bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Porous silicon microcavities: synthesis, characterization, and application to photonic barcode devices
Authors: Ramiro-Manzano Fernando , Fenollosa Roberto , Xifré-Pérez Elisabet , Garín Moises , Meseguer Francisco 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
We have recently developed a new type of porous silicon we name as porous silicon colloids. They consist of almost perfect spherical silicon nanoparticles with a very smooth surface, able to scatter (and also trap) light very efficiently in a large-span frequency range. Porous silicon colloids have unique properties because of the following: (a) they behave as optical microcavities with a high refractive index, and (b) the intrinsic photoluminescence (PL) emission is coupled to the optical modes of the microcavity resulting in a unique luminescence spectrum profile. The PL spectrum constitutes an optical fingerprint identifying each particle, with application for biosensing.
In this paper, we review the synthesis of silicon colloids for developing porous nanoparticles. We also report on the optical properties with special emphasis in the PL emission of porous silicon microcavities. Finally, we present the photonic barcode concept.
Men’s knowledge and awareness of maternal, neonatal and child health care in rural Bangladesh: a comparative cross sectional study
Authors: Nasreen Hashima E , Leppard Margaret , Al Mamun Mahfuz , Billah Masuma , Mistry Sabuj Kanti , Rahman Mosiur , Nicholls Peter 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
The status of men’s knowledge of and awareness to maternal, neonatal and child health care are largely unknown in Bangladesh and the effect of community focused interventions in improving men’s knowledge is largely unexplored. This study identifies the extent of men’s knowledge and awareness on maternal, neonatal and child health issues between intervention and control groups.

Methods
This cross sectional comparative study was carried out in six rural districts of Bangladesh in 2008. BRAC health programme operates ‘improving maternal, neonatal and child survival’ intervention in four of the above-mentioned six districts. The intervention comprises a number of components including improving awareness of family planning, identification of pregnancy, providing antenatal, delivery and postnatal care, newborn care, under-5 child healthcare, referral of complications and improving clinical management in health facilities. In addition, communities are empowered through social mobilization and advocacy on best practices in maternal, neonatal and child health. Three groups were identified: intervention (2 years exposure); transitional (6 months exposure) and control. Data were collected by interviewing 7,200 men using a structured questionnaire.

Results
Men prefer to gather in informal sites to interact socially. Overall men’s knowledge on maternal care was higher in intervention than control groups, for example, advice on tetanus injection should be given during antenatal care (intervention = 50%, control = 7%). There were low levels of knowledge about birth preparedness (buying delivery kit = 18%, arranging emergency transport = 13%) and newborn care (wrapping = 25%, cord cutting with sterile blade = 36%, cord tying with sterile thread = 11%) in the intervention. Men reported joint decision-making for delivery care relatively frequently (intervention = 66%, control = 46%, p < 0.001).

Conclusion
Improvement in men’s knowledge in intervention district is likely. Emphasis of behaviour change communications messages should be placed on birth preparedness for clean delivery and referral and on newborn care. These messages may be best directed to men by targeting informal meeting places like market places and tea stalls.
Microscopic endometrial perivascular epithelioid cell nodules: a case report with the earliest presentation of a uterine perivascular epithelioid cell tumor
Authors: Fang Chia-Lang , Lin Yun-Ho , Chen Wei-Yu 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Perivascular epithelioid cell (PEC) tumors (PEComas) are a family of related mesenchymal tumors composed of PECs which co-express melanocytic and smooth muscle markers. Although their distinctive histologic, immunohistochemical, ultrastructural, and genetic features have been clearly demonstrated, their histogenesis and normal counterpart remain largely unknown. Precursor lesions of PEComas have rarely been reported. We herein describe a tuberous sclerosis patient with microscopic PEC nodules in the endometrium of adenomyosis, pelvic endometriosis, an ovarian endometriotic cyst, and the endometrium of the uterine cavity. The nodules showed a mixture of spindle-shaped and epithelioid cells concentrically arranged around small arteries. The cells exhibited uniform nuclei, light eosinophilic cytoplasm, and immunoreactivity with HMB-45 and CD10. Some nodules revealed continuity with a PEComa in the myometrium. These findings support microscopic endometrial PEC nodules possibly being precursor lesions of uterine PEComas. The wide distribution of the nodules in the pelvis may be related to the multicentricity of PEComas in tuberous sclerosis patients. Owing to the immunoreactivity with CD10, microscopic endometrial PEC nodules may be misinterpreted as endothelial stromal cells unless melanocytic markers are stained. To the best of our knowledge, this is a case with the earliest manifestation of PEC lesions occurring in the endometrium.

