bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Service-Learning: An Innovative Approach for Second Language Learners
Authors: Grassi Elizabeth , Hanley Daniel , Liston Daniel 
Published: April 2013

Research on service-learning programs has detailed the benefits of service-learning for White, English-only, college preparatory students. However, rarely has research focused on the impacts of service-learning on Hispanic, second language learners. In part, this is due to the low participation rate of these students in service-learning programs. As of 1997, only 10% of Hispanic children nationwide participated in service-learning programs, and the effects of service-learning on second language learners has not been effectively researched. This article presents the findings of a year-long evaluation of service-learning programs in the state of Colorado; an evaluation that focused on Hispanic second language learners. The authors found that the Colorado second language learners who were involved in service-learning programs tended to increase their participation in class and earn better grades; they became more excited about and involved in school; and they also experienced increased self-confidence—all as a result of participation in service-learning programs.
Facilitating Learning with Older Adults
Authors: Garvey Daniel , Garvey Dennis 
Published: April 2013

The purpose of this article is to sound a gentle alarm within the adventure education profession in the U.S. The current unrealized potential for programming with the older-adult market (age 65+) caused by the steady aging of the baby-boomers (born 1946–1964) has produced a dramatic impact on the types of outdoor programs that are offered and the ways these programs are conducted. A failure to anticipate and understand aging clients will have profound negative results on the numbers and kinds of adventure education programs that exist in the future. In this article, the authors examine changing demographics, review the limited writing that has been done in this field, examine the bias that exists against older people and how this unintentional bias often hinders the facilitation of learning for older adults and staff. The article ends with a few brief suggestions for improving the learning experience for older adults.
Is the sinonasal questionnaire a useful screening instrument for chronic sinonasal diseases in pulmonary clinics?
Authors: Ussavarungsi Kamonpun , Limsuwat Chok , Berdine Gilbert , Nugent Kenneth 
Published: April 2013

Dixon and coworkers (Dixon AE, Sugar EA, Zinreich SJ, et al. Criteria to screen for chronic sinonasal disease. Chest 2009; 136: 1324–1332.) recently developed a five-item questionnaire for diagnosing chronic sinonasal disease in patients with asthma. Our study was designed to determine how frequently patients attending pulmonary clinics have chronic sinonasal disease and the relationship between questionnaire results and a history of sinus disease and current treatment for sinus disease. The participants were patients in pulmonary clinics at Texas Tech University Health Science Center, who answered the sinonasal questionnaire (SNQ). Additional information included a history of sinus disease or sinus/nasal surgery, smoking status, and current relevant medications. The participants included 28 men and 51 women. Patient ages ranged from 38 to 94 years (mean 62.2 years). Of all the patients, 28 patients (35.4%) had prior sinus disease, 10 (12.7%) had history of sinus or nasal surgery, 24 (30.4%) had history of asthma, and 10 (12.7%) were current smokers. Of them, 14 patients (17.7%) used nasal steroids, 12 (15.2%) used antihistamines, four (5.1%) used decongestants, nine (11.4%) used leukotriene inhibitors, 13 (16.5%) used oral corticosteroids, and two (2.5%) used combinations. The SNQ identified 39 patients (49.4%) as having chronic sinonasal diseases. Therefore, 14% of the participants had sinonasal symptoms but no prior diagnosis of sinus disease. Patients with prior sinus disease and nasal steroid use were more likely to have positive questionnaire result ( p < 0.001 and p < 0.032, respectively). The SNQ can identify patients with chronic sinonasal disease in pulmonary clinics. However, the significance of sinonasal disease and its treatment in these patients needs more study.
Milnacipran combined with pregabalin in fibromyalgia: a randomized, open-label study evaluating the safety and efficacy of adding milnacipran in patients with incomplete response to pregabalin
Authors: Mease Philip J. , Farmer Mildred V. , Palmer Robert H. , Gendreau R. Michael , Trugman Joel M. , Wang Yong 
Published: April 2013

