bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Citrus nobiletin ameliorates experimental colitis by reducing inflammation and restoring impaired intestinal barrier function
Authors: Xiong Yongjian , Chen Dapeng , Yu Changchun , Lv Bochao , Peng Jinyong , Wang Jingyu , Lin Yuan 
Published: February 2015

ScopeInflammatory bowel disease is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract. Citrus nobiletin can exert robust anti‐inflammatory effects in vivo and in vitro. We evaluated the impact of nobiletin on the excessive inflammatory response and impaired barrier function in a rodent colitis model.Methods and resultsColitis was established by infusion with 1 mL 2,4,6‐trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) dissolved in ethanol (40% v/v) in rats at a 125 mg/kg dose. Caco‐2 cell monolayer exposed to LPSs is used as a culture model for intestinal permeability measurements. Nobiletin decreased rat epithelial proinflammatory cytokines and mediators production. Nobiletin restored impaired barrier function in colitic rats and Caco‐2 monolayer. Nobiletin decreased protein expressions of Akt, nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB), and myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) isolated from rat intestinal epithelial tissue and Caco‐2 cell, respectively. PI3K inhibitor or siRNA targeting of either Akt or NF‐κB mitigated the impact of nobiletin on MLCK expression and barrier function in Caco‐2 monolayer, respectively.ConclusionNobiletin exerted anti‐inflammatory effects in TNBS‐induced colitis through the downregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX‐2) expression. Nobiletin restored barrier function, which had been damaged after TNBS administration, through the inhibition of the Akt–NF‐κB–MLCK pathway.
Viscoelastic stress relaxation in the hamstrings before and after a 10‐week stretching program
Authors: Peixoto Gustavo H. , Andrade Andre G. , Menzel Hans J.K. , Araújo Silvia R.S. , Pertence Antônio E.M. , Chagas Mauro H. 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTIntroductionWe investigated the viscoelastic stress relaxation response before and after a 10‐week hamstrings static stretch program. Methods: The maximal range of motion (ROMmax) and maximal torque (Torquemax) were assessed before and after a 10‐week stretching program. Six 30‐s static stretches at a predetermined torque were performed, and the relative change in stress relaxation was examined. Results: ROMmax and Torquemax increased by 53% and 82%, respectively (P < 0.001). The relative stress relaxation (RSR) decreased significantly for repetition 1 when comparing the pretest (25%) and posttest (21%) values (P = 0.003). A significant decrease was also observed for repetitions 2 and 3 (P < 0.014), with no significant difference in repetitions 4–6 (P > 0.056). Conclusions: Individuals who participated in a 10‐week hamstrings passive–static stretch program had a reduced RSR response. A higher stretch intensity or longer duration may be necessary to achieve RSRs similar to those reported before the stretch program. Muscle Nerve, 2015 Muscle Nerve 51:761–764, 2015
Increased fascial thickness of the deltoid muscle in dermatomyositis and polymyositis: An ultrasound study
Authors: Bhansing Kavish J. , Van Rosmalen Marieke H. , Van Engelen Baziel G. , Vonk Madelon C. , Van Riel Piet L. , Pillen Sigrid 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTIntroduction: We investigated the use of ultrasound to detect fascial thickening of the deltoid, vastus lateralis (VL), and rectus femoris (RF) muscles in dermatomyositis (DM) and polymyositis (PM). Methods: Fascial thickness of 7 DM and 5 PM patients was compared with that of healthy controls (n = 54). Results: The deltoid fascial thickness was 2‐fold greater in the DM/PM group (1.15 mm vs. 0.54 mm; P < 0.001) compared with healthy controls. Eight patients had markedly thickened deltoid fascia (>5 SD). Only 1 patient with a mild clinical presentation had normal deltoid fascial thickness. Four patients also had fascial thickening of the VL and/or RF. Conclusions: Deltoid fascial thickness was increased significantly in DM and PM patients, whereas the quadriceps muscle only showed thickened fascia in severely affected patients. This study suggests that a concomitant fasciitis may be present more often than previously believed. Muscle Nerve, 2015 Muscle Nerve 52: 534–539, 2015
