bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simulations of Nearshore Particle-Pair Dispersion in Southern California
Authors: Romero Leonel , Uchiyama Yusuke , Ohlmann J. Carter , McWilliams James C. , Siegel David A. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Knowledge of horizontal relative dispersion in nearshore oceans is important for many applications including the transport and fate of pollutants and the dynamics of nearshore ecosystems. Two-particle dispersion statistics are calculated from millions of synthetic particle trajectories from high-resolution numerical simulations of the Southern California Bight. The model horizontal resolution of 250 m allows the investigation of the two-particle dispersion, with an initial pair separation of 500 m. The relative dispersion is characterized with respect to the coastal geometry, bathymetry, eddy kinetic energy, and the relative magnitudes of strain and vorticity. Dispersion is dominated by the submesoscale, not by tides. In general, headlands are more energetic and dispersive than bays. Relative diffusivity estimates are smaller and more anisotropic close to shore. Farther from shore, the relative diffusivity increases and becomes less anisotropic, approaching isotropy ~10 km from the coast. The degree of anisotropy of the relative diffusivity is qualitatively consistent with that for eddy kinetic energy. The total relative diffusivity as a function of pair separation distance R is on average proportional to R5/4. Additional Lagrangian experiments at higher horizontal numerical resolution confirmed the robustness of these results. Structures of large vorticity are preferably elongated and aligned with the coastline nearshore, which may limit cross-shelf dispersion. The results provide useful information for the design of subgrid-scale mixing parameterizations as well as quantifying the transport and dispersal of dissolved pollutants and biological propagules.
Magnetic resonance angiography vs. angiography in tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Rao Uppalapati Venkateswara , Vanajakshamma Velam , Rajasekhar Durgaprasad , Lakshmi Amancharla Yadagiri , Reddy Reddivari Niranjan 
Published: July 2013

Aim: To determine whether gadolinium-enhanced three-dimensional magnetic resonance angiography can provide a noninvasive alternative to diagnostic catheterization for evaluation of pulmonary artery anatomy in tetralogy of Fallot. Patients and methods: Thirty-five consecutive patients with tetralogy of Fallot, who attended the cardiology outpatient department between January 2008 and December 2009, were included in the study. There were 21 males and 14 females, with a mean age of 9 ± 4.15 years (range, 3–21 years). Thirty-two patients had tetralogy of Fallot with varying severities of valvular and infundibular stenosis. Three patients had tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia. All patients underwent both cardiac catheterization with X-ray angiography and 3-dimensional magnetic resonance angiography within one month. Results: Measurements of right and left pulmonary arteries and aortopulmonary collaterals were equal by both methods. There was a good correlation between magnetic resonance angiography and catheterization measurements of branch pulmonary arteries. Conclusion: Gadolinium-enhanced three-dimensional magnetic resonance angiography can be used as a reliable noninvasive alternative to X-ray cineangiography for delineation of pulmonary arterial anatomy in sick infants and young children, obviating the need for catheterization.
Comparison of lung lesion biopsies between low-dose CT-guided and conventional CT-guided techniques
Authors: Meng Xiao-xi , Kuai Xin-ping , Dong Wei-hua , Jia Ning-yang , Liu Shi-yuan , Xiao Xiang-sheng 
Published: July 2013

