bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Observational Dutch Young Symptomatic StrokE studY (ODYSSEY): study rationale and protocol of a multicentre prospective cohort study
Authors: Arntz Renate M , van Alebeek Mayte E , Synhaeve Nathalie E , Brouwers Paul J , van Dijk Gert W , Gons Rob A , den Heijer Tom , de Kort Paul LM , de Laat Karlijn F , van Norden Anouk G , Vermeer Sarah E , van der Vlugt Maureen J , Kessels Roy PC , van Dijk Ewoud J , de Leeuw Frank-Erik 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Background
The proportion of strokes occurring in younger adults has been rising over the past decade. Due to the far longer life expectancy in the young, stroke in this group has an even larger socio-economic impact. However, information on etiology and prognosis remains scarce.

Methods/design
ODYSSEY is a multicentre prospective cohort study on the prognosis and risk factors of patients with a first-ever TIA, ischemic stroke or intracerebral hemorrhage aged 18 to 49 years. Our aim is to include 1500 patients. Primary outcome will be all cause mortality and risk of recurrent vascular events. Secondary outcome will be the risk of post-stroke epilepsy and cognitive impairment. Patients will complete structured questionnaires on outcome measures and risk factors. Both well-documented and less well-documented risk factors and potentially acute trigger factors will be investigated. Patients will be followed every 6 months for at least 3 years. In addition, an extensive neuropsychological assessment will be administered both at baseline and 1 year after the stroke/TIA. Furthermore we will include 250 stroke-free controls, who will complete baseline assessment and one neuropsychological assessment.

