bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improved Procedural Efficacy of Pulmonary Vein Isolation Using the Novel Second‐Generation Cryoballoon
Authors: FÜRNKRANZ ALEXANDER , BORDIGNON STEFANO , SCHMIDT BORIS , GUNAWARDENE MELANIE , SCHULTE‐HAHN BRITTA , URBAN VERENA , BODE FRANK , NOWAK BERND , R. CHUN JULIAN K. 
Published: December 2012

Efficacy of the Novel CryoballoonIntroductionThe cryoballoon technology has the potential to isolate a pulmonary vein (PV) with a single energy application. However, using the first‐generation cryoballoon (CB‐1G) repeated freezing or additional focal ablation is often necessary. The novel second‐generation cryoballoon (CB‐2G) features a widened zone of optimal cooling comprising the whole frontal hemisphere. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the novel design on procedural efficacy of cryoballoon PV isolation (CB‐PVI).Methods and ResultsSingle transseptal CB‐PVI using an endoluminal spiral mapping catheter was performed in 60 consecutive patients (CB‐1G, 28 mm, 300 seconds application time: 30 patients; CB‐2G, 28 mm, 240 seconds application time: 30 patients). When compared to the CB‐1G, using the CB‐2G increased single‐shot PVI rate from 51% to 84% (P < 0.001) and decreased procedure duration (128 ± 27 vs 98 ± 30 minutes; P < 0.001), and fluoroscopy exposure time (19.5 ± 7.4 vs 13.4 ± 5.3 min; P = 0.001). Effective CB‐2G PVI could be performed with increased real‐time PVI visualization rate (49% vs 76%; P < 0.001). Time to PVI (TPVI) was shorter in the CB‐2G group (79 ± 60 vs. 52 ± 36 seconds; P = 0.049). Procedure‐related complications occurred in 2 patients in the CB‐1G group and 1 patient in the CB‐2G group.ConclusionsThe CB‐2G significantly improved procedural efficacy compared to the CB‐1G and provided reliable TPVI measurement. TPVI may be used to adjust application time and number individually in future studies. Final conclusions regarding the safety profile of the CB‐2G requires additional research.
Multiplex PCR (mPCR) for the Detection of Salmonella spp. and the Differentiation of the Typhimurium and Enteritidis Serovars in Chicken Meat
Authors: Saeki Erika Kushikawa , Alves Juliane , Bonfante Raissa Curti , Hirooka Elisa Yoko , de Oliveira Tereza Cristina Rocha Moreira 
Published: December 2012

AbstractSalmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovars Enteritidis and Typhimurium are important causes of foodborne illness. Methods for simultaneous detection of these serovars may contribute for the adoption of measures to prevent these diseases. The polymerase chain reaction to detect individually or simultaneously the serovars Enteritidis and Typhimurium in foods have been standardized; however, the majority of assays employ the fliC gene as a target for detection of serovar Typhimurium. The detection of these sorovars in a few hours allows the food supply chain to take appropriate measures to prevent the distribution of contaminated food. The aim of this study was to develop a new multiplex PCR (mPCR) for the simultaneous detection and differentiation of Salmonella spp., S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium in chicken meat. The mPCR assays showed high specificity and differentiated S. Typhimurium from 22 Salmonella serovars tested, including S. Kentucky, showing that it's an alternative to reduce the time required to obtain presumptive positive results.Practical ApplicationsThe fliC gene used as target for the detection of serovar Typhimurium is questionable as it has also been described for S. Kentucky. The amplification of STM4492 gene in this study, instead of fliC gene, exhibited high specificity to detect S. Typhimurium. The developed mPCR is an efficient means for the simultaneous detection and differentiation of Salmonella spp., S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium in chicken meat after 24 h of enrichment. The mPCR has the potential to be used in routine diagnostic laboratories to obtain presumptive positive results and for identification of Enteritidis and Typhimurium strains isolated by the conventional method.
Is narrow band imaging superior to high‐definition white light endoscopy in the assessment of diminutive colorectal polyps?
Authors: Singh Rajvinder , Bhat Yasser Maqbool , Thurairajah Prem Harichander , Shetti Mohit Pramod , Jayanna Mahesh , Nind Garry , Tam William , Walmsey Russell , Bourke Micheal , Moss Alan , Chen Robert , Bampton Peter , Roberts‐Thomson Ian , Schoeman Mark , Tucker Graeme 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackground and AimDiminutive polyps measuring ≤ 5 mm in size constitute 80% of polyps in the colon. We prospectively assessed the performance of high‐definition white light endoscopy (hWLE) and narrow band imaging (NBI) in differentiating diminutive colorectal polyps.MethodsIn this prospective, multicenter study, videos of 50 diminutive polyps (31 hyperplastic, 19 adenomatous) in hWLE followed by NBI (total 100 videos) were initially obtained and placed in random order into five separate folders (each folder 20 videos). Eight endoscopists were then invited to predict the histology (each endoscopist 100 videos, 800 video assessments in all). Polyps were classified into types 1–3 (hyperplastic) and type 4 (adenoma). Feedback on individual performance was given after each folder (20 videos) was assessed.ResultsThe sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy in differentiating hyperplastic from adenomatous polyps by hWLE (400 videos) and NBI (400 videos) were 67.8%, 90.7%, 81.7%, 82.1%, and 82.0%; and 82.2%, 81.5%, 73.1%, 88.2%, and 81.8%, respectively. In the pretest and post‐test analysis, the accuracy with NBI improved markedly from 68.8% to 91.3% (P = 0.001) compared with hWLE, 76.3–78.8% (P = 0.850). Overall, the interobserver agreement was 0.46 for hWLE (moderate) and 0.64 for NBI (good).ConclusionsNBI was as accurate as hWLE in differentiating diminutive colorectal polyps. Once a learning curve was reached, NBI achieved significantly higher accuracies with good interobserver agreement. Using a simplified classification, a didactic learning session and feedback on performance, diminutive colorectal polyps could be predicted with high accuracies with NBI.
Distinct quasispecies characteristics and positive selection within precore/core gene in hepatitis B virus HBV associated acute‐on‐chronic liver failure
Authors: Chen Li , Zheng Cai‐Xia , Lin Ming‐hua , Huang Zu‐Xiong , Chen Rong‐hua , Li Qin‐guang , Li Qing , Chen Pan 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackground and AimThe cause of hepatitis B virus associated acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF) remains unclear. Quasispecies can contribute to virus persistence and pathogenesis. We used a bioinformatics‐based molecular evolution approach to compare quasispecies characteristics and positive selection sites within HBV precore/core gene between ACLF and chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients.MethodsHBV precore/core gene were amplified from 11 ACLF and 10 CHB patients harboring HBV genotype B; following DNA cloning and sequencing quasispecies complexity, diversity, and positive selection sites within the precore/core gene were determined by bioinformatics analysis, and compared between the patient groups.ResultsBoth quasispecies complexity (P = 0.022 at nucleotide level and 0.008 at amino acid level) and diversity (P < 0.05) were found to be significantly greater in ACLF than in CHB. The frequency of G1896/A mutation in ACLF (175/298 clones, 58.7%) was also significantly higher than in CHB (100/230 clones, 43.5%) (P = 0.0005). Moreover, analysis of positive selection revealed that significantly more patients with such sites were present in ACLF than in CHB (8/11 VS 2/10, P = 0.03); the majority of these positive selection sites lay within HLA‐restricted epitopes.ConclusionsThe ACLF patients showed distinct quasispecies characteristics with higher complexity and diversity within the HBV precore/core gene. The increased HBV quasispecies complexity and diversity, together with a distinct set of positive selection sites, is likely associated with the development of ACLF.
Reproducibility of measurements of mid‐upper arm circumference in older persons
Authors: Wijnhoven H. A. H. , de Boer M. R. , van Maanen M. J. , van Dongen D. M. , Kraaij S. F. , Smit T. , Visser M. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundMid‐upper arm circumference (MUAC) is used as an alternative measure for body mass index to determine thinness in older persons. However, there are limited data on the reproducibility of this measurement in an older population. The present study examined the reproducibility of MUAC measurements in older persons, as well as the influence of different body positions and clothing.MethodsA cross‐sectional reproducibility study was performed in a nursing home (n = 43; age 65–96 years) and swimming pool facilities (n = 107; age 65–88 years). A different pair of observers independently measured the MUAC of each participant in the upright position on two occasions within 1 week. In the nursing home, measurements were also performed for each participant in the laying position and with clothes covering the upper arm.ResultsMean differences and the 95% limit of agreement for inter‐observer reproducibility of MUAC were 0.0 cm (−2.6 to 2.5 cm) for the swimming pool facilities and 0.3 cm (−0.6 to 1.3 cm) for the nursing home. Intra‐class correlation coefficients (ICCs) were 0.89 and 0.92, respectively. Mean differences between laying and upright positions were 0.1 cm (−2.0 to 2.2 cm) and 0.0 cm (−1.9 to 2.0 cm) for each observer, respectively (ICC 0.96–0.97). Mean differences between clothes versus bare upper arm were −2.7 cm (−6.2 to 0.7) and −2.4 (−5.6 to 0.9 cm) (ICC 0.75 and 0.78).ConclusionsThe reproducibility of the MUAC measurement in older persons is acceptable for group comparisons and, although borderline for the swimming pool facilities, remains acceptable for clinical purposes. The measurement can also be performed in the laying position but not with clothes covering the upper arm.
Commodifying the Commodifiers: The Impact of Procurement on Management Knowledge
Authors: O'Mahoney Joe , Heusinkveld Stefan , Wright Christopher 
Published: December 2012

