bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Negative axillary ultrasonography with biopsy may predict non‐involvement of the non‐sentinel lymph nodes in operable breast cancer patients
Authors: Al Ayyan Muna , Bu Ali Omaima , Al Sharri Sheikha , Kassis Adnan , Hussain Sabir , Al‐Bashir Mohamed 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAimTo evaluate whether axillary ultrasound in combination with a biopsy (AUS +/− Bx) can predict the involvement of the non‐sentinel lymph nodes (NSLN).MethodsA review of all operable breast cancer patients who underwent AUS +/− Bx at our tertiary care center from January 2010 to April 2011 was performed. All patients underwent AUS as part of their pre‐operative evaluation. If the AUS was suspicious, a fine‐needle aspiration or core‐needle biopsy was performed.ResultsOf 88 patients included in our final analysis, 20 (23%) had positive AUS + Bx and underwent axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) at time of definitive surgery. In all, 68 of the 88 patients (77.3%) had negative AUS +/− Bx and underwent sentinel lymph node (SLN) Bx at the time of definitive surgery. If the SLN Bx was negative, no further axillary surgery was performed and the NSLN were assumed to be negative. If the SLN Bx was positive, ALND was performed. Of the 68 patients, 62 (91%) had a negative NSLN. Patients with positive AUS + Bx carry a relative risk of 2.02 (P < 0.00002) of having positive NSLN.ConclusionIn operable breast cancer patients, a negative AUS+/− Bx may be a predictor of non‐involvement of the NSLN.
The telltale face: Possible mechanisms behind defector and cooperator recognition revealed by emotional facial expression metrics
Authors: Kovács‐Bálint Zsófia , Bereczkei Tamás , Hernádi István 
Published: November 2012

In this study, we investigated the role of facial cues in cooperator and defector recognition. First, a face image database was constructed from pairs of full face portraits of target subjects taken at the moment of decision‐making in a prisoner's dilemma game (PDG) and in a preceding neutral task. Image pairs with no deficiencies (n = 67) were standardized for orientation and luminance. Then, confidence in defector and cooperator recognition was tested with image rating in a different group of lay judges (n = 62). Results indicate that (1) defectors were better recognized (58% vs. 47%), (2) they looked different from cooperators (p < .01), (3) males but not females evaluated the images with a relative bias towards the cooperator category (p < .01), and (4) females were more confident in detecting defectors (p < .05). According to facial microexpression analysis, defection was strongly linked with depressed lower lips and less opened eyes. Significant correlation was found between the intensity of micromimics and the rating of images in the cooperator‐defector dimension. In summary, facial expressions can be considered as reliable indicators of momentary social dispositions in thePDG. Females may exhibit an evolutionary‐based overestimation bias to detecting social visual cues of the defector face.
Notoginsenoside R1 attenuates cardiac dysfunction in endotoxemic mice: an insight into oestrogen receptor activation and PI3K/Akt signalling
Authors: Sun Bing , Xiao Jing , Sun Xiao‐Bo , Wu Ying 
Published: November 2012

Background and PurposeNotoginsenoside R1 (NG‐R1), a novel phytoestrogen isolated from Panax notoginseng, is believed to have anti‐inflammatory, anti‐oxidative and anti‐apoptotic properties. However, its cardioprotective properties and underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Here we have assessed the contribution of the anti‐inflammatory effects of NG‐R1 to the amelioration of septic cardiac dysfunction and inflammation in mice.Experimental ApproachWe assessed cardiac function in mice by echocardiography. We studied the protein or mRNA levels of some inflammatory factors, apoptotic factors and oestrogen receptors (ERs) in heart tissues upon stimulation with bacterial LPS, NG‐R1 or some pharmacological inhibitors.Key ResultsSix hours after LPS administration (10 mg·kg−1, i.p.) cardiac function was decreased, an effect attenuated by NG‐R1 pretreatment (25 mg·kg−1·d−1, i.p.). NG‐R1 also improved the imbalance between iNOS and eNOS, prevented activation of NF‐κB and the subsequent myocardial inflammatory and apoptotic responses in endotoxemic mice. The effects of NG‐R1 were closely associated with activation of the oestrogen receptor ERα and of PI3K/PKB (Akt) signalling, as characterized by NG‐R1‐induced preservation in ERα, phospho‐Akt, phospho‐GSK3β and I‐κBα, and of cardiac function that was partially blocked by selective inhibitors of ERα or PI3K. However, NG‐R1 had no effect on LPS‐activated TLR‐4.Conclusions and ImplicationsNG‐R1 is a promising compound for protecting the heart from septic shock, possibly via the activation of ERα and PI3K/Akt signalling. This mechanism produces blockade of NF‐κB activation and attenuation of the pro‐inflammatory state and apoptotic stress in the myocardium.
Is socket healing conditioned by buccal plate thickness? A clinical and histologic study 4 months after mineralized human bone allografting
Authors: Spinato Sergio , Galindo‐Moreno Pablo , Zaffe Davide , Bernardello Fabio , Soardi Carlo M 
Published: November 2012

