bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Targeting accuracy of transcranial magnetic resonance–guided high-intensity focused ultrasound brain therapy: a fresh cadaver model
Authors: Chauvet Dorian , Marsac Laurent , Pernot Mathieu , Boch Anne-Laure , Guillevin Rémy , Salameh Najat , Souris Line , Darrasse Luc , Fink Mathias , Tanter Mickaël , Aubry Jean-François 
Published: March 2013

Object
This work aimed at evaluating the accuracy of MR-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (MRgHIFU) brain therapy in human cadaver heads.

Methods
Eighteen heads of fresh human cadavers were removed with a dedicated protocol preventing intracerebral air penetration. The MR images allowed determination of the ultrasonic target: a part of the thalamic nucleus ventralis intermedius implicated in essential tremor. Osseous aberrations were corrected with simulation-based time reversal by using CT data from the heads. The ultrasonic session was performed with a 512-element phased-array transducer system operating at 1 MHz under stereotactic conditions with thermometric real-time MR monitoring performed using a 1.5-T imager.

Results
Dissection, imaging, targeting, and planning have validated the feasibility of this human cadaver model. The average temperature elevation measured by proton resonance frequency shift was 7.9°C ± 3°C. Based on MRI data, the accuracy of MRgHIFU is 0.4 ± 1 mm along the right/left axis, 0.7 ± 1.2 mm along the dorsal/ventral axis, and 0.5 ± 2.4 mm in the rostral/caudal axis.

Conclusions
Despite its limits (temperature, vascularization), the human cadaver model is effective for studying the accuracy of MRgHIFU brain therapy. With the 1-MHz system investigated here, there is millimetric accuracy.
Transpedicular N-butyl cyanoacrylate–mediated percutaneous embolization of symptomatic vertebral hemangiomas
Authors: Yao Kevin C. , Malek Adel M. 
Published: March 2013

Object
The resection of spinal hemangiomas is often challenging because of characteristic high-volume and potentially prohibitive intraoperative blood loss. Although transarterial embolization can mitigate this risk, it can be suboptimal when tumor arterial supply is diffuse or poorly defined. The authors present their experience in the use of preoperative percutaneous direct injection of spinal hemangiomas with N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) as an effective preoperative adjunct that may reduce operative blood loss and facilitate resection of these vascular tumors.

Methods
Four patients with symptomatic spinal hemangiomas were treated using percutaneous transpedicular direct NBCA-Lipiodol injection; 2 patients had undergone prior spinal angiography, with suboptimal transarterial embolization in 1. Each patient underwent percutaneous bilateral transpedicular NBCA-assisted tumor embolization prior to resection. Retrospective analysis of operative times, blood loss, and clinical data is presented.

Results
There were no complications associated with the percutaneous NBCA embolization technique. The procedure was effective at facilitating tumor removal and minimizing intraoperative blood loss, especially at the vertebral body resection stage. Improved tumor filling was achieved as the filling characteristics of dilute NBCA-Lipiodol mixture within large-channel, high-flow hemangiomas were appreciated with experience.

Conclusions
Transpedicular NBCA direct-puncture embolization of spinal hemangiomas is an effective preoperative adjunct that facilitates resection of these highly vascular tumors. It is particularly useful when transarterial embolization is unsafe or suboptimal due to constraints imposed by the local angioarchitecture.
CNE Article: Safety Culture In Australian Intensive Care Units: Establishing A Baseline For Quality Improvement
Authors: Chaboyer Wendy , Chamberlain Di , Hewson-Conroy Karena , Grealy Bernadette , Elderkin Tania , Brittin Maureen , McCutcheon Catherine , Longbottom Paula , Thalib Lukman 
Published: March 2013

Background
Workplace safety culture is a crucial ingredient in patients’ outcomes and is increasingly being explored as a guide for quality improvement efforts.

Objectives
To establish a baseline understanding of the safety culture in Australian intensive care units.

Methods
In a nationwide study of physicians and nurses in 10 Australian intensive care units, the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire intensive care unit version was used to measure safety culture. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the mean scores for the 6 subscales of the questionnaire, and generalized-estimation-equations models were used to test the hypotheses that safety culture differed between physicians and nurses and between nurse leaders and bedside nurses.

