bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardiac troponin T for early detection of cardiotoxicity in breast cancer patients treated with epirubicin
Authors: Erdim Refik , Celiker Aydin , Gemici Gökmen , Tokay Sena , Ülfer Gözde , Dede Fuat , Turhal Serdar , Oktay Ahmet 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe aim of the study was to investigate the role of cTnT for the prediction of long term cardiac dysfunction after epirubicin-containing adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer. The study group comprised of 45 patients (all female; mean age 48 ±8 years), treated with epirubicin-containing adjuvant chemotherapy for stage 2 and stage 3 breast cancer. Patients received either 4 cycles of cyclophosphamide plus epirubicin (90 mg/m2) (n=23; stage 2 breast cancer) or 6 cycles of cyclophosphamide plus epirubicin (75 mg/m2) plus fluorouracil (n=18; stage 3 breast cancer). Venous blood samples were drawn, before and 72 hours after, every cycle of chemotherapy for the measurement of cTnT. Cardiac assessment was carried out at baseline and 1 year after chemotherapy by clinical evaluation, electrocardiography, radio-nuclide ventriculography (RNV) and transthoracic echocardiography. All patients remained free of clinical heart failure during the study period. In 26 patients (63%), cTnT was elevated after chemotherapy. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction, assessed by RNV at baseline and one year after chemotherapy, were 61±8% and 56±7% (p<0.0001). The sensitivity and specifity of cTnT for the detection of left ventricular systolic dysfunction at one year were 69% and 39% respectively. Echocardiographic examinations at baseline and one year after chemotherapy revealed a significant decrease in E/A ratio from 1.15±0.3 to 0.9±0.2 in cTnT positive patients, suggesting diastolic dysfunction. In conclusion, elevated serum cTnT levels after epirubicin-containing adjuvant chemotherapy for stage 2 and stage 3 breast cancer, predict future cardiac dysfunction with moderate sensitivity and poor specificity.
Measurement of Paretic–Lower-Extremity Loading and Weight Transfer After Stroke
Authors: Mercer Vicki Stemmons , Freburger Janet Kues , Chang Shuo-Hsiu , Purser Jama L. 
Published: May 2009

BackgroundWeight bearing through, or “loading” of, the paretic lower extremity and transfer of weight from one lower extremity to the other are important impairment-level goals of stroke rehabilitation. Improvements in these limb-loading and weight-transfer abilities have been shown to relate to improved performance of many functional activities. Unfortunately, valid and practical clinical measures of paretic–lower-extremity loading and weight transfer have not been identified.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to assess convergent validity of the Step Test (ST) and the knee extension component of the Upright Motor Control Test (UMCe) as measures of paretic-limb loading and of the Repetitive Reach Test (RR) as a measure of weight transfer in the first 6 months after stroke.DesignThis was a prospective cohort study of 33 adults with lower-extremity motor impairment following unilateral, noncerebellar stroke. Participants were tested one time per month from 1 to 6 months poststroke.ResultsScores on the ST (performed with the nonparetic leg as the stepping leg) and UMCe were positively correlated with peak vertical ground reaction forces (GRFs) beneath the paretic limb during functional tasks (R2=.35–.76 for the ST, pseudo R2=.21–.34 for the UMCe). Scores on the RR were positively correlated with change in vertical GRF beneath the paretic limb during the diagonal reach task (R2=.45) and with weight-transfer time during stepping with the nonparetic limb (R2=.15).ConclusionsThe ST, performed with the nonparetic leg as the stepping leg, is a valid measure of paretic-limb loading during stroke recovery. Of the clinical measures tested, the ST correlated most strongly with the force platform measures.
Manual Therapy, Exercise, and Traction for Patients With Cervical Radiculopathy: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Young Ian A. , Michener Lori A. , Cleland Joshua A. , Aguilera Arnold J. , Snyder Alison R. 
