bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bacterial artificial chromosome array‐based comparative genomic hybridization using paired formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded and fresh frozen tissue specimens in multiple myeloma
Authors: Lennon Patrick A. , Zhuang Yi , Pierson Diane , Zhang Xiang , Williams Chris , Perez Cintia , Lin Pei 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND:Multiple myeloma (MM) is a neoplasm of malignant plasma cells that often harbors many chromosomal aberrations. Currently, fresh frozen tissues (FT) are considered the most reliable for molecular genetic analysis; however, formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissues are easily retrievable. Compared with conventional cytogenetics, bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) array‐comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) allows more sensitive detection of chromosomal abnormalities.METHODS:The authors analyzed 7 paired FT and FFPE samples of bone marrow aspirate materials obtained from patients with MM in parallel to determine the efficacy of BAC array‐CGH using FFPE.RESULTS:Thirty‐four aberrations were identified, including 29 that were observed in both sample types, yielding 85% concordance. Nonrandom anomalies, including gains on 7q, 9q, 15q, and 19p and losses on 8p and 13q, were observed in paired samples from at least 2 patients. To verify these results, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was performed using probes specific for 7q and 15q, and gains were observed in the 4 samples that were examined. Furthermore, 1 of 3 samples from patients who had monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance that were tested also carried gain on 7q, suggesting that this aberration may be an early transforming event.CONCLUSIONS:The current results indicated that BAC array‐CGH can be effective using FFPE samples and is a sensitive method for the identification of nonrandom chromosomal aberrations in MM. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Galactomannan serves as a surrogate endpoint for outcome of pulmonary invasive aspergillosis in neutropenic hematology patients
Authors: Maertens Johan , Buvé Kristel , Theunissen Koen , Meersseman Wouter , Verbeken Eric , Verhoef Gregor , Van Eldere Johan , Lagrou Katrien 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND:A noninvasive, objective, reproducible, and quantitative Aspergillus‐specific surrogate marker is needed for a more accurate assessment of the outcome of invasive aspergillosis (IA) in patients with a hematologic disorder. The quantitative serum galactomannan index (GMI) assay seems to fulfill the requirements of surrogacy for outcome evaluation.METHODS:Kappa statistics were used to determine the strength of correlation between GMI outcome and clinical outcome (survival or death), autopsy data, and response outcome of IA in 70 adults with prolonged neutropenia. All patients underwent serial GMI monitoring until discharge or death.RESULTS:The overall correlation between GMI and clinical outcome was good at 6 weeks (κ = 0.5882; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.4023‐0.7741) and was excellent at 12 weeks (κ = 0.8857; 95% CI, 0.7766‐0.9948). Concordance with autopsy findings was perfect (κ = 1). At 6 weeks, the correlation between GMI and response outcome (favorable or unfavorable) was excellent (κ = 0.7523; 95% CI, 0.5803‐0.9243). Survival was significantly better in patients who became GMI‐negative (P < .0001).CONCLUSIONS:In neutropenic patients with seropositive IA, serum galactomannan index outcome strongly correlates with survival, autopsy findings, and response outcome. This finding may have implications for patient management and for clinical trial design. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Hyperthermia‐treated mesenchymal stem cells exert antitumor effects on human carcinoma cell line
Authors: Cho Jung Ah , Park Ho , Kim Hee Kyung , Lim Eun Hye , Seo Sang Won , Choi Joong Sub , Lee Kyo Won 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND:Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess the potential for differentiation into multilineages. MSCs have been reported to play a role as precursors for tumor stroma in providing a favorable environment for tumor progression. Hyperthermia destroys cancer cells by raising the temperature of tumor‐loaded tissue to 40°C to 43°C and causes indirect sensitizing effects when combined with chemo‐ and/or radiotherapy. However, how hyperthermia affects the tumor‐supportive stroma is unknown. Here, the authors investigated the effects of hyperthermia‐treated MSCs, from different sources, on the human ovarian cancer cell line SK‐OV‐3.METHODS:MSCs from adipose tissue and amniotic fluid were untreated or heat‐treated (HS‐MSCs). The culture supernatant of each treatment group was collected and transferred to the SK‐OV‐3 