Single‐source multibattery solar charger: case study and implementation issues
Authors: Gadelovits Shlomo , Sitbon Moshe , Suntio Teuvo , Kuperman Alon 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIn this paper, design process and functionality of a portable single‐panel dual‐battery solar charger prototype are presented, achieving energy density of 571 W h kg−1 during a typical 3‐day infantry mission. The device may instantaneously charge up to two Li‐ion MR‐2791 batteries, supporting plug‐and‐play operation. The system consists of a lightweight custom solar panel, based on 20% efficient monocrystalline photovoltaics, and an intelligent power processing module. The panel contains eight transparent polymer‐encapsulated and camouflaged series‐connected six solar cell packs with antiparallel diodes, allowing partial shading operation. The power processing module consists of two synchronous current‐mode‐controlled buck converters, digital signal processor, and a microcontroller, supporting both maximum power point tracking of the solar panel with partial shading detection and multimode charging of Li‐ion packs while instantaneously communicating with the batteries. Power management algorithmic design is presented, based on ensuring system stability while supporting the required operation modes. System implementation stages and underlying issues are thoroughly discussed, and utilized hardware components are presented in detail. Experimental results of system testing under real outdoor conditions are presented to demonstrate the device functionality and energy yield capabilities. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CORRELATES OF CONDUCT PROBLEMS AND DEPRESSION COMORBIDITY IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BOYS AND GIRLS RECEIVING SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
Authors: Poirier Martine , Déry Michèle , Toupin Jean , Verlaan Pierrette , Lemelin Jean‐Pascal , Jagiellowicz Jadzia 
Published: February 2015

There is limited empirical research on the correlates of conduct problems (CP) and depression comorbidity during childhood. This study investigated 479 elementary school children (48.2% girls). It compared children with comorbidity to children with CP only, depression only, and control children on individual, academic, social, and family characteristics. The study also analyzed gender differences in the associations between correlates and comorbidity. Multinomial logistic regression results revealed that children with CP and depression had higher levels of anxiety and more school difficulties than children with CP only, more social difficulties and more severe attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms than children with depression only, and more difficulties in all domains than control children. Girls with CP and depression presented a particularly negative profile, including lower school abilities than CP and control girls, and lower social skills and more severe ADHD symptoms than control girls. Implications for evaluation and intervention planning are discussed.
Effect of transient blood glucose increases after oral glucose intake on the human urinary proteome
Authors: Li Menglin , Zhao Mindi , Gao Youhe 
Published: February 2015

PurposeUnlike blood, which has mechanisms to maintain homeostasis, urine is more likely to reflect changes in the body. However, the urinary proteome is affected by many factors such as diet, medication, daily activities. Transient increase of blood glucose frequently occurs after the consumption of food and may be an interfering factor in biomarker studies.Experimental designIn this study, a transient increase of blood glucose level was achieved by performing an oral glucose tolerance test on nine healthy human volunteers. Urine samples before and after the test were collected and analyzed by LC‐MS/MS.ResultsAccording to quantification using Progenesis LC‐MS software, only the protein neutrophil defensin 1, which was reported to participate in reducing blood glucose levels, was increased in the urine after glucose intake; and almost all urinary proteins may not be affected.Conclusions and clinical relevanceTransient increase of blood glucose levels may not be a major interfering factor in biomarker studies, at least with current levels of identification and quantification.
