bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A randomized comparison of excimer laser versus narrow‐band ultraviolet B phototherapy after punch grafting in stable vitiligo patients
Authors: Linthorst Homan M.W. , Spuls Ph. I. , Nieuweboer‐Krobotova L. , de Korte J. , Sprangers M.A.G. , Bos J.D. , Wolkerstorfer A. , van der Veen J.P.W. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackground  Ultraviolet radiation following punch grafting may stimulate the migration of melanocytes from the grafts into the vitiliginous skin, thereby increasing the rate of repigmentation. We compared the effects of the 308‐nm xenon chloride excimer laser (EL) vs. narrow‐band ultraviolet B (NB‐UVB) after punch grafting in patients with vitiligo.Objectives  The aims of this study were to evaluate (i) repigmentation (%); (ii) treatment satisfaction; and (iii) patient preferences for EL vs. NB‐UVB therapy after punch grafting in vitiligo.Methods  Fourteen patients were treated with the punch‐grafting technique on two symmetrical vitiligo patches. Starting 1 week after the punch grafting, the vitiligo patches were treated twice a week during 3 months, with EL on one side and with NB‐UVB on the other side. Repigmentation (%) was measured by a digital image analysis system. Patients’ satisfaction and preference for treatment were also assessed.Results  Whereas both treatment modalities induced repigmentation, no statistically significant difference was found in grade of repigmentation after 3 months. With EL, 71.4% lower cumulative dose was reached. Patients were significantly more satisfied with NB‐UVB and preferred it over EL.Conclusions  The choice between EL and NB‐UVB cannot solely be based on repigmentation, but rather on other factors, such as patients’ preferences. However, given the lower UV dose of EL, we recommend its use in vulnerable populations, such as in small children and patients with sun‐damaged skin with a history of long‐term UVB treatment.
Sequencing crop genomes: approaches and applications
Authors: Jackson Scott A. , Iwata Aiko , Lee Suk‐Ha , Schmutz Jeremy , Shoemaker Randy 
Published: June 2011

SummaryMany challenges face plant scientists, in particular those working on crop production, such as a projected increase in population, decrease in water and arable land, changes in weather patterns and predictability. Advances in genome sequencing and resequencing can and should play a role in our response to meeting these challenges. However, several barriers prevent rapid and effective deployment of these tools to a wide variety of crops. Because of the complexity of crop genomes, de novo sequencing with next‐generation sequencing technologies is a process fraught with difficulties that then create roadblocks to the utilization of these genome sequences for crop improvement. Collecting rapid and accurate phenotypes in crop plants is a hindrance to integrating genomics with crop improvement, and advances in informatics are needed to put these tools in the hands of the scientists on the ground.

Contents

Summary
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I.
Genomics and crop improvement
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Complexity of plant genomes
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III.
Evolution of genome sequencing
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Future of genome sequencing
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Application of genomics for crop improvement
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Unlocking the potential of genetic diversity through genomic approaches
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Acknowledgements
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References
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The role of birthweight discordance in the intellectual and motor outcome for triplets at early school age
Authors: NATALUCCI GIANCARLO , SEITZ JOCHEN , SIEBENTHAL KURT VON , BUCHER HANS U , MOLINARI LUCIANO , JENNI OSKAR G , LATAL BEATRICE 
Published: June 2011

