bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Efficacy of Wii-Based Movement Therapy for Upper Limb Rehabilitation in the Chronic Poststroke Period: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: McNulty Penelope A. , Thompson-Butel Angelica G. , Faux Steven G. , Lin Gaven , Katrak Pesi H. , Harris Laura R. , Shiner Christine T. 
Published: September 2015

Background More effective and efficient rehabilitation is urgently needed to address the prevalence of unmet rehabilitation needs after stroke. This study compared the efficacy of two poststroke upper limb therapy protocols. Aims and/or hypothesis We tested the hypothesis that Wii-based movement therapy would be as effective as modified constraint-induced movement therapy for post-stroke upper-limb motor rehabilitation. Methods Forty-one patients, 2–46 months poststroke, completed a 14-day program of Wii-based Movement Therapy or modified Constraint-induced Movement Therapy in a dose-matched, assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial, conducted in a research institute or patient's homes. Primary outcome measures were the Wolf Motor Function Test timed-tasks and Motor Activity Log Quality of Movement scale. Patients were assessed at prebaseline (14 days pretherapy), baseline, post-therapy, and six-month follow-up. Data were analyzed using linear mixed models and repeated measures analysis of variance. Results There were no differences between groups for either primary outcome at any time point. Motor function was stable between prebaseline and baseline ( P > 0·05), improved with therapy ( P < 0·001); and improvements were maintained at six-months ( P > 0·05). Wolf Motor Function Test timed-tasks log times improved from 2·1 ± 0·22 to 1·7 ± 0·22 s after Wii-based Movement Therapy, and 2·6 ± 0·23 to 2·3 ± 0·24 s after modified Constraint-induced Movement Therapy. Motor Activity Log Quality of Movement scale scores improved from 67·7 ± 6·07 to 102·4 ± 6·48 after Wii-based Movement Therapy and 64·1 ± 7·30 to 93·0 ± 5·95 after modified Constraint-induced Movement Therapy (mean ± standard error of the mean). Patient preference, acceptance, and continued engagement were higher for Wii-based Movement Therapy than modified Constraint-induced Movement Therapy. Conclusions This study demonstrates that Wii-based Movement Therapy is an effective upper limb rehabilitation poststroke with high patient compliance. It is as effective as modified Constraint-induced Movement Therapy for improving more affected upper limb movement and increased independence in activities of daily living.
Effect of suburethral prolene mesh for suburethral function and histology in a stress urinary incontinence mouse model
Authors: Lin Yi‐Hao , Wang Alex C , Wu Pei‐Ying , Chu Hsiao‐Chien , Liang Ching‐Chung , Daneshgari Firouz 
Published: September 2015

ObjectivesTo create a mouse model pertaining to mesh‐elicited suburethral functional and histological changes after vaginal distention, and to examine the possible mechanism behind these complications.MethodsWe divided 48 virgin female C57BL/6 mice into four groups: vaginal distention alone, vaginal distention followed by prolene mesh implantation, vaginal distention followed by sham mesh implantation and untreated control. Each group was divided into two subgroups for conscious cystometrogram, leak‐point pressure testing and harvesting of suburethral tissue 4 or 10 days after vaginal distention. The suburethral tissues underwent immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis of nerve growth factor, matrix metalloproteinase 2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2. Urodynamic results were compared among groups using one way ANOVA, with Tukey's multiple comparisons post‐test for pair wise comparisons.ResultsLeak‐point pressure in the vaginal distention and vaginal distention + sham mesh groups were significantly lower than in the control and vaginal distention + mesh groups at day 4. Leak‐point pressure in the vaginal distention + mesh group were significantly higher than in the other three groups at both day 4 and 10. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting showed increased matrix metalloproteinase 2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 levels in the vaginal distention + mesh group at day 4 and 10. Furthermore, nerve growth factor expression was increased in the same area and same group at 10 days.ConclusionsIncreased suburethral tissue matrix metalloproteinase and nerve growth factor expression might be related to tissue remodeling after prolene mesh implantation for stress urinary incontinence.
Influence of Yb Concentration on the Optical Properties of CaF2 Transparent Ceramics Codoped with Er and Yb
Authors: Liu Zuodong , Mei Bingchu , Song Jinghong , Yi Guoqiang 
Published: September 2015

