bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gradual Carotid Artery Stenosis in Mice Closely Replicates Hypoperfusive Vascular Dementia in Humans
Authors: Hattori Yorito , Enmi Jun‐ichiro , Iguchi Satoshi , Saito Satoshi , Yamamoto Yumi , Tsuji Masahiro , Nagatsuka Kazuyuki , Kalaria Rajesh N. , Iida Hidehiro , Ihara Masafumi 
Published: February 2016

Background
Existing rodent models of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) show abrupt changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF) and do not reliably replicate the clinical pathogenesis of VCI. We therefore aimed to develop a mouse model of VCI where CBF is gradually reduced, followed by subsequent progressive motor and cognitive impairment, after surgical intervention.

Methods and Results
Adult C57BL/6J male mice were subjected to gradual common carotid artery stenosis (GCAS) surgery by using an ameroid constrictor vessel‐constricting device with an inner diameter of 0.75 mm. The common carotid arteries narrowed gradually after gradual constriction of ameroid constrictors over 28 days after GCAS, with subsequent 79.3% area stenosis as a result of smooth muscle cell proliferation and macrophage infiltration in the tunica intima. The 28‐day survival rate was 91%. Arterial spin labeling demonstrated gradual and continuous reduction of cortical and subcortical CBF (ratio to the preoperative value) to 54.6% and 51.5%, respectively, over 28 days. However, magnetic resonance angiography showed increment of collateral flow signals in the leptomeningeal artery. Rarefaction and proliferation of astrocytes and microglia, with loss of oligodendrocytes, were found in the white matter at 32 days. Hippocampal neuronal loss was observed in only 25% of GCAS mice, consistent with lack of abnormalities in the Morris water maze test. The rotarod test showed motor impairment, and the Y‐maze test showed working memory deficits.

Conclusions
The GCAS model successfully generated gradual and continuous CBF reduction over 28 days, with replication of key histological, radiological, and behavioral features associated with cerebral hypoperfusion leading to VCI.
Assuring Business School Learning With Games
Authors: Wolfe Joseph 
Published: February 2016

Background. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) has stated that business games can and should be used for business school Assurance of Learning (AoL) programs. There is no direct objective evidence that business games are valid for such applications. Aim. The purpose of the study presented in this article was to examine the extent to which a business game could be used for such applications. Method. The validity of THE GLOBAL BUSINESS GAME was examined by assessing the degree to which it was available, accessed, used, engaged in and otherwise demonstrated internal validity in a large European university program. Results. The recorded data for the game revealed that many of its enrolled players either did not directly engage in the experience, or were only minimally involved. Those who were completely engaged in the experience obtained superior economic results and created strategies and implementations that were rational, goal-oriented and correct for the simulation’s modeled competitive environment. Conclusions. A large-scale business game can serve as an assurance of learning device, but it is only an incomplete evaluator due to subject non-involvement. Recommendations. Game publishers that state their games are valid for assurance of learning purposes should present objective evidence of their validity claims. Those engaged in assurance of learning programs should employ other methods for measuring outcomes than those used in this study. Those using business games should take measures to insure their participants are engaged and are accountable within its teaching structure.
Qualities in friendship – Within an outside perspective – Definitions expressed by adolescents with mild intellectual disabilities
Authors: Sigstad Hanne Marie Høybråten 
Published: February 2016

Background: This study examined how adolescents with mild intellectual disabilities define qualities of friendship and discussed the extent to which these definitions adhere to established definitions of close friendship. Materials and Methods: The study was based on qualitative interviews with 11 adolescents in secondary school. The interviews were supplemented with information from six parents. A thematic structural analysis was used to identify themes. Results: Qualities of friendship were categorized as mutual preference, mutual enjoyment, shared interactions, care, mutual trust and bonding. The criteria for close friendship seem to be fulfilled, albeit to a moderate degree. Closeness and reciprocity appear to be significant in this study, although these features have been considered less relevant within this target group in previous research. Conclusions: Differences in definitions may explain divergent results compared with other studies, and the need to achieve equivalence in friendship may be another.
Modulation of Superficial Zone Protein/Lubricin/PRG4 by Kartogenin and Transforming Growth Factor-β1 in Surface Zone Chondrocytes in Bovine Articular Cartilage
Authors: Miyatake Kazumasa , Iwasa Kenjiro , McNary Sean M. , Peng Gordon , Reddi A. Hari 
Published: February 2016

