bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of epicardial fat tissue thickness in patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis
Authors: Asik Mehmet , Sahin Sinan , Ozkul Faruk , Anaforoglu Inan , Ayhan Semiha , Karagol Sukriye , Gunes Fahri , Algun Ekrem 
Published: February 2013

SummaryObjectiveHypothyroidism, whether overt or subclinical, has multiple effects on the cardiovascular system. Epicardial fat tissue (EFT) is closely related to cardiovascular disorders and atherosclerosis. Our study aimed to assess EFT thickness and carotid artery intima‐media thickness (CIMT) in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) displaying overt and subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH).Design and patientsThe study included 33 patients with SCH and 24 patients with overt hypothyroidism (OH) with HT as well as 32 healthy controls. EFT thickness, CIMT, thyroid hormone levels and lipid parameters were measured in all subjects. Correlation analysis and linear regression analysis were performed for EFT thickness.ResultsMean EFT thickness was 2·89 ± 0·38, 3·53 ± 0·92 and 4·56 ± 1·61 mm in control, SCH and OH groups, respectively (P < 0·001). EFT thickness of OH patients was high compared with SCH and control subjects (P < 0·01 and <0·001, respectively). CIMT of OH patients was high compared with SCH and control subjects (P < 0·01 and <0·001, respectively). In addition, EFT was significantly thicker in SCH patients than in controls (P < 0·05). Correlation analysis showed that EFT thickness was significantly positively correlated with CIMT, age, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, thyroid‐stimulating hormone, total and LDL cholesterol and triglyceride and negatively correlated with free T4. In the regression analysis, EFT thickness retained its independent and positive association with CIMT, patient group (particularly OH) and systolic blood pressure.ConclusionsEpicardial fat tissue thickness may be a useful indicator of early atherosclerosis in SCH and OH patients with HT.
BXSB/MpJ‐Yaa mice develop autoimmune dacryoadenitis with the appearance of inflammatory cell marker messenger RNAs in the lacrimal fluid
Authors: Kosenda Keigo , Ichii Osamu , Otsuka Saori , Hashimoto Yoshiharu , Kon Yasuhiro 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundDacryoadenitis is characteristic of an autoimmune exocrinopathy, e.g. Sjögren syndrome. We pathologically examined the lacrimal glands of autoimmune‐prone BXSB/MpJ‐Yaa mice for the appearance of pathological signs of dacryoadenitis progression in autoimmune dacryoadenitis models, particularly focusing on messenger RNAs in the lacrimal fluid.MethodsThe lacrimal glands of the BXSB/MpJ‐Yaa and C57BL/6 mice were histopathologically analyzed in parallel with the evaluation of lacrimation and messenger RNA expression of water channels (Aqp3, Aqp4 and Aqp5). In addition, autoimmune model mice (MRL/MpJ‐lpr/lpr and NZB/NZWF1) were used for evaluating cell infiltration and detecting inflammatory cell marker messenger RNAs (Cd68, Ptprc and Cd3e) in the lacrimal fluids by polymerase chain reaction‐based methods.ResultsB‐cell predominant lymphocytic infiltrations and the destruction of acini were observed in the lacrimal glands of BXSB/MpJ‐Yaa mice. There was no significant difference in the quantity of lacrimal fluid between the BXSB/MpJ‐Yaa and C57BL/6 mice. In the BXSB/MpJ‐Yaa mice, Aqp3 expression increased significantly with the cell infiltration score, whereas expression of Aqp4 and Aqp5 tended to decrease. Aqp3 expression increased significantly with the cell infiltration score in BXSB/MpJ‐Yaa mice. Among inflammatory cell markers, Cd68 was more frequently detected in the lacrimal fluid of the BXSB/MpJ‐Yaa, MRL/MpJ‐lpr/lpr and NZB/NZWF1 mice than in that of the C57BL/6 mice.ConclusionBXSB/MpJ‐Yaa mice clearly developed autoimmune dacryoadenitis. The altered expression of water channels in lacrimal glands might be associated with the preservation of lacrimal fluid excretion in BXSB/MpJ‐Yaa mice. The detection of inflammatory cell markers in lacrimal fluid could be used as a diagnostic marker for autoimmune dacryoadenitis.
