bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Na+/H+‐exchanger (NHE1) generates pH nanodomains at focal adhesions
Authors: Ludwig Florian Timo , Schwab Albrecht , Stock Christian 
Published: November 2012

AbstractMany tumor cells are characterized by an increased net acid production. They extrude the excess protons mainly through the Na+/H+‐exchanger NHE1. An increased NHE1 activity elevates the metastatic potential of tumor cells. Cell migration, a key step in the metastatic cascade, requires the formation and release of integrin‐mediated cell–matrix contacts (focal adhesions). As NHE1 has been localized to focal adhesion sites, the present study tests the hypothesis that NHE1 generates measurable pH nanodomains right at focal adhesions. In order to ratiometrically measure pH close to the plasma membrane, we established a novel application of the total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM). Human melanoma cells were transfected with DsRed2‐paxillin to identify focal adhesion sites. The pH‐sensitive dyes BCECF and WGA‐fluorescein were used to measure the submembranous cytosolic and the pericellular pH, respectively. Distinct pH nanodomains were found at focal adhesions, particularly at those located at the cell front, where NHE1 was concentrated. These sites featured a remarkably alkaline cytosolic and an acidic pericellular pH and thus a much steeper proton gradient across the plasma membrane compared to the rest of the cell. The generation of pH nanodomains could be assigned to NHE1‐mediated H+ export because such pH domains could not be detected in NHE1‐deficient cells. Given that both integrin avidity and mechanisms contributing to adhesion turnover are pH‐sensitive, we propose that pH nanodomains at focal adhesions, locally created and maintained by NHE1 activity especially at the cell front, modulate adhesion dynamics in migrating cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 1351–1358, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MirPlex: A Tool for Identifying miRNAs in High‐Throughput sRNA Datasets Without a Genome
Authors: Mapleson Daniel , Moxon Simon , Dalmay Tamas , Moulton Vincent 
Published: November 2012

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non‐coding RNA (sRNA) involved in gene regulation through mRNA decay and translational repression. In animals, miRNAs have crucial regulatory functions during embryonic development and they have also been implicated in several diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders. As such, it is of importance to successfully characterize new miRNAs in order to further study their function. Recent advances in sequencing technologies have made it possible to capture a high‐resolution snapshot of the complete sRNA content of an organism or tissue. A common approach to miRNA detection involves searching such data for telltale miRNA signatures. However, current miRNA prediction tools usually require a sequenced genome to analyse regions flanking aligned sRNA reads in order to identify characteristic miRNA hairpin secondary structures. Since only a handful of published genomes are available, there is a need for novel methods to identify miRNAs in sRNA datasets from high‐throughput sequencing devices without requiring a reference genome. This paper presents miRPlex, a tool for miRNA prediction that requires only sRNA datasets as input. Mature miRNAs are predicted from such datasets through a multi‐stage process, involving filtering, miRNA:miRNA* duplex generation and duplex classification using a support vector machine. Tests on sRNA datasets from model animals demonstrate that the tool is effective at predicting genuine miRNA duplexes, and, for some sets, achieves a high degree of precision when considering only the mature sequence. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 320B:47–56, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of clinical history on chest radiograph interpretation
Authors: Test Matthew , Shah Samir S. , Monuteaux Michael , Ambroggio Lilliam , Lee Edward Y. , Markowitz Richard I. , Bixby Sarah , Diperna Stephanie , Servaes Sabah , Hellinger Jeffrey C. , Neuman Mark I. 
