bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of oxidative stress via total antioxidant status, sialic acid, malondialdehyde and RT‐PCR findings in sheep affected with bluetongue
Authors: Aytekin I. , Aksit H. , Sait A. , Kaya F. , Aksit D. , Gokmen M. , Baca A. Unsal 
Published: June 2015

IntroductionBluetongue (BT) is a non‐contagious infectious disease of ruminants. The disease agent bluetongue virus (BTV) is classified in the Reoviridae family Orbivirus.Aims and objectivesThe aim of this study was to determine serum malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidative stres (TAS), total sialic acid (TSA), ceruloplasmin, triglyceride, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ‐glutamyltransferase (GGT), cholesterol, creatinine, albumin, and total protein levels in sheep with and without bluetongue (BT).Materials and MethodsThe study included 13 Sakiz crossbreed sheep, aged 1–4 years and usually in the last stage of pregnancy, as the BT group and a control group consisting of 10 healthy sheep. All sheep were clinically examined before collecting blood samples. Serum ALT, AST, cholesterol, triglyceride, albumin, GGT, total protein, creatinine and TAS levels were measured using commercially available kits as per manufacturer's recommendations using a Biochemistry Auto Analyzer (Sinnowa D280, China). Serum lipid peroxidation was estimated through a previously described method in which MDA reacts with thiobarbituric acid (TBA) to form a coloured complex at a maximum absorbance of 535 nm. The TSA value was measured at 549 nm using the method described by Warren (1959): sialic acid was oxidised to formyl‐pyruvic acid, which reacts with TBA to form a pink product. The ceruloplasmin concentration was measured according to Sunderman and Nomoto (1970): ceruloplasmin and p‐phenylenediamine formed a coloured oxidation product that was proportional to the concentration of serum ceruloplasmin. Real time RT‐PCR and conventional RT‐PCR were performed as described by Shaw and others (2007).ResultsBiochemistry analysis of serum showed that in the BT group, TSA, MDA, triglyceride and ALT and AST were higher and that ceruloplasmin and TAS were lower than in the control group. Serum albumin, cholesterol, creatinine, total protein and GGT did not differ significantly between the two groups.ConclusionsSerum triglyceride, ceruloplasmin, TSA, MDA and TAS concentrations may prove beneficial to the diagnosis, prognosis and biochemical analysis of BT.
VolcFlow capabilities and potential development for the simulation of lava flows
Authors: Kelfoun Karim , Vargas Silvia Vallejo 
Published: June 2015

