bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical impact of biopsy method on the quality of surgical management in melanoma
Authors: Kaiser Sameer , Vassell Rashida , Pinckney Richard G. , Holmes Todd E. , James Ted A. 
Published: February 2014

Background and ObjectivesThough guidelines recommend excisional biopsy for diagnosing melanoma, partial biopsy techniques are commonly performed, risking underestimation of Breslow depth and altering surgical management. Biopsy choice patterns by specialty and subsequent impact on surgical management was examined.MethodsRetrospective review of the University of Vermont Cancer Registry. All patients with a single, primary cutaneous melanoma from 1/02 to 6/12 analyzed.ResultsAmong 853 lesions analyzed, 606 had Breslow depth <1 mm. Dermatologists perform 62.6% of biopsies, favoring shave biopsies; surgeons favor excisional biopsies (48%), and primary care doctors favor punch biopsies (44.8%), (P < 0.001). Final Breslow depth was upstaged in 107 (12.5%); however, only 23 of 488 partial biopsies (4.7%) displayed a discrepancy great enough to change surgical recommendations (P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant relationship with presence of ulceration, regression, high Clark level, or high mitotic index.ConclusionsPartial biopsy techniques are commonly performed in diagnosing melanoma; especially among dermatologists, who perform the majority of biopsies. Though partial biopsies were less accurate in determining Breslow thickness; they rarely alter recommendations for surgical management. Predictive features could not be determined to identify the few cases where a Breslow discrepancy was clinically relevant. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 109:775–779. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Anterior nasal resistance in obese children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
Authors: Sin Sanghun , Wootton David M. , McDonough Joseph M. , Nandalike Kiran , Arens Raanan 
Published: February 2014

Objectives/HypothesisTo evaluate nasal resistance in obese children with and without obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), study the correlation between nasal resistance and severity of OSAS using the apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI), and examine the association of gender and body mass index (BMI) with this measurement.Study DesignRetrospective analysis.MethodsActive anterior rhinomanometry was used to determine anterior nasal resistance (aNR) during wakefulness in the supine position during tidal breathing. Thirty obese children with OSAS (aged 13.8 ± 2.6 years, BMI z score 2.6 ± 0.4) and 32 matched obese controls (aged 13.6 ± 2.3 years, BMI z score 2.4 ± 0.4), were studied. Unpaired t tests and Spearman correlation were performed.ResultsThe OSAS group had significantly higher aNR than the non‐OSAS group during inspiration (P = .012) and expiration (P = .003). A significant correlation between inspiratory aNR and AHI was found for the OSAS group (r = 0.39, P = .04). The aNR did not correlate with BMI z score or with either gender.ConclusionsWe noted a higher aNR in obese children with OSAS as compared to obese controls, and the aNR on inspiration correlated significantly with AHI. These findings suggest that a causal or augmentative effect of high inspiratory aNR may exist for obese children who exhibit OSAS.Level of Evidence3b. Laryngoscope, 124:2640–2644, 2014
Parameter Study on the Preparation of UV Depth‐Cured Chemically Resistant Polysulfone‐Based Membranes
Authors: Strużyńska‐Piron Izabela , Loccufier Johan , Vanmaele Luc , Vankelecom Ivo F. J. 
Published: February 2014

Polysulfone‐based membranes with excellent chemical resistance and a wet thickness up to 200 μm are obtained via UV curing of unmodified polymers after careful tuning of the photoinitiating system and the crosslinker structure. Combinations of photoinitiator and crosslinker are studied in depth, followed by a characterization of the formed macromolecular structure. The performance of the resulting membranes is then evaluated through long‐term immersion in solvents. Classical depth‐curing acyl phosphine oxide‐based photoinitiators in combination with a pentaacrylate crosslinker are found to be the optimal system.