Stability analysis and control for switched stochastic delayed systems
Authors: Chen Yun , Zheng Wei Xing 
Published: February 2015

SummaryThis paper investigates almost sure exponential stability and feedback stabilization for switched time‐delay systems with nonlinear stochastic perturbations. The main contributions of this paper are threefold: (i) based on the non‐convolution type multiple Lyapunov functionals and the mathematical induction approach, a mean‐square exponential stability condition for nonlinear stochastic switched systems is first established, such that the obtained average dwell time does not rely on any given decay rate; (ii) by using the method developed in part (i) and the stochastic analysis techniques and limit methods in probability, an almost sure exponential stability criterion for switched delayed systems with nonlinear stochastic uncertainties is presented, and then a state feedback controller for the systems under consideration is designed; and (iii) when certain assumptions are made on the nonlinear stochastic perturbations, the results in this paper are further improved by relaxing some conditions. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated by three illustrative examples. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Variable importance in regression models
Authors: Grömping Ulrike 
Published: February 2015

AbstractRegression analysis is one of the most‐used statistical methods. Often part of the research question is the identification of the most important regressors or an importance ranking of the regressors. Most regression models are not specifically suited for answering the variable importance question, so that many different proposals have been made. This article reviews in detail the various variable importance metrics for the linear model, particularly emphasizing variance decomposition metrics. All linear model metrics are illustrated by an example analysis. For nonlinear parametric models, several principles from linear models have been adapted, and machine‐learning methods have their own set of variable importance methods. These are also briefly covered. Although there are many variable importance metrics, there is still no convincing theoretical basis for them, and they all have a heuristic touch. Nevertheless, some metrics are considered useful for a crude assessment in the absence of a good subject matter theory.WIREs Comput Stat2015, 7:137–152. doi: 10.1002/wics.1346This article is categorized under:Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Multivariate Analysis
Linear regression with an estimated regressor: applications to aggregate indicators of economic development
Authors: Meng Lingsheng , Wu Binzhen , Zhan Zhaoguo 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
This study examines the consequences of using an estimated aggregate measure as an explanatory variable in linear regression. We show that neglecting the seemingly small sampling error in the estimated regressor could severely contaminate the estimates. We propose a simple statistical framework to account for the error. In particular, we apply our analysis to two aggregate indicators of economic development, the Gini coefficient and sex ratio. Our findings suggest that the impact of the estimated regressor could be substantially underestimated, when the sampling error is not accounted for.
Training Laypersons and Hospital Personnel in Basic Resuscitation Techniques: an Approach to Impact the Global Trauma Burden in Mozambique
Authors: Merchant Amina , Outhay Malena , Gonzaléz‐Calvo Lazáro , Moon Troy D. , Sidat Mohsin , Taibo Catia Luciana Abdulfattáhe , McQueen Kelly 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIntroductionOver half of prehospital deaths in low‐income countries are the result of airway compromise, respiratory failure, or uncontrolled hemorrhage; all three conditions can be addressed using simple first‐aid measures. For both hospital personnel and laypersons, a basic trauma resuscitation training in modified ABCD (airway, breathing, circulation, disability) techniques can be easily learned and applied to increase the number of first responders in Mozambique, a resource‐challenged country.MethodsA trauma training session was administered to 100 people in Mozambique: half were hospital personnel from 7 district medical centers and the other half were selected laypersons. This session included a pre‐test, intervention, and post‐test to evaluate and demonstrate first response skills.ResultsEighty‐eight people completed both the pre‐ and post‐tests. Following the education intervention, both groups demonstrated an improvement in test scores. Hospital personnel had a mean post‐test score of 60 % (SD = 17, N = 43) and community laypeople had a mean score of 51 % (SD = 16, N = 45). A t test for equal variances demonstrated significant difference between the post‐intervention scores for the two groups (p = 0.01). All 100 participants were able to open an airway, externally control hemorrhage, and transport a patient with appropriate precautions.ConclusionThe trauma training session served as new information that improved knowledge as well as skills for both groups, and increased the number of capable responders in Mozambique. This study supports WHO recommendations to utilize the strengths of a developing nation—population—as the first step in establishing an organized trauma triage system.
Combined Extrahepatic Bile Duct Resection for Locally Advanced Gallbladder Carcinoma: Does It Work?
