bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A randomized phase II study of carboplatin plus pegylated liposomal doxorubicin versus carboplatin plus paclitaxel in platinum sensitive ovarian cancer patients: a Hellenic Cooperative Oncology Group study
Authors: Bafaloukos Dimitrios , Linardou Helena , Aravantinos Gerasimos , Papadimitriou Christos , Bamias Aristotelis , Fountzilas George , Kalofonos Haralabos P , Kosmidis Paris , Timotheadou Eleni , Makatsoris Thomas , Samantas Epaminondas , Briasoulis Evangelos , Christodoulou Christos , Papakostas Pavlos , Pectasides Dimitrios , Dimopoulos Athanasios M 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Background
Platinum-based combinations are the standard second-line treatment for platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer (OC). This randomized phase II study was undertaken in order to compare the combination of carboplatin and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (LD) with carboplatin and paclitaxel (CP) in this setting.

Methods
Patients with histologically confirmed recurrent OC, at the time of or more than 6 months after platinum-based chemotherapy, were randomized to six cycles of CP (carboplatin AUC5 + paclitaxel 175 mg/m2, d1q21) or CLD (carboplatin AUC5 + pegylated LD 45 mg/m2, d1q28).

Results
A total of 189 eligible patients (CP 96, CLD 93), with a median age of 63 years, median Performance Status (PS) 0 and a median platinum free interval (PFI) of 16.5 months, entered the study. Discontinuation due to toxicity was higher in the CP patients (13.5% versus 3%, P = 0.016). The overall response rate was similar: CP 58% versus CLD 51%, P = 0.309 (Complete Response; CR 34% versus 23%) and there was no statistical difference in time-to-progression (TTP) or overall survival (OS; TTP 10.8 months CP versus 11.8 CLD, P = 0.904; OS 29.4 months CP versus 24.7 CLD, P = 0.454). No toxic deaths were recorded. Neutropenia was the most commonly seen severe toxicity (CP 30% versus CLD 35%). More frequent in CLD were severe thrombocytopenia (11% versus 2%, P = 0.016), skin toxicity and Palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE) grade 1-2 (38% versus 9%, P< 0.001), while grade 3 neurotoxicity and alopecia were higher in CP (7% versus 0%, P = 0.029, 20% versus 5%, P = 0.003). PS and PFI were independent prognostic factors for TTP and OS.

Conclusions
The combination of pegylated LD with carboplatin is effective, showing less neurotoxicity and alopecia than paclitaxel-carboplatin. It thus warrants a further phase III evaluation as an alternative treatment option for platinum-sensitive OC patients.

Trial Registration
Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12609000436279
The trend in mental health-related mortality rates in Australia 1916-2004: implications for policy
Authors: Doessel Darrel P , Williams Ruth FG , Whiteford Harvey 
Published: January 2010

AbstractBackgroundThis study determines the trend in mental health-related mortality (defined here as the aggregation of suicide and deaths coded as "mental/behavioural disorders"), and its relative numerical importance, and to argue that this has importance to policy-makers. Its results will have policy relevance because policy-makers have been predominantly concerned with cost-containment, but a re-appraisal of this issue is occurring, and the trade-off between health expenditures and valuable gains in longevity is being emphasised now. This study examines longevity gains from mental health-related interventions, or their absence, at the population level. The study sums mortality data for suicide and mental/behavioural disorders across the relevant ICD codes through time in Australia for the period 1916-2004. There are two measures applied to the mortality rates: the conventional age-standardised headcount; and the age-standardised Potential Years of Life Lost (PYLL), a measure of premature mortality. Mortality rates formed from these data are analysed via comparisons with mortality rates for All Causes, and with circulatory diseases, cancer and motor vehicle accidents, measured by both methods.ResultsThis study finds the temporal trend in mental health-related mortality rates (which reflects the longevity of people with mental illness) has worsened through time. There are no gains. This trend contrasts with the (known) gains in longevity from All Causes, and the gains from decreases achieved in previously rising mortality rates from circulatory diseases and motor vehicle accidents. Also, PYLL calculation shows mental health-related mortality is a proportionately greater cause of death compared with applying headcount metrics.ConclusionsThere are several factors that could reverse this trend. First, improved access to interventions or therapies for mental disorders could decrease the mortality analysed here. Second, it is important also that new efficacious therapies for various mental disorders be developed. Furthermore, it is also important that suicide prevention strategies be implemented, particularly for at-risk groups. To bring the mental health sector into parity with many other parts of the health system will require knowledge of the causative factors that underlie mental disorders, which can, in turn, lead to efficacious therapies. As in any case of a knowledge deficit, what is needed are resources to address that knowledge gap. Conceiving the problem in this way, ie as a knowledge gap, indicates the crucial role of research and development activity. This term implies a concern, not simply with basic research, but also with applied research. It is commonplace in other sectors of the economy to emphasise the trichotomy of invention, innovation and diffusion of new products and processes. This three-fold conception is also relevant to addressing the knowledge gap in the mental health sector.