Utility of near infrared spectroscopy for the screening of the growth restricted fetus
Authors: Acton Angus L. , Goswami Tarun , McKenna David S. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract A myriad of factors have been linked to increased risk for intrauterine growth restriction and the associated complications; the majority of which are based on observational statistics of demographics, socioeconomics and patient history. Unfortunately, there is a paucity of factors available that can appropriately address the underlying anatomy and physiology responsible for intrauterine growth restriction. To this point, it becomes necessary to use data acquisition modalities capable of addressing both the etiology and pathology in an effort to improve clinical management strategies. Near‐infrared spectroscopy, although not traditionally used in standard, clinical screening has proven valuable for risk assessment in a number of recent investigational studies. Simulations based on the current literature are presented to assess near infrared spectroscopy utility regarding the ability to distinguish between the normal fetus and the growth restricted fetus. Findings are presented for all simulated data as well as the equipment‐specific data derived from the NIRO‐100 system (Hamamatsu Photonics, Hamamatsu, Japan). Results suggest an overall sensitivity and specificity on the order of 62% and 58%, respectively, and NIRO‐100 sensitivity and specificity on the order of 85% and 92%, respectively.
Structural and mechanistic principles of intramembrane proteolysis – lessons from rhomboids
Authors: Strisovsky Kvido 
Published: February 2013

Intramembrane proteases cleave membrane proteins in their transmembrane helices to regulate a wide range of biological processes. They catalyse hydrolytic reactions within the hydrophobic environment of lipid membranes where water is normally excluded. How? Do the different classes of intramembrane proteases share any mechanistic principles? In this review these questions will be discussed in view of the crystal structures of prokaryotic members of the three known catalytic types of intramembrane proteases published over the past 7 years. Rhomboids, the intramembrane serine proteases that are the best understood family, will be the initial area of focus, and the principles that have arisen from a number of structural and biochemical studies will be considered. The site‐2 metalloprotease and GXGD‐type aspartyl protease structures will then be discussed, with parallels drawn and differences highlighted between these enzymes and the rhomboids. Despite the significant advances achieved so far, to obtain a detailed understanding of the mechanism of any intramembrane protease, high‐resolution structural information on the substrate–enzyme complex is required. This remains a major challenge for the field.
Staphylococcus aureus and topical fusidic acid use: results of a clinical audit on antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Heng Yee Kiat , Tan Kian Teo , Sen Priya , Chow Angela , Leo Yee Sin , Lye David C. , Chan Roy K.W. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundFusidic acid (FA) resistance in Staphylococcus aureus poses a problem for treating systemic methicillin‐resistant S. aureus infection, in which FA may otherwise remain a viable option. It can also result in treatment failure of common dermatological conditions such as impetigo and infected atopic eczema. Several studies have linked trends in prescribing medication and topical use of FA to development of resistance. However, few case–control studies have evaluated risk factors for developing FA resistance in S. aureus.MethodsA clinical audit for antimicrobial resistance was performed in dermatology patients from the National Skin Centre who were admitted for inpatient care from 2006 to 2008 and had positive bacterial cultures for S. aureus. Each FA‐resistant S. aureus (FRSA) case was compared with four randomly selected FA‐susceptible (FSSA) cases. Medical records were reviewed retrospectively, and potential risk factors for development of resistance were analyzed.ResultsThirteen of 37 patients with FRSA (35.1%) had used FA topically compared with 11 of 148 patients with FSSA (7.4%). Findings from multivariate analysis indicate that previous use of topical FA was the only independent risk factor of FA resistance (adjusted OR 7.46, 95% CI [2.60–21.41], P < 0.001). Patients' coexisting illnesses, recent hospitalization, or systemic antibiotic use were not significant risks.ConclusionsPrevious recent topical FA use correlated positively with FA resistance in S. aureus. Prescribing physicians must be vigilant of the rise of FA resistance and its resultant problems and prescribe topical FA discerningly.
