bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nerve conduction study of the three supraclavicular nerve branches
Authors: Martinez‐Aparicio Carmen , Jääskeläinen Satu K. , Muyor José M. , Falck Björn 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTIntroduction: We describe a new nerve conduction study technique with reference values for the 3 branches of the supraclavicular nerve (SCN) in young healthy subjects and application of it in 2 patients. Methods: The recording electrode was placed on the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, 6–7 cm from the sternoclavicular joint. SCN branches were stimulated below the clavicle, 2.5, 7, and 10.5 cm lateral to the sternoclavicular joint. Results: Twenty healthy volunteers (10 men), 19–38 years, mean 25.9 years (SD 6.3), and 2 patients with SCN lesions were studied. The mean conduction velocities of the SCN branches were 70–78 m/s (SD 8–10 m/s), and amplitudes 3–4 µV (SD 0.9–2.0 µV). There were no side‐to‐side or gender differences. Discussion: The 3 SCN branches could be studied in all subjects. We provide reference values for young subjects. This new method was useful in verifying SCN lesions in 2 patients. Muscle Nerve 58: 300–303, 2018
Therapeutic effect of microcurrent on calf muscle atrophy in immobilized rabbit
Authors: Moon Yong Suk , Kwon Dong Rak , Lee Yoon‐Jin 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Immobilization causes significant muscle loss. In this study we assessed the regenerative effect of microcurrent electrical stimulation (MES) on gastrocnemius muscle (GCM) atrophy induced by immobilization by cast (IC) in rabbits. Methods: Fifteen rabbits were divided into 3 groups: IC (group 1); IC and free re‐ambulation for 2 weeks after cast removal (CR) (group 2); and IC and MES for 2 weeks after CR (group 3). We evaluated clinical parameters (calf circumference, compound muscle action potential of tibial nerve, and thickness of GCM by ultrasound), histomorphometric data (muscle composition and cross‐sectional area), and immunohistochemistry. Results: Mean atrophic changes in clinical parameters in group 3 were significantly less than those in groups 1 and 2 (P < 0.05). Histomophometric and immunohistochemical parameters in group 3 were significantly greater than those in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P < 0.05). Discussion: MES prevents muscle atrophy and facilitates regeneration of muscle. Muscle Nerve 58: 270–276, 2018
The economic burden of overactive bladder (OAB) and its effects on the costs associated with other chronic, age‐related comorbidities in the United States
Authors: Durden Emily , Walker David , Gray Stephani , Fowler Robert , Juneau Paul , Gooch Katherine 
Published: February 2018

AimsThe prevalence of OAB increases with age and is associated with several chronic comorbidities. However, the impact of OAB on the healthcare costs of patients with such comorbidities is not well‐understood. This study aimed to quantify the impact of OAB on healthcare costs and assess the potential moderating effects of OAB on the costs of patients with chronic comorbidities.MethodsAdults with evidence of OAB/OAB‐related therapy between 1/1/2008‐12/31/2013 were identified from two large, administrative claims databases. Per‐patient‐per‐month (PPPM) expenditures for OAB cases were estimated and compared to those of propensity score‐matched subjects without OAB. Costs were modeled using ordinary least squares regression including main effects and interactions of chronic depression, dementia, diabetes, hypertension, and osteoporosis with OAB. Values for the comparisons were calculated on the original dollar scale using smearing estimators.ResultsA total of 110 059 pairs of OAB cases and matched non‐OAB controls were identified. The mean, multivariable‐adjusted, PPPM all‐cause costs of OAB cases from the model without interactions were $3003, compared to $1123 for matched controls (P < 0.0001). In the model assessing the interactions of chronic comorbidities with OAB, those OAB patients with comorbid depression, dementia, diabetes, hypertension, and osteoporosis incurred significantly higher costs than controls with these comorbidities. The synergistic effect of these interactions was estimated to be $95‐$574 PPPM.ConclusionsWithin this US‐based population, the healthcare costs of OAB patients were more than 2.5 times those of similar patients without OAB. Additionally, patients with OAB and chronic, age‐related comorbidities incurred higher healthcare costs than non‐OAB controls with the same comorbidities.
A pilot feasibility study of treating overactive bladder patients with percutaneous saphenous nerve stimulation
Authors: MacDiarmid Scott A. , John M. Sasha , Yoo Paul B. 
