bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pain in hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsy: An association with fibromyalgia syndrome?
Authors: Yilmaz Ugur , Bird Thomas T. , Carter Gregory T. , Wang Leo H. , Weiss Michael D. 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: This study characterizes the nature of pain in hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsy (HNPP). Methods: This retrospective study was performed to assess duration, nature, location, and intensity of pain on initial presentation of subjects with HNPP, including the degree and type of analgesic medication use and electrodiagnostic characteristics. Subjects who met the American College of Rheumatology criteria for fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) were also identified. Results: Of 32 HNPP subjects, 24 (75%) had symptoms of pain, and 4 (12%) had pain as an initial symptom. Of subjects who described pain, 9 (28%) reported only musculoskeletal pain, 10 (31%) only neuropathic pain, and 5 (16%) both musculoskeletal and neuropathic pain. All 9 subjects with only musculoskeletal pain met criteria for FMS. Conclusions: Neuropathic and musculoskeletal pain occur commonly in HNPP and may be a presenting symptom. Additionally, HNPP with predominantly musculoskeletal pain may meet criteria for FMS and potentially delay the diagnosis. Muscle Nerve 51: 385–390, 2015
Ataluren treatment of patients with nonsense mutation dystrophinopathy
Authors: Bushby Katharine , Finkel Richard , Wong Brenda , Barohn Richard , Campbell Craig , Comi Giacomo P. , Connolly Anne M. , Day John W. , Flanigan Kevin M. , Goemans Nathalie , Jones Kristi J. , Mercuri Eugenio , Quinlivan Ros , Renfroe James B. , Russman Barry , Ryan Monique M. , Tulinius Mar , Voit Thomas , Moore Steven A. , Lee Sweeney H. , Abresch Richard T. , Coleman Kim L. , Eagle Michelle , Florence Julaine , Gappmaier Eduard , Glanzman Allan M. , Henricson Erik , Barth Jay , Elfring Gary L. , Reha Allen , Spiegel Robert J. , O'donnell Michael W. , Peltz Stuart W. , Mcdonald Craig M. ,   FOR THE PTC124‐GD‐007‐DMD STUDY GROUP
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Dystrophinopathy is a rare, severe muscle disorder, and nonsense mutations are found in 13% of cases. Ataluren was developed to enable ribosomal readthrough of premature stop codons in nonsense mutation (nm) genetic disorders. Methods: Randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study; males ≥5 years with nm‐dystrophinopathy received study drug orally 3 times daily, ataluren 10, 10, 20 mg/kg (N = 57); ataluren 20, 20, 40 mg/kg (N = 60); or placebo (N = 57) for 48 weeks. The primary endpoint was change in 6‐Minute Walk Distance (6MWD) at Week 48. Results: Ataluren was generally well tolerated. The primary endpoint favored ataluren 10, 10, 20 mg/kg versus placebo; the week 48 6MWD Δ = 31.3 meters, post hoc P = 0.056. Secondary endpoints (timed function tests) showed meaningful differences between ataluren 10, 10, 20 mg/kg, and placebo. Conclusions: As the first investigational new drug targeting the underlying cause of nm‐dystrophinopathy, ataluren offers promise as a treatment for this orphan genetic disorder with high unmet medical need. Muscle Nerve 50: 477–487, 2014
Reference ranges of fetal spleen biometric parameters and volume assessed by three‐dimensional ultrasound and their applicability in spleen malformations
Authors: You Jian‐Hong , Lv Guo‐Rong , Liu Xian‐Lan , He Shao‐Zheng 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTAimThe aims of this article are to establish three‐dimensional ultrasonographic nomograms of normal fetal spleen size and to evaluate the clinical application value.MethodsAn observational, cross‐sectional study was performed on 455 women with a normal singleton pregnancy between 18 and 38 weeks' gestational age (GA). Fetal spleen volume was measured using three‐dimensional ultrasound equipped with virtual organ computer‐aided analysis, and biometric parameters were assessed in multiplanar mode to create reference ranges to GA. Thirty cases were randomly selected to conduct reliability analyses via intraobserver and interobserver ultrasonographic measurement. Moreover, 50 cases of suspected splenic malformations were evaluated by the newly established nomograms and followed up subsequently.ResultsUsing regression formulas, we found that fetal spleen size increased with GA. We observed strong reliability in intraobserver and interobserver volume measurements with intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.994 and 0.962. Bland–Altman analyses showed narrow limits of agreement [intraobserver: (−3.2 to 3.5)%; interobserver: (−3.2 to 4.3)%]. Of the 50 cases with suspected splenic malformations, six cases of splenomegaly and one case of splenic cyst were diagnosed.ConclusionThree‐dimensional ultrasound nomograms of normal fetal spleen size across a range of GA have a strong diagnostic value. Volume measurements with good reliability were optimal in clinical practice. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Benefit–risk assessment in a post‐market setting: a case study integrating real‐life experience into benefit–risk methodology
