bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale-12 (MSWS-12) in a Dutch sample: Application of item response theory
Authors: Mokkink Lidwine Brigitta , Galindo-Garre Francisca , Uitdehaag Bernard MJ 
Published: February 2016

Background: The Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale-12 (MSWS-12) measures walking ability from the patients’ perspective. We examined the quality of the MSWS-12 using an item response theory model, the graded response model (GRM). Methods: A total of 625 unique Dutch multiple sclerosis (MS) patients were included. After testing for unidimensionality, monotonicity, and absence of local dependence, a GRM was fit and item characteristics were assessed. Differential item functioning (DIF) for the variables gender, age, duration of MS, type of MS and severity of MS, reliability, total test information, and standard error of the trait level (θ) were investigated. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis showed a unidimensional structure of the 12 items of the scale, explaining 88% of the variance. Item 2 did not fit into the GRM model. Reliability was 0.93. Items 8 and 9 (of the 11 and 12 item version respectively) showed DIF on the variable severity, based on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). However, the EDSS is strongly related to the content of both items. Conclusion: Our results confirm the good quality of the MSWS-12. The trait level (θ) scores and item parameters of both the 12- and 11-item versions were highly comparable, although we do not suggest to change the content of the MSWS-12.
Translingual oral and written practices: Rhetorical resources in multilingual writers’ discourses
Authors: Cavazos Alyssa G 
Published: February 2016

Aims and objectives: This study investigates how three multilingual scholars enact translingual negotiation strategies in a variety of contexts. The purpose of the study is to identify how translingual oral and written literacy practices serve as rhetorical tools of language self-awareness, identity construction, and negotiations of language difference. Design/Methodology/Approach: The objectives of the study are achieved by conducting a textual analysis of three primarily oral genres mediated by literate practices. The genres include: a plenary address, naturalization ceremony speech, and personal interview. Data and Analysis: The three genres composed by multilingual scholars are analyzed using the following four translingual negotiation strategies: envoicing, recontextualization, interactional, and entextualization. Findings/Conclusions: The key findings of the research reveal the important relationship between oral and written practices, particularly how oral language practices serve as rhetorical resources that help multilingual writers become aware of audience and language negotiations. This study also reveals the potential of using translingual strategies in the writing classroom to enhance students’ rhetorical self-awareness of language difference in diverse genres and contexts. Originality: While scholarship in literacy and composition studies has focused on and recognized how the relationship between oral and written practices shape identities and communities, less attention is given to how multilingual speakers/writers in primarily oral genres mediated by literate practices use rhetorical strategies to shape their translingual identities and engage audience uptake of their translingual strategies. Significance/Implications: The significance and implications of this study focus on using translingual strategies as rhetorical tools to teach writing, language awareness, and analysis of discourse.
Detection of Silent Atrial Fibrillation aFter Ischemic StrOke (SAFFO) guided by implantable loop recorder: multicentre Italian trial based on stroke unit network with paired cardio-arrhythmology units (Italian Neurocardiology Unit Network)
Authors: Toni Danilo , Lorenzano Svetlana , Strano Stefano ,   on behalf of SAFFO Trial Investigators
Published: February 2016

Rationale Atrial fibrillation is associated with a high risk of stroke and its prevalence increases in subjects aged ≥65 years. After an ischemic stroke, the use of standard monitoring methods may underestimate the detection rate of atrial fibrillation. Hence, it is very likely that even patients having a first atherothrombotic or lacunar stroke with high burden of vascular risk factors are exposed to increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation in the subsequent years and atrial fibrillation may be the cause underlying possible recurrent strokes Aim and hypothesis The Silent Atrial Fibrillation aFter Ischemic StrOke (SAFFO) trial has the objective to evaluate the detection of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter as first diagnosis by implantable loop recorder in patients with first-ever atherothrombotic or lacunar stroke. We hypothesize that the detection will be higher than that observed by using standard cardiac monitoring Methods and design SAFFO is a prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled, open-label trial with blinded assessment of outcome measures. Patients who fulfill inclusion criteria will be randomized to either continuous monitoring using an implantable loop recorder plus standard monitoring (intervention arm) or standard heart rhythm monitoring alone (control arm) with a ratio of 1:1 Study outcomes The primary endpoint is the detection of atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter as first diagnosis in the first 12 months of the study period Discussion If positive, SAFFO trial could have important clinical implications in terms of changing the standard diagnostic protocol in patients with atherothrombotic and lacunar stroke, and of increasing the shift of secondary prevention treatment from antiplatelet to anticoagulant therapy.
