bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fluorescent fibre‐optic confocal imaging of lesional and non‐lesional psoriatic skin compared with normal skin in vivo
Authors: Suihko Christian , Serup Jørgen 
Published: November 2011

Background/aimsFibre‐optic confocal imaging (FOCI) allows non‐invasive visualization of live skin in vivo. A contrast agent, a fluorophore, is injected in the dermis. FOCI images are optical sections from a horizontal (en face) view. The aim was to study epidermis and the cellular structure of keratinocytes of psoriatic plaques and adjacent non‐lesional with healthy skin as a reference.MethodsTwelve patients with stable plaque psoriasis were studied and compared with a control group of eight healthy individuals. Fluorescein sodium was used as fluorophore. A hand held fibre‐optic laser scanner (Stratum®; Optiscan Pty., Melbourne, Australia) was used. The study included morphometric analyses.ResultsThe confocal in vivo images demonstrated characteristic features of epidermis and keratinocytes in lesional and non‐lesional skin vs. healthy skin. Morphometry based on FOCI demonstrated an approximately 30% increased width of keratinocytes of psoriatic skin vs. healthy control, and the number of keratinocytes per viewing field was reduced. FOCI allowed non‐invasive visualization of cell nuclei and parakeratosis of psoriatic epidermis. The horizontal width of dermal papillae of psoriatic skin was increased by approximately 50% as compared with healthy skin, and the flow of erythrocytes in the papillar vessels could be observed in real‐time.ConclusionFOCI can directly visualize essential epidermal structures of plaque psoriasis in vivo, in real‐time and with cellular resolution without the need of taking biopsies and thus without disturbing the natural state of the skin. FOCI is a versatile future tool for non‐invasive microscopic diagnosis and therapy follow‐up of psoriasis.
Computed Tomography Perfusion Prognostic Maps Do Not Predict Reversible and Irreversible Neurological Dysfunction following Reperfusion Therapies
Authors: Zhao Limin , Barlinn Kristian , Bag Asim K. , Kesani Maruthi , Cava Luis F. , Balucani Clotilde , Alexandrov Anne W. , Horton Joseph A. , Patterson Damon E. , Harrigan Mark R. , Albright Karen C. , Alexandrov Andrei V. 
Published: November 2011

Background We aimed to evaluate the ability of commercially available computed tomography perfusion (CTP) prognostic maps software to identify reversibly and irreversibly damaged brain functions in the best case scenario: patients who achieved early and complete tissue reperfusion. Methods Consecutive ischemic stroke patients who received reperfusion therapies, those with early (less than two-hours from treatment initiation) and complete Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction grade III or equivalent reperfusion were included in the analysis. Computed tomography perfusion prognostic maps were assigned as ‘red,’ or irreversible if cerebral blood volume declined below 2 ml/100 g and ‘green,’ or recoverable if the affected/unaffected mean transit time ratio was >1·45. Only patients with middle cerebral artery territory affected were included and subcomponents of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scale pre- and posttreatment were analyzed based on anatomical correlation of the affected CTP areas and corresponding neurological functions. Results Among 109 consecutive patients who had intra-arterial reperfusion procedures, 16 (age 60±17 years, 56% men, median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale 13·5, interquartile range 7–18) had pretreatment CTP and had early complete reperfusion. We identified 44 affected areas on CTP (red 12 (27%), green 32 (73%)) with corresponding measurable neurological deficits including aphasia, arm, face weakness, and inattention. Red areas correctly identified 5/12 (42%) of functions that did not recover despite early reperfusion. Green areas correctly identified 18/32 (56%) of functions that recover after early reperfusion (OR 0·92, 95% CI 0·25–3·39, P=1·0). Conclusions In-patients achieving early and complete reperfusion, pretreatment CTP prognostic maps were not predictive for irreversibly or reversibly lost neurologic functions.
Circuit Class or Seven-Day Therapy for Increasing Intensity of Rehabilitation after Stroke: Protocol of the CIRCIT Trial
Authors: Hillier Susan , English Coralie , Crotty Maria , Segal Leonie , Bernhardt Julie , Esterman Adrian 
Published: November 2011

