bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic yield in adults screened at the marfan outpatient clinic using the 1996 and 2010 ghent nosologies
Authors: Aalberts Jan J.J. , Thio Chris H.L. , Schuurman Agnes G. , van Langen Irene M. , van der Pol Bert A.E. , van Tintelen J. Peter , van den Berg Maarten P. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractMarfan syndrome (MFS) is diagnosed according to the Ghent nosology, which has recently been revised. In the Netherlands, evaluation for possible MFS is performed in specialized Marfan outpatient clinics. We investigated the diagnostic yield in our clinic and the impact of the 2010 nosology. All adult patients (n = 343) who visited our clinic between 1998 and 2008 were included. We analyzed their reasons for referral, characteristics, and established diagnoses. In addition, we applied the 2010 nosology to all patients and compared the outcomes to those obtained with the 1996 nosology. Diagnoses that were made using the 1996 and the 2010 Ghent nosology included MFS (44/343 vs. 47/343), familial thoracic aortic aneurysm and/or dissection (22/343 vs. 22/343 patients), Loeys–Dietz syndrome (4/343 vs. 4/343 patients), and (familial) mitral valve prolapse (MVPS; 5/343 vs. 28/343 patients). In both nosologies, 77% of MFS patients had an FBN1 mutation. The 2010 nosology led to an increase in the number of diagnoses made: 4 additional cases of MFS were identified (one patient was “lost” who no longer fulfilled the criteria) and 23 additional cases of MVPS were diagnosed. The diagnostic yield of patients with aortic root dilatation was 65% using the 1996 nosology and 70% using the 2010 nosology. The change in diagnoses did not lead to a difference in clinical follow‐up. We conclude that the diagnostic yield of our specialized clinic was high, in particular in patients with aortic root dilatation. Further more the 2010 Ghent nosology led to a significant increase in the number of diagnoses made, mainly due to lowering of the diagnostic threshold for MVPS. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Advances in Fingerprint Analysis
Authors: Hazarika Pompi , Russell David A. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractFingerprints have been used in forensic investigations for the identification of individuals since the late 19th century. However, it is now clear that fingerprints can provide significantly more information about an individual. Here, we highlight the considerable advances in fingerprinting technology that can simultaneously provide chemical information regarding the drugs ingested and the explosives and drugs handled by a person as well as the identity of that individual.
Preparation, evaluation, and in vitro release of folic acid conjugated O‐carboxymethyl chitosan nanoparticles loaded with methotrexate
Authors: Ji Jingou , Wu Danjun , Liu Li , Chen Jida , Xu Yi 
Published: March 2012

AbstractTo improve the targeted effect and reduce the neurotoxicity of methotrexate (MTX), folic acid (FA)‐conjugated O‐carboxymethyl chitosan (O‐CMC) nanoparticles loaded with MTX were prepared via a crosslinking reaction between the carboxyl groups of O‐CMC and Ca2+ ions. MTX‐loaded FA–chitosan (CS) nanoparticles as controls were also prepared. The chemical structure of FA‐conjugated O‐CMC (FA–O‐CMC) was confirmed by 1H‐NMR and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results show that the obtained FA–O‐CMC nanoparticles were spherical in shape with a narrow size distribution. The encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity of MTX in the FA–O‐CMC nanoparticles were higher than those in the FA–CS nanoparticles, and the particle size of the FA–O‐CMC nanoparticles were also smaller than that of the control. In vitro release studies indicated that the release of MTX from FA–O‐CMC nanoparticles was slower in the initial period, but the cumulative release was much higher. FA was also released from the nanoparticles; this might prove to be a potential antidote for preventing the neurotoxicity caused by MTX. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Microbioreactors to manipulate oxygen tension and shear stress in the microenvironment of vascular stem and progenitor cells
Authors: Abaci Hasan E. , Devendra Raghavendra , Soman Rohan , Drazer German , Gerecht Sharon 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe dynamics of dissolved oxygen (DO) and shear stress in the vasculature microenvironment play a major role in determining the fate of stem cells in adults and during early embryonic development. In this study, we present a microbioreactor (MBR) that provides independent control over oxygen tension and shear stress in cultures of stem and progenitor cell types. We first describe the design principles and use a model‐driven approach for the optimization of the MBR geometry and operating conditions prior to its fabrication and assembly. We then demonstrate the utilization of the MBR for culturing adult human endothelial progenitors, human umbilical vein endothelial cells, and human embryonic stem cell‐derived smooth muscle cells under different DO and shear stress levels.
