bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Limited clinical relevance of mitochondrial DNA mutation and gene expression analyses in ovarian cancer
Authors: Bragoszewski Piotr , Kupryjanczyk Jolanta , Bartnik Ewa , Rachinger Andrea , Ostrowski Jerzy 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBackgroundIn recent years, numerous studies have investigated somatic mutations in mitochondrial DNA in various tumours. The observed high mutation rates might reflect mitochondrial deregulation; consequently, mutation analyses could be clinically relevant. The purpose of this study was to determine if mutations in the mitochondrial D-loop region and/or the level of mitochondrial gene expression could influence the clinical course of human ovarian carcinomas.MethodsWe sequenced a 1320-base-pair DNA fragment of the mitochondrial genome (position 16,000-750) in 54 cancer samples and in 44 corresponding germline control samples. In addition, six transcripts (MT-ATP6, MT-CO1, MT-CYB, MT-ND1,MT-ND6, andMT-RNR1) were quantified in 62 cancer tissues by real-time RT-PCR.ResultsSomatic mutations in the D-loop sequence were found in 57% of ovarian cancers. Univariate analysis showed no association between mitochondrial DNA mutation status or mitochondrial gene expression and any of the examined clinicopathologic parameters. A multivariate logistic regression model revealed that the expression of the mitochondrial geneRNR1might be used as a predictor of tumour sensitivity to chemotherapy.ConclusionIn contrast to many previously published papers, our study indicates rather limited clinical relevance of mitochondrial molecular analyses in ovarian carcinomas. These discrepancies in the clinical utility of mitochondrial molecular tests in ovarian cancer require additional large, well-designed validation studies.
How to limit the burden of data collection for Quality Indicators based on medical records? The COMPAQH experience
Authors: Corriol Clément , Daucourt Valentin , Grenier Catherine , Minvielle Etienne 
Published: October 2008

Abstract

Background
Our objective was to limit the burden of data collection for Quality Indicators (QIs) based on medical records.

Methods
The study was supervised by the COMPAQH project. Four QIs based on medical records were tested: medical record conformity; traceability of pain assessment; screening for nutritional disorders; time elapsed before sending copy of discharge letter to the general practitioner. Data were collected by 6 Clinical Research Assistants (CRAs) in a panel of 36 volunteer hospitals and analyzed by COMPAQH. To limit the burden of data collection, we used the same sample of medical records for all 4 QIs, limited sample size to 80 medical records, and built a composite score of only 10 items to assess medical record completeness. We assessed QI feasibility by completing a grid of 19 potential problems and evaluating time spent. We assessed reliability (κ coefficient) as well as internal consistency (Cronbach α coefficient) in an inter-observer study, and discriminatory power by analysing QI variability among hospitals.

Results
Overall, 23 115 data items were collected for the 4 QIs and analyzed. The average time spent on data collection was 8.5 days per hospital. The most common feasibility problem was misunderstanding of the item by hospital staff. QI reliability was good (κ: 0.59–0.97 according to QI). The hospitals differed widely in their ability to meet the quality criteria (mean value: 19–85%).

Conclusion
These 4 QIs based on medical records can be used to compare the quality of record keeping among hospitals while limiting the burden of data collection, and can therefore be used for benchmarking purposes. The French National Health Directorate has included them in the new 2009 version of the accreditation procedure for healthcare organizations.
Norvaline is accumulated after a down-shift of oxygen in Escherichia coli W3110
Authors: Soini Jaakko , Falschlehner Christina , Liedert Christina , Bernhardt Jörg , Vuoristo Jussi , Neubauer Peter 
Published: October 2008

Abstract

Background
Norvaline is an unusual non-proteinogenic branched-chain amino acid which has been of interest especially during the early enzymological studies on regulatory mutants of the branched-chain amino acid pathway in Serratia marcescens. Only recently norvaline and other modified amino acids of the branched-chain amino acid synthesis pathway got attention again when they were found to be incorporated in minor amounts in heterologous proteins with a high leucine or methionine content. Earlier experiments have convincingly shown that norvaline and norleucine are formed from pyruvate being an alternative substrate of α-isopropylmalate synthase, however so far norvaline accumulation was not shown to occur in non-recombinant strains of E. coli.

