bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hip and knee kinematics display complex and time-varying sagittal kinematics during repetitive stepping: Implications for design of a functional fatigue model of the knee extensors and flexors
Authors: Scholes Corey J. , McDonald Michael D. , Parker Anthony W. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe validity of fatigue protocols involving multi-joint movements, such as stepping, has yet to be clearly defined. Although surface electromyography can monitor the fatigue state of individual muscles, the effects of joint angle and velocity variation on signal parameters are well established. Therefore, the aims of this study were to i) describe sagittal hip and knee kinematics during repetitive stepping ii) identify periods of high inter-trial variability and iii) determine within-test reliability of hip and knee kinematic profiles. A group of healthy men (N = 15) ascended and descended from a knee-high platform wearing a weighted vest (10%BW) for 50 consecutive trials. The hip and knee underwent rapid flexion and extension during step ascent and descent. Variability of hip and knee velocity peaked between 20-40% of the ascent phase and 80-100% of the descent. Significant (p<0.05) reductions in joint range of motion and peak velocity during step ascent were observed, while peak flexion velocity increased during descent. Healthy individuals use complex hip and knee motion to negotiate a knee-high step with kinematic patterns varying across multiple repetitions. These findings have important implications for future studies intending to use repetitive stepping as a fatigue model for the knee extensors and flexors.
Alternative splicing detection workflow needs a careful combination of sample prep and bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Carrara M. , Lum J. , Cordero F. , Beccuti M. , Poidinger M. , Donatelli S. , Calogero R. A. , Zolezzi F. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundRNAseq provides remarkable power in the area of biomarkers discovery and disease stratification. The main technical steps affecting the results of RNAseq experiments are Library Sample Preparation (LSP) and Bioinformatics Analysis (BA). At the best of our knowledge, a comparative evaluation of the combined effect of LSP and BA was never considered and it might represent a valuable knowledge to optimize alternative splicing detection, which is a challenging task due to moderate fold change differences to be detected within a complex isoforms background.ResultsDifferent LSPs (TruSeq unstranded/stranded, ScriptSeq, NuGEN) allow the detection of a large common set of isoforms. However, each LSP also detects a smaller set of isoforms, which are characterized both by lower coverage and lower FPKM than that observed for the common ones among LSPs. This characteristic is particularly critical in case of low input RNA NuGEN v2 LSP.The effect on statistical detection of alternative splicing considering low input LSP (NuGEN v2) with respect to high input LSP (TruSeq) on statistical detection of alternative splicing was studied using a benchmark dataset, in which both synthetic reads and reads generated from high (TruSeq) and low input (NuGEN) LSPs were spiked-in. Statistical detection of alternative splicing (AltDE) was done using prototypes of BA for isoform-reconstruction (Cuffdiff) and exon-level analysis (DEXSeq). Exon-level analysis performs slightly better than isoform-reconstruction approach although at most only 50% of the spiked-in transcripts are detected. Both isoform-reconstruction and exon-level analysis performances improve by rising the number of input reads.ConclusionData, derived from NuGEN v2, are not the ideal input for AltDE, specifically when exon-level approach is used. It is notable that ribosomal depletion, with respect to polyA+ selection, reduces the amount of coding mappable reads resulting detrimental in the case of AltDE. Furthermore, we observed that both isoform-reconstruction and exon-level analysis performances are strongly dependent on the number of input reads.
Diasporas
Authors: Kee Pookong 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThis article discusses the origins and growing popularity of the concept ‘diaspora’ and how forced dispersion, an experience associated with adversity, is increasingly seen as a strength and asset. Diaspora remittances and knowledge networks have become valued development options for national governments and international agencies. However, the increased permeability of borders, growing flow of migrants and weakened role of nation states have given rise to new concerns about the destabilising influence of transitional communities. The article offers an assessment of claims and counter‐claims, drawing on the experience of two of the world's largest diasporas, the Chinese and Indian, among others.
Regenerative effect of azithromycin on periodontitis with different levels of gingival inflammation: three case reports
Authors: Fujise O , Miura M , Hamachi T , Aida Y , Nishimura F 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundAzithromycin is an antibiotic belonging to the macrolides. Previous case reports showed that azithromycin has a regenerative effect on periodontal tissue in addition to improving periodontal gingival inflammation. Recently, we experienced three periodontitis cases, all of which showed severe bone loss. However, their gingival inflammatory signs differed greatly. The present case reports evaluated the regenerative effects of azithromycin on periodontitis sites with different clinical signs of gingival inflammation.MethodsIn Case 1, generalized chronic periodontitis with severe gingival inflammation was treated with azithromycin before periodontal treatment. In contrast, Case 2 presented with few clinical signs of gingival inflammation, but was treated with azithromycin prescribed within a day of scaling and root planing. In Case 3, teeth with moderate gingival inflammation were treated with azithromycin after a series of scaling and root planing.ResultsRemarkable alveolar bone growth, regardless of baseline gingival inflammation, was noted in all three cases.ConclusionsThe use of adjunctive azithromycin in scaling and root planing may be effective for periodontal tissue regeneration. This property may be independent of the degree of baseline gingival inflammation.
Coincidental diagnosis of tuberculous lymphadenitis: a case report
Authors: Garg AK , Chaudhary A , Tewari RK , Bariar LM , Agrawal N 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe aim of this case report was to present a case of multiple calcified tuberculous lymph nodes found on a panoramic radiograph coincidently diagnosed in an endodontic clinic. A detailed discussion on the differential diagnosis of similar such calcification found in the same region is also presented. A 14‐year‐old girl was referred to our department with the complaint of painless swelling in the left side of the lower jaw. Clinical and radiographical examinations were performed, leading to the initial diagnosis of chronic periapical abscess. The patient's medical history was re‐evaluated. Advanced imaging and excisional biopsy were performed in order to confirm the final diagnosis. Regarding the presenting signs and symptoms of bilateral carious mandibular molars, a periapical inflammatory process was considered in the provisional diagnosis. A thorough examination and investigations were suggestive of cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis (scrofula), and the patient underwent excision of the same. The clinician should consider the possibility of chronic granulomatous inflammatory lesions in the differential diagnosis of radiopaque lesions.
The impact of locoregional recurrences and distant metastases on the survival of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Su Deng‐Huang , Chang Shu‐Hui , Chang Tien‐Chun 
Published: May 2014

