bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An assessment on the quality of abstracts presented at the British Association of Urological Surgeons annual meeting
Authors: Jones JET , Lam JHP , Stewart GD , McNeill SA , Laird A 
Published: April 2014

Objectives: To assess the quality of abstracts presented at the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) annual meeting using standardized reporting guidelines and examine whether abstract quality is associated with conversion to full-text publication. Materials and methods: Two standardized assessment forms based on CONSORT/STROBE guidelines were used to score abstracts from the 2009 BAUS meeting retrospectively. A high score ratio was defined as >50% of criteria. Kaplan–Meier analysis examined effect of score ratio on time to publication; logistic regression examined predictive potential of variables including; session topic, study design, country of origin and number of institutions to high score ratio and the effects the above factors and a high score ratio on the likelihood of full-text publication. Results: In total, 127 abstracts were included. The mean score ratio was 63.6% (SD 13.3%) for observational studies and 62.7% (SD 9.5%) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Nine RCT abstracts and 91 non-RCT abstracts achieved a high score ratio. Abstract topic, study design, country of origin and number of institutions did not predict a high score ratio or subsequent full-length publication using multivariate logistic regression. Full-length publication was achieved for 43 (33.9%) abstracts. Mean time to publication was 17.2 months. Abstract quality did not predict time to publication ( p=0.706). Conclusion: BAUS abstracts are of high quality, and compare favourably with other urological meetings. While abstract quality does not independently predict full-length publication, most abstracts do not progress to full-length publication and thus we advocate the use of standardized reporting guidelines to ensure accurate interpretation of study methodology and results.
Incidence of Kaposi’s Sarcoma and Associated Mortality in Fresno, California, 1998 to 2012
Authors: Mu Anandit , Rutledge Jared , Mills Paul , Paul Simon 
Published: April 2014

Objective: The incidence of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) decreased dramatically after the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). This study determined the ongoing incidence of and mortality from KS in HIV-infected adults from 1998–2012 in Fresno County, California. The role of virologic control and immune reconstitution was assessed. Methods: Incident cases were identified from the state Electronic HIV/AIDS Reporting System (EHARS), the California Cancer Registry, and hospital records of the county HIV treatment center. Results: From 1998–2012, the average incidence of KS was 0.51 cases per 100,000 person-years. Of the 66 cases of KS there were 20 deaths, with 85% of the mortality occurring in the first 12 months. Among patients on HAART achieving HIV RNA <400 copies/uL, but with a <50 cell/uL increase in CD4 count there was no improvement in mortality. Conclusions: The incidence of KS remains stable since 1998 with a 12-month mortality of 30%.
TFPI cofactor function of protein S: essential role of the protein S SHBG-like domain
Authors: Reglińska-Matveyev Natalia , Andersson Helena M. , Rezende Suely M. , Dahlbäck Björn , Crawley James T. B. , Lane David A. , Ahnström Josefin 
Published: April 2014

Key PointsThe protein S SHBG-like domain and, more specifically, its LG1 subunit are important for binding and enhancement of TFPI. TFPI binding to the protein S SHBG-like domain likely positions TFPI Kunitz domain 2 for optimal interaction with the active site of FXa.
Integrated genomic analysis illustrates the central role of JAK-STAT pathway activation in myeloproliferative neoplasm pathogenesis
Authors: Rampal Raajit , Al-Shahrour Fatima , Abdel-Wahab Omar , Patel Jay P. , Brunel Jean-Philippe , Mermel Craig H. , Bass Adam J. , Pretz Jennifer , Ahn Jihae , Hricik Todd , Kilpivaara Outi , Wadleigh Martha , Busque Lambert , Gilliland D. Gary , Golub Todd R. , Ebert Benjamin L. , Levine Ross L. 
Published: April 2014