Virtual Slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/9658280017862643
The co-expression of cytokeratin and p63 in epithelioid angiosarcoma of the parotid gland: a diagnostic pitfall
Authors: Lin Xu-Yong , Liu Yang , Zhang Yong , Yu Juan-Han , Wang En-Hua 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Summary
Epithelioid angiosarcoma of the parotid gland is rare, and may pose a great diagnostic challenge. We report a case of primary epithelioid angiosarcoma in a 64-year-old male without history of radiation. The histopathological findings demonstrated a high grade epithelioid neoplasm. Immunostaining showed that the tumor was positive for the pan-cytokeratin, p63, cytokeratin18, Vimentin and vascular markers CD31, and was negative for CD34, cytokeratin5/6, cytokeratin7, cytokeratin20, CD68, CD30, S-100, HMB45, desmin, α–SMA and CD45. The tumor was diagnosed as an epithelioid angiosarcoma. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of angiosarcoma which showed common positivity for cytokeratin and p63. In addition to cytokeratin, p63 is considered a useful marker for carcinoma. The co-expression of cytokeratin and p63 in epithelioid angiosarcoma represents a diagnostic pitfall. Thus, using a panel of antibodies is essential for distinguishing this tumor from poorly differentiated carcinoma.

Virtual Slides
The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/6548916707504750
Recombinant porcine norovirus identified from piglet with diarrhea
Authors: Shen Quan , Zhang Wen , Yang Shixing , Yang Zhibiao , Chen Yan , Cui Li , Zhu Jianguo , Hua Xiuguo 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
Noroviruses (NoVs) are members of the family Caliciviridae and are emerging enteric pathogens of humans and animals. Some porcine NoVs are genetically similar to human strains and are classified into GII, like most epidemic human NoVs. So far, PoNoV have been exclusively detected in fecal samples of adult pig without clinical signs.

Results
Result showed that 2 of the 12 evaluated fecal samples were positive for PoNoVs, one of which was positive for PoNoV alone, and the other was coinfected with porcine circovirus and PoNoV. Phylogenetic and recombination analysis showed that the PoNoV positive alone strain was a recombinant new genotype strain. Experimental infection of miniature pigs with fecal suspensions confirmed that this strain can cause gastroenteritis in piglets.

Conclusion
This is the first report that recombinant new genotype PoNoV exised in pig herd of China, which cause diarrhea in pigs in nature condition. This find raised questions about the putative epidemiologic role of PoNoV.
The epidemiology of Clostridium perfringens type A on Ontario swine farms, with special reference to cpb2-positive isolates
Authors: Chan Gloria , Farzan Abdolvahab , Soltes Glenn , Nicholson Vivian M , Pei Yanlong , Friendship Robert , Prescott John F 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
There is poor understanding of most aspects of Clostridium perfringens type A as a possible cause of neonatal diarrhea in piglets, and the prevalence and types of C. perfringens present on Ontario swine farms is unknown. To study the prevalence of fecal C. perfringens and selected toxin genes, 48 Ontario swine farms were visited between August 2010 and May 2011, and 354 fecal samples were collected from suckling pigs, lactating sows, weanling pigs, grower-finisher pigs, and gestating sows, as well as from manure pits. The fecal samples were cultured quantitatively, and toxin genes were detected by real-time multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results
In mixed multivariable linear analysis, log10
C. perfringens in fecal samples from suckling pigs were higher than that of weanling pigs, grower-finisher pigs, and manure pit samples (P <0.05). In mixed multivariable logistic analysis, the C. perfringens isolates recovered from lactating sows (OR = 0.069, P <0.001), gestating sows (OR = 0.020, P <0.001), grower-finishers (OR = 0.017, P <0.001), and manure pits (OR = 0.11, P <0.001) were less likely to be positive for the consensus beta2 toxin gene cpb2 compared to the isolates from suckling pigs. The prevalence of cpb2 in the isolates recovered from weanlings did not differ significantly from suckling pigs. C. perfringens isolates that were positive for cpb2 were more likely to carry the atypical cpb2 gene (atyp-cpb2) (OR = 19, P <0.001) compared to isolates that were negative for cpb2. Multivariable analysis did not identify farm factors affecting the presence of consensus cpb2 and atyp-cpb2 genes.

