents de la population. La Crisis Económica y sus Impactos Sociales: Lecciones Aprendidas de la Crisis Económica Asiática de 1997 Este documento tiene como objetivo el estudio de las consecuencias sociales de la crisis financiera asiática de 1997, a fin de sacar lecciones de política. El comienzo de la crisis financiera, y el consiguiente aumento del desempleo y de la pobreza, provocaron el empeoramiento de las consecuencias sobre la educación y la salud. La situación se estabilizó y por fin se mejoró solo con la intervención de los gobiernos y las organizaciones internacionales. La creación del empleo y de los programas de transferencia de efectivo desempeñó un papel positivo en mantener los ingresos, mientras que los programas de educación y de asistencia médica ayudaron a satisfacer estas necesidades urgentes de la población.
A randomized trial comparing endoscopic stenting to a sham procedure for chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Wilcox CM , Lopes Tercio L 
Published: September 2009

Background A number of studies support the use of endoscopically placed pancreatic duct (PD) stents to decrease pain in chronic pancreatitis (CP). Nevertheless, flaws in study design have prevented experts from reaching a consensus. Purpose (1) Evaluate the efficacy of PD stenting to ameliorate abdominal pain in patients with CP and ductal strictures; (2) evaluate the placebo response rate from sham endoscopic therapy; (3) compare pain medication usage, healthcare utilization, psychological distress, and quality of life before and after endoscopic stenting; (4) prospectively evaluate the durability of the response. Methods Patients with typical abdominal pain, imaging confirmation of CP and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) confirmation of PD stricture will complete questionnaires to assess quality of life, psychological distress, pain intensity/unpleasantness, pain medication usage, and healthcare utilization. Enrolled patients will be randomized to ERCP with sphincterotomy and PD stenting versus sham procedure. Pain level and medication usage will be assessed weekly with telephone interviews. At 6—8 weeks, patients treated with stents will undergo stent removal; those randomized to the sham procedure without significant improvement (<50% reduction in pain score) will cross over to the treatment group; and those randomized to sham procedure who experienced improvement (>50% reduction) will be followed clinically. Patients will be followed in clinic or by phone biannually (up to 3 years). The primary endpoint is improvement in abdominal pain. The secondary endpoints are reduction in narcotic use, healthcare utilization, and work days missed; return to employment; improvement in quality of life and weight gain. Results Proposed study. Limitations Strict inclusion criteria may limit enrollment. Conclusion The proposed study represents the first trial of endoscopic stenting for symptomatic CP and ductal strictures with a credible sham procedure, assessment of multiple dimensions of pain, and psychosocial factors. Clinical Trials 2009; 6: 455—463. http://ctj.sagepub.com
Constructing common cohorts from trials with overlapping eligibility criteria: implications for comparing effect sizes between trials
Authors: Mount David L , Feeney Patricia , Fabricatore Anthony N , Coday Mace , Bahnson Judy , Byington Robert , Phelan Suzanne , Wilmoth Sharon , Knowler William C , Hramiak Irene , Osei Kwame , Sweeney Mary Ellen , Espeland Mark A 
Published: September 2009

Background Comparing findings from separate trials is necessary to choose among treatment options, however differences among study cohorts may impede these comparisons. Purpose As a case study, to examine the overlap of study cohorts in two large randomized controlled clinical trials that assess interventions to reduce risk of major cardiovascular disease events in adults with type 2 diabetes in order to explore the feasibility of cross-trial comparisons Methods The Action for Health in Diabetes (Look AHEAD) and The Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) trials enrolled 5145 and 10,251 adults with type 2 diabetes, respectively. Look AHEAD assesses the efficacy of an intensive lifestyle intervention designed to produce weight loss; ACCORD tests pharmacological therapies for control of glycemia, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension. Incidence of major cardiovascular disease events is the primary outcome for both trials. A sample was constructed to include participants from each trial who appeared to meet eligibility criteria and be appropriate candidates for the other trial’s interventions. Demographic characteristics, health status, and outcomes of members and nonmembers of this constructed sample were compared. Results Nearly 80% of Look AHEAD participants were projected to be ineligible for ACCORD; ineligibility was primarily due to better glycemic control or no early history of cardiovascular disease. Approximately 30% of ACCORD participants were projected to be ineligible for Look AHEAD, often for reasons linked to poorer health. The characteristics of participants projected to be jointly eligible for both trials continued to reflect differences between trials according to factors likely linked to retention, adherence, and study outcomes. Limitations Accurate ascertainment of cross-trial eligibility was hampered by differences between protocols. Conclusions Despite several similarities, the Look AHEAD and ACCORD cohorts represent distinct populations. Even within the subsets of participants who appear to be eligible and appropriate candidates for trials of both modes of intervention, differences remained. Direct comparisons of results from separate trials of lifestyle and pharmacologic interventions are compromised by marked differences in enrolled cohorts. Clinical Trials 2009; 6: 416—429. http://ctj.sagepub.com
Linear and loglinear structural mean models to evaluate the benefits of an on-demand dosing regimen
Authors: Comté Laetitia , Vansteelandt Stijn , Tousset Eric , Baxter Garth , Vrijens Bernard 
Published: September 2009