Key Points
A gene expression profile consistent with activated JAK2 signaling is seen in all MPN patients, including in patients with CALR mutations. Transcriptional profiling discriminates subsets of MPNs based on JAK2V617F allele burden and on the presence of CALR and TET2 mutations.
Expression of uPAR in tumor-associated stromal cells is associated with colorectal cancer patient prognosis: a TMA study
Authors: Boonstra Martin C , Verbeek Floris PR , Mazar Andrew P , Prevoo Hendrica AJM , Kuppen Peter JK , van de Velde Cornelis JH , Vahrmeijer Alexander L , Sier Cornelis FM 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Background
The receptor for urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPAR) is associated with cancer development and progression. Within the tumor microenvironment uPAR is expressed by malignant cells as well as tumor-associated stromal cells. However, the contribution of uPAR expression in these stromal cells to malignancy and patient survival in colorectal cancer is still unclear. This study compares the association of uPAR expression in both colorectal tumor-associated stromal cells and neoplastic cells with clinico-pathological characteristics and patient survival using tissue micro arrays (TMA).

Methods
Immunohistochemical staining of uPAR expression was performed on tumor tissue from 262 colorectal cancer patients. Kaplan-Meier, log rank, and uni- and multivariate Cox’s regression analyses were used to calculate associations between uPAR expression and patient survival.

Results
In the colorectal tumor-associated stromal microenvironment, uPAR is expressed in macrophages, (neoangiogenic) endothelial cells and myofibroblasts. uPAR expression in tumor-associated stromal cells and neoplastic cells (and both combined) were negatively associated with overall survival (OS) and Disease Free Survival (DFS). Uni- and multivariate Cox’s regression analysis for combined uPAR expression in tumor-associated stromal and neoplastic cells showed significant and independent negative associations with OS and DFS. Only uPAR expression in tumor-associated stromal cells showed independent significance in the uni- and multivariate analysis for DFS.

Conclusion
This study demonstrates a significant independent negative association between colorectal cancer patient survival and uPAR expression in especially tumor-associated stromal cells.
Inhibitory effect of kaolin minerals compound against hepatitis C virus in Huh-7 cell lines
Authors: Ali Liaqat , Idrees Muhammad , Ali Muhammad , Hussain Abrar , Rehman Irshad Ur , Ali Amjad , Iqbal Syed Abbas , Kamel Eyad Hassan 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Background
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is estimated to infect 200 million individuals in the globe, including approximately 10 million in Pakistan causing both acute and chronic hepatitis. The standard treatment against HCV is pegylated interferon therapy in combination with a nucleoside analogue ribavirin. In addition, several herbal extracts and phytochemicals derivatives are used traditionally in the treatment of liver diseases as well as HCV infection. The present study determines the inhibitory effect of kaolin minerals compound against hepatitis C virus in Huh-7 cell lines.

Methods
Huh-7 cell lines were used for the in vitro HCV replication by using HCV positive sera from different patients with known HCV genotypes and viral titer/load. Total RNA was extracted from these infected cells and was quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). The viral titer was compared with the control samples to determine the anti-HCV activity of kaolin derived compounds. Kaolin is a group of clay minerals, with the chemical composition Al2 Si2O5 (OH)4.

Results
The results showed promising effectiveness of local kaolin derived anti-HCV compounds by causing 28% to 77% decrease in the HCV titer, when applied to infected Huh-7 cell lines. This study provides the basis for future work on these compounds especially to determine the specific pathway and mechanism for inhibitory action in the replicon systems of viral hepatitis.

Conclusions
Kaolin mineral derivatives show promising inhibitory effects against HCV genotypes 3a and 1a infection, which suggests its possible use as complementary and alternative medicine for HCV viral infection.
CD4+CD25+/highCD127low/- regulatory T cells are enriched in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis joints—analysis of frequency and phenotype in synovial membrane, synovial fluid and peripheral blood
Authors: Moradi Babak , Schnatzer Philipp , Hagmann Sébastien , Rosshirt Nils , Gotterbarm Tobias , Kretzer Jan Philippe , Thomsen Marc , Lorenz Hanns-Martin , Zeifang Felix , Tretter Theresa 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Introduction
CD4+CD25+/highCD127low/- regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a crucial role in maintaining peripheral tolerance. Data about the frequency of Tregs in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are contradictory and based on the analysis of peripheral blood (PB) and synovial fluid (SF). Because Tregs exert their anti-inflammatory activity in a contact-dependent manner, the analysis of synovial membrane (SM) is crucial. Published reports regarding this matter are lacking, so we investigated the distribution and phenotype of Tregs in concurrent samples of SM, SF and PB of RA patients in comparison to those of osteoarthritis (OA) patients.

