bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Real-time Tracking of Motor Response Activation and Response Competition in a Stroop Task in Young Children: A Lateralized Readiness Potential Study
Authors: Szűcs Dénes , Soltész Fruzsina , Bryce Donna , Whitebread David 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
The ability to select an appropriate motor response by resolving competition among alternative responses plays a major role in cognitive performance. fMRI studies suggest that the development of this skill is related to the maturation of the frontal cortex that underlies the improvement of motor inhibition abilities. However, fMRI cannot characterize the temporal properties of motor response competition and motor activation in general. We studied the development of the time course of resolving motor response competition. To this end, we used the lateralized readiness potential (LRP), an ERP measure, for tracking correct and incorrect motor cortex activation in children in real time. Fourteen children and 14 adults took part in an animal-size Stroop task where they selected between two animals, presented simultaneously on the computer screen, which was larger in real life. In the incongruent condition, the LRP detected stronger and longer lasting incorrect response activation in children than in adults. LRP results could explain behavioral congruency effects, the generally longer RT in children than in adults and the larger congruency effect in children than in adults. In contrast, the peak latency of ERP waves, usually associated with stimulus processing speed, could explain neither of the above effects. We conclude that the development of resolving motor response competition, relying on motor inhibition skills, is a crucial factor in child development. Our study demonstrates that the LRP is an excellent tool for studying motor activation in children.
The Effects of Feedback with and without Strength Training on Lower Extremity Biomechanics
Authors: Herman Daniel C. , Oñate James A. , Weinhold Paul S. , Guskiewicz Kevin M. , Garrett William E. , Yu Bing , Padua Darin A. 
Published: March 2009

Background Feedback instruction is a proven modality for the alteration of motion patterns. There are no existing data on the contribution of strength training, when combined with feedback instruction, to the altering of lower extremity biomechanics. Hypothesis Lower extremity muscle strength training provides an increased capacity to alter knee and hip biomechanics during a stop-jump task in response to a feedback protocol. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Knee and hip 3-dimensional kinematic and kinetic data were collected for 58 female recreational athletes while performing 3 stop-jump tasks after completing a 9-week strength training program (ST-FB; n = 29) or a 9-week period of no strength training (FB; n = 29). Data were then collected for both groups after completing a jump-landing feedback instruction protocol. Knee and hip joint angles, as well as resultant forces and moments, were calculated. Results Across all participants, there were decreased peak vertical ground-reaction forces (P < .001) and increased knee flexion (P = .050), hip flexion (P < .001), and hip abduction (P = .032) angles, subsequent to the feedback protocol. Hip abduction angle (P < .001) increased in the ST-FB group but not the FB group, and peak knee anterior shear force (P = .015) decreased in the ST-FB group but increased in the FB group (P = .009). Conclusion The results indicate that strength training, when used in conjunction with video-assisted feedback, may provide an increased capacity for the alteration of knee and hip biomechanics. Clinical Relevance Programs that include both strength training and movement education through feedback may be necessary to increase the effectiveness of anterior cruciate ligament prevention programs. Strength training may provide an increased capacity for athletes to respond to other intervention modalities used in anterior cruciate ligament injury prevention programs.
Brain activation in multiple sclerosis: a BOLD fMRI study of the effects of fatiguing hand exercise
Authors: White AT , Lee JN , Light AR , Light KC 
Published: March 2009

Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients experience fatigue as a chronic symptom that decreases quality of life. Commonly, fatigue in MS patients is manifested as decreased motor function during or after physical activity and is associated with changes in brain metabolism. Objective To determine brain activation patterns in MS patients and healthy controls during a simple motor task before and after fatiguing hand-grip exercise. Methods Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans were conducted on 10 MS patients and 13 healthy controls during 4-finger flexion and extension in rested and fatigued states. Results Before the fatigue protocol, MS patients had greater activation in the contralateral primary motor cortex, insula, and cingulate gyrus than controls. Following fatiguing exercise, controls showed increased activation of precentral gyrus and insula while patients did not show any activation increases and actually decreased activity to the insula. Conclusion Results indicate that before fatiguing exercise, MS patients marshaled more brain activation compared to controls, which may represent functionally adaptive changes in response to demyelination. This increased activation may suggest that patients require more effort to perform even simple motor tasks, possibly because peripheral or central signals for fatigue are chronically enhanced. When fatigued further by muscle contraction, brain activation cannot be further increased.
