bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Four-year follow-up of infliximab therapy in rheumatoid arthritis patients with long-standing refractory disease: attrition and long-term evolution of disease activity
Authors: Cruyssen Bert Vander , Van Looy Stijn , Wyns Bart , Westhovens Rene , Durez Patrick , Van den Bosch Filip , Mielants Herman , De Clerck Luc , Peretz Ann , Malaise Michel , Verbruggen Leon , Vastesaeger Nathan , Geldhof Anja , Boullart Luc , De Keyser Filip 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAlthough there is strong evidence supporting the short-term efficacy and safety of anti-tumour necrosis factor-α agents, few studies have examined the long-term effects. We evaluated 511 patients with long-standing refractory rheumatoid arthritis treated with intravenous infusions of infliximab 3 mg/kg at weeks 0, 2, 6, and 14 and every 8 weeks thereafter for 4 years. Among the initial 511 patients included in the study, 479 could be evaluated; of these, 295 (61.6%) were still receiving infliximab treatment at year 4 of follow-up. The most common reasons for treatment discontinuation were lack of efficacy (65 patients, 13.6%), safety (81 patients, 16.9%), and elective change (38 patients, 7.9%). Analysis of disease activity scores (DAS28 [disease activity score based on the 28-joint count]) over time showed that, after the initial rapid improvement during the first 6 to 22 weeks of therapy, a further decrease in disease activity of 0.2 units in the DAS28 score per year was observed. DAS28 scores, measured at week 14 or 22, were found to predict subsequent discontinuation due to lack of efficacy. In conclusion, long-term maintenance therapy with infliximab 3 mg/kg is effective in producing further reductions in disease activity. Disease activity measured by the DAS28 at week 14 or 22 of infliximab therapy was the best predictor of long-term attrition.
MUC1 alters oncogenic events and transcription in human breast cancer cells
Authors: Hattrup Christine L , Gendler Sandra J 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
Introduction
MUC1 is an oncoprotein whose overexpression correlates with aggressiveness of tumors and poor survival of cancer patients. Many of the oncogenic effects of MUC1 are believed to occur through interaction of its cytoplasmic tail with signaling molecules. As expected for a protein with oncogenic functions, MUC1 is linked to regulation of proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and transcription.

Methods
To clarify the role of MUC1 in cancer, we transfected two breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-468 and BT-20) with small interfering (si)RNA directed against MUC1 and analyzed transcriptional responses and oncogenic events (proliferation, apoptosis and invasion).

Results
Transcription of several genes was altered after transfection of MUC1 siRNA, including decreased MAP2K1 (MEK1), JUN, PDGFA, CDC25A, VEGF and ITGAV (integrin αv), and increased TNF, RAF1, and MMP2. Additional changes were seen at the protein level, such as increased expression of c-Myc, heightened phosphorylation of AKT, and decreased activation of MEK1/2 and ERK1/2. These were correlated with cellular events, as MUC1 siRNA in the MDA-MB-468 line decreased proliferation and invasion, and increased stress-induced apoptosis. Intriguingly, BT-20 cells displayed similar levels of apoptosis regardless of siRNA, and actually increased proliferation after MUC1 siRNA.

Conclusion
These results further the growing knowledge of the role of MUC1 in transcription, and suggest that the regulation of MUC1 in breast cancer may be more complex than previously appreciated. The differences between these two cell lines emphasize the importance of understanding the context of cell-specific signaling events when analyzing the oncogenic functions of MUC1, and caution against generalizing the results of individual cell lines without adequate confirmation in intact biological systems.
A suppressive role of nitric oxide in MIP-2 production by macrophages upon coculturing with apoptotic cells
Authors: Shibata Takehiko , Nagata Kisaburo , Kobayashi Yoshiro 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
Macrophages phagocytose apoptotic cells without causing neutrophil infiltration in vivo under physiological conditions. Our recent study, however, showed that macrophages produce IL-8 or MIP-2, a murine IL-8 homologue, upon coculturing with apoptotic cells, indicating that there must be unknown mechanisms for preventing IL-8 or MIP-2 production. As activated macrophages produce NO to regulate inflammation, we examined the NO production by macrophages upon coculturing with apoptotic or necrotic cells and explored the role of NO in MIP-2 production. NO was produced on coculturing with early apoptotic cells much more significantly than with late apoptotic or necrotic cells. On the contrary, MIP-2 was produced on coculturing with late apoptotic or necrotic cells much more significantly than with early apoptotic cells. NG-Nitro-l-arginine methyl ester, an inhibitor of NO synthase, or 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide, a scavenger of NO, augmented MIP-2 production on coculturing with early apoptotic cells. The addition of N-ethylethanamine:1,1-diethyl-2-hydroxy-2-nitrosohydrazine [1:1], a donor of NO, conversely, caused suppression of MIP-2 production on coculturing with late apoptotic cells. These results suggest an important role of NO for preventing MIP-2 production by macrophages upon coculturing with early apoptotic cells.
