bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal follow-up of vision in a neuromyelitis optica cohort
Authors: Bouyon M , Collongues N , Zéphir H , Ballonzoli L , Jeanjean L , Lebrun C , Chanson JB , Blanc F , Fleury M , Outteryck O , Defoort S , Labauge P , Vermersch P , Speeg C , De Seze J 
Published: February 2013

Background: Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an inflammatory disease associated with optic neuritis and myelitis. Recently, several studies showed that optical coherence tomography (OCT) could be an interesting method for the evaluation of disease severity; however, to date there are no studies with a longitudinal follow-up of visual function in NMO. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of OCT to evaluate the progression of visual dysfunction in NMO. Patients and methods: A group of 30 NMO patients (thus, 60 eyes), comprised of 20 women and 10 men with a mean age of 43.7 +/− 12.3 years, were prospectively evaluated clinically and by a whole neuro-ophthalmological work-up, including: visual acuity (VA), fundoscopy, visual evoked potential (VEP), visual field (VF) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). All patients were tested at baseline (after a mean disease duration of 6.1 years) and after a mean time of follow-up of 18 months (range: 12–36 months). Results: Mean VA was similar at the two evaluation times (0.77 +/− 0.36 versus 0.77 +/− 0.35). The mean VF defect decreased slightly, but the difference was not significant (−5.9 +/− 1.3 dB versus −5.3 +/− 1.3 dB). In contrast, the mean retinal thickness seen on OCT decreased from 87.4 +/− 23.3 µm to 79.7 +/- 22.4 µm ( p = 0.006). These modifications were only observed in eyes with a past or a recent history of optic neuritis (−15.1 µm; p < 0.001) and not in eyes without any history of optic neuritis (−2.4 µm; not significant). Also, they occurred independently of the occurrence of relapses ( n = 13) and especially optic neuritis episodes; however, the number of optic neuritis episodes was low ( n = 5). Conclusion: OCT seems to be a more sensitive test than VA or VF for monitoring ophthalmological function in NMO and it seems to be helpful for the detection of infra-clinical episodes in patients with a past history of optic neuritis. Our results suggest that this easily performed technique should be used in the follow-up of NMO, but complementary studies are warranted to confirm its interest at an individual level.
Evolving risk of therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia following cancer chemotherapy among adults in the United States, 1975-2008
Authors: Morton Lindsay M. , Dores Graça M. , Tucker Margaret A. , Kim Clara J. , Onel Kenan , Gilbert Ethel S. , Fraumeni Joseph F. , Curtis Rochelle E. 
Published: February 2013

Key PointsCoincident with major changes in cancer treatments, the occurrence of tAML has changed significantly with time. The risks for tAML should be weighed against the benefits of chemotherapy.
Perivascular support of human hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells
Authors: Corselli Mirko , Chin Chee Jia , Parekh Chintan , Sahaghian Arineh , Wang Wenyuan , Ge Shundi , Evseenko Denis , Wang Xiaoyan , Montelatici Elisa , Lazzari Lorenza , Crooks Gay M. , Péault Bruno 
Published: February 2013

