bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bilateral cochlear implantation in children: A systematic review and best‐evidence synthesis
Authors: Lammers Marc J.W. , van der Heijden Geert J.M.G. , Pourier Vanessa E.C. , Grolman Wilko 
Published: January 2014

Objectives/HypothesisTo evaluate the effectiveness of bilateral cochlear implantation over unilateral implantation in children with sensorineural hearing loss.Data SourcesPubmed, Embase, and Web of Science.Review MethodsAll studies comparing a bilateral cochlear implant group with a unilateral implant group were included.ResultsTwenty‐one studies compared a bilateral cochlear implant group with a unilateral group. No randomized trials were identified. Due to the clinical heterogeneity, statistical pooling was not feasible and a best‐evidence synthesis was performed. The results of this best‐evidence synthesis indicate the positive effect of the second implant for especially sound localization and possibly for preverbal communication and language development. There was insufficient evidence to make a valid comparison between bilateral implantation and a bimodal fitting.ConclusionAlthough randomized trials are lacking, the results of our best‐evidence synthesis indicate that the second cochlear implant might be especially useful in sound localization and possibly also in language development.Level of EvidenceLaryngoscope, 124:1694–1699, 2014
Combination ALA‐PDT and ablative fractional Er:YAG laser (2,940 nm) on the treatment of severe acne
Authors: Yin Rui , Lin Lin , Xiao Yan , Hao Fei , Hamblin Michael R. 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundScarring is a very common complication of severe acne and is difficult to treat by conventional methods. 5‐Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a novel treatment for improving acne lesions. Fractional laser resurfacing is a promising treatment for scar treatment because of its unique ability to stimulate the wound healing response and its depth of penetration.ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of combination therapies of ALA‐PDT and ablative fractional Er:YAG laser (2,940 nm) for scarring lesions in severe acne patients.MethodsA prospective, single‐arm, pilot study. Forty subjects with severe acne were treated with 15% ALA‐PDT for four times at 10‐day intervals. They then received ablative fractional Er:YAG laser treatment five times at 4‐week intervals. Three independent investigators evaluated subject outcomes at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post‐treatment (primary outcome); patients also provided self‐assessments of improvement (secondary outcome).ResultsSignificant reductions in acne score (P < 0.01) were obtained at follow‐up visits after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. After 6 month, the lesions showed overall improvement in all of subjects (good to excellent in acne inflammatory lesions), 80% overall improvement in acne scars. After 12 months, most of subjects had improved hypertrophic/atrophic scars (good to excellent in 85%) and no one had recurrent acne inflammatory lesions. Patient self‐evaluation also revealed good to excellent improvements (on average) in acne lesions and scarring, with significant improvements in self‐esteem after 6 months post‐treatment.ConclusionsPDT can control the inflammation and improve the severity of acne lesions. Fractional resurfacing is a promising new treatment modality for scars by stimulating wound healing and remodeling. The combination therapy is a promising option for severe acne to prevent and improve car formation. Lasers Surg. Med. 46:165–172, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Beneficial effects of early treatment of infantile hemangiomas with a long‐pulse Alexandrite laser
Authors: Su Wenting , Ke Youhui , Xue Jixin 
Published: January 2014

Background and ObjectiveThere is an increasing interest in treating vascular lesions with a long‐pulse Alexandrite laser. However, it is difficult to search information in the literature about infantile hemangiomas (IH) treated with long‐pulse Alexandrite laser. This article aims to determine whether 755 nm long‐pulse Alexandrite laser is effective and safe for early intervention of IH and provides some new data on this issue.Materials and MethodsThis is a retrospective study of 48 infants with IH treated with long‐pulse Alexandrite laser during a 1.5‐year period. Patients received a series of 1–7 treatment sessions with long‐pulse Alexandrite laser at settings of 3 milliseconds pulse duration, 6–8 mm spot, 45–70 J/cm2fluences, and with dynamic cooling device (DCD) spray duration of 90 milliseconds and delay of 80 milliseconds, given at 4‐ to 6‐week intervals.ResultsThis study demonstrated that IH responded favorably to the treatment of a long‐pulse Alexandrite laser while accompany with relatively few complications. The difference between the original untreated and post‐treatment scores of all IH and two subgroups were statistically significant, respectively (P < 0.01). The difference of the degree of improvement between the two subgroups was not significant (P > 0.05). It was observed that IH on the trunk and extremities improved more effectively and more quickly than those on the face, neck, and perineum. Besides, age at the first treatment, the sex of the patients and the presence of proliferation were not significantly correlated with the degree of improvement. Adverse effects were seen in 11 patients (22.91%): blistering (n = 9), marked edema and erosion without subsequent residual scarring (n = 1), and hypopigmentation (n = 1), which improved gradually with time. Fortunately, there was no incidence of scarring or ulceration in this case series of IH.ConclusionsIt was clinically effective and safe for early treatment of IH, including the thick/deep ones, with a long‐pulse Alexandrite laser, which indicated be able to reduce the possibility that the IH will reach its full size. In this way it can prevent several complications connected to the rapid proliferation of IH. Lasers Surg. Med. 46:173–179, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Time‐encoded pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling: Basic properties and timing strategies for human applications
Authors: Teeuwisse Wouter M. , Schmid Sophie , Ghariq Eidrees , Veer Ilya M. , van Osch Matthias J.P. 
