bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictive power of pretreatment prognostic factors in children with hepatoblastoma: A report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Meyers Rebecka L. , Rowland Jon R. , Krailo Mark , Chen Zhengjia , Katzenstein Howard M. , Malogolowkin Marcio H. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackgroundPRETEXT is used to stratify risk in children with hepatoblastoma by the Liver Tumor Strategy Group (SIOPEL) of the International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP). A recent analysis excluding patients that did not survive neoadjuvant chemotherapy, concluded that PRETEXT was superior to Children's Oncology Group (COG) stage for predicting survival. Puzzled by this result, we made a similar comparison of PRETEXT and COG stage. This time, however, we include all patients, and we compare predictive value at diagnosis, instead of after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.MethodsHepatoblastoma patients in INT‐0098 were retrospectively reviewed for PRETEXT and other potential prognostic factors including pathologic subtype, and alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP).ResultsFive‐year overall survival by PRETEXT was 88.9%, 84.5%, 71.6%, and 30.9%, for PRETEXT I, II, III, and IV, respectively. The 5‐year overall survival rates by COG stage were 100%, 97.5%, 100%, 70.2%, and 39.3% for Stage I pure fetal histology (PFH), Stage I unfavorable histology (UH = not PFH), Stage II, Stage III, and Stage IV, respectively. PRETEXT added significant additional prognostic information within the COG Stage III, but not COG Stage IV. Additional prognostic factors statistically significant for an increased risk of death were small‐cell‐undifferentiated (SCU) histologic subtype and AFP < 100 at diagnosis.ConclusionsPRETEXT, COG stage, SCU histology, and AFP < 100, as assessed at diagnosis, are important determinants of survival that will allow us to better develop common international criteria for risk stratification. Common risk stratification is an essential prerequisite to establish effective cooperation across the ocean in this field of rare tumors. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:1016–1022. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Current status of diagnosis and prognosis of infant acute leukemia in China
Authors: Huang Li‐Bin , Guan Xiao‐Qing , Zhang Ying‐Chuan , Zhang Xiao‐Li , Ke Zhi‐Yong , Luo Xue‐Qun 
Published: July 2009

AbstractObjectiveTreatment and outcome of infant acute leukemia (IAL) in developed countries have been well documented. However, reports summarizing diagnosis and outcome of IAL in developing countries are limited.MethodsFive hundred ninety seven pediatric patients were diagnosed with acute leukemia in our hospital between January 1997 and June 2008, of which 19 were younger than 12 months. Data from our 19 cases and the Chinese literature were analyzed.ResultsOf the 19 cases, 14 had acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and 5 had acute myeloid leukemia (AML) based on FAB classification. Immunophenotyping and molecular genetic analysis were performed in only 6 cases. Only 16% (3/19) of the infants received treatment. Two infants with immunophenotypic AML who abandoned treatment achieved spontaneous remission without chemotherapy within 2 and 4 months respectively. Combining our data with those from Chinese literature, less than one third of the infants had immunophenotypic and genetic verification of leukemia and 29% (18/63) of them received treatment.ConclusionFamily financial difficulties and physicians' lack of confidence in treatment outcome in IAL contributed to a high treatment abandonment rate and poor outcome. Public health insurance as well as physician education on current IAL treatment strategies may decrease treatment abandonment in China. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:973–977. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Immunotherapy for neuroblastoma: Turning promise into reality
Authors: Gray Juliet C. , Kohler Janice A. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractNeuroblastoma is one of the commonest and most aggressive paediatric malignancies. The majority of children present with metastatic disease for which long‐term survival remains poor despite intensive multi‐modal therapies. Toxicity from current treatment regimes is already significant, and there is little room to further intensify therapy. Alternative treatment strategies are therefore needed in order to improve survival. Immunotherapy is an attractive therapeutic option for these children as it potentially offers a much more specific and less toxic treatment than conventional therapies. This review discusses the different immunotherapy strategies that may be useful in neuroblastoma, their advantages and disadvantages and the challenges that need to be overcome to successfully use them clinically. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:931–940. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Vincristine: Can its therapeutic index be enhanced?