Background Structural mean models can be used to estimate treatment efficacy when drug exposure varies. We applied stuctural mean model to evaluate the clinical benefits of a proton pump inhibitor prescribed to be taken as needed to alleviate epigastric pain. We also investigated a new diagnostic approach to evaluate model assumptions. Methods All patients were suffering from nonerosive reflux disease or functional ulcer-like dyspepsia and were prescribed a proton pump inhibitor to be taken as needed for relief of epigastric pain. The primary endpoint was a score variable that expresses the magnitude of gastro-intestinal symptoms at 8 weeks after randomization. We developed linear and loglinear versions of the structural mean models to derive an unbiased estimator of the reduction in symptom score as a function of exposure to the test drug. Semi-parametric models based on splines and corresponding simultaneous confidence bands identified the presence of potential interactions between drug exposure and baseline covariates. Results The on-demand dosing regimen generated a wide range of drug exposure. Application of SMM showed that the potential treatment-induced reduction in symptom score was much greater than the average treatment reduction observed in this population of patients. Our diagnostic tool was useful for detecting the interaction between drug exposure and baseline covariates. Limitations Analysis could only be performed over the first 2 months after randomization because, afterwards, many patients dropped out from the placebo group. Conclusions The structural mean model approach allows one to estimate treatment efficacy in the presence of variable drug exposure. Similar results were obtained using linear and loglinear structural mean model. Clinical Trials 2009; 6: 403—415. http://ctj.sagepub.com
Fibronectin maintains survival of mouse natural killer (NK) cells via CD11b/Src/β-catenin pathway
Authors: Zhang Ting , Liu Shuxun , Yang Pengyuan , Han Chaofeng , Wang Jianli , Liu Juan , Han Yanmei , Yu Yizhi , Cao Xuetao 
Published: September 2009

AbstractTissue microenvironment and stroma-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules play important roles in the survival and differentiation of cells. Mouse natural killer (NK) cells usually die within 24 hours once isolated ex vivo. Exogenous cytokines such as interleukin-12 (IL-12) and IL-15 are required to maintain the survival and activity of mouse NK cells cultured in vitro. Whether and how ECM molecules such as fibronectin can support the survival of NK cells remain unknown. We demonstrate that fibronectin, just like IL-15, can maintain survival of mouse NK cells in vitro. Furthermore, we show that fibronectin binds to the CD11b on NK cells, and then CD11b recruits and activates Src. Src can directly interact with β-catenin and trigger nuclear translocation of β-catenin. The activation of β-catenin promotes extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) phosphorylation, resulting in the increased expression of antiapoptotic protein B-cell leukemia 2 (Bcl-2), which may contribute to the maintenance of NK-cell survival. Consistently, fibronectin cannot maintain the survival of CD11b− NK cells and β-catenin–deficient NK cells in vitro, and the number of NK cells is dramatically decreased in the β-catenin–deficient mice. Therefore, fibronectin can maintain survival of mouse NK cells by activating ERK and up-regulating Bcl-2 expression via CD11b/Src/β-catenin pathway.
Differential expression of follistatin and FLRG in human breast proliferative disorders
Authors: Bloise Enrrico , Couto Henrique L , Massai Lauretta , Ciarmela Pasquapina , Mencarelli Marzia , Borges Lavinia E , Muscettola Michela , Grasso Giovanni , Amaral Vania F , Cassali Geovanni D , Petraglia Felice , Reis Fernando M 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Background
Activins are growth factors acting on cell growth and differentiation. Activins are expressed in high grade breast tumors and they display an antiproliferative effect inducing G0/G1 cell cycle arrest in breast cancer cell lines. Follistatin and follistatin- related gene (FLRG) bind and neutralize activins. In order to establish if these activin binding proteins are involved in breast tumor progression, the present study evaluated follistatin and FLRG pattern of mRNA and protein expression in normal human breast tissue and in different breast proliferative diseases.

Methods
Paraffin embedded specimens of normal breast (NB - n = 8); florid hyperplasia without atypia (FH - n = 17); fibroadenoma (FIB - n = 17); ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS - n = 10) and infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC - n = 15) were processed for follistatin and FLRG immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. The area and intensity of chromogen epithelial and stromal staining were analyzed semi-quantitatively.

