bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Feedback of Research Findings for Vaccine Trials: Experiences from Two Malaria Vaccine Trials Involving Healthy Children on the Kenyan Coast
Authors: Gikonyo Caroline , Kamuya Dorcas , Mbete Bibi , Njuguna Patricia , Olotu Ally , Bejon Philip , Marsh Vicki , Molyneux Sassy 
Published: February 2013

AbstractInternationally, calls for feedback of findings to be made an ‘ethical imperative’ or mandatory have been met with both strong support and opposition. Challenges include differences in issues by type of study and context, disentangling between aggregate and individual study results, and inadequate empirical evidence on which to draw. In this paper we present data from observations and interviews with key stakeholders involved in feeding back aggregate study findings for two Phase II malaria vaccine trials among children under the age of 5 years old on the Kenyan Coast. In our setting, feeding back of aggregate findings was an appreciated set of activities. The inclusion of individual results was important from the point of view of both participants and researchers, to reassure participants of trial safety, and to ensure that positive results were not over‐interpreted and that individual level issues around blinding and control were clarified. Feedback sessions also offered an opportunity to re‐evaluate and re‐negotiate trial relationships and benefits, with potentially important implications for perceptions of and involvement in follow‐up work for the trials and in future research. We found that feedback of findings is a complex but key step in a continuing set of social interactions between community members and research staff (particularly field staff who work at the interface with communities), and among community members themselves; a step which needs careful planning from the outset. We agree with others that individual and aggregate results need to be considered separately, and that for individual results, both the nature and value of the information, and the context, including social relationships, need to be taken into account.
Quality of life and comorbidity in localized malignant melanoma: results of a German population‐based cohort study
Authors: Schubert‐Fritschle Gabriele , Schlesinger‐Raab Anne , Hein Rüdiger , Stolz Wilhelm , Volkenandt Matthias , Hölzel Dieter , Engel Jutta 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackground  Incidences of malignant melanoma continue to increase in fair‐skinned populations. At least 80% of patients are diagnosed with localized disease and can expect a 5‐year relative survival rate of >90%. Given that the median age at diagnosis of malignant melanoma is 59 years, many patients already suffer chronic diseases when they are confronted with cancer.Objectives  The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of additional chronic diseases on health‐related quality of life (QoL) in a population‐based cohort of melanoma patients two years after presumably curative treatment.Methods  In 2003–2004, 1085 patients with localized malignant melanoma were recruited from the population‐based Munich Cancer Registry to answer validated QoL questionnaires. Information about comorbidities was also obtained. Factors predicting QoL were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression models.Results  A total of 781 patients (72%) returned completed questionnaires, of which 664 (61%) could be included in the analyses. Quality of life scores and differences in subgroups (e.g. sex and age) were essentially similar to those in the general population. Age, number of comorbidities, and several chronic diseases (e.g. heart and kidney disease, diabetes, former depression) were the strongest predicting factors and influenced almost every aspect of QoL.Conclusions  Localized malignant melanoma does not worsen QoL per se, compared with QoL in the general population. Comorbidities have similar effects on QoL in malignant melanoma patients as they do in the general population. Therefore, cohorts of patients with localized malignant melanoma can represent a basis for comparisons with other cohorts of cancer patients to determine the respective impacts of cancer‐related and non‐cancer‐related factors on QoL.
Draft Genome Sequence of Herbaspirillum huttiense subsp.
putei
IAM 15032, a Strain Isolated from Well Water
Authors: de Souza Vanely , Piro Vitor C. , Faoro Helisson , Tadra-Sfeir Michelle Z. , Chicora Vanessa K. , Guizelini Dieval , Weiss Vinicius , Vialle Ricardo A. , Monteiro Rose A. , Steffens Maria Berenice R. , Marchaukoski Jeroniza N. , Pedrosa Fabio O. , Cruz Leonardo M. , Chubatsu Leda S. , Raittz Roberto T. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT

Here we report the one-scaffold draft genome of
Herbaspirillum huttiense
subsp.
putei
strain 7-2
T
(IAM 15032), which was isolated from well water.
Effect of time since exposure toChlamydia trachomatison chlamydia antibody detection in women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Horner Patrick J , Wills Gillian S , Reynolds Rosy , Johnson Anne M , Muir David A , Winston Alan , Broadbent Andrew J , Parker David , McClure Myra O 
Published: February 2013

ObjectivesTo investigate what factors influence the detection ofChlamydia trachomatisantibody following genital tract infection.MethodsOne hundred and sixty-four women with a previous history ofC trachomatisinfection contributed to an earlier report on the performance of chlamydia antibody ELISA assays. We undertook further analysis to explore how chlamydia antibody assay sensitivity changes with time since infection.ResultsChlamydia antibody was detected in more women soon after the last detection of chlamydia at the lower genital tract than at later times. This holds true for all tests, but the Anilabsystems IgG EIA, Medac pELISAplusELISA and the Savyon SeroCT-IgG ELISA were less sensitive than the pgp3 ELISA and the Anilabsystems microimmunofluorescence (MIF) assay at all time points except during current infection. Fall in seropositivity in women generally occurred in the early weeks and months following the last episode of chlamydia infection. There was no clear pattern of further reduction in seropositivity after 6 months. Multiple previous episodes were associated with increased seropositivity in the pgp3 assay (two or more vs one, OR 19, p<0.001) and other tests, but the effect was significantly smaller for the Anilabs, Medac and SeroCT MOMP peptide ELISAs, but not for the MIF assay.ConclusionsChlamydia antibody detection decreases with time since infection and this is most apparent in the first 6 months. In women who have had more than one infection, antibody remained detectable longer for all tests, but this was more marked for the pgp3 ELISA and MIF assay.
A Pressure-Based Analysis of the Historical Western North Pacific Tropical Cyclone Intensity Record
Authors: Knapp Kenneth R. , Knaff John A. , Sampson Charles R. , Riggio Gustavo M. , Schnapp Adam D. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The western North Pacific Ocean is the most active tropical cyclone (TC) basin. However, recent studies are not conclusive on whether the TC activity is increasing or decreasing, at least when calculations are based on maximum sustained winds. For this study, TC minimum central pressure data are analyzed in an effort to better understand historical typhoons. Best-track pressure reports are compared with aircraft reconnaissance observations; little bias is observed. An analysis of wind and pressure relationships suggests changes in data and practices at numerous agencies over the historical record. New estimates of maximum sustained winds are calculated using recent wind–pressure relationships and parameters from International Best Track Archive for Climate Stewardship (IBTrACS) data. The result suggests potential reclassification of numerous typhoons based on these pressure-based lifetime maximum intensities. Historical documentation supports these new intensities in many cases. In short, wind reports in older best-track data are likely of low quality. The annual activity based on pressure estimates is found to be consistent with aircraft reconnaissance and between agencies; however, reconnaissance ended in the western Pacific in 1987. Since then, interagency differences in maximum wind estimates noted here and by others also exist in the minimum central pressure reports. Reconciling these recent interagency differences is further exasperated by the lack of adequate ground truth. This study suggests efforts to intercalibrate the interagency intensity estimate methods. Conducting an independent and homogeneous reanalysis of past typhoon activity is likely necessary to resolve the remaining discrepancies in typhoon intensity records.
Improvements in Shoulder Endurance Following a Baseball-Specific Strengthening Program in High School Baseball Players
Authors: Moore Stephanie D. , Uhl Tim L. , Kibler W. Ben 
Published: February 2013