Authors: Moore Andrew , Pinkerton Ross 
Published: July 2009

AbstractVincristine is one of the most widely used and more effective drugs in paediatric oncology. The dose‐limiting toxicity of neuropathy, lack of proven neuroprotective measures and an incomplete understanding of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenetics of vincristine have limited its therapeutic potential. Recent advances in the understanding of vincristine pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenetics, and potential methods of preventing neurotoxicity are reviewed which could enable dose escalation and dose individualisation in order to enhance the therapeutic index. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009; 53:1180–1187. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
COX‐2 inhibitors: complex association with lower risk of hospitalization for gastrointestinal events compared to traditional NSAIDs plus proton pump inhibitors
Authors: van der Linden Michiel W. , Gaugris Sabine , Kuipers Ernst J. , van Herk‐Sukel Myrthe P. P. , van den Bemt Bart J. F. , Sen Shuvayu S. , Herings Ron M. C. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractPurposeTo compare hospitalization rates for serious upper and lower gastrointestinal (GI) events between chronic and acute users of a traditional non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (tNSAID) + proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and users of a COX‐2 selective inhibitor (Coxib).MethodsThe PHARMO Record Linkage System, including linked drug‐dispensing and hospital records of approximately 3 million individuals in the Netherlands was used. We selected new Coxib or tNSAID users (01/01/2000–31/12/2004) with ≥1 year history before the first NSAID dispensing and ≥1 year follow‐up ending at the first hospitalization for GI event (the outcome), last dispensing, or end of the study period. Chronic users were patients who used any NSAIDs for ≥60 days during the first year (n = 58 770); others were acute users (n = 538 420). Multivariate analysis was performed by Poisson regression adjusted for gender, age, and duration of follow‐up, tNSAID and Coxib dose, NSAID/PPI adherence, use of other gastroprotective agents, anticoagulants, acetaminophen, corticosteroids, and cardiovascular disease.ResultsThe cohort included 23 999 new tNSAIDs + PPI users and 25 977 new Coxib users, with main characteristics: mean ± SD age 58.1 ± 15.5 vs. 56.7 ± 17.5; female 55.3% vs. 62.2%; duration of treatment (days): 137 ± 217 vs. 138 ± 179, respectively. Among acute users, adjusted hazard ratios (95% Confidence Interval) were 0.21 (0.14–0.32) for upper and 0.26 (0.16–0.42) for lower GI events, for Coxib versus tNSAIDs + PPI users. Among chronic users, these were 0.35 (0.22–0.55) for upper GI and 0.43 (0.25–0.75) for lower GI events.ConclusionsCoxib users had significantly lower rates of GI events. Further research should elucidate the possible impact of selection bias. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theoretical design study on multifunctional triphenyl amino‐based derivatives for OLEDs
Authors: Zou Lu‐Yi , Ren Ai‐Min , Feng Ji‐Kang , Ran Xue‐Qin 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe use of triphenyl amino‐based derivatives in organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) can significantly improve their efficiency and stability and especially their electroluminescence characteristics – most of the new hole‐transport materials have this feature. In this study, a series of triphenyl amino‐based compounds were computed, including two newly designed molecules. They can function as charge transport materials and emitters with high efficiency and stability. To reveal the relationship between the properties and structures of these bifunctional and multifunctional electroluminescent materials, the ground and excited state geometries were optimized at the B3LYP/6‐31G(d), HF/6‐31G(d), TD‐B3LYP/6‐31G(d), and CIS/6‐31G(d) levels, respectively. The ionization potentials (IPs) and electron affinities (EAs) were computed. The lowest excitation energies, the maximum absorption, and emission wavelengths of these compounds were calculated by employing the time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) method. Also, the mobilities of holes and electrons were studied computationally based on the Marcus electron transfer theory. The CH2Cl2 solvent effect on the absorption spectra of N,N′‐di‐1‐naphthyl‐N,N′‐diphenylbenzidine (NPB) was considered by polarizable continuum model (PCM). The results obtained for these compounds are in good agreement with the experimental values. These data show that the proposed compounds 1 and 2 (N,B‐di‐1‐naphthyl‐N,B‐diphenylbenzidine and Mes2N[p‐4,4′‐biphenyl‐NPh(1‐naphthyl)]), are multifunctional and bifunctional materials similar to Mes2B[p‐4,4′‐biphenyl‐NPh(1‐naphthyl)] (BNPB) and NPB, respectively. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Random and sequential radical cotelomerizations of 3,3,3‐trifluoropropene (H2CCHCF3) with vinylidene fluoride (F2CCH2)