Published: January 2014

PurposeIn this study, the basic properties and requirements of time‐encoded pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling (te‐pCASL) are investigated. Also, the extra degree of freedom delivered by changing block durations is explored.MethodsFirst, the minimal duration of encoding blocks, the influence of cardiac triggering, and the effect of dividing the labeling period into blocks are evaluated. Two new strategies for timing the encoding blocks in te‐pCASL are introduced: variable block duration to compensate for T1‐decay and the free lunch approach that uses the postlabeling delay time that is idle in standard pCASL to acquire arterial transit time (ATT) information. Simulations are used to probe possible signal losses.ResultsNo signal loss was found when dividing the labeling period into blocks with duration >50 ms. In time‐encoded perfusion imaging, no cardiac triggering is required. Summation of results for individual blocks in te‐pCASL postprocessing causes severe loss of temporal SNR. Quality of cerebral blood flow (CBF) maps was not affected by the encoding line order.ConclusionAdjusting the timing of encoding blocks in te‐pCASL allows for tailoring the acquisition to specific applications. With the free lunch setup, te‐pCASL delivers CBF and high resolution ATT maps within a single scan, with a small penalty in tSNR. Magn Reson Med 72:1712–1722, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of the genomic features and expressed fusion genes in micropapillary carcinomas of the breast
Authors: Natrajan Rachael , Wilkerson Paul M , Marchiò Caterina , Piscuoglio Salvatore , Ng Charlotte KY , Wai Patty , Lambros Maryou B , Samartzis Eleftherios P , Dedes Konstantin J , Frankum Jessica , Bajrami Ilirjana , Kopec Alicja , Mackay Alan , A'hern Roger , Fenwick Kerry , Kozarewa Iwanka , Hakas Jarle , Mitsopoulos Costas , Hardisson David , Lord Christopher J , Kumar‐Sinha Chandan , Ashworth Alan , Weigelt Britta , Sapino Anna , Chinnaiyan Arul M , Maher Christopher A , Reis‐Filho Jorge S 
Published: January 2014

AbstractMicropapillary carcinoma (MPC) is a rare histological special type of breast cancer, characterized by an aggressive clinical behaviour and a pattern of copy number aberrations (CNAs) distinct from that of grade‐ and oestrogen receptor (ER)‐matched invasive carcinomas of no special type (IC‐NSTs). The aims of this study were to determine whether MPCs are underpinned by a recurrent fusion gene(s) or mutations in 273 genes recurrently mutated in breast cancer. Sixteen MPCs were subjected to microarray‐based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) analysis and Sequenom OncoCarta mutation analysis. Eight and five MPCs were subjected to targeted capture and RNA sequencing, respectively. aCGH analysis confirmed our previous observations about the repertoire of CNAs of MPCs. Sequencing analysis revealed a spectrum of mutations similar to those of luminal B IC‐NSTs, and recurrent mutations affecting mitogen‐activated protein kinase family genes and NBPF10. RNA‐sequencing analysis identified 17 high‐confidence fusion genes, eight of which were validated and two of which were in‐frame. No recurrent fusions were identified in an independent series of MPCs and IC‐NSTs. Forced expression of in‐frame fusion genes (SLC2A1–FAF1 and BCAS4–AURKA) resulted in increased viability of breast cancer cells. In addition, genomic disruption of CDK12 caused by out‐of‐frame rearrangements was found in one MPC and in 13% of HER2‐positive breast cancers, identified through a re‐analysis of publicly available massively parallel sequencing data. In vitro analyses revealed that CDK12 gene disruption results in sensitivity to PARP inhibition, and forced expression of wild‐type CDK12 in a CDK12‐null cell line model resulted in relative resistance to PARP inhibition. Our findings demonstrate that MPCs are neither defined by highly recurrent mutations in the 273 genes tested, nor underpinned by a recurrent fusion gene. Although seemingly private genetic events, some of the fusion transcripts found in MPCs may play a role in maintenance of a malignant phenotype and potentially offer therapeutic opportunities. © 2014 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Prenatal diagnosis in severe von Willebrand disease families from India using combination of phenotypic and genotypic assays