Conservation Surgery for Breast Cancer As the Preferred Choice: A Prospective Analysis
Authors: Temple Walley J. , Russell Margaret L. , Parsons Louise L. , Huber Sylvia M. , Jones. Charlotte A. , Bankes Jane , Eliasziw Michael 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo describe the proportion of women who anticipate having breast-conserving surgery (BCS) versus modified radical mastectomy (MRM), the factors they considered when making treatment choices, the degree to which they perceived they had participated in and had control of the treatment decision, and to explore factors associated with type of planned surgery.Patients and MethodsProspective cohort study conducted among patients attending a tertiary care hospital in Alberta, Canada from 1992 to 1995. Participants had a first diagnosis of localized unilateral breast cancer, and were, in the opinions of their surgeons, candidates for either BCS or MRM.ResultsOf 157 participants, 71.3% anticipated having BCS and 28.7% anticipated MRM. Referents perceived to play an important role in decision making included self, doctor, and significant other. The two top-ranked items perceived to have influenced treatment choice were doctor's advice and possibility of complete cure. Most women (60%) participated in treatment choice to the degree that they preferred, but only 13.6% received their preferred amount of information. The type of planned surgery was predicted by surgeon, contribution of doctor to choice of treatment, importance of breasts to sexuality, self-efficacy, and concerns about cancer recurrence from a multivariable logistic regression model.ConclusionBoth patient and surgeon factors are important predictors of type of planned surgery. There is a gap between women's preferences and actual experiences with regard to information provided and patient participation in treatment choices, with women’s desire for more information about their treatment being most prevalent.
Comparison of Orally Administered Cannabis Extract and Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol in Treating Patients With Cancer-Related Anorexia-Cachexia Syndrome: A Multicenter, Phase III, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial From the Cannabis-In-Cachexia-Study-Group
Authors: Strasser Florian , Luftner Diana , Possinger Kurt , Ernst Gernot , Ruhstaller Thomas , Meissner Winfried , Ko You-Dschun , Schnelle Martin , Reif Marcus , Cerny Thomas 
Published: July 2006

Purpose To compare the effects of cannabis extract (CE), delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and placebo (PL) on appetite and quality of life (QOL) in patients with cancer-related anorexia-cachexia syndrome (CACS). Patients and Methods Adult patients with advanced cancer, CACS, weight loss (≥ 5% over 6 months), and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) ≤ 2 were randomly assigned (2:2:1) to receive CE (standardized for 2.5 mg THC and 1 mg cannabidiol) or THC (2.5 mg) or PL orally, twice daily for 6 weeks. Appetite, mood, and nausea were monitored daily with a visual analog scale (VAS); QOL was assessed with the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 (composite score: questions 29 and 30). Cannabinoid-related toxicity was assessed every 2 weeks. Results Of 289 patients screened, 243 were randomly assigned and 164 (CE, 66 of 95 patients; THC, 65 of 100 patients; and PL, 33 of 48 patients) completed treatment. At baseline, groups were comparable for age (mean, 61 years), sex (54% men), weight loss (32% ≥ 10%), PS (13% ECOG = 2), antineoplastic treatment (50%), appetite (mean VAS score, 31/100 mm), and QOL (mean score, 30/100). Intent-to-treat analysis showed no significant differences between the three arms for appetite, QOL, or cannabinoid-related toxicity. Increased appetite was reported by 73%, 58%, and 69% of patients receiving CE, THC, or PL, respectively. An independent data review board recommended termination of recruitment because of insufficient differences between study arms. Conclusion CE at the oral dose administered was well tolerated by these patients with CACS. No differences in patients' appetite or QOL were found either between CE, THC, and PL or between CE and THC at the dosages investigated.
