bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heparin-like Polysaccharides Reduce Osteolytic Bone Destruction and Tumor Growth in a Mouse Model of Breast Cancer Bone Metastasis
Authors: Pollari Sirkku , Käkönen Rami S. , Mohammad Khalid S. , Rissanen Jukka P. , Halleen Jussi M. , Wärri Anni , Nissinen Liisa , Pihlavisto Marjo , Marjamäki Anne , Perälä Merja , Guise Theresa A. , Kallioniemi Olli , Käkönen Sanna-Maria 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
TGF-β regulates several steps in cancer metastasis, including the establishment of bone metastatic lesions. TGF-β is released from bone during osteoclastic bone resorption and it stimulates breast cancer cells to produce osteolytic factors such as interleukin 11 (IL-11). We conducted a cell-based siRNA screen and identified heparan sulfate 6-O-sulfotransferase 2 (HS6ST2) as a critical gene for TGF-β–induced IL-11 production in highly bone metastatic MDA-MB-231(SA) breast cancer cells. HS6ST2 attaches sulfate groups to glucosamine residues in heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycans. We subsequently showed how heparin and a high-molecular-weight Escherichia coli K5-derived heparin-like polysaccharide (K5-NSOS) inhibited TGF-β–induced IL-11 production in MDA-MB-231(SA) cells. In addition, K5-NSOS inhibited bone resorption activity of human osteoclasts in vitro. We evaluated the therapeutic potential of K5-NSOS and fragmin in a mouse model of breast cancer bone metastasis. MDA-MB-231(SA) cells were inoculated into the left cardiac ventricle of athymic nude mice which were treated with fragmin, K5-NSOS, or vehicle once a day for four weeks. Both heparin-like glycosaminoglycans inhibited weight reduction, decreased osteolytic lesion area, and reduced tumor burden in bone. In conclusion, our data imply novel mechanisms involved in TGF-β induction and support the critical role of heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycans in cancer metastasis as well as indicate that K5-NSOS is a potential antimetastatic and antiresorptive agent for cancer therapy. This study illustrates the potential to translate in vitro siRNA screening results toward in vivo therapeutic concepts. Mol Cancer Res; 10(5); 597–604. ©2012 AACR.
On-Pump Versus Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery in Elderly Patients
Authors: Houlind Kim , Kjeldsen Bo Juul , Madsen Susanne Nørgaard , Rasmussen Bodil Steen , Holme Susanne Juel , Nielsen Per Hostrup , Mortensen Poul Erik 
Published: April 2012

Background—
Conventional coronary artery bypass grafting performed with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass is a well-validated treatment for patients with ischemic heart disease. Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) has been suggested to reduce the number of perioperative complications, especially in elderly patients.

Methods and Results—

In a multicenter, randomized trial, we assigned 900 patients >70 years of age to conventional coronary artery bypass grafting or OPCAB surgery. After 30 days, a blinded end-point committee assessed whether a combined end point of death, stroke, or myocardial infarction had occurred. At baseline and 6 months postoperatively, self-assessed quality of life was measured with the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 and EuroQol-5D questionnaires. A 6-month follow-up of mortality was performed through the Danish National Registry. The proportion of patients experiencing the combined end point within 30 days was 10.2% for conventional coronary artery bypass grafting and 10.7% for OPCAB. Implied risk difference of 0.4% (with a 95% confidence interval, −3.6 to 4.4) showed nonsignificance in a standard test for equality (
P
=0.83) and for noninferiority with an inferiority margin of 0.5% (
P
=0.49). At the 6-month follow-up, mortality was 4.7% compared with 4.2% (
P
=0.75). Both groups showed significant improvement in self-assessed health-related quality of life.

