bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Substantia nigra neuromelanin‐MR imaging differentiates essential tremor from Parkinson's disease
Authors: Reimão Sofia , Pita Lobo Patrícia , Neutel Dulce , Guedes Leonor Correia , Coelho Miguel , Rosa Mário M. , Azevedo Pedro , Ferreira Joana , Abreu Daisy , Gonçalves Nilza , Nunes Rita G. , Campos Jorge , Ferreira Joaquim J. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractABSTRACT: BackgroundEssential tremor (ET) is a very common movement disorder that has no diagnostic markers. Differentiation with Parkinson's disease (PD) can be clinically challenging in some cases, with a high rate of misdiagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies have been able to identify neuromelanin changes in the substantia nigra (SN) of PD patients, but they have thus far not been investigated in ET. In this study, we aimed to characterize neuromelanin‐MR signal changes in ET and evaluate its diagnostic accuracy in the differential diagnosis with PD.MethodsThe inclusion criteria were patients with ET and untreated “de novo” PD patients; in addition, age‐matched controls were enrolled. These were studied with a high‐resolution T1‐weighted MRI sequence at 3.0 Tesla to visualize neuromelanin. The primary outcomes were the area and width of the SN region with high signal.ResultsA total of 15 ET patients and 12 “de novo” PD patients were evaluated. The area and width of the T1 high signal in the SN region were markedly decreased in the PD group compared with the ET and age‐matched controls, and a greater decrease was seen in the ventrolateral segment. The neuromelanin measures in the ET group, although slightly lower, were not significantly different from the healthy control group. We obtained a sensitivity of 66.7% and a specificity of 93.3% in discriminating ET from early‐stage PD.ConclusionsNeuromelanin‐sensitive MRI techniques can discriminate ET from early‐stage tremor‐dominant PD and can be a useful clinical tool in the evaluation of tremor disorders. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Copy number variation in the ATP‐binding cassette transporter ABCC6 gene and ABCC6 pseudogenes in patients with pseudoxanthoma elasticum
Authors: Kringen Marianne K. , Stormo Camilla , Berg Jens Petter , Terry Sharon F. , Vocke Christine M. , Rizvi Samar , Hendig Doris , Piehler Armin P. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractSingle mutations in the ATP‐binding cassette transporter (ABCC6) gene (OMIM 603234) are known to cause the rare autosomal recessive disease pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE). Recently, we have found that copy number variations (CNVs) in pseudogenes of the ABCC6 gene are quite common. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and possible contribution of CNV in ABCC6 and its pseudogenes in PXE. Genomic DNA from 212 PXE individuals were examined for copy number by pyrosequencing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and compared with healthy individuals. The frequency of PXE individuals with any CNV was higher than in healthy individuals. The majority of variation comprised known and possibly new deletions in the ABCC6 gene and duplications of the ABCC6P1 and ABCC6P2 genes. ABCC6 deletions and ABCC6P2 duplications were not observed in 142 healthy individuals. In conclusion, by pyrosequencing and quantitative PCR, we were able to detect known and possibly new deletions in the ABCC6 gene that may have caused the PXE phenotype. Pyrosequencing may be used in PXE patients who have obtained incomplete genotype from conventional techniques. The frequency of ABCC6P2 pseudogene duplication was more common in PXE patients than healthy individuals and may affect the PXE phenotype.
Motion immune diffusion imaging using augmented MUSE for high‐resolution multi‐shot EPI
Authors: Guhaniyogi Shayan , Chu Mei‐Lan , Chang Hing‐Chiu , Song Allen W. , Chen Nan‐kuei 
Published: March 2015