Er, Yb:CaF2 nanoparticles with different Yb concentrations were synthesized by a coprecipitation method using nitrates as raw materials. X‐ray powder diffraction and transmission electron microscopy analysis showed that the nanoparticles were single fluorite phase and the nanoparticle size was found to decrease with increasing Yb concentrations. The obtained nanoparticles were hot‐pressed at 800°C under 30 MPa under vacuum environment to fabricate Er, Yb:CaF2 transparent ceramics. The influence of Yb ion concentrations on the optical transmission, microstructure, and luminescence properties of Er, Yb:CaF2 transparent ceramics were investigated. The addition of Yb ions was found effectively to reduce grain size and has a positive effect on improving the optical transmission of Er, Yb:CaF2 transparent ceramics. The highest transmittance in the near‐infrared spectral region of the Er, Yb:CaF2 transparent ceramic reached about 90%. The green, red, and near‐infrared emission intensities were found to increase with increasing Yb concentration.
NOS1AP Polymorphisms Modify QTc Interval Duration But Not Cardiac Arrest Risk in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: EARLE NIKKI , INGLES JODIE , BAGNALL RICHARD D. , GRAY BELINDA , CRAWFORD JACKIE , SMITH WARREN , SHELLING ANDREW N. , LOVE DONALD R. , SEMSARIAN CHRIS , SKINNER JONATHAN R. 
Published: September 2015

Arrhythmic SNPs and Risk of Cardiac Arrest in HCMIntroductionThe accurate prediction of the risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) remains elusive. Corrected QT interval (QTc) duration is a known risk factor in various cardiac conditions. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been linked to QTc length, and to SCD. Here we investigated the role of 21 candidate SNPs in QTc duration and SCD events in patients with HCM.Methods and ResultsThis HCM registry‐based study included patients with an ECG, medical history, first SCD event data, and DNA available. Each individual SNP was assessed using logistic regression for associations with 2 outcomes: a prolonged QTc ( ≥440 milliseconds), and first SCD event (SCD, resuscitated cardiac arrest, and appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) shock for ventricular fibrillation/ventricular tachycardia (VF/VT). In 272 HCM patients, there were 31 SCD events (8 SCD, 9 resuscitated cardiac arrest, 14 ICD shocks for VF/VT; 11%). A QTc ≥ 500 milliseconds was associated with SCD events on multivariate analysis (odds ratio [OR] = 4.0, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19–12.02, P = 0.016). In 228 Caucasian patients, 2 SNPs in the NOS1AP gene (rs10494366 and rs12143842) were associated with a prolonged QTc after correction for multiple testing. This remained significant after adjustment for current age, sex, and ≥1 SCD risk factor (OR 1.59 per copy of the minor allele, 95% CI 1.08–2.39, P = 0.022, and OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.09–2.49, P = 0.020, respectively). No SNPs were directly associated with SCD events.ConclusionSNPs in the NOS1AP gene influence QTc interval duration but we have not demonstrated a direct association with the risk of SCD.
Short‐Term Expectations in Listed Firms: The Effects Of Different Owner Types
Authors: Brunzell Tor , Liljeblom Eva , Vaihekoski Mika 
Published: September 2015