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUNDThe inclusion of clinical information may have unrecognized influence in the interpretation of diagnostic testing.OBJECTIVEThe objective of the study was to determine the impact of clinical history on chest radiograph interpretation in the diagnosis of pneumonia.DESIGNProspective case‐based study.METHODSRadiologists interpreted 110 radiographs of children evaluated for suspicion of pneumonia. Clinical information was withheld during the first interpretation. After 6 months the radiographs were reviewed with clinical information. Radiologists reported on pneumonia indicators described by the World Health Organization (ie, any infiltrate, alveolar infiltrate, interstitial infiltrate, air bronchograms, hilar adenopathy, pleural effusion).SETTINGChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia and Boston Children's Hospital.PARTICIPANTSSix board‐certified radiologists.OUTCOME MEASURESInter‐ and inter‐rater reliability were assessed using the kappa statistic.RESULTSThe addition of clinical history did not have a substantial impact on the inter‐rater reliability in the identification of any infiltrate, alveolar infiltrate, interstitial infiltrate, pleural effusion, or hilar adenopathy. Inter‐rater reliability in the identification of air bronchograms improved from fair (k = 0.32) to moderate (k = 0.53). Intra‐rater reliability for the identification of alveolar infiltrate remained substantial to almost perfect for all 6 raters with and without clinical information. One rater had a decrease in inter‐rater reliability from almost perfect (k = 1.0) to fair (k = 0.21) in the identification of interstitial infiltrate with the addition of clinical history.CONCLUSIONSAlveolar infiltrate and pleural effusion are findings with high intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability in the diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia. The addition of clinical information did not have a substantial impact on the reliability of these findings. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2013;8:359–364. © 2012 Society of Hospital Medicine
Adjuvant steroid therapy in community‐acquired pneumonia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Shafiq Majid , Mansoor Muhammad S. , Khan Adnan A. , Sohail M. Rizwan , Murad Mohammad H. 
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUNDCommunity‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among adults. Although steroids appear to be beneficial in animal models of CAP, clinical trial data in humans are either equivocal or conflicting.PURPOSEOur purpose was to perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis of studies examining the impact of steroid therapy on clinical outcomes among adults admitted with CAP.DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SELECTIONWe identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) through a systematic search of published literature up to July 2011.DATA EXTRACTIONWe estimated relative risks (RR) and weighted mean differences, pooled from each study using a random effects model.DATA SYNTHESISEight RCTs, comprising 1119 patients, met our selection criteria. Overall quality of the studies was moderate. Adjunctive steroid therapy had no effect on hospital mortality or length of stay in the intensive care unit, but reduced the overall length of hospital stay (RR: −1.21 days [95% confidence interval (CI): −2.12 to −0.29]). Less robust data also demonstrated reduced incidence of delayed shock (RR: 0.12 [95% CI: 0.03 to 0.41]) and reduced persistence of chest x‐ray abnormalities (RR: 0.13 [95% CI: 0.06 to 0.27]). A priori subgroup and sensitivity analyses did not alter these findings.CONCLUSIONSModerate‐quality evidence suggests that adjunctive steroid therapy for adults hospitalized with CAP reduced the length of hospital stay but did not alter mortality. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2013;8:68–75. © 2012 Society of Hospital Medicine
Effect of nutrient‐based fertilisers of olive trees on olive oil quality
Authors: Tekaya Meriem , Mechri Beligh , Bchir Amani , Attia Faouzi , Cheheb Hechmi , Daassa Mohamed , Hammami Mohamed 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundThis work was conducted to determine the effects of two nutrient‐based fertilisers on the general physicochemical characteristics (including free fatty acid content, peroxide value and UV spectrophotometric characteristics), fatty acid profile, total phenols, o‐diphenols and phytosterol composition of olive oil. Foliar applications were carried out in two successive years and included four treatments: TC (control, without foliar nutrition), T1 (rich in nitrogen, applied at the start of vegetation, 10 days later and 20 days later), T2 (rich in boron, magnesium, sulfur and manganese, applied at the beginning of flowering and 10 days later) and T3 (T1 + T2). At the end of the experiment (after 2 years), oils were extracted and analysed.ResultsNo effect was found on either general physicochemical characteristics or fatty acid composition. Foliar fertilisation caused a significant decrease in both polyphenol and o‐diphenol contents. Total sterol content was unaffected by foliar fertilisation. However, the phytosterol composition of the oil, particularly its β‐sitosterol level, was markedly improved after foliar nutrient application. Principal component analysis of the phytosterol composition showed discrimination between the control oil and the oils from T1, T2 and T3 treatments.ConclusionThe results of this study extend the current knowledge of such cross‐talk between plant nutrition and quality of oil. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Encouraging Legal Help Seeking for Victims of Intimate Partner Violence: The Therapeutic Effects of the Civil Protection Order
Authors: Wright Caroline Vaile , Johnson Dawn M. 
