bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation between capillary and venous blood glucose levels in diabetic patients
Authors: Adnan Muhammad , Imam Fakhar , Shabbir Iffat , Ali Zahra , Rahat Tayyaba 
Published: August 2015

Abstract

Background
Rapid blood glucose estimation is required to prescribe treatments and to make dose adjustments in diabetic patients. However, measuring plasma glucose levels is time consuming. Therefore, the use of glucometers has greatly increased.

Objectives
To measure the correlation between capillary and venous blood glucose levels.

Methods
Seventy patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were enrolled in the present study and informed written consent was obtained from all participants. Demographic characteristics and clinical information was noted. Capillary and venous glucose levels were determined. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21 was used for data analysis.

Results
Mean age of patients was 52 ± 12 years. It included 29% men; 71% women; 9% smokers; and 90% poor. Mean venous glucose was 11.73 ± 4.64 mmol/L and mean capillary glucose 12.57 ± 5.21 mmol/L. These findings demonstrated a significant intermethod mean difference of 0.84 mmol/L (P < 0.001). Inter-glucose difference was not significant at glucose levels near normal. However, it increased gradually with rise in glucose measurements and was significant at elevated glucose levels. Both concordance correlation coefficient and intraclass correlation coefficient demonstrated positive correlation and more consistency between glucose estimations. A Bland and Altman plot presented excellent agreement between glucometrically and photometrically determined glucose levels.

Conclusion
A positive correlation coefficient showed strong association between capillary and venous glucose measurements.
Pyrosequencing analysis of KRAS codon 61 mutations in Thai patients with advanced colorectal cancer
Authors: Teerapakpinyo Chinachote , Wanthong Phanni , Aumchaaumchaya Mathawee , Chankate Piyamai , Kaikeaw Warisa , Tosakorn Warunya , Shaungshoti Shanop 
Published: August 2015

Abstract

Background

KRAS, coding for a small G-protein downstream of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plays an important role in the EGFR signaling network. Mutation in KRAS is associated with resistance to anti-EGFR in patients with advanced colorectal cancer (CRC). According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) guidelines, screening for mutations in KRAS codons 12 and 13 in tumor samples is mandatory for all CRC patients who are candidates for anti-EGFR targeted therapy. However, some patients with undetectable mutations in codons 12/13 do not benefit from anti-EGFR treatment, and this might be because of mutations in codon 61, which is not currently recommended for screening.

Objectives
To develop an in-house pyrosequencing method to screen for KRAS codon 61 mutations, and examine the prevalence of mutations in Thai patients with advanced CRC with no detectable mutation in codons 12/13.

Materials and Methods
DNA extracted from FFPE specimens was screened for KRAS codon 61 mutations using pyrosequencing. Our method was suitable for routine clinical samples (formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue), and was able to detect 5 common mutations in codon 61 of the KRAS gene, including c.182AT (p.Q61L), c.182AG (p.Q61R), c.182AC (p.Q61P), c.183AC (p.Q61H), and c.183AT (p.Q61H).

Results
Of the 74 samples with undetectable codon 12/13 mutation examined, two (2.7%) were found to harbor mutation in codon 61.

Conclusion
Despite the low prevalence of KRAS codon 61 mutation in our population with advanced CRC, adding the mutation test into the routine molecular service deserves consideration because the cost of treatment is very expensive.
Epidemiology of upper gastrointestinal bleeding and Helicobacter pylori infection: review of 3,488 Thai patients
Authors: Suchartlikitwong Sakolwan , Lapumnuaypol Kamolyut , Rerknimitr Rungsun , Werawatganon Duangporn 
Published: August 2015

Abstract

Background
The current epidemiology of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) in Thailand is poorly understood and the reported prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection is outdated.

Objectives
To investigate the etiologies of UGIB and prevalence of H. pylori infection in Thailand, including its association with UGIB.

Methods
We retrieved information regarding patients attending the endoscopic unit of King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital from June 2007 to January 2013. A database search using keywords “upper gastrointestinal bleeding” and “iron deficiency” was used. From 4,454 diagnoses, after exclusion criteria, 3,488 patients (2,042 male (58.5%) and 1,446 female (41.5%); mean age 63.3 ± 15.94 years, range 13–103 years) were included.

