bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A prostate-specific antigen doubling time of <6 months is prognostic for metastasis and prostate cancer-specific death for patients receiving salvage radiation therapy post radical prostatectomy
Authors: Jackson William C , Johnson Skyler B , Li Darren , Foster Corey , Foster Benjamin , Song Yeohan , Schipper Matthew , Shilkrut Mark , Sandler Howard M , Morgan Todd M , Palapattu Ganesh S , Hamstra Daniel A , Feng Felix Y 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
The ideal prostate-specific antigen (PSA) doubling time (PSADT) threshold for identifying patients at high-risk for poor clinical outcome following salvage radiation therapy (SRT) has not been well established. We sought to assess what PSADT threshold is most clinically prognostic in this setting.

Methods
575 patients who received SRT at a single institution for biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy were retrospectively reviewed. We assessed the impact of pre-SRT PSADT on biochemical failure (BF), distant metastasis (DM), prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM), and overall mortality (OM). Kaplan-Meier methods, hazard ratio (HR) assessment, and Cox Proportional Hazard models were used to assess the discriminatory ability of various PSADT thresholds.

Results
Sufficient data to calculate PSADTs were available for 277 patients. PSADT was prognostic for BF, DM, PCSM, and OM on univariate analysis regardless of threshold. HR assessment identified 6 months as a strong threshold. No statistically significant difference was observed in BF, DM, PCSM, or OM between patients with PSADT <3 (n=40) and 3–6 months (n=61) or between 6–10 (n=62) and >10 months (n=114). However significant differences were seen in BF (HR:2.2, [95%CI: 1.4-3.5], p<0.01) and DM (HR:2.2, [95%CI: 1.2-4.3], p=0.02) between a PSADT of 3–6 and 6–10 months. On multivariate analysis a PSADT <6 months predicted BF (HR:2.0, [95%CI: 1.4-2.9], p=0.0001), DM (HR:2.0, [95%CI: 1.2-3.4], p=0.01), and PCSM (HR:2.6, [95%CI: 1.1-5.9], p=0.02).

Conclusions
A pre-SRT PSADT <6 months was a strong predictor of outcomes in our data set, including PCSM. The most common nomogram for SRT uses a 10-month PSADT threshold for assigning points used to assess BF following SRT. If validated, our findings suggest that a PSADT threshold of <6 months should be considered for stratification of patients in future clinical trials in this setting.
Chemical quantification and antioxidant assay of four active components in Ficus hirtaroot using UPLC-PAD-MS fingerprinting combined with cluster analysis
Authors: Yi Tao , Chen Qilei , He Xicheng , So Suiwai , Lo Yuenling , Fan Lanlan , Xu Jun , Tang Yina , Zhang Jianye , Zhao Zhongzhen , Chen Hubiao 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Root of Ficus hirta (RFH) is widely consumed in China as a plant-derived popular food. However, contents of the active constituents of RFH are unknown, and the chemical as well as bioactive properties of RFH may be affected by growing area. In order to ensure the standard efficacy of health products made with RFH, its active constituents should firstly be determined and, secondly, a means of assessing samples for their contents of these constituents is needed.

Results
Four active components, including two coumarins, namely psoralen and bergapten, and two flavonoids, namely luteolin and apigenin, in twenty RFH samples were quantified using a new ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detector and mass spectrometry (UPLC-PAD-MS) method, and the content level in descending order was psoralen > bergapten > luteolin > apigenin. Chromatographic fingerprint similarity evaluation and cluster analysis were used to assess geographical origin of RFH, and the results revealed a high level of similarity for the tested RFH samples obtained from Hainan, Guangdong, Guangxi provinces and Hong Kong. 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant potencies of the four components, and the results clearly demonstrated that luteolin was most effective; apigenin exhibited a moderate potency, whereas psoralen and bergapten possessed little effect against free radical reactions. Structure-activity relationship of the components was elucidated, and the 3′-hydroxyl group of luteolin was found to be directly responsible for its antioxidant activity.