Meperidine as the single sedative agent during esophagogastroduodenoscopy, a double‐blind, randomized, controlled study
Authors: Hsieh Yu‐Hsi , Lin Hwai‐Jeng , Hsieh Jin‐Jian , Tseng Kuo‐Chih , Tseng Chih‐Wei , Hung Tsung‐Hsing , Leung Felix W. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackground and AimIn Taiwan, unsedated esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is widely used, but it is uncomfortable for some patients. While meperidine has been adopted in colonoscopy, its use in EGD has not received extensive attention. This was a prospective study to investigate the use of meperidine as a single sedative agent during EGD.MethodsOne hundred and forty patients were randomized to receive either 25‐mg meperidine (n = 70) or placebo (n = 70) by intramuscular injection before EGD. The primary outcome was patient discomfort scores. The secondary outcomes included patient, endoscopist, and EGD‐related variables.ResultsPatients in the meperidine group reported less discomfort during esophageal intubation (median score of 2.0 and interquartile range [IQR] of 0–4.0 vs median score of 4.8 and IQR of 1.7–7.0, respectively; P < 0.001) and during the procedure (median score of 1.0 [IQR 0–3.1] vs 3.5 [IQR 0–5.6], P = 0.001) than patients in the placebo group. The endoscopist found patients in the meperidine group had better tolerance during esophageal intubation (median score of 1.0 [IQR 0–2.0] vs 2.0 [IQR 1.0–3.0], P = 0.021) and during the procedure (median score of 0 [IQR 0–1.0] vs 1.0 [IQR 0–3.0], P < 0.001). After the procedure more patients in the meperidine group (71.4% vs 35.7%, P < 0.001) experienced self‐limited dizziness that prolonged recovery by ∼3.7 min.ConclusionsAfter receiving meperidine injection, patients had better tolerance and less discomfort during diagnostic EGD (NCT01547520).
Draft Genome Sequence of Enterococcus faecalis PC1.1, a Candidate Probiotic Strain Isolated from Human Feces
Authors: Ó Cuív Páraic , Klaassens Eline S. , Smith Wendy J. , Mondot Stanislas , Durkin A. Scott , Harkins Derek M. , Foster Les , McCorrison Jamison , Torralba Manolito , Nelson Karen E. , Morrison Mark 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT

Enterococcus faecalis
is commonly isolated from the gastrointestinal tract of healthy infants and adults, where it contributes to host health and well-being. We describe here the draft genome sequence of
E. faecalis
PC1.1, a candidate probiotic strain isolated from human feces.
Assessment of Dynamical Downscaling in Near-Surface Fields with Different Spectral Nudging Approaches Using the Nested Regional Climate Model (NRCM)
Authors: Wang Jiali , Kotamarthi Veerabhadra R. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractDynamic downscaling with regional-scale climate models is used widely for increasing the spatial resolution of global-scale climate model projections. One uncertainty in generating these projections is the choice of boundary forcing applied. In this study the Nested Regional Climate Model (NRCM) is used with a grid spacing of 12 km over the United States (excluding Hawaii) to dynamically downscale 2.5° National Centers for Environmental Prediction–U.S. Department of Energy Reanalysis-2 data, with different applications of spectral nudging (SN) for the boundary conditions. Nine numerical experiments for July 2005—each with different wavenumbers and nudging duration periods, applied to different model layers—evaluated the performance of SN in downscaling near-surface fields. The calculations were compared with the North America Regional Reanalysis dataset over four subregions of the contiguous 48 states. Results show significant differences with different wavenumbers, nudging duration periods, and nudging altitudes. The short-period SN with three waves, applied above 850 hPa, showed the highest skill in simulating precipitation, whereas whole-period SN produced a higher skill level and performed slightly better than short-period SN for surface temperature and 10-m wind, respectively. Differences in the performance of SN applied at different altitudes were not significant. On the basis of the comparisons for precipitation, surface temperature, and wind fields over entire contiguous states, whole-period nudging with six waves starting above 850 hPa for downscaling calculations for climate-related variables is recommended. This method improved the performance of the NRCM in predicting near-surface fields by more than 30.5% relative to a case with no nudging.