image
A Novel DCTN1 mutation with late‐onset parkinsonism and frontotemporal atrophy
Authors: Araki Eiichi , Tsuboi Yoshio , Daechsel Justus , Milnerwood Austen , Vilarino‐Guell Carles , Fujii Naoki , Mishima Takayasu , Oka Takayuki , Hara Hideo , Fukae Jiro , Farrer Matthew J. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTBackgroundDepression, parkinsonism, and hypoventilation (Perry syndrome) or familial motor neuron disease have been linked to mutations in dynactin P150Glued (DCTN1).MethodsWe employed genealogic, clinical, neurologic, and MRI investigations, as well as analysis of genes implicated in parkinsonism. Cellular transfection, immunocytochemistry, and immunoprecipitation analysis of wild‐type (WT) and mutant DCTN1 were also performed.ResultsA novel heterozygous mutation, DCTN1 c.156T>G, encoding p.Phe52Leu, segregates with parkinsonism in a Japanese family. The substitution was not observed in affected probands with familial parkinsonism or control subjects and is evolutionarily conserved. In contrast to Perry syndrome, affected carriers have late‐onset disease and slower progression, with frontotemporal atrophy revealed by MRI. In vitro studies suggest the mutant protein has impaired microtubule binding, compared to WT dynactin p150Glued.ConclusionsDCTN1 mutations may contribute to disparate neurodegenerative diagnoses, including familial motor neuron disease, parkinsonism, and frontotemporal atrophy, and further studies of dynactin‐mediated cargo transport may prove insightful. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Association of the c.385C>A (p.Pro129Thr) polymorphism of the fatty acid amide hydrolase gene with anorexia nervosa in the Japanese population
Authors: Ando Tetsuya , Tamura Naho , Mera Takashi , Morita Chihiro , Takei Michiko , Nakamoto Chiemi , Koide Masanori , Hotta Mari , Naruo Tetsuro , Kawai Keisuke , Nakahara Toshihiro , Yamaguchi Chikara , Nagata Toshihiko , Ookuma Kazuyoshi , Okamoto Yuri , Yamanaka Takao , Kiriike Nobuo , Ichimaru Yuhei , Ishikawa Toshio , Komaki Gen ,   The Japanese Genetic Research Group For Eating Disorders
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe functional c.385C>A single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) gene, one of the major degrading enzymes of endocannabinoids, is reportedly associated with anorexia nervosa (AN). We genotyped the c.385C>A SNP (rs324420) in 762 lifetime AN and 605 control participants in Japan. There were significant differences in the genotype and allele frequencies of c.385C>A between the AN and control groups. The minor 385A allele was less frequent in the AN participants than in the controls (allele‐wise, odds ratio = 0.799, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.653–0.976, P = 0.028). When the cases were subdivided into lifetime restricting subtype AN and AN with a history of binge eating or purging, only the restricting AN group exhibited a significant association (allele‐wise, odds ratio = 0.717, 95% CI 0.557–0.922, P = 0.0094). Our results suggest that having the minor 385A allele of the FAAH gene may be protective against AN, especially restricting AN. This finding supports the possible role of the endocannabinoid system in susceptibility to AN.
Bovine embryo survival under oxidative‐stress conditions is associated with activity of the NRF2‐mediated oxidative‐stress‐response pathway
Authors: Amin Ahmed , Gad Ahmed , Salilew‐Wondim Dessie , Prastowo Sigit , Held Eva , Hoelker Michael , Rings Franca , Tholen Ernst , Neuhoff Christiane , Looft Christian , Schellander Karl , Tesfaye Dawit 
Published: February 2014

SUMMARYIn present study, we sought to examine the ability of preimplantation bovine embryos to activate the NF‐E2‐related factor 2 (NRF2)‐mediated oxidative‐stress response under an oxidative stress environment. In vitro 2‐, 4‐, 8‐, 16‐cell‐, and blastocyst‐stage embryos were cultured under low (5%) or high (20%) oxygen levels. The expression of NRF2, KEAP1 (NRF2 inhibitor), antioxidants downstream of NRF2, and genes associated with embryo metabolism were analyzed between the embryo groups using real‐time quantitative PCR. NRF2 and KEAP1 protein abundance, mitochondrial activity, and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were also investigated in blastocysts of varying competence that were derived from high‐ or low‐oxygen levels. The expression levels of NRF2 and its downstream antioxidant genes were higher in 8‐cell, 16‐cell, and blastocyst stages under high oxygen tension, whereas KEAP1 expression was down‐regulated under the same conditions. Higher expression of NRF2 and lower ROS levels were detected in early (competent) blastocysts compared to their late (noncompetent) counterparts in both oxygen‐tension groups. Similarly, higher levels of active nuclear NRF2 protein were detected in competent blastocysts compared to their noncompetent counterparts. Thus, the survival and developmental competence of embryos cultured under oxidative stress are associated with activity of the NRF2‐mediated oxidative stress response pathway during bovine pre‐implantation embryo development. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 81: 497–513, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of eccentric versus concentric exercise training on mitochondrial function