PurposeTo develop new techniques for reducing the effects of microscopic and macroscopic patient motion in diffusion imaging acquired with high‐resolution multishot echo‐planar imaging.TheoryThe previously reported multiplexed sensitivity encoding (MUSE) algorithm is extended to account for macroscopic pixel misregistrations, as well as motion‐induced phase errors in a technique called augmented MUSE (AMUSE). Furthermore, to obtain more accurate quantitative diffusion‐tensor imaging measures in the presence of subject motion, we also account for the altered diffusion encoding among shots arising from macroscopic motion.MethodsMUSE and AMUSE were evaluated on simulated and in vivo motion‐corrupted multishot diffusion data. Evaluations were made both on the resulting imaging quality and estimated diffusion tensor metrics.ResultsAMUSE was found to reduce image blurring resulting from macroscopic subject motion compared to MUSE but yielded inaccurate tensor estimations when neglecting the altered diffusion encoding. Including the altered diffusion encoding in AMUSE produced better estimations of diffusion tensors.ConclusionThe use of AMUSE allows for improved image quality and diffusion tensor accuracy in the presence of macroscopic subject motion during multishot diffusion imaging. These techniques should facilitate future high‐resolution diffusion imaging. Magn Reson Med 75:639–652, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neurolymphomatosis: A report of 2 cases representing opposite ends of the clinical spectrum
Authors: Lahoria Rajat , Dyck P. James B. , Macon William R. , Crum Brian A. , Spinner Robert J. , Amrami Kimberly K. , Zeldenrust Steven R. , Tracy Jennifer A. 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTIntroductionNeurolymphomatosis (NL) is a rare disorder characterized by invasion of cranial or peripheral nerves, nerve roots, or plexi, usually by aggressive subtypes of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). The most common clinical presentation is that of a painful polyneuropathy or polyradiculopathy, followed by cranial neuropathy and, less frequently, by painless polyneuropathy.MethodsClinical and pathologic findings are reported for 2 NL cases.ResultsThe following 2 patients with NL, with disparate clinical presentations, are presented: a patient with subacute onset, painful, multifocal, mixed axonal and demyelinating radiculoplexus neuropathy due to a large B‐cell NHL, who required 2 targeted fascicular nerve biopsies to demonstrate NL; and a patient with a slowly progressive, length‐dependent axonal polyneuropathy due to a low‐grade B‐cell lymphoproliferative disorder, as shown on a diagnostic sural nerve biopsy.ConclusionsThe cases described illustrate the wide clinical spectrum of NL. Muscle Nerve 52:449–454, 2015
Facile fabrication of metal oxide hollow spheres using polydopamine nanoparticles as active templates
Authors: Shen Heng , Long Yuhua , Yang Xiaoli , Zhao Ning , Xu Jian 
Published: March 2015

AbstractA facile method of fabricating metal oxide hollow spheres using polydopamine (PDA) nanoparticles as active templates is reported. Monodisperse PDA nanoparticles were prepared by the polymerization of dopamine in Tris buffer solution containing various amounts of poly(ethylene oxide)–poly(propylene oxide)–poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO‐PPO‐PEO). The diameter of the resultant PDA nanoparticles decreased from about 180 to 80 nm with an increase of PEO‐PPO‐PEO concentration from 0 to 1.25 mg mL−1. The active groups of PDA and also the PEO‐PPO‐PEO adsorbed on the PDA spheres can chelate with various metal ions. It was found that when PDA spheres with diameter below 100 nm were used as templates, diverse metal oxide hollow spheres like CeO2, NiO and Cr2O3 could be obtained after calcination, demonstrating the diversity of this method for fabricating various metal oxide hollow spheres. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Nitrogen‐Rich Energetic 1,2,5‐Oxadiazole‐Tetrazole – Based Energetic Materials
Authors: Klapötke Thomas M. , Witkowski Tomasz G. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractResearch for new energetic materials with tailored properties is of particular interest in many research groups. In order to meet challenging requirements heterocyclic systems have been investigated. One of the most promising area of research is synthesis of high nitrogen content compounds. Connection of highly endothermic moieties within one molecule attracted attention in recent time. The combination of nitrogen rich tetrazole and tetrazole oxides with oxygen containing furazan and furoxan is a new trend in synthesis of energetic materials with appropriate oxygen balance, high density, and good thermal stability. Various salts have been obtained in order to improve properties in comparison to covalent energetic materials. In this paper results in a recent research for nitrogen rich compounds containing 1,2,5‐oxadiazoletetrazoles species are presented.
Adverse Life Experience and Psychological Distress in Adolescence: Moderating and Mediating Effects of Emotion Regulation and Rumination
Authors: Boyes Mark E. , Hasking Penelope A. , Martin Graham 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe current study tested whether emotion regulation and rumination moderated and/or mediated the relationship between accumulated adverse life experience and psychological distress in adolescence. In class, Australian high school students (n = 2637, 12–18 years, 68% female) from 41 schools completed well‐validated measures of adverse life experience, emotion regulation, rumination and psychological distress, and were followed up 1 year later (n = 1973, 75% retention rate). Adjusting for age, gender and baseline psychological distress, adverse life experience predicted psychological distress 1 year later. Expressive suppression and rumination were positively associated with psychological distress. Cognitive reappraisal was negatively associated with psychological distress and moderated the relationship between adverse life experience and psychological distress. This relationship was also partially mediated by cognitive reappraisal, expressive suppression and rumination. Promoting cognitive reappraisal and minimizing expressive suppression and rumination may be useful strategies to improve mental health for adolescents who have experienced adverse life events. Future research should examine whether adolescents who have experienced adverse life events can be trained in effective emotion regulation strategies and whether this training can prevent development of psychological maladjustment. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cytoplasmic localization and asymmetric division in the early embryo of Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Griffin Erik E. 
Published: March 2015