Key PointsPerivascular cells maintain HSPCs ex vivo.
Fertilisation and early developmental barriers to hybridisation in field crickets
Authors: Tyler Frances , Rodríguez-Muñoz Rolando , Tregenza Tom 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundPost-mating interactions between the reproductive traits and gametes of mating individuals and among their genes within zygotes are invariably complex, providing multiple opportunities for reproduction to go awry. These interactions have the potential to act as barriers to gene flow between species, and may be important in the process of speciation. There are multiple post-mating barriers to interbreeding between the hybridising field cricketsGryllus bimaculatusandG. campestris.FemaleG. bimaculatuspreferentially store sperm from conspecific males when mated to both conspecific and heterospecific partners. Additionally, conspecific males sire an even greater proportion of offspring than would be predicted from their sperm’s representation in the spermatheca. The nature of these post-sperm-storage barriers to hybridisation are unknown. We use a fluorescent staining technique to determine whether barriers occur prior to, or during embryo development.ResultsWe show that eggs laid byG. bimaculatusfemales mated toG. campestrismales are less likely to begin embryogenesis than eggs from conspecific mating pairs. Of the eggs that are successfully fertilised and start to develop, those from heterospecific mating pairs are more likely to arrest early, prior to blastoderm formation. We find evidence for bimodal variation among egg clutches in the number of developing embryos that subsequently arrest, indicating that there is genetic variation for incompatibility between mating individuals. In contrast to the pattern of early embryonic mortality, those hybrids reaching advanced stages of embryogenesis have survival rates equal to that of embryos from conspecific mating pairs.ConclusionsPost-sperm-storage barriers to hybridisation show evidence of genetic polymorphism. They are sufficiently large, that if the species interbreed where they are sympatric, these barriers could play a role in the maintenance of reproductive isolation between them. The number of eggs that fail to develop represents a substantial cost of hybridization toG. bimaculatusfemales, and this cost could reinforce the evolution of barriers occurring earlier in the reproductive process.
On the proportional hazards model for occupational and environmental case-control analyses
Authors: Gauvin Héloïse , Lacourt Aude , Leffondré Karen 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Case-control studies are generally designed to investigate the effect of exposures on the risk of a disease. Detailed information on past exposures is collected at the time of study. However, only the cumulated value of the exposure at the index date is usually used in logistic regression. A weighted Cox (WC) model has been proposed to estimate the effects of time-dependent exposures. The weights depend on the age conditional probabilities to develop the disease in the source population. While the WC model provided more accurate estimates of the effect of time-dependent covariates than standard logistic regression, the robust sandwich variance estimates were lower than the empirical variance, resulting in a low coverage probability of confidence intervals. The objectives of the present study were to investigate through simulations a new variance estimator and to compare the estimates from the WC model and standard logistic regression for estimating the effects of correlated temporal aspects of exposure with detailed information on exposure history.

Method
We proposed a new variance estimator using a superpopulation approach, and compared its accuracy to the robust sandwich variance estimator. The full exposure histories of source populations were generated and case-control studies were simulated within each source population. Different models with selected time-dependent aspects of exposure such as intensity, duration, and time since cessation were considered. The performances of the WC model using the two variance estimators were compared to standard logistic regression. The results of the different models were finally compared for estimating the effects of correlated aspects of occupational exposure to asbestos on the risk of mesothelioma, using population-based case-control data.

Results
The superpopulation variance estimator provided better estimates than the robust sandwich variance estimator and the WC model provided accurate estimates of the effects of correlated aspects of temporal patterns of exposure.

Conclusion
The WC model with the superpopulation variance estimator provides an alternative analytical approach for estimating the effects of time-varying exposures with detailed history exposure information in case-control studies, especially if many subjects have time-varying exposure intensity over lifetime, and if only one control is available for each case.
Correlation of MLH1 and MGMTexpression and promoter methylation with genomic instability in patients with thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Santos Juliana Carvalho , Bastos André Uchimura , Cerutti Janete Maria , Ribeiro Marcelo Lima 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Gene silencing of the repair genes MLH1 and MGMT was shown to be a mechanism underlying the development of microsatellite instability (MSI), a phenotype frequently associated with various human malignancies. Recently, aberrant methylation of MLH1, MGMT and MSI were shown to be associated with mutations in genes such as BRAF, RAS and IDH1 in colon and brain tumours. Little is known about the methylation status of MLH1 and MGMT in thyroid tumours and its association with MSI and mutational status.

Methods
In a series of 96 thyroid tumours whose mutational profiles of BRAF, IDH1 and NRAS mutations and RET/PTC were previously determined, we investigated MLH1 and MGMT expression and methylation status by qPCR and methylation-specific PCR after bisulphite treatment, respectively. MSI was determined by PCR using seven standard microsatellite markers.

Results
Samples with point mutations (BRAF, IDH1 and NRAS) show a decrease in MLH1 expression when compared to negative samples. Additionally, malignant lesions show a higher MSI pattern than benign lesions. The MSI phenotype was also associated with down-regulation of MLH1.

