bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fixed and periodic points of generalized contractions in metric spaces
Authors: Abbas Mujahid , Ali Basit , Romaguera Salvador 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Wardowski (Fixed Point Theory Appl. 2012:94, 2012, doi:10.1186/1687-1812-2012-94) introduced a new type of contraction called F-contraction and proved a fixed point result in complete metric spaces, which in turn generalizes the Banach contraction principle. The aim of this paper is to introduce F-contractions with respect to a self-mapping on a metric space and to obtain common fixed point results. Examples are provided to support results and concepts presented herein. As an application of our results, periodic point results for the F-contractions in metric spaces are proved.

MSC:47H10, 47H07, 54H25.
Effects of tai chi program on neuromuscular function for patients with knee osteoarthritis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wang Xue-Qiang , Huang Ling-Yan , Liu Yu , Li Jing-Xian , Wu Xie , Li Hai-Peng , Wang Lin 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a major cause of disability as well as a burden on healthcare resources. Tai chi has been proposed as an alternative and complementary treatment for the management of knee osteoarthritis, but there appears to be no consensus on its usefulness. This study aims to develop an innovative tai chi rehabilitation program (ITCRP) for patients with knee OA, and to investigate the effect of ITCRP intervention on a range of outcomes including pain, function, balance, neuromuscular response, and biomechanics in knee OA.

Methods/Design
We will conduct a prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled trial of 140 individuals with symptomatic knee OA. Patients will be randomly assigned into either an ITCRP group or a control group. The ITCRP group will participate in tai chi two or three times a week for 6 months. The control group will receive health education. After the 6-month intervention period, there will be a 6-month follow-up period with no active intervention in either group. The primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Primary outcome measures will be a visual analog scale for pain, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index,and the Lequesne Knee Score. The secondary outcome measures will include the Berg balance scale, knee and ankle proprioception, neuromuscular response, and 3D functional biomechanics. Furthermore, adverse events will be recorded and analyzed. If any participants withdraw from the trial, intention-to-treat analysiswill be performed.

Discussion
Important features of this trial include the randomization procedures, large sample size, and a standardized protocol for ITCRP for knee OA. This study aims to determine the feasibility of ITCRP for knee OA and provide data on the effects of ITCRP. Hence, our results will be useful for patients with knee OA as well as for medical staff and healthcare decision makers.

Trial registration
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry:ChiCTR-TRC-13003264.
Long-term effects on carotid intima-media thickness after radiotherapy in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Huang Tai Lin , Hsu Hsuan Chih , Chen Hui Chun , Lin Hsin Ching , Chien Chih Yen , Fang Fu Min , Huang Chih Cheng , Chang Hsueh Wen , Chang Wen Neng , Huang Chi Ren , Tsai Nai Wen , Kung Chia Te , Wang Hung Chen , Lin Wei Che , Cheng Ben Chung , Su Yu Jih , Chang Ya Ting , Chang Chuang Rung , Tan Teng Yeow , Lu Cheng Hsien 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Vascular abnormalities are the predominant histologic changes associated with radiation in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). This study examined if the duration after radiotherapy correlates with the progression of carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and investigated its relationship with inflammatory markers.

Methods
One hundred and five NPC patients post-radiotherapy for more than one year and 25 healthy control subjects were examined by B-mode ultrasound for IMT measurement at the far wall of the common carotid artery (CCA). Surrogate markers including lipid profile, HbA1c, and high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were assessed.

Results
The IMT of CCA was significantly increased in NPC patients and carotid plaque was detected in 38 NPC patients (38/105, 36.2%). Significant risk factors for carotid plaques included age, duration after radiotherapy, and HbA1c levels. Age, duration after radiotherapy, hs-CRP, HbA1c, and platelet count positively correlated with IMT. The cut-off value of age and duration after radiotherapy for the presence of plaque was 52.5 years and 42.5 months, respectively. In NPC subjects, multiple linear regression analysis revealed that age, gender, duration after radiotherapy and platelet counts were independently associated with CCA IMT. After adjustments for age, gender and platelet counts, IMT increased in a linear manner with duration after radiotherapy.