Published: May 2009

BackgroundTo date, optimal strategies for the management of patients with cervical radiculopathy remain elusive. Preliminary evidence suggests that a multimodal treatment program consisting of manual therapy, exercise, and cervical traction may result in positive outcomes for patients with cervical radiculopathy. However, limited evidence exists to support the use of mechanical cervical traction in patients with cervical radiculopathy.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to examine the effects of manual therapy and exercise, with or without the addition of cervical traction, on pain, function, and disability in patients with cervical radiculopathy.DesignThis study was a multicenter randomized clinical trial.SettingThe study was conducted in orthopedic physical therapy clinics.PatientsPatients diagnosed with cervical radiculopathy (N=81) were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: a group that received manual therapy, exercise, and intermittent cervical traction (MTEXTraction group) and a group that received manual therapy, exercise, and sham intermittent cervical traction (MTEX group).InterventionPatients were treated, on average, 2 times per week for an average of 4.2 weeks.MeasurementsOutcome measurements were collected at baseline and at 2 weeks and 4 weeks using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), the Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS), and the Neck Disability Index (NDI).ResultsThere were no significant differences between the groups for any of the primary or secondary outcome measures at 2 weeks or 4 weeks. The effect size between groups for each of the primary outcomes was small (NDI=1.5, 95% confidence interval [CI]=−6.8 to 3.8; PSFS=0.29, 95% CI=−1.8 to 1.2; and NPRS=0.52, 95% CI=−1.8 to 1.2).LimitationsThe use of a nonvalidated clinical prediction rule to diagnose cervical radiculopathy and the lack of a control group without treatment were limitations of this study.ConclusionsThe results suggest that the addition of mechanical cervical traction to a multimodal treatment program of manual therapy and exercise yields no significant additional benefit to pain, function, or disability in patients with cervical radiculopathy.
Expediting the biofuels agenda via genetic manipulations of cellulosic bioenergy crops
Authors: Sticklen Mariam B. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractCellulosic bioenergy crops are crops whose cellulosic matter could be converted into biofuels. The petroleum industry makes its profit not only from petro fuels, but also from petroleum‐derivative coproducts, such as lubricants and aromatic petrochemicals, that are used for production of other hydrocarbon compounds. This review explains how using the petroleum industry model in cellulosic biofuels industry could sharply increase profi tability via production of high‐value, low‐volume recombinant coproducts, such as biopharmaceuticals, and high‐value industrial chemicals in cellulosic bioenergy crops. The two major expenses associated with the production of cellulosic biofuels include the costs of pre‐treatment processes and the costs of microbial cellulases. This review summarizes the role of biomass crop genetic manipulations to reduce these costs. It also describes the challenges that farmers will soon face because of the monoculture of new bioenergy crops, such as perennial grasses, and how genetic manipulations of these crops could overcome such challenges. Finally, this review addresses concerns about the effect of cellulosic biomass removal from soil on the soil carbon reserve and the role that crop transgenic technology will play to assure sufficient carbon sequestration in soil. It also addresses the role that modern crop genetic engineering technology plays in avoiding the presence of herterologous coproducts in the food chain to overcome consumer concerns. © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Development of Ratiometric Fluorescent Probes for Phosphatases by Using a pKa Switching Mechanism
Authors: Mizukami Shin , Watanabe Shuji , Kikuchi Kazuya 
Published: May 2009

AbstractA novel design strategy for fluorescent probes based on a pKa switching mechanism was developed. Using this strategy, we developed ratiometric probes for the detection of acid phosphatase activity.magnified image
Actin‐ADF/cofilin rod formation in Caenorhabditis elegans muscle requires a putative F‐actin binding site of ADF/cofilin at the C‐terminus
Authors: Ono Kanako , Ono Shoichiro 
Published: May 2009

