bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Activity of pomalidomide in patients with immunoglobulin light-chain amyloidosis
Authors: Dispenzieri Angela , Buadi Francis , Laumann Kristina , LaPlant Betsy , Hayman Suzanne R. , Kumar Shaji K. , Dingli David , Zeldenrust Steven R. , Mikhael Joseph R. , Hall Robert , Rajkumar S. Vincent , Reeder Craig , Fonseca Rafael , Bergsagel P. Lief , Stewart A. Keith , Roy Vivek , Witzig Thomas E. , Lust John A. , Russell Stephen J. , Gertz Morie A. , Lacy Martha Q. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Immunoglobulin light-chain (AL) amyloidosis is a rare, incurable plasma cell disorder. Its therapy has benefited immensely from the expanding drug armamentarium available for multiple myeloma. Pomalidomide in combination with weekly dexamethasone (Pom/dex) is active among patients with relapsed myeloma. In the present study, we explored the Pom/dex combination in patients with previously treated AL. Patients were eligible for this prospective phase 2 trial if they had had at least one prior regimen and if they had reasonably preserved organ function. Patients were treated with oral Pom/dex. Thirty-three patients were enrolled. The median age was 66 years. Median time from diagnosis to on-study was 37 months. Eighty-two percent had cardiac involvement. The confirmed hematologic response rate was 48%, with a median time to response of 1.9 months. Organ improvement was documented in 5 patients. The median overall and progression-free survival rates were 28 and 14 months, respectively; the 1-year overall and progression-free survival rates were 76% and 59%, respectively. There was a discordance between the hematologic response and the N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide response. The most common grade 3-5 adverse events, regardless of attribution, were neutropenia and fatigue. We conclude that pomalidomide appears to be a valuable drug covering an unmet clinical need in patients with previously treated AL. The trial is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00558896.
Genetic variations in genes involved in heparan sulphate biosynthesis are associated with Plasmodium falciparum parasitaemia: a familial study in Burkina Faso
Authors: Atkinson Alexandre , Garnier Séverine , Afridi Sarwat , Fumoux Francis , Rihet Pascal 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Background
There is accumulating evidence that host heparan sulphate proteoglycans play an important role in the life cycle of Plasmodium through their heparan sulphate chains, suggesting that genetic variations in genes involved in heparan sulphate biosynthesis may influence parasitaemia. Interestingly, Hs3st3a1 and Hs3st3b1 encoding enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of heparan sulphate are located within a chromosomal region linked to Plasmodium chabaudi parasitaemia in mice. This suggests that HS3ST3A1 and HS3ST3B1 may influence P. falciparum parasitaemia in humans.

Methods
Polymorphisms within HS3ST3A1 and HS3ST3B1 were identified in 270 individuals belonging to 44 pedigrees and living in Burkina Faso. Linkage and association between parasitaemia and the polymorphisms were assessed with MERLIN and FBAT. A genetic interaction analysis was also conducted based on the PGMDR approach.

Results
Linkage between P. falciparum parasitaemia and the chromosomal region containing HS3ST3A1 and HS3ST3B1 was detected on the basis of the 20 SNPs identified. In addition, rs28470223 located within the promoter of HS3ST3A1 was associated with P. falciparum parasitaemia, whereas the PGMDR analysis revealed a genetic interaction between HS3ST3A1 and HS3ST3B1. Seventy-three significant multi-locus models were identified after correcting for multiple tests; 37 significant multi-locus models included rs28470223, whereas 38 multi-locus models contained at least one mis-sense mutation within HS3ST3B1.

Conclusion
Genetic variants of HS3ST3A1 and HS3ST3B1 are associated with P. falciparum parasitaemia. This suggests that those variants alter both the function of heparan sulphate proteoglycans and P. falciparum parasitaemia.
Investing in African research training institutions creates sustainable capacity for Africa: the case of the University of the Witwatersrand School of Public Health masters programme in epidemiology and biostatistics
Authors: Kellerman Ronel , Klipstein-Grobusch Kerstin , Weiner Renay , Wayling Steven , Fonn Sharon 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Background
Improving health in Africa is a high priority internationally. Inadequate research capacity to produce local, relevant research has been identified as a limitation to improved population health. Increasing attention is being paid to the higher education sector in Africa as a method of addressing this; evidence that such investment is having the desired impact is required. A 1998 3-year investment by the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) in research training at the School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa was reviewed to assess its' impact.

