bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel gold nanoparticles‐based assay for rapid detection of Melissococcus plutonius, the causative agent of European foulbrood
Authors: Saleh M. , Soliman H. , Sørum H. , Fauske A. K. , El‐Matbouli M. 
Published: September 2012

European foulbrood (EFB) is a severe bacterial brood disease of honey bees (Apis mellifera) caused by Melissococcus plutonius. Diagnosis of EFB in the field is based on visual inspection of brood‐combs and detection of diseased larvae. However, symptoms of EFB may be easily obscured by other diseases or abnormalities in the brood, making definitive diagnosis difficult. Hence, confirmatory laboratory assays, such as PCR and real‐time PCR, are used to verify the presence of M plutonius in suspected colonies. While these methods are accurate and specific, they are time consuming and labour intensive. Herein, we report development of a label‐free colorimetric nanodiagnostic method for direct detection of unamplified M plutonius DNA using unmodified gold nanoparticles. Under appropriate conditions, the DNA probes hybridised with their complementary target sequences in the sample DNA, which resulted in aggregation of the gold nanoparticles and a concomitant red to blue colour change, which was observed visually. The assay could detect as few as 25 copies of the M plutonius cell wall‐associated protease gene within 20 minutes. The assay results were in 100 per cent concordance with real‐time PCR‐positive and PCR‐negative samples. Our study demonstrated that the gold nanoparticles‐based assay is a specific and sensitive tool for rapid detection of M plutonius.
Interplay between fracturing and hydrothermal fluid flow in the Asón Valley hydrothermal dolomites (Basque–Cantabrian Basin, Spain)
Authors: Iriarte E. , López-Horgue M. A. , Schroeder S. , Caline B. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
In Asón Valley hydrothermal dolomite area (Basque–Cantabrian Basin, northern Spain), an overlapping stepover area between two major basement faults, the Cabuerniga and Ruahermosa transtensional faults, was the location for different scales and types of extensive fractures. This fracture mesh affected the Albian Ranero limestone and was formed in a dilational jog, a regional fluid throughflow area. It acted as pathway for overpressured fluids that controlled the dolomite mineralization in the Ranero massif area. The study of synchronous structural features, fluid flow channelling and dolomitization processes indicated their tectonic control. The fluid circulated and concentrated preferentially in more fractured areas with increased permeability, such as extensional chimneys, creating dolomite bodies. Repeated extensive tectonic activity enhanced fracture porosity, promoting overpressured fluid migration and cyclical dolomitization events. The studied fracture pattern suggests the presence of sinistral transtension during the formation of extensional joint-sets that channellized the mineralizing fluid-flow. A gradation in structural features and dolomite facies and textures is visible from the main Pozalagua fault dolomite body to peripheral dolomite bodies as the Breccia body and Ranero megajoints. These differences could reflect a proximal–distal trend from the main fluid-flow area along the Pozalagua fault to the Ranero megajoints.
Differences in Natural History between Breast Cancers in BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutation Carriers and Effects of MRI Screening-MRISC, MARIBS, and Canadian Studies Combined
Authors: Heijnsdijk Eveline A.M. , Warner Ellen , Gilbert Fiona J. , Tilanus-Linthorst Madeleine M.A. , Evans Gareth , Causer Petrina A. , Eeles Rosalind A. , Kaas Reinie , Draisma Gerrit , Ramsay Elizabeth A. , Warren Ruth M.L. , Hill Kimberly A. , Hoogerbrugge Nicoline , Wasser Martin N.J.M. , Bergers Elisabeth , Oosterwijk Jan C. , Hooning Maartje J. , Rutgers Emiel J.T. , Klijn Jan G.M. , Plewes Don B. , Leach Martin O. , de Koning Harry J. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Background: It is recommended that BRCA1/2 mutation carriers undergo breast cancer screening using MRI because of their very high cancer risk and the high sensitivity of MRI in detecting invasive cancers. Clinical observations suggest important differences in the natural history between breast cancers due to mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2, potentially requiring different screening guidelines.