SummaryObjectiveSome patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) would suffer from locoregional recurrences or distant metastases. This study was aimed to elucidate the impacts of locoregional recurrences and distant metastases on these patients' survival.DesignRetrospective hospital‐based cohort study.PopulationData were collected from 1636 subjects with PTC at National Taiwan University Hospital between 1985 and 2007.MeasurementsOverall and disease‐specific survival curves were estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method. Time‐independent and time‐dependent prognostic factors were included simultaneously in multivariate analyses using Cox models.ResultsOverall survival (OS) rates at 10‐ and 20‐years were 90% and 76%, respectively. The 10‐ and 20‐year disease‐specific survival (DSS) rates were 95% and 90%, respectively. Our multivariate analyses identified that older age, distant metastases (hazard ratio, HR: 6·69, 95% CI: 4·40–10·18), locoregional recurrences (HR: 1·88, 95% CI: 1·22–2·89), lymph node metastases, massive extrathyroid extension, male gender and larger tumour size (>4 cm) were significantly associated with poorer OS. Older age, distant metastases (HR: 15·03, 95% CI: 8·31–27·21), locoregional recurrences (HR: 3·63, 95% CI: 2·03–6·51), massive extrathyroid extension, male gender and larger tumour size (>4 cm) were independently related to worse DSS. The performance of high‐dose 131I ablation had a protective effect on OS and DSS.ConclusionThe locoregional recurrences had a moderately harmful impact on OS and DSS, but age and distant metastases were the major decisive factors for OS and DSS. High‐dose 131I ablation had a protective role. However, lymph node dissection did not alter the prognosis whenever lymph node metastases only influenced OS.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids in emerging psychosis: a safer alternative?
Authors: Schlögelhofer Monika , Amminger G. Paul , Schaefer Miriam R. , Fusar‐Poli Paolo , Smesny Stefan , McGorry Pat , Berger Gregor , Mossaheb Nilufar 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimA promising approach of indicated prevention in individuals at increased risk of psychosis was based on the finding of potential neuroprotective properties of omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Considering the rising interest in omega‐3 PUFA supplementation as preventive treatment strategy in young people at risk of psychosis, the question of safety issues must be addressed.MethodsFor this systematic review, a literature search for studies on omega‐3 PUFAs for emerging psychosis with a focus on the safety profile was undertaken. Because limited data are available, information regarding potential side effects of omega‐3 PUFAs was additionally derived from currently available data in psychotic disorders at different stages of the illness. Furthermore, helpful evidence from somatic disorders and healthy controls was used.ResultsIn terms of safety issues, evidence from the randomized controlled trial in ultra‐high‐risk individuals and a variety of studies in schizophrenia patients strongly suggests that omega‐3 PUFAs are safe and well tolerated even when used in relatively high doses. Most commonly occurring but clinically rarely significant are mild gastrointestinal symptoms; similarly, the slight risk of prolonged bleeding time has not been shown to be clinically relevant. Differential effects on metabolic parameters, most of which appear beneficial, have been reported.ConclusionsTaken together, one promising aspect of omega‐3 PUFAs is that there seem to be no reports of relevant deleterious side effects in humans, even at high doses. The differential effects on lipid parameters and bleeding time are noteworthy and need further clarification.
Discrepancy between self‐reported and interviewed psychosis risk symptoms: auditory distortions are the most reliably reported symptom by self‐report
Authors: Granö Niklas , Kallionpää Santeri , Karjalainen Marjaana , Roine Mikko , Ranta Klaus , Heinimaa Markus 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimIn the recent literature, there has been growing interest in assessment methods for detecting increased risk of developing psychosis. Self‐report methods are popular but may lead to different results compared to clinical interviews.MethodsThe difference in psychosis risk scores was tested between self‐reported psychosis risk symptoms (PROD‐SR) and self‐reported symptoms additionally confirmed by interview (PROD‐SR + I). The symptom categories were derived from 12 common psychosis risk symptoms included in the PROD screening instrument. The data were collected by questionnaires and interviews conducted with 395 adolescents (mean age 15.3 years) in an early intervention and detection team, JERI, at Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland.ResultsThe results show a significant difference between the PROD‐SR risk symptom sum scores and the PROD‐SR + I risk symptom sum scores (N = 395; Z = −15.123; P < 0.001). In an item‐by‐item analysis, the item ‘Disorders in connection with hearing’ had the strongest kappa value (0.827) agreement between an interviewed and self‐report psychosis risk item. Agreement in most items remained between slight and substantial (kappa values from 0.082 to 0.649).ConclusionsThe results suggest that there is a significant difference between psychosis risk symptom responses collected by self‐report and self‐report responses which are additionally confirmed by interview. Auditory disorders are the most reliably reported item with self‐report.
Effect of implant design and bioactive glass coating on biomechanical properties of fiber‐reinforced composite implants
Authors: Ballo Ahmed M. , Akca Eralp , Ozen Tuncer , Moritz Niko , Lassila Lippo , Vallittu Pekka , Närhi Timo 
Published: May 2014

