bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cell-type specificity of lung cancer associated with low-dose soil heavy metal contamination in Taiwan: An ecological study
Authors: Huang Hsien-Hung , Huang Jing-Yang , Lung Chia-Chi , Wu Chih-Lung , Ho Chien-Chang , Sun Yi-Hua , Ko Pei-Chieh , Su Shih-Yung , Chen Shih-Chang , Liaw Yung-Po 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundNumerous studies have examined the association between heavy metal contamination (including arsenic [As], cadmium [Cd], chromium [Cr], copper [Cu], mercury [Hg], nickel [Ni], lead [Pb], and zinc [Zn]) and lung cancer. However, data from previous studies on pathological cell types are limited, particularly regarding exposure to low-dose soil heavy metal contamination. The purpose of this study was to explore the association between soil heavy metal contamination and lung cancer incidence by specific cell type in Taiwan.MethodsWe conducted an ecological study and calculated the annual averages of eight soil heavy metals (i.e., As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn) by using data from the Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration from1982 to 1986. The age-standardized incidence rates of lung cancer according to two major pathological types (adenocarcinoma [AC] and squamous cell carcinoma [SCC]) were obtained from the National Cancer Registry Program conducted in Taiwan from 2001 to 2005. A geographical information system was used to plot the maps of soil heavy metal concentration and lung cancer incidence rates. Poisson regression models were used to obtain the adjusted relative ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the lung cancer incidence associated with soil heavy metals.ResultsFor males, the trend test for lung SCC incidence caused by exposure to Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, and Zn showed a statistically significant dose–response relationship. However, for lung AC, only Cu and Ni had a significant dose–response relationship. As for females, those achieving a statistically significant dose–response relationship for the trend test were Cr (P = 0.02), Ni (P = 0.02), and Zn (P= 0.02) for lung SCC, and Cu (P < 0.01) and Zn (P = 0.02) for lung AC.ConclusionThe current study suggests that a dose–response relationship exists between low-dose soil heavy metal concentration and lung cancer occurrence by specific cell-type; however, the relevant mechanism should be explored further.
Highly potent silver-organoalkoxysilane antimicrobial porous nanomembrane
Authors: Umar Sirajo , Liu Yuanfeng , Wu Yiguang , Li Guangtao , Ding Jiabo , Xiong Runsong , Chen Jinchun 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
We used a simple electrospinning technique to fabricate a highly potent silver-organoalkoxysilane antimicrobial composite from AgNO3-polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)/3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS)/tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) solution. Spectroscopic and microscopic analyses of the composite showed that the fibers contain an organoalkoxysilane ‘skeleton,’ 0.18 molecules/nm2 surface amino groups, and highly dispersed and uniformly distributed silver nanoparticles (5 nm in size). Incorporation of organoalkoxysilanes is highly beneficial to the antimicrobial mat as (1) amino groups of APTMS are adhesive and biocidal to microorganisms, (2) polycondensation of APTMS and TEOS increases the membrane’s surface area by forming silicon bonds that stabilize fibers and form a composite mat with membranous structure and high porosity, and (3) the organoalkoxysilanes are also instrumental to the synthesis of the very small-sized and highly dispersed silver metal particles in the fiber mat. Antimicrobial property of the composite was evaluated by disk diffusion, minimum inhibition concentration (MIC), kinetic, and extended use assays on bacteria (Escherichia coli, Bacillus anthracis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Brucella suis), a fungus (Aspergillus niger), and the Newcastle disease virus. The membrane shows quick and sustained broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Only 0.3 mg of fibers is required to achieve MIC against all the test organisms. Bacteria are inhibited within 30 min of contact, and the fibers can be used repeatedly. The composite is silver efficient and environment friendly, and its membranous structure is suitable for many practical applications as in air filters, antimicrobial linen, coatings, bioadhesives, and biofilms.
On fractional differential inclusions with anti-periodic type integral boundary conditions
Authors: Ahmad Bashir , Ntouyas Sotiris K , Alsaedi Ahmed 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
This paper investigates the existence of solutions for fractional differential inclusions of order

q
∈
(
2
,
3
]

with anti-periodic type integral boundary conditions by means of some standard fixed point theorems for inclusions. Our results include the cases when the multivalued map involved in the problem has convex as well as non-convex values. The paper concludes with an illustrative example.