AbstractWe report empirical evidence in line with the disciplining role of different institutional and other owner types in reducing managerial myopia. Using data from a large Nordic survey, we find that companies, to a reasonably high degree, feel that external pressure for a good result in the short‐term generates conflict with the company's long‐term goals. We test for the effect of different ownership types and find that especially in firms with a large and non‐transitory activist or fund as an owner, the perceived pressure for short‐term actions is reduced. In addition, we observe a negative association between firm profitability and short‐term pressure, and we find that younger managers feel significantly more pressure. Firms subject to greater pressure engage in more actions to accommodate that pressure. Again, the impact of a large activist owner is especially beneficial because such firms significantly less often undertake actions that have the potential to destroy value, such as deprioritizing their long‐term investments or R&D.
Transcription profiling of CD4+ T cells in rhesus macaques that infected with simian‐human immunodeficiency virus and re‐challenged with SIVmac251
Authors: Chung Hye Kyung , Pise‐Masison Cynthia A. , Muthiah Annamalai , Radonovich Michael F. , Lee Eun Mi , Lee Jae K. , Pal Ranajit 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackgroundInsights into the host factors that contribute to an effective antiviral immune response may be obtained by examining global gene expression in simian‐human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV)‐infected non‐human primates that exhibit different virological outcomes.MethodsSix chronically SHIV‐infected macaques were rectally challenged with SIVmac251. Viral RNA and proviral DNA load in blood were measured. Gene expression profiles in CD4+ T cells were examined and compared between animals with different levels of infection following challenge.Results and ConclusionsViral RNA was markedly controlled in four challenged animals, whereas two animals had persistent high viremia. Analysis of the gene expression profiles at early infection revealed gene expression signatures between protectors and non‐protectors and identified potential protective biomarkers. Pathway analyses revealed that IFN pathway genes are down‐regulated in protectors compared to unprotectors. This study suggests that high levels of expression of type 1 IFN‐related genes may paradoxically promote virus replication.
Secretoglobin and Transferrin Expression in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid of Horses with Chronic Respiratory Disease
Authors: Miskovic Feutz M. , Couetil L.L. , Riley C.P. , Zhang X. , Adamec J. , Raskin R.E. 
Published: September 2015

BackgroundLower expression of secretoglobin and transferrin has been found in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of a small number of horses with experimentally induced signs of recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) compared to healthy controls.Hypothesis/ObjectivesSecretoglobin and transferrinBALFexpression will be similarly decreased in horses with naturally occurring clinical signs ofRAOand in horses with experimentally induced clinical signs ofRAOas compared to healthy controls and intermediate in horses with inflammatory airway disease (IAD).AnimalsRecurrent airway obstruction‐affected and control horses were subjected to an experimental hay exposure trial to induce signs ofRAO. Client‐owned horses with a presumptive diagnosis ofRAOand controls from the same stable environments were recruited.MethodsPulmonary function andBALFwere evaluated from control andRAO‐affected research horses during an experimental hay exposure trial (n = 5 in each group) and from client‐owned horses (RAO‐affected horses, n = 17;IAD‐affected horses, n = 19; healthy controls, n = 5). The concentrations of secretoglobin and transferrin inBALFwere assessed using Western blots.ResultsNaturally occurring and experimentally inducedRAOhorses had similar decreases inBALFtransferrin expression, but secretoglobin expression was most decreased in naturally occurringRAO. Secretoglobin and transferrin expression were both lower inBALFofRAO‐affected horses than inIAD‐affected and control horses.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceSecretoglobin and transferrin expression is decreased inBALFofRAO‐affected horses after both experimental and natural exposure. Secretoglobin and transferrin likely play clinically relevant roles in the pathophysiology ofRAO, and may thus be used as biomarkers of the disease.
Electrophysiologic Study of a Method of Euthanasia Using Intrathecal Lidocaine Hydrochloride Administered during Intravenous Anesthesia in Horses
Authors: Aleman M. , Davis E. , Williams D.C. , Madigan J.E. , Smith F. , Guedes A. 
Published: September 2015

BackgroundAn intravenous (IV) overdose of pentobarbital sodium is the most commonly used method of euthanasia in veterinary medicine. However, this compound is not available in many countries or rural areas resulting in usage of alternative methods such as intrathecal lidocaine administration afterIVanesthesia. Its safety and efficacy as a method of euthanasia have not been investigated in the horse.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo investigate changes in mean arterial blood pressure and electrical activity of the cerebral cortex, brainstem, and heart during intrathecal administration of lidocaine. Our hypothesis was that intrathecal lidocaine affects the cerebral cortex and brainstem before affecting cardiovascular function.AnimalsEleven horses requiring euthanasia for medical reasons.MethodsProspective observational study. Horses were anesthetized with xylazine, midazolam, and ketamine; and instrumented for recording of electroencephalogram (EEG), electrooculogram (EOG), brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER), and electrocardiogram (ECG). Physical and neurological (brainstem reflexes) variables were monitored. Mean arterial blood pressure was recorded throughout the study.ResultsLoss of cerebro‐cortical electrical activity occurred up to 226 seconds after the end of the infusion of lidocaine solution. Cessation of brainstem function as evidenced by a lack of brainstem reflexes and disappearance ofBAERoccurred subsequently. Undetectable heart sounds, nonpalpable arterial pulse, and extremely low mean arterial blood pressure supported cardiac death; a recordableECGwas the last variable to disappear after the infusion (300–1,279 seconds).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceIntrathecal administration of lidocaine is an effective alternative method of euthanasia in anesthetized horses, during which brain death occurs before cardiac death.
BadR (BB0693) controls growth phase‐dependent induction of rpoS and bosR in Borrelia burgdorferi via recognizing TAAAATAT motifs
Authors: Ouyang Zhiming , Zhou Jianli 
Published: September 2015

