bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alternating and sequential motion rates in older adults
Authors: Pierce John E. , Cotton Susan , Perry Alison 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundAlternating motion rate (AMR) and sequential motion rate (SMR) are tests of articulatory diadochokinesis that are widely used in the evaluation of motor speech. However, there are no quality normative data available for adults aged 65 years and older.AimsThere were two aims: (1) to obtain a representative, normative dataset of diadochokinetic rates from adults aged 65 years and older; and (2) to examine the effects of age and gender on those rates.Methods & ProceduresSeventy‐six healthy adults (65–86 years) were recruited; 45 females and 31 males. Participants were divided across two age groups (65–74 and 75–86 years) and audio‐recorded while undertaking AMR (/pa/, /ta/ and /ka/) and SMR (/pataka/). The rate of the first nine syllables for each task was measured using acoustic analysis software, and age and gender effects were examined using a series of generalized linear models. The effect of age on rate variability between groups was also assessed.Outcomes & ResultsNormative data were obtained for both age groups and across gender. Age was not a significant factor for any task. Males had significantly higher AMR than females (/pa/ p = 0.001, /ta/ p = 0.001, /ka/ p = 0.010). No such gender difference was found for SMR. There was no significant difference in rate variability between the age groups.Conclusions & ImplicationsNormative values for AMR and SMR in both genders and across two older age groups were acquired. Diadochokinetic rates outside such values cannot be attributed to normal ageing, so will merit further clinical investigation.
Can individuals with Down syndrome improve their grammar?
Authors: Sepúlveda Esther Moraleda , López‐Villaseñor Miguel Lázaro , Heinze Elena Garayzábal 
Published: February 2013

AbstractMorphosyntax constitutes one of the most complex areas of language. It takes into account the structure of the word and that of the sentence, and its development allows one to establish adequately agreements both within the nominal phrase and in the rest of the sentence. Morphosyntax is particularly impaired in individuals with Down syndrome. To improve their morphosyntactic skills, an intervention programme was designed and carried out with a total of 20 Spanish‐speaking children with Down syndrome; half of them composed the experimental group and the other half the control group. The results obtained show that the children in the experimental group improved more than the children in the control group in the areas of syntax, morphology and semantics, but not in pragmatics, where both groups improved to the same extent. Overall, the results obtained support the effectiveness of the programme implemented as a clinical and educational tool for intervention in individuals with Down syndrome.
Phonological and lexical effects in verbal recall by children with specific language impairments
Authors: Coady Jeffry A. , Mainela‐Arnold Elina , Evans Julia L. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackground & AimsThe present study examined how phonological and lexical knowledge influences memory in children with specific language impairments (SLI). Previous work showed recall advantages for typical adults and children due to word frequency and phonotactic pattern frequency and a recall disadvantage due to phonological similarity among words. While children with SLI have well‐documented memory difficulties, it is not clear whether these language knowledge factors also influence recall in this population.Methods & ProceduresSixteen children with SLI (mean age = 10;2) and chronological age‐matched typically developing children (CAM) controls recalled lists of words differing in phonological similarity, word frequency and phonotactic pattern frequency. While previous studies used a small set of words appearing in multiple word lists, the current study used a larger set of words, without replacement, so that children could not gain practice with individual test items.Outcomes & ResultsAll main effects were significant. Interactions revealed that children with SLI were affected by similarity, but less so than their peers, comparably affected by word frequency and unaffected by phonotactic pattern frequency.Conclusions & ImplicationsResults due to phonological similarity suggest that children with SLI use less efficient encoding, while results due to word frequency and phonotactic pattern frequency were mixed. Children with SLI used coarse‐grained language knowledge (word frequency) comparably with peers, but were less able to use fine‐grained knowledge (phonotactic pattern frequency). Paired with phonological similarity results, this suggests that children with SLI have difficulty establishing robust phonological knowledge for use in language tasks.