Background: The posterior shoulder muscles play key roles in maintaining shoulder function in throwing. Arm fatigue has been identified as a risk factor for shoulder and elbow pain in youth baseball pitchers. However, endurance of the posterior shoulder muscles in overhead athletes is not routinely examined or conditioned. Hypothesis: Upper extremity muscular endurance can be improved in adolescent baseball players during a 20-week preseason training program. Secondarily, strength will be improved. Finally, these improvements will be associated with maintenance of range of motion. Study Design: Cohort study. Methods: Fourteen baseball players (age, 16 ± 2 years) attended 3 supervised training sessions per week for 20 weeks. Strengthening of the upper extremity was performed with a specific progression that utilized readily available equipment. Testing was completed at baseline and at 4, 8, and 20 weeks. The posterior shoulder endurance test was performed to assess muscular endurance. Glenohumeral internal and external rotation range of motion and strength were measured. Results: Posterior shoulder endurance improved from 30 ± 14 repetitions at baseline to 66 ± 26 at 4 weeks and 88 ± 36 at 20 weeks ( P < 0.05). Glenohumeral internal rotation range of motion and the glenohumeral internal/external rotation strength ratio remained similar over the course of the program. Conclusion: Implementation of a preseason training program effectively increased shoulder muscular endurance while maintaining strength ratios and range of motion throughout the 20-week program. Clinical Relevance: This program improved a key parameter known to be associated with shoulder function and injury risk. This study describes a simple clinical tool to assess muscular endurance of the posterior shoulder.
Trends in the lifetime risk of COPD exacerbation requiring hospitalisation
Authors: Lykkegaard Jesper , dePont Christensen René , Davidsen Jesper Rømhild , Støvring Henrik , Andersen Morten , Søndergaard Jens 
Published: February 2013

This study aimed to estimate time trends in the lifetime risk of hospitalisation with exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Denmark.During the period from 1994 to 2008, a register-based cohort study was conducted covering each subject in the entire population of Denmark (5.18 million in 2008). Based on previously validated diagnosis codes, all COPD hospitalisations were identified. Individual retrospective review periods of 8 years were used to determine first-time hospitalisations. From year 2002 to 2008, all first-time COPD hospitalised subjects aged ≥30 years were identified. The calculation of lifetime risk was based on age- and sex-specific first-time COPD hospitalisation rates and rates of COPD hospitalisation-free survival, assuming them to be calendar time stationary.The study included 23.9 million person-years of risk time and identified 48 959 first-time COPD hospitalisations. For 30-year-olds in Denmark, the lifetime risk of COPD hospitalisation was 12.0% (95% CI 11.9–12.2) for females and 10.9% (95% CI 10.8–11.1) for males. Trends were generally equal in both sexes.During the period from 2002 to 2008, the rate of first-time COPD hospitalisations decreased, while the survival of never COPD hospitalised subjects increased. In consequence, the lifetime risk of COPD hospitalisation remained constant.
A new class of bronchodilator improves lung function in COPD: a trial with GSK961081
Authors: Wielders Pascal L.M.L. , Ludwig-Sengpiel Andrea , Locantore Nicholas , Baggen Suus , Chan Robert , Riley John H. 
Published: February 2013

GSK961081 is a bifunctional molecule demonstrating both muscarinic antagonist and β-agonist activities.This was a 4-week, multicentre, randomised, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo and salmeterol controlled parallel group study. Doses ranging across three twice-daily doses and three once-daily doses were assessed in moderate and severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Trough forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) at day 29 was the primary end-point. At days 1 and 28, 12-h FEV1spirometry was performed in all patients. A subset of patients underwent complete 24-h spirometry at day 28.The study recruited 436 patients. GSK961081 showed statistically and clinically significant differences from placebo in all doses and regimens for trough FEV1on day 29 (155–277 mL). The optimal total daily dose was 400 μg, either as 400 μg once daily or as 200 μg twice daily, with an improvement in day 29 trough FEV1of 215 mL and 249 mL, respectively. Other efficacy end-points also showed improvement. No effects were observed on glucose, potassium, heart rate, blood pressure and no dose–response effect was seen on corrected QT elongation.This study showed that GSK961081 is an effective bronchodilator in COPD and appeared to be safe and well tolerated.
Comparative proteomic analysis of the effect of temperature and fertilizer on gliadin and glutenin accumulation in the developing endosperm and flour from Triticum aestivum L. cv. Butte 86
Authors: Hurkman William J , Tanaka Charlene K , Vensel William H , Thilmony Roger , Altenbach Susan B 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Flour quality is largely determined by the gluten proteins, a complex mixture of proteins consisting of high molecular weight-glutenin subunits (HMW-GS), low molecular weight-glutenin subunits (LMW-GS), and α-, γ-, and ω-gliadins. Detailed proteomic analyses of the effects of fertilizer and high temperature on individual gliadin and glutenin protein levels are needed to determine how these environmental factors influence flour quality.

