bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pearls and pitfalls: Electrophysiology for primary headaches
Authors: Magis Delphine , Vigano Alessandro , Sava Simona , d’Elia Tullia Sasso , Schoenen Jean , Coppola Gianluca 
Published: May 2013

Background Primary headaches are functional neurological diseases characterized by a dynamic cyclic pattern over time (ictal/pre-/interictal). Electrophysiological recordings can non-invasively assess the activity of an underlying nervous structure or measure its response to various stimuli, and are therefore particularly appropriate for the study of primary headaches. Their interest, however, is chiefly pathophysiological, as interindividual, and to some extent intraindividual, variations preclude their use as diagnostic tools. Aim of the work This article will review the most important findings of electrophysiological studies in primary headache pathophysiology, especially migraine on which numerous studies have been published. Results In migraine, the most reproducible hallmark is the interictal lack of neuronal habituation to the repetition of various types of sensory stimulations. The mechanism subtending this phenomenon remains uncertain, but it could be the consequence of a thalamocortical dysrythmia that results in a reduced cortical preactivation level. In tension-type headache as well as in cluster headache, there seems to be an impairment of central pain-controlling mechanisms but the studies are scarce and their outcomes are contradictory. The discrepancies between studies might be as a result of methodological differences as well as patients’ dissimilarities, which are also discussed. Conclusions and perspectives Electrophysiology is complementary to functional neuroimaging and will undoubtedly remain an important tool in headache research. One of its upcoming applications is to help select neurostimulation techniques and protocols that correct best the functional abnormalities detectable in certain headache disorders.
Pearls and pitfalls in genetic studies of migraine
Authors: Eising Else , de Vries Boukje , Ferrari Michel D , Terwindt Gisela M , van den Maagdenberg Arn MJM 
Published: May 2013

Purpose of review Migraine is a prevalent neurovascular brain disorder with a strong genetic component, and different methodological approaches have been implemented to identify the genes involved. This review focuses on pearls and pitfalls of these approaches and genetic findings in migraine. Summary Common forms of migraine (i.e. migraine with and without aura) are thought to have a polygenic make-up, whereas rare familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM) presents with a monogenic pattern of inheritance. Until a few years ago only studies in FHM yielded causal genes, which were identified by a classical linkage analysis approach. Functional analyses of FHM gene mutations in cellular and transgenic animal models suggest abnormal glutamatergic neurotransmission as a possible key disease mechanism. Recently, a number of genes were discovered for the common forms of migraine using a genome-wide association (GWA) approach, which sheds first light on the pathophysiological mechanisms involved. Conclusions Novel technological strategies such as next-generation sequencing, which can be implemented in future genetic migraine research, may aid the identification of novel FHM genes and promote the search for the missing heritability of common migraine.
Long-Term Functional Outcomes of Resected Tarsal Coalitions
Authors: Khoshbin Amir , Law Peggy W. , Caspi Liora , Wright James G. 
Published: May 2013

Background: There are few long-term studies evaluating tarsal coalition resections. The purpose of this study was to compare patient outcomes following resection of calcaneonavicular (CN) and talocalcaneal (TC) bars and to determine the relationship between the extent of a coalition and the outcome of resection. Methods: Patients younger than 18 years receiving resection for symptomatic tarsal coalition (1991-2004 inclusive) were eligible to participate. Follow-up evaluation included clinical examination to assess range of motion and self-reported functional outcome questionnaires. Two validated functional scales were used: the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Foot and Ankle Module, and the Foot Function Index (FFI). Twenty-four patients with 32 tarsal coalition resections (19 CN and 13 TC feet) were included in this study. For CN and TC patients, the mean age at the time of surgery was 11.8 ± 1.1 and 11.9 ± 2.5 years, and the mean age at follow-up was 27.1 ± 1.1 and 25.0 ± 2.5 years, respectively. Results: Inversion and eversion were significantly less for TC feet when compared with CN ( P = .03 and P = .01, respectively). No difference was noted between the CN and TC groups with respect to outcome scores. Furthermore, no association was noted between the size of TC coalition or hindfoot valgus angle with respect to outcome scores. Conclusion: Resected CN and TC bars behaved similarly in the long term in terms of function and patient satisfaction. Favorable results were attained when resections were performed on TC coalitions that were greater than 50% of the posterior facet and hindfoot valgus angles greater than 16 degrees. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.
Rotational Malreduction of the Syndesmosis
Authors: Knops Simon P. , Kohn Michael A. , Hansen Erik N. , Matityahu Amir , Marmor Meir 
Published: May 2013