Published: November 2012

Civil protective orders (CPOs) are the most widely used justice system remedy for intimate partner violence (IPV), and were implemented to ensure safety and increase victim participation in the justice system. Limited data exists regarding the effectiveness of CPOs; however, theories of therapeutic jurisprudence argue that legal interventions in and of themselves can improve mental health outcomes. To test this hypothesis, we examined the effectiveness of having a CPO issued against one's abuser at improving the psychological sequelae of exposure to trauma. We used a longitudinal sample of female residents of battered women's shelters who had experienced IPV (N = 106; 55% African American). One‐way analyses of variance using gain scores indicated that PTSD symptoms (effect size ηp2 = .16) and incidents of sexual revictimization (effect size ηp2 = .09) decreased from baseline to 6‐months postshelter for women who had a CPO against their most recent abuser compared to women without a CPO. These results support theories of therapeutic jurisprudence, suggesting that having a CPO can improve mental health outcomes. Limitations and clinical implications of our findings are discussed, including arguing for a coordinated service system that incorporates both legal and psychological assistance to improve the mental health of victims of IPV.
Femtosecond plasma mediated laser ablation has advantages over mechanical osteotomy of cranial bone
Authors: Lo David D. , Mackanos Mark A. , Chung Michael T. , Hyun Jeong S. , Montoro Daniel T. , Grova Monica , Liu Chunjun , Wang Jenny , Palanker Daniel , Connolly Andrew J. , Longaker Michael T. , Contag Christopher H. , Wan Derrick C. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundAlthough mechanical osteotomies are frequently made on the craniofacial skeleton, collateral thermal, and mechanical trauma to adjacent bone tissue causes cell death and may delay healing. The present study evaluated the use of plasma‐mediated laser ablation using a femtosecond laser to circumvent thermal damage and improve bone regeneration.MethodsCritical‐size circular calvarial defects were created with a trephine drill bit or with a Ti:Sapphire femtosecond pulsed laser. Healing was followed using micro‐CT scans for 8 weeks. Calvaria were also harvested at various time points for histological analysis. Finally, scanning electron microscopy was used to analyze the microstructure of bone tissue treated with the Ti:Sapphire laser, and compared to that treated with the trephine bur.ResultsLaser‐created defects healed significantly faster than those created mechanically at 2, 4, and 6 weeks post‐surgery. However, at 8 weeks post‐surgery, there was no significant difference. In the drill osteotomy treatment group, empty osteocyte lacunae were seen to extend 699 ± 27 µm away from the edge of the defect. In marked contrast, empty osteocyte lacunae were seen to extend only 182 ± 22 µm away from the edge of the laser‐created craters. Significantly less ossification and formation of irregular woven bone was noted on histological analysis for drill defects.ConclusionsWe demonstrate accelerated bone healing after femtosecond laser ablation in a calvarial defect model compared to traditional mechanical drilling techniques. Improved rates of early regeneration make plasma‐mediated ablation of the craniofacial skeleton advantageous for applications to osteotomy. Lasers Surg. Med. 44: 805–814, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Renewable Polyols for Polyurethane Synthesis via Thiol‐ene/yne Couplings of Plant Oils
Authors: Lligadas Gerard 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThere is no doubt that nature offers an abundance of opportunities to polymer chemists for shaping structural and functional polymers in its wide variety of raw materials. Nowadays, plant oils and derivatives are in the spotlight of polyurethane technology and the design of novel biobased polyols derived from them is an active area of research. The contribution of this technology to sustainable development must go further than simply exploit renewable feedstock, and therefore must be aware of efficient click‐chemistry transformations exemplified by thiol‐ene/yne couplings. Within this contribution, these biobased materials, together with thiol‐ene/yne couplings are presented as a perfect ecofriendly combination to prepare hydroxyl building blocks for polyurethane technology.
