bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Static balance and function in children with cerebral palsy submitted to neuromuscular block and neuromuscular electrical stimulation: Study protocol for prospective, randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Kazon Soráia , Grecco Luanda A C , Pasini Hugo , Corrêa João C F , Christovão Thaluanna C L , de Carvalho Paulo de TarsoCamillo , Giannasi Lilian Chrystiane , Lucareli Paulo R G , de Oliveira Luis Vicente Franco , Salgado Afonso Shiguemi Inoue , Sampaio Luciana M M , Oliveira Claudia S 
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Background
The use of botulinum toxin A (BT-A) for the treatment of lower limb spasticity is common in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Following the administration of BT-A, physical therapy plays a fundamental role in potentiating the functionality of the child. The balance deficit found in children with CP is mainly caused by muscle imbalance (spastic agonist and weak antagonist). Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is a promising therapeutic modality for muscle strengthening in this population. The aim of the present study is to describe a protocol for a study aimed at analyzing the effects of NMES on dorsiflexors combined with physical therapy on static and functional balance in children with CP submitted to BT- A.

Methods/Design
Protocol for a prospective, randomized, controlled trial with a blinded evaluator. Eligible participants will be children with cerebral palsy (Levels I, II and III of the Gross Motor Function Classification System) between five and 12 years of age, with independent gait with or without a gait-assistance device. All participants will receive BT-A in the lower limbs (triceps surae). The children will then be randomly allocated for either treatment with motor physical therapy combined with NMES on the tibialis anterior or motor physical therapy alone. The participants will be evaluated on three occasions: 1) one week prior to the administration of BT-A; 2) one week after the administration of BT-A; and 3) four months after the administration of BT-A (end of intervention). Spasticity will be assessed by the Modified Ashworth Scale and Modified Tardieu Scale. Static balance will be assessed using the Medicapteurs Fusyo pressure platform and functional balance will be assessed using the Berg Balance Scale.

Discussion
The aim of this protocol study is to describe the methodology of a randomized, controlled, clinical trial comparing the effect of motor physical therapy combined with NMES on the tibialis anterior muscle or motor physical therapy alone on static and functional balance in children with CP submitted to BT-A in the lower limbs. This study describes the background, hypotheses, methodology of the procedures and measurement of the results.

Trial registration
RBR5qzs8h
Whole body diffusion for metastatic disease assessment in neuroendocrine carcinomas: comparison with OctreoScan® in two cases
Authors: Cossetti Rachel Jorge D , Bezerra Regis Otaviano França , Gumz Brenda , Telles Adriana , Costa Frederico P 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Neuroendocrine tumor (NET) patients must be adequately staged in order to improve a multidisciplinary approach and optimal management for metastatic disease. Currently available imaging studies include somatostatin receptor scintigraphy, like OctreoScan®, computed tomography (CT), scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which analyze vascular concentration and intravenous contrast enhancement for anatomic tumor localization. However, these techniques require high degree of expertise for interpretation and are limited by their availability, cost, reproducibility, and follow-up imaging comparisons. NETs significantly reduce water diffusion as compared to normal tissue. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in MRI has an advantageous contrast difference: the tumor is represented with high signal over a black normal surrounding background. The whole-body diffusion (WBD) technique has been suggested to be a useful test for detecting metastasis from various anatomic sites. In this article we report the use of DWI in MRI and WBD in two cases of metastatic pulmonary NET staging in comparison with OctreoScan® in order to illustrate the potential advantage of DWI and WBD in staging NETs.
Nonerosive gastroesophageal reflux disease and mild degree of esophagitis: Comparison of symptoms endoscopic, manometric and pH-metric patterns
Authors: Grande Michele , Sileri Pierpaolo , Attinà Grazia Maria , De Luca Elisabetta , Ciano Paolo , Ciangola Carolina Ilaria , Cadeddu Federica 
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Background
Our aim in the present study was to compare patients presenting with gastroesophageal reflux disease in the presence or absence of mild-grade esophagitis (grade I or II according to the Savary-Miller classification).

Methods
Between 2005 and 2007, 215 patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (67 with reflux associated with grade I or II esophagitis and 148 without esophagitis) were evaluated at the Department of Surgery, University Hospital Tor Vergata, Rome, and were included in the present study. The evaluations consisted of clinical interviews, endoscopy of the high digestive tract, esophageal manometry and pH monitoring.

