bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Giant, Completely Calcified Lumbar Juxtafacet Cyst: Report of an Unusual Case
Authors: Huang Kevin T. , Owens Timothy R. , Wang Teresa S. , Moreno Jessica R. , Bagley Jacob H. , Bagley Carlos A. 
Published: December 2013

Study Design Case report. Objective To report the case of one patient who developed a giant, completely calcified, juxtafacet cyst. Methods A 57-year-old woman presented with a 2-year history of progressively worsening lower back pain, left leg pain, weakness, and paresthesias. Imaging showed a giant, completely calcified mass arising from the left L5–S1 facet joint, with coexisting grade I L5 on S1 anterolisthesis. The patient was treated with laminectomy, excision of the mass, and L5–S1 fixation and fusion. Results The patient had an uncomplicated postoperative course and had complete resolution of her symptoms as of 1-year follow-up. Conclusions When presented with a solid-appearing, calcified mass arising from the facet joint, a completely calcified juxtafacet cyst should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis.
Estimating Endangered Species Interaction Risk With the Kalman Filter
Authors: Kvamsdal Sturla Furunes , Stohs Stephen Milton 
Published: December 2013

AbstractTo address the tradeoff between biodiversity conservation in marine ecosystems and fishing opportunity, it is important to quantify the risk of endangered species interactions in commercial fisheries. We propose a Kalman filter suitable for rare events to estimate the endangered leatherback turtle take risk in the California drift gillnet fishery in the years 1990–2010, conditional on spatiotemporal factors that affect take rates. Results suggest interaction risk has remained stable, but with substantial variation over the spatiotemporal distribution of effort. Our methods might also apply to recreation demand analysis with rare event risk, or to applications involving irregularly spaced observations, like trade‐level stock market data.
Virulence Factors and Antibiotic Resistance in Children With Helicobacter pylori Gastritis
Authors: Karabiber Hamza , Selimoglu Mukadder A. , Otlu Baris , Yildirim Ozge , Ozer Ali 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTObjectives:There are limited data regarding the pattern of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) antibiotic resistance and virulence factors in children. Evaluation of prevalence of drug resistance and virulence‐factor genotype in children with Hp gastritis and to investigate whether there is any relation between drug resistance and genotype were our aims in this study.Methods:Ninety‐eight children with polymerase chain reaction–positive Hp gastritis were included. Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested by disc diffusion method and polymerase chain reaction assays were used for the determination of virulence factors.Results:The resistance rates to clarithromycin, metronidazole, and amoxicillin were 23.5%, 11.7%, and 3.9%, respectively. All strains carried vacA genotype, and 51%, 70.4%, 49%, 34.7%, and 25.5% were cagA‐, cagE‐, babA2‐, iceA1‐, and iceA2‐positive, respectively. Of those 98 specimens, 81.6%, 19.4%, 38.8%, and 63.3% carried vacAs1, vacAs2, vacAm1, and vacAm2, respectively. Dominant vacA type was s1am2 (32.7%), followed by s1am1 (14.3%) and s2m2 (12.2%). Significant rates of clarithromycin resistance were observed in cagE‐, iceA1‐, babA2‐, and vacAs1c‐positive groups. In those with metronidazole resistance, vacAs1 and vacAs1c were more common (P < 0.05).Conclusions:The cagE‐positive and vacA s1a/m2 genotypes, which are correlated with increased antibiotic resistance, were predominant in our population. In countries where Hp infection is prevalent, studies focusing on virulence factors and antibiotic susceptibility may provide anticipation of the prognosis and may be helpful to reduce morbidity and mortality.