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of implant design and bioactive glass (BAG) coating on the response of bone to fiber‐reinforced composite (FRC) implants. Three different FRC implant types were manufactured for the study: non‐threaded implants with a BAG coating; threaded implants with a BAG coating; and threaded implants with a grit‐blasted surface. Thirty‐six implants (six implants for each group per time point) were installed in the tibiae of six pigs. After an implantation period of 4 and 12 wk, the implants were retrieved and prepared for micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT), push‐out testing, and scanning electron microscopy analysis. Micro‐CT demonstrated that the screw‐threads and implant structure remained undamaged during the installation. The threaded FRC/BAG implants had the highest bone volume after 12 wk of implantation. The push‐out strengths of the threaded FRC/BAG implants after 4 and 12 wk (463°N and 676°N, respectively) were significantly higher than those of the threaded FRC implants (416°N and 549°N, respectively) and the nonthreaded FRC/BAG implants (219°N and 430°N, respectively). Statistically significant correlation was found between bone volume and push‐out strength values. This study showed that osseointegrated FRC implants can withstand the static loading up to failure without fracture, and that the addition of BAG significantly improves the push‐out strength of FRC implants.
Muscle lim protein isoform negatively regulates striated muscle actin dynamics and differentiation
Authors: Vafiadaki Elizabeth , Arvanitis Demetrios A. , Papalouka Vasiliki , Terzis Gerasimos , Roumeliotis Theodoros I. , Spengos Konstantinos , Garbis Spiros D. , Manta Panagiota , Kranias Evangelia G. , Sanoudou Despina 
Published: May 2014