Authors: Kostov Georgi , Boschet Frédéric , Brandstadter Stephan , Ameduri Bruno 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe synthesis of original cotelomers based on 3,3,3‐trifluoropropene (TFP) and vinylidene fluoride (VDF) with a general formula: RF‐[CH2CF2]n[CH2CH(CF3)]mI (where n = 1–63, m = 2–640, and RF = (CF3)2CF) was achieved by sequential and random cotelomerizations in the presence of RFI. The radical cotelomerizations were initiated by thermal decomposition of different peroxide and persulfate initiators either in bulk, in solution (in the presence of acetonitrile or 1,1,1,3,3‐pentafluorobutane as the solvents), and in aqueous process (emulsion). Different adducts were obtained in good yield (50–70 wt %) with a relative proportion of each adduct depending on (i) the R0 = [RFI]0/([TFP]0+[VDF]0) initial molar ratio, (ii) the reaction temperature, and (iii) C0 = [In]0/([TFP]0+[VDF]0). Random cotelomerization gave higher yields than those obtained from the sequential cotelomerization. When the concentration of the chain transfer agent increased, the molecular weights of the resulting poly(VDF‐co‐TFP) cotelomers decreased and showed that the R0 ratio targeted the molecular weights (∼700–66,000 g mol−1). Some of the obtained molecular weights were exceptionally high for a (co)telomerization. The kinetics of the radical cotelomerization of VDF and TFP led to the determination of the reactivity ratios of both comonomers (rVDF = 0.28 ± 0.07 and rTFP = 2.35 ± 0.26 at 75 °C). © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 3964–3981, 2009
Alternated π‐conjugated polymers based on a 1,2‐diiminocyclohexane chiral unit for nitroaromatics sensing
Authors: Clavaguera Simon , Dautel Olivier J. , Hairault Lionel , Méthivier Christophe , Montméat Pierre , Pasquinet Eric , Pradier Claire‐Marie , Serein‐Spirau Françoise , Wakim Salem , Veignal Florian , Moreau Joël J. E. , Lère‐Porte Jean‐Pierre 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe detection of 2,4‐dinitrotoluene (DNT) by fluorescence quenching of a new class of polyimines consisting in π‐conjugated segments regularly alternated with chiral C2 symmetry units has been studied for solutions and thin films. Their photophysical properties and their sensitivity towards DNT detection has been compared to those of a small model molecule incorporating the same π‐conjugated segment. In solution, all the compounds exhibit the same photo‐physical properties and sensitivity towards DNT detection. In contrast, for thin films, better performances are observed in static conditions for this new class of polyimines compared to the small model molecule. It seems that C2 symmetry units prevent from the stacking of the π‐conjugated segments and provide in addition to high fluorescence signal an improved diffusion of the analyte inside the films. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 4141–4149, 2009
Production and processing of spider silk proteins
Authors: Hardy John G. , Scheibel Thomas R. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractNatural spider silk fibers have impressive mechanical properties (outperforming many man‐made fibers) and are, moreover, biocompatible, biodegradable, and produced under benign conditions (using water as a solvent at ambient temperature). The problems associated with harvesting natural spider silks inspired us to devise a method to produce spider silk‐like proteins biotechnologically (the first subject tackled in this highlight); we subsequently discuss their processing into various materials morphologies, and some potential technical and biomedical applications. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 3957–3963, 2009
Compatibilization effect of TiO2 nanoparticles on the phase structure of PET/PP/TiO2 nanocomposites
Authors: Li Wenjing , Karger‐Kocsis József , Thomann Ralf 
Published: July 2009