Conclusions
Radiation-induced vasculopathy is a dynamic and progressive process due to late radiation effects. Extra-cranial color-coded duplex sonography can be part of routine follow-up in NPC patients aged ≥50 years at 40 months post-radiotherapy.
Transcription factors and genetic circuits orchestrating the complex, multilayered response of Clostridium acetobutylicum to butanol and butyrate stress
Authors: Wang Qinghua , Venkataramanan Keerthi Prasad , Huang Hongzhan , Papoutsakis Eleftherios T , Wu Cathy H 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundOrganisms of the genusClostridiumare Gram-positive endospore formers of great importance to the carbon cycle, human normo- and pathophysiology, but also in biofuel and biorefinery applications. Exposure ofClostridiumorganisms to chemical and in particular toxic metabolite stress is ubiquitous in both natural (such as in the human microbiome) and engineered environments, engaging both the general stress response as well as specialized programs. Yet, despite its fundamental and applied significance, it remains largely unexplored at the systems level.ResultsWe generated a total of 96 individual sets of microarray data examining the transcriptional changes inC. acetobutylicum,a modelClostridiumorganism,in response to three levels of chemical stress from the native metabolites, butanol and butyrate. We identified 164 significantly differentially expressed transcriptional regulators and detailed the cellular programs associated with general and stressor-specific responses, many previously unexplored. Pattern-based, comparative genomic analyses enabled us, for the first time, to construct a detailed picture of the genetic circuitry underlying the stress response. Notably, a list of the regulons and DNA binding motifs of the stress-related transcription factors were identified: two heat-shock response regulators, HrcA and CtsR; the SOS response regulator LexA; the redox sensor Rex; and the peroxide sensor PerR. Moreover, several transcriptional regulators controlling stress-responsive amino acid and purine metabolism and their regulons were also identified, including ArgR (arginine biosynthesis and catabolism regulator), HisR (histidine biosynthesis regulator), CymR (cysteine metabolism repressor) and PurR (purine metabolism repressor).ConclusionsUsing an exceptionally large set of temporal transcriptional data and regulon analyses, we successfully built a STRING-based stress response network model integrating important players for the general and specialized metabolite stress response inC. acetobutylicum. Since the majority of the transcription factors and their target genes are highly conserved in other organisms of theClostridiumgenus, this network would be largely applicable to otherClostridiumorganisms. The network informs the molecular basis ofClostridiumresponses to toxic metabolites in natural ecosystems and the microbiome, and will facilitate the construction of genome-scale models with added regulatory-network dimensions to guide the development of tolerant strains.
Pulmonary nodular amyloidosis in a patient undergoing lobectomy: a case report
Authors: Liu Min , Wei Sen , Li Xin , Liu Hongyu , Zhou Qinghua , Chen Jun 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Introduction
Pulmonary amyloidosis is rare and is often misdiagnosed due a lack of general awareness.

Case presentation
In this case report we describe a 69-year-old Chinese woman who presented with a right lower lobe pulmonary nodule. After video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy, a histopathologic diagnosis of pulmonary nodular amyloidosis was rendered. She has done well postoperatively, showing no local recurrence or distal disease in an 8-month follow-up period.

Conclusions
Distinguishing parenchymal nodular amyloidosis from a malignant lung tumor is often quite difficult. In the differential diagnosis of pulmonary nodules, nodular amyloidosis should be considered to avoid unnecessary lobectomy.
Extramammary Paget’s disease affecting the external auditory canal: a case report
Authors: Bomfim Francisco de Assis Castro , Mendes Walber de Oliveira , Veras Igor Moreira , de Freitas Jônatas Catunda , Castro Ana Maria da Silva , de Castro Francisco Monteiro 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Introduction
Extramammary Paget’s disease is a rare histological type of intraepithelial adenocarcinoma that mainly affects apocrine sweat gland-rich areas. Predilection sites include the anogenital region and, less commonly, the axillae. These tumors rarely occur in non-apocrine regions. The aim of this case report is to describe a case of extramammary Paget’s disease in the external auditory canal with extensive temporal bone involvement and skull base invasion.

