bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of the branched‐chain amino acid to tyrosine ratio and branched‐chain amino acid granule therapy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: A propensity score analysis
Authors: Tada Toshifumi , Kumada Takashi , Toyoda Hidenori , Kiriyama Seiki , Tanikawa Makoto , Hisanaga Yasuhiro , Kanamori Akira , Kitabatake Shusuke , Yama Tsuyoki 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackground and AimIt has been reported that the branched‐chain amino acid (BCAA) to tyrosine ratio (BTR) is a useful indicator of liver function and BCAA therapy is associated with a decreased incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, there has not been sufficient research on the relationship between BTR and the effects of BCAA therapy after initial treatment of HCC. We investigated the impact of BTR and BCAA therapy on survival in patients with HCC.MethodsA total of 315 patients with HCC who were treated (n = 66) or not treated (n = 249) with BCAA were enrolled; of these, 66 were selected from each group using propensity score matching. Survival from liver‐related mortality was analyzed.ResultsIn patients who did not receive BCAA therapy (n = 249), multivariate analysis for factors associated with survival indicated that low BTR (≤ 4.4) was independently associated with poor prognosis in patients with HCC (hazard ratio, 1.880; 95% confidence interval, 1.125–3.143; P = 0.016). In addition, among patients selected by propensity score matching (n = 132), multivariate analysis indicated that BCAA therapy was independently associated with good prognosis in patients with HCC (hazard ratio, 0.524; 95% confidence interval, 0.282–0.973; P = 0.041). BTR was not significantly associated with survival.ConclusionsIntervention involving BCAA therapy improved survival in patients with HCC versus untreated controls, regardless of BTR. In addition, low BTR was associated with poor prognosis in patients who did not receive BCAA therapy.
Intraoperative Ultrasonography Combined with Indocyanine Green Video‐Angiography in Patients with Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations
Authors: Wang Hui , Ye Zhuo‐peng , Huang Zhen‐chao , Luo Lun , Chen Chuan , Guo Ying 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEDuring the operation, accurately identifying the boundary of cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM) and discriminating between feeding arteries and draining veins is the key to successful surgical treatment of cerebral AVM. We evaluated the application of intraoperative ultrasonography (IOU) combined with intraoperative indocyanine green video‐angiography (IOICGA) in the patients with cerebral AVM.METHODSThe effects of IOU combined with IOICGA on AVM surgery were observed in 12 patients with cerebral AVM.RESULTSThe lesions of cerebral AVM were completely removed in the 12 patients. IOU could clearly visualize the boundary of AVM, so no patients had massive hemorrhage caused by rupture of malformed vessels. IOU also could detect the location of deep vessels and a total of 11 deep vessels were identified in the 12 patients. IOICGA was performed 41 times altogether in the 12 patients, and 31 feeding arteries and 10 draining veins were identified, so there was no massive hemorrhage caused by misjudgment of feeding arteries or draining veins.CONCLUSIONSIOU combined with IOICGA can identify the boundary of AVM, detect deep vessels, and discriminate between feeding arteries and draining veins, reducing operation difficulty, decreasing mortality and disability rate, and increasing the rate of complete excision.
Transorbital Ultrasonographic Measurement of Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter in Brain Death
Authors: Topcuoglu Mehmet A. , Arsava E. Murat , Bas D. Funda , Kozak Hasan H. 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDUltrasonographic measurement of optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) can successfully be used to estimate intracranial pressure (ICP) elevation. Its utility in corroboration of brain death (BD) was herein studied.METHODSONSD was measured in 29 subjects with BD; in 19 comatose patients (with raised ICP in 11), 20 patients with various neurological diseases, and 40 healthy control subjects. The distance between the inner and outer edges of the echolucent lines around hyperechoic area surrounding the optic nerve (ON) was identified as ONSD external (ONSDe) and ONSD internal (ONSDi).RESULTSCompared to patients with neurological diseases (5.75 ± .79 mm) or healthy controls (5.98 ± .63 mm), ONSDe was significantly higher in comatose patients (7.61 ± .97 and 6.71 ± 1.07 mm in those with and without raised ICP) and BD subjects (8.34 ± .66 mm). ONSDi showed similar trends across the groups: 6.09 ± .71 mm in BD; 5.89 ± .37 mm in comatose control with elevated ICP; 5.16 ± .49 mm in comatose control with normal ICP; 4.36 ± .68 mm in neurological control; 4.69 ± .67 mm in healthy control. The accuracy of ONSDe measurements in differentiating patients with ICP elevation (n = 40) was .965 as determined by area under the curve (AUC) of receiver‐operator characteristics curves. Similarly, accuracy in discrimination of BD was .952. However, ONSDe showed limited yield to identify BD cases among comatose patients with Glasgow coma scale score of 3, where accuracy was .803 (95% CI: .709‐.816) and decreased further to .722 (95% CI: .610‐.816) when analyses were restricted to comatose patients with ICP elevation. AUC values for ONSDi was similar or lower.CONCLUSIONONSD is significantly greater in subjects with BD. However, quantification of ONSD cannot discriminate BD subjects from comatose ones with raised ICP with 100% certainty.
Sex Hormones Predict the Incidence of Erectile Dysfunction: From a Population-Based Prospective Cohort Study (FAMHES)
Authors: Luo Yawen , Zhang Haiying , Liao Ming , Tang Q.i.n. , Huang Yuzhen , Xie Jinling , Tang Y.a.n. , Tan Aihua , Gao Yong , Lu Zheng , Yao Ziting , Jiang Yonghua , Lin Xinggu , Wu Chunlei , Yang Xiaobo , Mo Zengnan 
Published: March 2015