Methods
Treg frequency in a total of 40 patients (18 RA and 22 OA) matched for age and sex was assessed by flow cytometry. Functional status was assessed by analysis of cell surface markers representative of activation, memory and regulation.

Results
CD4+ T cells infiltrate the SM to higher frequencies in RA joints than in OA joints (P = 0.0336). In both groups, Tregs accumulate more within the SF and SM than concurrently in PB (P < 0.0001). Relative Treg frequencies were comparable in all compartments of RA and OA, but Treg concentration was significantly higher in the SM of RA patients (P = 0.025). Both PB and SM Tregs displayed a memory phenotype (CD45RO+RA-), but significantly differed in activation status (CD69 and CD62L) and markers associated with Treg function (CD152, CD154, CD274, CD279 and GITR) with only minor differences between RA and OA.

Conclusions
Treg enrichment into the joint compartment is not specific to inflammatory arthritis, as we found that it was similarly enriched in OA. RA pathophysiology might not be due to a Treg deficiency, because Treg concentration in SM was significantly higher in RA. Synovial Tregs represent a distinct phenotype and are activated effector memory cells (CD62L-CD69+), whereas peripheral Tregs are resting central memory cells (CD62L+CD69-).
Formulating a New Express Minibus Service Design Problem as a Clustering Problem
Authors: Martínez L. Miguel , Viegas José Manuel , Eiró Tomás 
Published: April 2014

This paper presents the formulation of a new optimization problem designated as the express minibus problem, which intends to form small groups of clients with compatible boarding/exiting points in time and space for a new type of urban mobility service. This new transport option, as a competitive alternative to the private car, aims to provide almost direct services between dispersed demand poles in places where high-capacity and efficient public transport options are scarce, thus combining the major strengths of both public transport and private vehicles. Conventional public transport systems can present efficient space and energy consumption, whereas private vehicles have high levels of flexibility, are fast, and are always available. The proposed algorithm aims at assessing the potential demand of this new service by developing a clustering algorithm in which the groups of clients formed for each minibus route should present the following characteristics: there is a small number of boarding and exiting points, where in each point there is only boarding or alighting; boarding points should be close to each other, as well as the exiting points; there must be a reasonable distance between the last boarding point and the first exiting point; the average load factor must be high; and for all clients the overall detour time relative to the direct service should be small. This paper presents the rationale and structure of the clustering algorithm, followed by an application for the Lisbon metropolitan area during the morning peak, which could be adapted to the afternoon peak with some slight modifications.
Composite Flooring Quality of Combined Wood Species Using Adhesive from Merbau Wood Extract
Authors: Santoso Adi , Hadi Yusuf Sudo , Malik Jamaludin 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Polyphenol chemical components extracted from merbau (Intsia spp.) wood exhibit a strong affinity for resorcinol and formaldehyde in alkaline conditions, forming a copolymer that could serve as an adhesive. A liquid extract of merbau wood (M) was allowed to copolymerize with resorcinol (R) and formaldehyde (F) under alkaline conditions, with an M:R:F weight ratio of 100:5:10. The course of the reaction and potential mechanisms of copolymerization were scrutinized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and differential thermal analysis. The adhesive was used to manufacture three-ply composite flooring consisting of a back layer of rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis), a core layer from sengon (Paraserianthes falcataria) wood, and a face layer with one of seven wood species, namely, sengon, sungkai (Peronema canescens), mangium (Acacia mangium), rubberwood, mahogany (Swietenia spp.), kempas (Koompassia malaccensis), and merbau. The adhesive was spread on the face and back layers of 170 g/m2 single glue line, which was followed by pressing at 11 kg/cm2 for 3 hours at room temperature. After conditioning for 10 days, the resulting composite flooring was examined to assess its physical and mechanical properties, shear strength, and formaldehyde emission. Results revealed that the bioadhesive exhibited crystallinity of 23.32 percent and a melting glass transition of 115.31°C. IV-meter intrinsic viscosity tools were used to determine the product's molecular weight of 49,658. Physical–mechanical properties and shear quality of the composite flooring were similar to products that use synthetic phenolic adhesive and belong to the exterior quality type with E0 or F**** types of low formaldehyde emission.
Productivity and Cost of Industrial Firewood Processing Operations
Authors: Lombardini Carolina , Magagnotti Natascia , Spinelli Raffaele 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The study determined the performance of industrial firewood processing operations under the typical work conditions of Southern Europe. In particular, we surveyed five commercial operations processing 1-m-long oak logs from coppice forests. Mean log volume was very small, in the range of 0.01 to 0.02 m3 solid. Machine utilization was quite high, ranging from 70 to 80 percent. Mechanical availability was excellent, always exceeding 90 percent of the total worksite time. Productivity varied between 1.4 and 4.9 m3 per scheduled machine hour (SMH), inclusive of all delays. Processing cost ranged from 26 to 44 €/m3. The largest machine in the group offered significant productivity and cost benefits over all the others. Owing to their multiple log handling capacity, firewood processors designed for Southern Europe may be less sensitive to log volume, compared with Nordic machines. The energy balance was always very favorable. The ratio between output and input was never smaller than 220 and peaked at 327. That was much higher than recorded for small-scale firewood processors, and it may depend on the use of more efficient electric motors compared with diesel engines. However, the main advantage of industrial firewood processors is production capacity and operator comfort and safety. This allows business growth, in the face of a very large market and a decreasing availability of skilled labor. Cost reduction is a secondary advantage, which becomes dramatic only when adopting machines at the higher end of the range.
Maternal Plasma RNA Sequencing for Genome-Wide Transcriptomic Profiling and Identification of Pregnancy-Associated Transcripts
Authors: Tsui Nancy B Y , Jiang Peiyong , Wong Yuen Fei , Leung Tak Y , Chan K C Allen , Chiu Rossa W K , Sun Hao , Lo Y M Dennis 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Analysis of circulating RNA in the plasma of pregnant women has the potential to serve as a powerful tool for noninvasive prenatal testing and research. However, detection of circulating RNA in the plasma in an unbiased and high-throughput manner has been technically challenging. Therefore, only a limited number of circulating RNA species in maternal plasma have been validated as pregnancy- and placenta-specific biomarkers.

