bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physiopathology of intratendinous calcific deposition
Authors: Oliva Francesco , Via Alessio Giai , Maffulli Nicola 
Published: August 2012

AbstractIn calcific tendinopathy (CT), calcium deposits in the substance of the tendon, with chronic activity-related pain, tenderness, localized edema and various degrees of decreased range of motion. CT is particularly common in the rotator cuff, and supraspinatus, Achilles and patellar tendons. The presence of calcific deposits may worsen the clinical manifestations of tendinopathy with an increase in rupture rate, slower recovery times and a higher frequency of post-operative complications. The aetiopathogenesis of CT is still controversial, but seems to be the result of an active cell-mediated process and a localized attempt of the tendon to compensate the original decreased stiffness. Tendon healing includes many sequential processes, and disturbances at different stages of healing may lead to different combinations of histopathological changes, diverting the normal healing processes to an abnormal pathway. In this review, we discuss the theories of pathogenesis behind CT. Better understanding of the pathogenesis is essential for development of effective treatment modalities and for improvement of clinical outcomes.
Transarterial RAdioembolization versus ChemoEmbolization for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (TRACE): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Seinstra Beatrijs A , Defreyne Luc , Lambert Bieke , Lam Marnix GEHH , Verkooijen Helena M , van Erpecum Karel J , van Hoek Bart , van Erkel Arian R , Coenraad Minneke J , Al Younis Imad , van Vlierberghe Hans , van den Bosch Maurice AAJ 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma is a primary malignant tumor of the liver that accounts for an important health problem worldwide. Only 10 to 15% of hepatocellular carcinoma patients are suitable candidates for treatment with curative intent, such as hepatic resection and liver transplantation. A majority of patients have locally advanced, liver restricted disease (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system intermediate stage). Transarterial loco regional treatment modalities offer palliative treatment options for these patients; transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the current standard treatment. During TACE, a catheter is advanced into the branches of the hepatic artery supplying the tumor, and a combination of embolic material and chemotherapeutics is delivered through the catheter directly into the tumor. Yttrium-90 radioembolization (90Y-RE) involves the transarterial administration of minimally embolic microspheres loaded with Yttrium-90, a β-emitting isotope, delivering selective internal radiation to the tumor. 90Y-RE is increasingly used in clinical practice for treatment of intermediate stage hepatocellular carcinoma, but its efficacy has never been prospectively compared to that of the standard treatment (TACE). In this study, we describe the protocol of a multicenter randomized controlled trial aimed at comparing the effectiveness of TACE and 90Y-RE for treatment of patients with unresectable (BCLC intermediate stage) hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods/design
In this pragmatic randomized controlled trial, 140 patients with unresectable (BCLC intermediate stage) hepatocellular carcinoma, with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0 to 1 and Child-Pugh A to B will be randomly assigned to either 90Y-RE or TACE with drug eluting beads. Patients assigned to 90Y-RE will first receive a diagnostic angiography, followed by the actual transarterial treatment, which can be divided into two sessions in case of bilobar disease. Patients assigned to TACE will receive a maximum of three consecutive transarterial treatment sessions. Patients will undergo structural follow-up for a timeframe of two years post treatment. Post procedural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will be performed at one and three months post trial entry and at three-monthly intervals thereafter for two years to assess tumor response. Primary outcome will be time to progression. Secondary outcomes will be overall survival, tumor response according to the modified RECIST criteria, toxicities/adverse events, treatment related effect on total liver function, quality of life, treatment-related costs and cost-effectiveness.

Trial registration
NCT01381211
Novel origins of copy number variation in the dog genome
Authors: Berglund Jonas , Nevalainen Elisa M , Molin Anna-Maja , Perloski Michele ,   The LUPA Consortium, André Catherine , Zody Michael C , Sharpe Ted , Hitte Christophe , Lindblad-Toh Kerstin , Lohi Hannes , Webster Matthew T 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Background
Copy number variants (CNVs) account for substantial variation between genomes and are a major source of normal and pathogenic phenotypic differences. The dog is an ideal model to investigate mutational mechanisms that generate CNVs as its genome lacks a functional ortholog of the PRDM9 gene implicated in recombination and CNV formation in humans. Here we comprehensively assay CNVs using high-density array comparative genomic hybridization in 50 dogs from 17 dog breeds and 3 gray wolves.

Results
We use a stringent new method to identify a total of 430 high-confidence CNV loci, which range in size from 9 kb to 1.6 Mb and span 26.4 Mb, or 1.08%, of the assayed dog genome, overlapping 413 annotated genes. Of CNVs observed in each breed, 98% are also observed in multiple breeds. CNVs predicted to disrupt gene function are significantly less common than expected by chance. We identify a significant overrepresentation of peaks of GC content, previously shown to be enriched in dog recombination hotspots, in the vicinity of CNV breakpoints.

