bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Original Article. Hepatitis B Virus S Promoter Deletion in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Jiang Su-zhen , Zheng Jia-jia , Chen Xiang-Mei , Zhang Ting , Xu Qiang , Zhuang Hui , Lu Fengmin 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Objective To identify the difference and significance of dominant types of hepatitis B virus (HBV) pre-S mutation between liver tumor tissues and paired adjacent non-tumor tissues and to test if the mutations were tumor tissue specific.
Methods HBV DNA isolated from 34 paired intratumoral and peritumoral tissues of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients were screened by PCR and direct sequencing. All patients carried HBV with genotype C, except for one B/C heterozygote. The expression, localization and excretion of LHBs mutant carrying pre-S deletions were characterized in vitro. The expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) GRP78 mRNA was assayed.
Results Four patterns of pre-S mutations were identified: pre-S1 in-frame deletion involving the first start codon; pre-S2 in-frame deletion; pre-S2 start codon mutation with or without in-frame deletion; and S promoter in-frame deletion (ΔSP). The first two types were evenly found in both tumor and non-tumor tissues. They were rarely present as dominant strains. The last two types were frequently found in the dominant strains in tumor tissues. The overall prevalence of HBV carrying ΔSP was 17.64% (6/34) in tumor tissues, but none were dominant in nontumor tissues. HBV carrying ΔSP was unable to produce S protein in vitro. Immunocytofluorescence assay showed that the ΔSP LHBs mutant aggregated in the cytoplasm, accumulating mainly in the ER. Transient transfection and expression of ΔSP mutant caused GRP78 up-regulation in vitro.
Conclusions HBV S promoter deletion was found dominantly in HCC tumor tissue. The aggregation of mutant large surface proteins in the ER possibly involved in HBV-related HCC.
Original Article. Evaluation of Rapid Detection of Nasopharyngeal Colonization with MRSA by Real-Time PCR
Authors: Kang Feng-feng , Cao Shu-yan , Li Yan-ming , Li Jiang-tao , He Qing , Li Yi , Hu Yun-jian 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Objective To investigate the clinical application of Real-Time PCR for rapid detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) directly from nasopharyngeal swab specimens.
Methods We collected the nasal and throat swab specimens from patients or medical staffs in 3 intensive care units, blood laminar flow ward and respiratory ward in Beijing Hospital, Ministry of Health from December 2010 to April 2011. Each sample was tested by RT-PCR and conventional culture-based method for the presence of MRSA.
Results The total number of the specimens was 206. Compared with the conventional culture-based method, we demonstrated the diagnostic values for Real-Time PCR were 96.4% sensitivity, 96.6% specificity, 81.8% positive predictive rate, and 99.4% negative predictive rate. And the limit of detection was 102CFU/ml.
Conclusions This Real-Time PCR is a simple, rapid, sensitive and specific method. With the high negative predictive value, it can be used for the exclusion of MRSA colonization or infection. However, the application of its low positive predictive value should be further evaluated.
The Relationship between Intrahepatic Distribution of Hepatitis B Virus Core Antigen and Serum ALT, HBV DNA Levels and HBeAg Status
Authors: He Qing , Tang Qi-yuan , Le Xiao-hua , Lv De-liang , Zhang Xiang-mei , Ao Fei-jian , Tang Yi-min , Huang Shan , Nunnari John , Yang Gui-lin 
Published: June 2017