Published: February 2018

AimsEffective long‐term treatment of overactive bladder (OAB) remains a significant clinical challenge. We present our initial experience with a new bladder neuromodulation method that electrically targets the saphenous nerve (SAFN).MethodsA total of 18 OAB patients (female, 55‐84 years) were provided with percutaneous SAFN stimulation. The SAFN was targeted with a needle electrode inserted below the medial condyle of the tibia. Activation of the SAFN was confirmed by the patient's perception of paresthesia radiating down the leg. Electrical stimulation was applied for 30 min and subsequently repeated weekly for 3 months. The effects of stimulation were assessed by a 4‐day bladder diary and quality‐of‐life questionaire (OAB‐q).ResultsPercutaneous SAFN stimulation was confirmed in all 16 patients who completed the study, and no adverse events were reported. Positive response to SAFN stimulation was achieved in 87.5% (14 of 16) of patients, as determined by either a minimum 50% reduction in bladder symptoms or a minimum 10 point increase in the HRQL total score.ConclusionsElectrical activation of the SAFN was consistently achieved using anatomical landmarks and patient feedback. The procedure was well tolerated and, based on our small cohort of patients, appears efficacious, and safe. This pilot study provides early feasibility data that points to a promising new intervention for treating OAB.
KPR‐2579, a novel TRPM8 antagonist, inhibits acetic acid‐induced bladder afferent hyperactivity in rats
Authors: Aizawa Naoki , Fujimori Yoshikazu , Kobayashi Jun‐ichi , Nakanishi Osamu , Hirasawa Hideaki , Kume Haruki , Homma Yukio , Igawa Yasuhiko 
Published: February 2018

AimsTransient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) is proposed to be a promising therapeutic target for hypersensitive bladder disorders. We examined the effects of KPR‐2579, a novel selective TRPM8 antagonist, on body temperature and on mechanosensitive bladder single‐unit afferent activities (SAAs) provoked by intravesical acetic acid (AA) instillation in rats.MethodsFemale Sprague‐Dawley rats were used. Effects of cumulative intravenous (i.v.) administrations of KPR‐2579 (0.03‐1 mg/kg) on deep body temperature were investigated (N = 18). In separate animals, effects of bolus administration of KPR‐2579 (0.03 or 0.3 mg/kg, i.v.) on bladder hyperactivity induced by intravesical instillation of 0.1% AA were investigated using cystometry (N = 57) in a conscious free‐moving condition or urethane‐anesthetized condition, and SAA measurements (N = 41) were performed in a urethane‐anesthetized condition.ResultsKPR‐2579 at any doses tested did not affect body temperature. In cystometry measurements, a high dose (0.3 mg/kg) of KPR‐2579 counteracted the shortened intercontraction interval provoked by AA instillation. In SAA measurements, 48 single afferent fibers (n = 24 in each fiber) were isolated. AA instillations significantly increased the SAAs of C fibers, but not of Aδ fibers, in the presence of KPR‐2579's vehicle and a low dose (0.03 mg/kg) of KPR‐2579. Pretreatment with a high dose (0.3 mg/kg) of KPR‐2579 significantly inhibited the AA‐induced activation of C‐fiber SAAs.ConclusionThe present results suggest that TRPM8 channels play a role in the AA‐induced pathological activation of mechanosensitive bladder C fibers in rats. KRP‐2579 may be a promising drug for hypersensitive bladder disorders.
Analysis of 13C and 14C labeling in pyruvate and lactate in tumor and blood of lymphoma‐bearing mice injected with 13C‐ and 14C‐labeled pyruvate
Authors: Serrao E.M. , Kettunen M.I. , Rodrigues T.B. , Lewis D.Y. , Gallagher F.A. , Hu D.E. , Brindle K.M. 
