bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of CT‐based volumetric dosimetry with traditional prescription points in the treatment of cervical cancer with PDR brachytherapy
Authors: Lowrey Nicola , Nilsson Sanna , Moutrie Zoe , Chan Philip , Cheuk Robyn 
Published: July 2015

AbstractIntroductionThe traditional use of two‐dimensional geometric prescription points in intracavitary brachytherapy planning for locally advanced cervical cancer is increasingly being replaced by three‐dimensional (3D) planning. This study aimed to directly compare the two planning methods to validate that CT planning provides superior dosimetry for both tumour and organs at risk (OARs) in our department.MethodsThe CT planning data of 10 patients with locally advanced cervical cancer was audited. For each CT dataset, two new brachytherapy plans were created, comparing the dosimetry of conventional American Brachytherapy Society points and 3D‐optimised volumes created for the high‐risk clinical target volume (HR CTV) and OARs. Total biologically equivalent doses for these structures were calculated using the modified EQD2 formula and comparative dose‐volume histogram (DVH) analysis performed.ResultsDVH analysis revealed that for the 3D‐optimised plans, the prescription aim of D90 ≥ 100% was achieved for the HR CTV in all 10 patients. However, when prescribing to point A, only 50% of the plans achieved the minimum required dose to the HR CTV. Rectal and bladder dose constraints were met for all 3D‐optimised plans but exceeded in two and one of the conventional plans, respectively.ConclusionsThis study confirms that the regionally relevant practice of CT‐based 3D‐optimised planning results in improved tumour dose coverage compared with traditional points‐based planning methods and also improves dose to the rectum and bladder.
Assessment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma: Use of low‐dose whole pancreatic CT perfusion and individualized dual‐energy CT scanning
Authors: Li Hai‐ou , Guo Jun , Sun Cong , Li Xiao , Qi Yao‐dong , Wang Xi‐ming , Xu Zhuo‐dong , Chen Jiu‐hong , Liu Cheng 
Published: July 2015

AbstractIntroductionThe objective of this study was to investigate the value of low‐dose whole pancreatic computed tomography (CT) perfusion integrated with individualized dual‐energy CT (DECT) scanning in the diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.MethodsTwenty patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma underwent pancreatic CT perfusion as well as individualized dual‐phase DECT pancreatic scans. Perfusion characteristics of non‐tumourous pancreatic parenchyma and pancreatic adenocarcinoma were analysed. Weighted‐average 120 kVp images and the optimal monoenergetic images in dual phase were reconstructed and the contrast noise ratio (CNR) of pancreas‐to‐tumour were compared.ResultsThere were significant difference on blood flow as well as blood volume between pancreatic adenocarcinoma and the non‐tumourous pancreatic parenchyma (P < 0.05), whereas no difference on permeability (P > 0.05). CNRs of pancreas‐to‐tumour in individualized pancreatic phase were significantly higher than those in venous phase (P < 0.05), and CNRs of optimal monoenergetic images were higher than those on weighted‐average 120 kVp images (P < 0.05) in both phase. Total effective radiation dose of CT examination was around 9.32–13.75 mSv.ConclusionsLow‐dose whole pancreatic CT perfusion can provide functional information, and the individualized pancreatic phase DECT scan is the optimal method for detecting pancreatic adenocarcinomas. The integration of the two techniques has great value in clinical application.
Notch1 controls cell chemoresistance in small cell lung carcinoma cells
Authors: Hassan Wael Abdo , Yoshida Ryoji , Kudoh Shinji , Kameyama Hiroki , Hasegawa Koki , Niimori‐Kita Kanako , Ito Takaaki 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundSmall cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) is characterized by a high rate of relapse and failure of chemotherapy because of the emergence of drug resistant cells. Notch signaling controls carcinogenesis in several human malignancies and could be involved in the resistance of cells to several chemotherapeutic agents. Herein, we analyzed the role of Notch1 signaling in the resistance of human SCLC cells to doxorubicin.MethodsSmall interfering ribonucleic acid technology was used to knock down (KD) Notch1 in H69AR and SBC‐3 SCLC cells. We detected the effect of inhibiting Notch1 on the expression of drug resistant related molecules: multidrug resistance‐associated protein (MRP‐1) and anti‐apoptotic factor B‐cell lymphoma‐2, as well as to cell adhesion molecule E‐cadherin, which contributes to the adhesion of SCLC cells to the extracellular matrix and confers chemoresistance in a process known as cell adhesion‐mediated drug resistance (CAM‐DR). We also observed the effect of KD Notch1 on cell survival under high concentrations of doxorubicin treated media.ResultsH69AR and SBC‐3 cells expressed Notch1 protein and grew as adherent aggregates, which confer resistance to high concentrations of doxorubicin. On inhibiting Notch1, we observed activation of the apoptotic pathway in cells, possibly resulting from the loss of CAM‐DR and, thus, SBC‐3 cells showed a loss of chemoresistant ability. However, in H69AR cells with KD Notch1, the expression of MRP‐1 was increased and, thus, sustained the chemoresistant ability of cells.ConclusionThe Notch1 signaling pathway is involved in mediating the drug resistance phenotype of SCLC cells.
Correct calculation of CO2 efflux using a closed‐chamber linked to a non‐dispersive infrared gas analyzer
Authors: Dossa Gbadamassi G. O. , Paudel Ekananda , Wang Hongyan , Cao Kunfang , Schaefer Douglas , Harrison Rhett D. 
Published: July 2015