Abstract Objective The clinical significance of differential distribution of hepatitis B virus (HBV) nucleocapsid antigen in hepatocytes remains unknown. The goal of this study is to determine the relationship between distinct HBV core antigen distribution pattern and alanine transaminase (ALT), liver histological inflammatory activity grades, serum HBeAg status and HBV DNA level.Methods Total of 958 cases with chronic hepatitis B were recruited into this study. Liver function tests, serum HBV DNA level, serological HBV markers and liver immunohistochemistry were examined according to the conventional instructions. Chi Square tests were performed to analyze the differences among these groups.Results It was found that 552 (58%) cases were tested positive for HBV core antigen by immunohistochemical staining. Cytoplasmic hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) expression correlated with ALT level and serum HBV DNA and liver inflammatory activity scores, however, nuclear HBcAg expression in hepatocytes was associated with normal ALT level, lower liver inflammatory activity score and higher serum HBV DNA level and rate of HBeAg positivity. Both nuclear and cytoplasmic HBcAg expression in hepatocytes associated with a middle ALT level and liver inflammatory activity score, higher rate of serum detectable HBeAg and a higher HBV DNA level. However, undetectable core antigen was related to a lower ALT level and histological inflammatory activity grade, lower positive HBeAg rate and HBV DNA level.Conclusions Undetectable liver HBcAg is associated with HBV clearance, ALT normalization and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion, and cytoplasmic HBcAg expression associated with higher hepatic inflammatory activity. However, nuclear HBcAg expression correlates with immune tolerance characterized with normal ALT and lower liver inflammatory activity, higher HBV replication level and higher rate of HBeAg positivity.
Severe Novel Influenza A (H1N1) in Shanghai: Clinical Features, Therapeutic Management and Risk Factors for Mortality
Authors: Xi Xiu-hong , Lu Shui-hua , Mu Yong-ping 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Objective To analyze the clinical features, therapeutic management and risk factors for mortality of patients with severe novel A (H1N1) influenza in Shanghai, China.
Methods All patients were diagnosed by influenza A (H1N1) virus mRNA detection. Chest CT scan, routine blood, hepatic function, humoral and cellular immunity, sputum smears, and sputum cultures were performed. Logistic analysis was applied to identify risk factors for mortality.
Results Total of 68 patients were enrolled in this study, the primary clinical symptoms including cough (66, 97.1%), expectoration (41, 60.3%), and polypnea (41, 60.3%). Altogether, 37 (54.4%) and 11 (16.2%) patients were infected with bacterial and fungal, respectively. CT scan demonstrated that 67 (98.6%) patients had pneumonia. Oxygen therapy, oseltamivir, antibiotic and antifungal drugs were performed in 68 (100%), 66 (97.1%), 39 (57.4%), and 11 (16.2%) patients, respectively. Finally, 4 of 68 patients died. Logistic analysis demonstrated that there was a significant correlation between the percentage of neutrophils and mortality before therapy and direct bilirubin content and mortality after therapy, respectively.
Conclusions Patients with severe H1N1 influenza were susceptible to bacterial and/or fungal infection. The risk factors for mortality may be associated with pre-therapeutic neutrophil percentage and post-therapeutic direct bilirubin content.
Successful Treatment with Triple Therapy of Amphotericin B, Voriconazole and Flucytosine on an AIDS Patients with Severe Cryptococcal Meningitis
Authors: Hu Zhi-liang , Wei Hong-xia , Yao Wen-hu , Yang Yong-feng 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
A 35-year-old man (body weight = 63 kg) with AIDS complaining fever and headache after having commenced anti-retroviral therapy (ART) for a week was admitted to our hospital. Five lumbar punctures performed during 38 days could not confirm a cryptococcal meningitis (CM) based on staining or culture methods for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The disease quickly progressed with serious hearing/vision impairment and frequent onset of seizure and coma after being treated with corticosteroids for five days, and then CM was confirmed. Subsequent lumbar puncture showed elevated intracranial pressure as high as 870 mm H2O, even though treated with standard antifungal regimens for CM. His disease was finally controlled by a new triple therapy with amphotericin B (0.7 mg•kg-1•day-1, intravenously), flucytosine (100 mg/kg perday, orally in four divided doses), and voriconazole (200 mg every 12 hours) and ART containing lamivudine (300 mg/day), stavuding (30 mg, twice a day) and efavirenz (300 mg, orally every night). Although it is rare, negative CSF stain or culture for cryptococci in AIDS patients with CM can persist for a long time. Corticosteroids should be used cautiously when an effective anti-fungal therapy is not administered. Triple therapy with amphotericin B, flucytosine and voriconazole may be selectively applied in severe CM. Voriconazole can be co-administered with efavirenz with modified dosing
Cloning and Expression of HBV Infection Related Novel Gene C12orf49
Authors: Meng Xue , Sun Yue , Gu Hong-yan , Wei Hong-shan , Li Xing-wang 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Objective To clone, express and purify C12orf49 recombinant protein. To prepare rabbit anti-C12orf49 protein polyclonal antibody in order to further elucidate its biological function.
Methods PCR was used to amplify the gene C12orf49 in vitro. pET-32a (+)-C12orf49, the recombinant protein prokaryotic expression vector, was transformed into E. coli. IPTG was used as the inductive agent to obtain C12orf49 recombinant protein, and the recombinant protein was analyzed with sodium dodecyl sulfatepolyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Western blot. Specific polyclonal antibody was derived from rabbits that immunized by recombinant protein. ELISA and Western blot were used to test its titer and specificity, respectively. MTT cell proliferation experiment was carried out to observe effect of the protein on proliferation of HepG2 cells.
Results The C12orf49 recombinant protein was expressed in a large quantity. Data of ELISA indicated that the titer of polyclonal antibody was higher than 1:1 280 000. And the antibody also had a good specificity, confirmed by Western blot. C12orf49 recombinant protein may had a advanced effect on the proliferation of HepG2 cells.
Conclusions Using C12orf49 recombinant protein, we can obtain the polyclonal antibody with great titer and good specificity. Human novel gene C12orf49 encoded protein could promote the proliferation of HepG2 cells.
An Immunoabsorption Column Configuration for Hepatitis B Virus
Authors: Gao Qing-wei , Zou Han-fa , Kong Liang , Yuan De-sheng 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Objective To configure an immunoabsorption column for hepatitis B virus.
Methods Being activated by epichlorohydrin, the human antibody HBsAb-IgG was bound to the carrier of agarose gel. The configuration process was as follows: the synthesis of epoxide matrix, the synthesis and activation of amino matrix, the synthesis of aldehydic matrix, the synthesis of immunoabsorption matrix, the end capping and reduction of unbound aldehydic, the blocking of unbound mass and the filling of the column.
Results The bound rate of activated agarose gel and antibody HBsAb-IgG is 85.07%. By plasma adsorption experiment, it is revealed that the immunoabsorption column can absorb and eliminate 58.97% of HBsAg and 53.1% of hepatitis B virus particles in extracorporeal plasma.
Conclusions The immunoabsorption column for hepatitis B virus can absorb and eliminate HBsAg and hepatitis B virus particles in extracorporeal plasma.
The Prevalence and Levels of Anti-HEV IgG in the Population of Jiangsu Province, China
Authors: Yao Xin , Wu Ting , Zhou Cheng , Li Yi-min , Zhu Feng-cai , Yan Qiang , Huang Wei-jin , Ji Chuan , Liang Zheng-lun , Wang Jun-zhi 
Published: June 2017