The Use of Wavelength Dispersive X‐ray Fluorescence in the Identification of the Elemental Composition of Vanilla Samples and the Determination of the Geographic Origin by Discriminant Function Analysis
Authors: Hondrogiannis Ellen , Rotta Kathryn , Zapf Charles M. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract Sixteen elements found in 37 vanilla samples from Madagascar, Uganda, India, Indonesia (all Vanilla planifolia species), and Papa New Guinea (Vanilla tahitensis species) were measured by wavelength dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (WDXRF) spectroscopy for the purpose of determining the elemental concentrations to discriminate among the origins. Pellets were prepared of the samples and elemental concentrations were calculated based on calibration curves created using 4 Natl. Inst. of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards. Discriminant analysis was used to successfully classify the vanilla samples by their species and their geographical region. Our method allows for higher throughput in the rapid screening of vanilla samples in less time than analytical methods currently available.Practical Application  Wavelength dispersive X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy and discriminant function analysis were used to classify vanilla from different origins resulting in a model that could potentially serve to rapidly validate these samples before purchasing from a producer.
Inactivation of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and Quality Maintenance of Cherry Tomatoes Treated with Gaseous Essential Oils
Authors: Yun Juan , Fan Xuetong , Li Xihong 
Published: February 2013

Abstract The antimicrobial activity of the essential oils (EOs) from cinnamon bark, oregano, mustard, and of their major components cinnamaldehyde, carvacrol, and allyl isothiocyanate (AIT) was evaluated as a gaseous treatment to reduce Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium in vitro and on tomatoes. In vitro tests showed that mustard EO and AIT had the greatest inhibition of Salmonella, followed by cinnamon EO and cinnamaldehyde, while oregano and carvacrol showed the least inhibition. Scanning electron microscopy images of S. Typhimurium on tomatoes suggest that the EOs and their major components damaged the bacteria, and the damage was more obvious after posttreatment storage at 10 °C for 4 and 7 d. Salmonella on inoculated tomatoes was reduced by more than 5 log colony forming units (CFU)/g by mustard EO and AIT, by 4.56 and 3.79 log CFU/g following cinnamon EO and cinnamaldehyde treatments, respectively, and 1.54 and 3.37 log CFU/g after oregano EO and carvacrol treatments, respectively. Mustard EO and AIT induced discoloration, softening, and loss of the vitamin C and lycopene during 21 d of storage at 10 °C, while treatment with cinnamon EO and cinnamaldehyde did not result in significant changes in tomato quality. Tomatoes treated with oregano EO had better quality than nontreated samples after storage. Therefore, treatment with cinnamon and oregano EO and their major components appeared to be feasible for inactivation of Salmonella on tomatoes and maintaining quality.
China and Europe: Opportunities or Dangers?
Authors: Westad Arne 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe author seeks to explain and estimate the likely outcomes of growing Chinese interest in European affairs. The author argues that, against the background of a possible decline of the geopolitical importance of the USA and despite internal European problems in the wake of the current financial crisis, an important change in Chinese foreign policy is needed. With the development towards a multipolar world becoming more and more visible, the Sino‐European relationship will gain significance. The future role of China and Europe alike will depend on the shape of their relations. The author analyzes Sino‐European relations with regard to economic exchange, security issues, the question of human rights and environmental policy.