Conclusions
The results of this study allow us to conclude that low expression of MLH1 is associated with BRAF V600E mutations, RET/PTC rearrangements and transitions (IDH1 and NRAS) in patients with thyroid carcinoma. In addition, a significant relationship between MSI status and histological subtypes was found.
Effectiveness and efficiency of assertive outreach for Schizophrenia in Germany: study protocol on a pragmatic quasi-experimental controlled trial
Authors: Bramesfeld Anke , Moock Jörn , Kopke Kirsten , Büchtemann Dorothea , Kästner Denise , Radisch Jeanett , Rössler Wulf 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
A model of assertive outreach (AO) in which office-based psychiatrists collaborate with ambulatory nursing services for providing intensive home-treatment is currently being implemented in rural areas of Lower Saxony, Germany. The costs of the model are reimbursed by some of the statutory health insurance companies active in Lower Saxony. Effectiveness and efficiency of this model for patients suffering from schizophrenia is evaluated in a pragmatic and prospective trial.

Methods
Quasi-experimental controlled trial: patients receiving the intervention are all those receiving AO; controls are patients not eligible for AO based on their health insurance affiliation. Eligibility criteria: clinical diagnosis of schizophrenia (ICD-10 F.20), aged at least 18 years and being moderately to severely impaired in global functioning. Primary outcome: admission and days spent in psychiatric inpatient care; secondary outcomes: clinical and functional status; patient satisfaction with chronic care; health care costs. Follow-up time: 6 and 12 months.

Discussion
The study faces many challenges typical to pragmatic trials such as the rejection of randomisation by service providers, the quality of treatment as usual (TAU) to which the intervention will be compared, and the impairment of the study subjects. Solutions of how to deal with these challenges are presented and discussed in detail.

Trial registration
International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number: http://ISRCTN34900108, German Clinical Trial Register: http://DRKS00003351
Intention to voluntary HIV counseling and testing (VCT) among health professionals in Jimma zone, Ethiopia: the theory of planned behavior (TPB) perspective
Authors: Abamecha Fira , Godesso Ameyu , Girma Eshetu 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Voluntary HIV Counseling and Testing (VCT) forms one of the cornerstones of HIV prevention strategies. It is imperative to understand HIV testing correlates and their theoretical underpinnings in order to promote VCT uptake. The aim of this study was to predict the intention to VCT and associated factors among health professionals in Jimma zone, Ethiopia using the theory of planned behavior.

Methods
An institution based cross-sectional quantitative study among a sample of 336 health professionals in 12 selected districts of Jimma, Ethiopia was conducted in 2012. The constructs and principles of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) were measured. Data were collected using structured questionnaire on self administered basis. A multivariable linear regression model was used to predict the role of independent variables/TPB constructs on the intention to use VCT using SPSS version 16.0.

Results
The components of TPB independently explained the variance in intention to VCT by 30.3%. Both components of TPB and socio-demographic characteristic in the final model explained 32.7% of variance in the intention to use VCT services. Significant proportions (33.0%) of the respondents have never been tested for HIV. The respective indirect components of the TPB predicted the direct components. The strongest predictors of intention to VCT were subjective norm (β=0.39, p<0.001) and attitude (β= 0.19, p<0.001) whereas, none of the socio-demographic variables were significantly predicted the intention to use VCT. Past VCT experience did not have significant statistical association with VCT use intention.

