bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distinct Epidemiologic Characteristics of Oral Tongue Cancer Patients
Authors: Li Ryan , Koch Wayne M. , Fakhry Carole , Gourin Christine G. 
Published: February 2013

ObjectivesOral tongue cancer may have a distinct epidemiological profile from other mucosal neoplasms of the oral cavity. We sought to further define the demographic characteristics associated with oral tongue cancer to determine if unique characteristics exist compared with other oral cavity cancers.Study DesignCross‐sectional analysis using cross‐tabulations and multivariate regression modeling.SettingThe Maryland Health Service Cost Review Commission database.Subjects and MethodsDischarge data from a state database were queried to perform a cross‐sectional analysis of oral cancer cases treated surgically from 1990 to 2009.ResultsA total of 1688 oral cancer cases comprised the study population, with 719 (42.6%) of cases involving the oral tongue. Tongue cancer comprised 31.6% of oral cancers in black patients and 44.1% of oral cancer in white patients (P =. 011). Racial disparities in oral tongue cancer were identified for age at diagnosis, with significantly fewer black patients younger than 40 years (3.8%) compared with whites (11.3%; P =. 006). After controlling for all other variables, oral tongue cancer patients were significantly less likely to be older than 40 years (odds ratio [OR], 0.40; P <. 001), black (OR, 0.53; P =. 001), have Medicare payor status (OR, 0.55; P =. 002), and advanced comorbidity (OR, 0.22; P <. 001), in contrast to other oral cancer subsites.ConclusionThe racial and socioeconomic qualities of oral tongue cancer patients differ significantly from other oral cancers. This younger, healthier subgroup of oral cancer patients demonstrates a distinct population at risk for cancer of the oral tongue.
Thermoplastic elastomers based on high-density polyethylene and waste ground rubber tire composites compatibilized by styrene–butadiene block copolymer
Authors: Wang Lijie , Lang Fengzheng , Li Shuai , Du Fanglin , Wang Zhaobo 
Published: February 2013

Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) based on high-density polyethylene (HDPE)/waste ground rubber tire (WGRT) powder composites were prepared by melt compounding, and the composites were compatibilized by styrene–butadiene–styrene block copolymer (SBS). The effects of the SBS compatibilizer on mechanical properties, morphological properties and the Mullins effect of the composites were investigated systemically. Experimental results indicated that SBS had a good compatibilization effect on the HDPE/WGRT composites. Compared with HDPE/WGRT composites, the tensile strength and the elongation at break went through maximum values at a compatibilizer resin content of 12 phr. Morphological study showed that the interface interaction of the HDPE/WGRT composites compatibilized by SBS was strong, which contributed to the significantly improved mechanical properties. The Mullins effect results showed that the softening appeared after the first loading of the HDPE/WGRT and HDPE/SBS/WGRT composites, the maximum stress decreased at the later cycles, and the residual deformations in uniaxial loading–unloading cycles of the HDPE/SBS/WGRT sample were lower than those of the HDPE/WGRT sample, indicating that the elasticity of the HDPE/SBS/WGRT TPE was improved.
Muscarinic receptor subtype-specific effects on cigarette smoke-induced inflammation in mice
Authors: Kistemaker Loes E.M. , Bos I.S.T. , Hylkema Machteld N. , Nawijn Martijn C. , Hiemstra Pieter S. , Wess Jürgen , Meurs Herman , Kerstjens Huib A.M. , Gosens Reinoud 
Published: February 2013