Results
Follistatin and FLRG were expressed both in normal tissue and in all the breast diseases investigated. Follistatin staining was detected in the epithelial cytoplasm and nucleus in normal, benign and malignant breast tissue, with a stronger staining intensity in the peri-alveolar stromal cells of FIB at both mRNA and protein levels. Conversely, FLRG area and intensity of mRNA and protein staining were higher both in the cytoplasm and in the nucleus of IDC epithelial cells when compared to NB, while no significant changes in the stromal intensity were observed in all the proliferative diseases analyzed.

Conclusion
The present findings suggest a role for follistatin in breast benign disease, particularly in FIB, where its expression was increased in stromal cells. The up regulation of FLRG in IDC suggests a role for this protein in the progression of breast malignancy. As activin displays an anti-proliferative effect in human mammary cells, the present findings indicate that an increased FST and FLRG expression in breast proliferative diseases might counteract the anti-proliferative effects of activin in human breast cancer.
NC2213: a novel methionine aminopeptidase 2 inhibitor in human colon cancer HT29 cells
Authors: Selvakumar Ponniah , Lakshmikuttyamma Ashakumary , Das Umashankar , Pati Hari N , Dimmock Jonathan R , Sharma Rajendra K 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Methionine aminopeptidase 2 (MetAP2) is a bifunctional protein that plays a critical role in the regulation of post-translational processing and protein synthesis. MetAP2 is overexpressed in human colon cancer. In this report we screened various MetAP2 inhibitors and treated HT29 cells with various concentrations of compounds. We evaluated the expression of MetAP2 and pp60c-src expressions in HT29 cells. In addition we also carried out the cell proliferation and cell cycle analysis in the MetAP2 inhibitor-treated HT29 cells. The cell cycle analysis of HT29 treated with 1.0 μM of NC2213 showed an arrest in the G2 phase followed by an induction in the percentage of cells undergoing apoptosis in the sub-G1 phase. Western blot analysis revealed that the MetAP2 expression was dose-dependently decreased when the HT29 cells were treated with the 3,5-bis(benzylidene)-4-piperidone derivative (NC2213). In addition, phosphorylation of Src, a myristoylated oncoprotein was significantly decreased by 1.0 μM of NC2213 as revealed by Western blot analysis. Furthermore, NC2213 also inhibits the expression of pp60c-src in HT29 cells. Interestingly, this compound also inhibits the phosphorylation at Tyr416 of pp60c-src while increasing the phosphorylation at Tyr527 of pp60c-src. NC2213 inhibits the growth of HT29 cells by inducing apoptosis and might be useful for the treatment of human colon cancer.
Assessment of radiographic progression in the spines of patients with ankylosing spondylitis treated with adalimumab for up to 2 years
Authors: van der Heijde Désirée , Salonen David , Weissman Barbara N , Landewé Robert , Maksymowych Walter P , Kupper Hartmut , Ballal Shaila , Gibson Eric , Wong Robert ,   the Canadian (M03-606) study group and the ATLAS study group
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Introduction
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic rheumatic disease associated with spinal inflammation that subsequently leads to progression of structural damage and loss of function. The fully human anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) antibody adalimumab reduces the signs and symptoms and improves overall quality of life in patients with active AS; these benefits have been maintained through 2 years of treatment. Our objective was to compare the progression of structural damage in the spine in patients with AS treated with adalimumab for up to 2 years versus patients who had not received TNF antagonist therapy.

Methods
Radiographs from patients with AS who received adalimumab 40 mg every other week subcutaneously were pooled from the Adalimumab Trial Evaluating Long-Term Efficacy and Safety for Ankylosing Spondylitis (ATLAS) study and a Canadian AS study (M03-606). Radiographic progression from baseline to 2 years in the spine of adalimumab-treated patients from these two studies (adalimumab cohort, n = 307) was compared with an historic anti-TNF-naïve cohort (Outcome in AS International Study [OASIS], n = 169) using the modified Stoke AS Spine Score (mSASSS) method.

Results
mSASSS results were not significantly different between the adalimumab cohort and the OASIS cohort, based on baseline and 2-year radiographs. Mean changes in mSASSS from baseline to 2 years were 0.9 for the OASIS cohort and 0.8 for the adalimumab cohort (P = 0.771), indicating similar radiographic progression in both groups. When results for patients in the OASIS cohort who met the baseline disease activity criteria for the ATLAS and Canadian studies (OASIS-Eligible cohort) were analyzed, there was no significant difference in mean change in mSASSS from baseline to 2 years between OASIS-Eligible patients and adalimumab-treated patients; the mean changes in mSASSS were 0.9 for the OASIS-Eligible cohort and 0.8 for the adalimumab cohort (P = 0.744).