Results
There was no significant difference between the two groups with regard to age, sex or symptoms. The incidence of heartburn associated with noncardiac chest pain was greater in the esophagitis group than in the dysphagia group. The incidence of hiatal hernia was similar in both groups. Although the motor pattern was similar in both groups, the length of the abdominal esophagus was greater in patients without esophagitis (1.6 cm vs 1.1 cm; P < 0.05). The reflux pattern was nearly identical in both groups.

Conclusions
Gastroesophageal reflux without esophagitis must be regarded not as a milder form of the disease but as part of a single disease. Furthermore, these patients often demonstrate lower rates of symptom improvement after antireflux treatment in comparison with patients with erosive esophagitis. Therefore, further trials to assess the treatment algorithm for these patients are warranted.
Expression of heat shock protein 70 in nasopharyngeal carcinomas: different expression patterns correlate with distinct clinical prognosis
Authors: Cai Man-Bo , Wang Xiao-Pai , Zhang Jia-Xing , Han Hui-Qiong , Liu Chao-Chun , Bei Jin-Xin , Peng Ruo-Jun , Liang Yi , Feng Qi-Sheng , Wang Hai-Yun , Chen Li-Zhen , Fu Sha , Kang Tiebang , Shao Jian-Yong , Zeng Yi-Xin 
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Background
Heat shock protein 70, a stress protein, has been implicated in tumor progression. However, its role in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) progression has not yet been clearly investigated.

Methods
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was employed to examine the expression patterns of Hsp70, human leukocyte antigen –A (HLA-A) in NPC tissue samples.

Results
The expression of Hsp70 exhibited different spatial patterns among nuclear, membrane and cytoplasm in 507 NPC tumor tissues. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated that different Hsp70 expression patterns are correlated with different patient outcomes. High membranal and cytoplasmic levels of Hsp70 predicted good survival of patients. In contrast, high nuclear abundance of Hsp70 correlated with poor survival. Moreover, the membranal and cytoplasmic levels of Hsp70 were positively correlated with levels of the MHC I molecule HLA-A.

Conclusions
Different Hsp70 expression patterns had distinct predictive values. The different spatial abundance of Hsp70 may imply its important role in NPC development and provide insight for the development of novel therapeutic strategies involving immunotherapy for NPC.
The CRKL gene encoding an adaptor protein is amplified, overexpressed, and a possible therapeutic target in gastric cancer
Authors: Natsume Hiroko , Shinmura Kazuya , Tao Hong , Igarashi Hisaki , Suzuki Masaya , Nagura Kiyoko , Goto Masanori , Yamada Hidetaka , Maeda Matsuyoshi , Konno Hiroyuki , Nakamura Satoki , Sugimura Haruhiko 
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Background
Genomic DNA amplification is a genetic factor involved in cancer, and some oncogenes, such as ERBB2, are highly amplified in gastric cancer. We searched for the possible amplification of other genes in gastric cancer.

Methods and Results
A genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism microarray analysis was performed using three cell lines of differentiated gastric cancers, and 22 genes (including ERBB2) in five highly amplified chromosome regions (with a copy number of more than 6) were identified. Particular attention was paid to the CRKL gene, the product of which is an adaptor protein containing Src homology 2 and 3 (SH2/SH3) domains. An extremely high CRKL copy number was confirmed in the MKN74 gastric cancer cell line using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and a high level of CRKL expression was also observed in the cells. The RNA-interference-mediated knockdown of CRKL in MKN74 disclosed the ability of CRKL to upregulate gastric cell proliferation. An immunohistochemical analysis revealed that CRKL protein was overexpressed in 24.4% (88/360) of the primary gastric cancers that were analyzed. The CRKL copy number was also examined in 360 primary gastric cancers using a FISH analysis, and CRKL amplification was found to be associated with CRKL overexpression. Finally, we showed that MKN74 cells with CRKL amplification were responsive to the dual Src/BCR-ABL kinase inhibitor BMS354825, likely via the inhibition of CRKL phosphorylation, and that the proliferation of MKN74 cells was suppressed by treatment with a CRKL-targeting peptide.

