bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High‐Intensity Aerobic Interval Training for Patients 3–9 Months After Stroke. A Feasibility Study
Authors: Askim Torunn , Dahl Anne Eitrem , Aamot Inger Lise , Hokstad Anne , Helbostad Jorunn , Indredavik Bent 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackground and PurposeHigh‐intensity aerobic interval training (AIT) has shown to be beneficial in patients with cardiac and pulmonary diseases. Presumably, patients with stroke also benefit from such treatment. However, the feasibility and potential efficacy of high‐intensity AIT should be investigated for patients early after stroke.MethodsThis was a single‐group, pre‐test–post‐test, intervention study. The intervention consisted of a 6‐week high‐intensity AIT programme, performed twice a week. The AIT comprised 4 × 4‐minute intervals, at 85–95% of peak heart rate, interrupted by 3‐minute active breaks. Adherence to the protocol, compliance and adverse events were registered to assess feasibility. Cardiorespiratory fitness and functional outcomes were assessed before and after the intervention and at 6 and 12 weeks follow‐up.ResultsTen men and five women (mean age 70.0 ± 7.7; range 61–85 years) with mild to moderate stroke were included, 3–9 months after onset. One patient was diagnosed with cancer during follow‐up. There were three minor events, but no serious adverse events occurred. All patients accomplished all training sessions and reached the 85% intensity level, except one patient who discontinued the last session. The mean peak oxygen uptake showed no significant improvement from pre‐treatment, 28.7 ± 3.8 ml kg−1 min−1, to post‐treatment, 29.6 ± 3.6 ml kg−1 min−1, p = 0.189, whereas the mean 6‐minute walk test improved from 410.7 ± 101.4 m to 461.0 ± 99.6 m, p = 0.001, and the median (interquartile range) Rivermead Motor Assessment Scale improved from 12.0 (11.0–13.0) to 13.0 (11.0–13.0) points, p = 0.100. These improvements continued after the intervention was concluded.ConclusionsThis study has shown that high‐intensity AIT is feasible for a selected group of stroke patients. However, the training should be accomplished in line with the American College of Sports Medicine guidelines for high‐risk populations to ensure safety. The participants achieved a clinically highly significant improvement in walking distance. This intervention should be tested out in a randomized controlled trial to assess if it is superior to other interventions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dual‐treatment autodissemination station with enhanced transfer of an insect growth regulator to mosquito oviposition sites
Authors: Wang Yi , Suman Devi S. , Bertrand Jacques , Dong Limin , Gaugler Randy 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus (Skuse), transmits important arboviral diseases and displaces native species. This peridomestic mosquito deposits eggs in natural and artificial containers. Container larval habitats tend to be cryptic and, therefore, difficult to reach by conventional insecticide treatments. We have developed an autodissemination station that transfers the insect growth regulator, pyriproxyfen, from the station to oviposition sites. Mosquitoes visiting the station become contaminated with an oil sticker followed by pyriproxyfen powder before exiting.RESULTSIn a room (31 m3) bioassay a single station consistently achieved 100% Ae. albopictus pupal mortality against 10 oviposition containers. In a greenhouse (200 m3) assay with two stations and 12 oviposition cups, 91.7% of the cups had been contaminated as shown, and 57.1% pupal mortality was recorded. Pyriproxyfen transfer was also detected by visualizing mosquito ‘tarsal prints’ using a fluorescent dye.CONCLUSIONSThe oil and pyriproxyfen powder dual‐treatment station enhanced autodissemination efficacy by increasing toxicant attachment and retention on contaminated females. The autodissemination station offers a targeted, less environmentally damaging approach to manage cryptic container species. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Tests for mean vectors in high dimension
Authors: Maboudou‐Tchao Edgard M. , Silva Ivair 
Published: December 2013

