bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Benign and malignant ovarian steroid cell tumors, not otherwise specified: case studies, comparison, and review of the literature
Authors: Jiang Wei , Tao Xiang , Fang Fang , Zhang Shaofen , Xu Congjian 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Ovarian steroid cell tumors, not otherwise specified (NOS) are rare sex cord-stromal tumors of the ovary with malignant potential. So far only a few cases were reported in English literature through the Pubmed search. Here we report two cases of such tumor, one was benign (first case underwent laparoscopic cystectomy) and the other was malignant (died 10 months later after initial diagnosis), both presented with amenorrhea and clinical signs or symptoms of virilization. In malignant case, we provided evidence (tumor embolus) in addition to the reported five characteristics associated with malignancy. On further evaluation, laboratory investigations revealed hyperandrogenism in the male range, while follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH) levels were within normal limits. Various aspects of the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of these tumors are discussed.
Creation and implementation of an emergency medicine education and training program in Turkey: an effective educational intervention to address the practitioner gap
Authors: Bellows Jennifer Whitfield , Douglass Katherine , Atilla Ridvan , Smith Jeffrey , Kapur G Bobby 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
The specialty of Emergency Medicine has enjoyed recognition for nearly 20 years in Turkey. However, the majority of underserved and rural Turkish emergency departments are staffed by general practitioners who lack formal training in the specialty and have few opportunities to increase emergency medicine-specific knowledge and skills.

Methods
To address this “practitioner gap,” the authors developed a four-phase comprehensive emergency medicine education and training program for general practitioners practicing in government hospitals in Turkey.

Results
From April 2006 until June 2009, 42 courses were taught by 62 trainers across seven regions in Turkey. A total of 2,262 physicians were trained. The mean course pre-test score for all regions was 42.3 (95% CI 39.8 to 44.7). The mean course post-test score was 70.1 (95% CI 67.2 to 72.9). The difference between the mean scores was 27.8 (95% CI 25.3 to 30.4, P <0.0001), reflecting an improvement of 65.7%.

Conclusions
A partnership between an academic emergency medicine department and an emergency medicine society to implement country-wide training of physicians practicing in public emergency departments can serve as a successful model for capacity-building global emergency medicine endeavors.
Synthesis and evaluation of [11C]MMPIP as a potential radioligand for imaging of metabotropic glutamate 7 receptor in the brain
Authors: Yamasaki Tomoteru , Kumata Katsushi , Yui Joji , Fujinaga Masayuki , Furutsuka Kenji , Hatori Akiko , Xie Lin , Ogawa Masanao , Nengaki Nobuki , Kawamura Kazunori , Zhang Ming-Rong 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Metabotropic glutamate 7 (mGlu7) receptor is a crucial target protein for the development of pharmaceuticals against central nervous system disorders. In the present study, we synthesized [11C]MMPIP, a putative radioligand for mGlu7 (binding constant K
B = 30 nM), and evaluated its potential for imaging of mGlu7 via in vitro and in vivo techniques.

Methods
[11C]MMPIP was synthesized by the reaction of phenol precursor 3 with [11C]CH3I. In vitro autoradiography using [11C]MMPIP was performed on rat brain sections. To determine in vitro specific binding of [11C]MMPIP with mGlu7, a blocking study was conducted by co-incubation with excess AMN082, a selective antagonist for mGlu7, or unlabeled MMPIP. Positron emission tomography (PET) studies and ex vivo metabolite analysis were carried out on rat brains.

Results
[11C]MMPIP was obtained with two specific activity (SA) levels of average 58 (conventional) and 3,800 (high SA) GBq/μmol, respectively. High radioactive signals derived from conventional [11C]MMPIP in the in vitro autoradiography were seen in the thalamus, medulla oblongata, and striatum, corresponding with comprehensive brain distributions of mGlu7. Co-incubation with ANM082 or unlabeled MMPIP reduced the radioactive signals in the brain sections, respectively. In the PET studies with [11C]MMPIP, no specific uptake relative to mGlu7 was found in the examined brain regions.