MSC:34A60, 34A08.
Tolerability and outcomes of radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer in elderly patients aged 70 years and older
Authors: Cai Xin , Wu Hongbin , Peng Junjie , Zhu Ji , Cai Sanjun , Cai Gang , Zhang Zhen 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Purpose
To assess the safety and outcomes of radiotherapy (RT) or chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in elderly patients (≥70) with rectal cancer.

Methods
Elderly patients aged 70 and older with rectal cancer, who were treated with RT or CRT at a single institution, were retrospectively analyzed. Performance status (KPS and ECOG score) and comorbidity (Charlson comorbidity index) were calculated, and their correlation with treatment toxicity and overall survival were studied. Risk factors for overall survival were investigated using univariate and multivariate survival analysis.

Results
A total of 126 patients with locally advanced disease, local recurrence or synchronous metastasis were included, with a 3-year OS rate of 48.1%. Scheduled dosage of radiation was delivered to 69% of patients. Grade 3 toxicities occurred more often in patients treated with CRT versus RT. The occurrence of grade 3 toxicities was not related to KPS score, ECOG score, number of comorbidities, and Charlson score. Multivariate analysis found that only age and Charlson score were independent prognostic factors for predicting patients’ 3-year OS. The 3-year OS rate was significantly higher in patients with Charlson score <4 vs Charlson score ≥4 (71.1% vs. 26.4%, P=0.0003).

Conclusions
Although toxicities may be significant, elderly patients with rectal cancer of varied stages can be safely treated with RT or CRT with careful monitoring and frequent modification of treatment. Except for patients’ age, Charlson comorbidity index may be helpful in assessing patients’ outcomes in elderly patients with rectal cancer.
Electrochemical DNA biosensor based on the BDD nanograss array electrode
Authors: Jin Huali , Wei Min , Wang Jinshui 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
The development of DNA biosensor has attracted considerable attention due to their potential applications, including gene analysis, clinical diagnostics, forensic study and more medical applications. Using electroactive daunomycin as an indicator, the hybridization detection was measured by differential pulse voltammetry in this study.

Results
Electrochemical DNA biosensor was developed based on the BDD film electrode (fBDD) and BDD nanograss array electrode (nBDD). In comparison with fBDD and AuNPs/CA/fBDD electrode, the lower semicircle diameter of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy obtained on nBDD and AuNPs/CA/nBDD electrode indicated that the presence of nanograss array improved the reactive site, reduced the interfacial resistance, and made the electron transfer easier. Using electroactive daunomycin as an indicator, the hybridization detection was measured by differential pulse voltammetry.

