bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Primary pulmonary primitive neuroectodermal tumor metastasis to the pancreas: a rare case with seven-year follow-up
Authors: Shi Lin , Guo Zhanlin , Wu Xinlin 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Abstract
There are only nine primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) cases that have arisen in lung parenchyma without pleural or chest wall involvement in the literature. Here, we present a long–term survival case of pulmonary PNET. A pulmonary mass was detected in a 19-year-old man on a chest radiograph and computed tomography image. At the three-year follow-up, the mass had enlarged in diameter by two-fold. The lesion was resected via lower left lobectomy. Histologically, the tumor was composed of uniform cells with round nuclei and scanty cytoplasm arranged in lobules with rosettes and pseudorosettes formation. Immunohistochemically, the tumor was positive for CD99, vimentin, neuron specific enolase and chromogranin A, and negative for cytokeratins, CD3, desmin, and leukocyte common antigen. Pancreatic metastasis occurred sixteen months after the first surgery, which was managed by pancreatectomy. The patient has survived seven years after the mass was initially detected, and four years after the first lobectomy.

Virtual slides
The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1500847644913244
Cardiovascular medicine at face value: a qualitative pilot study on clinical axiology
Authors: de Hoyos Adalberto , Nava-Diosdado Rodrigo , Mendez Jorge , Ricco Sergio , Serrano Ana , Flores Cisneros Carmen , Macías-Ojeda Carlos , Cisneros Héctor , Bialostozky David , Altamirano-Bustamante Nelly , Altamirano-Bustamante Myriam M 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIntroductionCardiology is characterized by its state-of-the-art biomedical technology and the predominance of Evidence-Based Medicine. This predominance makes it difficult for healthcare professionals to deal with the ethical dilemmas that emerge in this subspecialty. This paper is a first endeavor to empirically investigate the axiological foundations of the healthcare professionals in a cardiology hospital. Our pilot study selected, as the target population, cardiology personnel not only because of their difficult ethical deliberations but also because of the stringent conditions in which they have to make them. Therefore, there is an urgent need to reconsider clinical ethics and Value-Based Medicine. This study proposes a qualitative analysis of the values and the virtues of healthcare professionals in a cardiology hospital in order to establish how the former impact upon the medical and ethical decisions made by the latter.ResultsWe point out the need for strengthening the roles of healthcare personnel as educators and guidance counselors in order to meet the ends of medicine, as well as the need for an ethical discernment that is compatible with our results, namely, that the ethical values developed by healthcare professionals stem from their life history as well as their professional education.ConclusionWe establish the kind of actions, communication skills and empathy that are required to build a stronger patient-healthcare professional relationship, which at the same time improves prognosis, treatment efficiency and therapeutic adhesion.
A supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumor presenting with intracranial hemorrhage in a 42-year-old man: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Papadopoulos Evangelos K , Fountas Kostas N , Brotis Alexandros G , Paterakis Konstantinos N 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Introduction
We report on a very rare case of a supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumor in an adult, which presented with intracerebral hemorrhage, and review the relevant medical literature.

Case presentation
A 42-year-old Caucasian man complained of a sudden headache and nausea-vomiting. The patient rapidly deteriorated to coma. An emergency computed tomography scan showed an extensive intraparenchymal hemorrhage that caused significant mass effect and tonsilar herniation. During surgery, an increased intracranial pressure was recorded and extensive bilateral decompressive craniectomies were performed. A cherry-like intraparenchymal lesion was found in his right frontal lobe and resected. The patient died in the intensive care unit after approximately 48 hours. The resected lesion was identified as a central nervous system primitive neuroectodermal tumor.