Conclusions
A number of the CNVs identified by this study are candidates for generating breed-specific phenotypes. Purifying selection seems to be a major factor shaping structural variation in the dog genome, suggesting that many CNVs are deleterious. Localized peaks of GC content appear to be novel sites of CNV formation in the dog genome by non-allelic homologous recombination, potentially activated by the loss of PRDM9. These sequence features may have driven genome instability and chromosomal rearrangements throughout canid evolution.
P-wave traveltime tomography for a seismic characterization of black shales at shallow depth on Bornholm, Denmark
Authors: Baumann-Wilke Maria , Bauer Klaus , Schovsbo Niels H. , Stiller Manfred 
Published: August 2012

Black shales are organic-rich rocks with the potential to contain oil or gas. On the Danish island Bornholm, Lower Palaeozoic black shales at shallow depth ([Formula: see text]) have a high maturity and a high total organic carbon content. We carried out seismic measurements in the southern part of Bornholm in October 2010 along two profiles to study the seismic properties of the shallow-lying black shales. The profiles were located as near as possible to existing borehole locations for geologic control, and were arranged perpendicular to each other to allow an estimate of the 3D structure of the subsurface. We analyzed the data using P-wave traveltime tomography and obtained 2D P-wave velocity models with a good resolution up to a depth of 100 m. Based on borehole information and the geologic setting, three formations can be identified in the tomography models: (a) the Komstad Limestone Formation with a thickness of about 4 m, (b) the Alum Shale Formation with a total thickness of 33 m, and (c) the Læså Formation consisting of sandstones. The Alum Shale appears as a low velocity zone between the Komstad Limestone at the top and the Læså Sandstone Formation beneath. All layers dip southwestward. We observed good agreements between borehole-logging data, acoustic velocity measurements of Alum Shale samples in the laboratory, and our P-wave velocity tomograms.
Association between maladaptive parenting and child self-control
over time: cross-lagged study using a monozygotic twin difference
design
Authors: Cecil Charlotte A. M. , Barker Edward D. , Jaffee Sara R. , Viding Essi 
Published: August 2012

BackgroundHarsh parenting practices and negative parental feelings may be
environmental risk factors for low self-control in children. Children may
also evoke certain parenting reactions.AimsTo investigate the longitudinal relationship between parenting and
self-control, as well as associated outcomes within the monozygotic (MZ)
twin differences framework.MethodLongitudinal MZ twin differences analysis was conducted on a community
sample of 5184 twins using data from ages 3, 4, 7 and 9 years. Outcomes
related to self-control and parenting were analysed at age 12 years.ResultsNon-shared environmental effects of parenting on the development of
self-control and an evocative effect of child self-control on parenting
were found. Harsh parenting predicted conduct problems for both boys and
girls. Self-control at age 9 predicted conduct problems and emotional
difficulties at age 12.ConclusionsParenting and child self-control affect one another, highlighting the
potential of early interventions that target parents and children
simultaneously.
Analysis of intimal extent and predictors of renal atrophy in patients with aortic dissection
Authors: Chan Wen-Hui , Huang Yu-Chieh , Weng Hsu-Huei , Ko Sheung-Fat , Chu Jaw-Ji , Lin Pyng-Jing , Wan Yung-Liang 
Published: August 2012

Background The intimal flap of aortic dissection may extend to the abdominal branches and probably lead to malperfusion syndrome. Renal malperfusion and renal atrophy are significantly related to patient outcomes. Purpose To study the extent of the intimal flap and predisposing factors for renal atrophy in patients with aortic dissection. Material and Methods From January 2001 to June 2008, 176 (137 men, aged 21–86 years, mean 51.9 years) of 225 subjects with aortic dissection and computed tomography (CT) met the inclusion criteria for this study. Of these 176 patients, 35 (19.9%) developed unilateral renal atrophy. A review of the CT was conducted to classify aortic branch vessel perfusion into three types: type 1, in which the branch vessels are perfused exclusively from the true lumen; type 2, in which the branches are perfused from both the true and false lumens; and type 3, in which the branches are perfused exclusively from the false lumen. Variables including age, gender, type of aortic dissection, type of perfusion of the abdominal branches, and the presence of thrombi in the false lumen were analyzed to determine whether these factors were related to the left or right side and global or focal renal atrophy. Results Of 880 abdominal branches in 176 patients, 622 (70.7%) were classed as perfusion type 1, 50 (5.7%) as type 2, and 208 (23.6%) as type 3. Type 3 perfusion was most commonly observed in the left renal artery, at a frequency of 31.7% (66/208). Partial thrombosis in the false lumen above the level of the renal arteries was seen in 68.8% of patients; such thrombi and type 3 perfusion of the renal artery were significantly related to renal atrophy. The laterality (left or right) and extent (global or focal) of renal atrophy were not related to age, gender, type of aortic dissection, or perfusion type. Conclusion Type 3 perfusion is most frequent in the left renal artery, and such perfusion and partial thrombi in the false lumen above the renal arteries are significantly related to the development of renal atrophy.
Assessment of ultrasound acoustic artifacts in patients with acute dyspnea: a multicenter study
Authors: Sperandeo Marco , Varriale Antonio , Sperandeo Giuseppe , Polverino Eva , Feragalli Beatrice , Piattelli Maria Luisa , Maggi Michele M , Palmieri Vincenzo O , Terracciano Fulvia , De Sio Ilario , Villella Massimo , Copetti Massimiliano , Pellegrini Fabio , Vendemiale Gianluigi , Cipriani Cristiana 
Published: August 2012

