bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Empirical evidence of the continuing improvement in cost efficiency of an endoscopic surveillance programme for gastric cancer in Singapore from 2004 to 2010
Authors: Zhou Hui Jun , Li Shu Chuen , Naidoo Nasheen , Zhu Feng , Yeoh Khay Guan 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundEndoscopic surveillance has been proven effective in prolonging the survival of gastric cancer (GC) patients. However, there is limited evidence on the cost efficiency of delivering this intervention, especially on a national level in spite of cost efficiency being a major determinant of the actual cost-effectiveness of a cancer prevention programme. The Singapore Gastric Cancer Epidemiology Clinical and Genetic Programme (GCEP) is a demonstration project offering scheduled endoscopy to the Chinese population aged 50 years or older in Singapore. By assessing the cost efficiency of the GCEP, this study aimed to provide empirical evidence on the cost structure and mechanisms underlying cost generation in conducting GC surveillance, thus informing resource allocation and programme budgeting for the Singapore government.MethodsFrom a societal perspective, we reported on the direct cost (resource consumption) of conducting endoscopic surveillance through the GCEP network. We retrospectively collected individual-level data of 216 subjects recruited at the National University Hospital, Singapore from 01/04/2004 to 31/10/2010. The Overall Cost, Clinical Cost, GCEP Cost and Personal Cost incurred in serving one subject was computed and discounted as 2004 US dollar (US$) per capita for every year. The Generalized Estimation Equation (GEE) was used to model the data.ResultsAll cost indices continuously declined over the 6.5-year costing period. For the total sample, Overall Cost, Clinical Cost, GCEP Cost and Personal Cost declined by 42.3%, 54.1%, 30% and 25.7% respectively. This downward trend existed for age and gender subgroups and the high risk group only with cost reductions varying between 3.5% and 58.4%. The GEE models confirmed statistical significance of the downward trend and of its association with risk profile, where the moderate risk group had cost indices at most 77% of the high risk group.ConclusionsOur study offered empirical evidence of improved cost efficiency of a surveillance programme for GC in the early phase of programme implementation. Mechanisms such as economies of scale and self-learning were found to be involved in the cost reduction. Our findings highlighted the importance of assessing the cost efficiency and offered valuable insights for future programme budgeting and policy making.
Annexin A1 protein regulates the expression of PMVEC cytoskeletal proteins in CBDL rat serum-induced pulmonary microvascular remodeling
Authors: Yi Bin , Zeng Jing , Wang Guansong , Qian Guisheng , Lu Kaizhi 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is characterized by advanced liver disease, hypoxemia and intrapulmonary vascular dilatation (IPVD). The pathogenesis of HPS is not completely understood. Recent findings have established the role of proliferation and phenotype differentiation of pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs) in IPVD of HPS; the change in cytoskeletal proteins and their molecular mechanism play an essential role in the proliferation, phenotype modulation and differentiation of PMVECs. However, little is known about the relevance of cytoskeletal protein expression and its molecular mechanism in IPVD of HPS. In addition, ANX A1 protein has been identified as a key regulator in some important signaling pathways, which influences cytoskeletal remodeling in many diseases, such as lung cancer, liver cancer, etc.

Methods
PMVECs were cultured from the normal rats and then divided into three groups(Ad-ANXA1-transfected group, a non-transfected group, and an adenovirus empty vector group) and incubated by nomal rat serum or hepatopulmonary syndrome rat serum respectively. mRNA level was evaluated by real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and protein expression was detected by western blot. Cell proliferation was determined by the MTT and thymidine incorporation assay.

