bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adjuvant Therapy for Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: The Debate Continues
Authors: Zhu Andrew X. , Knox Jennifer J. 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Presentation of the Case
A 37-year-old woman presented at 35 weeks of gestation with her third child with failure to adequately gain weight and was noted by her obstetrician to have delay in the growth of her baby. Ultrasound of the abdomen incidentally revealed the presence of a liver lesion. After additional evaluation, she ultimately delivered her daughter at 36 weeks uneventfully. She subsequently underwent additional evaluation. Liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a 5-cm solitary solid mass in segment 4A of the liver, concerning for malignancy. Serum α-fetoprotein, carcinoembryonic antigen, cancer antigen (CA)19–9, CA15–3, and CA125 were all normal. Liver biopsy was positive for adenocarcinoma. The tumor cells demonstrated a phenotype suggesting a possible breast primary, although the immunohistochemistry did not support that diagnosis and the tumor was negative for mammaglobin, gross cystic disease fluid protein (GCDFP)-15, estrogen receptor (ER), and progesterone receptor (PR) (Table 1). The tumor was also CDX2 and cardiotrophin-1 negative, but cytokeratin (CK) 19 positive. Her endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, breast mammogram, and breast MRI were completely normal. A positron emission tomography–computed tomography scan showed a fluorodeoxyglucose-avid 5.8-cm × 6.0-cm hypoattenuating lesion with peripheral enhancement involving segment 4 and segment 8 at the dome. In addition, central necrosis within the lesion was noted. The left main portal vein was mildly attenuated by the mass. She eventually underwent a left hepatectomy en bloc with caudate resection, portal lymphadenectomy, cholecystectomy, and omental pedicle flap. On exploration of the abdomen, no additional disease was noted. The final pathology revealed a 9.4-cm moderately to poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the intrahepatic bile ducts. Venous invasion was present. Perineural invasion was absent. The margins were negative. Thirteen lymph nodes were obtained, all of which were negative, consistent with a stage T2, N0, MX intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. The tumor was positive for CK7, CK19, and CA19–9 and negative for CK20, CDX2, CA125, ER, PR, GCDFP-15, synaptophysin, and chromogranin (Table 1). The uninvolved liver was unremarkable and a trichrome stain showed no fibrosis. Following an uneventful postoperative recovery, she was referred for consideration of adjuvant therapy.
The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS): A Review of Its Psychometric Properties in People Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Peer Maria A. , Lane Judith 
Published: December 2012

Study Design Systematic literature review, clinical measurement Objective To review and summarize the evidence regarding the psychometric properties of the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods A comprehensive review of the existing literature was undertaken using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) systematic review guidelines. Studies were included if they reported the psychometric properties of the KOOS or the KOOS-Physical Function Shortform (KOOS-PS). Papers written in both English and German were analyzed. Studies of patients undergoing primary total TKA or TKA revision, or those with severe osteoarthritis and awaiting TKA, were considered. The methodological quality of the included articles was assessed using the Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments checklist. Results Six studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Of these, 5 evaluated psychometric properties of the KOOS and 1 evaluated the KOOS-PS. Both the KOOS and KOOS-PS have moderate-to-high construct validity with existing validated self-report measures. However, construct validity of the KOOS function in sport and recreation subscale was weak. Further, these instruments demonstrated a high level of responsiveness, with effect sizes and standard response means of greater than 0.80. Overall, both questionnaires demonstrated clinically acceptable reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.70 or greater). However, somewhat lower reliability was observed for the KOOS function in sport and recreation subscale (intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.45 and 0.65, respectively) and the other symptoms subscale (internal consistency, α = .56). Conclusion The KOOS and KOOS-PS exhibit clinically acceptable psychometric properties. Their strength is in large effect sizes to measure outcomes over time and their weakness is in weak-to-moderate reliability and weak construct validity in some subscales of the KOOS. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2013;43(1):20–28. Epub 7 December 2012. doi:10.2519/jospt.2013.4057