Abstract

VolcFlow is a finite-difference Eulerian code based on the depth-averaged approach and developed for the simulation of isothermal geophysical flows. Its capability for reproducing lava flows is tested here for the first time. The field example chosen is the 2010 lava flow of Tungurahua volcano (Ecuador), the emplacement of which is tracked by projecting thermal images onto a georeferenced digital topography. Results show that, at least for this case study, the isothermal approach of VolcFlow is able to simulate the velocity of the lava through time, as well as the extent of the solidified lava. However, the good fit between the modelled and the natural flow may be explained by the short emplacement time (
c.
20 h) of a thick lava (
c.
5 m), which could limit the influence of cooling on the flow dynamics, thus favouring the use of an isothermal rheology.
Contribution of the Neighborhood Environment and Obesity to Breast Cancer Survival: The California Breast Cancer Survivorship Consortium
Authors: Cheng Iona , Shariff-Marco Salma , Koo Jocelyn , Monroe Kristine R. , Yang Juan , John Esther M. , Kurian Allison W. , Kwan Marilyn L. , Henderson Brian E. , Bernstein Leslie , Lu Yani , Sposto Richard , Vigen Cheryl , Wu Anna H. , Gomez Scarlett Lin , Keegan Theresa H.M. 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Little is known about neighborhood attributes that may influence opportunities for healthy eating and physical activity in relation to breast cancer mortality. We used data from the California Breast Cancer Survivorship Consortium and the California Neighborhoods Data System (CNDS) to examine the neighborhood environment, body mass index, and mortality after breast cancer. We studied 8,995 African American, Asian American, Latina, and non-Latina white women with breast cancer. Residential addresses were linked to the CNDS to characterize neighborhoods. We used multinomial logistic regression to evaluate the associations between neighborhood factors and obesity and Cox proportional hazards regression to examine associations between neighborhood factors and mortality. For Latinas, obesity was associated with more neighborhood crowding [quartile 4 (Q4) vs. Q1: OR, 3.24; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.50–7.00]; breast cancer–specific mortality was inversely associated with neighborhood businesses (Q4 vs. Q1: HR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.25–0.85) and positively associated with multifamily housing (Q3 vs. Q1: HR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.20–3.26). For non-Latina whites, lower neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES) was associated with obesity [quintile 1 (Q1) vs. Q5: OR, 2.52; 95% CI, 1.31–4.84], breast cancer–specific (Q1 vs. Q5: HR, 2.75; 95% CI, 1.47–5.12), and all-cause (Q1 vs. Q5: HR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.17–2.62) mortality. For Asian Americans, no associations were seen. For African Americans, lower neighborhood SES was associated with lower mortality in a nonlinear fashion. Attributes of the neighborhood environment were associated with obesity and mortality following breast cancer diagnosis, but these associations differed across racial/ethnic groups. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(8); 1282–90. ©2015 AACR.
Correspondence between Pigmented Lesions Identified by Melanoma Patients Trained to Perform Partner-Assisted Skin Self-Examination and Dermatological Examination
Authors: Stapleton Jerod L. , Turrisi Rob , Mallett Kimberly A. , Robinson June K. 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Background: Skin self-examination (SSE) training interventions can increase understanding of melanoma early detection criteria and promote SSE. However, there remains a need to evaluate whether intervention participants can apply such early detection skills to accurately identify concerning, or potentially malignant, pigmented lesions during full body SSE.
Methods: We assessed SSE accuracy using data from a randomized control trial of a SSE skills training intervention designed to promote partner-assisted SSE among melanoma patients. In the trial, patient–partner pairs were administered the training intervention and performed monthly SSE to identify, evaluate, and track concerning pigmented skin lesions. Patients received a total body skin examination by a dermatologist approximately 4-months postintervention. SSE accuracy was assessed as the correspondence between the specific concerning pigmented lesions identified by 274 study pairs during SSE with those identified during dermatological examination. We also examined whether lesions that were biopsied during the study were identified prior to biopsy during SSE.
Results: Approximately three in four of the concerning lesions identified by pairs during SSE were also identified during the dermatological exam. There were 81 biopsies performed during the study and pairs had identified 73% of the corresponding lesions during SSE. Of the five melanoma detected, three were identified during SSE.
Conclusion: Melanoma patients and partner taught to do SSE using an evidence-based program developed a high degree of correspondence with the study dermatologist in identifying concerning lesions.
Impact: This study provides novel evidence that supports the accuracy of full-body SSE for the patient identification of concerning lesions. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(8); 1247–53. ©2015 AACR.
The influence of low-grade inflammation on platelets in patients with stable coronary artery disease
Authors: Larsen Sanne Bøjet , Grove Erik Lerkevang , Würtz Morten , Neergaard-Petersen Søs , Hvas Anne-Mette , Kristensen Steen Dalby 
Published: June 2015

SummaryInflammation is likely to be involved in all stages of atherosclerosis. Numerous inflammatory biomarkers are currently being studied, and even subtle increases in inflammatory biomarkers have been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Low-grade inflammation may influence both platelet production and platelet activation potentially leading to enhanced platelet aggregation. Thrombopoietin is considered the primary regulator of platelet production, but it likely acts in conjunction with numerous cytokines, of which many have altered levels in CAD. Previous studies have shown that high-sensitive C-reactive protein (CRP) independently predicts increased platelet aggregation in stable CAD patients. Increased levels of CRP, fibrinogen, interleukin-6, stromal cell-derived factor-1, CXC motif ligand 16, macrophage migration inhibitory factor, RANTES, calprotectin, and copeptin have been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events in CAD patients. Additionally, some of these inflammatory markers have been associated with enhanced platelet activation and aggregation. However, CRP and other inflammatory markers provide only limited additional predictive value to classical risk factors such as smoking, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Existing data do not clarify whether inflammation simply accompanies CAD and increased production and aggregation of platelets, or whether a causal relationship exists. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of inflammatory markers in stable CAD with particular emphasis on platelet production, activation, and aggregation in CAD patients.
Gene polymorphisms as risk factors for predicting the cardiovascular manifestations in Marfan syndrome
Authors: Ágg Bence , Mátyás Gábor , Szokolai Viola , Harsányi Gergely , Szilveszter Bálint , Odler Balázs , Pólos Miklós , Maurovich-Horvat Pál , Radovits Tamás , Merkely Béla , Benke Kálmán , Nagy Zsolt , Szabolcs Zoltán 
Published: June 2015