cells.RESULTS:The morphological analysis and cell proliferation assay showed a reduced viability of the tumor cells in the conditioned medium with the HS‐MSCs. Further investigations revealed that the conditioned medium of the HS‐MSCs induced a higher nuclear condensation and a greater number of sub‐G1 cells among the tumor cells. Analysis of the mRNA expression demonstrated that the conditioned medium of the HS‐MSCs induced up‐regulation or down‐regulation of several tumor‐associated molecules. Finally, the cytokine array of each conditioned medium showed that angiogenin, insulin‐like growth factor binding protein 4, neurotrophin 3, and chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 18 are involved as main factors.CONCLUSIONS:This study showed that the conditioned medium of the HS‐MSCs exerted a suppressive effect on tumor progression and malignancy, suggesting that hyperthermia enables tumor stromal cells to provide a sensitizing environment for tumor cells to undergo cell death. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Survival of distinct Asian groups among colorectal cancer cases in California
Authors: Le Hoa , Ziogas Argyrios , Taylor Thomas H. , Lipkin Steven M. , Zell Jason A. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND:It has been reported that Asian ethnicity confers a survival benefit in colorectal cancer (CRC) compared with other ethnicities, but it is not known if this is limited to specific Asian subsets. In the current study, the authors attempted to determine differences using data from the large, population‐based California Cancer Registry (CCR).METHODS:The authors conducted a case‐only analysis of CCR data (1994–2003), including descriptive analysis of relevant clinical variables. Overall survival univariate analyses were conducted using the Kaplan‐Meier method. Multivariate survival analyses were performed using Cox proportional hazards ratios (HR).RESULTS:The 61,494 incident cases of colon and 24,350 incident cases of rectal cancer analyzed included 1905 Chinese, 1162 Filipino, 414 Vietnamese, 391 Korean, 1091 Japanese, 148 Asian Indian, and 77,554 Caucasians. After adjustment for age, sex, grade, histology, site within the colon, stage of disease, insurance status, socioeconomic status (SES), and therapy, Filipino (colon: HR, 0.85; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.76–0.95) (rectum: HR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.71–0.94) and Chinese ethnicity (colon: HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.92–0.98) had significantly decreased risk of death compared with Caucasians. Sigmoid lesions were independently associated with improved survival among all cases (HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.88–0.95) (referent group were proximal and transverse lesions), and among Asian‐only cases in separate analysis (HR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.70–0.87).CONCLUSIONS:Although survival after CRC diagnosis is improved for Asians in general, significant survival differences are observed only in specific Asian subsets. Data from the current study suggest that survival among Asians is less affected by SES or treatment disparities, and may be because of biologic factors. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis
Authors: Bruna Jordi , González Laura , Miró Júlia , Velasco Roser , Gil Miguel , Tortosa Avelina ,   for the Neuro‐Oncology Unit of the Institute of Biomedical Investigation of Bellvitge
Published: December 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND:Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (LC) represents a devastating complication of systemic cancer, and patients with LC have a dismal prognosis and increased mortality. The few studies that have focused on the evaluation of prognostic factors in patients with LC have resulted in contradictory results. Thus, the treatment of LC remains controversial, and no straightforward guidelines exist in the literature. The objective of the current study was to identify prognostic markers related to LC survival to better select patients who are eligible for intensive treatment.METHODS:Seventy patients who had a diagnosis of LC were reviewed, and clinical data, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) parameters, tumor‐related characteristics, and treatment information were registered. The impact of single parameters on overall survival was determined by both univariate and multivariate analyses.RESULTS:The multivariate analysis revealed that Radiation Therapy Oncology Group score ≤2 (P = .028), a glucose level in CSF ≥2.7 mmol/L (P = .001), the presence of infratentorial symptoms at onset (P = .026), and intrathecal treatment (P < .001) were associated independently with longer overall survival in patients with LC. In addition, the same clinical factors also predicted response to treatment in such patients.CONCLUSIONS:The predictive factors for patients with LC that were identified in this study could help to better select patients who are more likely to benefit from chemotherapy. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Evaluation of tumor response after locoregional therapies in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Forner Alejandro , Ayuso Carmen , Varela María , Rimola Jordi , Hessheimer Amelia J. , de Lope Carlos Rodriguez , Reig María , Bianchi Luís , Llovet Josep M. , Bruix Jordi 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND:Evaluation of response to treatment is a key aspect in cancer therapy. Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) are used in most oncology trials, but those criteria evaluate only unidimensional tumor measurements and disregard the extent of necrosis, which is the target of all effective locoregional therapies. Therefore, the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) guidelines recommended that assessment of tumor response should incorporate the reduction in viable tumor burden. The current report provides an assessment of the agreement/concordance between both RECIST and the EASL guidelines for the evaluation of response to therapy.METHODS:The authors evaluated a cohort of 55 patients within prospective studies, including 24 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) with drug eluting beads (DEB‐TACE) and 31 patients who underwent percutaneous ablation (percutaneous ethanol injection [PEI]/radiofrequency [RF]). Triphasic helical computed tomography scans were performed at baseline, at 1 month, and at 3 months after procedure, and 2 independent radiologists evaluated tumor response.RESULTS:Evaluating response according to RECIST criteria, no patients achieved a complete response (CR), 21.8% of patients achieved a partial response (PR) (none in the PEI/RF group), 47.3% of patients had stable disease (SD), and 30.9% of patients had progressive disease (PD). When response was evaluated according to the EASL guidelines, 54.5% of patients achieved a CR, 27.3% of patients achieved a PR, 3.6% of patients had SD, and 14.5% had PD. The κ coefficient was 0.193 (95% confidence interval, 0.0893‐0.2967; P < .0001).CONCLUSIONS:RECIST missed all CRs and underestimated the extent of partial tumor response because of tissue necrosis, wrongly assessing the therapeutic efficacy of locoregional therapies. This evaluation should incorporate the reduction in viable tumor burden as recognized by nonenhanced areas on dynamic imaging studies. Cancer, 2009. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Towards a multi‐scale computerized bone diagnostic system: 2D micro‐scale finite element analysis
Authors: Podshivalov L. , Holdstein Y. , Fischer A. , Bar‐Yoseph P. Z. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractCurrently, there is major interest within the biomedical community in developing accurate non‐invasive means for analyzing bone micro‐structure. This paper presents a new approach for a multi‐scale finite element (FE) analysis of a trabecular structure. Two domain decomposition approaches are investigated as a basis for computational analysis at the micro‐scale level, which is then applied for solving a 2D elasticity FE problem. In addition, a homogenization procedure from micro‐ to macro‐scale level is presented. The proposed new multi‐scale FE method has the potential to provide new insights into bone structure and behavior. Moreover, it is expected that the outcomes of this research will develop into a computerized virtual biopsy system. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electron Transport through Conjugated Molecules: When the π System Only Tells Part of the Story
Authors: Solomon Gemma C. , Andrews David Q. , Van Duyne Richard P. , Ratner Mark A. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractIn molecular transport junctions, current is monitored as a function of the applied voltage for a single molecule assembled between two leads. The transport is modulated by the electronic states of the molecule. For the prototypical delocalized systems, namely, π‐conjugated aromatics, the π system usually dominates the transport. Herein, we investigate situations where model calculations including only the π system do not capture all of the subtleties of the transport properties. Including both the σ and π contributions to charge transport allows us to demonstrate that while there is generally good agreement, there are discrepancies between the methods. We find that model calculations with only the π system are insufficient where the transport is dominated by quantum interference and cases where geometric changes modulate the coupling between different regions of the π system. We examine two specific molecular test cases to model these geometric changes: the angle dependence of coupling in (firstly) a biphenyl and (secondly) a nitro substituent of a cross‐conjugated unit.