Results
In this study, we found that the serum from a common bile duct ligation(CBDL) Rat model decreased the expression levels of the ANX A1 mRNA and protein by at least two-fold in human PMVECs. We also found the expression of cytoskeletal proteins (Destrin, a1-actin, and a1-tubulin) in PMVECs significantly increased. After stimulating ANX A1 over-expression in PMVECs by adenovirus-mediated ANX A1 (Ad-ANXA1) transfection, we found the expression levels of cytoskeletal proteins were significantly suppressed in PMVECs at all time points. Additionally, we report here that serum from a CBDL Rat model increases the proliferation of PMVECs by nearly two-fold and that over-expression of Ad-ANXA1 significantly inhibits HPS-rat-serum-induced PMVEC proliferation (p <0.05). These findings suggest that the ANX A1 down-regulation of PMVEC proliferation in the presence of HPS-rat-serum may be the major cause of aberrant dysregulation of cytoskeletal proteins (Destrin, a1-actin, and a1-tubulin) and may, therefore, play a fundamental role in the proliferation and phenotype differentiation of PMVECs in the PVD of HPS.

Conclusion
Finally, the fact that transfection with Ad-ANXA1 results in inhibition of the aberrant dysregulation of cytoskeletal proteins and proliferation of PMVECs suggests a potential therapeutic effect on PVD of HPS.
Demonstration of posturographic parameters of squat-stand activity in hemiparetic patients on a new multi-utility balance assessing and training system
Authors: Lu Rong-Rong , Li Fang , Wu Yi , Hu Yong-Shan , Xu Xiu-Lin , Zou Ren-Lin , Hu Xiu-Fang 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Quantitative evaluation of position control ability in stroke patients is needed. Here we report a demonstration of position control ability assessment and test-retest reliability during squat-stand activity on a new system in hemiparetic patients and controls.

Methods
Sixty-two healthy adults and thirty-four hemiparetics were enrolled.
All of the participants were required to complete five repeated squat-stand activities under three different conditions: partial weight support, standard weight bearing, and resistance. The healthy adults’ test was repeated twice to assess the reliability, while the hemiparetics were tested one time to assess impairments in their position control ability. The healthy participants completed their second test 1 wk after the first. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to assess test-retest reliability.

Results
During partial weight support, the ICCs ranged from 0.77 to 0.91, which indicated a good reliability. During standard weight bearing and resistance, the ICCs varied from 0.64 to 0.86 and 0.54 to 0.84, respectively, indicating a fair reliability. Compared with the healthy adults, the stroke patients demonstrated poorer position control ability.

Conclusions
The posturography of the squat-stand activity is a new and reliable measurement tool for position control. According to the methods proposed here, hemiparetics can be differentiated from healthy adults using the squat-stand activity. This activity will provide a new evaluation tool and therapy with visual feedback for the stroke patients.

Trial registration
Chinese clinical trial registry, ChiCTR-TRC-10000863
Malignant perivascular epithelioid cell tumor of mesentery with lymph node involvement: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Fu Xinge , Jiang Ju-hong , Gu Xia , Li Zhi 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Virtual Slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1309992178882788