Depressive symptoms and coping in newly diagnosed patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Lode K , Bru E , Klevan G , Myhr KM , Nyland H , Larsen JP 
Published: March 2009

Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease with unclear etiology, unpredictable clinical course, and no cure. Patients’ ability to cope with MS moderates the adaptation to the disease. Objectives To compare coping in patients recently diagnosed with MS and healthy controls and to study the association between depressive symptoms and patients' coping styles. Methods A sample of 86 recently diagnosed patients with definite or probable MS and 93 healthy population controls completed questionnaires assessing coping styles and depressive symptoms. Results Compared with healthy controls, patients with MS used significantly less the problem focused strategies including planning, restraint coping, and seeking social support for instrumental reasons, and they used less the emotion-focused strategies seeking social support for emotional reasons, focusing on and venting of emotions, and positive reinterpretation and growth. The mean Beck Depressive symptoms Inventory scores were 10.8 and 4.7 in patients and controls, respectively. In stress situations connected to MS, depressive symptoms in these patients were related to the problem-focused strategies of restraint coping and planning, the emotion-focused strategy of focusing on and venting of emotions, and the avoidance strategies of behavioral- and mental disengagements, and denial.
Epidemiological characteristics of pregnancy, delivery, and birth outcome in women with multiple sclerosis in Argentina (EMEMAR study)
Authors: Fernández Liguori N , Klajn D , Acion L , Cáceres F , Calle A , Carrá A , Cristiano E , Deri N , Garcea O , Jaureguiberry A , Onaha P , Patrucco L , Riccio P , Rotta Escalante R , Saladino ML , Sinay V , Tarulla A , Villa A 
Published: March 2009

Background The influence of pregnancy on Multiple Sclerosis (MS) has been extensively studied but such influence on Latin American women with MS has not been characterized. Our objective was to describe the course of pregnancy and birth outcome in Argentinean MS patients and the evolution of MS during pregnancy and after delivery. Method We used a retrospective design in eight MS centers in Argentina and administered a survey to women with definite MS (Mc Donald) with pregnancies during or after MS onset. We contacted 355 women of which 81 met inclusion criteria. We recorded 141 pregnancies. Results Involuntary abortion was observed in 16% of pregnancies (95% CI = 10–23). Thirty five women received immunomodulatory therapy (IMT) before 42 pregnancies. Twenty three (55%) out of 42 pregnancies were exposed to IMT. The mean time of IMT discontinuation before conception in 19 (45.2%) pregnancies without exposure, was 104 days (95% CI = 61.0–147.0). There were 103 deliveries: 79% full term. Birth defects were detected in 19% of pregnancies exposed to IMT (95% CI = 4–46) and in 2% of non-exposed (95% CI = 0.3–8.0). The mean relapse rate was: pre-pregnancy year: 0.22 (95% CI = 0.12–0.32); pregnancy: 0.31 in 1st (95% CI = 0.10–0.52), 0.19 (95% CI = 0.03–0.36) in 2nd, and 0.04 in 3rd trimester (95% CI = –0.04–0.12); 1st trimester post delivery: 0.82 (95% CI = 0.42–1.22). Conclusion We observed a higher rate of birth defects among infants exposed to immunomodulators in utero than those not exposed. The reduction in MS relapses during 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy and its increase during postpartum is consistent with previous reports.