Authors: Hallgreen Christine E. , van den Ham Hendrika A. , Mt‐Isa Shahrul , Ashworth Simon , Hermann Richard , Hobbiger Steve , Luciani Davide , Micaleff Alain , Thomson Andrew , Wang Nan , van Staa Tjeerd P. , Downey Gerald , Hirsch Ian , Hockley Kimberley , Juhaeri Juhaeri , Metcalf Marilyn , Mwangi Jeremiah , Nixon Richard , Peters Ruth , Stoeckert Isabelle , Waddingham Ed , Tzoulaki Ioanna , Ashby Deborah , Wise Lesley 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTPurposeDifficulties may be encountered when undertaking a benefit–risk assessment for an older product with well‐established use but with a benefit–risk balance that may have changed over time. This case study investigates this specific situation by applying a formal benefit–risk framework to assess the benefit–risk balance of warfarin for primary prevention of patients with atrial fibrillation.MethodsWe used the qualitative framework BRAT as the starting point of the benefit–risk analysis, bringing together the relevant available evidence. We explored the use of a quantitative method (stochastic multi‐criteria acceptability analysis) to demonstrate how uncertainties and preferences on multiple criteria can be integrated into a single measure to reduce cognitive burden and increase transparency in decision making.ResultsOur benefit–risk model found that warfarin is favourable compared with placebo for the primary prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. This favourable benefit–risk balance is fairly robust to differences in preferences. The probability of a favourable benefit–risk for warfarin against placebo is high (0.99) in our model despite the high uncertainty of randomised clinical trial data.In this case study, we identified major challenges related to the identification of relevant benefit–risk criteria and taking into account the diversity and quality of evidence available to inform the benefit–risk assessment.ConclusionThe main challenges in applying formal methods for medical benefit–risk assessment for a marketed drug are related to outcome definitions and data availability. Data exist from many different sources (both randomised clinical trials and observational studies), and the variability in the studies is large. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validity of psoriatic arthritis and capture of disease modifying antirheumatic drugs in the health improvement network
Authors: Ogdie Alexis , Alehashemi Sara , Love Thorvardur Jon , Jiang Yihui , Haynes Kevin , Hennessy Sean , Choi Hyon , Gelfand Joel M. 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTPurposeThe aims of this study are to examine the validity of diagnostic codes for psoriatic arthritis in The Health Improvement Network (THIN) and to examine the agreement between General Practitioner (GP) report and prescription records for disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).MethodsQuestionnaires were sent to the GPs of 100 randomly selected patients with at least one medical record code for psoriatic arthritis. The positive predictive value (PPV) for a GP confirmed diagnosis was calculated, and alternative algorithms were examined to determine which method resulted in the highest PPV.ResultsThe PPV for a single code for psoriatic arthritis was 85% (95%CI: 75.8–91.7%). Adding a prescription for a DMARD increased the PPV to 91% but with a substantial loss in sensitivity. Agreement between GPs and prescription data for use of an oral DMARD was 69%.ConclusionsThe diagnosis codes for psoriatic arthritis used in THIN are valid. All prescriptions for DMARDs may not be accounted for in THIN. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Learning and memory performance in a cohort of clinically referred breast cancer survivors: the role of attention versus forgetting in patient‐reported memory complaints
Authors: Root James C. , Ryan Elizabeth , Barnett Gregory , Andreotti Charissa , Bolutayo Kemi , Ahles Tim 
