bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Submicroscopic Plasmodium falciparum malaria and low birth weight in an area of unstable malaria transmission in Central Sudan
Authors: Mohammed Amal H , Salih Magdi M , Elhassan Elhassan M , Mohmmed Ahmed A , Elzaki Salah E , El-Sayed Badria B , Adam Ishag 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Malaria, which frequently occurs in pregnant women in the tropics, is a leading cause of maternal anaemia and low birth weight (LBW) in infants. Few data exist concerning malaria infections that are present at submicroscopic levels during pregnancy and their LBW delivery in babies.

Methods
A case–control study (87 in each group) was conducted at the Medani Hospital, Central Sudan. Cases were women who had LBW deliveries where the infants weighed < 2,500 g. Controls were parturient women without having LBW babies. Obstetrical and medical characteristics were gathered from both groups through structured questionnaires. Both cases and controls were investigated for malaria using microscopic blood film analysis, placental histology and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Microscopic and PCR analyses were conducted on maternal peripheral blood, placenta, and umbilical cord samples. Infant weights were recorded immediately after birth.

Results

Plasmodium falciparum-positive blood films were not obtained from any of the women (cases or controls). Twenty-seven (31.0%) versus 22 (25.3%) (P = 0.500) of the cases and controls, respectively, had placental malaria infections as determined by histological examination. In comparison to the controls, the submicroscopic malaria infection prevalence rates were significantly higher in the cases; 24 (27.6%) vs six (7.0%), P < 0.001. Multivariate analysis showed that while malaria infection of the placenta (based on histology) was not associated with LBW, submicroscopic P. falciparum infection (OR = 6.89, 95% CI = 2.2–20.8; P = 0.001), or a combination of histologically determined and submicroscopic infections (OR = 2.45, 95% CI = 1.2–4.9; P = 0.012), were significantly associated with LBW.

Conclusion
In Central Sudan, pregnant women were at a higher risk of having an LBW delivery if they had submicroscopic infections rather than a histological diagnosis of placental malaria.
Relationship between central and peripheral fatty acids in humans
Authors: Guest Jade , Garg Manohar , Bilgin Ayse , Grant Ross 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
In recent years the physiological and pathological importance of fatty acids in both the periphery and central nervous system (CNS) has become increasingly apparent. However surprisingly limited research has been conducted comparing the fatty acid composition of central and peripheral lipid stores.

Methods
The present study compared the distribution of polyunsaturated (PUFA), as well as specific saturated (SFA) and monounsaturated (MUFA) fatty acids in the whole blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of humans. Gas chromatography with flame ionization detection was used to determine the fatty acid profiles of twenty-eight matched CSF and whole blood samples. Multiple linear regression modeling, controlling for age, was used to identify significant relationships.

Results
A significant positive relationship was seen between whole blood total omega-3 fatty acids and the CSF omega-3 subfractions, docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) (P = 0.019) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (P = 0.015). A direct association was also observed between the whole blood and CSF omega-6 PUFA, arachidonic acid (AA) (P = 0.045). Interestingly an inverse association between central and peripheral oleic acid was also found (P = 0.045).

Conclusions
These findings indicate a relationship between central and peripheral fatty acids of varying degrees of unsaturation and chain length and support the view that some systemic fatty acids are likely to cross the human blood brain barrier (BBB) and thereby influence central fatty acid concentrations.
The C-terminus region of β-arrestin1 modulates VE-cadherin expression and endothelial cell permeability
Authors: Hebda Jagoda K , Leclair Héloïse M , Azzi Sandy , Roussel Célestin , Scott Mark GH , Bidère Nicolas , Gavard Julie 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
The endothelial specific cell-cell adhesion molecule, VE-cadherin, modulates barrier function and vascular homeostasis. In this context, we have previously characterized that VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) leads to VE-cadherin phosphorylation, β-arrestin2 recruitment and VE-cadherin internalization in mouse endothelial cells. However, exactly how this VE-cadherin/β-arrestin complex contributes to VEGF-mediated permeability in human endothelial cells remains unclear. In this study, we investigated in-depth the VE-cadherin/β-arrestin interactions in human endothelial cells exposed to VEGF.