Conclusion
Despite in vitro specific binding of [11C]MMPIP with mGlu7, visualization of mGlu7 in the living brain using PET was not successful. Development of new ligand candidates with higher affinity for mGlu7 is necessary.
Change of mammographic density predicts the risk of contralateral breast cancer - a case-control study
Authors: Sandberg Maria EC , Li Jingmei , Hall Per , Hartman Mikael , dos-Santos-Silva Isabel , Humphreys Keith , Czene Kamila 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Mammographic density is a strong risk factor for breast cancer, but it is unknown whether density at first breast cancer diagnosis and changes during follow-up influences risk of non-simultaneous contralateral breast cancer (CBC).

Methods
We collected mammograms for CBC-patients (cases, N = 211) and unilateral breast cancer patients (controls, N = 211), individually matched on age and calendar period of first breast cancer diagnosis, type of adjuvant therapy and length of follow-up (mean follow-up time: 8.25 years). The odds of CBC as a function of changes of density during follow-up were investigated using conditional logistic regression, adjusting for non-dense area at diagnosis.

Results
Patients who experienced ≥10% absolute decrease in percent density had a 55% decreased odds of CBC (OR = 0.45 95% CI: 0.24 to 0.84) relative to patients who had little or no change in density from baseline to first follow-up mammogram (mean = 1.6 (SD = 0.6) years after diagnosis), whereas among those who experienced an absolute increase in percent density we could not detect any effect on the odds of CBC (OR = 0.83 95% CI: 0.24 to 2.87).

Conclusion
Decrease of mammographic density within the first two years after first diagnosis is associated with a significantly reduced risk of CBC, this potential new risk predictor can thus contribute to decision-making in follow-up strategies and treatment.
Prospective observational evaluation of the particle immunofiltration anti-platelet factor 4 rapid assay in MICU patients with thrombocytopenia
Authors: Andrews David M , Cubillos G Fernando , Paulino Sartia K , Seckinger Daniel L , Kett Daniel H 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) results from antibodies to PF4/heparin complexes and clinical diagnosis is difficult. We evaluated the particle immunofiltration anti-platelet factor 4 (PIFA) rapid assay, in conjunction with a clinical risk score, in the diagnosis of HIT.

Methods
We performed a prospective observational study in all patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit (MICU) in a large academic medical center. Patients were screened daily for thrombocytopenia defined as either a platelet count that decreased by at least 33% or an absolute platelet count less than 150,000/μL. Patients with suspected HIT underwent PIFA and ELISA testing for anti-PF4/heparin antibodies. Available residual frozen sera were sent to a reference laboratory for serotonin release assay (SRA) testing.

Results
During the study period, 340 patients were admitted to the MICU, of which 143 patients met criteria for thrombocytopenia. Forty-three patients had no evidence of recent heparin exposure. PIFA and ELISA testing were performed on 100 patients, of which 92 had samples available for SRA analysis. PIFA results were negative in 62, positive in 28 and inconclusive in 2 patients. The 4Ts score showed low to intermediate risk in 57 of the PIFA negative patients. The ELISA results were negative in 86 and positive in 6 patients. SRA testing identified 3 patients with a positive SRA test and 89 patients with a negative result. All patients with a negative PIFA result also had a negative SRA result. In the one patient deemed to have clinical HIT, the pretest probability was high (4Ts score of 6) and the anti-PF4/heparin antibody testing revealed a positive SRA, inconclusive PIFA and a negative ELISA result.

Conclusions
While thrombocytopenia in our population is common, the prevalence of HIT is low. The combination of a low to intermediate pretest probability with a negative PIFA test can rapidly exclude the presence of platelet activating anti-PF4/heparin antibodies and, therefore, HIT as the cause of the thrombocytopenia. Since a positive PIFA result has a low positive predictive value, a positive PIFA is not diagnostic of HIT and additional evaluation is warranted.
Incidence, life expectancy and prognostic factors in cancer patients under prolonged mechanical ventilation: a nationwide analysis of 5,138 cases during 1998-2007
Authors: Shih Chih-Yuan , Hung Mei-Chuan , Lu Hsin-Ming , Chen Likwang , Huang Sheng-Jean , Wang Jung-Der 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Introduction
This study is aimed at determining the incidence, survival rate, life expectancy, quality-adjusted life expectancy (QALE) and prognostic factors in patients with cancer in different organ systems undergoing prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV).