Summary

Improved understanding of the carbon (C) cycle is essential to model future climates and how this may feedback to affect greenhouse gas fluxes.

We summarize previous work quantifying respiration rates of organic substrates and briefly discuss how advances in technology, specifically the use of chambers linked to a non‐dispersive infrared gas analyzer (NDIR), can be applied to assess carbon dynamics from short‐term field measurements. This technology hastens measurement and is relatively inexpensive, enabling researchers to increase replication and investigate temporal and spatial variation.

We describe the theory behind calculations of CO2 efflux released through organic substrates, when using a closed‐chamber linked to a NDIR. These methods can in principle be extended to any chamber‐based measurement of gas fluxes, including partially closed chambers as used for soil surface CO2, nitrous oxide or methane effluxes and stem CO2 respiration, although additional assumptions may apply.

We show that incorrect application of formulae in some earlier studies resulted in either under‐ or over‐estimation of CO2 effluxes. Of the studies, we reviewed measuring the respiration of woody debris, leaf litter or woody stems using closed chambers linked to a NDIR, only 22% (11 of 51) provided the equations used to calculate CO2 efflux, and 72% (8 of 11) of those provided contained basic errors. Using our data on the decomposition of woody debris as an example, we found that such mistakes resulted in anywhere from 8% underestimation to 22% overestimation of CO2 efflux. The errors varied among studies and hence may limit understanding of the factors affecting emissions of CO2 and our ability to incorporate this knowledge into global carbon models.

We provide formulae for the correct calculation of respiration rates in future studies using closed chambers and thus provide a basis for comparative studies of factors affecting CO2 efflux from woody debris, leaf litter and other substrates. Ultimately, this will contribute to improved parameterization of forest respiration.
Extracting spatio‐temporal patterns in animal trajectories: an ecological application of sequence analysis methods
Authors: De Groeve Johannes , Van de Weghe Nico , Ranc Nathan , Neutens Tijs , Ometto Lino , Rota‐Stabelli Omar , Cagnacci Francesca 
Published: July 2015

Summary

Digital tracking technologies have considerably increased the amount and quality of animal trajectories, enabling the study of habitat use and habitat selection at a fine spatial and temporal scale. However, current approaches do not yet explicitly account for a key aspect of habitat use, namely the sequential variation in the use of different habitat features.

To overcome this limitation, we propose a tree‐based approach that makes use of sequence analysis methods, derived from molecular biology, to explore and identify ecologically relevant sequential patterns in habitat use by animals. We applied this approach to ecological data consisting of simulated and real trajectories from a roe deer population (Capreolus capreolus), expressed as ordered sequences of habitat use.

We show that our approach effectively captured spatio‐temporal patterns of sequential habitat use by roe deer. In our case study, individual sequences were clustered according to the sequential use of the elevation gradient (first order) and of open/closed habitats (second order). We provided evidence for several behavioural processes, such as migration and daily alternating habitat use. Some unexpected patterns, such as homogeneous sequences of use of open habitat, could also be identified.

