bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Zymographic analysis using gelatin‐coated film of the effect of etanercept on the extracellular matrix‐degrading activity in synovial fluids of rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Kamataki Akihisa , Ishida Mutsuko , Komagamine Masataka , Yoshida Masaaki , Ando Takanobu , Sawai Takashi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAimRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease. Most RA patients develop cartilage and bone destruction, and various proteinases are involved in the destruction of extracellular matrix of cartilage and bone. The aim of this study is to evaluate the utility of our newly developed method to measure total gelatinolytic activity. We adopted this method for measurement in synovial fluid from RA patients treated by the anti‐rheumatic drug etanercept (ETN), a recombinant human soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor fusion protein, and compared the findings with clinical and laboratory data.MethodsEnzymatic activity of synovial fluid was analyzed by zymography using gelatin‐coated film, and compared with the index of Disease Activity Score of 28 joints – C‐reactive protein (DAS28‐CRP), CRP and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐3 level before and after ETN therapy.ResultsSynovial fluids of 19 patients were collected before and after administration of ETN therapy. In nine of 19 patients, who showed a decrease in gelatin‐degrading activity in synovial fluid, the index of DAS28‐CRP (4.85–2.85, ΔDAS = −2.00) and CRP (3.30–0.94 mg/dL, ΔCRP = −2.36) was alleviated after ETN therapy, while cases with no change or an increase in gelatin‐degrading activity showed a modest improvement in clinical data: DAS28‐CRP (4.23–3.38, ΔDAS = −0.85) and CRP (1.70–0.74 mg/dL, ΔCRP = −0.96).ConclusionOur newly developed method for measurement of gelatin‐degrading activity in synovial fluid from RA patients is highly practicable and useful for predicting the effect of ETN therapy.
Role of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in focal therapy for prostate cancer: a Delphi consensus project
Authors: Muller Berrend G. , van den Bos Willemien , Brausi Maurizio , Cornud Francois , Gontero Paolo , Kirkham Alexander , Pinto Peter A. , Polascik Thomas J. , Rastinehad Ardeshir R. , de Reijke Theo M. , de la Rosette Jean J. , Ukimura Osamu , Villers Arnauld , Walz Jochen , Wijkstra Hessel , Marberger Michael 
Published: November 2013

ObjectiveTo define the role of multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) for treatment planning, guidance and follow‐up in focal therapy for prostate cancer based on a multidisciplinary Delphi consensus project.Materials and MethodsAn online consensus process based on a questionnaire was circulated according to the Delphi method.Discussion points were identified by literature research and were sent to the panel via an online questionnaire in three rounds.A face‐to‐face consensus meeting followed the three rounds of questions that were sent to a 48‐participant expert panel consisting of urologists, radiologists and engineers.Participants were presented with the results of the previous rounds.Conclusions formulated from the results of the questionnaire were discussed in the final face‐to‐face meeting.ResultsConsensus was reached in 41% of all key items.Patients selected for focal therapy should have biopsy‐proven prostate cancer. Biopsies should ideally be performed after mpMRI of the prostate. Standardization of imaging protocols is essential and mpMRIs should be read by an experienced radiologist. In the follow‐up after focal therapy, mpMRI should be performed after 6 months, followed by a yearly mpMRI. mpMRI findings should be confirmed by targeted biopsies before re‐treatment.No consensus was reached on whether mpMRI could replace transperineal template saturation biopsies to exclude significant lesions outside the target lesion.ConclusionsConsensus was reached on a number of areas related to the conduct, interpretation and reporting of mpMRI for use in treatment planning, guidance and follow‐up of focal therapy for prostate cancer.Future studies, comparing mpMRI with transperineal saturation mapping biopsies, will confirm the importance of mpMRI for a variety of purposes in focal therapy for prostate cancer.