Authors: Igami Tsuyoshi , Ebata Tomoki , Yokoyama Yukihiro , Sugawara Gen , Mizuno Takashi , Yamaguchi Junpei , Shimoyama Yoshie , Nagino Masato 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundProphylactic combined extrahepatic bile duct resection remains controversial for locally advanced gallbladder carcinoma without extrahepatic bile duct invasion. The aim of this study is to resolve this issue and establish an appropriate surgery for locally advanced gallbladder carcinoma.MethodsA total of 52 patients underwent surgical resection combined with extrahepatic bile duct resection for locally advanced gallbladder carcinoma without extrahepatic bile duct invasion, and their medical records were retrospectively reviewed for microvessel invasion (MVI), including lymphatic, venous, and/or perineural invasions, around the extrahepatic bile duct.ResultsOf the 52 patients, 8 (15 %) had MVI around the extrahepatic bile duct. All of the 8 patients had Stage IV disease. According to a survival analysis of the 50 patients who tolerated surgery, MVIs around the extrahepatic bile duct and distant metastasis were identified as independent prognostic factors. Survival for patients with MVI around the extrahepatic bile duct was dismal, with a lack of 2‐year survivors.ConclusionsMVI around the extrahepatic bile duct is a sign of extremely locally advanced gallbladder carcinoma; therefore, prophylactic combined bile duct resection has no survival impact for patients without extrahepatic bile duct invasion.
Thyroid Nodules with Repeat Nondiagnostic Cytologic Results: The Role of Clinical and Ultrasonographic Findings
Authors: Woo Seung Hoon , Kim Kyung Hee , Kim Rock Bum 
Published: February 2015

AbstractObjectivesUltrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) is the most valuable procedure in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules. One possible result of FNA of thyroid nodules, however, is “nondiagnostic” cytology. In these cases, consensus guidelines suggest repeating FNA with ultrasound guidance, but the results obtained may continue to be nondiagnostic. These results cause confusion due to the fact that there exist conflicting potential treatment modalities, such as performing diagnostic surgery or recommending follow‐up. Hence, the present study aimed to establish a protocol for performing diagnostic operations for thyroid nodules with repeat nondiagnostic cytology.Materials and methodsThis study was performed on patients who underwent ultrasound‐guided FNA and molecular testing for BRAF gene mutation. Out of 1,203 patients, 84 had nondiagnostic cytology and were BRAF negative, and ultrasound‐guided FNA was repeated on these patients. Out of this group, 54 patients once again had nondiagnostic cytology, and 51 of these underwent diagnostic surgery. We analyzed the characteristics and ultrasonographic findings of the group of patients with repeat nondiagnostic cytology.ResultsOn the initial ultrasound‐guided FNA, the percentage of patients with nondiagnostic cytology was 6.98 %, and on repeat ultrasound‐guided FNA, the percentage of patients with nondiagnostic cytology was 67.5 %. The majority of these patients underwent diagnostic surgery, and 36 (70.6 %) patients were diagnosed as having a malignant thyroid nodule, while15 (29.4 %) patients were diagnosed with a benign nodule. Univariate analysis showed a significant difference in the size of the nodule, hypoechogenicity, and microcalcification in the ultrasonography findings. Multivariate analysis revealed only hypoechogenicity as a factor that showed a significant difference (p value 0.017, 95 % confidence interval 1.494‐62.426).The diagnostic accuracy of the ultrasonography was 76.5 %.ConclusionsHypoechogenicity on ultrasonography represents an excellent parameter for the selection of those who should be referred for diagnostic operation among patients with thyroid nodules and repeat nondiagnostic cytology.