Objective Superficial zone protein (SZP)/lubricin/PRG4 functions as a boundary lubricant in articular cartilage to decrease friction and wear. As articular cartilage lubrication is critical for normal joint function, the accumulation of SZP at the surface of cartilage is important for joint homeostasis. Recently, a heterocyclic compound called kartogenin (KGN) was found to induce chondrogenic differentiation and enhance mRNA expression of lubricin. The objective of this study was to determine whether KGN can stimulate synthesis of SZP in superficial zone, articular chondrocytes. Design We investigated the effects of KGN and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) on articular cartilage and synovium of the bovine knee joint by evaluating SZP secretion by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis. Monolayer, micromass, and explant cultures of articular cartilage, and monolayer culture of synoviocytes, were treated with KGN. SZP accumulation in the medium was evaluated and mRNA expression was measured through quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results TGF-β1 stimulated SZP secretion by superficial zone chondrocytes in monolayer, explant, and micromass cultures as expected. In addition, SZP secretion was inhibited by IL-1β in explant cultures, and enhanced by TGF-β1 in synoviocyte monolayer cultures. Although KGN elicited a 1.2-fold increase in SZP mRNA expression in combination with TGF-β1, KGN neither stimulated any significant increases in SZP synthesis nor prevented catabolic decreases in SZP production from IL-1β. Conclusions These data suggest that the chondrogenic effects of KGN depend on cellular phenotype and differentiation status, as KGN did not alter SZP synthesis in differentiated, superficial zone articular chondrocytes.
Adsorption of Pb(II) on raw and organically modified Jordanian bentonite
Authors: Hamadneh I. , Abu-Zurayk R. , Abu-Irmaileh B. , Bozeya A. , Al-Dujaili A. H. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractA comparative study using bentonite (BT), hexadecyltrimethylammonium-modified bentonite (BT-HDTMA) and phenyl fatty hydroxamic acid-modified bentonite (BT-PFHA) as adsorbents for the removal of Pb(II) has been proposed. These adsorbents were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and surface area measurement. Cation exchange capacity was also determined in this study. The adsorbent capabilities for Pb(II) from aqueous solution were investigated, and the optimal experimental conditions including adsorption time, adsorbent dosage, the initial concentration of Pb(II), pH and temperature that might influence the adsorption performance were also investigated. The experimental equilibrium adsorption data were tested by four widely used two-parameter equations, the Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin- Radushkevich (D-R) and Temkin isotherms. The monolayer adsorption capacities of BT, BT-HDTMA and BT-PFHA for Pb(II) were 149.3, 227.3 and 256.4 mg/g, respectively. The experimental kinetic data were analysed by pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order and intraparticle diffusion kinetics models. The experimental data fitted very well with the pseudo-second order kinetic model. Determination of the thermodynamic parameters, ΔG, ΔH and ΔS showed the adsorption to be feasible, spontaneous and exothermic.
Synthesis and application of a porous composite material synthesized via an in situ technique
Authors: Zheng Shu-Qin , Ren Shao , Yu Hong-Xia , Zhang Jian-Ce , Zhu Wei 
Published: February 2016