Conclusions
Behavioral intention to use VCT was a function of attitude and perceived social pressure. Demographic related social determinants were not barriers for VCT use intention. Most health workers test their blood by themselves. Strategies to empower health professionals on social pressure resistance and programs targeted at changing negative attitude on VCT use can enhance intention of health professionals to use VCT.
Electrochemical route to the synthesis of ZnO microstructures: its nestlike structure and holding of Ag particles
Authors: Ding Ling , Zhang Ruixue , Fan Louzhen 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Abstract
A simple and facile electrochemical route was developed for the shape-selective synthesis of large-scaled series of ZnO microstructures, including petal, flower, sphere, nest and clew aggregates of ZnO laminas at room temperature. This route is based on sodium citrate-directed crystallization. In the system, sodium citrate can greatly promote ZnO to nucleate and directly grow by selectively capping the specific ZnO facets because of its excellent adsorption ability. The morphology of ZnO is tuned by readily adjusting the concentration of sodium citrate and the electrodeposition time. Among the series structures, the remarkable ZnO nestlike structure can be used as a container to hold not only the interlaced ZnO laminas but also Ag nanoparticles in the center. The special heterostructures of nestlike ZnO holding Ag nanoparticles were found to display the superior properties on the surface-enhanced Raman scattering. This work has signified an important methodology to produce a wide assortment of desired microstructures of ZnO.

PACS
81 Materials science 81.07.-b nanoscale materials and structures Fabrication Characterization 81.15.-z Methods of deposition of films Coatings Film growth and epitaxy.
n-3 PUFA added to high-fat diets affect differently adiposity and inflammation when carried by phospholipids or triacylglycerols in mice
Authors: Awada Manar , Meynier Anne , Soulage Christophe O , Hadji Lilas , Géloën Alain , Viau Michèle , Ribourg Lucie , Benoit Berengère , Debard Cyrille , Guichardant Michel , Lagarde Michel , Genot Claude , Michalski Marie-Caroline 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Dietary intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) is primarily recognized to protect against cardiovascular diseases, cognitive dysfunctions and the onset of obesity and associated metabolic disorders. However, some of their properties such as bioavailability can depend on their chemical carriers. The objective of our study was to test the hypothesis that the nature of n-3 PUFA carrier results in different metabolic effects related to adiposity, oxidative stress and inflammation.

Methods
4 groups of C57BL/6 mice were fed for 8 weeks low fat (LF) diet or high-fat (HF, 20%) diets. Two groups of high-fat diets were supplemented with long-chain n-3 PUFA either incorporated in the form of phospholipids (HF-ω3PL) or triacylglycerols (HF-ω3TG).

Results
Both HF-ω3PL and HF-ω3TG diets reduced the plasma concentrations of (i) inflammatory markers such as monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), (ii) leptin and (iii) 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE), a marker of n-6 PUFA-derived oxidative stress compared with the control HF diet. Moreover, in both HF-ω3PL and HF-ω3TG groups, MCP-1 and IL-6 gene expressions were decreased in epididymal adipose tissue and the mRNA level of gastrointestinal glutathione peroxidase GPx2, an antioxidant enzyme, was decreased in the jejunum compared with the control HF diet. The type of n-3 PUFA carrier affected other outcomes. The phospholipid form of n-3 PUFA increased the level of tocopherols in epididymal adipose tissue compared with HF-ω3TG and resulted in smaller adipocytes than the two others HF groups. Adipocytes in the HF-ω3PL and LF groups were similar in size distribution.

Conclusion
Supplementation of mice diet with long-chain n-3 PUFA during long-term consumption of high-fat diets had the same lowering effects on inflammation regardless of triacyglycerol or phospholipid carrier, whereas the location of these fatty acids on a PL carrier had a major effect on decreasing the size of adipocytes that was not observed with the triacyglycerol carrier. Altogether, these results would support the development functional foods containing LC n-3 PUFA in the form of PL in order to prevent some deleterious outcomes associated with the development of obesity.
Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells − 1 (Trem-1) on blood neutrophils is associated with cytokine inducibility in human E. coli sepsis
Authors: van Bremen Tobias , Drömann Daniel , Luitjens Karin , Dodt Christoph , Dalhoff Klaus , Goldmann Torsten , Schaaf Bernhard 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Bacterial sepsis induced immunsuppression via antigen hyporesponsibility increases the risk of nosokomial infections and mortality. Pattern recognition receptors (PRR) might have a central role in the pathophysiology of hyporesponsibility.