METHODS
We explored the use of massively parallel sequencing for plasma transcriptome profiling in first-, second-, and third-trimester pregnant women. Genotyping was performed for amniotic fluid, placental tissues, and maternal blood cells, with exome-enriched sequencing.

RESULTS
In the early pregnancy group comprising 1 first- and 1 second-trimester pregnancy cases, the fetal contribution to the RNA pool in maternal plasma was 3.70%. The relative proportion of fetal contribution was increased to 11.28% in the late pregnancy group comprising 2 third-trimester pregnancy cases. The placental biallelic expression pattern of PAPPA (pregnancy-associated plasma protein A, pappalysin 1), a known pregnancy-specific gene, and the monoallelic expression pattern of H19 [H19, imprinted maternally expressed transcript (non-protein coding)], an imprinted maternally expressed gene, were also detected in the maternal plasma. Furthermore, by direct examination of the maternal plasma transcriptomic profiles before and after delivery, we identified a panel of pregnancy-associated genes.

CONCLUSIONS
Plasma RNA sequencing provides a holistic view of the maternal plasma transcriptomic repertoire. This technology is potentially valuable for using circulating plasma nucleic acids for prenatal testing and research.
Recurrent Carotico-Cavernous Fistula after Internal Carotid Artery Ligation: A Case with Embolization of the Fistula via Contralateral Internal Carotid Artery Approach
Authors: Dang Nguyen Vu , Hai Nguyen Thanh , Cuong Tran Chi 
Published: April 2014

