bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of plasma-emulating light emitting diode (LED) versus conventional LED on cytotoxic effects of orthodontic cements as a function of polymerization capacity
Authors: Çörekçi B , Halıcıoğlu K , Irgın C , Hezenci Y , Yavuz MZ 
Published: October 2013

Objectives: The study was aimed at evaluating, in vitro, cytotoxicity of four resin-based orthodontic cements (RBOC) as a function of degree of conversion (DC) and the light curing unit (LCU) employed on mouse fibroblast (L929). Materials and Methods: Nine samples were manufactured for each group of cements using plasma-emulating light-emitting diode (LED) and conventional LED. Toxicity was assessed by immersing four specimens to culture medium (24 h/37°C) for extracting residual monomer or cytotoxic substance. Cell mitochondrial activity of L929 cell was evaluated using methyl tetrazolium (MTT) test. DC was evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for five samples. Results: Cements, LCUs, and interaction between cements and LCUs were found to play a statistically significant role in cytotoxicity ( p < 0.0001). Opal band cement (OPAL) plasma LED was found noncytotoxic (90–100% cell viability). The other RBOC–LCU combinations were slightly cytotoxic (60–90% cell viability). Cements ( p < 0.01) and LCUs ( p < 0.05) had a statistically significant effect on DC. Conversely, interaction between cement and LCU had no statistically significant role on DC ( p > 0.05). OPAL plasma LED displayed the highest levels of DC. The correlations between cell viability and DC were positive for three RBOCs. Conclusion: Therefore, high-intensity LCUs can be said to efficiently affect polymerization, so higher DC rates may achieve higher cell viability rates. Clinical Relevance: Cements and LCUs must be matched to each another to result in higher DC and maximal biocompatibility. Dual cure systems presented relatively high cell survival and higher DC, thus expressing superior to single-cure systems with plasma LED.
Prospective Study of Percutaneous Radiofrequency Nerve Ablation for Chronic Plantar Fasciitis
Authors: Erken H. Yener , Ayanoglu Semih , Akmaz Ibrahim , Erler Kaan , Kiral Ahmet 
Published: October 2013

Background: Chronic plantar heel pain is one of the most painful foot conditions and is generally associated with plantar fasciitis. This study reports 2-year follow-up results of radiofrequency nerve ablation (RFNA) of the calcaneal branches of the inferior calcaneal nerve in patients with chronic heel pain associated with plantar fasciitis. Methods: After receiving approval from the institutional review board, we prospectively evaluated the results of the RFNA of the calcaneal branches of the inferior calcaneal nerve on 35 feet in 29 patients with plantar heel pain between 2008 and 2011. All of the patients who were treated had been complaining of heel pain for more than 6 months and had failed conservative treatment. All of the patients were evaluated (quantitatively) using the average 10-point Visual Analog Scale (VAS) before treatment, as well as at their 1-month, 1-year, and 2-year follow-up after the procedure. We also evaluated 26 feet in 20 patients with American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scale (AOFAS) scores before the treatment, as well as at their 1-month, 1-year, and 2-year follow-up after the procedure. Results: The average VAS score of the feet was 9.2 ± 1.9 before treatment, 0.5 ± 1.3 at 1 month after the procedure, 1.5 ± 2.1 at 1-year follow-up, and 1.3 ± 1.8 at 2-year follow-up ( P < .001). The average AOFAS scores of the patients were 66.9 ± 8.1 (range, 44-80) before treatment, 95.2 ± 6.1 (range, 77-100) at 1 month after the procedure, 93 ± 7.5 (range, 71-100) at the 1-year follow-up, and 93.3 ± 7.9 (range, 69-100) at the 2-year follow-up. At the 1- and 2-year follow-up, 85.7% of the patients rated their treatment as very successful or successful. Conclusion: These findings suggest that RFNA of the calcaneal branches of the inferior calcaneal nerve was an effective pain treatment option for chronic heel pain associated with plantar fasciitis that did not respond to other conservative treatment options. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.
Predictors of effectiveness of multidisciplinary rehabilitation treatment on motor dysfunction in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Liberatore G , Clarelli F , Nuara A , Ungaro D , Gatti R , Rovaris M , Martinelli V , Comola M , Comi G , Rossi P , Martinelli-Boneschi F 
Published: October 2013