Deer antler regeneration: A stem cell‐based epimorphic process
Authors: Li Chunyi 
Published: March 2012

AbstractFull regeneration of deer antlers, a bona fide epimorphic process in mammals, is in defiance of the general rule of nature. Revealing the mechanism underlying this unique exception would place us in a better position to promote organ regeneration in humans. Antler regeneration takes place in yearly cycles from its pedicle, a permanent protuberance on the frontal bone. Both growing antlers and pedicles consist of internal (cartilage and bone) and external components (skin, blood vessels, and nerves). Recent studies have demonstrated that the regeneration of both internal and external components relies on the presence of pedicle periosteum (PP). PP cells express key embryonic stem cell markers (Oct4, Nanog, and SOX2) and are multipotent, so are termed antler stem cells. Now it is clear that proliferation and differentiation of PP cells directly forms internal antler components; however, how PP initiates and maintains the regeneration of external antler components is thus far not known. Based on the direct as well as indirect evidence that is presented in this review, I put forward the following hypothesis to address this issue. The full regenerative ability of external antler tissue components is achieved through PP‐derived chemical induction and PP‐derived mechanical stimulation: the former triggers the regeneration of these external components, whereas the latter drives their rapid elongation. Eventual identification of the putative PP‐derived chemical factors would open up a new avenue for devising effective therapies for lesions involving each of these tissue components, be they traumatic, degenerative, or linked to developmental (genetic) anomalies. (Part C) 96:51–62, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Biological approaches to improve skeletal muscle healing after injury and disease
Authors: Gharaibeh Burhan , Chun‐Lansinger Yuri , Hagen Tanya , Ingham Sheila Jean McNeill , Wright Vonda , Fu Freddie , Huard Johnny 
Published: March 2012

AbstractSkeletal muscle injury and repair are complex processes, including well‐coordinated steps of degeneration, inflammation, regeneration, and fibrosis. We have reviewed the recent literature including studies by our group that describe how to modulate the processes of skeletal muscle repair and regeneration. Antiinflammatory drugs that target cyclooxygenase‐2 were found to hamper the skeletal muscle repair process. Muscle regeneration phase can be aided by growth factors, including insulin‐like growth factor‐1 and nerve growth factor, but these factors are typically short‐lived, and thus more effective methods of delivery are needed. Skeletal muscle damage caused by traumatic injury or genetic diseases can benefit from cell therapy; however, the majority of transplanted muscle cells (myoblasts) are unable to survive the immune response and hypoxic conditions. Our group has isolated neonatal skeletal muscle derived stem cells (MDSCs) that appear to repair muscle tissue in a more effective manner than myoblasts, most likely due to their better resistance to oxidative stress. Enhancing antioxidant levels of MDSCs led to improved regenerative potential. It is becoming increasingly clear that stem cells tissue repair by direct differentiation and paracrine effects leading to neovascularization of injured site and chemoattraction of host cells. The factors invoked in paracrine action are still under investigation. Our group has found that angiotensin II receptor blocker (losartan) significantly reduces fibrotic tissue formation and improves repair of murine injured muscle. Based on these data, we have conducted a case study on two hamstring injury patients and found that losartan treatment was well tolerated and possibly improved recovery time. We believe this medication holds great promise to optimize muscle repair in humans. (Part C) 96:82–94, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Core Cross‐Linked Amphiphilic Star‐Block Copolymers with (Meth)acrylic Acid Shells Prepared by Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization
Authors: Carletto Andrea , Cardozo Andrés F. , Suriano Raffaella , Manoury Eric , Turri Stefano , Poli Rinaldo 
Published: March 2012

AbstractCore cross‐linked amphiphilic star‐block copolymers were prepared by hydrolysis of the outer shell of star‐block copolymers prepared using copper mediated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). In an arm‐first approach, linear poly(tert‐butyl methacrylate) macroinitiators (PtBMA‐Cl) were extended with styrene to yield PtBMA‐b‐PS‐Cl and then cross‐linked with divinylbenzene (DVB) in order to yield (PtBMA‐b‐PS)arms‐PDVBcore star‐block copolymers. Then, PMAA‐b‐PS block and (PMAA‐PS)arms‐PDVBcore star‐block copolymers were obtained by hydrolysis of the PtBMA blocks in both linear and cross‐linked copolymers, as confirmed by 1H NMR analyses. The amphiphilic character of these copolymers was confirmed by solubilisation in water. Several factors affecting the polymer aggregation and solubility such as the length, the composition of the arms and the catalyst used were studied. An acrylate analogue, that is, (PAA‐b‐PS)arms‐PDVBcore, was also prepared for comparison purposes. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to elucidate the morphology and the thermal behaviour of the star‐block copolymers.