Objective To investigate the prevalence and levels of anti-HEV IgG in the population of Jiangsu Province.
Methods Total of 2 656 samples from Qindong and 11 463 samples from Anfeng were colleted. The anti- HEV antibody was qualitatively and quantitatively detected using ELISA kits and the references had been established.
Results The positive rates of anti-HEV IgG in male and female were 55.6% and 40.1%, respectively. The positive rate of anti-HEV IgM in male and female were both 3.4%. In opposite to anti-HEV IgG, the positive rate of anti-HEV IgM in Anfeng was significant higher than that in Qindong. The mean anti-HEV IgG titers for 6 age groups were 0.94, 0.92, 1.07, 1.46, 1.27, 1.19 and 0.68, 1.31, 1.08, 1.14, 1.31, 1.68 IU/ml, in Qindong and Anfeng region, respectively. The positive rate of anti-HEV IgG tended to increase with age and the titer of anti- HEV IgG was associated with age (R > 0.90).
Conclusions The results in this study showed that HEV was widely prevalent in both Qindong and Anfeng of Jiansu Province and the prevalence and the anti-HEV IgG titer were associated with gender and age.
Identification of Human Hepatocyte Proliferation Related Gene C2orf69
Authors: Zhang Ren-wen , Qiao Yong , Hao Xiao-hua , Li Hong-min , Ren Hui , Zhang Xiao-jing , Wei Hong-shan , Xu Xiao-yuan 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Objective To construct the prokaryotic expression vector pET-32a(+)-C2orf69 and induce the expression of recombinant proteins in vitro. Then the possible effects of recombinant protein on cell proliferation was observed and rabbit-anti-C2orf69 protein polyclonal antibodies was obtained.
Methods Gene fragment of C2orf69 was amplified by PCR and then prokaryotic expression plasmid pET-32a(+)-C2orf69 was constructed. Recombinant protein C2orf69 expression was identified by SDS-PAGE and Western blot. The white-ear rabbits were immunized with purified recombinant protein C2orf69, and the potency and specificity of polyclonal antibody were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot. Also, different liver cells were incubated with recombinant protein C2orf69 in vitro.
Results C2orf69 gene fragment was successfully amplified, results of gene sequencing were consistent with the sequence in GenBank. Recombinant protein of C2orf69 was successfully induced and expressed. The polyclonal antibody titer was up to 1︰1 280 000 through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results of cell proliferation showed that the recombinant protein could inhibit the proliferation of different liver cells.
Conclusions The recombinant protein C2orf69 could inhibit the proliferation of different liver cells, and we speculated that it may be a widely roled inhibitor of hepatocyte proliferation. Our experiment showed that the proliferation inhibition of cells may be realized by G1 phase extending and S phase shortening.
Liver Cirrhosis and Intestinal Bacterial Translocation
Authors: Lan Tao , Chen Bao-chun , Fu Li-ping , Li Zhi-juan , Wu Xiang-jun , Cui Nai-qiang 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Intestinal barrier dysfunction, facilitating translocation of bacteria and bacterial products, plays an important role in the pathophysiology of liver cirrhosis and its complications. Intestinal defense system including microbial barrier, immunologic barrier, mechanical barrier, chemical barrier, plays an important role in the maintenance of intestinal function. Under normal circumstances, the intestinal barrier can prevent intestinal bacteria through the intestinal wall from spreading to the body. Severe infection, trauma, shock, cirrhosis, malnutrition, immune suppression conditions, intestinal bacteria and endotoxin translocation, can lead to multiple organ dysfunction. The intestinal microflora is not only involved in the digestion of nutrients, but also in local immunity, forming a barrier against pathogenic microorganisms. The derangement of the gut microflora may lead to microbial translocation, defined as the passage of viable microorganisms or bacterial products from the intestinal lumen to the mesenteric lymph nodes and other extraintestinal sites. In patients with cirrhosis, primary and intestinal flora imbalance, intestinal bacterial overgrowth, intestinal mucosal barrier dysfunction, endotoxemia is associated with weakened immunity.
Adolescent and parent perspectives prior to involvement in a Fontan transition program
Authors: Du Plessis Karin , Culnane Evelyn , Peters Rebecca , d’Udekem Yves 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