Evaluation of the PAX8/PPARG Translocation in Follicular Thyroid Cancer with a 4-Color Reverse-Transcription PCR Assay and Automated High-Resolution Fragment Analysis
Authors: Algeciras-Schimnich Alicia , Milosevic Dragana , McIver Bryan , Flynn Heather , Reddi Honey V , Eberhardt Norman L , Grebe Stefan KG 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
Background: Molecular testing of thyroid malignancies, in combination with cytologic and histologic examination, is becoming increasingly attractive as a tool for refining traditional morphologic diagnosis. The molecular changes associated with follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) are point mutations in RAS oncogenes or the presence of PAX8/PPARG (paired box 8/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma) rearrangement.
Methods: We developed and validated a clinical assay for the detection of PAX8/PPARG rearrangements that uses a 4-color reverse-transcription PCR (RT-PCR) assay and high-resolution fragment analysis.
Results: The RT-PCR assay is applicable for detecting the various described fusion transcripts of PAX8/PPARG in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded thyroid tissue and in fine-needle aspirate biopsy washes from thyroid nodules. The analytical sensitivity of the assay is 1 abnormal cell in a background of 100–10 000 translocation-negative cells. A comparison of the RT-PCR assay with dual-fusion fluorescence in situ hybridization showed an overall concordance of 95%. With this assay, we obtained a prevalence for the PAX8/PPARG rearrangement in FTC of 62% (13 of 21 cases), compared with a 5% prevalence (3 of 55) for other follicular cell–derived neoplasms.
Conclusions: The introduction of this assay into clinical practice could provide useful information for the diagnosis and possibly for the prognosis and treatment of thyroid cancer in the future.
Characteristics of precession electron diffraction intensities from dynamical simulations
Authors: Sinkler Wharton , Marks Laurence D. 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
Precession Electron Diffraction (PED) offers a number of advantages for crystal structure analysis and solving unknown structures using electron diffraction. The current article uses many-beam simulations of PED intensities, in combination with model structures, to arrive at a better understanding of how PED differs from standard unprecessed electron diffraction. It is shown that precession reduces the chaotic oscillatory behavior of electron diffraction intensities as a function of thickness. An additional characteristic of PED which is revealed by simulations is reduced sensitivity to structure factor phases. This is shown to be a general feature of dynamical intensities collected under conditions in which patterns with multiple incident beam orientations are averaged together. A new and significantly faster method is demonstrated for dynamical calculations of PED intensities, based on using information contained in off-central columns of the scattering matrix.