AbstractNovel composite materials with wide pores were synthesized by an in situ technique using kaolin, palygorskite and pseudoboehmite as raw materials. The characterization results indicated that the synthesis components and conditions influenced the micro-, meso- and macro-porosity of the composite materials. The composites contained 53.5% zeolite Y and had much larger specific surface areas and pore volumes as well as significant hydrothermal stability. Fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalysts were prepared based on the composite materials. The results indicated that the as-prepared catalysts possessed a unique pore structure which assisted in diffusion-controlled reactions. In addition, the attrition resistance, activity and hydrothermal stability of the catalyst studied were superior to those of a reference catalyst. The catalyst studied also exhibited excellent nickel and vanadium passivation performance, strong ‘bottoms upgrading’ selectivity and better gasoline and coke selectivity.
Larger number of invariant natural killer T cells in PBSC allografts correlates with improved GVHD-free and progression-free survival
Authors: Malard Florent , Labopin Myriam , Chevallier Patrice , Guillaume Thierry , Duquesne Alix , Rialland Fanny , Derenne Sophie , Peterlin Pierre , Leauté Anne-Gaelle , Brissot Eolia , Gregoire Marc , Moreau Philippe , Saas Philippe , Gaugler Béatrice , Mohty Mohamad 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
We studied the impact of a set of immune cells contained within granulocyte colony-stimulating factor–mobilized peripheral blood stem cell grafts (naïve and memory T-cell subsets, B cells, regulatory T cells, invariant natural killer T cells [iNKTs], NK cells, and dendritic cell subsets) in patients (n = 80) undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT), using the composite end point of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)-free and progression-free survival (GPFS) as the primary end point. We observed that GPFS incidences in patients receiving iNKT doses above and below the median were 49% vs 22%, respectively (P = .007). In multivariate analysis, the iNKT dose was the only parameter with a significant impact on GPFS (hazard ratio = 0.48; 95% confidence interval, 0.27-0.85; P = .01). The incidences of severe grade III to IV acute GVHD and National Institutes of Health grade 2 to 3 chronic GVHD (12% and 16%, respectively) were low and associated with the use of antithymocyte globulin in 91% of patients. No difference in GVHD incidence was reported according to the iNKT dose. In conclusion, a higher dose of iNKTs within the graft is associated with an improved GPFS. These data may pave the way for prospective and active interventions aiming to manipulate the graft content to improve allo-SCT outcome.
Forkhead Box F1 promotes breast cancer cell migration by upregulating lysyl oxidase and suppressing Smad2/3 signaling
Authors: Nilsson Gisela , Kannius-Janson Marie 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Background
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) increases cell migration and is implicated in cancer cell invasion and metastasis. We have previously described the involvement of the transcription factors, nuclear factor I-C2 (NFI-C2) and Forkhead box F1 (FoxF1), in the regulation of EMT and invasion during breast tumor progression. NFI-C2 counteracts these processes and FoxF1 is a directly repressed target of NFI-C2. FoxF1 induces EMT and invasiveness and enhances xenograft tumorigenicity in nude mice. Here we identify oppositely regulated targets of NFI-C2 and FoxF1 involved in these processes and further study a possible role for FoxF1 in tumorigenesis.

Methods
We used Affymetrix microarray to detect changes in the transcriptome of a mouse mammary epithelial cell line upon overexpression of NFI-C2 or FoxF1. To elucidate the effects and signaling events following FoxF1 overexpression we investigated in vitro invasion capacity and changes in transcription and protein expression resulting from RNAi and inhibitor treatment.

Results
The extracellular matrix enzyme lysyl oxidase (LOX) was negatively regulated by NFI-C2 and positively regulated by FoxF1, and upregulation of LOX following FoxF1 overexpression in mouse mammary epithelial cells increased in vitro cell invasion. In the nuclei of FoxF1-overexpressing cells, the phosphorylation of Smad2 decreased, while that of p38 increased. Depletion of LOX by RNAi enhanced phosphorylation of Smad2 by a focal adhesion kinase (FAK)-dependent mechanism. In addition, induced expression of FoxF1 in a non-malignant human mammary epithelial cell line showed that the increase in LOX transcription and the suppression of Smad2 activity are early effects of FoxF1.

Conclusion
These data show that FoxF1 enhances invasion in a LOX-dependent manner, is involved in the regulation of Smad2 signaling, and that FoxF1 overexpression ultimately leads to activation of p38 MAPK signaling. These findings provide new insights into the regulation of signaling pathways known to be important during breast tumor progression.
Morbidity and Mortality of Laparoscopic Versus Open D2 Distal Gastrectomy for Advanced Gastric Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hu Yanfeng , Huang Changming , Sun Yihong , Su Xiangqian , Cao Hui , Hu Jiankun , Xue Yingwei , Suo Jian , Tao Kaixiong , He Xianli , Wei Hongbo , Ying Mingang , Hu Weiguo , Du Xiaohui , Chen Pingyan , Liu Hao , Zheng Chaohui , Liu Fenglin , Yu Jiang , Li Ziyu , Zhao Gang , Chen Xinzu , Wang Kuan , Li Ping , Xing Jiadi , Li Guoxin 
Published: February 2016