Background
Successful transition to adult healthcare is particularly important for congenital heart disease (CHD) patients who have undergone palliative surgery, as they risk adverse events if not followed closely. This study examines young people at the worst end of the CHD spectrum who are born with a single ventricle (pumping heart chamber), and who undergo a series of operations that culminate in the Fontan surgical procedure.

Purpose
To explore adolescents with a Fontan circulation, and their parents’, readiness for transition to adult care and pre-implementation of a transition program.

Methods
Seventeen adolescents (15–18 years) and 15 of their parents completed questionnaires at the start of their first transition clinic.

Results
Adolescents reported poor knowledge about their Fontan circulation, and 41% had a poor understanding of the purpose of their medications/treatments. Over half of the adolescents had poor knowledge around medical help-seeking (when, who, how). Most reported feeling comfortable with discussing their medical issues with their cardiologist, but considerably less so about sensitive adolescent issues, in particular, emotional wellbeing. Parents reported high levels of anxiety around transition to adult care services.

Conclusion
Findings pre-program indicate poor adolescent health knowledge, a lack of focus in health services on emotional wellbeing and high parental anxiety. These findings highlight the need for dedicated programs that focus on early preparation, parental involvement and acknowledgment, transition as a process, strong integration and prioritisation in the health system with a youth-friendly and holistic focus, in particular, around emotional wellbeing.
Big Data, Small Sample
Authors: Gerlovina Inna , van der Laan Mark J. , Hubbard Alan 
Published: June 2017

