bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Percolation in Borosilicate Glass Matrix Composites Containing Antimony‐Doped Tin Oxide Segregated Networks. Part I: Fabrication of Segregated Networks
Authors: Pruyn Timothy L. , Gerhardt Rosario A. 
Published: August 2013

The percolation threshold in a composite depends on the processing conditions used to fabricate it along with the size and shape of the filler and the matrix. In this study, borosilicate glass microspheres were used as the matrix material, and nanosized antimony tin oxide (ATO) particles were used as the filler. The glass microsphere/ATO composites were fabricated by hot pressing at temperatures in the range between the glass transition temperature and the softening temperature of the glass to control the viscosity. The pressure and temperature applied allowed the ATO to be confined to the spaces between certain glass particles, forming percolating networks at low volume fractions of the ATO. The viscous flow of the glass allowed for the composite to have near full densities, while allowing for the nanoparticle segregation to occur. Even though apparently similar microstructures were made using different heating schedules, the percolation behavior and electrical conductivity showed noticeable differences. The percolation threshold ranged from 0.1 to 2.5 phr (parts per hundred glass) and the change in electrical conductivity was around seven to nine orders of magnitude. The differences were attributed to the interaction of the segregated ATO particles with one another. The electrical properties were examined using ac impedance spectroscopy along with current atomic force microscopy (C‐AFM), which allowed for valuable insights in the structure–property–processing relationships in these materials.
Subjective sleep quality in relation to objective sleep estimates: comparison, gender differences and changes between the acute phase and the six‐month follow‐up after stroke
Authors: Bakken Linda N. , Kim Hesook Suzie , Finset Arnstein , Lerdal Anners 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAimsTo describe sleep experiences after stroke using subjective and objective indicators and identify possible gender differences in sleep in the acute phase and at 6‐month follow‐up.BackgroundSleep disturbances after stoke are recognized, but poorly described. Gender differences in sleep exist in other populations, but have not been reported after stroke.DesignA longitudinal cohort study.MethodSubjective sleep quality was measured with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and objective sleep was estimated with actigraphy in 100 patients in the acute phase and six months after stroke, from April 2007–March 2009.FindingsSubjective sleep quality was better and objective wake percentage was lower at follow‐up than in the acute phase after stroke. Actigraphy estimated low sleep efficiency and many awakenings at both time points. Subjective and objective measures were correlated at the 6‐month follow‐up, but not in the acute phase. Women's subjective sleep efficiency and total score on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were worse than men's in the acute phase, but actigraphy estimated that women slept more than men in the course of a day. Women's subjective sleep quality was better at follow‐up than in the acute phase. Men reported worse subjective sleep quality, but better subjective sleep efficiency at follow‐up than in the acute phase, and also had lower objective wake percentage at follow‐up.ConclusionsSubjective sleep quality was poor and actigraphy indicated disturbed sleep–wake patterns in the acute phase and at 6‐month follow‐up. Gender differences existed in subjective and objective sleep in the acute phase, but not at follow‐up.
Hospital‐integrated general practice: a promising way to manage walk‐in patients in emergency departments
Authors: Wang Mathyas , Wild Stefanie , Hilfiker Gabriela , Chmiel Corinne , Sidler Patrick , Eichler Klaus , Rosemann Thomas , Senn Oliver 
Published: August 2013

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesThe inappropriate use and overcrowding of emergency departments (EDs) by walk‐in patients are well‐known problems in many countries. The current study aimed to determine whether ambulatory walk‐in patients could be treated more efficiently in a new hospital‐integrated general practice (HGP) for emergency care services compared to a traditionalED.MethodsWe conducted a pre‐post comparison before and after the implementation of a newHGP. Participants were walk‐in patients attending theEDof a city hospital inZurich. Main outcome measures were differences in total process time, time intervals between stages of care and diagnostic resources used.ResultsThe median process time from admission to discharge was 120 minutes in theED[interquartile range (IQR): 80–165] versus 60 minutes in theHGP(IQR: 40–90) (P < 0.001). The adjusted odds ratio of receiving any additional diagnostics was 1.86 (95% confidence interval 1.06–3.27;P = 0.032) forEDdoctors versus general practitioners (GPs) when controlling for patients' age, sex and injury‐related medical problems.ConclusionTheHGPis an efficient way to manage walk‐in patients with regard to process time and utilization of additional diagnostic resources. The involvement ofGPsin theHGPsshould be considered as a promising model to overcome the inappropriate use of resources inEDsfor walk‐in patients who can be treated by ambulatory care.