Results
The three most common causes of UGIB were peptic ulcer (38.2%), nonulcer-mucosal lesions (23.4%), and esophageal-related causes (20.4%). The 5 year-incidence of H. pylori was 25%–30%. The overall prevalence was 27%. The prevalence of H. pylori infection was found to decrease with age from 43.8% at <40 years to 21.7% at >79 years old. H. pylori infection was significantly associated with duodenal and gastroduodenal ulcers. Cirrhosis and nonulcer-mucosal lesions were significantly unrelated to H. pylori infection. Patients with concurrent cirrhosis with peptic ulcer were found to be negative for H. pylori infection.

Conclusion
Peptic ulcer is the leading cause of UGIB in Thailand. However, its incidence is declining. Patients who presented to hospital with UGIB were older, compared with those a decade ago. H. pylori infection plays an important role in UGIB and its incidence was stable during the past 5 years.
Assessment of health-related quality of life in Thai patients after heart surgery
Authors: Sakthong Phantipa , Kasemsup Vijj , Winit-Watjana Win 
Published: August 2015

Abstract

Background
Little is known about health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of Thai patients after heart surgery. The Thai government initiated a cardiac surgery project to celebrate the 80th birthday anniversary of His Majesty The King.

Objectives
To evaluate the HRQoL of Thai patients after heart surgery, as part of the Thai government’s cardiac surgery project, and to investigate the association of HRQoL instruments and patient characteristics.

Methods
Of 7,863 patients in the project, 386 were randomly selected for a telephone interview by trained researchers during June–November 2008. The HRQoL of Thai patients was measured using 12-item Short Form version 2 and EuroQoL (EQ-5D) plus an EQ-5D visual analog scale (EQ-VAS).

Results
The mean age of patient participants was 50.4 ± 13.7 years (range 17–82) and 49.5% were male. The Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores were reported as 46.91 and 54.44, respectively, compared with the US norm scores of 50. The EQ-5D and EQ-VAS utility scores of 0.81 and 0.84 were comparable to those of Thai general population (0.77–0.84), but higher than those of Thai patients with heart disease (0.73–0.75). Patients with older age, female sex, unemployment, and presence of comorbidity rated a lower HRQoL. The multiple linear regression models showed that both EQ-5D and EQ-VAS were associated with PCS and MCS and could be predicted by 40%–50%.

Conclusion
Overall, the HRQoL of patients after the heart surgery was satisfactory. The QoL in patients with a specific types of heart surgery warrants further study.
Doppler waveform patterns and reference ranges of fetal renal artery blood flow indices in normal Thai fetuses during the second trimester
Authors: Ponglopisit Surachai , Hanprasertpong Tharangrut , Geater Alan , Petpichetchian Chusana , Kor-anantakula Ounjai , Leetanaporn Roengsak , Suntharasaj Thitima , Suwanrath Chitkasaem , Pruksanusak Ninlapa , Pranpanus Savitree , Jitpiboon Walailak 
Published: August 2015

Abstract

Background
Fetal hemodynamics can be assessed by Doppler ultrasonography, but the normal Doppler waveform pattern and reference range of fetal renal artery blood flow indices in normal Thai fetuses during the second trimester have not been studied.

Objectives
To study the pattern and establish the normal reference range of fetal renal artery blood flow indices in the normal Thai fetus during the second trimester.

Materials and methods
This cross-sectional descriptive study included 512 normal singleton pregnant women, gestational age between 14(+0) and 28(+6) weeks. Ultrasonography was performed to assess the Doppler waveform pattern and estimate the normal reference range of fetal renal artery blood flow indices. All fetuses were delivered at term with normal outcomes at birth. The mean and 95th and 5th percentiles of the Doppler indices for each gestational week were estimated.

Results
Doppler patterns with absence of diastolic flow in the entire cardiac cycle (type I), and absence of diastolic flow at the end of cardiac cycle (type II) were presented in about 10.4% of normal fetuses during the second trimester of pregnancy. Values for pulsatility index, peak systolic velocity, systolic-to-diastolic ratio, and resistance index (with absent end-diastolic velocity (AEDV) removed) each increased significantly with gestational age. The increase in end-diastolic velocity (with AEDV removed) with gestational age was not significant.