Discussion
ODYSSEY is designed to prospectively determine prognosis after a young stroke and get more insight into etiology of patients with a TIA, ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage in patients aged 18 to 49 years old in a large sample size.
A critically appraised topic (CAT) to compare the effects of single and multi-cat housing on physiological and behavioural measures of stress in domestic cats in confined environments
Authors: Finka Lauren R , Ellis Sarah LH , Stavisky Jenny 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundDomestic cats have evolved from solitary, asocial predators and whilst they may display social behaviours, they can still exist as solitary survivors. Over-population and relinquishment of pet cats are ubiquitous problems worldwide, and rehoming centres (also known as rescues/ shelters) aim to ameliorate this by holding cats in confinement for a variable period until a new home is found. The provision of optimal housing for large numbers of cats in close confinement, such as in rehoming centres, is therefore inherently difficult. Under these conditions there is the potential for individuals to develop signs of physical and psychological ill health, and thus experience compromised welfare. Available information regarding housing practices that maximise welfare currently provides conflicting results, and as a consequence there are no unanimous housing recommendations. The aim of this study was therefore to review the evidence on the impact of single housing compared to multi-cat housing on stress in confined cats, as measured by physiological and/or behavioural outcomes. The review was conducted using a Critically Appraised Topic (CAT) format. A systematic search of electronic databases (CAB Abstracts, Zoological Records and Medline) was carried out to identify peer-reviewed literature comparing single and multi-cat housing in confined environments.ResultsA total of 959 papers were initially identified, six of which met sufficient criteria based on their relevance to be included within this review. All of the studies had significant limitations in design and methodology, including a lack of information on how groups were assigned, inconsistent handling and enrichment provision between groups, and lack of information on the socialisation status of cats.ConclusionsWhilst some studies suggested that single housing may be less stressful for cats, others suggested group housing was less stressful. Several other important factors were however identified as potential mediators of stress within the different housing systems, and recommendations based upon these findings are presented.
Anesthetic management of the removal of a giant metastatic cardiac liposarcoma occupying right ventricle and pulmonary artery
Authors: Xu Jianhong , Zheng Yueying , Wang Liqing , Feng Qiang , Yu Ceyan , Zhu Shengmei 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
A 60 years old chinese male scheduled for a removal of an intracardiac mass occupying majority of right ventricular space, right ventricular outflow tract and pulmonary artery. The giant cardiac mass was later diagnosed pathologically as metastatic liposarcoma. The patient had a history of surgical removal of myxoid liposarcoma from his left thigh many years ago. It is extremely rare for liposarcoma to metastatize to right ventricle and pulmonary artery. The anesthetic management of the surgical procedure to remove this kind of intracardiac mass poses significant challenges to anesthesia providers. Our patient developed refractory hypotension after induction of general anesthesia which necessitated urgent cardiopulmonary bypass. The surgical procedure was successful and the patient recovered from the surgery and was discharged home without significant complication. Accurate preoperative diagnosis and assessment of patient’s functional status, appropriate preoperative volume status, emergency cardiopulmonary bypass readiness, smooth and gentle induction of general anesthesia with less myocardial depressing agent, and closely monitoring patient’s vitals and hemodynamic parameters are imperative in managing this kind of patients.
A Drosophila immune response against Ras-induced overgrowth
Authors: Hauling Thomas , Krautz Robert , Markus Robert , Volkenhoff Anne , Kucerova Lucie , Theopold Ulrich 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT
Our goal is to characterize the innate immune response against the early stage of tumor development. For this, animal models where genetic changes in specific cells and tissues can be performed in a controlled way have become increasingly important, including the fruitfly Drosophila melanogaster. Many tumor mutants in Drosophila affect the germline and, as a consequence, also the immune system itself, making it difficult to ascribe their phenotype to a specific tissue. Only during the past decade, mutations have been induced systematically in somatic cells to study the control of tumorous growth by neighboring cells and by immune cells. Here we show that upon ectopic expression of a dominant-active form of the Ras oncogene (RasV12), both imaginal discs and salivary glands are affected. Particularly, the glands increase in size, express metalloproteinases and display apoptotic markers. This leads to a strong cellular response, which has many hallmarks of the granuloma-like encapsulation reaction, usually mounted by the insect against larger foreign objects. RNA sequencing of the fat body reveals a characteristic humoral immune response. In addition we also identify genes that are specifically induced upon expression of RasV12. As a proof-of-principle, we show that one of the induced genes (santa-maria), which encodes a scavenger receptor, modulates damage to the salivary glands. The list of genes we have identified provides a rich source for further functional characterization. Our hope is that this will lead to a better understanding of the earliest stage of innate immune responses against tumors with implications for mammalian immunity.
Assisted protein folding at low temperature: evolutionary adaptation of the Antarctic fish chaperonin CCT and its client proteins
Authors: Cuellar Jorge , Yébenes Hugo , Parker Sandra K. , Carranza Gerardo , Serna Marina , Valpuesta José María , Zabala Juan Carlos , Detrich H. William 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTEukaryotic ectotherms of the Southern Ocean face energetic challenges to protein folding assisted by the cytosolic chaperonin CCT. We hypothesize that CCT and its client proteins (CPs) have co-evolved molecular adaptations that facilitate CCT–CP interaction and the ATP-driven folding cycle at low temperature. To test this hypothesis, we compared the functional and structural properties of CCT–CP systems from testis tissues of an Antarctic fish, Gobionotothen gibberifrons (Lönnberg) (habitat/body T = −1.9 to +2°C), and of the cow (body T = 37°C). We examined the temperature dependence of the binding of denatured CPs (β-actin, β-tubulin) by fish and bovine CCTs, both in homologous and heterologous combinations and at temperatures between −4°C and 20°C, in a buffer conducive to binding of the denatured CP to the open conformation of CCT. In homologous combination, the percentage of G. gibberifrons CCT bound to CP declined linearly with increasing temperature, whereas the converse was true for bovine CCT. Binding of CCT to heterologous CPs was low, irrespective of temperature. When reactions were supplemented with ATP, G. gibberifrons CCT catalyzed the folding and release of actin at 2°C. The ATPase activity of apo-CCT from G. gibberifrons at 4°C was ∼2.5-fold greater than that of apo-bovine CCT, whereas equivalent activities were observed at 20°C. Based on these results, we conclude that the catalytic folding cycle of CCT from Antarctic fishes is partially compensated at their habitat temperature, probably by means of enhanced CP-binding affinity and increased flexibility of the CCT subunits.
Seasonal differences in jump performance in the Svalbard rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta hyperborea)
Authors: Lees John J. , Folkow Lars P. , Codd Jonathan R. , Nudds Robert L. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTFat storage is essential to the survival of many bird species, providing energy reserves, but can have an effect on locomotor performance with an associated potential increase in predation risk. In particular, the ability to initiate flight through jumping is critical to predator avoidance and may be influenced by changes in body mass (Mb). Here we investigate seasonal differences in the jump take-off performance of high Arctic Svalbard rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta hyperborea) resulting from around a 50% increase in Mb during winter as a result of fat deposition. Using force-plate data and videography, we reveal that, in the absence of alterations to take-off angle, winter Svalbard rock ptarmigan are unable to increase hind-limb power output during jumping to compensate for their increased Mb. As a result, peak take-off velocity is reduced by 42% and jump duration is also extended during winter. The consequences of reduced jumping performance upon Svalbard ptarmigan during winter may be relatively small given their low risk of predation during this season. It may be, however, that the observed reduction in jumping performance when fat may contribute to the sub-maximal pattern of fat acquisition observed in other bird species.
Game over? Assisting transition from FE to HE level studies for Games Art students
Authors: Tinwell Angela 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
This article describes a case study of the process, implementation, delivery and outcomes of a half-day workshop designed to improve the transition from further education (FE) to higher education (HE) for new first-year students studying on a Games Art undergraduate degree programme. Held in student induction week, the purpose of the workshop was to: spark initial interest and motivation in research activities relevant to the student’s subject area of Games Art; enhance the first-year student experience, and; to assist retention of students, especially at first-year level. As a work in progress, this workshop is part of a larger university wide project to improve the first-year student experience, raise standards in research and scholarship, and aid retention. The implications of this workshop as a preliminary activity to work towards the continued increase of academic standards and confidence in research is discussed, also if this workshop may be used as a model across other subject areas and in other institutions.
The prevalence and clinical features of polycystic ovary syndrome in a Moscow population
Authors: Dedov I I , Mel'nichenko G A , Chebotnikova T V , Il'in A V , Davydova G N , Kolesnikova G S , Ivannikova E V 
Published: March 2014