Effects of Nitrogen and Potassium on Wear Mechanisms in Perennial Ryegrass: II. Anatomical, Morphological, and Physiological Characteristics
Authors: Hoffman L. , Ebdon J. S. , Dest W. M. , DaCosta M. 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTWear tolerance is important in sports turf, but the effects of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) on wear mechanisms in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) are unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate wear mechanisms in response to N and K in this species. Field studies were conducted in 2006 and 2007 using five N levels (49, 147, 245, 343, and 441 kg ha−1 yr−1) in combination with three rate levels of K (49, 245, and 441 kg ha−1 yr−1). Wear was applied in both years using wear simulators. Ten plant characteristics were measured in field plots. Nitrogen had significant effect on wear tolerance and plant characteristics. Shoot growth accounted for as much as 94% of the variation in wear tolerance (r = −0.97, P ≤ 0.001). Tissue moisture measured as relative water content and shoot water content covaried with shoot growth. Wear injury, shoot growth rate and tissue moisture increased with increasing N, especially when fertilized in excess of 245 kg N ha−1 yr−1 Tissue moisture explained as much as 66% (r = −0.81, P ≤ 0.001) of the variation in wear tolerance. Cell wall components, leaf strength, and shoot density were secondary in explaining wear tolerance. Verdure was not important. Tissue K and soil‐available K were not correlated with wear tolerance. These results suggest fertilizing at no more than 245 kg N ha−1 y−1 to maintain optimum wear tolerance, shoot growth rate and tissue moisture.
Relationship between Root Characteristics of Peanut in Hydroponics and Pot Studies
Authors: Girdthai T. , Jogloy S. , Kesmala T. , Vorasoot N. , Akkasaeng C. , Wongkaew S. , Holbrook C.C. , Patanothai A. 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTA large root system can be an important character for drought tolerance. Measuring root characteristics in soil medium is tedious, time consuming, and labor intensive. The objective of this study was to determine the association between root characteristics of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) grown in hydroponics and in pot experiments. Twelve peanut genotypes were planted in a randomized complete block design with four replications in a hydroponics study, a small pot, and a large pot experiment. The studies were conducted in two years during 2004–2005. Shoot dry weight, root dry weight, root‐to‐shoot ratio, root length, root surface, average diameter of roots, and root volume were measured. Tifton‐8 and ‘KK 60‐3’ had consistently higher values for all root characteristics compared to the other genotypes. Root characteristics of peanut genotypes grown in hydroponics were positively correlated with those of peanut genotypes grown in pot conditions. The results suggested that assessment of root characteristics of peanut in hydroponics for possible drought tolerance could replace the assessment in soil medium conditions.
Combining Ability and Heterosis for Forage Yield among Elite Alfalfa Core Collection Accessions with Different Fall Dormancy Responses
Authors: Lawati A. H. Al , Pierce C. A. , Murray L. W. , Ray I. M. 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTUnderstanding genetic parameters of populations that are being considered for inclusion into plant‐breeding programs provides critical knowledge to enhance economic traits of interest. The objective of this study was to determine the genetic parameters influencing forage yield for nine populations selected from the USDA National Plant Germplasm System alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) core collection that possessed high‐yield potential and differing fall dormancy response. Forage dry matter yields of 36 diallel hybrids, their 9 parents, and 6 commercial checks were harvested three times in each of 2 yr from seeded plots near Las Cruces, NM. Variation among hybrids for forage yield was primarily attributed to general combining ability effects, which were 5.6 times greater than specific combining ability effects. More than 70% of the hybrids performed similarly to the best commercial check. Fourteen hybrids exhibited significant mid‐parent heterosis (MPH), and seven hybrids exhibited significant high‐parent heterosis (HPH). The frequency of hybrids showing significant MPH was twofold greater for hybrids generated between parents with different fall dormancy response as compared with hybrids generated from parents with similar fall dormancy response. Eight of the nine top‐yielding hybrids were derived from populations that originated from Peru and Argentina. All hybrids with significant positive HPH involved a population from South America.