Conclusions
This study provides baseline data on the prevalence of C. perfringens and associated toxin genes in healthy pigs at different stages of production on Ontario swine farms. The study suggests that if C. perfringens type A are involved in neonatal enteritis, there may be strains with specific characteristics that cannot be identified by the existing genotyping system.
Mitral valve restoration using the No-React(R) MitroFix™: a novel concept
Authors: Oertel Frank , Golczyk Karl , Pantele Sigrun , Danov Vladimir , Galiñanes Manuel , Beyer Michael 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
Mitral Valve Repair (MVRP) has been shown to be significantly superior to Mitral Valve Replacement (MVR). Since the majority of repairs involve the Posterior Mitral Leaflet (PML) and not the Anterior Mitral Leaflet (AML), the monocuspidalisation of the Mitral Valve (MV) can be achieved with a bio-posterior leaflet that imitates a closed PML. This approach may have the benefit of restoring the competence of the MV without reducing its effective orifice area.

Methods
We have used a new concept and device, the MitroFixTM, to correct MV regurgitation due to pathology of the PML. The device comes with functional sizers both of which have identical shape and size. This allows the surgeon to pre-test the success of the restoration. From December 2006 to October 2011, 51 MitroFixTM devices were implanted at three institutions.

Results
The mean age of the patients (32 males and 19 females) was 67.7 years. 37 of them were in NYHA class III or IV and all patients suffered from severe mitral valve regurgitation (MR). 31 patients underwent combined surgery. Successful implantation of the MitroFix™ device was performed in 51/53 patients.Mean cross-clamp time was 63.6 min (range: 29-118 min). Six patients had additional reconstructive procedures of the AML (chordae transfer, neo-chordae, triangular resection). At discharge, 33 patients showed no MR in the TTE and 17 patients exhibited trivial (I) or moderate (II) MR. The mean gradient was 4.0 mmHg and mean EOA was 2.52cm^2 (range: 1.5-4.0cm2). All patients were classified as being in NYHA class I or II.

Conclusion
The MitroFixTM Mitral Valve Restoration Device is a new concept that offers an effective treatment of MR. The restoration of the mitral valve with the MitroFix™ device offers the advantage of preserving the AML and providing good coaptation with a prosthetic PML. Importantly, this preliminary evaluation indicates a mean effective orifice area ( EOA ) of 2.5cm2 in MV receiving a MitroFix™ device, witch is higher than EOA resulting from MVR or MVRP. The present study has also shown that severe regurgitation due to ischemic/rheumatic MR, endocarditis and complex prolapse of the PML are clear candidates for correction with the MitroFix™. Larger studies and a longer follow up period are needed to validate these promising results.
Clinical characteristics predicting internal neurofibromas in 357 children with neurofibromatosis-1: results from a cross-selectional study
Authors: Sbidian Emilie , Hadj-Rabia Smaïl , Riccardi Vincent M , Valeyrie-Allanore Laurence L , Barbarot Sébastien , Chosidow Olivier , Ferkal Salah , Rodriguez Diana , Wolkenstein Pierre , Bastuji-Garin Sylvie 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Objective
To identify clinical characteristics associated with internal neurofibromas in children with NF1, as a means of ensuring the early identification of patients at high risk for malignant peripheral nerve-sheath tumors developed from preexisting internal neurofibromas.

Patients and methods
We used data from two NF1 populations, in France and North America, respectively. The French database comprised 1083 patients meeting NIH diagnostic criteria for NF1 and the Neurofibromatosis Institute Database of North America comprised 703 patients. Patients younger than 17 years of age were eligible for our study if they had been evaluated for internal neurofibromas using computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging. Clinical characteristics associated with internal neurofibromas by univariate analysis (P ≤ 0.15) were entered into a multiple logistic regression model after checking for potential interactions and confounding. Multiple imputation was used for missing values.