Conclusion
The present UPLC-PAD-MS method and DPPH radical scavenging assay performed well for the purpose of constituent quantification and antioxidant assay. Global profiles were highly similar for RFH samples from different origins. Both the coumarins and flavonoids were involved in the health benefit of RFH.
TWEAK promotes exercise intolerance by decreasing skeletal muscle oxidative phosphorylation capacity
Authors: Sato Shuichi , Ogura Yuji , Mishra Vivek , Shin Jonghyun , Bhatnagar Shephali , Hill Bradford G , Kumar Ashok 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) and its receptor Fn14 are the major regulators of skeletal muscle mass in many catabolic conditions. However, their role in muscle metabolism remains largely unknown. In the present study, we investigated the role of TWEAK on exercise capacity and skeletal muscle mitochondrial content and oxidative metabolism.

Methods
We employed wild-type and TWEAK-knockout (KO) mice and primary myotube cultures and performed biochemical, bioenergetics, and morphometric assays to evaluate the effects of TWEAK on exercise tolerance and muscle mitochondrial function and angiogenesis.

Results
TWEAK-KO mice showed improved exercise tolerance compared to wild-type mice. Electron microscopy analysis showed that the abundance of subsarcolemmal and intermyofibrillar mitochondria is significantly increased in skeletal muscle of TWEAK-KO mice compared to wild-type mice. Furthermore, age-related loss in skeletal muscle oxidative capacity was rescued in TWEAK-KO mice. Expression of a key transcriptional regulator peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) and several other molecules involved in oxidative metabolism were significantly higher in skeletal muscle of TWEAK-KO mice. Moreover, treatment of primary myotubes with soluble TWEAK inhibited the expression of PGC-1α and mitochondrial genes and decreased mitochondrial respiratory capacity. Deletion of TWEAK also improved angiogenesis and transcript levels of vascular endothelial growth factor in skeletal muscle of mice.

Conclusions
These results demonstrate that TWEAK decreases mitochondrial content and oxidative phosphorylation and inhibits angiogenesis in skeletal muscle. Neutralization of TWEAK is a potential approach for improving exercise capacity and oxidative metabolism in skeletal muscle.
Diagnosis and management of non‐IgE‐mediated cow's milk allergy in infancy ‐ a UK primary care practical guide
Authors: Venter Carina , Brown Trevor , Shah Neil , Walsh Joanne , Fox Adam T 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe UK NICE guideline on the Diagnosis and Assessment of Food Allergy in Children and Young People was published in 2011, highlighting the important role of primary care physicians, dietitians, nurses and other community based health care professionals in the diagnosis and assessment of IgE and non‐IgE‐mediated food allergies in children. The guideline suggests that those with suspected IgE‐mediated disease and those suspected to suffer from severe non‐IgE‐mediated disease are referred on to secondary or tertiary level care. What is evident from this guideline is that the responsibility for the diagnostic food challenge, ongoing management and determining of tolerance to cow's milk in children with less severe non‐IgE‐mediated food allergies is ultimately that of the primary care/community based health care staff, but this discussion fell outside of the current NICE guideline. Some clinical members of the guideline development group (CV, JW, ATF, TB) therefore felt that there was a particular need to extend this into a more practical guideline for cow's milk allergy. This subset of the guideline development group with the additional expertise of a paediatric gastroenterologist (NS) therefore aimed to produce a UK Primary Care Guideline for the initial clinical recognition of all forms of cow's milk allergy and the ongoing management of those with non‐severe non‐IgE‐mediated cow's milk allergy in the form of algorithms. These algorithms will be discussed in this review paper, drawing on guidance primarily from the UK NICE guideline, but also from the DRACMA guidelines, ESPGHAN guidelines, Australian guidelines and the US NIAID guidelines.
Diabetes mellitus, thyroid dysfunctions and osteoporosis: is there an association?
Authors: Qorbani Mostafa , Bazrafshan Hamid Reza , Aghaei Mehrdad , Dashti Hossien Shadpour , Rezapour Aziz , Asayesh Hamid , Mohammadi Rasool , Mohammadi Younes , Ansari Hossein , Mansourian Morteza 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Background
Osteoporosis is the most common metabolic bone disease with complicated, multifactorial and heterogenic nature that has no known pathological cause. As the role of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and thyroid dysfunctions in the prevalence of osteoporosis is not exactly known, therefore this study was designed to evaluate the probable association between osteoporosis with DM and thyroid dysfunctions in Iranian patients.

