bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sarcomatoid Malignant Mesothelioma Presenting with Intramedullary Spinal Cord Metastasis: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Yamamoto Junkoh , Ueta Kunihiro , Takenaka Masaru , Takahashi Mayu , Nishizawa Shigeru 
Published: November 2013

Study Design Case report. Objective Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is an uncommon tumor of the pleural epithelium with a predilection for local spread into adjacent tissues. The sarcomatoid type accounts for ∼10% of MM cases and is associated with poorer survival than the epithelioid, desmoplastic, and biphasic types. MM commonly presents with involvement of the vertebral body or epidural space. However, intradural spinal extension of MM is extremely rare. Only eight cases of intradural spinal extension have been reported. We report this rare case and discuss the clinical manifestations of intradural spinal extension of MM with literature review. Methods This report describes the case of a 62-year-old man with Brown-Séquard syndrome and radiculopathy of the left C5 nerve root detected during treatment for pleural sarcomatoid MM. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an intramedullary lesion at the C3 level and a small nodule at the left C5 nerve root with cervical canal stenosis. Results The patient underwent surgery, and intramedullary metastasis of sarcomatoid MM was diagnosed. Subsequently, radiotherapy was administered, resulting in temporary improvement of the patient's condition. Thereafter, his condition gradually deteriorated, and follow-up MRI showed a more extensive residual C3 intramedullary lesion. Thus, a second surgery was performed after chemotherapy, but the patient died 5 months after the initial diagnosis. Conclusion We present this rare case, and emphasize intramedullary spinal cord metastasis of MM as differential diagnosis in primary cord lesion.
Topological friction strongly affects viral DNA ejection
Authors: Marenduzzo Davide , Micheletti Cristian , Orlandini Enzo , Sumners De Witt 
Published: November 2013

Significance
Bacteriophages are viruses which infect bacteria. Many of these contain double-stranded DNA packed to almost crystalline density and exploit the resulting pressure to trigger DNA ejection into the infected bacterial cell. We show that the ejection kinetics is highly sensitive to the ordering and knotting of the packaged DNA which, in turn, is controlled by DNA self-interactions. The latter favor ordered DNA spools which have a lower effective or topological friction than disordered entangled DNA structures. We also find that torus knots (which can be drawn on the surface of a doughnut) exit the bacteriophage easily; while complex knots or twist knots (which can be formed by linking the ends of a twisted loop) slow down and may stall ejection.
Effect of movement speed on trunk and hip exercise performance
Authors: Elvira Jose L. L. , Barbado David , Flores‐Parodi Belen , Moreside Janice M. , Vera‐Garcia Francisco J. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe influence of speed on trunk exercise technique is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of movement speed on the kinematics and kinetics of curl‐up, sit‐up and leg raising/lowering exercises. Seventeen healthy, recreationally trained individuals (13 females and 4 males) volunteered to participate in this study. Four different exercise cadences were analysed: 1 repetition/4 s, 1 repetition/2 s, 1 repetition/1.5 s and 1 repetition/1 s. The exercises were executed on a force plate and recorded by three cameras to conduct a 3D photogrammetric analysis. The cephalo‐caudal displacement of the centre of pressure and range of motion (ROM) of six joints describing the trunk and hip movements were measured. As sit‐up and curl‐up speed increased, hip and knee ROM increased. Dorsal‐lumbar and upper trunk ROM increased with speed in the curl‐up. Faster cadence in the sit‐up exercise had minimal effect on trunk ROM: only the upper trunk ROM decreased significantly. In the leg raising/lowering exercise there was a decrease in the pelvic tilt and hip ROM, and increased knee flexion ROM. During higher speed exercises, participants modified their technique to maintain the cadence. Thus, professionals would do well to monitor and control participants' technique during high‐speed exercises to maintain performance specificity. Results also suggest division of speed into two cadence categories, to be used as a reference for prescribing exercise speed based on preferred outcome goals.
Refining carbon flux paths using atomic trace data
Authors: Pey Jon , Planes Francisco J. , Beasley John E. 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Motivation: Pathway analysis tools are a powerful strategy to analyze ‘omics’ data in the field of systems biology. From a metabolic perspective, several pathway definitions can be found in the literature, each one appropriate for a particular study. Recently, a novel pathway concept termed carbon flux paths (CFPs) was introduced and benchmarked against existing approaches, showing a clear advantage for finding linear pathways from a given source to target metabolite.
CFPs are simple paths in a metabolite–metabolite graph that satisfy typical constraints in stoichiometric models: mass balancing and thermodynamics (irreversibility). In addition, CFPs guarantee carbon exchange in each of their intermediate steps, but not between the source and the target metabolites and consequently false positive solutions may arise. These pathways often lack biological interest, particularly when studying biosynthetic or degradation routes of a metabolite. To overcome this issue, we amend the formulation in CFP, so as to account for atomic fate information. This approach is termed atomic CFP (aCFP).
Results: By means of a side-by-side comparison in a medium scale metabolic network in Escherichia Coli, we show that aCFP provides more biologically relevant pathways than CFP, because canonical pathways are more easily recovered, which reflects the benefits of removing false positives. In addition, we demonstrate that aCFP can be successfully applied to genome-scale metabolic networks. As the quality of genome-scale atomic reconstruction is improved, methods such as the one presented here will undoubtedly be of value to interpret ‘omics’ data.
Contact: fplanes@ceit.es or John.Beasley@brunel.ac.uk
Supplementary Information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Pathway Commons at Virtual Cell: use of pathway data for mathematical modeling
Authors: Blinov Michael L. , Schaff James C. , Ruebenacker Oliver , Wei Xintao , Vasilescu Dan , Gao Fei , Morgan Frank , Ye Li , Lakshminarayana Anuradha , Moraru Ion I. , Loew Leslie M. 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Summary: Pathway Commons is a resource permitting simultaneous queries of multiple pathway databases. However, there is no standard mechanism for using these data (stored in BioPAX format) to annotate and build quantitative mathematical models. Therefore, we developed a new module within the virtual cell modeling and simulation software. It provides pathway data retrieval and visualization and enables automatic creation of executable network models directly from qualitative connections between pathway nodes.
Availability and implementation: Available at Virtual Cell (http://vcell.org/). Application runs on all major platforms and does not require registration for use on the user’s computer. Tutorials and video are available at user guide page.
Contact: vcell_support@uchc.edu
Attenuation of Responses to Endotoxin by the Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells-1 Inhibitor LR12 in Nonhuman Primate
Authors: Derive Marc , Boufenzer Amir , Gibot Sébastien 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background:
The triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 is an immunoreceptor that amplifies the inflammatory response mediated by toll-like receptors engagement. Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 inhibitory peptides such LR12 have been shown to prevent hyperresponsiveness and death in several experimental models of septic shock.

