bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nonintegrating Knockdown and Customized Scaffold Design Enhances Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in Skeletal Repair
Authors: Levi Benjamin , Hyun Jeong S. , Nelson Emily R. , Li Shuli , Montoro Daniel T. , Wan Derrick C. , Jia Fang Jun , Glotzbach Jason C. , James Aaron W. , Lee Min , Huang Mei , Quarto Natalina , Gurtner Geoffrey C. , Wu Joseph C. , Longaker Michael T. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractAn urgent need exists in clinical medicine for suitable alternatives to available techniques for bone tissue repair. Human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) represent a readily available, autogenous cell source with well-documented in vivo osteogenic potential. In this article, we manipulated Noggin expression levels in hASCs using lentiviral and nonintegrating minicircle short hairpin ribonucleic acid (shRNA) methodologies in vitro and in vivo to enhance hASC osteogenesis. Human ASCs with Noggin knockdown showed significantly increased bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling and osteogenic differentiation both in vitro and in vivo, and when placed onto a BMP-releasing scaffold embedded with lentiviral Noggin shRNA particles, hASCs more rapidly healed mouse calvarial defects. This study therefore suggests that genetic targeting of hASCs combined with custom scaffold design can optimize hASCs for skeletal regenerative medicine.
Prevalence and progression of recipient‐twin cardiomyopathy in early‐stage twin–twin transfusion syndrome
Authors: Habli M. , Michelfelder E. , Cnota J. , Wall D. , Polzin W. , Lewis D. , Lim F. Y. , Crombleholme T. M. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractObjectiveThe management of twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) in its early stages (Quintero Stages I and II) is controversial. We describe the prevalence, severity, incidence and rate of progression of recipient‐twin cardiomyopathy in Stages I and II TTTS.MethodsAmong 451 cases of TTTS evaluated between 2004 and 2009, 123 (27.3%) cases of Stages I and II were reviewed. Echocardiography was used to ‘upstage’ cases based on the presence or absence of mild (IIIA), moderate (IIIB), or severe (IIIC) recipient cardiomyopathy. Progression was defined by worsening in the degree of recipient‐twin cardiomyopathy from initial presentation or failure to respond to amnioreduction. Outcome data included progression of recipient‐twin cardiomyopathy, treatment and survival to birth. Data were compared by the chi‐square, Fisher's exact test or t‐test as appropriate.ResultsSeventy‐seven of 123 (62.6%) cases were Quintero Stage I and 46/123 (37.4%) Quintero Stage II. Eighty (65.0%) were upstaged to Cincinnati Stage IIIA (n = 25), IIIB (n = 23) or IIIC (n = 32). Management included observation in 11 (8.9%), amnioreduction in 26 (21.1%), amnioreduction followed by selective fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (SFLP) in 43 (35.0%) and primary SFLP in 43 (35.0%). Of 80 cases managed by observation or amnioreduction initially, 43 (53.8%) progressed within a mean duration of 1.4 ± 1.5 weeks. The incidence of progression increased significantly as degree of recipient‐twin cardiomyopathy at presentation worsened: Stage I, 9/27 (33.3%); Stage II, 8/15 (53.3%); Stage IIIA, 8/16 (50.0%); Stage IIIB, 10/10 (100%); and Stage IIIC, 8/12 (66.7%) (χ2 = 14, P < 0.01). Overall fetal survival was 205 out of 244 (84.0%). Fetal survival with observation only was 81.8% (18/22), with amnioreduction only it was 92.3% (48/52), with initial observation or amnioreduction followed by SFLP it was 86.9% (73/84) and with primary SFLP it was 76.7% (66/86).ConclusionEchocardiography demonstrates a high incidence of recipient‐twin cardiomyopathy in early‐stage TTTS. The more advanced the recipient‐twin cardiomyopathy is, the more likely is progression to occur during observation or following amnioreduction. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Visualization of intracranial translucency at the 11–13‐week scan is improved after specific training