Findings
First, we demonstrated that VEGF induces VE-cadherin internalization in a clathrin-dependent manner in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). In addition to the classical components of endocytic vesicles, β-arrestin1 was recruited and bound to phosphorylated VE-cadherin. Molecular mapping of this interaction uncovered that the C-terminus tail of β-arrestin1, that comprises amino acids 375 to 418, was sufficient to directly interact with the phosphorylated form of VE-cadherin. Interestingly, the expression of the C-terminus tail of β-arrestin1 induced loss of surface exposed-VE-cadherin, promoted monolayer disorganization and enhanced permeability. Finally, this effect relied on decreased VE-cadherin expression at the transcriptional level, through inhibition of its promoter activity.

Conclusions
Altogether, our results demonstrate that β-arrestin1 might play multiple functions collectively contributing to endothelial barrier properties. Indeed, in addition to a direct implication in VE-cadherin endocytosis, β-arrestin1 could also control VE-cadherin transcription and expression. Ultimately, understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in VE-cadherin function might provide therapeutic tools for many human diseases where the vascular barrier is compromised.
Channel estimation and optimal training with the LMMSE criterion for OFDM-based two-way relay networks
Authors: Tran Minh Tam , Wang Jin Soo , Song Iickho , Kim Yun Hee 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
In this paper, we consider the linear minimum mean square error (LMMSE) estimation of channel for the two-way relay network employing analog network coding and orthogonal frequency division multiplexing. The channel responses required for self-interference cancelation and coherent detection are estimated in the time domain with the preamble. We derive the optimal training condition for minimizing the mean square error (MSE) of the LMMSE estimator and obtain the corresponding MSE. It is observed that the LMMSE estimator has the optimal training condition equivalent to that of the least square estimator and that the former is less sensitive to the training sequences than the latter. We also propose new training sequences not only satisfying the optimal training condition but also providing the minimum peak-to-average power ratio.
Whole genome sequencing and comparative genomic analyses of two Vibrio cholerae O139 Bengal-specific Podovirusesto other N4-like phages reveal extensive genetic diversity
Authors: Fouts Derrick E , Klumpp Jochen , Bishop-Lilly Kimberly A , Rajavel Mathumathi , Willner Kristin M , Butani Amy , Henry Matthew , Biswas Biswajit , Li Manrong , Albert M John , Loessner Martin J , Calendar Richard , Sozhamannan Shanmuga 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundVibrio choleraeO139 Bengal is the only serogroup other than O1 implicated in cholera epidemics. We describe the isolation and characterization of an O139 serogroup-specific phage, vB_VchP_VchO139-I (ϕVchO139-I) that has similar host range and virion morphology as phage vB_VchP_JA1 (ϕJA1) described previously. We aimed at a complete molecular characterization of both phages and elucidation of their genetic and structural differences and assessment of their genetic relatedness to the N4-like phage group.MethodsHost-range analysis and plaque morphology screening were done for both ϕJA1 and ϕVchO139-I. Both phage genomes were sequenced by a 454 and Sanger hybrid approach. Genomes were annotated and protein homologies were determined by Blast and HHPred. Restriction profiles, PFGE patterns and data on the physical genome structure were acquired and phylogenetic analyses were performed.ResultsThe host specificity of ϕJA1 has been attributed to the unique capsular O-antigen produced by O139 strains. Plaque morphologies of the two phages were different; ϕVchO139-I produced a larger halo around the plaques than ϕJA1. Restriction profiles of ϕJA1 and ϕVchO139-I genomes were also different. The genomes of ϕJA1 and ϕVchO139-I consisted of linear double-stranded DNA of 71,252 and 70,938 base pairs. The presence of direct terminal repeats of around 1974 base pairs was demonstrated. Whole genome comparison revealed single nucleotide polymorphisms, small insertions/deletions and differences in gene content. Both genomes had 79 predicted protein encoding sequences, of which only 59 were identical between the two closely related phages. They also encoded one tRNA-Arg gene, an intein within the large terminase gene, and four homing endonuclease genes. Whole genome phylogenetic analyses of ϕJA1 and ϕVchO139-I against other sequenced N4-like phages delineate three novel subgroups or clades within this phage family.ConclusionsThe closely related phages feature significant genetic differences, in spite of being morphologically identical. The phage morphology, genetic organization, genomic content and large terminase protein based phylogeny support the placement of these two phages in thePodoviridaefamily, more specifically within the N4-like phage group. The physical genome structure of ϕJA1 could be demonstrated experimentally. Our data pave the way for potential use of ϕJA1 and ϕVchO139-I inVibrio choleraetyping and control.
Airway strategies for lung isolation in a patient with high-velocity nail gun injuries to the right cardiac ventricle and floor of the mouth: a case report
Authors: Lim Herman , Weinberg Laurence , Tan Chong Oon , Tay Stanley , Kolivas Constantine , Peyton Philip 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Introduction
We report a case of deliberate self-harm in which three three-inch nails were fired from a nail gun resulting in mandibular fixation and two penetrating injuries to the right cardiac ventricle. This combination of high-velocity penetrating injury has not been previously described.