Conclusions
The experimental results demonstrated that the prepared AuNPs/CA/nBDD electrode was suitable for DNA hybridization with favorable performance of faster response, higher sensitivity, lower detection limit and satisfactory selectivity, reproducibility and stability.
The acute and long‐term management of anaphylaxis: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Dhami Sangeeta , Panesar Sukhmeet S , Rader Tamara , Muraro Antonella , Roberts Graham , Worm Margitta , Sheikh Aziz ,   EAACI Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Guidelines group
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology is in the process of developing its Guideline for Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis, and this systematic review is one of seven inter‐linked evidence syntheses that are being undertaken in order to provide a state‐of‐the‐art synopsis of the current evidence base in relation to epidemiology, prevention, diagnosis and clinical management and impact on quality of life, which will be used to inform clinical recommendations.The aims of this systematic review will be to assess the effectiveness of interventions for the acute management of anaphylaxis, and pharmacological and non‐pharmacological approaches for the long‐term management of anaphylaxis.MethodsA highly sensitive search strategy has been developed, and validated study design filters will be applied to retrieve all articles pertaining to the management of anaphylaxis from electronic bibliographic databases. We will systematically review the literature on the acute management of anaphylaxis by assessing the effectiveness of epinephrine, H1‐antihistamines (versus placebo), systemic glucocorticosteroids, methylxanthines or any other treatments for the emergency management of people experiencing anaphylaxis. The main interventions that have been studied in the context of long‐term management are anaphylaxis management plans and allergen‐specific immunotherapy.DiscussionThere is at present little in the way of robust evidence to guide decisions on the acute and/or long‐term management of anaphylaxis. Given the risk of death and the considerable morbidity associated with anaphylaxis these evidence gaps need to be filled wherever possible; this systematic review will make a start in this area.
Characterization of x-type high-molecular-weight glutenin promoters (x-HGP) from different genomes in Triticeae
Authors: Jiang Qian-Tao , Zhao Quan-Zhi , Wang Xiu-Ying , Wang Chang-Shui , Zhao Shan , Cao Xue , Lan Xiu-Jin , Lu Zhen-Xiang , Zheng You-Liang , Wei Yu-Ming 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
The sequences of x-type high-molecular-weight glutenin promoter (x-HGP) from 21 diploid Triticeae species were cloned and sequenced. The lengths of x-HGP varied from 897 to 955 bp, and there are 329 variable sites including 105 singleton sites and 224 polymorphic sites. Genetic distances of pairwise X-HGP sequences ranged from 0.30 to 16.40% within 21 species and four outgroup species of Hordeum. All five recognized regulatory elements emerged and showed higher conservation in the x-HGP of 21 Triticeae species. Most variations were distributed in the regions among or between regulatory elements. A 22 bp and 50 bp insertions which were the copy of adjacent region with minor change, were found in the x-HGP of Ae. speltoides and Ps. Huashanica, and could be regarded as genome specific indels. The phylogeny of media-joining network and neighbour-joining tree both supported the topology were composed of three sperate clusters. Especially, the cluster I comprising the x-HGP sequences of Aegilops, Triticum, Henrardia, Agropyron and Taeniatherum was highly supporting by both network and NJ tree. As conferring to higher level and temporal and spatial expression, x-HGP can used as the source of promoter for constructing transgenic plants which allow endosperm-specific expression of exogenous gene on higher level. In addition, the x-HGP has enough conservation and variation; so it should be valuable in phylogenetic analyses of Triticeae family members.
Hepatic excretory function in sepsis: implications from biophotonic analysis of transcellular xenobiotic transport in a rodent model
Authors: Gonnert Falk A , Recknagel Peter , Hilger Ingrid , Claus Ralf A , Bauer Michael , Kortgen Andreas 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Hepatobiliary elimination of endo- and xenobiotics is affected by different variables including hepatic perfusion, hepatocellular energy state and functional integrity of transporter proteins, all of which are altered during sepsis. A particular impairment of hepatocellular transport at the canalicular pole resulting in an accumulation of potentially hepatotoxic compounds would have major implications for critical care pharmacology and diagnostics.

Methods
Hepatic transcellular transport, that is, uptake and hepatobiliary excretion, was studied in a rodent model of severe polymicrobial sepsis by two different biophotonic techniques to obtain insights into the handling of potentially toxic endo- and xenobiotics in sepsis. Direct and indirect in vivo imaging of the liver was performed by intravital multifluorescence microscopy and non-invasive whole-body near-infrared (NIRF) imaging after administration of two different, primarily hepatobiliary excreted xenobiotics, the organic anionic dyes indocyanine green (ICG) and DY635. Subsequent quantitative data analysis enabled assessment of hepatic uptake and fate of these model substrates under conditions of sepsis.

Results
Fifteen hours after sepsis induction, animals displayed clinical and laboratory signs of multiple organ dysfunction, including moderate liver injury, cholestasis and an impairment of sinusoidal perfusion. With respect to hepatocellular transport of both dyes, excretion into bile was significantly delayed for both dyes and resulted in net accumulation of potentially cytotoxic xenobiotics in the liver parenchyma (for example, specific dye fluorescence in liver at 30 minutes in sham versus sepsis: ICG: 75% versus 89%; DY635 20% versus 40% of maximum fluorescence; P < 0.05). Transcutaneous assessment of ICG fluorescence by whole body NIRF imaging revealed a significant increase of ICG fluorescence from the 30th minute on in the bowel region of the abdomen in sham but not in septic animals, confirming a sepsis-associated failure of canalicular excretion.