The objective of the present study was to estimate the prevalence and and characterize clinical phenotypes of PCOS. A total of 312 women from 18 to 45 years of age working engaged in Moscow enterprises were examined in 2009. All of them were interviewed by questionnaire, underwent routine medical examination, anthropometry and blood sampling for the measurement of Prl, TSH, FSH, testosterone, 17-OP, and DHEAS levels. The degree of hirsutism was assessed using the modified Ferriman-Galway scale. Women with fewer than eight cycles during a year were regarded as having menstrual problems. All women presenting with disturbances were invited for verification of the diagnosis. PCOS was diagnosed based on the Rotterdam (2003) criteria (the presence of oligo-/amenorrhea and clinically manifest hyperandrogenism (hirsutism), with all other disorders simulating the clinical picture of PCOS being excluded). All patients with clinical signs of PCOS were examined at the Endocrinological Research Centre. They were divided into the following groups: 1. Regular menstrual cycles in the absence of hirsutism. 2. Menstrual dysfunction (oligo-/amenorrhea) without hirsutism. 3. Hirsutism without menstrual disturbances. 4. Menstrual dysfunction plus hirsutism. Mean age of the women was 30,2±7,4 years, their BMI 24±5,5, overweight patients comprised 17,3% of the total (n=54), obesity occurred in 14.7% (n=46), oligoamenorrhea in 12.8%, hirsutism in 9.3%, acne in 6.4%, infertility in 2.6%, obesity in 14%. Menstrual dysfunction without hirsutism was documented in 17/312 (5.4%) cases. The prevalence of PCOS in this phenotypical group was estimated at 17.6%. Hirsutism in the absence of menstrual dysfunction was diagnosed in 8/312 (2.6%) women (prevalence of PCOS 62.5%), menstrual dysfunction plus hirsutism in 21/312 (6.7%) patients (prevalence of PCOS 85.7%). The study has demonstrated that the overall prevalence PCOS in the given population was 6,4%, but individual symptoms of this condition were manifest much more frequently than that. It is concluded that the diagnosis of PCOS is most reliably confirmed by the presence of combination of oligo-/amenorrhea and hirsutism.
Measuring Competition: Inconsistent definitions, inconsistent results.
Authors: Linick Matthew Allen 
Published: March 2014