Bacterial and Heterotrophic Nanoflagellate Densities and C‐biomass Estimates Along an Alaskan Tundra Transect with Prediction of Respiratory CO2 Efflux
Authors: Anderson O. R. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAlthough tundra terrestrial ecology is significantly affected by global warming, we know relatively little about how eukaryotic microbial communities respond and how much microbial respiratory CO2 may be released due to available organic nutrient sources in the permafrost melt. Prior research has shown a strong positive correlation between bacteria and fungi in some Arctic locales; this research focused on the relationships of terrestrial bacteria and heterotrophic nanoflagellates. The densities and estimated C‐biomass of bacteria and heterotrophic nanoflagellates (a major occurring group of protozoa) were assessed in 14 samples obtained along a 10 km transect in northwest AK during the summer of 2012. Two samples were taken, one at the top and one near the base of seven hummocks along the transect. Densities (no./g soil) of bacteria varied from 2.7–16 × 109, and nanoflagellates 0.7–7.9 × 107. C‐biomass (μg/g soil) of bacteria varied from 358 to 2,114, and nanoflagellates 12–37. Additionally, the rate of respiration was analyzed in the laboratory for each soil sample. A linear relationship between soil respiration and bacterial densities was obtained (20 °C): Rs = 12.32 + 14.07 Bd (p ≪ 0.01); where Rs is soil respiration (nmol/min/g soil) and Bd = bacterial density (no. × 109/g soil).
Regulation by resveratrol of the cellular factors mediating liver damage and regeneration after acute toxic liver injury
Authors: Chan Che‐Chang , Lee Kuei‐Chuan , Huang Yi‐Hsiang , Chou Chung‐Kai , Lin Han‐Chieh , Lee Fa‐Yauh 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackground and AimAcute liver injury is manifested by different degree of hepatocyte necrosis and may recover via the process of hepatocyte regeneration once the injury is discontinued. Most of the liver injury is associating with inflammatory cytokines. Resveratrol (RSV) is a natural phytoalexin with powerful anti‐inflammatory effects.AimThe effects of RSV on cellular factors mediating liver damage and regeneration in acute carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) liver injury were investigated.ResultsRSV decreased alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, necrosis, and 4‐hydroxynonenal in the CCl4‐injured liver. RSV decreased hepatocyte apoptosis by reducing caspase 8 and caspase 3 but not Bax and Bcl‐xL. RSV reduced Kupffer cells recruitment, the expressions of tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐6, but not interleukin‐10. RSV lowered the numbers of anti‐5‐bromon‐2'‐deoxyuridine and anti‐Ki67‐positive hepatocytes. Hepatic hepatocyte growth factor, c‐Met and transforming growth factor‐α expressions were reduced by RSV, while transforming growth factor‐β1 and hepatic stellate cells activation were not changed. RSV reduced the injury‐induced CXCL10 elevations in serum and liver in vivo. Besides, RSV inhibited CXCL10 release from CCl4‐injured hepatocytes in vitro. In contrast, recombinant CXCL10 improved the viability of CCl4‐injured hepatocytes.ConclusionsRSV therapy can be beneficial for acute toxic liver injury. RSV reduced hepatocyte apoptosis but limited hepatocyte regeneration possibly through reducing the hepatomitogenic signaling and the release of CXCL10.