Methods:
Twelve adult male Cynomolgus (Macaca fascicularis) monkeys exposed to an intravenous bolus of endotoxin (10 μg/kg) were randomized to receive LR12 or placebo (n = 6 per group) as an initial intravenous bolus followed by an 8-h continuous intravenous infusion. An additional group of four only received vehicle infusion. Vital signs were monitored for 8 h. Blood was sampled at H0, 1, 2, 4, and 8 for analysis of clinical chemistries, leukocyte count, coagulation parameters, and cytokine plasma concentration.

Results:
LR12 showed no effect on heart rate and body temperature. By contrast to the placebo group, which experienced a 25 to 40% blood pressure decrease after endotoxin administration, LR12-treated monkeys remained normotensive. Endotoxin induced leukopenia at 2 h (mean leukocyte count, 7.62 g/l vs. 21.1 at H0), which was attenuated by LR12. LR12 also attenuated cytokine production.

Conclusions:
The triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 inhibitor LR12 is able to mitigate endotoxin-associated clinical and biological alterations, with no obvious side effects. This study paves the way for future phases Ia and Ib trials in humans.
Rheumatoid arthritis disease activity and vitamin D deficiency in an Asian resident population
Authors: Quraishi Mohammed K. , Badsha Humeira 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAimWe aimed to assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its association with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity in a UAE population.MethodsForty‐five consecutive subjects were prospectively recruited during the early summer with their clinical examination and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) being recorded at a clinic appointment, along with their blood sample being taken for the 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) total test.ResultsThirty‐five (76%) patients claimed to be exposed to sunlight for < 30 min daily. The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency (20–30 ng/mL) and deficiency (< 20 ng/mL) was 36% and 29%, respectively. RA patients who exposed their hands and feet (29 ng/mL) or more (34 ng/mL) to the sunlight had serum vitamin D levels higher than those who exposed their hands alone (18 ng/mL) or less (19 ng/mL) (P < 0.05). The variations in vitamin D levels due to skin color did not reach significance. No significant correlation was seen between serum vitamin D levels and Disease Activity Score (DAS28) or HAQ scores. A direct relationship was observed between HAQ scores and DAS28 scores (P < 0.05).ConclusionWe highlight the importance of skin exposure to sunlight in a conservative dressing culture. No association was observed between vitamin D and disease activity. However, the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency may negatively impact on bone health of these patients in the future.
Vested Interests in Addiction Research and Policy. The challenge corporate lobbying poses to reducing society's alcohol problems: insights from UK evidence on minimum unit pricing
Authors: McCambridge Jim , Hawkins Benjamin , Holden Chris 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundThere has been insufficient research attention to alcohol industry methods of influencing public policies. With the exception of the tobacco industry, there have been few studies of the impact of corporate lobbying on public health policymaking more broadly.MethodsWe summarize here findings from documentary analyses and interview studies in an integrative review of corporate efforts to influence UK policy on minimum unit pricing (MUP) of alcohol 2007–10.ResultsAlcohol producers and retailers adopted a long‐term, relationship‐building approach to policy influence, in which personal contacts with key policymakers were established and nurtured, including when they were not in government. The alcohol industry was successful in achieving access to UK policymakers at the highest levels of government and at all stages of the policy process. Within the United Kingdom, political devolution and the formation for the first time of a Scottish National Party (SNP) government disrupted the existing long‐term strategy of alcohol industry actors and created the conditions for evidence‐based policy innovations such as MUP.ConclusionsComparisons between policy communities within the United Kingdom and elsewhere are useful to the understanding of how different policy environments are amenable to influence through lobbying. Greater transparency in how policy is made is likely to lead to more effective alcohol and other public policies globally by constraining the influence of vested interests.
Composition and distribution of indigenous trees and shrubs as possible criteria for indicating adapted species in semi‐arid rangelands
Authors: Mengich Edward K. , Too Daniel K. , Macharia Joseph M. , Mitloehner Ralph 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThis study assessed the composition and natural distribution of indigenous trees and shrubs as possible criteria for selecting suitable species for rehabilitation of degraded sites in semi‐arid rangelands. Study sites were identified at Nthangu, Kathonzweni and Kibwezi forests of Makueni County, Kenya using existing vegetation, agro‐climatic maps and Landsat imageries. The sites had mean annual rainfalls of 974 mm, 700 mm and 616 mm, respectively, and moisture indices of 49%, 35% and 32%. Data were collected by establishing sample plots and assessing species counts and diameters at breast height (DBH). Basal area, relative dominance, relative abundance, relative frequency and important value indices (IVIs) were computed for individual families and species at each site. The number of families, genera and species declined from Nthangu (33, 60, 77) through Kibwezi (30, 48, 70) to Kathonzweni (28, 42, 69). Corresponding mean basal areas were 16.7 m2 ha−1, 76.8 m2 ha−1 and 19.3 m2 ha−1. The families Combretaceae, Burseraceae and Mimosaceae were the most important and widely distributed. Based on ecological importance values, candidate species for rehabilitation of degraded sites at Nthangu, Kathonzweni and Kibwezi were Combretum molle and Acacia hockii; Combretum collinum, Commiphora campestris and Acacia tortilis; and Commiphora africana and A. tortilis, respectively.
N1‐guanyl‐1,7‐diaminoheptane sensitizes bladder cancer cells to doxorubicin by preventing epithelial–mesenchymal transition through inhibition of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A2 activation
Authors: Yang Jinsong , Yu Haogang , Shen Mo , Wei Wei , Xia Lihong , Zhao Peng 
Published: November 2013

