bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of discontinuing anticholinergic treatment on movement disorders, cognition and psychopathology in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Desmarais Julie Eve , Beauclair Linda , Annable Lawrence , Bélanger Marie-Claire , Kolivakis Theodore T. , Margolese Howard C. 
Published: October 2014

Background: Physicians have prescribed anticholinergic agents such as benztropine, procyclidine, biperiden and trihexyphenidyl for treatment and prophylaxis of antipsychotic-induced extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) for decades. Anticholinergic agents can however worsen tardive dyskinesia and cause many adverse effects, including cognitive impairment. Previous studies of anticholinergic discontinuation in patients with schizophrenia receiving antipsychotics have yielded a wide range of EPS relapse rates. Improvement in cognition after anticholinergic withdrawal was observed in some studies. Objective: This study evaluated the effect of anticholinergic discontinuation on movement disorders, cognition and general psychopathology after a 4-week taper in 20 outpatients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder treated with antipsychotics. Results: Eighteen of twenty patients successfully discontinued their anticholinergic medication; two did not because of akathisia. Repeated measures analysis of variance did not show a significant effect of anticholinergic discontinuation on total Extrapyramidal Symptoms Rating Scale score or on the Parkinsonism, Akathisia, Dystonia or Tardive Dyskinesia subscales. However, significant improvement was found on the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia composite z score at weeks 6, 8 and 12 compared with baseline. Significant improvements were seen on the motor and the symbol-coding tasks. No significant effects were observed on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Clinical Global Impression – Severity and Clinical Global Impression – Improvement scales. Conclusion: In this 12-week study of anticholinergic discontinuation in 20 outpatients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, gradual decrease and discontinuation of anticholinergics led to a positive effect on cognition. There were no adverse consequences on general psychopathology and no significant differences for 18 of 20 subjects on movement disorders.
Opposing regulation of BIM and BCL2 controls glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells
Authors: Jing Duohui , Bhadri Vivek A. , Beck Dominik , Thoms Julie A. I. , Yakob Nurul A. , Wong Jason W. H. , Knezevic Kathy , Pimanda John E. , Lock Richard B. 
Published: October 2014

Key Points
The glucocorticoid receptor coordinately regulates the antiapoptotic BCL2 and proapoptotic BIM genes in pediatric ALL cells in vivo. GR binding at a novel intronic region is associated with BIM transcription and dexamethasone sensitivity in pediatric ALL cells in vivo.
What are the impacts of urban agriculture programs on food security in low and middle-income countries: a systematic review
Authors: Korth Marcel , Stewart Ruth , Langer Laurenz , Madinga Nolizwe , Rebelo Da Silva Natalie , Zaranyika Hazel , van Rooyen Carina , de Wet Thea 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Background
Urban Agriculture is considered to contribute to improved food security among the income poor in urban contexts across developing countries. Much literature exists on the topic assuming a positive relationship. The aim of this review was to collect and analyse available evidence on the impact of urban agriculture in low and middle-income countries.

Methods
We employed systematic review methods to identify all relevant and reliable research on UA’s impact on food security and nutrition. Only impact evaluations that set out to measure the effectiveness of UA interventions on food security, as compared to the effects of not engaging in UA, qualified for inclusion. Studies had to have a comparison group and at least two data points.

Results
Systematic searches resulted in 8142 hits, and screening of abstracts resulted in 198 full texts identified. No studies met the review’s inclusion criteria. Therefore, the review found no available evidence that supports or refutes the suggestion that urban agriculture positively impacts on individual or household food security in low and middle-income countries. The largest proportion of studies at full text stage was excluded based on study design, as they were not impact evaluations, i.e. they did not have a comparison group and at least data points. Two observations were made: Firstly, searches yielded a range of studies that consider associations between UA and certain aspects of food security. Secondly, there is a large pool of cross-sectional studies on UA’s potential to contribute to increased food security, particularly from west and east Africa.