Rationale There is strong evidence for a dose–response relationship between physical therapy early after stroke and recovery of function. The optimal method of maximizing physical therapy within finite health care resources is unknown. Aims To determine the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of two alternative models of physical therapy service delivery (seven-days per week therapy services or group circuit class therapy over five-days a week) to usual care for people receiving inpatient rehabilitation after stroke. Design Multicenter, three-armed randomized controlled trial with blinded assessment of outcomes. Study A total of 282 people admitted to inpatient rehabilitation facilities after stroke with an admission functional independence measure (FIM) score within the moderate range (total 40–80 points or motor 38–62 points) will be randomized to receive one of three interventions: • usual care therapy over five-days a week • standard care therapy over seven-days a week, or • group circuit class therapy over five-days a week. Participants will receive the allocated intervention for the length of their hospital stay. Analysis will be by intention-to-treat. Outcomes The primary outcome measure is walking ability (six-minute walk test) at four-week postintervention with three- and six-month follow-up. Economic analysis will include a costing analysis based on length of hospital stay and staffing/resource costs and a cost-utility analysis (incremental quality of life per incremental cost, relative to usual care). Secondary outcomes include walking speed and independence, ability to perform activities of daily living, arm function, quality of life and participant satisfaction.
Increased Susceptibility to DNA Virus Infection in Mice with a GCN2 Mutation
Authors: Won Sungyong , Eidenschenk Celine , Arnold Carrie N. , Siggs Owen M. , Sun Lei , Brandl Katharina , Mullen Tina-Marie , Nemerow Glen R. , Moresco Eva Marie Y. , Beutler Bruce 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACT

The downregulation of translation through eIF2α phosphorylation is a cellular response to diverse stresses, including viral infection, and is mediated by the GCN2 kinase, protein kinase R (PKR), protein kinase-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), and heme-regulated inhibitor kinase (HRI). Although PKR plays a major role in defense against viruses, other eIF2α kinases also may respond to viral infection and contribute to the shutdown of protein synthesis. Here we describe the recessive, loss-of-function mutation
atchoum
(
atc
) in
Eif2ak4
, encoding GCN2, which increased susceptibility to infection by the double-stranded DNA viruses mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV) and human adenovirus. This mutation was identified by screening macrophages isolated from mice carrying
N
-ethyl-
N
-nitrosourea (ENU)-induced mutations. Cells from

Eif2ak4
atc/atc

mice failed to phosphorylate eIF2α in response to MCMV. Importantly, homozygous

Eif2ak4
atc

mice showed a modest increase in susceptibility to MCMV infection, demonstrating that translational arrest dependent on GCN2 contributes to the antiviral response
in vivo
.
Is compressive load a factor in the development of tendinopathy?
Authors: Cook JL , Purdam C 
Published: November 2011

Tendons are designed to take tensile load, but excessive load can cause overuse tendinopathy. Overuse tendinopathy results in extensive changes to the cells and extracellular matrix, resulting in activated cells, increase in large proteoglycans and a breakdown of the collagen structure. Within these pathological changes, there are areas of fibrocartilaginous metaplasia, and mechanotransduction models suggest that this response could be due to compressive load. As load management is a cornerstone of treating overuse tendinopathy, defining the effect of tensile and compressive loads is important in optimising the clinical management of tendinopathy.This paper examines the potential role of compressive loads in the onset and perpetuation of tendinopathy, and reviews the anatomical, epidemiological and clinical evidence that supports consideration of compressive loads in overuse tendinopathy.
Injury incidence in qualification runs versus final runs in FIS World Cup snowboard cross and ski cross
Authors: Steenstrup Sophie E , Bere Tone , Flørenes Tonje W , Bahr Roald , Nordsletten Lars 
Published: November 2011