AbstractTraditional multivariate tests, Hotelling's \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amsmath}\usepackage{amssymb}\usepackage{amsbsy}\usepackage{amsfonts}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$T^2$ \end{document} or Wilks \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amsmath}\usepackage{amssymb}\usepackage{amsbsy}\usepackage{amsfonts}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$\Lambda$ \end{document}, are designed for a test of the mean vector under the condition that the number of observations is larger than the number of variables. For high‐dimensional data, where the number of features is nearly as large as or larger than the number of observations, the existing tests do not provide a satisfactory solution because of the singularity of the estimated covariance matrix. In this article, we consider a test for the mean vector of independent and identically distributed multivariate normal random vectors where the dimension is larger than or equal to the number of observations. To solve this problem, we propose a modified Hotelling statistic. Simulation results show that the proposed test is superior to other tests available in the literature. However, because we do not know the theoretical distribution of this modified statistic, Monte Carlo methods were used to reach this conclusion. Instead of using conventional Monte Carlo methods, which perform a fixed‐number of simulations, we suggest using the sequential Monte Carlo test in order to decrease the number of simulations needed to reach a decision. Simulation results show that the sequential Monte Carlo test is preferable to a fixed‐sample test, especially when using computationally intensive statistical methods. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Statistical Analysis and Data Mining, 2013
MOZ-Mediated Repression of p16INK4a Is Critical for the Self-Renewal of Neural and Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Authors: Perez-Campo Flor M. , Costa Guilherme , Lie-a-Ling Michael , Stifani Stefano , Kouskoff Valerie , Lacaud Georges 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Although inhibition of p16INK4a expression is critical to preserve the proliferative capacity of stem cells, the molecular mechanisms responsible for silencing p16INK4a expression remain poorly characterized. Here, we show that the histone acetyltransferase (HAT) monocytic leukemia zinc finger protein (MOZ) controls the proliferation of both hematopoietic and neural stem cells by modulating the transcriptional repression of p16INK4a. In the absence of the HAT activity of MOZ, expression of p16INK4a is upregulated in progenitor and stem cells, inducing an early entrance into replicative senescence. Genetic deletion of p16INK4a reverses the proliferative defect in both MozHAT−/− hematopoietic and neural progenitors. Our results suggest a critical requirement for MOZ HAT activity to silence p16INK4a expression and to protect stem cells from early entrance into replicative senescence. Stem Cells 2014;32:1591–1601
Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells Inhibit the NLRP3 Inflammasome by Decreasing Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Oh Joo Youn , Ko Jung Hwa , Lee Hyun Ju , Yu Ji Min , Choi Hosoon , Kim Mee Kum , Wee Won Ryang , Prockop Darwin J. 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) control excessive inflammatory responses by modulating a variety of immune cells including monocytes/macrophages. However, the mechanisms by which MSCs regulate monocytes/macrophages are unclear. Inflammasomes in macrophages are activated upon cellular “danger” signals and initiate inflammatory responses through the maturation and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 1β (IL-1β). Here we demonstrate that human MSCs (hMSCs) negatively regulate NLRP3 inflammasome activation in human or mouse macrophages stimulated with LPS and ATP. Caspase-1 activation and subsequent IL-1β release were decreased in macrophages by direct or transwell coculture with hMSCs. Addition of hMSCs to macrophages either at a LPS priming or at a subsequent ATP step similarly inhibited the inflammasome activation. The hMSCs had no effect on NLRP3 and IL-1β expression at mRNA levels during LPS priming. However, MSCs markedly suppressed the generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) in macrophages. Further analysis showed that NLRP3-activated macrophages stimulated hMSCs to increase the expression and secretion of stanniocalcin (STC)-1, an antiapoptotic protein. Addition of recombinant protein STC-1 reproduced the effects of hMSCs in inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation and ROS production in macrophages. Conversely, the effects of hMSCs on macrophages were largely abrogated by an small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown of STC-1. Together, our results reveal that hMSCs inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages primarily by secreting STC-1 in response to activated macrophages and thus by decreasing mitochondrial ROS. Stem Cells 2014;32:1553–1563