Results
Here we show that oxygen limitation causes norvaline accumulation in E. coli K-12 W3110 during grow in glucose-based mineral salt medium. Norvaline accumulates immediately after a shift to oxygen limitation at high glucose concentration. On the contrary free norvaline is not accumulated in E. coli W3110 in aerobic cultures. The analysis of medium components, supported by transcriptomic studies proposes a purely metabolic overflow mechanism from pyruvate into the branched chain amino acid synthesis pathway, which is further supported by the significant accumulation of pyruvate after the oxygen downshift. The results indicate overflow metabolism from pyruvate as necessary and sufficient, but deregulation of the branched chain amino acid pathway may be an additional modulating parameter.

Conclusion
Norvaline synthesis has been so far mainly related to an imbalance of the synthesis of the branched chain amino acids under conditions were pyruvate level is high. Here we show that simply a downshift of oxygen is sufficient to cause norvaline accumulation at a high glucose concentration as a consequence of the accumulation of pyruvate and its direct chain elongation over α-ketobutyrate and α-ketovalerate.
Although the flux to norvaline is low, millimolar concentrations are accumulated in the cultivation broth, which is far above the level which has been discussed for being relevant for misincorporation of norvaline into recombinant proteins. Therefore we believe that our finding is relevant for recombinant protein production but also may even have implications for the physiology of E. coli under oxygen limitation in general.
Genetic immunization with Hantavirus vaccine combining expression of G2 glycoprotein and fused interleukin-2
Authors: Hao Huang , Xiu Li , Zehua Zhang , Min Jia , Hongbo Hu , Zhihong Wu , Zhenhua Zhu , Xiaohong Wan , Hanju Huang 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
In this research, we developed a novel chimeric HTNV-IL-2-G2 DNA vaccine plasmid by genetically linking IL-2 gene to the G2 segment DNA and tested whether it could be a candidate vaccine. Chimeric gene was first expressed in eukaryotic expression system pcDNA3.1 (+). The HTNV-IL-2-G2 expressed a 72 kDa fusion protein in COS-7 cells. Meanwhile, the fusion protein kept the activity of its parental proteins. Furthermore, BALB/c mice were vaccinated by the chimeric gene. ELISA, cell microculture neutralization test in vitro were used to detect the humoral immune response in immunized BALB/c mice. Lymphocyte proliferation assay was used to detect the cellular immune response.- The results showed that the chimeric gene could simultaneously evoke specific antibody against G2 glycoprotein and IL-2. And the immunized mice of every group elicited neutralizing antibodies with different titers. Lymphocyte proliferation assay results showed that the stimulation indexes of splenocytes of chimeric gene to G2 and IL-2 were significantly higher than that of other groups. Our results suggest that IL-2-based HTNV G2 DNA can induce both humoral and cellular immune response specific for HTNV G2 and can be a candidate DNA vaccine for HTNV infection.
A negative modulatory role for rho and rho-associated kinase signaling in delamination of neural crest cells
Authors: Groysman Maya , Shoval Irit , Kalcheim Chaya 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Background
Neural crest progenitors arise as epithelial cells and then undergo a process of epithelial to mesenchymal transition that precedes the generation of cellular motility and subsequent migration. We aim at understanding the underlying molecular network. Along this line, possible roles of Rho GTPases that act as molecular switches to control a variety of signal transduction pathways remain virtually unexplored, as are putative interactions between Rho proteins and additional known components of this cascade.

Results
We investigated the role of Rho/Rock signaling in neural crest delamination. Active RhoA and RhoB are expressed in the membrane of epithelial progenitors and are downregulated upon delamination. In vivo loss-of-function of RhoA or RhoB or of overall Rho signaling by C3 transferase enhanced and/or triggered premature crest delamination yet had no effect on cell specification. Consistently, treatment of explanted neural primordia with membrane-permeable C3 or with the Rock inhibitor Y27632 both accelerated and enhanced crest emigration without affecting cell proliferation. These treatments altered neural crest morphology by reducing stress fibers, focal adhesions and downregulating membrane-bound N-cadherin. Reciprocally, activation of endogenous Rho by lysophosphatidic acid inhibited emigration while enhancing the above. Since delamination is triggered by BMP and requires G1/S transition, we examined their relationship with Rho. Blocking Rho/Rock function rescued crest emigration upon treatment with noggin or with the G1/S inhibitor mimosine. In the latter condition, cells emigrated while arrested at G1. Conversely, BMP4 was unable to rescue cell emigration when endogenous Rho activity was enhanced by lysophosphatidic acid.