Conclusions
Two years of treatment with adalimumab did not slow radiographic progression in patients with AS, as assessed by the mSASSS scoring system, when compared with radiographic data from patients naïve to TNF antagonist therapy.

Trial registration
Canadian study (M03-606) ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00195819; ATLAS study (M03-607) ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00085644.
VX-166: a novel potent small molecule caspase inhibitor as a potential therapy for sepsis
Authors: Weber Peter , Wang Ping , Maddens Stephane , Wang Paul SH , Wu Rongqian , Miksa Michael , Dong Weifeng , Mortimore Michael , Golec Julian MC , Charlton Peter 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Introduction
Prevention of lymphocyte apoptosis by caspase inhibition has been proposed as a novel treatment approach in sepsis. However, it has not been clearly demonstrated that caspase inhibitors improve survival in sepsis models when dosed post-insult. Also, there are concerns that caspase inhibitors might suppress the immune response. Here we characterize VX-166, a broad caspase inhibitor, as a novel potential treatment for sepsis.

Methods
VX-166 was studied in a number of enzymatic and cellular assays. The compound was then tested in a murine model of endotoxic shock (lipopolysaccharide (LPS), 20 mg/kg IV) and a 10 d rat model of polymicrobial sepsis by caecal ligation and puncture (CLP).

Results
VX-166 showed potent anti-apoptotic activity in vitro and inhibited the release of interleukin (IL)-1beta and IL-18. In the LPS model, VX-166 administered 0, 4, 8 and 12 h post-LPS significantly improved survival in a dose-dependent fashion (P < 0.0028). In the CLP model, VX-166 continuously administered by mini-osmotic pump significantly improved survival when dosed 3 h after insult, (40% to 92%, P = 0.009). When dosed 8 h post-CLP, VX-166 improved survival from 40% to 66% (P = 0.19). Mode of action studies in the CLP model confirmed that VX-166 significantly inhibited thymic atrophy and lymphocyte apoptosis as determined by flow cytometry (P < 0.01). VX-166 reduced plasma endotoxin levels (P < 0.05), suggesting an improved clearance of bacteria from the bloodstream. Release of IL-1beta in vivo or T-cell activation in vitro were moderately affected.

Conclusions
Our studies enhance the case for the use of caspase inhibitors in sepsis. VX-166 itself has promise as a therapy for the treatment of sepsis in man.
Rotterdam Criteria for Sentinel Node (SN) Tumor Burden and the Accuracy of Ultrasound (US) -Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC): Can US-Guided FNAC Replace SN Staging in Patients With Melanoma?
Authors: Voit Christiane A. , van Akkooi Alexander C.J. , Schäfer-Hesterberg Gregor , Schoengen Alfred , Schmitz Paul I.M. , Sterry Wolfram , Eggermont Alexander M.M. 
Published: September 2009

Purpose Sentinel node (SN) status is the most important prognostic factor for overall survival (OS) for patients with stage I/II melanoma, and the role of the SN procedure as a staging procedure has long been established. However, a less invasive procedure, such as ultrasound (US) -guided fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), would be preferred. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of US-guided FNAC and compare the results with histology after SN surgery was performed in all patients. Patients and Methods Four hundred consecutive patients who underwent lymphoscintigraphy subsequently underwent a US examination before the SN procedure. When the US examination showed a suspicious or malignant pattern, patients underwent an FNAC. Median Breslow thickness was 1.8 mm; mean follow-up was 42 months (range, 4 to 82 months). We considered the US-guided FNAC positive if either US and/or FNAC were positive. If US was suggestive of abnormality, but FNAC was negative, the US-guided FNAC was considered negative. Results US-guided FNAC identified 51 (65%) of 79 SN metastases. Specificity was 99% (317 of 321), with a positive predictive value of 93% and negative predictive value of 92%. SN-positive identification rate by US-guided FNAC increased from 40% in stage pT1a/b disease to 79% in stage pT4a/b disease. US-guided FNAC detected SN tumors more than 1.0 mm in 86% of cases, SN tumors of 0.1 to 1.0 mm in 46% of cases, and SN tumors less than 0.1 mm in 23% of cases. Estimated 5-year OS rates were 92% for patients with negative US-guided FNAC results and 51% for patients with positive results. Conclusion US-guided FNAC of SNs is highly accurate. Up to 65% of the patients with SN-positive results in our institution could have been spared an SN procedure.