Abstract Current conceptualizations of the commodification of management knowledge prioritize the agency of knowledge producers, such as consultancies, but downplay the role of other actors such as intermediaries. Using a qualitative multi‐method study of the role of procurement in sourcing consultancy knowledge, we demonstrate how intermediaries also commodify management knowledge, thereby limiting the exchange value of that knowledge. Through our analysis we develop a more sophisticated model of the processes and consequences of knowledge commodification. This model clarifies and extends prior research by highlighting the role of commensuration, comparison and valuation, as well as the related tactics that consultants and client managers use to resist procurement's attempts to commodify management knowledge.
Detection and Identification of Aster Yellows Group Phytoplasma (16SrI‐C) Associated with Peach Red Leaf Disease
Authors: Zhang Lei , Li Zheng‐Nan , Zhang Hua‐Wei , Tao Ye , Wu Yun‐Feng 
Published: December 2012

AbstractIn 2011, typical symptoms suggestive of phytoplasma infection such as reddening of leaves were observed in peach trees in Fuping, Shaanxi Province, China. Phytoplasma‐like bodies were observed by transmission electron microscope in the petiole tissues of symptomatic peach trees. Products of c. 1.2 kb were generated from all symptomatic peach leaf samples by a nested polymerase chain reaction using phytoplasma universal primer pairs P1⁄P7 and R16F2n⁄R16R2, whereas no such amplicon was obtained from healthy samples. Results of phylogenetic analysis and restriction fragment length polymorphism suggested that the phytoplasma associated with such peach red leaf disease was a member of subgroup 16SrI‐C. To our knowledge, this is the first record of 16SrI‐C subgroup phytoplasma occurred in peach tree in China.
Glucuronidation of the broad-spectrum antiviral drug arbidol by UGT isoforms
Authors: Song Jin-Hui , Fang Zhong-Ze , Zhu Liang-Liang , Cao Yun-Feng , Hu Cui-Min , Ge Guang-Bo , Zhao De-Wei 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Objectives
The aim of this work was to identify the uridine glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) isoforms involved in the metabolism of the broad-spectrum antiviral drug arbidol.

Methods
A human liver microsome (HLM) incubation system was employed to catalyse the formation of arbidol glucuronide. The glucuronidation activity of commercially recombinant UGT isoforms towards arbidol was screened. A combination of kinetic analysis and chemical inhibition study was used to determine the UGT isoforms involved in arbidol's glucuronidation.

Key findings
The arbidol glucuronide was detected when arbidol was incubated with HLMs in the presence of UDP-glucuronic acid. The Eadie–Hofstee plot showed that glucuronidation of arbidol was best fit to the Michaelis–Menten kinetic model, and Km and apparent Vmax were calculated to be 8.0 ± 0.7 μm and 2.03 ± 0.05 nmol/min/mg protein, respectively. Assessment of a panel of recombinant UGT isoforms revealed that UGT1A1, UGT1A3 and UGT1A9 could catalyse the glucuronidation of arbidol. Kinetic analysis and chemical inhibition study demonstrated that UGT1A9 was the predominant UGT isoform involved in arbidol glucuronidation in HLMs.

Conclusions
The major contribution of UGT1A9 towards arbidol glucuronidation was demonstrated in this study.
Hypericum silenoides Juss. and Hypericum philonotis Cham. & Schlecht. extracts: in-vivo hypolipidaemic and weight-reducing effects in obese rats
Authors: García-de la Cruz Leticia , Galvan-Goiz Yareth , Caballero-Caballero Sergio , Zamudio Sergio , Alfaro Alejandro , Navarrete Andrés 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Objectives
This study was carried out to assess the anti-obesity effect of Hypericum silenoides Juss. and Hypericum philonotis Cham. & Schlecht. in male Wistar rats fed with a cafeteria diet.