Methods
We used data from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan from 1998 to 2007 and linked it with the National Mortality Registry to ascertain mortality. Subjects who received PMV, defined as having undergone mechanical ventilation continuously for longer than 21 days, were enrolled. The incidence of cancer patients requiring PMV was calculated, with the exception of patients with multiple cancers. The life expectancies and QALE of patients with different types of cancer were estimated. Quality-of-life data were taken from a sample of 142 patients who received PMV. A multivariable proportional hazards model was constructed to assess the effect of different prognostic factors, including age, gender, type of cancer, metastasis, comorbidities and hospital levels.

Results
Among 9,011 cancer patients receiving mechanical ventilation for more than 7 days, 5,138 undergoing PMV had a median survival of 1.37 months (interquartile range [IQR], 0.50 to 4.57) and a 1-yr survival rate of 14.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 13.3% to 15.3%). The incidence of PMV was 10.4 per 100 ICU admissions. Head and neck cancer patients seemed to survive the longest. The overall life expectancy was 1.21 years, with estimated QALE ranging from 0.17 to 0.37 quality-adjusted life years for patients with poor and partial cognition, respectively. Cancer of liver (hazard ratio [HR], 1.55; 95% CI, 1.34 to 1.78), lung (HR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.30 to 1.41) and metastasis (HR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.42 to 1.65) were found to predict shorter survival independently.

Conclusions
Cancer patients requiring PMV had poor long-term outcomes. Palliative care should be considered early in these patients, especially when metastasis has occurred.
Identification of Alkenyl- and Arylpalladium Hydrides with the Aid of Hydrosilanes
Authors: Chen Tieqiao , Zhou Yongbo , Yin Shuang-Feng , Zhao Yalei , Goto Midori , Han Li-Biao 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
For the first time, the long-proposed thermodynamically unstable catalytic intermediates alkenyl and aryl complexes sp2C–Pd–H have been isolated through the reduction of the palladium acetates with hydrosilanes and subsequent stabilization of the hydridopalladiums with hydrosilanes. The structures of these hydridopalladiums were established by X-ray analysis.
SMM Behavior Observed in Ce(III)Zn(II)2 Linear Trinuclear Complex
Authors: Hino Shiori , Maeda Moe , Kataoka Yumiko , Nakano Motohiro , Yamamura Tomoo , Kajiwara Takashi 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
The second example of the Ce(III)-based single-molecule magnet (SMM), which involves only one 4f electron as a spin carrier, was realized based on similar magnetostructural correlations with Tb(III)-based SMMs. The estimated energy barrier for spin flipping was ΔE/kB = 37(1) K, which is higher than that for the first Ce(III)-SMM, and slow magnetic relaxation was observed up to 15 K.
Economic assessment of quality of higher education
Authors: Савина  , Savina Irina 
Published: July 2013

The article considers the human capital as a factor of economic development.
Definition of the category of «quality of higher education,» allows us to consider
the problem of the direction of economic policy measures to improve the quality
of higher education with the new positions. The economic approach to assessing
the quality of education reveals the economic factors improve, the value of
higher professional education.
Deconvolution for digital in-line holographic microscopy
Authors: Nickerson Brenden Scott , Kreuzer Hans Jürgen 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
To improve the resolution in point source digital in-line holography, we present two deconvolutions, one for the illumination system (coherent or partially coherent light source such as a laser or diode and pinhole) and one for the finite numerical aperture of the hologram. We show that for a system with moderate numerical aperture, optimal resolution of λ/2 laterally and λ in depth can be achieved.
Ricci curvature and Lp
-convergence
Authors: Honda Shouhei 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