Results
Wheat plants (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Butte 86) were grown in greenhouses under moderate and high temperature regimens with and without post-anthesis fertilizer. Quantitative two-dimensional gel electrophoresis was used to construct accumulation profiles in developing endosperm for the entire complement of gluten proteins identified previously by tandem mass spectrometry. Amounts of individual gliadins and glutenins were also determined in flour produced under each of the regimens. Under all environmental regimens, most HMW-GS, LMW-GS, γ- and ω-gliadins accumulated rapidly during early stages of grain development and leveled off during middle stages of development. A subset of LMW-GS showed a second distinct profile, accumulating throughout development, while α-gliadins showed a variety of accumulation profiles. In flour, fourteen distinct gluten proteins responded similarly to fertilizer, high temperature, and high temperature plus fertilizer. The majority of HMW-GS and ω-gliadins and some α-gliadins increased while two LMW-GS and a minor γ-gliadin decreased. Fertilizer did not influence gluten protein accumulation under high temperature conditions. Additionally, the effects of fertilizer and high temperature were not additive; very few changes were observed when plants that received fertilizer were subjected to high temperature.

Conclusions
Although post-anthesis temperature and fertilizer have very different effects on grain development and yield, the two treatments elicit surprisingly similar effects on the accumulation of gluten proteins. The similarity of the responses to the different treatments is likely due to source-sink activities of nitrogen reserves in the wheat plant. Because each protein that showed a response in this study is linked to a gene sequence, the work sets the stage for transgenic studies that will better elucidate the roles of specific proteins in flour quality and in the response to the environment.
Induced pH-dependent shift by local surface plasmon resonance in functionalized gold nanorods
Authors: Toh Yon-Rui , Yu Pyng , Wen Xiaoming , Tang Jau , Hsieh Tao-shih 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) spectroscopy of metallic nanoparticles is a powerful tool for chemical and biological sensing experiments. In this study, we observed LSPR shifts of 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid modified gold nanorods (GNR-MUA) for the pH range of 6.41 to 8.88. We proposed a mechanism involving changes of the dipole moment after protonation/deprotonation carboxylic groups of 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA) which plays an important role by modulating LSPR around the functionalized GNR. Such a stable and easily prepared GNR-MUA has potential to become one of the most efficient and promising pH nanosensors to study intra- or extra-cellular pH in a wide range of chemical or biological systems.
A linear polyethylenimine mediated siRNA-based therapy targeting human epidermal growth factor receptor in SPC-A1 xenograft mice
Authors: Zhang Pinghai , Xu Nuo , Zhou Lei , Xu Xin , Wang Yuehong , Li Ka , Zeng Zhaochong , Wang Xiangdong , Zhang Xin , Bai Chunxue 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Linear polyethylenimine (LPEI) is considered as a desirable gene in vivo delivery system, but whether it could deliver the specific siRNA targeted EGFR to the tumor site to inhibit the growth of NSCLC xenograft in nude mice still needs to be examined.