SummaryIn Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb), the alternative sigma factor RpoS plays a central role during Bb's adaptation to ticks and mammals. Previous studies have demonstrated that RpoS is not expressed during the early stages of spirochetal growth or when Bb resides in ticks during the intermolt phase, but the molecular details of these events remain unknown. In the current study, biomagnetic bead separation of rpoS promoter‐binding proteins, coupled with genetic inactivation, was employed to identify BadR (BB0693) as a negative regulator that controls growth phase‐dependent induction of rpoS and bosR in Bb. When badR was inactivated, the expression of rpoS and bosR was induced only during the early stages of bacterial growth, but not during the stationary growth phase. Recombinant BadR bound to the promoter DNA of rpoS and the regulatory region upstream of bosR via AT‐rich TAAAATAT motifs. Mutations in this motif markedly inhibited or abolished rBadR binding. These results suggest that BadR directly influences the expression of both rpoS and bosR in Bb. This newly recognized role for BadR to fine‐tune the activation of the RpoN–RpoS pathway at strategic times in Bb's life cycle potentially represents another layer of gene control over σ54‐dependent gene regulation.
The application of flow cytometry and a thioredoxin‐like nuclear gene for breeding Poa arachnifera x Poa pratensis hybrids
Authors: Meeks Meghyn , Chandra Ambika 
Published: September 2015