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa) is a rare but distinct mesenchymal neoplasm composed of histologically and immunohistochemically unique perivascular epithelioid cells. Due to its relative rarity, little is known about the histogenesis and prognostic factors of this tumor. We describe a case of unusual mesenteric PEComa in a 38-year-old female patient with regional lymph node involvement. Histologically, the tumor was composed of sheet of epithelioid cells with abundant clear or eosinophillic cytoplasms. Extensive coagulative necrosis and a few mitotic figures (2/50 high power field) could be found in tumor. The epithelioid tumor cells were diffusely positive for HMB-45, Melan-A, and focally positive for calponin. One of enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes was observed to be involved by tumor. A diagnosis of malignant mesenteric PEComa with lymph node involvement was made. The patient received chemotherapy after total resection of tumor and segmental resection of involved jejunum. There was no sign of recurrence of tumor found in period of 6-month regular follow-up after chemotherapy. To our knowledge, this is the first case of malignant PEComa in mesentery accompanied with regional lymph node involvement. The literature on this rare tumor is reviewed and diagnostic criteria of malignant PEComa are discussed.
Co-infection with Anaplasma platys, Bartonella henselae and Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum in a veterinarian
Authors: Maggi Ricardo G , Mascarelli Patricia E , Havenga Lauren N , Naidoo Vinny , Breitschwerdt Edward B 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundDuring a two year period, a 27-year-old female veterinarian experienced migraine headaches, seizures, including status epilepticus, and other neurological and neurocognitive abnormalities. Prior to and during her illness, she had been actively involved in hospital-based work treating domestic animals, primarily cats and dogs, in Grenada and Ireland and anatomical research requiring the dissection of wild animals (including lions, giraffe, rabbits, mongoose, and other animals), mostly in South Africa. The woman reported contact with fleas, ticks, lice, biting flies, mosquitoes, spiders and mites and had also been scratched or bitten by dogs, cats, birds, horses, reptiles, rabbits and rodents. Prior diagnostic testing resulted in findings that were inconclusive or within normal reference ranges and no etiological diagnosis had been obtained to explain the patient’s symptoms.MethodsPCR assays targetingAnaplasmaspp.Bartonellaspp. and hemotopicMycoplasmaspp. were used to test patient blood samples. PCR positive amplicons were sequenced directly and compared to GenBank sequences. In addition,Bartonellaalpha Proteobacteria growth medium (BAPGM) enrichment blood culture was used to facilitate bacterial growth andBartonellaspp. serology was performed by indirect fluorescent antibody testing.ResultsAnaplasma platys, Bartonella henselaeandCandidatusMycoplasma haematoparvum DNA was amplified and sequenced from the woman’s blood, serum or blood culture samples. Her serum was variably seroreactive to severalBartonellasp. antigens. Despite symptomatic improvement, six months of doxycycline most likely failed to eliminate theB. henselaeinfection, whereasA. platysandCandidatusM. haematoparvum DNA was no longer amplified from post-treatment samples.ConclusionsAs is typical of many veterinary professionals, this individual had frequent exposure to arthropod vectors and near daily contact with persistently bacteremic reservoir hosts, including cats, the primary reservoir host forB. henselae,and dogs, the presumed primary reservoir host forA. platysandCandidatusMycoplasma haematoparvum. Physicians caring for veterinarians should be aware of the occupational zoonotic risks associated with the daily activities of these animal health professionals.
A task-based approach for Gene Ontology evaluation
Authors: Clarke Erik L , Loguercio Salvatore , Good Benjamin M , Su Andrew I 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
The Gene Ontology and its associated annotations are critical tools for interpreting lists of genes. Here, we introduce a method for evaluating the Gene Ontology annotations and structure based on the impact they have on gene set enrichment analysis, along with an example implementation. This task-based approach yields quantitative assessments grounded in experimental data and anchored tightly to the primary use of the annotations.

Results
Applied to specific areas of biological interest, our framework allowed us to understand the progress of annotation and structural ontology changes from 2004 to 2012. Our framework was also able to determine that the quality of annotations and structure in the area under test have been improving in their ability to recall underlying biological traits. Furthermore, we were able to distinguish between the impact of changes to the annotation sets and ontology structure.

Conclusion
Our framework and implementation lay the groundwork for a powerful tool in evaluating the usefulness of the Gene Ontology. We demonstrate both the flexibility and the power of this approach in evaluating the current and past state of the Gene Ontology as well as its applicability in developing new methods for creating gene annotations.
Design and optimization of ethanol production from bagasse pith hydrolysate by a thermotolerant yeast Kluyveromyces sp. IIPE453 using response surface methodology
Authors: Dasgupta Diptarka , Suman Sunil Kumar , Pandey Diwakar , Ghosh Debashish , Khan Rashmi , Agrawal Deepti , Jain Rakesh Kumar , Vadde Vasanta Thakur , Adhikari Dilip K 
Published: April 2013