During the initial cleavages of the Caenorhabditis elegans embryo, a series of rapid and invariant asymmetric cell divisions pattern the fate, size, and position of four somatic blastomeres and a single germline blastomere. These asymmetric divisions are orchestrated by a collection of maternally deposited factors that are initially symmetrically distributed in the newly fertilized embryo. Maturation of the sperm‐derived centrosome in the posterior cytoplasm breaks this symmetry by triggering a dramatic and highly stereotyped partitioning of these maternal factors. A network of conserved cell polarity regulators, the PAR proteins, form distinct anterior and posterior domains at the cell cortex. From these domains, the PAR proteins direct the segregation of somatic and germline factors into opposing regions of the cytoplasm such that, upon cell division, they are preferentially inherited by the somatic blastomere or the germline blastomere, respectively. The segregation of these factors is controlled, at least in part, by a series of reaction–diffusion mechanisms that are asymmetrically deployed along the anterior/posterior axis. The characterization of these mechanisms has important implications for our understanding of how cells are polarized and how spatial organization is generated in the cytoplasm. WIREs Dev Biol 2015, 4:267–282. doi: 10.1002/wdev.177This article is categorized under:

Establishment of Spatial and Temporal Patterns > Cytoplasmic Localization
Establishment of Spatial and Temporal Patterns > Gradients
Early Embryonic Development > Fertilization to Gastrulation
Bacterial Symbiotes, Their Presence in Head Lice, and Potential Treatment Avenues
Authors: Burkhart Craig N. , Burkhart Craig G. 
Published: March 2015

Background: Pediculus humanus capitis (head lice) belongs to the order Anoplura, which are blood-feeding ectoparasites that live on human hair. Within these insects reside symbiotic bacteria that enable the insect to flourish on dietary sources of limited nutritional value. These symbiotic bacteria are essential to the survival of the insect. Objective: To assess the feasibility of treating head lice by altering their symbiotic bacteria. Methods: In addition to a literature review of the expanded role of symbiotic bacteria in other organisms, the anatomic localization of their presence in human head lice and molecular characterization of the head louse symbiont were analyzed. Results: Anatomically, the bacterial symbiotes are localized to the midgut mycetome in males and the ovaries in females. The 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid phylogenetic analysis was presented. Features of this bacterial symbiote may make this symbiont accessible as a target for pediculocidal and ovicidal therapy by altering its habitat and existence. Conclusions: An understanding of the nature of bacterial symbiotes of head lice might lead to alternative strategies for eradication or inhibition of these necessary bacteria, thereby controlling head lice with less toxic agents than conventional insecticides, to which the organism continues to increase its resistance.
Treatment of Refractory Chromomycosis by Isolated Limb Infusion with Melphalan and Actinomycin D
Authors: Damian Diona L. , Barnetson Ross StC. , Thompson John F. 
Published: March 2015