Our findings advocate the importance of dealing with the sequential nature of movement data. Approaches based on sequence analysis methods are particularly useful and effective since they allow exploring temporal patterns of habitat use in a synthetic and visually captive manner. The proposed approach represents a useful and effective way to classify individual movement behaviour across populations and species. Ultimately, this method can be applied to explore the temporal scale of ecological processes based on movement.
Discrimination of “grazing milk” using milk fatty acid profile in the grassland dairy area in Hokkaido
Authors: Mitani Tomohiro , Kobayashi Kuniyuki , Ueda Koichiro , Kondo Seiji 
Published: July 2015

AbstractMilk produced by the grazing system, referred to as “grazing milk” contains many components required for human health. The milk fatty acid (FA) profile is strongly associated with the diet on the farms. In the present study, based on the FA profile of farmer's bulk milk, we determined how to discriminate between milk produced on grazing and on a confinement system. A field survey was conducted four times (grazing and confinement season) in the Konsen (29 farms) and Okhotsk (25 farms) area in Hokkaido. Farmer's bulk milk samples and details of feeding management were collected and the FA profile of milk was measured. Milk produced during the grazing season contained less C16:0 and cis‐9 C16:0, and more C18:0, cis‐9 C18:1, trans‐11 C18:1, cis‐9,12 C18:2, cis‐9,trans‐11 C18:2 and cis‐9,12,15 C18:3 than milk produced during the confinement season. Discrimination analysis using 16 FA revealed that almost all milk samples were discriminated correctly (confinement season: 90% correct and 10% borderline, grazing season: 88% correct, 9% borderline and 3% incorrect). For farmers that were categorized incorrectly and were considered borderline in the grazing season, the dependency on pasture was low compared with that for farmers correctly discriminated. Therefore, to claim “grazing milk”, a high dependency on pasture is required for grazing dairy farmers.
Flea (Ctenocephalides felis) control efficacy of topical indoxacarb on dogs subsequently bathed with a chlorhexidine–ketoconazole shampoo
Authors: Armstrong RD , Liebenberg JE , Heaney K , Guerino F 
Published: July 2015

ObjectiveAn evaluation of the effect of chlorhexidine/ketoconazole shampoo baths on the flea control efficacy of indoxacarb applied topically to dogs.Methods and ResultsWe randomly allocated 18 healthy mixed‐breed dogs to 3 groups: shampoo only; indoxacarb treated and medicated shampoo; and indoxacarb treated but not shampooed. Indoxacarb was administered on day 0 and dogs were shampooed on days 9 and 23. Dogs were infested with 100 adult Ctenocephalides felis initially 2 days before treatment and then weekly from days 7 to 28. Fleas were removed and counted 48 h post‐infestation.ConclusionMedicated shampoo use did not significantly reduce indoxacarb efficacy against C. felis.
Effect of local infusion of NSAID analgesics administered alone or in combination on the pain associated with band castration in calves
Authors: Paull DR , Small AH , Lee C , Labeur L , Colditz IG 
Published: July 2015

