bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of interventions to improve motor performance in children with developmental coordination disorder: a combined systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: SMITS‐ENGELSMAN BOUWIEN C M , BLANK RAINER , VAN DER KAAY ANNE‐CLAIRE , MOSTERD‐VAN DER MEIJS RIANNE , VLUGT‐VAN DEN BRAND ELLEN , POLATAJKO HELENE J , WILSON PETER H 
Published: October 2012

Aim The aim of this study was to review systematically evidence about the efficacy of motor interventions for children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD), and to quantify treatment effects using meta‐analysis.Method Included were all studies published between 1995 and 2011 that described a systematic review, (randomized) clinical trial, or crossover design about the effect of motor intervention in children with DCD. Studies were compared on four components: design, methodological quality, intervention components, and efficacy. Twenty‐six studies met the inclusion criteria for the review. Interventions were coded under four types: (1) task‐oriented intervention, (2) traditional physical therapy and occupational therapy, (3) process‐oriented therapies, and (4) chemical supplements. For the meta‐analysis, effect sizes were available for 20 studies and their magnitude (weighted Cohen’sd[dw]) was compared across training types.Results The overall effect size across all intervention studies wasdw=0.56. A comparison between classes of intervention showed strong effects for task‐oriented intervention (dw=0.89) and physical and occupational therapies (dw=0.83), whereas that for process‐oriented intervention was weak (dw=0.12). Of the chemical supplements, treatment with methylphenidate was researched in three studies (dw=0.79) and supplementation of fatty acids plus vitamin E in one study (no effect). Thepost hoccomparison between treatment types showed that the effect size of the task‐oriented approach was significantly higher than the process‐oriented intervention (p=0.01) and comparison (p=0.006). No significant difference in the magnitude of effect size between traditional physical and occupational therapy approaches and any of the other interventions emerged.Interpretation In general, intervention is shown to produce benefit for the motor performance of children with DCD, over and above no intervention. However, approaches from a task‐oriented perspective yield stronger effects. Process‐oriented approaches are not recommended for improving motor performance in DCD, whereas the evidence for chemical supplements for children with DCD is currently insufficient for a recommendation.
Natural infection of Fraxinus excelsior seeds by Chalara fraxinea
Authors: Cleary M. R. , Arhipova N. , Gaitnieks T. , Stenlid J. , Vasaitis R. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryThe occurrence of Chalara fraxinea, the fungus responsible for dieback of European ash (Fraxinus excelsior), was investigated in the current and previous seed years collected from symptomatic trees in Latvia and Sweden using molecular techniques (DNA extraction, ITS‐PCR, Sanger sequencing). Molecular analysis of seeds revealed the presence of 30 different fungal taxa. Chalara fraxinea was detected in 8.3% of seeds tested from the current year originating from Latvia. The presence of C. fraxinea in seeds of F. excelsior is of great concern to phytosanitary protection authorities in countries outside the current zone of infestation.
Clonal heterogeneity of mantle cell lymphoma revealed by array comparative genomic hybridization
Authors: Liu Fang , Yoshida Noriaki , Suguro Miyuki , Kato Harumi , Karube Kennosuke , Arita Kotaro , Yamamoto Kiyoko , Tsuzuki Shinobu , Oshima Koichi , Seto Masao 
Published: October 2012

AbstractMantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an aggressive B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) characterized by the translocation t(11;14)(q13;q32). This lymphoma exhibits a poor prognosis and remains incurable with standard chemotherapy approaches. Recently, we have shown that a majority of patients with acute‐type adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) have multiple subclones that were likely produced in lymph nodes. We investigated whether MCL has multiple subclones as identified in ATLL by high‐resolution oligo‐array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH). Eleven of 20 (55%) evaluable MCL cases had a log2 ratio imbalance, suggesting the existence of multiple subclones in MCL. Based on the proportion of every subclone relative to the main clone, we were able to speculate clonal evolution in each MCL case with multiple subclones. Our analysis gave new insights into the clonal heterogeneity quantitatively and accurately. Furthermore, genomic copy number alterations are not hierarchical events and not necessarily the initial or later events for cells to become MCL.