Muscle lim protein (MLP) has emerged as a critical regulator of striated muscle physiology and pathophysiology. Mutations in cysteine and glycine‐rich protein 3 (CSRP3), the gene encoding MLP, have been directly associated with human cardiomyopathies, whereas aberrant expression patterns are reported in human cardiac and skeletal muscle diseases. Increasing evidence suggests that MLP has an important role in both myogenic differentiation and myocyte cytoarchitecture, although the full spectrum of its intracellular roles has not been delineated. We report the discovery of an alternative splice variant of MLP, designated as MLP‐b, showing distinct expression in neuromuscular disease and direct roles in actin dynamics and muscle differentiation. This novel isoform originates by alternative splicing of exons 3 and 4. At the protein level, it contains the N‐terminus first half LIM domain of MLP and a unique sequence of 22 amino acids. Physiologically, it is expressed during early differentiation, whereas its overexpression reduces C2C12 differentiation and myotube formation. This may be mediated through its inhibition of MLP/cofilin‐2‐mediated F‐actin dynamics. In differentiated striated muscles, MLP‐b localizes to the sarcomeres and binds directly to Z‐disc components, including α‐actinin, T‐cap and MLP. The findings of the present study unveil a novel player in muscle physiology and pathophysiology that is implicated in myogenesis as a negative regulator of myotube formation, as well as in differentiated striated muscles as a contributor to sarcomeric integrity.Structured digital abstract

MLP-a binds to MLP-b by far western blotting (1, 2)

Myogenin binds to MLP-a by far western blotting (View interaction)

MyoD binds to MLP-a by far western blotting (View interaction)

MLP-a binds to CFL2 by far western blotting (1, 2)

MLP physically interacts with T-Cap and a-actinin by pull down (View interaction)
Discursive representations and policy mobility: how migrant remittances became a ‘development tool’
Authors: BAKKER MATT 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIn this article, I focus on two sets of practices that researchers and policy advocates carry out within international organizations and think tanks promoting what I term the remittances‐to‐development (R‐2‐D) agenda. Their work conjured up, elaborated and diffused a representation of remittances as a financial flow and made remittances visible as a promising source of development finance for the global South. First, there is the work of discursive representation in which the advocates of the R‐2‐D agenda collected, compiled and visually represented data to draw out the characteristics of remittances that would make them attractive to development policymakers. Second, there were the policy transfer efforts, in which the champions of the R‐2‐D agenda wielded various forms of soft power to convince national government officials to ‘improve’ remittances statistics by adopting new measurement techniques. These practices turned remittances into a neoliberal development tool.
Comparison of the effect of knee synovectomy in haemophilic patients with 153Sm‐ and 90Y ‐labelled hydroxyapatite 1 year after
Authors: Calegaro J. , Silveira C. , Hage D. , Sayago M. , de Landa D. , Mengatti J. , de Paula A. P. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryTo compare the use of 740 Mbq (20 mCi) of 153Sm and 185 Mbq (5mCi) of 90Y, both labelling hydroxyapatite (HA), for knee synovectomy in haemophilic patients, 1 year after the intervention. Thirty three men (36 knees) were studied, divided into two groups: 1 – treatment using 740 Mbq of 153Sm‐HA: 20 knees of 18 patients, with mean age of 21.4 ± 13.3 years (ranging from 7 to 56 years) and mean Pettersson score of 5.3; 2 – treatment using 185 Mbq of 90Y‐HA: 16 knees of 15 patients, with mean age of 26.3 ± 10.3 (ranging from 7 to 51 years) and mean Pettersson score of 6.3. The following criteria were adopted for the evaluation before and 1 year after synovectomy: reduction in haemarthrosis episodes and pain using a visual analogue scale, as well as improved joint mobility. The occurrence of adverse events in the treatment was also considered. The chi‐square, Wilcoxon and Mann–Whitney tests were used with P ≤ 0.05 set as significant. The occurrence of haemarthrosis declined by 65.7% with the use of 153Sm‐HA and 82.6% for 90Y‐HA, with no statistical difference between the groups (P = 0.632); pain reduction was 42.5% in group 1 and 30.7% in group 2, once again with no statistical difference (P = 0.637). Improvement in joint mobility was not significant for both groups. Two cases of mild reactive synovitis were observed in group 1 and one in group 2, which cleared up without medical intervention. Although the beta energy from 90Y is the gold standard for knee synovectomy, higher activities of 153Sm may be used in places which have only production of this material.
Endemism and evolution in the littoral woodlouse Halophiloscia Verhoeff, 1908 (Crustacea, Isopoda, Oniscidea) from the Canary Islands: implications for conservation policies
Authors: Bidegaray‐Batista Leticia , Taiti Stefano , López Heriberto , Ribera Carles , Arnedo Miquel A. 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