Conclusion
These results suggested that CRKL protein is overexpressed in a subset of gastric cancers and is associated with CRKL amplification in gastric cancer. Furthermore, our results suggested that CRKL protein has the ability to regulate gastric cell proliferation and has the potential to serve as a molecular therapy target for gastric cancer.
Possible effect of norepinephrine transporter polymorphisms on methylphenidate-induced changes in neuropsychological function in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Park Subin , Kim Jae-Won , Yang Young-Hui , Hong Soon-Beom , Park Min-Hyeon , Kim Boong-Nyun , Shin Min-Sup , Yoo Hee-Jeong , Cho Soo-Churl 
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Background
Dysregulation of noradrenergic system may play important roles in pathophysiology of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We examined the relationship between polymorphisms in the norepinephrine transporter SLC6A2 gene and attentional performance before and after medication in children with ADHD.

Methods
Fifty-three medication-naïve children with ADHD were genotyped and evaluated using the continuous performance test (CPT). After 8-weeks of methylphenidate treatment, these children were evaluated by CPT again. We compared the baseline CPT measures and the post-treatment changes in the CPT measures based on the G1287A and the A-3081T polymorphisms of SLC6A2.

Results
There was no significant difference in the baseline CPT measures associated with the G1287A or A-3081T polymorphisms. After medication, however, ADHD subjects with the G/G genotype at the G1287A polymorphism showed a greater decrease in the mean omission error scores (p = 0.006) than subjects with the G/A or A/A genotypes, and subjects with the T allele at the A-3081T polymorphism (T/T or A/T) showed a greater decrease in the mean commission error scores (p = 0.003) than those with the A/A genotypes.

Conclusions
Our results provide evidence for the possible role of the G1287A and A-3081T genotypes of SLC6A2 in methylphenidate-induced improvement in attentional performance and support the noradrenergic hypothesis for the pathophysiology of ADHD.
Evaluation of a genetically modified foot-and-mouth disease virus vaccine candidate generated by reverse genetics
Authors: Li Pinghua , Bai Xingwen , Sun Pu , Li Dong , Lu Zengjun , Cao Yimei , Fu Yuanfang , Bao Huifang , Chen Yingli , Xie Baoxia , Liu Zaixin 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackgroundFoot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is the most economically important and highly contagious disease of cloven-hoofed animals worldwide. Control of the disease has been mainly based on large-scale vaccinations with whole-virus inactivated vaccines. In recent years, a series of outbreaks of type O FMD occurred in China (including Chinese Taipei, Chinese Hong Kong) posed a tremendous threat to Chinese animal husbandry. Its causative agent, type O FMDV, has evolved into three topotypes (East–South Asia (ME-SA), Southeast Asia (SEA), Cathay (CHY)) in these regions, which represents an important obstacle to disease control. The available FMD vaccine in China shows generally good protection against ME-SA and SEA topotype viruses infection, but affords insufficient protection against some variants of the CHY topotype. Therefore, the choice of a new vaccine strain is of fundamental importance.ResultsThe present study describes the generation of a full-length infectious cDNA clone of FMDV vaccine strain and a genetically modified virus with some amino acid substitutions in antigenic sites 1, 3, and 4, based on the established infectious clone. The recombinant viruses had similar growth properties to the wild O/HN/CHA/93 virus. All swine immunized with inactivated vaccine prepared from the O/HN/CHA/93 were fully protected from challenge with the viruses of ME-SA and SEA topotypes and partially protected against challenge with the virus of CHY topotype at 28 days post-immunization. In contrast, the swine inoculated with the genetically modified vaccine were completely protected from the infection of viruses of the three topotypes.ConclusionsSome amino acid substitutions in the FMDV vaccine strain genome did not have an effect on the ability of viral replication in vitro. The vaccine prepared from genetically modified FMDV by reverse genetics significantly improved the protective efficacy to the variant of the CHY topotype, compared with the wild O/HN/CHA/93 virus. Thus, the full-length cDNA clone of FMDV can be a useful tool to develop genetically engineered FMDV vaccine candidates to help control porcinophilic FMD epidemics in China.
A pilot prospective study on closed loop controlled ventilation and oxygenation in ventilated children during the weaning phase
Authors: Jouvet Philippe , Eddington Allen , Payen Valérie , Bordessoule Alice , Emeriaud Guillaume , Gasco Ricardo Lopez , Wysocki Marc 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Introduction
The present study is a pilot prospective safety evaluation of a new closed loop computerised protocol on ventilation and oxygenation in stable, spontaneously breathing children weighing more than 7 kg, during the weaning phase of mechanical ventilation.