Conclusion
These normative data could serve as a basis for evaluation of the fetal renal artery blood flow, which should be of benefit for pregnancy management, especially in situations that interfere with fetal renal perfusion.
De pedofiele relatie
Authors: Mulder Jules 
Published: August 2015

The paedophile relationship
This article reflects on the various aspects of paedophile relationships. It is for a large part based on the author’s 30 years of clinical experience with the treatment of paedosexual men. The characteristics of paedophile relatonships are examined and how they usually develop. What does the paedophile seeks in a relationship with a child and vice versa? The prohibition of paedophilia and its consequences for the paedophile are also discussed. Paedosexuality is banned because of the supposed damage for the child involved. But what causes this damage? And what is the possible damage caused by the prohibition? Finally the author shows the interacting of elements like desire and love as well as manipulation and secrets. The friendship with an older man can be very valuable for a child, which is reflected in many books and movies on this topic. In this sense a paedophile relatonship can be appropriate. But this applies only if the adult has enough self control to refrain from giving in to sexual desires, since a paedosexual relationship can never be appropriate.
CD4 changes among virologically suppressed patients on antiretroviral therapy: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ford Nathan , Stinson Kathryn , Gale Howard , Mills Edward J , Stevens Wendy , González Mercedes P , Markby Jessica , Hill Andrew 
Published: August 2015

IntroductionThe effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART) is assessed by measuring CD4 cell counts and viral load. Recent studies have questioned the added value of routine CD4 cell count measures in patients who are virologically suppressed.MethodsWe systematically searched three databases and two conference sites up to 31 October 2014 for studies reporting CD4 changes among patients who were on ART and virologically suppressed. No geographic, language or age restrictions were applied.Results and discussionWe identified 12 published and 1 unpublished study reporting CD4 changes among 20,297 virologically suppressed patients. The pooled proportion of patients who experienced an unexplained, confirmed CD4 decline was 0.4% (95% CI 0.2–0.6%). Results were not influenced by duration of follow‐up, age, study design or region of economic development. No studies described clinical adverse events among virologically suppressed patients who experienced CD4 declines.ConclusionsThe findings of this review support reducing or stopping routine CD4 monitoring for patients who are immunologically stable on ART in settings where routine viral load monitoring is provided.
Copper‐Catalyzed Aerobic Autoxidation of N‐Hydroxycarbamates Probed by Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Xie Xiaobo , Zhang Long , He Qing , Hou Jian , Xu Changming , Zhang Ning , Luo Sanzhong , Nie Zongxiu 
Published: August 2015

AbstractWe present herein a mechanistic investigation by nanoelectrospray ionization mass spectrometry of copper‐catalyzed aerobic oxidative processes involved in the N‐nitrosocarbonyl aldol reaction of N‐hydroxycarbamates. Protonated amine and copper as charge‐tags aided the detection of reaction intermediates, which verified the enamine mechanism together with a competing enol process. Our experimental results reveal that the copper‐catalyzed aerobic oxidation of N‐hydroxycarbamates may proceed through an autoxidation catalytic mechanism in which a CbzNHO. radical abstracts a hydrogen from the bound N‐hydroxycarbamate to release the nitroso intermediate through a bimolecular hydrogen‐atom transfer. In this process, the chiral diamine also works as a ligand for copper to facilitate the aerobic oxidative step. The dual role of the chiral vicinal diamine as both an aminocatalyst and a bidentate ligand was finally uncovered.
Circular Dichroism of Amino Acids: Following the Structural Formation of Phenylalanine
Authors: Amdursky Nadav , Stevens Molly M. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractCircular dichroism (CD) is frequently used to assess the secondary structure of peptides and proteins, whereas less attention has been given to their building blocks, that is, single amino acids, as they do not possess a secondary structure. Here, we follow the CD signal of amino acids and reveal that several acids exhibit a unique CD pattern as a function of their concentration. Accordingly, we propose an eight‐level classification of the CD signal of the various amino acids. Special focus is given to the CD pattern of phenylalanine (Phe), for which we observe the formation of an ultra‐narrow CD peak (full width at high maximum of only 5 nm). This CD peak can be attributed to the formation of Phe‐based chiral structural features. Further support for the formation of an ordered structure is given by using NMR, and the additional self‐assembly process of Phe to tubular structures.
Synthesis of Photodegradable Polystyrene with Trithiocarbonate as Linkages
Authors: Li Qianbiao , Hu Xiaoqian , Bai Ruke 
Published: August 2015