Authors: Isner‐Horobeti Marie‐Eve , Rasseneur Laurence , Lonsdorfer‐Wolf Evelyne , Dufour Stéphane Pascal , Doutreleau Stéphane , Bouitbir Jamal , Zoll Joffrey , Kapchinsky Sophia , Geny Bernard , Daussin Frédéric Nicolas , Burelle Yan , Richard Ruddy 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: The effect of eccentric (ECC) versus concentric (CON) training on metabolic properties in skeletal muscle is understood poorly. We determined the responses in oxidative capacity and mitochondrial H2O2 production after eccentric (ECC) versus concentric (CON) training performed at similar mechanical power. Methods: Forty‐eight rats performed 5‐ or 20‐day eccentric (ECC) or concentric (CON) training programs. Mitochondrial respiration, H2O2 production, citrate synthase activity (CS), and skeletal muscle damage were assessed in gastrocnemius (GAS), soleus (SOL) and vastus intermedius (VI) muscles. Results: Maximal mitochondrial respiration improved only after 20 days of concentric (CON) training in GAS and SOL. H2O2 production increased specifically after 20 days of eccentric ECC training in VI. Skeletal muscle damage occurred transiently in VI after 5 days of ECC training. Conclusions: Twenty days of ECC versus CON training performed at similar mechanical power output do not increase skeletal muscle oxidative capacities, but it elevates mitochondrial H2O2 production in VI, presumably linked to transient muscle damage. Muscle Nerve 50: 803–811, 2014
Non‐invasive isometric force measurement of plantar flexors in rats
Authors: Chawla Aditya , Spinner Robert J. , Torres Lizardi Michael , Yaszemski Michael J. , Windebank Anthony J. , Wang Huan 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Isometric muscle force measurement is a sensitive marker for motor function recovery in rat nerve repair models. Current methods of eliciting maximal isometric force with nerve stimulation cannot provide longitudinal data.Methods: We developed a novel method for measuring isometric muscle force with a device designed to allow minimally invasive nerve stimulation and measurement of plantar flexion force. This indirectly elicited muscle force was compared with muscle force elicited by direct muscle stimulation in 3 surgical models.Results: The force measured after sciatic nerve transection and repair followed a parabolic trend. There was a postinjury decrease in force that continued until postoperative day 42, after which the force increased with time, indicating muscle reinnervation.Conclusions: This approach can track longitudinal changes in force in the most common animal model for studies of clinically relevant problems in the peripheral nerve field.Muscle Nerve50: 812–821, 2014
Mutations in riboflavin transporter present with severe sensory loss and deafness in childhood
Authors: Srour Myriam , Putorti Maria Lisa , Schwartzentruber Jeremy , Bolduc Véronique , Shevell Michael Israel ,   FORGE Canada Consortium, Poulin Chantal , O'ferrall Erin , Buhas Daniela , Majewski Jacek , Brais Bernard 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: We have identified a large consanguineous Lebanese family with 5 individuals with severe childhood‐onset recessive sensory loss associated with deafness and variable optic atrophy. Methods: Autozygosity mapping was performed in all affected individuals, followed by whole‐exome sequencing (WES) in 2 individuals. Results: WES identified a homozygous missense mutation (c.916G>A, p.G306R) in the cerebral riboflavin transporter SLC52A2, recently shown to cause Brown‐Vialetto‐Van‐Laere syndrome (BVVLS), which is considered primarily a motor neuronopathy. Our patients have a phenotype distinct from BVVLS, characterized by severe progressive sensory loss mainly affecting vibration and proprioception that evolves to include sensorineural hearing loss in childhood, variable degrees of optic atrophy, and marked upper extremity weakness and atrophy. Treatment of 3 patients with 400 mg/day riboflavin over 3 months produced definite clinical improvement. Conclusions: Mutations in SLC52A2 result in a recognizable phenotype distinct from BVVLS. Early recognition of this disorder is critical, given its potential treatability. Muscle Nerve 50: 775–779, 2014
The effect of sacral neuromodulation on pudendal nerve function and female sexual function
Authors: Parnell Brent A. , Howard James F. , Geller Elizabeth J. 