Methods
Mechanically ventilated children ready to start the weaning process were ventilated for five periods of 60 minutes in the following order: pressure support ventilation, adaptive support ventilation (ASV), ASV plus a ventilation controller (ASV-CO2), ASV-CO2 plus an oxygenation controller (ASV-CO2-O2) and pressure support ventilation again. Based on breath-by-breath analysis, the percentage of time with normal ventilation as defined by a respiratory rate between 10 and 40 breaths/minute, tidal volume > 5 ml/kg predicted body weight and end-tidal CO2 between 25 and 55 mmHg was determined. The number of manipulations and changes on the ventilator were also recorded.

Results
Fifteen children, median aged 45 months, were investigated. No adverse event and no premature protocol termination were reported. ASV-CO2 and ASV-CO2-O2 kept the patients within normal ventilation for, respectively, 94% (91 to 96%) and 94% (87 to 96%) of the time. The tidal volume, respiratory rate, peak inspiratory airway pressure and minute ventilation were equivalent for all modalities, although there were more automatic setting changes in ASV-CO2 and ASV-CO2-O2. Positive end-expiratory pressure modifications by ASV-CO2-O2 require further investigation.

Conclusion
Over the short study period and in this specific population, ASV-CO2 and ASV-CO2-O2 were safe and kept the patient under normal ventilation most of the time. Further research is needed, especially for positive end-expiratory pressure modifications by ASV-CO2-O2.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01095406
Determinants of mortality in non-neutropenic ICU patients with candidaemia
Authors: Marriott Deborah JE , Playford E Geoffrey , Chen Sharon , Slavin Monica , Nguyen Quoc , Ellis David , Sorrell Tania C ,   the Australian Candidaemia Study
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Candidaemia in critically-ill intensive care unit (ICU) patients is associated with high crude mortality. Determinants of mortality – particularly those amenable to potential modification – are incompletely defined.

Methods
A nationwide prospective clinical and microbiological cohort study of all episodes of ICU-acquired candidaemia occurring in non-neutropenic adults was undertaken in Australian ICUs between 2001 and 2004. Multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to determine independently significant variables associated with mortality.

Results
183 episodes of ICU-acquired candidaemia occurred in 183 patients during the study period. Of the 179 with microbiological data, Candida albicans accounted for 111 (62%) episodes and Candida glabrata, 32 (18%). Outcome data were available for 173: crude hospital mortality at 30 days was 56%. Host factors (older age, ICU admission diagnosis, mechanical ventilation and ICU admission diagnosis) and failure to receive systemic antifungal therapy were significantly associated with mortality on multivariate analysis. Among the subset who received initial fluconazole therapy (n = 93), the crude mortality was 52%. Host factors (increasing age and haemodialysis receipt), but not organism- (Candida species, fluconazole MIC), pharmacokinetic- (fluconazole dose, time to initiation), or pharmacodynamic-related parameters (fluconazole dose:MIC ratio) were associated with mortality. Process of care measures advocated in recent guidelines were implemented inconsistently: follow-up blood cultures were obtained in 68% of patients, central venous catheters removed within five days in 80% and ophthalmological examination performed in 36%.

Conclusions
Crude mortality remains high in Australian ICU patients with candidaemia and is overwhelmingly related to host factors but not treatment variables (the time to initiation of antifungals or fluconazole pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic factors). The role and timing of early antifungal intervention in critically-ill ICU patients requires further investigation.
PGC-1α Negatively Regulates Extrasynaptic NMDAR Activity and Excitotoxicity
Authors: Puddifoot Clare , Martel Marc-Andre , Soriano Francesc X. , Camacho Alberto , Vidal-Puig Antonio , Wyllie David J. A. , Hardingham Giles E. 
Published: May 2012