Background: Chromomycosis is frequently resistant to systemic and local therapies, and advanced bulky disease can compromise limb function. Methods: A man developed extensive chromomycosis of the left arm, refractory to multiple systemic and local treatments. Regional chemotherapy with the isolated limb infusion (ILI) technique using melphalan and actinomycin D markedly reduced disease bulk and greatly improved function of the arm over the next 2 months. Repeat ILI was performed 10 months later, again with good improvement in mobility of the elbow and significant debulking of disease. At the present time, there is some persistent but stable disease, which is controlled by heat therapy with disposable pocket warmers. The patient declined any further systemic therapy. Conclusion: ILI rapidly reduced disease bulk, restoring the limb to normal function within a few weeks. Although not curative, ILI could be an effective adjunctive treatment for severe chromomycosis in patients resistant to or intolerant of other therapies.
Resident Education: Effect of the Sixth National Psoriasis Foundation Chief Residents' Meeting
Authors: Greist Heather M. , Pearce Daniel J. , Blauvelt Molly , Feldman Steven R. 
Published: March 2015

Background: Psoriasis is a common problem, with patients frequently reporting dissatisfaction with their care. The National Psoriasis Foundation held its sixth annual Chief Residents' Meeting in October 2004 with the goal of educating dermatology residents about psoriasis. Objective: The purpose of this study is to assess residents' knowledge about psoriasis before and after the meeting. Methods: Residents were given the same 11-question multiple-choice test before and after the meeting. Eighty-one residents completed the pretest and 41 completed the post-test. Results: Overall, the mean number of questions answered correctly increased from 5.2 of 11 (47%) on the pretest to 8.9 (81%) on the post-test ( p < .00001). Scores improved on the post-test in all subject areas. The greatest percent improvement occurred in the subjects of patient education and phototherapy. Conclusion: Although limited by small numbers and an unknown response bias, the National Psoriasis Foundation Chief Residents' Meeting was successful in educating the attendees about psoriasis; it is hoped that topic-specific resident education will lead to better patient care.
Adverse Cutaneous Reactions to Selective Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors: Experience of an Italian Drug-Surveillance Center
Authors: Atzori Laura , Pinna Anna Luisa , Pau Monica , Aste Natalia , Zucca Myriam , Ferreli Caterina 
Published: March 2015

Background: Selective cyclooxygenase (COX) 2 nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been associated with a general lower incidence of side effects compared with nonselective NSAIDs. Postmarketing information has highlighted the need to reassess the risk evaluation for specific organs, including the skin. Objective: A prospective databank to record all cases of adverse cutaneous reactions associated with the use of COX inhibitors was conducted at the Centre for Drug Surveillance of the Dermatology Department of Cagliari University. Material and Methods: An intensive surveillance program from November 2000 to October 2004, adopting the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Drug Monitoring causality assessment criteria and algorithm. Results: Seventeen cases, 4 male and 13 female, were studied. None had previously presented any drug intolerance or allergy. Clinical manifestations were mainly maculopapular exanthema followed by urticaria-angioedema. A severe case of leukocytoclastic vasculitis was also observed. Responsible drugs were celecoxib (13 cases; 76%), rofecoxib (3 cases; 18%), and etoricoxib (1 case; 6%). All cases recovered with drug withdrawal. Causality was probable for all eruptions, except for the fixed drug eruption, for which causality was certain. Discussion: Although most cases were associated with celecoxib, the observation of severe eruptions owing to rofecoxib and etoricoxib in this prospective study is consistent with a class effect of COX inhibitors on the skin, which merits further studies to explain the fine underlying mechanisms.
Contributions of Community Psychology to Rural Advisory Services: An Analysis of Latin American Rural Extensionists’ Point of View
Authors: Landini Fernando 
Published: March 2015