In Situ AFM Investigation of Electrochemically Induced Surface‐Initiated Atom‐Transfer Radical Polymerization
Authors: Li Bin , Yu Bo , Zhou Feng 
Published: November 2012

AbstractElectrochemically induced surface‐initiated atom‐transfer radical polymerization is traced by in situ AFM technology for the first time, which allows visualization of the polymer growth process. It affords a fundamental insight into the surface morphology and growth mechanism simultaneously. Using this technique, the polymerization kinetics of two model monomers were studied, namely the anionic 3‐sulfopropyl methacrylate potassium salt (SPMA) and the cationic 2‐(metharyloyloxy)ethyltrimethylammonium chloride (METAC). The growth of METAC is significantly improved by screening the ammonium cations by the addition of ionic liquid electrolyte in aqueous solution.
Ultrasound for carpal tunnel syndrome screening in manual laborers
Authors: Cartwright Michael S. , Walker Francis O. , Blocker Jill N. , Schulz Mark R. , Arcury Thomas A. , Grzywacz Joseph G. , Mora Dana , Chen Haiying , Marín Antonio J. , Quandt Sara A. 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTIntroductionManual laborers are at increased risk for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), and a combination of history, physical examination, and nerve conduction studies is often used to screen for CTS in this population. Neuromuscular ultrasound may be a better screening tool, because it is painless. In this study we compare the accuracy of nerve conduction studies and ultrasound for CTS screening.MethodsFive hundred thirteen manual laborers were screened prospectively for CTS using nerve conduction studies and neuromuscular ultrasound, and the accuracy of the 2 techniques was compared using the Katz hand diagram as the diagnostic standard.ResultsThe ROC curves for the 2 techniques were not significantly different (P = 0.542), indicating that the approaches had similar diagnostic accuracy.ConclusionsNeuromuscular ultrasound is a painless technique that has diagnostic accuracy similar to nerve conduction studies and can be used to screen large populations at risk for CTS. Muscle Nerve, 2013
Activin‐βc reduces reproductive tumour progression and abolishes cancer‐associated cachexia in inhibin‐deficient mice
Authors: Gold Elspeth , Marino Francesco Elia , Harrison Craig , Makanji Yogeshwar , Risbridger Gail 
Published: November 2012

AbstractActivins are involved in the regulation of a diverse range of physiological processes including development, reproduction, and fertility, and have been implicated in the progression of cancers. Bioactivity is regulated by the inhibin α‐subunit and by an activin‐binding protein, follistatin. The activin‐βC subunit was not considered functionally significant in this regard due to an absence of phenotype in knockout mice. However, activin‐βC forms heterodimers with activin‐βA and activin‐C antagonizes activin‐A in vitro. Thus, it is proposed that overexpression, rather than loss of activin‐βC, regulates activin‐A bioactivity. In order to prove biological efficacy, inhibin α‐subunit knockout mice (α‐KO) were crossed with mice overexpressing activin‐βC (ActC++). Deletion of inhibin leads to Sertoli and granulosa cell tumours, increased activin‐A, and cancer‐associated cachexia. Therefore, cachexia and reproductive tumour development should be modulated in α‐KO/ActC++ mice, where excessive activin‐A is the underlying cause. Accordingly, a reduction in activin‐A, no significant weight loss, and reduced incidence of reproductive tumours were evident in α‐KO/ActC++ mice. Overexpression of activin‐βC antagonized the activin signalling cascade; thus, the tumourigenic effects of activin‐A were abrogated. This study provides proof of the biological relevance of activin‐βC. Being a regulator of activin‐A, it is able to abolish cachexia and modulate reproductive tumour development in α‐KO mice.