AbstractIntroductionThe decline of testosterone has been known to be associated with the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED), but the causal relationship between sex hormones and ED is still uncertain.AimTo prove the association between sex hormones and ED, we carried out a prospective cohort study based on our previous cross-sectional study.MethodsWe performed a prospective cohort study of 733 Chinese men who participated in Fangchenggang Area Males Health and Examination Survey from September 2009 to December 2009 and were followed for 4 years. Erectile function was estimated by scores of the five-item International Index of Erectile Dysfunction (IIEF-5) and relative ratios (RRs) were estimated using the Cox proportional hazards regression model.Main Outcome MeasuresData were collected at follow-up visit and included sex hormone measurements, IIEF-5 scores, physical examination, and health questionnaires.ResultsMen with the highest tertile of free testosterone (FT) (RR = 0.21, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.09–0.46) and the lowest tertile of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) (RR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.19–0.73) had decreased risk of ED. In young men (aged 21–40), a decreased risk was observed with the increase of FT and bioavailable testosterone (BT) (adjusted RR and 95% CI: 0.78 [0.67–0.92] and 0.75 [0.62–0.95], respectively). Total testosterone (TT) (RR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.81–0.98) was inversely associated with ED after adjusting for SHBG, while SHBG (RR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.02–1.06) remained positively associated with ED after further adjusting for TT. Men with both low FT and high SHBG had highest ED risk (adjusted RR = 4.61, 95% CI: 1.33–16.0).ConclusionsHigh FT and BT levels independently predicted a decreased risk of ED in young men. Further studies are urgently needed to clarify the molecular mechanisms of testosterone acting on ED.
The Association of Exercise with Both Erectile and Sexual Function in Black and White Men
Authors: Simon Ross M , Howard Lauren , Zapata Daniel , Frank Jennifer , Freedland Stephen J , Vidal Adriana C 
Published: March 2015

Abstract

Introduction
There is growing interest in using exercise to treat. Although many studies have highlighted the relationship between better erectile function and exercise, black men have been underrepresented in the literature.

Aims
This study aims to determine whether or not exercise is associated with better erectile as well as sexual function in black men and define a minimum exercise threshold for which better erectile/sexual function is seen in a cross-sectional study.

Methods
Our study population consisted of 295 healthy controls from a case-control study assessing risk factors for prostate cancer conducted at the Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, which contained a substantial proportion of black men (n = 93; 32%). Exercise and erectile/sexual function were both determined from self-reported questionnaires. Subjects were stratified into four exercise groups: &lt;3 (sedentary), 3–8.9 (mildly active), 9–17.9 (moderately active), and ≥18 (highly active) metabolic equivalents (MET) hours/week. The association between exercise and erectile/sexual function was addressed utilizing multivariable linear regression analyses.

Main Outcome Measures
Erectile/sexual function was defined by the validated Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite sexual assessment, which was analyzed as a continuous variable (sexual function score). Clinically significant better function was defined as half a standard deviation (SD) (16.5 points).

Results
Median sexual function score was 53 (SD = 33). Higher exercise was associated with a better sexual function score (P &lt; 0.001). Importantly, there was no interaction between black race and exercise (P-interaction = 0.772), meaning more exercise was linked with better erectile/sexual function regardless of race. Overall, exercise ≥18 MET hours/week predicted better erectile/sexual function (P &lt; 0.001) with a clinically significant 17.3-point higher function. Exercise at lower levels was not statistically (P &gt; 0.147) or clinically (≤8.14 points higher function) associated with erectile/sexual function.

