bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Volumetric breast composition analysis: reproducibility of breast percent density and fibroglandular tissue volume measurements in serial mammograms
Authors: Engelken Florian , Singh Jasmin-Maya , Fallenberg Eva-Maria , Bick Ulrich , Böttcher Joachim , Renz Diane Miriam 
Published: July 2013

Background Volumetric breast composition analysis represents a useful tool for assessing changes in breast composition over time. However, no data exist on the reproducibility of this method in serial mammograms. Purpose To assess the reproducibility of two volumetric breast composition parameters, breast percent density (PD) and fibroglandular tissue volume (FTV), in consecutive mammograms. Material and Methods Volumetric breast composition analysis to determine PD and FTV was performed in two consecutive unilateral mammograms of 211 patients. All mammograms were obtained on the same digital mammography unit within a maximum interval of 24 months. Volumetric data for analysis for both examinations were available for 174 patients. Thirty-two patients had successful volumetric analysis of additional consecutive examinations on a second digital mammography unit. Inter-examination correlation of measurements and absolute differences were analyzed. Bland-Altman analysis was performed to compare readings from different mammography units. Results Mean FTV remained constant over the study period. A reduction in PD of 0.5% and a mean increase in breast volume (BV) of 3% were observed. FTV measurements obtained on the same mammography unit were significantly more reproducible than PD measurements (Pearson correlation coefficients of 0.947 and 0.920, respectively; P < 0.05). A 15% difference between mean absolute volume measurements (FTV and BV) obtained on different mammography units was observed ( P ≤ 0.001), while mean PD was close to the expected value. Conclusion Volumetric breast composition analysis is highly reproducible in serial mammograms in normal women. FTV is a more reproducible parameter than PD, indicating that absolute quantification of breast parenchyma may be preferable to the measurement of relative parameters such as PD. However, a disadvantage of using FTV is that it is susceptible to systematic differences when measurements are obtained on different imaging platforms.
A Novel c.1135_1138delCTGT Mutation in CLN3 Leads to Juvenile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis
Authors: Drack Arlene V. , Miller Jake N. , Pearce David A. 
Published: July 2013

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis is the most common childhood neurodegenerative disorder in the world, with an incidence of 1 in 100 000 live births. More than 400 mutations in at least 14 different genes are linked to multiple clinical variants. These progressive genetic disorders primarily manifest in the central nervous system due to an extensive loss of neurons, primarily in the cerebral and cerebellar cortices. Juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis is the most common form and is primarily due to mutations in CLN3, which encodes a protein of unknown function. The most common such mutation in CLN3 is a 1.02-kb deletion that results in a frameshift and subsequent premature termination codon. Here we describe a patient with juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis who has a novel c.1135_1138delCTGT mutation in CLN3. This deletion induces a frameshift and premature termination codon in CLN3 messenger ribonucleic acid that is likely recognized by nonsense-mediated decay and degraded, subsequently leading to decreased CLN3 protein abundance.
‘Focus on feet’ – the effects of systemic lupus erythematosus: a narrative review of the literature
Authors: Williams AE , Crofts G , Teh LS 
Published: July 2013

Background The manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) vary between individuals, from the severe and life-threatening renal and central nervous system involvement, to the involvement of skin, musculoskeletal and vascular system, and the complications of infection influencing the quality of life. However, as specific manifestations affecting the lower limb are perceived as receiving little focus, the purpose of this narrative literature review is to identify the specific factors associated with SLE that may have implications for lower limb and foot morbidity. Method A structured search of databases was conducted. The inclusion was restricted to publications in the English language, those that specifically investigate the feet as affected with SLE. No restriction on year of publication was imposed to reduce publication bias and to capture as many publication in relation to feet. Results Eleven papers fulfilled the inclusion criteria. There were seven additional papers that made observations related to the articular or vascular complications of the feet. This narrative review provides some information on how SLE affects the lower limb and foot in relation to the musculoskeletal and vascular systems. However, there is a lack of literature that specifically focuses on all the manifestations of SLE and the complications associated with its management. Discussion There are indications that SLE affects lower limb and foot morbidity but the scale of these problems is unclear and this is partly because of the absence of research and the lack of a ‘gold standard’ framework for the assessment of the lower limb and foot. In addition to clinical foot health assessment, ultrasonography may be a useful alternative to plain film radiography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in capturing the extent of articular and extra-articular manifestations. Further, the Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI) may be useful in identifying those with atherosclerosis and ischaemia. Conclusion There are indications that SLE affects lower limb and foot morbidity but the scale of these problems and effective management of them is unclear. Therefore, further research is warranted in order to better understand the impact of SLE on the foot and lower limb and its impact on quality of life.
Natalizumab inhibits the expression of human endogenous retroviruses of the W family in multiple sclerosis patients: a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Arru Giannina , Leoni Stefania , Pugliatti Maura , Mei Alessandra , Serra Caterina , Delogu Lucia Gemma , Manetti Roberto , Dolei Antonina , Sotgiu Stefano , Mameli Giuseppe 
Published: July 2013