Selective thoracic ganglionectomy for the treatment of segmental neuropathic pain
Authors: Weigel R. , Capelle H.H. , Schmelz M. , Krauss J.K. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractSegmental thoracic neuropathic pain (NeuP) remains particularly difficult to treat. Sensory ganglionectomy was reported to alleviate NeuP. The experience with thoracic ganglionectomy, however, is very limited. Here, we report the results of a prospective pilot study in patients with incapacitating segmental thoracic NeuP treated by selective ganglionectomy. Seven patients were included suffering from refractory NeuP scoring 8 or more on a visual analogue scale (VAS). Every patient had test anaesthesia prior to surgery yielding more than 50% pain relief. The spinal ganglion was excised completely via an extraforaminal approach. Mean preoperative VAS scores were 9.1 (maximum pain); 5.4 (minimum pain); 7.9 (pain on average); 6.9 (pain at the time of presentation); and 7.4 (allodynia). Early post‐operatively, there was a marked improvement of mean scores: 1.7; 0.7; 1.2; 1.0; and 0.7, respectively. One patient developed a mild transient hemihypaesthesia. In three patients, substantial pain occurred in a formerly unaffected dermatome within 1 year. Two of these patients had significant pain relief by a second operation. At the time of last follow‐up at a mean of 24 months after the first procedure, mean VAS scores were 6.3; 2.1; 4.3; 4.0; and 1.3. Overall, medication was reduced. The patients rated their outcome as excellent (1), good (2), fair (2) and nil (2) with best improvement for allodynia. Selective thoracic ganglionectomy is a safe and partially effective procedure in selected patients albeit there may be partial recurrence of pain. Recurrent pain may affect dermatomes that were not involved initially.
Spreading of chronic pain between body regions: Prospective cohort study among health care workers
Authors: Andersen L.L. , Clausen T. , Carneiro I.G. , Holtermann A. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate the prognostic value of pain in one body region on the risk for developing chronic pain in other body regions.MethodsProspective cohort study among 5052 Danish female health care workers responding to a baseline and follow‐up questionnaire in 2005 and 2006, respectively. Using adjusted logistic regression analysis, the risk for developing chronic pain (>30 days last year) at follow‐up in the low back (among those without low back pain during the last year at baseline) when experiencing sub‐chronic (1–30 days last year) or chronic pain in other body regions (i.e., the neck/shoulders and/or the knees at baseline) was modelled. Similar risks were modelled for developing chronic pain in the neck/shoulders and knees.ResultsChronic pain in the neck/shoulders (OR 3.14; 95% CI 1.74–5.70) or knees (OR 2.57; 95% CI 1.28–5.16) at baseline increased the risk for developing chronic pain in the low back at follow‐up. Likewise, chronic pain in the neck/shoulders (OR 2.39; 95% CI 1.36–4.17) or low back (OR 1.82 95%; CI 1.07–3.09) at baseline increased the risk for developing chronic pain in the knees at follow‐up. The risk for developing chronic neck/shoulder pain was not significantly increased when having pain in the low back or knees at baseline.ConclusionAmong health care workers, chronic musculoskeletal pain in one body region increases the risk for developing chronic pain in other pain‐free body regions. Prevention of musculoskeletal disorders among health care workers should focus holistically on the musculoskeletal system.