Authors: Mangione R. , Lelong N. , Fontanges M. , Amat S. , Rosenblatt J. , Khoshnood B. , Jouannic J.‐M. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the ability to confidently identify intracranial translucency (IT) in a clinical practice and following specific training of 10 operators.MethodsTwo experienced observers reviewed 11–13‐week nuchal translucency (NT) images for IT visibility in (1) a series of 50 randomly selected images obtained by 10 skilled operators certified by the Collège Français d'Echographie Foetale (CFEF) (retrospective analysis) and (2) a series of 315 images obtained by 10 different operators following specific training for IT visualization (prospective analysis). We calculated proportions of images for which IT was deemed visible and the agreement between the two observers. Data were also stratified by Herman and CFEF quality‐score intervals.ResultsIn the retrospective analysis, IT was visualized by both reviewers in 52% of images, with a moderate level of agreement (κ = 0.63). The rate of IT visualization by both reviewers increased very slightly to 56–58% when only considering images with the best NT quality‐control scores. Following specific training of the operators the proportion of images for which both reviewers could identify the fourth ventricle increased to 85%, but the level of agreement remained moderate (κ = 0.66). When considering images with the best NT quality‐control scores, IT visualization by both reviewers increased to 91–92%.ConclusionsIn a clinical practice that focuses on NT measurement IT cannot be visualized in a substantial proportion of the images obtained, which limits the utility of this approach for the early prenatal diagnosis of open spina bifida. However, the ability to identify the fourth ventricle significantly increases following specific training. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Facial‐muscle weakness, speech disorders and dysphagia are common in patients with classic infantile Pompe disease treated with enzyme therapy
Authors: van Gelder C. M. , van Capelle C. I. , Ebbink B. J. , Moor‐van Nugteren I. , den van Hout J. M. P. , Hakkesteegt M. M. , van Doorn P. A. , de Coo I. F. M. , Reuser A. J. J. , de Gier H. H. W. , van der Ploeg A. T. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractClassic infantile Pompe disease is an inherited generalized glycogen storage disorder caused by deficiency of lysosomal acid α‐glucosidase. If left untreated, patients die before one year of age. Although enzyme‐replacement therapy (ERT) has significantly prolonged lifespan, it has also revealed new aspects of the disease. For up to 11 years, we investigated the frequency and consequences of facial‐muscle weakness, speech disorders and dysphagia in long‐term survivors. Sequential photographs were used to determine the timing and severity of facial‐muscle weakness. Using standardized articulation tests and fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing, we investigated speech and swallowing function in a subset of patients. This study included 11 patients with classic infantile Pompe disease. Median age at the start of ERT was 2.4 months (range 0.1‐8.3 months), and median age at the end of the study was 4.3 years (range 7.7 months −12.2 years). All patients developed facial‐muscle weakness before the age of 15 months. Speech was studied in four patients. Articulation was disordered, with hypernasal resonance and reduced speech intelligibility in all four. Swallowing function was studied in six patients, the most important findings being ineffective swallowing with residues of food (5/6), penetration or aspiration (3/6), and reduced pharyngeal and/or laryngeal sensibility (2/6). We conclude that facial‐muscle weakness, speech disorders and dysphagia are common in long‐term survivors receiving ERT for classic infantile Pompe disease. To improve speech and reduce the risk for aspiration, early treatment by a speech therapist and regular swallowing assessments are recommended.
Patientenschulung und Empowerment in der medizinischen Rehabilitation
Authors: Faller Hermann 
Published: October 2011

Einleitung
Der Paradigmenwechsel in der medizinischen Rehabilitation – weg vom traditionellen paternalistischen Verständnis der Arzt-Patient-Beziehung hin zu einem kooperativen, partizipativen Modell – stellt auch an die Rehabilitanden neue Herausforderungen. Um diesen begegnen zu können, braucht es eine entsprechende Befähigung. Empowerment kann die hierfür notwendigen Kompetenzen vermitteln.
HORIZONTAL INEQUALITIES AND COMMUNAL CONFLICTS: THE CASE OF AGULERI AND UMULERI COMMUNITIES OF SOUTH-EASTERN NIGERIA
Authors: Onwuzuruigbo Ifeanyi 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACTIntra-state conflicts in Africa have been attributed to various factors such as the end of the Cold War, globalization, sustained population growth, environmental scarcity and violent youth culture. Extracts from these dominant global perspectives, collocated and mixed with the economic crisis thesis at the national level, constitute the mainstream analytical scheme for understanding the proliferation of communal conflicts in Nigeria. However, the relevance of horizontal inequality in accounting for the multitude of communal conflicts in Nigeria has been glossed over by scholars. This article highlights local narratives of inequalities and how they provide impetus for communal conflicts in Aguleri and Umuleri communities of south-eastern Nigeria.