Testicular‐sparing surgery for bilateral or monorchide testicular tumours: a multicenter study of long‐term oncological and functional results
Authors: Ferretti Ludovic , Sargos Paul , Gross‐Goupil Marine , Izard Vincent , Wallerand Hervé , Huyghe Eric , Rigot Jean‐Marc , Durand Xavier , Benoit Gerard , Ferriere Jean‐Marie , Droupy Stéphane 
Published: November 2013

ObjectiveTo review long‐term oncological and functional outcomes of testicular‐sparing surgery (TSS) in men presenting with bilateral or monorchide testicular tumours at one of five reference centres for testicular neoplasm and infertility.Patients and MethodsWe review 25 cases of bilateral synchrone and metachrone testicular tumours treated in five academic centres between 1984 and 2013.Clinical, biological, ultrasonography and pathological tumour findings, overall survival (OS) times, local or metastatic recurrence, pre‐ and postoperative hormonal profile, paternity and the need for androgen substitution were assessed.ResultsEleven patients with a bilateral synchrone tumour and 14 patients with a testicular tumour on a solitary testicle underwent a tumorectomy.The mean (sem) patient age was 31.9 (1.04) years, total testosterone level was 4.5 (0.57) ng.mL and tumour size was 11.66 (1.49) mm.Tumour types were as follows: 11 seminoma, nine non‐seminomatous or mixed germ cell tumours, four Leydig tumours, and one hamartoma. Frozen‐section examination was performed in 14 patients, and matched the final pathological analysis in 11 patients.There was an OS rate of 100% and three patients (12%) presented with a local recurrence after a mean follow‐up of 42.7 months.Radical orchiectomy was performed for six patients. No patient with a preserved testicle required androgen therapy; the mean postoperative total testosterone level was 4.0 ng/mL.No patient remained fertile after radiation therapy.ConclusionsTSS for bilateral testicular tumour is safe and effective in selected patients, and should be considered to avoid definitive androgen therapy.Adjuvant radiotherapy remains poorly described in the literature, leading to adjuvant treatment heterogeneity for testicular tumours.
Modeling Effectiveness of Gradual Increases in Source Level to Mitigate Effects of Sonar on Marine Mammals
Authors: VON BENDA‐BECKMANN ALEXANDER M. , WENSVEEN PAUL J. , KVADSHEIM PETTER H. , LAM FRANS‐PETER A. , MILLER PATRICK J. O. , TYACK PETER L. , AINSLIE MICHAEL A. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractRamp‐up or soft‐start procedures (i.e., gradual increase in the source level) are used to mitigate the effect of sonar sound on marine mammals, although no one to date has tested whether ramp‐up procedures are effective at reducing the effect of sound on marine mammals. We investigated the effectiveness of ramp‐up procedures in reducing the area within which changes in hearing thresholds can occur. We modeled the level of sound killer whales (Orcinus orca) were exposed to from a generic sonar operation preceded by different ramp‐up schemes. In our model, ramp‐up procedures reduced the risk of killer whales receiving sounds of sufficient intensity to affect their hearing. The effectiveness of the ramp‐up procedure depended strongly on the assumed response threshold and differed with ramp‐up duration, although extending the duration of the ramp up beyond 5 min did not add much to its predicted mitigating effect. The main factors that limited effectiveness of ramp up in a typical antisubmarine warfare scenario were high source level, rapid moving sonar source, and long silences between consecutive sonar transmissions. Our exposure modeling approach can be used to evaluate and optimize mitigation procedures.Modelado de la Efectividad de los Incrementos Graduales en el Nivel de la Fuente para Mitigar Efectos de Sonar sobre Mamíferos Marinos
The technical potential of Great Britain to produce ligno‐cellulosic biomass for bioenergy in current and future climates
Authors: Hastings Astley , Tallis Matthew J. , Casella Eric , Matthews Robert W. , Henshall Paul A. , Milner Suzanne , Smith Pete , Taylor Gail 
Published: November 2013