Methods
In this study we evaluated in a human E. coli sepsis cohort, the role of PRR including TLR’s and Trem-1. Expression of Trem-1, TLR2, TLR4, CD14 and HLA-DR on blood monozytes and neutrophils were examined using flow cytometry from 22 patients with E. coli sepsis and 6 healthy controls. LPS and LTA stimulated TNF alpha, IL-10, IL-8 and IL-6 production was studied in a 24 h whole blood assay. Free cytokine serum concentration of TNF alpha, PCT and IP-10 were evaluated.

Results
We found a significant higher expression of Trem-1 and TLR-2 on monocytes and neutrophils in patients compared to healthy volunteers. TLR2 expression (p < 0.05) was higher and HLA-DR lower (p < 0.05) on monocytes of patients with severe sepsis compared to patients with simple sepsis. Trem-1 expression was tendentially higher (p = 0,07) on monocytes and lower on neutrophils of patients with severe sepsis. Trem-1 expression on neutrophils was associated with the IL-10 (LPS: r = 0,61, p < 0.02) and TNF-α inducibility (LPS: r = 0,78, p < 0,002). In addition Trem-1 expression on neutrophils shows a negative correlation to the serum levels of TNF alpha (r = −0,63; p < 0,005), IP-10 (r = −0,5; p < 0,035) and procalcitonin (r = −0,59; p < 0,007).

Conclusions
Patients with E. coli sepsis are characterized by an association of Trem-1 expression on blood neutrophils with cytokine inducibility. The TREM-1 pathway on neutrophils might play a role in producing an adequate inflammatory and bactericidal response in bacterial sepsis.

Virtual Slides
The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/4441869398748313
Treatment of rice straw hemicellulosic hydrolysates with advanced oxidative processes: a new and promising detoxification method to improve the bioconversion process
Authors: Silva João Paulo Alves , Carneiro Livia Melo , Roberto Inês Conceição 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe use of lignocellulosic constituents in biotechnological processes requires a selective separation of the main fractions (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin). During diluted acid hydrolysis for hemicellulose extraction, several toxic compounds are formed by the degradation of sugars and lignin, which have ability to inhibit microbial metabolism. Thus, the use of a detoxification step represents an important aspect to be considered for the improvement of fermentation processes from hydrolysates. In this paper, we evaluated the application of Advanced Oxidative Processes (AOPs) for the detoxification of rice straw hemicellulosic hydrolysate with the goal of improving ethanol bioproduction byPichia stipitisyeast. Aiming to reduce the toxicity of the hemicellulosic hydrolysate, different treatment conditions were analyzed. The treatments were carried out according to a Taguchi L16orthogonal array to evaluate the influence of Fe+2, H2O2, UV, O3and pH on the concentration of aromatic compounds and the fermentative process.ResultsThe results showed that the AOPs were able to remove aromatic compounds (furan and phenolic compounds derived from lignin) without affecting the sugar concentration in the hydrolysate. Ozonation in alkaline medium (pH 8) in the presence of H2O2(treatment A3) or UV radiation (treatment A5) were the most effective for hydrolysate detoxification and had a positive effect on increasing the yeast fermentability of rice straw hemicellulose hydrolysate. Under these conditions, the higher removal of total phenols (above 40%), low molecular weight phenolic compounds (above 95%) and furans (above 52%) were observed. In addition, the ethanol volumetric productivity byP. stipitiswas increased in approximately twice in relation the untreated hydrolysate.ConclusionThese results demonstrate that AOPs are a promising methods to reduce toxicity and improve the fermentability of lignocellulosic hydrolysates.
Safe surgical technique for associated acetabular fractures
Authors: Suzuki Takashi , Smith Wade R , Mauffrey Cyril , Morgan Steven J 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAssociated acetabular fractures are challenging injuries to manage. The complex surgical approaches and the technical difficulty in achieving anatomical reduction imply that the learning curve to achieve high-quality care of patients with such challenging injuries is extremely steep. This first article in theJournal’s“Safe Surgical Technique” section presents the standard surgical care, in conjunction with intraoperative tips and tricks, for the safe management of all subgroups of associated acetabular fractures.