We give the definition of Lp
-convergence of tensor fields with respect to the Gromov–Hausdorff topology and several fundamental properties of the convergence. We apply this to establish a Bochner-type inequality which keeps the term of Hessian on the Gromov–Hausdorff limit space of a sequence of Riemannian manifolds with a lower Ricci curvature bound and to give a geometric explicit formula for the Dirichlet Laplacian on a limit space defined by Cheeger–Colding. We also prove the continuity of the first eigenvalues of the p-Laplacian with respect to the Gromov–Hausdorff topology.
Self-assembled liposomal nanoparticles in photodynamic therapy
Authors: Sadasivam Magesh , Avci Pinar , Gupta Gaurav K. , Lakshmanan Shanmugamurthy , Chandran Rakkiyappan , Huang Ying-Ying , Kumar Raj , Hamblin Michael R. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) employs the combination of non-toxic photosensitizers (PS) together with harmless visible light of the appropriate wavelength to produce reactive oxygen species that kill unwanted cells. Because many PS are hydrophobic molecules prone to aggregation, numerous drug delivery vehicles have been tested to solubilize these molecules, render them biocompatible and enhance the ease of administration after intravenous injection. The recent rise in nanotechnology has markedly expanded the range of these nanoparticulate delivery vehicles beyond the well-established liposomes and micelles. Self-assembled nanoparticles are formed by judicious choice of monomer building blocks that spontaneously form a well-oriented 3-dimensional structure that incorporates the PS when subjected to the appropriate conditions. This self-assembly process is governed by a subtle interplay of forces on the molecular level. This review will cover the state of the art in the preparation and use of self-assembled liposomal nanoparticles within the context of PDT.
NSR from Streptococcus agalactiae confers resistance against nisin and is encoded by a conserved nsr operon
Authors: Khosa Sakshi , AlKhatib Zainab , Smits Sander H.J. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Nisin is a lantibiotic produced by Lactococcus lactis (L. lactis), which is active against many Gram-positive bacteria. However, in various pathogenic and nonpathogenic bacteria, the presence of a nisin resistance protein (NSR) confers resistance against nisin. Here, we show that NSR from Streptococcus agalactiae (SaNSR) confers 20-fold resistance when expressed in L. lactis. We also show that SaNSR is encoded by an operon structure comprising of a lipoprotein and an ATP-binding cassette transporter as well as a two-component system that is putatively involved in expression and regulation. This organization of the operon is conserved in several (non)pathogenic strains that do not produce nisin themselves.
Proteomic analysis of bladder cancer by iTRAQ after Bifidobacterium infantis-mediated HSV-TK/GCV suicide gene treatment
Authors: Jiang Li , Ren Jin , Xiao Xiao , Tang Yong-Yong , Weng Hong-Qing , Yang Qi , Wu Ming-Jun , Tang Wei 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
In our previous studies, we constructed the Bifidobacterium infantis thymidine kinase/nucleoside analogue ganciclovir (BI-TK/GCV) system, which was proven to have a sustainable antitumor activity in an in vivo bladder cancer rodent model. In this article, a proteomic approach of isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) and followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to understand the molecular mechanisms of this system. iTRAQ identified 192 downregulated and 210 upregulated proteins after treatment with BI-TK/GCV in Sprague-Dawley rats. Downregulations of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), pyruvate kinase isozymes M2 (PKM2), hexokinase 1 (HXK-1), 6-phosphofructokinase (PFK-B), and cell surface glycoprotein (CD146) in bladder cancer after treatment were confirmed by Western blot analysis and validated by immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, the networks of cancer proliferation associated with PCNA, glycolysis associated with PKM2, HXK-1, and PFK-B, and invasion associated with CD146 were illustrated using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. This study represents the successful application of iTRAQ technology to reveal the molecular mechanisms of BI-TK/GCV treatment system and provides the theoretical support for the effectiveness of our successful treatment system.
Low testosterone levels may be associated with suicidal behavior in older men while high testosterone levels may be related to suicidal behavior in adolescents and young adults: a hypothesis
Authors: Sher Leo 
Published: July 2013