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to clinically and histologically analyze the healing of grafted sockets by mineralized human bone allograft (MHBA) and nongrafted sockets, correlating the results with buccal plate thickness.Material and methodsThirty‐one sockets were randomly split into control (CG) and treatment (MHBA grafted) (TG) groups and, subsequently, into four subgroups according to buccal plate thickness: a ≤ 1 mm and b > 1 mm. Ridge thickness, depth, and height were monitored. Four months after, at implant placement, a bone core biopsy for histologic and morphometric analyses was taken.ResultsThe differences of buccal height (TG‐a ‐0.27 and CG‐a ‐1.17 mm) and width (TG‐a 0.55 and CG‐a 2.67 mm, TG‐b 0.12 and CG‐b 1.17 mm) were statistically significant. The increase in bone amount CG‐b (28.17%) compared with CG‐a (16.98%) was statistically significant. Soft tissue amount of TG‐b (54.21%) and TG‐a (56.91%) was lower than that of CG‐b (71.83%) and CG‐a (83.01%), both being statistically significant (P = 0.002).ConclusionsThe results proved that thin buccal plates had a worse outcome on socket healing and that network formation by MBHA not only predisposes a successful implant insertion but also acts as size keeper.
Tracking the Time Course of Word‐Frequency Effects in Auditory Word Recognition With Event‐Related Potentials
Authors: Dufour Sophie , Brunellière Angèle , Frauenfelder Ulrich H. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAlthough the word‐frequency effect is one of the most established findings in spoken‐word recognition, the precise processing locus of this effect is still a topic of debate. In this study, we used event‐related potentials (ERPs) to track the time course of the word‐frequency effect. In addition, the neighborhood density effect, which is known to reflect mechanisms involved in word identification, was also examined. The ERP data showed a clear frequency effect as early as 350 ms from word onset on the P350, followed by a later effect at word offset on the late N400. A neighborhood density effect was also found at an early stage of spoken‐word processing on the PMN, and at word offset on the late N400. Overall, our ERP differences for word frequency suggest that frequency affects the core processes of word identification starting from the initial phase of lexical activation and including target word selection. They thus rule out any interpretation of the word frequency effect that is limited to a purely decisional locus after word identification has been completed.
Cancer as a moving target: understanding the composition and rebound growth kinetics of recurrent tumors
Authors: Foo Jasmine , Leder Kevin , Mumenthaler Shannon M. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractWe introduce a stochastic branching process model of diversity in recurrent tumors whose growth is driven by drug resistance. Here, an initially declining population can escape certain extinction via the production of mutants whose fitness is drawn at random from a mutational fitness landscape. Using a combination of analytical and computational techniques, we study the rebound growth kinetics and composition of the relapsed tumor. We find that the diversity of relapsed tumors is strongly affected by the shape of the mutational fitness distribution. Interestingly, the model exhibits a qualitative shift in behavior depending on the balance between mutation rate and initial population size. In high mutation settings, recurrence timing is a strong predictor of the diversity of the relapsed tumor, whereas in the low mutation rate regime, recurrence timing is a good predictor of tumor aggressiveness. Analysis reveals that in the high mutation regime, stochasticity in recurrence timing is driven by the random survival of small resistant populations rather than variability in production of resistance from the sensitive population, whereas the opposite is true in the low mutation rate setting. These conclusions contribute to an evolutionary understanding of the suitability of tumor size and time of recurrence as prognostic and predictive factors in cancer.
Hybrid watermilfoil lineages are more invasive and less sensitive to a commonly used herbicide than their exotic parent (Eurasian watermilfoil)
Authors: LaRue Elizabeth A. , Zuellig Matthew P. , Netherland Michael D. , Heilman Mark A. , Thum Ryan A. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractHybridization may stimulate the evolution of invasiveness in human‐impacted habitats if unique hybrid genotypes have higher fitness than parental genotypes. Human efforts to control invasive taxa frequently involve the intentional alteration of habitats, but few studies have considered whether hybridization can result in decreased sensitivity to control measures. Here, we investigate whether interspecific hybrids between introduced Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) and native northern watermilfoil (M. sibiricum) are more invasive than parental Eurasian watermilfoil, especially in regard to their relative responses to an herbicide commonly applied for their control (2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid; 2,4‐D). In two separate laboratory experiments, hybrids on average grew faster and were less sensitive to 2,4‐D compared with parental Eurasian watermilfoil. These two invasive traits appear to be common in hybrid watermilfoils, as opposed to being restricted to a few unique lineages, because they were found in a diversity of hybrid genotypes from several independent hybridization events. In addition, we found that hybrids occurred more frequently than parental species in natural lakes previously treated with 2,4‐D. Our results provide compelling empirical evidence that hybridization is associated with the evolution of increased invasiveness in watermilfoils, and have important implications for their management.
Dedifferentiated liposarcoma with homologous lipoblastic differentiation: expanding the spectrum to include low‐grade tumours
Authors: Liau Jau‐Yu , Lee Jen‐Chieh , Wu Chen‐Tu , Kuo Kuan‐Ting , Huang Hsuan‐Ying , Liang Cher‐Wei 
Published: November 2012

AimsDedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLPS) is traditionally defined as a non‐lipogenic high‐grade sarcoma arising from a well‐differentiated liposarcoma that confers metastatic potential. Recently, DDLPSs with lipoblastic differentiation, i.e. morphologically lipogenic DDLPSs, were reported. Because of the lipoblastic differentiation, these tumours caused confusion, and were reported under different names. However, cytogenetic and molecular studies have revealed their DDLPS nature. So far, the cases reported have been high‐grade pleomorphic liposarcoma‐like tumours. In this study we have collected another series that contains low‐grade tumours, and expand the histological spectrum.Methods and resultsEighteen cases of DDLPS with lipoblastic differentiation from various anatomical locations were analysed by routine histology, immunohistochemistry, and MDM2 fluorescence in‐situ hybridization. Two main histological patterns were seen: one featured a spindle cell sarcoma containing lipoblasts with variable nuclear pleomorphism, and the other a pleomorphic liposarcoma‐like tumour including the epithelioid variant. Two cases showed low nuclear grade and lipogenic activity in the metastatic foci. CDK4, MDM2 and p16INK4a overexpression was seen in all except one case. MDM2 amplification was found in all 16 cases tested.ConclusionsWe have expanded the spectrum of this variant of DDLPS to include low‐grade tumours, in which a careful search for increased mitotic activity is essential. Like conventional DDLPS, these tumours are capable of metastasis.
Multidrug resistance protein gene expression inTrichoplusia nicaterpillars
Authors: Simmons Jason , D'Souza Olivia , Rheault Mark , Donly Cam 
Published: November 2012

AbstractMany insect species exhibit pesticide‐resistant phenotypes. One of the mechanisms capable of contributing to resistance is the overexpression of multidrug resistance (MDR) transporter proteins. Here we describe the cloning of three genes encodingMDRproteins fromTrichoplusia ni:trnMDR1,trnMDR2andtrnMDR3. Real‐time quantitativePCR(qPCR) detectedtrnMDRmRNAin the whole nervous system, midgut and Malpighian tubules of final instarT. nicaterpillars. To test whether these genes are upregulated in response to chemical challenge in this insect,qPCRwas used to comparetrnMDRmRNAlevels in unchallenged insects with those of insects fed the synthetic pyrethroid, deltamethrin. Only limited increases were detected in a single gene,trnMDR2, which is the most weakly expressed of the threeMDRgenes, suggesting that increased multidrug resistance of this type is not a significant part of the response to deltamethrin exposure.
New Zealand nurses' perceptions of the continuing competence framework
Authors: Vernon R. , Chiarella M. , Papps E. , Dignam D. 
Published: November 2012