Background Recent reports indicate that numerical assessment of B-lines during transthoracic ultrasound may aid the differential diagnosis of acute diffuse pleuropulmonary disorders. Purpose To determine whether B-lines are different in normal and diseased lungs and whether they can be used to discriminate between different types of pulmonary disorders in acutely ill patients. Material and Methods In this multicenter study, transthoracic ultrasonography was performed on 193 patients with acute dyspnea, 193 healthy non-smokers, and 58 patients who had undergone pneumonectomy for lung cancer. Examinations were done with a low–medium frequency (3.5–5.0 MHz) convex probe and a high-frequency (8–12.5 MHz) linear probe. Video recordings were re-examined by a second set of examiners. In each participant, we measured the number of B-lines observed per scan. Results B-lines counts were higher in dyspnoic patients (means: 3.11 per scan per linear probe scan vs. 1.93 in healthy controls and 1.86 in pneumonectomized patients; P < 0.001 for all); all counts were higher when convex probes were used (5.4 in dyspnoic patients and 2 in healthy controls; P < 0.001 vs. the linear probe). Subgroups of dyspnoic patients defined by cause of dyspnea displayed no significant differences in the number of B-lines. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that there are a significant higher number of B-lines in the lungs of patients with dyspnea compared to healthy subjects and to pneumonectomized patients. Nevertheless, the quantification of B-lines does not make any significant contribution to the differential diagnosis of dyspnea.
Comparing the treatment provided by UK and non-UK trained health professionals: Dentists in Scotland
Authors: Wang Shaolin , Chalkley Martin , Tilley Colin 
Published: August 2012

Objectives: To examine differences in the amount of treatment provided by UK and non-UK trained dentists in the Scottish National Health Service. Methods: Using a unique administrative data set, we utilize multivariate fixed effects regression models that control for patient characteristics and unobserved heterogeneity across dentists to explore the extent of treatment delivered. Results: Non-UK trained dentists initially provide more treatment than UK-trained dentists, but over approximately two years of practice their treatment converge. Conclusions: As with many OECD countries, the UK relies on foreign-trained health professionals to address workforce shortages and one concern is whether they provide equivalent health care to their domestically trained counterparts. Whilst there is a difference in the amount of treatment provided by UK and non-UK trained dentists, the effect is modest and transitory.
Metamodel for Service Analysis and Design Based on an Operational View of Service and Service Systems
Authors: Alter Steven 
Published: August 2012