Testosterone administration inhibits hepcidin transcription and is associated with increased iron incorporation into red blood cells
Authors: Guo Wen , Bachman Eric , Li Michelle , Roy Cindy N. , Blusztajn Jerzy , Wong Siu , Chan Stephen Y. , Serra Carlo , Jasuja Ravi , Travison Thomas G. , Muckenthaler Martina U. , Nemeth Elizabeta , Bhasin Shalender 
Published: February 2013

SummaryTestosterone administration increases hemoglobin levels and has been used to treat anemia of chronic disease. Erythrocytosis is the most frequent adverse event associated with testosterone therapy of hypogonadal men, especially older men. However, the mechanisms by which testosterone increases hemoglobin remain unknown. Testosterone administration in male and female mice was associated with a greater increase in hemoglobin and hematocrit, reticulocyte count, reticulocyte hemoglobin concentration, and serum iron and transferrin saturation than placebo. Testosterone downregulated hepatic hepcidin mRNA expression, upregulated renal erythropoietin mRNA expression, and increased erythropoietin levels. Testosterone‐induced suppression of hepcidin expression was independent of its effects on erythropoietin or hypoxia‐sensing mechanisms. Transgenic mice with liver‐specific constitutive hepcidin over‐expression failed to exhibit the expected increase in hemoglobin in response to testosterone administration. Testosterone upregulated splenic ferroportin expression and reduced iron retention in spleen. After intravenous administration of transferrin‐bound 58Fe, the amount of 58Fe incorporated into red blood cells was significantly greater in testosterone‐treated mice than in placebo‐treated mice. Serum from testosterone‐treated mice stimulated hemoglobin synthesis in K562 erythroleukemia cells more than that from vehicle‐treated mice. Testosterone administration promoted the association of androgen receptor (AR) with Smad1 and Smad4 to reduce their binding to bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)‐response elements in hepcidin promoter in the liver. Ectopic expression of AR in hepatocytes suppressed hepcidin transcription; this effect was blocked dose‐dependently by AR antagonist flutamide. Testosterone did not affect hepcidin mRNA stability. In conclusion, testosterone inhibits hepcidin transcription through its interaction with BMP/Smad signaling. Testosterone administration is associated with increased iron incorporation into red blood cells.
Innate Immunity in the Vagina (Part I): Estradiol Inhibits HBD2 and Elafin Secretion by Human Vaginal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Patel Mickey V. , Fahey John V. , Rossoll Richard M. , Wira Charles R. 
Published: February 2013

ProblemVaginal epithelial cells (VEC) are the first line of defense against incoming pathogens in the female reproductive tract. Their ability to produce the anti‐HIV molecules elafin and HBD2 under hormonal stimulation is unknown.Method of studyVaginal epithelial cells were recovered using a menstrual cup and cultured overnight prior to treatment with estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4) or a panel of selective estrogen response modulators (SERMs). Conditioned media were recovered and analyzed for protein concentration and anti‐HIV activity.ResultsE2 significantly decreased the secretion of HBD2 and elafin by VEC over 48 hrs, while P4 and the SERMs (tamoxifen, PHTTP, ICI or Y134) had no effect. VEC conditioned media from E2‐treated cells had no anti‐HIV activity, while that from E2/P4‐treated cells significantly inhibited HIV‐BaL infection.ConclusionThe menstrual cup allows for effective recovery of primary VEC. Their production of HBD2 and elafin is sensitive to E2, suggesting that innate immune protection varies in the vagina across the menstrual cycle.
Selective triggering of platelet apoptosis, platelet activation or both
Authors: Gyulkhandanyan Armen V. , Mutlu Asuman , Freedman John , Leytin Valery 
Published: February 2013

SummaryAnucleate platelets perform two fundamental processes, activation and apoptosis. We elaborated an approach for selective and concurrent stimulation of platelet apoptosis and/or activation, processes important in haemostasis and platelet clearance. Human platelets were treated with BH3 mimetic ABT‐737, thrombin, calcium ionophore A23187 and matched diluents. Apoptosis was determined as mitochondrial inner membrane potential (ΔΨm) depolarization and activation as P‐selectin exposure. At optimal treatment conditions (90–180 min, 37°C), ABT‐737 predominantly induced apoptosis, when 77–81% platelets undergo only ΔΨm depolarization. The ABT‐737 impact on ΔΨm depolarization is strongly time‐ and temperature‐dependent, and much higher at 37°C than at room temperature. In contrast, when platelets were treated with thrombin for 15–90 min at either temperature, activation‐only was predominantly (79–85%) induced, whereas A23187 triggers both apoptosis and activation (73–81%) when platelets were treated for 15–60 min at 37°C or 15–90 min at room temperature. These data demonstrate that, depending on the triggering stimulus, platelets predominantly undergo ΔΨm depolarization‐only, P‐selectin exposure‐only, or both responses, indicating that platelet apoptosis and activation are different phenomena driven by different mechanisms. The described model provides a basis for studying differential pharmacological manipulation of platelet apoptosis and activation and their role in haemostasis, thrombosis and platelet clearance.