Case presentation
A 69-year-old Caucasian man with a medical history of chronic depression was brought to hospital after a failed suicide attempt. The attempt consisted of self-asphyxiation with car exhaust fumes and shooting himself thrice with a three-inch nail gun. He sustained a penetrating nail injury to the floor of his mouth, effectively pinning his mouth closed, and penetrating injuries to the right ventricular free wall and at the junction of the right atrioventricular septum. The patient required emergency surgery with requirements for thoracotomy and sternotomy, lung isolation and cardiopulmonary bypass.

Conclusions
This is the first reported case of a combination high-velocity penetrating nail gun injury to the face and the right cardiac ventricle. This rare case offers airway strategies to accommodate the surgical requirement for lung separation for penetrating chest trauma in a patient with iatrogenically limited mouth opening.
A hepatic sclerosed hemangioma with significant morphological change over a period of 10 years: a case report
Authors: Shimada Yoshitaka , Takahashi Yoshihito , Iguchi Hiroyoshi , Yamazaki Hitoshi , Tsunoda Hidekazu , Watanabe Masaaki , Oda Masaya , Yokomori Hiroaki 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Introduction
Liver cavernous hemangioma is the most common noncystic hepatic lesion, and a hemangioma that undergoes degeneration and fibrous replacement is called a hepatic sclerosed hemangioma.

Case presentation
A 63-year-old Japanese man was admitted for detailed investigation of a liver tumor. Tumor markers carcinoembryonic antigen, alpha-fetoprotein, and CA19-9 levels in the peripheral blood were not elevated at any time. Plain computed tomography showed an approximately 1.5cm low density mass in the periphery of segment 8, which was marginally enhanced on contrast-enhanced dynamic computed tomography. On magnetic resonance imaging, the tumor was hypointense on T1-weighted image and hyperintense on T2-weighted image. The tumor was suspected to be an atypical hemangioma, metastatic, hepatocellular carcinoma, or cholangiocellular carcinoma. Segmental hepatectomy was performed. Histological examination of the resected tumor specimen revealed a sclerosed hemangioma with marked hyalinization and sparse stromal fibrosis. Immunochemically, the tumor cells were positive for CD34 and alpha smooth muscle actin. Electron microscopically, the residual hemangioma consisted of numerous caveolae and vesicles in endothelial cells in irregular shapes and sizes. Immunostaining for caveolin-1 showed decreased or no caveolin-1 reactivity in the hyalinized lesions of the sclerosed hemangioma, but abundant caveolin-1 reactivity in the residual cavernous hemangioma. Of interest, computed tomography images of the tumor obtained 10 years earlier at our hospital depicted a 3cm typical cavernous hemangioma.

Conclusions
Hepatic sclerosed hemangioma is a rare condition. Comparison of radiological findings of the lesion over a period of 10 years was valuable in providing insight for the evolutional process from liver cavernous hemangioma to hepatic sclerosed hemangioma.
Supercritical CO2 extraction of essential oil from Kabosu (Citrus sphaerocarpa Tanaka) peel
Authors: Suetsugu Takuya , Tanaka Masahiro , Iwai Hideo , Matsubara Teruaki , Kawamoto Yukihiro , Saito Chiho , Sasaki Yoshito , Hoshino Munehiro , Quitain Armando T , Sasaki Mitsuru , Sakamoto Junshi , Goto Motonobu 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background

Citrus sphaerocarpa Hort. ex Tanaka is one of many popular sour citruses in Japan. Its juice processing peel residues contain a lot of useful compounds including essential oil. Our interests mainly focused on the extraction of this essential oil using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2), an environmentally benign and generally regarded as safe solvent that has many advantages such as low critical temperature, low viscosity, and easy separation from the extract. In this research, essential oil was extracted from Citrus sphaerocarpa Tanaka peel using SC-CO2 at extraction temperatures of 313 to 353 K and pressures of 10 to 30 MPa.