The woodlouse genus Halophiloscia Verhoeff, 1908 includes littoral halophilous species distributed along the coasts of the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic coasts of Europe and northern Africa. The species Halophiloscia couchii has been introduced to the Americas, Hawaii and Australia. The Canary Islands harbour four species, two of which are included in catalogues of endangered species.

One mitochondrial and one nuclear gene sequenced from over 100 specimens, including outgroups, were analysed to infer the colonisation and diversification processes of Halophiloscia in the Canary Islands and shed light on their conservation status.

The Canary Islands were independently colonised by three distinct Halophiloscia lineages: (i) the endemic species H. rodriguezi, collected in several western Canary Islands, and the troglobiomorphic H. microphthalma from La Palma, (ii) the endemic H. canariensis, found throughout the eastern Canaries, and (iii) the cosmopolitan H. couchii, present on Gran Canaria and Tenerife.

Halophiloscia microphthalma is not sister to the extant epigean Halophiloscia species present on the same island, which together with the low levels of genetic variability detected in the species may warrant a higher conservation status than presently given.

The mitochondrial marker revealed a fine‐scale phylogeographic structure in H. canariensis, and rejected recent sharp declines in its population size, which in addition to its widespread distribution challenge its consideration as an endangered species.

The presence of H. couchii in the archipelago is interpreted as a recent introduction. Although no evidence of introgression was detected, more thorough sampling and monitoring of introduced populations are recommended to discard either hybridisation or competitive displacement of native species.
Medical service redesign shares the load saving 6000 bed days and improving morale
Authors: Toomath R. , Szecket N. , Nahill A. , Denison T. , Spriggs D. , Lay C. , Wilkinson L. , Poole P. , Jordan A. , Lees J. , Millner S. , Snow B. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackground and AimsIn 2010, demand on the Auckland City Hospital general medical service exceeded capacity. A review by the Royal Australasian College of Physicians was critical of training offered to registered medical officers, and low morale was a problem across the service. Management offered support for an improved model that would solve these problems.MethodsA project to redesign the general medical service was undertaken. Baseline analysis found uneven workload and insufficient capacity at peak times for patient presentations. Workshops involving the entire service led to a new model that splits workload and teams into patients likely to have a short stay from those requiring longer, ward‐based care. Admissions are now distributed over 12 teams on weekdays and 4 on the weekends. There was an increase of approximately 2.5 in consultant full time equivalents but no change in registrar or house officer staffing.ResultsSince the introduction of the new model, the average length of stay has fallen from 3.7 to 3.2 days (14%) and the median length of stay by 28%, resulting in a saving of 6000 bed days per year. Readmission, inpatient and 30‐day mortality rates are unchanged. These results have been sustained over 18 months with signs of continuing improvement.ConclusionThis project owes its success to the following factors – management support; iterative engagement of a range of staff; provision of timely data analysis; increases in senior medical officer staffing and reorganisation leading to more predictable and fair work practices. One challenge is discontinuity, whether between doctors and patients or within the medical team.