SummaryFolic acid metabolism enzyme polymorphisms are believed to be responsible for the elevation of homocysteine (HCY) concentration in the blood plasma, correlating with the pathogenesis of aortic aneurysms and aortic dissection. We studied 71 Marfan patients divided into groups based on the severity of cardiovascular involvement: no intervention required (n=27, Group A); mild involvement requiring intervention (n=17, Group B); severe involvement (n=27, Group C) subdivided into aortic dilatation (n=14, Group C1) and aortic dissection (n=13, Group C2), as well as 117 control subjects. We evaluated HCY, folate, vitamin B12 and the polymorphisms of methylenetetrahydrofo-late reductase (MTHFR;c.665C>T and c.1286A>C), methionine synthase (MTR;c.2756A>G) and methionine synthase reductase (MTRR;c.66A>G). Multiple comparisons showed significantly higher levels of HCY in Group C2 compared to Groups A, B, C1 and control group (p< 0.0001, p< 0.0001, p=0.001 and p=0.003, respectively). Fo-late was lower in Group C2 than in Groups A, B, C1 and control subjects (p< 0.0001, p=0.02, p< 0.0001 and p< 0.0001, respectively). Group C2 had the highest prevalence of homozygotes for all four gene polymorphisms. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that HCY plasma level was an independent risk factor for severe cardiovascular involvement (Group C; odds ratio [OR] 1.85, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.28–2.67, p=0.001) as well as for aortic dissection (Group C2; OR 2.49, 95 %CI 1.30–4.78, p=0.006). In conclusion, severe cardiovascular involvement in Marfan patients, and especially aortic dissection, is associated with higher HCY plasma levels and prevalence of homozygous genotypes of folic acid metabolism enzymes than mild or no cardiovascular involvement. These results suggest that impaired folic acid metabolism has an important role in the development and remodelling of the extracellular matrix of the aorta.
Revision of the New World cycad weevils of the subtribe Allocorynina, with description of two new genera and three new subgenera (Coleoptera: Belidae: Oxycoryninae)
Authors: O’BRIEN CHARLES W. , TANG WILLIAM 
Published: June 2015

The taxonomy of the weevils inhabiting male cycad cones in the New World is reviewed. All species belong in a single subtribe, Allocorynina, of the family Belidae, subfamily Oxycoryninae and tribe Oxycorynini and are known to develop only in cones of the cycad genera Dioon and Zamia. Most species of Rhopalotria Chevrolat develop in male cones of Zamia ranging from Mexico, Belize, the Caribbean (Cuba, Isle of Youth, Cayman Islands, Jamaica and the Bahamas) to southern Florida, and one species in those of Dioon spinulosum in Mexico. Rhopalotria consists of three previously described species, two previously described genus-group names (treated herein as subgenera) and four new species described herein: subgenus Allocorynus Sharp with R. calonjei n. sp., R. furfuracea n. sp., R. mollis (Sharp) and R. vovidesi n. sp., and the nominate subgenus Rhopalotria with R. dimidiata Chevrolat, R. meerowi n. sp. and R. slossoni (Schaeffer). The species of Parallocorynus Voss develop only in cones of Dioon in Mexico, and the genus consists of one previously described species, the nominate subgenus and three new subgenera and 11 new species described herein: subgenus Dysicorynus n. subg. with P. andrewsi n. sp. and P. sonorensis n. sp., subgenus Eocorynus n. subg. with P. chemnicki n. sp. and P. schiblii n. sp., subgenus Neocorynus n. subg. with P. iglesiasi n. sp. and P. inexpectatus n. sp., and the nominate subgenus Parallocorynus with P. bicolor (Voss), P. gregoryi n. sp., P. jonesi n. sp., P. norstogi n. sp., P. perezfarrerai n. sp. and P. salasae n. sp. Two new genera are described, Protocorynus with one new species in Honduras, P. bontai, and Notorhopalotria with four new species ranging from Costa Rica to Colombia, N. montgomeryensis, N. panamensis, N. platysoma and N. taylori. Keys to genera, subgenera and species are provided. All of these weevils are believed to be involved in pollination of their host cycads.
A Statistical Model for the Uncertainty Analysis of Satellite Precipitation Products
Authors: Sarachi Sepideh , Hsu Kuo-lin , Sorooshian Soroosh 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Earth-observing satellites provide a method to measure precipitation from space with good spatial and temporal coverage, but these estimates have a high degree of uncertainty associated with them. Understanding and quantifying the uncertainty of the satellite estimates can be very beneficial when using these precipitation products in hydrological applications. In this study, the generalized normal distribution (GND) model is used to model the uncertainty of the Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information Using Artificial Neural Networks (PERSIANN) precipitation product. The stage IV Multisensor Precipitation Estimator (radar-based product) was used as the reference measurement. The distribution parameters of the GND model are further extended across various rainfall rates and spatial and temporal resolutions. The GND model is calibrated for an area of 5° × 5° over the southeastern United States for both summer and winter seasons from 2004 to 2009. The GND model is used to represent the joint probability distribution of satellite (PERSIANN) and radar (stage IV) rainfall. The method is further investigated for the period of 2006–08 over the Illinois watershed south of Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Results show that, using the proposed method, the estimation of the precipitation is improved in terms of percent bias and root-mean-square error.
Differentiation between Contained and Noncontained Lumbar Disk Hernias by CT and MR Imaging
Authors: Dullerud R. , Johansen J. G. , Johnsen U. L.-H. , Magnæs B. 
Published: June 2015