Cholinergic tone contributes to airflow obstruction in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Accordingly, anticholinergics are effective bronchodilators by blocking the muscarinic M3receptor on airway smooth muscle. Recent evidence indicates that acetylcholine also contributes to airway inflammation. However, which muscarinic receptor subtype(s) regulates this process is unknown.In this study, the contribution of the M1, M2and M3receptor subtypes to cigarette smoke-induced airway inflammation was investigated by exposing muscarinic receptor subtype deficient mice to cigarette smoke for 4 days.In wild-type mice, cigarette smoke induced an increase in macrophages, neutrophils and lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Neutrophilic inflammation was higher in M1-/-and M2-/-mice compared to wild-type mice, but lower in M3-/-mice. Accordingly, the release of keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and interleukin-6 was higher in M1-/-and M2-/-mice, and reduced in M3-/-mice. Markers of remodelling were not increased after cigarette smoke exposure. However, M3-/-mice had reduced expression of transforming growth factor-β1 and matrix proteins. Cigarette smoke-induced inflammatory cell recruitment and KC release were also prevented by the M3-receptor selective antagonist 1-dimethyl-4-diphenylacetoxypiperidinium iodide (4-DAMP) in wild-type mice.Collectively, our data indicate a pro-inflammatory role for the M3receptor in cigarette smoke-induced neutrophilia and cytokine release, yet an anti-inflammatory role for M1and M2receptors.
Validity of physical activity monitors during daily life in patients with COPD
Authors: Rabinovich Roberto A. , Louvaris Zafeiris , Raste Yogini , Langer Daniel , Van Remoortel Hans , Giavedoni Santiago , Burtin Chris , Regueiro Eloisa M.G. , Vogiatzis Ioannis , Hopkinson Nicholas S. , Polkey Michael I. , Wilson Frederick J. , MacNee William , Westerterp Klaas R. , Troosters Thierry 
Published: February 2013

Symptoms during physical activity and physical inactivity are hallmarks of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Our aim was to evaluate the validity and usability of six activity monitors in patients with COPD against the doubly labelled water (DLW) indirect calorimetry method.80 COPD patients (mean±sdage 68±6 years and forced expiratory volume in 1 s 57±19% predicted) recruited in four centres each wore simultaneously three or four out of six commercially available monitors validated in chronic conditions for 14 consecutive days.A priorivalidity criteria were defined. These included the ability to explain total energy expenditure (TEE) variance through multiple regression analysis, using TEE as the dependent variable with total body water (TBW) plus several physical activity monitor outputs as independent variables; and correlation with activity energy expenditure (AEE) measured by DLW.The Actigraph GT3X (Actigraph LLC, Pensacola, FL, USA), and DynaPort MoveMonitor (McRoberts BV, The Hague, the Netherlands) best explained the majority of the TEE variance not explained by TBW (53% and 70%, respectively) and showed the most significant correlations with AEE (r=0.71, p<0.001 and r=0.70, p<0.0001, respectively).The results of this study should guide users in choosing valid activity monitors for research or for clinical use in patients with chronic diseases such as COPD.
Long-term continuous positive airway pressure compliance in females with obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Campos-Rodriguez Francisco , Martinez-Garcia Miguel A. , Reyes-Nuñez Nuria , Caballero-Martinez Isabel , Almeida-Gonzalez Carmen V. , Catalan-Serra Pablo , Peña-Griñan Nicolas 
Published: February 2013

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the treatment of choice for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), but compliance and variables involved in long-term CPAP adherence in females with OSA are unknown.We performed an observational study including all consecutive females diagnosed with CPAP who started CPAP treatment in two Spanish teaching hospitals between 1999 and 2007 and were followed-up until December 2010. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to calculate the probability of continuing with CPAP treatment and a multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to identify baseline predictors of CPAP dropout.We analysed 708 females, median (interquartile range) age 60 (52–67) years and apnoea–hypopnoea index 43.0 (27.2–66.8). Females were followed for a median of 6.2 (4.2–7.7) years. The probability of still being on CPAP at 5 and 10 years was 82.8% and 79.9%, respectively. The median CPAP use was 6 (interquartile range 4–7) h·day−1. In the multivariate analysis, independent baseline predictors of CPAP dropout were psychoactive medication (hazard ratio 1.47, 95% CI 1.03–2.08), age (hazard ratio 1.01, 95% CI 1.00–1.03) and CPAP pressure (hazard ratio 0.89, 95% CI 0.81–0.96).Long-term CPAP adherence in females with OSA is good. Psychoactive medication and increasing age were independent predictors of CPAP dropout, whereas higher CPAP was associated with continued treatment.
Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: role of medical therapy
Authors: Pepke-Zaba Joanna , Jansa Pavel , Kim Nick H. , Naeije Robert , Simonneau Gerald 
Published: February 2013