Published: February 2014

AimsTo quantify changes in pudendal nerve function with sacral neuromodulation (SNM). To understand the relationship of pudendal nerve function to SNM treatment response for overactive bladder. To assess the relationship between female sexual function and pudendal nerve function after SNM.MethodsWomen undergoing SNM between January 2010 and May 2011 were enrolled. Baseline pudendal nerve terminal motor latencies (PNTML) were measured bilaterally. Subjects underwent peripheral nerve evaluation (PNE) prior to SNM therapy. PNTML was measured at 1 and 6 weeks after sacral neuromodulator implant. Women who did not undergo permanent implantation were reassessed at the end of the 1‐week PNE testing phase. Pelvic floor and sexual function questionnaires were administered at baseline and follow‐up to assess pelvic floor and sexual function.ResultsOf 34 women enrolled, 31 were evaluated. Mean age was 67.4 ± 14.2 years with 29/34 (85.3%) treated for refractory overactive bladder. Thirty of 31 (96.7%) went on to a permanent implant. PNE success rate was 73.5% (25/33). Mean PNTML changed from 2.74 ± 0.52 msec at baseline to 2.57 ± 0.50 msec at 6 weeks postop (P = 0.198). Baseline amplitude remained stable at 1 and 6 weeks. At 6 weeks PISQ‐12 scores showed improved sexual function (P = 0.034) and PFDI‐20 and PFIQ‐7 scores showed improved pelvic floor, colorectal and urinary symptoms (P < 0.05).ConclusionsWomen with refractory overactive bladder and non‐obstructive urinary retention have abnormal pudendal nerve function, which showed a non‐significant trend toward improvement after SNM. Sexually active women undergoing sacral neuromodulation experienced improvement in sexual function. Quality of life improved due to improvement in urinary and colorectal function. Neurourol. Urodynam. 34:456–460, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of dietary fat intake on the endocannabinoid system in lean and obese subjects
Authors: Engeli Stefan , Lehmann Anne‐Christin , Kaminski Jana , Haas Verena , Janke Jürgen , Zoerner Alexander A. , Luft Friedrich C. , Tsikas Dimitrios , Jordan Jens 
Published: February 2014

ObjectiveEndocannabinoid system (ECS) activation promotes obesity‐associated metabolic disease. Increased dietary fat intake increases blood endocannabinoids and alters adipose and skeletal muscle ECS gene expression in human.MethodsTwo weeks isocaloric low‐ (LFD) and high‐fat diets (HFD) in obese (n = 12) and normal‐weight (n = 17) subjects in a randomized cross‐over study were compared. Blood endocannabinoids were measured in the fasting condition and after food intake using mass spectrometry. Adipose and skeletal muscle gene expression was determined using real‐time RT‐PCR.ResultsBaseline fasting plasma endocannabinoids were similar with both diets. Anandamide decreased similarly with high‐ or low‐fat test meals in both groups. Baseline arachidonoylglycerol plasma concentrations were similar between groups and diets, and unresponsive to eating. In subcutaneous adipose tissue, DAGL‐α mRNA was upregulated and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) mRNAs were down‐regulated in obese subjects, but the diets had no influence. In contrast, the HFD produced pronounced reductions in skeletal muscle CB1‐R and MAGL mRNA expression, whereas obesity did not affect muscular gene expression.ConclusionsWeight‐neutral changes in dietary fat intake cannot explain excessive endocannabinoid availability in human obesity. Obesity and dietary fat intake affect ECS gene expression in a tissue‐specific manner.