AbstractEthanol production from sugarcane bagasse pith hydrolysate by thermotolerant yeastKluyveromycessp. IIPE453 was analyzed using response surface methodology. Variables such as Substrate Concentration, pH, fermentation time and Na2HPO4concentration were found to influence ethanol production significantly. In a batch fermentation, optimization of key process variables resulted in maximum ethanol concentration of 17.44 g/L which was 88% of the theoretical with specific productivity of 0.36 g/L/h.
Acid Diffusion in Solid Foods
Authors: Marcotte Michèle , Grabowski Stefan , Karimi Yousef , Nijland Paula 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Foods acidified to pH levels below 4.5 can be thermally treated at lower temperatures under pasteurization conditions offering reduced thermal damage to product quality. Considering practical criterion, the main objective of this study was to investigate the proper acidification procedures of solid food particles immersed in liquid solutions. This was performed by testing a variety of factors, including particle type and size, temperature, and type and concentration of acids. Furthermore, the minimum acidification time of food particles was also determined. A standard model for mass transfer (e.g. Fick’s second law) was applied. Mass diffusion coefficients (DAB) were calculated based on experimental data. Average values of DAB were in the range of 10-8 to 10-10 m2/s and in agreement with existing literature data. Minimum acidification times varied depending on the type of acid, food, and treatment temperature, and ranged between 7 to 26 min. Meat particles were slowest to acidify, and acetic acid and tomato juice acidified by citric acid were the strongest acidifying agents.
Modeling Desorption Isotherms and Thermodynamic Properties of Fresh Tea Leaves (Camellia sinensis var. assamica)
Authors: Botheju W. Sarath , Amaratunge K. Sanath P. , Abeysinghe I. Sarath B. 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Desorption isotherm of fresh tea leaves was studied using static gravimetric method of saturated salt solutions at temperatures of 15, 20, 25 and 30ºC and water activities of 0.07 to 0.97. Data were fitted to five mathematical equations. Using the best-fit mathematical model, thermodynamic properties of fresh tea leaves including net isosteric heat of sorption, differential entropy were estimated. The applicability of enthalpy – entropy compensation theory for fresh tea leaves was also evaluated. Results showed that the modified Oswin model was best fitted with the experimental data. Thermodynamics properties like net isosteric heat of sorption and differential entropy were found to decrease exponentially with the increase in moisture content. Net isosteric heat of sorption and differential entropy increased exponentially with decreasing moisture content of fresh tea leaves. Isosteric heat of sorption of fresh tea leaves was very close to heat of vaporization of pure water when the moisture content of tea leaves exceeded 40% (d.b.). The enthalpy-entropy compensation theory could be successfully applied for the moisture desorption behavior of fresh tea leaf samples and it was enthalpy driven spontaneous process.
Effect of extrusion cooking on the antioxidant activity of extruded half product snacks made of yellow corn and pumpkin flours
Authors: Rocha-Guzman Nuria Elizabeth , Gallegos-Infante Jose Alberto , Delgado-Nieblas Carlos Ivan , Zazueta-Morales Jose de Jesus , Gonzalez-Laredo Ruben Francisco , Cervantes-Cardoza Veronica , Martinez-Bustos Fernando , Aguilar-Palazuelos Ernesto 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
The effect of the extrusion on the antioxidant activity of extruded half product snacks made of pumpkin and corn flour blends was evaluated. Cehualca pumpkin and yellow corn flours were used. Pumpkin (0.5 to 15.6 %) and yellow corn flours were mixed and then extruded at a temperature range of 93.5–140.5°C. The total phenolic content (TPC) was determined by Folin-Ciocalteu method. The Phenolic acid profile was obtained by HPLC analysis. The antioxidant capacity was measured using DPPH*, deoxyribose, and LDL oxidation inhibition assays. A central composite rotatable design was applied. The highest value of TPC was observed at high extrusion temperature and low pumpkin levels, and at low temperature and high level of pumpkin flour concentration. The highest DPPH scavenging activity was obtained at higher content of yellow corn flour. The best response to OH* scavenging was observed at higher extrusion temperature and lower content of pumpkin.
An Intelligent Signal Processing Method for High Speed Weighing System
Authors: He Huimei , Huang Pingjie , Hou Dibo , Cai Wen , Liu Zhe , Zhang Guangxin 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
The dynamic weighing signal processing method in high speed fruits sorting system directly affects the weighing accuracy. This paper describes a basic modeling method for time series, including modeling, order determining, applicability analysis, and prediction. Considering the structural characteristics of weighing system and the limit of PLC sampling speed, a modified autoregressive (AR) model for stable value prediction of the high speed weighing signals is presented. Meanwhile, a simulation base on Matlab platform and an implementation example are used to test the method performance. At last, the impacts of environmental changes, sorting speeds, fruits shapes and sizes on the method performance are discussed. In experimental conditions, this method can be applied to fruits sorting system with sorting speed up to 18 per second for standard fruit (smooth round surface without defects) and an acceptable weighing accuracy can be obtained.
Bericht aus der 63. Sitzung der Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Verbundsysteme am 15. und 16. November 2012 in Berlin
Authors: Behrens Renate 
Published: April 2013