Objective: To evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of adding milnacipran to pregabalin in patients with fibromyalgia who have experienced an incomplete response to pregabalin. Methods: In this randomized, multicenter, open-label study, patients received pregabalin 300 or 450 mg/day during a 4- to 12-week run-in period. Patients with weekly recall visual analog scale (VAS) pain score of at least 40 and up to 90, Patient Global Impression of Severity score of at least 4, and Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) score of at least 3 were classified as incomplete responders and randomized to continue pregabalin alone ( n = 180) or receive milnacipran 100 mg/day added to pregabalin ( n = 184). The primary efficacy parameter was responder status based on PGIC score of up to 2. The secondary efficacy parameter was change from randomization in weekly recall VAS pain score. Safety parameters included adverse events (AEs), vital signs, and clinical laboratory tests. Results: The percentage of PGIC responders was significantly higher with milnacipran added to pregabalin (46.4%) than with pregabalin alone (20.8%; p < 0.001). Mean improvement from randomization in weekly recall VAS pain scores was greater in patients receiving milnacipran added to pregabalin (−20.77) than in patients receiving pregabalin alone (−6.43; p < 0.001). During the run-in period, the most common treatment-emergent AEs with pregabalin were dizziness (22.8%), somnolence (17.3%), and fatigue (9.1%). During the randomized period, the most common treatment-emergent AEs with milnacipran added to pregabalin were nausea (12.5%), fatigue (10.3%), and constipation (9.8%). Conclusions: In this exploratory, open-label study, adding milnacipran to pregabalin improved global status, pain, and other symptoms in patients with fibromyalgia with an incomplete response to pregabalin treatment.
The Mature Athlete
Authors: McCarthy Moira M. , Hannafin Jo A. 
Published: April 2013

Context: Aging changes the biology, healing capacity, and biomechanical function of tendons and ligaments and results in common clinical pathologies that present to orthopedic surgeons, primary care physicians, physical therapists, and athletic trainers. A better understanding of the age-related changes in these connective tissues will allow better patient care. Evidence Acquisition: The PubMed database was searched in December 2012 for English-language articles pertaining to age-related changes in tendons and ligaments. Level of Evidence: Level 5. Results: The mature athlete faces challenges associated with age-dependent changes in the rotator cuff, Achilles tendon, lateral humeral epicondylar tendons, quadriceps tendon, and patellar tendon. The anterior cruciate ligament and the medial collateral ligament are the most studied intra-articular and extra-articular ligaments, and both are associated with age-dependent changes. Conclusion: Tendons and ligaments are highly arranged connective tissue structures that maintain joint motion and joint stability. These structures are subject to vascular and compositional changes with increasing age that alter their mechanotransduction, biology, healing capacity, and biomechanical function. Emerging research into the etiology of age-dependent changes will provide further information to help combat the age-related clinical complications associated with the injuries that occur to tendons and ligaments.
Gene expression patterns following unilateral traumatic brain injury reveals a local pro-inflammatory and remote anti-inflammatory response
Authors: White Todd E , Ford Gregory D , Surles-Zeigler Monique C , Gates Alicia S , LaPlaca Michelle C , Ford Byron D 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results in irreversible damage at the site of impact and initiates cellular and molecular processes that lead to secondary neural injury in the surrounding tissue. We used microarray analysis to determine which genes, pathways and networks were significantly altered using a rat model of TBI. Adult rats received a unilateral controlled cortical impact (CCI) and were sacrificed 24 h post-injury. The ipsilateral hemi-brain tissue at the site of the injury, the corresponding contralateral hemi-brain tissue, and naïve (control) brain tissue were used for microarray analysis. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software was used to identify molecular pathways and networks that were associated with the altered gene expression in brain tissues following TBI.

Results
Inspection of the top fifteen biological functions in IPA associated with TBI in the ipsilateral tissues revealed that all had an inflammatory component. IPA analysis also indicated that inflammatory genes were altered on the contralateral side, but many of the genes were inversely expressed compared to the ipsilateral side. The contralateral gene expression pattern suggests a remote anti-inflammatory molecular response. We created a network of the inversely expressed common (i.e., same gene changed on both sides of the brain) inflammatory response (IR) genes and those IR genes included in pathways and networks identified by IPA that changed on only one side. We ranked the genes by the number of direct connections each had in the network, creating a gene interaction hierarchy (GIH). Two well characterized signaling pathways, toll-like receptor/NF-kappaB signaling and JAK/STAT signaling, were prominent in our GIH.