Conclusions
The research currently available does not allow for any conclusions to be made on whether or not urban agriculture initiatives contribute to food security. The fact that impact evaluations are absent from the current evidence-base calls for increased efforts to measure the impact of urban agriculture on food security in low and middle-income countries through rigorous impact evaluations. With regard to systematic review methodology, this review alludes to the value of compiling a systematic map prior to engaging in a full systematic review.
Computational approaches to interpreting genomic sequence variation
Authors: Ritchie Graham RS , Flicek Paul 
Published: October 2014

AbstractIdentifying sequence variants that play a mechanistic role in human disease and other phenotypes is a fundamental goal in human genetics and will be important in translating the results of variation studies. Experimental validation to confirm that a variant causes the biochemical changes responsible for a given disease or phenotype is considered the gold standard, but this cannot currently be applied to the 3 million or so variants expected in an individual genome. This has prompted the development of a wide variety of computational approaches that use several different sources of information to identify functional variation. Here, we review and assess the limitations of computational techniques for categorizing variants according to functional classes, prioritizing variants for experimental follow-up and generating hypotheses about the possible molecular mechanisms to inform downstream experiments. We discuss the main current bioinformatics approaches to identifying functional variation, including widely used algorithms for coding variation such as SIFT and PolyPhen and also novel techniques for interpreting variation across the genome.
Specialized Subpopulations of Kisspeptin Neurons Communicate With GnRH Neurons in Female Mice
Authors: Kumar Devesh , Candlish Michael , Periasamy Vinod , Avcu Nergiz , Mayer Christian , Boehm Ulrich 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
The neuropeptide kisspeptin is a potent stimulator of GnRH neurons and has been implicated as a major regulator of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis. There are mainly two anatomically segregated populations of neurons that express kisspeptin in the female hypothalamus: one in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) and the other in the arcuate nucleus (ARC). Distinct roles have been proposed for AVPV and ARC kisspeptin neurons during reproductive maturation and in mediating estrogen feedback on the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis in adults. Despite their pivotal role in the regulation of reproductive physiology, little is known about kisspeptin neuron connectivity. Although previous data suggest heterogeneity within the AVPV and ARC kisspeptin neuron populations, how many and which of these potential kisspeptin neuron subpopulations are actually communicating with GnRH neurons is not known. Here we used a combinatorial genetic transsynaptic tracing strategy to start to analyze the connectivity of individual kisspeptin neurons with the GnRH neuron population in female mice with a single-cell resolution. We find that only subsets of AVPV and ARC kisspeptin neurons are synaptically connected with GnRH neurons. We demonstrate that the majority of kisspeptin neurons within the AVPV and ARC does not communicate with GnRH neurons. Furthermore, we show that all kisspeptin neurons within the AVPV connected to GnRH neurons are estrogen sensitive and that most of these express tyrosine hydroxylase. Our data demonstrate functional specialization within the two kisspeptin neuron populations.
Impact of Extent of Surgery on Survival for Papillary Thyroid Cancer Patients Younger Than 45 Years
Authors: Abdelgadir Adam Mohamed , Pura John , Goffredo Paolo , Dinan Michaela A. , Hyslop Terry , Reed Shelby D. , Scheri Randall P. , Roman Sanziana A. , Sosa Julie A. 
Published: October 2014

Abstract

Context:
Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) patients &lt;45 years old are considered to have an excellent prognosis; however, current guidelines recommend total thyroidectomy for PTC tumors &gt;1.0 cm, regardless of age.

Objective:
Our objective was to examine the impact of extent of surgery on overall survival (OS) in patients &lt;45 years old with stage I PTC of 1.1 to 4.0 cm.

Design, Setting, and Patients:
Adult patients &lt;45 years of age undergoing surgery for stage I PTC were identified from the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB, 1998–2006) and the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results dataset (SEER, 1988–2006).

Main Outcome Measure:
Multivariable modeling was used to compare OS for patients undergoing total thyroidectomy vs lobectomy.