Comparison of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging parameters in predicting survival in isolated left‐sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Bebbington M. , Victoria T. , Danzer E. , Moldenhauer J. , Khalek N. , Johnson M. , Hedrick H. , Adzick N. S. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo compare test characteristics of ultrasound‐ and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐derived parameters in predicting newborn survival in cases of isolated left‐sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).MethodsThis was a retrospective study involving 85 fetuses with an isolated left CDH. All had detailed prenatal evaluation, prenatal care, delivery and postnatal care at a single institution. Ultrasound images were reviewed to allow calculation of the lung‐to‐head ratio (LHR) and the observed/expected LHR (O/E-LHR), and MRI images were reviewed to determine the observed/expected total lung volume (O/E-TLV) and the percent herniated liver (%HL). Univariable logistic regression was used to evaluate each parameter for its ability to predict survival. Receiver–operating characteristics (ROC) curves were constructed and test characteristics were determined for each parameter as a predictor of survival.ResultsThe overall survival for all fetuses included was 65%. Pseudo‐R2 values for all parameters were similar and were statistically significant as predictors of survival, with %HL having the highest pseudo‐R2, of 0.28. ROC curve analysis showed ultrasound‐determined parameters (LHR and O/E-LHR) to have a similar area under the curve (AUC), of 0.70, whilst MRI parameters (O/E-TLV and %HL) had AUC values of 0.82 and 0.84, respectively. At ROC‐curve‐determined cut‐off values, MRI parameters had better test characteristics than did ultrasound parameters. At a standardized 5% false‐positive rate, %HL performed best, with a sensitivity of 0.54 and a specificity of 0.95. At clinically employed cut‐off values, sensitivity was similar for all parameters but MRI parameters provided the best combination of sensitivity and specificity, as evidenced by better likelihood ratios.ConclusionsA variety of measures have been proposed as antenatal predictors of survival in CDH. Ultrasound parameters function at a similar level, whereas MRI‐determined parameters appear to offer better predictive value. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Fetal and placental vascular tumors: persistent fetal hyperdynamic status predisposes to poorer long‐term neurodevelopmental outcome
Authors: Iacovella C. , Chandrasekaran N. , Khalil A. , Bhide A. , Papageorghiou A. , Thilaganathan B. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo evaluate the association between fetal hemodynamic changes seen in the presence of vascular tumors of fetal or placental origin and risk of adverse pregnancy outcome.MethodsAll cases of placental chorioangioma, sacrococcygeal teratoma and pulmonary sequestration during a 10‐year period were included. Ultrasound data and pregnancy and long‐term neurodevelopmental outcomes were assessed in this cohort. A survival analysis was performed to assess the relationship between the cardiovascular profile score (CVPS) and adverse pregnancy outcome.ResultsThere were 56 fetal or placental tumors, including 28 chorioangiomas, 10 sacrococcygeal teratomas and 18 pulmonary sequestrations, diagnosed at a median gestation of 23 + 3 weeks. Abnormal CVPS (≤ 8) was seen in 30% of sacrococcygeal teratomas and in 46% of chorioangiomas, but in none of the pulmonary sequestration cases. Adverse pregnancy outcome occurred in 11 cases (three stillbirths, three neonatal deaths and five cases of developmental delay) and only in those cases in which the tumors were associated with a CVPS of ≤ 8.ConclusionsCertain fetal and placental vascular tumors are associated with cardiac dysfunction in fetal life. When the CVPS is low (≤ 8), these cases are at increased risk of both fetal/neonatal demise as well as overt long‐term neurodevelopmental disability. The long‐term neurodevelopmental outcome should be formally and prospectively assessed in cases of fetal and placental vascular tumors. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Non‐homologous end joining‐mediated functional marker selection for DNA cloning in the yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus
Authors: Hoshida Hisashi , Murakami Nobutada , Suzuki Ayako , Tamura Ryoko , Asakawa Jun , Abdel‐Banat Babiker M. A. , Nonklang Sanom , Nakamura Mikiko , Akada Rinji 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe cloning of DNA fragments into vectors or host genomes has traditionally been performed using Escherichia coli with restriction enzymes and DNA ligase or homologous recombination‐based reactions. We report here a novel DNA cloning method that does not require DNA end processing or homologous recombination, but that ensures highly accurate cloning. The method exploits the efficient non‐homologous end‐joining (NHEJ) activity of the yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus and consists of a novel functional marker selection system. First, to demonstrate the applicability of NHEJ to DNA cloning, a C‐terminal‐truncated non‐functional ura3 selection marker and the truncated region were PCR‐amplified separately, mixed and directly used for the transformation. URA3+ transformants appeared on the selection plates, indicating that the two DNA fragments were correctly joined by NHEJ to generate a functional URA3 gene that had inserted into the yeast chromosome. To develop the cloning system, the shortest URA3 C‐terminal encoding sequence that could restore the function of a truncated non‐functional ura3 was determined by deletion analysis, and was included in the primers to amplify target DNAs for cloning. Transformation with PCR‐amplified target DNAs and C‐terminal truncated ura3 produced numerous transformant colonies, in which a functional URA3 gene was generated and was integrated into the chromosome with the target DNAs. Several K. marxianus circular plasmids with different selection markers were also developed for NHEJ‐based cloning and recombinant DNA construction. The one‐step DNA cloning method developed here is a relatively simple and reliable procedure among the DNA cloning systems developed to date. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of Surgery on Quality of Life in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Mise Yoshihiro , Satou Shouichi , Ishizawa Takeaki , Kaneko Junichi , Aoki Taku , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Sugawara Yasuhiko , Makuuchi Masatoshi , Kokudo Norihiro 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundLiver resection is the mainstay of curative treatment for localized hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the impact of surgery for HCC on quality of life (QOL) has not been well assessed.MethodsHealth‐related QOL was assessed using the Short Form‐36 questionnaire in 108 patients who underwent a liver resection for HCC between January 2004 and January 2008. The QOL assessment was scheduled before and every 3 months after the operation. Patients were divided into two groups based on patient‐, tumor‐, and surgery‐related variables. The physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) were compared between the two groups.ResultsAltogether, 69 patients (64 %) completed the consecutive QOL assessments until 6 months after surgery. At 3 months, the PCS scores were significantly lower for women and for patients who had undergone thoracotomy than among men (p = 0.010) and patients who had not undergone thoracotomy (p = 0.048), respectively. No significant differences in any of the PCS scores were observed at 6 months. No significant differences in the MCS scores were observed between the groups throughout the investigation, and improvement relative to the preoperative status was observed at 6 months.ConclusionsPhysical impairments in the QOL after surgery had returned to the baseline at 6 months, and the postoperative mental QOL improved relative to the preoperative state. The surgical candidates were expected to have a satisfactory QOL regardless of the preoperative status and surgical outcomes. A thoracoabdominal approach had a transient negative impact on the physical health status.
Postoperative PTH Measurement Is Not a Reliable Predictor for Hypocalcemia After Total Thyroidectomy in Vitamin D Deficiency: Prospective Study of 203 Cases
Authors: Pradeep P. V. , Ramalingam K. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundSeveral factors have been used to predict post total thyroidectomy (TT) hypocalcemia. Serum intact PTH (PTH) levels <10 pg/mL after TT is considered to be the most accurate predictor. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the accuracy of PTH as a predictor of post‐TT hypocalcemia in patients with vitamin D deficiency.Materials and methodsThe present prospective study was conducted from 2009 to 2011 and included patients undergoing TT for benign goiter. The PTH levels 8 h after TT in patients who were vitamin D sufficient (group A; S Vit D >20 ng/mL) versus those who were vitamin D deficient (group B) were compared. Comparison was also performed between patients belonging to group A and group B who developed hypocalcemia. Appropriate statistical tests were applied.ResultsA total of 203 patients (19 males, 184 females) underwent TT; 58.6 % (n = 119) belonged to group A and 41.4 % (n = 84) to group B. Their mean age was 36.81 ± 12.9 years, and the mean duration of goiter was 45.35 ± 54.6 months. Hypocalcemia occurred in 41 patients (20.2 %). Among them 15 belonged to group A and 26 to group B (p = 0.002). The mean PTH in patients who developed hypocalcemia was 12.75 ± 8.91 versus 22.58 ± 15.38 in those who did not develop hypocalcemia (p = 0.00). Furthermore it was seen that the mean PTH in vitamin D sufficient hypocalcemic patients (n = 15) was 7.12 ± 1.79 and that in vitamin D deficient hypocalcemic patients (n = 26) was 16 ± 9.77 (p = 0.001)ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the fall in PTH after TT in vitamin D deficient patients is unreliable in predicting hypocalcemia and should not be relied on to plan early postoperative discharge.