Interleukin 28B rs12979860 Single‐Nucleotide Polymorphism Predicts Spontaneous Clearance of Hepatitis C Virus in Children
Authors: Indolfi Giuseppe , Mangone Giusi , Calvo Pier Luigi , Bartolini Elisa , Regoli Marta , Serranti Daniele , Calitri Carmelina , Tovo Pier‐Angelo , de Martino Maurizio , Azzari Chiara , Resti Massimo 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTObjective:Recent genome‐wide association studies performed in adults correlated single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs rs12979860 and rs8099917) located on chromosome 19, upstream of the interleukin 28B gene, with spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C virus and with response to treatment with paginated interferon and ribavirin. The aim of the present collaborative study was to evaluate the rs12979860 SNP in a large cohort of Italian children with perinatal acquisition of hepatitis C.Methods:Children were prospectively enrolled in 2 Italian centers. The interleukin 28B rs12979860 SNP was studied according to the diagnosis of chronic infection or spontaneous clearance.Results:One hundred thirty children (86.7%) with chronic infection and 23 (13.3%) with spontaneous clearance of the virus were enrolled. Overall, the interleukin 28B C/C and C/T‐T/T genotypes were found in 57 (37.3%) and 96 (62.7%) children, respectively. The proportion of C/C genotype was higher among children who cleared infection (14/23; 60.9%) compared with children with chronic infection (43/130; 33.1%; P = 0.01; odds ratio 3.15; 90% confidence intervals 1.34–7.53).Conclusions:The present study showed that, as already demonstrated in adults, children with the rs12979860 C/C SNP of the interleukin 28B gene have a higher probability of spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C virus.
Massively differential bias between two widely used Illumina library preparation methods for small RNA sequencing
Authors: Baran-Gale Jeanette , Erdos Michael R. , Sison Christina , Young Alice , Fannin Emily E. , Chines Peter S. , Sethupathy Praveen 
Published: December 2013

AbstractRecent advances in sequencing technology have helped unveil the unexpected complexity and diversity of small RNAs. A critical step in small RNA library preparation for sequencing is the ligation of adapter sequences to both the 5’ and 3’ ends of small RNAs. Two widely used protocols for small RNA library preparation, Illumina v1.5 and Illumina TruSeq, use different pairs of adapter sequences. In this study, we compare the results of small RNA-sequencing between v1.5 and TruSeq and observe a striking differential bias. Nearly 100 highly expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) are >5-fold differentially detected and 48 miRNAs are >10-fold differentially detected between the two methods of library preparation. In fact, some miRNAs, such as miR-24-3p, are over 30-fold differentially detected. The results are reproducible across different sequencing centers (NIH and UNC) and both major Illumina sequencing platforms, GAIIx and HiSeq. While some level of bias in library preparation is not surprising, the apparent massive differential bias between these two widely used adapter sets is not well appreciated. As increasingly more laboratories transition to the newer TruSeq-based library preparation for small RNAs, researchers should be aware of the extent to which the results may differ from previously published results using v1.5.
The isotypic hydrogen phosphate and arsenate dihydratesM2HXO4·2H2O (M= Rb, Cs;X= P, As)
Authors: Stöger Berthold , Weil Matthias 
Published: December 2013

The four isotypic alkaline metal monohydrogen arsenate(V) and phosphate(V) dihydratesM2HXO4·2H2O (M= Rb, Cs;X = P, As) [namely dicaesium monohydrogen arsenate(V) dihydrate, Cs2HAsO4·2H2O, dicaesium monohydrogen phosphate(V) dihydrate, Cs2HPO4·2H2O, dirubidium monohydrogen arsenate(V) dihydrate, Rb2HAsO4·2H2O, and dirubidium monohydrogen phosphate(V) dihydrate, Rb2HPO4·2H2O] were synthesized by reaction of an aqueous H3XO4solution with one equivalent of aqueousM2CO3. Their crystal structures are made up of undulating chains extending along [001] of tetrahedral [XO3(OH)]−anions connectedviastrong O—H...O hydrogen bonds. These chains are in turn connected into a three-dimensional networkviamedium-strength hydrogen bonding involving the water molecules. Two crystallographically differentM+cations are located in channels running along [001] or in the free space of the [XO3(OH)]−chains, respectively. They are coordinated by eight and twelve O atoms forming irregular polyhedra. The structures possess pseudosymmetry. Due to the ordering of the protons in the [XO3(OH)]−chains in the actual structures, the symmetry is reduced fromC2/ctoP21/c. Nevertheless, the deviation fromC2/csymmetry is minute.