AbstractProcess and empirical‐based models that describe lignocellulosic biomass yield of the perennial energy grass Miscanthus (MiscanFor©), short rotation coppice (SRC) trees and shrubs, poplar and willow (ForestGrowth‐SRC) and a number of short rotation forest trees (ESC‐CARBINE), were used to estimate the yield potential for current and future climates across Great Britain (GB). In current climates, modelled yields for all feedstock crops varied between 8.1 and 10.6 Mg dry weight (DW) ha−1 yr−1 with willow SRC and poplar SRF producing the lowest and highest yields respectively. For the medium emissions scenario (UKCP09) in 2050, mean yield for all feedstock crops varied between 7.6 and 12.7 Mg DW ha−1 yr−1 with willow SRC and poplar SRF once again the lowest and the highest recorded yields. There were clear geographical trends within GB. Miscanthus yield was higher than all others in the south‐west (13.1 Mg DW ha−1 yr−1), SRC willow and SRC poplar in the north‐west (12.1–15.8 Mg DW ha−1 yr−1) and in the midlands and south‐east, SRF poplar was the highest yielding (10.5–11.6 Mg DW ha−1 yr−1). These geographical trends changed little with climate out to 2050, with mean yield of each ‘best feedstock’ increasing from 12.7 to 14.2 Mg DW ha−1 yr−1. Out to 2050, SRC declined slightly and Miscanthus and SRF poplar increased as the ‘best feedstock’ option. Except for a few localized examples, only SRF poplar had a higher yield than SRC or Miscanthus. These data suggest that in current and future climates, lignocellulosic biomass plantation species can be selected and optimized for best yield performance in different regions of GB. This modelling framework provides a valuable starting‐point for which to test the performance of new genetic material, as this becomes available and parameterized for the models and socio‐economic scenarios that may impact on the bioenergy industry.
Estimating UK perennial energy crop supply using farm‐scale models with spatially disaggregated data
Authors: Alexander Peter , Moran Dominic , Smith Pete , Hastings Astley , Wang Shifeng , Sünnenberg Gilla , Lovett Andrew , Tallis Matthew J. , Casella Eric , Taylor Gail , Finch Jon , Cisowska Iwona 
Published: November 2013

AbstractTo achieve the UK Government's aim of expansion in the growth of perennial energy crops requires farmers to select these crops in preference to conventional rotations. Existing studies estimating the total potential resource have either only simplistically considered the farmer decision‐making and opportunity costs, for example using an estimate of annual land rental charge; or have not considered spatial variability, for example using representative farm types. This paper attempts to apply a farm‐scale modelling approach with spatially specific data to improve understanding of potential perennial energy crop supply. The model main inputs are yield maps for the perennial energy crops, Miscanthus and willow grown as short‐rotation coppice (SRC), and regional yields for conventional crops. These are used to configure location specific farm‐scale models, which optimize for profit maximization with risk aversion. Areas that are unsuitable or unavailable for energy crops, due to environmental or social factors, are constrained from selection. The results are maps of economic supply, assuming a homogenous farm‐gate price, allowing supply cost curves for the UK market to be derived. The results show a high degree of regional variation in supply, with different patterns for each energy crop. Using estimates of yields under climate change scenarios suggests that Miscanthus supply may increase under future climates while the opposite effect is suggested for SRC willow. The results suggest that SRC willow is only likely to able to supply a small proportion of the anticipated perennial energy crop target, without increases in market prices. Miscanthus appears to have greater scope for supply, and its dominance may be amplified over time by the effects of climate change. Finally, the relationship to the demand side of the market is discussed, and work is proposed to investigate the factors impacting how the market as a whole may develop.
