bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving Poly(ethylene terephthalate) Through Self‐nucleation
Authors: Joijode Abhay S. , Hawkins KaDesia , Tonelli Alan E. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAs‐received poly(ethylene terephthalate) (asr‐PET) may be reorganized by precipitation from trifluoroacetic acid upon gradual addition to a large excess of rapidly stirred acetone (p‐PET). Unlike asr‐PET, p‐PET repeatedly crystallizes rapidly from the melt, and can be used in small quantities (a few %) as an effective self‐nucleating agent to control and improve the bulk semi‐crystalline morphology and properties of asr‐PET. Nuc‐PET film has significantly increased hardness and Young's modulus and is much less permeable to CO2, while its un‐drawn fibers exhibit higher tenacities and moduli. Because nuc‐PET contains no incompatible additives, it may be readily recycled. magnified image
Pyrosequencing assessment of prokaryotic and eukaryotic diversity in biofilm communities from a French river
Authors: Bricheux Geneviève , Morin Loïc , Le Moal Gwenaël , Coffe Gérard , Balestrino Damien , Charbonnel Nicolas , Bohatier Jacques , Forestier Christiane 
Published: March 2013

AbstractDespite the recent and significant increase in the study of aquatic microbial communities, little is known about the microbial diversity of complex ecosystems such as running waters. This study investigated the biodiversity of biofilm communities formed in a river with 454 Sequencing™. This river has the particularity of integrating both organic and microbiological pollution, as receiver of agricultural pollution in its upstream catchment area and urban pollution through discharges of the wastewater treatment plant of the town of Billom. Different regions of the small subunit (SSU) ribosomal RNA gene were targeted using nine pairs of primers, either universal or specific for bacteria, eukarya, or archaea. Our aim was to characterize the widest range of rDNA sequences using different sets of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers. A first look at reads abundance revealed that a large majority (47–48%) were rare sequences (<5 copies). Prokaryotic phyla represented the species richness, and eukaryotic phyla accounted for a small part. Among the prokaryotic phyla, Proteobacteria (beta and alpha) predominated, followed by Bacteroidetes together with a large number of nonaffiliated bacterial sequences. Bacillariophyta plastids were abundant. The remaining bacterial phyla, Verrucomicrobia and Cyanobacteria, made up the rest of the bulk biodiversity. The most abundant eukaryotic phyla were annelid worms, followed by Diatoms, and Chlorophytes. These latter phyla attest to the abundance of plastids and the importance of photosynthetic activity for the biofilm. These findings highlight the existence and plasticity of multiple trophic levels within these complex biological systems.
Yips and other movement disorders in golfers
Authors: Dhungana Samish , Jankovic Joseph 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTGolf is a sport that requires perfect motor coordination and a balance between mobility and stability. Golfer's “yips,” an intermittent motor disturbance manifested as transient tremor, jerk, or spasm that primarily occurs when the player is trying to chip or make a putt, is a movement disorder frequently encountered in both amateur and professional golfers. In addition, other movement disorders, such as tremors and dystonia, also can interfere with playing golf. Although the pathophysiology of the yips remains poorly understood, recent studies suggest that it may be a form of a task‐specific, focal dystonia involving the hand and arm. Because task‐specific dystonias and tremors are best treated by botulinum toxin injections, this also may be an effective therapy for the yips. The aim of this article is to systematically review the literature and our own experience with the yips and other movement disorders in golfers. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled phase II study of eculizumab in patients with refractory generalized myasthenia gravis
Authors: Howard James F. , Barohn Richard J. , Cutter Gary R. , Freimer Miriam , Juel Vern C. , Mozaffar Tahseen , Mellion Michelle L. , Benatar Michael G. , Farrugia Maria Elena , Wang Jing Jing , Malhotra Suneil S. , Kissel John T. ,   the MG Study Group
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Complement activation at the neuromuscular junction is a primary cause of acetylcholine receptor loss and failure of neuromuscular transmission in myasthenia gravis (MG). Eculizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody, blocks the formation of terminal complement complex by specifically preventing the enzymatic cleavage of complement 5 (C5). Methods: This study was a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover trial involving 14 patients with severe, refractory generalized MG (gMG). Results: Six of 7 patients treated with eculizumab for 16 weeks (86%) achieved the primary endpoint of a 3‐point reduction in the quantitative myasthenia gravis (QMG) score. Examining both treatment periods, the overall change in mean QMG total score was significantly different between eculizumab and placebo (P = 0.0144). After assessing data obtained from all visits, the overall change in mean QMG total score from baseline was found to be significantly different between eculizumab and placebo (P < 0.0001). Eculizumab was well tolerated. Conclusion: The data suggest that eculizumab may have a role in treating severe, refractory MG. Muscle Nerve, 2013
Surface‐distributed low‐frequency asynchronous stimulation delays fatigue of stimulated muscles
Authors: Maneski Lana Z. Popović , Malešević Nebojša M. , Savić Andrej M. , Keller Thierry , Popović Dejan B. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTIntroduction: One important reason why functional electrical stimulation (FES) has not gained widespread clinical use is the limitation imposed by rapid muscle fatigue due to non‐physiological activation of the stimulated muscles. We aimed to show that asynchronous low‐pulse‐rate (LPR) electrical stimulation applied by multipad surface electrodes greatly postpones the occurrence of muscle fatigue compared with conventional stimulation (high pulse rate, HPR). Methods: We compared the produced force vs. time of the forearm muscles responsible for finger flexion in 2 stimulation protocols, LPR (fL = 10 Hz) and HPR (fH = 40 Hz). Results: Surface‐distributed low‐frequency asynchronous stimulation (sDLFAS) doubles the time interval before the onset of fatigue (104 ± 80%) compared with conventional synchronous stimulation. Conclusions: Combining the performance of multipad electrodes (increased selectivity and facilitated positioning) with sDLFAS (decreased fatigue) can improve many FES applications in both the lower and upper extremities. Muscle Nerve 48: 930–937, 2013
Home/family, peer, school, and neighborhood correlates of obesity in adolescents
Authors: Larson N. I. , Wall M. M. , Story M. T. , Neumark‐Sztainer D. R. 
Published: March 2013