Background The low-dose computed tomography (CT) technique has been widely used because it decreases the potential risk of radiation exposure, as well as enabling low-dose CT-guided lung lesion biopsy. However, uncertainties remain regarding diagnostic accuracy, radiation dose, complication rate, and image quality. Purpose To compare the diagnostic accuracy, radiation dose, complication rate, and image quality of lung lesion biopsy between conventional CT-guided and low-dose CT-guided techniques. Material and Methods A total of 90 patients were prospectively enrolled and randomized into two groups (group A: 120 kv; 200 mA; thickness, 2.0 mm; pitch, 16 mm/rot; n = 44; group B: 120 kv;10 mA; thickness, 2.0 mm; pitch, 23 mm/rot; n = 46). Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), radiation dose, image quality, and complication rate were compared. All variables between the two groups were analyzed using chi-square and Student's t tests. A P value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) for diagnosing lung lesions were 96.88%, 100%, 97.5%, 100%, and 88.89% in group A, respectively. In group B, the values were 96.67%, 100%, 97.5%, 100%, and 90.91%, respectively ( P > 0.05). The mean weighted CT dose index (CTDIw) and dose-length product (DLP) were 29.29 ± 3.93 mGy and 211.74 ± 37.89 mGy*cm in group A and 1.55 ± 0.15 mGy and 10.98 ± 1.56 mGy*cm in group B ( P < 0.001). Image quality satisfied the need for a coaxial biopsy. Complications in group A and group B were observed in 27.28% and 23.91% of the patients, respectively ( P > 0.05). Conclusion Compared to conventional CT-guided biopsies, lung lesion biopsies guided by the low-dose CT biopsy protocol showed dramatically lower CTDIw and DLP levels. In contrast, the diagnostic yield of the procedures did not differ significantly, which is a recommended technique in certain populations.
Functional −141C Ins/Del polymorphism in the dopamine D2 receptor gene promoter and schizophrenia in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Xiao Ling , Shen Ting , Peng Dai-hui , Shu Chang , Jiang Kai-da , Wang Gao-hua 
Published: July 2013

Objective The association between a putative functional promoter polymorphism, −141C insertion/deletion (Ins/Del), in the dopamine receptor D2 gene ( DRD2) and schizophrenia was investigated in a Chinese Han population. Methods The polymorphism was studied in unrelated schizophrenia patients and unrelated healthy controls. Linkage relationships were explored in core families of the schizophrenic patients using the transmission disequilibrium test. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale was used to evaluate the severity of the disorder. Results The Del allele was significantly less frequently found in patients (13/120; 11%) than in controls (18/100; 18%). In the 32 core families studied, 16 parents were Ins/Del heterozygotes. Parents transmitted the Ins and Del alleles to their children in 10 and six cases, respectively. Data from core families did not demonstrate linkage. Age, age at onset of schizophrenia and sex were not significantly different between carriers of the Ins and Del alleles. The group with the Ins allele had a significantly higher positive symptom score (75.3 ± 23.4 versus 53.9 ± 21.9) and excitement score (83.6 ± 16.8 versus 50.3 ± 24.6) than the Del group. Groups did not differ significantly in negative symptom and general psychopathology scores. Conclusions The DRD2 −141C Ins/Del polymorphism may affect susceptibility to schizophrenia in a Chinese Han population.
Mycobacterium arupense infection in HIV-infected patients from Iran
Authors: Heidarieh P , Hashemi-Shahraki A , Khosravi A D , Zaker-Boustanabad S , Shojaei H , Feizabadi M M 
Published: July 2013

Summary Here we report two cases of infection caused by Mycobacterium arupense in HIV-infected patients who had received Mycobacterium avium complex medication after primary treatment with antituberculous drugs. The causative agents were isolated from the respiratory and blood specimens of the patients. The identification was based on conventional and molecular tests. Our study provides further evidence on the role of this microorganism in clinical cases.
Serrapeptase and nattokinase intervention for relieving Alzheimer’s disease pathophysiology in rat model
Authors: Fadl NN , Ahmed HH , Booles HF , Sayed AH 
Published: July 2013