Options on fibroid morcellation: a literature review
Authors: Brölmann Hans , Tanos Vasilios , Grimbizis Grigoris , Ind Thomas , Philips Kevin , van den Bosch Thierry , Sawalhe Samir , van den Haak Lukas , Jansen Frank-Willem , Pijnenborg Johanna , Taran Florin-Andrei , Brucker Sara , Wattiez Arnaud , Campo Rudi , O’Donovan Peter , de Wilde Rudy Leon ,   On behalf of the European Society of Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE) steering committee on fibroid morcellation
Published: February 2015

AbstractIn laparoscopy, specimens have to be removed from the abdominal cavity. If the trocar opening or the vaginal outlet is insufficient to pass the specimen, the specimen needs to be reduced. The power morcellator is an instrument with a fast rotating cylindrical knife which aims to divide the tissue into smaller pieces or fragments. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a press release in April 2014 that discouraged the use of these power morcellators. This article has the objective to review the literature related to complications by power morcellation of uterine fibroids in laparoscopy and offer recommendations to laparoscopic surgeons in gynaecology. This project was initiated by the executive board of the European Society of Gynaecological Endoscopy. A steering committee on fibroid morcellation was installed and experienced ESGE members requested to chair an action group to address distinct clinical questions. Clinical questions were formulated with regards to the sarcoma risk in presumed uterine fibroids, diagnosis of sarcoma, complications of morcellation and future research. A literature review on the different subjects was conducted, systematic if appropriate and feasible. It was concluded that the true prevalence of uterine sarcoma in presumed fibroids is not known given the wide range of prevalences (0.45–0.014 %) from meta-analyses mainly based on retrospective trials. Age and certain imaging characteristics such as ‘lacunes’ suggesting necrosis and increased central vascularisation of the tumour are associated with a higher risk of uterine sarcoma, although the risks remain low. There is not enough evidence to estimate this risk in individual patients. Complications of morcellation are rare. Reported are direct morcellation injuries to vessels and bowel, the development of so-called parasitic fibroids requiring reintervention and the spread of sarcoma cells in the abdominal cavity, which may possibly or even likely upstaging the disease. Momentarily in-bag morcellation is investigated as it may possibly prevent morcellation complications. Because of lack of evidence, this literature review cannot give strong recommendations but offers only options which are condensed in a flow chart. Prospective data collection may clarify the issue on sarcoma risk in presumed fibroids and technology to extract tissue laparoscopically from the abdominal cavity should be perfected.
Bone demineralisation in a large cohort of Wilson disease patients
Authors: Weiss Karl Heinz , Van de Moortele Mart , Gotthardt Daniel Nils , Pfeiffenberger Jan , Seeßle Jessica , Ullrich Elena , Gielen Evelien , Borghs Herman , Adriaens Els , Stremmel Wolfgang , Meersseman Wouter , Boonen Steven , Cassiman David 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAims and backgroundWe compared the bone mineral density (BMD) of adult Wilson disease (WD) patients (n = 148), with an age‐ and gender‐matched healthy control population (n = 148). Within the WD cohort, correlations of BMD with WD disease parameters, lab results, type of treatment and known osteoporosis risk factors were analysed.MethodsHip and lumbar spine absolute BMD and T‐score were measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Osteoporosis and osteopenia were defined as a T‐score ≤ −2.5, and between −1 and −2.5, respectively.ResultsThere were significantly more subjects with abnormal T‐scores in the WD population (58.8 %) than in the control population (45.3 %) (χ2 = 6.65, df = 2, p = 0.036), as there were 50.0 % osteopenic and 8.8 % osteoporotic WD patients, vs. 41.2 % and 4.1 %, respectively, in the controls. Especially L2‐L4 spine BMD measurements (BMD and T‐scores) differed significantly between the WD population and matched controls. L2‐L4 spine BMD for WD patients was on average 0.054 g/cm2 (5.1 %) lower than in matched normal controls (0.995 ± 0.156 vs 1.050 ± 0.135; p = 0.002). We found no significant correlation between BMD values and any of the WD disease parameters (e.g. the severity of liver disease), lab results, type of treatment or known osteoporosis risk factors. Duration of D‐penicillamine treatment was negatively correlated with femoral BMD value, but in a clinically irrelevant manner, compared to age and gender. Importantly, BMD remained significantly lower in WD patients (n = 89) vs. controls after excluding WD patients with cirrhosis (p = 0.009).ConclusionsOur study suggests that WD is intrinsically associated with bone demineralisation.