Objectives: To identify clinical predictors of effectiveness of a motor rehabilitation treatment in a cohort of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Materials and methods: We analysed 212 consecutive patients who underwent a short-term (3–7 weeks) intensive (two hours per day, five days per week), individualised, goal-oriented inpatient rehabilitation program. Activity limitation and impairment were measured on admission and discharge of the rehabilitation trial using the motor sub-items of the Functional Independence Measure (mFIM) and the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score. Multivariate logistic regression models have been tested to evaluate the role of clinical baseline features on rehabilitation effectiveness. Results: According to pre-defined outcome measures, 75.1% of MS patients improved in either activity limitation (≥5 points delta mFIM) or impairment (≥1.0 delta EDSS score if baseline EDSS was ≤5.5, or ≥0.5 if baseline EDSS was >5.5), and 35.4% of MS patients improved in both outcomes. A relapsing-remitting course of disease, a more severe baseline impairment and activity limitation level, a shorter disease duration and a less severe balance dysfunction were predictive of the effectiveness of rehabilitation. Discussion: These data confirm that an intensive inpatient rehabilitation program is able to produce a short-term relevant improvement on clinical and functional outcome measures and suggest some clinical features which can be considered as potential predictors of the outcome of rehabilitative intervention.
A DNMT3A mutation common in AML exhibits dominant-negative effects in murine ES cells
Authors: Kim Soo Jin , Zhao Hongbo , Hardikar Swanand , Singh Anup Kumar , Goodell Margaret A. , Chen Taiping 
Published: October 2013

Key PointsMouse Dnmt3a R878H (human R882H) mutant protein inhibits wild-type Dnmt3a/Dnmt3b in murine ES cells, suggesting dominant-negative effects.
Isolation of human genomic DNA for genetic analysis from premature neonates: a comparison between newborn dried blood spots, whole blood and umbilical cord tissue
Authors: Rajatileka Shavanthi , Luyt Karen , El-Bokle Manal , Williams Maggie , Kemp Helena , Molnár Elek , Váradi Anikó 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
Genotyping requires biological sample collection that must be reliable, convenient and acceptable for patients and clinicians. Finding the most optimal procedure of sample collection for premature neonates who have a very limited blood volume is a particular challenge. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the use of umbilical cord (UC) tissue and newborn dried blood spot (DBS)-extracted genomic DNA (gDNA) as an alternative to venous blood-derived gDNA from premature neonates for molecular genetic analysis.
All samples were obtained from premature newborn infants between 24-32 weeks of gestation. Paired blood and UC samples were collected from 31 study participants. gDNA was extracted from ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) anticoagulant-treated blood samples (~500 μl) and newborn DBSs (n = 723) using QIAamp DNA Micro kit (Qiagen Ltd., Crawley, UK); and from UC using Qiagen DNAeasy Blood and Tissue kit (Qiagen Ltd., Crawley, UK). gDNA was quantified and purity confirmed by measuring the A260:A280 ratio. PCR amplification and pyrosequencing was carried out to determine suitability of the gDNA for molecular genetic analysis. Minor allele frequency of two unrelated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was calculated using the entire cohort.

Results
Both whole blood samples and UC tissue provided good quality and yield of gDNA, which was considerably less from newborn DBS. The gDNA purity was also reduced after 3 years of storage of the newborn DBS. PCR amplification of three unrelated genes resulted in clear products in all whole blood and UC samples and 86%-100% of newborn DBS. Genotyping using pyrosequencing showed 100% concordance in the paired UC and whole blood samples. Minor allele frequencies of the two SNPs indicated that no maternal gDNA contamination occurred in the genotyping of the UC samples.