Conclusion
Supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumors must be considered in the differential diagnosis of space-occupying lesions in adults. Spontaneous supratentorial hemorrhage due to primitive neuroectodermal tumors is an extremely rare but potentially lethal event.
Correlation of circulating C1q and C1q-binding adiponectin concentrations with aging in males: a preliminary report
Authors: Nakatsuji Hideaki , Kishida Ken , Kobayashi Hironori , Nakagawa Tohru , Funahashi Tohru , Shimomura Iichiro 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Atherosclerosis is an age-related disease. Adiponectin and C1q form a protein complex in human blood, and that serum C1q and C1q-binding adiponectin (C1q-APN) concentrations can be measured. We investigated circulating C1q and C1q-APN levels in Japanese men including elderly men.

Findings
The study subjects were 509 Japanese men including elderly men. Serum levels of total adiponectin (Total-APN), high-molecular weight-adiponectin (HMW-APN), C1q-APN and C1q were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Total-APN, HMW-APN and C1q-APN, but not C1q, correlated significantly and positively with aging (r=0.26, r=0.24, r=0.17, p<0.01, respectively). The HMW-APN/Total-APN ratio correlated significantly and positively with aging (r=0.14, p<0.01). The C1q-APN/Total-APN ratio and C1q-APN/HMW-APN ratio correlated significantly and negatively with aging (r=−0.17, p<0.01, r=−0.12, p=0.01). C1q-APN/C1q correlated significantly and positively with aging (r=0.09, p=0.03). Multiple regression analysis identified age and body mass index as significant determinants of C1q-APN.

Conclusions
The present study demonstrates that serum HMW-APN, C1q-APN, and Total-APN, but not C1q, correlated positively with aging. These preliminary results could form the basis for future research.

Trial registration
Clinical Trial Registration Number: UMIN000004318
Penetration capacity of the wood-decay fungus Physisporinus vitreus
Authors: Fuhr Matthias Jörg , Schubert Mark , Stührk Chris , Schwarze Francis WMR , Herrmann Hans Jürg 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Purpose
Bioincising is a biotechnological process for improving the permeability of refractory wood such as Norway spruce heartwood using the wood-decay fungus Physisporinus vitreus. The degradation of the bordered pit membranes by P. vitreus in its first stage of wood colonization enhances the uptake of preservatives and wood modification substances, whereas the strength of the material is not significantly reduced.

Methods
We propose to study bioincising by means of a mathematical model, because many factors affect the growth and effects of P. vitreus in Norway spruce in such a complex way that an evaluation of the optimal incubation conditions (i.e. water activity, temperature or pH) is very expensive or even not possible solely using laboratory experiments.

Results
Using a hyphal growth model we demonstrate here for the first time how to optimize bioincising by linking the microscopic growth behavior of P. vitreus with macroscopic system properties of the wood. Moreover, we propose universal measures of wood-decay fungi, i.e., penetration velocity, penetration work and penetration capacity, which may figure as measures for the efficiency of wood colonization. For example, our simulation shows that an increase of the hyphal growth rate (i.e. changing the incubation conditions) from 1 to 2 μm·d-1 results in an increase of the mycelium’s growth velocity from 0.8 to 1.75 μm·d-1 and an increase of the penetration capacity from 0.5 to 0.6 10-3·mm2·d-1 using a pit degradation rate of 2 μm·d-1.

