bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection of EGFR mutations in plasma and biopsies from non-small cell lung cancer patients by allele-specific PCR assays
Authors: Weber Britta , Meldgaard Peter , Hager Henrik , Wu Lin , Wei Wen , Tsai Julie , Khalil Azza , Nexo Ebba , Sorensen Boe S 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Background
Lung cancer patients with mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are primary candidates for EGFR-targeted therapy. Reliable analyses of such mutations have previously been possible only in tumour tissue. Here, we demonstrate that mutations can be detected in plasma samples with allele-specific PCR assays.

Methods
Pairs of the diagnostic biopsy and plasma obtained just prior to start of erlotinib treatment were collected from 199 patients with adenocarcinoma of non-small-cell lung cancer. DNA from both sample types was isolated and examined for the presence of mutations in exons 18–21 of the EGFR gene, employing the cobas® EGFR Tissue Test and cobas® EGFR Blood Test (in development, Roche Molecular Systems, Inc., CA, USA).

Results
Test results were obtained in all 199 (100%) plasma samples and 196/199 (98%) of the biopsies. EGFR-activating mutations were identified in 24/199 (12%) plasma samples and 28/196 (14%) biopsy samples, and 17/196 (9%) matched pairs contained the same mutation. Six EGFR mutations were present only in plasma samples but not in the biopsy samples. The overall concordance of the EGFR gene mutations detected in plasma and biopsy tissue was 179/196 (91%) (kappa value: 0.621).

Conclusion
Mutational analysis of the EGFR gene in plasma samples is feasible with allele-specific PCR assays and represents a non-invasive supplement to biopsy analysis.

Trial registration
M-20080012 from March 10, 2008 and reported to ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00815971.
Periodontal conditions, low birth weight and preterm birth among postpartum mothers in two tertiary health facilities in Uganda
Authors: Muwazi Louis , Rwenyonyi Charles Mugisha , Nkamba Moses , Kutesa Annet , Kagawa Mike , Mugyenyi Godfrey , Kwizera Godfrey , Okullo Isaac 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundLiterature reports have indicated an increase in research evidence suggesting association between periodontal disease and the risk of pre-term birth (PTB) and low birth weight (LBW). Periodontal diseases in Uganda have been documented as a public health problem, but their association to adverse pregnancy outcomes is unknown. This study was conducted to assess the association between periodontital diseases in postpartum mothers and PTB and LBW of babies in Mulago and Mbarara referral hospitals.MethodsThis was a cross sectional study using medical records, clinical examination and oral interview of mothers at the two tertiary health facilities. Mothers with singleton babies from Mulago (n = 300) and Mbarara Hospital (n = 100) were recruited for the study. The women were clinically examined for periodontal disease by 2 trained and calibrated dentists. Data on PTB and LBW were retrieved from medical records. The data were analyzed to determine the relationship between the four parameters for periodontal disease (bleeding gingiva, periodontal pockets, gingival recession and calculus with plaque deposits) and the adverse pregnancy outcomes. Frequency distribution was used to describe the data. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to study the association between the periodontal diseases and adverse pregnancy outcomes.ResultsApproximately 26% and 29% of the postpartum mothers examined had bleeding gingiva and periodontal pockets of 4 mm or more deep, respectively. Advanced periodontitis i.e. pocket depth ≥ 6 mm was recorded in 13 (3.6%) of the mothers. Calculus with plaque deposits were recorded in 86% (n = 343) of the mothers. Gingival recession was recorded in 9.0% of the mothers and significantly and directly related to birth weight (p < 0.05).ConclusionPeriodontal conditions of postpartum mothers in this study were found to be better than previously reported amongst the Ugandan population. Bivariate analysis showed a significant association only between gingival recession and low birth weight. However, this finding should be interpreted with caution as it could have occurred by chance.
Malignant pleural mesothelioma metastatic to the submandibular salivary gland, simulating glandular hypertrophy, diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration biopsy: a case report and literature review
Authors: Ambroggi Massimo , Orlandi Elena , Foroni Raoul P , Cavanna Luigi 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Background
Malignant mesothelioma is a rare neoplasm that generally develops in the pleural or peritoneal cavity. Distant metastases are common; it rarely metastatizes to the head and neck region.