AbstractUnder a number of stress or pathological conditions, actin and actin depolymerizing factor (ADF)/cofilin form rod‐like structures that contain abnormal bundles of actin filaments that are heavily decorated with ADF/cofilin. However, the mechanism of actin rod formation and the physiological role of actin rods are not clearly understood. Here, we report that overexpression of green fluorescent protein‐fused UNC‐60B, a muscle‐specific ADF/cofilin isoform, in Caenorhabditis elegans body wall muscle induces formation of rod‐like structures. The rods contained GFP‐UNC‐60B, actin‐interacting protein 1 (AIP1), and actin, but not other major actin‐associated proteins, thus resembling actin‐ADF/cofilin rods found in other organisms. However, depletion or overexpression of AIP1 did not affect formation of the actin‐GFP‐UNC‐60B rods, suggesting that AIP1 does not play a significant role in the rod assembly. Truncation of the C‐terminal tail, a putative F‐actin binding site, of UNC‐60B abolished induction of the rod formation, strongly suggesting that stable association of UNC‐60B with F‐actin, which is mediated by its C‐terminus, is required for inducing actin‐ADF/cofilin rods. This study suggests that C. elegans can be a new model to study functions of actin‐ADF/cofilin rods. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 66: 398–408, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chemically Induced Unfolding of Bovine Serum Albumin by Urea and Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate: A Spectral Study with the Polarity‐Sensitive Charge‐Transfer Fluorescent Probe (E)‐3‐(4‐Methylaminophenyl)acrylic Acid Methyl Ester
Authors: Ghosh Shalini , Guchhait Nikhil 
Published: May 2009

AbstractCharge‐transfer probe (E)‐3‐(4‐methylaminophenyl)acrylic acid methyl ester (MAPAME) exhibits a blue shift and enhanced intensity of its charge‐transfer emission band on binding to bovine serum albumin (BSA; see picture). These spectral changes can be used to investigate the MAPAME–BSA binding interaction and to monitor the unfolding of BSA induced by denaturants, such as urea and surfactant micelles.magnified imageSensitivity of the charge‐transfer (CT) band of the fluorescence probe (E)‐3‐(4‐methylaminophenyl)acrylic acid methyl ester (MAPAME) towards the polarity of its immediate environment is employed to investigate the binding interaction of the probe with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and uncoiling of BSA by the denaturants urea and sodium dodecyl sulfate micelles. Binding of the probe with BSA produces a blue shift and enhanced intensity of the CT emission band which clearly point toward a decrease in polarity of the immediate environment of MAPAME. This is expected, since binding with BSA moves the probe from a polar water environment to a much less polar, hydrophobic protein interior, where the CT band is expected to be blue‐shifted. Higher intensity arises due to fewer non‐radiative decay paths available to the probe in the hydrophobic protein environment. Chemically induced unfolding of BSA by urea and sodium dodecyl sulfate is tracked by monitoring the induced spectral changes of the protein‐bound probe MAPAME. Red‐edge excitation shift or REES, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and anisotropy measurements are used to investigate and monitor these binding and unfolding processes.
Comparison of cytological features of myxopapillary ependymomas on crush preparations
Authors: Bradly Dawn P. , Reddy Vijaya B. , Cochran Elizabeth , Gattuso Paolo 
Published: May 2009

AbstractMyxopapillary ependymoma (ME) is a rare neoplasm found predominantly in the sacro‐coccygeal region in adults and is characterized by its distinct epithelial and stromal components. From 1990 to April 2008, a total of 10 ME cases were recorded at our institution. Six out of 10 cases underwent frozen section examination with concomitant crush preparations, which forms the basis of this study. The clinical and cytologic findings in all six cases were reviewed. There were four males and two females. The age ranges from 15 to 36 years with a mean age of 27 years. The epithelial component of ME is strikingly similar for all six cases showing tumor cells appearing singly or in loose clusters, most with papillary branching. There was also presence of indistinct cell boundaries, tapered cytoplasmic prolongations, wispy/fragile cytoplasm, and uniform oval‐to‐fusiform shaped nuclei with an evenly distributed chromatin pattern. The stromal component was composed mainly of thick, metachromatic material and adenoid cystic‐like areas. One case showed rosette‐like structures. These aforementioned characteristics can be utilized to distinguish ME from other primary and metastatic tumors such as meningioma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, chordoma, mucinous adenocarcinoma, chondrosarcoma, and germ cell tumors. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sulfonylureas and prognosis after myocardial infarction in patients with diabetes: a population‐based follow‐up study