BackgroundThe demonstration of competence and continuing competence for nurses is becoming increasingly important internationally, and many countries have developed continuing competence frameworks.AimTo explore nurses' perceptions and understanding of and satisfaction with the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) Continuing Competence Framework (CCF) and the effectiveness of associated processes.MethodA total of 1157 New Zealand (NZ) nurses responded to a web‐based survey designed to determine their satisfaction with the NCNZ CCF. The sample was representative of the NZ nursing population with a margin of error of 2.85 and 95% confidence level.FindingsThe majority of participants believe that the CCF provides a mechanism to ensure nurses are competent and fit to practice. While some participants indicated an element of poor understanding with regard to aspects of the CCF, overall it is perceived as a credible and reliable process to ensure public safety.ConclusionsThe international literature describes a variety of frameworks and competence indicators used by regulatory authorities to safeguard the public. In the 5 years since the NCNZ implemented the CCF less than 0.02% of notifications related to ‘competence’ have been recorded. The majority of NZ nurses believe that the CCF provides a mechanism to ensure nurses are competent and fit to practice. However, it is important to note that CCF processes may infer competence but they are not a guarantee that a nurse is safe to practice on any given day.
A study of Chitosan and c‐di‐GMP as mucosal adjuvants for intranasal influenza H5N1 vaccine
Authors: Svindland Signe C. , Pedersen Gabriel K. , Pathirana Rishi D. , Bredholt Geir , Nøstbakken Jane K. , Jul‐Larsen Åsne , Guzmán Carlos A. , Montomoli Emanuele , Lapini Giulia , Piccirella Simona , Jabbal‐Gill Inderjit , Hinchcliffe Michael , Cox Rebecca J. 
Published: November 2012

Please cite this paper as: Svindland et al. (2012) A study of Chitosan and c‐di‐GMP as mucosal adjuvants for intranasal influenza H5N1 vaccine. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 10.1111/irv.12056000(000), 000–000.Background  Highly pathogenic avian influenza A/H5N1 virus remains a potential pandemic threat, and it is essential to continue vaccine development against this subtype. A local mucosal immune response in the upper respiratory tract may stop influenza transmission. It is therefore important to develop effective intranasal pandemic influenza vaccines that induce mucosal immunity at the site of viral entry.Objectives  We evaluated the humoral and cellular immune responses of two promising mucosal adjuvants (Chitosan and c‐di‐GMP) for intranasal influenza H5N1 vaccine in a murine model. Furthermore, we evaluated the concept of co‐adjuvanting an experimental adjuvant (c‐di‐GMP) with chitosan.Methods  BALB/c mice were intranasally immunised with two doses of subunit NIBRG‐14 (H5N1) vaccine (7·5, 1·5 or 0·3 μg haemagglutinin (HA) adjuvanted with chitosan (CSN), c‐di‐GMP or both adjuvants.Results  All adjuvant formulations improved the serum and local antibody responses, with the highest responses observed in the 7·5 μg HA CSN and c‐di‐GMP‐adjuvanted groups. The c‐di‐GMP provided dose sparing with protective single radial haemolysis (SRH), and haemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibody responses found in the 0·3 μg HA group. CSN elicited a Th2 response, whereas c‐di‐GMP induced higher frequencies of virus‐specific CD4+ T cells producing one or more Th1 cytokines (IFN‐γ+, IL‐2+, TNF‐α+). A combination of the two adjuvants demonstrated effectiveness at 7·5 μg HA and triggered a more balanced Th cytokine profile.Conclusion  These data show that combining adjuvants can modulate the Th response and in combination with ongoing studies of adjuvanted intranasal vaccines will dictate the way forward for optimal mucosal influenza vaccines.
Economic burden of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in Canada
Authors: Levy Adrian R. , Davie Alison M. , Brazier Nicole C. , Jivraj Farah , Albrecht Lorne E. , Gratton David , Lynde Charles W. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackground  Psoriasis is a chronic debilitating disease affecting approximately one million Canadians. The objective of this study is to estimate the economic burden in $CDN (2008) of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis among Canadian adults.Methods  Using a cross‐sectional design, direct resource use, costs, lost productivity, and quality of life were obtained for 90 subjects diagnosed with psoriasis in three dermatology clinics in British Columbia, Ontario, and Québec. An Excel‐based economic model was developed to project the annual cost of psoriasis, from the societal perspective.Results  The estimated mean annual cost of psoriasis was $7999/subject (95% CI: $3563–$12,434) with direct costs accounting for 57%. Mean lost productivity costs, which accounted for 43% of the mean annual costs of psoriasis, were $3442/subject (95% CI: $1293–$5590).Conclusion  Projecting the mean costs per patient to the afflicted population yields an estimated total annual cost of $1.7 billion (95% CI: $0.8–$2.6 billion) attributable to moderate to severe psoriasis in Canada. Understanding the interplay between direct costs, lost productivity, and quality of life is critical for accurately identifying and evaluating effective treatments for this disease.
Quality of Sexual Life of Women on Oral Contraceptive Continued-Regimen: Pilot Study
Authors: Caruso Salvatore , Malandrino Chiara , Cicero Carla , Ciancio Fabio , Cariola Maria , Cianci Antonio 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
To date, women may use flexible oral contraceptive (OC) regimens.