Prevalence and prognostic implications of CEBPA mutations in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML): a report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Ho Phoenix A. , Alonzo Todd A. , Gerbing Robert B. , Pollard Jessica , Stirewalt Derek L. , Hurwitz Craig , Heerema Nyla A. , Hirsch Betsy , Raimondi Susana C. , Lange Beverly , Franklin Janet L. , Radich Jerald P. , Meshinchi Soheil 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
CEBPA mutations have been associated with improved outcome in adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We evaluated the prevalence and prognostic significance of CEBPA mutations in 847 children with AML treated on 3 consecutive pediatric trials. Two types of CEBPA mutations—N-terminal truncating mutations and in-frame bZip-domain mutations—were detected in 38 (4.5%) of 847 patients tested; 31 (82%) of 38 patients with mutations harbored both mutation types. Mutation status was correlated with laboratory and clinical characteristics and clinical outcome. CEBPA mutations were significantly more common in older patients, patients with FAB M1 or M2, and patients with normal karyotype. Mutations did not occur in patients with either favorable or unfavorable cytogenetics. Actuarial event-free survival at 5 years was 70% versus 38% (P = .015) with a cumulative incidence of relapse from complete remission of 13% versus 44% (P = .007) for those with and without CEBPA mutations. The presence of CEBPA mutations was an independent prognostic factor for improved outcome (HR = 0.24, P = .047). As CEBPA mutations are associated with lower relapse rate and improved survival, CEBPA mutation analysis needs to be incorporated into initial screening for risk identification and therapy allocation at diagnosis. The clinical trials in this study are registered at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov under NCT00002798 and NCT00070174.
Transcriptional signatures of BALB/c mouse macrophages housing multiplying Leishmania amazonensis amastigotes
Authors: Fortéa José Osorio y , de La Llave Emilie , Regnault Béatrice , Coppée Jean-Yves , Milon Geneviève , Lang Thierry , Prina Eric 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackgroundMammal macrophages (MΦ) display a wide range of functions which contribute to surveying and maintaining tissue integrity. One such function is phagocytosis, a process known to be subverted by parasites likeLeishmania (L). Indeed, the intracellular development ofL. amazonensisamastigote relies on the biogenesis and dynamic remodelling of a phagolysosome, termed the parasitophorous vacuole, primarily within dermal MΦ.ResultsUsing BALB/c mouse bone marrow-derived MΦ loaded or not with amastigotes, we analyzed the transcriptional signatures of MΦ 24 h later, when the amastigote population was growing. Total RNA from MΦ cultures were processed and hybridized onto Affymetrix Mouse430_2 GeneChips®, and some transcripts were also analyzed by Real-Time quantitative PCR (RTQPCR). A total of 1,248 probe-sets showed significant differential expression. Comparable fold-change values were obtained between the Affymetrix technology and the RTQPCR method. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software®pinpointed the up-regulation of the sterol biosynthesis pathway (p-value = 1.31e-02) involving several genes (1.95 to 4.30 fold change values), and the modulation of various genes involved in polyamine synthesis and in pro/counter-inflammatory signalling.ConclusionOur findings suggest that the amastigote growth relies on early coordinated gene expression of the MΦ lipid and polyamine pathways. Moreover, these MΦ hosting multiplyingL. amazonensisamastigotes display a transcriptional profile biased towards parasite-and host tissue-protective processes.
Ghrelin Induces Abdominal Obesity Via GHS-R-Dependent Lipid Retention
Authors: Davies Jeffrey S. , Kotokorpi Pia , Eccles Sinan R. , Barnes Sarah K. , Tokarczuk Paweł F. , Allen Sophie K. , Whitworth Hilary S. , Guschina Irina A. , Evans Bronwen A. J. , Mode Agneta , Zigman Jeffrey M. , Wells Timothy 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Circulating ghrelin elevates abdominal adiposity by a mechanism independent of its central orexigenic activity. In this study we tested the hypothesis that peripheral ghrelin induces a depot-specific increase in white adipose tissue (WAT) mass in vivo by GH secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a)-mediated lipolysis. Chronic iv infusion of acylated ghrelin increased retroperitoneal and inguinal WAT volume in rats without elevating superficial sc fat, food intake, or circulating lipids and glucose. Increased retroperitoneal WAT mass resulted from adipocyte enlargement probably due to reduced lipid export (ATP-binding cassette transporter G1 mRNA expression and circulating free fatty acids were halved by ghrelin infusion). In contrast, ghrelin treatment did not up-regulate biomarkers of adipogenesis (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ2 or CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-α) or substrate uptake (glucose transporter 4, lipoprotein lipase, or CD36) and although ghrelin elevated sterol-regulatory element-binding protein 1c expression, WAT-specific mediators of lipogenesis (liver X receptor-α and fatty acid synthase) were unchanged. Adiposity was unaffected by infusion of unacylated ghrelin, and the effects of acylated ghrelin were abolished by transcriptional blockade of GHS-R1a, but GHS-R1a mRNA expression was similar in responsive and unresponsive WAT. Microarray analysis suggested that depot-specific sensitivity to ghrelin may arise from differential fine tuning of signal transduction and/or lipid-handling mechanisms. Acylated ghrelin also induced hepatic steatosis, increasing lipid droplet number and triacylglycerol content by a GHS-R1a-dependent mechanism. Our data imply that, during periods of energy insufficiency, exposure to acylated ghrelin may limit energy utilization in specific WAT depots by GHS-R1a-dependent lipid retention.
