bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic therapy in the treatment of caustic esophageal stricture: A retrospective case series study
Authors: Zhang Cuiling , Zhou Xiaoying , Yu Lianzhen , Ding Jing , Shi Ruihua 
Published: December 2012

BackgroundEndoscopic procedures, such as balloon/bougie dilation and stent implantation, have gained increasing potential as the treatment of corrosive esophageal stricture. The purpose of the present retrospective case series study was to assess clinical outcomes of endoscopic therapy of esophageal strictures after caustic injury.Patients and MethodsBetween January 2003 and December 2009, 13 admitted patients that developed esophageal stricture after caustic agent ingestion underwent endoscopic therapy at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. Data such as age, gender, caustic agents, site of burn, type of treatment, effectiveness and outcome of endoscopic therapy were recorded.ResultsThe average follow up was 39 months with a range of 29–70 months. Successful endoscopic therapy was achieved in 12 of 13 patients (92%). Duration of stricture resolution was between 4 and 48 months (mean, 15 months). Among them, seven patients required dilations only, whereas the other five patients received both dilations and stent implantation. There were no severe complications in these patients.ConclusionsThese data suggest that endoscopic therapy is feasible, less invasive and effective for the management of caustic esophageal stricture. After repeat dilation and stenting, patients can achieve stricture resolution in approximately 15 months and avoid surgery.
Microparticle‐associated tissue factor activity in patients with pancreatic cancer: correlation with clinicopathological features
Authors: Thaler Johannes , Ay Cihan , Mackman Nigel , Metz‐Schimmerl Sylvia , Stift Judith , Kaider Alexandra , Müllauer Leonhard , Gnant Michael , Scheithauer Werner , Pabinger Ingrid 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundPatients with pancreatic cancer have an unfavourable prognosis. A central role in pancreatic cancer progression has been suggested for tissue factor (TF), the main initiator of the blood coagulation cascade. We hypothesized that elevated levels of plasma microparticle (MP)‐associated TF activity might indicate the presence of poorly differentiated pancreatic cancer, disease dissemination and infiltration of peripancreatic vessels.MethodsMP‐TF activity was measured in 73 pancreatic cancer patients and 22 healthy controls. Abdominal computerized tomography (CT) scans performed at study inclusion were investigated for probability of tumoural vascular invasion. In addition, intratumoural TF expression, D‐dimer and CA 19‐9 levels were determined.ResultsMP‐TF activity (pg/mL) was significantly higher in patients (median: 0·37 [range: 0·00–11·91]) than in controls (median: 0·05 [range: 0·00–0·76]; P < 0·001). When pancreatic cancer patients were compared with regard to stage and grade, significantly elevated levels of MP‐TF activity were only present in those with poorly differentiated metastatic nonresectable tumours (n = 11, median: 2·95 [range: 0·25–11·91]). In three patients with poorly differentiated tumours, a high probability of vascular invasion was found (MP‐TF activity in these cases: 2·95, 7·00 and 10·34). MP‐TF activity correlated strongly with CA 19‐9 (r = 0·60) and weakly with D‐dimer (r = 0·33) levels. Immunohistochemical staining for TF was positive in 14 of 15 resected tumours. MP‐TF activity was associated with an increased risk of mortality (HR: 1·8 per doubling in MP‐TF activity, [95% CI: 1·4–2·4, P < 0·001]).ConclusionMP‐TF activity might represent a biomarker for a poorly differentiated and invasive pancreatic cancer phenotype and poor survival.
Gaze is driven by an internal goal trajectory in a visuomotor task
Authors: Tramper J. J. , Lamont A. , Flanders M. , Gielen S. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractWhen we make hand movements to visual targets, gaze usually leads hand position by a series of saccades to task‐relevant locations. Recent research suggests that the slow smooth pursuit eye movement system may interact with the saccadic system in complex tasks, suggesting that the smooth pursuit system can receive non‐retinal input. We hypothesise that a combination of saccades and smooth pursuit guides the hand movements towards a goal in a complex environment, using an internal representation of future trajectories as input to the visuomotor system. This would imply that smooth pursuit leads hand position, which is remarkable, as the general idea is that smooth pursuit is driven by retinal slip. To test this hypothesis, we designed a video‐game task in which human subjects used their thumbs to move two cursors to a common goal position while avoiding stationary obstacles. We found that gaze led the cursors by a series of saccades interleaved with ocular fixation or pursuit. Smooth pursuit was correlated with neither cursor position nor cursor velocity. We conclude that a combination of fast and slow eye movements, driven by an internal goal instead of a retinal goal, led the cursor movements, and that both saccades and pursuit are driven by an internal representation of future trajectories of the hand. The lead distance of gaze relative to the hand may reflect a compromise between exploring future hand (cursor) paths and verifying that the cursors move along the desired paths.
First report of chromosomes of the parasitoid wasp Trissolcus basalis (Wollaston) (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae: Telenominae)
Authors: Fusu Lucian , Bin Ferdinando , Popovici Ovidiu Alin 
Published: December 2012