Authors: Kasatkar Priyanka , Shetty Shrimati , Ghosh Kanjaksha 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTObjectiveThis study aimed to offer genetic diagnosis to affected type 3 severe von Willebrand disease families.MethodThirteen families were referred for prenatal diagnosis during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy. Prenatal diagnosis was offered by chorionic villus sampling between 11 and 12 weeks and by cordocentesis between 18 and 19.5 weeks of gestation. Phenotypic analysis included FVIII:C and von Willebrand factor antigen assays. A combination of molecular biological techniques which included PCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism technique using intron 40 variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) markers, conformation sensitive gel electrophoresis, direct DNA sequencing, and multiple ligation probe amplification (MLPA) were used to offer genotyic diagnosis in the remaining families.ResultsDiagnosis was offered by intron 40 VNTR analysis in eight families. In one family, the diagnosis was given by direct mutation detection technique, whereas in another diagnosis was given by MLPA technique as the index case showed the presence of large deletion within von Willebrand factor. In three families, diagnosis was offered by cordocentesis on the basis of phenotypic assays, further confirmed by genotyping.ConclusionBoth first and second‐trimester prenatal diagnoses could be successfully offered using a combination of phenotypic and genotypic techniques to all severe von Willebrand disease families. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reference charts for fetal biometric parameters in twin pregnancies according to chorionicity
Authors: Araujo Júnior Edward , Ruano Rodrigo , Javadian Pouya , Martins Wellington P. , Elito Júnior Julio , Pires Claudio Rodrigues , Zanforlin Filho Sebastião Marques 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTObjectiveThe objective of this article is to determine reference values for fetal biometric parameters in twin pregnancies and to compare these values between monochorionic and dichorionic pregnancies.MethodsA retrospective cross‐sectional study was conducted among 157 monochorionic and 176 dichorionic twin pregnancies between 14 and 38 weeks of gestation. Biometric measurements included the biparietal diameter (BPD), abdominal circumference (AC), femurs length (FL) and estimated fetal weight (EFW). To evaluate the correlation between biometric parameters and gestational age, polynomial regression models were created, with adjustments using the coefficient of determination (R2). Comparison between monochorionic and dichorionic pregnancies was performed using analysis of covariance.ResultsThe mean BPD, AC, FL and EFW for the dichorionic pregnancies were 56.16 mm, 191.1 mm, 41.08 mm and 816.1 g, respectively. The mean BPD, AC, FL and EFW for the monochorionic pregnancies were 57.14 mm, 184.2 mm, 39.29 mm and 723.4 g, respectively. There was a statistical difference between mono and dichorionic pregnancies for all the biometric parameters (BPD p = 0.012; AC p = 0.047; FL p = 0.007; EFW p = 0.011).ConclusionReference curves of biometric parameters in twin pregnancies were determined. Biometric parameters were statistically different between monochorionic and dichorionic pregnancies. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cadmium‐induced microsatellite instability in the kidneys and leukocytes of C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Du Xiaoyan , Lan Tianfeng , Yuan Bao , Chen Jian , Hu Jinping , Ren Wenzhi , Chen Zhenwen 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTCadmium is a cytotoxic, carcinogenic, and mutagenic industrial product or byproduct. The correlation between metal exposure and microsatellite instability (MSI) has been reported by several groups. In the present study, 50 C57BL/6J mice at 6 weeks of age were divided into five groups and intraperitoneally injected with 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, or 2 mg/kg cadmium chloride quaque die alterna for 4 weeks. Then, the liver, kidney, testis, leukocytes, bone marrow, and small intestine were collected from the treated mice and weighed. Portions of these tissues were fixed for further histological analysis, and the remaining tissues were subjected to genomic DNA extraction for the analysis of a panel of 42 microsatellite markers. The liver and testis weight coefficients were significantly changed in the 1 and 2 mg/kg cadmium chloride‐treated groups compared with the control group. Simultaneously, severe histopathologic changes in the liver and kidneys, along with a complete disorganization of testicular structure and obvious severe necrosis in the testes were observed in the cadmium‐treated group. The cadmium accumulated in the liver and kidneys of the mice in all cadmium‐treated groups; the tissue cadmium concentrations were significantly higher than those in the control group. After STR scanning, MSI was found at three loci (D15Mit5, D10Mit266, and DxMit172) in the kidneys and leukocytes of mice in the lower dose groups (0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg). In summary, we have successfully established a sub‐chronic cadmium exposure model and confirmed that cadmium exposure can induce MSI in mice. We also identified two loci that could be regarded as “hotspots” of microsatellite mutation in mice. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 30: 683–692, 2015.