Underexpression of the transcriptional coactivator PGC-1α is causally linked to certain neurodegenerative disorders, including Huntington's Disease (HD). HD pathoprogression is also associated with aberrant NMDAR activity, in particular an imbalance between synaptic versus extrasynaptic (NMDAREX) activity. Here we show that PGC-1α controls NMDAREXactivity in neurons and that its suppression contributes to mutant Huntingtin (mHtt)-induced increases in NMDAREXactivity and vulnerability to excitotoxic insults.We found that knock-down of endogenous PGC-1α increased NMDAREXactivity and vulnerability to excitotoxic insults in rat cortical neurons. In contrast, exogenous expression of PGC-1α resulted in a neuroprotective reduction of NMDAREXcurrents without affecting synaptic NMDAR activity. Since HD models are associated with mHtt-mediated suppression of PGC-1α expression, as well as increased NMDAREXactivity, we investigated whether these two events were linked. Expression of mHtt (148Q) resulted in a selective increase in NMDAREXactivity, compared with wild-type Htt (18Q), and increased vulnerability to NMDA excitotoxicity. Importantly, we observed that the effects of mHtt and PGC-1α knockdown on NMDAREXactivity and vulnerability to excitotoxicity were nonadditive and occluded each other, consistent with a common mechanism. Moreover, exogenous expression of PGC-1α reversed mtHtt-mediated increases in NMDAREXactivity and protected neurons against excitotoxic cell death. The link between mHtt, PGC-1α, and NMDAR activity was also confirmed in rat striatal neurons. Thus, targeting levels of PGC-1α expression may help reduce aberrant NMDAREXactivity in disorders where PGC-1α is underexpressed.
Promoting Network Formation in Nanorod-filled Binary Blends
Authors: Yan Li-Tang , Maresov Egor , Hayward Ryan C. , Emrick Todd , Russell Thomas P. , Balazs Anna C. 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTUsing a hybrid computational approach, we introduce A-like nanorods into a phaseseparating AB blend, which has 45/55 composition. In the absence of the rods, the minority A phase forms droplets in the matrix of B. With the addition of N = 670 rods that interact solely through a short range repulsive interaction (mimicking the steric stabilization provided by a coating of A ligands), the mixture retains this droplet morphology. When, however, we add an effective attraction between the sterically stabilized rods, the nanoparticles form extensive networks in the A phase, which can form a continuous phase. In addition to altering the morphology of the mixture, the attractive interaction influences the rate of domain growth. In particular, at early times, the mutually attractive rods increase the growth rate of the domains in the early stage. At late times, the domain growth crosses over to a slow growth regime. Our findings demonstrate that the morphology and coarsening of a rod-filled blend can be controlled by varying the rod-rod interaction and hence, provides guidelines for tailoring the electrical and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites.
The Ratio of the Absolute Lymphocyte Count to the Absolute Monocyte Count Is Associated with Prognosis in Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Correlation with Tumor-Associated Macrophages
Authors: Koh Young Wha , Kang Hyo Jeong , Park Chansik , Yoon Dok Hyun , Kim Shin , Suh Cheolwon , Go Heounjeong , Kim Ji Eun , Kim Chul-Woo , Huh Jooryung 
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Background.
Although most patients with classical Hodgkin's lymphoma (cHL) have a long survival duration, the current risk stratification is imperfect. A recent study suggested a prognostic role for the peripheral blood absolute lymphocyte count/absolute monocyte count (ALC/AMC) ratio at diagnosis in cHL. It is intriguing to investigate the significance of the ALC/AMC ratio in relation to tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), yet another prognostic factor for cHL.

Methods.
We examined the prognostic impact of the ALC, AMC, and ALC/AMC ratio in 312 cHL patients (median age, 37 years) using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for optimal cutoff values, and compared these with TAM content.

Results.
The median follow-up was 65 months (range, 0.1–245 months). On univariate analysis, a low ALC/AMC ratio (&lt;2.9) was correlated with a poorer overall survival (OS) outcome. A subgroup analysis of patients with limited-stage disease showed that the ALC/AMC ratio was significantly correlated with the OS time. Multivariate analysis showed the ALC/AMC ratio to be an independent prognostic factor for OS outcome. A Spearman correlation test of TAM content showed a negative correlation with the ALC/AMC ratio and a positive correlation with the peripheral blood macrophage percentage.

Conclusions.
This study suggests that the ALC/AMC ratio may be a simple, inexpensive, and independent prognostic factor for OS outcome in patients with cHL and may have a role in the stratification of cHL patients in addition to the International Prognostic Score and TAM content.