ObjectiveThis study was designed to 1) identify the most important home/family, peer, school, and neighborhood environmental characteristics associated with weight status and 2) determine the overall contribution of these contexts to explaining weight status among an ethnically/racially diverse sample of adolescents.Design and MethodsSurveys and anthropometric measures were completed in 2009‐2010 by 2,793 adolescents (53.2% girls, mean age = 14.4 ± 2.0, 81.1% non‐white) in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota schools. Data representing characteristics of adolescents' environments were collected from parents/caregivers, friends, school personnel, and Geographic Information System sources. Multiple regression models controlled for adolescent age, ethnicity/race, and socioeconomic status.ResultsThe variance in body mass index (BMI) z‐scores explained by 51 multicontextual characteristics was 24% for boys and 22% for girls. Across models, several characteristics of home/family (e.g., infrequent family meals) and peer environments (e.g., higher proportion of male friends who were overweight) were consistently associated with higher BMI z‐scores among both boys and girls. Among girls, additional peer (e.g., lower physical activity among female friends) and neighborhood (e.g., perceived lack of safety) characteristics were consistently associated with higher BMI z‐scores.ConclusionsResults underscore the importance of addressing the home/family and peer environments in future research and intervention efforts designed to reduce adolescent obesity.
To pay or not to pay: Public perception regarding insurance coverage of obesity treatment
Authors: Woolford Susan J. , Clark Sarah J. , Butchart Amy , Geiger James D. , Davis Matthew M. , Fagerlin Angela 
Published: March 2013