AbstractHere we present the first data on the chromosome complement of Trissolcus basalis gathered in conjunction with the ongoing whole genome sequencing efforts for this species. The cytogenetic investigation revealed a diploid karyotype with 20 chromosomes, comprising one pair of large metacentrics and nine pairs of acrocentrics that gradually decrease in length.
Breaking the Social–Non‐social Dichotomy: A Role for Reptiles in Vertebrate Social Behavior Research?
Authors: Doody J. Sean , Burghardt Gordon M. , Dinets Vladimir 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAlthough social behavior in vertebrates spans a continuum from solitary to highly social, taxa are often dichotomized as either ‘social’ or ‘non‐social’. We argue that this social dichotomy is overly simplistic, neglects the diversity of vertebrate social systems, impedes our understanding of the evolution of social behavior, and perpetuates the erroneous belief that one group—the reptiles—is primarily ‘non‐social’. This perspective essay highlights the diversity and complexity of reptile social systems, briefly reviews reasons for their historical neglect in research, and indicates how reptiles can contribute to our understanding of the evolution of vertebrate social behavior. Although a robust review of social behavior across vertebrates is lacking, the repeated evolution of social systems in multiple independent lineages enables investigation of the factors that promote shifts in vertebrate social behavior and the paraphyly of reptiles reinforces the need to understand reptile social behavior.
A peptide derived from the C‐terminus of PB1 inhibits influenza virus replication by interfering with viral polymerase assembly
Authors: Li Chunfeng , Ba Qi , Wu Aiping , Zhang Hong , Deng Tao , Jiang Taijiao 
Published: December 2012

Efficient assembly of the influenza virus RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase, a heterotrimeric complex formed by three subunits (PA, PB1 and PB2) is critical for virus replication and pathogenicity. Therefore, interfering with the assembly of the RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase complex could offer novel and effective anti‐influenza therapeutics. In the present study, we show that a short peptide derived from amino acids 731–757 of PB1 (PB1731–757) can disrupt the interaction between the C‐terminal part of PB1 (denoted as PB1c corresponding to PB1676–757) and the N‐terminal part of PB2 (denoted as PB2n corresponding to PB21–40). We further show that PB1731–757 is capable of inhibiting viral polymerase activity and viral replication. Interestingly, we find that PB1731–757 interacts with PB1c rather than PB2n. Furthermore, mutational analyses show that the hydrophobic sites of PB1c play an essential role in the PB1c–PB1731–757 interaction. The characterization of the inhibitory effect of PB1731–757 on viral polymerase activity and viral replication could offer a potential target for anti‐influenza drug development.Structured digital abstract

PB2n physically interacts with PB1c by pull down (View interaction)

PB2n and PB1c physically interact by bimolecular fluorescence complementation (View interaction)

PB1 (731-757) physically interacts with PB1c by pull down (View interaction)