HLA class II gene associations in African American Type 1 diabetes reveal a protective HLA‐DRB1*03 haplotype
Authors: Howson J. M. M. , Roy M. S. , Zeitels L. , Stevens H. , Todd J. A. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAimsOwing to strong linkage disequilibrium between markers, pinpointing disease associations within genetic regions is difficult in European ancestral populations, most notably the very strong association of the HLA‐DRB1*03‐DQA1*05:01‐DQB1*02:01 haplotype with Type 1 diabetes risk, which is assumed to be because of a combination of HLA‐DRB1 and HLA‐DQB1. In contrast, populations of African ancestry have greater haplotype diversity, offering the possibility of narrowing down regions and strengthening support for a particular gene in a region being causal. We aimed to study the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region in African American Type 1 diabetes.MethodsTwo hundred and twenty‐seven African American patients with Type 1 diabetes and 471 African American control subjects were tested for association at the HLA class II genes, HLA‐DRB1, HLA‐DQA1, HLA‐DQB1 and 5147 single nucleotide polymorphisms across the major histocompatibility complex region using logistic regression models. Population admixture was accounted for with principal components analysis.ResultsSingle nucleotide polymorphism marker associations were explained by the HLA associations, with the major peak over the class II loci. The HLA association overall was extremely strong, as expected for Type 1 diabetes, even in African Americans in whom diabetes diagnosis is heterogeneous. In addition, there were unique features: the HLA‐DRB1*03 haplotype was split into HLA‐DRB1*03:01, which confers greatest susceptibility in these samples (odds ratio 3.17, 95% CI 1.72–5.83) and HLA‐DRB1*03:02, an allele rarely observed in Europeans, which confers the greatest protection in these African American samples (odds ratio 0.22, 95% CI 0.09–0.55).ConclusionsThe unique diversity of the African HLA region we have uncovered supports a specific and major role for HLA‐DRB1 in HLA‐DRB1*03 haplotype‐associated Type 1 diabetes risk.
A Phase IIb, randomized, placebo‐controlled study of the SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Ferrannini E. , Seman L. , Seewaldt‐Becker E. , Hantel S. , Pinnetti S. , Woerle H. J. 
Published: February 2013

AimThis Phase IIb, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial evaluated the efficacy, safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of empagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes.MethodsFour hundred and eight patients (treatment‐naïve or after a 4‐week wash‐out period) were randomized to receive empagliflozin 5, 10 or 25 mg once daily, placebo or open‐label metformin for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was change in haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) after 12 weeks.ResultsAfter 12 weeks' treatment, empagliflozin showed dose‐dependent reductions in HbA1c from baseline [5 mg: −0.4%, 10 mg: −0.5%, 25 mg: −0.6%; all doses p < 0.0001 vs. placebo (+0.09%)]. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) decreased with empagliflozin [5 mg: −1.29 mmol/l, 10 mg: −1.61 mmol/l, 25 mg: −1.72 mmol/l; all doses p < 0.0001 vs. placebo (+0.04 mmol/l)]. Body weight decreased in all empagliflozin groups (all doses p < 0.001 vs. placebo). The incidence of adverse events (AEs) was similar in the placebo (32.9%) and empagliflozin (29.1%) groups. The most frequently reported AEs on empagliflozin were pollakiuria (3.3% vs. 0% for placebo), thirst (3.3% vs. 0% for placebo) and nasopharyngitis (2.0% vs. 1.2% for placebo). AEs consistent with urinary tract infections (UTIs) were reported in four (1.6%) patients on empagliflozin vs. one (1.2%) on placebo. Genital infections were reported in five (2%) patients on empagliflozin vs. 0% on placebo. No UTIs or genital infections led to premature discontinuation.ConclusionsIn patients with type 2 diabetes, empagliflozin resulted in dose‐dependent, clinically meaningful reductions in HbA1c and FPG, and reductions in body weight compared with placebo. Empagliflozin was well‐tolerated with a favourable safety profile.