Conclusion
Rho-GTPases, through Rock, act downstream of BMP and of G1/S transition to negatively regulate crest delamination by modifying cytoskeleton assembly and intercellular adhesion.
Serum levels of biomarkers of bone and cartilage destruction and new bone formation in different cohorts of patients with axial spondyloarthritis with and without tumor necrosis factor-alpha blocker treatment
Authors: Appel Heiner , Janssen Louise , Listing Joachim , Heydrich René , Rudwaleit Martin , Sieper Joachim 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Introduction
Recent data about radiographic progression during treatment with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) blocker agents in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) have prompted an intensive discussion about the link between inflammation/bone destruction and new bone formation and the order of events. Therefore, we analysed parameters of cartilage degradation, neoangiogenesis, and new bone formation in different cohorts of patients with axial spondyloarthritis with and without treatment with TNF-α blocker agents.

Method
TNF-α blocker-naïve AS patients were investigated for serum levels of metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) (n = 71), vasoendothelial growth factor (VEGF) (n = 50), and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) (n = 71) at baseline and after 1 and 2 years. This was compared with 34 adalimumab-treated patients with axial spondyloarthritis (22 AS and 12 non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis patients) before and after 36 to 52 weeks of treatment.

Results
There were no significant changes in serum levels of MMP-3 (P > 0.05), VEGF (P > 0.05), and BALP (P > 0.05) in a large cohort of TNF-α blocker-naïve AS patients followed for 2 years. In contrast, adalimumab-treated spondyloarthritis (AS and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis) patients had a significant decrease of VEGF (P < 0.001) and MMP-3 (P = 0.022) after 36 to 52 weeks of therapy. Most interestingly, the level of BALP increased significantly after 36 to 52 weeks of therapy (P < 0.001). A decrease in MMP-3 serum levels correlated significantly to an increase of BALP (r = -0.398, P = 0.02). In the case of VEGF, there was a negative correlation without significance (r = -0.214, P > 0.05).

Conclusions
Rising levels of BALP and the negative correlation between MMP-3 and BALP in spondyloarthritis patients with TNF-α blocker treatment indicate that new bone formation in AS occurs if inflammation is successfully treated and might be part of a healing process.
Holistic procedure for rail maintenance in Sweden
Authors: Kumar S , Espling U , Kumar U 
Published: October 2008

The paper discusses a procedure for systematic and holistic (considering most of the factors influencing the rail degradation process) analysis and prediction of rail failures so that rail maintenance can be performed effectively. The current rail maintenance and reporting procedure followed by Banverket (Swedish National Rail Administration) for the Swedish Iron Ore Line is also described. The necessary data required to perform analysis and prediction of failures are discussed along with the improvement areas in Banverket's database management system. This paper will help the infrastructure managers to better understand the existing rail maintenance procedure, and the improvements which can be incorporated in the existing procedure to make it more effective.
Hydrogen-bond-supported 3D Networks: Two Different Polymeric Structures Featuring Chlorine Atoms as Ligands and as Anions and Investigations as Epoxide Catalysts
Authors: Luan Yi , Wang Ge , Luck Rudy L , Wang Yingnan , Xiao Han , Ding Hangjun 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Two novel hydrogen-bonded network polymers, [MoO2Cl2(H2O)2]2[4,4′-H2bipy]2+·2Cl− (1) and [MoO2Cl4]2−[4,4′-H2bipy]2+ (2) [bipy = bipyridine] contained different three-dimensional NH···Cl hydrogen-bonded arrangements resulting in different polymeric structures; complex 1 or 2 as catalytic precursor, H2O2 as a source of oxygen and NaHCO3 as cocatalyst showed great efficiency for the epoxidation of olefinic compounds under ambient conditions.
Preparation of Monodisperse Polystyrene Particles from Emulsifier-free Miniemulsion Polymerization
Authors: Wang Hua , Zhang Sen , Wang Mozhen , Ge Xuewu 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
This work reports a new way to prepare monodisperse polystyrene (PS) particles by emulsifier-free miniemulsion polymerization. Only a small concentration (1.9×10−3 g/mL) of potassium persulfate (KPS) is needed to initiate the polymerization of styrene (St) to produce a certain amount of PS oligomer, which can be utilized to form a stable miniemulsion. Subsequently, the St monomers polymerize by a droplet nucleation mechanism. The particle number keeps constant before and after polymerization.
Synthesis of Enantiomorphic Excessive Helical Mesoporous Silicas Using Chiral Molecular Dopants
Authors: Hu Yifan , Yuan Pei , Zhao Lingzhi , Zhou Liang , Wang Yunhua , Yu Chengzhong 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Both left-handed and right-handed enantiomorphic excessive helical mesoporous silicas have been selectively synthesized using achiral cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as a liquid-crystal template and chiral organic dopants as handedness-inducing agents.
Self-assembling of Cholesterol-appended Benzothiadiazole Fluorescent Dyes
Authors: Ishi-i Tsutomu , Nakamura Nozomi , Esaki Naoyuki , Amemori Shogo 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Cholesterol-appended benzothiadiazole fluorescent dyes were self-assembled to form aggregates through van der Waals interactions among the cholesterol moieties, hydrogen-bonding interactions among the carbamate moieties, and π-stacking interactions among the benzothiadiazole moieties.
Whose Interest? British Newspaper Reporting of use of Medical Records for Research
Authors: Brown Lindsey , Parker Michael , Dixon-Woods1 Mary 
Published: October 2008