High incidence of mammary intraepithelial neoplasia development in Men1‐disrupted murine mammary glands
Authors: Seigne Christelle , Auret Magdalena , Treilleux Isabelle , Bonnavion Rémy , Assade Fouzia , Carreira Christine , Goddard‐Léon Sophie , Lavergne Emilie , Chabaud Sylvie , Garcia Amandine , Mazoyer Sylvie , Lu Jieli , Bachelot Thomas , Frappart Lucien , Zhang Chang Xian 
Published: November 2012

AbstractMutations of the MEN1 tumour suppressor gene predispose patients to the development of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) syndrome, which is characterized by multiple endocrine tumours, including prolactinomas. The recent findings of the interaction between menin, encoded by the MEN1 gene, and the oestrogen receptor, as well as the observation of rare cases of mammary carcinomas in our heterozygous Men1 mutant mice, led us to investigate a putative tumour suppressor function of the Men1 gene in mouse mammary cells by disrupting the gene in luminal epithelial cells. A significantly higher incidence of mammary intraepithelial neoplasia (MIN) was observed in mutant WapCre‐Men1F/F mice (51.5%) than in WapCre‐Men1+/+ (0%) or Men1F/F (7.1%) control mice. The majority of MIN observed in the mutant mice displayed complete menin inactivation. Because of the leakage of WapCre transgene expression, prolactinomas were observed in 83.3% of mutant mice, leading to premature death. As there was no correlation between MIN development and elevated serum prolactin levels, and phospho‐STAT5 expression was decreased in mammary lesions, the increased incidence of MIN lesions was most likely due to Men1 disruption rather than to prolactinoma development. Interestingly, in MIN lesions, we found a decrease in membrane‐associated E‐cadherin and beta‐catenin expression, the latter of which is a menin partner. Finally, reduced menin expression was found in a large proportion of two independent cohorts of patients with breast carcinomas. Taken together, the current work indicates a role of Men1 inactivation in the development of mammary pre‐cancerous lesions in mice and a potential role in human mammary cancer.
Continuous glucose monitoring: the clinical picture. How to interpret and use the data
Authors: Hammond Peter 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThere is a limited evidence base as to the benefits of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in clinical practice, but it is clear that in order to realise improvements in glycaemic control when using CGM there is a requirement for both health care professionals and patients to have the ability to interpret the data obtained from CGM.This article describes a personal approach to analysing CGM data using a structured approach and reporting tool, with examples to demonstrate how this system is implemented in practice. By viewing the daily overlay, then breaking the CGM traces into overnight, fasting/pre‐meal and post‐meal phases, and finally looking at the impact of other factors such as exercise, alcohol and work patterns, the user can be educated to make changes to both their insulin regimen and lifestyle to optimise glycaemic control. Those offered CGM as a real‐time adjunct to their intensive insulin regimen need to have such a structured approach to get positive re‐inforcement and thus use CGM sufficiently frequently to gain real benefit from it.
Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons.
Network analysis of drug prescriptions
Authors: Cavallo Pierpaolo , Pagano Sergio , Boccia Giovanni , De Caro Francesco , De Santis Mario , Capunzo Mario 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTPurposeNetworks exist in many different aspects of the world, at social, economical, biological, and molecular levels. Network science studies their parameters, or quantitative indicators; its instruments make it possible to draw and analyze networks from a mathematical perspective.The present study is an attempt to apply network science techniques to the drug prescription process, a typical subject of Epidemiology for Public Health studies.MethodsA drug prescription network was created using the set of drug prescriptions written during a 6‐month period by a group of 99 general practitioners (GPs) operating in Italy. In this network, named co‐prescription network, each drug represented a node, and different drugs prescribed to the same patient at the same moment were considered linked together.Drug prescription data for a total of 42 965 patients and 631 232 drug packages were studied.A number of co‐prescription networks were obtained and analyzed on the basis of different subsets of patients by age and gender. The network parameters were measured and compared for the various subsets.ResultsAll the drug prescription networks studied showed scale invariance behavior. The age‐ and gender‐related co‐prescription networks showed different patterns, with different levels of complexity.ConclusionsThe present study shows that the drug prescription process has specific network aspects and dynamics and, more generally, that it is possible to apply instruments of network science to study public health phenomena from a new, different perspective. Further studies should be encouraged and performed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.