AbstractMultiple comparisons and small sample size, common characteristics of many types of “Big Data” including those that are produced by genomic studies, present specific challenges that affect reliability of inference. Use of multiple testing procedures necessitates calculation of very small tail probabilities of a test statistic distribution. Results based on large deviation theory provide a formal condition that is necessary to guarantee error rate control given practical sample sizes, linking the number of tests and the sample size; this condition, however, is rarely satisfied. Using methods that are based on Edgeworth expansions (relying especially on the work of Peter Hall), we explore the impact of departures of sampling distributions from typical assumptions on actual error rates. Our investigation illustrates how far the actual error rates can be from the declared nominal levels, suggesting potentially wide-spread problems with error rate control, specifically excessive false positives. This is an important factor that contributes to “reproducibility crisis”. We also review some other commonly used methods (such as permutation and methods based on finite sampling inequalities) in their application to multiple testing/small sample data. We point out that Edgeworth expansions, providing higher order approximations to the sampling distribution, offer a promising direction for data analysis that could improve reliability of studies relying on large numbers of comparisons with modest sample sizes.
Predictive Modeling of Integrated Boiler Unit for a Coal Fired Thermal Power Plant
Authors: Chandrasekharan Sreepradha , Panda Rames Chandra , Swaminathan Bhuvaneswari Natrajan 
Published: June 2017

AbstractMajority of the power plants in the world is based on coal. Pulverized coal is used to generate pressurized steam to drive turbines where-by chemical energy is converted to electrical energy. Modeling of the steam generator in thermal power plant plays a major role as it comprises of interactive units like economizer, drum and super-heater. Experiments across different units of the power plant are carried out to build correlations between input and output. Main objective of the work is to compare performances arising out by considering the system-model as three individual units or as one integrated boiler unit. In order to do this, multiple regression equations are derived based on quadratic models. The dependability of the pressure and temperature on the other variables are analyzed using the statistical analysis tool and validation of the derived model with the plant data is performed. Significance of regressions were evaluated based on ANOVA which in combination with standardized residuals distribution and their means for confidence levels of 95 and 99 %, helped in validating the model. Operating parameters are optimized using RSM supported by design of experiments with Box-Behnken design. These models will be helpful in understanding and designing the safe operation and control of thermal power plants.
Research on Frequency Selection of Triple Frequency in Earth Capacitance Measurement
Authors: Zhou Qiukuan , Yao Jun , Liu Yan , Tan Yi , Zou Yang , Guo Lisha 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThis paper investigates a frequency selection method of triple frequency in earth capacitance measurement. Based on the researches about the triple frequency method, the measurement principle of the proposed method is presented in detail. In this paper, the accurate earth capacitance in the distribution network can be calculated by establishing corresponding equations with injecting three different frequencies of current signals to the triangle open-side of voltage transformer (VT). Furthermore, the influences of selected frequency on the calculated results of the capacitive current are further analyzed. In order to improve the measurement accuracy, the initial selected frequencies of injected zero-sequence current signal should be set small as the larger earth capacitance in the distributed network is more common. Then the value of selected frequency should be increased correspondingly with the small capacitance in the distribution network. Finally, the correctness of theoretical analysis and feasibility of frequency selection method are verified with the simulation and experimental results of the earth capacitance measurement in distribution network.
Performance Comparison of Static and Dynamic State Estimators for Electric Distribution Systems
Authors: Ahmad Fiaz , Abdul Kabir Rashid Muhammad , Rasool Akhtar , Özsoy Eşref Emre , Sabanovic Asif , Elitaş Meltem 
Published: June 2017

AbstractState estimation is an integral component of energy management systems used for the monitoring and control of operation of transmission networks worldwide. However, it has so far not yet been widely adopted in the distribution networks due to their passive nature with no active generation. But this scenario is challenged by the integration of distributed generators (DGs) at this level. Various static and dynamic state estimators have been researched for the transmission systems. These cannot be directly applied to the distribution systems due to their different philosophy of operation. Thus the performance of these estimators need to be re-evaluated for the distribution systems. This paper presents a computational and statistical performance of famous static estimator such as weighted least squares (WLS) and dynamic state estimators such as extended Kalman filter (EKF) and unscented Kalman filter (UKF) for electric distribution system. Additionally, an improved-UKF (IUKF) is also proposed which enhances the robustness and numerical stability of the existing UKF algorithm. All the estimators are tested for load variation and bad data for IEEE-30, 33 and 69 bus radial distribution networks using statistical performance metrics such as Maximum Absolute Deviation (MAD), Maximum Absolute Percent Error (MAPE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Overall Performance index (J). Based on these metrics, IUKF outperforms other estimators under the simulated noisy measurement conditions.