Case‐based approach for supporting strategy decision making
Authors: Surma Jerzy 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe practice of strategy decision making proves that when the management board is strongly limited in its capacity to take rational actions, specifically in the context of great decision complexity and uncertainty, it is considered good practice to refer to experience through reasoning by analogy. In this paper, we would like to concentrate on supporting strategic decisions in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The complexity of analogy‐based reasoning has its roots in an attempt to solve new problems based on past cases from a different domain, while we will focus on case‐based approach for a single domain. Additionally, we have chosen case‐based reasoning as a suitable decision‐making paradigm because it is corresponds to managers’ decision‐making behaviour. We present the STRATEGOS case‐based reasoning system for supporting strategic decision making by SMEs management boards and then the system evaluation by the dozens of chief executive officers (CEOs) from SMEs is presented. The results of the survey are promising and show the remarkable correspondence of the proposed solution with expectations and strategic behaviour of CEOs.
Retinoic acid improves recovery after nephrectomy and decreases renal TGF‐β1 expression. Gender‐related effects
Authors: Delgadillo Dealmy , Barbier Olivier , Sierra Gerardo , Reyes Jose L. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractEnd‐stage renal disease is a cause for death worldwide. Renal transplant is a therapeutic alternative, restricted by the scant number of donors. Function of the donor kidney is under risk of adverse circumstances such as fibrosis, where profibrotic effect of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF‐β1) plays a key role. Efforts to diminish risks of damage in the remnant kidney of the donor are required. Vitamin A represents one alternative. It has beneficial effects on some nephropathies, mainly those related to oxidative stress. It also participates in normal intrauterine renal development. We studied the effect of all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA), active form of vitamin A, on postnephrectomy compensatory growth, in male or female rats. Compensatory growth and renal function were evaluated on four experimental groups: Control without treatment (CTL), ATRA‐treated intact rats (CTL + RA), nephrectomized rats (NFX), and ATRA‐treated nephrectomized rats (NFX + RA). We evaluated glomerular function (inulin clearance), tubular function (fractional excretions of sodium and potassium), and urinary flow. Renal mass was also estimated. In ATRA‐treated animals, compensatory growth was higher than in nephrectomized rats without treatment. Hyperfiltration after nephrectomy was less intense in ATRA‐treated female than in male rats. In tubular functions, effect of ATRA was more evident in female than in male rats. Glomerular expression of TGF‐β1 was lower in ATRA‐treated animals than in controls. ATRA reduced intensity and duration of compensatory changes after nephrectomy, improving recovery.
Involvement of transcription factor Ets‐1 in the expression of the α3 integrin subunit gene
Authors: Kamoshida Go , Matsuda Ayaka , Katabami Kouji , Kato Takumi , Mizuno Hiromi , Sekine Wakana , Oku Teruaki , Itoh Saotomo , Tsuiji Makoto , Hattori Yoshiyuki , Maitani Yoshie , Tsuji Tsutomu 
Published: October 2012

The α3β1 integrin is an adhesion receptor for extracellular matrix proteins, and plays crucial roles in cell motility, proliferation, and differentiation. The aberrant expression of this adhesion molecule on tumor cells is frequently associated with their malignant behaviors. We previously reported that the Ets transcription factor‐binding consensus sequence 133 bp upstream of the mouse α3 integrin gene is an important element for its expression in various tumor cell lines. In the present study, we attempted to identify a transcription factor bound to the Ets‐consensus sequence, and found that Ets‐1 bound to this sequence in an electrophoretic mobility shift assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, and pull‐down assay with a tandem repeat of the sequence as adsorbent. We next examined the role of Ets‐1 in α3 integrin gene expression by use of a luciferase assay with a reporter plasmid containing the 5′‐flanking region of the α3 integrin gene. Cotransfection of HEK293T cells with an Ets‐1 expression construct and the reporter plasmid increased luciferase activity. By contrast, transfection of HT1080 cells (high α3 integrin expresser) with a dominant‐negative mutant of Ets‐1 decreased luciferase activity. Overexpression of Ets‐1 in HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells (low α3 integrin expresser) upregulated α3 integrin expression as assessed by immunoprecipitation. Finally, the induction of α3 integrin gene expression in HepG2 cells after transforming growth factor‐β1 treatment was abrogated by the dominant‐negative mutant of Ets‐1. These results suggest that Ets‐1 is involved in transcriptional activation of the α3 integrin gene through its binding to the Ets‐consensus sequence at −133 bp.