ObjectiveTo explore public opinion regarding insurance coverage for obesity treatment among severely obese adolescents.Design and MethodsThe National Poll on Children's Health was fielded to a nationally representative sample of US adults, January 2011. Respondents (n = 2150) indicated whether insurance should cover specific weight management services for obese adolescents and whether private insurance and Medicaid should cover bariatric surgery. Sampling weights were applied to generate nationally representative results. Linear and logistic regression analyses were performed to assess associations.ResultsMore respondents endorsed insurance coverage for traditional healthcare services (mental health 86%, dietitian 84%) than for services generally viewed as outside the healthcare arena (exercise programs 65%, group programs 60%). For bariatric surgery, 81% endorsed private insurance coverage; 55% endorsed Medicaid coverage. Medicaid enrollees, black, Hispanic, and low‐income respondents had greater odds (P < 0.05) of endorsing bariatric surgery coverage by Medicaid, compared to the referent groups (non‐Hispanic white, income ≥$60K, private insurance).ConclusionAlthough public support for insurance coverage of traditional weight management services appears high, support for Medicaid coverage for bariatric surgery is lower and varies by demographics. If public opinion is a harbinger of future coverage, low‐income adolescents could experience disparities in access to treatments like bariatric surgery.
Randomized trial of a family‐based, automated, conversational obesity treatment program for underserved populations
Authors: Wright J. A. , Phillips B.D. , Watson B.L. , Newby P.K. , Norman G.J. , Adams W.G. 
Published: March 2013

ObjectiveTo evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of a scalable obesity treatment program integrated with pediatric primary care (PC) and delivered using interactive voice technology (IVR) to families from underserved populations.Design and MethodsFifty parent‐child dyads (child 9‐12 yrs, BMI > 95th percentile) were recruited from a pediatric PC clinic and randomized to either an IVR or a wait‐list control (WLC) group. The majority were lower‐income, African‐American (72%) families. Dyads received IVR calls for 12 weeks. Call content was informed by two evidence‐based interventions. Anthropometric and behavioral variables were assessed at baseline and 3‐month follow‐up.ResultsForty‐three dyads completed the study. IVR parents ate one cup more fruit than WLC (P < 0.05). No other group differences were found. Children classified as high users of the IVR decreased weight, BMI, and BMI z‐score compared to low users ( P < 0.05). Mean number of calls for parents and children were 9.1 (5.2 SD) and 9.0 (5.7 SD), respectively. Of those who made calls, >75% agreed that the calls were useful, made for people like them, credible, and helped them eat healthy foods.ConclusionAn obesity treatment program delivered via IVR may be an acceptable and feasible resource for families from underserved populations.
Extending the history of child obesity in the United States: The fels longitudinal study, birth years 1930‐1993
Authors: von Hippel Paul T. , Nahhas Ramzi W. 
Published: March 2013

ObjectiveLittle is known about the prevalence of child obesity in the US before the first national survey in 1963. There is disagreement about whether the obesity epidemic is entirely a recent phenomenon or a continuation of longstanding trends.Design and MethodsThe BMIs of 1,116 children who participated in the Fels Longitudinal Study near Dayton, Ohio were analyzed. Children were born between 1930 and 1993 and measured between 3 and 18 years of age.ResultsBetween the birth cohorts of 1930 and 1993, the prevalence of obesity rose from 0 to 14% among boys and from 2 to 12% among girls. The prevalence of overweight rose from 10 to 28% among boys and from 9 to 21% among girls. The mean BMI Z score rose from +0.25 to +0.72 among boys and from −0.11 to +0.26 among girls. Among boys, all these increases began after birth year 1970. Among girls, obesity began to rise after birth year 1980, but overweight and BMI Z‐scores were already rising as early as the 1930s and 1940s.ConclusionsMost of the results suggest that the child obesity epidemic was recent and sudden. The recency of the epidemic offers some hope that it may be reversed.
Serum hepcidin levels are associated with obesity but not liver disease
Authors: Vuppalanchi Raj , Troutt Jason S , Konrad Robert J. , Ghabril Marwan , Saxena Romil , Bell Lauren N , Kowdley Kris V. , Chalasani Naga 
Published: March 2013