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a progressive disease with poor prognosis if not treated. The treatment of choice is surgery with pulmonary endarterectomy. However, a significant percentage of patients are deemed non-operable due to distal distribution of the disease and arteriopathy in the non-occluded areas that is indistinguishable from pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The overlap in clinical presentation, pathological features and pathogenesis between PAH and CTEPH provides a compelling rationale for exploring the efficacy of PAH-targeted therapies in CTEPH. These therapies are often considered for non-operable patients and are also used in operable patients as a bridge to surgery or as post-pulmonary endarterectomy therapy for persistent pulmonary hypertension, despite the fact they are not licensed for CTEPH.Two randomised clinical trials have been performed in non-operable CTEPH patients. The BENEFiT study, with the endothelin receptor antagonist bosentan, did not show improvement in walking distance. Recently, the CHEST-1 trial, with the soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator riociguat, met study end-point and demonstrated significant improvement in walking distance in patients with non-operable CTEPH.There is an urgent need for more randomised clinical trials designed to clarify whether administration of PAH-targeted therapies improves clinically meaningful end-points in various CTEPH populations.
Old ideas to innovate tuberculosis control: preventive treatment to achieve elimination
Authors: Diel Roland , Loddenkemper Robert , Zellweger Jean-Pierre , Sotgiu Giovanni , D'Ambrosio Lia , Centis Rosella , van der Werf Marieke J. , Dara Masoud , Detjen Anne , Gondrie Peter , Reichman Lee , Blasi Francesco , Migliori Giovanni Battista 
Published: February 2013

The introduction of new rapid diagnostic tools for tuberculosis (TB) and the promising TB drugs pipeline together with the development of a new World Health Organization Strategy post 2015 allows new discussions on how to direct TB control. The European Respiratory Society’s European Forum for TB Innovation was created to stimulate discussion on how to best take advantage of old and new opportunities, and advances, to improve TB control and eventually progress towards the elimination of TB.While TB control is aimed at reducing the incidence of TB by early diagnosis and treatment of infectious cases of TB, TB elimination requires focus on sterilising the pool of latently infected individuals, from which future TB cases would be generated.This manuscript describes the three core components that are necessary to implement the elimination strategy fully. 1) Improve diagnosis of latent TB infected individuals. 2) Improve regimens to treat latent TB infection. 3) ensure public health commitment to make both 1) and 2) possible. Old and new evidence is critically described, focusing on the European commitment to reach elimination and on the innovative experiences and best practices available.
On a graph of monogenic semigroups
Authors: Das K Ch , Akgüneş Nihat , Çevik A Sinan 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Let us consider the finite monogenic semigroup

S
M

with zero having elements

{
x
,

x
2

,

x
3

,
…
,

x
n

}

. There exists an undirected graph

Γ
(

S
M

)

associated with

S
M

whose vertices are the non-zero elements

x
,

x
2

,

x
3

,
…
,

x
n

and, f or

1
≤
i
,
j
≤
n

, any two distinct vertices

x
i

and

x
j

are adjacent if

i
+
j
>
n

.
In this paper, the diameter, girth, maximum and minimum degrees, domination number, chromatic number, clique number, degree sequence, irregularity index and also perfectness of

Γ
(

S
M

)

have been established. In fact, some of the results obtained in this section are sharper and stricter than the results presented in DeMeyer et al. (Semigroup Forum 65:206-214, 2002). Moreover, the number of triangles for this special graph has been calculated. In the final part of the paper, by considering two (not necessarily different) graphs

Γ
(

S
M
1

)

and

Γ
(

S
M
2

)

, we present the spectral properties to the Cartesian product

Γ
(

S
M
1

)

□

Γ
(

S
M
2

)

.