Case presentation
A 40-year-old Caucasian man presented with a progressively growing, vegetating lesion localized in his right-hand external auditory canal. He had peripheral facial nerve paralysis and complete ipsilateral hearing loss. An incisional biopsy suggested extramammary Paget’s disease, and the immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the diagnosis. The tumor was considered inoperable because of the extensive skull base involvement, and he was referred for palliative radiotherapy.

Conclusion
We report here the third case of extramammary Paget’s disease affecting the external auditory canal to be described in the literature. In all the three cases, the prognosis was unfavorable despite treatment.
Utility of magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of unsuspected cases of Parsonage-Turner syndrome: two case reports
Authors: Kumar Ishan , Verma Ashish , Srivastava Arvind , Shukla Ram C 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Introduction
MRI is becoming increasingly important in the evaluation of shoulder pain, especially in the diagnosis of rotator cuff injuries and conditions that mimic them. Parsonage-Turner syndrome is a well-defined clinical entity that presents with acute-onset shoulder pain and weakness, often first recognized on magnetic resonance imaging scans.

Case presentation
We studied magnetic resonance imaging features of two Asian men (ages 24 and 31 years) who presented with variable-onset shoulder pain and weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed increased T2-weighted signal intensity of supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles in both patients.

Conclusion
Magnetic resonance imaging findings are distinctive, although nonspecific, in cases of Parsonage-Turner syndrome, and knowledge of the imaging and clinical features of this disease enable clinicians to arrive at the correct diagnosis and guide appropriate management.
Mechanical thrombectomy – an alternative treatment option in a patient with acute ischemic stroke and multiple contraindications for systemic thrombolysis: a case report
Authors: Sczesni Katrin Christina , Wiebringhaus Reinhard , Heuser Lothar , Skodda Sabine , Eyding Jens 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Introduction
Acute ischemic stroke is a common cause of disability and death in developed countries. Standard therapy for patients who present within 4.5 hours from the onset of symptoms is intravenous thrombolysis if contraindications such as oral anticoagulation, cancer or recent surgery are ruled out. Apart from that, mechanical recanalization is a new treatment option for patients with occlusion of major cerebral arteries as a cause of ischemic stroke.

Case presentation
In this case report we describe a 55-year-old Caucasian man with a right hemispheric ischemic syndrome who presented in time but who had multiple contraindications against systemic thrombolysis. He was then treated with mechanical recanalization and recovered. On discharge from the hospital he had only a slight left-sided facial paresis and discrete impairment of motion smoothness in his left hand.