Published: July 2014

AbstractObjectiveWhile forgetfulness is widely reported by breast cancer survivors, studies documenting objective memory performance yield mixed, largely inconsistent, results. Failure to find consistent, objective memory issues may be due to the possibility that cancer survivors misattribute their experience of forgetfulness to primary memory issues rather than to difficulties in attention at the time of learning.MethodsTo clarify potential attention issues, factor scores for Attention Span, Learning Efficiency, Delayed Memory, and Inaccurate Memory were analyzed for the California Verbal Learning Test‐Second Edition (CVLT‐II) in 64 clinically referred breast cancer survivors with self‐reported cognitive complaints; item analysis was conducted to clarify specific contributors to observed effects, and contrasts between learning and recall trials were compared with normative data. Performance on broader cognitive domains is also reported.ResultsThe Attention Span factor, but not Learning Efficiency, Delayed Memory, or Inaccurate Memory factors, was significantly affected in this clinical sample. Contrasts between trials were consistent with normative data and did not indicate greater loss of information over time than in the normative sample.ConclusionsResults of this analysis suggest that attentional dysfunction may contribute to subjective and objective memory complaints in breast cancer survivors. These results are discussed in the context of broader cognitive effects following treatment for clinicians who may see cancer survivors for assessment. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Threatened with death but growing: changes in and determinants of posttraumatic growth over the dying process for Taiwanese terminally ill cancer patients
Authors: Tang Siew Tzuh , Lin Kuan‐Chia , Chen Jen‐Shi , Chang Wen‐Cheng , Hsieh Chia‐Hsun , Chou Wen‐Chi 
Published: July 2014

AbstractObjectivePosttraumatic growth at end of life, a positive psychological consequence of dealing with a life crisis, may be catalyzed by the trauma of facing mortality. Studies on cancer patients' posttraumatic growth have overwhelmingly examined early‐stage survivors. Of the few studies on advanced cancer patients, none anchored posttraumatic growth with the patient's death. Therefore, the purposes of this study were to describe longitudinal changes in and to identify determinants of posttraumatic growth over the dying process.MethodsA convenience sample of 313 cancer patients was recruited and followed until death. Posttraumatic growth was measured by the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory. Determinants were evaluated from sociodemographics, cancer characteristics, social context variables, and coping strategies using a multiple linear regression model.ResultsThe dying process may be too threatening and stressful for cancer patients to experience profound posttraumatic growth as manifested by low Posttraumatic Growth Inventory scores (26.13 ± 21.59 to 40.33 ± 27.71 on a 0–105 scale) without significant changes as death approached. However, terminally ill cancer patients who were not defeated by the initial threat of death experienced posttraumatic growth. Patients were at risk for low‐level posttraumatic growth if they were male, were non‐middle aged, had low educational attainment, had a non‐metastatic disease, recently recognized terminally ill status, had severe symptom distress, had high functional dependence and weak social support, and were unaware or had low acceptance of their prognosis.ConclusionInterventions are needed to appropriately relieve symptom distress, facilitate functional independence, enhance social support, and improve prognostic awareness and acceptance to inspire positive changes for cancer patients at end of life. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Statistical challenges of high‐dimensional methylation data
Authors: Saadati Maral , Benner Axel 
Published: July 2014