Prolactin and the return of ovulation in breast-feeding women
Authors: Gross Barbara A. , Eastman Creswell J. 
Published: October 2011

SummaryCross-sectional studies in Australia and the Philippines and a longitudinal prospective study in a selected Australian sample of breast-feeding mothers have shown that basal serum prolactin (PRL) concentrations are elevated during 15–21 months of lactational amenorrhoea.A predictive model of serum PRL levels and return of cyclic ovarian activity during full breast-feeding, partial breast-feeding and weaning has been developed from the results of breast-feeding behaviour and serum PRL, gonadotrophin and oestradiol measurements in 34 mothers breast-feeding on demand for a mean of 67 weeks.Breast-feeding patterns influence serum PRL levels. Important factors during full breast-feeding are the age of the baby, the longest interval between feeds at night and total 24-hr suckling time, and following the introduction of supplements, the mean interval between feeds, together with the total 24-hr suckling time and the number of solid supplements per day.The precise mechanisms whereby breast-feeding regulates cyclic ovarian activity remain unknown. Gonadotrophin secretion appears to be quantitatively normal, but qualitative changes, secondary to altered hypothalamic activity, may be the most important factor. A direct inhibitory effect of PRL on ovarian follicular development and steroidogenesis remains possible.Ovulation with a normal luteal phase is probable for 30% of breast-feeding mothers before the first menses, but is unlikely before 6 months, provided breast-feeding is frequent day and night.Measurement of serum PRL is a sensitive index of the return of menstruation and fertility during lactation in the population studied.
Contraceptive method switching over women's reproductive careers: evidence from Malaysian life history data, 1940s–70s
Authors: Da Vanzo Julie , Reboussin David , Starbird Ellen , Tan Boon Ann , Hadi S. Abdullah 
Published: October 2011

SummarySeveral new concepts are used to describe contraceptive use histories for nearly 1200 women in Peninsular Malaysia. These histories are summarized by 81 episode histories. Transition matrices provide useful summaries of the changes women make in their contraceptive practice from one pregnancy interval to the next. Data from the mid-1940s to mid-1970s, during which period there was a dramatic increase in contraceptive use, reveal considerable inertia in individual couples' contraceptive practice. Persistence with a method was greater the less effective the method: while 86% of couples using no method in one interval used no method in the next, only 56% of couples using the pill in one interval also used it in the next. Virtually all transitions are of three types: continuation with the same method, a change from no method to some method, or a change from some method to no method. For only 1% of all pregnancies did couples use one contraceptive method before a pregnancy and a different method after the pregnancy. Differences are examined by calendar year and education.
Pronominal objects in English–Italian and Spanish–Italian bilingual children
Authors: SERRATRICE LUDOVICA , SORACE ANTONELLA , FILIACI FRANCESCA , BALDO MICHELA 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACTThis study investigated the role of typological relatedness, language of the community, and age, in predicting similarities and differences between English–Italian, Spanish–Italian bilingual children and their monolingual child and adult counterparts in the acceptability of pre- and postverbal object pronouns in [±focus] contexts in Italian and in English. Cross-linguistic influence occurred in [−focus] contexts as a function of typological relatedness and language of the community. English–Italian bilinguals in the UK accepted pragmatically inappropriate postverbal pronouns in [−focus] contexts in Italian twice as often as all the other groups. Cross-linguistic influence was unidirectional from English to Italian as shown by the categorical rejection of preverbal pronouns in [−focus] contexts in English. In [+focus] contexts, in English no significant differences existed between the monolinguals and the bilinguals in the low accuracy with which they chose pragmatically appropriate stressed pronouns. Similarly, the choice of appropriate pronouns in [+focus] contexts in Italian was problematic for monolingual and bilingual children irrespective of the language of the community and of the bilinguals’ other language. Age was a factor only for the Italian children who approached adultlike performance in [+focus] contexts only by the age of 10. These findings point to the need for a multifaceted approach to account for similarities and differences between the linguistic behavior of bilingual and monolingual children.
