bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prospective Validation of the Computed Tomographic Angiography Spot Sign Score for Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Romero Javier M. , Brouwers H. Bart , Lu JingJing , Almandoz Josser E. Delgado , Kelly Hillary , Heit Jeremy , Goldstein Joshua , Rosand Jonathan , Gonzalez R. Gilberto 
Published: September 2013

Background and Purpose—
Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) results in high mortality and morbidity for patients. Previous retrospective studies correlated the spot sign score (SSSc) with ICH expansion, mortality, and clinical outcome among ICH survivors. We performed a prospective study to validate the SSSc for the prediction of ICH expansion, mortality, and clinical outcome among survivors.

Methods—
We prospectively included consecutive patients with primary ICH presenting to a single institution for a 1.5-year period. All patients underwent baseline noncontrast computed tomography (CT) and multidetector CT angiography performed within 24 hours of admission and a follow-up noncontrast CT within 48 hours after the initial CT. The ICH volume was calculated on the noncontrast CT images using semiautomated software. The SSSc was calculated on the multidetector CT angiographic source images. We assessed in-hospital mortality and modified Rankin Scale at discharge and at 3 months among survivors. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine independent predictors of hematoma expansion, in-hospital mortality, and poor clinical outcome.

Results—

A total of 131 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of the 131 patients, a spot sign was detected in 31 patients (24%). In a multivariate analysis, the SSSc predicted significant hematoma expansion (odds ratio, 3.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.77–5.39;
P
≤0.0001), in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, 4.1; 95% confidence interval, 2.11–7.94;
P
≤0.0001), and poor clinical outcome (odds ratio, 3; 95% confidence interval, 1.4–4.42;
P
=0.004). In addition, the SSSc was an accurate grading scale for ICH expansion, modified Rankin Scale at discharge, and in-hospital mortality.

Conclusions—
The SSSc demonstrated a strong stepwise correlation with hematoma expansion and clinical outcome in patients with primary ICH.
Population-Based Case–Control Study of White Matter Changes on Brain Imaging in Transient Ischemic Attack and Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Li Linxin , Simoni Michela , Küker Wilhelm , Schulz Ursula G. , Christie Sharon , Wilcock Gordon K. , Rothwell Peter M. 
Published: September 2013

Background and Purpose—
White matter changes (WMC) are a common finding on brain imaging and are associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke. They are most frequent in small vessel stroke; however, in the absence of comparisons with normal controls, it is uncertain whether WMC are also more frequent than expected in other stroke subtypes. Therefore, we compared WMC in pathogenic subtypes of ischemic stroke versus controls in a population-based study.

Methods—
We evaluated the presence and severity of WMC on computed tomography and on magnetic resonance brain imaging using modified Blennow/Fazekas scale and age-related white matter changes scale, respectively, in a population-based study of patients with incident transient ischemic attack or ischemic stroke (Oxford Vascular Study) and in a study of local controls (Oxford Project to Investigate Memory and Ageing) without history of transient ischemic attack or ischemic stroke, with stratification by stroke pathogenesis (Trial of Org10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment classification).

Results—

Among 1601 consecutive eligible patients with first-ever ischemic events, 1453 patients had computed tomography brain imaging, 562 had magnetic resonance imaging, and 414 patients had both. Compared with 313 controls (all with computed tomography and 131 with magnetic resonance imaging) and after adjustment for age, sex, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension, moderate/severe WMC (age-related white matter changes scale) were more frequent in patients with small vessel events (odds ratio, 3.51 [95% confidence interval, 2.13–5.76];
P
<0.0001) but not in large artery (odds ratio, 1.03 [95% confidence interval, 0.64–1.67]), cardioembolic (odds ratio, 0.87 [95% confidence interval, 0.56–1.34]), or undetermined (odds ratio, 0.90 [95% confidence interval, 0.62–1.30]) subtypes. Results were consistent for ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack, for other scales, and for magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography separately.