Moderate physical exercise reduces parasitaemia and protects colonic myenteric neurons in mice infected with Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Moreira Neide M. , Santos Franciele d. N. , Toledo Max Jean d. O. , Moraes Solange M. F. d. , Araujo Eduardo J. d. A. , Sant'Ana Debora d. M. G. , Araujo Silvana M. d. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryThis study evaluated the influence of moderate physical exercise on the myenteric neurons in the colonic intestinal wall of mice that had been infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. Parasitology and immunological aspects of the mice were considered. Forty‐day‐old male Swiss mice were divided into four groups: Trained Infected (TI), Sedentary Infected (SI), Trained Control (TC), and Sedentary Control (SC). The TC and TI were subjected to a moderate physical exercise program on a treadmill for 8 weeks. Three days after finishing exercise, the TI and SI groups were inoculated with 1,300 blood trypomastigotes of the Y strain‐T. cruzi. After 75 days of infection results were obtained. Kruskal‐Wallis or Analyze of variance (Tukey post hoc test) at 5% level of significance was performed. Moderate physical exercise reduced both the parasite peak (day 8 of infection) and total parasitemia compared with the sedentary groups (P < 0.05). This activity also contributed to neuronal survival (P < 0.05). Exercise caused neuronal hypertrophy (P < 0.05) and an increase in the total thickness of the intestinal wall (P < 0.05). The TI group exhibited an increase in the number of intraepithelial lymphocytes (P > 0.05). In trained animals, the number of goblet cells was reduced compared with sedentary animals (P < 0.05). Physical exercise prevented the formation of inflammatory foci in the TI group (P < 0.05) and increased the synthesis of TNF‐α (P < 0.05) and TGF‐β (P > 0.05). The present results demonstrated the benefits of moderate physical exercise, and reaffirmed the possibility of that it may contribute to improving clinical treatment in Chagas' disease patients.
Capturing the Stories behind the Numbers: The Auckland Regional Community Stroke Study (ARCOS IV), a Qualitative Study
Authors: Rutherford Sandy J. , Theadom Alice , Jones Amy , Hocking Clare , Feigin Valery , Krishnamurthi Rita , Kent Bruce , Barker-Collo Suzanne , McPherson Kathryn M. 
Published: November 2013

Background Qualitative data can add value and understanding to more traditional epidemiological studies. This study was designed to complement the quantitative data from the incidence study the Auckland Regional Community Stroke Study or ARCOS-IV by using qualitative methods to uncover the richer detail of life as a stroke survivor, thereby extending our understanding of the impact of stroke. Aims The aims of the study were to identify how the experience of recovery and adaptation changes over time after stroke; and to elicit the strategies people with stroke and their whānau/family use and find helpful in living life after stroke. The aim of this paper is to describe the methodology and also the challenges and advantages of embedding qualitative research into a large epidemiological study. Methods Longitudinal study utilizing a Qualitative Description design in a subset of those taking part in the incidence study. Participants will be interviewed at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after stroke. Semistructured interviews will explore three key areas: ( 1 ) issues of importance to people following a stroke and their whānau/family; ( 2 ) the perceived impact on people's sense of recovery, adaptation, and hopes; and ( 3 ) key strategies that people with stroke and their whānau/family use and find most helpful in living life after stroke. Thematic analysis will be conducted using iterative constant comparative methods. Conclusions This methodology paper demonstrates the application of mixed methods in epidemiology. It also considers some of the practical and methodological issues that have emerged and may provide a useful framework for other qualitative projects in population-based studies.
Pericardioscopic imaging findings in cadaveric dogs: Comparison of an apical pericardial window and sub‐phrenic pericardectomy
Authors: Skinner Owen T. , Case J. Brad , Ellison Gary W. , Monnet Eric L. 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo compare the pericardioscopic cardiovascular anatomy visible between apical pericardial window (PW) and sub‐phrenic pericardectomy (SPP).Study DesignExperimental study.AnimalsCanine cadavers (n = 5).MethodsThoracoscopy was performed using a transdiaphragmatic subxyphoid and right and left intercostal portals. A 4 cm × 4 cm apical PW was created with endoscopic scissors. The intra‐pericardiac structures were then pericardioscopically assessed using a subjective ordinal scale (0: not visible, 1: <50% seen, 2: >50% seen) before SPP. Assessment was repeated after SPP.ResultsAn apical PW provided limited access to the cardiac structures, with only the right ventricle >50% visible in all cadavers. The right atrium, right auricle, left ventricle, right coronary artery, and interventricular paraconal branch of the left coronary artery were observed but were typically <50% visible after apical PW. The left atrium and auricle, and heart base could not be consistently seen through an apical PW. Sub‐phrenic pericardectomy significantly improved observation of all intrapericardiac structures assessed, except for the right atrium and right ventricle.ConclusionsPW centered over the cardiac apex limits evaluation of the pericardial space during pericardioscopy compared to SPP in cadaveric dogs.