Aim  We assessed motor and intellectual outcome in triplets at school age and investigated the predictive value of perinatal and demographic factors.Methods  Seventy‐one live‐born newborn infants (24 triplet pregnancies) were prospectively enrolled at birth. At the age of 6 years, 58 children (31 males, 27 females; mean gestational age 31.2wks [SD 2.2wks]; mean birthweight 1622g [SD 440g]) returned for a neurodevelopmental examination. A comparison group for triplets born before 32 gestational weeks comprising 26 gestational age‐, birthweight‐, and sex‐matched singletons was also recruited (mean gestational age 30.1wk [SD 1.5wk]; mean birthweight 1142g [SD 210g]; 12 males, 14 females). The Zurich Neuromotor Assessment was used to examine motor performance, and intellectual abilities were assessed with the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (K‐ABC).Results  Motor performance and movement quality in these individuals was significantly reduced compared with the test norms for all motor tasks (p<0.001) other than static balance. The mean values on the Mental Processing Composite (95.3, SD 8.4) and the Achievement Scale (90.1, SD 13.8) of the K‐ABC were also lower than those in the test reference (p<0.05 and p<0.01 respectively). Triplets born at less than 32 weeks’ gestation showed poorer pure motor and adaptive gross motor performance (both p<0.05) than, but similar intellectual performance to, the gestational age‐, birthweight‐ and sex‐matched singletons. Poor outcome was predicted by low socio‐economic status and by intertriplet birthweight discordance (both p<0.01).Interpretation  Triplets were at an increased risk of mild motor and intellectual impairments. This finding is important for tailoring therapeutic interventions for these children and for parental counselling. Very preterm triplets showed similar outcomes to the singleton comparison children, except that they had poorer motor performance. Low socio‐economic status was a major risk factor for impaired intellectual development. In addition, birthweight discordance may also be considered a predictor for poor long‐term motor and intellectual outcome in triplets.
Okadaic acid induces matrix metalloproteinase‐9 expression in fibroblasts: crosstalk between protein phosphatase inhibition and β‐adrenoceptor signalling
Authors: Rietz A , Volkov Y , Davies A , Hennessy M , Spiers JP 
Published: June 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Interactions between protein phosphatase inhibition and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9 expression have implications for tissue remodelling after injury. Stimulation of β‐adrenoceptors could affect such interactions as isoprenaline increases protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) activity and MMP‐9 abundance. We investigated the effect of okadaic acid (OA) on MMP‐9 expression to assess interactions between phosphatase inhibition and β‐adrenoceptor signalling in fibroblasts.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Fibroblasts were exposed to OA alone and in combination with isoprenaline. Effects on MMP‐9 expression and intracellular signalling were studied using promoter assays, Western blot analysis and siRNA methodologies.KEY RESULTS Okadaic acid increased MMP‐9 abundance in human cardiac ventricular fibroblasts, NIH3T3 fibroblasts and hepatic stellate cells. This effect was unaffected by PP2A knockdown in NIH3T3 cells. OA increased phosphorylation of NF‐κB, but not NF‐κB promoter activity, IκBα degradation, or nuclear translocation of p65‐NF‐κB. Exposure to SB202190 (p38 MAPK), U0126 (ERK1/2) and NF‐κB III inhibitor revealed that OA induced MMP‐9 activity through p38 MAPK. Isoprenaline inhibited OA‐mediated MMP‐9 expression in NIH3T3, in a β‐arrestin 2‐ and PP2A‐dependent manner. Mutation of the activator protein‐1 (AP‐1) and NF‐κB binding sites demonstrated that OA‐induced MMP‐9 activity was mediated through the AP‐1 but not NF‐κB sites. The latter mediated the inhibitory effect of isoprenaline on OA‐induced MMP‐9 promoter activity.CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Okadaic acid induced MMP‐9 activity through p38 MAPK and was inhibited by isoprenaline via a pathway involving β‐arrestin 2, PP2A and an NF‐κB binding motif. These findings elucidate how phosphoprotein phosphatases and adrenoceptors may modulate tissue remodelling by affecting fibroblast function.
Amplified NO/cGMP‐mediated relaxation and ryanodine receptor‐to‐BKCa channel signalling in corpus cavernosum smooth muscle from phospholamban knockout mice
Authors: Joshi Shreena , Nelson Mark T , Werner Matthias E 
Published: June 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Relaxation of corpus cavernosum smooth muscle (CCSM) is induced by NO. NO promotes the formation of cGMP, which activates cGMP‐dependent protein kinase I (PKGI). The large conductance calcium‐activated potassium (BKCa) channel is regarded as a major target of NO/cGMP signalling; however, the mechanism of BKCa activation remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to determine whether sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ load and Ca2+ release from the SR via ryanodine receptors (RyRs) is important for BKCa channel activation in response to NO/cGMP.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH In vitro myography was performed on CCSM strips from wild‐type and PLB knockout (PLB−/−) mice to evaluate contraction and relaxation in response to pharmacological agents and electrical field stimulation (EFS).KEY RESULTS In CCSM strips from PLB−/− mice, a model of increased SR Ca2+ load, contractile force in response to EFS or phenylephrine (PE) was increased by nearly 100%. EFS of strips precontracted with PE induced transient relaxation in CCSM, an effect that was significantly larger in PLB−/− strips. Likewise, the relaxation of PE‐induced contraction in response to SNP and cGMP was greater in PLB−/−, as demonstrated by a shift in the concentration–response curve towards lower concentrations. Blocking RyRs and BKCa channels diminished the induced relaxations and eliminated the difference between wild‐type and PLB−/−.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS NO/cGMP activates BKCa channels through RyR‐mediated Ca2+ release. This signalling pathway is responsible for approximately 40% of the NO/cGMP effects and is amplified by increased SR Ca2+ concentrations.
Anesthesia and Postoperative Delirium in Older Adults Undergoing Hip Surgery
Authors: Slor Chantal J. , de Jonghe Jos F.M. , Vreeswijk Ralph , Groot Erwin , Ploeg Tjeerd V.D. , van Gool Willem A. , Eikelenboom Piet , Snoeck Marc , Schmand Ben , Kalisvaart Kees J. 
Published: June 2011