Methods
A descriptive cross-sectional survey of the 70 students registered for the masters programme in epidemiology & biostatistics from 2000-2005 was conducted. Data were collected from self-administered questionnaires.

Results
Sixty percent (42/70) of students responded. At the time of the survey 19% of respondents changed their country of residence after completion of the masters course, 14% migrated within Africa and 5% migrated out of Africa. Approximately half (47%) were employed as researchers and 38% worked in research institutions. Sixty percent reported research output, and four graduates were pursuing PhD studies. Government subsidy to higher education institutions, investments of the University of the Witwatersrand in successful programmes and ongoing bursaries for students to cover tuition fees were important for sustainability.

Conclusions
Investing in African institutions to improve research training capacity resulted in the retention of graduates in Africa in research positions and produced research output. Training programmes can be sustained when national governments invest in higher education and where that funding is judiciously applied. Challenges remain if funding for students bursaries is not available.
Wnt3 and Wnt3a are required for induction of the mid-diencephalic organizer in the caudal forebrain
Authors: Mattes Benjamin , Weber Sabrina , Peres João , Chen Qing , Davidson Gary , Houart Corinne , Scholpp Steffen 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Background
A fundamental requirement for development of diverse brain regions is the function of local organizers at morphological boundaries. These organizers are restricted groups of cells that secrete signaling molecules, which in turn regulate the fate of the adjacent neural tissue. The thalamus is located in the caudal diencephalon and is the central relay station between the sense organs and higher brain areas. The mid-diencephalic organizer (MDO) orchestrates the development of the thalamus by releasing secreted signaling molecules such as Shh.

Results
Here we show that canonical Wnt signaling in the caudal forebrain is required for the formation of the Shh-secreting MD organizer in zebrafish. Wnt signaling induces the MDO in a narrow time window of 4 hours - between 10 and 14 hours post fertilization. Loss of Wnt3 and Wnt3a prevents induction of the MDO, a phenotype also observed upon blockage of canonical Wnt signaling per se. Pharmaceutical activation of the canonical Wnt pathways in Wnt3/Wnt3a compound morphant embryos is able to restore the lack of the MDO. After blockage of Wnt signaling or knock-down of Wnt3/Wnt3a we find an increase of apoptotic cells specifically within the organizer primordium. Consistently, blockage of apoptosis restores the thalamus organizer MDO in Wnt deficient embryos.

Conclusion
We have identified canonical Wnt signaling as a novel pathway, that is required for proper formation of the MDO and consequently for the development of the major relay station of the brain - the thalamus. We propose that Wnt ligands are necessary to maintain the primordial tissue of the organizer during somitogenesis by suppressing Tp53-mediated apoptosis.
Termini-free Molecular Beacon Utilizing Silylated Perylene and Anthraquinone Attached to the C-5 Position of Pyrimidine Nucleobase
Authors: Sato Yuzuru , Moriguchi Tomohisa , Shinozuka Kazuo 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
A termini-free molecular beacon type of DNA bearing a novel silylated perylene and an anthraquinone both at the C-5 position of deoxyuridine residues exhibits prominent fluorescence upon mixing with complementary oligonucleotide (24- to 50-fold increase in comparison with a single-stranded state) along with one base mismatch discrimination ability.
12-Tungstophosphoric Acid Immobilized on γ-Fe2O3@SiO2 Core–Shell Nanoparticles: An Effective Solid Acid Catalyst for the Synthesis of Indole Derivatives in Water
Authors: Rafiee Ezzat , Eavani Sara , Malaekeh-Nikouei Bizhan 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
12-Tungstophosphoric acid immobilized on γ-Fe2O3@SiO2 core–shell nanoparticles was used as novel solid acid catalyst for the synthesis of various bis(indolyl)methanes and β-functionalized indoles in water. The catalyst can be recovered simply using an external magnetic field and reused several times without appreciable loss of its catalytic activity.
Nicorandil associated anal ulcers: an estimate of incidence
Authors: Colvin HS , Barakat T , Moussa O , Babu H , Slaughter T , Palmer JG , Hinson FL 
Published: April 2012