Published: February 2018

Measurements of hyperpolarized 13C label exchange between injected [1‐13C]pyruvate and the endogenous tumor lactate pool can give an apparent first‐order rate constant for the exchange. The determination of the isotope flux, however, requires an estimate of the labeled pyruvate concentration in the tumor. This was achieved here by measurement of the tumor uptake of [1‐14C]pyruvate, which showed that <2% of the injected pyruvate reached the tumor site. Multiplication of this estimated labeled pyruvate concentration in the tumor with the apparent first‐order rate constant for hyperpolarized 13C label exchange gave an isotope flux that showed good agreement with a flux determined directly by the injection of non‐polarized [3‐13C]pyruvate, rapid excision of the tumor after 30 s and measurement of 13C‐labeled lactate concentrations in tumor extracts. The distribution of labeled lactate between intra‐ and extracellular compartments and the blood pool was investigated by imaging, by measurement of the labeled lactate concentration in blood and tumor, and by examination of the effects of a gadolinium contrast agent and a lactate transport inhibitor on the intensity of the hyperpolarized [1‐13C]lactate signal. These measurements showed that there was significant export of labeled lactate from the tumor, but that labeled lactate in the blood pool produced by the injection of hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate showed only relatively low levels of polarization. This study shows that measurements of hyperpolarized 13C label exchange between pyruvate and lactate in a murine tumor model can provide an estimate of the true isotope flux if the concentration of labeled pyruvate that reaches the tumor can be determined.
Who Benefits from Targeted Property Tax Relief? Evidence from Virginia Elections
Authors: Moulton Jeremy G. , Waller Bennie D. , Wentland Scott A. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis study examines the market impact of targeted property tax relief, which is critical for understanding who exactly benefits from a widely used local policy. Specifically, we investigate this in the context of two statewide ballot measures in Virginia that provided property tax relief or heightened expectations for future relief intended to aid disabled veterans and seniors, respectively. Using residential multiple listing service microdata from Virginia, results from a regression discontinuity analysis show that once the 2010 tax relief measures passed on Election Day, property values rose sharply in response to the sudden increase in demand for homeownership among the targeted groups. We find that senior preferred housing and properties within areas with higher proportions of seniors and veterans experienced the highest price appreciation, while areas with fewer veterans or seniors saw little impact. The findings suggest that this type of policy provides an immediate benefit to current homeowners, thereby offsetting benefits for subsequent homeowners within the targeted groups. This effect represents an unintended consequence of targeted property tax relief as a policy tool more generally, as immediate capitalization into home prices subsequently increases the cost of housing for many individuals the relief was intended to help.
Altered cortical development in fetuses with isolated nonsevere ventriculomegaly assessed by neurosonography
Authors: Hahner Nadine , Puerto Bienvenido , Perez‐Cruz Miriam , Policiano Catarina , Monterde Elena , Crispi Fatima , Gratacos Eduard , Eixarch Elisenda 
Published: February 2018

AbstractObjectivesTo perform a comprehensive assessment of cortical development in fetuses with isolated nonsevere ventriculomegaly (INSVM) by neurosonography.MethodsWe prospectively included 40 fetuses with INSVM and 40 controls. INSVM was defined as atrial width between 10.0 and 14.9 mm without associated malformation, infection, or chromosomal abnormality. Cortical development was assessed by neurosonography at 26 and 30 weeks of gestation measuring depth of selected sulci and applying a maturation scale from 0 (no appearance) to 5 (maximally developed) of main sulci and areas.ResultsINSVM showed underdeveloped calcarine and parieto‐occipital sulci. In addition, significant delayed maturation pattern was also observed in regions distant to ventricular system including Insula depth (controls 30.8 mm [SD 1.7] vs INSVM 31.7 mm [1.8];P = .04), Sylvian fissure grading (>2 at 26 weeks: controls 87.5% vs INSVM 50%,P = .01), mesial area grading (>2 at 30 weeks: controls 95% vs INSVM 62.5%;P = .03), and cingulate sulcus grading (>2 at 30 weeks: controls 100% vs INSVM 80.5%;P = .01).ConclusionsFetuses with INSVM showed underdeveloped cortical maturation including also regions, where effect of ventricular dilatation is unlikely. These results suggest that in a proportion of fetuses with INSVM, ventricular dilation might be related with altered cortical architecture.