Methods
In this cross-sectional study, 300 subjects out of the total number of patients referring to Gorgan bone densitometry centers (3000subjects) were selected via random sampling method in 2009. Individual characteristics, DM, thyroid dysfunctions and densitometry results were collected from densitometry records. Data analysis was carried out by SPSS version 16 software and by using Chi square and T-test. The level of significance in all tests was considered 0.05.

Results
The mean of T-score in lumbar and femoral areas of diabetic patients were -0.87 ± 1.08 and -1.94 ± 1.33 and in patient with thyroid dysfunctions was -0.80 ± 1.09 and -1.64 ± 1.24 respectively. The mean of BMD in lumbar and femoral areas of diabetic patients were 0.96 ± 0.19 and 0.75 ± 0.19 and in patient with thyroid dysfunctions were 0.96 ± 0.17 and 0.76 ±0.19 respectively. The mean of BMI in osteoporotic subjects in the lumbar and femoral areas were 25.94 ± 5.62 and 26.95 ± 5.20 respectively. The association between BMI and BMD in the lumbar and femoral areas were statistically significant, but the association between DM and thyroid dysfunctions with BMD and T-score in the femoral and lumbar areas was not statistically significant (P-value > 0.05).

Conclusion
The results of current study show that there is no association between DM and thyroid dysfunctions with osteoporosis.
Efficacy of Evolvulus alsinoides (L.) L. on insulin and antioxidants activity in pancreas of streptozotocin induced diabetic rats
Authors: Gomathi Duraisamy , Ravikumar Ganesan , Kalaiselvi Manokaran , Devaki Kanakasabapathi , Uma Chandrasekar 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Aim
Diabetes mellitus (DM), a leading non communicable disease with multiple etiologies is considered as third greatest cause of death in all over the world. During DM, persistent hyperglycemia causes an increased production of free radicals via auto oxidation of glucose and non-enzymatic protein glycation which may lead to disruption of cellular functions and oxidative damage to membranes. The present study was designed to investigate the therapeutic effect of Evolvulus alsinoides on antioxidant activity in pancreas of experimental diabetes.

Methods
The antioxidant activities were done by using standard protocols. For histopathological analysis, the pancreatic tissues of all experimental groups were fixed with 10% formalin for 24 hrs then the samples were stained with haemotoxylin-eosin for the microscopic observation.

Results
Oral administration of plant extract for 45 days resulted in significant antioxidant activity, increases the insulin level and also inhibits lipid peroxidation in pancreas of streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. The histopathological studies showed the normal histology of pancreas after treatment with plant extract and glibenclamide. This study showed that the administration of Evolvulus alsinoides to streptozotocin induced diabetic rats improves the antioxidant activity and remodel the structure of pancreas due to the presence of secondary metabolites like phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids and glycosides in the ethanolic extract of plant material.

Conclusion
From the present study, it can be concluded that the plant extract effectively reduced the oxidative stress induced by streptozotocin and potentially increased the insulin level. Hence, it can be used in the management of diabetes mellitus.
Differences in antibiotic use and knowledge between adolescent and adult mothers in Ecuador
Authors: Quizhpe P Arturo , Gassowski Martyna , Encalada T Lorena , Barten Francoise 
Published: July 2013