INTRODUCTION Nicorandil is a commonly prescribed antianginal medication that has been found to be associated with painful anal ulceration. The incidence of this complication is unknown. We have used the best data available to us to make an estimate of this figure in a health district with a remarkably stable population of approximately 200,000 people. METHODS Using an electronic search of all letters generated from colorectal and gastroenterology clinics as well as endoscopy reports from January 2004 to November 2010, patients with anal ulceration who were taking nicorandil were identified. Other causes of ulceration were excluded by biopsy in the majority of cases. The central hospital and community pharmacy database was interrogated to estimate the number of patients who were prescribed nicorandil over a six-year period (2004-2010). RESULTS A total of 30 patients (24 men, 6 women) with a median age of 79.5 years were identified who fulfilled the criteria of: taking nicorandil; having no other identified cause for anal ulceration; and achieving eventual healing after withdrawal of nicorandil. In the six-year period an estimated mean of 1,379 patients were prescribed nicorandil each year. The mean annual incidence of anal ulcers among nicorandil users is therefore calculated to be in the region of 0.37%. CONCLUSIONS Anal ulceration appears to occur in approximately four in every thousand patients prescribed nicorandil each year. Prescribing physicians should explain the risk of this unpleasant complication to their patients.
Is there a role for music in reducing anxiety in plastic surgery minor operations?
Authors: Sadideen H , Parikh A , Dobbs T , Pay A , Critchley PS 
Published: April 2012

Introduction It is well documented that music plays a role in reducing anxiety levels. Its role in reducing intra-operative anxiety levels in surgical patients while awake is less well known. We report the effects of music on intra-operative patient anxiety in both the elective and trauma plastic surgical setting. Methods Two groups of patients undergoing local anaesthetic surgical procedures were identified: those where music was played in the operating theatre (Group 1) and those where it was not (Group 2). Ninety-six patients were included. Subjectively anxiety was evaluated by the patient with a visual analogue scale (VAS) and objectively by the respiratory rate (RR), both pre and post-operatively. The unpaired t-test was used to evaluate the statistical significance of differences between the groups. Results The mean pre-operative VAS score was similar in both groups (5.7 in Group 1 and 5.8 in Group 2). The mean preoperative RR was 15 breaths per minute in both groups. Post-operatively, the VAS score and RR were both lower in Group 1 (VAS: 3.5 vs 4.9; p<0.01 and RR: 11 vs 13 breaths per minute; p<0.05). Conclusions In the era of the patient centred approach to clinical care, it is crucial to minimise patient anxiety. Music appears to reduce intra-operative anxiety in awake patients in both the elective and trauma plastic surgical setting. Easy listening music and chart classics appear to be suitable genres according to patients. We believe there is a role for a large, multicentre, randomised control study to examine the benefits of music in all local anaesthetic procedures across different specialties.
Pilocytic astrocytoma mimicking craniopharyngioma: a case series
Authors: Skipworth JRA , Hill CS , Jones T , Foster J , Chopra I , Powell M 
Published: April 2012

Although they are one of the most common brain tumours in childhood, piiocytic astrocytomas are rare in adulthood. We report a series of three piiocytic astrocytomas presenting as an intra/suprasellar mass in the fourth to sixth decades of life. All three radiologically mimicked the appearance of a craniopharyngioma, thus representing a potential radiological and diagnostic pitfall. In this series all three patients underwent successful operative management and have remained well throughout follow-up. The majority of information concerning piiocytic astrocytomas is derived from paediatric populations and so only limited and often conflicting data exist for piiocytic astrocytomas developing in adulthood. Decisions regarding treatment of piiocytic astrocytomas in adults must be made on a multidisciplinary, case-by-case basis.
Current practice in abdominoperineal resection: an email survey of the membership of the Association of Coloproctology
Authors: Dabbas N , Adams K , Chave H , Branagan G 
Published: April 2012