Conclusions
Information about the penetration velocity, penetration work and penetration capacity is of significance for both its biotechnological use and the study of the colonization strategy of wood-decay fungi in general.
Soil salinity increases survival of freezing in the enchytraeidEnchytraeus albidus
Authors: Patrício Silva Ana L. , Holmstrup Martin , Kostal Vladimir , Amorim Mónica J. B. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryEnchytraeus albidus is a freeze-tolerant enchytraeid found in diverse habitats, ranging from supra-littoral to terrestrial and spanning temperate to arctic regions. Its freeze-tolerance is well known but the effect of salinity in this strategy is still poorly understood. We therefore studied the combined effect of salinity (0, 15, 35, 50‰ NaCl) and sub-zero temperatures (-5, -14, -20ºC) on the freeze-tolerance of E. albidus collected from two distinct geographical regions (Greenland and Germany). A full factorial design was used to study survival, physiological and biochemical endpoints. The effect of salinity on the reproduction of German E. albidus was also assessed. An exposure of 48h to saline soils prior cold exposure triggered an increase in osmolality and decrease in water content. Worms exposed to saline soils had an improved survival of freezing compared to worms frozen in non-saline soils, particularly at -20ºC (survival more than doubled). DSC measurements showed that the fraction of water frozen at -5° and -14°C was lower in worms exposed to 35‰ NaCl than in control worms. The lowering of ice content by exposure to saline soils was probably the main explanation of a better freeze survival in saline-exposed worms. Glucose increased with decreasing temperature, but was lower in saline than in non-saline soils. Thus, glucose accumulation patterns did not explain differences in freeze survival. Overall, the physiological responses to freezing of E. albidus from Greenland and Germany were similar after exposure to saline soils. Soil salinity up to 30‰ improved reproduction by a factor of ca. 10.
Looming detection by identified visual interneurons during larval development of the locust,Locusta migratoria
Authors: Simmons Peter J. , Sztarker Julieta , Rind Claire 
Published: March 2013

SummaryInsect larvae clearly react to visual stimuli, but the ability of any visual neuron in a newly hatched insect to respond selectively to particular stimuli has not been directly tested. We characterised a pair of neurons in locust larvae that have been extensively studied in adults, where they are known to respond selectively to objects approaching on a collision course: the lobula giant motion detector (LGMD); and its postsynaptic partner, the descending contralateral motion detector (DCMD). Our physiological recordings of DCMD axon spikes reveal that at the time of hatching the neurons already respond selectively to objects approaching the locust and they discriminate between different stimulus approach speeds with differences in spike frequency. For a particular approaching stimulus, both the number and peak frequency of spikes increase with instar. In contrast, the number of spikes in responses to receding stimuli decreases with instar, so performance in discriminating approaching from receding stimuli improves as the locust goes through successive moults. In all instars, visual movement over one part of the visual field suppresses a response to movement over another part. Electron microscopy demonstrates that the anatomical substrate for the selective response to approaching stimuli is present in all larval instars: small neuronal processes carrying information from the eye make synapses both onto LGMD dendrites and with each other, providing pathways for lateral inhibition that shapes selectivity for approaching objects.
Sleep deprivation attenuates endotoxin-induced cytokine gene expression independent of day length and circulating cortisol in male Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus)
Authors: Ashley Noah T. , Walton James C. , Haim Achikam , Zhang Ning , Prince Laura A. , Fruchey Allison M. , Lieberman Rebecca A. , Weil Zachary M. , Magalang Ulysses J. , Nelson Randy J. 
Published: March 2013