Results
A total of 672 responses (50.6% response rate) were received: 513 (76.3%) from nurses, 89 (13.2%) from physicians, and 70 (10.4%) from respondents who did not specify their professional group. Ratings were highest for teamwork climate and lowest for perceptions of hospital management and working conditions. Four subscales, job satisfaction, teamwork climate, safety climate, and working conditions, were rated significantly higher by physicians than by nurses. Two subscales, working conditions and perceptions of hospital management, were rated significantly lower by nurse leaders than by bedside nurses.

Conclusions
Measuring the baseline safety culture of an intensive care unit allows leaders to implement targeted strategies to improve specific dimensions of safety culture. These strategies ultimately may improve the working conditions of staff and the care that patients receive. (American Journal of Critical Care. 2013;22:93–103)
Micropapillary urothelial carcinoma: Cytologic features in a retrospective series of urine specimens
Authors: Heymann Jonas John , Saqi Anjali , Turk Andrew Thomas , Crapanzano John 
Published: March 2013

Background:The micropapillary variant of urothelial carcinoma (uPC) is a rare variant of urothelial carcinoma that carries a poor prognosis. Definitive surgery may represent optimal management of low stage tumors. Urine cytology is indispensable in the screening and follow-up of urinary tract cancer. However, cytopathological criteria for diagnosis of uPC and its differentiation from conventional urothelial carcinoma (CUC) are not well-defined.Materials and Methods:Twenty-five cases of histologically confirmed micropapillary uPC from 21 patients were compared to 25 cases of histologically confirmed high-grade CUC.Results:In uPC cases, cell clusters were identified in 13 of 25 specimens from 10 patients. Six of the 13 specimens containing cell clusters corresponded to surgical pathology specimens in which micropapillary carcinoma accounted for at least 50% of total carcinoma. In contrast, only 1 of the 12 urine specimens devoid of cell clusters corresponded to surgical specimens in which micropapillary carcinoma accounted for at least 50% of total carcinoma. Cytomorphologic features of urinary specimens from patients with histologically confirmed micropapillary carcinoma were generally similar to those from patients with high-grade CUC, making it difficult to distinguish these entities in exfoliative urine specimens.Conclusions and Summary:Further investigation of the core cytopathological characteristics of uPC is warranted to refine its diagnostic criteria by exfoliative urine cytology.
On Perturbation Bounds for the Joint Stationary Distribution of Multivariate Markov Chain Models
Authors: Li Wen , Jiang Lin , Ching Wai-Ki , Cui Lu-Bin 
Published: March 2013

AbstractMultivariate Markov chain models have previously been proposed in for studying dependent multiple categorical data sequences. For a given multivariate Markov chain model, an important problem is to study its joint stationary distribution. In this paper, we use two techniques to present some perturbation bounds for the joint stationary distribution vector of a multivariate Markov chain with s categorical sequences. Numerical examples demonstrate the stability of the model and the effectiveness of our perturbation bounds.
Evaluation of the Food Store Environment on and near the Campus of 15 Postsecondary Institutions
Authors: Horacek Tanya M. , Erdman Maria B. , Reznar Melissa M. , Olfert Melissa , Brown-Esters Onikia N. , Kattelmann Kendra K. , Kidd Tandalayo , Koenings Mallory , Phillips Beatrice , Quick Virginia , Shelnutt Karla P. , White Adrienne A. 
Published: March 2013

Purpose. This study evaluated the food stores on and near postsecondary campuses varying in institutional size. Design. The design of the study is an environmental audit survey. Setting. Fifteen U.S. postsecondary education institutions participated in this study between 2009–2011. Subjects. Eighty-one stores (44% grocery, 17% campus, and 39% convenience/drug) were evaluated. Measures. The Nutrition Environment Measures Survey for Stores was modified to evaluate food stores. Analysis. Analysis of variance with post hoc Tukey B and t-tests assessed differences between store types and by institutional size. Results. Grocery stores had significantly higher scores than campus/convenience stores for healthy foods (19.5 ± 3.8 vs. 2.4 ± 1.7), and for the availability (19.5 ± 3.8 vs. 2.4 ± 1.7) and quality (5.9 ± 0.5 vs. 1.8 ± 2.2) of fruits/vegetables (p < .001). Healthy foods and beverages were significantly more expensive (–0.6 ± 3.4 vs. 0.9 ± 2.0; p < .031) than their less healthful alternatives in grocery stores, but not in convenience stores. There were no differences by institutional size for grocery stores; however, smaller institutions' convenience stores had significantly lower availability and quality of fruits/vegetables and total food store environment scores. Conclusion. A college campus provides a food environment with an array of shopping venues, most of which are not consistent with dietary recommendations for obesity prevention. The limited quality of healthy food in on-campus and convenience stores and the exacerbated deficiencies for small postsecondary institutions provide evidence to support environmental and policy initiatives to improve the quality of campus food store environments.
Changes of plasma lipids in relation to the regular consumption of bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus L.)
Authors: Habánová Marta , Habán Miroslav , Chlebo Peter , Schwarzová Marianna 
Published: March 2013