INTRODUCTION This study aimed to gain insight into current preferences for type of surgical approach and patient positioning in abdominoperineal excision of the rectum (APER), to identify whether these factors affect self-reported oncological outcomes and complication rates, and to assess the opinions of members of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland (ACPGBI) with regards to the benefit of a national training programme for APER surgery. METHODS Members of the ACPGBI were surveyed using a questionnaire designed to examine surgeon/departmental demographics, type of APER practised, audit of results and complications, opinions regarding extralevator APER (ELAPER) and opinions regarding the potential benefit of a national training programme. RESULTS According to the survey, 62% of surgeons perform perineal dissection in the supine position and 57% perform a standard APER technique. Surgeons who only practise colorectal surgery (p=0.002) and surgeons performing prone dissection (/xO.0001) are more likely to perform ELAPER. Three-quarters (76%) audit their results for perineal wound complication rates. Over 80% audit their oncological outcomes. The vast majority (94.6%) of those who perform ELAPER believe there is a benefit to this method while 59.6% of those who do not perform ELAPER still believe there is a benefit to ELAPER. Only 50% feel that there should be a national training programme. CONCLUSIONS There is a distinct discordance with regards to the APER technique. Among UK colorectal surgeons, although a significant proportion favours ELAPER, there remains a larger proportion still performing standard APER techniques.
Role of Chitin in Montmorillonite Fabric: Transmission Electron Microscope Observations
Authors: Kim Jinwook , Furukawa Yoko , Curry Kenneth J. , Bennett Richard H. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractParticle concentration, charge, solution chemistry (i.e. ionic strength), and the nature of organic matter (OM) are the major factors controlling particle flocculation in aqueous environments. In the present study, the nature of clay fabric associated with clay—OM interaction at a range of ionic strengths was the focus. In the flocculation experiments, the aqueous suspension of montmorillonite and chitin was mixed with NaCl/MgSO4 electrolyte solution. Advanced sample-preparation techniques and visualization methods using transmission electron microscopy were used to observe directly the micro- and nano-scale clay—OM fabric of the resulting flocs. Such direct observation elucidated the role of OM in clay flocculation; few attempts have been made in the past due to the technical difficulties in preserving the original structure. A comparison of clay fabric at two different ionic strengths of 0 and 0.14 M revealed that the individual hexagonal clay particles settled slowly with little intra-aggregate void space (void ratio: 0.07) at 0 M while rapid flocculation and settling of clay particles at 0.14 M, with or without OM, resulted in a more open fabric with greater void space (void ratio: 0.33). The silver-staining technique demonstrated effectively the location of electron-transparent chitin in montmorillonite aggregates. Chitin appeared to link the face-to-face (FF) contacts of clay domains by bridging between negatively charged face surfaces. However, the resultant void ratio and the average hydrodynamic diameter (dH) values were lower than in the OM-free system after flocculation. The results indicated that the interplay between ionic strength and OM content affected the floc architecture and void ratio.
Optimale Mautgebühren — Ein Modell und ein Optimalitätstest
Authors: Dempe Stephan , Lohse Sebastian 
Published: April 2012

Zusammenfassung
Dieser Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit der Formulierung eines Modells zur Berechnung von Mautgebühren, die eine effiziente Nutzung eines Straßennetzes gewährleisten. Für einen gegebenen Fluss wird eine Optimalitätsbedingung angegeben, welche sich unter gewissen Voraussetzungen in Polynomialzeit prüfen lässt. Dabei zeigt ein Beispiel jeweils, dass diese Voraussetzungen alle erfüllbar sind.
On uniform definability of types over finite sets
Authors: Guingona Vincent 
Published: April 2012