Background: Computed tomography (CT)-based indices may be superior to plain radiographs in determining the adequacy of reduction following operative fixation of the syndesmosis in unstable ankle fractures. This study assessed the reliability and accuracy of four CT-based methods for measurement of rotational malreduction of the fibula. Methods: A simulated Weber C ankle fracture was created by performing an osteotomy in 9 cadaver ankles. The fibula was rotated and fixed in neutral (0 degrees) and 10 to 30 degrees of internal and external rotation. Fifty-two CT images at the level of the syndesmosis were obtained in neutral and rotated positions and presented in random order to 3 independent observers. Measurements were made using commercial imaging software and 4 methods for interpreting CT scans. Interobserver reliability and accuracy were assessed and compared. Results: Methods 1 and 4 showed high anatomic variability. Methods 1, 2, and 4 had a test-retest repeatability of about 15 degrees. Method 1 varied erratically with direction and degree of malrotation ( R2 = 0.15) and did not permit specification of a neutral range. Method 2 varied consistently and systematically with direction and degree of malrotation ( R2 = 0.88). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that method 2 identified malrotation better than did the other methods. Methods 3 and 4 were somewhat more difficult to perform. Conclusions: Method 2, the angle between the tangent of the anterior tibial surface and the bisection of the vertical midline of the fibula at the level of the incisura, was fairly reliable and accurate and had greater ease of measurement compared with the other methods that were tested. Clinical Relevance: This study demonstrated that assessment of malrotation of fibular fractures by CT scan can be difficult. We believe that of the 4 methods tested in this study, method 2, the angle between the tangent of the anterior tibial surface and the bisection of the vertical midline of the fibula at the level of the incisura, was the most useful.
Systemic light chain amyloidosis: an update for treating physicians
Authors: Merlini Giampaolo , Wechalekar Ashutosh D. , Palladini Giovanni 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
In immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis a small, indolent plasma cell clone synthesizes light chains that cause devastating organ damage. Early diagnosis, based on prompt recognition of “red-flags” before advanced cardiomyopathy ensues, is essential for improving outcomes. Differentiation from other systemic amyloidoses may require advanced technologies. Prognosis depends on the extent of cardiac involvement, and cardiac biomarkers guide the choice of therapy. The protean clinical presentation requires individualized treatment. Close monitoring of clonal and organ response guides therapy changes and duration. Conventional or high-dose alkylator-based chemotherapy is effective in almost two-thirds of patients. Combinations of proteasome inhibitors, dexamethasone, and alkylators achieve high response rates, although controlled studies are needed. Risk-adapted stem cell transplant and consolidation with novel agents may be considered in selected patients. Immune-modulatory drugs are good options for refractory/relapsed patients. Novel agents and therapeutic targets are expected to be exploited, in an integrated, more effective and less toxic treatment strategy.
Multi-step implicit iterative methods with regularization for minimization problems and fixed point problems
Authors: Ceng Lu-Chuan , Ansari Qamrul Hasan , Wen Ching-Feng 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
In this paper we introduce a multi-step implicit iterative scheme with regularization for finding a common solution of the minimization problem (MP) for a convex and continuously Fréchet differentiable functional and the common fixed point problem of an infinite family of nonexpansive mappings in the setting of Hilbert spaces. The multi-step implicit iterative method with regularization is based on three well-known methods: the extragradient method, approximate proximal method and gradient projection algorithm with regularization. We derive a weak convergence theorem for the sequences generated by the proposed scheme. On the other hand, we also establish a strong convergence result via an implicit hybrid method with regularization for solving these two problems. This implicit hybrid method with regularization is based on the CQ method, extragradient method and gradient projection algorithm with regularization.