MSC:05C10, 05C12, 06A07, 15A18, 15A36.
Chickens treated with a nitric oxide inhibitor became more resistant to Plasmodium gallinaceum infection due to reduced anemia, thrombocytopenia and inflammation
Authors: de Macchi Barbarella Matos , Miranda Farlen José Bebber , de Souza Fernanda Silva , de Carvalho Eulógio Carlos Queiroz , Albernaz Antônio Peixoto , do Nascimento José Luiz Martins , DaMatta Renato Augusto 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Malaria is a serious infectious disease caused by parasites of the Plasmodium genus that affect different vertebrate hosts. Severe malaria leads to host death and involves different pathophysiological phenomena such as anemia, thrombocytopenia and inflammation. Nitric oxide (NO) is an important effector molecule in this disease, but little is known about its role in avian malaria models. Plasmodium gallinaceum- infected chickens were treated with aminoguanidine (AG), an inhibitor of inducible nitric oxide synthase, to observe the role of NO in the pathogenesis of this avian model. AG increased the survival of chickens, but also induced higher parasitemia. Treated chickens demonstrated reduced anemia and thrombocytopenia. Moreover, erythrocytes at different stages of maturation, heterophils, monocytes and thrombocytes were infected by Plasmodium gallinaceum and animals presented a generalized leucopenia. Activated leukocytes and thrombocytes with elongated double nuclei were observed in chickens with higher parasitemia; however, eosinophils were not involved in the infection. AG reduced levels of hemozoin in the spleen and liver, indicating lower inflammation. Taken together, the results suggest that AG reduced anemia, thrombocytopenia and inflammation, explaining the greater survival rate of the treated chickens.
Thyroid hormone increases fibroblast growth factor receptor expression and disrupts cell mechanics in the developing organ of corti
Authors: Szarama Katherine B , Gavara Núria , Petralia Ronald S , Chadwick Richard S , Kelley Matthew W 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Background
Thyroid hormones regulate growth and development. However, the molecular mechanisms by which thyroid hormone regulates cell structural development are not fully understood. The mammalian cochlea is an intriguing system to examine these mechanisms, as cellular structure plays a key role in tissue development, and thyroid hormone is required for the maturation of the cochlea in the first postnatal week.

Results
In hypothyroid conditions, we found disruptions in sensory outer hair cell morphology and fewer microtubules in non-sensory supporting pillar cells. To test the functional consequences of these cytoskeletal defects on cell mechanics, we combined atomic force microscopy with live cell imaging. Hypothyroidism stiffened outer hair cells and supporting pillar cells, but pillar cells ultimately showed reduced cell stiffness, in part from a lack of microtubules. Analyses of changes in transcription and protein phosphorylation suggest that hypothyroidism prolonged expression of fibroblast growth factor receptors, and decreased phosphorylated Cofilin.

Conclusions
These findings demonstrate that thyroid hormones may be involved in coordinating the processes that regulate cytoskeletal dynamics and suggest that manipulating thyroid hormone sensitivity might provide insight into the relationship between cytoskeletal formation and developing cell mechanical properties.
Characterization of hairless (Hr) and FGF5genes provides insights into the molecular basis of hair loss in cetaceans
Authors: Chen Zhuo , Wang Zhengfei , Xu Shixia , Zhou Kaiya , Yang Guang 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Hair is one of the main distinguishing characteristics of mammals and it has many important biological functions. Cetaceans originated from terrestrial mammals and they have evolved a series of adaptations to aquatic environments, which are of evolutionary significance. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying their aquatic adaptations have not been well explored. This study provided insights into the evolution of hair loss during the transition from land to water by investigating and comparing two essential regulators of hair follicle development and hair follicle cycling, i.e., the Hairless (Hr) and FGF5 genes, in representative cetaceans and their terrestrial relatives.

Results
The full open reading frame sequences of the Hr and FGF5 genes were characterized in seven cetaceans. The sequence characteristics and evolutionary analyses suggested the functional loss of the Hr gene in cetaceans, which supports the loss of hair during their full adaptation to aquatic habitats. By contrast, positive selection for the FGF5 gene was found in cetaceans where a series of positively selected amino acid residues were identified.