PB1 (731-757) and PB1c physically interact by bimolecular fluorescence complementation (View Interaction: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

[Structured digital abstract was added on 11 February 2013 after original online publication]
Ethical problems in geriatrics: Views of Turkish primary healthcare professionals
Authors: Kadıoğlu Funda Gülay , Can Rana , Nazik Sadık , Kadıoğlu Selim 
Published: December 2012

AimPrimary healthcare professionals frequently encounter ethical issues in the care of older adults. These issues might particularly appear in the context of “age discrimination”, “respect for autonomy”, “respect for privacy” and “decision‐making competency”. The aims of this study were to determine the frequency rates of various geriatric ethical problems and to evaluate the importance given to these problems in primary healthcare.MethodsIn order to evaluate the opinions, a questionnaire tool was formulated. The participants were asked to review the list of geriatric ethical issues, to state the frequency of encountering them and to identify the importance ratings for each issue. The sample consisted of 86 primary healthcare professionals (50 physicians and 36 nurses) aged between 24 and 50 years.ResultsBased on the results, the most frequently encountered ethical issues were on “decision‐making competency” and these issues respectively were “decision‐making with relatives instead of elder patients”, “not informing elders due to the lack of tolerance” and “not informing elders due to the lack of comprehending”. The most important geriatric ethical issues were “ignoring respect for privacy”, “ignoring patient's complaints” and “rejecting detailed examination or treatment because of age”.ConclusionOverall, the results show that the nurses and physicians in primary healthcare frequently encounter geriatric ethical problems related to the decision‐making process, which is a common issue for Turkey as a paternalistic society. The findings show that primary healthcare professionals are sensitive to geriatric ethical issues; however, this sensitivity does not prevent the emergence of these issues. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; 13: 1059–1068.
Association of spinal inclination with physical performance measures among community‐dwelling Japanese women aged 40 years and older
Authors: Abe Yasuyo , Aoyagi Kiyoshi , Tsurumoto Tadao , Chen Chih‐Yu , Kanagae Mitsuo , Mizukami Satoshi , Ye Zhaojia , Kusano Yosuke 
Published: December 2012

AimSpinal inclination assesses spinal posture as a whole. However, the association between spinal inclination and physical performance has not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the association of spinal inclination with physical performance measures.MethodsThe participants were 107 Japanese women aged 40–84 years. Spinal posture was assessed as inclination to a perpendicular line by using a computer‐assisted device. Increased inclination value means forward inclination of the spine. Physical performance was measured by using the following methods: 6‐m walking time, chair stand time, functional reach, Timed Up & Go Test, and grip strength. Information on participants' comorbidities, osteoporosis, knee joint pain, back pain, falls in the previous year, regular exercise and usage of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), was also collected.ResultsPearson's correlation analysis showed significant associations between spinal inclination and all of the physical performance measures. Pearson's partial correlation analysis adjusted for age showed significant associations of increased inclination with poor physical functioning in 6‐m walking time, chair stand time, functional reach, and Timed Up & Go Test, but not in grip strength. Linear regression analysis adjusted for age, grip strength, number of comorbidities, osteoporosis, knee joint pain, back pain, falls in previous year, regular activity and taking NSAIDs showed that spinal inclination was associated with poor function in 6‐m walking time, chair stand time, functional reach and Timed Up & Go Test.ConclusionForward spinal inclination was associated with impairment in various physical performance measures. Proper prevention and treatment of underlying disorders should be prompted. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; 13: 881–886.
Measuring illuminance and investigating methods for its quantification among elderly people living at home in Japan to study the relationship between illuminance and physical and mental health
Authors: Ichimori Akie , Tsukasaki Keiko , Koyama Emi 
Published: December 2012