Serrapeptase (SP) and nattokinase (NK) are proteolytic enzymes belonging to serine proteases. In this study, we hypothesized that SP and NK could modulate certain factors that are associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathophysiology in the experimental model. Oral administration of aluminium chloride (AlCl3) in a dose of 17 mg/kg body weight (bw) daily for 45 days induced AD-like pathology in male rats with a significant increase in brain acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity, transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), Fas and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels. Meanwhile, AlCl3 supplementation produced significant decrease in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) when compared with control values. Also, AlCl3 administration caused significant decline in the expression levels of disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain 9 ( ADAM9) and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain 10 ( ADAM10) genes in the brain. Histological investigation of brain tissue of rat model of AD showed neuronal degeneration in the hippocampus and focal hyalinosis with cellular as well as a cellular amyloid plaques formation. Oral administration of SP or NK in a rat model of AD daily for 45 days resulted in a significant decrease in brain AchE activity, TGF-β, Fas and IL-6 levels. Also, the treatment with these enzymes produced significant increase in BDNF and IGF-1 levels when compared with the untreated AD-induced rats. Moreover, both SP and NK could markedly increase the expression levels of ADAM9 and ADAM10 genes in the brain tissue of the treated rats. These findings were well confirmed by the histological examination of the brain tissue of the treated rats. The present results support our hypothesis that the oral administration of proteolytitc enzymes, SP and/or NK, would have an effective role in modulating certain factors characterizing AD. Thus, these enzymes may have a therapeutic application in the treatment of AD.
Relaxation and guided imagery used with 12-year-olds during venipuncture in a school-based screening study
Authors: Forsner Maria , Norström Fredrik , Nordyke Katrina , Ivarsson Anneli , Lindh Viveca 
Published: July 2013

Needle-related procedures are reported to be problematic for children. In a school-based celiac disease screening, 12-year-olds’ experiences with relaxation and guided imagery (R-GI) during venipuncture were investigated. One group tried nurse-led R-GI ( n = 60) and another group received standard care (SC; n = 49). A mixed method design was applied using short written narratives, facial affective scale (FAS), and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain intensity. Qualitative content analysis highlighted that diversity and contradictions when facing blood tests. FAS scores were significantly lower in the SC group before ( p = 0.01), during ( p = 0.01), and after ( p = 0.01) venipuncture. VAS scores did not differ between the groups. The blood test was mostly experienced as unproblematic, and GI during venipuncture did not decrease pain or affect. However, the fact that a number of children scored high FAS indicates a need for effective methods to help children cope with needle-related school-based procedures.
Risk-stratified imputation in survival analysis
Authors: Kennedy Richard E , Adragni Kofi P , Tiwari Hemant K , Voeks Jenifer H , Brott Thomas G , Howard George 
Published: July 2013

Background Censoring that is dependent on covariates associated with survival can arise in randomized trials due to changes in recruitment and eligibility criteria to minimize withdrawals, potentially leading to biased treatment effect estimates. Imputation approaches have been proposed to address censoring in survival analysis; while these approaches may provide unbiased estimates of treatment effects, imputation of a large number of outcomes may over- or underestimate the associated variance based on the imputation pool selected. Purpose We propose an improved method, risk-stratified imputation, as an alternative to address withdrawal related to the risk of events in the context of time-to-event analyses. Methods Our algorithm performs imputation from a pool of replacement subjects with similar values of both treatment and covariate(s) of interest, that is, from a risk-stratified sample. This stratification prior to imputation addresses the requirement of time-to-event analysis that censored observations are representative of all other observations in the risk group with similar exposure variables. We compared our risk-stratified imputation to case deletion and bootstrap imputation in a simulated dataset in which the covariate of interest (study withdrawal) was related to treatment. A motivating example from a recent clinical trial is also presented to demonstrate the utility of our method. Results In our simulations, risk-stratified imputation gives estimates of treatment effect comparable to bootstrap and auxiliary variable imputation while avoiding inaccuracies of the latter two in estimating the associated variance. Similar results were obtained in analysis of clinical trial data. Limitations Risk-stratified imputation has little advantage over other imputation methods when covariates of interest are not related to treatment. Risk-stratified imputation is intended for categorical covariates and may be sensitive to the width of the matching window if continuous covariates are used. Conclusions The use of the risk-stratified imputation should facilitate the analysis of many clinical trials, in which one group has a higher withdrawal rate that is related to treatment.
Multiparameter single-cell profiling of human CD4+FOXP3+ regulatory T-cell populations in homeostatic conditions and during graft-versus-host disease
Authors: Dong Shen , Maiella Sylvie , Xhaard Aliénor , Pang Yuanyu , Wenandy Lynn , Larghero Jérome , Becavin Christophe , Benecke Arndt , Bianchi Elisabetta , Socié Gérard , Rogge Lars 
Published: July 2013