Iron deficiency and fatigue in adolescent females with heavy menstrual bleeding
Authors: Wang W. , Bourgeois T. , Klima J. , Berlan E. D. , Fischer A. N. , O'Brien S. H. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryIron deficiency and fatigue are common problems in adolescent females. Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is associated with both iron deficiency and fatigue. The aim of this study was to define baseline ferritin values and fatigue symptoms in a population of young females with excessive menstrual blood loss, as compared to healthy controls. The study population included 11 to 17‐year‐old menstruating females presenting to an Adolescent Gynaecology Clinic, Menorrhagia Clinic or Sports Medicine clinic. To evaluate the degree and effects of menstrual blood loss, we utilized the Ruta Menorrhagia Severity Score. We investigated the symptoms of fatigue using the Fatigue Severity Scale. We evaluated possible predictors of ferritin level (age, body mass index, fatigue scores and Menorrhagia Severity Score) using generalized linear models. A total of 48 adolescents with HMB and 102 healthy adolescents completed the study. Iron deficiency and elevated fatigue scores were common findings in young women with HMB. Both fatigue severity scores and menorrhagia severity scores were significantly higher in young women with HMB as compared to healthy controls. In adolescents with HMB, 87.5% had ferritin levels ≤40 ng mL−1, and 29.2% had ferritin levels ≤15 ng mL−1. Our generalized linear models did not identify any significant univariate relationships between ferritin levels and patient age, body mass index, fatigue score or menorrhagia score. Iron deficiency and symptoms of fatigue are common findings in young women with HMB. Fatigue severity scores are significantly higher in young women with HMB as compared to healthy controls.
The physiological consequences of catch‐and‐release angling: perspectives on experimental design, interpretation, extrapolation and relevance to stakeholders
Authors: Cooke S. J. , Donaldson M. R. , O'connor C. M. , Raby G. D. , Arlinghaus R. , Danylchuk A. J. , Hanson K. C. , Hinch S. G. , Clark T. D. , Patterson D. A. , Suski C. D. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractOver the past 20 years, there has been a dramatic increase in the use of physiological tools and experimental approaches for the study of the biological consequences of catch‐and‐release angling practices for fishes. Beyond simply documenting problems, physiological data are also being used to test and refine different strategies for handling fish such that stress is minimised and survival probability maximised, and in some cases, even for assessing and facilitating recovery post‐release. The inherent sensitivity of physiological processes means that nearly every study conducted has found some level of – unavoidable – physiological disturbance arising from recreational capture and subsequent release. An underlying tenet of catch‐and‐release studies that incorporate physiological tools is that a link exists between physiological status and fitness. In reality, finding such relationships has been elusive, with further extensions of individual‐level impacts to fish populations even more dubious. A focus of this article is to describe some of the challenges related to experimental design and interpretation that arise when using physiological tools for the study of the biological consequences of catch‐and‐release angling. Means of overcoming these challenges and the extrapolation of physiological data from individuals to the population level are discussed. The argument is presented that even if it is difficult to demonstrate strong links to mortality or other fitness measures, let alone population‐level impacts of catch‐and‐release, there remains merit in using physiological tools as objective indicators of fish welfare, which is an increasing concern in recreational fisheries. The overarching objective of this paper is to provide a balanced critique of the use of physiological approaches in catch‐and‐release science and of their role in providing meaningful information for anglers and managers.