Expression of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α, vascular endothelial growth factor and prolyl hydroxylase domain protein 2 in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and precursor lesions and their relationship with histological stages and clinical features
Authors: An Xiangjie , Xu Guangfen , Yang Liu , Wang Yuejue , Li Yan , Mchepange Uwesu O. , Shen Guanxin , Tu Yating , Tao Juan 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 (HIF‐1α) pathway is associated with tumor growth, angiogenesis and metastasis in various carcinomas. Little is known regarding the role of the HIF‐1α signaling pathway in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). We investigated the expression of HIF‐1α, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the HIF negative regulator, prolyl hydroxylase domain protein 2 (PHD2), in cutaneous SCC, Bowen's disease, seborrheic keratosis (SK) and normal skin by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. Additionally, we explored the relationships between these factors and the clinical and histological characteristics of each disease. Our study indicated that the expression of HIF‐1α and VEGF was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in cutaneous SCC than in Bowen's disease, SK or normal skin. In contrast, PHD2 showed significantly higher expression in normal skin compared with SK, Bowen's disease and cutaneous SCC (P < 0.05). Grade II–IV cutaneous SCC had higher expression levels of nuclear HIF‐1α and cytoplasm VEGF protein but less nuclear PHD2 protein than grade Ι cutaneous SCC (P < 0.05). Overexpression of HIF‐1α and VEGF, as well as the decreased expression of PHD2, may play important roles in the development of cutaneous SCC.
Effect of moxifloxacin on survival, lipid peroxidation and inflammation in immunosuppressed rats with soft tissue infection caused by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
Authors: Ioannidis Orestis , Papaziogas Basilios , Tsiaousis Panagiotis , Paraskevas George , Giamarellos‐Bourboulis Evangelos J. , Koutelidakis Ioannis 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTIn order to investigate the effect of moxifloxacin on survival, lipid peroxidation and inflammation in immunosuppressed rats with soft tissue infection caused by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, 144 white male Wistar rats were randomized into six groups: Groups A and B received saline or moxifloxacin once per day, respectively; Groups C and D received saline or moxifloxacin twice per day, respectively, and Groups E and F received saline or moxifloxacin three times per day, respectively. Blood samples were taken at 6 and 30 hr after administration of S. maltophilia. Malonodialdehyde (MDA), WBC counts, bacterial tissue overgrowth, serum concentrations of moxifloxacin and survival were assessed. Survival analysis proved that treatment with moxifloxacin every 8 hr was accompanied by longer survival than occurred in any other group. Tissue cultures 30 hr after bacterial challenge showed considerably less bacterial overgrowth in the spleens and lungs of moxifloxacin‐treated than in saline‐treated animals, but not in their livers. At 6 hr there were no statistically significant differences between groups. However, at 30 hr, MDA concentrations were significantly greater (P = 0.044) and WBC counts significantly lower (P = 0.026) in group D than in group C. No statistically significant variations were observed between the other groups. Moxifloxacin possibly stimulates lipid peroxidation and enhances phagocytosis, as indicated by MDA production and survival prolongation, without being toxic, as indicated by WBC count. Therefore, under the appropriate conditions, moxifloxacin has a place in treatment of infections in immunosuppressed patients and of infections caused by S. maltophilia.
Variation of biomass and morphology of the cushion plant Androsace tapete along an elevational gradient in the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: He Yongtao , Kueffer Christoph , Shi Peili , Zhang Xianzhou , Du Mingyuan , Yan Wei , Sun Wei 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAlpine ecosystems are among those biomes that are most vulnerable to climate change. Cushion plants are an important life form of alpine ecosystems and will likely play a critical role for the resilience of these habitats to climate change. We studied cushion size distribution and different measures of the compactness of cushions (biomass and rosette density, leaf area index) of the cushion plant, Androsace tapete along an elevational gradient from 4500 to 5200 m a.s.l. in the Nyainqentanglha Mountains of the central Tibetan Plateau. Cushion size distribution, total cover, and compactness of cushions varied substantially along the elevational gradient. At the driest site at low elevation we found the lowest total cushion cover, a particularly high proportion of very small cushions, and the most compact cushions (highest rosette and biomass densities, and leaf area index (LAI) per cushion). Our results indicate that in the semi‐arid Tibetan Plateau water availability is the more important climate factor than temperature affecting cushion plant traits and morphology.