Conclusions—
Both conventional coronary artery bypass grafting and OPCAB are safe procedures that improved the quality of life when performed in elderly patients. No major differences in intermediate-term outcomes were found. However, the noninferiority of OPCAB with the prespecified margin could not be confirmed.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00123981.
Slaughter Value of Young Polish Black-and-White, White-Backed, Polish Holstein-Friesian and Limousin Bulls Under Semi-Intensive Fattening
Authors: Litwińczuk Zygmunt , Chabuz Witold , Domaradzki Piotr , Jankowski Przemysław 
Published: April 2012

Slaughter Value of Young Polish Black-and-White, White-Backed, Polish Holstein-Friesian and Limousin Bulls Under Semi-Intensive FatteningThe objective of the present study was to compare the slaughter value of young bulls of two breeds included in the genetic resources conservation programme, namely Polish Black-White and White-backed with young Polish Holstein-Friesian (dairy type) and Limousin (beef type) bulls. This is the first study to evaluate the meat performance traits of White-backed cattle in several-centuries history of the breed in Poland. It was determined that populations of White-backed and Polish Black-and-White cattle represent the dual-purpose type desirable in the genetic resources conservation programme. The indices obtained for the analysed traits of slaughter value from young Polish Black-and-White and White-backed bulls were intermediate between Polish Holstein-Friesian (dairy type) and Limousin (beef type), but closer to those of the Polish Holstein-Friesian breed. The analysed muscles of young bulls had a very similar content of basic chemical components. The relatively high amount of proteins (22.85-23.23%) in musculus longissimus lumborum and in musculus semintendinosus (22.43-23.06%) should be emphasized.
Chemical and Biological Characteristics of Different Hydrated Monocalcium Phosphates for Broiler Chickens
Authors: Jamroz Dorota , Gajda-Janiak Agnieszka , Wzorek Zbigniew , Kowalski Zygmunt , Kubizna Janusz 
Published: April 2012

Chemical and Biological Characteristics of Different Hydrated Monocalcium Phosphates for Broiler ChickensThree hydrated monocalcium phosphates differing in purity (with or without monetite, or monetite and calcite) and in crystalline structure were used in broiler chickens diets. The performance indices, concentration of Ca, P and Mg and activity of alkaline phosphatase in blood plasma, the content of these mineral elements in bones, and physico-mechanical parameters of femur and tibia bones were recorded. Body weight on 35th day of life, feed intake and mechanical parameters of bone quality were slightly affected by the type of phosphates used. Higher Ca and P concentration in blood was stated in chickens fed diets with greater purity of phosphates, but activity of alkaline phosphatase has increased with the admixture of monetite or calcite used in phosphates. The best parameters of bone quality were found in the treatment in which hydrated monocalcium phosphate (MCP) with admixture of monetite and calcite was applied. Higher concentration of both Ca and Mg in bone was determined in chickens fed diets with pure phosphates.
The Effect of Decreased Protein Levels in Sow Diets on Nitrogen Content of Faeces and Physiological Parameters of Blood
Authors: Korniewicz Daniel , Grela Eugeniusz , Matras Jan , Gajewczyk Paweł , Dobrzański Zbigniew , Korniewicz Adolf , Antkowiak Krystian 
Published: April 2012

The Effect of Decreased Protein Levels in Sow Diets on Nitrogen Content of Faeces and Physiological Parameters of BloodThe research material consisted of 42 sows divided into 3 feeding groups, 14 individuals in each group, which received feed mixtures with different protein levels. Protein and amino acid levels in the control group were in accordance with recommendations contained in Polish standards. The level of protein in experimental groups was decreased by 10 and 20%, respectively, and the levels of lysine, methionine, threonine and tryptophan were adjusted to those of the control group. During the gestation and lactation periods all sows were fed individually. The content of dry matter, nitrogen, fibre, fat and ash was determined in samples of faeces collected at 60 and 105 days of pregnancy, and the total nitrogen content was assessed in urine. Blood from sows was collected on day 14 of lactation, and indices of protein, fat transformation and mineral components content were determined in blood serum. The results of the analysis of faeces and urine prove that pregnant sows from the experimental groups excreted 7% and 10% less nitrogen in faeces, and 18% and 23% less urine in faeces. The reduced protein level in feed mixtures did not significantly influence the content of dry matter, fibre and ash in faeces. A significant decrease in the content of total protein, globulins, urea and an increase in cholesterol level was observed in the blood serum of sows from both experimental groups. No influence of the reduced protein level in feed on the content of mineral compounds in blood serum or haematological parameters of the sows' blood was noted.
The Expression of Birth Weight is Modulated by the Breeding Season in a Goat Model
Authors: Meza-Herrera César , Calderón-Leyva Guadalupe , Soto-Sanchez Maria , Abad-Zavaleta José , Serradilla Juan , García-Martinez Antón , Rodriguez-Martinez Rafael , Veliz Francisco , Macias-Cruz Ulises , Salinas-Gonzalez Homero 
Published: April 2012