Mutational Analysis of Progesterone Receptor Functional Domains in Stable Cell Lines Delineates Sets of Genes Regulated by Different Mechanisms
Authors: Quiles Ignacio , Millán-Ariño Lluís , Subtil-Rodríguez Alicia , Miñana Belén , Spinedi Nora , Ballaré Cecilia , Beato Miguel , Jordan Albert 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Steroid hormone receptors act directly in the nucleus on the chromatin organization and transcriptional activity of several promoters. Furthermore, they have an indirect effect on cytoplasmic signal transduction pathways, including MAPK, impacting ultimately on gene expression. We are interested in distinguishing between the two modes of action of progesterone receptor (PR) on the control of gene expression and cell proliferation. For this, we have stably expressed, in PR-negative breast cancer cells, tagged forms of the PR isoform B mutated at regions involved either in DNA binding (DNA-binding domain) or in its ability to interact with the estrogen receptor and to activate the c-Src/MAPK/Erk/Msk cascade (estrogen receptor-interacting domain). Both mutants impair PR-mediated activation of a well-understood model promoter in response to progestin, as well as hormone-induced cell proliferation. Additional mutants affecting transactivation activity of PR (activation function 2) or a zinc-finger implicated in dimerization (D-box) have also been tested. Microarrays and gene expression experiments on these cell lines define the subsets of hormone-responsive genes regulated by different modes of action of PR isoform B, as well as genes in which the nuclear and nongenomic pathways cooperate. Correlation between CCND1 expression in the different cell lines and their ability to support cell proliferation confirms CCND1 as a key controller gene.
A Randomised Trial of Conventional versus BAUS Procedure-Specific Consent Forms for Transurethral Resection of Prostate
Authors: Finch William JG , Rochester Mark A , Mills Robert D 
Published: March 2009

INTRODUCTION Conventional consent forms often contain incomplete information regarding risks associated with invasive procedures. BAUS has introduced procedure-specific consent forms (PSCF) documenting the risks associated with urological procedures. We compared patients' understanding of the risks and benefits of TURP after the consenting process with either conventional documentation or PSCF. PATIENTS AND METHODS One hundred patients were randomised to be consented with either a conventional or PSCF. After 3 h, their understanding was assessed with a questionnaire asking patients to document the indication and likelihood of symptomatic improvement, estimate frequency of complications and the risk of future re-operation. Data were compared by Mann–Whitney test. RESULTS Fifty patients were randomised to each group. There was no significant difference in mean age, grade of doctor obtaining consent or time interval from consent to questionnaire. Both groups accurately predicted the chance of improved symptoms (median, 80%). There was no significant difference in patients' median estimation of risk of complications such as incontinence, erectile dysfunction, or retrograde ejaculation. Patients consented with the PSCF predicted the risk of re-operation more accurately (median answer, 10% versus 30%; P = 0.007, Mann–Whitney test). CONCLUSIONS Recall of data was sub-optimal in both groups. For most data points there was no significant difference in estimation of risks between groups. Those consented with a procedure-specific consent form predicted risk of re-operation at 10 years more accurately. Procedure-specific consent forms offer an advantage over conventional consent in this study. We feel that the provision of a written structured framework allows better informed consent for TURP.