Multiblock polystyrenes (PS) with trithiocarbonate groups as linkages are prepared via reversible addition‐fragmentation chain‐transfer polymerization using polytrithiocarbonate as a chain transfer agent. The photodegradability of the multiblock PS in the solid state is investigated under UV irradiation at room temperature in an air atmosphere. The experimental results demonstrate that the trithiocarbonate linkages in the multiblock PS can be broken under UV light irradiation at room temperature and the multiblock PS is degraded into separate PS blocks. Gel permeation chromatography measurement reveals that the molecular weight of multiblock PS is reduced from 27 900 to 7900 g mol−1 after UV light irradiation for 745 h. Moreover, the thermal stability of the multiblock PS is examined and the results indicate that the incorporation of trithiocarbonate shows little influence on the thermal stability of multiblock PS.
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Region‐Specific Alterations of Matrix Metalloproteinase Activity in Multiple System Atrophy
Authors: Bassil Fares , Monvoisin Arnaud , Canron Marie‐Helene , Vital Anne , Meissner Wassilios G. , Tison François , Fernagut Pierre‐Olivier 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundMSA is a sporadic progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a variable combination of parkinsonism, cerebellar ataxia, and autonomic dysfunction. The pathological hallmark of MSA is the accumulation of alpha‐synuclein aggregates in the cytoplasm of oligodendrocytes along with neuronal loss and neuroinflammation, as well as blood–brain barrier dysfunction and myelin deterioration. Matrix metalloproteinases are zinc‐dependent endopeptidases involved in the remodeling of the extracellular matrix, demyelination, and blood–brain barrier permeability. Several lines of evidence indicate a role for these enzymes in various pathological processes, including stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's disease.MethodsThis study aimed to assess potential alterations of matrix metalloproteinase‐1, ‐2, ‐3, and ‐9 expression or activity in MSA postmortem brain tissue.ResultsGelatin zymography revealed increased matrix metalloproteinase‐2 activity in the putamen, but not in the frontal cortex, of MSA patients relative to controls. Immunohistochemistry revealed increased number of glial cells positive for matrix metalloproteinase‐1, ‐2, and ‐3 in the putamen and frontal cortex of MSA patients. Double immunofluorescence revealed that matrix metalloproteinase‐2 and ‐3 were expressed in astrocytes and microglia. Only matrix metalloproteinase‐2 colocalized with alpha‐synuclein in oligodendroglial cytoplasmic inclusions.ConclusionThese results demonstrate widespread alterations of matrix metalloproteinase expression in MSA and a pattern of increased matrix metalloproteinase‐2 expression and activity affecting preferentially a brain region severely affected (putamen) over a relatively spared region (frontal cortex). Elevated matrix metalloproteinase expression may thus contribute to the disease process in MSA by promoting blood–brain barrier dysfunction and/or myelin degradation. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Monitoring landscape‐level distribution and migration Phenology of Raptors using a volunteer camera‐trap network
Authors: Jachowski David S. , Katzner Todd , Rodrigue Jane L. , Ford W. Mark 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTConservation of animal migratory movements is among the most important issues in wildlife management. To address this need for landscape‐scale monitoring of raptor populations, we developed a novel, baited photographic observation network termed the “Appalachian Eagle Monitoring Program” (AEMP). During winter months of 2008–2012, we partnered with professional and citizen scientists in 11 states in the United States to collect approximately 2.5 million images. To our knowledge, this represents the largest such camera‐trap effort to date. Analyses of data collected in 2011 and 2012 revealed complex, often species‐specific, spatial and temporal patterns in winter raptor movement behavior as well as spatial and temporal resource partitioning between raptor species. Although programmatic advances in data analysis and involvement are needed, the continued growth of the program has the potential to provide a long‐term, cost‐effective, range‐wide monitoring tool for avian and terrestrial scavengers during the winter season. Perhaps most importantly, by relying heavily on citizen scientists, AEMP has the potential to improve long‐term interest and support for raptor conservation and serve as a model for raptor conservation programs in other portions of the world. © This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Towards the commercialization of Botryococcus braunii for triterpenoid production
Authors: Al-Hothaly Khalid A , Adetutu Eric M , May Brian H , Taha Mohamed , Ball Andrew S 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Botryococcus braunii can accumulate unusually high levels of triterpenoid hydrocarbons making it a potential source of high value chemicals. However, its commercial application is hampered by its slow growth and lack of large-scale studies of triterpenoid hydrocarbon production. This study investigated hydrocarbon production in two race B of B. braunii strains, Overjuyo-3 and Kossou-4, at 25 °C in 500 L open tanks under artificial lighting in modified BG11 medium over 60 days. Maximum growth was reached by 40 days with Overjuyo-3 producing more biomass (3.05 g L−1) than Kossou-4 (2.55 g L−1). However, Kossou-4 produced more oil (0.75 g L−1) and triterpenoid hydrocarbons (C30–C34; 50 % of oil weight) compared to 0.63 g L−1 of oil in Overjuyo-3 with triterpenoid hydrocarbons making up 29 % of oil weight. This research demonstrates for the first time that large-scale production of high value triterpenoid hydrocarbon for commercial application is feasible with Kossou-4 strain.
The Consent of the First Wife in a Polygamous Marriage as a Requirement for the Validity of her Husband's Subsequent Marriage under South Africa's Recognition of Customary Marriages Act: Mayelane v Ngwenyama
Authors: Dyani-Mhango Ntombizozuko 
Published: August 2015