With the fast growing field of epigenetics comes the need to better understand the intricacies of DNA methylation data analysis. High‐throughput profiling using techniques, such as Illumina's BeadArray assay, enable the quantitative assessment of methylation. Challenges arise from the fact that resulting methylation levels (so‐called beta values) are proportions between 0 and 1, often from an asymmetric, bimodal distribution with peaks close to 0 and 1. Therefore, the majority of standard statistical approaches do not apply. The logit transformation into so‐called M‐values is a common approach to circumvent this problem and aims to allow the use of common statistical methods. However, it can be observed that the transformation from beta to M‐values does not necessarily result in an approximately homoscedastic distribution. Often, bimodality, asymmetry and heteroscedasticity are conserved even after transformation.We give an overview and discussion of methods suggested in the recent years that attempt to address the characteristics of methylation data in univariate screening settings. In order to identify ‘differential’ methylation with respect to covariates of interest while adjusting for confounders, we compare parametric methods, such as linear and beta regression, and nonparametric methods, such as rank‐based regression. Our goal is to sensitise researchers to the challenges and issues that arise from this type of data as well as to present possible solutions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sublethal effects induced by morphine to the freshwater biological model Dreissena polymorpha
Authors: Magni Stefano , Parolini Marco , Binelli Andrea 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTOpioids are considered as emerging contaminants in aquatic ecosystems, mainly due to their large illicit consume worldwide. Morphine (MOR) is the main opiate and it was commonly found at measurable concentrations in freshwaters. Even though its occurrence is well documented, just limited information is available regarding its hazard to nontarget organisms. The aim of this study was of the evaluation of sublethal effects induced by MOR to the freshwater bivalve Dreissena polymorpha. We exposed mussels to two MOR concentrations (0.05 µg/L and 0.5 µg/L) for 14 days and we investigated the sublethal effects by a suite of biomarkers. The Neutral Red Retention Assay (NRRA) was used as a test of cytotoxicity, while the oxidative stress was evaluated by the activity of antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes, namely catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST), and by measuring the levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and protein carbonylation (PCC). The genetic damage was assessed by the Single Cell Gel Electrophoresis (SCGE) assay, the DNA diffusion assay and the micronucleus test (MN test). Finally, the filtration rate of D. polymorpha was evaluated in order to investigate possible physiological effects. Both tested concentrations reduced the lysosome membrane stability of bivalves, but only the highest MOR concentration induced significant changes in the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPx) and increase in lipid peroxidation levels. Slight increase in primary DNA fragmentation was noticed, while no fixed genetic damage and alterations of the filtering rate were found. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 58–67, 2016.
Indium acetate toxicity in male reproductive system in rats
Authors: Lee Kuo‐Hsin , Chen Hsiu‐Ling , Leung Chung‐Man , Chen Hsin‐Pao , Hsu Ping‐Chi 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTIndium, a rare earth metal characterized by high plasticity, corrosion resistance, and a low melting point, is widely used in the electronics industry, but has been reported to be an environmental pollutant and a health hazard. We designed a study to investigate the effects of subacute exposure of indium compounds on male reproductive function. Twelve‐week old male Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly divided into test and control groups, and received weekly intraperitoneal injections of indium acetate (1.5 mg/kg body weight) and normal saline, respectively, for 8 weeks. Serum indium levels, cauda epididymal sperm count, motility, morphology, chromatin DNA structure, mitochondrial membrane potential, oxidative stress, and testis DNA content were investigated. The indium acetate‐treated group showed significant reproductive toxicity, as well as an increased percentage of sperm morphology abnormality, chromatin integrity damage, and superoxide anion generation. Furthermore, positive correlations among sperm morphology abnormalities, chromatin DNA damage, and superoxide anion generation were also noted. The results of this study demonstrated the toxic effect of subacute low‐dose indium exposure during the period of sexual maturation on male reproductive function in adulthood, through an increase in oxidative stress and sperm chromatin DNA damage during spermiogenesis, in a rodent model. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 68–76, 2016.