In this work we studied the impact of regular consumption of bilberries on the lipid profile and triglycerides in the blood plasma. The research involved 18 women (average age 49.7) and 7 men (average age 52.8), who consumed 150 g of bilberries three times a week for 6 weeks. Based on these results, we can conclude that the average total cholesterol levels of women decreased from 5.65 mmol.l-1 at the beginning of research to 5.11 mmol.l-1. At end of the study, the average total cholesterol was 5.47 mmol.l-1. Similar results were found in the LDL cholesterol - the level of cholesterol of the second blood collection dropped from 4.06 mmol.l-1 to 3.70 mmol.l-1 and at the end of the study it increased again to 4.00 mmol.l-1. We observed a slight increase in HDL choleserol (by 0.07 mmol.l-1) and reduction of triglycerides (by 0.16 mmol.l-1). The total cholesterol monitored men due to the regular consumption of bilberries decreased by 0.36 mmol.l-1, LDL cholesterol by 0.31 mmol.l-1, HDL cholesterol by 0.49 mmol.l-1 and triglycerides by 0,49 mmol.l-1. The improvement of triglycerides and lipid profile in blood plasma of monitored subjects can by evaluated positively. The observed data confirm the biological activity of bilberries and the effectiveness of their use in prevention and comprehensive treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Suitability of cereal porridges as substrate for probiotic strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG
Authors: Kocková Monika , Valí­k Ľubomí­r 
Published: March 2013

The aim of this work was to find new substrates suitable for growth and metabolism of probiotic strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, which would be interesting for development of new functional food. The growth and metabolic activity of Lb. rhamnosus GG in cereal (rye, barley, oat and millet) porridges were monitored during fermentation process. Cereal and porridges, were inoculated with this strain at two initial levels to obtain approximately 5 or 6 log colony form units per gram of suspension after sterilization and cooling,. Fermentation was led stationary at 37 °C for 48 hours and viable cell count, pH value, titratable acidity and organic acids were analysed. Metabolic activity of Lb. rhamnosus GG was influenced by inoculation level and by the type of cereal used. The cereals fermented by lactic acid bacteria, especially probiotic strains, might broaden the offer of probiotic products for those suffering from milk allergy.
Dysplastic Lesions in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Molecular Pathogenesis to Morphology
Authors: Matkowskyj Kristina A. , Chen Zongming E. , Rao M. Sambasiva , Yang Guang-Yu 
Published: March 2013

Context.—Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a long-standing chronic active inflammatory process in the bowel with increased risk for the development of colorectal carcinoma. Several molecular events involved in chronic active inflammatory processes contribute to multistage progression of human cancer development, including reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, aberrant arachidonic acid metabolites and cytokines/growth factors, and immune dysfunction. These molecular events in IBD lead to genetic abnormality and promote aberrant cell proliferation, which further lead to epithelial changes encompassing a broad spectrum from inflammation-induced hyperplasia to dysplasia.Objective.—To review the (1) epidemiologic and molecular pathogenesis of the risk for colorectal cancer in IBD, (2) morphologic characterization, biomarker(s), and classification of dysplastic lesions, and (3) clinical management of dysplastic lesions arising in IBD.Data Sources.—The different IBD-related dysplastic lesions are illustrated by using morphology in conjunction with molecular pathways, and the “field cancerization” theory and its potential significance are discussed with a review of the literature.Conclusions.—Patients with IBD are at increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. The risk of developing carcinoma is related to the extent/duration/activity of the patient's disease. There is no consensus regarding the extent of carcinoma risk associated with IBD; however, all would agree that patients with IBD represent a group at significant risk for developing carcinoma and as such, warrant adequate surveillance and prevention. With better screening modalities and detection/characterization of dysplastic lesions, IBD-associated serrated lesions, and “field cancerization,” we will improve our understanding of and approach to risk stratification.
Pathologic Examination of Fetal and Placental Tissue Obtained by Dilation and Evacuation
Authors: Ernst Linda M. , Gawron Lori , Fritsch Michael K. 
Published: March 2013