The role of adipokines in ischemic stroke risk stratification
Authors: Bouziana Styliani , Tziomalos Konstantinos , Goulas Antonios , Ηatzitolios Apostolos Ι 
Published: February 2016

Background Adiponectin, leptin, and resistin are the most well-studied adipokines and play important roles in the regulation of glucose metabolism, subclinical inflammation, and cardiovascular homeostasis. Accordingly, measurement of adipokine levels might be useful in cardiovascular risk stratification. Moreover, the study of single-nucleotide polymorphisms of genes that encode these adipokines might also represent a valuable predictive tool in cardiovascular disease prevention strategies. Aims To summarize the biologic role of the adipokines adiponectin, leptin, and resistin and the prognostic value of their serum levels regarding the occurrence and outcome of ischemic stroke. We also discuss the relationship of single-nucleotide polymorphisms of the adiponectin, leptin genes, and the −420C > G polymorphism of resistin gene with stroke risk. Summary of review Several studies in the general population evaluated the association between these adipokines and stroke risk, yielding conflicting results. There are more limited data regarding the effect of these adipokines on stroke severity and outcome. A small number of studies also assessed the predictive role of single-nucleotide polymorphisms of the adiponectin, leptin, and resistin genes regarding stroke risk, but the findings were also controversial. Conclusions It is unclear whether adiponectin, leptin, and resistin levels or the single-nucleotide polymorphisms of their encoding genes are independently associated with stroke risk. However, given the role of these adipokines in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, larger prospective studies, both in the general population and in patients with a history of stroke, are needed to determine whether the measurement of serum levels of these adipokines or the evaluation of single-nucleotide polymorphisms in their encoding genes could improve stroke risk prediction. If this relationship is proven, therapeutic interventions targeting adipokine levels might represent a novel approach to reduce stroke-related mortality and disability.
Fitness, Balance Efficacy, and Postural Control in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Lee Anna , Biggan John R. , Ray Christopher 
Published: February 2016

Age-related declines in postural control and physical fitness are strong risk factors for falls in older adults. Balance efficacy has been utilized to identify poor postural control, reduced physical function, and fall risk. However, it is not clear as to whether balance efficacy is truly a better predictor of functional fitness outcomes or postural control. Distinguishing these associations is an important step in the future derivation of physiotherapeutic programming to remediate acute and chronic decline. Therefore, the purpose of this cross-sectional study was to partition which measures are more associated with balance efficacy, fitness, or postural control. One hundred eleven community-dwelling older adults participated and were asked to complete the Balance Efficacy Scale (BES), a functional fitness measure (the Senior Fitness Test [SFT]), and a measure of postural control (the Sensory Organization Test [SOT]).We found that the SFT was more significantly associated with balance efficacy ( R2 = .37) than the SOT ( R2 = .08) in older adults. Overall, aerobic endurance, functional mobility in the SFT, and the vestibular score on the SOT were significantly associated with balance efficacy. We concluded that clinicians utilizing the BES as a preliminary screen should recommend physiotherapy follow-up activities that build endurance (walking), lower extremity functional mobility (sit-to-stand), and vestibular function (head movement while walking). Understanding the links between a preliminary screening tool and the physiological needs of the patient will allow for targeted activities to be prescribed.
EBF1-PDGFRB fusion in pediatric B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL): genetic profile and clinical implications
Authors: Schwab Claire , Ryan Sarra L. , Chilton Lucy , Elliott Alannah , Murray James , Richardson Stacey , Wragg Christopher , Moppett John , Cummins Michelle , Tunstall Oliver , Parker Catriona A. , Saha Vaskar , Goulden Nicholas , Vora Ajay , Moorman Anthony V. , Harrison Christine J. 
Published: February 2016

Key Points
EBF1-PDGFRB fusion accounts for ∼0.5% of B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia and 2.7% of the B-other subtype. EBF1-PDGFRB-positive patients are MRD positive and are slow early responders who respond to imatinib.