MSC:49J30, 47H09, 47J20.
Both flagella and F4 fimbriae from F4ac+ enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli contribute to attachment to IPEC-J2 cells in vitro
Authors: Zhou Mingxu , Duan Qiangde , Zhu Xiaofang , Guo Zhiyan , Li Yinchau , Hardwidge Philip R , Zhu Guoqiang 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
The role of flagella in the pathogenesis of F4ac+ Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) mediated neonatal and post-weaning diarrhea (PWD) is not currently understood. We targeted the reference C83902 ETEC strain (O8:H19:F4ac+ LT+ STa+ STb+), to construct isogenic mutants in the fliC (encoding the major flagellin protein), motA (encoding the flagella motor), and faeG (encoding the major subunit of F4 fimbriae) genes. Both the ΔfliC and ΔfaeG mutants had a reduced ability to adhere to porcine intestinal epithelial IPEC-J2 cells. F4 fimbriae expression was significantly down-regulated after deleting fliC, which revealed that co-regulation exists between flagella and F4 fimbriae. However, there was no difference in adhesion between the ΔmotA mutant and its parent strain. These data demonstrate that both flagella and F4 fimbriae are required for efficient F4ac+ ETEC adhesion in vitro.
Thymoquinone attenuates tumor growth in ApcMin mice by interference with Wnt-signaling
Authors: Lang Michaela , Borgmann Melanie , Oberhuber Georg , Evstatiev Rayko , Jimenez Kristine , Dammann Kyle W , Jambrich Manuela , Khare Vineeta , Campregher Christoph , Ristl Robin , Gasche Christoph 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) are at increased risk for the development of colorectal cancer. Surgery and chemoprevention are the most effective means to prevent cancer development. Thymoquinone (TQ) is considered the main compound of the volatile Nigella sativa seed oil and has been reported to possess anticarcinogenic properties. In this study we evaluated the chemopreventive properties of TQ in a mouse model of FAP.

Methods
APCMin mice were fed with chow containing 37.5 mg/kg or 375 mg/kg TQ for 12 weeks. H&E stained intestine tissue sections were assessed for tumor number, localization, size, and grade. Immunohistochemistry for β-catenin, c-myc, Ki-67 and TUNEL-staining was performed to investigate TQ’s effect on major colorectal cancer pathways. TQ’s impact on GSK-3β and β-catenin were studied in RKO cells.

Results
375 mg/kg but not 37.5 mg/kg TQ decreased the number of large polyps in the small intestine of APCMin mice. TQ induced apoptosis in the neoplastic tissue but not in the normal mucosa. Furthermore, upon TQ treatment, β-catenin was retained at the membrane and c-myc decreased in the nucleus, which was associated with a reduced cell proliferation in the villi. In vitro, TQ activated GSK-3β, which induced membranous localization of β-catenin and reduced nuclear c-myc expression.

Conclusions
In summary, TQ interferes with polyp progression in ApcMin mice through induction of tumor-cell specific apoptosis and by modulating Wnt signaling through activation of GSK-3β. Nigella sativa oil (or TQ) might be useful as nutritional supplement to complement surgery and chemoprevention in FAP.
General optimization framework for surface gateway deployment problem in underwater sensor networks
Authors: Ibrahim Saleh , Al-Bzoor Manal , Liu Jun , Ammar Reda , Rajasekaran Sanguthevar , Cui Jun-Hong 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
The performance of underwater sensor networks (UWSNs) is greatly limited by the low bandwidth and high propagation delay of acoustic communications. Deploying multiple surface-level radio-capable gateways can enhance UWSN performance metrics, reducing end-to-end delays and distributing traffic loads for energy reduction. In this paper, we study the problem of gateway placement for maximizing the cost-benefit of this UWSN architecture. We develop a mixed integer programming (MIP) gateway deployment optimization framework. We analyze the tradeoff between the number of surface gateways and the expected delay and energy consumption of the surface gateway architecture in the optimal case. We used an MIP solver to solve the developed optimization problem and integrated the optimal results to serve as an input for our simulations to evaluate the benefits of surface gateway optimization framework. We investigated the effect of acoustic channel capacity and the underwater sensor node deployment pattern on our solution. Our results show the significant advantages of surface gateway optimization and provide useful guidelines for real network deployment.
New criteria for the existence of non-trivial fixed points in cones
Authors: Cabada Alberto , Cid José Ángel , Infante Gennaro 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
We give new criteria for the existence of nontrivial fixed points on cones assuming some monotonicity of the operator on a suitable conical shell. Moreover, we give an application to the existence of multiple solutions for a nonlocal boundary value problem that models the displacement of a beam subject to some feedback controllers.