Purpose The safety and efficacy of radical laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LG) with D2 lymphadenectomy for the treatment of advanced gastric cancer (AGC) remain controversial. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to compare laparoscopic and conventional open distal gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissections for AGC. Patients and Methods Between September 2012 and December 2014, 1,056 patients with clinical stage T2-4aN0-3M0 gastric cancer were eligible for inclusion. They were randomly assigned to either the LG with D2 lymphadenectomy group (n = 528) or the open gastrectomy (OG) with D2 lymphadenectomy group (n = 528). Fifteen experienced surgeons from 14 institutions in China participated in the study. The morbidity and mortality within 30 days after surgery between the LG (n = 519) and the OG (n = 520) groups were compared on the basis of the modified intention-to-treat principle. Postoperative complications were stratified according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Results The compliance rates of D2 lymphadenectomy were similar between the LG and OG groups (99.4% v 99.6%; P = .845). The postoperative morbidity was 15.2% in the LG group and 12.9% in OG group with no significant difference (difference, 2.3%; 95% CI, –1.9 to 6.6; P = .285). The mortality rate was 0.4% for the LG group and zero for the OG group (difference, 0.4%; 95% CI, –0.4 to 1.4; P = .249). The distribution of severity was similar between the two groups (P = .314). Conclusion Experienced surgeons can safely perform LG with D2 lymphadenectomy for AGC.
Metabolite Signatures of Metabolic Risk Factors and their Longitudinal Changes
Authors: Yin Xiaoyan , Subramanian Subha , Willinger Christine M. , Chen George , Juhasz Peter , Courchesne Paul , Chen Brian H. , Li Xiaohang , Hwang Shih-Jen , Fox Caroline S. , O'Donnell Christopher J. , Muntendam Pieter , Fuster Valentin , Bobeldijk-Pastorova Ivana , Sookoian Silvia C. , Pirola Carlos J. , Gordon Neal , Adourian Aram , Larson Martin G. , Levy Daniel 
Published: February 2016

AbstractContext:Metabolic dysregulation underlies key metabolic risk factors—obesity, dyslipidemia, and dysglycemia.Objective:To uncover mechanistic links between metabolomic dysregulation and metabolic risk by testing metabolite associations with risk factors cross-sectionally and with risk factor changes over time.Design:Cross-sectional—discovery samples (n = 650; age, 36–69 years) from the Framingham Heart Study (FHS) and replication samples (n = 670; age, 61–76 years) from the BioImage Study, both following a factorial design sampled from high vs low strata of body mass index, lipids, and glucose. Longitudinal—FHS participants (n = 554) with 5–7 years of follow-up for risk factor changes.Setting:Observational studies.Participants:Cross-sectional samples with or without obesity, dysglycemia, and dyslipidemia, excluding prevalent cardiovascular disease and diabetes or dyslipidemia treatment. Age- and sex-matched by group.Interventions:None.Main Outcome Measure(s):Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry detected 119 plasma metabolites. Cross-sectional associations with obesity, dyslipidemia, and dysglycemia were tested in discovery, with external replication of 37 metabolites. Single- and multi-metabolite markers were tested for association with longitudinal changes in risk factors.Results:Cross-sectional metabolite associations were identified with obesity (n = 26), dyslipidemia (n = 21), and dysglycemia (n = 11) in discovery. Glutamic acid, lactic acid, and sitosterol associated with all three risk factors in meta-analysis (P &lt; 4.5 × 10−4). Metabolites associated with longitudinal risk factor changes were enriched for bioactive lipids. Multi-metabolite panels explained 2.5–15.3% of longitudinal changes in metabolic traits.Conclusions:Cross-sectional results implicated dysregulated glutamate cycling and amino acid metabolism in metabolic risk. Certain bioactive lipids were associated with risk factors cross-sectionally and over time, suggesting their upstream role in risk factor progression. Functional studies are needed to validate findings and facilitate translation into treatments or preventive measures.
Frailty and its association with rehabilitation outcomes in a post-acute older setting
Authors: Nolan Mary , Power Dermot , Long Jill , Horgan Frances 
Published: February 2016