Vitamin D Supplementation Does Not Impact Insulin Resistance in Black and White Children
Authors: Ferira Ashley J. , Laing Emma M. , Hausman Dorothy B. , Hall Daniel B. , McCabe George P. , Martin Berdine R. , Hill Gallant Kathleen M. , Warden Stuart J. , Weaver Connie M. , Peacock Munro , Lewis Richard D. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractContext:Vitamin D supplementation trials with diabetes-related outcomes have been conducted almost exclusively in adults and provide equivocal findings.Objective:The objective of this study was to determine the dose-response of vitamin D supplementation on fasting glucose, insulin, and a surrogate measure of insulin resistance in white and black children aged 9–13 years, who participated in the Georgia, Purdue, and Indiana University (or GAPI) trial: a 12-week multisite, randomized, triple-masked, dose-response, placebo-controlled vitamin D trial.Design:Black and white children in the early stages of puberty (N = 323, 50% male, 51% black) were equally randomized to receive vitamin D3 (0, 400, 1000, 2000, or 4000 IU/day) for 12 weeks. Fasting serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), glucose and insulin were assessed at baseline and weeks 6 and 12. Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance was used as a surrogate measure of insulin resistance. Statistical analyses were conducted as intent-to-treat using a mixed effects model.Results:Baseline serum 25(OH)D was inversely associated with insulin (r = −0.140, P = 0.017) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (r = −0.146, P = 0.012) after adjusting for race, sex, age, pubertal maturation, fat mass, and body mass index. Glucose, insulin, and insulin resistance increased (F &gt; 5.79, P &lt; .003) over the 12 weeks, despite vitamin D dose-dependent increases in serum 25(OH)D.Conclusions:Despite significant baseline inverse relationships between serum 25(OH)D and measures of insulin resistance, vitamin D supplementation had no impact on fasting glucose, insulin, or a surrogate measure of insulin resistance over 12 weeks in apparently healthy children.
Changes in cell shape are correlated with metastatic potential in murine and human osteosarcomas
Authors: Lyons Samanthe M. , Alizadeh Elaheh , Mannheimer Joshua , Schuamberg Katherine , Castle Jordan , Schroder Bryce , Turk Philip , Thamm Douglas , Prasad Ashok 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTMetastatic cancer cells for many cancers are known to have altered cytoskeletal properties, in particular to be more deformable and contractile. Consequently, shape characteristics of more metastatic cancer cells may be expected to have diverged from those of their parental cells. To examine this hypothesis we study shape characteristics of paired osteosarcoma cell lines, each consisting of a less metastatic parental line and a more metastatic line, derived from the former by in vivo selection. Two-dimensional images of four pairs of lines were processed. Statistical analysis of morphometric characteristics shows that shape characteristics of the metastatic cell line are partly overlapping and partly diverged from the parental line. Significantly, the shape changes fall into two categories, with three paired cell lines displaying a more mesenchymal-like morphology, while the fourth displaying a change towards a more rounded morphology. A neural network algorithm could distinguish between samples of the less metastatic cells from the more metastatic cells with near perfect accuracy. Thus, subtle changes in shape carry information about the genetic changes that lead to invasiveness and metastasis of osteosarcoma cancer cells.
Gene array analysis of neural crest cells identifies transcription factors necessary for direct conversion of embryonic fibroblasts into neural crest cells
Authors: Motohashi Tsutomu , Watanabe Natsuki , Nishioka Masahiro , Nakatake Yuhki , Yulan Piao , Mochizuki Hiromi , Kawamura Yoshifumi , Ko Minoru S. H. , Goshima Naoki , Kunisada Takahiro 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTNeural crest cells (NC cells) are multipotent cells that emerge from the edge of the neural folds and migrate throughout the developing embryo. Although the gene regulatory network for generation of NC cells has been elucidated in detail, it has not been revealed which of the factors in the network are pivotal to directing NC identity. In this study we analyzed the gene expression profile of a pure NC subpopulation isolated from Sox10-IRES-Venus mice and investigated whether these genes played a key role in the direct conversion of Sox10-IRES-Venus mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) into NC cells. The comparative molecular profiles of NC cells and neural tube cells in 9.5-day embryos revealed genes including transcription factors selectively expressed in developing trunk NC cells. Among 25 NC cell-specific transcription factor genes tested, SOX10 and SOX9 were capable of converting MEFs into SOX10-positive (SOX10+) cells. The SOX10+ cells were then shown to differentiate into neurons, glial cells, smooth muscle cells, adipocytes and osteoblasts. These SOX10+ cells also showed limited self-renewal ability, suggesting that SOX10 and SOX9 directly converted MEFs into NC cells. Conversely, the remaining transcription factors, including well-known NC cell specifiers, were unable to convert MEFs into SOX10+ NC cells. These results suggest that SOX10 and SOX9 are the key factors necessary for the direct conversion of MEFs into NC cells.