In Brief: (Mis)splicing in disease
Authors: Pedrotti Simona , Cooper Thomas A 
Published: February 2014

AbstractSplicing of pre‐mRNAs is a crucial step in the gene expression pathway. Disruption of splicing has been linked to the pathogenesis of several human diseases and is particularly widespread in cancer. Recently, a number of mutations affecting genes of the core spliceosome machinery have been identified in haematological malignancies, yet the effect of such mutations on RNA splicing is unclear. A better understanding of how mis‐splicing contributes to malignancies may provide diagnostic or prognostic information and new drug targets for therapeutic approaches. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
IFNγ‐responsiveness of endothelial cells leads to efficient angiostasis in tumours involving down‐regulation of Dll4
Authors: Deng Jingjing , Liu Xiaoman , Rong Lijie , Ni Chen , Li Xiao , Yang Wei , Lu Yu , Yan Xiyun , Qin Chuan , Zhang Lianfeng , Qin Zhihai 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAlthough IFNγ is regarded as a key cytokine in angiostatic response, our poor understanding of its effective cellular target drastically limits its clinical trials against angiogenesis‐related disorders. Here, we investigated the effect of IFNγ on endothelial cells (ECs) and possible molecular mechanisms in angiostasis. By employing Tie2IFNγR mice, in which IFNγR expression was reconstituted under the control of Tie2 promoter in IFNγR‐deficient mice, we found that the response of ECs to IFNγ was highly effective in inhibiting blood supply and retarding tumour growth. Interestingly, the expression of IFNγR on Tie2− cells did not inhibit, but promoted tumour growth in control wild‐type mice. Mechanism studies showed that IFNγ reacting on ECs down‐regulated the delta‐like ligand 4 (Dll4)/Notch signalling pathway. Accordingly, overexpression of Dll4 in human ECs diminished the effect of IFNγ on ECs. This study demonstrates that the action of IFNγ on ECs, but not other cells, is highly effective for tumour angiostasis, which involves down‐regulating Dll4. It provides insights for EC‐targeted angiostatic therapy in treating angiogenesis‐associated disorders in the clinic. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative Analysis of Boeravinones in the Roots of Boerhaavia Diffusa by UPLC/PDA
Authors: Bairwa Khemraj , Srivastava Amit , Jachak Sanjay Madhukar 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTIntroductionBoerhaavia diffusa is a perennial herb belonging to Nyctaginaceae. Various classes of chemical constituents such as phenolics (boeravinones), terpenoids and organic acids have been reported in B. diffusa roots. As boeravinones have been proposed as putative active constituents for the anti‐cancer, spasmolytic and anti‐inflammatory activities exhibited by B. diffusa extracts, it is worthwhile developing and validating an ultra‐performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) method for analysis of boeravinones in B. diffusa roots.ObjectiveTo develop and validate a simple, accurate, robust and rapid UPLC analytical method for quality control of B. diffusa roots.MethodsSamples for analysis were prepared by refluxing powdered root material with methanol for 2 h. The extracts were concentrated, dried and stored at –20°C until their use. A UPLC with photodiode array (PDA) method was developed and validated for the quantification of boeravinones in the roots of B. diffusa. The separation of boeravinones was achieved using a BEH Shield C18‐column (2.1 × 100 mm, 1.7 µm) with gradient elution of methanol and water (0.1% acetic acid), at a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min and detection was carried out at λmax 273 nm.ResultsThe UPLC method developed showed good linearity (r2 ≥ 0.9999), accuracy and precision.ConclusionThe UPLC method developed provided a selective, sensitive and rapid analytical method for the quantification of boeravinones in B. diffusa roots. All the validation parameters were found to be within the permissible limits as per International Conference on Harmonisation guidelines. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Band gap tuning of narrow‐polydispersity two‐dimensional conductive polymers with electroactive side‐chains
Authors: Yang Yi‐Lung , Lee Yi‐Huan , Lee Yu‐Ping , Chiang Chi‐Ju , Hsu Fong‐Yu , Hsu Wei‐Chun , Leung Man‐kit , Wang Leeyih , Dai Chi‐An , Ohta Yoshihiro , Yokozawa Tsutomu 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTA series of two‐dimensional donor–acceptor–donor (D1–A(D2)) type of conducting polymers (CPs) all with electroactive bulky side chain structure has been designed, synthesized, and investigated by introducing the donor–acceptor (D1–A) thiophene–quinoxaline moiety in the main chain alongside and additional donor and hole transporting units in the side chain. All the UV‐vis spectra of the 2D polymers, PTPQT, PFPQT, and PCPQT, each with triphenylamine, fluorene, and carbazole units as the D2 side chain, possess strong intramolecular charge transfer absorption, thus resulting in better light harvesting. Their optical and electronic properties were thoroughly explored experimentally and computationally. The effect of molecular weight of the narrow polydispersity polymers on their optoelectronic property was studied in detail. In summary, the 2‐D CPs show potential for use as an active material in optoelectronic devices. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 1217–1227