SummarySleep is restorative, whereas reduced sleep leads to negative health outcomes, such as increased susceptibility to disease. Sleep deprivation tends to attenuate inflammatory responses triggered by infection or exposure to endotoxin, such as bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Previous studies have demonstrated that Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus), photoperiodic rodents, attenuate LPS-induced fever, sickness behavior, and upstream pro-inflammatory gene expression when adapted to short day lengths. Here, we tested whether manipulation of photoperiod alters the suppressive effects of sleep deprivation upon cytokine gene expression after LPS challenge. Male Siberian hamsters were adapted to long (16 h light (L):8 h dark(D)) or short (8L:16D) photoperiods for &gt;10 weeks, and deprived of sleep for 24 h using the multiple platform method or remained in their home cage. Hamsters received an i.p. injection of LPS or saline (control) 18 h after starting the protocol, and were killed 6 h later. LPS increased liver and hypothalamic interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) gene expression compared to vehicle. Among LPS-challenged hamsters, sleep deprivation reduced IL-1 mRNA levels in liver and hypothalamus, but not TNF. IL-1 attenuation was independent of circulating baseline cortisol, which did not increase after sleep deprivation. Conversely, photoperiod altered baseline cortisol, but not pro-inflammatory gene expression in sleep-deprived hamsters. These results suggest that neither photoperiod nor glucocorticoids influence the suppressive effect of sleep deprivation upon LPS-induced inflammation.
First principles calculations and experiments for Cu-Mg/Li hydrides negative electrodes
Authors: Braga M.H. , Stockhausen V. , Wolverton M. , Ferreira J.A. , Oliveira J.C.E. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTWe have studied CuLi0.08Mg1.92 and determined that the compound reacts with hydrogen to form CuLi0.08Mg1.92H5 [1]. Additionally, we have proposed the compound as a negative electrode material which is the main purpose of the present study. Moreover, we have observed that the latter compound acts as a catalyst in the formation of MgH2, LiH, TiH2 [2] and hydrogen desorption. In this work, first principles and phonon calculations were performed in order to establish the reactions occurring at the negative electrode of a Li conversion battery in presence of CuLi0.08Mg1.92H5 and (Li) – solid solution of Mg in Li – approximately Li2Mg3. We have calculated the minimum theoretical specific capacity to be 1156 mAh/g (for an anode with 100% of CuLi0.08Mg1.92H5) and the △Eeq = 0.81 V (vs. Li+/Li) at 298 K. Furthermore, we have determined all the reactions occurring in the referred system and its sequence using Inelastic Incoherent Neutron Scattering (IINS) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD).
Comparison of antioxidant activity of Moringa oleifera and selected vegetables in South Africa
Authors: Pakade Vusumzi , Cukrowska Ewa , Chimuka Luke 
Published: March 2013

The antioxidant activity of the leaves and flowers of the Moringa oleifera plant were investigated and the results were compared to those of selected vegetables (cabbage, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower and peas). Antioxidant activity was determined by analysing the total phenolics content, total flavonoids content, reducing power and radical scavenging activity using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical method. The total phenolics content of moringa was almost twice that of the vegetables and the total flavonoids content was three times that of the selected vegetables. The reducing power of moringa was higher than that of the vegetables and the percentage of free radicals remaining was lower compared with the vegetables. These results combined show that moringa is a good source of antioxidants. This finding also explains why moringa forms part of the diet of people in many developing countries, especially in the southern hemisphere.
Evaluating Alternative Weed Management Strategies for Three Montana Landscapes
Authors: Frid Leonardo , Hanna David , Korb Nathan , Bauer Brad , Bryan Katherine , Martin Brian , Holzer Brett 
Published: March 2013