Authors: Horsdal Henriette T. , Johnsen Søren Paaske , Søndergaard Flemming , Jacobsen Jacob , Thomsen Reimar W. , Schmitz Ole , Sørensen Henrik T. , Rungby Jørgen 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackgroundThe cardiovascular safety, including risk of myocardial infarction (MI), of individual sulfonylureas (SUs) may differ. It remains uncertain whether treatment with individual SUs influences prognosis following MI.MethodsWe conducted a nationwide population‐based follow‐up study among all Danish patients hospitalized with first‐time MI from 1996 to 2004. From the national health databases, we identified 3930 MI patients who used SUs at the time of admission. We computed mortality rates and rates of MI and heart failure readmission according to type of SU and used Cox's proportional hazards regression analysis to compute hazard ratios (HRs) as estimates of relative risk controlling for differences in prognostic covariates.ResultsThe 30‐day and 1‐year mortality after MI among SU users was 22.0% and 35.3%, respectively. We found no substantial differences in 30‐day and 1‐year mortality among users of different SUs. Use of gliclazide in monotherapy showed a trend towards lower mortality; adjusted HR of 1‐year mortality 0.70 (95% CI: 0.48–1.00). Users of the different SUs appeared to have similar risks of new MI and heart failure following MI.ConclusionsThe prognosis after MI was not substantially influenced by the choice of SU. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An efficient scaled boundary FEM model for wave interaction with a nonuniform porous cylinder
Authors: Song Hao , Tao Longbin 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe scaled boundary finite‐element method (SBFEM) by Tao et al. (Comput. Methods Appl. Mech. Engrg 2007; 197:232–242) is only applicable for wave scattering problems by a structure of homogenous material. In this paper, the SBFEM is extended to deal with the interaction of water waves and porous offshore structure with a partially solid wall or opening. The cylindrical structure is considered as a circular cylinder of anisotropic material in the form of variable porosity. A central feature of the newly extended method is that the non‐homogenous term caused by the complex configuration of the structure is processed by introducing a variable porous‐effect parameter G. This leads to the final scaled boundary finite‐element equation is still homogenous and can be solved in a similar manner. The modified SBFEM thus remains a semi‐analytical fundamental‐solution‐less method. Numerical experiments in water wave interaction with a typical coastal/offshore structure—a cylinder with a partially solid wall or opening attest to the efficacy and accuracy of the proposed approach. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Education, occupation and retirement age effects on the age of onset of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Lupton Michelle K , Stahl Daniel , Archer Nicola , Foy Catherine , Poppe Michaela , Lovestone Simon , Hollingworth Paul , Williams Julie , Owen Micheal J , Dowzell Kimberley , Abraham Richard , Sims Rebecca , Brayne Carol , Rubinsztein David , Gill Michael , Lawlor Brian , Lynch Aoibhinn , Powell John F 
Published: May 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the effects of early life education, mid life employment and later life retirement age on the age of onset (AOO) of Alzheimer's disease (AD).MethodsMultiple regression analyses were carried out using data for 1320 probable AD cases, of which 382 were males with employment and retirement age data, using informant based information on education and employment.ResultsNo relation was found between years of education, best qualification obtained, or employment variables in males and the AOO of AD. A significant effect of later retirement age in delaying the AOO of AD was seen in males.ConclusionsIn this study no effect of education or employment was seen, although this may be due to limited variance in the study population. The significant effect of retirement age may have several explanations, the most interesting of which would be the suggestion that active employment later in life allows an individual to prolong their cognitive assets above the threshold for dementia. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Affective reactivity in response to criticism in remitted bipolar disorder: a laboratory analog of expressed emotion
Authors: Cuellar Amy K. , Johnson Sheri L. , Ruggero Camilo J. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractPotential mechanisms to explain the relationship between Expressed Emotion (EE) and poor outcome within bipolar disorder are poorly understood. One possibility is that people with bipolar disorder have difficulty regulating their affect in response to criticism. The present study examined whether participants with bipolar disorder were more affectively dysregulated than control participants when presented with a criticism by a confederate. There was a trend for people with bipolar disorder to react more negatively to the criticism, but there was also evidence that they recovered as quickly as controls. Exploratory analyses found that female gender, the perception of the criticism as more negative, being disabled, and having fewer positive relationships predicted greater reactivity to criticism among people with bipolar disorder. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 65:1–17, 2009.