Fast mapping in late-talking toddlers
Authors: ELLIS WEISMER SUSAN , VENKER COURTNEY E. , EVANS JULIA L. , MOYLE MAURA JONES 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACTThis study investigated fast mapping in late-talking (LT) toddlers and toddlers with normal language (NL) development matched on age, nonverbal cognition, and maternal education. The fast-mapping task included novel object labels and familiar words. The LT group scored significantly lower than the NL group on novel word comprehension and production, as well as familiar word production. For both groups, fast-mapping performance was associated with concurrent language ability and later language outcomes. A post hoc analysis of phonotactic probability (PP) and neighborhood density (ND) suggested that the majority of NL toddlers displayed optimal learning of the nonword with low PP/ND. The LT group did not display the same sensitivity to PP/ND characteristics as the NL group.
Evolution of physiological dormancy multiple times in Melastomataceae from Neotropical montane vegetation
Authors: Silveira Fernando A.O. , Ribeiro Rafaella C. , Oliveira Denise M.T. , Fernandes G. Wilson , Lemos-Filho José P. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractWe investigated seed dormancy among species of Melastomataceae from Neotropical montane vegetation of Brazil. Four out of 50 studied species had dormant seeds:Miconia corallina(Miconieae), Tibouchina cardinalis(Melastomeae), Comolia sertularia(Melastomeae) andChaetostoma armatum(Microlicieae). For these four species, germinability of seeds collected in different years was always < 10% and the percentages of embryoless seeds and non-viable embryos were both insufficient to explain low or null germinability. This is the first unequivocal report of seed dormancy in tropical Melastomataceae. The production of seeds with permeable seed coats and fully developed, differentiated embryos indicates the occurrence of physiological dormancy. The reconstructed phylogenetic tree of the 50 species suggests that physiological dormancy evolved multiple times during the evolutionary history of Melastomataceae in this vegetation. Physiological dormancy evolved in species and populations associated with xeric microhabitats, where seeds are dispersed in unfavourable conditions for establishment. Therefore, drought-induced mortality may have been a strong selective pressure favouring the evolution of physiological dormancy in Melastomataceae. We argue that dormancy may have been independently selected in other lineages of Cerrado plants colonizing xeric microhabitats and dispersing seeds at the end of the rainy season. The contributions of our data to the understanding of seed dormancy in tropical montane vegetation are discussed.
Functional Connectivity Variations in Mild Cognitive Impairment: Associations with Cognitive Function
Authors: Han S. Duke , Arfanakis Konstantinos , Fleischman Debra A. , Leurgans Sue E. , Tuminello Elizabeth R. , Edmonds Emily C. , Bennett David A. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractParticipants with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) have a higher likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD) compared to those without MCI, and functional magnetic resonance neuroimaging (fMRI) used with MCI participants may prove to be an important tool in identifying early biomarkers for AD. We tested the hypothesis that functional connectivity differences exist between older adults with and without MCI using resting-state fMRI. Data were collected on over 200 participants of the Rush Memory and Aging Project, a community-based, clinical-pathological cohort study of aging. From the cohort, 40 participants were identified as having MCI, and were compared to 40 demographically matched participants without cognitive impairment. MCI participants showed lesser functional connectivity between the posterior cingulate cortex and right and left orbital frontal, right middle frontal, left putamen, right caudate, left superior temporal, and right posterior cingulate regions; and greater connectivity with right inferior frontal, left fusiform, left rectal, and left precentral regions. Furthermore, in an alternate sample of 113, connectivity values in regions of difference correlated with episodic memory and processing speed. Results suggest functional connectivity values in regions of difference are associated with cognitive function and may reflect the presence of AD pathology and increased risk of developing clinical AD. (JINS, 2012, 18, 39–48)
Tabakentwöhnung bei stationären Patienten mit einer Alkohol- abhängigkeit – Motivationsfaktoren und Erfolgsaussichten
Authors: Batra Anil , Niethammer Sabrina , Mänz Constantin , Peukert Peter 
Published: October 2011