Relevance of ineffective esophageal motility to secondary peristalsis in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Chen Chien‐Lin , Yi Chih‐Hsun , Liu Tso‐Tsai 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackground and AimsThe study aimed to investigate the hypothesis whether the presence of Ineffective esophageal motility would affect physiological characteristics of secondary peristalsis.MethodsSecondary peristalsis was performed with slow and rapid air injections into mid‐esophagus of 18 ineffective esophageal motility patients and 15 age‐matched controls. Severity of ineffective esophageal motility was defined by the application of combined multichannel intraluminal impedance and manometry.ResultsIneffective esophageal motility patients included 11 patients without impedance abnormality and seven patients with impedance abnormality during liquid and/or viscous swallowing. The prevalence of failed secondary peristaltic response during slow air injection was significantly greater in ineffective esophageal motility patients without impedance abnormality (3/11 [27%], P < 0.001) and with impedance abnormality (4/7 [57%], P = 0.04) than healthy subjects. The threshold volume for inducing secondary peristalsis during rapid air injection was significantly greater in ineffective esophageal motility patients with impedance abnormality (6.1 ± 0.3 mL) than healthy subjects (4.6 ± 0.3 mL, P < 0.05) and ineffective esophageal motility patients without impedance abnormality (4.1 ± 0.4 mL, P < 0.05). The frequency of peristaltic response during rapid air injection was significantly lower in ineffective esophageal motility patients with impedance abnormality (40% [20–50%] than healthy subjects (90% [90–100%], P < 0.05).ConclusionsDefective activation of secondary peristalsis is present in ineffective esophageal motility patients with impedance abnormality. Our study indicates that increased ineffective esophageal motility severity associated with defective triggering of secondary peristalsis may contribute to impaired esophageal clearance in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Clinical features and predictors of clinical outcomes in Korean patients with Crohn's disease: A Korean Association for the Study of Intestinal Diseases multicenter study
Authors: Moon Chang Mo , Park Dong Il , Kim Eun Ran , Kim Young‐Ho , Lee Chang Kyun , Lee Suck‐Ho , Kim Jae Hak , Huh Kyu‐Chan , Jung Sung‐Ae , Yoon Soon Man , Song Hyun Joo , Jang Hyun Joo , Kim You Sun , Lee Kang‐Moon , Shin Jeong Eun 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackground and AimAlthough differences in genetic susceptibility and the clinical features of Crohn's disease (CD) have been reported between Asian and Caucasian patients, the disease course and predictors of CD in Asians remains poorly defined. The study therefore aimed to investigate factors predictive of the clinical outcomes of patients with CD in a Korean population.MethodsThis retrospective multicenter cohort study included 728 Korean CD patients from 13 university hospitals. The first CD‐related surgery or need for immunosuppressive or biological agents were regarded as the clinical outcomes of interest.ResultsA total of 126 (17.3%) CD patients underwent CD‐related surgery, while 473 (65.0%) and 196 (26.9%) were prescribed thiopurine drugs and infliximab, respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified current (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.86; P = 0.018) and former smoking habits (HR = 1.78; P = 0.049), stricturing (HR = 2.24; P < 0.001), and penetrating disease behavior at diagnosis (HR = 3.07; P < 0.001) as independent predictors associated with the first CD‐related surgery. With respect to immunosuppressive and biological agents, younger age (< 40 years) (HR = 2.17; P < 0.001 and HR = 2.10; P = 0.006, respectively), ileal involvement (HR = 1.36; P = 0.035 and HR = 2.17; P = 0.006, respectively), and perianal disease (HR = 1.42; P = 0.001 and HR = 1.38; P = 0.038, respectively) at diagnosis were significant predictors for the need of these medications.ConclusionsIn Korean patients with CD, stricturing, penetrating disease behavior, and smoking habits at the time of diagnosis are independent predictors for CD‐related surgery. It was also identified that younger age (< 40 years), ileal involvement, and perianal disease at diagnosis are predictive of a need for immunosuppressive or biological agents.