Background: Several viruses were reported as co-factors triggering the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS), including the endogenous retroviruses of the HERV-W family, that were also proposed as biomarkers of disease progression and therapy outcome. Objective: The objective of this article is to clarify whether in MS patients treatment with natalizumab has effects on MSRV/syncytin-1/HERV-W expression and the possible relationship with disease outcome. Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were collected from 22 patients with relapsing–remitting disease, at entry and after three, six and 12 months of treatment with natalizumab. The cell subpopulations and the expression of MSRV env/syncytin-1/HERV-W env were analyzed by flow cytometry and by discriminatory env-specific RT-PCR assays. Results: By flow cytometry the relative amounts of T, NK and monocyte subpopulations were shown to remain fairly constant. A relative increase of B lymphocytes was observed at three to six months ( p = 0.033). The MSRV env and syncitin-1 transcripts were reduced at six to 12 months of therapy ( p = 0.0001). Accordingly, at month 12, the plasma-membrane levels of the HERV-W env protein were reduced ( p = 0.0001). B cells, NK and monocytes but not T cells expressed the HERV-W env protein. None of the patients relapsed during therapy. Conclusion: Effective therapy with natalizumab downregulates MSRV/syncytin-1/HERV-W expression.
Clinical Outcomes of Distal Femoral Fractures in the Geriatric Population Using Locking Plates With a Minimally Invasive Approach
Authors: Doshi Hitendra K. , Wenxian Png , Burgula Maitra Vaarun , Murphy Diarmuid Paul 
Published: July 2013

Background: Fractures of the distal femur comprise 4% to 6% of all femoral fractures. Elderly patients are predisposed to low-energy fractures due to osteoporosis. Treatment of these fractures in the elderly group remains a challenge. Our hypothesis is that locking plates inserted with minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) techniques will produce better results compared to those inserted by open technique. The objective of this study is to evaluate the clinical outcomes of MIPO technique using locking plates in the elderly patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 24 elderly patients (mean age 73 years) with distal femur fractures treated using the MIPO technique (2007-2010) were reviewed retrospectively. Parameters analyzed included classification of fracture, time to fracture union, knee range of motion, functional knee score (Knee Society Score—Functional) at 6 months, and other significant complications. One patient was lost to follow-up. Results: In all, 88% of the fractures were extraarticular. The mean time to union was 13.48 (range: 8-28) weeks. Mean range of motion achieved at 6 months and beyond was 100° ranging from 0 to 30 (extension) to 90 to 140 (flexion). Functional knee scores at 6 months from fixation were satisfactory (mean score 88.8). There were no cases of implant failure, nonunion, and infection. In all, 6 (25%) patients developed deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the early postoperative period, all of which were below the level of the knee joint. Conclusion: Locking plates inserted using MIPO techniques in elderly patients with distal femur fractures appear to be promising based on clinical outcome measurements. However, there was a high incidence of DVT noted.
Exome sequencing identifies recurring FLT3 N676K mutations in core-binding factor leukemia
Authors: Opatz Sabrina , Polzer Harald , Herold Tobias , Konstandin Nikola P. , Ksienzyk Bianka , Zellmeier Evelyn , Vosberg Sebastian , Graf Alexander , Krebs Stefan , Blum Helmut , Hopfner Karl-Peter , Kakadia Purvi M. , Schneider Stephanie , Dufour Annika , Braess Jan , Sauerland Maria Cristina , Berdel Wolfgang E. , Büchner Thomas , Woermann Bernhard J. , Hiddemann Wolfgang , Spiekermann Karsten , Bohlander Stefan K. , Greif Philipp A. 
Published: July 2013