Reliability of 2 Ultrasonic Imaging Analysis Methods in Quantifying Lumbar Multifidus Thickness
Authors: Wong Arnold Y.L. , Parent Eric , Kawchuk Greg 
Published: December 2012

Study Design Reliability study. Objectives To compare the within- and between-day intrarater reliability of rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI) using static images (static RUSI) and video clips (video RUSI) to quantify multifidus muscle thickness at rest and while contracted. Secondary objectives were to compare the measurement precision of averaging multiple measures and to estimate reliability in individuals with and without low back pain (LBP). Background Although intrarater reliability of static RUSI in measuring multifidus thickness has been established, using video RUSI may improve reliability estimates, as it allows examiners to select the optimal image from a video clip. Further, multiple measurements and LBP status may affect RUSI reliability estimates. Methods Static RUSI and video RUSI were used to quantify multifidus muscle thickness at rest and during contraction and percent thickness change in 27 volunteers (13 without LBP and 14 with LBP). Three static RUSI images and 3 video RUSI video clips were collected in each of 2 sessions 1 to 4 days apart. Reliability and precision were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients, standard error of measurement, minimal detectable change, bias, and 95% limits of agreement. Results Using an average of 2 measures yielded optimal measurement precision for static RUSI and video RUSI. Based on the average of 2 measures obtained under the same circumstance, there was no significant difference in the reliability estimates between static RUSI and video RUSI across all testing conditions. Reliability point estimates (intraclass correlation coefficient model 3,2) of multifidus thickness were 0.99 for within-day comparisons and ranged from 0.93 to 0.98 for between-day comparisons. The within- and between-day intraclass correlation coefficients (model 3,2) of percent thickness change ranged from 0.97 to 0.99 and from 0.80 to 0.90, respectively. The exploratory analysis showed no significant difference in the reliability estimates between asymptomatic and LBP participants across most testing conditions. Conclusion Both RUSI methods yielded high reliability estimates for multifidus muscle measurements. Using an average of 2 measures obtained optimal measurement precision. Overall, video RUSI is a reliable surrogate for static RUSI for multifidus muscle measurements and has the additional advantage of requiring shorter data collection time. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2013;43(4):251–262. Epub 7 December 2012. doi:10.2519/jospt.2013.4478
Target-Language Community Involvement: Second-Language Linguistic Self-Confidence and Other Perceived Benefits
Authors: Hummel Kirsten M. 
Published: December 2012

Abstract:French native-speaking students (N = 20) enrolled in a university TESL program were asked to participate in a community service-learning project in an English-speaking minority community in Québec. Results from this qualitative study indicated that active community involvement led to strong perceptions of positive effects. The principal effects reported by participants included greater linguistic self-confidence along with the perception of having improved their second language (L2) skills, increased knowledge about their field of study (L2 teaching), and confirmation of their professional goals, personal satisfaction from helping young children and other community members, and to some extent, greater knowledge about the local English-speaking community. The results suggest that community service learning may have been an effective way to enhance L2 learning for the participants in this study, with particular effects on linguistic self-confidence, and might be appropriate in similar contexts in which opportunities for intergroup contact are not readily available.
La dynamique protestataire du Mouvement du 20 février à Casablanca
Authors: Bennani-Chraïbi Mounia , Jeghllaly Mohamed 
Published: December 2012

Résumé Au-delà du discours vantant « l’exception marocaine », un large mouvement de protestation s’est développé dès le mois de février 2011 dans l’ensemble du pays. Loin d’être le produit d’un effet domino, le Mouvement du 20 février est notamment tributaire d’un processus d’attribution de similarité, de la réactivation de relais organisationnels et de réseaux plus ou moins dormants. Une large coalition s’est constituée au sein d’un champ d’alliance et d’opposition à la jonction entre scène politique instituée et espace protestataire, par-delà les clivages entre réseaux de gauche et islamistes. Dans un jeu d’échelles entre le local, le national, le régional et l’international, un faisceau d’actions, d’interactions et d’événements a contribué autant à l’enracinement de la coalition qu’à sa désagrégation.