Results:
In total, 29 522 patients in NCDB (3151 lobectomy, 26 371 total thyroidectomy) and 13 510 in SEER (1379 lobectomy, 12 131 total thyroidectomy) were included. Compared with patients undergoing lobectomy, patients having total thyroidectomy more often had extrathyroidal and lymph node disease. At 14 years, unadjusted OS was equivalent between total thyroidectomy and lobectomy in both databases. After adjustment, OS was similar for total thyroidectomy compared with lobectomy across all patients with tumors of 1.1 to 4.0 cm (NCDB: hazard ratio = 1.45 [confidence interval = 0.88–2.51], P = 0.19; SEER: 0.95 (0.70–1.29), P = 0.75) and when stratified by tumor size: 1.1 to 2.0 cm (NCDB: 1.12 [0.50–2.51], P = 0.78; SEER: 0.95 [0.56–1.62], P = 0.86) and 2.1 to 4.0 cm (NCDB: 1.93 [0.88–4.23], P = 0.10; SEER: 0.94 [0.60–1.49], P = 0.80).

Conclusions:
After adjusting for patient and clinical characteristics, total thyroidectomy compared with thyroid lobectomy was not associated with improved survival for patients &lt;45 years of age with stage I PTC of 1.1 to 4.0 cm. Additional clinical and pathologic factors should be considered when choosing extent of resection.
THE PRESENT AND FUTURE PROSPECTS OF FRICTION STIR WELDING IN AERONAUTICS
Authors: Sinka Viliam 
Published: October 2014

Since its invention friction stir welding as a solid state joining method was considered primarily for aluminium alloys in the aerospace industry. Years of intense research and development were necessary to introduce the process for fabrication of aerospace components. It was necessary to accumulate sufficient information about process parameters, tooling and machinery for process specification, certification and design allowables. Friction stir welding was first used in space vehicles and in military aircraft, later it was used in civil aviation. Aircraft manufacturers such as Boeing, Airbus, and Embraer use this technique for components such as floor panels, fuselage panels, and wing ribs among others. This process allows for the introduction of new structural solutions in the same way that the development of advanced alloys also permits similar advances.
STUDY OF INFLUENCE OF pH VALUE ON REMOVING OF Cu2+ IONS FROM SOLUTION ONTO PERLITE
Authors: Plešingerová Beatrice , Dedinská Eva 
Published: October 2014

The expanded perlite was studied as adsorbent for removing of Cu2+ ion from contaminated water. The test conditions were following: pH = 2 – 11; a perlite dosage 0,1 – 1 g; ratio solution: sorbent = 20 – 500 ml : 1 g; basic concentration of the Cu2+ ions 0,5 and 5 mg.1-1, laboratory temperature. The results showed that the perlite shifts the pH value of solutions which have the pH in region of 4 – 9 to neutral region 6 – 7. The pH value of solution was adjusted by HCl/NaOH and McIlvaine (citric acid/Na2HPO4); and Sőrensen (Na2HPO4/KH2PO4) buffer. Top-tests were carried out with solution adjusted by HCl/NaOH. The removing of Cu2+ ions from water relates with the basicity of aqueous solutions. If the ratio of perlite to solution with Cu2+ concentration of 5 mg.l-1 is 1 g : < 40 ml the removal of Cu2+ ions from solution rapidly increases in interval of pH from 4,5 to 5,5 and at pH ³ 6 achieves a maximum. The removal of the Cu2+ ions from initial solution (5 mg.1-1 of Cu2+) is 90 – 95 % at an exposition time of 180 min. and pH > 6. The values from desorption test were about 25 – 30 % lower. The purpose of this paper was to show the influence of phosphate and citrate anions in aqueous solutions on removing of Cu2+ ions from diluted water solution, too. The results confirmed that the citrate anions in the McIlvaine buffer inhibit sorption of Cu2+ on perlite while phosphate anions in Sőrensen buffer generate conditions for formation of Cu2+ precipitates.
MICROSTRUCTURE AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF ULTRA-FINE GRAINED AZ31 ALLOY PROCESSED BY ECAP
Authors: Janeček Miloš , Stráská Jitka , Čížek Jakub 
Published: October 2014