Conclusions—
In contrast to small vessel ischemic events, WMC were not independently associated with other pathogenic subtypes, suggesting that WMC are unlikely to be an independent risk factor for nonsmall vessel events.
Life cycle and behavioural traits of Dikerogammarus villosus (Sowinsky, 1894) (Amphipoda, Gammaridae) colonising an artificial fresh water basin in Tuscany (central Italy)
Authors: Rossano C. , di Cristina G. , Scapini F. 
Published: September 2013

The water amphipod Dikerogammarus villosus (Sowinsky, 1894) has colonised many rivers and water basins in central Europe and is rapidly reaching southern Europe. It was found in northern Italy in 2006 and in central Italy in 2008. In this last area it has colonised the recent artificial basin of Bilancino (Mugello Valley, Florence), currently being the only and abundant amphipod species in the lake. This new population offered a good opportunity to study the life cycle and behaviour of such unpopular species (called killer shrimp because of its aggression), with the aim of better understanding the mechanisms of survival and diffusion of water gammarids. For about one year and a half, bimonthly samplings were carried out in different points of the lake to study the life cycle and identify the most suitable populations for behavioural experiments. On this species experiments were carried out in the natural context to verify sun and landscape orientation and in the laboratory to analyse the response to a black boundary, direct light and substrate slope. The populations from the different points had a comparable structure and development, even if subjected to variations linked to the local features of the lake’s bottom. The response to the black boundary (simulating a predator or a refuge) was not significant, while a significant reaction of avoidance of a direct artificial light and a significant preference for the basin bottom (downslope) were observed. No specific responses were identified where the behaviour was strictly linked to the environment colonised (orientation to the sun and natural landscape). A lack of fine-tuned adaptations was expected in this species that has colonised a variety of environments, confirming comparable results on the physiology of this species, such as adaptation to wide ranges of temperature, salinity and oxygen levels.
Patterns of genetic structuring and levels of differentiation in supralittoral talitrid amphipods: an overview
Authors: Pavesi L. , Ketmaier V. 
Published: September 2013

Talitrids are the only family within the order Amphipoda to have colonised supralittoral and terrestrial environments. They live in a variety of settings, from sandy to rocky and pebble beaches, to river and lake banks, and to leaf litter and caves. A common feature is the absence of a planktonic larval stage to facilitate passive dispersal over long-distances. However, some species have broad distributions. Genetic studies over the past 25 years have tried to explain this apparent contradiction by assessing patterns of species genetic structuring on different geographical scales. Here, we review the molecular studies available to date and focus on the population genetics of talitrids. Most of these studies considered populations in the Mediterranean area, but also along the Atlantic coast and in Canary Island caves. From this review, the group emerges as a potential model to understand processes of dispersal and divergence in non-highly-vagile supralittoral organisms. At the same time, studies on these issues are still too restricted geographically: a worldwide scale including different regions would provide us with a better perspective on these problems.
Decadal Covariability of the Northern Wintertime Land Surface Temperature and Atmospheric Circulation
Authors: Yu B. , Wang X. L. , Zhang X. B. , Cole J. , Feng Y. 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
The decadal covariability of northern wintertime land surface temperature and 500-hPa geopotential anomalies is examined using the National Centers for Environmental Prediction–National Center for Atmospheric Research and the Twentieth-Century Reanalyses over the twentieth century and a 996-yr preindustrial climate simulation from the Canadian Earth System Model. Based on the reanalysis data, the covariability is dominated by two leading maximum covariance analysis (MCA) modes. MCA1 is characterized by temperature anomalies over most of Canada, the eastern United States, Mexico, and Eurasian mid- to high latitudes, accompanied by anomalies of opposite sign elsewhere over northern landmasses. MCA2 features temperature anomalies over most of North America, Eurasia, and Greenland with opposite anomalies elsewhere. In the upper troposphere the synoptic vorticity fluxes reinforce the anomalous circulation, while in the lower troposphere advection by the anomalous mean flow offsets the eddy forcing and maintains the decadal temperature perturbation. The MCA1-associated variability has a broad spectrum over decadal–interdecadal time scales, while the MCA2-related variability has a significant power peak around 20 yr. The change of temperature and geopotential trends around 1990 tends to be a decadal-scale shift in winter and has significant features of the leading mode of the decadal covariability. The climate model has broadly similar decadal covariability, including the leading MCA patterns as well as the temporal evolution of the patterns. The decadal temperature and geopotential anomalies primarily covary with the North Atlantic Oscillation but also with the variability of the North Pacific index, while the Southern Oscillation index variability tends to be the least important predictor for the northern decadal temperature and geopotential anomalies.
Impact of the Aqua MODIS Band 6 Restoration on Cloud/Snow Discrimination
Authors: Gladkova Irina , Shahriar Fazlul , Grossberg Michael , Frey Richard A. , Menzel W. Paul 
Published: September 2013