The Expression of Birth Weight is Modulated by the Breeding Season in a Goat ModelBirth weight (BW) is frequently considered as an indicator to detect possible restrictions of intrauterine development. This study evaluated the effect of breeding season (BS) across year: spring (SP), summer (SM), fall (FL) and winter (WT) upon the expression of BW. This meta-analysis considered records (n = 1,084) collected from a commercial herd kept under intensive conditions (22° NL, 1,835 m). The definitive statistical model for BW analysis considered the independent variables kidding year, (KY), genetic group (GT), litter size (LS), gender (GN), breeding season (BS), kidding season (KS) plus the interactions (KY*GT) and (GN*BS). BW expression was affected (P<0.05) by KY, GN, LS, KS, and KY*GT. Interestingly, while BW expression was not affected (P>0.05) by kidding season, it was affected (P<0.05) by breeding season. The highest and lowest BW values were observed in SP and WN (3.34 vs. 3.10 kg; P<0.05), respectively. This physiological scenario could be the result of embryonic-fetal adaptive responses representing homeostatic adaptations due to alterations including doe nutritional status, available quantity and quality of food to both the embryo and the fetus as well as to a changing external environment.
Comment on Mesoudi and O’Brien’s “The Cultural Transmission of Great Basin Projectile-Point Technology I: An Experimental Simulation”
Authors: Potter Douglas M. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractMesoudi and O’Brien (2008) describe an experimental simulation of the cultural transmission of projectile-point technology. They base some of their conclusions on the results of tests of correlation. I explain why their use of correlation is improper, and hence that the validity of their conclusions is questionable at best. To support that assertion, I provide simulations to demonstrate that spurious correlations arise in the situations where the authors use correlation. I also describe analysis methods appropriate for their data.
Statistical Analyses Cannot be Divorced from Archaeological Theory: A Reply to Potter
Authors: Mesoudi Alex , O’Brien Michael J. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractPotter criticizes our experimental study of the roles played by indirect bias and guided variation in shaping prehistoric Great Basin projectile point variation. His criticisms are technically correct from the standpoint of statistical convention, but he fails to understand the theoretical rationale of our study. Without such an understanding, his assertion that our conclusions are questionable is incorrect. Here we point out again (1) how our experimental work bridges the gap between cultural-transmission theory and the empirical record and (2) why our conclusions are indeed valid.
CYP1B1 Detection
Authors: Divi Rao L. , Luch Andreas , Verma Mukesh , Mahadevan Brinda 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThis unit describes procedures for measuring CYP1B1 gene expression by reverse transcription real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR), CYP1B1 protein levels by western blotting, and CYP1B1 enzyme activity through conversion of 7‐ethoxyresorufin substrate. To achieve specific measurement of CYP1B1 activity in the presence of CYP1A1 and CYP1A2, CYP1B1 inhibition and a subtractive approach have been adopted. 2,4,3′,5′‐Tetramethoxystilbene (TMS) is a potent and selective competitive inhibitor of CYP1B1 with an IC50 of 3 nM for EROD and ∼90 nM for E2 4‐hydroxylation. Binding studies with purified CYP1B1 suggests that TMS interferes in the proximity of the heme region of CYP1B1 with high affinity. Compared to other potent inhibitors such as α‐naphthoflavone, which is a known CYP1 family inhibitor with no selectivity between CYP1B1 and CYP1A2, TMS is ∼50‐ and 520‐fold selective for inhibition of CYP1B1 when compared to CYP1A1 and CYP1A2, respectively. Thus, TMS can serve as a helpful chemical scalpel for dissecting CYP1B1 activity from the overall activity of CYP1 family members against ethoxyresorufin. Curr. Protoc. Toxicol. 51:4.38.1‐4.38.26. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Socioeconomic burden of total joint arthroplasty for symptomatic hip and knee osteoarthritis in the Italian population: A 5‐year analysis based on hospitalization records
Authors: Piscitelli P. , Iolascon G. , Di Tanna G. , Bizzi E. , Chitano G. , Argentiero A. , Neglia C. , Giolli L. , Distante A. , Gimigliano R. , Brandi M. L. , Migliore Alberto 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the burden of total joint arthroplasties (TJAs) performed for symptomatic hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA) in the Italian population.MethodsWe analyzed national hospitalizations and diagnosis‐related group databases to compute incidence, annual percent change (APC), direct costs, and working days lost between 2001 and 2005 following TJA due to OA.ResultsIn 2005, we recorded a total of 41,816 (APC +5.4; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 5.1–5.8) and 44,051 (APC +13.4; 95% CI 13.1–13.8) hip and knee arthroplasties, respectively. Women represented the majority of patients undergoing TJA procedures (female:male ratio 1.7:1 for hip arthroplasties and 2.9:1 for knee arthroplasties). When analyzing the data by age groups, most