Context.—Dilation and evacuation (D&E) is an alternative method to induction of labor for pregnancy termination and intrauterine fetal demise, and it is the most common mode of second-trimester uterine evacuation in the United States. Many D&E specimens are examined in surgical pathology, and there is little information available in surgical pathology textbooks or the literature to assist pathologists in these examinations.Objective.—To provide an overview of the D&E procedure, discuss related legal issues, provide guidelines for routine pathologic examination of D&E specimens, and demonstrate the importance of careful pathologic examination of D&E specimens.Data Sources.—Case-derived material and literature review.Conclusions.—Pathologic examination of D&E specimens has been understudied. However, the available literature and our experience support the fact that careful pathologic examination of D&E specimens can identify significant fetal and placental changes that can confirm clinical diagnoses or provide definitive diagnosis, assist in explaining the cause of intrauterine fetal demise, and identify unexpected anomalies that may provide further clues to a diagnostic syndrome or mechanism of anomaly formation.
Clinical and Economic Analysis of Delayed Administration of Antithymocyte Globulin for Induction Therapy in Kidney Transplantation
Authors: McGillicuddy John W. , Taber David J. , Pilch Nicole A. , Kohout Ryan K. , Bratton Charles F. , Chavin Kenneth D. , Baliga Prabhakar K. 
Published: March 2013

Context The increasing number of marginal deceased kidney donors and an aging recipient population, prolonged hospitalization, and increased costs have destabilized the economic viability of kidney transplants. Objective To determine if a delay in the administration of the day-of-discharge dose of rabbit antithymocyte globulin would result in equivalent clinical outcomes with cost savings. Design Single-center, prospective, observational before-and-after study of adult kidney transplant recipients who received induction with rabbit antithymocyte globulin. Intervention—Patients who received a transplant between June 2006 and February 2009 and received rabbit antithymocyte globulin served as the control group. Patients who received a transplant between March 2009 and August 2010 and received rabbit antithymocyte globulin had the day-of-discharge dose delayed to the following day and administered in the clinic. A total of 231 patients (146 in the control group, 85 in the study group) were included. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were similar in the 2 groups. Results Patients who had delayed administration of rabbit antithymocyte globulin had shorter stays (3.9 vs 3.1 days, P .001) and reduced inpatient costs for rabbit antithymocyte globulin (mean $860/patient); these changes were achieved without affecting acute rejection rates (5% vs 5%, P>> .99) or readmission rates. In conclusion, delayed inpatient administration of rabbit antithymocyte globulin provided identical clinical outcomes while helping to reduce inpatient costs and increase timely discharges.
Flame retardant polyurethane elastomer nanocomposite applied to coal mines as air‐leak sealant
Authors: Wu Jianming , Yan Hong , Wang Junfeng , Wu Yuguo , Zhou Chunshan 
Published: March 2013

