bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel protocol for assessing exercise performance and dystropathophysiology in the mdx mouse
Authors: Rocco Andrew B. , Levalley Jewel C. , Eldridge Jennifer A. , Marsh Susan A. , Rodgers Buel D. 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Dystrophinopathy in the young mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy is comparatively mild, requires induction, and is rarely assessed with tests of systemic muscle function in whole animals. Methods: A modified TREAT‐NMD induction protocol was used to evaluate respiratory and exercise performance, starting and ending with maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) tests. Results: The initial and/or final VO2max, time to exhaustion, speed at exhaustion, and total expended calories were significantly lower in mdx mice. Episodic VO2 and VCO2 fluctuations occurred during training and resulted in dissociated patterns of VO2 and respiratory exchange ratio (RER). These fluctuations further resulted in significantly greater VO2 coefficient of variation and RER values and lower minimal VO2 values. Conclusions: Quantifying respiratory performance during exercise is a potentially useful means for studying pathophysiology in mdx mice, as it assesses intact animals over time, is more sensitive than some histological markers, and assesses systemic muscle function. Muscle Nerve 50: 541–548, 2014
Noninvasive and invasive ventilation and enteral nutrition for ALS in Italy
Authors: Fini Nicola , Georgoulopoulou Eleni , Vinceti Marco , Monelli Marco , Pinelli Giovanni , Vacondio Paolo , Giovannini Michele , Dallari Rossano , Marudi Andrea , Mandrioli Jessica 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: We performed a population‐based study to assess amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) survival after noninvasive ventilation (NIV), invasive ventilation (IV), and enteral nutrition (EN). Methods: We included patients diagnosed from 2000 to 2009 in Modena, where a prospective registry and a Motor Neuron Diseases Centre have been active since 2000. Results: Of the 193 incident cases, 47.7% received NIV, 24.3% received tracheostomy, and 49.2% received EN. A total of 10.4% of the patients refused NIV, 31.6% refused IV, and 8.7% refused EN. The median survival times after NIV, IV, and EN were 15, 19, and 9 months, respectively. Of the tracheostomized patients, 79.7% were discharged from the hospital; 73.0% were discharged to home. The median survival times for tracheostomized patients who were cared for at home and in nursing homes were 43 and 2 months, respectively. The multivariate analysis demonstrated that the place of discharge was the only independent prognostic factor after IV (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Service organizations may promote adherence to NIV, IV, EN, and influence postprocedure survival. These data may be useful in defining health plans regarding advanced ALS care and in patient counseling. Muscle Nerve 50: 508–516, 2014
Role of metallothioneins as danger signals in the pathogenesis of colitis
Authors: Devisscher Lindsey , Hindryckx Pieter , Lynes Michael A , Waeytens Anouk , Cuvelier Claude , Vos Filip De , Vanhove Christian , Vos Martine De , Laukens Debby 
Published: January 2014

AbstractInflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are recurrent intestinal pathologies characterized by a compromised epithelial barrier and an exaggerated immune activation. Mediators of immune cell infiltration may represent new therapeutic opportunities. Metallothioneins (MTs) are stress‐responsive proteins with immune‐modulating functions. Metallothioneins have been linked to IBDs, but their role in intestinal inflammation is inconclusive. We investigated MT expression in colonic biopsies from IBDs and acute infectious colitis patients and healthy controls and evaluated MT's role in experimental colitis using MT knockout mice and anti‐MT antibodies. Antibody potential to target extracellular MT and its mechanism was tested in vitro. Biopsies of patients with active colitis showed infiltration of MT‐positive cells in a pattern that correlated with the grade of inflammation. MT knockout mice displayed less severe acute dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)‐induced colitis compared to congenic wild‐type mice based on survival, weight loss, colon length, histological inflammation and leukocyte infiltration. Chronic DSS‐colitis confirmed that Mt1 and Mt2 gene disruption enhances clinical outcome. Blockade of extracellular MT with antibodies reduced F4/80‐positive macrophage infiltration in DSS‐ and trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid‐colitis, with a tendency towards a better outcome. Whole‐body single‐photon