Conclusions
gDNAs from all three sources are suitable for standard PCR and pyrosequencing assays. Given that UC provide good quality and quantity gDNA with 100% concordance in the genetic analysis with whole blood, it can replace blood sampling from premature infants. This is likely to reduce the stress and potential side effects associated with invasive sample collection and thus, greatly facilitate participant recruitment for genetic studies.
Predictors of decline in walking ability in community-dwelling Alzheimer’s disease patients: Results from the 4-years prospective REAL.FR study
Authors: Rolland Yves , Cantet Christelle , Barreto Philipede Souto , Cesari Matteo , van Kan Gabor Abellan , Vellas Bruno ,   the REAL.FR Study group
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Introduction
The aim of this study was to explore the predictors of decline in walking ability in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Methods
The prospective REseau surla maladie ALzheimer FRançais (REAL.FR) study enrolled six hundred eighty four community-dwelling AD subjects (71.20% women; mean age 77.84 Standard Deviation, SD, 6.82 years, Mini-Mental State Examination 20.02, SD 4.23). Decline in walking ability was defined as the first loss of 0.5 points or more in the walking ability item of the Activities of Daily Living scale (ADL), where higher score means greater independence, during the four-years of follow-up. Demographic characteristics, co-morbidities, and level of education were reported at baseline. Disability, caregiver burden, cognitive and nutritional status, body mass index, balance, behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, medication, hospitalization, institutionalization and death were reported every six months during the four years. Cox survival analyses were performed to assess the independent factors associated with decline in walking ability.

Results
The mean incident decline in walking ability was 12.76% per year (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 10.86 to 14.66). After adjustment for confounders, the risk of decline in walking ability was independently associated with older age (Relative Risk, RR = 1.05 (95% CI 1.02 to 1.08)), time from diagnosis of dementia (RR = 1.16 (1.01 to 1.33)), painful osteoarthritis (RR = 1.84 (1.19 to 2.85)), hospitalization for fracture of the lower limb (RR = 6.35 (3.02 to 13.37)), higher baseline ADL score (RR = 0.49 (0.43 to 0.56)), and the use of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (RR = 0.52 (0.28 to 0.96)).

Conclusions
The risk of decline in walking ability is predicted by older age, increased dementia severity, poor functional score, and orthopedic factors and seems to be prevented by the use of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors medication.
IL-29 enhances Toll-like receptor-mediated IL-6 and IL-8 production by the synovial fibroblasts from rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Xu Lingxiao , Feng Xiaoke , Tan Wenfeng , Gu Weijuan , Guo Dunming , Zhang Miaojia , Wang Fang 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Introduction
We previously reported that IL-29, a newly described member of interferon (IFN) family, was overexpressed in blood and synovium of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and triggered proinflammatory cytokine IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA expression in RA synovial fibroblasts (RA-FLS). This suggests that IL-29 has an important role in synovial inflammation. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) also activate RA-FLS to produce inflammatory mediators including tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and IL-1β in RA-FLS. Since the TLR family plays an early role in the innate immune response and the subsequent induction of the adaptive immune response, we hypothesize that IL-29 interacts with TLRs in RA inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the effect of IL-29 on TLR-mediated proinflammatory cytokine production in RA-FLS.

Methods
The mRNA level of IL-29 receptors (IL-28Rα and IL-10R2) in RA-FLS was determined by semi-quantitative RT- PCR. IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA expressions in RA-FLS were evaluated by real-time PCR after pre-incubation with IL-29 and subsequent stimulation with peptidoglycan (PGN, TLR2 ligand), or polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C), TLR3 ligand), or lipopolysaccharide (LPS, TLR4 ligand) . The production of TLR2, 3, and 4 in RA-FLS after IL-29 stimulation was also assessed by real-time PCR and flow cytometry. IL-29 mRNA and protein expression in RA-FLS after stimulation with PGN, poly(I:C), or LPS were measured by real-time PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively.

Results
The IL-29 receptor complex (IL-28Rα and IL-10R2) was identified in RA-FLS. IL-29 enhanced TLR-mediated IL-6 and IL-8 expression in RA-FLS. IL-29 upregulated expression of TLR2, 3 and 4 in RA-FLS. Exposure to PGN, poly(I:C) or LPS triggered IL-29 production by RA-FLS.