Case presentation
A 54-year-old white man, a non-smoker, was treated with chemotherapy, surgery and radiation for a malignant pleural mesothelioma. Seven months after the last treatment, he developed a right submandibular enlargement: clinical examination, ultrasound and computerized tomography scans revealed a salivary gland hypertrophy. Anti-inflammatory and antibiotic treatment was then started, without improvement. An ultrasound (US)-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) showed atypical mesothelial cells with nuclear enlargement and increased chromatin representation. Immunocytochemistry showed positivity for calretinin and WT-1.
A diagnosis of right submandibular salivary gland involvement from mesothelioma was established, allowing an adequate treatment.

Conclusion
We report a very rare site of metastasis from malignant pleural mesothelioma. We suggest that US-guided FNAB is a useful, quick, and cheap procedure for a definite diagnosis.
Distributed beamforming designs to improve physical layer security in wireless relay networks
Authors: Qian Mujun , Liu Chen , Fu Youhua 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
This paper investigates security-oriented beamforming designs in a relay network composed of a source-destination pair, multiple relays, and a passive eavesdropper. Unlike most of the earlier works, we assume that only statistical information of the relay-eavesdropper channels is known to the relays. We propose beamforming solutions for amplify-and-forward (AF) and decode-and-forward (DF) relay networks to improve secrecy capacity. In an AF network, the beamforming design is obtained by approximating a product of two correlated Rayleigh quotients to a single Rayleigh quotient using the Taylor series expansion. Our study reveals that in an AF network, the secrecy capacity does not always grow as the eavesdropper moves away from the relays or as total relay transmit power increases. Moreover, if the destination is nearer to the relays than the eavesdropper is, a suboptimal power is derived in closed form through monotonicity analysis of secrecy capacity. While in a DF network, secrecy capacity is a single Rayleigh quotient problem which can be easily solved. We also found that if the relay-eavesdropper distances are about the same, it is unnecessary to consider the eavesdropper in a DF network. Numerical results show that for either AF or DF relaying protocol, the proposed beamforming scheme provides higher secrecy capacity than traditional approaches.
Seroprevalence of Lawsonia intracellularis antibodies in intensive pig farms in China
Authors: Wu Zongxue , Ling Yong , Tian Deyu , Pan Qing , Heegaard Peter M H , He Cheng 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Background
Porcine proliferative enteropathy caused by Lawsonia intracellularis (L. intracellularis) is a major concern to the pig industry worldwide. Although 8.3 billion pigs are produced each year in China, few reports on the prevalence of L.intracellularis infection are available. The aim of the current study was to estimate the seroprevalence of L. intracellularis antibodies in intensive pig farms in China.

Results
A total of 1060 serum samples were collected from 14 commercial pig farms located throughout China. Animals from all age groups were sampled including pre-weaning piglets, weaners, fattening pigs, adult sows and boars. Antibodies against L. intracellularis were detected using a specific blocking ELISA. Of the 1060 serum samples, 602 were identified as positive using the ELISA test. The apparent seroprevalence of L. intracellularis seropositivity was 57% (95% CI 50 to 64%). The true prevalence (that is, prevalence corrected for the imperfect sensitivity and specificity of the testing method) was 77% (95% CI 70 to 83%).

Conclusions
The highest true prevalence was observed in sows and boars, suggesting that within a herd these stock classes are a reservoir for infection. The prevalence of L. intracellularis seropositivity in local breed pigs was significantly less than that in imported breeds. A higher seroprevalence was found in pigs in herds in Central and Northern China, which may correspond to the greater use of the intensive production systems in these areas. We conclude that L. intracellularis is widely prevalent in commercial pigs in China.
Evaluating the effect of emergency department crowding on triage destination
Authors: O’Connor Erin , Gatien Mathieu , Weir Cindy , Calder Lisa 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Background
Emergency Department (ED) crowding has been studied for the last 20 years, yet many questions remain about its impact on patient care. In this study, we aimed to determine if ED crowding influenced patient triage destination and intensity of investigation, as well as rates of unscheduled returns to the ED. We focused on patients presenting with chest pain or shortness of breath, triaged as high acuity, and who were subsequently discharged home.