Results
A maximum yield of 1.55% (by weight of wet sample) was obtained at the temperature of 353 K and the pressure of 20 MPa. The yield obtained by SC-CO2 method was over 13 times higher than that of the conventional cold-press method. Extracted essential oil was qualitatively analyzed using GC/MS, identifying 49 compounds including several non-polar and weakly polar hydrocarbons such as terpenoid, free fatty acid, and coumarin. Compared to the extracts obtained by the conventional methods, the extracts by SC-CO2 had lower content of monoterpenes and higher content of oxygenated compounds, sesquiterpenes, which strongly contribute to the aromatic characteristics of the extracts. Auraptene, a bioactive compound was also identified in the SC-CO2 extract.

Conclusions
Kabosu essential oil with a fresh natural fragrance was effectively extracted using SC-CO2 compared to the conventional extraction method. In addition, it was found that the extract contained higher content of aromatic components that characterize Kabosu. This work provides an important sequential method for the recovery of valuable compounds from citrus fruit waste using an environmentally friendly technique.
Mercury in soil surrounding medieval human skeletons
Authors: Rasmussen Kaare Lund , Skytte Lilian , Ramseyer Nadja , Boldsen Jesper Lier 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Studying medieval skeletons is a direct way to obtain information about life in medieval societies with very little other information available about the living conditions of ordinary people. In this paper we investigate how Hg is distributed in soil samples surrounding seven medieval skeletons excavated at the cemeteries Lindegaarden in Ribe and Ole Wormsgade in Horsens, both situated in Jutland, Denmark.
The analyses have been performed using Cold Vapour Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (CV-AAS). The results show systematic variations of the Hg concentrations in soil samples as a function of distance extending horizontally from the femur. Two individuals showed soil Hg concentrations at the background level, below ca. 100 ng g-1, whereas soil samples surrounding the other five individuals exhibited much larger Hg concentrations.
Our interpretation of the data is that in general the Hg, which was once situated in the soft tissue, is still present and in-place in the soil now surrounding the skeleton. Due to the overburden of ca. 3 feet of topsoil the residual of the soft tissue has been condensed into the mid-plane of the flattened corpse. The decomposed soft tissue now mixed with the soil can in this way be sampled near the femur as well as from the inner organs: the kidneys, the liver and the lungs.
Are clinical trials dealing with severe infection fitting routine practices? Insights from a large registry
Authors: Claessens Yann-Erick , Aegerter Philippe , Boubaker Hamdi , Guidet Bertrand , Cariou Alain ,   Cub-Rea Network
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Guidelines dealing with severe sepsis and septic shock mostly rely on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to ensure the best standards of care for patients. However, patients included in high-quality studies may differ from the routine population and alter external validity of recommendations. We aimed to determine to what extent non-inclusion criteria of RCTs dealing with severe sepsis and septic shock may affect application of their conclusions in routine care.

Methods
In a first step, the MEDLINE database was searched for RCTs treating severe sepsis and septic shock patients between 1992 and 2008, and non-inclusion criteria for these studies were abstracted. Two reviewers independently evaluated the articles, which were checked by a third reviewer. We extracted data on the study design, main intervention, primary endpoint, criteria for inclusion, and criteria for non-inclusion. In a second step, the distribution of the non-inclusion criteria was observed in a prospective multicenter cohort of severe sepsis and septic shock patients (Cub-Rea network, 1992 to 2008).

Results
We identified 96 articles out of 7,012 citations that met the screening criteria. Congestive heart failure (35%) and cancer (30%) were frequent exclusion criteria in selected studies, as well as other frequent disorders such as gastrointestinal and liver diseases and all causes of immune suppression. Of the 67,717 patients with severe sepsis and septic shock in the Cub-Rea database, 40,325 (60%) experienced at least one of the main exclusion criteria, including 11% of congestive heart failure patients and 11% of cancer patients. In addition, we observed a significant trend for increasing number of patients with these criteria along time.