Analysis of quantitative trait loci in mice suggests a role of Enoph1 in stress reactivity
Authors: Barth Alexander , Bilkei‐Gorzo Andras , Drews Eva , Otte David M. , Diaz‐Lacava Amalia , Varadarajulu Jeeva , Turck Christoph W. , Wienker Thomas F. , Zimmer Andreas 
Published: November 2013

AbstractSignificant progress in elucidating the genetic etiology of anxiety and depression has been made during the last decade through a combination of human and animal studies. In this study, we aimed to discover genetic loci linked with anxiety as well as depression in order to reveal new candidate genes. Therefore, we initially tested the behavioral sensitivity of 543 F2 animals derived from an intercross of C57BL/6J and C3H/HeJ mice in paradigms for anxiety and depression. Next, all animals were genotyped with 269 microsatellite markers with a mean distance of 5.56 cM. Finally, a Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) analysis was carried out, followed by selection of candidate genes. The QTL analysis revealed several new QTL on chromosome 5 with a common core interval of 19 Mb. We further narrowed this interval by comparative genomics to a region of 15 Mb. A database search and gene prioritization revealed Enoph1 as the most significant candidate gene on the prioritization list for anxiety and also for depression fulfilling our selection criteria. The Enoph1 gene, which is involved in polyamine biosynthesis, is differently expressed in parental strains, which have different brain spermidine levels and show distinct anxiety and depression‐related phenotype. Our result suggests a significant role in polyamines in anxiety and depression‐related behaviors.
image
Enoph1, an enzyme of the methionine salvage pathway involved in polyamine biosynthesis, was identified by QTL analysis as a candidate gene contributing to stress‐sensitivity in a F2 population of mice derived from C57BL/6J × C3H/HeJ intercrosses. The parental strains express two different protein variants of Enoph1, show different Enoph1 expression levels, and have different brain spermidine levels. These findings suggest that Enoph1 modulates stress sensitivity in these strains.
Understanding the distributed cognitive processes of intensive care patient discharge
Authors: Lin Frances , Chaboyer Wendy , Wallis Marianne 
Published: November 2013

Aims and objectivesTo better understand and identify vulnerabilities and risks in the ICU patient discharge process, which provides evidence for service improvement.BackgroundPrevious studies have identified that ‘after hours’ discharge and ‘premature’ discharge from ICU are associated with increased mortality. However, some of these studies have largely been retrospective reviews of various administrative databases, while others have focused on specific aspects of the process, which may miss crucial components of the discharge process.DesignThis is an ethnographic exploratory study.MethodsDistributed cognition and activity theory were used as theoretical frameworks. Ethnographic data collection techniques including informal interviews, direct observations and collecting existing documents were used. A total of 56 one‐to‐one interviews were conducted with 46 participants; 28 discharges were observed; and numerous documents were collected during a five‐month period. A triangulated technique was used in both data collection and data analysis to ensure the research rigour.ResultsUnder the guidance of activity theory and distributed cognition theoretical frameworks, five themes emerged: hierarchical power and authority, competing priorities, ineffective communication, failing to enact the organisational processes and working collaboratively to optimise the discharge process. Issues with teamwork, cognitive processes and team members' interaction with cognitive artefacts influenced the discharge process.ConclusionStrategies to improve shared situational awareness are needed to improve teamwork, patient flow and resource efficiency. Tools need to be evaluated regularly to ensure their continuous usefulness.Relevance to clinical practiceHealth care professionals need to be aware of the impact of their competing priorities and ensure discharges occur in a timely manner. Activity theory and distributed cognition are useful theoretical frameworks to support healthcare organisational research.