Treating Posttraumatic Stress Disorder With Metacognitive Therapy: A Preliminary Controlled Trial
Authors: Wells Adrian , Colbear Judith S. 
Published: March 2012

ObjectivesExposure, trauma‐focused cognitive therapy and eye‐movement desensitisation and re‐processing (EMDR) are effective treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) producing equivalent outcomes. How might the field advance? One way is to base new treatments on PTSD maintenance mechanisms. A treatment that does this, metacognitive therapy (MCT), underwent preliminary controlled evaluation in this study.MethodTwenty participants aged 18 to 65 years with chronic PTSD were randomly allocated to either a total of 8 sessions of MCT or a delayed treatment control. Measures of PTSD, emotional symptoms, and underlying metacognitive variables were obtained at pretreatment and posttreatment. Patients were followed‐up at 3 and 6 months postintervention.ResultsStatistically significant reductions in PTSD symptoms, depression, and anxiety at posttreatment were observed in the MCT group but not in the control group. Changes were maintained over follow‐up. The average number of sessions delivered was 6.4. Eighty percent of patients (intention to treat) met clinical significance criteria for recovery based on the IES. Treatment was well tolerated with only one (10%) dropout. Changes in thought control strategy hypothesized to be involved in the maintenance of PTSD were found.ConclusionsMCT appeared to be a brief treatment producing high recovery rates. The data add to existing uncontrolled evaluations and provide strong justification for future evaluation of this treatment against existing evidence‐based interventions.
Degeneration and recovery of the neuromuscular junction after application of extracorporeal shock wave therapy
Authors: Kenmoku Tomonori , Ochiai Nobuyasu , Ohtori Seiji , Saisu Takashi , Sasho Takahisa , Nakagawa Koichi , Iwakura Nahoko , Miyagi Masayuki , Ishikawa Tetsuhiro , Tatsuoka Hodumi , Inoue Gen , Nakamura Junichi , Kishida Shunji , Saito Atsushi , Takahashi Kazuhisa 
Published: March 2012

AbstractIt is known that free nerve endings are degenerated after application of shock waves. We therefore hypothesized that the application of shock waves to muscle induces dysfunction of neuromuscular transmission at neuromuscular junctions. We investigated changes in neuromuscular transmission in response to shock wave application. Sprague–Dawley rats were used in this study. Two thousand shock waves at an energy flux density of 0.18 mJ/mm2 were applied to their right calf muscles. Neuromuscular junctions of gastrocnemius muscles were evaluated using rhodamine–α‐bungarotoxin on the day of treatment (n = 5). Amplitude and latency of compound muscle action potentials were measured on the day of treatment and 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after treatment (n = 10, each group). Degenerated acetylcholine receptors existed in all treated muscles. Although the action potential amplitude on the treated side was significantly less than on the control side from the day of treatment (25.1 ± 7.8 vs. 34.5 ± 9.1, p = 0.012) to 6 weeks (27.9 ± 7.2 vs. 34.5 ± 7.2, p = 0.037), there was no significant difference at 8 weeks. There was no significant difference in transmission latency between the groups. The application of shock waves to muscle induced a transient dysfunction of nerve conduction at neuromuscular junctions. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:1660–1665, 2012
Inhibition of fibroblasts reduced head and neck cancer growth by targeting fibroblast growth factor receptor
Authors: Sweeny Larissa , Liu Zhiyong , Lancaster William , Hart Justin , Hartman Yolanda E. , Rosenthal Eben L. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a complex disease process involving interactions with carcinoma‐associated fibroblasts and endothelial cells. We further investigated these relationships by suppressing stromal cell growth through the inhibition of fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR).Study Design:Preclinical investigation.Methods:HNSCC cell lines (FADU, OSC19, Cal27, SCC1, SCC5, SCC22A), fibroblast (HS27), and endothelial cells (human umbilical vascular endothelial cell) were cultured individually or in coculture. Proliferation was assessed following treatment with a range of physiologic concentrations of FGFR inhibitor PD173074. Mice bearing established HNSCC xenografts were treated with PD173074 (12 mg/kg), and tumor histology was analyzed for stromal composition, proliferation (Ki67 staining), and apoptosis (TUNEL [terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling] staining).Results:In vitro, inhibition of FGFR with PD173074 dramatically reduced proliferation of fibroblasts and endothelial cells compared to untreated controls. However, HNSCC cell proliferation was not affected by inhibition of FGFR. When cocultured with fibroblasts, HNSCC cells proliferation increased by 15% to 80% (P < .01). Furthermore, this fibroblast‐enhanced tumor cell growth was suppressed by FGFR inhibition. Additionally, treatment of mice bearing HNSCC xenografts with PD173074 resulted in significant growth inhibition (P < .001). Additionally, those tumors from mice treated with PD173074 had a smaller stromal component, decreased proliferation, and increased apoptosis.Conclusions:Targeting the FGFR pathway in head and neck cancer acts through the stromal components to decrease HNSCC growth in vivo and in vitro.