Band‐gap Modification in a Nanoscale Region of Polyethylene by Fast Electrons
Authors: Kim Hansoo 
Published: December 2008

AbstractDrastic change: A nanoscale spot of polyethylene (PE) can change its electrical properties dramatically after exposure to fast electrons—from a representative insulator, via a semiconductor, to a hopping conductor (see picture). These modifications of the chemical and energy‐band structures of PE are extremely localized, thus opening a new way to use this conventional polymer in nanotechnology.magnified imageHerein, a nanoscale area on a polyethylene film is investigated by an electron‐microscope–electron‐spectroscopy system after exposure to various doses of fast electrons. Therefore, modifications in its physical and chemical properties and the spatial size of a beam‐affected area are measured. The results show that the modifications of PE by electrons are significant enough to rebuild the chemical and energy‐band structures. Hydrogen is removed through scission while π bonds are formed by cross‐linking between main chains. These changes cause the energy band of PE to show dramatic variation from a wide to a narrow (down to ∼0.8 eV) band‐gap. At the highest dose (1010 C m−2) used herein, an illuminated area of PE becomes quite similar in properties to graphitic amorphous carbon. On the other hand, the size of the beam‐affected area is as small as roughly 50 nm in diameter. Since the extent of the modifications can be tailored in a controllable way by the dose, these findings may be fundamental for the utilization of a conventional polymer in nanotechnology.
Ethanol Oxidation on Electrocatalysts Obtained by Spontaneous Deposition of Palladium onto Nickel‐Zinc Materials
Authors: Bambagioni Valentina , Bianchini Claudio , Filippi Jonathan , Oberhauser Werner , Marchionni Andrea , Vizza Francesco , Psaro Rinaldo , Sordelli Laura , Foresti Maria Luisa , Innocenti Massimo 
Published: December 2008

AbstractNi‐Zn and Ni‐Zn‐P alloys supported on Vulcan XC‐72 are effective materials for the spontaneous deposition of palladium through redox transmetalation with PdIV salts. The materials obtained, Pd‐(Ni‐Zn)/C and Pd‐(Ni‐Zn‐P)/C, have been characterized by a variety of techniques. The analytical and spectroscopic data show that the surface of Pd‐(Ni‐Zn)/C and Pd‐(Ni‐Zn‐P)/C contain very small, highly dispersed, and highly crystalline palladium clusters as well as single palladium sites, likely stabilized by interaction with oxygen atoms from NiO moieties. As a reference material, a nanostructured Pd/C material was prepared by reduction of an aqueous solution of PdCl2/HCl with ethylene glycol in the presence of Vulcan XC‐72. In Pd/C, the Pd particles are larger, less dispersed, and much less crystalline. Glassy carbon electrodes coated with the Pd‐(Ni‐Zn)/C and Pd‐(Ni‐Zn‐P)/C materials, containing very low Pd loadings (22–25 μg cm−2), were studied for the oxidation of ethanol in alkaline media in half cells and provided excellent results in terms of both specific current (as high as 3600 A g(Pd)−1 at room temperature) and onset potential (as low as −0.6 V vs Ag/AgCl/KClsat).
Bemessung von Mauerwerk nach DIN 1053‐11 und DIN 1053‐13
Authors: Graubner Carl‐Alexander , Brehm Eric , Jäger Wolfram , Reichel Stephan 
Published: December 2008

AbstractDie Bemessung von Mauerwerk wird künftig in den Normteilen DIN 1053‐11 (vereinfachtes Verfahren) und DIN 1053‐13 (genaueres Verfahren) geregelt sein. Dieser Beitrag geht hauptsächlich auf die zu erwartenden nderungen beim Nachweis von biege‐ und schubbeanspruchten Mauerwerksbauteilen sowie von Kellerwänden ein. Die Unterschiede zu den Vorgängernormen DIN 1053‐100 bzw. DIN 1053‐1 werden aufgezeigt und kommentiert.Der hier vorgestellte Stand entspricht dem von September 2008. Der Abdruck erfolgt, um die Fachwelt zu informieren und die Möglichkeit zur rechtzeitigen Stellungnahme zu geben. Die Veröffentlichung stellt noch kein abschließendes Ergebnis dar. Die genannten Nachweise sind noch nicht anwendbar.