BackgroundIn the International Ski Federation (FIS), World Cup (WC) snowboard cross (SBX) and ski cross (SX), the injury incidence in individual qualification runs versus final runs in heats of four athletes is unknown.ObjectiveTo investigate the injury incidence in individual qualification runs versus final runs of SBX and SX.MethodsInjuries were recorded by the FIS injury surveillance system (FIS ISS) through retrospective athlete interviews at the end of each season during four WC seasons (2006–2010). A total of 713 athletes (345 SBX and 368 SX) were interviewed. Time-loss injuries occurring during SBX and SX competitions were included. Injury incidence was expressed as the relative injury rate (per 1000 runs).ResultsFor SBX, the injury incidence per 1000 runs in finals was 12.1 vs 6.1 in qualifications (RR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1–3.5). The injury incidence was 12.9 in finals and 4.4 in qualifications (RR 2.9, 95% CI 1.4–6.2) for SBX males and 10.5 vs 9.3 (RR 1.1, 95% CI 0.5–2.8) for females. For SX, the injury incidence in finals was 12.4 and 9.2 in qualifications (RR 1.4, 95% CI 0.8–2.3). The injury incidence for SX males was 13.6 in finals vs 8.8 in qualifications (RR 1.5, 95% CI 0.8–3.1) and10.8 vs 9.8 (RR 1.1, 95% CI 0.5–2.6) for females.ConclusionThe injury incidence was significantly higher in final runs compared with qualification runs in SBX for males. For SBX females and in SX, no significant differences were found.
Targeting Abnormal DNA Repair in Therapy-Resistant Breast Cancers
Authors: Tobin Lisa A. , Robert Carine , Nagaria Pratik , Chumsri Saranya , Twaddell William , Ioffe Olga B. , Greco George E. , Brodie Angela H. , Tomkinson Alan E. , Rassool Feyruz V. 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Although hereditary breast cancers have defects in the DNA damage response that result in genomic instability, DNA repair abnormalities in sporadic breast cancers have not been extensively characterized. Recently, we showed that, relative to nontumorigenic breast epithelial MCF10A cells, estrogen receptor–positive (ER+) MCF7 breast cancer cells and progesterone receptor–positive (PR+) MCF7 breast cancer cells have reduced steady-state levels of DNA ligase IV, a component of the major DNA–protein kinase (PK)-dependent nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway, whereas the steady-state level of DNA ligase IIIα, a component of the highly error-prone alternative NHEJ (ALT NHEJ) pathway, is increased. Here, we show that tamoxifen- and aromatase-resistant derivatives of MCF7 cells and ER−/PR− cells have even higher steady-state levels of DNA ligase IIIα and increased levels of PARP1, another ALT NHEJ component. This results in increased dependence upon microhomology-mediated ALT NHEJ to repair DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) and the accumulation of chromosomal deletions. Notably, therapy-resistant derivatives of MCF7 cells and ER−/PR− cells exhibited significantly increased sensitivity to a combination of PARP and DNA ligase III inhibitors that increased the number of DSBs. Biopsies from ER−/PR− tumors had elevated levels of ALT NHEJ and reduced levels of DNA–PK-dependent NHEJ factors. Thus, our results show that ALT NHEJ is a novel therapeutic target in breast cancers that are resistant to frontline therapies and suggest that changes in NHEJ protein levels may serve as biomarkers to identify tumors that are candidates for this therapeutic approach. Mol Cancer Res; 10(1); 96–107. ©2011 AACR.
Samba in Chicago
Authors: Beserra Bernadete 
Published: November 2011

Where an immigrant population’s demand for cultural artifacts linked to its home country is insufficient for the social reproduction of those who work with those artifacts, creating and maintaining a market for them is crucial for their survival. The Brazilian community in Chicago is small, and therefore Brazilians who produce samba must both work together cooperatively and establish provisional or lasting alliances with other “ethnicities.” An analysis of the social dynamics of the production of samba in Chicago on the basis of ethnographic study of Chicago Samba, a Brazilian musical ensemble that has been active in the area since the late 1980s, reveals, among other things, that the production of samba in the city requires creating new spaces of sociability and cooperation among normally separate and distant social groups, a phenomenon that challenges the hegemonic politics of multiculturalism, in which each group limits itself to the consumption of its own cultural production. Quando as demandas de uma população imigrante por bens culturais ligados ao seu país de origem são insuficientes para a reprodução social daqueles que trabalham com esses bens, é crucial que expandam os limites desse mercado étnico para alcançar outros grupos sociais. A população brasileira em Chicago é pequena e, portanto, os brasileiros que trabalham com samba tanto devem cooperar entre si como estabelecer alianças permanentes ou temporárias com outros grupos étnicos. A análise da dinâmica social da produção do samba em Chicago a partir de um estudo etnográfico do Chicago Samba, grupo musical ativo na área desde os fins dos anos de 1980, revela, entre outras coisas, que a produção do samba na cidade requer a criação de novos espaços de sociabilidade e cooperação entre grupos normalmente separados e distantes socialmente, produzindo um fenômeno que desafia a hegemônica política do multiculturalismo que usualmente orienta os grupos étnicos e raciais no sentido da limitação do consumo aos seus próprios bens culturais.
Mapping QLQ-C30, HAQ, and MSIS-29 on EQ-5D
Authors: Versteegh Matthijs M. , Leunis Annemieke , Luime Jolanda J. , Boggild Mike , Uyl-de Groot Carin A. , Stolk Elly A. 
Published: November 2011