AbstractDetermining the best strategy for allocating weed management resources across and between landscapes is challenging because of the uncertainties and large temporal and spatial scales involved. Ecological models of invasive plant spread and control provide a practical tool with which to evaluate alternative management strategies at landscape scales. We developed a spatially explicit model for the spread and control of spotted knapweed and leafy spurge across three Montana landscapes. The objective of the model was to determine the ecological and economic costs and benefits of alternative strategies across landscapes of varying size and stages of infestation. Our results indicate that (1) in the absence of management the area infested will continue to increase exponentially leading to a substantial cost in foregone grazing revenues; (2) even though the costs of management actions are substantial, there is a net economic benefit associated with a broad range of management strategies; (3) strategies a that prioritize targeting small new infestations consistently outperform strategies that target large established patches; and (4) inconsistent treatment and short-term delays can greatly reduce the economic and ecological benefits of management.
Susceptibility of Old World Climbing Fern (Lygodium microphyllum) Gametophytes to Metsulfuron Methyl
Authors: Hutchinson Jeffrey T. , Langeland Kenneth A. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractOld World climbing fern (OWCF) is a highly invasive plant that is spreading rapidly and disrupting natural areas in Florida, with the potential to spread by wind-blown spores into Central and South America. Experiments were performed using gametophytes to determine the dose response of OWCF to metsulfuron methyl (metsulfuron). OWCF gametophytes were highly susceptible to metsulfuron with ≤ 1.4% survival at concentrations ≥ 27 mg ai L−1. Metsulfuron OWCF gametophyte 50 and 95% inhibition (I50 and I95) values were 6.1 and 26.4 mg ai L−1, respectively. Survival of treated gametophytes that developed into sporophytes was ≤ 0.014% at concentrations ≥ 27 mg ai L−1, but no sporophytes developed at concentrations ≥ 432 mg ai L−1. Metsulfuron OWCF sporophyte inhibition I50 and I95 values were 5.6 and 24.1 mg ai L−1, respectively. At 216 mg ai L−1 metsulfuron, half of the standard operational use rate, 1.1 × 10−8% of the treated gametophytes developed into sporophytes. The results indicate that the potential for tolerant, and potentially resistant, OWCF populations is higher using lower concentrations of metsulfuron as no gametophytes developed into sporophytes at the standard field treatment concentration of 432 mg ai L−1.
Understanding Factors that Correlate or Contribute to Exotic Russian-olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) Invasion at a Wildland–Urban Interface Ecosystem
Authors: Madurapperuma Buddhika D. , Oduor Peter G. , Anar Mohammad J. , Kotchman Larry A. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractUnderstanding the ecological distribution range of exotic trees in an arboreal ecosystem is essential to managing natural forest resources sustainably. Forest resource mapping can be applied as a powerful tool in the identification of forest resource threat patterns, and in monitoring ongoing changes associated with a landscape. This study offers an insight on Russian-olive and its impact on a spatially bound ecosystem, namely, Bismarck–Mandan Wildland–Urban Interface (BMWUI). Data from the National Agricultural Imagery Program collected in 2005 and 2010 and in situ reference data were used to estimate the potential habitat of Russian-olive using ArcGIS ArcInfo® 9.3 (ESRI, Redlands, CA). Russian-olive plants are discernible on aerial photographs with a fine spatial resolution because of silvery gray-green leaves in the upper strata of their canopies. Results showed that Russian-olive occupied 110 ha (272 acres) in BMWUI in 2005 and of that, 13 ha (12%) was in inundated habitats. In addition, Russian-olive in 2010 covered 125 ha within the BMWUI and of that, 25 ha (20%) was in inundated habitats. Russian-olive showed a close association with the silt loam and silty clay soil type, which occurs along the Missouri River floodplain. Our findings revealed that the species is well established in riparian habitats and other open habitats such as roadside and agricultural lands. There is a greater likelihood of lateral spread of Russian-olive throughout the BMWUI that may require active management to avert undesirable conservation impacts.
The Seasonality of Survival and Subsequent Growth of Common Reed (Phragmites australis) Rhizome Fragments
Authors: Juneau Kevyn J. , Tarasoff Catherine S. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractCommon reed [Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud.] is an invasive plant that reproduces poorly by seed but regenerates vigorously by rhizomes. Because Phragmites australis propagates well through rhizome growth, invasion often occurs from transported rhizome tissue. We investigated both rhizome-fragment biomass and seasonal effects on survival and growth of ramets. Rhizomes were collected along roadside ditches during the fall of 2009 and 2010 and during the summer of 2010 and 2011. Fall and summer were chosen because the plants were either dormant or actively growing, respectively. Rhizomes were cut into fragments then grown in a greenhouse for 60 d in vermiculite with no added nutrients. Rhizomes collected in the fall had a survival rate of 71.1%, whereas only 15.6% of those collected in the summer survived. Within season, rhizomes with low initial biomass had lower survival rates and growth than did large rhizomes. There was no seasonal difference in the total biomass produced by the surviving plants; however, allocation of biomass did differ. Summer-collected rhizomes showed a higher belowground to aboveground biomass ratio than did those collected in the fall. Understanding the viability of Phragmites australis rhizome fragments provides land managers a greater awareness of the high-establishment risks of Phragmites australis. This information should be included in an integrated weed management program, and actions should be taken to reduce the spread of this weed during roadside maintenance. Although the risk of survival is lower during the summer, soil contaminated with Phragmites australis should not be transported or must be sifted with a screen to ensure all rhizome fragments are removed.