Key Points
FLT3 N676K mutations without concurrent internal tandem duplication (ITD) are associated with core-binding factor leukemia. N676K activates FLT3 and downstream signaling pathways.
Current pattern of Ponderal Indices of term small-for-gestational age in a population of Nigerian babies
Authors: Oluwafemi Olubanke R , Njokanma Fidelis O , Disu Elizabeth A , Ogunlesi Tinuade A 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundSmall-for-gestational age (SGA) newborns constitute a special group of neonates who may have suffered varying degrees of intrauterine insults and deprivation. Variations in birth weight, length and Ponderal Index (PI) depend on the type and degree of intrauterine insults the babies were exposed to. The objective of the study was to determine the current prevalence of term SGA births in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital and the current pattern of Ponderal Indices among term SGA in a population of Nigerian babies.MethodsSubjects comprised of consecutive term singleton mother-baby pairs in the first 24 hours of life. It was a cross sectional study. The anthropometric parameters of each baby were recorded and the PI was also determined.ResultsOut of 1,052 live births during the study period (September to December, 2009), 825 were term, singleton babies. Five hundred and eight-one babies (70.4%) fall into the upper socio-economic classes 1 and II, 193 (23.4%) in the middle class and 51 (6.2%) were of the lower classes IV and V. None of the mothers indicated ingestion of alcohol or smoking of cigarette. Fifty-nine babies (7.2%) were small-for gestational age (SGA). Of the 59 SGA subjects, 26 (44.1%) were symmetrical SGA while 33 (55.9%) were asymmetrical SGA. There was no significant sex or socioeconomic predilection for either symmetrical or asymmetrical growth (p = 0.59, 0.73 respectively).ConclusionThe findings showed that proportionality in SGA fetuses is a continuum, with the PI depending on the duration of intrauterine insult and the extent of its effects on weight and length before delivery.
A cross sectional survey of attitudes, awareness and uptake of the parental pertussis booster vaccine as part of a cocooning strategy, Victoria, Australia
Authors: Donnan Ellen J , Fielding James E , Rowe Stacey L , Franklin Lucinda J , Vally Hassan 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
The Victorian Government Department of Health funded a diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis vaccine for parents of infants from June 2009 to June 2012 as part of a cocooning strategy for the control of pertussis. The aim of this study was to assess parents’ attitudes and awareness of the vaccination program, and to estimate vaccine uptake.

Methods
A cross-sectional survey of 253 families with a child born in the first quarter of 2010 residing within five metropolitan and four rural local government areas in Victoria was conducted. Univariate analyses were performed to describe the relationship between demographic variables, knowledge and awareness of the disease, the vaccine program and vaccine uptake. Multivariate analyses examining predictors for awareness of the vaccine program and for the uptake of vaccination were also conducted.

Results
One hundred and five families were surveyed (response rate 43%). Of these, 93% indicated that they had heard of ‘pertussis’ or ‘whooping cough’ and 75% of mothers and 69% of fathers were aware the pertussis vaccine was available and funded for new parents. Overall, 70% of mothers and 53% of fathers were vaccinated following their child’s birth, with metropolitan fathers less likely to be vaccinated as rural fathers (RR = 0.6, p = 0.002). Being a younger mother (p = 0.02) or father (p = 0.047), and being an Australian-born father (RR = 1.9, p = 0.03) were found to predict uptake of the vaccine in parents.