Conclusions
We show for the first time that IL-29 enhances TLR-induced proinflammatory cytokine production in RA-FLS via upregulation of TLRs.
Practice Patterns and Long-Term Survival for Early-Stage Rectal Cancer
Authors: Stitzenberg Karyn B. , Sanoff Hanna K. , Penn Dolly C. , Meyers Michael O. , Tepper Joel E. 
Published: October 2013

Purpose Standard of care treatment for most stage I rectal cancers is total mesorectal excision (TME). Given the morbidity associated with TME, local excision (LE) for early-stage rectal cancer has been explored. This study examines practice patterns and overall survival (OS) for early-stage rectal cancer. Methods All patients in the National Cancer Data Base diagnosed with rectal cancer from 1998 to 2010 were initially included. Use of LE versus proctectomy and use of adjuvant radiation therapy were compared over time. Adjusted Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare OS based on treatment. Results LE was used to treat 46.5% of patients with T1 and 16.8% with T2 tumors. Use of LE increased steadily over time (P < .001). LE was most commonly used for women, black patients, very old patients, those without private health insurance, those with well-differentiated tumors, and those with T1 tumors. Proctectomy was associated with higher rates of tumor-free surgical margins compared with LE (95% v 76%; P < .001). Adjuvant radiation therapy use decreased over time independent of surgical procedure or T stage. For T2N0 disease, patients treated with LE alone had significantly poorer adjusted OS than those treated with proctectomy alone or multimodality therapy. Conclusion Guideline-concordant adoption of LE for treatment of low-risk stage I rectal cancer is increasing. However, use of LE is also increasing for higher-risk rectal cancers that do not meet guideline criteria for LE. Treatment with LE alone is associated with poorer long-term OS. Additional studies are warranted to understand the factors driving increased use of LE.
The role of androgen receptor CAG repeat polymorphism and other factors which affect the clinical response to testosterone replacement in metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes: TIMES2 sub-study
Authors: Stanworth R D , Akhtar S , Channer K S , Jones T H 
Published: October 2013

ContextThe TIMES2 (testosterone replacement in hypogonadal men with either metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes) study reported beneficial effects of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) on insulin resistance and other variables in men with diabetes or metabolic syndrome. The androgen receptor CAG repeat polymorphism (AR CAG) is known to affect stimulated AR activity and has been linked to various clinically relevant variables.ObjectiveTo assess the role of AR CAG in the alteration of clinical response to TRT in the TIMES2 study.DesignSubgroup analysis from a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled and parallel group study.SettingOutpatient study recruiting from secondary and primary care.PatientsA total of 139 men with hypogonadism and type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome, of which 73 received testosterone during the TIMES2 study.InterventionTestosterone 2% transdermal gel vs placebo.Main outcome measureRegression coefficient of AR CAG from linear regression models for each variable.ResultsAR CAG was independently positively associated with change in fasting insulin, triglycerides and diastolic blood pressure during TRT with a trend to association with HOMA-IR – the primary outcome variable. There was a trend to negative association between AR CAG and change in PSA. There was no association of AR CAG with change in other glycaemic variables, other lipid variables or obesity.ConclusionAR CAG affected the response of some variables to TRT in the TIMES2 study, although the association with HOMA-IR did not reach significance. Various factors may have limited the power of our study to detect the significant associations between AR CAG, testosterone levels and change in variables with testosterone treatment. Analysis of similar data sets from other clinical trials is warranted.
Fundamental Movement Skill Interventions in Youth: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Morgan Philip J. , Barnett Lisa M. , Cliff Dylan P. , Okely Anthony D. , Scott Hayley A. , Cohen Kristen E. , Lubans David R. 
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUND:
Fundamental movement skill (FMS) proficiency is positively associated with physical activity and fitness levels. The objective of this study was to systematically review evidence for the benefits of FMS interventions targeting youth.

METHODS:
A search with no date restrictions was conducted across 7 databases. Studies included any school-, home-, or community-based intervention for typically developing youth with clear intent to improve FMS proficiency and that reported statistical analysis of FMS competence at both preintervention and at least 1 other postintervention time point. Study designs included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using experimental and quasi-experimental designs and single group pre-post trials. Risk of bias was independently assessed by 2 reviewers.

RESULTS:
Twenty-two articles (6 RCTs, 13 quasi-experimental trials, 3 pre-post trials) describing 19 interventions were included. All but 1 intervention were evaluated in primary/elementary schools. All studies reported significant intervention effects for ≥1 FMS. Meta-analyses revealed large effect sizes for overall gross motor proficiency (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 1.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.68–2.16, Z = 3.77, P &lt; .0002) and locomotor skill competency (SMD = 1.42, 95% CI 0.56–2.27, Z = 3.25, P = .001). A medium effect size for object control skill competency was observed (SMD = 0.63, 95% CI 0.28–0.98, Z = 3.53, P = .0004). Many studies scored poorly for risk of bias items.