Distribution of Dyssynchrony in Subjects with No Known Cardiac Disease and Comparison of Velocity Vector Imaging to Color‐Coded Tissue Doppler Imaging
Authors: Parameswaran Anoop C. , Purushottam Bhaskar , Amanullah Aman , Figueredo Vincent M. 
Published: February 2013

Data on the distribution of dyssynchrony in subjects with normal ejection fraction (EF) and normal QRS are scarce. We studied 100 subjects with no known cardiac disease (52% male, mean age 60 ± 17 years) using velocity vector imaging (VVI). Seventeen percent had septal to lateral (S–L) wall longitudinal delay >75 msec, 63% of subjects had S–L wall radial delay >75 msec, and 25% had a circumferential opposing wall delay >100 msec. Those with circumferential opposing wall delay of >100 msec had a lower EF (57 ± 5% vs. 62 ± 5%, P < 0.05). In an additional group of 33 patients, we compared the longitudinal dyssynchrony parameters as assessed by VVI and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and found them to be comparable. In conclusion, we find significant variation in time to peak velocities in subjects with no known cardiac disease, who had a normal left ventricular ejection fraction and QRS duration. VVI is comparable to TDI.
Exploring the biology of cancer of unknown primary: breakthroughs and drawbacks
Authors: Kamposioras Konstantinos , Pentheroudakis George , Pavlidis Nicholas 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundCancer of unknown primary (CUP) ranks among the ten most common malignancies worldwide. Cancer of unknown primary presents as disseminated disease, has a dismal prognosis and remains a diagnosis of exclusion. The natural history and biology of the disease is poorly understood, and efforts are focused on identifying the specific ‘CUP signature’.Materials and methodsWe collected and analysed all published research in the biology of CUP from 1974 till present (Medline, Embase, ASCO and ESMO Congresses).ResultsCurrent scientific evidence suggests that aneuploidy and karyotype changes are frequent, while more subtle molecular aberrations, such as epidermal growth factor receptor family proteins, cKit/PDGFR are frequently overexpressed, although without prognostic significance. Loss of function of tumour suppressor genes, active angiogenesis, a hypoxic genetic programme and a mesenchymal transitory phenotype have been reported in CUP and may be indicative of unfavourable prognosis. Molecular pathway analyses have identified various biomolecules impacting on survival (pAKT, pMAPK, c‐Met, p21 and pPRS6). Finally, circulating tumour cells have recently been reported as a frequent phenomenon in CUP.ConclusionsOverall, advances in understanding CUP biology have been weak and the application of gene expression profiling failed to identify an as yet elusive ‘CUP molecular signature’. MicroRNA, epigenetic and proteomic studies are warranted to better characterize the biological profile of CUP and unravel its mystery.
Critical appraisal of systematic reviews on the effect of a history of periodontitis on dental implant loss
Authors: Faggion Clovis Mariano , Giannakopoulos Nikolaos Nikitas 
Published: February 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo perform a systematic critical appraisal of the methodological quality of systematic reviews on the effect of a history of periodontitis on dental implant loss.Materials & MethodsPubMed, the Cochrane database for systematic reviews, the DARE, Biosis Preview, CINAHL, Web of Science, and LILACS electronic databases were searched on 16th June 2012, independently and in duplicate, for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses related to dental implants for patients with and without a history of periodontitis. Manual searching of the reference lists of included papers was also conducted. The methodological quality of these systematic reviews was assessed by use of the AMSTAR and R‐AMSTAR checklists. Before quality assessment was initiated, the reviewers were calibrated until they achieved excellent agreement.ResultsSixty‐eight papers were initially retrieved. Of these, nine systematic reviews and three meta‐analyses were included. Some domains, for example, “characteristics of the included studies” were satisfied in both checklists. In contrast, domains such as “comprehensive literature search” and “assessment of likelihood of publication bias” were rarely met.ConclusionMuch methodological variability was encountered in the selected reviews. To furnish readers with a more comprehensive assessment of the evidence, authors should observe higher standards when conducting and reporting their reviews.