Drug resistance greatly reduces the efficacy of doxorubicin‐based chemotherapy in bladder cancer treatment; however, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. We aimed to investigate whether N1‐guanyl‐1,7‐diaminoheptane (GC7), which inhibits eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A2 (eIF5A2) activation, exerts synergistic cytotoxicity with doxorubicin in bladder cancer, and whether eIF5A2 is involved in chemoresistance to doxorubicin‐based bladder cancer treatment. BIU‐87, J82, and UM‐UC‐3 bladder cancer cells were transfected with eIF5A2 siRNA or negative control siRNA before incubation with doxorubicin alone or doxorubicin plus GC7 for 48 h. Doxorubicin cytotoxicity was enhanced by GC7 in BIU‐87, J82, and UM‐UC‐3 cells. It significantly inhibited activity of eIF5A2, suppressed doxorubicin‐induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition in BIU‐87 cells, and promoted mesenchymal–epithelial transition in J82 and UM‐UC‐3 cells. Knockdown of eIF5A2 sensitized bladder cancer cells to doxorubicin, prevented doxorubicin‐induced EMT in BIU‐87 cells, and encouraged mesenchymal–epithelial transition in J82 and UM‐UC‐3 cells. Combination therapy with GC7 may enhance the therapeutic efficacy of doxorubicin in bladder cancer by inhibiting eIF5A2 activation and preventing epithelial–mesenchymal transition.
The RICHE taxonomy – an innovative means of classification of child health research
Authors: Alexander D. , Bourek A. , Kilroe J. , Rigby M. , Staines A. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundResearch outputs increase inexorably. Health is now a required element in all policies of the European Union. There is a need for a system that helps to navigate the vast body of children's health research, identify pertinent research institutions, discover ongoing and recently funded research projects and identify gaps where there is little knowledge.MethodsThe European Commission funded the Research Inventory of Child Health in Europe (RICHE) project through the Framework 7 Programme, to identify gaps in child health research in Europe. A necessary first step was to identify and index current research, for which a website repository was created. As a basis for this task, an innovative taxonomy was necessary to encompass the many arenas of children's health and development, including subjects outside the traditional areas of children's health. Drawing inspiration from existing taxonomies, library systems and other forms of classification, a multi‐axial approach was selected as the best way to encompass the many influences on children's health. Six axes were identified and their contents defined. All of the axes can be viewed and searched independently, as well as in relation to each other. The axes encompass factors and service areas that impact on children, including health, education, justice, the environment and others. This has created a system that is consistent and impartial, but adaptable to an enormous variety of uses.ResultsThe taxonomy has been tested and validated by a number of well‐respected academics, researchers and practitioners across Europe. It forms the basis of an intuitive and accessible database. This allows research knowledge to be easily identified and for networking to take place.ConclusionsThe RICHE taxonomy facilitates retrieval of knowledge – ongoing research as well as findings – in order to inform researchers and policy makers who wish to include children's health as an element of new policy.
Family‐centred music therapy to promote social engagement in young children with severe autism spectrum disorder: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Thompson G. A. , McFerran K. S. , Gold C. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundLimited capacity for social engagement is a core feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), often evident early in the child's development. While these skills are difficult to train, there is some evidence that active involvement in music‐making provides unique opportunities for social interaction between participants. Family‐centred music therapy (FCMT) endeavours to support social engagement between child and parent within active music‐making, yet the extent of benefits provided is unknown.AimThis study investigated the impacts of FCMT on social engagement abilities.MethodsTwenty‐three children (36–60 months) with severe ASD received either 16 weeks of FCMT in addition to their early intervention programmes (n = 12), or their early intervention programme only (n = 11). Change in social engagement was measured with standardized parent‐report assessments, parent interviews and clinician observation.ResultsIntention‐to‐treat analysis for the Vineland Social Emotional Early Childhood Scale indicated a significant effect in favour of FCMT. Thematic qualitative analysis of the parent interviews showed that the parent–child relationship grew stronger.ConclusionFCMT improves social interactions in the home and community and the parent–child relationship, but not language skills or general social responsiveness. This study provides preliminary support for the use of FCMT to promote social engagement in children with severe ASD.
Human platelet antigen (HPA)-1a peptides do not reliably suppress anti-HPA-1a responses using a humanized severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mouse model
Authors: Jackson D J , Eastlake J L , Kumpel B M 
Published: November 2013

SummaryFetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) occurs most frequently when human platelet antigen (HPA)-1a-positive fetal platelets are destroyed by maternal HPA-1a immunoglobulin (Ig)G antibodies. Pregnancies at risk are treated by administration of high-dose intravenous Ig (IVIG) to women, but this is expensive and often not well tolerated. Peptide immunotherapy may be effective for ameliorating some allergic and autoimmune diseases. The HPA-1a/1b polymorphism is Leu/Pro33 on β3 integrin (CD61), and the anti-HPA-1a response is restricted to HPA-1b1b and HLA-DRB3*0101-positive pregnant women with an HPA-1a-positive fetus. We investigated whether or not HPA-1a antigen-specific peptides that formed the T cell epitope could reduce IgG anti-HPA-1a responses, using a mouse model we had developed previously. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in blood donations from HPA-1a-immunized women were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) into severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice with peptides and HPA-1a-positive platelets. Human anti-HPA-1a in murine plasma was quantitated at intervals up to 15 weeks. HPA-1a-specific T cells in PBMC were identified by proliferation assays. Using PBMC of three donors who had little T cell reactivity to HPA-1a peptides in vitro, stimulation of anti-HPA-1a responses by these peptides occurred in vivo. However, with a second donation from one of these women which, uniquely, had high HPA-1a-specific T cell proliferation in vitro, marked suppression of the anti-HPA-1a response by HPA-1a peptides occurred in vivo. HPA-1a peptide immunotherapy in this model depended upon reactivation of HPA-1a T cell responses in the donor. For FNAIT, we suggest that administration of antigen-specific peptides to pregnant women might cause either enhancement or reduction of pathogenic antibodies.
Multi‐Scale Kernels Using Random Walks
Authors: Sinha A. , Ramani K. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractWe introduce novel multi‐scale kernels using the random walk framework and derive corresponding embeddings and pairwise distances. The fractional moments of the rate of continuous time random walk (equivalently diffusion rate) are used to discover higher order kernels (or similarities) between pair of points. The formulated kernels are isometry, scale and tessellation invariant, can be made globally or locally shape aware and are insensitive to partial objects and noise based on the moment and influence parameters. In addition, the corresponding kernel distances and embeddings are convergent and efficiently computable. We introduce dual Green's mean signatures based on the kernels and discuss the applicability of the multi‐scale distance and embedding. Collectively, we present a unified view of popular embeddings and distance metrics while recovering intuitive probabilistic interpretations on discrete surface meshes.