OBJECTIVES: To examine the effects of general anesthesia on the risk of incident postoperative delirium in older adults undergoing hip surgery.DESIGN: Secondary analysis of haloperidol prophylaxis for delirium clinical trial data. Predefined risk factors for delirium were assessed prior to surgery. Primary outcome was postoperative delirium. Study outcome was compared across patient groups who received either general or regional anesthesia, and for individuals receiving various perioperative medications (benzodiazepines, anticholinergics, and opioids), using multivariable logistic regression after controlling for potential confounders. Subgroup analyses based on baseline cognitive impairment and delirium risk were also undertaken.SETTING: Large medical school‐affiliated general hospital in Alkmaar, the Netherlands.PARTICIPANTS: Five hundred twenty‐six adults aged 70 and older undergoing hip surgery.MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative delirium (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, and Confusion Assessment Method criteria).RESULTS: Sixty participants (11.4%) had incident postoperative delirium. One hundred eighty‐nine (35.9%) received general anesthesia, 18 (9.5%) of whom developed postoperative delirium, and 337 (64.1%) received regional anesthesia, 42 (12.5%) of whom developed postoperative delirium (adjusted odds ratio=0.81, 95% confidence interval=0.43–1.52, P=.51). Results were stratified for baseline cognitive impairment, age, acute admission, perioperative medication and other delirium risk factors. Delirium was not independently associated with specific drugs or the medication classes opioids, benzodiazepines, and anticholinergics.CONCLUSION: General anesthesia has no distinct effect on incident postoperative delirium in older adults undergoing hip surgery. This also holds for individuals suffering from cognitive impairment or who are otherwise at risk for postoperative delirium. Perioperative use of narcotics, benzodiazepines, and anticholinergic agents was not associated with incident delirium in this cohort of older adults undergoing hip surgery.
A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial of the Seattle Protocol for Activity in Older Adults
Authors: Teri Linda , McCurry Susan M. , Logsdon Rebecca G. , Gibbons Laura E. , Buchner David M. , Larson Eric B. 
Published: June 2011

OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy of a physical activity program (Seattle Protocol for Activity (SPA)) for low‐exercising older adults with that of an educational health promotion program (HP), combination treatment (SPA+HP), and routine medical care control conditions (RMC).DESIGN: Single‐blind, randomized controlled trial with two‐by‐two factorial design.SETTING: Community centers in King County, Washington, from November 2001 to September 2004.PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred seventy‐three community‐residing, cognitively intact older adults (mean age 79.2; 62% women).INTERVENTIONS: SPA (in‐class exercises with assistance setting weekly home exercise goals) and HP (information about age‐appropriate topics relevant to enhancing health), with randomization to four conditions: SPA only (n=69), HP only (n=73), SPA+HP (n=67), and RMC control (n=64). Active‐treatment participants attended nine group classes over 3 months followed by five booster sessions over 1 year.MEASUREMENTS: Self‐rated health (Medical Outcomes Study 36‐item Short‐Form Survey) and depression (Geriatric Depression Scale). Secondary ratings of physical performance, treatment adherence, and self‐rated health and affective function were also collected.RESULTS: At 3 months, participants in SPA exercised more and had significantly better self‐reported health, strength, and general well‐being (P<.05) than participants in HP or RMC. Over 18 months, SPA participants maintained health and physical function benefits and had continued to exercise more than non‐SPA participants. SPA+HP was not significantly better than SPA alone. Better adherence was associated with better outcomes.CONCLUSION: Older adults participating in low levels of regular exercise can establish and maintain a home‐based exercise program that yields immediate and long‐term physical and affective benefits.
Cerebrospinal Fluid β‐Amyloid and Tau Are Not Associated with Risk of Delirium: A Prospective Cohort Study in Older Adults with Hip Fracture
Authors: Witlox Joost , Kalisvaart Kees J. , de Jonghe Jos F.M. , Verwey Nicolaas A. , van Stijn Mireille F.M. , Houdijk Alexander P.J. , Traast Han S. , MacLullich Alasdair M.J. , van Gool Willem A. , Eikelenboom Piet 
Published: June 2011

OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) β‐amyloid (Aβ1–42), tau, and hyperphosphorylated tau (Ptau) and risk of delirium in older adults with hip fracture.DESIGN: Prospective cohort study.SETTING: University‐affiliated general hospital in Alkmaar, the Netherlands.PARTICIPANTS: Seventy‐six participants aged 75 and older admitted for surgical repair of acute hip fracture.MEASUREMENTS: Presurgical baseline screening and assessment included the Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline—short form (IQCODE‐N), Mini‐Mental State Examination, standardized Snellen test for visual impairment, Geriatric Depression Scale, Barthel Index (BI), and Lawton Instrumental Activity of Daily Living (IADL) scale. The number of medical comorbidities and medications at home, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score were determined according to chart review. Delirium was diagnosed using the Confusion Assessment Method. CSF was collected at the onset of spinal anesthesia.RESULTS: Postoperative delirium occurred in 30 (39.5%) participants. Participants with delirium were older, showed more signs of cognitive decline, were more dependent at home in activity of daily living and IADL functioning, and used more medications before admission. Preoperative CSF Aβ1‐42, tau, and Ptau levels were not significantly different in participants who did and did not develop delirium during subsequent hospitalization. In contrast, prefracture cognitive decline (IQCODE‐N) was significantly related to delirium (odds ratio=9.43, 95% confidence interval=2.45–36.31).CONCLUSION: Cognitive impairment predisposes to delirium, but in this study, postoperative delirium was not associated with baseline CSF Aβ1‐42, tau, and Ptau levels. These findings suggest that CSF markers for plaque and tangle formation are not strongly associated with delirium risk in older adults with hip fracture.
Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second and Cognitive Aging in Men
Authors: Weuve Jennifer , Glymour M. Maria , Hu Howard , Sparrow David , Spiro Avron , Vokonas Pantel S. , Litonjua Augusto A. 
Published: June 2011

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1, a measure of overall lung function), long‐term average FEV1, and rate of decline in FEV1 in relation to cognition and cognitive decline in older men.DESIGN: Prospective observational study.SETTING: Community‐based population.PARTICIPANTS: Eight hundred sixty‐four older men from the Normative Aging Study.MEASUREMENTS: Starting in 1984, participants underwent triennial clinical evaluations. Lung function assessments provided estimates of FEV1. Cognitive assessments entailing tests of several cognitive abilities began in 1993. FEV1 measured approximately 12 years before baseline cognitive testing, average FEV1 over the 12‐year period, and rate of change in FEV1 were all evaluated in relation to baseline and change in performance on the cognitive tests.RESULTS: In multivariable‐adjusted analyses, associations between FEV1 and baseline cognitive scores were mixed, although average FEV1 predicted significantly better performance on tests of visuospatial ability (P=.04) and general cognition (P=.03). Higher FEV1 was more consistently associated with slower cognitive decline, but only the association between historical FEV1 and attention was significant (difference per standard deviation in FEV1=0.056, P=.05). Rate of FEV1 decline was not consistently associated with cognitive function or decline. Findings were generally similar or stronger in men who had never smoked. To account for potential bias due to selective attrition, inverse probability of censoring weights were applied to the cognitive decline analyses, yielding slightly larger estimates; the inadequate prognostic power of the censoring models limited this approach.CONCLUSION: Overall, the data provide limited evidence of an inverse association between FEV1 and cognitive aging.
The Vulnerable Elders Survey‐13 Predicts Hospital Complications and Mortality in Older Adults with Traumatic Injury: A Pilot Study
Authors: Min Lillian , Ubhayakar Nitin , Saliba Debra , Kelley‐Quon Lorraine , Morley Eric , Hiatt Jonathan , Cryer Henry , Tillou Areti 
Published: June 2011