Conclusion
Parents indicated a reasonable level of knowledge of pertussis and a willingness to be vaccinated to protect their child. However, vaccine uptake estimates indicated further opportunity for program improvement. Future cocooning strategies would benefit from specifically targeting fathers and metropolitan maternity hospitals to increase vaccine uptake. Wider promotion of the availability of vaccine providers may increase uptake to maximise the success of cocooning programs. Further investigation of the effectiveness of the cocooning strategy in decreasing infant morbidity and mortality is required.
Role of commensal and probiotic bacteria in human health: a focus on inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Martín Rebeca , Miquel Sylvie , Ulmer Jonathan , Kechaou Noura , Langella Philippe , Bermúdez-Humarán Luis G 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
The human gut is one of the most complex ecosystems, composed of 1013-1014 microorganisms which play an important role in human health. In addition, some food products contain live bacteria which transit through our gastrointestinal tract and could exert beneficial effects on our health (known as probiotic effect). Among the numerous proposed health benefits attributed to commensal and probiotic bacteria, their capacity to interact with the host immune system is now well demonstrated. Currently, the use of recombinant lactic acid bacteria to deliver compounds of health interest is gaining importance as an extension of the probiotic concept. This review summarizes some of the recent findings and perspectives in the study of the crosstalk of both commensal and probiotic bacteria with the human host as well as the latest studies in recombinant commensal and probiotic bacteria. Our aim is to highlight the potential roles of recombinant bacteria in this ecosystem.
Eicosapentaenoic acid-enriched phospholipid ameliorates insulin resistance and lipid metabolism in diet-induced-obese mice
Authors: Liu Xiaofang , Xue Yong , Liu Chunhua , Lou Qiaoming , Wang Jingfeng , Yanagita Teruyoshi , Xue Changhu , Wang Yuming 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Over the past two decades, a striking increase in the number of people with metabolic syndrome (MS) has taken place worldwide. With the elevated risk of not only diabetes but also cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, there is urgent need for strategies to prevent this emerging global epidemic. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of dietary eicosapentaenoic acid-enriched phospholipid (EPA-PL) on metabolic disorders.

Methods
Male C57BL/6J mice (n = 7) were fed one of the following 4 diets for a period of 4 weeks: 1) a modified AIN-96G diet with 5% corn oil (control diet); 2) a high fat (20%, wt/wt) and high fructose (20%, wt/wt) diet (HF diet); 3) the HF diet containing 1% SOY-PL (SOY-PL diet); 4) the HF diet containing 1% EPA-PL (EPA-PL diet). The oral glucose tolerance test was performed. Plasma TG, TC, glucose, NEFA, insulin, leptin, adiponectin, TNF-α and IL-6 levels were assessed. In addition, hepatic lipid levels, lipogenic, and lipidolytic enzyme activities and gene expressions were evaluated.

Results
Both EPA-PL and SOY-PL significantly inhibited body weight gain and white adipose tissue accumulation, alleviated glucose intolerance, and lowered both serum fasting glucose and NEFA levels substantially. Only EPA-PL significantly reduced serum TNF-α and IL-6 levels, and increased serum adiponectin level. EPA-PL was more effective in reducing hepatic and serum TG and TC levels than SOY-PL. Both EPA-PL and SOY-PL reduced the activities of hepatic lipogenic enzymes, such as FAS and G6PDH, but only EPA-PL significantly increased CPT, peroxisomal β-oxidation enzymes activities and CPT-1a mRNA level. Alterations of hepatic lipogenic gene expressions, such as FAS, G6PDH, ACC, SCD-1 and SREBP-1c were consistent with changes in related enzyme activities.

Conclusions
According to our study, EPA-PL supplementation was efficacious in suppressing body fat accumulation, and alleviating insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis by modulating the secretion of adipocytokines and inflammatory cytokines, suppression of SREBP-1c mediated lipogenesis and enhancement of fatty acid β-oxidation. These results demonstrate that EPA-PL is a novel beneficial food component for the prevention and improvement of metabolic disorders.
The use of the head louse as a remedy for jaundice in Spanish folk medicine: an overview
Authors: Vallejo José Ramón , González José Antonio 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Background
In Spain, head lice are considered a therapeutic resource for the treatment of jaundice. All folk remedies based on the ingestion of these insects meet in the present document, previously dispersed among a large number of references.

Methods
An overview of the Spanish literature has been carried out. The most important databases have been consulted. All related works have been examined.