AbstractSeveral lines of evidence suggest that there is an association between testosterone and suicidal behavior. A link between testosterone and the neurobiology of suicidal behavior may be related to: a) a direct effect of testosterone on suicidality via certain brain mechanisms; and/or b) a testosterone influence on aggression and, consequently, suicidality; and/or c) a testosterone effect on mood and, consequently, suicidality; and/or d) a testosterone effect on cognition and, consequently, suicidality. At least one study has demonstrated a relation between high levels of testosterone and suicide in young people. A significant number of studies suggest that high testosterone levels are associated with aggression in adolescents and adults. Multiple lines of evidence indicate that aggression is associated with suicidal behavior. The effect of high testosterone levels on suicidality in adolescents and young adults may be mediated by testosterone-related elevated aggression. It is also possible that, in young people, high testosterone levels are directly linked to suicidality via certain brain mechanisms. In older men, decreased testosterone levels are associated with depressive symptoms and reduced cognitive function, whereas higher blood levels of testosterone are associated with better mood and cognitive functioning. Depression and reduced cognition are associated with suicidal behavior and may mediate the effect of decreased testosterone levels on suicidality. Therefore, it is reasonable to propose that suicidal behavior in adolescents and young adults is associated with high testosterone levels, whereas suicidality in older men is associated with decreased testosterone secretion.
Assessment of inner ear bone vibrations during auditory stimulation by bone conduction and by soft tissue conduction
Authors: Chordekar Shai , Perez Ronen , Adelman Cahtia , Sohmer Haim 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background: Soft tissue conduction (STC), a recently described mode of auditory stimulation elicited when the clinical bone vibrator is applied to skin sites over the head, neck, and thorax, complements air conduction (AC) and bone conduction (BC), elicited by the same vibrator. The study assessed skull bone vibrations induced during STC and BC stimulation.

Methods: The experiments were conducted on fat sand rats. Thresholds of auditory nerve brainstem evoked responses (ABRs) were recorded and compared to the lowest-intensity sound stimuli that elicited vibrations at the bony vestibule of the inner ear detected by a laser Doppler vibrometer.

Results: Vibrations were detected during BC but not during STC stimulation. ABR was recorded to both STC and to BC stimulation.

Conclusions: Low-intensity STC stimulation does not induce vibrations of the inner ear, showing that STC apparently does not involve mechanisms based on vibrations of bone.
Hepatoprotective activity of Calotropis gigantea flowers against carbon-tetrachloride-induced liver damage in mice
Authors: Ingawale Deepa Krushna , Mandlik Satish Karbhari , Kshirsagar Ajay Digambar 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Ethanol extract of Calotropis gigantea flowers (CGFE) was evaluated for its antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity to validate its use in traditional therapeutic indications. This CGFE exhibited significant antioxidant activity (at 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 µg/ml in vitro) as evidenced by its hydroxyl, nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide anion radical scavenging activities. This in vitro antioxidant activity was reinforced by a significant hepatoprotection (at 250 and 500 mg/kg dose) by decreasing the activity of serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase. The hepatoprotective activity of the CGFE was comparable with standard drug silymarin (100 mg/kg, p.o.).The results obtained from present study indicate the presence of natural antioxidants and hepatoprotective constituents. Hence, the above finding confirms in vitro antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential of CGFE in mice.
Object Retrieval Using the Quad-Tree Decomposition
Authors: Aouat Saliha , Larabi Slimane 
Published: July 2013

AbstractWe propose in this article an indexing and retrieval approach applied on outline shapes. Models of objects are stored in a database using the textual descriptors of their silhouettes. We extract from the textual description a set of efficient similarity measures to index the silhouettes. The extracted features are the geometric quasi-invariants that vary slightly with the small change in the viewpoint. We use a textual description and quasi-invariant features to minimize the storage space and to achieve an efficient indexing process. We also use the quad-tree structure to improve processing time during indexing. Using both geometric features and quad-tree decomposition facilitates recognition and retrieval processes. Our approach is applied on the outline shapes of three-dimensional objects. Experiments conducted on two well-known databases show the efficiency of our method in real-world applications, especially for image indexing and retrieval.
Fischer-Tropsch synthesis nanostructured catalysts: understanding structural characteristics and catalytic reaction
Authors: Zhai Peng , Sun Geng , Zhu Qingjun , Ma Ding 
Published: July 2013

AbstractOne key goal of heterogeneous catalysis study is to understand the correlation between the catalyst structure and its corresponding catalytic activity. In this review, we focus on recent strategies to synthesize well-defined Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) nanostructured catalysts and their catalytic performance in FTS. The development of those promising catalysts highlights the potentials of nanostructured materials to unravel the complex and dynamic reaction mechanism, particularly under the in situ reaction conditions. The crucial factors associated with the catalyst compositions and structures and their effects on the FTS activities are discussed with an emphasis on the role of theoretical modeling and experimental results.