Einleitung: Die Raucherprävalenz ist bei alkoholkranken Personen überdurchschnittlich hoch. Die gesundheitliche Bedeutung der Tabakabstinenz, aber auch potentielle synergistische Effekte auf die Alkoholabstinenz legen nahe, während einer stationären Alkoholbehandlung auch eine Tabakentwöhnung anzubieten. Ziel: Untersucht wurden die Aufhörbereitschaft und der Abstinenzerfolg nach einer Raucherentwöhnung während einer sechswöchigen stationären Alkoholismustherapie bei alkoholkranken Personen mit zusätzlicher psychiatrischer Komorbidität. Methodik: 90 von 94 Personen eines Behandlungsjahrgangs nahmen an der Untersuchung teil. Sie durchliefen eine Psychoedukation zur Tabakabhängigkeit und hatten nachfolgend die Gelegenheit, eine Raucherentwöhnungsgruppe zu besuchen. Erfasst wurden soziodemographische Daten, Motivation sowie die Abstinenzquoten von Tabak und Alkohol am Ende und drei Monate nach der Therapie. Ergebnisse: Wichtige Motivationsgründe für eine Tabakabstinenz sind die Vorteile des Nichtrauchens. 40 % (n = 28) der rauchenden Patienten (n = 69) ließen sich zu einer Tabakentwöhnung motivieren, 25 % (n = 7) schlossen die Behandlung abstinent ab. Auch wenn keiner der Patienten über drei Monate tabakabstinent blieb, so war doch der Anteil alkoholrückfälliger Patienten in der Raucherentwöhnungsgruppe niedriger (21,4 %; n = 6/28) als bei den übrigen Patienten (29,3 %; n = 12/41)). Diskussion: Die Tabakentwöhnung im Rahmen einer stationären Alkoholismusbehandlung scheint nicht von Nachteil für die Patienten zu sein. Bei der Einführung eines Therapieangebotes sollten motivationale Faktoren, Bewältigungsfertigkeiten für rückfallgefährliche Situationen sowie Begleitsymptome komorbider Störungen stärker im Vordergrund stehen als bei anderen Rauchern.
The Hydrogenase Chip: a tiling oligonucleotide DNA microarray technique for characterizing hydrogen-producing and -consuming microbes in microbial communities
Authors: Marshall Ian P G , Berggren Dusty R V , Azizian Mohammad F , Burow Luke C , Semprini Lewis , Spormann Alfred M 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
We developed a broad-ranging method for identifying key hydrogen-producing and consuming microorganisms through analysis of hydrogenase gene content and expression in complex anaerobic microbial communities. The method is based on a tiling hydrogenase gene oligonucleotide DNA microarray (Hydrogenase Chip), which implements a high number of probes per gene by tiling probe sequences across genes of interest at 1.67 × –2 × coverage. This design favors the avoidance of false positive gene identification in samples of DNA or RNA extracted from complex microbial communities. We applied this technique to interrogate interspecies hydrogen transfer in complex communities in (i) lab-scale reductive dehalogenating microcosms enabling us to delineate key H2-consuming microorganisms, and (ii) hydrogen-generating microbial mats where we found evidence for significant H2 production by cyanobacteria. Independent quantitative PCR analysis on selected hydrogenase genes showed that this Hydrogenase Chip technique is semiquantitative. We also determined that as microbial community complexity increases, specificity must be traded for sensitivity in analyzing data from tiling DNA microarrays.
Differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells into hepatocyte‐like cells by hTERT gene transfection in vitro
Authors: Liang Xu‐Jing , Chen Xiao‐Jia , Yang Dong‐Hua , Huang Si‐Min , Sun Guo‐Dong , Chen You‐Peng 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe availability of a large quantity of MSCs (mesenchymal stem cells) would greatly advance liver‐directed cell therapies. However, MSCs have a limited lifespan in vitro. Therefore we tested whether hUCMSCs (human umbilical cord MSCs) could be immortalized by transduction with a lentiviral vector carrying the hTERT (human telomerase reverse transcriptase) catalytic subunit gene, and investigated their differentiation potential. Transfected hUCMSCs overexpressed the hTERT gene and up‐regulated their telomerase activity. The transfected hUCMSCs maintained their typical morphology and MSC‐specific markers, and vigorously proliferated, undergoing more than 100 PDs (population doublings) to date. Following incubation with hepatogenic agents, the transfected hUCMSCs differentiated into hepatocyte‐like cells, and expressed hepatic markers, such as albumin, AFP (α‐fetoprotein) and CK‐18 (cytokeratin‐18). Transfected hUCMSCs showed no transformation into tumours in nude mice. In conclusion, telomerization of hUCMSCs by hTERT overexpression extends their replicative lifespan without influencing their hepatogenic differentiation potential. This offers opportunities for obtaining sufficient quantities of cells for liver‐directed therapies.