Methods: Three studies of mutation carriers using annual MRI and mammography were analyzed. Separate natural history models for BRCA1 and BRCA2 were calibrated to the results of these studies and used to predict the impact of various screening protocols on detection characteristics and mortality.
Results: BRCA1/2 mutation carriers (N = 1,275) participated in the studies and 124 cancers (99 invasive) were diagnosed. Cancers detected in BRCA2 mutation carriers were smaller [80% ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or ≤10 mm vs. 49% for BRCA1, P &lt; 0.001]. Below the age of 40, one (invasive) cancer of the 25 screen-detected cancers in BRCA1 mutation carriers was detected by mammography alone, compared with seven (three invasive) of 11 screen-detected cancers in BRCA2 (P &lt; 0.0001). In the model, the preclinical period during which cancer is screen-detectable was 1 to 4 years for BRCA1 and 2 to 7 years for BRCA2. The model predicted breast cancer mortality reductions of 42% to 47% for mammography, 48% to 61% for MRI, and 50% to 62% for combined screening.
Conclusions: Our studies suggest substantial mortality benefits in using MRI to screen BRCA1/2 mutation carriers aged 25 to 60 years but show important clinical differences in natural history.
Impact: BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers may benefit from different screening protocols, for example, below the age of 40. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(9); 1458–68. ©2012 AACR.
Estrogen Metabolism and Mammographic Density in Postmenopausal Women: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Fuhrman Barbara J. , Brinton Louise A. , Pfeiffer Ruth M. , Xu Xia , Veenstra Timothy D. , Teter Barbara E. , Byrne Celia , Dallal Cher M. , Barba Maddalena , Muti Paola C. , Gierach Gretchen L. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Background: Prospective studies have consistently found that postmenopausal breast cancer risk increases with circulating estrogens; however, findings from studies of estrogens and mammographic density (MD), an intermediate marker of breast cancer risk, have been inconsistent. We investigated the cross-sectional associations of urinary estrogens, and their 2-, 4-, and 16-hydroxylated metabolites with MD.
Methods: Postmenopausal women without breast cancer (n = 194), ages 48 to 82 years, and reporting no current menopausal hormone therapy use were enrolled at a clinic in Western NY in 2005. Urinary estrogens and estrogen metabolites were measured using mass spectrometry. Percent MD and dense area (cm2) were measured using computer-assisted analyses of digitized films. Linear regression models were used to estimate associations of log-transformed estrogen measures with MD while adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI), parity, and past hormone therapy use.
Results: Urinary concentrations of most individual estrogens and metabolites were not associated with MD; however, across the interdecile range of the ratio of parent estrogens (estrone and estradiol) to their metabolites, MD increased by 6.8 percentage points (P = 0.02) and dense area increased by 10.3 cm2 (P = 0.03). Across the interdecile ranges of the ratios of 2-, 4-, and 16-hydroxylation pathways to the parent estrogens, MD declined by 6.2 (P = 0.03), 6.4 (P = 0.04), and 5.7 (P = 0.05) percentage points, respectively. All associations remained apparent in models without adjustment for BMI.
Conclusion: In this study of postmenopausal women, less extensive hydroxylation of parent estrogens was associated with higher MD.
Impact: Hydroxylation of estrogens may modulate postmenopausal breast cancer risk through a pathway involving MD. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(9); 1582–91. ©2012 AACR.
Cervical Cancer in Africa
Authors: Denny Lynette , Anorlu Rose 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Cervical cancer is a relatively rare disease in countries that have instituted and maintained national screening programs, with call and recall of women at various intervals and built-in quality control with appropriate monitoring and evaluation. Unfortunately, this process has failed in most areas of the world where more than 80% of new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed. Cervical cancer affects women in the prime of their lives causing premature and needless suffering and death in a critically important segment of the world's population, despite being one of the few cancers that can be prevented with simple testing. In the past 15 years innovative approaches to both primary and secondary prevention of cervical cancer have been subjected to a number of large scale, scientifically valid and applicable studies that have opened the way for new approaches. Treatment of cervical cancer in Africa is hampered by the lack of diagnostic and treatment facilities, lack of healthcare infrastructure and poor pathology services. Further, there is a significant brain drain of trained healthcare workers in Africa that exacerbates the problem. Cancer is becoming an increasingly important public health problem as more people live longer. It is time to develop programs for the prevention, early detection, treatment, and palliation of cancer sufferers in Africa. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(9); 1434–8. ©2012 AACR.