of the patients were in the age groups 65–74 years and ≥75 years, although the highest increases were observed in those ages <65 years. Revisions accounted for 6,387 (APC +4.9; 95% CI 4.0–5.7) and 2,295 (APC +17.4; 95% CI 15.7–19.2) procedures for the hip and knee, respectively. Loss of working days in patients ages <65 years was estimated between 805,000 and 1 million days. Hospital costs increased from 741 million to 1 billion euros over the 5‐year period (from 412 to 538 million euros for hip arthroplasties and from 329 to 517 million euros for knee arthroplasties). Rehabilitation costs increased from 228 to 322 million euros. Postoperative complications were estimated between 3.1 and 4.4 million euros. The average costs per patient were 16,835 and 15,358 euros for hip and knee arthroplasties, respectively.ConclusionThe socioeconomic burden of TJAs performed for symptomatic OA in Italy is remarkable and calls for the adoption of proper preventive measures.
Association of dietary magnesium intake with radiographic knee osteoarthritis: Results from a population‐based study
Authors: Qin Bo , Shi Xiaoyan , Samai Peter S. , Renner Jordan B. , Jordan Joanne M. , He Ka 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the cross‐sectional association between dietary magnesium intake and radiographic knee osteoarthritis (OA) among African American and white men and women.MethodsThe presence of radiographic knee OA was examined among participants from the Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project and was defined as a Kellgren/Lawrence grade of at least 2 in at least 1 knee. The Block Food Frequency Questionnaire was used to assess magnesium intake. Effect modifiers were explored by testing interactions of magnesium intake and selected factors based on previous studies. The multivariable logistic regression model with standard energy adjustment method was used to estimate the relationship between magnesium intake and radiographic knee OA.ResultsThe prevalence of knee OA was 36.27% among the 2,112 participants. The relationship between magnesium intake and radiographic knee OA was found to be modified by race (P for interaction = 0.03). An inverse threshold association was observed among whites. Compared to participants in the lowest quintile, the relative odds of radiographic knee OA were cut by one‐half for participants in the second quintile of magnesium intake (odds ratio 0.52, 95% confidence interval 0.34–0.79); further magnesium intake did not provide further benefits (P for trend = 0.51). A statistically significant association was not observed among African Americans.ConclusionA modest inverse threshold association was found between dietary magnesium intake and knee OA in whites, but not in African Americans. Further studies are needed to confirm these results and to elucidate the possible mechanisms of action for the racial modification.
Production of High Purity Magnesium Alloys by Melt Purification with Zr
Authors: Prasad Arvind , Uggowitzer Peter J. , Shi Zhiming , Atrens Andrej 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe efficacy of Zr in removing Fe from molten Mg‐X binary alloys was studied experimentally and using calculated phase diagrams. Zr is effective in reducing the Fe content from the Mg melt for Mg‐X binary alloys, X = Y, Si, Sn, Ca, Sr, Ce, Gd, Nd, Li, La, Mn, and Zn. Purification occurs by the precipitation from the melt of Fe rich precipitates, and the settling of the precipitates to the bottom of the melt. Any desired Fe content down to 1 ppm can be achieved by appropriate melt treatment.
Formation Mechanism of Fullerene Cation in Bulk Heterojunction Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Yamamoto Shunsuke , Ohkita Hideo , Benten Hiroaki , Ito Shinzaburo 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe charge carrier dynamics in blend films of [6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) and conjugated polymers with different ionization potentials are measured using transient absorption spectroscopy to study the formation mechanism of PCBM radical cation, which was previously discovered for blend films of poly[2‐methoxy‐5‐(3,7‐dimethyloctyloxy)‐1,4‐phenylenevinylene] (MDMO‐PPV) and PCBM. On a nanosecond time scale after photoexcitation, polymer hole polaron and PCBM radical anion are observed but no PCBM radical cation is found in the blends. Subsequently, the fraction of polymer hole polarons decreases and that of PCBM radical cations increases with time. Finally, the fraction of PCBM radical cations becomes constant on a microsecond time scale. The final fraction of PCBM radical cation is dependent on the ionization potential of polymers but independent of the excitation wavelength. These findings show that the formation of PCBM radical cation is due to hole injection from polymer to PCBM domains. Furthermore, the energetic conditions for such hole injection in polymer/PCBM blend films are discussed on the basis of Monte Carlo analysis for hole hopping in a disordered donor/acceptor heterojunction with varying energetic parameters.
One‐Step Multipurpose Surface Functionalization by Adhesive Catecholamine
Authors: Kang Sung Min , Hwang Nathaniel S. , Yeom Jihyeon , Park Sung Young , Messersmith Phillip B. , Choi Insung S. , Langer Robert , Anderson Daniel G. , Lee Haeshin 
Published: April 2012