Commercial magnesium alloy AZ31 was processed by equal channel angular pressing preceded by hot extrusion (EX-ECAP). Microstructure evolution with strain due to ECAP was investigated by light and transmission electron microscopy. ECAP processing resulted in continuous grain fragmentation, significant grain refinement and the formation of dislocations. Dislocation structure changes in individual specimens after different number of ECAP passes were investigated by positron annihilation spectroscopy (PAS). Substantial increase of dislocation density occurred during the first two passes of ECAP and was followed by the decline manifesting the dynamic recovery at higher strains. The microstructure and defect structure evolution correlates well with mechanical properties as determined by a detail inspection of microhardness variations in individual ECAPed specimens.
Considerations for Digital PCR as an Accurate Molecular Diagnostic Tool
Authors: Huggett Jim F , Cowen Simon , Foy Carole A 
Published: October 2014

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Digital PCR (dPCR) is an increasingly popular manifestation of PCR that offers a number of unique advantages when applied to preclinical research, particularly when used to detect rare mutations and in the precise quantification of nucleic acids. As is common with many new research methods, the application of dPCR to potential clinical scenarios is also being increasingly described.

CONTENT
This review addresses some of the factors that need to be considered in the application of dPCR. Compared to real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR), dPCR clearly has the potential to offer more sensitive and considerably more reproducible clinical methods that could lend themselves to diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive tests. But for this to be realized the technology will need to be further developed to reduce cost and simplify application. Concomitantly the preclinical research will need be reported with a comprehensive understanding of the associated errors. dPCR benefits from a far more predictable variance than qPCR but is as susceptible to upstream errors associated with factors like sampling and extraction. dPCR can also suffer systematic bias, particularly leading to underestimation, and internal positive controls are likely to be as important for dPCR as they are for qPCR, especially when reporting the absence of a sequence.

SUMMARY
In this review we highlight some of the considerations that may be needed when applying dPCR and discuss sources of error. The factors discussed here aim to assist in the translation of dPCR to diagnostic, predictive, or prognostic applications.
Circulating Tumor Cell Enumeration with a Combination of Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule– and Cell-Surface Vimentin–Based Methods for Monitoring Breast Cancer Therapeutic Response
Authors: Satelli Arun , Brownlee Zachary , Mitra Abhisek , Meng Qing H , Li Shulin 
Published: October 2014

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Detection, isolation, and enumeration of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from cancer patients has become an important modality in clinical management of patients with breast cancer. Although CellSearch, an epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM)-based method that is used to isolate epithelial CTCs, has gained prominence, its inability to detect mesenchymal CTCs from breast cancer patients raises concerns regarding its utility in clinical management.

METHODS
To address this gap in technology, we recently discovered the utility of cell-surface vimentin (CSV) as a marker for detecting mesenchymal CTCs from sarcoma tumors. In the present study, we tested the sensitivity and specificity of detecting CTCs from blood collected at a random time during therapy from each of 58 patients with metastatic breast cancer by use of 84-1 (a monoclonal antibody against CSV to detect epithelial/mesenchymal-transition CTCs) and CellSearch methods. Additionally, we tested the possibility of improving the sensitivity and specificity of detection by use of additional parameters including nuclear EpCAM localization and epithelial mesenchymal ratios.

RESULTS
CTC counts with CSV were significant (P = 0.0053) in differentiating populations responsive and nonresponsive to treatment compared with CTC counts with CellSearch (P = 0.0564). The specificity of CTC detection was found to be highest when the sum of CTC counts from the 2 methods was above a threshold of 8 CTCs/7.5 mL.