Results
Among the 746 children in the two databases, 357 (48%) met our inclusion criteria. Their mean age was 7.7 ± 5.0 years and there were 192 (53.8%) males. Internal neurofibromas were present in 35 (9.8%) patients. Internal neurofibromas developed earlier in females than in males and their prevalence increased during adolescence. Factors independently associated with internal neurofibromas were age (OR = 1.16 [1.07-1.27]), xanthogranulomas (OR = 5.85 [2.18-15.89]) and presence of both subcutaneous and plexiform neurofibromas (OR = 6.80 [1.52-30.44]).

Conclusions
Several easily recognizable clinical characteristics indicate a high risk of internal neurofibromas in children with NF1 and, therefore, a need for very close monitoring.
Probable disseminated Mycobacterium abscessus subspecies bolletii infection in a patient with idiopathic CD4+ T lymphocytopenia: a case report
Authors: Colomba Claudia , Rubino Raffaella , Di Carlo Paola , Mammina Caterina , Bonura Celestino , Siracusa Lucia , Titone Lucina , Saporito Laura 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Introduction
Rapidly growing mycobacteria are opportunistic pathogens in patients with underlying risk factors. Mycobacterium abscessus subsp. bolletii is a newly recognized member of rapidly growing mycobacteria, isolated from respiratory tract and cutaneous infections.

Case presentation
We describe a case of chronic disseminated infection caused by M. abscessus subsp. bolletii in a 38-year-old Sri Lankan man with idiopathic CD4+ T lymphocytopenia. Idiopathic CD4+ T lymphocytopenia is a rare cause of immunodysfunction that, similar to human immunodeficiency virus infection, causes a depletion of CD4+ T lymphocytes. M. abscessus subsp. bolletii infection was diagnosed by culture isolation from two sputum samples.

Conclusions
To the best of our knowledge this is the first report of M. abscessus subsp. bolletii disseminated infection in a patient affected by idiopathic CD4+ T lymphocytopenia. In contrast to previous reports, the isolate of M. abscessus subsp. bolletii presented intermediate resistance to clarithromycin and was susceptible to cefoxitin and imipenem.
Characterization of telomeric repeats in metaphase chromosomes and interphase nuclei of Syrian Hamster Fibroblasts
Authors: Solovjeva Liudmila V , Demin Sergey Ju , Pleskach Nadezhda M , Kuznetsova Maria O , Svetlova Maria P 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundRodents have been reported to contain large arrays of interstitial telomeric sequences (TTAGGG)n (ITS) located in pericentromeric heterochromatin. The relative sizes of telomeric sequences at the ends of chromosomes (TS) and ITS in Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) cells have not been evaluated yet, as well as their structural organization in interphase nuclei.ResultsFISH signal distribution analysis was performed on DAPI-banded metaphase chromosomes of Syrian hamster fibroblasts, and relative lengths of telomere signals were estimated. Besides well-distinguished FISH signals from ITS located on chromosomes ##2, 4, 14, 20 and X that we reported earlier, low-intensity FISH signals were visualized with different frequency of detection on all other metacentric chromosomes excluding chromosome #21. The analysis of 3D-distribution of TS in interphase nuclei demonstrated that some TS foci formed clearly distinguished associations (2–3 foci in a cluster) in the nuclei of cells subjected to FISH or transfected with the plasmid expressing telomeric protein TRF1 fused with GFP. In G0 and G1/early S-phase, the average total number of GFP-TRF1 foci per nucleus was less than that of PNA FISH foci in the corresponding cell cycle phases suggesting that TRF1 overexpression might contribute to the fusion of neighboring telomeres. The mean total number of GFP-TRF1 and FISH foci per nucleus was increased during the transition from G0 to G1/early S-phase that might be the consequence of duplication of some TS.ConclusionsThe relative lengths of TS in Syrian hamster cells were found to be moderately variable. All but one metacentric chromosomes contain ITS in pericentromeric heterochromatin indicating that significant rearrangements of ancestral genome occurred in evolution. Visualization of GFP-TRF1 fibrils that formed bridges between distinct telomeric foci allowed suggesting that telomere associations observed in interphase cells are reversible. The data obtained in the study provide the further insight in the structure and dynamics of telomeric sequences in somatic mammalian cells.
A comparative study of small RNAs in Toxoplasma gondii of distinct genotypes
Authors: Wang Jielin , Liu Xiaolei , Jia Boyin , Lu Huijun , Peng Shuai , Piao Xianyu , Hou Nan , Cai Pengfei , Yin Jigang , Jiang Ning , Chen Qijun 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background

Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite with a significant impact on human health. Inside the mammalian and avian hosts, the parasite can undergo rapid development or remain inactive in the cysts. The mechanism that regulates parasite proliferation has not been fully understood. Small noncoding RNAs (sncRNA) such as microRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous regulatory factors that can modulate cell differentiation and development. It is anticipated that hundreds of miRNAs regulate the expression of thousands of genes in a single organism. SncRNAs have been identified in T. gondii, however the profiles of sncRNAs expression and their potential regulatory function in parasites of distinct genotypes has largely been unknown.