AbstractDistinguishing between clouds and snow is an intrinsically challenging problem because both have similar high albedo across many bands. The 1.6-μm channel (band 6) on the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instrument provides an essential tool for distinguishing clouds from snow, since snow typically has a much lower albedo in this band. Unfortunately, this band is severely damaged on the MODIS/Aqua platform and is typically not used in either snow or cloud products. An algorithm was previously introduced for quantitative image restoration (QIR) that can restore missing pixels of band 6 using multilinear regression with input from a spatial-spectral window in other bands. Also previously demonstrated was the effectiveness of this restoration for snow products over cloud-free pixels only. The focus of the authors’ previous work was to evaluate the impact of this restoration on the snow product, and they had relied on the current cloud mask, which does not use any information from band 6. In this work the authors propose to apply the QIR-corrected band 6 to directly create a new cloud mask. They demonstrate that this new cloud mask is much more consistent with the one produced using the undamaged MODIS band 6 on Terra. The restoration of MODIS band 6 on the Aqua platform and its impact on the discrimination of clouds, snow, and clear sky is also examined. A comprehensive evaluation was conducted on a global set of granules. The method shows great promise and should be considered for use in NASA’s next reprocessing of Aqua MODIS data.
Musculoskeletal Discomfort, Physical Demand, and Caregiving Activities in Informal Caregivers
Authors: Darragh Amy R. , Sommerich Carolyn M. , Lavender Steven A. , Tanner Kelly J. , Vogel Kasey , Campo Marc 
Published: September 2013

Objectives: To characterize the burden of care and musculoskeletal discomfort associated with caring for adults with chronic physical disability among informal caregivers and to describe the most physically demanding caregiving activities and contributing factors, as perceived by informal caregivers of adults with physical disabilities. Methods: A mixed methods approach was used for the study. Forty-six informal caregivers of adults with physical disability participated. Results: Most caregivers were classified as “high burden” caregivers. They reported high levels of physical strain and musculoskeletal discomfort. Caregivers identified several activities related to mobility and self-care as the most physically demanding. Factors affecting physical demand included caregiver and care-recipeint characteristics, activity requirements, and the physical environment. Conclusion: Interventions that target high-demand caregiving activities, including all three aspects of caregiving activity performance, are necessary to support adults with disabilities in the home and their caregivers.
Essential role of PR-domain protein MDS1-EVI1 in MLL-AF9 leukemia
Authors: Zhang Yi , Owens Kristina , Hatem Layla , Glass Carolyn H. , Karuppaiah Kannan , Camargo Fernando , Perkins Archibald S. 
Published: September 2013

Key Points
The MDS1-EVI1 isoform of the MECOM locus is required for MLL-AF9–induced myeloid leukemia. Within MDS1-EVI1, it is the PR domain that is essential.
FLVCR is necessary for erythroid maturation, may contribute to platelet maturation, but is dispensable for normal hematopoietic stem cell function
Authors: Byon John C. H. , Chen Jing , Doty Raymond T. , Abkowitz Janis L. 
Published: September 2013

Key Points
FLVCR deletion causes proerythroblast apoptosis and lethal anemia but leads to increased megakaryocyte ploidy and platelet counts. Loss of FLVCR is dispensable for hematopoietic stem cell function during steady-state and stress conditions.
The saliva microbiome of Pan and Homo
Authors: Li Jing , Nasidze Ivan , Quinque Dominique , Li Mingkun , Horz Hans-Peter , André Claudine , Garriga Rosa M , Halbwax Michel , Fischer Anne , Stoneking Mark 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
It is increasingly recognized that the bacteria that live in and on the human body (the microbiome) can play an important role in health and disease. The composition of the microbiome is potentially influenced by both internal factors (such as phylogeny and host physiology) and external factors (such as diet and local environment), and interspecific comparisons can aid in understanding the importance of these factors.