AbstractPolyethylene terephthalate (PET)/Polypropylene (PP)/TiO2 nanocomposites were prepared by compounding a PP/TiO2 nanocomposite premix with PET in absence and presence (up to 6 vol %) of maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (PP‐g‐MA). In absence of PP‐g‐MA, the TiO2 nanoparticles were mainly located at the PET/PP interface and to a lesser extent in the dispersed PET droplets. As the TiO2 nanoparticles were coated by polyalcohol their surface could react with PP‐g‐MA and thus improving the compatibilization with PP. Therefore in presence of PP‐g‐MA the TiO2 nanoparticles were preferentially located in the PP. The incorporated TiO2 nanoparticles exerted a compatibilization effect on the PET/PP blend. Depending on the location of TiO2 three different compatibilization mechanisms were proposed to be at work: (1) Locating at the interface, the TiO2 nanoparticles decrease the free energy of mixing, and thus increase the thermodynamic stability of the nanocomposites; (2) The TiO2 nanoparticles at the interface also prevent the coalescence of PET droplets; (3) Preferentially located in the PP matrix, the TiO2 nanoparticles decreased the viscosity ratio which facilitated the droplet breakup of PET. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 1616–1624, 2009
Analysis of polystyrene surface properties on thin film bonding under carbon dioxide pressure using nanoparticle embedding technique
Authors: Yang Jintao , Liu Chuntai , Yang Yong , Zhu Bin , Lee L. James , Chen Hongmin , Jean Y. C. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractA gold nanoparticle embedding technique is used to determine how vacuum and pressured carbon dioxide (CO2) affect polystyrene (PS) thin film properties. The pressured CO2 greatly increased the gold nanoparticle embedding depth, possibly due to a low cohesive energy density near the film surface. For the monodisperse PS used in this study (Mn = 214,000), two spin‐coated thin films with intimate contact can be bonded below the bulk glass transition temperature (Tg) under CO2 pressure when the embedded depth is larger than half of the gyration radius of PS molecules. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 1535–1542, 2009
Disparities in mental health between rural and nonrural cancer survivors: a preliminary study
Authors: Burris Jessica L. , Andrykowski Michael 
Published: July 2009

AbstractObjective: While much research has sought to identify disparities in cancer incidence, survival, and treatment, little research has sought to identify disparities in mental health (MH) outcomes among cancer survivors. The present study aims to identify disparities in MH outcomes between rural and nonrural cancer survivors.Methods: Cancer survivors who met eligibility criteria were identified through the Kentucky SEER Cancer Registry. Rural status was determined by 2003 USDA Rural–Urban Continuum Codes. 116 (n=54 rural, 62 nonrural) survivors with diagnoses of breast (n=42), hematologic (n=39), or colorectal (n=35) cancer completed mail‐back questionnaires and/or a telephone interview.Results: Rural cancer survivors reported poorer MH functioning (effect size (ES)=0.45 SD), greater symptoms of anxiety (ES=0.70) and depression (ES=0.47), greater distress (ES=0.41), and more emotional problems (ES=0.47) than nonrural cancer survivors. Rural and nonrural cancer survivors did not differ consistently in regard to positive MH outcomes, such as benefit finding. The pattern of results was maintained when adjusted for education and physical functioning.Conclusions: Clinically important disparities in MH outcomes were evident between rural and nonrural cancer survivors. Interventions aimed at raising access and utilization of MH services may be indicated for cancer survivors in rural areas. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protein structure prediction center in CASP8
Authors: Kryshtafovych Andriy , Krysko Oleh , Daniluk Pawel , Dmytriv Zinovii , Fidelis Krzysztof 
Published: July 2009

AbstractWe present an outline of the Critical Assessment of Protein Structure Prediction (CASP) infrastructure implemented at the University of California, Davis, Protein Structure Prediction Center. The infrastructure supports selection and validation of prediction targets, collection of predictions, standard evaluation of submitted predictions, and presentation of results. The Center also supports information exchange relating to CASP experiments and structure prediction in general. Technical aspects of conducting the CASP8 experiment and relevant statistics are also provided. Proteins 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Structural insights into recognition of β2‐glycoprotein I by the lipoprotein receptors