CONCLUSIONS
The sum of CTC counts from the CellSearch and CSV methods appears to provide new insights for assessment of therapeutic response and thus provides a new approach to personalized medicine in breast cancer patients.
Governmental Financial Accounting and European Harmonisation: Case Study of Finland
Authors: Oulasvirta Lasse Olavi 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe Finnish government accounting has developed from its own premises which used to emphasise the importance of budgetary accounting and prudence. Since the 1990s and the impact of New Public Financial Management, the Finnish government financial accounting has been accruals based. However, the Finnish application of accruals is based on the income statement approach, realisation principle and prudence. The International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) based more on the balance sheet approach and fair value accounting are not suitable for the Finnish government accounting culture and practice. Furthermore, this means from the Finnish perspective that the EPSAS standards should not be based on IPSAS but on a conceptual framework especially developed for the European context.
Die frühkindliche Entwicklung sozialkognitiver und metakognitiver Fertigkeiten. Empirische Befunde, theoretische Kontroversen und Implikationen für die Ontogenese des Selbstbewusstseins
Authors: Paulus Markus 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
The present paper argues that the early development of social cognitive and metacognitive abilities informs the ongoing theoretical debate on the ontogenesis of the human self concept. To this end, the article provides first an overview on the early development of a self concept in the toddler years. Subsequently, it reviews central empirical findings and theoretical approaches on the early development of social-cognitive and metacognitive abilities from infancy to the preschool years. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications of these findings and approaches for our understanding of the developmental origins of the human self concept.
An Innovative Dual Frequency PPP Model for Combined GPS/Galileo Observations
Authors: Afifi Akram , El-Rabbany Ahmed 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThis paper develops a new dual-frequency precise point positioning model, which combines GPS and Galileo observables. The addition of Galileo satellite system offers more visible satellites to the user, which is expected to enhance the satellite geometry and the overall PPP solution in comparison with GPS-only PPP solution. However, combining GPS and Galileo observables introduces additional biases, which require rigorous modelling, including the GPS to Galileo time offset, and Galileo satellite hardware delay. In this research, a GPS/Galileo ionosphere-free linear combination PPP model is developed. The additional biases of the GPS/Galileo combination are lumped and accounted for through the introduction of a new unknown parameter, inter-systems bias, in the PPP mathematical model. It is shown that a subdecimeter positioning accuracy level and 25% reduction in the solution convergence time can be achieved with the developed GPS/Galileo PPP model.
A facile method for generating Michael acceptor thin films via amine substituted poly(vinyl methyl ketone)
Authors: Bicak Niyazi 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Alpha-morpholine substituted poly(vinyl methyl ketone) (PVMK) was determined to undergo rapid self-crosslinking by short-term vacuuming (i.e., 30–60 min) or curing at 70–100 °C. The chemical transformations involved were monitored by TGA, DSC, FT-IR, 1HNMR and solid-state 13C NMR techniques. These experiments revealed an “unzipping-like” mechanism yielding multi conjugated enone structure via consecutive deamination by β-hydrogen elimination and simultaneous Diels–Alder cyclization resulting in crosslinking. This chemistry was exploited for generating Michael acceptor thin film coatings on silica nanoparticles, in which the silica was impregnated with morpholine substituted poly(vinyl methyl ketone) and simply heated at 100 °C. The dense polyene functional films so formed were demonstrated to add amines and thiols at room temperature. The resulting silica nanoparticles were employed to form homogenous composite films using poly(butyl acrylate-stat-methylmethacrylate) as carrier matrix. Morpholine substituted poly(vinyl methyl ketone) (MSP) seems to be generally applicable for surface modification of different inorganic surfaces with organics.
Microcirculation of the brain: morphological assessment in degenerative diseases and restoration processes
Authors: Kolinko Yaroslav , Krakorova Kristyna , Cendelin Jan , Tonar Zbynek , Kralickova Milena 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBrain microcirculation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of various brain diseases. Several specific features of the circulation in the brain and its functions deserve special attention. The brain is extremely sensitive to hypoxia, and brain edema is more dangerous than edema in other tissues. Brain vessels are part of the blood-brain barrier, which prevents the penetration of some of the substances in the blood into the brain tissue. Herein, we review the processes of angiogenesis and the changes that occur in the brain microcirculation in the most prevalent neurodegenerative diseases. There are no uniform vascular changes in the neurodegenerative diseases. In some cases, the vascular changes are secondary consequences of the pathological process, but they could also be involved in the pathogenesis of the primary disease and contribute to the degeneration of neurons, based on their quantitative characteristics. Additionally, we described the stereological methods that are most commonly used for generating qualitative and quantitative data to assess changes in the microvascular bed of the brain.