CONCLUSIONS:
School- and community-based programs that include developmentally appropriate FMS learning experiences delivered by physical education specialists or highly trained classroom teachers significantly improve FMS proficiency in youth.
Influence of synthesis route on the morphology of SrTiO3 particles
Authors: Leite Marina M. , Vichi Flavio M. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTThe cubic perovskite SrTiO3 is an important semiconductor oxide with a band gap of 3.2 eV. It has a wide variety of applications such as: dielectric materials, photoluminescent devices, and in photocatalysis. It is conventionally obtained by the classic solid state synthesis (SS), in which TiO2 and SrCO3 react for several hours at temperatures as high as 1200 °C. Besides the high energy demand, SS is not useful for the control of physical characteristics, such as particle size and morphology, which has become essential for some of its applications. It is known that many soft and green routes can produce SrTiO3. Among them, the hydrothermal (HT) and sol-precipitation (SP) methods, as well as the molten salt synthesis (MS) are interesting not only due to their low cost and energy use, but also because of the possibility of particle size and shape control. This study compares the size and morphology of the SrTiO3 particles obtained by these three synthetic pathways. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to compare particle size and morphology, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to confirm the perovskite formation as well as to determine the Scherrer’s particle size.
Radar mapping of Isunnguata Sermia, Greenland
Authors: Jezek K. , Wu X. , Paden J. , Leuschen C. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIce thickness estimates using advanced nadir sounding and tomographic radar processing techniques are compared and combined in a study of Isunnguata Sermia glacier, Greenland. Using an ensemble of Operation IceBridge flight lines spaced at 500 m intervals and running approximately along the flow direction, we find there is a statistically excellent comparison between subglacial terrains derived from two-dimensional tomography and gridded nadir sounding. Analysis shows that tomographic data better capture short wavelength (1–2 km) patterns in basal terrain, but interpolated nadir sounding data yield more spatially extensive and continuous coverage across the glacier, especially in deep subglacial troughs. Using derived surface and basal topography maps, we find that driving stress and measured and modeled surface velocity comparisons indicate that basal sliding is an important component of the glacier motion, but is also only weakly coupled to the detailed bed topography save for the deepest troughs. As might be expected for this land-terminating, relatively slow-moving glacier, the subglacial and proglacial topography is similar, suggesting the erosional processes acting on the modern glacier bed once helped sculpt the now exposed land.
Posttranscriptional Gene Regulation of IL-17 by the RNA-Binding Protein HuR Is Required for Initiation of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Chen Jing , Cascio Jason , Magee Joseph D. , Techasintana Patsharaporn , Gubin Matthew M. , Dahm Garrett M. , Calaluce Robert , Yu Shiguang , Atasoy Ulus 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
IL-17 is a proinflammatory cytokine produced by activated Th17 cells and other immune cells. IL-17–producing Th17 cells are major contributors to chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Although the transcriptional regulation of Th17 cells is well understood, the posttranscriptional regulation of IL-17 gene expression remains unknown. The RNA-binding protein HuR positively regulates the stability of many target mRNAs via binding the AU-rich elements present in the 3′ untranslated region of many inflammatory cytokines including IL-4, IL-13, and TNF-α. However, the regulation of IL-17 expression by HuR has not been established. CD4+ Th17 cells from HuR knockout mice had decreased IL-17 steady-state mRNA and protein levels compared with wild-type Th17 cells, as well as decreases in frequency of IL-17+ cells. Moreover, we demonstrated that HuR directly binds to the IL-17 mRNA 3′ untranslated region by using RNA immunoprecipitation and biotin pulldown assays. In addition, the knockout of HuR decreased cellular proliferation of CD4+ T cells. Mice with adoptively transferred HuR KO Th17 cells had delayed initiation and reduced disease severity in the onset of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis compared with wild-type Th17 cells. Our results reveal a HuR-induced posttranscriptional regulatory mechanism of Th17 differentiation that influences IL-17 expression. These findings may provide novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of Th17-mediated autoimmune neuroinflammation.