Authors: Beglov Dmitri , Lee Chang‐Jin , De Biasio Alfredo , Kozakov Dima , Brenke Ryan , Vajda Sandor , Beglova Natalia 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe interactions of β2 glycoprotein I (B2GPI) with the receptors of the low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) family are implicated in the clearance of negatively charged phospholipids and apoptotic cells and, in the presence of autoimmune anti‐B2GPI antibodies, in cell activation, which might play a role in the pathology of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). The ligand‐binding domains of the lipoprotein receptors consist of multiple homologous LA modules connected by flexible linkers. In this study, we investigated at the atomic level the features of the LA modules required for binding to B2GPI. To compare the binding interface in B2GPI/LA complex to that observed in the high‐resolution co‐crystal structure of the receptor associated protein (RAP) with a pair of LA modules 3 and 4 from the LDLR, we used LA4 in our studies. Using solution NMR spectroscopy, we found that LA4 interacts with B2GPI and the binding site for B2GPI on the 15N‐labeled LA4 is formed by the calcium coordinating residues of the LA module. We built a model for the complex between domain V of B2GPI (B2GPI‐DV) and LA4 without introducing any experimentally derived constraints into the docking procedure. Our model, which is in the agreement with the NMR data, suggests that the binding interface of B2GPI for the lipoprotein receptors is centered at three lysine residues of B2GPI‐DV, Lys 308, Lys 282, and Lys317. Proteins 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A simple simulation model can reproduce the thermodynamic folding intermediate of apoflavodoxin
Authors: Larriva María , Prieto Lidia , Bruscolini Pierpaolo , Rey Antonio 
Published: July 2009

AbstractFlavodoxins are single domain proteins with an α/β structure, whose function and folding have been well studied. Detailed experiments have shown that several members of this protein family present a stable intermediate, which accumulates along the folding process. In this work, we use a coarse‐grained model for protein folding, whose interactions are based on the topology of the native state, to analyze the thermodynamic characteristics of the folding of Anabaena apoflavodoxin. Our model shows evidence for the existence of a thermodynamic folding intermediate, which reaches a significant population along the thermal transition. According to our simulation results, the intermediate is compact, well packed, and involves distortions of the native structure similar to those experimentally found. These mainly affect the long loop in the protein surface comprising residues 120–139. Although the agreement between simulation and experiment is not perfect, something impossible for a crude model, our results show that the topology of the native state is able to dictate a folding process which includes the presence of an intermediate for this protein. Proteins 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular insights into substrate specificity of prostate specific antigen through structural modeling
Authors: Singh Pratap , LeBeau Aaron M. , Lilja Hans , Denmeade Samuel R. , Isaacs John T. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractProstate Specific Antigen's (PSA) role as a biomarker for prostate cancer is well established but the physiological role of its serine protease activity in the pathobiology of normal prostate and prostate carcinogenesis remains largely unknown. In light of recent studies that implicate PSA's enzymatic activity in the initiation and/or progression of prostate cancer, we performed a molecular modeling study of substrate binding at the catalytic site of PSA wherein a PSA‐selective substrate (HSSKLQ) was docked in an acyl‐enzyme conformation to a three‐dimensional homology model of PSA. Additionally, virtual positional scanning studies were conducted to gain mechanistic insights into substrate recognition of PSA. Subsequently, 13 novel peptide substrates of 6‐aa length and four peptide substrates with varying length were synthesized and assayed for PSA hydrolysis to evaluate the experimental validity of docking insights. Additionally, six novel aldehyde‐containing transition state analog inhibitors were synthesized and tested for their inhibitory potencies. The experimental data on the hydrolysis rates of the newly synthesized substrates and inhibitory potencies of the aldehyde peptides agreed with the docking predictions, providing validation of the docking methodology and demonstrating its utility towards the design of substrate‐mimetic inhibitors that can be used to explore PSA's role in the pathobiology of prostate cancer. Proteins 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.