AimTo measure illuminance in the home lives of elderly people to clarify the current state of affairs and concurrently investigate quantification methods for this purpose.MethodsIlluminance and the physical and mental health of 24 elderly people living, with some assistance, in their homes in a prefecture in the Hokuriku region were studied over 3 days. Illuminance was quantified in accordance with the rotation of the earth, with day and night defined according to times of sunrise/sunset. Daytime mean illuminance and mean time exposed to seven levels of illuminance between 50 and 1000 lx during the day were calculated. Physical and mental health were assessed through interviews using the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale, the Short‐Form 36‐Item Health Survey version 2, the Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale and the Geriatric Depression Scale‐Short Form. Analysis of the correlation between illuminance and scores on mental and physical health was carried out.ResultsThe mean score for daytime illuminance was 687 lx. The mean time for daytime exposure to light above 400 lx was 59 min. A significant positive correlation was found between daytime mean illuminance, time exposed to light over 400 lx and life satisfaction. A significant negative correlation was found between time exposed to light over 400 lx and depression scores.ConclusionsFindings uncovered for the first time the actual illumination experienced by frail elderly individuals living at home in Japan. The quantification of illuminance is important, because research has shown a relationship between mental health and illuminance exposure. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 798–806.
Cosmopolitan communities of climate risk: conceptual and empirical suggestions for a new research agenda
Authors: BECK ULRICH , BLOK ANDERS , TYFIELD DAVID , ZHANG JOY YUEYUE 
Published: December 2012

AbstractMitigating human‐induced climate change calls for a globalized change of consciousness and practice. These global challenges also demand a double transformation of the social sciences – first, from ‘methodological nationalism’ to ‘methodological cosmopolitanism’ and, second, an empirical reorientation towards ‘cosmopolitization’ as the social force of emerging cosmopolitan realities. One of these realities is the possible emergence, locally and globally, of ‘cosmopolitan communities of climate risk’ in response to a ‘world at risk’. A key research question for contemporary social science is thus: how and where are new cosmopolitan communities of climate risk being imagined and realized? In this article, we propose and explore a research agenda formulated around this key question. We both develop a theoretical perspective and provide short empirical illustrations of case studies regarding ongoing research in Europe and East Asia on such cosmopolitan climate risk communities.
Selective accumulation of platinum and formation of platinum–DNA adducts in hepatocellular carcinoma after transarterial chemoembolization with miriplatin
Authors: Yasui Kohichiroh , Takashima Hidetaka , Miyagawa Masami , Miyazawa Kazuhiro , Ochiai Toshiya , Mukaisho Ken‐ichi , Amaike Hisashi , Ueda Kazushige , Morikawa Junichiro , Otsuji Eigo , Yoshikawa Toshikazu 
Published: December 2012

AimMiriplatin, a lipophilic platinum complex, is a novel intra‐arterial chemotherapeutic agent for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Little is known about platinum–DNA adduct levels in human HCC after administration of platinum‐based drugs. We investigated whether miriplatin selectively accumulates and forms platinum–DNA adducts in human HCC tumors.MethodsUsing inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, we determined the platinum concentrations and platinum–DNA adduct levels in paired HCC tumors and non‐tumor liver tissues of four patients who received transcatheter arterial chemoembolization with miriplatin and subsequently underwent hepatic resection.ResultsThe mean (± standard deviation) platinum concentrations were 730 ± 350 μg/g (range, 400–1100) in HCC tumors and 16 ± 9.2 μg/g (range, 9.2–29) in non‐tumor liver tissues. The concentrations were approximately 50‐fold higher in HCC tumors than in non‐tumor liver tissues. The mean platinum–DNA adduct levels were 54 ± 16 pg Pt/μg DNA (range, 37–69) in HCC tumors and 13 ± 13 pg Pt/μg DNA (range, 4.8–33) in non‐tumor liver tissues. The adduct levels were roughly 7.6‐fold higher in HCC tumors than in non‐tumor liver tissues. There were no significant correlations between platinum concentrations and platinum–DNA adduct levels in HCC tumors.ConclusionOur results quantitatively demonstrate that there is a selective accumulation of platinum and formation of platinum–DNA adducts in human HCC tumors after transarterial chemoembolization with miriplatin. No correlation was observed between platinum concentrations and platinum–DNA adduct levels.
In vivo barrier challenge and long‐term recovery in human facial skin
Authors: Gorcea Mihaela , Hadgraft Jonathan , Lane Majella E. , Moore David J. 
Published: December 2012