Results
Although the method of preparation is diverse and the dose varies, the primary recommendation is a transference ritual consisting of taking nine live lice for nine days on an empty stomach without the patient’s knowledge. This traditional knowledge survives in Spanish society, and constitutes an example of the interrelation between Spanish and Latin American folk medicines.

Conclusions
The survival of this therapy in the worldview of certain rural communities suggests the need to take into account the beliefs, ideas and behaviour patterns of popular culture in relation to health and disease.
Blood RNA biomarker panel detects both left- and right-sided colorectal neoplasms: a case-control study
Authors: Chao Samuel , Ying Jay , Liew Gailina , Marshall Wayne , Liew Choong-Chin , Burakoff Robert 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundColonoscopy is widely regarded to be the gold standard for colorectal cancer (CRC) detection. Recent studies, however, suggest that the effectiveness of colonoscopy is mostly confined to tumors on the left side of the colon (descending, sigmoid, rectum), and that the technology has poor tumor detection for right-sided (cecum, ascending, transverse) lesions. A minimally invasive test that can detect both left-sided and right-sided lesions could increase the effectiveness of screening colonoscopy by revealing the potential presence of neoplasms in the right-sided “blind spot”.MethodsWe previously reported on a seven-gene, blood-based biomarker panel that effectively stratifies a patient’s risk of having CRC. For the current study, we assessed the effectiveness of the seven-gene panel for the detection of left- and right-sided CRC lesions. Results were evaluated for 314 patients with CRC (left-sided: TNM I, 65; TNM II, 57; TNM III, 60; TNM IV, 17; unknown, 9. right-sided: TNM I, 28; TNM II, 29; TNM III, 38; TNM IV, 12; unknown, 1 and including two samples with both left and right lesions) and 328 control samples. Blood samples were obtained prior to clinical staging and therapy. Most CRC subjects had localized disease (stages I and II, 58%); regional (stage III) and systemic (stage IV) disease represented 32% and 9%, respectively, of the study population.ResultsThe panel detected left-sided (74%, 154/208) and right-sided (85%, 92/108) lesions with an overall sensitivity of 78% (215/316) at a specificity of 66% (215/328). Treatable cancer (stages I to III) was detected with left-sided lesion sensitivity of 76% (138/182) and right-sided sensitivity of 84% (80/95).ConclusionThis seven-gene biomarker panel detected right-sided CRC lesions across all cancer stages with a sensitivity that is at least equal to that for left-sided lesions. This study supports the use of this panel as the basis for a patient-friendly, blood-based test that can be easily incorporated into a routine physical examination in advance of colonoscopy to provide a convenient companion diagnostic and a pre-screening alert, ultimately leading to enhanced CRC screening effectiveness.
Out-of-School Programming: Assessing the Impact on Asset Development in Young People
Authors: Walahoski Jill , Lodl Kathleen 
Published: July 2013

Current literature on youth development supports the theory that out-of-school programming has an effect on youth development. However, little research has been conducted on types of out-of-school programs and comparisons among involvement in various activities in relation to developmental assets. Hence, the purpose of this study was to analyze relationships between students’ participation in out-of-school programs and the development of positive assets. Specifically, this study explored how 4-H participants differ from other students in their attainment of specific assets.
Findings support past research that indicate out-of-school programming is making an impact on the development of youth. Strong differences specific to 4-H participation were not found. Instead, findings indicate that asset development is not the result of one program; rather, it is important to provide a variety of options that ensure a good “fit” for the young person.
The Use of a Citizen Leader Model for Teaching Strategic Leadership
Authors: Langone Christine A. 
Published: July 2013

Strategic leadership is perhaps the area where undergraduate students have the least experience. Therefore, a focus on developing these skills is critical for college-level leadership educators. Teaching strategic leadership requires that educators design programs that make explicit, direct, and formal links between theory and practical experience, opportunity to reflect, solve problems, work in teams, and engage in active learning.
The Citizen Leader Model (CLM) for student engagement goes beyond volunteerism and service learning through its focus on bringing about substantive change in organizations and communities. This article describes a teaching method for teaching strategic leadership using the CLM, sample projects, and outcomes.