Background Responses on condition-specific instruments can be mapped on the EQ-5D to estimate utility values for economic evaluation. Mapping functions differ in predictive quality, and not all condition-specific measures are suitable for estimating EQ-5D utilities. We mapped QLQ-C30, HAQ, and MSIS-29 on the EQ-5D and compared the quality of the mapping functions with statistical and clinical indicators. Methods We used 4 data sets that included both the EQ-5D and a condition-specific measure to develop ordinary least squares regression equations. For the QLQ-C30, we used a multiple myeloma data set and a non-Hodgkin lymphoma one. An early arthritis cohort was used for the HAQ, and a cohort of patients with relapsing remitting or secondary progressive multiple sclerosis was used for the MSIS-29. We assessed the predictive quality of the mapping functions with the root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) and the ability to discriminate among relevant clinical subgroups. Pearson correlations between the condition-specific measures and items of the EQ-5D were used to determine if there is a relationship between the quality of the mapping functions and the amount of correlated content between the used measures. Results The QLQ-C30 had the highest correlation with EQ-5D items. Average %RMSE was best for the QLQ-C30 with 10.9%, 12.2% for the HAQ, and 13.6% for the MSIS-29. The mappings predicted mean EQ-5D utilities without significant differences with observed utilities and discriminated between relevant clinical groups, except for the HAQ model. Conclusions The preferred mapping functions in this study seem suitable for estimating EQ-5D utilities for economic evaluation. However, this research shows that lower correlations between instruments lead to less predictive quality. Using additional validation tests besides reporting statistical measures of error improves the assessment of predictive quality.
Head and Face Injuries During the Men’s Field Hockey Junior World Cup 2009
Authors: Mukherjee Swarup 
Published: November 2011

Background: Head and face injuries in field hockey are a concern. However, published data on injuries in field hockey are minimal, with apparently no reports on head and face injuries in elite youth hockey players during major international tournaments. Purpose: To provide a descriptive account of head and face injuries in elite youth male field hockey players during the Men’s Junior World Cup 2009. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiological study. Methods: A total of 324 players were observed during 58 matches in the tournament. The injury reporting system was based on that used in team sports during international tournaments. All the head and face injury documentation was done by direct on-location observation by a trained sports medicine physician followed by confirmation from the team doctors or physical therapists. Results: A total of 24 head and face injuries were documented. The overall injury frequency rate was 16 per 1000 match hours and 19 per 1000 player matches. There were 92% of injuries that were of contact type, with the head being the most common site and contusion being the most common type of injury. The incidence of injuries was higher during the second half and during the medal/ranking phase of the tournament. Conclusion: The risk of head and face injuries is high in elite youth players with a potential of both short- and long-term player time loss in international tournaments. Rigorous enforcement of rules prohibiting body contact can significantly reduce the chances of head and face injuries in elite youth field hockey players. In addition, player education on the injury risks and safe practices at the developmental stages is desirable to prevent injuries and prolong sporting careers.
Integrated reliability and cost–benefit-based standards for transmission network operation
Authors: Moreno R , Pudjianto D , Strbac G 
Published: November 2011