Conclusions
Bioinformatic analysis of microarray data following TBI identified key molecular pathways and networks associated with neural injury following TBI. The GIH created here provides a starting point for investigating therapeutic targets in a ranked order that is somewhat different than what has been presented previously. In addition to being a vehicle for identifying potential targets for post-TBI therapeutic strategies, our findings can also provide a context for evaluating the potential of therapeutic agents currently in development.
Validation of patient determined disease steps (PDDS) scale scores in persons with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Learmonth Yvonne C , Motl Robert W , Sandroff Brian M , Pula John H , Cadavid Diego 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
The Patient Determined Disease Steps (PDDS) is a promising patient-reported outcome (PRO) of disability in multiple sclerosis (MS). To date, there is limited evidence regarding the validity of PDDS scores, despite its sound conceptual development and broad inclusion in MS research. This study examined the validity of the PDDS based on (1) the association with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores and (2) the pattern of associations between PDDS and EDSS scores with Functional System (FS) scores as well as ambulatory and other outcomes.

Methods
96 persons with MS provided demographic/clinical information, completed the PDDS and other PROs including the Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale-12 (MSWS-12), and underwent a neurological examination for generating FS and EDSS scores. Participants completed assessments of cognition, ambulation including the 6-minute walk (6 MW), and wore an accelerometer during waking hours over seven days.

Results
There was a strong correlation between EDSS and PDDS scores (ρ = .783). PDDS and EDSS scores were strongly correlated with Pyramidal (ρ = .578 & ρ = .647, respectively) and Cerebellar (ρ = .501 & ρ = .528, respectively) FS scores as well as 6 MW distance (ρ = .704 & ρ = .805, respectively), MSWS-12 scores (ρ = .801 & ρ = .729, respectively), and accelerometer steps/day (ρ = -.740 & ρ = -.717, respectively).