emission computer tomography of mice injected with radioactive anti‐MT antibodies showed antibody accumulation in the colon during colitis and clearance during recovery. Necrotic and not apoptotic cell death resulted in western blot MT detection in HT29 cell supernatant. In a Boyden chamber migration assay, leukocyte attraction towards the necrotic cell supernatant could be abolished with anti‐MT antibody, indicating the chemotactic potential of endogenous released MT. Our results show that human colitis is associated with infiltration of MT‐positive inflammatory cells. Since antibody blockade of extracellular MT can reduce colitis in mice, MT may act as a danger signal and may represent a novel target for reducing leukocyte infiltration and inflammation in IBD patients. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Neuropsychology reports for childhood brain tumor survivors: Implementation of recommendations at home and school
Authors: Cheung Lorraine L.T. , Wakefield Claire E. , Ellis Sarah J. , Mandalis Anna , Frow Eleanor , Cohn Richard J. 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundAs pediatric brain tumor survivors may experience cognitive decline post‐treatment, a neuropsychology assessment is often conducted. The assessment evaluates the child's cognitive functioning and highlights potential challenges. Whilst neuropsychology reports provide recommendations for the home and school, how this translates in practice is under researched. This study explored parent and teacher understanding of neuropsychology reports, implementation rates for recommendations and their perceived effectiveness. Barriers to implementation were also investigated.ProcedureTwenty‐five semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 17 parents and 8 teachers of childhood brain tumor survivors from 15 Australian families who had received a neuropsychology report within 2 years of the interview. Twenty‐four neuropsychology reports encompassing 131 recommendations were reviewed. The qualitative methodological framework of Miles and Huberman [Miles M, Huberman A. Qualitative data analysis: An expanded sourcebook. London: Sage; 1994] was used to analyze interview transcripts with QSR NVivo 9.0.ResultsThe majority of parents and teachers had a sound understanding of the report. Implementation of recommendations at home and school was 47% and 41%, respectively. Recommendations that did not require extra effort and organization appeared more likely to be implemented, however, those perceived to be more effective or helpful did not necessarily have higher implementation rates. Key reported barriers to implementation barrier were patient reluctance, and a lack of parents' willingness to adopt the recommendation.ConclusionsPatient understanding and willingness play a significant role in the implementation of neuropsychology recommendations. Collaboration and clear communication between the patient, teacher, parent, and neuropsychologist is vital for effective management. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:1080–1087. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cost minimization analysis of two treatment regimens for low‐risk rhabdomyosarcoma in children: A report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Russell Heidi , Swint J. Michael , Lal Lincy , Meza Jane , Walterhouse David , Hawkins Douglas S. , Okcu M. Fatih 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundRecent Children's Oncology Group trials for low‐risk rhabdomyosarcoma attempted to reduce therapy while maintaining excellent outcomes. D9602 delivered 45 weeks of outpatient vincristine and dactinomycin (VA) for patients in Subgroup A. ARST0331 reduced the duration of therapy to 22 weeks but added four doses of cyclophosphamide to VA for patients in Subset 1. Failure‐free survival was similar. We undertook a cost minimization comparison to help guide future decision‐making.ProcedureAddressing the costs of treatment from the healthcare perspective we modeled a simple decision‐analytic model from aggregate clinical trial data. Medical care inputs and probabilities were estimated from trial reports and focused chart review. Costs of radiation, surgery and off‐therapy surveillance were excluded. Unit costs were obtained from literature and national reimbursement and inpatient utilization databases and converted to 2012 US dollars. Model uncertainty was assessed with first‐order sensitivity analysis.ResultsDirect medical costs were $46,393 for D9602 and $43,261 for ARST0331 respectively, making ARST0331 the less costly strategy. Dactinomycin contributed the most to D9602 total costs but varied with age (42–69%). Chemotherapy administration costs accounted for the largest proportion of ARST0331 total costs (39–57%). ARST0331 incurred fewer costs than D9602 under most alternative distributive models and alternative clinical practice assumptions.ConclusionsCost analysis suggests that ARST0331 may incur fewer costs than D9602 from the healthcare system's perspective. Attention to the services driving the costs provides directions for future efficiency improvements. Future studies should prospectively consider the patient and family's perspective. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:970–976. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mannose binding lectin and ficolin‐2 polymorphisms are associated with increased risk for bacterial infections in children with B acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Pana Zoe Dorothea , Samarah Fekri , Papi Rigini , Antachopoulos Charalampos , Papageorgiou Theodotis , Farmaki Evangelia , Hatzipantelis Emmanuel , Tragiannidis Athanassios , Vavatsi‐Christaki Norma , Kyriakidis Dimitrios , Athanassiadou‐Piperopoulou Fani , Roilides Emmanuel 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundWe aimed to investigate whether the presence of mannose binding lectin (MBL2), ficolin 2 (FCN2) polymorphisms or the combined deficiency significantly influence the risk and subsequently the frequency of chemotherapy‐induced bacterial infections in children with B acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B‐ALL).ProcedureMBL2 polymorphisms for exon 1 and FCN2 polymorphisms for promoter regions −986, −602, −557, −64, −4 and exon 8 regions +6,359, +6,424 were determined in children with B‐ALL. FCN2 haplotype was determined by gene sequencing. Number and duration of FN episodes as well as number of bacterial infections were recorded during induction chemotherapy.ResultsForty‐four children with B‐ALL (median age 4.3 years, 65.9% males) suffered from 142 FN episodes and 92 bacterial infections (40.2% Gram positive and 59.8% Gram negative). MBL2 low‐risk genotype was found in 59.1%, medium‐risk in 31.8% and high‐risk in 9%. FCN2 low‐risk haplotypes were detected in 38.2%, medium‐risk in 44.1% and high‐risk in 17.6%. MBL2 genotype and FCN2 haplotype were not associated with increased frequency of FN episodes. MBL2 medium/high‐risk genotype and FCN2 medium/high‐risk haplotype were associated with prolonged duration of FN (P = 0.007 and P = 0.001, respectively) and increased number of bacterial infections (P = 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively). The combined MBL2/FCN2 medium/high‐risk genotype was associated with an increased number of bacterial infections (P = 0.001).ConclusionsMBL2 and FCN2 single or combined deficiencies are associated with increased duration of FN episodes as well as increased number of bacterial infections in children with B‐ALL suggesting a prognostic role of these genes. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:1017–1022. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification of men with the highest risk of early disease recurrence after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Sundi Debasish , Wang Vinson , Pierorazio Phillip M. , Han Misop , Partin Alan W. , Tran Phuoc T. , Ross Ashley E. , Bivalacqua Trinity J. 
Published: January 2014

BACKGROUNDMen destined to have early biochemical recurrence (BCR) following radical prostatectomy (RP) may be optimal candidates for multimodal treatment. Here we identified pre‐operative predictors of early BCR within a surgical cohort who recurred.METHODSAn institutional prostate cancer (PCa) database containing over 20,000 patients was queried to identify 1,471 men who had BCR after RP, and pre‐operative predictors of early versus late BCR were assessed. Early BCR was defined as recurrence within 1 year after RP. Within the recurrence cohort, those with National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) high‐risk features were more likely to experience early BCR. Therefore, in all NCCN high‐risk men in the database, we abstracted detailed pathologic biopsy data. Among 753 high‐risk men, 41 alternate multivariable criteria were assessed for their ability to predict early BCR in crude and adjusted logistic regression models.RESULTSThe criteria that best identified those likely to experience early BCR are primary Gleason pattern 5 on biopsy or ≥4 cores containing pattern 4 (odds ratio 3.17, P < 0.001). These criteria included 26.7% of NCCN high‐risk men. Additionally, these criteria selected for men within the high‐risk classification who were at significantly higher risk of subsequent metastasis (adjusted hazard ratio 3.04, P < 0.001) and cancer‐specific death (adjusted hazard ratio 3.27, P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONSIn men with PCa who present with high‐risk features, pre‐operative criteria have the ability to discriminate the subgroup most likely to experience early BCR after RP. Men at risk for early disease recurrence may be the most suitable candidates for multimodal therapy. Prostate 74:628–636, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Crystal structure determination of anti‐DNA Fab A52