Results
To gain insights into the relative importance of these factors on saliva microbiome diversity, we here analyze the saliva microbiomes of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and bonobos (Pan paniscus) from two sanctuaries in Africa, and from human workers at each sanctuary. The saliva microbiomes of the two Pan species are more similar to one another, and the saliva microbiomes of the two human groups are more similar to one another, than are the saliva microbiomes of human workers and apes from the same sanctuary. We also looked for the existence of a core microbiome and find no evidence for a taxon-based core saliva microbiome for Homo or Pan. In addition, we studied the saliva microbiome from apes from the Leipzig Zoo, and found an extraordinary diversity in the zoo ape saliva microbiomes that is not found in the saliva microbiomes of the sanctuary animals.

Conclusions
The greater similarity of the saliva microbiomes of the two Pan species to one another, and of the two human groups to one another, are in accordance with both the phylogenetic relationships of the hosts as well as with host physiology. Moreover, the results from the zoo animals suggest that novel environments can have a large impact on the microbiome, and that microbiome analyses based on captive animals should be viewed with caution as they may not reflect the microbiome of animals in the wild.
Ethical issues in research involving minority populations: the process and outcomes of protocol review by the Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Thailand
Authors: Adams Pornpimon , Wongwit Waranya , Pengsaa Krisana , Khusmith Srisin , Fungladda Wijitr , Chaiyaphan Warissara , Limphattharacharoen Chanthima , Prakobtham Sukanya , Kaewkungwal Jaranit 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Recruiting minorities into research studies requires special attention, particularly when studies involve “extra-vulnerable” participants with multiple vulnerabilities, e.g., pregnant women, the fetuses/neonates of ethnic minorities, children in refugee camps, or cross-border migrants. This study retrospectively analyzed submissions to the Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Tropical Medicine (FTM-EC) in Thailand. Issues related to the process and outcomes of proposal review, and the main issues for which clarification/revision were requested on studies, are discussed extensively.

Methods
The study data were extracted from proposals and amendments submitted to the FTM-EC during the period October 2009 – September 2012, and then analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. The main issues for clarification/revision were analyzed by thematic content analysis.

Results
373 proposals were submitted; 44 studies involved minority groups with 21 extra-vulnerable minorities. All clinical and 2/3 of non-clinical studies submitted for initial review underwent full-board review. For combined clinical and non-clinical study submissions, 92.1% were referred back to the investigators and approved after clarification/revision, while 2.7% were deferred due to major/critical changes, and 2.1% not approved due to substantial violations of ethical principles. The main issues needing clarification/revision differed between all studies and those involving minorities: participant information sheet (62.2% vs. 86.4%), informed consent/assent form (51.2% vs. 86.4%), and research methodology (80.7% vs. 84.1%), respectively. The main ethical issues arising during the meetings, regarding studies involving minorities, included ensuring no exploitation, coercion, or pressure on the minority to participate; methodology not affecting their legal status; considering ethnicity and cultural structure; and providing appropriate compensation.