Key PointsSingle-cell heterogeneity, rather than lineage reprogramming, explains the remarkable complexity and functional diversity of human Tregs. Altered homeostasis of Treg subpopulations in patients developing acute graft-versus-host disease.
Murine NK-cell licensing is reflective of donor MHC-I following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in murine cytomegalovirus responses
Authors: Sungur Can M. , Tang-Feldman Yajarayma J. , Zamora Anthony E. , Alvarez Maite , Pomeroy Claire , Murphy William J. 
Published: July 2013

Key Points
Licensed NK cells based on the donor MHC-I haplotype show greater anti-MCMV resistance than unlicensed cells in allogeneic HSCT. Ly49H+ licensed NK-cell expansion based on donor MHC-I with greater IFNγ production than unlicensed NK cells is seen after MCMV infection.
Evolution of Hoxgene clusters in deuterostomes
Authors: Pascual-Anaya Juan , D’Aniello Salvatore , Kuratani Shigeru , Garcia-Fernàndez Jordi 
Published: July 2013

AbstractHox genes, with their similar roles in animals as evolutionarily distant as humans and flies, have fascinated biologists since their discovery nearly 30 years ago. During the last two decades, reports on Hox genes from a still growing number of eumetazoan species have increased our knowledge on the Hox gene contents of a wide range of animal groups. In this review, we summarize the current Hox inventory among deuterostomes, not only in the well-known teleosts and tetrapods, but also in the earlier vertebrate and invertebrate groups. We draw an updated picture of the ancestral repertoires of the different lineages, a sort of “genome Hox bar-code” for most clades. This scenario allows us to infer differential gene or cluster losses and gains that occurred during deuterostome evolution, which might be causally linked to the morphological changes that led to these widely diverse animal taxa. Finally, we focus on the challenging family of posterior Hox genes, which probably originated through independent tandem duplication events at the origin of each of the ambulacrarian, cephalochordate and vertebrate/urochordate lineages.
Mini-Mental State Examination in patients with hepatic encephalopathy and liver cirrhosis: a prospective, quantified electroencephalography study
Authors: Koziarska Dorota , Wunsch Ewa , Milkiewicz Małgorzata , Wójcicki Maciej , Nowacki Przemysław , Milkiewicz Piotr 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundMini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is one of the most commonly used methods in the assessment of cognitive mental status. MMSE has been used in hepatology but its usefulness in the evaluation of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) has never been properly assessed. The aim of the study was to investigate the value of MMSE in detection of HE in patients with cirrhosis.MethodsOne hundred and one consecutive patients with liver cirrhosis underwent neurological examination, MMSE and electroencephalography (EEG). Spectral analysis of EEG was done with calculation of mean dominant frequency (MDF) and relative power of delta, theta, alpha and beta rhythms. Minimal HE was diagnosed in patients with normal neurological status and alterations in spectral EEG. Statistical analysis included Fisher’s exact and Anova analysis. Categorical data were compared using Levene’s test for equality of variances. Correlation-coefficient analysis was performed by the Pearson’s r or Z-test, as needed. Tests performance was assessed by the calculating the area under the ROC curve (AUC) and evaluating its difference from reference area (AUC=0.5). Apvalue <0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsOvert HE was identified in 49 (48.5%) and minimal HE in 22 (21.8%) patients. Although there were significant correlations between both severity of liver disease (Child-Pugh classification), overt HE (West-Haven criteria) and various MMSE items, MDF showed no correlation with any of MMSE items as well as MMSE summary score. MMSE (score and items) did not discriminate patients without HE and minimal HE. The only significant differences between patients without HE and with overt HE were seen in respect of MMSE score (p<0.02), orientation to place (p<0.003), repetition (p<0.01) and complex commands-understanding (p<0.02). Test performance analysis has shown that MMSE has no value as a prediction method in determining minimal HE and in respect of overt HE has a sensitivity of 63% and specificity of 52% by a cut-off level at 27.5 points to diagnose overt HE.ConclusionsIn conclusion, although MMSE score and single items are altered in patients with overt HE, MMSE has no value in the assessment of minimal HE. Because MMSE could be impaired in several cognitive dysfunctions, more specific test should be used for measuring HE.