Function‐preserving therapy for jugulotympanic paragangliomas: A retrospective analysis from 2000 to 2010
Authors: Künzel Julian , Iro Heinrich , Hornung Joachim , Koch Michael , Brase Christoph , Klautke Gunther , Zenk Johannes 
Published: March 2012

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Treatment for jugulotympanic paragangliomas (JTPs) is shifting from radical toward function‐preserving surgery. Alternative primary treatments are available, such as stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) and radiosurgery. The aim of this study was to analyze the results after primary function‐preserving surgery with or without adjuvant radiotherapy, or primary SRT, in the treatment of JTPs.Study Design:Retrospective analysis.Methods:From 2000 to 2010, 45 patients (mean age, 62.5 years) received function‐preserving treatment for JTPs—four type A paragangliomas (8.9%), 19 type B (42.2%), 13 type C (28.9%), and nine type D (20%) in the Fisch classification. The patients were retrospectively assigned to three groups: primary function‐preserving surgery, primary stereotactic radiotherapy, and close follow‐up. The end points for analysis were long‐term tumor control, cranial nerve function, and hearing.Results:A total of 64.4% of the patients (n = 29) received primary surgery, with complete resection in 18. Eleven patients had surgical tumor reduction, with fractionated postoperative radiotherapy (mean 53.5 Gy; range, 50–56 Gy) in five cases and radiosurgery (18 Gy) in one case; five patients received close follow‐up. Twelve patients (26.7%) underwent primary radiotherapy (11 with SRT [mean, 50 Gy]; one with radiosurgery [16 Gy]). Four patients (8.9%) received a wait‐and‐scan strategy. The mean follow‐up was 46.8 months. The overall tumor control rate was 97.2%.Conclusions:With these high tumor control rates, consistent with the literature, function‐preserving therapy for JTPs currently appears to offer the greatest benefit for patients.
Beetroot red (betanin) inhibits vinyl carbamate‐ and benzo(a)pyrene‐induced lung tumorigenesis through apoptosis
Authors: Zhang Qi , Pan Jing , Wang Yian , Lubet Ronald , You Ming 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBetanin, also called beetroot red, has been extensively used as a food colorant. In this study, the chemopreventive activity of betanin by oral consumption was investigated in two mouse lung tumor models. Vinyl carbamate (VC) and benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) were used to induce lung tumors, and female A/J mice were treated with betanin in drinking water. Betanin significantly decreased tumor multiplicity and tumor load induced by both carcinogens. Tumor multiplicity and tumor load were decreased by 20% and 39% in the VC lung model, and by 46% and 65% in the B(a)P lung model, respectively. Betanin reduced the number of CD31+ endothelial microvessels and increased the expression of caspase‐3, suggesting that the lung tumor inhibitory effects were through induction of apoptosis and inhibition of angiogenesis. Betanin also induced apoptosis through activated caspase‐3, ‐7, ‐9, and PARP in human lung cancer cell lines. Our data show that betanin significantly inhibits lung tumorigenesis in A/J mice and merits investigation as a chemopreventive agent for human lung cancer. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.