Conclusion
This study provides novel evidence supporting the PDDS as valid PRO of disability in MS.
A family-centered lifestyle intervention to improve body composition and bone mass in overweight and obese children 6 through 8 years: a randomized controlled trial study protocol
Authors: Cohen Tamara R , Hazell Tom J , Vanstone Catherine A , Plourde Hugues , Rodd Celia J , Weiler Hope A 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundChildhood obesity gives rise to health complications including impaired musculoskeletal development that associates with increased risk of fractures. Prevention and treatment programs should focus on nutrition education, increasing physical activity (PA), reducing sedentary behaviours, and should monitor bone mass as a component of body composition. To ensure lifestyle changes are sustained in the home environment, programs need to be family-centered. To date, no study has reported on a family-centered lifestyle intervention for obese children that aims to not only ameliorate adiposity, but also support increases in bone and lean muscle mass. Furthermore, it is unknown if programs of such nature can also favorably change eating and activity behaviors. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of a 1 y family-centered lifestyle intervention, focused on both nutrient dense foods including increased intakes of milk and alternatives, plus total and weight-bearing PA, on body composition and bone mass in overweight or obese children.Methods/designThe study design is a randomized controlled trial for overweight or obese children (6–8 y). Participants are randomized to control, standard treatment (StTx) or modified treatment (ModTx). This study is family-centred and includes individualized counselling sessions on nutrition, PA and sedentary behaviors occurring 4 weeks after baseline for 5 months, then at the end of month 8. The control group receives counselling at the end of the study. All groups are measured at baseline and every 3 months for the primary outcome of changes in body mass index Z-scores. At each visit blood is drawn and children complete a researcher-administered behavior questionnaire and muscle function testing. Changes from baseline to 12 months in body fat (% and mass), waist circumference, lean body mass, bone (mineral content, mineral density, size and volumetric density), dietary intake, self-reported PA and sedentary behaviour are examined.DiscussionThis family-centered theory-based study permits for biochemical and physiological assessments. This trial will assess the effectiveness of the intervention at changing lifestyle behaviours by decreasing adiposity while enhancing lean and bone mass. If successful, the intervention proposed offers new insights for the management or treatment of childhood obesity.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov,NCT01290016.
Epidermal growth factor receptor variant type III markedly accelerates angiogenesis and tumor growth via inducing c-myc mediated angiopoietin-like 4 expression in malignant glioma
Authors: Katanasaka Yasufumi , Kodera Yasuo , Kitamura Yuka , Morimoto Tatsuya , Tamura Tomohide , Koizumi Fumiaki 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundExpression of the constitutively activated mutant EGFR variant III (EGFRvIII), the most common mutation in glioblastoma multiforme (GBMs), has been clinically correlated with tumor proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis. In this study, we examined the role of EGFRvIII on the tumor microenvironment, especially on angiogenesis.MethodsTo study the role of EGFRvIII in tumor angiogenesis, we prepared LN229 glioblastoma transfected with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP), wild-type EGFR, or EGFRvIII (LN229-WT or -vIII), and examined tumor growth and microvessel density in the tumors. Additionally, the potential angiogenic factors were identified by real-time PCR analysis, and the functions in LN229-vIII cells were examined.ResultsLN229-vIII cells showed more aggressive tumor growth and higher vascularity as compared to LN229-WT cells in vivo, although there was no significant difference in the cell growth rates in vitro. We next investigated the expression of 60 angiogenesis-related factors to clarify the mechanisms underlying the difference in vascularity between tumor xenografts of LN229-vIII and LN229-WT. We found that the mRNA and protein expressions of angiopoietin-like 4 (Angptl4), a secreted protein involved in angiogenesis and metabolism regulation, were significantly induced by EGFRvIII overexpression, both in vitro and in vivo. Constitutive knockdown of Angptl4 in LN229-vIII using shRNA significantly decreased the microvessel density in the tumor xenografts and suppressed tumor growth. To clarify the regulatory mechanisms of Angptl4 by EGFRvIII, we analyzed the signaling pathways and transcription factors by pharmacological inhibition and RNA interference. U0126, an ERK signal inhibitor dramatically suppressed Angptl4 expression. The transcription factor c-Myc, which is regulated by ERK, was activated in the LN229-vIII cells and knockdown of c-Myc using siRNA also attenuated Angptl4 expression in the LN229-vIII cells. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay revealed increased recruitment of c-Myc to the promoter region of Angptl4 in the LN229-vIII cells.ConclusionsIn summary, we demonstrated that EGFRvIII induces Angptl4 expression through the ERK/c-Myc pathway and promotes tumor angiogenesis in malignant gliomas.
The curious case of exploding quantum dots: anomalous migration and growth behaviors of Ge under Si oxidation
Authors: Wang Ching-Chi , Liao Po-Hsiang , Kuo Ming-Hao , George Tom , Li Pei-Wen 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
We have previously demonstrated the unique migration behavior of Ge quantum dots (QDs) through Si3N4 layers during high-temperature oxidation. Penetration of these QDs into the underlying Si substrate however, leads to a completely different behavior: the Ge QDs ‘explode,’ regressing back almost to their origins as individual Ge nuclei as formed during the oxidation of the original nanopatterned SiGe structures used for their generation. A kinetics-based model is proposed to explain the anomalous migration behavior and morphology changes of the Ge QDs based on the Si flux generated during the oxidation of Si-containing layers.
Single image haze removal considering sensor blur and noise
Authors: Lan Xia , Zhang Liangpei , Shen Huanfeng , Yuan Qiangqiang , Li Huifang 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Images of outdoor scenes are usually degraded under bad weather conditions, which results in a hazy image. To date, most haze removal methods based on a single image have ignored the effects of sensor blur and noise. Therefore, in this paper, a three-stage algorithm for haze removal, considering sensor blur and noise, is proposed. In the first stage, we preprocess the degraded image and eliminate the blur/noise interference to estimate the hazy image. In the second stage, we estimate the transmission and atmospheric light by the dark channel prior method. In the third stage, a regularized method is proposed to recover the underlying image. Experimental results with both simulated and real data demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is effective, based on both the visual effect and quantitative assessment.
Single-stage surgical repair in a complex case of aberrant right subclavian artery aneurysm and common carotid trunk
Authors: Kokotsakis Ioannis , Harling Leanne , Anagnostakou Vania , Tassopoulos Dimitris , Charitos Christos , Ashrafian Hutan , Athanasiou Thanos 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Aberrant right subclavian artery with coexisting common carotid trunk is an extremely rare congenital anomaly affecting <0.1% of the population. We report the case of a 77-year-old Caucasian man presenting with dysphagia and dyspnea secondary to an aberrant right subclavian artery aneurysm and describe our technique for open surgical repair.
Solitary pulmonary mass in a patient with a history of lymphoma: a case report
Authors: Yuan Ying , Shen Hong , Hu Hanguang , Ye Xiaoxian , Zhong Xian 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Introduction
With the progress made in treatments, the survival rate for patients with malignant lymphoma in the last 30 years has significantly improved. However, the risk of experiencing a second primary malignancy or other disease has increased significantly.