ObjectiveHepcidin is regulated by anemia and inflammation. It is primarily expressed in the liver but studies have reported its expression in adipose tissue. The relationship between BMI and serum hepcidin and the relationship between liver histology and serum hepcidin in the morbidly obese was investigated.MethodsSerum and liver tissue from patients undergoing bariatric surgery (bariatric cohort, n = 105) and serum from healthy blood donors (n = 60) were used to conduct this study. Serum hepcidin was measured using sandwich ELISA, highly specific for hepcidin‐25. Serum ferritin, IL‐6, IL‐1β and liver function biochemistries were also measured.ResultsAfter controlling for covariates, BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 was significantly associated with higher serum hepcidin level compared to individuals with lower BMI groups (17.7 ± 11.5 vs. 3.3 ± 4.7 ng/ml, P = 0.002). The presence of NAFLD was not associated with higher serum levels of hepcidin (multivariate P = 0.37). There was no association between serum hepcidin levels and liver histology (presence of steatohepatitis, advanced fibrosis, or NAFLD activity score) in the bariatric cohort.ConclusionsObesity, but not the presence of NAFLD was associated with serum hepcidin levels. There was no association between serum hepcidin and liver histology in the morbidly obese undergoing bariatric surgery.
Fat accumulation in the liver of obese rats is alleviated by soy protein isolate through β‐catenin signaling
Authors: Zhou Dan , Lezmi Stephane , Wang Huan , Davis Jeremy , Banz William , Chen Hong 
Published: March 2013

ObjectivesTo investigate the effects of soy protein isolate (SPI) on Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in the liver of obese rats, as well as the roles of this pathway in regulating the hepatic fat accumulation.Design and MethodsObese and lean Zucker rats were fed diets containing either casein or SPI as protein source for 17 weeks. Histology and biochemical analysis, real‐time PCR, Western blot, immunostaining, short interfering RNA assay were performed for liver samples.ResultsOur study showed that fat content was significantly lowered in the liver of SPI‐fed obese rats, accompanied by a reduction in hepatocellular vacuolation, compared to the casein‐fed control. β‐Catenin protein level in the liver of obese rats was downregulated compared to the lean group, indicating that the obese genotype exhibits an overall reduction in Wnt signaling. Importantly the repression of β‐catenin in the obese rats was alleviated by feeding the SPI diet. siRNA treatment in rat hepatoma cells confirmed that silencing of β‐catenin exacerbated fatty acid‐induced fat accumulation, which implicated an important function of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in hepatic fat metabolism.ConclusionSPI intake restored β‐catenin signaling and alleviated hepatic fat accumulation and liver damage in the obese rats.
Racial differences in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in the U.S. population
Authors: Schneider Andrea L. C. , Lazo Mariana , Selvin Elizabeth , Clark Jeanne M. 
Published: March 2013

ObjectiveTo characterize the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by race in a nationally representative sample of the U.S. population and to investigate potential explanatory factors for racial disparities.Design and MethodsCross‐sectional study of 4,037 non‐Hispanic white, 2,746 non‐Hispanic black, and 2,892 Mexican‐American adults in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. NAFLD was defined using ultrasound and with elevated aminotransferases.ResultsAge‐adjusted prevalence of NAFLD was highest in Mexican‐Americans (21.2%), followed by non‐Hispanic whites (12.5%), and was lowest in non‐Hispanic blacks (11.6%). Even after adjustment for demographic, lifestyle, adiposity, and metabolic factors, compared to non‐Hispanic whites, Mexican‐Americans were more likely to have NAFLD (OR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.26, 2.22). Non‐Hispanic blacks were significantly less likely to have NAFLD with elevated aminotransferases (OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.27, 0.97). Racial differences were attenuated among those with normal BMI and among “never drinkers.”ConclusionIn this representative sample of the U.S. population, we found significant racial differences in the prevalence of ultrasound‐defined NAFLD (with and without elevated liver enzymes). The racial differences were not fully explained by lifestyle, adiposity, and metabolic factors. More works is needed to identify potential contributors.
The geographic distribution of obesity in the US and the potential regional differences in misreporting of obesity
Authors: Le Anh , Judd Suzanne E. , Allison David B. , Oza‐Frank Reena , Affuso Olivia , Safford Monika M. , Howard Virginia J. , Howard George 
Published: March 2013