Adenosine A2A Receptor Agonist–Mediated Increase in Donor-Derived Regulatory T Cells Suppresses Development of Graft-versus-Host Disease
Authors: Han Kyu Lee , Thomas Stephenie V. M. , Koontz Sherry M. , Changpriroa Cattlena M. , Ha Seung-Kwon , Malech Harry L. , Kang Elizabeth M. 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) remains a significant complication of allogeneic transplantation. We previously reported that the adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) specific agonist, ATL146e, decreases the incidence and severity of GVHD in a mouse transplant model. There is increasing interest in treatments that increase CD4+CD25highFoxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) to suppress GVHD. Our current study found in vitro that A2AR selective agonists enhanced TGF-β–induced generation of mouse Tregs 2.3- to 3-fold. We demonstrated in vivo suppression of GVHD with specific A2AR agonists in two different murine GVHD transplant models associated with profound increases in both circulating and target tissue Tregs of donor origin. Three different A2AR agonists of differing potency, ATL146e, ATL370, and ATL1223, all significantly inhibited GVHD-associated weight loss and mortality. At the same time, Tregs shown to be of donor origin increased 5.1- to 7.4-fold in spleen, 2.7- to 4.6-fold in peripheral blood, 2.3- to 4.7-fold in colon, and 3.8- to 4.6-fold in skin. We conclude that specific activation of A2AR inhibits acute GVHD through an increase of donor-derived Tregs. Furthermore, the increased presence of Tregs in target tissues (colon and skin) of A2AR-specific agonist-treated mice is likely the mechanistic basis for the anti-inflammatory effect preventing acute GVHD.
TLR Agonists Stimulate Nlrp3-Dependent IL-1β Production Independently of the Purinergic P2X7 Receptor in Dendritic Cells and In Vivo
Authors: He Yuan , Franchi Luigi , Núñez Gabriel 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
On the basis of studies in mouse macrophages, activation of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain–like receptor (NLR) pyrin domain–containing 3 (Nlrp3) inflammasome is thought to require two signals. The first signal is provided by TLR stimulation and triggers the synthesis of the IL-1β precursor and Nlrp3. The second signal can be mediated by stimulation of the purinergic receptor P2X ligand–gated ion channel 7 (P2X7) by millimolar concentrations of ATP. However, these high concentrations of ATP are not found normally in the in vivo extracellular milieu, raising concern about the physiological relevance of the ATP–P2X7 pathway of inflammasome activation. In this article, we show that unlike macrophages, murine bone marrow–derived and splenic dendritic cells (DCs) can secrete substantial amounts of mature IL-1β upon stimulation with TLR ligands in the absence of ATP stimulation. The differential ability of DCs to release IL-1β and activate caspase-1 was associated with increased expression of Nlrp3 under steady-state conditions and of pro–IL-1β and Nlrp3 after stimulation with TLR agonists. IL-1β secretion from stimulated DCs was largely dependent on the Nlrp3 inflammasome, but independent of P2X7 and unaffected by incubation with apyrase. More importantly, i.p. administration of LPS induced IL-1β production in serum, which was abrogated in Nlrp3-null mice but was unaffected in P2X7-deficient mice. These results demonstrate differential regulation of the Nlrp3 inflammasome in macrophages and DCs. Furthermore, they challenge the idea that the ATP-P2X7 axis is critical for TLR-induced IL-1β production via the Nlrp3 inflammasome in vivo.