Authors: Stanfield Robyn L. , Eilat Dan 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTA52 is a murine monoclonal antibody isolated from autoimmune New Zealand Black/New Zealand White F1 mice that recognizes single and double stranded DNA. This mouse strain spontaneously develops systemic lupus erythematosus‐like symptoms and has served as a model for that disease for many years. The 1.62 Å crystal structure of the A52 Fab fragment reveals an H3 complementarity determining region with four closely spaced arginine residues, creating a positively charged surface to accommodate bound DNA. Proteins 2014; 82:1674–1678. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nematicidal activity of fluensulfone against some migratory nematodes under laboratory conditions
Authors: Oka Yuji 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe fluoroalkenyl fluensulfone, known to have strong nematicidal activity against Meloidogyne spp. (root‐knot nematodes), was evaluated in vitro and in soil against the migratory nematodes Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, Aphelenchoides besseyi, Aphelenchoides fragariae, Ditylenchus dipsaci, Pratylenchus penetrans, Pratylenchus thornei and Xiphinema index.RESULTSB. xylophilus and D. dipsaci were not immobilised by 48 h in vitro exposure to up to 16 mg L−1 of fluensulfone. A. besseyi and A. fragariae were affected by 8 mg L−1, the highest concentration used for these nematodes. More than 60% of P. penetrans and P. thornei were immobilised by 4 mg L−1 of fluensulfone; however, exposure of P. penetrans to the compound prior to inoculation did not affect their root penetration ability. The immobilisation rate of X. index was increased by 48 h exposure to even 1.0 mg L−1 of fluensulfone. Incorporation of over 2 mg L−1 of fluensulfone into the soil reduced populations of P. penetrans and P. thornei before and after planting lettuce and chickpea respectively. The efficacy of fluensulfone against the tested nematodes was the same or higher than that of fenamiphos in most cases.CONCLUSIONA. besseyi, A. fragariae, B. xylophilus and D. dipsaci were tolerant to fluensulfone and fenamiphos. P. penetrans, P. thornei and X. index were affected by fluensulfone, but nematicidal activity was much lower than that reported for root‐knot nematodes. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
X‐ray diffraction analysis of structural defects in a‐plane GaN grown on r‐plane sapphire by MOCVD
Authors: Paduano Qing S. , Weyburne David W. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractIn this work, we demonstrate the use of X‐ray diffraction for analyzing structural imperfections in a‐plane GaN grown on r‐plane sapphire. Although there are only two (hh 0) planes accessible under symmetric diffraction, there are an adequate number of diffraction planes accessible under the quasi‐symmetric configuration to enable analysis of rocking curves that are not influenced by basal‐plane stacking faults. By measuring diffraction profiles for a series of symmetric and asymmetric crystal planes, the broadening terms were separated using extrapolation methods based on their geometric dependence. Individual broadening factors can then be correlated to the relative contribution of different structural defects, including threading dislocations, lateral coherence length, and basal plane stacking faults. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The effect of delta‐doping on Si‐doped Al rich n‐AlGaN on AlN template grown by MOCVD
Authors: Zhu Shaoxin , Yan Jianchang , Zhang Yun , Zeng Jianping , Si Zhao , Dong Peng , Li Jinmin , Wang Junxi 
Published: January 2014

AbstractFor Al‐rich AlGaN which is applied to deep ultraviolet LEDs, improving doping efficiency without cracking problem is one of the most important research issues. Delta‐doping technique offers a promising approach. In this study, we report delta‐doping experiments in high aluminum content n‐AlxGa1‐xN (x=0.55) grown by MOCVD and investigate the effect of the growth technique. In the experiment we designed, a uniformly‐doped sample (reference sample) and three delta‐doping samples with varying delta‐doping time (6 s, 15 s, and 30 s) were fabricated on AlN templates. Measured by high‐resolution X‐ray diffraction (HR‐XRD) ω‐scan and atomic‐force microscope (AFM), samples with delta‐doping technique show better crystal quality. Moreover, tested by contactless sheet resistance and Hall‐effect test, delta‐doping samples exhibit better electrical property with lower sheet resistance, higher carrier mobility, and larger carrier density. When increasing delta‐doping time, all properties were gradually improved. These improvements were attributed to SiNx‐growth‐mask and dislocation‐blocking effect induced by delta‐doping technique. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Growth properties and electrochemical characterization of InGaN photoanodes with different In concentrations