Tailored placement of a turn-forming PA tag into the structured domain of a protein to probe its conformational state
Authors: Fujii Yuki , Matsunaga Yukiko , Arimori Takao , Kitago Yu , Ogasawara Satoshi , Kaneko Mika K. , Kato Yukinari , Takagi Junichi 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT
Placement of a tag sequence is usually limited to either terminal end of the target protein, reducing the potential of epitope tags for various labeling applications. The PA tag is a dodecapeptide (GVAMPGAEDDVV) that is recognized by a high-affinity antibody NZ-1. We determined the crystal structure of the PA-tag–NZ-1 complex and found that NZ-1 recognizes a central segment of the PA tag peptide in a tight β-turn configuration, suggesting that it is compatible with the insertion into a loop. This possibility was tested and confirmed using multiple integrin subunits and semaphorin. More specifically, the PA tag can be inserted at multiple locations within the integrin αIIb subunit (encoded by ITGA2B) of the fibrinogen receptor αIIbβ3 integrin (of which the β3 subunit is encoded by ITGB3) without affecting the structural and functional integrity, while maintaining its high affinity for NZ-1. The large choice of the sites for ‘epitope grafting’ enabled the placement of the PA tag at a location whose accessibility is modulated during the biological action of the receptor. Thus, we succeeded in converting a general anti-tag antibody into a special anti-integrin antibody that can be classified as a ligand-induced binding site antibody.
Integrins synergise to induce expression of the MRTF-A–SRF target gene ISG15 for promoting cancer cell invasion
Authors: Hermann Michaela-Rosemarie , Jakobson Madis , Colo Georgina P. , Rognoni Emanuel , Jakobson Maili , Kupatt Christian , Posern Guido , Fässler Reinhard 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT
Integrin-mediated activation of small GTPases induces the polymerisation of G-actin into various actin structures and the release of the transcriptional co-activator MRTF from G-actin. Here we report that pan-integrin-null fibroblasts seeded on fibronectin and expressing β1- and/or αV-class integrin contained different G-actin pools, nuclear MRTF-A (also known as MKL1 or MAL) levels and MRTF-A–SRF activities. The nuclear MRTF-A levels and activities were highest in cells expressing both integrin classes, lower in cells expressing β1 integrins and lowest in cells expressing the αV integrins. Quantitative proteomics and transcriptomics analyses linked the differential MRTF-A activities to the expression of the ubiquitin-like modifier interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15), which is known to modify focal adhesion and cytoskeletal proteins. The malignant breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 expressed high levels of β1 integrins, ISG15 and ISGylated proteins, which promoted invasive properties, whereas non-invasive MDA-MB-468 and MCF-7 cell lines expressed low levels of β1 integrins, ISG15 and ISGylated proteins. Our findings suggest that integrin-adhesion-induced MRTF-A–SRF activation and ISG15 expression constitute a newly discovered signalling circuit that promotes cell migration and invasion.
DNA replication initiator Cdc6 also regulates ribosomal DNA transcription initiation
Authors: Huang Shijiao , Xu Xiaowei , Wang Guopeng , Lu Guoliang , Xie Wenbing , Tao Wei , Zhang Hongyin , Jiang Qing , Zhang Chuanmao 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT
RNA-polymerase-I-dependent ribosomal DNA (rDNA) transcription is fundamental to rRNA processing, ribosome assembly and protein synthesis. However, how this process is initiated during the cell cycle is not fully understood. By performing a proteomic analysis of transcription factors that bind RNA polymerase I during rDNA transcription initiation, we identified that the DNA replication initiator Cdc6 interacts with RNA polymerase I and its co-factors, and promotes rDNA transcription in G1 phase in an ATPase-activity-dependent manner. We further showed that Cdc6 is targeted to the nucleolus during late mitosis and G1 phase in a manner that is dependent on B23 (also known as nucleophosmin, NPM1), and preferentially binds to the rDNA promoter through its ATP-binding domain. Overexpression of Cdc6 increases rDNA transcription, whereas knockdown of Cdc6 results in a decreased association of both RNA polymerase I and the RNA polymerase I transcription factor RRN3 with rDNA, and a reduction of rDNA transcription. Furthermore, depletion of Cdc6 impairs the interaction between RRN3 and RNA polymerase I. Taken together, our data demonstrate that Cdc6 also serves as a regulator of rDNA transcription initiation, and indicate a mechanism by which initiation of rDNA transcription and DNA replication can be coordinated in cells.