Objective: State‐level estimates of obesity based on self‐reported height and weight suggest a geographic pattern of greater obesity in the Southeastern US; however, the reliability of the ranking among these estimates assumes errors in self‐reporting of height and weight are unrelated to geographic region.Design and Methods: Regional and state‐level prevalence of obesity (body mass index ≥ 30 kg m−2) for non‐Hispanic black and white participants aged 45 and over were estimated from multiple sources: self‐reported from the behavioral risk factor surveillance system (BRFSS 2003‐2006) (n = 677,425), self‐reported and direct measures from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Study (NHANES 2003‐2008) (n = 6,615 and 6,138, respectively), and direct measures from the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS 2003‐2007) study (n = 30,239).Results: Data from BRFSS suggest that the highest prevalence of obesity is in the East South Central Census division; however, direct measures suggest higher prevalence in the West North Central and East North Central Census divisions. The regions relative ranking of obesity prevalence differs substantially between self‐reported and directly measured height and weight.Conclusions: Geographic patterns in the prevalence of obesity based on self‐reported height and weight may be misleading, and have implications for current policy proposals.
Distinct roles of CSF family cytokines in macrophage infiltration and activation in glioma progression and injury response
Authors: Sielska Malgorzata , Przanowski Piotr , Wylot Bartosz , Gabrusiewicz Konrad , Maleszewska Marta , Kijewska Magdalena , Zawadzka Malgorzata , Kucharska Joanna , Vinnakota Katyayni , Kettenmann Helmut , Kotulska Katarzyna , Grajkowska Wieslawa , Kaminska Bozena 
Published: March 2013

AbstractGliomas attract brain‐resident (microglia) and peripheral macrophages and reprogram these cells into immunosuppressive, pro‐invasive cells. M‐CSF (macrophage colony‐stimulating factor, encoded by the CSF1 gene) has been implicated in the control of recruitment and polarization of macrophages in several cancers. We found that murine GL261 glioma cells overexpress GM‐CSF (granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor encoded by the CSF2 gene) but not M‐CSF when compared to normal astrocytes. Knockdown of GM‐CSF in GL261 glioma cells strongly reduced microglia‐dependent invasion in organotypical brain slices and growth of intracranial gliomas and extended animal survival. The number of infiltrating microglia/macrophages (Iba1+ cells) and intratumoural angiogenesis were reduced in murine gliomas depleted of GM‐CSF. M1/M2 gene profiling in sorted microglia/macrophages suggests impairment of their pro‐invasive activation in GM‐CSF‐depleted gliomas. Deficiency of M‐CSF (op/op mice) did not affect glioma growth in vivo and the accumulation of Iba1+ cells, but impaired accumulation of Iba1+ cells in response to demyelination. These results suggest that distinct cytokines of the CSF family contribute to macrophage infiltration of tumours and in response to injury. The expression of CSF2 (but not CSF1) was highly up‐regulated in glioblastoma patients and we found an inverse correlation between CSF2 expression and patient survival. Therefore we propose that GM‐CSF triggers and drives the alternative activation of tumour‐infiltrating microglia/macrophages in which these cells support tumour growth and angiogenesis and shape the immune microenvironment of gliomas. Copyright © 2013 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self‐reported quality of life in long‐term survivors of childhood lymphoblastic malignancy treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation versus conventional therapy
Authors: Sundberg Kay K. , Wettergren Lena , Frisk Per , Arvidson Johan 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundChronic health conditions are known to be both abundant and severe after pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT). The present objective was to investigate the impact of disease and treatment on individual QoL and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in long‐term survivors of childhood lymphoblastic malignancy treated with conventional therapy versus SCT.ProcedureSurvivors of lymphoblastic malignancy treated with (n = 18) or without (n = 52) SCT were recruited a median follow‐up time of 18 and 14 years, respectively. The indication for SCT was relapsed disease in 17 of 18 cases. Autologous stem cells were used in 15 cases. Total body irradiation (TBI) was included in the conditioning regimen for all SCT patients. A cross‐sectional study was conducted using two validated instruments: SEIQoL‐DW (individual QoL) and SF‐36 (HRQoL). Content analysis was used to analyze SEIQoL‐DW and an overall QoL index score was calculated. Two multiple linear regression analyses were performed to detect factors influencing outcomes.ResultsPoorer ratings of overall QoL and more negative consequences related to physical dysfunctions were shown in the SCT group. The findings indicate that being unemployed or on sick leave are associated with a decline in HRQoL and individual QoL rather than SCT, cranial radiation therapy, present age, or sex.ConclusionIn this small sample of long‐term survivors of SCT, QoL seems reasonably good and similar to that of those having received conventional therapy. However, managing an employment must be acknowledged as an important part of life that has a great impact on QoL. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013;601382‐1387. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.