Limited PSA Testing in Indigent Men in South Texas: An Appropriate Care or Missing a Prevention Opportunity?
Authors: Liang Yuanyuan , Du Fei , Thompson Ian M. , Turner Barbara J. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackground: No previous study has examined racial ethnic differences in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing and followup in primary care practices serving an indigent population.Methods: From electronic medical records of primary care practices affiliated with one health care system in San Antonio, we identified 9,267 men aged 50 to 74 with 2+ clinic visits from 2008 through 2010 and no prior prostate cancer diagnosis. Logistic regression was used to examine the association of race ethnicity with the use of PSA testing and, if tested, with an abnormal result (≥4 ng/mL) adjusted for demographics, health care, and clinical factors. Time to a follow-up activity after an abnormal PSA was assessed using Cox proportional models.Results: The race ethnicity of this cohort was 63% Hispanic, 27% non-Hispanic white, 7% African-American, and 3% other. In a 3-year period, 26.8% of men had at least one PSA test. Compared with African-Americans, non-Hispanic whites were less likely to be tested [OR, 0.68; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.55–0.83] but Hispanics did not differ (OR = 0.95; 95% CI 0.79–1.15). African-Americans were more likely to have an abnormal PSA than others (12.4% vs. 5.2%, P &lt; 0.001) and the shortest adjusted time to follow-up (P = 0.004).Conclusions: In this 3-year indigent cohort, about one quarter had a PSA test, approximately half of the national testing rate.Impact: African-Americans were more likely to be tested than non-Hispanic whites but had more abnormal results, raising concerns about missed prevention opportunities. African-Americans with high PSA results had the shortest time until follow-up, reflecting awareness of the threat of prostate cancer for African-Americans by physicians. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(9); 1489–96. ©2012 AACR.
Effect of ionizing radiation on the properties of acrylonitrile butadiene rubber/clay nanocomposites
Authors: Youssef HA , Ali ZI , El-Nemr KF , Bekhit M 
Published: September 2012

The effects of electron beam irradiation dose (50–150 kGy) and the concentration of montmorillonite (MMT) clay (3–10 parts per hundred part of rubber (phr)) on the properties of acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) have been investigated. The dispersion of the layered silicates was assessed by x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The morphology of NBR nanocomposites showed exfoliated clay layers at low clay content and a combination of exfoliated and intercalated clay layers at high clay content. The mechanical properties of NBR composites such as tensile strength (TS) and tear strength were remarkably improved by the incorporation of organoclay and electron beam irradiation, while elongation at break ( Eb) was decreased. The increase in the TS of NBR nanocomposites increases with the increase in the clay content up to 10 phr, whereas the optimum gel content and TS of NBR composites were observed at 50 kGy irradiation dose. Thermogravimetric analysis studies showed that NBR/organo-MMT nanocomposites have higher decomposition temperatures in comparison with the NBR/Na+-MMT at 50 kGy irradiation dose.