ObjectiveTo evaluate the analgesic efficacy of flunixin alone or in combination with diclofenac administered locally to the scrotum at the time of band castration of calves.MethodsAngus bull calves (n = 40; ≈7–9 weeks old) were allocated to four treatment groups (n = 10 per group) to examine the effects of two non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory analgesics (NSAIDs) administered locally at the time of band castration: sham control; castration + flunixin; castration + flunixin + diclofenac; castration + saline. The NSAIDs and saline were administered subcutaneously into the scrotum under the band. Blood was sampled at −0.5, 0.5, 1.5, 3, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h relative to castration. Haematology parameters and plasma cortisol levels were determined in samples at all time points and plasma haptoglobin levels determined in samples collected at −0.5, 24, 48 and 72 h. Pain avoidance and postural behaviours were measured for 2 and 12 h, respectively, after castration.ResultsBand‐castrated calves exhibited significantly higher peak cortisol and higher integrated cortisol responses during the first 6 h post‐castration relative to sham controls. Individual active pain avoidance behaviours observed for 1 h post‐castration were not significantly different between treatment groups; however; the sum of the total behaviours was significantly increased by castration (P = 0.023). Postural changes included increased abnormal ventral lying for all castrated groups and decreased normal standing and increased combined abnormal postures for the flunixin‐ and saline‐treated groups. Growth rates of calves were not affected by treatments during weeks 1 and 2 post‐castration; however, growth rates of castrated calves were significantly lower than those of sham‐treated calves in week 3 post‐castration (1.41 vs 0.84, 0.75 and 0.56±0.19 kg/day for sham, flunixin‐, flunixin + diclofenac‐ and saline‐treated groups, respectively).ConclusionsThe administration of flunixin or flunixin + diclofenac intrascrotally at several sites at the time of banding did not improve the welfare of young Angus bull calves undergoing this method of castration when assessed by both physiological and behavioural parameters. In this study, band castration at 7–9 weeks of age had less effect compared with results for older calves reported previously. Further research is required to develop effective analgesic treatments that can be administered at the time of castration to large numbers of animals.
Randomised trial of the bioavailability and efficacy of orally administered flunixin, carprofen and ketoprofen in a pain model in sheep
Authors: Marini D , Pippia J , Colditz IG , Hinch G , Petherick JC , Lee C 
Published: July 2015

ObjectiveTo determine the efficacy and bioavailability of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) when administered orally to sheep.DesignRandomised experimental design with four treatment groups: three NSAID groups and one control group (n = 10/group). The study animals were 40 18‐month‐old Merino ewes with an average weight of 31.4 ± 0.5 kg.MethodsTreatment was given orally at 24 h intervals for 6 days at dose rates expected to achieve therapeutic levels in sheep: carprofen (8.0 mg/kg), ketoprofen (8.0 mg/kg) and flunixin (4.0 mg/kg). Oil of turpentine (0.1 mL) was injected into a forelimb of each sheep to induce inflammation and pain; responses (force plate pressure, skin temperature, limb circumference, haematology and plasma cortisol) were measured at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72 and 96 h post‐injection. NSAID concentrations were determined by ultra‐high‐pressure liquid chromatography.ResultsThe NSAIDs were detectable in ovine plasma 2 h after oral administration, with average concentrations of 4.5–8.4 µg/mL for ketoprofen, 2.6–4.1 µg/mL for flunixin and 30–80 µg/mL for carprofen. NSAID concentrations dropped 24 h after administration. Pain response to an oil of turpentine injection was assessed using the measures applied but no effect of the NSAIDs was observed. Although this pain model has been previously validated, the responses observed in this study differed from those in the previous study.Conclusions and clinical relevanceThe three NSAIDs reached inferred therapeutic concentrations in blood at 2 h after oral administration. The oil of turpentine lameness model may need further validation.
Similar outcome of upfront‐unrelated and matched sibling stem cell transplantation in idiopathic paediatric aplastic anaemia. A study on behalf of the UK Paediatric BMT Working Party, Paediatric Diseases Working Party and Severe Aplastic Anaemia Working Party of EBMT
Authors: Dufour Carlo , Veys Paul , Carraro Elisa , Bhatnagar Neha , Pillon Marta , Wynn Rob , Gibson Brenda , Vora Ajay J. , Steward Colin G. , Ewins Anna M. , Hough Rachael E. , de la Fuente Josu , Velangi Mark , Amrolia Persis J. , Skinner Roderick , Bacigalupo Andrea , Risitano Antonio M. , Socie Gerard , Peffault de Latour Regis , Passweg Jakob , Rovo Alicia , Tichelli André , Schrezenmeier Hubert , Hochsmann Britta , Bader Peter , van Biezen Anja , Aljurf Mahmoud D. , Kulasekararaj Austin , Marsh Judith C. , Samarasinghe Sujith 
Published: July 2015