Objective There is increasing debate about the ethics of using medical records for research. We aimed to characterize newspaper reporting in this area. Method We searched Lexis-Nexis to find newspaper reports about the use of medical records for research from 1 June 2005 to 30 November 2006. Following screening for relevance, we generated a coding scheme and classified articles using this, assisted by QSR N6 software. Results Our analysis shows that much newspaper coverage portrays the use of medical records as uncontentious, but also presents ethical arguments for and against such research. Arguments in favour of access to medical records emphasize the public interest and patients’ legitimate expectations that research will be carried out. Arguments against such use emphasize the importance of confidentiality and the violation of rights of privacy. Our findings highlight that there is no single dominant position on the rights and wrongs of access to medical records by researchers. Within newspaper reporting in this area, patient voices are currently noticeable by their absence. Conclusions Use of medical records for research raises important ethical questions, in particular regarding the balance between the rights and interests of the individual and the public interest benefits of the research. Understanding how these positions are represented within the mass media is important because the media can inform and influence the public's views and public policy. Empirical research into patient views is needed.
Postmarketing Use of Enfuvirtide in Veterans: Provider Compliance with Criteria for Use, Overall Efficacy, and Tolerability
Authors: Belperio Pamela S , Mole Larry A , Halloran James , Boothroyd Derek B , Thomas I-Chun , Backus Lisa I 
Published: October 2008

Background: Most enfuvirtide outcomes data come from controlled trials of limited duration rather than from routine experience. Because of its uniqueness, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) implemented specific enfuvirtide prescribing and follow-up criteria (criteria for use; CFU) and then assessed providers' compliance with these criteria and outcomes. Objective: To report routine medical care experience with the prescribing. efficacy, and tolerability of enfuvirtide in a nonselective group of treatment-experienced, older, HIV-infected veterans. Methods: Veterans receiving at least one outpatient prescription for enfuvirtide between April 2003 and July 2005 were identified from the VHA's HIV Clinical Case Registry (CCR:HIV). Targeted retrospective chart extraction was completed to address inclusion/exclusion criteria and to evaluate patients' continued use, adherence, and tolerance. CCR:HIV data were used for determination of demographics, prescription records, and laboratory results. The final cohort was used to assess providers' compliance with VHA's CFU for enfuvirtide. Results: Of 275 evaluable subjects, between 52% and 93% who were prescribed enfuvirtide met each VHA CFU. Median change in CD4 cells and viral load from baseline to 6 months was +39 cells/mm3 and –0.79 log10 (p < 0.001) and at 2 years was +72 cells/mm3 and –1.57 log10 (p < 0.001); 41% and 55% of veterans achieved viral load less than 400 copies/mL at 6 months and 2 years, respectively. Seventy percent of veterans experienced injection site reactions (11% were treatment-limiting). New or worsening adverse effects occurred in 56% of veterans: 32% gastrointestinal, 19% musculoskeletal, and 10% respiratory. Seventy percent of veterans discontinued enfuvirtide within 2 years; the largest portion (12%) stopped treatment within the first month. Documented reasons for discontinuation included patient request (42%), suboptimal response/progression (24%), toxicity (18%), death (13%), and transfer of care outside of the VHA (3%). Conclusions: In this treatment-experienced veteran cohort, providers prescribed enfuvirtide in accordance with most CFU, and favorable treatment responses were sustained in patients able to remain on therapy. Challenges that providers and patients face include ongoing education and support for successful long-term use.
Die ausländische Sanierung über einen Dept-Equity-Swap als Angriff auf das deutsche Insolvenzrecht?
Authors: Paulus Roman 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Flexibler, einfacher, planbarer soll es sein, das englische Sanierungs und Insolvenzrecht. Deshalb erscheint die Sitzverlagerung nach England einigen kriselnden deutschen Unternehmen attraktiv. Zwar haben die Gerichtsentscheidungen in Sachen »Hans Brochier« die Flucht aus dem deutschen Insolvenzrecht deutlich erschwert. Dies wird aber nichts daran ändern, dass sanierungsbedürftige Unternehmen auch in Zukunft versuchen werden, sich dem deutschen Insolvenzrecht durch Verlagerung ins Ausland zu entziehen. Kann man aus aktuellen Fällen wie »Deutsche Nickel«, »Brochier« und »Schefenacker« ableiten, dass der Insolvenzstandort Deutschland in Gefahr ist oder erscheint das als zu hoch gegriffen? Gibt es ernstzunehmende Alarmzeichen? Was sind vermeintliche, was reale Vorzüge des englischen Rechts?
BGH, Urteil vom 16. 8. 2007 – IX ZR 63/06, Aufrechnung des Anfechtungsgläubigers
Authors: Becker Christoph 
Published: October 2008