In Hepatocellular Carcinomas, any Proportion of Poorly Differentiated Components is Associated with Poor Prognosis After Hepatectomy
Authors: Sasaki Kazunari , Matsuda Masamichi , Ohkura Yu , Kawamura Yusuke , Inoue Masafumi , Hashimoto Masaji , Ikeda Kenji , Kumada Hiromitsu , Watanabe Goro 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) often consists of various differentiation components in a single tumor. However, the categorization of histologic grade in hepatectomy for those tumors has not been standardized. Some studies have determined the differentiation grade of the tumor according to its worst component, whereas others have determined it according to its predominant component. The present study aimed to resolve the controversy about whether the worst component or the dominant component determines the nature of the tumor, especially focusing on the presence of a poorly differentiated component (PDC).MethodsIn total, 427 hepatectomized patients with solitary HCC were divided into three groups, tumors without a PDC (NP), tumors with a PDC but dominantly consisting of non‐PDC as poorly contained (PC), and tumors predominantly consisted of a PDC as poorly dominant (PD). PC was compared with PD and NP.ResultsStatistical analysis revealed that large tumors and high alpha‐fetoprotein level were significantly more frequent in PC than in NP (P < 0.01 and P = 0.04, respectively), although no remarkable difference was observed between PC and PD. Both recurrence‐free and overall survival rates were significantly worse in the PC and PD groups than in the NP group (PC vs. NP: P = 0.01 and P < 0.01, PD vs. NP: P < 0.01 and P < 0.01, respectively), but there was no significant difference in these parameters between PC and PD.ConclusionsAll HCC, including PDC, should be categorized as poorly differentiated HCC regardless of the predominant differentiation component.
Assessing Patterns of Practice of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy for Breast Cancer in Latin America
Authors: Acuna Sergio A. , Angarita Fernando A. , Escallon Jaime 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIntroductionThere is a lack information regarding how sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for breast cancer is carried out today in developing countries and how it was adapted. To rectify this situation we performed a pattern‐of‐practice survey amongst practicing surgeons in Latin America (LA).MethodsA survey was developed to assess current surgical practice in breast cancer, use of SLNB, limitations to the implementation, training, technique variations, and observed adverse events. A total of 30 surgical associations and breast surgery societies in 18 Latin American countries were invited to participate. Surveys were distributed among member of these associations and 76.7 % of those contacted answered the survey. Responses were limited only to those who reported treating breast cancer patients.ResultsA total of 463 surgeons who manage breast cancer responded. Over 53 % of surgeons do not have sub‐specialty training. Only 47.7 % have a high‐volume case load, of which 87.8 % routinely perform SLNB. The main limitations perceived to the implementation of SLNB were a lack of resources/equipment (48 %) and training opportunities (33 %). Over 60 % reported that fewer than half of their patients were eligible for SLNB and 67.8 % reported that they were involved in teaching this technique to residents.ConclusionsA significant proportion of surgeons that treat breast cancer cases in LA have not had sub‐specialty training or manage a low volume of cases. Among those surgeons with a high‐volume caseload, SLNB is routinely performed. SLNB training during residency represents an opportunity for improvement in the region.