AbstractDuring the last decade, rural extension has received interest as being a key tool for rural development. Despite rural extension being affected by many psychosocial processes, psychology has made scarce contributions to it. An investigation was conducted with the aim of gaining knowledge of rural extensionists’ expectations of psychology, as well as to contribute to shaping community psychologists’ role in the context of rural extension . 652 extensionists from 12 Latin American countries were surveyed. The survey included closed socio‐demographic questions as well as open ones addressing extension practice and psychologists’ potential contributions. 90.6 % of surveyed extensionists considered psychology could help them improve their practice. Most mentioned areas of contribution go in line with community psychology, including managing farmers groups, facilitating participatory processes and training extensionists; while others, such as the expectation of changing farmers’ mindset and increasing the adoption of external technologies, go against its principles. Thus, in some cases, extensionists’ expectations could help generate an interesting interaction between community psychology and rural extension, while in others, they need to be put up for discussion. In brief, community psychology has the potential to contribute to rural extension, but it needs to acknowledge extension practice as an interesting area for intervention.
Antioxidant Activity of Seaweed Extracts: In Vitro Assays, Evaluation in 5 % Fish Oil‐in‐Water Emulsions and Characterization
Authors: Sabeena Farvin K. H. , Jacobsen Charlotte 
Published: March 2015

AbstractIn this study the antioxidant activity of absolute ethanol, 50 % ethanol and water extracts of two species of seaweeds, namely Fucus serratus and Polysiphonia fucoides, were evaluated both in in vitro assays and in 5 % fish oil‐in‐water (o/w) emulsions. The 50 % ethanolic extracts of P. fucoides showed higher antioxidant activity both in in vitro assays and in 5 % oil‐in‐water emulsion in the presence or absence of iron. In spite of the higher phenolic content and very good antioxidant activity in some of the in vitro assays, the absolute ethanol extracts of both the species showed a pro‐oxidative tendency in 5 % fish oil‐in‐water emulsion in the presence or absence of iron. In order to investigate the reason for the higher antioxidant activity of 50 % ethanolic extracts of P. fucoides, these extracts were further fractionated into polyphenol‐rich, protein‐rich, polysaccharide‐rich and low‐molecular‐weight fractions. These fractions were tested both in in vitro and in 5 % oil‐in‐water emulsions. The results of the present study showed that the main effect was due to the phenolic compounds. In conclusion, the 50 % ethanolic extracts of P. fucoides can be a potential source of natural antioxidants as these extracts have antioxidant activities similar to those of synthetic antioxidants such as BHT.
Transnasal versus conventional peroral insertion of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy using pull method
Authors: Lin Lian Feng 
Published: March 2015

SummaryBackgroundSeveral cases of successful percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) through the transnasal route have been reported, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in transnasal PEG was described earlier. This study was conducted to investigate the difference between transnasal PEG and conventional PEG.MethodsA retrospective case–control study was conducted to compare pull‐type transnasal (T‐PEG) and peroral (O‐PEG) placement of a 20 Fr PEG tube in a community hospital. Thirty‐eight T‐PEG and 38 O‐PEG were analyzed in 76 chronic dysphagic patients from homes or nursing homes. The operating time, occurrence of choking during PEG, stomal site infection, bacterial pathogens, and post‐PEG complication were recorded and analyzed.ResultsThe mean age was 76.3 ± 10.3 years for T‐PEG versus 79.3 ± 6.9 years for O‐PEG; 67% were male versus 48% female; operating time was 14.6 ± 4.0 minutes for T‐PEG versus 11 ± 3 minutes for O‐PEG (p = 0.0028), and choking occurred in three patients in the T‐PEG group versus five in the O‐PEG group. There were 10 stomal site infections (9 with P. aeruginosa) in the T‐PEG group and 14 (8 with P. aeruginosa) in the O‐PEG group (p < 0.001). One systemic infection of the urinary tract, one buried bumper, and one stomal soiling were observed in the T‐PEG and O‐PEG groups. No PEG‐related mortality occurred within 3 months after all PEG procedures.ConclusionTransnasal insertion of PEG using a pull method is a feasible and safe alternative when conventional pull‐method PEG is not possible. However, P. aeruginosa infection is common when using T‐PEG; therefore, more studies focusing on prophylaxis of T‐PEG‐associated P. aeruginosa infection are required.