Aims: The investigation was carried out in order to compare the accuracy of CT and MR imaging in depicting whether disk hernias were contained by the posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL). This is crucial in the evaluation of patients who are possible candidates for percutaneous nucleotomy, which is considered effective only in contained hernias. Results: Of 124 pathologic disks examined in 114 patients, CT was more accurate than MR imaging in 7 patients due to misinterpretation of the integrity of the PLL by MR. These hernias were therefore erroneously classified as noncontained. There was consistency between the classification by CT and MR imaging in the other 117 disks, of which 109 were correct. Both methods overstaged a large hernia that was contained by the PLL, and failed to demonstrate that 7 others were noncontained. Conclusions: CT, which has higher sensitivity in depicting calcifications, representing further contraindications to percutaneous nucleotomy, is therefore recommended as the primary examination in these patients. Additional MR imaging should be considered if the results of CT are equivocal or at variance with the clinical presentation.
CT-Diskography in Patients with Sciatica
Authors: Dullerud R. , Johansen J. G. 
Published: June 2015

Aims: The findings at CT-diskography (CT-D), including recording of the pain introduced at contrast injection, were compared with plain CT and MR imaging in 111 disks in 101 patients aged 18 to 68 years. Results: Six disks which were normal at CT had normal CT-D and 5 of them had normal signal on MR imaging. The degree of annular degeneration and the depth of the annular tears were significantly associated with each other and with loss of disk height, but not with size or location of the hernias. Only the depth of the tears was significantly associated with loss of signal on MR. However, frequently complete annular tears and severe annular degeneration were seen in association with small bulges and hernias, even in disks with normal or slightly reduced signal on MR and with normal height. The type and intensity of the pain introduced were associated with each other and with the depth of the annular tears, but not with the degree of annular degeneration, size of the hernia or the MR signal intensity of the disks. Conclusions: Annular degeneration and tears on one hand, and the type and intensity of pain introduced on the other, seem to be related rather than separate phenomena.
Radiation Dose Reduction in Computed Skeletal Radiography
Authors: Jónsson Á. , Herrlin K. , Jonsson K. , Lundin B. , Sanfridsson J. , Pettersson H. 
Published: June 2015