A Subseasonal Teleconnection Analysis: PNA Development and Its Relationship to the NAO
Authors: Baxter Stephen , Nigam Sumant 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The Pacific–North American (PNA) teleconnection is a major mode of Northern Hemisphere wintertime climate variability, with well-known impacts on North American temperature and precipitation. To assess whether the PNA teleconnection has extended predictability, comprehensive data analysis is conducted to elucidate PNA evolution, with an emphasis on patterns of PNA development and decay. These patterns are identified using extended empirical orthogonal function (EEOF) and linear regression analyses on pentad-resolution atmospheric circulation data from the new Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR). Additionally, dynamical links between the PNA and another important mode of wintertime variability, the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), are analyzed both in the presence and absence of notable tropical convections, for example, the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO), which is known to be influential on both. The relationship is analyzed using EEOF and regression techniques.
It is shown that the PNA structure is similar in both space and time when the MJO is linearly removed from the dataset. Furthermore, there is a small but significant lag between the NAO and PNA, with the NAO leading a PNA of opposite phase on time scales of one to three pentads. It is suggested from barotropic vorticity analysis that this relationship may result in part from excitation of Rossby waves by the NAO in the Asian waveguide.
Combining the All-Source Green's Functions and the GPS-Derived Source Functions for Fast Tsunami Predictions—Illustrated by the March 2011 Japan Tsunami
Authors: Xu Zhigang , Song Y. Tony 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThis paper proposes an effective approach on how to predict tsunamis rapidly following a submarine earthquake by combining a real-time GPS-derived tsunami source function with a set of precalculated all-source Green's functions (ASGFs). The approach uses the data from both teleseismic and coastal GPS networks to constrain a tsunami source function consisting of both sea surface elevation and horizontal velocity field, and uses the ASGFs to instantaneously transfer the source function to the arrival time series at the destination points. The ASGF can take a tsunami source of arbitrary geographic origin and resolve it as fine as the native resolution of a tsunami propagation model from which the ASGF is derived. This new approach is verified by the 2011 Tohoku tsunami using data measured by the Deep-Ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis (DART) buoys.
Double-ligand modulation for engineering magnetic nanoclusters
Authors: Kim Bongjune , Yang Jaemoon , Lim Eun-Kyung , Park Joseph , Suh Jin-Suck , Park Hyo Seon , Huh Yong-Min , Haam Seungjoo 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Magnetic nanoclusters (MNCs) are agglomerated individual magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) that show great promise in increasing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sensitivity. Here, we report an effective strategy to engineer MNCs based on double-ligand modulation to enhance MRI sensitivity. The oleic acid-coated individual MNPs self-assembled and then were enveloped by polysorbate 80, using a nanoemulsion method to prepare MNCs. By modulating the amounts of the two ligands, and thus the size and magnetic content of the resultant MNCs, we were able to enormously improve MRI sensitivity.
Wissensbasiertes Assistenzsystem für modulares Engineering
Authors: Obst Michael , Doherr Falk , Urbas Leon 
Published: February 2013

Zusammenfassung
Die Zeitspanne von der Entwicklung bis zur Inbetriebnahme einer typischen Chemieanlage beträgt mit dem heutigen Stand der Technik ca. 5 bis 10 Jahre. Durch den Einsatz standardisierter Module sowie deren Auslegung mit Hilfe des fallbasierten Schließens sollen sich wiederholende Problemstellungen innerhalb der Planungsphase in deutlich kürzerer Zeit gelöst werden und somit zu einer Effizienzsteigerung und Kostenreduktion führen.
Failure evolution in granular material retained by rigid wall in active mode
Authors: Pietrzak Magdalena , Leśniewska Danuta 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
This paper presents a detailed study of a selected small scale model test, performed on a sample of surrogate granular material, retained by a rigid wall (typical geotechnical problem of earth thrust on a retaining wall). The experimental data presented in this paper show that the deformation of granular sample behind retaining wall can undergo some cyclic changes. The nature of these cycles is not clear - it is probably related to some micromechanical features of granular materials, which are recently extensively studied in many research centers in the world. Employing very precise DIC (PIV) method can help to relate micro and macro-scale behavior of granular materials.