Methods
Adult male Wistar rats with an initial body weight of 290–320 g were used in this trial. The rats were fed with a cafeteria diet for 77 days. Hypericum species were administered orally at a dose of 10, 30 or 100 mg/kg of body weight daily for 35 days. Body weight, food intake, anorexic effect and various biochemical parameters, such as serum glucose, lipid profile, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and atherogenic index (AI), were assessed. Additionally, inhibitory lipase activity assay and forced swimming test were also carried out.

Key findings
Oral administration of H. silenoides and H. philonotis extracts resulted in a significant decrease in body weight and serum glucose levels in obese male Wistar rats. Treatment with aqueous extract of H. silenoides showed anorexic and antidepressant effects and also significantly (P &lt; 0.05) decreased total cholesterol, triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, while low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, AI, AST and ALT were not changed. The dichloromethane extract of H. silenoides (half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) = 262.79 ± 0.09 μg/ml) and hexane extract of H. philonotis (IC50 = 162.60 ± 0.02 μg/ml) showed the most potent lipase inhibitory activity.

Conclusion
Some H. silenoides and H. philonotis extracts showed a significant anti-obesity activity in cafeteria-diet-fed rats. This research provides the first scientific support for the use of the Hypericum genus for weight reduction in Mexican folk medicine.
Nanometric gold in cancer nanotechnology: current status and future prospect
Authors: Ahmad Mohammad Zaki , Akhter Sohail , Rahman Ziyaur , Akhter Shabib , Anwar Mohammed , Mallik Neha , Ahmad Farhan Jalees 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Objectives
This review elaborate on modified gold nanoparticulate concept in oncology, provides an overview of the use of gold nanoparticles in cancer treatment and discusses their potential applications and clinical benefits.

Key findings
Modified gold nanoparticles (e.g. rod, multipod and star or a hollow structure such as shell, box and cage) have promising applications in the fields of drug delivery and photothermal therapy in oncology due to their unique optical and photothermal properties and their ability to modify the surface and conjugate drugs/molecules with gold nanomaterial. Modified gold nanoparticles exhibit strong light absorption in the near-infrared region in which light can penetrate deeply into soft tissue. Moreover, recent advances have opened the way to site-specific delivery by gold nanoparticle.