The growing interest in decarbonizing electricity systems, together with advances in communication and information technologies that may support the application of demand and generation solutions to solve network problems, has initiated reviews of traditional operational practices and security grid standards in a number of jurisdictions. The key concern is that these historical practices and standards, mostly developed in the 1950s, may be inappropriate for the new emerging system as they may pose entry barriers for both renewable generation and Smart Grid technologies. In this context, the current paper presents a probabilistic cost–benefit framework for the development of future efficient operating strategies and network security standards enabled by new technology. By optimally balancing the costs of network constraints with various operational measures composed of preventive and corrective control actions, considering potential outages of network and generation facilities, optimal network capacity that should be released to network users in real time is determined. This framework is compatible with Smart Grid concepts integrating new generation, network, and demand technology. The study demonstrates that any attempt to fix a single generic rule for operating the network, as in the present deterministic standards, will lead to potentially significant inefficiencies. It is also shown that various operational measures (such as generation and demand response) can be effectively used to release additional network capacity. The results suggest that the probabilistic approach provides the basis for the development of future network operation and design standards that would maximize the value of the transmission network to users, enhance the utilization of existing networks, foster the entrance of new technologies that may complement and provide alternative network reinforcement, and hence facilitate efficient integration of renewable generation.
The canonical Wnt pathway shapes niches supportive of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells
Authors: Ichii Michiko , Frank Mark Barton , Iozzo Renato V. , Kincade Paul W. 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Considerable information has accumulated about components of BM that regulate the survival, self-renewal, and differentiation of hematopoietic cells. In the present study, we investigated Wnt signaling and assessed its influence on human and murine hematopoiesis. Hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) were placed on Wnt3a-transduced OP9 stromal cells. The proliferation and production of B cells, natural killer cells, and plasmacytoid dendritic cells were blocked. In addition, some HSPC characteristics were maintained or re-acquired along with different lineage generation potentials. These responses did not result from direct effects of Wnt3a on HSPCs, but also required alterations in the OP9 cells. Microarray, PCR, and flow cytometric experiments revealed that OP9 cells acquired osteoblastic characteristics while down-regulating some features associated with mesenchymal stem cells, including the expression of angiopoietin 1, the c-Kit ligand, and VCAM-1. In contrast, the production of decorin, tenascins, and fibromodulin markedly increased. We found that at least 1 of these extracellular matrix components, decorin, is a regulator of hematopoiesis: upon addition of this proteoglycan to OP9 cocultures, decorin caused changes similar to those caused by Wnt3a. Furthermore, hematopoietic stem cell numbers in the BM and spleen were elevated in decorin-knockout mice. These findings define one mechanism through which canonical Wnt signaling could shape niches supportive of hematopoiesis.
Analysis of deep tissue hypersensitivity to pressure pain in professional pianists with insidious mechanical neck pain
Authors: Linari-Melfi Marcela , Cantarero-Villanueva Irene , Fernández-Lao Carolina , Fernández-de-las-Peñas César , Guisado-Barrilao Rafael , Arroyo-Morales Manuel 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to investigate whether pressure pain hyperalgesia is a feature of professional pianists suffering from neck pain as their main playing-related musculoskeletal disorder.

Methods
Twenty-three active expert pianists, 6 males and 17 females (age: 36 ± 12 years) with insidious neck pain and 23 pianists, 9 males and 14 females (age: 38 ± 10 years) without neck pain the previous year were recruited. A numerical pain rate scale, Neck Disability Index, hand size and pressure pain thresholds (PPT) were assessed bilaterally over the C5-C6 zygapophyseal joint, deltoid muscle, the second metacarpal and the tibialis anterior muscle in a blinded design.

Results
The results showed that PPT levels were significantly decreased bilaterally over the second metacarpal and tibialis anterior muscles (P < 0.05), but not over C5-C6 zygapophyseal joint and deltoid muscle (P > 0.10), in pianists with neck pain as compared to healthy pianists. Pianists with neck pain had a smaller (P < 0.05) hand size (mean: 181.8 ± 11.8) as compared to pianists without neck pain (mean: 188. 6 ± 13.1). PPT over the tibialis anterior muscles was negatively correlated with the intensity of neck pain.

Conclusions
Our findings revealed pressure pain hypersensitivity over distant non-symptomatic distant points but not over the symptomatic areas in pianists suffering from neck pain. In addition, pianists with neck pain also had smaller hand size than those without neck pain. Future studies are needed to further determine the relevance of these findings in the clinical course of neck pain as playing-related musculoskeletal disorder in professional pianists.