Use of cementum annuli and eye‐lens weight for aging coyotes
Authors: Scrivner Jerry H. , Johnson Craig A. , Sego Camron A. 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTAge estimates are often needed to make good management decisions. We assessed the accuracy and precision of the cementum annuli analysis (CAA) technique for aging coyotes (Canis latrans). We also assessed the relationship between eye‐lens weight and age. We sent 56 lower canines from 28 captive‐born and captive‐reared coyotes of known age to a laboratory to estimate age using CAA. The lab correctly determined age for 52 of 56 (93%) teeth and there was a strong correlation between mean estimated age using both canines from a coyote and known age. A strong correlation also existed between estimated age based on right and left teeth. Age predictions based on the left tooth agreed with the right tooth 25 of 28 (89%) occasions. Cementum annuli analysis was both accurate and precise for all age classes and we recommend its use whenever age‐specific data are needed. Eye‐lens weights discriminate effectively between subadults and adults, but predicted age of adults displays more variability than when estimated using CAA. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.
Using thermal imaging cameras with radiotelemetry to locate roost sites of male wild turkeys
Authors: Ruttinger James A. , Colbert Derek S. , Warren Robert J. , Conner L. Mike , Chamberlain Michael J. 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTThermal imagery is a relatively new technology to the wildlife field. Researchers have begun testing whether this tool can be used to increase detection rates for various wildlife species. Little research has been conducted on roost‐site selection of eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris), partially because locating roosting birds and viewing them in forested environments is impractical. We evaluated the efficacy of ground‐based thermal imaging combined with radiotelemetry to locate roosting male turkeys in southwestern Georgia, USA, 2011–2013. Using radiotelemetry and thermal imaging, we successfully collected data on 74 of 79 attempts (93.7%) to locate roosting male turkeys and identify the roost tree the bird was using. Compared with other methods of viewing roosting turkeys using thermal imagery, our methods were more successful. We recommend that researchers consider using ground‐based thermal imaging to conduct more detailed studies on roost ecology of wild turkeys. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.
Prey size affects the costs and benefits of group predation in nymphs of the predatory stink bug Andrallus spinidens (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)
Authors: Hyodo Daisuke , Himuro Chihiro , Fujisaki Kenji 
Published: July 2014

AbstractGroup predation promotes foraging efficiency because it increases the size of prey that can be killed and improves hunting success compared to solitary predation. However, group predation may increase competition among group members during feeding. Earlier studies have focused on the advantages of group predation, but little is known about the costs and benefits of group predation for individual members of the group. Here, we show that the costs and benefits of group predation for individuals of the predatory stink bugAndrallus spinidensvary with prey size in laboratory experiments. We found that whenA. spinidensfed on small prey, group predation did not significantly increase foraging efficiency but did increase competition for food among group members. In contrast, when prey was large, group predation promoted foraging efficiency, and competition over food was not detected. Our results suggest that group predation byA. spinidensnymphs is advantageous for individual members because it enables each member to hunt larger prey that could not be hunted alone. However, when group size was large or prey size was small, group predation increased competition among group members.
Construction of an l-serine producing Escherichia coli via metabolic engineering
Authors: Gu Pengfei , Yang Fan , Su Tianyuan , Li Fangfang , Li Yikui , Qi Qingsheng 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
l-Serine is a nonessential amino acid, but plays a crucial role as a building block for cell growth. Currently, l-serine production is mainly dependent on enzymatic or cellular conversion. In this study, we constructed a recombinant Escherichia coli that can fermentatively produce l-serine from glucose. To accumulate l-serine, sdaA encoding the l-serine dehydratase, iclR encoding the isocitrate lyase regulator, and arcA encoding the aerobic respiration control protein were deleted in turn. In batch fermentation, the engineered E. coli strain YF-5 exhibited obvious l-serine accumulation but poor cell growth. To restore cell growth, aceB encoding the malate synthase was knocked out, and the engineered strain was then transformed with plasmid that overexpressed serAFR, serB, and serC genes. The resulting strain YF-7 produced 4.5 g/L l-serine in batch cultivation and 8.34 g/L l-serine in fed-batch cultivation.