Conclusion
Delays in the approval or non-approval of studies involving minorities were mainly due to major or minor deviations from acceptable ethical standards and/or unclear research methodology. The FTM-EC has employed several mechanisms in its operations, including transparency in the review process, building good relationships via open communication with investigators, requesting investigators to consider closely the necessity to enroll minority groups and the risk-benefits for individuals and their communities, and the inclusion of minority-community engagement when developing the proposal. Other effective activities include annual study-site inspections, and offering refresher courses to raise awareness of minority and vulnerability issues among researchers.
Cloning and enhancing production of a detergent- and organic-solvent-resistant nattokinase from Bacillus subtilis VTCC-DVN-12-01 by using an eight-protease-gene-deficient Bacillus subtilis WB800
Authors: Nguyen Thao Thi , Quyen Thi Dinh , Le Hoang Thanh 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Nattokinases/Subtilisins (EC 3.4.21.62) belong to the second large family of serine proteases, which gain significant attention and play important role in many biotechnology processes. Thus, a number of nattokinases/subtilisins from various Bacillus species, especially from B. subtilis strains, extensively have been investigated to understand their biochemical and physical properties as well as to improve the production for industrial application. The purpose of this study was to clone a nattokinase gene from Bacillus subtilis strain VTCC-DVN-12-01, enhance its production in B. subtilis WB800, which is deficient in eight extracellular proteases and characterize its physicochemical properties for potential application in organic synthesis and detergent production.

Results
A gene coding for the nattokinase (Nk) from B. subtilis strain VTCC-DVN-12-01 consisted of an ORF of 1146 nucleotides, encoding a pre-pro-protein enzyme (30-aa pre-signal peptide, 76-aa pro-peptide and 275-aa mature protein with a predicted molecular mass of 27.7 kDa and pI 6.6). The nattokinase showed 98-99% identity with other nattokinases/subtilisins from B. subtilis strains in GenBank. Nk was expressed in B. subtilis WB800 under the control of acoA promoter at a high level of 600 mg protein per liter culture medium which is highest yield of proteins expressed in any extracellular-protease-deficient B. subtilis system till date. Nk was purified to homogeneity with 3.25 fold purification, a specific activity of 12.7 U/mg, and a recovery of 54.17%. The purified Nk was identified by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry through three peptides, which showed 100% identity to corresponding peptides of the B. subtilis nattokinase (CAC41625). An optimal activity for Nk was observed at 65°C and pH 9. The nattokinase was stable at temperature up to 50°C and in pH range of 5–11 and retained more than 85% of its initial activity after incubation for 1 h. Mg2+ activated Nk up to 162% of its activity. The addition of Triton X-100, Tween 20, and Tween 80 showed an activation of Nk up to 141% of its initial activity but SDS strongly inhibited. The enzyme was highly resistant to organic solvents.

Conclusions
Our findings demonstrated that an eight-protease-gene-deficient Bacillus subtilis WB800 could overproduce the nattokinase from B. subtilis VTCC-DVN-12-01. Due to high resistance to detergents and organic solvents of this nattokinase, it could be potentially applied in organic synthesis and detergent production.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Changes in the
electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of albumin-associated spin-labeled stearic
acid as a diagnostic parameter of colorectal cancer
Authors: Liu Zhongchao , Zhang Wenyi , Fan Saijun , Wang Liang , Jiao Ling 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
With more than 940,000 new colorectal cancer cases worldwide each year, there
is no better way for colorectal cancer routine screening. The aim of this study
was to investigate whether the fatty acid binding to albumin is detectably and
significantly altered in colorectal cancer patients when compared with healthy
people, in order to find a better way for colorectal cancer diagnosis.

Methods
One hundred and forty-one patients operatively treated for colorectal cancer
were included in the examination, and 180 healthy people were also enrolled as
controls. Commercial 16-doxyl stearic acid was used as spin probe. Serum albumin
was analyzed by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) with spin probe.
Discriminant analysis was carried out using the measured EPR spectra by SPSS
20.0.

Results
Of the original grouped cases, 89.4% were correctly classified. Of the
cross-validated grouped cases, 86.9% were correctly classified. Using Fisher
linear discriminant analysis we were able to develop a mathematical model allowing
for identification of colorectal cancer patients based on five values (both
relative intensity and peak width) which are obtained from the EPR
spectrum.

Conclusions
Cancer-associated alterations to albumin can be assessed by spin-label EPR.
The potential applications for this diagnostic technique are significant and
represent a cost-effective means for screening patients with cancer. Spin probe
for diagnosis of colorectal cancer might be a useful tool and further studies
should take place in order to investigate all stages of colorectal cancer
patients.