AbstractIn the South African case of Mayelane v Ngwenyama, the Constitutional Court held that the consent of the first wife in a polygamous marriage is a requirement for a subsequent marriage of her husband to be valid, even though the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act is silent on the issue. This article argues that this decision reinforces the equality of spouses in a polygamous marriage and customary marriages in general, as envisaged by the act and as the constitution demands. It also criticizes the legislature's failure to give guidance regarding the absence of consequences for failure to comply with the requirement for a husband to seek the court's approval of a contract to regulate future marriages before he marries a subsequent wife. The article suggests that the legislature should revisit the Recognition Act to repeal the provision or stipulate consequences for the failure to comply.
International law and armed conflict in dark times: A call for engagement
Authors: Modirzadeh Naz K. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThis Opinion Note highlights the international humanitarian law (IHL) provisions mandating dissemination of the Geneva Conventions and the Additional Protocols to the civilian population. In referencing three dilemmas concerning contemporary challenges to international law in armed conflict and how each of those dilemmas may result in a “breaking point” or a “turning point”, the author argues that it is vitally important not only for armed forces but also for the general public to learn – and actively engage with – IHL both during war and in (relative) peacetime.
Tumor‐related markers in histologically normal margins correlate with locally recurrent oral squamous cell carcinoma: a retrospective study
Authors: Wang Xinhong , Chen Si , Chen Xinming , Zhang Cuicui , Liang Xueyi 
Published: August 2015

BackgroundOral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is characterized by a high rate of local recurrence (LR) even when the surgical margins are considered histopathologically ‘normal’. The aim of our study was to determine the relationship between early tumor‐related markers detected in histologically normal margins (HNM) and LR as well as disease‐free survival in OSCC.MethodsThe loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of markers on 9p21 (D9s1747, RPS6, D9s162) and 17p13 (TP53) and the immunostaining results of the corresponding mutant P53, P14, P15, and P16 proteins were assessed and correlated with LR and disease‐free survival in 71 OSCC patients who had HNM.ResultsFifteen of 71 patients with HNM developed LR. The presence of the following molecular markers in surgical margins was significantly correlated with the development of LR: LOH on chromosome 9p21 (D9s1747 + RPS6 + D9s162), any LOH, P16, and P53 (chi‐square test, P < 0.05). The presence of TP53 LOH, 9p21 LOH, any LOH, P15, P16, P53, P16 + D9s1747, and P53 + TP53 had a significant effect on LR (Kaplan–Meier analysis, P < 0.05). P16 + D9s1747 was the most predictive factor using multivariate Cox analyses.ConclusionsDetection of tumor‐related markers in histologically ‘normal’ resection margins may be a useful method for assessing LR in OSCC patients.