Quality of Prescribing by Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, and Physician Assistants in the United States
Authors: Jiao Shiyin , Murimi Irene B. , Stafford Randall S. , Mojtabai Ramin , Alexander G. Caleb 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveNurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) have increasingly broad prescribing authority in the United States, yet little is known regarding how the quality of their prescribing practices compares with that of physicians. The objective of this study was to compare the quality of prescribing practices of physicians and nonphysician providers.MethodsA serial cross‐sectional analysis of the 2006–2012 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey was performed. Ambulatory care services in physician offices, hospital emergency departments, and outpatient departments were evaluated using a nationally representative sample of patient visits to physicians, NPs, and PAs. Main outcome measures were 13 validated outpatient quality indicators focused on pharmacologic management of chronic diseases and appropriate medication use.ResultsA total of 701,499 sampled patient visits were included during the study period, representing ~8.33 billion visits nationwide. Physicians were the primary provider for 96.8% of all outpatient visits examined; NPs and PAs each accounted for 1.6% of these visits. The proportion of eligible visits where quality standards were met ranged from 34.1% (angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor use for congestive heart failure) to 89.5% (avoidance of inappropriate medications among elderly). The median overall performance across all indicators was 58.7%. On unadjusted analyses, differences in quality of care between nonphysicians and physicians for each indicator did not consistently favor one practitioner type over others. After adjustment for potentially confounding patient and provider characteristics, the quality of prescribing by NPs and PAs was similar to the care delivered by physicians for 10 of the 13 indicators evaluated, and no consistent directional association was found between provider type and indicator fulfillment for the remaining measures.ConclusionsAlthough significant shortfalls exist in the quality of ambulatory prescribing across all practitioner types, the quality of care delivered by nonphysicians and physicians was generally comparable.
Label‐Free Quantitative Phosphoproteomics Reveals Regulation of Vasodilator‐Stimulated Phosphoprotein upon Stathmin‐1 Silencing in a Pair of Isogenic Colorectal Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Tan Hwee Tong , Chung Maxey Ching Ming 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIn this communication, we present the phosphoproteome changes in an isogenic pair of colorectal cancer cell lines, viz., the poorly metastatic HCT‐116 and the highly metastatic derivative E1, upon stathmin‐1 (STMN1) knockdown. The aim was to better understand how the alterations of the phosphoproteins in these cells are involved in cancer metastasis. After the phosphopeptides were enriched using the TiO2 HAMMOC approach, comparative proteomics analysis was carried out using sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra‐MS. Following bioinformatics analysis using MarkerView and OneOmics platforms, we identified a list of regulated phosphoproteins that may play a potential role in signaling, maintenance of cytoskeletal structure, and focal adhesion. Among these phosphoproteins, was the actin cytoskeleton regulator protein, vasodilator‐stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP), where its change in phosphorylation status was found to be concomitant with STMN1–associated roles in metastasis. We further showed that silencing of stathmin‐1 altered the expression, subcellular localization and phosphorylation status of VASP, which suggested that it might be associated with remodeling of the cell cytoskeleton in colorectal cancer metastasis.
The shielding effect of the double bond in 2‐norbornene and α‐pinene and β‐pinene
Authors: Mazzola Eugene P. , Lambert Joseph B. , Ridge Clark D. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAssignments of the chemical shifts of the 7‐syn and 7‐anti protons in 2‐norbornene and of the methyl groups in α‐pinene and β‐pinene have been determined by means of nuclear Overhauser effects. These results constrain competing theories of the shielding effects of double bonds.
Efficacy of a Spanish‐Language Self‐Administered Stress Management Training intervention for Latinas undergoing chemotherapy
Authors: Hoogland Aasha I. , Lechner Suzanne C. , Gonzalez Brian D. , Small Brent J. , Tyson Dinorah M. , Asvat Yasmin , Barata Anna , Gomez Maria F. , Rodriguez Yvelise , Jim Heather S.L. , Antoni Michael H. , Jacobsen Paul B. , Meade Cathy D. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundCancer patients often report increased stress during chemotherapy. Stress management training has been shown to reduce this adverse outcome, but few interventions exist for Spanish‐speaking Hispanic and Latina women (Latinas).MethodsFollowing community feedback (including focus groups/in‐depth interviews), we transcreated the Spanish‐Language Self‐Administered Stress Management Training (SL‐SAT) intervention based on our previously developed and implemented English‐based intervention. Latinas about to begin chemotherapy were randomized to SL‐SAT (n = 121) or usual care (n = 119). A Spanish‐speaking interventionist met with SL‐SAT participants who received the SL‐SAT toolkit containing instructions in 3 well‐established stress management techniques (deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation and guided imagery, and use of coping self‐statements). Usual care participants received an educational booklet about coping with chemotherapy. All patients were instructed by nurses on their chemotherapy medications and given a resource listing of local support groups. Outcomes were obtained at baseline, and 7 and 13 weeks after starting chemotherapy. Primary outcomes included anxiety and depression, cancer‐related distress, emotional well‐being, and spiritual well‐being. Secondary outcomes included functional well‐being, social/family well‐being, physical well‐being, symptom severity, and self‐efficacy for managing stress. Data were analyzed by using mixed models.ResultsIn both groups, improvements were observed in emotional well‐being (P = .01), and declines were observed in functional well‐being (P = .05), and physical well‐being (P < .0001). Symptom severity increased across the follow‐up period (P < .001).ConclusionsTo be effective, stress management interventions for Latinas receiving chemotherapy may necessitate more attention from an interventionist, delivery of the intervention over a longer interval, and/or a group‐based format.