Methods
In this study, LPEI/siRNA was made into a complex and SPC-A1-xenografted mice model was established. Then, stable LPEI/siRNA-EGFR complexes were intraperitoneally administrated. Afterwards, tumor growth was measured every 3 days. At the end of the experiment, tumor volume was calculated, and tumors were weighed, and examined for EGFR expression, proliferation, and apoptosis evaluations. By using blood samples, toxicity tests including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), urea and creatinine (Cr) were measured for liver and renal function evaluation. Serum concentrations of TNF-α and IFN-γ were also examined.

Results
Our results demonstrated that LPEI/siRNA-EGFR complexes could downregulate EGFR expression in SPC-A1 xenografted tumor upon single i.p. injection. LPEI/siRNA-EGFR complexes inhibited tumor growth and did not induce organ toxicity in SPC-A1-xenografted mice. At the end of the experiment no significant IFN-α increase was detected in LPEI/siRNA complexes or glucose-treated groups.

Conclusions
The novel modality of siRNA-based therapy targeting EGFR may be of great potential in NSCLC treatment.
Harmonization in laboratory medicine: the complete picture
Authors: Plebani Mario 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Evidence of the acute lack of interchangeable laboratory results and consensus in current practice among clinical laboratories has underpinned greater attention to standardization and harmonization projects. Although the focus is mainly on the standardization of measurement procedures, the scope of harmonization goes beyond method and analytical results: it includes all other aspects of laboratory testing, including terminology and units, report formats, reference intervals and decision limits, as well as test profiles and criteria for the interpretation of results. This review provides further insight on the issue of harmonization in laboratory medicine in view of the urgent need for a complete picture now that old and new drivers are calling for more effective efforts in this field. The main drivers for standardization and harmonization projects are first and foremost patient safety, but also the increasing trends towards consolidation and networking of clinical laboratories, accreditation programs, clinical governance, and advances in Information Technology (IT), including the electronic patient record. The harmonization process, which should be considered a three-tier approach involving local, national and international fronts, must go beyond the harmonization of methods and analytical results to include all other aspects of laboratory testing. A pertinent example of the importance of a complete picture in harmonization programs is given by the National Bone Health Alliance working in the field of bone turnover markers in cooperation with scientific societies including the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC).
The Assessment of Velopharyngeal Function Using Nasal Ram Pressure Testing following Palatoplasty
Authors: Krochmal Daniel J. , Zajac David J. , Alhudaib Omar M. , Emodi Omri , Van Aalst John A. 
Published: February 2013

Objective To compare nasal ram pressure (NRP) data with perceptual speech assessments in young children following palatoplasty. Design and Setting NRP monitoring, a noninvasive technique using a two-pronged nasal cannula that detects nasal airflow during speech, was performed on patients 12 months following palatoplasty in our Craniofacial Center. Patients Eighteen English-speaking nonsyndromic patients, aged 21 to 28 months, without hearing or language deficits, underwent NRP testing. Main Outcome Measured During NRP measurement, the number of oral stop consonants produced spontaneously or following prompts was recorded. Stops were considered produced with velopharyngeal closure if NRP demonstrated no nasal airflow. The percentage of closed stops as measured by NRP was compared to the clinical assessment by craniofacial team speech-language pathologists. Results Eight patients achieved 100% stop closure. Four patients obtained 90% to 96% stop closure. Three patients had stop closure of 85%, 78%, and 50%. Three patients had 0% stop closure; two of these patients subsequently underwent secondary palatal surgery. No significant clinical speech deficits were noted in patients with 90% closure. No association with defect size or cleft type was identified. Conclusions NRP monitoring is well-tolerated in young children following palatoplasty. Achieving velopharyngeal (VP) closure for 90% of stops is associated with a clinical assessment of adequate speech and VP function. Postoperative NRP testing may serve as a useful adjunct to clinical speech evaluation for early identification of children who require more intensive speech therapy or secondary palatal surgery.