MSC:47H10, 34B10, 34B18.
Validation of reference genes aiming accurate normalization of qPCR data in soybean upon nematode parasitism and insect attack
Authors: Miranda Vívian de Jesus , Coelho Roberta Ramos , Viana Antônio Américo Barbosa , de Oliveira Neto Osmundo Brilhante , Carneiro Regina Maria Dechechi Gomes , Rocha Thales Lima , Grossi de Sa Maria Fatima , Fragoso Rodrigo Rocha 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Soybean pathogens and pests reduce grain production worldwide. Biotic interaction cause extensive changes in plant gene expression profile and the data produced by functional genomics studies need validation, usually done by quantitative PCR. Nevertheless, this technique relies on accurate normalization which, in turn, depends upon the proper selection of stable reference genes for each experimental condition. To date, only a few studies were performed to validate reference genes in soybean subjected to biotic stress. Here, we report reference genes validation in soybean during root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) parasitism and velvetbean caterpillar (Anticarsia gemmatalis) attack.

Findings
The expression stability of nine classical reference genes (GmCYP2, GmELF1A, GmELF1B, GmACT11, GmTUB, GmTUA5, GmG6PD, GmUBC2 and GmUBC4) was evaluated using twenty-four experimental samples including different organs, developmental stages, roots infected with M. incognita and leaves attacked by A. gemmatalis. Two different algorithms (geNorm and NormFinder) were used to determine expression stability. GmCYP2 and GmUBC4 are the most stable in different organs. Considering the developmental stages, GmELF1A and GmELF1B genes are the most stable. For spatial and temporal gene expression studies, normalization may be performed using GmUBC4, GmUBC2, GmCYP2 and GmACT11 as reference genes. Our data indicate that both GmELF1A and GmTUA5 are the most stable reference genes for data normalization obtained from soybean roots infected with M. incognita, and GmCYP2 and GmELF1A are the most stable in soybean leaves infested with A. gemmatalis.

Conclusions
Future expression studies using nematode infection and caterpilar infestation in soybean plant may utilize the reference gene sets reported here.
The polygenetically inherited metabolic syndrome of male WOKW rats is associated with enhanced autophagy in adipose tissue
Authors: Kosacka Joanna , Koch Karoline , Gericke Martin , Nowicki Marcin , Heiker John T , Klöting Ingrid , Stumvoll Michael , Blüher Matthias , Klöting Nora 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Recent studies revealed that autophagy is up-regulated in obese individuals, as evidenced by increased expression of autophagy related genes. As argued elsewhere, it is possible that initially insulin resistance functions as an adaptive mechanism to increase autophagy in order to protect cells against death. We have shown that Wistar Ottawa Karlsburg W (RT1u) rats (WOKW) develop a metabolic syndrome with insulin resistance in adipose tissue, closely resembling the human disease. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the autophagy phenotype in WOKW rats to clarify the interrelation between insulin resistance and autophagy in adipose tissue.

Methods
Subcutaneous and epidydimal adipose tissue samples of 5-months-old WOKW and healthy LEW.1 W male rats were investigated and protein levels (Western blot and immunhistochemistry) of key autophagy genes, including Atg5, Atg7, LC3-II/LC3-I and apoptosis marker cleaved caspase-3 were analyzed.

Results
WOKW rats displayed a significant increase of autophagy related proteins (Atg5, Atg7) in adipose tissue compared with LEW.1 W. This increase was predominantly found in epididymal adipose tissue. Furthermore, the LC3-II/LC3-I ratio as a marker of autophagosomes was significantly up-regulated in subcutaneous adipose tissue of WOKW rats. Cleaved caspase-3 was just slightly detectable in visceral adipose tissue and not detected in subcutaneous fat.