This paper presents a metamodel that addresses service system analysis and design based on an operational view of service that traverses and integrates three essential layers: service activities, service systems, and value constellations. The metamodel's service-in-operation perspective and underlying premises diverge from a view of service systems as systems of economic exchange that has appeared a number of times in the journal Service Science. In addition to the metamodel itself, this paper's contributions include an explanation of eight premises on which it is based plus clarifications concerning concepts such as service, service system, customer, product/service, coproduction and cocreation of value, actor role, resources, symmetrical treatment of automated and nonautomated service systems, and the relationship between service-dominant logic and service systems. Many articles have discussed these topics individually; few, if any, have tied them together using an integrated metamodel.
Mechanical and Electro-Mechanical Stress Effects on Performance of Flexible IZO TFTs
Authors: Alford T. L. , Indluru Anil , Vemuri Rajitha N. P. 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTThis study reports the influence of electrical and mechanical stresses on indium zinc oxide (IZO) thin film transistors (TFTs).The deformation is introduced by mounting the samples on cylindrical structures of varying radii creating tensile or compressive strains. The mechanical stresses are parallel and perpendicular to the length of the channel layer. Results reveal that, when the stresses are parallel to the channel length, mobilities increase under tensile stresses and reduce under compressive stresses; while, the effect on sub-threshold is contrary to this. However no changes are observed for mobilities and sub-threshold swings when the stresses are perpendicular to the channel length. The TFTs exhibit stability under the electromechanical stressing with no device failure observed over prolonged stress times.
DNA-Based Hybrids for Energy Storage Applications
Authors: Joyce Donna M. , Venkat Narayanan , Ouchen Fahima , Singh Kristi M. , Smith Steven R. , Grote James G. 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTPolymeric materials are widely used in power generation and energy storage applications. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) biopolymer-based hybrids have been found to display interesting electrical characteristics, such as a relatively high dielectric constant, good resistivity and dielectric breakdown behavior, and are promising as insulating dielectrics for capacitor applications. This research describes the processing, test structure design, and electrical characterization of DNA-sol-gel hybrids for energy storage applications.
Surface Modifications of Graphene-based Polymer Nanocomposites by Different Synthesis Techniques
Authors: Okan Burcu Saner , Gürsel Selmiye Alkan , Yürüm Yuda 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTWith the appropriate surface treatments, graphene sheets can be separated from graphite material and the layer-to-layer distance can be extended. In the present work, graphene nanosheets (GNS) were separated from graphite by an improved, safer and mild method including the steps of oxidation, thermal expansion, ultrasonic treatment and chemical reduction. For the production of advanced polymer nanocomposites, the distinguished properties of GNS were combined with the structural properties of conducting polypyrrole by the proposed simple and low-cost fabrication technique. The changes in surface morphologies and surface functional groups were estimated by controlling the polymer coating on graphite oxide (GO) sheets, expanded GO and GNS.
Doublet Chemotherapy in the Elderly Patient With Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Teo Min Y. , Power Derek G. , Tew William P. , Lichtman Stuart M. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Learning Objectives
After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Summarize trends in the treatment of older women with ovarian cancer.Describe the potential value of performing a geriatric assessment prior to treatment in older women with ovarian cancer.
CME This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com
The aging of the population has focused on the need to evaluate older patients with cancer. Approximately 50% of patients with ovarian cancer will be older than age 65 years. Increasing age has been associated with decreased survival. It is uncertain whether this relates to biologic factors, treatment factors, or both. There is concern that undertreatment may be associated with decreased survival. Older patients with ovarian cancer have been underrepresented in clinical trials. Therefore, the evidence base on which make decisions is lacking. Clinicians need to be aware of the currently available data to aid in treatment decisions. Doublet therapy is the most common standard treatment in epithelial ovarian cancer. It usually consists of a taxane and a platinum compound. A series of cooperative group studies in both the United States and Europe established intravenous paclitaxel and carboplatin as the most common standard in optimally debulked patients. The recent introduction of intraperitoneal therapy has complicated decision making in terms of which older patients would benefit from this more toxic therapy. In relapsed patients, the issue of platinum sensitivity is critical in deciding whether to reutilize platinum compounds. It is unclear whether single agents or combinations are superior, particularly in older patients. Geriatric assessment is an important component of decision making. Prospective studies are needed to develop strategies to determine the optimal treatment for older patients with ovarian cancer.
Water Soluble Vitamin E Administration in Wistar Rats with Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Tzanetakou Irene P , Doulamis Ilias P , Korou Laskarina-Maria , Agrogiannis George , Vlachos Ioannis S , Pantopoulou Alkisti , Mikhailidis Dimitri P , Patsouris Efstratios , Vlachos Ioannis , Perrea Despina N 
Published: August 2012

Objective:A diet rich in fat is associated with hepatic fat deposition [steatosis; non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)]. The exact cause of NAFLD however, is still unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a water-soluble formulation of vitamin E on a dietary-induced-NAFLD animal model.Methods:Adult male Wistar rats (n=20) were allocated to 2 groups: Controls (Group A, n=6), which received a standard chow diet for 24 weeks and a High Cholesterol group (HC: n=14), which received a standard chow diet enriched with cholesterol for the first 14 weeks of the experiment (t1). At t1, the HC group was divided into: Group HC(B), which received a high-saturated-fat/high-cholesterol (HSF/HCH) diet and Group HC(C), which followed the same HSF/HCH diet but was also administered water soluble vitamin E (10 IU/kg body weight/day), for 10 more weeks.Results:At the end of the study, group HC(C) exhibited significantly lower mean total cholesterol (T-CHOL) than group HC(B) (p<0.001). No significant differences were observed between HC(C) and Control groups in blood glucose and serum lipid concentrations. Liver Function Tests did not vary between all groups at the end of the study. Animals in group HC(B) exhibited higher SGOT at the end of the study compared with the beginning of the study (p<0.05). Group HC(B) exhibited the highest scores in steatosis, and grading (according to the NAFLD scoring system) in the histopathological analysis (p≤0.001 in all cases).Conclusions:Vitamin E seems to exert a hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective role in the presence of a HSF/HCH atherogenic diet in a rat model.