Evaluation of the American Red Cross Disaster-Related Mortality Surveillance System Using Hurricane Ike Data—Texas 2008
Authors: Farag Noha H. , Rey Araceli , Noe Rebecca , Bayleyegn Tesfaye , Wood April D. , Zane David 
Published: December 2012

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate key attributes, strengths, and limitations of the American Red Cross (ARC) disaster-related mortality surveillance system implemented during Hurricane Ike in Texas 2008, and to provide recommendations for system improvement.MethodsWe evaluated key attributes of the ARC mortality surveillance system. Evaluation included interviews with stakeholders and linking ARC data with the Texas Department of State Health Services’ (DSHS) system for comparison.ResultsDuring September 11 through October 6, 2008, the ARC identified 38 deaths, whereas DSHS identified 74 deaths related to Hurricane Ike (sensitivity = 47%; positive predictive value = 92%). The ARC had complete data on 61% to 92% of deaths, and an 83% to 97% concordance was observed between the 2 systems for key variables.ConclusionsThe ARC surveillance system is simple, flexible, and stable. We recommend establishing written guidelines to improve data quality and representativeness. As an important supporting agency in disaster situations and the sole source of data regarding disaster-related mortality in multiple states, improvement of the ARC system will benefit stakeholders and promote dissemination of useful information for preventing future deaths. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2013;7:13-19)
Intention to Comply With Mandatory Hurricane Evacuation Orders Among Persons Living Along a Coastal Area
Authors: Reininger Belinda M. , Raja Sartaj Alam , Carrasco Ana Sanchez , Chen Zhongxue , Adams Barbara , McCormick Joseph , Rahbar Mohammad H. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractObjectivesWe examined the intention to comply with mandatory hurricane evacuation orders among respondents living in coastal areas with pronounced poverty by demographic and location characteristics.MethodsA 3-county door-to-door survey was conducted with 1 randomly selected resident per household. Households were selected using a 2-stage cluster sampling strategy and stratified by county. The final sample included 3088 households in 100 census tracts across 3 counties.ResultsFindings suggest that the majority of residents living in areas prone to hurricanes intend to comply with mandatory evacuation orders regardless of income level. Variation in intention to comply with mandatory evacuation orders is shown by age, gender, ethnicity, education, acculturation, county, and distance from shoreline.ConclusionsThe demonstrated high intention to comply with evacuation orders in impoverished areas suggests a need for improved planning to evacuate the most vulnerable residents. Demographic and location characteristics associated with decreased intention to comply may be considered for targeting messages and education before disasters to modifying intentions and plans to evacuate. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2013;7:46-54)
Nanowell‐Trapped Charged Ligand‐Bearing Nanoparticle Surfaces: A Novel Method of Enhancing Flow‐Resistant Cell Adhesion
Authors: Tran Phat L. , Gamboa Jessica R. , McCracken Katherine E. , Riley Mark R. , Slepian Marvin J. , Yoon Jeong‐Yeol 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAssuring cell adhesion to an underlying biomaterial surface is vital in implant device design and tissue engineering, particularly under circumstances where cells are subjected to potential detachment from overriding fluid flow. Cell–substrate adhesion is a highly regulated process involving the interplay of mechanical properties, surface topographic features, electrostatic charge, and biochemical mechanisms. At the nanoscale level, the physical properties of the underlying substrate are of particular importance in cell adhesion. Conventionally, natural, pro‐adhesive, and often thrombogenic, protein biomaterials are frequently utilized to facilitate adhesion. In the present study, nanofabrication techniques are utilized to enhance the biological functionality of a synthetic polymer surface, polymethymethacrylate, with respect to cell adhesion. Specifically we examine the effect on cell adhesion of combining: 1. optimized surface texturing, 2. electrostatic charge and 3. cell adhesive ligands, uniquely assembled on the substrata surface, as an ensemble of nanoparticles trapped in nanowells. Our results reveal that the ensemble strategy leads to enhanced, more than simply additive, endothelial cell adhesion under both static and flow conditions. This strategy may be of particular utility for enhancing flow‐resistant endothelialization of blood‐contacting surfaces of cardiovascular devices subjected to flow‐mediated shear.
Effects of sea‐level rise on northern elephant seal breeding habitat at Point Reyes Peninsula, California
Authors: Funayama Kota , Hines Ellen , Davis Jerry , Allen Sarah 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACT

Northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) historically experienced a significant population decrease to the brink of extinction owing to human exploitation, but have since recovered and recolonized former breeding/haul‐out sites. Point Reyes Peninsula, California, is one location where population increase has resulted in colony expansion.
Initial models identified suitable breeding haul‐outs and suggested that human disturbance, geomorphology, mean wave height, and slope were important explanatory variables. Three sea‐level rise (SLR) scenarios were run, which indicated that most current and potential haul‐out sites would largely be inundated by 2050. Because the Point Reyes coast has limited suitable habitat for the seals to colonize, conservation measures may guide management responses to SLR.