We are reporting a 51-year-old female patient having a history of direct carotid cavernous fistula (CCF) which was treated by internal carotid artery (ICA) ligation 17 year ago. She presented to Ho Chi Minh City University Medical Center with symptoms of recurrent CCF. The recurred CCF was supplied by multiple feeders coming from anterior, posterior communicating artery and the recanalized left ICA. Her CCF was not plausible for another surgical ligation and was referred for endovascular treatment. The fistula was eventually occluded by percutaneous embolization via the right ICA approach. Through this case, we would like to discuss about the treatment strategies of those having recurrent CCF with preexisted ICA ligation. In Vietnam, previously carotico-cavernous fistula was mainly treated with muscle occlusion, carotid artery ligation or combinations of these methods. There were reported good outcomes for treatment of CCF surgically. However, surgical repairs had carried, not only complication, but a risk of recurrence due to recanalization of the previously ligated ICA. Since the emergence of endovascular intervention, the treatment of direct CCF has evolved from surgical ligation to angiographic embolization using balloon or coils via artery route or venous access. This endovascular method currently is the treatment of choice for traumatic CCF due to its ability to preserve the carotid artery and flexibility in treatment strategy with various approaches to the fisutla.
Treatment of Ruptured Vertebral Artery Dissecting Aneurysms
Authors: Hamasaki Osamu , Ikawa Fusao , Hidaka Toshikazu , Kurokawa Yasuharu , Yonezawa Ushio 
Published: April 2014

We evaluated the outcomes of endovascular or surgical treatment of ruptured vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms (VADAs), and investigated the relations between treatment complications and the development and location of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA). We treated 14 patients (12 men, two women; mean age, 56.2 years) with ruptured VADAs between March 1999 and June 2012 at our hospital. Six and eight patients had Hunt and Hess grades 1–3 and 4–5, respectively. Twelve patients underwent internal endovascular trapping, one underwent proximal endovascular occlusion alone, and one underwent proximal endovascular occlusion in the acute stage and occipital artery (OA)-PICA anastomosis and surgical trapping in the chronic stage. The types of VADA based on their location relative to the ipsilateral PICA were distal, PICA-involved, and non-PICA in nine, two, and three patients, respectively. The types of PICA based on their development and location were bilateral anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA)-PICA, ipsilateral AICA-PICA, extradural, and intradural type in one, two, two, and nine patients, respectively. Two patients with high anatomical risk developed medullary infarction, but their midterm outcomes were better than in previous reports. The modified Rankin scale indicated grades 0–2, 3–5, and 6 in eight, three, and three patients, respectively. A good outcome is often obtained in the treatment of ruptured VADA using internal endovascular trapping, except in the PICA-involved type, even with high-grade subarachnoid hemorrhage. Treatment of the PICA-involved type is controversial. The anatomical location and development of PICA may be predicted by complications with postoperative medullary infarction.
Cerebral Arterial Fenestrations
Authors: Cooke Daniel L. , Stout Charles E. , Kim Warren T. , Kansagra Akash P. , Yu John Paul , Gu Amy , Jewell Nicholas P. , Hetts Steven W. , Higashida Randall T. , Dowd Christopher F. , Halbach Van V. 
Published: April 2014

Arterial fenestrations are an anatomic variant with indeterminate significance. Given the controversy surrounding fenestrations we sought their prevalence within our practice along with their association with other cerebrovascular anomalies. We retrospectively reviewed 10,927 patients undergoing digital subtraction angiography between 1992 and 2011. Dictated reports were searched for the terms “fenestration” or “fenestrated” with images reviewed for relevance, yielding 228 unique cases. A Medline database search from February 1964 to January 2013 generated 304 citations, 127 cases of which were selected for analysis. Cerebral arterial fenestrations were identified in 228 patients (2.1%). At least one aneurysm was noted in 60.5% of patients, with an aneurysm arising from the fenestration in 19.6% of patients. Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage or non-aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage were present in 60.1% and 15.8%, respectively. For the subset of patients with an aneurysm arising directly from a fenestration relative to those patients with an aneurysm not immediately associated with a fenestration, the prevalence of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage was 66.7% vs. 58.6% (p = 0.58). Fenestrations were more often within the posterior circulation (73.2%) than the anterior circulation (24.6%), though there was no difference in the prevalence of aneurysms within these groups (61.1% vs. 60.7%, p = 1.0). Cerebral arterial fenestrations are an anatomic variant more often manifesting at the anterior communicating arterial complex and basilar artery and with no definite pathological relationship with aneurysms.