Objectives: To investigate the differences in antibiotic use and knowledge between adolescent and adult mothers of children under the age of 5 years in Ecuador.Methods: A cross sectional study was performed in four health centers and hospitals. Mothers of children under five years, seeking medical attention their child's upper respiratory tract infection (URI), were included. The data was collected through interviews, using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire covered the topics knowledge of antibiotic treatment, risk and resistance. Results: 777 mothers were included in the study, of which 15.8% were adolescent and 84.1% adult mothers. There were significant differences in the social and economic characteristics of the mothers (p ≤ 0.05), with adolescent mothers being more likely to have an incomplete high school education and lack of basic services in their home. Significant differences between these groups were found in adherence to treatment, knowledge about risks associated with antibiotic use, and having heard of antibiotic resistance. Among the adult mothers, 83.5% reported correct adherence, 28.5% were knowledgeable about risks associated with antibiotic use, and 29.3% had heard of antibiotic resistance. Among the adolescent mothers, these numbers were 75.4%, 15.0%, and 19.8%, respectively.Conclusions: To develop successful interventions, it is crucial to understand the factors causing differences in antibiotic use and knowledge between mothers.
Determining the efficacy of full-time occlusion therapy in severe amblyopia at different ages
Authors: Irfan Sameera , Adil Nausherwan , Iqbal Haris 
Published: July 2013

Objective: To find out how much visual improvement is possible in severe amblyopia using full-time occlusion therapy and if improvement is influenced by the patient’s age. Methods: A trial of 115 consecutive cases with unilateral, severe amblyopia was conducted at a tertiary referral center from Jan 2010 to Oct 2012. Patients were divided into three age groups: 3-7 years (n= 38), 8-12 years (n=41), 13-35 years (n=36). After a complete ophthalmological examination by a single ophthalmologist, cases with organic visual loss were excluded; cases with previous part-time occlusion therapy that had failed were included in the study. Patients were given optimal refractive correction for a month, followed by full-time occlusion therapy along with near visual activities for 3-4 hours/day. The therapy was continued until maximum visual recovery was achieved (6/6 Snellen’s). Therapy was gradually reduced and stopped. Patients were followed-up regularly for the next 18 months. Results: There was 100% success in the 3-7 year group, 92.68% in the 8-12 year group and 97.22% in the 13-35 year group. Conclusion: Visual improvement is possible in almost all patients with severe amblyopia irrespective of their age with full-time occlusion therapy.
Access to Diagnosis and Treatment Services Among Latino Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Magaña Sandra , Lopez Kristina , Aguinaga Arellys , Morton Holly 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThere is greater identification of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and, as a result, more attention to specialty services to address the challenges children with ASD face. Along with the growth in identification of ASD is a growth in the population of Latino children, yet there is some evidence that disparities exist in diagnosis and services between Latino and non-Latino White children. This study further documents these disparities and investigates the mechanisms that may contribute to them. Diagnosis and specialty services were compared between 48 Latino and 56 non-Latino White children diagnosed with ASD, and factors that contribute to differences are explored. Results show that Latino children were diagnosed almost one year later than White children, received fewer specialty services, and had higher unmet service needs. Factors that accounted for differences in the number of services received were maternal level of education and the number of sources of knowledge about autism. Findings suggest that service providers need to work to provide greater awareness and knowledge about autism, and make services more accessible to Latino families.
The Relationship Between Body Movements and Qualities of Social Interaction Between a Boy With Severe Developmental Disabilities and His Caregiver
Authors: Dammeyer Jesper , Køppe Simo 
Published: July 2013