Methods
The transcription profiles of miRNAs in the two genetically distinct strains, RH and ME49, of T. gondii were investigated and compared by a high-through-put RNA sequencing technique and systematic bioinformatics analysis. The expression of some of the miRNAs was confirmed by Northern blot analysis.

Results
1,083,320 unique sequences were obtained. Of which, 17 conserved miRNAs related to 2 metazoan miRNA families and 339 novel miRNAs were identified. A total of 175 miRNAs showed strain-specific expression, of which 155 miRNAs were up-regulated in RH strain and 20 miRNAs were up-regulated in ME49 strain. Strain-specific expression of miRNAs in T. gondii could be due to activation of specific genes at different genomic loci or due to arm-switching of the same pre-miRNA duplex.

Conclusions
Evidence for the differential expression of miRNAs in the two genetically distinct strains of T. gondii has been identified and defined. MiRNAs of T. gondii are more species-specific as compared to other organisms, which can be developed as diagnostic biomarkers for toxoplasmosis. The data also provide a framework for future studies on RNAi-dependent regulatory mechanisms in the zoonotic parasite.
An update on toxicology of aluminum phosphide
Authors: Moghadamnia Ali Akbar 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAluminum phosphide (AlP) is a cheap solid fumigant and a highly toxic pesticide which is commonly used for grain preservation. In Iran it is known as the “rice tablet”. AlP has currently aroused interest with increasing number of cases in the past four decades due to increased use in agricultural and non-agricultural purposesand also its easy availability in the markets has increased its misuse to commit suicide. Upon contact with moisture in the environment, AlP undergoes a chemical reaction yielding phosphine gas, which is the active pesticidal component. Phosphine inhibits cellular oxygen utilization and can induce lipid peroxidation. It was reported that AlP has a mortality rate more than 50% of intoxication cases. Poisoning with AlP has usually occurred in attempts to suicide. It is a more common case in adults rather than teen agers. In some eastern countries it is a very common agent with rapid action for suicide. Up to date, there is no effective antidote or treatment for its intoxication. Also, some experimental results suggest that magnesium sulfate, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), glutathione, vitamin C and E, beta-carotenes, coconut oil and melatonin may play an important role in reducing the oxidative outcomes of phosphine. This article reviews the experimental and clinical features of AlP intoxication and tries to suggest a way to encounter its poisoning.
Artificial pigmentation and flesh quality in red porgy (Pagrus pagrus)
Authors: Manganaro Antonio , Sanfilippo Marilena , Fortino Gianluca , Daprà Franco , Palmegiano Giovanni Battista , Gai Francesco , Lembo Elvira , Reale Alessandra , Ziino Marisa 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Red porgy (Pagrus pagrus) is a highly valued species of increasing interest for the Mediterranean aquaculture, characterized by a natural red-pink skin coloration, which acquires a gray color under culture conditions. This study was carried out in order to define new diets to modify the pigmentation variability of the red porgy skin. Six thousand red porgy juveniles (29.21 ± 6.39 g) were randomly distributed in three tanks with a volume of 55 m3 each and fed for 8 months with three extruded diets supplemented with graded levels of synthetic carotenoids (GFP0, GFP30, and GFP60). Color, carotenoid content, fatty acid composition of fish skin, chemical and fatty acid composition of fish flesh, and digestive enzymes and histological analysis of the intestine and liver of the fish were determined. The results showed that the supplementation of the synthetic carotenoids affected significantly the skin color indexes with the higher values of redness, yellowness, and chroma recorded in the fish fed with the GFP60 diet, while the other parameters investigated were unaffected except the intestinal protease activities of the GFP60 group, which had lower results. The present study showed encouraging results for developing a new research, but they are not satisfying to the application of this carotenoid supplement feed for this species in production farming.