Perinatal morbidity and mortality in early‐onset fetal growth restriction: cohort outcomes of the trial of randomized umbilical and fetal flow in Europe (TRUFFLE)
Authors: Lees C. , Marlow N. , Arabin B. , Bilardo C. M. , Brezinka C. , Derks J. B. , Duvekot J. , Frusca T. , Diemert A. , Ferrazzi E. , Ganzevoort W. , Hecher K. , Martinelli P. , Ostermayer E. , Papageorghiou A. T. , Schlembach D. , Schneider K. T. M. , Thilaganathan B. , Todros T. , van Wassenaer‐Leemhuis A. , Valcamonico A. , Visser G. H. A. , Wolf H. ,   the TRUFFLE Group
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTObjectivesFew data exist for counseling and perinatal management of women after an antenatal diagnosis of early‐onset fetal growth restriction. Yet, the consequences of preterm delivery and its attendant morbidity for both mother and baby are far reaching. The objective of this study was to describe perinatal morbidity and mortality following early‐onset fetal growth restriction based on time of antenatal diagnosis and delivery.MethodsWe report cohort outcomes for a prospective multicenter randomized management study of fetal growth restriction (Trial of Randomized Umbilical and Fetal Flow in Europe (TRUFFLE)) performed in 20 European perinatal centers between 2005 and 2010. Women with a singleton fetus at 26–32 weeks of gestation, with abdominal circumference < 10th percentile and umbilical artery Doppler pulsatility index > 95th percentile, were recruited. The main outcome measure was a composite of fetal or neonatal death or severe morbidity: survival to discharge with severe brain injury, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, proven neonatal sepsis or necrotizing enterocolitis.ResultsFive‐hundred and three of 542 eligible women formed the study group. Mean ± SD gestational age at diagnosis was 29 ± 1.6 weeks and mean ± SD estimated fetal weight was 881 ± 217 g; 12 (2.4%) babies died in utero. Gestational age at delivery was 30.7 ± 2.3 weeks, and birth weight was 1013 ± 321 g. Overall, 81% of deliveries were indicated by fetal condition and 97% were by Cesarean section. Of 491 liveborn babies, outcomes were available for 490 amongst whom there were 27 (5.5%) deaths and 118 (24%) babies suffered severe morbidity. These babies were smaller at birth (867 ± 251 g) and born earlier (29.6 ± 2.0 weeks). Death and severe morbidity were significantly related to gestational age, both at study entry and delivery and also with the presence of maternal hypertensive morbidity. The median time to delivery was 13 days for women without hypertension, 8 days for those with gestational hypertension, 4 days for pre‐eclampsia and 3 days for HELLP syndrome.ConclusionsFetal outcome in this study was better than expected from contemporary reports: perinatal death was uncommon (8%) and 70% survived without severe neonatal morbidity. The intervals to delivery, death and severe morbidity were related to the presence and severity of maternal hypertensive conditions. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Comparison of climate change vulnerability assessments for wildlife
Authors: Lankford Amber J. , Svancara Leona K. , Lawler Joshua J. , Vierling Kerri 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTThe need for wildlife climate change vulnerability and sensitivity assessments has increased over the past decade. Use of these assessments by wildlife and land managers has increased due to concern for potential effects of climate change on species and landscapes. Although many approaches exist for assessing sensitivity and vulnerability to climate change, little is known about the similarity of results between methods. We compared outputs of 3 widely available assessments for the western United States: the NatureServe Climate Change Vulnerability Index, the U.S. Forest Service System for Assessing the Vulnerability of Species, and the Climate Change Sensitivity Database. We performed a broad categorical comparison and examined correlations across rankings to compare assessment outputs. We found little agreement in species rankings between