Conclusion
Insulin resistance in adipose tissue of obese WOKW rats is associated with up-regulation of differing autophagy markers in visceral and subcutaneous fat depots. This fact not only qualifies the WOKW rat for further detailed analysis of genetic determinants of metabolic syndrome but also highlights its suitability for autophagy research.
Improvement of dysphagia in a child affected by Pompe disease treated with enzyme replacement therapy
Authors: Fecarotta Simona , Ascione Serena , Montefusco Giuseppe , Della Casa Roberto , Villari Paola , Romano Alfonso , Del Giudice Ennio , Andria Generoso , Parenti Giancarlo 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Aim
Dysphagia is a known complication in Pompe Disease (PD), a severe metabolic myopathy due to alpha-glucosidase deficiency. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with alglucosidase alfa is the only approved therapy for PD. Presently no data are available on the effects of ERT on dysphagia in PD patients. The aim of this work is to evaluate the course of this complication in a 6 years old boy affected by PD after treatment with ERT.

Methods
Dysphagia was assessed by Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study (VFSS) at baseline, before the start of ERT and after 36 months of therapy. We used the Dysphagia Severity Rating Scale (DSS) to define the severity grade of dysphagia.

Results
VFSS performed at baseline revealed complete incoordination of oral stage swallowing which was classified as a grade 1 dysphagia according to DSS. After 36 months of treatment VFSS revealed normal swallowing, classified as grade 0 by DSS.

Conclusion
Our results suggest that ERT is effective in improving dysphagia. VFSS may be a useful tool to investigate and monitor swallowing disorders in patients affected by PD.
Spatial distribution and abundance of the megabenthic fauna community in Gabes gulf (Tunisia, eastern Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: EL LAKHRACH H. , HATTOUR A. , JARBOUI O. , ELHASNI K. , RAMOS-ESPLA A.A. 
Published: May 2013

The aim of this paper is to bring to light the knowledge of marine diversity of invertebrates in Gabes gulf. The spatial distribution of the megabenthic fauna community in Gabes gulf (Tunisia, Eastern Mediterranean Sea), together with the bottom type and vegetation cover, were studied. The abundance of the megabenthic fauna was represented by eight groups: Echinodermata (38%), Crustacea (21%), Tunicata (19%), Mollusca (13%), Porifera (4%), Cnidaria (3%), Bryozoa, and Annelida (2%). It was spatially more concentrated in the coast area of the gulf than in the offshore waters. This area, especially, in Southern Kerkennah, North-est of Gabes and North-east of Djerba appeared to be in a good ecological condition hosting a variety of species like the paguridsPaguristes eremita and Pagurus cuanensis, the brachyura Medorippe lanata, Inachus doresttensis, the Gastropoda Hexaplex trunculus, Bolinus brandaris, Aporrhais pespelecani, andErosaria turdus, the Bivalvia Fulvia fragilis, the Echinoidea Psammechinus microtuberculatus, Holothuria polii,Ophiothrix fragilis and Antedon mediterranea, and the AscidiaceaAplidium cf. conicum, Didemnum spp, and Microcosmus exasperatus.The species’ compositions of the megabentic fauna community showed clearly that the spatial analysis represented the differences between the community of these two regions (inshore waters and offshore waters). These differences were closely related to peculiar characters of the fauna and biotopes (depth, bottom type and vegetation cover community). The results of the present study should be considered as a necessary starting point for a further analysis of priceless benthic fauna contribution to the marine environment and its organisms.
Association of combined features of amino acid and protein withcrystallization propensity of proteins fromCytophaga Hutchinsonii
Authors: Yan Shaomin , Wu Guang 
Published: May 2013

AbstractVarious features of amino acids have been so far associated with crystallization propensity of proteins. The majority of features generally represents a certain aspect of individual amino acid, for example, molecular weight of an amino acid. Meanwhile, a small portion of features, which represents a certain aspect of a whole protein, is also associated with crystallization propensity of proteins, such as protein length. Clearly, the features of individual amino acids distinguish themselves from the features of a whole protein. Therefore it would be more rationale to use the features, which combine both features of individual amino acids and a whole protein, to associate crystallization propensity of proteins, because the features of individual amino acids are not subject to amino acids‘ positions in a protein, for instance. In this study, each of three combined features of individual amino acids and a whole protein are associated with crystallization propensity of proteins fromCytophaga Hutchinsoniithrough logistic regression and neural network, and each of 535 features of individual amino acids is also associated with crystallization propensity of the proteins to serve as benchmark. The results show that the combined features have a good relationship with crystallization propensity of proteins fromCytophaga Hutchinsonii. This study provides the information that the combined features can be used for predicting crystallization propensity of protein.