Variants at the 9p21 locus and melanoma risk
Authors: Maccioni Livia , Rachakonda Panduranga Sivaramakrishna , Bermejo Justo Lorenzo , Planelles Dolores , Requena Celia , Hemminki Kari , Nagore Eduardo , Kumar Rajiv 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe influence of variants at the 9p21 locus on melanoma risk has been reported through investigation ofCDKN2Avariants through candidate gene approach as well as by genome wide association studies (GWAS).MethodsIn the present study we genotyped, 25 SNPs that tag 273 variants on chromosome 9p21 in 837 melanoma cases and 1154 controls from Spain. Ten SNPs were selected based on previous associations, reported in GWAS, with either melanocytic nevi or melanoma risk or both. The other 15 SNPs were selected to fine map theCDKN2Agene region.ResultsAll the 10 variants selected from the GWAS showed statistically significant association with melanoma risk. Statistically significant association with melanoma risk was also observed for the carriers of the variant T-allele of rs3088440 (540 C>T) at the 3’ UTR ofCDKN2Agene with an OR 1.52 (95% CI 1.14-2.04). Interaction analysis between risk associated polymorphisms and previously genotypedMC1Rvariants, in the present study, did not show any statistically significant association. Statistical significant association was observed for the interaction between phototypes and the rs10811629 (located in intron 5 ofMTAP). The strongest association was observed between the homozygous carrier of the A–allele and phototype II with an OR of 15.93 (95% CI 5.34-47.54).ConclusionsOur data confirmed the association of different variants at chromosome 9p21 with melanoma risk and we also found an association of a variant with skin phototypes.
Evaluating an implementation strategy in cardiovascular prevention to improve prescribing of statins in Germany: an intention to treat analysis
Authors: Keller Heidemarie , Hirsch Oliver , Kaufmann-Kolle Petra , Krones Tanja , Becker Annette , Sönnichsen Andreas C , Baum Erika , Donner-Banzhoff Norbert 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
The prescription of statins is an evidence-based treatment to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with elevated cardiovascular risk or with a cardiovascular disorder (CVD). In spite of this, many of these patients do not receive statins.

Methods
We evaluated the impact of a brief educational intervention in cardiovascular prevention in primary care physicians’ prescribing behaviour regarding statins beyond their participation in a randomised controlled trial (RCT). For this, prescribing data of all patients > 35 years who were counselled before and after the study period were analysed (each n > 75000). Outcome measure was prescription of Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (statins) corresponding to patients’ overall risk for CVD. Appropriateness of prescribing was examined according to different risk groups based on the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System (ATC codes).

Results
There was no consistent association between group allocation and statin prescription controlling for risk status in each risk group before and after study participation. However, we found a change to more significant drug configurations predicting the prescription of statins in the intervention group, which can be regarded as a small intervention effect.

Conclusion
Our results suggest that an active implementation of a brief evidence-based educational intervention does not lead to prescription modifications in everyday practice. Physician’s prescribing behaviour is affected by an established health care system, which is not easy to change.

Trial registration

ISRCTN71348772