Conclusion
We conclude that multimodal imaging should be performed in all patients with an acute onset of neurological symptoms suspicious of ischemic stroke, even if they have contraindications against an intravenous thrombolytic treatment.
Sex chromosome complement regulates expression of mood-related genes
Authors: Seney Marianne L , Ekong Kokomma I , Ding Ying , Tseng George C , Sibille Etienne 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundStudies on major depressive and anxiety disorders suggest dysfunctions in brain corticolimbic circuits, including altered gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and modulatory (serotonin and dopamine) neurotransmission. Interestingly, sexual dimorphisms in GABA, serotonin, and dopamine systems are also reported. Understanding the mechanisms behind these sexual dimorphisms may help unravel the biological bases of the heightened female vulnerability to mood disorders. Here, we investigate the contribution of sex-related factors (sex chromosome complement, developmental gonadal sex, or adult circulating hormones) to frontal cortex expression of selected GABA-, serotonin-, and dopamine-related genes.MethodsAs gonadal sex is determined by sex chromosome complement, the role of sex chromosomes cannot be investigated individually in humans. Therefore, we used the Four Core Genotypes (FCG) mouse model, in which sex chromosome complement and gonadal sex are artificially decoupled, to examine the expression of 13 GABA-related genes, 6 serotonin- and dopamine-related genes, and 8 associated signal transduction genes under chronic stress conditions. Results were analyzed by three-way ANOVA (sex chromosome complement × gonadal sex × circulating testosterone). A global perspective of gene expression changes was provided by heatmap representation and gene co-expression networks to identify patterns of transcriptional activities related to each main factor.ResultsWe show that under chronic stress conditions, sex chromosome complement influenced GABA/serotonin/dopamine-related gene expression in the frontal cortex, with XY mice consistently having lower gene expression compared to XX mice. Gonadal sex and circulating testosterone exhibited less pronounced, more complex, and variable control over gene expression. Across factors, male conditions were associated with a tightly co-expressed set of signal transduction genes.ConclusionsUnder chronic stress conditions, sex-related factors differentially influence expression of genes linked to mood regulation in the frontal cortex. The main factor influencing expression of GABA-, serotonin-, and dopamine-related genes was sex chromosome complement, with an unexpected pro-disease effect in XY mice relative to XX mice. This effect was partially opposed by gonadal sex and circulating testosterone, although all three factors influenced signal transduction pathways in males. Since GABA, serotonin, and dopamine changes are also observed in other psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, these findings have broader implications for the understanding of sexual dimorphism in adult psychopathology.
Are temporary work agencies stepping stones into regular employment?
Authors: Hveem Joakim 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
This paper estimates the causal effect of temporary work agency (TWA) employment on the subsequent probability of employment in the regular labor market. The main purpose is to estimate the stepping-stone effect separately for natives and immigrants, where the latter group potentially benefits the most from TWA employment. Since no quasi-experiment is available, individual Differences-in-Differences and matching is used to deal with the potential selection bias. The results point at a negative regular employment effect, which slowly fades away over a couple of years. Thus no evidence of a stepping-stone effect is found. When conditioning on immigrants, this negative effect is absent. A long-run significant effect is found on overall employment probability (including TWA employment), there is even a long-run positive effect on annual earnings (mainly driven by women). Unemployment probabilities decreased, however the results in the estimation were less stable over time compared to the employment estimates, suggesting that the TWAs might keep individuals from exiting the labor market.
Calmodulin levels in blood cells as a potential biomarker of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Esteras Noemí , Alquézar Carolina , de la Encarnación Ana , Villarejo Alberto , Bermejo-Pareja Félix , Martín-Requero Ángeles 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Introduction
The clinical features of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) overlap with a number of other dementias and conclusive diagnosis is only achieved at autopsy. Accurate in-life diagnosis requires finding biomarkers suitable for early diagnosis, as well as for discrimination from other types of dementia. Mounting evidence suggests that AD-dependent processes may also affect peripheral cells. We previously reported that calmodulin (CaM) signaling is impaired in AD lymphoblasts. Here, we address the issue as to whether the assessment of CaM levels in peripheral cells could serve as a diagnostic biomarker.

Methods
A total of 165 subjects were enrolled in the study, including 56 AD patients, 15 patients with mild cognitive impairment, 7 with frontotemporal dementia associated with progranulin mutations, 4 with dementia with Lewy bodies, 20 patients with Parkinson’s disease, 10 with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, 5 with progressive supranuclear palsy, and 48 cognitively normal individuals. CaM levels were then analyzed in lymphoblasts, peripheral blood mononuclear cells and plasma. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were employed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of CaM content in identifying AD patients.

Results
Compared with control individuals, CaM levels were significantly increased in AD cells, but not in the other neurodegenerative disorders. CaM levels differentiated AD from control with a sensitivity of 0.89 and a specificity of 0.82 and were not dependent on disease severity or age. MCI patients also showed higher levels of the protein.

Conclusions
CaM levels could be considered a peripheral biomarker for AD in its early stage and help to discriminate from other types of dementia.
Differences in synovial fluid cytokine levels but not in synovial tissue cell infiltrate between anti-citrullinated peptide/protein antibody-positive and –negative rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Gómez-Puerta José A , Celis Raquel , Hernández M Victoria , Ruiz-Esquide Virginia , Ramírez Julio , Haro Isabel , Cañete Juan D , Sanmartí Raimon 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Comparative data on synovial cell infiltrate and cytokine levels in anti citrullinated peptide/protein antibody (ACPA)-positive and ACPA negative rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients are scarce. Our aim was to analyze synovial cell infiltrate and synovial fluid (SF) levels of cytokines in patients with RA according to the presence or absence of ACPA in serum.