Prognostic value of hepatocyte nuclear factors 4α and 1α identified by tissue microarray in resectable hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Shim Ju Hyun , Kang Hyo Jeong , Han Seungbong , Lee Young‐Joo , Lee Sung‐Gyu , Yu Eunsil , Lee Han Chu 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackground and AimThis study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of expression of hepatocyte nuclear factors (HNFs) involved in hepatic gene transcription in patients undergoing curative resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsWe performed immunohistochemical analyses on microarrays of the tumors and matched adjacent tissue using antibodies against HNF1α, HNF1β, HNF4α, and α‐fetoprotein (AFP). We evaluated the prognostic value of biomarker expression using Cox regression and the Kaplan–Meier method in a training cohort of 220 patients and conducted an independent validation in 232 patients. We also determined whether measurement of HNFs improved risk prediction beyond the use of established factors, using net reclassification improvement (NRI).ResultsPost‐surgical recurrence and hepatic death were predicted by intratumoral HNF4α underexpression in both cohorts. In the training cohort they were also predicted by peritumoral HNF1α positivity. A pooled cohort analysis showed that these predictors were independently associated with early but not late‐phase recurrence, and resultant mortality. Intratumoral expression levels of HNF4α were correlated with those of HNF1α, HNF1β, and AFP (P < 0.05). Similarly, HNF1α expression in peritumoral tissue was correlated with that of other markers (P < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between expression of HNF4α in tumors and HNF1α in peritumoral tissue. Adding combinations of intratumoral HNF4α and peritumoral HNF1α to 2‐year recurrence and 5‐year mortality models including known clinicopathological prognostic factors significantly improved the NRI indexes (39% and 44%, respectively; P < 0.05).ConclusionsImmunohistological activation of intratumoral HNF4α and depletion of peritumoral HNF1α have prognostic significance for delayed recurrence and death after HCC resection.
Is small‐bowel capsule endoscopy effective for diagnosis of esophagogastric lesions related to portal hypertension?
Authors: Aoyama Taiki , Oka Shiro , Aikata Hiroshi , Nakano Makoto , Watari Ikue , Naeshiro Noriaki , Yoshida Shigeto , Tanaka Shinji , Chayama Kazuaki 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackground and AimEffectiveness of capsule endoscopy (CE) for screening the small bowel in patients with portal hypertension (PHT) has been reported. However, few reports discuss CE detection of specific esophagogastric lesions related to PHT. Thus, we assessed whether CE is useful for detecting such lesions.MethodsOne hundred nineteen consecutive patients with PHT comprised the study group. All had undergone esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) prior to CE. The diagnostic yield of CE for esophageal varices (EVs), gastric varices (GVs), and portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG) was evaluated. In addition, diagnostic yield in relation to form, location of the varices, grade, and extent of PHG was evaluated.ResultsEVs were found by EGD in 71 patients. The overall diagnostic yield of CE for EVs was 72% (51/71). The diagnostic yield was significantly greater for F2/F3 EVs than for F1 EVs (87% vs 61%, P = 0.03). The diagnostic yield was significantly greater for Lm/Ls EVs than for Li EVs (85% vs 55%, P = 0.01). The diagnostic yield was significantly greater for locus superior/locus medialis EVs than for locus inferior EVs (85% vs 55%, P = 0.01). GVs were found by EGD in 29 patients. Only one case was detected by CE. PHG was found by EGD in 35 patients. The diagnostic yield of CE for PHG was 69% (24/35). There was no difference in diagnostic yield between cases of severe and mild PHG (82% vs 63%, P = 0.44). Diagnostic yield of CE for PHG in the gastric body was significantly greater than that in the fundus (100% vs 48%, P = 0.0009).ConclusionCE is reliable for diagnosis of F2/F3 and/or Lm/Ls EVs and of PHG in the gastric body.
Preventive effect of agaro‐oligosaccharides on non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug‐induced small intestinal injury in mice
Authors: Higashimura Yasuki , Naito Yuji , Takagi Tomohisa , Tanimura Yuko , Mizushima Katsura , Harusato Akihito , Fukui Akifumi , Yoriki Hiroyuki , Handa Osamu , Ohnogi Hiromu , Yoshikawa Toshikazu 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackground and AimNon‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are commonly used in clinical medicine, cause erosion, ulcers, and bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. No effective agent for the prevention and treatment of small intestinal injury by NSAIDs has been established. This study investigates the effects of agaro‐oligosaccharides (AGOs) on NSAID‐induced small intestinal injury in mice.MethodsMice were treated with indomethacin, an NSAID, to induce intestinal injury. The respective degrees of mucosal injury of mice that received AGO and control mice were compared. Heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) expression using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry were measured. The expression of keratinocyte chemoattractant (KC) was measured using qRT‐PCR and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsAGO administration induced HO‐1 expression in mouse small intestinal mucosa. Induction was observed mainly in F4/80 positive macrophages. The increased ulcers score, myeloperoxidase activity, and KC expression by indomethacin were inhibited by AGO administration. Conversely, HO inhibitor cancelled AGO‐mediated prevention of intestinal injury. In mouse peritoneal macrophages, AGOs enhanced HO‐1 expression and suppressed lipopolysaccharide‐induced KC expression. Furthermore, AGOs enhanced the expressions of alternatively activated macrophage markers arginase‐1, mannose receptor‐1, and chitinase 3‐like 3.ConclusionsResults suggest that oral administration of AGOs prevents NSAID‐induced intestinal injury.