Conclusions
Hepatocytes accumulate organic anions under conditions of sepsis-associated organ dysfunction. These results have potential implications for monitoring liver function, critical care pharmacology and the understanding of drug-induced liver injury in the critically ill.
Geometrical considerations in the acquisition of borehole interferometric data for imaging near-vertical features: Design of field experiments
Authors: Brand Emma , Hurich Charles , Deemer Sharon 
Published: April 2013

Seismic interferometry applied to walkaway vertical seismic profile data has significant potential for imaging the steeply dipping structures often encountered in hard-rock minerals exploration. Using the interferometry process, surface shots can be redatumed to the borehole receivers resulting in virtual shot gathers. The virtual shot gathers can then be processed using a standard common midpoint (CMP) processing flow. Carrying out this procedure for a subvertical borehole results in a geometry that is optimal for imaging structures that are near vertical. Field acquisition parameters play a critical role in recovering reliable virtual source images. We evaluated the major factors that play a role in designing a field acquisition program with the objective of providing guidance to field practitioners. The major issue to be considered is insuring that correlation gathers created in the interferometry process have a stationary phase component that when summed produces events with correct timing and cancellation of nonstationary components. Consistent with previous work, the ray-tracing-based analysis identified the surface source spacing, surface source aperture, and dominant frequency as the most critical parameters. The analysis indicated that because of the high apparent velocities typically encountered in hard rock terrains, a surface source spacing of 20 m and an aperture of 1000 m will result in stationary phase components and avoid spatial alias in the correlation gathers for frequencies as high as 80 Hz. However, closer spacing of the surface sources provided more traces in the correlation gathers resulting in fewer artifacts during summation. These results were further verified by acoustic wave modeling that provided data from more complex targets that were processed through a complete interferometry and CMP flow. The analysis indicated that with care in designing field acquisition parameters, seismic interferometry is realizable within the terrain and access restrictions imposed by many mining camps.
The Digital MIQE Guidelines: Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Digital PCR Experiments
Authors: Huggett Jim F , Foy Carole A , Benes Vladimir , Emslie Kerry , Garson Jeremy A , Haynes Ross , Hellemans Jan , Kubista Mikael , Mueller Reinhold D , Nolan Tania , Pfaffl Michael W , Shipley Gregory L , Vandesompele Jo , Wittwer Carl T , Bustin Stephen A 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
There is growing interest in digital PCR (dPCR) because technological progress makes it a practical and increasingly affordable technology. dPCR allows the precise quantification of nucleic acids, facilitating the measurement of small percentage differences and quantification of rare variants. dPCR may also be more reproducible and less susceptible to inhibition than quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Consequently, dPCR has the potential to have a substantial impact on research as well as diagnostic applications. However, as with qPCR, the ability to perform robust meaningful experiments requires careful design and adequate controls. To assist independent evaluation of experimental data, comprehensive disclosure of all relevant experimental details is required. To facilitate this process we present the Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Digital PCR Experiments guidelines. This report addresses known requirements for dPCR that have already been identified during this early stage of its development and commercial implementation. Adoption of these guidelines by the scientific community will help to standardize experimental protocols, maximize efficient utilization of resources, and enhance the impact of this promising new technology.
Study of Afterglow and Thermoluminescence Properties of Synthetic Opal-C Nanoparticles for In Vivo Dosimetry Applications
Authors: Hernández-Ortiz Marlen , Acosta-Torres Laura S. , Bernal Rodolfo , Cruz-Vázquez Catalina , Castaño Víctor M. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTOpal particles, with diameter ca. 80 nm, were synthesized by the Stöber method. Samples were exposed to 100 Gy of beta particle irradiation and its thermoluminescence (TL) emission was recorded. TL response presents good reproducibility, standard deviation 1 %. The glow curve displays two TL peaks 86 and 400 °C and the afterglow (AG) phenomenon is observed immediately after irradiation (< 150°C). The synthetic opal-C exhibits a linear dependence of AG response as function of dose from 0.25 to 8 Gy. This dose range is of interest for personal and clinical dosimetry. Moreover, a previous study indicates that cytotoxic and genotoxic effects caused by opal nanoparticles, did not induce unrepairable DNA damage neither a cellular harm. Therefore, our results show synthetic opal-C is a material useful for in vivo radiation dosimetry.
Inhibited Gas Stimulation To Mitigate Condensate Banking and Maximize Recovery in Cupiagua Field
Authors: Franco C.. , Botero O.. , Zapata J.. , Mora E.. , Candela C.. , Castillo A.. 
Published: April 2013