Characteristics and Performance of Minority‐Serving Dialysis Facilities
Authors: Hall Yoshio N. , Xu Ping , Chertow Glenn M. , Himmelfarb Jonathan 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveTo examine the structure, processes, and outcomes of American dialysis facilities that predominantly treat racial‐ethnic minority patients.Data Sources/Study SettingSecondary analysis of data from all patients who initiated dialysis during 2005–2008 in the United States.Study DesignIn this retrospective cohort study, we examined the associations of the racial‐ethnic composition of the dialysis facility with facility‐level survival and achievement of performance targets for anemia and dialysis adequacy.Data Collection/Extraction MethodsWe obtained dialysis facility‐ and patient‐level data from the national data registry of patients with end‐stage renal disease. We linked these data with clinical performance measures from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.Principal FindingsOverall, minority‐serving facilities were markedly larger, more often community based, and less likely to offer home dialysis than facilities serving predominantly white patients. A significantly higher proportion of minority‐serving dialysis facilities exhibited worse than expected survival as compared with facilities serving predominantly white patients (p < .001 for each). However, clinical performance measures for anemia and dialysis adequacy were similar across minority‐serving status.ConclusionsWhile minority‐serving facilities generally met dialysis performance targets mandated by Medicare, they exhibited worse than expected patient survival.
Behcet's disease associated with malignancy: a report of 41 Chinese cases
Authors: Lin Yi , Li Guohua , Zheng Wenjie , Tian Xinping , Zhang Fengchun 
Published: December 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo identify the clinical characteristics of Behcet's disease (BD) associated with malignancies.MethodAmong 651 BD patients sequentially hospitalized in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 1995 to 2012, 41 patients developed malignancies. Clinical characteristics were compared between patients with and without malignancies, as well as between patients with hematological and solid malignancies.ResultsThe numbers of patients with various types of malignancies were listed as follows: (i) 29 cases developed hematologic malignancies which included myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) as the most common diagnosis in 20 cases, leukemia in seven cases, anaplastic anemia in two cases and lymphoma in one case; (ii) 13 cases developed malignant solid neoplasms which included colorectal cancer in three cases, urothelial carcinoma of bladder in two cases, esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, renal cell carcinoma and metastatic adenocarcinoma of unknown primary in one case each. Female gender, older age and gastrointestinal tract involvement were more frequently observed among patients with malignancy than those without. Older age, longer disease duration were more commonly seen in BD patients with solid neoplasms than in those with hematologic malignancies. Exacerbation of BD manifestations during the emergence of malignancy was more frequently observed among patients with hematologic malignancies than among those with malignant solid neoplasms.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that MDS and colorectal cancer were the most common hematologic malignancy and malignant solid neoplasm associated with BD, respectively. Gastrointestinal involvement is likely to be a risk factor for BD patients to develop malignancy. Further studies will be required to ascertain the pathogenic link between these two entities.
Long‐term manure exposure increases soil bacterial community potential for plasmid uptake
Authors: Musovic Sanin , Klümper Uli , Dechesne Arnaud , Magid Jakob , Smets Barth F. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryMicrobial communities derived from soils subject to different agronomic treatments were challenged with three broad host range plasmids, RP4, pIPO2tet and pRO101, via solid surface filter matings to assess their permissiveness. Approximately 1 in 10 000 soil bacterial cells could receive and maintain the plasmids. The community permissiveness increased up to 100% in communities derived from manured soil. While the plasmid transfer frequency was significantly influenced by both the type of plasmid and the agronomic treatment, the diversity of the transconjugal pools was purely plasmid dependent and was dominated by β‐ and γ‐Proteobacteria.