Background/Aims: Frailty is highly prevalent in hospitalised older adults and is a predictor of dependency, length of stay, institutionalisation and mortality. The concept of frailty and its interaction with disability and psychosocial functioning has been well established in community-based studies. However, its association with outcomes in hospitalised older adults is less understood. This study gives the clinician a greater understanding of the impact of frailty on rehabilitation outcomes by evaluating the changes in physical function, quality of life and falls self-efficacy in frail older adults undergoing inpatient rehabilitation. A secondary aim was to examine the association between frailty, physical function, quality of life, falls self-efficacy, therapy time, length of stay and discharge destination. Methods: This prospective cohort study assessed 41 subjects (mean age 80.3 ± 7.1 years) admitted to an inpatient post-acute rehabilitation unit. Eligible participants must have been aged 65 years or older and mobile pre-admission. The primary outcome measure was the Timed Up and Go test. Secondary measures included the Clinical Frailty Scale, grip strength, 10-Metre Walk Test, Elderly Mobility Scale, Tinetti Balance and Gait Test, Barthel Index, EuroQol-5D Visual Analogue Scale and Falls Efficacy Scale. These were assessed by the multidisciplinary team on admission and at discharge. Time spent in therapy, discharge destination and length of stay were also recorded on discharge. Results: Statistically significant improvements were found in physical function, quality of life and falls self-efficacy. Moderate and strong correlations were found between admission scores on the Clinical Frailty Scale, Timed Up and Go (r=0.438, p<0.0004), gait speed (r=0.408, p<0.009), Tinetti Balance and Gait Test (r=–0.489, p<0.001) and Elderly Mobility Scale (r=–0.5, p<0.001). Moderate correlations were also found between admission Clinical Frailty Scale and therapy time and length of stay (median 35 days). Regression analysis was performed on admission frailty scores adjusting for age, gender, number of co-morbidities, Mini Mental State Examination and mobility level and found that admission Clinical Frailty Scale scores were predictive of mobility markers, dependency and length of stay. Conclusions: Frailty on admission had a moderate relationship with determinants of physical function, therapy time and length of stay. Further research investigating the validity of frailty measures is required before frailty can be validly utilised as an outcome for elderly rehabilitation.
Job and career satisfaction among Indian physiotherapists: A preliminary survey
Authors: Alva Rajitha , Lobo Michelle E 
Published: February 2016

Background/Aims: Job and career satisfaction is an integral part of an individual's professional life. It affects job performance, consequently influencing growth of the profession. Physiotherapy in India is maturing making such data indispensable. This study aims to assess the level of job and career satisfaction among Indian physiotherapists. Methods: A cross-sectional pilot survey was done with a self-administered e-questionnaire and the 265 surveys collected were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis. Results: Overall job satisfaction is 63.68% (3.35±1.32) and career satisfaction is 56.39% (2.84±1.39). Conclusions: The majority of physiotherapists were moderately satisfied with their jobs and careers. It is essential to incorporate favourable factors in the workplace that promote professional satisfaction and there is a need to enhance opportunities for continued medical education. This study provides a global outlook of a developing country.
The information and practices of the cancerous patients about nutrition
Authors: Kahraman Selma 
Published: February 2016

The aims of this research are to determine knowledge level of nutrition of cancerous patients, to find out nutrients which is taken by patients after suffer from a cancer. The study was carried out as descriptive cross-sectional. The sample of study includes 150 cancer diagnosed patients. It was determined that the majority of the patients (81.4%) – mostly females - participating in the study was older than 35 years old. It was identified that the majority of cancerous disease had breast cancer and lung cancer (65.4%) and that the majority of patients had new diagnosis and cancer diagnosis a month ago (64.7%). The fact that the amount of fruits that are necessary to be consumed every day remains in 45.3% and that the daily consumption rate of vegetable remains in 14 s% also demonstrated that nutrition was inadequate; that fish was not eaten.