Fell‐Muir lecture: connective tissue growth factor (CCN2) – a pernicious and pleiotropic player in the development of kidney fibrosis
Authors: Mason Roger M. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryConnective tissue growth factor (CTGF, CCN2) is a member of the CCN family of matricellular proteins. It interacts with many other proteins, including plasma membrane proteins, modulating cell function. It is expressed at low levels in normal adult kidney cells but is increased in kidney diseases, playing important roles in inflammation and in the development of glomerular and interstitial fibrosis in chronic disease. This review reports the evidence for its expression in human and animal models of chronic kidney disease and summarizes data showing that anti‐CTGF therapy can successfully attenuate fibrotic changes in several such models, suggesting that therapies targeting CTGF and events downstream of it in renal cells may be useful for the treatment of human kidney fibrosis. Connective tissue growth factor stimulates the development of fibrosis in the kidney in many ways including activating cells to increase extracellular matrix synthesis, inducing cell cycle arrest and hypertrophy, and prolonging survival of activated cells. The relationship between CTGF and the pro‐fibrotic factor TGFβ is examined and mechanisms by which CTGF promotes signalling by the latter are discussed. No specific cellular receptors for CTGF have been discovered but it interacts with and activates several plasma membrane proteins including low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein (LRP)‐1, LRP‐6, tropomyosin‐related kinase A, integrins and heparan sulphate proteoglycans. Intracellular signalling and downstream events triggered by such interactions are reviewed. Finally, the relationships between CTGF and several anti‐fibrotic factors, such as bone morphogenetic factor‐4 (BMP4), BMP7, hepatocyte growth factor, CCN3 and Oncostatin M, are discussed. These may determine whether injured tissue heals or progresses to fibrosis.
Modelling quality changes in Songpu mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio) fillets stored at chilled temperatures: comparison between Arrhenius model and log‐logistic model
Authors: Bao Yulong , Zhou Zhongyun , Lu Han , Luo Yongkang , Shen Huixing 
Published: October 2012

SummaryTo understand the quality changes in Songpu mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio) fillets during chilled storage, sensory score, total aerobic counts (TAC), total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N) and electrical conductivity (EC) of the fillets stored at 270, 273, 276, 282 and 288 K were investigated. Furthermore, both Arrhenius model and log‐logistic model were established to predict the quality changes. The high regression coefficients (R2 > 0.90) represented the acceptability of both Arrhenius model and log‐logistic model. Relative errors between predicted values and observed values were all within ±5% for models based on EC, within ± 25% for models based on TAC and TVB‐N (except the TVB‐N value on 9th and 15th day). The relative errors of sensory score were all within ±35% in the first 9 days. It is concluded that both Arrhenius model and log‐logistic model based on EC, TAC or TVB‐N can be applied in modelling quality changes in Songpu mirror carp fillets during storage within 270–288 K.
Transanal minimally invasive surgery: an initial experience
Authors: Slack Timothy , Wong Shing , Muhlmann Mark 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundTransanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) is a novel approach used for the resection of rectal lesions. The purpose of this study was to review our initial experience with TAMIS.MethodsBetween March 2012 and May 2012, we collected clinical data on patients who underwent the TAMIS procedure. This included patient demographics, tumour characteristics, operative technique, histological results and post‐operative outcomes.ResultsThree patients successfully underwent TAMIS resection of rectal lesions. All tumours were tubulovillous adenomas with high‐grade dysplasia, with one also having a small focus of adenocarcinoma. Clear margins were achieved in all cases. One case was complicated by a post‐operative bleed, requiring a return to theatre.ConclusionsTAMIS is a feasible and cost‐effective alternative to transanal endoscopic microsurgery for resection of rectal lesions. It may have a shorter learning curve, especially for laparoscopic surgeons already proficient in single‐port procedures.