Efficacy of stimulants for cognitive enhancement in non‐attention deficit hyperactivity disorder youth: a systematic review
Authors: Bagot Kara Simone , Kaminer Yifrah 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackground and AimsIncreasing prescription stimulant abuse among youth without diagnoses of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is of concern. The most frequently cited motive for abuse is improved academic achievement via neurocognitive enhancement. Our aim in reviewing the literature was to identify neurocognitive effects of prescription stimulants in non‐ADHD youth.MethodsA systematic review was conducted for youth aged 12–25 years using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Fourteen papers were included.ResultsModafinil appears to improve reaction time (P ≤ 0.04), logical reasoning (P ≤ 0.05) and problem‐solving. Methylphenidate appears to improve performance in novel tasks and attention‐based tasks (P ≤ 0.05), and reduces planning latency in more complex tasks (P ≤ 0.05). Amphetamine has been shown to improve consolidation of information (0.02 ≥ P ≤ 0.05), leading to improved recall. Across all three types of prescription stimulants, research shows improved attention with lack of consensus on whether these improvements are limited to simple versus complex tasks in varying youth populations.ConclusionsThe heterogeneity of the non‐attention deficit hyperactivity disorder youth population, the variation in cognitive task characteristics and lack of replication of studies makes assessing the potential global neurocognitive benefits of stimulants among non‐attention deficit hyperactivity disorder youth difficult; however, some youth may derive benefit in specific cognitive domains.
Toward a consumer economy in China: implications of changing wage policies for U.S. cotton exports
Authors: Macdonald Stephen , Pan Suwen , Hudson Darren , Tuan Francis 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe effect of a Chinese minimum wage increase on China's textile market as well as on the world cotton market is evaluated. Based on a Nonlinear Quadratic Almost Ideal Demand System (NQAIDS) model of China's textile demand, the results suggest that the income elasticity for textiles is around 0.6 in China, and that apparel is less price responsive than home textiles and other textile products. Simulation results suggest that a minimum wage increase would raise Chinese domestic textile consumption and lower Chinese textile exports. Most of the decline in textile exports by China is offset by expansion in other countries’ domestic textile production and results in a slight increase in world cotton mill utilization and higher clothing prices.
Identifying important comorbidity among cancer populations using administrative data: Prevalence and impact on survival
Authors: Sarfati Diana , Gurney Jason , Lim Bee Teng , Bagheri Nasser , Simpson Andrew , Koea Jonathan , Dennett Elizabeth 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimsOur study sought to optimize the identification and investigate the impact of comorbidity in cancer patients using routinely collected hospitalization data.MethodsWe undertook an iterative process of classification of important clinical conditions involving evaluation of relevant literature and consultation with clinicians. Patients diagnosed with colon, rectal, breast, ovarian, uterine, stomach, liver, renal or bladder cancers (n = 14 096) between 2006 and 2008 were identified from the New Zealand Cancer Registry. Conditions were identified using data on diagnoses from hospital admissions for 5 years prior to cancer diagnosis. Patients were followed up until end of 2009 using routine mortality data. Prevalence estimates for each condition by site were calculated. All‐cause mortality impact of common conditions was investigated using Cox regression models adjusted for age and stage at diagnosis.ResultsPatients with liver and stomach cancers tended to have higher comorbidity and those with breast cancer, lower comorbidity than other cancer patients. Of the 50 conditions, the most common were hypertension (prevalence 8.0–20.9%), cardiac conditions (2.1–13.5%) and diabetes with (2.3–13.3%) and without (2.9–12.9%) complications. Comorbidity was associated with higher all‐cause mortality but the impact varied by condition and across cancer site, with impact less for cancers with poor prognoses. Conditions most consistently associated with adverse outcomes across all cancer sites were renal disease, coagulopathies and congestive heart failure.ConclusionComorbidity is highly prevalent in cancer populations, but prevalence and impact of conditions differ markedly by cancer type.