Manipulation tactics of patients with neurotic disorders in everyday life and during therapy
Authors: Mandal Eugenia , Horak Adam 
Published: February 2016

CelCelem badań było zbadanie repertuaru i natężenia taktyk manipulacji pacjentów neurotycznych w życiu codziennym i podczas terapii oraz zdiagnozowanie natężenia makiawelizmu u pacjentów neurotycznych.MetodaBadaniami objęto 111 osób: 44 pacjentów z rozpoznaniem zaburzeń nerwicowych, 44 osób z grupy kontrolnej oraz 23 terapeutów.
Taktyki manipulacji stosowane przez pacjentów mierzono metodami ankietowymi autorstwa E. Mandal i D. Kocur, a makiawelizm skalą MACH-IV M. Christiego, F. Geis.WynikiRezultaty pokazały, że pacjenci częściej niż osoby z grupy kontrolnej byli skłonni stosować jako taktyki manipulacji: wywoływanie poczucia winy, grożenie zerwaniem relacji, samookaleczanie, a rzadziej błaganie. Natężenie skłonności do podejmowania manipulacji przez pacjentów było wyższe w życiu codziennym niż podczas terapii.
Makiawelizm pacjentów dodatnio korelował ze skłonnością do stosowania taktyk manipulacji.
Nie odnotowano różnic w zakresie makiawelizmu ogółem pomiędzy pacjentami a grupą kontrolną.WnioskiTaktyki manipulacji pacjentów neurotycznych mają charakter chorobowy. Powiązane są z lękiem, poczuciem winy, wrogością.
Skłonność do manipulacji pacjentów koreluje z makiawelizmem.
Childhood adversity as a moderator of the relationship between emotional reactivity and the occurrence of anxiety and depression in a non-clinical group
Authors: Dragan Wojciech , Zielińska Aleksandra , Zagdańska Marta 
Published: February 2016

CelW badaniu podjęto próbę potwierdzenia roli reaktywności emocjonalnej i negatywnych zdarzeń z dzieciństwa dla kształtowania się zaburzeń lękowych i depresyjnych oraz określenie zakresu interakcji pomiędzy tymi czynnikami.MetodaW badaniu uczestniczyło 430 osób. Nasilenie reaktywności emocjonalnej określano przy wykorzystaniu Kwestionariusza FCZ-KT Zawadzkiego i Strelaua, występowanie negatywnych zdarzeń z dzieciństwa zaś przy pomocy Kwestionariusza Dzieciństwa Hardta. Występowanie zaburzeń lękowych i depresyjnych badano z zastosowaniem wywiadu ustrukturyzowanego WHO-CIDI ver. 3.0. Związek pomiędzy zmiennymi analizowano za pomocą modelu regresji logistycznej.WynikiZaobserwowano moderującą rolę liczby negatywnych zdarzeń z dzieciństwa dla relacji między reaktywnością emocjonalną a występowaniem zaburzeń lękowych i depresyjnych. W grupie osób z dużym poziomem czynnika zdarzeń negatywnych nie zaobserwowano takiej relacji dla obydwu grup zaburzeń. Przy niskim i średnim poziomie moderatora stwierdzono odmienne powiązania dla zaburzeń lękowych i depresyjnych.WnioskiUzyskane rezultaty tylko częściowo dają się tłumaczyć w ramach modelu temperamentalnego czynnika ryzyka. Odmienny wzorzec zależności między nasileniem cechy temperamentu a występowaniem zaburzeń lękowych i depresyjnych występujący w zależności od liczby raportowanych zdarzeń negatywnych może wynikać z efektu kumulacji negatywnych konsekwencji doświadczeń tego typu.