Genetic Improvement of Seedling Emergence of Low‐Phytate Soybean Lines
Authors: Trimble Loren A. , Fehr Walter R. 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTReduced seedling emergence of low‐phytate (LP) soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] lines with the pha1 and pha2 alleles has been a limiting factor in the development of LP cultivars. Crosses between normal‐phytate (NP) and LP soybean lines have produced progeny with improved emergence. The objective of this study was to determine if LP lines with improved emergence are capable of producing progeny with equal or higher emergence when crossed to NP parents. Low‐phytate lines with improved emergence were crossed to NP cultivars and the LP progeny were evaluated with seed produced at three 2007 locations and five 2008 locations. A field test of the lines was conducted in 2008 with one 2007 seed source. An extended cold test (ECT) was developed to evaluate all the lines with the three 2007 seed sources and selected lines and parents with the five 2008 sources. There were LP progeny with significantly less emergence than the LP parent when evaluated in the field and with the ECT. One single‐cross line had significantly greater emergence than the LP parent and emergence equal to the NP parent. Genetic variation among the single‐cross and backcross lines was attributed to the segregation of favorable and unfavorable alleles for emergence from both the NP and LP parents. Multiple seed sources should be used to identify LP lines with superior emergence based on field evaluations or the ECT.
Endosperm Size Diversity in Domesticated, Wild, and Semiwild Soybean
Authors: Lackey James A. 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTPast literature documents that domesticated soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr., has trivial to almost nonexistent galactomannan‐containing endosperm in mature dormant seeds. Current preliminary observations confirm limited endosperm for many domesticated soybean accessions, but show that many others have markedly larger endosperm, as do all wild (G. soja Sieb. & Zucc.) and semiwild (G. gracilis Skvortz.) accessions. A trend toward small endosperm seems to have taken place during soybean domestication, which may be explained by some undesirable effects of galactomannans on monogastric animals. The broad diversity of genetic resources for endosperm size and associated galactomannans in available domesticated, wild, and semiwild accessions suggests use of soybean as a model plant for exploring differences, including water relations, between endospermic and nonendospermic legume seeds. It also suggests their use for breeding domesticated soybean with even smaller amounts of galactomannans for use in animal feeds, large amounts of galactomannans for commercial use, or genetic manipulation of the endosperm for other uses.
Cool‐Season Turfgrass Colony and Seed Survival in a Restored Prairie
Authors: Garrison Mark A. , Stier John C. 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTNonnative cool‐season turfgrasses are sometimes considered to be invasive species in restored prairies. The method of their invasiveness is poorly understood, as in many cases prairie restoration projects occur where the grasses were formerly planted. Colonies of 10 turfgrass species were placed into two anthropogenic prairies and monitored over a 2‐yr period. Colonies of most species, including Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.), creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.), and tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort = Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh.., formerly Festuca arundinacea Schreb. var. arundinacea], decreased in size or died due to herbivory and environmental stresses. At one location, fine fescues (Festuca spp.) and colonial bentgrass (A. capillaris L.) colonies remained relatively constant or slightly increased in size, while native velvet bentgrass (A. canina L.) nearly tripled in diameter. A second study compared the seed survival of six turfgrass and three native grass species at the same sites. Germination and dormancy tests were conducted following exhumation at 6, 12, and 22 mo. All the turfgrass seeds, with the exception of tall fescue, retained better viability (12–34%) than native grasses (0–1%) after 22 mo in the soil. Our results indicate that nonnative turfgrasses may be poor competitors in restored Upper Midwest prairies and their presence in prairie renovations may be due to previous, intentional introductions.
Identification of Novel QTL for Sawfly Resistance in Wheat
Authors: Sherman J. D. , Weaver D. K. , Hofland M. L. , Sing S. E. , Buteler M. , Lanning S. P. , Naruoka Y. , Crutcher F. , Blake N. K. , Martin J. M. , Lamb P. F. , Carlson G. R. , Talbert L. E. 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTThe wheat stem sawfly (WSS) (Cephus cinctus Nort.) is an important pest of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em. Thell.) in the Northern Great Plains. This paper reports the genetic analysis of antixenosis for egg‐laying WSS females in recombinant inbred lines (RIL) of hard red spring wheat. Female WSS preferentially choose certain wheat genotypes for egg‐laying, with the cultivar Reeder being preferred and Conan being less preferred. We measured percent stem infestation and percent stem cutting for 91 RIL from a Reeder–Conan cross in four sawfly‐infested locations in Montana. Heritability based on means over environments was h2 = 0.86 for infestation and h2 = 0.75 for cutting. Percent infestation was negatively correlated with heading date (r = −0.57, P < 0.001) and degree of stem solidness (r = −0.31, P < 0.01). A molecular map was created with 431 markers. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) for infestation and cutting were identified as cosegregating with QTL for heading date (controlled by Ppd‐D1 on chromosome 2D) and stem solidness (controlled by Qss.msub.3BL). Additionally, significant QTL for infestation and cutting on chromosomes 2D and 4A were present in several environments, and did not cosegregate with heading date, plant height, or solid stems. These QTL may complement the use of solid stems for host plant resistance by developing wheat lines that vary for attractiveness to the wheat stem sawfly.