Methods
This pilot study was a health records review of 500 patients presenting to two urban tertiary care EDs with chest pain or shortness of breath, triaged as high acuity and subsequently discharged home. Data extracted included triage time, date, treatment area, time to physician initial assessment, investigations ordered, disposition, and return ED visits within 14 days. We defined ED crowding as ED occupancy greater than 1.5. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the χ2 and Fisher exact tests.

Results
Over half of the patients, 260/500 (52.0%) presented during conditions of ED crowding. More patients were triaged to the non-monitored area of the ED during ED crowding (65/260 (25.0%) vs. 39/240 (16.3%) when not crowded, P = 0.02). During ED crowding, mean time to physician initial assessment was 132.0 minutes in the non-monitored area vs. 99.1 minutes in the monitored area, P <0.0001. When the ED was not crowded, mean time to physician initial assessment was 122.3 minutes in the non-monitored area vs. 67 minutes in the monitored area, P = 0.0003. Patients did not return to the ED more often when triaged during ED crowding: 24/260 (9.3%) vs. 29/240 (12.1%) when ED was not crowded (P = 0.31). Overall, when triaged to the non-monitored area of the ED, 44/396 (11.1%) patients returned, whereas in the monitored area 9/104 (8.7%) patients returned, P = 0.46.

Conclusions
ED crowding conditions appeared to influence triage destination in our ED leading to longer wait times for high acuity patients. This did not appear to lead to higher rates of return ED visits amongst discharged patients in this cohort. Further research is needed to determine whether these delays lead to adverse patient outcomes.
Tribulus terrestris for treatment of sexual dysfunction in women: randomized double-blind placebo - controlled study
Authors: Akhtari Elham , Raisi Firoozeh , Keshavarz Mansoor , Hosseini Hamed , Sohrabvand Farnaz , Bioos Soodabeh , Kamalinejad Mohammad , Ghobadi Ali 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Background
Tribulus terrestris as a herbal remedy has shown beneficial aphrodisiac effects in a number of animal and human experiments. This study was designed as a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial to assess the safety and efficacy of Tribulus terrestris in women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder during their fertile years. Sixty seven women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder were randomly assigned to Tribulus terrestris extract (7.5 mg/day) or placebo for 4 weeks. Desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain were measured at baseline and after 4 weeks after the end of the treatment by using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Two groups were compared by repeated measurement ANOVA test.

Results
Thirty women in placebo group and thirty women in drug group completed the study. At the end of the fourth week, patients in the Tribulus terrestris group had experienced significant improvement in their total FSFI (p < 0.001), desire (p < 0.001), arousal (p = 0.037), lubrication (p < 0.001), satisfaction (p < 0.001) and pain (p = 0.041) domains of FSFI. Frequency of side effects was similar between the two groups.

Conclusions
Tribulus terrestris may safely and effectively improve desire in women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Further investigation of Tribulus terrestris in women is warranted.
Oily wastewaters treatment using Pseudomonas sp. isolated from the compost fertilizer
Authors: Azhdarpoor Abooalfazl , Mortazavi Bagher , Moussavi Gholamreza 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Background
Discharging the oily wastewater in the environment causes serious problems, because of the oil compounds and organic materials presence. Applying biological methods using the lipase enzyme producer microorganisms can be an appropriate choice for treatment of these wastewaters. The aim of this study is to treat those oil wastewaters having high concentration of oil by applying lipase enzyme producer bacteria.

Materials and methods
Oil concentration measurement was conducted using the standard method of gravimetric and the wastewater under study was synthetically made and contained olive, canola and sunflower oil. The strain used in this study was Pseudomonas strain isolated from compost fertilizer. The oil under study had concentration of 1.5 to 22 g/l.