Lifestyle Intervention Development Study to Improve Physical Function in Older Adults With Cancer: Outcomes From Project LEAD
Authors: Demark-Wahnefried Wendy , Clipp Elizabeth C. , Morey Miriam C. , Pieper Carl F. , Sloane Richard , Snyder Denise Clutter , Cohen Harvey J. 
Published: July 2006

Purpose Declines in physical functioning (PF) among elderly cancer patients threaten quality of life and the ability to maintain independence. Adherence to healthy lifestyle behaviors may prevent functional decline. Patients and Methods Project Leading the Way in Exercise and Diet (LEAD), an intervention development study of the Pepper Older Americans Independence Center, aimed to determine whether breast and prostate cancer survivors (age 65+ years) assigned to a 6-month home-based diet and exercise intervention experienced improvements in PF when compared with an attention control arm receiving general health information. An accrual target was set at 420, and PF (Short Form-36 subscale), physical activity (Community Healthy Activities Models Program for Seniors), and diet quality (index from 3-day recalls) were assessed at baseline and at 6 and 12 months (6 months after intervention). Results This developmental project did not achieve its accrual target (N = 182); however, PF change scores were in the direction and of the magnitude projected. Baseline to 6-month change scores in the intervention versus the control arms were as follows: PF, +3.1 v −0.5 (P = .23); physical activity energy expenditure, +111 kcal/wk v −400 kcal/wk (P = .13); and diet quality index, +2.2 v −2.9 (P = .003), respectively. Differences between arms diminished during the postintervention period. Conclusion These findings suggest that home-based diet and exercise interventions hold promise in improving lifestyle behaviors among older cancer survivors, changes that trend toward improved PF. Future studies should incorporate larger sample sizes and interventions that sustain long-term effects and also take into account secular trends; these efforts will require adequate planning and resources to overcome the numerous barriers to intervening in this difficult to reach yet vulnerable population.
Randomized Controlled Trial of Reduced-Dose Bolus Fluorouracil Plus Leucovorin and Irinotecan or Infused Fluorouracil Plus Leucovorin and Oxaliplatin in Patients With Previously Untreated Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A North American Intergroup Trial
Authors: Goldberg Richard M. , Sargent Daniel J. , Morton Roscoe F. , Fuchs Charles S. , Ramanathan Ramesh K. , Williamson Stephen K. , Findlay Brian P. , Pitot Henry C. , Alberts Steven 
Published: July 2006

Purpose Previously, we reported results of Intergroup N9741, which compared standard bolus fluorouracil (FU), leucovorin, plus irinotecan (IFL) with infused FU, leucovorin, plus oxaliplatin (FOLFOX4) and irinotecan plus oxaliplatin in patients with untreated metastatic colorectal cancer. High rates of grade ≥ 3 toxicity on IFL (resulting in some deaths) led us to reduce the starting doses of both irinotecan and FU by 20% (rIFL). This article compares rIFL with FOLFOX4. Patients and Methods The primary comparison was time to progression, with secondary end points of response rate (RR), overall survival, and toxicity. Results Three hundred five patients were randomly assigned. The North Central Cancer Treatment Group Data Safety Monitoring Committee interrupted enrollment at a planned interim analysis when outcomes crossed predetermined stopping boundaries. The results were significantly superior for FOLFOX4 compared with rIFL for time to progression (9.7 v 5.5 months, respectively; P < .0001), RR (48% v 32%, respectively; P = .006), and overall survival (19.0 v 16.3 months, respectively; P = .026). Toxicity profiles were not significantly different between regimens for nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, febrile neutropenia, dehydration, or 60-day all-cause mortality. Sensory neuropathy and neutropenia were significantly more common with FOLFOX4. Approximately 75% of patients in both arms received second-line therapy; 58% of rIFL patients received oxaliplatin-based second-line therapy, and 55% of FOLFOX4 patients received irinotecan-based regimens as second-line therapy. Conclusion FOLFOX4 led to superior RR, time to progression, and overall survival compared with rIFL. The survival benefit for FOLFOX4 observed in the earlier stage of the study was preserved with equal use of either irinotecan or oxaliplatin as second-line therapy.
The dynamics of hylobatid bipedalism: evidence for an energy-saving mechanism?