Zusammenfassung:
Am 15. und 16. November 2012 fand die 63. Sitzung der Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Verbundsysteme auf Einladung der Zeitschriftendatenbank in der Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin statt.
Der folgende kurze Bericht möchte einen Überblick über die Schwerpunkte der Sitzung geben. Weitere Informationen – auch eine Übersicht der aktuellen Arbeiten und Projektder Mitglieder der AG Verbund – finden sich auf der Website der Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Verbundsysteme www.ag-verbund.de
Seasonal variation of trace metal (Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb, Co, Cd) concentrations in compartments of the seagrass Cymodocea nodosa
Authors: Malea Paraskevi , Kevrekidis Theodoros , Potouroglou Maria 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
The concentrations of six trace metals (Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb, Co and Cd) in five compartments (blades, sheaths, vertical rhizomes, main axis plus additional branches and roots) of the seagrass Cymodocea nodosa from the Gulf of Thessaloniki, Greece were determined monthly, together with potential associated variables (climate variables, sediment metal concentrations, plant compartment biomass, size and age). Uni- and multivariate data analyses were applied. Univariate analyses showed that leaf blades displayed the highest annual mean concentration of most metals (Mn, Zn, Pb, Co, Cd) analyzed, whereas sheaths had the highest Cu concentration; metal concentrations in blades generally showed a wider monthly variability than those in the other plant compartments, and especially roots. The multivariate pattern of metals in leaf blades showed a seasonal periodicity that appeared to be governed by the cumulative effect of plant growth dynamics and sediment metal content. In particular, most metal concentrations increased from April onwards, with enhancement of blade biomass, size and age, and remained high throughout the blade growing season, whereas Cu concentration showed the opposite pattern; an additional increase in blade Zn concentration during early winter coincided with a marked increase in sediment Zn content. The multivariate patterns of metals in the other plant compartments showed no distinct seasonality and were not markedly related to the examined variables. These findings are not consistent with the assumption that metals in seagrass tissues display an overall seasonal trend of markedly higher levels during the cold period. The present study stresses the need for more knowledge on metal seasonality in seagrass compartments and on the associated variables.
The turf-forming alga Gelidium crinale (Florideophyceae, Rhodophyta) on Atlantic Patagonian coasts
Authors: Croce M. Emilia , Parodi Elisa R. 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
We describe for the first time the morphology of Gelidium crinale from its natural habitat in Atlantic Patagonia with special consideration of diagnostic characters. Observations and morphometric measurements were done on fresh specimens using scanning electron and inverted light microscopy. This report is a new record for Atlantic Patagonian coasts. The thalli comprise prostrate and erect axes; they are subterete at the base and compressed to flattened at the apices. The basal parts are scarcely and irregularly branched, while the apical parts are highly ramified and subdichotomously branched. The lengths of thalli and the ramification patterns differ from previous descriptions, and were variable between seasons and life history phases. “Brush-like” haptera confirmed the identity of the algae as members of the Gelidiaceae. Internal rhizoidal filaments are abundant and distributed in groups throughout the medulla. The life history was of the “Polysiphonia-type”; occurrences of carposporophytes and tetrasporophytes were variable.