AbstractSurface modification is one of the most important techniques in modern science and engineering. The facile introduction of a wide variety of desired properties onto virtually any material surface is an ultimate goal in surface chemistry. To achieve this goal, the incorporation of structurally diverse molecules onto any material surface is an essential capability for ideal surface modification. Here, a general strategy for surface modification is presented in which many diverse surfaces can be functionalized by immobilizing a wide variety of molecules. This strategy functionalizes surfaces by a one‐step immersion of substrates in a one‐pot mixture of a molecule and a catecholamine surface modification agent. This one‐step procedure for surface modification represents a standard protocol to control interfacial properties.
Supramolecular Chiral Structures: Smart Polymer Organization Guided by 2D Polarization Light Patterns
Authors: Ruiz Ulises , Pagliusi Pasquale , Provenzano Clementina , Shibaev Valery P. , Cipparrone Gabriella 
Published: April 2012

AbstractChiral periodic structures and photonic crystals have attracted a great deal of interest due to their applications in advanced photonics. As a consequence, the design and the fabrication of periodic microstructures in photosensitive materials have been widely investigated. Many achievements in the fabrication of such devices have been made over the last decade, but most of the established methods are still restricted to light intensity distribution with different structural shapes and minor attention has been devoted to exploit the vectorial nature of the light coupled with the response of polarization sensitive materials. Here, supramolecular chiral structuring in an amorphous azo‐polymer is demonstrated, coupling the strong and diversified photoresponse of the material with the holographic recording of 2D polarization patterns. The smart polymer organization guided by the complex light field induces periodic chiral microstructures, with spiral‐ or ribbon‐like shape and identical or opposite helicity, characterized by high stability and complete reconfigurability. The holographic structures are theoretically described by means of the Jones matrix method and experimentally investigated, confirming the simultaneous presence of both linear and circular photoinduced anisotropies. These results prove an alternative approach to design a new class of materials with periodic chiral arrangement.
Sulfonic Acid‐Functionalized Ionic Liquids as Metal‐Free, Efficient and Reusable Catalysts for Direct Amination of Alcohols
Authors: Han Feng , Yang Lei , Li Zhen , Xia Chungu 
Published: April 2012

AbstractA series of sulfonic acid‐functionalized (SO3H‐functionalized) ionic liquids was synthesized and used as metal‐free, highly selective and efficient catalysts for the direct amination of alcohols. Notably, the activities of the series of SO3H‐functionalized ionic liquids were compared and a 92% isolated yield was obtained using 3‐tetradecyl‐1‐(butyl‐4‐ sulfonyl)imidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate ([BsTdIM][OTf]) as the catalyst. Importantly, the catalytic system has wide substrate scope including benzylic, allyl, propargylic, aliphatic alcohols with sulfonamide, amide, carbamate, aromatic amine and N‐heterocyclic compounds. Interestingly, the system was also suitable for a multi‐gram scale direct amination of alcohols. Additionally, the reusable nature of [BsTdIM][OTf] makes this protocol more attractive and avoids the disposal and neutralization of acidic catalysts. Moreover, preliminary experiments indicated that this reaction should proceed via an SN1 pathway.