The Application of CT to Localize the Upper Airway Obstruction Plane in Patients with OSAHS
Authors: Tang Xu Lan , Yi Hong Liang , Luo Hui Ping , Xiong Yuan Ping , Meng Li Li , Guan Jian , Chen Bin , Yin Shan Kai 
Published: September 2012

ObjectiveTo identify a correlation in terms of airway obstruction between awake and sleep apnea using spiral computed tomography (CT).Study DesignCase series with planned data collection.SettingCollege medical center.MethodsSixty‐one patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) underwent CT scans under 3 conditions: quiet breathing while awake, the end of deep inspiration during wakefulness, and apnea while asleep. The upper airway morphology under the 3 conditions was compared, and the accuracy of the obstructive planes as determined by CT scans under the 2 awake conditions was analyzed while considering the obstructive planes that occurred during apnea as a reference.ResultsThe differences in the anteroposterior diameter, lateral dimension, and cross‐sectional area of the retropalatal and retroglossal regions among the 3 states were statistically significant. Obstruction of the retropalatal region occurred in 100%, whereas retroglossal obstruction occurred in 44.3% of the 61 cases during sleep apnea. The coincidence rate between the awake quiet breathing and the sleep apnea was 85.2% in the retropalatal obstruction and 52.5% in the retroglossal obstruction. The coincidence rate between the awake deep inspiration and the sleep apnea was 82.0% in the retropalatal obstruction and 54.1% in the retroglossal obstruction.ConclusionThe main obstructive plane in patients with OSAHS was the retropalatal region. An awake upper airway CT scan can properly diagnose palatopharyngeal obstruction; however, it is not suitable for detecting retroglossal obstruction.
Prognostic Value of Olfactory Bulb Volume Measurement for Recovery in Postinfectious and Posttraumatic Olfactory Loss
Authors: Rombaux Philippe , Huart Caroline , Deggouj Naima , Duprez Thierry , Hummel Thomas 
Published: September 2012

ObjectivesSeveral prognostic factors influencing the recovery from olfactory dysfunction have been described. The aim of this study was to investigate whether olfactory bulb volume could be used as a new predictor of olfactory recovery in postinfectious and posttraumatic olfactory loss.Study DesignCohort study; Level of evidence, 4.SettingTertiary university clinic, department of otolaryngology.Subjects and MethodsA cohort of 60 patients with postinfectious (n = 28) and posttraumatic olfactory loss (n = 32) was investigated. Assessment of olfactory function was performed using orthonasal (Sniffin’ Sticks test) and retronasal psychophysical olfactory tests, at the time of the diagnosis (t1) and 15 months later (t2). All patients were examined on 3 tesla magnetic resonance imaging, and the olfactory bulbs volume was assessed using planimetric contouring at the time of the diagnosis (t1).ResultsRecovery rate was 25% in patients with posttraumatic olfactory loss and 36% in patients with postinfectious olfactory loss. There was a correlation between both orthonasal and retronasal olfactory testing and the initial measurement of the total olfactory bulb volume. In addition, we observed a significant correlation between changes in olfactory functions and initial measurement of the total olfactory bulb volume, with larger volumes relating to higher improvement of olfactory function. Finally, we found that none of the patients with a total olfactory bulb volume of 40 mm3 or less exhibited recovery of olfactory function.ConclusionOlfactory bulb volume seems to be a predictor of olfactory recovery in patients with postinfectious and posttraumatic olfactory loss.
Effect of therapist-based constraint-induced therapy at home on motor control, motor performance and daily function in children with cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Chen Chia-ling , Kang Lin-ju , Hong Wei-Hsien , Chen Fei-Chuan , Chen Hsieh-Ching , Wu Ching-yi 
Published: September 2012

Objective: To determine the effect of therapist-based constraint-induced therapy at home on motor performance, daily function and reaching control for children with cerebral palsy. Design: A single-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Subjects: Forty-seven children (23 boys; 24 girls) with unilateral cerebral palsy, aged 6–12 years, were randomized to constraint-induced therapy ( n = 24) or traditional rehabilitation ( n = 23). Interventions: Constraint-induced therapy involved intensive functional training of the more affected arm while the less affected arm was restrained. Traditional rehabilitation involved functional unilateral and bilateral arm training. Both groups received individualized therapist-based interventions at home for 3.5–4 hours/day, two days a week for four weeks. Main measures: Motor performance and daily function were measured by the Peabody Developmental Motor Scale, Second Edition and the Pediatric Motor Activity Log. Reaching control was assessed by the kinematics of reaction time, movement time, movement unit and peak velocity. Results: There were larger effects in favour of constraint-induced therapy on motor performance, daily function, and some aspects of reaching control compared with traditional rehabilitation. Children receiving constraint-induced therapy demonstrated higher scores for Peabody Developmental Motor Scale, Second Edition – Grasping (pretest mean ± SD, 39.9 ± 3.1; posttest, 44.1 ± 2.8; P < 0.001), Pediatric Motor Activity Log (pretest, 1.8 ± 0.3; posttest, 2.5 ± 0.3; P < 0.001) and shorter reaction time, normalized movement time ( P < 0.001) and higher peak velocity ( P = 0.004) of reaching movement. Conclusions: Constraint-induced therapy induced better grasping performance, daily function, and temporal and spatiotemporal control of reaching in children with unilateral cerebral palsy than traditional rehabilitation.