The Importance of Early Carotid Endarterectomy in Symptomatic Patients
Authors: Kulkarni SR , Gohel MS , Bulbulia RA , Whyman MR , Poskitt KR 
Published: March 2009

INTRODUCTION Early carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in symptomatic patients may prevent repeat cerebral events. This study investigates the relationship between waiting time for CEA and the incidence of repeat cerebral events prior to surgery in symptomatic patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS A prospective database of consecutive patients undergoing CEA between January 2002 and December 2006 was reviewed. Repeat event rates prior to surgery were calculated using Kaplan–Meier analysis and predictive factors identified using Cox regression analysis. RESULTS A total of 118 patients underwent CEA for non-disabling stroke, TIA and amaurosis fugax. Repeat cerebral events occurred in 34 of 118 (29%) patients at a median 51 days (range, 2–360 days) after the first event. The estimated risk of repeat events was 2% at 7 days and 9% at 1 month after first event (Kaplan–Meier survival analysis). Age (HR 1.059; 95% CI 1.014–1.106; P = 0.009] was identified as a predictor of repeat events. Patients underwent surgery at median 97 days (range, 7–621 days) after the first event. Eleven of 60 (18%) patients waiting ≤?97 days for surgery and 23 of 58 (40%) patients waiting >?97 days had repeat events. (P = 0.011, chi-squared test). CONCLUSIONS Delays in surgery should be reduced in order to minimise repeat cerebral events in patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis, particularly in the elderly population.
Manipulation Under Anaesthesia for Stiffness Following Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Mohammed Riazuddin , Syed Shakir , Ahmed Naveed 
Published: March 2009

INTRODUCTION Stiffness following knee arthroplasty is a frustrating complication and a significantly disabling problem. We present our experience of knee stiffness requiring manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA) as the first line of treatment following partial or total knee arthroplasty. PATIENTS AND METHODS All stiff knees requiring MUA over a 6-month period from March to August 2007 were retrospectively analysed from theatre records and case notes. Data were collected regarding demographics, range of knee motion before and after manipulation and at subsequent follow-up. Complications of the procedure and outcomes were also analysed. RESULTS Twenty-one patients (11 female, 10 male) underwent MUA. The average age was 62 years (range, 56–80 years). Sixteen primary and 3 revision total knee replacements underwent manipulation, as did one medial unicompartmental replacement and one patellofemoral arthroplasty. General anaesthesia with good muscle relaxation was used in all but one patient. The mean duration between arthroplasty and MUA was 13.2 weeks (range, 6-32 weeks). The range of knee movement improved from a mean range of 10.4–71.2° in the pre-MUA period to 2.1–94.0° post-MUA and at follow-up was 2.3–91.9°. The mean arc of motion improved from 60.2° (range, 40–80°) pre-MUA to 91.9° (range, 45–120°) post-MUA. The mean improvement in the arc of motion was 31.6° (P < 0.001). At an average follow-up of 3 months (range, 6 weeks to 8 months), the mean arc of motion was 90.4° (range, 40–120°). The mean improvement in knee movement from the pre-MUA at the follow-up was 30.2° (P < 0.001). One patient failed to gain any improvement from MUA. There were no complications noted from the procedure. CONCLUSIONS MUA has a role in the treatment of early stiffness with excellent immediate outcomes. We advocate that MUA should be the first line of management for stiff knee arthroplasties after failed physiotherapy.
White Cell Count and C-Reactive Protein Measurement in Patients with Possible Appendicitis
Authors: Sengupta Anshuman , Bax George , Paterson-Brown Simon 
Published: March 2009

INTRODUCTION Clinical assessment outweighs the use of investigations in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Nevertheless, white cell count (WCC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are regularly measured in patients with suspected appendicitis. The aim of this study was to assess the utility of these markers in patients presenting with acute lower abdominal pain. PATIENTS AND METHODS WCC and CRP were measured prospectively in 98 patients presenting with lower abdominal pain, and the results were correlated with each patient's outcome. RESULTS No patients with WCC and CRP both in the normal range had acute appendicitis. Raised WCC and CRP were poor positive predictors of appendicitis, both alone and in combination, and correlated poorly with the development of complications. CONCLUSIONS This result may have important clinical and economic implications. We suggest that patients experiencing lower abdominal pain, with normal WCC and CRP values, are unlikely to have acute appendicitis and can be safely sent home.