pairs of assessments. There is no apparent pattern within, or between, taxa or habitat associations that could explain this poor correlation. Disparities likely result from differences in question format, choice of data input, or how vulnerability or sensitivity is calculated. Consideration of vulnerability quantification is needed, particularly regarding species sensitivity and adaptive capacity, because of limited understanding of species and community responses to climate exposure. Our results indicate it is extremely important to be aware of the specific goal and the quality, quantity, and variety of data used in each individual assessment in order to adequately use these assessments as tools for management planning. With the increasing need to include climate change scenarios in management actions and decisions, we suggest that increased cooperation among assessment developers could greatly aid in eliminating this discrepancy. © 2014 The Wildlife Society
Black soyabean seed coat extract regulates iron metabolism by inhibiting the expression of hepcidin
Authors: Mu Mingdao , Wu Aimin , An Peng , Du Xiaoli , Wu Qian , Shen Xiaoyun , Wang Fudi 
Published: January 2014

Hepcidin, a key regulator of Fe homeostasis, is an ideal drug target for treating patients with Fe disorders such as haemochromatosis, anaemia of chronic inflammation and Fe-deficiency anaemia. However, whether (and how) traditional Chinese black foods (e.g. black soyabeans) target hepcidin and improve Fe-deficiency anaemia remains unclear. Herein, we report that black soyabean seed coat extract (BSSCE) can potently inhibit thein vitroandin vivoexpression of hepcidin. In the present study, in cells treated with 200 μg/ml BSSCE, hepcidin expression was found to be reduced to only 6 % of the control levels (P< 0·01). An AIN-76A diet containing 2 % BSSCE was fed to 8-week-old male C57BL/6 mice for 0, 1, 7, 15 or 30 d; importantly, compared with the day 0 group, the day 7 group exhibited nearly a 50 % decrease in hepatic hepcidin expression (P< 0·01), a 35 % decrease in splenic Fe concentrations (P< 0·05) and a 135 % increase in serum Fe concentrations (P< 0·05). Mechanistically, the effect of BSSCE on hepcidin expression was mediated via a reduction in the phosphorylation levels of mothers against decapentaplegic homolog proteins (Smad)1/5/8. Consequently, the mice in the day 30 group exhibited large increases in erythrocyte counts (111 %v.day 0,P< 0·01), Hb concentrations (109 %,P< 0·01) and haematocrit values (108 %,P< 0·01). In conclusion, these results indicate that black soyabean extract regulates Fe metabolism by inhibiting the expression of hepcidin. This finding can be used to optimise the intervention of patients with hepcidin-related diseases, including Fe-deficiency anaemia.
In Search of Power: The European Commission in the Kennedy Round Negotiations (1963–1967)
Authors: COPPOLARO LUCIA 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThis article is about EEC trade policy-making in the GATT Kennedy Round negotiations. It questions whether the European Commission was decisive in terms of reaching an agreement in Brussels and then in Geneva, and whether the final outcome resembled the Commission's preferences. The article shows that in Brussels the Commission was able to make its preferences prevail only when these appealed to the Council of Ministers. In Geneva, member states pragmatically set limits to the actions of the Commission, guided by the principle of how they could enhance their trade interests. Eventually, they allowed the Commission to strengthen its role because this was in line with their interests.
Detailed Studies of the Sculptor Dwarf Spheroidal Galaxy in the Milky Way halo
Authors: Tolstoy Eline 
Published: January 2014

AbstractIn and around the Milky Way halo there are a number of low mass low luminosity dwarf galaxies. Several of these systems have been studied in great detail. I describe recent photometric and spectroscopic studies of the Sculptor dwarf spheroidal galaxy made as part of the DART survey of nearby dwarf spheroidal galaxies.