Results
The oil removal amount in concentrations lower than 8.4 g/l was over 95 ± 1.5%. Increase of the oil's concentration to 22 g/l decreases the amount of removal in retention time of 44 hours to 85 ± 2.5%. The best yield of removing this strain in retention time of 44 hours and temperature of 30°C was achieved using Ammonium Nitrate as the nitrogen resource which yield was about 95 percent.

Conclusion
The findings of the research showed that Pseudomonas bacteria isolated from the compost fertilizer can degrade high concentration oils.
The effect of standing and sitting postures on breathing in brass players
Authors: Price Kevin , Schartz Philippe , Watson Alan HD 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Purpose
The object of this study was to examine the effect of posture on breathing in brass players. Breathing when standing was compared with sitting erect on a flat, downward or upward sloping seat, or on a reclining seat.

Methods
Spirometry was used to measure aspects of lung function. Muscle activity and respiratory movements during different playing tasks were recorded using electromyography and inductive plethysmography.

Results
Only sitting in a reclining position produced statistically significantly lower values for VC, FVC, FEV1, PEF than standing. When players were asked to produce a note of maximum duration, only a downward sloping seat caused a significant change (an 11% reduction) compared to standing. When seated, the abdominal component of respiratory movement was significantly higher during these long notes than when standing, though maximum activity in abdominal wall muscles was significantly reduced (by 32–44%). On a downward sloping seat, muscle activity was significantly higher (9%) than on a flat seat. Tongued and untongued sforzando notes recruited significantly less abdominal muscle activity (33–67%) when sitting than when standing. When playing a trumpet study, abdominal muscle activity was significantly reduced on a downward sloping seat (by 32%) and on a flat seat (by 40%) in comparison to standing. Muscle activity in the two sitting positions were not significantly different.

Conclusion
Though brass players are often told to “sit as if standing”, abdominal muscle activity is always significantly reduced when sitting on a flat or downward sloping seat, however when greater respiratory effort is required, activity on downward sloping seats may rise closer to that of standing.
Photogrammetric error sources and impacts on modeling and surveying in construction engineering applications
Authors: Dai Fei , Feng Youyi , Hough Ryan 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThis paper reviews photogrammetric error sources and their impacts on modeling and surveying for construction quantity takeoff, quality control, and site safety monitoring applications. These error sources include camera internal parameters (i.e., type, principal point, principal distance, and camera lens distortion coefficients), imaging settings (i.e., shooting distances, baselines, percentage of photo overlaps, number of overlapping photos, camera intersection angles, and angles of incidence), and processing software programs. To augment the body of knowledge on photogrammetric modeling errors, this paper further conducts experiment, which concerns characterization of the behavior of different strategies in selecting reference lines for fixing absolute scale of photogrammetric models. In construction photogrammetric surveying, it is imperative to convert the relative scale of a 3D model into absolute measurements so geometric measurements can be taken. Previous work suggests this can be done through the determination of a reference line in absolute units; however, the position and quantity of reference lines has not been investigated. This experiment attempts to tackle this issue. The result shows that one horizontal reference line in the middle of the object performed with consistent accuracy, but if a specific area on the object needs more accurate measurements, it is best to select a reference line in that area. The review and the experimental findings may help construction professionals better understand the performance of the photogrammetric surveying and apply it in their real-world projects.
CD4+CD25-Foxp3+ T cells: a marker for lupus nephritis?
Authors: Bonelli Michael , Göschl Lisa , Blüml Stephan , Karonitsch Thomas , Steiner Carl-Walter , Steiner Günter , Smolen Josef S , Scheinecker Clemens 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a heterogenous autoimmune disease, which can affect different organs. Increased proportions of CD4+CD25-Foxp3+ T cells have been described in SLE patients. The exact role of this cell population in SLE patients still remains unclear. We therefore analyzed this T cell subset in a large cohort of SLE patients with different organ manifestations.

Methods
Phenotypic analyses, proportions and absolute cell numbers of CD4+CD25-Foxp3+ T cells were determined by flow cytometry (FACS) in healthy controls (HC) (n = 36) and SLE patients (n = 61) with different organ manifestations. CD4+CD25-Foxp3+ T cells were correlated with clinical data, the immunosuppressive therapy and different disease activity indices. In patients with active glomerulonephritis, CD4+CD25-Foxp3+ T cells were analyzed in urine sediment samples. Time course analyses of CD4+CD25-Foxp3+ T cells were performed in patients with active disease activity before and after treatment with cyclophosphamide and prednisone.