AbstractPolyurethane elastomer (PUE) was firstly applied to mining coal roadway as air‐leak sealant. It is very important for air‐leak sealants to possess the super mechanical properties and good flame retardant performance when applied to the coal‐rock mass with cracks. The reinforced and toughened PUE nanocomposites were obtained by adding surface modified TiO2 and SiO2 nanoparticles. The modified PUE was characterized in terms of morphology, structure, and thermal stability by field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (IR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Its flame‐retardant performance and mechanical properties were also tested. The results showed that the surface modified nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed in the PUE matrix and enhanced its thermal stability and flame retardant performance. The dual effects of uniform dispersion of nanoparticles and hydrogen bonding between nanoparticles and PUE improved the mechanical properties of the composites. The PUE modified by nanoparticles was successfully applied to coal mines and showed great air‐leak sealing effect. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Development of lightweight thermoplastic composites based on polycarbonate/acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene copolymer alloys and recycled carbon fiber: Preparation, morphology, and properties
Authors: Yan Guotao , Wang Xiaodong , Wu Dezhen 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThermoplastic composites of polycarbonate (PC)/acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene copolymer (ABS) alloys reinforced with recycled carbon fiber (RCF) were prepared by melt extrusion through a twin‐screw extruder. The RCF was first cleaned and activated with a concentrated solution of nitric acid and was then surface‐coated with diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A as a macromolecular coupling agent. Such an approach is effective to improve the interfacial bonding between the fibers and the PC/ABS matrix. As was expected, the reinforcing potential of the RCF was enhanced substantially, and furthermore, the mechanical properties, heat distortion temperature, and thermal stability of PC/ABS alloys were significantly improved by incorporating this surface‐treated RCF. The composites also obtained a reduction in electrical resistivity. The morphologies of impact fracture surfaces demonstrated that the RCF achieved a homogeneous dispersion in the PC/ABS matrix due to good interfacial adhesion between the fibers and the matrix. In addition, the introduction of RCF into PC/ABS alloys also resulted in an increase in the storage moduli of the composites but a decrease in the loss factors. It is prospective that, with such good performance in mechanical data, heat resistance, and electrostatic discharge, the RCF‐reinforced PC/ABS composites exhibit a potential application in industrial and civil fields as high‐performance and lightweight materials. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Conductive composites of PVC and wood's metal with interpenetrating network structure
Authors: Trojanowska‐Tomczak Monika , Steller Ryszard , Janukiewicz Jarosław , Ziaja Jan , Szafran Grzegorz 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThis work presents composite materials with interpenetrating network structure based on thermoplastic polymer and low melting metal alloy. Composites with various alloy content were prepared by PVC powder sintering to obtain polymer matrix with open pores. Then, liquid Wood's metal was intruded into the matrix using a pressure autoclave. Obtained composites have been studied with respect to microstructure, mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. SEM micrographs revealed good dispersion of metal in the matrix but at low loading levels it is incomplete. Addition of metal improved mechanical properties, especially flexural strength. Electrical resistivity of samples varies from 10−4 to 10−5 Ω m and these values are typical of conductors. The measurements of electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) shows that generally PVC/Wood's metal composites have a good ability to shield electromagnetic waves. Composites containing more than 15 vol % Wood's metal exhibited EMI SE above 40 dB in the major part of frequency range. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
MicroRNA‐30a Promotes B Cell Hyperactivity in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus by Direct Interaction With Lyn
Authors: Liu Yu , Dong Jie , Mu Rong , Gao Yaping , Tan Xiaorong , Li Yuhui , Li Zhanguo , Yang Guang 
Published: March 2013

ObjectiveTo investigate why the level of Lyn is significantly decreased in B cells from a majority of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to determine the role of microRNA‐30a (miR‐30a) in SLE B cell hyperactivity.MethodsLuciferase reporter gene assays were performed to identify the interaction between miR‐30a and the 3′‐untranslated region (3′‐UTR) of Lyn. Levels of miR‐30a in B cells were determined by TaqMan quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), Lyn messenger RNA levels were tested with real‐time qPCR, and protein levels of Lyn were determined using Western blotting. The quantity of IgG was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The proliferation of B cells was measured using 3H‐thymidine incorporation.ResultsIn B cell lines, miR‐30a, but not miR‐30b, miR‐30c, miR‐30d, or miR‐30e, could specifically bind the 3′‐UTR of Lyn, and overexpression of miR‐30a inhibited the levels of Lyn. The level of miR‐30a in B cells was significantly higher in SLE patients compared to healthy donors. The level of miR‐30a was negatively associated with the level of Lyn in B cells. Overexpression of miR‐30a was found to promote B cell proliferation and the production of IgG antibodies. The effect of miR‐30a could be abrogated by inducing overexpression of Lyn in B cells.ConclusionThese results reveal that elevated expression of miR‐30a is responsible for the reduction in levels of Lyn in B cells from patients with SLE, suggesting that miR‐30a plays an important role in B cell hyperactivity.