Grain Yield Performance of Selected Lowland NERICA and Modern Asian Rice Genotypes in West Africa
Authors: Saito K. , Azoma K. , Sié M. 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTSix lowland experiments were conducted over three years in southern Benin to assess yield differences in 28 rice (Oryza spp.) genotypes grown under nonfertilized and fertilized conditions. These included the interspecific hybrids, the lowland New Rice for Africa (NERICA) genotypes developed from crossing O. sativa and O. glaberrima Fertilizer rates were 70–86N: 30–37P2O5: 30–37K2O kg ha−1 Fertilizer application increased average grain yield across all genotypes and experiments by 39% (154 g m−2 increase). Considerable genotypic differences existed in grain yields under both nonfertilized and fertilized conditions, and in yield response to fertilizer application. Two lowland NERICA genotypes (‘NERICA‐L‐6’ and ‘‐54’) outyielded ‘IR 72’ and ‘WITA4’ (standard checks) across nonfertilized and fertilized conditions in four experiments with favorable water availability in wet seasons (651 vs. 575 g m−2). The high grain yields resulted from large spikelet number m−2 and biomass accumulation. In contrast, three indica genotypes from Asia (‘B 6144F‐MR‐6‐0‐0’, ‘IR 70181‐32‐PMI‐1‐1‐5‐1’, and ‘PSBRc 80’) outperformed the checks in two experiments, one straddling wet and dry seasons and the other with no standing water during most of the usual wet rice‐growing season. These results indicate that while specific adaptations are likely to provide significant yield advantage in particular environments, interspecific breeding still offers an effective approach to improving lowland rice productivity.
Cytokine Profiles in Nasal Fluid in Patients with Nasal Polyps: A Flow Cytometric Study
Authors: Perić Aleksandar , Vojvodić Danilo , Radulović Vesna 
Published: January 2010

Cytokine Profiles in Nasal Fluid in Patients with Nasal Polyps: A Flow Cytometric StudyBiological markers in nasal fluid provide valuable information on nasal pathophysiology. The aims of this study were to compare the cytokine profiles of nasal fluid in subjects with nasal polyps (NP) and co-morbid asthma and NP patients without asthma and to determine the role of these cytokines in the development of NP. Thirty patients with NP (15 asthmatic and 15 non asthmatic) were included in this prospective study. Nasal secretion samples were collected from nasal cavities of all 30 subjects. The levels of eleven cytokines (TNF-α, TNF-β, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, and IFN-γ) were measured using flow cytometry. The concentrations of Th2 cytokines IL-5, IL-6 and IL-10 were significantly higher in patients with NP and asthma compared with subjects with NP without asthma. We also found significantly higher levels of IFN-α, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 in allergic patients with NP and asthma compared with those without asthma. In nonallergic patients with NP and asthma, the concentrations of TNF-α, IL-5 and IL-6 were significantly higher than in nonallergic patients with NP without asthma. Our results show that the presence of Th2 cytokines, especially IL-5 and IL-6 in patients with NP and asthma is a more prominent feature than in those without asthma that relates to the increased eosinophilic inflammation. We have also found a significant influence of allergy on the cytokine profiles both in asthmatic and nonasthmatic patients.