Authors: Finken Matthias , Wille Ada , Reuters Benjamin , Holländer Bernd , Heuken Michael , Kalisch Holger , Vescan Andrei 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe generation of hydrogen via the photochemical electrolysis of water by employing a semiconductor photoelectrode is a promising approach for a renewable energy source. In this work, InGaN layers grown by metal‐organic vapour phase epitaxy (MOVPE). Different In concentrations were achieved by variation of the growth temperature between 800 °C and 720 °C. The properties of the layers were investigated by high‐resolution X‐ray diffraction (HRXRD), Rutherford backscattering spec‐trometry (RBS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The maximum In concentration at the GaN/InGaN interface is 11%. A further increase towards the surface at lower growth temperatures is achieved by relaxation. This causes a change in the growth mode from 2D to 3D and an overall decrease of crystal quality. Additionally, two Si‐doped InGaN layers were grown with In contents of 7% and 25% to investigate its influence on properties of a photoanode. The photoanodes were electrochemically examined via chronoamperometry in a three‐electrode configuration. It is shown that at low voltages EWE between working electrode and reference electrode, the photocurrent of the sample with 7% In is higher, whereas for voltages above 0.8 V, it is vice versa. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A Comparison of Connectivity Metrics on Watersheds and Implications for Water Management
Authors: Malvadkar U. , Scatena F. , Leon M. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBarriers within streams can affect riverine species' ability to access habitats and may reduce their population viability. Connectivity metrics attempt to quantify the impacts of barriers; however, little is known about their functioning when applied to dendritic habitats such as watersheds. Several graph‐theoretic connectivity metrics were calculated on rivers originating in the Luquillo Mountains of Puerto Rico. These metrics were classified into two primary groups: metrics that count weighted paths through the stream network and metrics that predict the flow of organisms through a stream reach. Representative metrics from each of these categories were suggested to model the effects of dams and water intakes, respectively. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Resveratrol Enhances Chemosensitivity in Mouse Melanoma Model Through Connexin 43 Upregulation
Authors: Cheng Yu‐Jung , Chang Meng‐Ya , Chang Wen‐Wei , Wang Wei‐Kuang , Liu Chi‐Fan , Lin Song‐Tao , Lee Che‐Hsin 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTAlthough current studies indicate that resveratrol exhibits potential antitumor activities, the precise mechanisms of its beneficial effects combined with chemotherapy are not fully understood. This work is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanism of antitumor effects by the combination therapy of resveratrol and cisplatin. The presence of functional gap junctions is highly relevant for the success of chemotherapy. Gap junctions mediate cell communication by allowing the passage of molecules from one cell to another. Connexin (Cx) 43 is ubiquitous and reduced in a variety of tumor cells. Cx43 may influence the response of tumor cells to treatments by facilitating the passage of antitumor drugs or death signals between neighboring tumor cells. Following resveratrol treatment, dose‐dependent upregulation of Cx43 expressions was observed. In addition, gap junction intercellular communication was increased. To study the mechanism underlying these resveratrol‐induced Cx43 expressions, we found that resveratrol induced a significant increase in mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathways. The MAPK inhibitors significantly reduced the expression of Cx43 protein after resveratrol treatment. Specific knockdown of Cx43 resulted in a reduction of cell death after resveratrol and cisplatin treatment. Our results suggest that treatment of resveratrol in tumor leads to increase Cx43 gap junction communication and enhances the combination of resveratrol and cisplatin therapeutic effects. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 30: 877–886, 2015.