Antiproliferative activity and apoptosis induction by trijuganone C isolated from the root of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen)
Authors: Uto Takuhiro , Tung Nguyen Huu , Ohta Tomoe , Juengsanguanpornsuk Wipawee , Hung Le Quoc , Hai Nguyen Thanh , Long Dinh Doan , Thuong Phuong Thien , Okubo Shinya , Hirata Sakiko , Shoyama Yukihiro 
Published: February 2018

In this study, we found that the hexane fraction of Danshen, the dried root of Salvia miltiorrhiza (Lamiaceae), exerted antiproliferative effects on human leukemia cells. Phytochemical investigation of the hexane fraction achieved the isolation of the tanshinone diterpenes: dihydrotanshinone I (1), trijuganone C (2), trijuganone B (3), cryptotanshinone (4), tanshinone IIA (5), and tanshinone I (6). Compound 2 showed significant antiproliferative activities against human leukemia cells HL‐60, Jurkat, and U937. The antiproliferative activities of 2 against human cancer and normal cells indicated that 2 exhibited potent antiproliferative activities with IC50 values less than 10 μM against HL‐60 and Jurkat cells as well as on the colon cancer cells DLD‐1, COLO 205, and Caco‐2. Compound 2 induced chromatin condensation, DNA fragmentation, activation of caspase‐3, ‐8, and ‐9, and the cleavage of poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) in HL‐60 cells. Moreover, 2 activated Bid and Bax, leading to the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, and 2 induced the cytochrome c release from mitochondria into cytosol. In contrast, Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xL were unaffected by 2. These results suggest that 2 exerts antiproliferative effects via apoptosis induction mediated by mitochondrial dysfunction and caspase activation. Compound 2 may serve as a candidate of potential chemotherapeutic agent for human leukemia.
Sampled‐data iterative learning control for continuous‐time nonlinear systems with iteration‐varying lengths
Authors: Wang Lanjing , Li Xuefang , Shen Dong 
Published: February 2018

SummaryIn this work, sampled‐data iterative learning control (ILC) method is extended to a class of continuous‐time nonlinear systems with iteration‐varying trial lengths. In order to propose a unified ILC algorithm, the tracking errors will be redefined when the trial length is shorter or longer than the desired one. Based on the modified tracking errors, 2 sampled‐data ILC schemes are proposed to handle the randomly varying trial lengths. Sufficient conditions are derived rigorously to guarantee the convergence of the nonlinear system at each sampling instant. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed ILC laws, simulations for a nonlinear system are performed. The simulation results show that if the sampling period is set to be small enough, the convergence of the learning algorithms can be achieved as the iteration number increases.
Controllable Bipolar Doping of Graphene with 2D Molecular Dopants
Authors: Kang Boseok , Kim Haena , Han Joong Tark , Kim Dae Gun , Cho Kilwon 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe fine control of graphene doping levels over a wide energy range remains a challenging issue for the electronic applications of graphene. Here, the controllable doping of chemical vapor deposited graphene, which provides a wide range of energy levels (shifts up to ± 0.5 eV), is demonstrated through physical contact with chemically versatile graphene oxide (GO) sheets, a 2D dopant that can be solution‐processed. GO sheets are a p‐type dopant due to their abundance of electron‐withdrawing functional groups. To expand the energy window of GO‐doped graphene, the GO surface is chemically modified with electron‐donating ethylene diamine molecules. The amine‐functionalized GO sheets exhibit strong n‐type doping behaviors. In addition, the particular physicochemical characteristics of the GO sheets, namely their sheet sizes, number of layers, and degree of oxidation and amine functionality, are systematically varied to finely tune their energy levels. Finally, the tailor‐made GO sheet dopants are applied into graphene‐based electronic devices, which are found to exhibit improved device performances. These results demonstrate the potential of GO sheet dopants in many graphene‐based electronics applications.