Influence of Reaction Medium on CO2 Photocatalytic Reduction Yields Over Zns-MMT / Vliv Reakčního Prostření Na Výtěžky Fotokatalytické Redukce CO2 V Přítomnosti Zns-MMT
Authors: Reli Martin , Šihor Marcel , Kočí Kamila , Praus Petr , Kozák Ondřej , Obalová Lucie 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The reduction of CO2 by photocatalysts is one of the most promising methods since CO2 can be reduced to useful compounds by irradiating it with UV light at room temperature and ambient pressure. The aim of this work was to assess the effect of a reaction media on CO2 photocatalytic reduction yields over ZnS nanoparticles deposited on montmorillonite (ZnS-MMT). Four different reaction media, such as NaOH, NaOH+Na2SO3 (1:1), NH4OH, NH4OH+Na2SO3 (1:1), were tested. The pure sodium hydroxide was better than ammonium hydroxide for the yields of the both gas phase (CH4 and CO) and liquid phase (CH3OH). The addition of Na2SO3 improved methanol yields due to the oxidation prevention of incipient methanol to carbon dioxide. The gas phase yields were decreased by the Na2SO3 addition. The best tested reaction medium for the photocatalytic reduction of CO2 was the solution of sodium hydroxide.
Effect of Yeast Supplements On Selected Health-Promoting Properties of Lamb Meat
Authors: Milewski Stanisław , Zaleska Bożena , Bednarek Dariusz , Tański Zenon , Sobiech Przemysław , Ząbek Katarzyna , Antoszkiewicz Zofia 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the effect of yeast preparations on selected properties of meat from suckling lambs. The experiment was conducted on 30 Kamieniec rams divided into three groups: I - control, II and III - experimental. Throughout the 100-day rearing period, the experimental animals were fed diets supplemented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae prebiotics: Inter Yeast S® brewer's yeast in group II, and Biolex®-Beta S in group III. Fat content was determined by Soxhlet extraction. The fatty acid composition of intramuscular fat was determined by esterification followed by gas chromatography analysis. The content of vitamins A and E was determined by liquid chromatography. A significant increase in the content of fat, cholesterol, and vitamin E was noted in the meat of lambs of group II in comparison with control. The fat of animals in group II contained more fatty acids: C14:1, C18:2, C22:6 (P≤0.05), and C18:2 n-6 cis9trans11 (P≤0.01), and less C20:4 (P≤0.01). The fat of animals of group III contained more C18:0 and C22:6 fatty acids (P≤0.05), and less C18:0 (P≤0.05). The fat in this group had also lower concentrations of MUFA (P≤0.05), UFA, and, consequently, a lower UFA/SFA ratio (P≤0.05) in comparison with controls. The yeast-based supplements significantly affected selected health-promoting properties of lamb meat. The applied diet supplements had no significant effect on AI and TI values.
Antibacterial Activity of Tissues of Bivalve Molluscs Available on Polish Market
Authors: Różańska Hanna , Michalski Mirosław , Osek Jacek 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
One hundred and ninety seven samples of molluscs representing different species were tested for the presence of antibacterial substances using a microbiological diffusion test - “4-plate” method. It was found that 58 samples (29.4%) were positive. The percentage of positive samples depended on species and varied from 0 (Ostrea edulis, Perna canaliculis, Cardium
edule, Myretrix lyrata, Mercenaria mercenaria) to 41.2 (Mytilus edulis) and 50.0 (Tapes semidecussatus and Ruditapes
phillipinarium). The randomly performed confirmatory analyses using HPLC -MS/MS method did not show the presence of any known antibiotics.
Nodular Mastocytosis of the Vulva and Coexisting Urticaria Pigmentosa / Nodularna Mastocitoza vulve udružena sa urtikarijom pigmentozom
Authors: Prćić Sonja , Đuran Verica , Gajinov Zorica , Čeke Matild , Tomić Jelena , Vijatov Gordana , Anđelić Mirjana 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Nodular forms of mastocytosis are rather rare skin diseases, especially when localized on the vulva. A 9-year-old girl presented with urticaria pigmentosa type lesions since her 4th year, associated with several solitary or confluent vulvar nodules, varying in size from a pea to a walnut, and mild systemic symptoms. Diagnosis of mastocytosis was confirmed by histology, and apart from splenomegaly, no signs of systemic spread or associated hematologic disorders were detected. Therapeutic response of nodular lesions was rather poor, and further follow up is necessary.