AbstractInterspecific hybridization between Poa arachnifera Torr. (Texas bluegrass) and Poa pratensis L. (Kentucky bluegrass) has shown to be a proven method for the development of turf‐type hybrid bluegrass cultivars for the southern United States. Unlike in P. pratensis, the use of DNA markers for molecular characterization and flow cytometry to determine nuclear DNA contents has not been extensively utilized in P. arachnifera. In this study, 2C nuclear DNA content of 19 different genotypes of P. arachnifera (both males and females) was determined to range from 8.02 to 13.24 pg/2C using flow cytometry. The DNA content of the hybrids between P. arachnifera and P. pratensis from two different pedigrees was found to be intermediate between their parents. Furthermore, the utility of the trx (thioredoxin‐like) nuclear gene in the identification of interspecific hybrids between P. arachnifera and P. pratensis was demonstrated using sequence and phylogenetic analyses. A newly discovered 851‐bp trx allele may serve as a useful marker to differentiate P. arachnifera from P. pratensis and provide insights into the evolutionary origin of P. arachnifera.
Infusion‐related febrile reaction after haploidentical stem cell transplantation in children is associated with higher rates of engraftment syndrome and acute graft‐versus‐host disease
Authors: Chen Yao , Huang Xiao‐Jun , Liu Kai‐Yan , Chen Huan , Chen Yu‐Hong , Zhang Xiao‐Hui , Wang Feng‐Rong , Han Wei , Wang Jing‐Zhi , Wang Yu , Yan Chen‐Hua , Zhang Yuan‐Yuan , Sun Yu‐Qian , Xu Lan‐Ping 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe clinical significance and prognostic impact of IRFR in pediatric recipients of haploidentical SCT are not clearly understood. Therefore, we attempted to determine how IRFR affects clinical outcomes in children. Clinical data from 100 consecutive pediatric patients (60 boys and 40 girls; median age, 12 yr [range, 2–18 yr] after haploidentical SCT between January 2010 and December 2012 were collected retrospectively. IRFR was described as unexplained fever (>38 °C) within 24 h after the infusion of haploidentical PBSCs. Thirty‐eight (38.0%) cases met the criteria for IRFR. ES was found in 24 (63.2%) of the 38 children with IRFR, with the median time of developing ES of +9 (7–16) days, while only 15 (25.4%) of the 59 children without IRFR were found with ES (p < 0.001). Similarly, the cumulative incidence rates of grade II–IV aGVHD were 50.0% in the IRFR group and 29.3% (p = 0.012) in the non‐febrile group. Multivariate analysis identified IRFR as the risk factor for ES and aGVHD. In the haploidentical setting, IRFR is associated with the development of ES and aGVHD. We attempted to determine how IRFR affects clinical outcomes in children after haploidentical SCT. Thirty‐eight children comprised the IRFR group, and 59 were in the control (non‐IRFR) group. High incidence of ES was observed in children with the occurrence of IRFR. Similarly, the incidence of stage I–IV and II–IV aGVHD was significantly higher in the febrile group. Multivariate analysis showed IRFR to be the risk factor for ES and aGVHD.
Childhood Malnutrition and Its Determinants among Under‐Five Children in Ghana
Authors: Aheto Justice Moses K. , Keegan Thomas J. , Taylor Benjamin M. , Diggle Peter J. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackgroundChildhood malnutrition adversely affects short‐ and long‐term health and economic well‐being of children. Malnutrition is a global challenge and accounts for around 40% of under‐five mortality in Ghana. Limited studies are available indicating determinants of malnutrition among children. This study investigates prevalence and determinants of malnutrition among children under‐five with the aim of providing advice to policymakers and other stakeholders responsible for the health and nutrition of children.MethodsThe study used data from the 2008 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS). Analyses were conducted on 2083 children under 5 years old nested within 1641 households with eligible anthropometric measurements, using multilevel regression analysis. Results from the multilevel models were used to compute probabilities of malnutrition.ResultsThis study observed that 588 (28%), 276 (13%), and 176 (8%) of the children were moderately ‘stunted’, moderately ‘underweight’, and moderately ‘wasted’ respectively. Older ages are associated with increased risk of stunting and underweight. Longer breast‐feeding duration, multiple births, experience of diarrhoeal episodes, small size at birth, absence of toilet facilities in households, poor households, and mothers who are not covered by national health insurance are associated with increased risk of malnutrition. Increase in mother's years of education and body mass index are associated with decreased malnutrition. Strong residual household‐level variations in childhood nutritional outcomes were found.ConclusionPolicies and intervention strategies aimed at improving childhood nutrition and health should address the risk factors identified and the need to search for additional risk factors that might account for the unexplained household‐level variations.
Analysis of Randomised Trials Including Multiple Births When Birth Size Is Informative
Authors: Yelland Lisa N. , Sullivan Thomas R. , Pavlou Menelaos , Seaman Shaun R. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackgroundInformative birth size occurs when the average outcome depends on the number of infants per birth. Although analysis methods have been proposed for handling informative birth size, their performance is not well understood. Our aim was to evaluate the performance of these methods and to provide recommendations for their application in randomised trials including infants from single and multiple births.MethodsThree generalised estimating equation (GEE) approaches were considered for estimating the effect of treatment on a continuous or binary outcome: cluster weighted GEEs, which produce treatment effects with a mother‐level interpretation when birth size is informative; standard GEEs with an independence working correlation structure, which produce treatment effects with an infant‐level interpretation when birth size is informative; and standard GEEs with an exchangeable working correlation structure, which do not account for informative birth size. The methods were compared through simulation and analysis of an example dataset.ResultsTreatment effect estimates were affected by informative birth size in the simulation study when the effect of treatment in singletons differed from that in multiples (i.e. in the presence of a treatment group by multiple birth interaction). The strength of evidence supporting the effectiveness of treatment varied between methods in the example dataset.ConclusionsInformative birth size is always a possibility in randomised trials including infants from both single and multiple births, and analysis methods should be pre‐specified with this in mind. We recommend estimating treatment effects using standard GEEs with an independence working correlation structure to give an infant‐level interpretation.