Conclusion
Current exclusion criteria for RCTs dealing with severe sepsis and septic shock excluded most patients encountered in daily practice and limit external validity of the results of high-quality studies.
Analysis of Reduced Graphene Oxides by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Electrochemical Capacitance
Authors: Koinuma Michio , Tateishi Hikaru , Hatakeyama Kazuto , Miyamoto Shinsuke , Ogata Chikako , Funatsu Asami , Taniguchi Takaaki , Matsumoto Yasumichi 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and reduced graphite oxide (rGtO) were analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. rGO and rGtO were prepared by photochemical, electrochemical, hydrazine-assisted, and thermal reduction of graphene oxide (GO) and graphite oxide (GtO). The number of CH defects increased for the photochemical and electrochemical reduction, whereas a direct increase in the number of C=C bonds was observed for thermal and hydrazine-assisted reduction. Cyclic voltammograms showed that the electrochemical capacitance of rGtO increased with the number of CH defects.
Photocatalytic Water Splitting over LaTa7O19 Composed of TaO7 Pentagonal Bipyramids and TaO6 Octahedra
Authors: Kato Hideki , Takeda Arisa , Kobayashi Makoto , Kakihana Masato 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
It has been found that cocatalyst-loaded LaTa7O19 with a band gap of 4.1 eV functions as a photocatalyst for water splitting under ultraviolet irradiation. The activity of Rh0.5Cr1.5O3-loaded LaTa7O19 prepared by a polymerizable complex method exhibited double of that prepared by a solid-state reaction. An apparent quantum yield of Rh0.5Cr1.5O3-loaded LaTa7O19 was determined to be 9.0% at 254 nm.
Fabrication of Pure Nanodrugs of Podophyllotoxin Dimer and Their Anticancer Activity
Authors: Ikuta Yoshikazu , Koseki Yoshitaka , Murakami Tatsuya , Ueda Minoru , Oikawa Hidetoshi , Kasai Hitoshi 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Drug nanoparticles of water-insoluble bioactive compounds are potentially applicable in next-generation drug delivery systems (DDSs). As an example of such nanoparticles, the dimeric podophyllotoxin (PPT) was synthesized, and PPT nanoparticles were fabricated by the reprecipitation method. It was found that these nanoparticles show much higher cytotoxity for cancer cells as compared to etoposide, which is an analog of PPT.
Redox-active Microcapsules of Cytochrome c Formed at the Ionic Liquid–Water Interface
Authors: Morikawa Masa-aki , Nii Risa , Kimizuka Nobuo 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Microcapsules of cytochrome c (Cyt c) are spontaneously formed by introducing aqueous Cyt c microdroplets in ionic liquids (ILs), which are facilely transferred to aqueous phase after crosslinking and hydrophilic augmentation of the capsule surface.
Straightforward Approach to Synthesize 3,3′-Bipyrroles by Oxidative Homocoupling of 1,2,5-Trisubstituted Pyrroles
Authors: Yin Tao , Hua Ruimao 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
A method is developed for efficient and straightforward synthesis of 3,3′-bipyrroles by oxidative C–H homocoupling of 1,2,5-trisubstituted pyrroles in the presence of FeCl3 in a mixture solvents of CH2Cl2 and MeNO2.
Dye Sensitization in Polymer/ZnO/Dye Ternary Hybrid Solar Cells
Authors: Do Kim Hyung , Ohkita Hideo , Benten Hiroaki , Ito Shinzaburo 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
The incorporation of silicon phthalocyanine bis(trihexylsilyloxide) (SiPc) dye in hybrid solar cells based on blends of poly(3-hexylthiophene) and zinc oxide (P3HT/ZnO) increased the short-circuit current density by 65% as compared to that of P3HT/ZnO binary hybrid solar cell and hence improved the overall power conversion efficiency under AM1.5G illumination. Furthermore, the enhanced external quantum efficiency peaks demonstrated that SiPc molecules serve as a light-harvesting photosensitizer as well as an energy funnel for P3HT excitons at the P3HT/ZnO interface.
High-strength Chitosan Hydrogels Prepared from LiOH/Urea Solvent System
Authors: Sun Yongfu , Li Youliang , Nie Jingyi , Wang Zhengke , Hu Qiaoling 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
High-strength chitosan hydrogels (H-CS) were prepared without external crosslinker based on a LiOH/urea solvent system. The resultant H-CS hydrogels showed much better mechanical properties than conventional chitosan hydrogels (L-CS). Mechanical properties of H-CS can be tuned by adjusting the concentration of chitosan solution. SEM images of freeze-dried H-CS hydrogels displayed well-defined, interconnected, three-dimensional porous network structures that could greatly improve their mechanical properties. H-CS hydrogels fabricated in this study show great potential as a structural and functional material in the biomedical field.