SummaryWe explored the feasibility of unrelated donor haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) upfront without prior immunosuppressive therapy (IST) in paediatric idiopathic severe aplastic anaemia (SAA). This cohort was then compared to matched historical controls who had undergone first‐line therapy with a matched sibling/family donor (MSD) HSCT (n = 87) or IST with horse antithymocyte globulin and ciclosporin (n = 58) or second‐line therapy with unrelated donor HSCT post‐failed IST (n = 24). The 2‐year overall survival in the upfront cohort was 96 ± 4% compared to 91 ± 3% in the MSD controls (P = 0·30) and 94 ± 3% in the IST controls (P = 0·68) and 74 ± 9% in the unrelated donor HSCT post‐IST failure controls (P = 0·02).The 2‐year event‐free survival in the upfront cohort was 92 ± 5% compared to 87 ± 4% in MSD controls (P = 0·37), 40 ± 7% in IST controls (P = 0·0001) and 74 ± 9% in the unrelated donor HSCT post‐IST failure controls (n = 24) (P = 0·02). Outcomes for upfront‐unrelated donor HSCT in paediatric idiopathic SAA were similar to MSD HSCT and superior to IST and unrelated donor HSCT post‐IST failure. Front‐line therapy with matched unrelated donor HSCT is a novel treatment approach and could be considered as first‐line therapy in selected paediatric patients who lack a MSD.
RAC1 regulate tumor necrosis factor‐α‐mediated impaired osteogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells
Authors: Feng Guijuan , Shen Qijie , Lian Min , Gu Zhifeng , Xing Jing , Lu Xiaohui , Huang Dan , Li Liren , Huang Shen , Wang Yi , Zhang Jinlong , Shi Jiahai , Zhang Dongmei , Feng Xingmei 
Published: July 2015

Human dental pulp contains a rapidly proliferative subpopulation of precursor cells termed dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) that show self‐renewal and multilineage differentiation, including neurogenic, chondrogenic, osteogenic and adipogenic. We previously reported that tomuor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) (10 ng/mL) triggered osteogenic differentiation of human DPSCs via the nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) signaling pathway. While previous studies showed that cells treated with TNF‐α at higher concentrations showed decreased osteogenic differentiation capability. In this study we analyze the function of TNF‐α (100 ng/mL) on osteogenic differentiation of human DPSCs for the first time and identify the underlying molecule mechanisms. Our data revealed that TNF‐α with higher concentration significantly reduced mineralization and the expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and runt‐related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2). Further, we revealed that TNF‐α could suppress the osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs via increasing the expression of RAC1, which could activate the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway and liberate β‐catenin to translocate into the nucleus. Genetic silencing of RAC1 expression using siRNA restored osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs. Our findings may provide a potential approach to bone regeneration in inflammatory microenvironments.
Serum preadipocyte factor 1 concentrations and risk of developing diabetes: a nested case–control study
Authors: Lee S. H. , Rhee M. , Yang H. K. , Ha H. S. , Lee J. H. , Kwon H. S. , Park Y. M. , Yim H. W. , Kang M. I. , Lee W. C. , Son H. Y. , Yoon K. H. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimTo determine whether preadipocyte factor 1 could be a predictive marker for the development of diabetes in people without diabetes at baseline.MethodsWe conducted a population‐based, nested case–control study of individuals who progressed to diabetes (n = 43) or prediabetes (n = 345) and control participants matched on age, sex and fasting plasma glucose concentration, who maintained normal glucose tolerance (n = 389) during a 4‐year follow‐up using data from the Chungju Metabolic disease Cohort Study. Circulating levels of preadipocyte factor 1 were measured using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsBaseline serum preadipocyte factor 1 levels showed a stepwise decrease across the glucose tolerance status groups at follow‐up (normal glucose tolerance: 10.02 ± 3.02 ng/ml; prediabetes: 9.48 ± 3.35 ng/ml; diabetes: 8.66 ± 3.29 ng/ml; P for trend, 0.0151). Individuals whose fasting plasma glucose level had increased or whose homeostasis model assessment of β‐cell function had decreased at follow‐up showed significantly lower levels of preadipocyte factor 1 compared with their control group counterparts. After adjusting for age, BMI, fasting plasma glucose, serum insulin levels, systolic blood pressure and triglycerides, the incidence of diabetes was nearly threefold higher in the lowest vs. the upper three quartiles of circulating preadipocyte factor 1 (relative risk 2.794; 95% CI 1.188–6.571; P = 0.0185). Notably, these findings were significant in women but not in men.ConclusionsLevels of circulating preadipocyte factor 1 may be a useful biomarker for identifying women at high risk of developing diabetes.