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the Vulnerable Elders Survey (VES)‐13, a survey based on functional status that has been validated in uninjured older populations, will predict complications and mortality in injured older adults.DESIGN: Prospective observational pilot study.SETTING: Level 1 trauma center.PARTICIPANTS: Sixty‐three older adults (≥65) with a traumatic injury who survived and required inpatient care for at least 24 hours.MEASUREMENTS: Predictor: preinjury VES‐13 score (0–10 points, higher=greater risk) obtained by interviewing participants or proxies. Outcomes: composite outcome of one or more medical complications (e.g., aspiration pneumonia, respiratory failure) or death, discharge destination (home, nursing home, death), length of stay, hospital charges. Covariates: Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), Injury Severity Score (ISS), and sex.RESULTS: Of the 63 participants, 30 (48%) were discharged to home and 28 (44%) to a nursing facility, 21 (33%) developed one or more complications, and four (6%) died. In a model that also controlled for ISS and comorbidity, each additional VES‐13 point was associated with greater risk of complication or death (odds ratio=1.53 per point, 95% confidence interval=1.12–2.07).CONCLUSION: The VES‐13, in combination with injury severity, may be useful early in the hospital course to predict complications and death in older adults with traumatic injury, potentially identifying candidates who may benefit from additional inpatient geriatric services.
Cognitive Impairment Predicts Fatal Incident Stroke: Findings from a National Sample of Older Adults
Authors: Clarke Philippa J. , Blount Vanessa , Colantonio Angela 
Published: June 2011

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of cognitive impairment on fatal and nonfatal incident stroke in older adults.DESIGN: A large, national, prospective, population‐based study of a representative cohort of older Canadians followed over a 10‐year period.SETTING: Secondary analyses were conducted using data from the Canadian Study of Health and Aging, a population‐based study of older adults followed prospectively from 1991 to 2001.PARTICIPANTS: Nine thousand four hundred fifty‐one adults aged 65 and older who had not previously been diagnosed with stroke at baseline (in 1991).MEASUREMENTS: In addition to known risk factors, the independent contribution of cognitive function (diagnosed in a clinical examination) was examined as a risk for stroke in older adults.RESULTS: Multinomial logistic regression analyses showed that cognitive impairment was associated with twice the odds of fatal incident stroke, controlling for well‐established risk factors.CONCLUSION: This study provides further evidence for the need to consider cognitive function in relation to stroke risk in older populations.
Preparation of Sizable and Uniform‐Sized Spherical Ceramic Foams: Drop‐in‐Oil and Agar Gelation
Authors: Han Yosep , Kim Seongmin , Kim Hyunjung , Park Jaikoo 
Published: June 2011

We propose a simple and environmentally friendly method to prepare uniform‐sized spherical ceramic foams (SCFs) with excellent pore properties by combining a drop‐in‐oil method with agar gelation. In addition, the change in size distribution and uniformity (characterized as coefficient of variation (C.V.)) and the corresponding pore‐related properties for the SCFs were systematically investigated as functions of agar concentration (i.e., 0.50–1.50 wt% with respect to dry alumina). The results showed that uniform‐sized SCFs were successfully fabricated regardless of agar concentration, that pore‐related properties were gradually improved by increasing the agar content, and that the most uniform‐sized SCFs were obtained when the agar concentration was 1.00 wt%. The extent of the improvement in size uniformity was evaluated by comparing the C.V. value for the drop‐in‐oil method with that for the pseudo‐double‐emulsion (PDE) method, which is an alternative method to fabricate SCFs. The C.V. values for the SCFs prepared by the drop‐in‐oil and the PDE method were determined to be 7% and 31%, respectively. The results clearly indicate that the size uniformity of the SCFs has been much improved for the drop‐in‐oil method as compared to the PDE method.
A New Rapid Route for In Situ Synthesizing Monolithic TiB Ceramic
Authors: Zhang Zhaohui , Shen Xiangbo , Wang Fuchi , Lee Shukui 
Published: June 2011

Fine‐grained monolithic TiB ceramics were successfully in situ synthesized by spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique at temperatures of 1150°–1450°C and a pressure of 50 MPa, using Ti and TiB2 as reactants. Mechanical properties and densification behavior of the TiB ceramics were investigated. The results indicate that TiB ceramic sintered at 1450°C provide the optimal combination of dense microstructure and excellent properties, including the relative density of 98.2%, the microhardness of 21.2 ± 1.8 GPa, the flexural strength of 548 ± 45 MPa and the fracture toughness of 5.9 ± 0.4 MPa·m1/2. The dense and fine‐grained microstructures are the main factors to improve the mechanical properties of the TiB ceramic synthesized by SPS process.