Evaluation of a novel Bacillus strain from a north‐western Spain hot spring as a source of extracellular thermostable lipase
Authors: Deive Francisco J. , Angeles Sanromán M. , Longo María A. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: Thermophilic microorganisms are receiving significant attention as a source of useful thermostable enzymes. However, the number of known strains is still limited, and very often their most interesting biocatalysts are intracellular or membrane‐bound and produced at low levels. Thus, the isolation and study of novel extracellular enzyme‐producing thermophilic microorganisms is very interesting. Moreover, the assessment of bioreactor performance is crucial, given the scarce information on the large‐scale culture of these strains.RESULTS: The production of a thermostable extracellular lipase in submerged cultures of a thermophilic microorganism, recently isolated in north‐west Spain, was investigated. The strain was identified by 16S rDNA sequencing as belonging to genus Bacillus. The influence of operating variables (i.e. pH, temperature, aeration) on lipase biosynthesis was analysed. Enzyme production at bioreactor scale was investigated, special attention being paid to the effect of aeration and agitation rates.CONCLUSION: The best conditions for the studied process were determined in shake flasks as pH 7.0, 55 °C and high aeration levels. Also, the non‐association between lipase production and cell growth was ascertained. The culture of this novel strain was successfully carried out in laboratory‐scale bioreactors, thus proving its potential for further applications. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
The child verbal competence effect in court: a comparative study of field investigative interviews of children in child sexual abuse cases
Authors: Myklebust Trond , Bjørklund Roald A. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to compare field investigative interviews of children (FIIC) with three different legal outcomes in child sexual abuse cases: (i) insufficient evidence to proceed (IEP); (ii) convictions; or (iii) acquittals by the court. One hundred FIIC were divided into one of the three outcome possibilities. Amongst the female interviewees older than 10 years, there were no cases of acquittals and the convicted cases were over‐represented. The children's response to open questions was found to be the main difference between the three FIIC outcomes. The responses to these open questions were 1.9 and 2.3 times longer in the convicted cases compared to acquittals and IEP. Possible explanations for the result are discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of El Niño Southern Oscillation phases on off‐season maize yield for a subtropical region of Brazil
Authors: Soler Cecilia M. Tojo , Sentelhas Paulo Cesar , Hoogenboom Gerrit 
Published: May 2009

AbstractIn recent years, maize has become one of the main alternative crops for the autumn–winter growing season in the central‐western and southeastern regions of Brazil. However, water deficits, sub‐optimal temperatures and low solar radiation levels are common problems that are experienced during this growing season by local farmers. One methodology to assess the impact of variable weather conditions on crop production is the use of crop simulation models. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of climate variability on maize yield for a subtropical region of Brazil. Specific objectives for this study were (1) to analyse the effect of El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on precipitation and air temperature for four locations in the state of São Paulo and (2) to analyse the impact of ENSO on maize grown off‐season for the same four locations using a crop simulation model. For each site, historical weather data were categorised as belonging to one of three phases of ENSO: El Niño (warm sea surface temperature anomalies in the Pacific), La Niña (cool sea surface temperature anomalies) or neutral, based on an index derived from observed sea surface temperature anomalies. During El Niño, there is a tendency for an increase in the rainfall amount during May for the four selected locations, and also during April, mainly in three of the locations, resulting in an increase in simulated maize yield planted between February 15 and March 15. In general, there was a decrease in the simulated yield for maize grown off‐season during neutral years. This study showed how a crop model can be used to assess the impact of climate variability on the yield of maize grown off‐season in a subtropical region of Brazil. The outcomes of this study can be very useful for both policy makers and local farmers for agricultural planning and decision making. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society