SynopsisRecently, we developed a biophysical approach to characterize in vivo facial cheek skin as a function of stratum corneum (SC) depth, barrier function and during a 24‐h recovery period. The current study extends this work and characterizes the human facial cheek after barrier challenge and, for the first time, facial SC barrier recovery over a 4‐week period. Changes in the corneocyte size over the 4‐week recovery period, and correlations with changes in Trans‐Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL) were monitored. This approach allows complete characterization of SC barrier function after a full biological regeneration of the SC barrier following tape stripping. The structural and compositional changes in facial cheek were investigated using Attenuated Total Reflectance‐Fourier Transform Infra Red (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy, tape stripping, TEWL measurements and image analysis combined with optical microscopy to characterize the SC depth profile during the tape stripping stress and over 4‐week recovery period. TEWL increased significantly from baseline after sequential tape stripping. Corneocyte size decreased with successive tape stripping. An inverse direct correlation was determined between TEWL and corneocyte surface area. After 4 weeks, the corneocyte size and TEWL for the facial cheek recovered 100% from the tape stripping procedure. The in vivo ATR‐FTIR data demonstrated that lipid and sebum components on the surface of the facial cheek SC recovered within 24 h post tape stripping, whereas protein (Amide II) and water components recovered after 1 week.
16th IHIW: International Histocompatibility Working Group in Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation
Authors: Petersdorf E. W. , Malkki M. , Hsu K. , Bardy P. , Cesbron A. , Dickinson A. , Dubois V. , Fleischhauer K. , Kawase T. , Madrigal A. , Morishima Y. , Shaw B. , Spellman S. , Spierings E. , Stern M. , Tiercy J.‐M. , Velardi A. , Gooley T. ,   The International Histocompatibility Working Group in Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation
Published: December 2012

SummaryThe International Histocompatibility Working Group is a collaborative international effort to understand the HLA and non‐HLA genetics of the transplantation barrier. The Working Group is comprised of experts in the fields of histocompatibility and immunogenetics, hematopoietic cell transplantation and outcomes research. Data for 25 855 unrelated donor transplants were submitted in support of research studies for the 16th International Histocompatibility Workshop. Active investigation is in progress in seven key areas: the impact of HLA matching, role of race and ethnicity, identification of permissible HLA mismatches, haplotype‐associated determinants, minor histocompatibility antigens, immune response genes and KIR genetics. New hypotheses for the 16th workshop were developed for immunogenetic studies in cord blood and haploidentical‐related donor transplantation.
Evidence of a conserved functional role forDNAmethylation in termites
Authors: Glastad K. M. , Hunt B. G. , Goodisman M. A. D. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractMany organisms are capable of developing distinct phenotypes from the same genotype. This developmental plasticity is particularly prevalent in insects, which can produce alternate adaptive forms in response to distinct environmental cues. The ability to develop divergent phenotypes from the same genotype often relies on epigenetic information, which affects gene function and is transmitted through cell divisions. One of the most important epigenetic marks,DNAmethylation, has been lost in several insect lineages, yet its taxonomic distribution and functional conservation remain uninvestigated in many taxa. In the present study, we demonstrate that the signature of high levels ofDNAmethylation exists in the expressed genes of two termites,Reticulitermes flavipesandCoptotermes formosanus. Further, we show thatDNAmethylation is preferentially targeted to genes with ubiquitous expression among morphs. Functional associations ofDNAmethylation are also similar to those observed in other invertebrate taxa with functionalDNAmethylation systems. Finally, we demonstrate an association betweenDNAmethylation and the long‐term evolutionary conservation of genes. Overall, our findings strongly suggestDNAmethylation is present at particularly high levels in termites and may play similar roles to those found in other insects.