Authors: Vereecke Evie E. , D'Août Kristiaan , Aerts Peter 
Published: July 2006

SUMMARYWhen gibbons travel through the forest canopy, brachiation is alternated with short bipedal bouts over horizontal boughs. We know, from previous research, that brachiation is a very efficient locomotor mode that makes use of a pendulum-like exchange of energy, but to date, nothing is known about the dynamics of hylobatid bipedalism. We wondered if gibbons also make use of an efficient gait mechanism during bipedal locomotion. To investigate this, we calculated oscillations of the centre of mass (COM), energy fluctuations,recovery rates and power outputs from the 3D ground reaction forces. These ground reaction forces were collected during spontaneous bipedal locomotion of four untrained white-handed gibbons (Hylobates lar) over an instrumented walkway (with an AMTI force plate). Excursions of the COM are relatively large during hylobatid bipedalism and the fluctuations of potential and kinetic energy are largely in-phase. Together with the low inverted pendulum recovery rates, this points to a spring-mass mechanism during bipedal locomotion. Although the well-developed Achilles tendon of gibbons seems to be a good candidate for the storage and recoil of elastic energy, this is not supported by kinematical data of the ankle joint. Instead, we suggest that the knee extensor muscle tendon unit functions as an energy-saving mechanism during hylobatid bipedalism, but detailed anatomical data is needed to confirm this suggestion. At low speeds gibbons use either pendular or spring mechanics, but a clear gait transition as seen in most quadrupedal mammals is absent. At moderate to high velocities, gibbons use a bouncing gait, generally without aerial phases. This supports the view that aerial phases are not a prerequisite for spring-mass mechanics and reinforces the claim that duty factor alone should not be used to distinguish between a walk and run.
Dynamics of rapid vertical climbing in cockroaches reveals a template
Authors: Goldman Daniel I. , Chen Tao S. , Dudek Daniel M. , Full Robert J. 
Published: July 2006

SUMMARYRapid, vertically climbing cockroaches produced climbing dynamics similar to geckos, despite differences in attachment mechanism, `foot or toe'morphology and leg number. Given the common pattern in such diverse species,we propose the first template for the dynamics of rapid, legged climbing analogous to the spring-loaded, inverted pendulum used to characterize level running in a diversity of pedestrians. We measured single leg wall reaction forces and center of mass dynamics in death-head cockroaches Blaberus discoidalis, as they ascended a three-axis force plate oriented vertically and coated with glass beads to aid attachment. Cockroaches used an alternating tripod gait during climbs at 19.5±4.2 cm s-1,approximately 5 body lengths s-1. Single-leg force patterns differed significantly from level running. During vertical climbing, all legs generated forces to pull the animal up the plate. Front and middle legs pulled laterally toward the midline. Front legs pulled the head toward the wall,while hind legs pushed the abdomen away. These single-leg force patterns summed to generate dynamics of the whole animal in the frontal plane such that the center of mass cyclically accelerated up the wall in synchrony with cyclical side-to-side motion that resulted from alternating net lateral pulling forces. The general force patterns used by cockroaches and geckos have provided biological inspiration for the design of a climbing robot named RiSE(Robots in Scansorial Environments).
Spectrophotometric Studies of the Metal Chelates of 2-Aminomethyl-pyridine and Its Derivatives. II. The Preparation and Electronic Absorption Spectra of Some Nickel and Copper(II) Chelates of 6-Methyl-2-aminomethylpyridine and N-Methyl-2-aminomethylpyridine
Authors: Utsuno Shunji , Sone Kôzô 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
Fifteen chelates of nickel and copper(II), among which twelve are new, of 6-methyl-2-aminomethylpyridine (6-methyl-2-picolylamine=“mepic”) and N-methyl-2-aminomethylpyridine (picolylmethylamine=“pma”) were prepared, and the electronic absorption spectra of their aqueous solutions were measured. The spectra observed were practically those of the chelate ions [Cu L]2+, [Cu L2]2+, [Ni L]2+, [Ni L2]2+ (L=mepic or pma) and [Ni (pma)3]2+; [Ni(mepic)3]2+ was found to be unstable in solution, and to dissociate into [Ni(mepic)2]2+ and a ligand molecule. With the exception of [Cu(pma)]2+, the wave numbers of the absorption maxima (νmax) of these chelates were all smaller than those of the corresponding 2-aminomethylpyridine (2-picolylamine=“pic”) chelates as a result of the steric hindrance caused by methyl substitution in the ligands. The nature and degree of this steric hindrance in each chelate, and the probable structure of some of these chelates, can be studied by a comparison of the obtained spectra with one another and by the use of scale models of these chelates.