Results
CD4+CD25-Foxp3+ T cells were significantly increased in active SLE patients and the majority expressed Helios. Detailed analysis of this patient cohort revealed increased proportions of CD4+CD25-Foxp3+ T cells in SLE patients with renal involvement. CD4+CD25-Foxp3+ T cells were also detected in urine sediment samples of patients with active glomerulonephritis and correlated with the extent of proteinuria.

Conclusion
CD4+CD25-Foxp3+ T cells resemble regulatory rather than activated T cells. Comparative analysis of CD4+CD25-Foxp3+ T cells in SLE patients revealed a significant association of this newly described cell population with active nephritis. Therefore CD4+CD25-Foxp3+ T cells might serve as an important tool to recognize and monitor SLE patients with renal involvement.
Impact of prior statin therapy on the outcome of patients with suspected ventilator-associated pneumonia: an observational study
Authors: Bruyere Rémi , Vigneron Clara , Prin Sébastien , Pechinot André , Quenot Jean-Pierre , Aho Serge , Papazian Laurent , Charles Pierre-Emmanuel 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the most commonly acquired infection in intensive care units (ICU). Its outcome is related, at least in part, to the host’s response. Statins have anti-inflammatory effects and may thus improve the outcome. We aimed to assess the impact of prior statin use in the setting of VAP.

Methods
A six-year cohort study was conducted in a French ICU at a teaching hospital. All of the patients with suspected VAP were included. Baseline characteristics, outcomes, statin exposure, and the description of suspected episodes were collected prospectively. The primary endpoint was 30-day mortality. Patients who were taking statins before admission to the ICU whether or not treatment was continued thereafter (‘previous users’ group) were compared to those without prior statin therapy (‘statin-naive’ group). A survival analysis using a Cox model was conducted in the whole cohort and in the subgroup of prior statin users.

Results
Among the 349 patients included, 93 (26.6%) had taken statins. At baseline, these patients were at higher risk of complications than statin-naive ones (for example, older, more likely to be men and to have underlying diseases, greater simplified acute physiology score II (SAPS II)). There was, however, no difference regarding severity at the time VAP was suspected (sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA): 9.0 (4.0 to 16.0) versus 8.0 (4.0 to 17.0); P = 0.11). Nonetheless, 30-day mortality in statin users was not different from that in statin-naive patients (35.5% versus 26.2%, respectively; adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 1.23 (0.79 to 1.90) 95% confidence interval (CI); P = 0.36). In contrast, after limiting analysis to prior statin users and adjusting for potential confounders, those who continued the treatment had better survival than those who did not (HR = 0.47; (0.22 to 0.97) 95% CI; P = 0.04).

Conclusions
Statin continuation in prior users could provide protective effects in patients with suspected VAP.
Carbon monoxide poisoning in the 21st century
Authors: Chiew Angela L , Buckley Nicholas A 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe world has experienced some very large shifts in the epidemiology of carbon monoxide poisoning, but it remains one of the most important toxicological global causes of morbidity and mortality. The diagnosis can be quickly confirmed with blood gases (pulse oximeters lack both sensitivity and specificity). Several strong predictors for serious neurological sequelae (prolonged loss of consciousness and elevated S100B) and reduced life expectancy (elevated troponin) are now reasonably well established. Despite this clearly defined high-risk group and extensive research into the pathophysiology, there has been little translation into better treatment. Much of the pathophysiological research has focused on hyperbaric oxygen. Yet it is apparent that clinical trials show little evidence for benefit from hyperbaric oxygen, and the most recent even raises the possibility of harm for repeated courses. More logical and promising potential antidotes have been under-researched, although recently both animal and small human studies suggest that erythropoietin may reduce S100B and prevent neurological sequelae. Major breakthroughs are likely to require further research on this and other treatments that may inhibit post-hypoxic inflammatory responses and apoptosis.