Feasibility of assessing the needs of stroke patients after six months using the GM-SAT
Authors: Rothwell Katy , Boaden Ruth , Bamford David , Tyrrell Pippa J 
Published: September 2012

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of administering the Greater Manchester Stroke Assessment Tool (GM-SAT), a structured evidence-based needs assessment tool, in a community setting and its acceptability to stroke patients and their carers. Setting: Community stroke services. Subjects: One hundred and thirty-seven stroke patients at six months post hospital discharge with no communication or cognitive difficulties residing in their own homes. Intervention: Patients’ needs were assessed by information, advice and support (IAS) coordinators from the UK Stroke Association using the GM-SAT. Main measures: Number and nature of unmet needs identified and actions required to address these; patient/carer feedback; and IAS coordinator feedback. Results: The mean number of unmet needs identified was 3 (min 0, max 14; SD 2.5). The most frequently identified unmet needs related to fatigue (34.3%), memory, concentration and attention (25.5%), secondary prevention non-lifestyle (21.9%) and depression (19.0%). It was found that 50.4% of unmet needs could be addressed through the provision of information and advice. Patients/carers found the assessment process valuable and IAS coordinators found the GM-SAT easy to use. Conclusions: Results demonstrate that the GM-SAT is feasible to administer in the community using IAS coordinators and is acceptable to patients and their carers, as well as staff undertaking the assessments. Further research is needed to determine whether the application of the GM-SAT at six months improves outcomes for patients.
Stromal SPARC contributes to the detrimental fibrotic changes associated with myeloproliferation whereas its deficiency favors myeloid cell expansion
Authors: Tripodo Claudio , Sangaletti Sabina , Guarnotta Carla , Piccaluga Pier P. , Cacciatore Matilde , Giuliano Michela , Franco Giovanni , Chiodoni Claudia , Sciandra Marika , Miotti Silvia , Calvaruso Giuseppe , Carè Alessandra , Florena Ada M. , Scotlandi Katia , Orazi Attilio , Pileri Stefano A. , Colombo Mario P. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
In myeloid malignancies, the neoplastic clone outgrows normal hematopoietic cells toward BM failure. This event is also sustained by detrimental stromal changes, such as BM fibrosis and osteosclerosis, whose occurrence is harbinger of a dismal prognosis. We show that the matricellular protein SPARC contributes to the BM stromal response to myeloproliferation. The degree of SPARC expression in BM stromal elements, including CD146+ mesenchymal stromal cells, correlates with the degree of stromal changes, and the severity of BM failure characterizing the prototypical myeloproliferative neoplasm primary myelofibrosis. Using Sparc−/− mice and BM chimeras, we demonstrate that SPARC contributes to the development of significant stromal fibrosis in a model of thrombopoietin-induced myelofibrosis. We found that SPARC deficiency in the radioresistant BM stroma compartment impairs myelofibrosis but, at the same time, associates with an enhanced reactive myeloproliferative response to thrombopoietin. The link betwen SPARC stromal deficiency and enhanced myeloid cell expansion under a myeloproliferative spur is also supported by the myeloproliferative phenotype resulting from the transplantation of defective Apcmin mutant hematopoietic cells into Sparc−/− but not WT recipient BM stroma. Our results highlight a complex influence of SPARC over the stromal and hematopoietic BM response in myeloproliferative conditions.