Conclusions
This is the first study to investigate the molecular basis of the hair loss in cetaceans. Our investigation of Hr and FGF5, two indispensable regulators of the hair cycle, provide some new insights into the molecular basis of hair loss in cetaceans. The results suggest that positive selection for the FGF5 gene might have promoted the termination of hair growth and early entry into the catagen stage of hair follicle cycling. Consequently, the hair follicle cycle was disrupted and the hair was lost completely due to the loss of the Hr gene function in cetaceans. This suggests that cetaceans have evolved an effective and complex mechanism for hair loss.
Fibres from flax overproducing β-1,3-glucanase show increased accumulation of pectin and phenolics and thus higher antioxidant capacity
Authors: Wojtasik Wioleta , Kulma Anna , Dymińska Lucyna , Hanuza Jerzy , Żebrowski Jacek , Szopa Jan 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundRecently, in order to improve the resistance of flax plants to pathogen infection, transgenic flax that overproduces β-1,3-glucanase was created. β-1,3-glucanase is a PR protein that hydrolyses the β-glucans, which are a major component of the cell wall in many groups of fungi. For this study, we used fourth-generation field-cultivated plants of theFusarium-resistant transgenic line B14 to evaluate how overexpression of the β-1,3-glucanase gene influences the quantity, quality and composition of flax fibres, which are the main product obtained from flax straw.ResultsOverproduction of β-1,3-glucanase did not affect the quantity of the fibre obtained from the flax straw and did not significantly alter the essential mechanical characteristics of the retted fibres. However, changes in the contents of the major components of the cell wall (cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin and lignin) were revealed. Overexpression of the β-1,3-glucanase gene resulted in higher cellulose, hemicellulose and pectin contents and a lower lignin content in the fibres. Increases in the uronic acid content in particular fractions (with the exception of the 1 M KOH-soluble fraction of hemicelluloses) and changes in the sugar composition of the cell wall were detected in the fibres of the transgenic flax when compared to the contents for the control plants. The callose content was lower in the fibres of the transgenic flax. Additionally, the analysis of phenolic compound contents in five fractions of the cell wall revealed important changes, which were reflected in the antioxidant potential of these fractions.ConclusionOverexpression of the β-1,3-glucanase gene has a significant influence on the biochemical composition of flax fibres. The constitutive overproduction of β-1,3-glucanase causes a decrease in the callose content, and the resulting excess glucose serves as a substrate for the production of other polysaccharides. The monosaccharide excess redirects the phenolic compounds to bind with polysaccharides instead of to partake in lignin synthesis. The mechanical properties of the transgenic fibres are strengthened by their improved biochemical composition, and the increased antioxidant potential of the fibres supports the potential use of transgenic flax fibres for biomedical applications.
A randomized controlled study about the use of eHealth in the home health care of premature infants
Authors: Gund Anna , Sjöqvist Bengt Arne , Wigert Helena , Hentz Elisabet , Lindecrantz Kaj , Bry Kristina 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
One area where the use of information and communication technology (ICT), or eHealth, could be developed is the home health care of premature infants. The aim of this randomized controlled study was to investigate whether the use of video conferencing or a web application improves parents’ satisfaction in taking care of a premature infant at home and decreases the need of home visits. In addition, nurses’ attitudes regarding the use of these tools were examined.

Method
Thirty-four families were randomized to one of three groups before their premature infant was discharged from the hospital to home health care: a control group receiving standard home health care (13 families); a web group receiving home health care supplemented with the use of a web application (12 families); a video group with home health care supplemented with video conferencing using Skype (9 families). Families and nursing staff answered questionnaires about the usefulness of ICT. In addition, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 families.

Results
All the parents in the web group found the web application easy to use. 83% of the families thought it was good to have access to their child’s data through the application. All the families in the video group found Skype easy to use and were satisfied with the video calls. 88% of the families thought that video calls were better than ordinary phone calls. 33% of the families in the web group and 75% of those in the video group thought the need for home visits was decreased by the web application or Skype. 50% of the families in the web group and 100% of those in the video group thought the web application or the video calls had helped them feel more confident in caring for their child. Most of the nurses were motivated to use ICT but some were reluctant and avoided using the web application and video conferencing.

Conclusion
The families were satisfied with both the web application and video conferencing. The families readily embraced the use of ICT, whereas motivating some of the nurses to accept and use ICT was a major challenge.