Methods
A cross-sectional study in a single center including consecutive RA patients was performed. Patients were defined as 'ACPA negative' if serum was negative to two different ACPAs [second generation commercial anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (CCP2) and chimeric fibrin/filaggrin citrullinated antibodies]. Parallel synovial tissue (ST) biopsies and SF were obtained by knee arthroscopy. Synovial cell infiltrate and endothelial cells were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and SF levels of Th1, Th2, Th17 and pro-inflammatory cytokines by Quantibody(R) Human Array.

Results
A total of 83 patients underwent arthroscopy, with a mean age of 55.9 ± 12 years, and mean disease duration of 45 months (interquartile range, IQR 10.8 to 122). 62% were female and 77% were ACPA positive. No significant differences were found in clinical variables, acute phase reactants, synovial cell infiltrate or lymphoid neogenesis (LN) between ACPA positive and negative patients. However ACPA positive patients had significantly higher levels of IL-1β, IL-10, IL-17 F and CC chemokine ligand 20 (CCL-20) than ACPA negative patients.

Conclusions
In our cohort of patients with RA no significant differences were found in synovial cell infiltrate or synovial LN according to ACPA status. However, ACPA positive patients had higher levels of T-cell derived and pro-inflammatory cytokines than ACPA negative patients. As systemic and local inflammation was similar in the two groups, these findings support a distinct synovial physiopathology.
Natural killer cells and natural killer T cells in Lyme arthritis
Authors: Katchar Kia , Drouin Elise E , Steere Allen C 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Natural killer (NK) and natural killer T (NKT) cells provide a first line of defense against infection. However, these cells have not yet been examined in patients with Lyme arthritis, a late disease manifestation. Lyme arthritis usually resolves with antibiotic treatment. However, some patients have persistent arthritis after spirochetal killing, which may result from excessive inflammation, immune dysregulation and infection-induced autoimmunity.

Methods
We determined the frequencies and phenotypes of NK cells and invariant NKT (iNKT) cells in paired peripheral blood (PB) and synovial fluid (SF) samples from eight patients with antibiotic-responsive arthritis and fifteen patients with antibiotic-refractory arthritis using flow cytometry and cytokine analyses.

Results
In antibiotic-responsive patients, who were seen during active infection, high frequencies of CD56bright NK cells were found in SF, the inflammatory site, compared with PB (P <0.001); at both sites, a high percentage of cells expressed the activation receptor NKG2D and the chaperone CD94, a low percentage expressed inhibitory killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR), and a high percentage produced IFN-γ. In antibiotic-refractory patients, who were usually evaluated near the conclusion of antibiotics when few if any live spirochetes remained, the phenotype of CD56bright cells in SF was similar to that in patients with antibiotic-responsive arthritis, but the frequency of these cells was significantly less (P = 0.05), and the frequencies of CD56dim NK cells tended to be higher. However, unlike typical NKdim cells, these cells produced large amounts of IFN-γ, suggesting that they were not serving a cytotoxic function. Lastly, iNKT cell frequencies in the SF of antibiotic-responsive patients were significantly greater compared with that of antibiotic-refractory patients where these cells were often absent (P = 0.003).

Conclusions
In patients with antibiotic-responsive arthritis, the high percentage of activated, IFN-γ-producing CD56bright NK cells in SF and the presence of iNKT cells suggest that these cells still have a role in spirochetal killing late in the illness. In patients with antibiotic-refractory arthritis, the frequencies of IFN-γ-producing CD56bright and CD56dim NK cells remained high in SF, even after spirochetal killing, suggesting that these cells contribute to excessive inflammation and immune dysregulation in joints, and iNKT cells, which may have immunomodulatory effects, were often absent.