Pseudo‐dynamische Versuche an Reihenmittelhäusern – Vergleich mit aktuellen Berechnungsansätzen
Authors: Butenweg Christoph , Gellert Christoph , Kranzler Thomas 
Published: December 2008

AbstractDer Beitrag vergleicht die Ergebnisse von in dem EU‐Forschungsprojekt ESECMaSE durchgeführten pseudo‐dynamischen Großversuchen an Reihenmittelhäusern mit den Berechnungen auf der Grundlage von DIN 1053‐100. Zusätzlich werden die Ergebnisse mit einem neuen Ansatz für die Berechnung der Schubtragfähigkeit und mit einem verformungsbasierten Berechnungskonzept verglichen. Auf Grundlage der Ergebnisse werden die Defizite des aktuellen Normenkonzepts diskutiert und die erheblichen Tragfähigkeitsreserven von Mauerwerksbauten unter Erdbebenbeanspruchung aufgezeigt. Abschließend werden daraus Empfehlungen für den Erdbebennachweis von Mauerwerksbauten abgeleitet.
The roles of obesity and gender on the relationship between metabolic risk factors and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in Koreans
Authors: Lee Kayoung , Sung Jung‐Ah , Kim Jun‐Su , Park Tae‐Jin 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackground The effect of gender and weight status on the association between metabolic risk factors and NAFLD has not been well established. This study aimed to assess the relationships among obesity, gender, metabolic risk factors, and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in Korean adults.Methods Abdominal ultrasounds, anthropometric measurements, and biochemical tests were performed on 13 768 Korean adults (7313 men and 6455 women) recruited from a health promotion centre between 2005 and 2006.Results Of 13 768 subjects, 25% were diagnosed with NAFLD. Weight status (obesity vs non‐obesity, odds ratio (OR) 4.4–9.7) and gender (women vs men, OR 0.6) were associated with NAFLD after adjusting for age, metabolic risk factors (high blood pressure, high glucose, high TG, low HDL, high LDL, and high uric acid), and gamma‐glutamyl transferase (γGT). For subjects with any one risk factor, the OR (95% CI) for mild fatty liver was 27 (19.3–37.8) in men and 7.9 (6.1–10.2) in women who were obese compared to non‐obese individuals having no risk factors. The ORs in men and women who were not obese were 4.7 (3.9–5.6) and 2.5 (2.2–3.0), respectively. The sensitivity and specificity for NAFLD with any one risk factor without obesity was 90–91 and 32–49%, respectively; any one risk factor combined with obesity changed the sensitivity and specificity to 64–67 and 77–85%, respectively.Conclusions Gender and weight status appear to modify the relationship between metabolic risk factors and NAFLD. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of genetic variations in HHEX gene on insulin metabolism in the German MESYBEPO cohort
Authors: Pivovarova Olga , Nikiforova Victoria J. , Pfeiffer Andreas F. H. , Rudovich Natalia 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackground In the present study, we aimed to validate the type 2 diabetes (T2DM) susceptibility alleles identified in the first genome‐wide association study in the hematopoietically expressed homeobox protein (HHEX) gene region (rs1111875 and rs7923837). Furthermore, we investigated quantitative metabolic risk phenotypes of these two variants for association with three key components of the insulin metabolism: insulin secretion, insulin sensitivity and insulin degradation.Methods Two HHEX polymorphisms were genotyped in 1026 subjects from the German MESYBEPO cohort. Complete OGTT data were available for a subset of 420 with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), 282 with impaired glucose tolerance/impaired fasting glucose (IGT/IFG) and 146 diabetic subjects.Results We validated association of both HHEX polymorphisms with T2DM. In the non‐diabetic subcohort including NGT and IFG/IGT subjects, the risk alleles of rs7923837 and rs1111875 were significantly associated with decreased first and second phases of insulin secretion and lower insulinogenic index after oral glucose loading. In healthy, normal glucose‐tolerant subjects, the same association of HHEX SNP rs1111875 with OGTT‐derived phases of insulin secretion were detectable, however, rs7923837 was only weakly associated with reduced insulinogenic index. For both polymorphisms, no significant correlations with insulin sensitivity were obtained. Reduced insulin clearance was also observed in heterozygous carriers of rs1111875.Conclusions We validated the association of polymorphisms of the HHEX gene with T2DM in the MESYBEPO cohort. Importantly, variations within the HHEX gene conferred the impaired insulin secretion and changes of insulin degradation but no alteration in insulin sensitivity in carriers of risk alleles. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.