Aim
The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of sexual life of healthy women on continued-regimen OCs.

Methods
Fifty women (age range 18–38) were enrolled. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaires were used to investigate, respectively, sexual behavior and the quality of life (QoL) of women on OC for 72 days with a 4-day hormone-free interval, for two cycles. Both the FSFI and the SF-36 were administered before starting OC intake, at the first (72–82 days) and the second (144–154 days) follow-ups.

Main Outcome Measure
The main outcomes are the FSFI and the SF-36 questionnaires.

Results
The FSFI score obtained at the first follow-up detected a worsening with respect to baseline score (P &lt; 0.05). The score obtained at the second follow-up detected an improvement with respect to both the baseline and the first follow-up total scores (P &lt; 0.05). QoL improved at the first follow-up only as regards body pain (P &lt; 0.05), and at the second follow-up as regards: physical role, body pain, general health, vitality, and social function (P &lt; 0.05).

Conclusionso
The use of continued-regimen OCs is able to improve the sexual behavior and the QoL of women.
Sociodemographic and Clinical Features of Gender Identity Disorder: An Italian Multicentric Evaluation
Authors: Fisher Alessandra D. , Bandini Elisa , Casale Helen , Ferruccio Naika , Meriggiola Maria C. , Gualerzi Anna , Manieri Chiara , Jannini Emmanuele , Mannucci Edoardo , Monami Matteo , Stomaci Niceta , Delle Rose Augusto , Susini Tommaso , Ricca Valdo , Maggi Mario 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Male to female (MtFs) and female to male (FtMs) subjects with gender identity disorder (GID) seem to differ with regard to some sociodemographic and clinical features. Currently, no descriptive studies focusing on MtFs and FtMs attending an Italian clinic are available.

Aim
To describe the sociodemographic characteristics of a GID population seeking assistance for gender transition and to assess possible differences in those features between MtFs and FtMs.

Methods
A consecutive series of 198 patients was evaluated for gender dysphoria from July 2008 to May 2011 in four dedicated centers. A total of 140 subjects (mean age 32.6 ± 9.0 years old) meeting the criteria for GID, with their informed consent and without genital reassignment surgery having already been performed, were considered (92 MtFs and 48 FtMs). Diagnosis was based on formal psychiatric classification criteria.

Main Outcome Measures
Medical history and sociodemographic characteristics were investigated. Subjects were asked to complete the Body Uneasiness Test (a self-rating scale exploring different areas of body-related psychopathology), Symptom Checklist-90 Revised (a self-rating scale to measure psychological state), and the Bem Sex Role Inventory (a self-rating scale to evaluate gender role). The presence of psychiatric comorbidities was evaluated using the Structured Clinical Interviews for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) (SCID I and SCID II).

Results
Several significant differences were found between MtFs and FtMs regarding lifestyle and sociodemographic factors and in psychometric test scores. No differences were found in terms of psychiatric comorbidity.

Conclusions
This is the first large study reporting the sociodemographic characteristics of a GID sample referring to Italian clinics, and it provides different profiles for MtFs and FtMs. In particular, FtMs display significantly better social functioning.