There is a developing literature examining how charter schools, through the effects of competition, impact performance in public school districts and district-run public schools, also known as the second-level effects of competition. What follows is an examination of how competition is measured in this literature that offers a critique of existing approaches to that measurement. Findings in these studies are problematized by inconsistent findings in other, similar studies; inconsistencies which may be due to inconsistent definitions and metrics of competition. I suggest a more specific definition of competition and suggest that other disciplines may offer guidance in the pursuit of a more consistent measurement of competitive effects.
Radioiodine treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer despite history of ‘iodine allergy’
Authors: Puchalski Adam R , Chopra Inder J 
Published: March 2014

Summary
Radioiodine (131I) is a critical component in the treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer. We recently saw a patient with thyroid cancer who was hesitant to take 131I treatment because he had previously encountered an allergic reaction to administration of iodine-containing radiocontrast agent for computed tomography (CT) scanning. We were able to administer 131I treatment after discussion that his anaphylactic reaction was not due to iodine and that radioiodine (131I) treatment is unlikely to cause a reaction in the patient.

Learning points

An allergy to iodine itself does not exist.

When patients claim that they have an ‘iodine allergy’, ask them what substances they are allergic to and what kind of reaction occurred during use of such substances.

Radioactive iodine is not a contraindication for patients who claim an ‘allergy to iodine’.
Post-operative neck ultrasound and risk stratification in differentiated thyroid cancer patients with initial lymph node involvement
Authors: Lepoutre-Lussey Charlotte , Maddah Dina , Golmard Jean-Louis , Russ Gilles , Tissier Frédérique , Trésallet Christophe , Menegaux Fabrice , Aurengo André , Leenhardt Laurence 
Published: March 2014

ObjectiveCervical ultrasound (US) scan is a key tool for detecting metastatic lymph nodes (N1) in patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). N1-PTC patients are stratified as intermediate-risk and high-risk (HR) patients, according to the American Thyroid Association (ATA) and European Thyroid Association (ETA) respectively. The aim of this study was to assess the value of post-operative cervical US (POCUS) in local persistent disease (PD) diagnosis and in the reassessment of risk stratification in N1-PTC patients.DesignRetrospective cohort study.MethodsBetween 1997 and 2010, 638 N1-PTC consecutive patients underwent a systematic POCUS. Sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), and positive predictive value (PPV) of POCUS for the detection of PD were evaluated and a risk reassessment using cumulative incidence functions was carried out.ResultsAfter a median follow-up of 41.6 months, local recurrence occurred in 138 patients (21.6%), of which 121 were considered to have PD. Sensitivity, specificity, NPV, and PPV of POCUS for the detection of the 121 PD were 82.6, 87.4 95.6, and 60.6% respectively. Cumulative incidence of recurrence at 5 years was estimated at 26% in ETA HR patients, 17% in ATA intermediate-risk patients, and 35% in ATA HR patients respectively. This risk fell to 9, 8, and 11% in the above three groups when the POCUS result was normal and to <6% when it was combined with thyroglobulin results at ablation.ConclusionPOCUS is useful for detecting PD in N1-PTC patients and for stratifying individual recurrence risk. Its high NPV could allow clinicians to tailor follow-up recommendations to individual needs.
Recent advances in application of liquid-based micro-extraction: A review
Authors: He Yi 
Published: March 2014