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of radiation dose reduction on image quality in computed musculoskeletal radiography and determine optimal exposure range. Material and Methods: In 11 corpses, 1 hand and 1 hip were examined with film-screen radiography, and a series of computed radiographs was obtained using exactly the same technique except for the exposure, which was 100, 50, 25, 12.5, 6.25, and 1.56% of the mAs numbers used for the film-screen images. The computed hip radiographs were processed in 2 different ways, one simulating the film-screen images and one using contrast enhancement. Four radiologists reviewed the images regarding the following parameters: cortical bone, trabecular bone, joint space, and soft tissue, giving each a diagnostic quality rating on a scale from 1 to 5. The median and mean values were found for the pooled results. Results: For the hands, the computed radiographs were ranked inferior to the film-screen images for all parameters except soft tissue, where the computed radiographs scored higher. The computed images with 50 and 25% exposure were ranked equal to the 100% ones. The quality rating slowly declined with lower exposures. For the hips, the 100 and 50% computed radiographs were generally similar to or slightly better than the film-screen images. The decline was somewhat faster than for the hands. The contrast-enhanced hip images scored less than the nonenhanced images at any given exposure for all parameters except soft tissue, where the contrast-enhanced images scored better at all exposures. The difference between nonenhanced and enhanced images became less at the lower exposures. Conclusion: Lowering the exposure in computed musculoskeletal radiography below the level of film-screen radiography is feasible, especially in the peripheral skeleton. Contrast enhancement seems to be valuable only in the evaluation of soft-tissue structures.
Reliability of Radiological Measurements of the Distraction Gap during Leg Lengthening
Authors: Tjernström B. , Jakobsson O. , Pech P. , Rehnberg L. 
Published: June 2015

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of length measurements on plain radiographs during leg lengthening and to evaluate a reliable method of measuring the amount of lengthening suitable for clinical praxis. Material and Methods: In an experimental study, a plastic femur was lengthened 40 mm and assessed radiographically in different positions, and the orthoradiographically calculated total length of the femur was compared with the true value. In a clinical study, 96 radiographs encompassing 14 femoral and 2 tibial lengthenings were assessed on a digitized table with a computer program (PROFILE) with regard to the amount of lengthening and the degree of magnification. Results: The radiographic magnification in the experimental study, depending on position of the femur, was 17% (5–25%), and in the clinical material it averaged 16% (0–36%). Conclusion: Radiographs obtained with a radiopaque ruler placed at the same level as the lengthened bone allowed reliable measurements of the distraction gap.
Positron Emission Tomography in the Diagnosis and Staging of Urinary Bladder Cancer
Authors: Ahlström H. , Malmström P.-U. , Letocha H. , Andersson J. , Långström B. , Nilsson S. 
Published: June 2015

Purpose: Evaluation of positron emission tomography (PET) using 18F-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (18FDG) and l-methyl-11C-methionine in the diagnosis and staging of urinary bladder carcinoma. Material and Methods: Twenty-three patients with biopsy-proven urinary bladder carcinoma were examined with PET after intravenous injection of 11C-methionine; 2 were also examined with 18FDG. The results from the PET investigations were compared with CT or MR findings and TNM classification before and after treatment. Results: The urinary excretion of 18FDG prevented distinction of the primary tumour from the surrounding tracer. With 11C-methionine it was possible to detect 18/23 primary tumours. A trend was seen, suggesting that the higher the uptake values of 11C-methionine in the tumour, the greater the tumour stage. Conclusion: It is possible to visualize urinary bladder tumours larger than 1 cm in diameter with PET using 11C-methionine, but the value of the method in the staging of the lesions is not superior to conventional methods.
Sensitivity and Specificity of MR Mammography with Histopathological Correlation in 250 Breasts
Authors: Boné B. , Aspelin P. , Bronge L. , Isberg B. , Perbeck L. , Veress B. 
Published: June 2015

Purpose: The aim of our prospective study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of MR mammography (MRM) in detecting malignant disease. Material and Methods: In 231 consecutive patients scheduled for surgery because of mammographic or palpable lesions suspected of malignancy, the breasts were examined with T1-weighted transversal images using a 3-D fast low angle shot (FLASH) sequence. One pre- and 2 post-contrast images were obtained. Histological examination of the surgical specimens showed carcinoma in 155 breasts, of which 138 were invasive and 17 in situ. Results: MRM detected 144 of the 155 malignancies and was false-negative in 11 cases. Eight of these MRM-missed tumours were invasive and 3 were in situ cancers. Benign lesions were found at microscopy in 95 breasts, of which MRM correctly diagnosed 69. The cellular composition of the 26 false-positive lesions (myxomatous stromal change, high vascularity, and epithelial or apocrine hyperplasia) might explain the false positivity. The sensitivity and specificity of MRM were 93% and 73%, respectively. Conclusion: MRM should be interpreted with caution, and supplemented with e.g. mammography and ultrasonography.