Case presentation
A 44-year-old Mongolian man with a large mass in his right lower abdomen was admitted to our hospital 15 years previously. The mass was removed, and confirmed via pathological examination to be a malignant B-cell lymphoma in the appendix and distal small bowel. Post-operative chemotherapy with standard cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunomycin, vincristine (Oncovin®) and prednisolone regimen was given for six cycles. No obvious recurrence was detected over the following 12 years. Subsequently, a mass in the right lung was found on a regular X-ray follow-up; our patient did not report chills, fever or cough. Chest computed tomography and positron emission tomography scans confirmed the mass. A primary lung carcinoma was considered to be the most likely diagnosis. However, after an exploratory thoracotomy and right upper lobectomy was performed a pathological examination of tissue samples demonstrated a lung cryptococcal granuloma, with positive staining for periodic acid Schiff and periodic acid-silver metheramine.

Conclusions
Compared to the normal population, second primary malignancy (in particular leukaemia and lung cancer) in patients with malignant lymphoma during their long-term survival has been seen occasionally. However, other diagnoses should also be considered such as pulmonary cryptococcosis. Other than computed-tomography-guided needle biopsy, surgery for some patients is a much more appropriate choice, which could also help attain correct diagnosis and treatment.
Seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C virus infection among patients attending serology laboratory of Gondar University Hospital
Authors: Tesfa Habtie , Biadgo Belete , Getachew Fasika , Tegegne Kifle , Yismaw Gizachew , Muluye Dagnachew 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HBV) infections accounts for substantial proportions of the world wide liver disease. The two hepatotropic virus share common modes of transmission and their co-infection are common. Patients with dual HBV and HCV infection have more severe liver disease and are at increased risk of progression to hepatic cell carcinoma. This study was aimed to assess the prevalence of HBV and HCV among patients attending serology laboratory of Gondar University Teaching Hospital.

Methods
A retrospective study was conducted from January 2007 to December 2011 at serology laboratory of Gondar University Teaching Hospital. Data were cross checked for completeness, entered and analyzed using SPSS version 16 statistical package.

Results
From the total of 2,684 clinicaly suspected hepatitis patients, 563 (20.98%) were positive for HBsAg and anti-HCV test. Of all, 14.4% were seropositive for HBV (male= 7.89% female=6.27%) (p-value=0.011) while 12.4% were seropositive for HCV (male =7.6% and female=4.13%) (p-value<0.001). The co-incidence of HBV and HCV were found to be 36 (6.39%) (male=3.9% and female=2.4%) (p-value <0.001). Majority of HBV (30.2%) and HCV (30.7%) infections were detected among age group of 25–34 years old (p-value=0.36) and 15–24 years old (p-value<0.001) respectively.

Conclusion
The overall prevalence of HBV and HCV is high. Males and younger age groups were more affected. Community awareness about the transmission and prevention of viral hepatitis infection should be strengthened by giving health education and herd immunization.