AbstractLiquid-based micro-extraction is a novel “green” sample preparation technique using micro-litre levels of organic solvent to extract target analytes from various sample matrices for subsequent instrumental analysis. This technique developed rapidly from its introduction in the mid-1990s. Micro-extraction methods can be conveniently combined with a wide selection of instruments commonly used in a chemical laboratory; they significantly reduce analysis time and costs of solvents’ use and waste disposal. This review focuses on recent advances in several liquid-based micro-extraction methods, including single-drop micro-extraction, hollow fibre-liquid phase micro-extraction, and dispersive liquid-liquid micro-extraction. Examples of application of these methods to environmental, food, and biomedical analysis are listed.
Production of fructosyltransferase in mechanically stirred and air-lift bioreactors
Authors: Šedová Marcela , Illeová Viera , Antošová Monika , Annus Július , Polakovič Milan 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAureobasidium pullulans cells were cultivated in a 3 dm3 stirred bioreactor to optimize the production of fructosyltransferase (FTase). Batch experiments were focused on the influence of the initial sucrose concentration (150–350 g dm−3), sodium nitrate concentration (10–25 g dm−3), and stirring rate (180–540 min−1) on the process. It was found that the FTase specific activity per cell mass was positively influenced by the conditions that impeded the cell growth such as higher sucrose concentrations or lower oxygen transfer rates. Higher content of inorganic nitrogen substrate slightly increased the overall FTase production. The presence of fructose moiety-containing saccharides in the cultivation medium was observed to be indispensable for FTase production. An addition of a concentrated sucrose solution in the 40th cultivation hour therefore essentially resumed the FTase production. Finally, scale-up experiments were performed in 12 dm3 and 100 dm3 mechanically stirred bioreactors and in 20 dm3 and 60 dm3 air-lift bioreactors.
The Seeker-Consumer: Scientology and the Rhetoric of Consumerism
Authors: Spohrer Erika 
Published: March 2014

Abstract:This article contributes to the growing body of work on the Church of Scientology, arguing that the Church’s Web site from 2005 to 2010 engages a rhetoric of consumerism. The Church’s site does not merely exemplify consumer capitalism through a haphazard collection of marketing techniques; rather, consumer capitalism is the site’s very language: at the level of vocabulary, syntax, visual design, and site architecture, consumer capitalism is the site’s mode of discursive engagement. In turn, the site’s rhetoric of consumerism crafts the process of spiritual seeking into an act of capitalist consuming.
“The Grandest, Most Compelling Story of All Time: Dominant Themes of Christian Media Marketing”
Authors: Trammell Jim Y. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract:This article analyzes the marketing campaigns of best-selling Christian books and albums to identify their dominant themes. Through a literary/critical analysis, this article addresses how Christian media marketing frames the consumer as having spiritual problems, lauds the artists as Christian role models, and projects themes of inspiration and empowerment onto the media. Ultimately, the marketing campaigns perpetuate a definition of “Christianity” that privileges making the consumer feel inspired and empowered, and tend to ignore other Christian beliefs or themes.
Mycobacterium tuberculosisImpairs Dendritic Cell Functions through the Serine Hydrolase Hip1
Authors: Madan-Lala Ranjna , Sia Jonathan Kevin , King Rebecca , Adekambi Toidi , Monin Leticia , Khader Shabaana A. , Pulendran Bali , Rengarajan Jyothi 
Published: March 2014

AbstractMycobacterium tuberculosis is a highly successful human pathogen that primarily resides in host phagocytes, such as macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs), and interferes with their functions. Although multiple strategies used by M. tuberculosis to modulate macrophage responses have been discovered, interactions between M. tuberculosis and DCs are less well understood. DCs are the primary APCs of the immune system and play a central role in linking innate and adaptive immune responses to microbial pathogens. In this study, we show that M. tuberculosis impairs DC cytokine secretion, maturation, and Ag presentation through the cell envelope–associated serine hydrolase, Hip1. Compared to wild-type, a hip1 mutant strain of M. tuberculosis induced enhanced levels of the key Th1-inducing cytokine IL-12, as well as other proinflammatory cytokines (IL-23, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-18) in DCs via MyD88- and TLR2/9-dependent pathways, indicating that Hip1 restricts optimal DC inflammatory responses. Infection with the hip1 mutant also induced higher levels of MHC class II and costimulatory molecules CD40 and CD86, indicating that M. tuberculosis impairs DC maturation through Hip1. Further, we show that M. tuberculosis promotes suboptimal Ag presentation, as DCs infected with the hip1 mutant showed increased capacity to present Ag to OT-II– and early secreted antigenic target 6–specific transgenic CD4 T cells and enhanced Th1 and Th17 polarization. Overall, these data show that M. tuberculosis impairs DC functions and modulates the nature of Ag-specific T cell responses, with important implications for vaccination strategies.