Summary
Condensate banking has been identified as one of the most potentially damaging mechanisms affecting well productivity in Cupiagua Field. This gas-condensate giant field has reached an average recovery factor of 42%, with recovery values of approximately 60% in some layers of field. The mitigation of condensate banking phenomena, among the other important damaging mechanisms currently interacting along the entire productivity zones, has been one of the most relevant stimulation practices in the development strategy.
The mitigation of condensate banking led to optimization of common stimulation practices to recover the productivity of gas-condensate wells. Massive hydraulic fracturing and matrix stimulation with inhibited diesel and alcohol have been the most common practices implemented and optimized to mitigate condensate banking in Cupiagua field.
Because the field is being operated by Ecopetrol (as of June 2010), the mitigation of condensate banking was recognized as one of the most important stimulation challenges to be worked by the stimulation team. The effective mitigation of condensate banking is key to reaching and even exceeding the short- and long-term production targets set by Ecopetrol.
This paper describes all the engineering work carried out to implement a new stimulation technique based on the injection of inhibited dry gas. The performed laboratory job, the simulation runs, the engineering design, and the field results are clearly described in the paper, the preliminary results showing that a successful stimulation technique exists to remove and mitigate condensate banking. At the moment, this stimulation strategy has been focused on removing liquid saturation (condensate and water) and organic solids (especially asphaltenes) by incorporating alcohol and surfactants inside the gas stream. Future engineering work will address the incorporation of a chemical blend that can improve the gas-treatment life, thus reducing critical liquid saturation or/and reducing the size of no-mobile condensate rings.
Compositional Simulation of Condensate Banking Inside Hydraulic Fractures Coupled with Reservoir Geomechanics
Authors: Deng H. , Chen Z. , Dong C. , Nikpoor M. H. 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Horizontal wells with multistage hydraulic fracturing stimulation become the common practice in developing tight and shale gas reservoirs. For gas condensate reservoirs, heavier components in the gas phase start dropping and decrease the gas mobility due to a relative-permeability relationship as reservoir pressure drops below the saturation pressure. Therefore, modeling the condensate banking along hydraulic fractures becomes critical in understanding the productivity loss, the hydraulic fracturing job design as well as the field production optimization. In addition, along with pressure depletion, the stress dependent permeability must be taken into account either by an approximation derived from lab experiments inside a finite difference flow simulator or modeling separately by a finite element geomechanics code.
A condensate fluid pseudoization that reduces nine hydrocarbon components to a pseudo three components mixture is presented in this paper. The control volume based multiphase multi-components thermal simulator FATS is utilized in modeling the condensate banking inside the hydraulic fractures and surrounding matrix blocks. A K-value interpolation algorithm is developed and validated by a two-phase envelope generated by an Equation of State (EOS). FATS results are validated by the EOS based reservoir simulator GEM.
A compositional simulation model is coupled with reservoir geomechanics in this study to investigate the interaction of stress changes and its effects on multiphase flow along fractures. A modular coupled approach is implemented for solving the stress and flow equations at each time step by the iteration between the reservoir simulator and geomechanical module. Pressure and temperature changes occurring in the reservoir simulator are passed to the geomechanical simulator to compute the changing of stress and strain and updating porosity and permeability simultaneously. Simulation results show that fracture conductivity reduction is due to the combination of condensate banking and changing of the effective stress along hydraulic fractures.