The resulting analyses can be used to better understand local‐scale seal responses to SLR and contribute to effective management of pinnipeds within Point Reyes National Seashore and elsewhere. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of trans,trans‐muconic acid in workers' urine through ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Gagné Sébastien 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACTA novel method for the biological monitoring of benzene‐exposed workers has been developed through ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. The method uses trans,trans‐muconic acid in urine as the benzene‐exposure biomarker. The method was developed using a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer with enough sensitivity to facilitate diluting and injecting the urine samples directly, rather than performing a solid‐phase extraction procedure as is common in the available protocols. Moreover, compared with a conventional high‐pressure liquid chromatography system, the separation power provided by the ultra‐performance liquid chromatography system allows a 10‐fold reduction in run time. The method was adjusted to a dynamic range of between 198.9 and 4916.7 µg/L to cover the biological exposure index of trans,trans‐muconic acid in urine. Also, the method demonstrated intra‐day and inter‐day precision at 98%, and accuracy within an acceptable range of 101 ± 8%. The method has been used to quantify various types of urine samples, such as workers' urine and inter‐laboratory proficiency tests. Depending on the sample, the quantified levels ranged from less than the limit of quantitation to 3836.7 µg/L. No levels exceeding the calibration range were detected in the urine of workers, and the reported concentrations in urine for the proficiency tests were, as expected, based on known values. Moreover, the new method using sample dilution and faster chromatographic run was more effective, facilitating fast communication of results, as needed, to decision‐makers. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Copper‐Free Asymmetric Allylic Alkylation with a Grignard Reagent: Design of the Ligand and Mechanistic Studies
Authors: Grassi David , Dolka Chrysanthi , Jackowski Olivier , Alexakis Alexandre 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe Cu‐free asymmetric allylic alkylation, catalysed by NHC, with Grignard reagents is reported on allyl bromide derivatives with good results. The enantioselectivity was quite homogeneous (around 85 % ee) on large and various substrates, regardless of the nature of the Grignard reagent. The formation of stereogenic quaternary centres was highly regioselective for both aliphatic and aromatic derivatives with good enantiomeric excess (up to 92 % ee). The methodology developed was found to be complementary with the Cu‐catalysed version. Several new NHCs were tested with improved efficiency. In addition, mechanistic studies, using NMR spectroscopy, led to the discovery of the catalytically active species.
Innovative Artificial Agro‐Ecosystems Enhance Soil Carbon Sequestration in Coastal Zones of Southeast China
Authors: Zhao Gengmao , Sun Xing , Ling Liu , Liu Zhaopu 
Published: December 2012

AbstractTidal flats, which are important reserved land resources, have a vital role in climate change. To evaluate the contribution of coastal saline soils to carbon sequestration, field tests were performed over a 3 year period at the Dafeng Wanggang Experimental Station in Jiangsu Province, China. Six artificial agro‐ecosystems, including wasteland (WL), freshwater fish culture (FC), Sesbania culture (SC), barley culture (BC), mixed culture of fish and Sesbania (MCFS) and mixed culture of fish and barley (MCFB), were established according to developmental processes of coastal saline soils. At the initial stage of tidal flat reclamation, the soil organic carbon (SOC) increased by 59.4 t ha−1 in the FC system during 3 years, which was much higher than that of the WL system (40.7 t ha−1). When the tidal flats evolved into high saline soils, the MCFS system sequestered SOC more effectively than the FC or SC systems with increases of 53.1, 16.9 and 8.3 t ha−1, respectively. Subsequently, in the low saline soils, the maximum soil carbon sequestration was obtained in the MCFB system (35.8 t ha−1) followed by the BC (17.5 t ha−1) and FC (13.5 t ha−1) systems. Therefore, proper development of tidal flats to farmland and the subsequent establishment of optimised artificial agro‐ecosystems make an important contribution to carbon sequestration and climate changes in coastal areas.