AbstractResearch in social interaction and nonverbal communication among individuals with severe developmental disabilities also includes the study of body movements. Advances in analytical technology give new possibilities for measuring body movements more accurately and reliably. One such advance is the Qualisys Motion Capture System (QMCS), which utilizes optical markers to capture body movements. The aim of this study was to explore the practicality of measuring body movements in the nonverbal communication of a child with severe developmental disabilities. A preliminary case study has been undertaken. The social interaction between a boy with developmental disabilities and his teacher was analyzed (1) using observer ratings on psychological aspects of the social interaction and (2) measuring body positions, velocity, and angles of body movements using the QMCS. Associations between observer ratings and measured body movements were examined. This preliminary case study has indicated that emotional response and attention level during the social interaction corresponded with local, synchronized movements and face-to-face orientation. Measurement of motor behavior is suggested as being a potentially useful methodological approach to studying social interaction and communication development.
Intellectual Disabilities and Dystopian Visions: Ayn Rand and Edgar Rice Burroughs
Authors: Smith J. David , Polloway Edward A. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractMost cultures have respect for and respond positively to individuals who make significant literary contributions to the way that people understand life and society. While the impact of literature may vary widely, those individuals deemed to have added important perspectives through their writing are often elevated to positions of high regard and influence. Thus, their work becomes important to our understanding of the human condition, including the meaning of disability.
The Development of a Monoclonal Antibody Recognizing the Drosophila melanogaster Phosphorylated Histone H2A Variant (γ-H2AV)
Authors: Lake Cathleen M , Korda Holsclaw Julie , Bellendir Stephanie P , Sekelsky Jeff , Hawley R Scott 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
The recognition of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) using a phospho-specific antibody to the histone 2A variant has become the gold standard assay for DNA damage detection. Here we report on the development of the first monoclonal antibody to the phospho-specific form of Drosophila H2AV and characterize the specificity of this antibody to programmed DSBs in oocytes and rereplication sites in endocycling cells by immunofluorescence assays and to DSBs resulting from irradiation in both cell culture and whole tissue by Western blot assays. These studies show that the antibody derived in the study is highly specific for this modification that occurs at DSB sites, and therefore will be a new useful tool within the Drosophila community for the study of DNA damage response, DSB repair, meiotic recombination and chemical agents that cause DNA damage.
Genetic Determinants of Cell Size at Birth and Their Impact on Cell Cycle Progression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Truong Sandra K , McCormick Ryan F , Polymenis Michael 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
In most cases, cells must increase their size before they can divide. Hence, a small size has been used often as a phenotype for mutants that accelerate initiation of division, such as the celebrated WHI mutants of budding yeast. Recently, we measured the DNA content of all nonessential gene deletion strains in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Surprisingly, there was little, if any, correlation between mean cell size and cell-cycle progression. Here, we examine this issue further, providing the first systematic analysis of genetic determinants of the cell size at birth. We found that although a large birth size strongly correlates with a large mean size, the converse relationship (i.e., small birth size vs. small mean size) is not as strong. Our data also suggest that mutants that are born large do not have a significant advantage for faster cell-cycle progression. In contrast, mutants that are born small are more likely to progress slower in the cell cycle. The majority of gene deletions that displayed such phenotypes affect protein synthesis or ribosome biogenesis. Overall, our data suggest that birth size may be a more informative parameter for cell-cycle progression than the mean size of a proliferating cell population. In contrast to WHI phenotype expectations, a small size is more likely to be associated with delayed cell-cycle progression.
Objective assessment of patient compliance with removable orthodontic appliances: A cross-sectional cohort study
Authors: Tsomos George , Ludwig Björn , Grossen Johannes , Pazera Pawel , Gkantidis Nikolaos 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACT

Objective:
To assess objectively patient compliance with removable orthodontic appliances and the effect of possible influential factors.

Materials and Methods:
Wearing times of 45 White patients were recorded with the aid of the TheraMon microsensor. Patient compliance was assessed relative to wear prescription and other parameters, such as age and sex.

Results:
There was high individual variation in most measured variables and in all groups/subgroups. During a median observation period of 186 days (range, 55–318 days) the actual wear time was 9.0 h/d (range, 0.0–16.0 h/d) and did not differ between distinct prescriptions (P  =  .49). Eight patients wore their appliances less than 2 h/d, and six of them did not wear their appliances at all. Overall, the median wear per day relative to prescription was 62.5% (range, 0.0–89.3%) for the 14 h/d and 112.5% (range, 0.0–200.0%) for the 8 h/d prescription wear (P  =  .01) groups. There was a strong negative correlation of age (median: 12.5 years) with the daily percentage of actual wear time per day relative to wear prescription (14 h/d prescription: n  =  21, rho  =  −0.61, P  =  .00; 8 h/d prescription: n  =  24, rho  =  −0.73, P  =  .00), while sex did not exert a significant influence on compliance (P  =  .58).

Conclusions:
Despite the fact that patients and parents were informed about wear time recording, compliance was insufficient with regard to functional treatment (14 h/d prescription), while it was sufficient for retention purposes (8 h/d prescription). Objective measures are necessary to assess compliance with removable orthodontic appliances since patient compliance is a highly variable issue.