Clinical evaluations of cell‐free fetal DNA quantities in pre‐eclamptic pregnancies
Authors: Zeybek Yosun Görkem , Günel Tuba , Benian Ali , Aydınlı Kılıç , Kaleli Semih 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAimQuantitative changes of cell‐free fetal DNA in maternal plasma as an indicator for impending pre‐eclampsia was reported in different studies. Cell‐free fetal nucleic acids can be detected in maternal circulation during pregnancy. Our aim was to determine the higher rate of fetal DNA levels in maternal blood in pre‐eclampsia compared to normal pregnancies and the clinical use of real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the Turkish population as a marker.Material and MethodsAccording to their gestational ages, the plasma levels of 30 pre‐eclamptic women at 26–40 weeks of pregnancy were matched with 18 healthy pregnant women. Cell‐free fetal DNA levels in maternal plasma were compared using real‐time PCR technology. For the quantitative measurement of fetal DNA from maternal blood, the relative quantification PCR process was applied to all samples, using SRY and GAPDH genes. These patients were classified as pre‐eclamptic and control groups and were matched according to weeks of pregnancy.ResultsFree fetal DNA levels of 30 pre‐eclamptic patients were compared to healthy pregnant women and an average 3.06‐fold increase was observed. During the second trimester, free fetal DNA levels were 1.5 times higher in pre‐eclamptic patients. This increase was 3.5‐fold during the third trimester. The DNA increase of pre‐eclamptic patients was 4.1‐fold and 3.4‐fold during 29th–33rd and 34th–40th weeks, respectively.ConclusionsCell‐free fetal DNA in maternal blood could be used as a marker for identifying subjects at increased risk of developing pre‐eclampsia.
Positive correlation between serum levels of adiponectin and homocysteine in pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Khosrowbeygi Ali , Ahmadvand Hassan 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAimThe aims of the present study were to assess the correlation between homocysteine and adiponectin and the homocysteine‐to‐adiponectin ratio in pre‐eclampsia compared with normal pregnant women.Materials and MethodsThe study population consisted of 30 women with pre‐eclampsia and 30 normal pregnant women. Serum levels of total adiponectin and total homocysteine were assessed using commercially available enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay methods. Data are presented as median.ResultsSerum levels of total adiponectin correlated directly with total homocysteine in both pre‐eclampsia (r = 0.48, P = 0.01) and normal pregnancy (r = 0.68, P = 0.001). The homocysteine‐to‐adiponectin ratio was increased significantly in pre‐eclampsia compared with normal pregnancy (0.90 vs 0.70, P = 0.03). Compared with normal pregnancy, women with severe pre‐eclampsia showed significant increase in total adiponectin (14.29 vs 10.24, P = 0.01), total homocysteine (13.80 vs 7.25, P = 0.000) and homocysteine‐to‐adiponectin ratio (0.92 vs 0.70, P = 0.02). Women with mild pre‐eclampsia had higher values of total adiponectin (16.19 vs 10.24, P = 0.000) and total homocysteine (13.11 vs 7.25, P = 0.000) compared with normal pregnancy. No significant differences were observed between mild and severe pre‐eclampsia.ConclusionThe present study showed a positive association between adiponectin and homocysteine in pre‐eclampsia. The homocysteine‐to‐adiponectin ratio may be an informative biomarker for the disease diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring.
Endometrial scratching to improve pregnancy rate in couples with unexplained subfertility: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gibreel Ahmed , Badawy Ahmed , El‐Refai Waleed , El‐Adawi Noha 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to examine the effect of endometrial scratching in women with unexplained infertility.Material and MethodsA randomized controlled trial was conducted in Mansoura University Teaching Hospital and a private practice setting. A total of 105 couples with unexplained infertility were randomly allocated into two groups: group A comprised 54 women who underwent endometrial scratching in the luteal phase of a spontaneous menstrual cycle; and group B included 51 women who underwent a placebo procedure. The main outcome measured was cumulative clinical pregnancy rate after 6 months and miscarriage rate.ResultsClinical pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the women experiencing endometrial biopsy than in the control group (25.9% and 9.8%, respectively, P = 0.04). There was no significant difference in miscarriage rate between pregnant women in the endometrial injury group and pregnant women in the control group (12.5% and 16.5%, respectively, P = 0.79).ConclusionsEndometrial scratching may improve clinical pregnancy rates in couples with unexplained infertility. Adequately powered studies are mandated to confirm or refute the findings.