Abstract

Urteil vom 16. 8. 2007 – IX ZR 63/06

1. Ein Teilurteil über eine Anfechtungsklage darf ergehen, wenn der Anfechtungsbeklagte Ansprüche sowohl zum Gegenstand einer Hilfsaufrechnung als auch einer Widerklage macht, die Hilfsaufrechnung jedoch verfahrensrechtlich präkludiert ist.

2. Kann der Anfechtungsgläubiger mit seiner Forderung, die der Anfechtung zugrunde liegt, gegen eine unstreitige oder titulierte Forderung des Schuldners aufrechnen, ist das Schuldnervermögen in diesem Umfang grundsätzlich nicht unzureichend. Dies gilt auch dann, wenn der Schuldner wegen eines nur ihn treffenden Aufrechnungsverbots nicht aufrechnen könnte.

3. Ist die Hauptforderung im Verhältnis zur Gegenforderung des Anfechtungsgläubigers nicht geringfügig, darf dieser von der Aufrechnung nicht deshalb absehen, weil er sich dadurch keine vollständige Befriedigung verschaffen kann.

4. Der Anfechtungsgegner kann den Anfechtungsgläubiger grundsätzlich nicht auf die Möglichkeit der Aufrechnung gegen eine Forderung des Schuldners verweisen, die bestritten ist.

5. Eine zunächst vorliegende Gläubigerbenachteiligung entfällt, wenn der Anfechtungsgegner dem Schuldner vor Schluss der letzten mündlichen Tatsachenverhandlung als (weitere) Gegenleistung der angefochtenen Leistung Vermögenswerte zuwendet, welche die angefochtene Leistung nunmehr vollständig ausgleichen und dem Zugriff des Gläubigers offen stehen.

(Vorgehend: LG Kiel, 30. 6. 2004 – 17 O 201/03; OLG Schleswig, 24. 2. 2006 – 1 U 107/04)
Narratives in the workplace: Facts, fictions, and canonicity
Authors: Fasulo Alessandra , Zucchermaglio Cristina 
Published: October 2008

AbstractDrawing on a set of workplace interaction corpora, both dyadic and multiparty, we present three narrative forms departing from the established notion of storytelling. These have been called Rewindings, collaborative reconstructions of yet-unknown past events; Fictions, the creation of imaginary scenes; and Templates, condensed versions of experience providing information on unexpected outcomes or controversial occurrences. Without denying specificity to narrative discourse, we extend its definition here to the displacement of the described actions. We propose that, similarly to what is done in other social and human sciences, conversational studies ought to take into consideration the description of events that are not fully known at the onset of narration and that are partially or entirely suggested by the narrators. The study also contributes to the field of workplace studies, providing an illustration of the functioning of distributed cognition and situated knowledge by showing how narrative is a collaborative enterprise facilitating problem solving and the dissemination of competence.