AbstractIn this paper, using definability of types over indiscernible sequences as a template, we study a property of formulas and theories called “uniform definability of types over finite sets” (UDTFS). We explore UDTFS and show how it relates to well-known properties in model theory. We recall that stable theories and weakly o-minimal theories have UDTFS and UDTFS implies dependence. We then show that all dp-minimal theories have UDTFS.
Multiplicative valued difference fields
Authors: Pal Koushik 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe theory of valued difference fields (K, σ, υ,) depends on how the valuation υ interacts with the automorphism σ. Two special cases have already been worked out - the isometric case, where υ(σ(x)) = υ(x) for all x Є K, has been worked out by Luc Belair, Angus Macintyre and Thomas Scanlon; and the contractive case, where υ(σ(x)) > nυ(x) for all x Є K× with υ(x) > 0 and n Є ℕ, has been worked out by Salih Azgin. In this paper we deal with a more general version, the multiplicative case, where υ(σ(x)) = ρ · υ(x), where ρ (> 0) is interpreted as an element of a real-closed field. We give an axiomatization and prove a relative quantifier elimination theorem for this theory.
A version of p-adic minimality
Authors: Cluckers Raf , Leenknegt Eva 
Published: April 2012

AbstractWe introduce a very weak language on p-adic fields K, which is just rich enough to have exactly the same definable subsets of the line K that one has using the ring language. (In our context, definable always means definable with parameters.) We prove that the only definable functions in the language are trivial functions. We also give a definitional expansion of in which K has quantifier elimination, and we obtain a cell decomposition result for -definable sets.Our language can serve as a p-adic analogue of the very weak language (<) on the real numbers, to define a notion of minimality on the field of p-adic numbers and on related valued fields. These fields are not necessarily Henselian and may have positive characteristic.
A stochastic interpretation of propositional dynamic logic: expressivity
Authors: Doberkat Ernst-Erich 
Published: April 2012

AbstractWe propose a probabilistic interpretation of Propositional Dynamic Logic (PDL). We show that logical and behavioral equivalence are equivalent over general measurable spaces. This is done first for the fragment of straight line programs and then extended to cater for the nondeterministic nature of choice and iteration, expanded to PDL as a whole. Bisimilarity is also discussed and shown to be equivalent to logical and behavioral equivalence, provided the base spaces are Polish spaces. We adapt techniques from coalgebraic stochastic logic and point out some connections to Souslin's operation from descriptive set theory. This leads to a discussion of complete stochastic Kripke models and model completion, which permits an adequate treatment of the test operator.
Multiorgan Insulin Sensitivity in Lean and Obese Subjects
Authors: Conte Caterina , Fabbrini Elisa , Kars Marleen , Mittendorfer Bettina , Patterson Bruce W. , Klein Samuel 
Published: April 2012

OBJECTIVE
To provide a comprehensive assessment of multiorgan insulin sensitivity in lean and obese subjects with normal glucose tolerance.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
The hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp procedure with stable isotopically labeled tracer infusions was performed in 40 obese (BMI 36.2 ± 0.6 kg/m2, mean ± SEM) and 26 lean (22.5 ± 0.3 kg/m2) subjects with normal glucose tolerance. Insulin was infused at different rates to achieve low, medium, and high physiological plasma concentrations.

RESULTS
In obese subjects, palmitate and glucose Ra in plasma decreased with increasing plasma insulin concentrations. The decrease in endogenous glucose Ra was greater during low-, medium-, and high-dose insulin infusions (69 ± 2, 74 ± 2, and 90 ± 2%) than the suppression of palmitate Ra (52 ± 4, 68 ± 1, and 79 ± 1%). Insulin-mediated increase in glucose disposal ranged from 24 ± 5% at low to 253 ± 19% at high physiological insulin concentrations. The suppression of palmitate Ra and glucose Ra were greater in lean than obese subjects during low-dose insulin infusion but were the same in both groups during high-dose insulin infusion, whereas stimulation of glucose Rd was greater in lean than obese subjects across the entire physiological range of plasma insulin.

CONCLUSIONS
Endogenous glucose production and adipose tissue lipolytic rate are both very sensitive to small increases in circulating insulin, whereas stimulation of muscle glucose uptake is minimal until high physiological plasma insulin concentrations are reached. Hyperinsulinemia within the normal physiological range can compensate for both liver and adipose tissue insulin resistance, but not skeletal muscle insulin resistance, in obese people who have normal glucose tolerance.