Summary
Recent research and development in cancer-targeted gold nanovectors shows promise for maximizing the efficacy of anti-cancer drugs while decreasing their harmful systemic effects in chemotherapy. Moreover, gold nanoparticles can also serve as cancer therapeutic.
Abnormal regional homogeneity of resting‐state brain activity in patients with HBV‐related cirrhosis without overt hepatic encephalopathy
Authors: Lv Xiao‐Fei , Qiu Ying‐Wei , Tian Jun‐Zhang , Xie Chuan‐Miao , Han Lu‐Jun , Su Huan‐Huan , Liu Zhen‐Yin , Peng Jun‐Ping , Lin Chu‐Lan , Wu Mao‐Sheng , Jiang Gui‐Hua , Zhang Xue‐Lin 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundMany studies have reported that cognitive deficits exist in cirrhotic patients without overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE). However, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these deficits are still not fully understood.AimTo investigate regional activity abnormalities in patients with hepatitis B virus‐related cirrhosis (HBV‐RC) without OHE using resting‐state functional MRI (Rs‐fMRI), and to examine the relationship between regional activity abnormalities and impaired cognition.MethodsA newly reported regional homogeneity (ReHo) approach was used to compare the local synchronization of Rs‐fMRI signals in 32 patients with HBV‐RC without OHE and 32 well‐matched healthy controls. Cognition was measured in all patients using psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES) tests, and the relationship between ReHo variation and PHES was analysed.ResultsRelative to healthy controls, the cirrhosis group showed high ReHo in the prefrontal cortex, and widespread low ReHo in visual association areas (left lingual gyrus, middle temporal gyrus and right middle occipital gyrus), motor association areas (bilateral precentral gyrus and paracentral lobule) and the bilateral precuneus. Correlation analysis of the mean ReHo values in different brain areas and PHES in cirrhotic patients revealed a significantly positive correlation in the left lingual gyrus (r = 0.352; P = 0.048), right middle occipital gyrus (r = 0.453; P = 0.009) and bilateral precentral gyrus (left: r = 0.436, P = 0.013; right: r = 0.582, P < 0.001), paracentral lobule (r = 0.485; P = 0.005) and precuneus (r = 0.468; P = 0.007).ConclusionsOur results provide information on the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying cognitive alterations in cirrhotic patients and demonstrate the feasibility of using Rs‐fMRI with ReHo analysis as a noninvasive modality with which to detect the progression of cognitive changes in cirrhotic patients.
Methylation‐mediated repression of microRNA 129‐2 enhances oncogenic SOX4 expression in HCC
Authors: Chen Xiangmei , Zhang Ling , Zhang Ting , Hao Meili , Zhang Xiaolei , Zhang Jiangbo , Xie Qing , Wang Yongfeng , Guo Mingzhou , Zhuang Hui , Lu Fengmin 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackground & AimsAberration of miR‐129‐2 has been linked to a variety of human tumours. However, whether miR‐129‐2 is involved in hepatocarcinogenesis remains unknown. Here, we investigate the involvement of miR‐129‐2 in HBV infection‐related HCC.MethodsA total of 75 paired tumour and their corresponding non‐tumour liver tissues from HCC patients with serum HBsAg positive were collected. The methylation of miR‐129‐2 gene was quantitatively analysed by a DNA methylation‐sensitive endonuclease digestion followed by quantitative PCR. The expression of mature miR‐129‐2 (miR‐129‐3p) was detected by Taqman RT‐PCR. SOX4 expression was detected using quantitative realtime RT‐PCR, western blot and immunohistochemical staining. The function of miR‐129‐2 was investigated using cell proliferation and clonogenicity assays in vitro.ResultsCompared with the adjacent non‐tumour tissues, tumour tissues exhibited significantly increased miR‐129‐2 hypermethylation both in frequency (37.33% vs. 8%, P < 0.0001) and in intensity (14.77% vs. 3.08%, P = 0.002). Accordantly, miR‐129‐3p expression in HCC tissues was significantly lower than that in non‐tumour tissues (P = 0.0461), in a manner reversely correlated with the level of miR‐129‐2 hypermethylation. Notably, SOX4 level in the HCC tissues was significantly higher than that in non‐tumour tissues (P = 0.0174) and normal liver tissues (P = 0.0077), correlated reversely with miR‐129‐3p level (P = 0.0105). Furthermore, overexpression of miR‐129‐2 in HepG2 reduced cell proliferation and clonogenicity, while co‐expression with SOX4 could partially reverse its antitumor effects. In addition, SOX4 in HepG2 cell can enhance β‐catenin/TCF activity by increasing β‐catenin level.ConclusionThe current data indicated that methylation‐mediated repression of miR‐129‐2 may enhance oncogenic SOX4 expression and involve in HCC tumorigenesis.
Risk Factors for De Novo Mixed Urinary Incontinence and Stress Urinary Incontinence Following Surgical Removal of a Urethral Diverticulum
Authors: KIM Jae Heon , LEE Kwang Woo , KIM Jun Mo , KIM Min Eui , KIM Young Ho 
Published: December 2012

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to investigate the risk factors for the development of de novo stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) after surgical removal of a urethral diverticulum (UD).Methods: We identified 35 consecutive women that underwent surgical removal of a UD between November 2002 and December 2009, and we retrospectively reviewed their medical records, including patient demographics, pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), presenting symptoms related to voiding, and outcomes.Results: Among the 35 patients we identified, 28 were included in the study. After UD removal, five of the 28 patients (17.8%) developed de novo MUI, and four of the 28 patients (14.2%) developed de novo SUI. The incidences of SUI and MUI were significantly higher in patients who had a UD that measured over 3 cm in diameter and in patients in whom the UD was located in the proximal urethra. Of the seven patients with a diverticulum over 3 cm, SUI occurred in three (42.8%) (P = 0.038) and MUI occurred in five (45.4%) (P < 0.001). Of the 11 patients with a diverticulum located in the proximal urethra, SUI occurred in five (45.4%) (P = 0.011) and MUI occurred in four (36.4%) (P = 0.011).Conclusion: Significant risk factors for the development of SUI and MUI after transvaginal simple diverticulectomy include a UD measuring over 3 cm and a UD located in the proximal urethra.