Microwave Spectrum of Carbonyl Selenide
Authors: Morino Yonezo , Matsumura Chi 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
The microwave spectra of the OCSe molecule have been measured for the ground and vibrationally excited states of a number of isotopic species under the natural abundance ratio. It was concluded from the results that the rs-structure is given by r(O–C)=1.157 Å and rs(C–Se)=1.708 Å, and that the general quadratic force field is represented by fR(CSe)=5.42, fr(CO)=15.38, fRr=0.68, and fα=0.286 md/Å.
The Effect of Triphosphate on the Crystallization of Strontium Sulfate
Authors: Naono Hiromitu 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
The inhibiting action of triphosphate on the crystallization of strontium sulfate has been investigated conductometrically. The crystallization of strontium sulfate is remarkably inhibited by a minute amount of triphosphate. A supersaturated solution of 0.02 m strontium sulfate is, in practice, completely stabilized in the presence of 3×10−5 m triphosphate. In this stabilized solution, the growth of the seed crystal of strontium sulfate has been examined. The growth of the seed suggests that, in the stabilized solution, the formation of the critical nucleus of strontium sulfate is inhibited by the action of triphosphate. By utilizing the relation between the nucleation rate of strontium sulfate and the concentration of triphosophate, it has been shown that triphosphate increases the energy of formation of the critical nucleus. On the other hand, the adsorption of triphosphate on the crystal surface of strontium sulfate is endothermic; the heat of adsorption is estimated to be 3kT per triphosphate from the temperature dependence on the adsorption isotherm. The heat of adsorption of triphosphate increases the energy of formation of the critical nucleus of strontium sulfate. It may, therefore, be concluded that the nucleation of strontium sulfate is inhibited by the adsorption of triphosphate. From the calculation of the collision between triphosphate and the embryo of strontium sulfate, it may be deduced that the adsorption of triphosphate is predominant in the initial stage of the formation of the embryo of strontium sulfate.
Spectrophotometric Determination of Fluorine with the PAC-Th Complex
Authors: Shimoishi Yasuaki , Hayami Tadashi 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
The method of determining micro amounts of fluorine is based on the bleaching of the thorium complex of 2-(1, 8-dihydroxy-3, 6-disulfo-2-naphthylazo)-phenoxyacetic acid (PAC) by fluoride ions, which are strongly coordinated to the thorium in the complex and with thus liberate the free PAC. The complex is composed of thorium and PAC in a 1 : 1 molar ratio. PAC has an absorption maximum at 525 mμ, while the thorium complex shows a maximum at 555 mμ. The determination is based on the decrease in the absorbance at 610 mμ. Beer’s law holds up to 30 μg fluoride ions per 25 ml. The optimum pH range is from 2.5 to 3.5. The apparent molar extinction coefficient is calculated to be 20000.
Studies of Diarylalkanes. V. The Benzylation of Benzene and Chlorobenzene with Benzyl or p-Chlorobenzyl Chloride under the Influence of Various Catalysts
Authors: Tsuge Otohiko , Tashiro Masashi 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
The benzylation of benzene and chlorobenzene with benzyl or p-chlorobenzyl chloride under the influence of various catalysts has been carried out in order to elucidate the relation between the cleavage reaction of the DPM and the Friedel-Crafts benzylation. In the aluminum chloride- or gallium chloride-catalyzed benzylation, the compositions of the equilibrium mixture are similar to those of the cleavage reaction. It has been suggested that, in the presence of such catalysts, the DPM formed at an initial stage is cleft with the catalyst, and that the same equilibrium relationship as has been postulated in the cleavage reaction is established. On the other hand, in the aluminum chloride-, gallium chloride-nitro compound complex or in indium chloride, which does not exhibit the ability to cleave the DPM, both the products and the isomer distributions are different. It has been estiablished that the isomer distributions in the benzylation are affected by the reactivity of the reactive species as well as by the catalytic ability to cleave the DPM. It has also been found that, under the influence of a strong catalyst such as the aluminum chloride - nitromethane complex, the relative reactivity of p-chlorobenzyl chloride on benzene is equal to that of benzyl chloride, while the reactivity of the former is about half that of the latter in the presence of such a weak catalyst as indium chloride.