Relationship between inosine triphosphate genotype and outcome of extended therapy in hepatitis C virus patients with a late viral response to pegylated‐interferon and ribavirin
Authors: Hai Hoang , Tamori Akihiro , Enomoto Masaru , Morikawa Hiroyasu , Uchida‐Kobayashi Sawako , Fujii Hideki , Hagihara Atsushi , Kawamura Etsushi , Thuy Le Thi Thanh , Tanaka Yasuhito , Kawada Norifumi 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackground and AimIt is not yet clear which factors are associated with the outcome of 72‐week treatment with pegylated‐interferon and ribavirin (RBV) in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.MethodsIn 66 patients with HCV genotype 1 who had a late viral response (LVR) to 72‐week treatment of pegylated‐interferon and RBV, we examined the factors that determined the outcome, including single nucleotide polymorphisms of interleukin‐28B and inosine triphosphatase (ITPA) genes.ResultsThirty seven of 66 (56%) patients with LVR achieved a sustained viral response (SVR). The mean age of these 37 SVR patients was 55, compared with 61 in 29 relapsed patients (P = 0.009). Twenty six of 54 (48%) patients with the CC genotype and 11 of 12 (92%) with the CA/AA genotype of ITPA rs1127354 achieved SVR (P = 0.006). The SVR rates were 79%, 40%, 60%, and 33% in patients with undetectable HCV RNA on weeks 16, 20, 24, and 28 or later, respectively (P = 0.014). Finally, serum RBV concentration at week 44 of treatment was significantly higher in the SVR group (2651 ng/mL) than in the relapse group (1989 ng/mL, P = 0.002). In contrast, the rate of the interleukin‐28B genotype was not different between the groups. Multiple regression analysis showed that age < 60 years, ITPA CA/AA genotype, and serum RBV concentration were significant independent predictive factors for SVR.ConclusionsOur findings elucidated the association of four factors, including ITPA genotype, with the outcome of 72‐week treatment in LVR patients.
Effect modification of body mass index and body fat percentage on fatty liver disease in a Japanese population
Authors: Saida Tomomi , Fukushima Wakaba , Ohfuji Satoko , Kondo Kyoko , Matsunaga Ichiro , Hirota Yoshio 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackground and AimNo previous study has performed multivariate analysis of the risk factors of fatty liver disease (FL), focusing on the effect of weight gain of ≥ 10 kg since the age of 20, and no analysis model exists that simultaneously evaluates body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (BFP) as adjustment variables.MethodsTo investigate these, we collected anthropometric data from health checkups, and conducted a cross‐sectional study (targeting 1851 males and 1259 females aged 30 years or over).ResultsRegardless of sex, weight gain of ≥10 kg since the age of 20 was positively associated with FL. Our stratified analysis of BFP into two categories, to evaluate the interaction between BMI and BFP in FL, indicated an approximately fivefold increase in the odds ratio in the male group with high BMI and BFP values compared to those with low BMI and BFP values, with a synergy index of 1.77 > 1. On the other hand, females demonstrated no significant additive interaction, with a synergy index of 0.49 < 1.ConclusionsWe revealed that weight gain ≥ 10 kg since the age of 20 is significantly associated with FL regardless of sex. In addition, by performing a synergy index (S), we showed that the additive interaction between BMI and BFP in FL differs according to gender.