Conclusions
In a racially diverse population, exercise ≥18 MET hours/week is highly associated with better erectile/sexual function regardless of race.
Viral genotype correlates with distinct liver gene transcription signatures in chronic hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Robinson Mark W. , Aranday‐Cortes Elihu , Gatherer Derek , Swann Rachael , Liefhebber Jolanda M. P. , Filipe Ana Da Silva , Sigruener Alex , Barclay Stephen T. , Mills Peter R. , Patel Arvind H. , McLauchlan John 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundChronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection of the liver with either genotype 1 or genotype 3 gives rise to distinct pathologies, and the two viral genotypes respond differently to antiviral therapy.MethodsTo understand these clinical differences, we compared gene transcription profiles in liver biopsies from patients infected with either gt1 or gt3, and uninfected controls.ResultsGt1‐infected biopsies displayed elevated levels of transcripts regulated by type I and type III interferons (IFN), including genes that predict response to IFN‐α therapy. In contrast, genes controlled by IFN‐γ were induced in gt3‐infected biopsies. Moreover, IFN‐γ levels were higher in gt3‐infected biopsies. Analysis of hepatocyte‐derived cell lines confirmed that the genes upregulated in gt3 infection were preferentially induced by IFN‐γ. The transcriptional profile of gt3 infection was unaffected by IFNL4 polymorphisms, providing a rationale for the reduced predictive power of IFNL genotyping in gt3‐infected patients.ConclusionsThe interactions between HCV genotypes 1 and 3 and hepatocytes are distinct. These unique interactions provide avenues to explore the biological mechanisms that drive viral genotype‐specific differences in disease progression and treatment response. A greater understanding of the distinct host–pathogen interactions of the different HCV genotypes is required to facilitate optimal management of HCV infection.
Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate has a substantial efficacy against multidrug‐resistant strains of hepatitis B virus
Authors: Baran Bulent , Soyer Ozlem Mutluay , Ormeci Asli Cifcibasi , Gokturk Suut , Evirgen Sami , Akyuz Filiz , Karaca Cetin , Demir Kadir , Besisik Fatih , Onel Derya , Gulluoglu Mine , Badur Selim , Kaymakoglu Sabahattin 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackground & AimsTo evaluate the efficacy of tenofovir in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with adefovir resistance (ADF‐R) and suboptimal response to adefovir (ADF‐S).MethodsNucleos(t)ide analogue (NA)‐naïve patients and patients with previous adefovir failure receiving tenofovir therapy for at least 6 months were included in the study. Biochemical and virological tests were obtained at baseline and 3‐month intervals in the first year and every 6 months thereafter. The primary outcome measure was complete virological response (CVR) (HBVDNA < 20 IU/ml). CVR rates were calculated by Kaplan–Meier analysis, and a multivariate Cox proportional hazard model was generated to find out factors independently associated with CVR.ResultsA total of 165 patients (118 men, mean age 42 ± 12, 64 HBeAg+) were included in the study. There were 105 patients in NA‐naïve, 32 patients in ADF‐S and 28 patients in ADF‐R groups. All patients in the ADF‐R group had multidrug resistance patterns. Mean duration of tenofovir treatment was 29 ± 14 months. CVR rates in NA‐naïve, ADF‐S and ADF‐R groups were 65% vs. 75% vs. 58% at 12th month, 77% vs. 87% vs. 79% at 24th month and 83% vs. 94% vs. 79% at 36th month respectively. According to multivariate Cox regression model, HBeAg positivity (HR = 0.56, 95%CI 0.36–0.86, P = 0.008), high baseline HBVDNA level (HR = 0.64, 95%CI 0.55–0.74, P < 0.001) and ADF‐R (HR = 0.47, 95%CI 0.28–0.81, P = 0.006) were independent predictors for CVR. Seven patients encountered mild renal dysfunction and were managed by dose adjustments.ConclusionCVR rates during the follow‐up show that tenofovir has a decreased, yet still potent in vivo efficacy against multidrug‐resistant strains of HBV.
The nuclease activities of both the Smr domain and an additional LDLK motif are required for an efficient anti‐recombination function of Helicobacter pylori MutS2
Authors: Damke Prashant P. , Dhanaraju Rajkumar , Marsin Stéphanie , Radicella Juan Pablo , Rao Desirazu N. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryHelicobacter pylori, a human pathogen, is a naturally and constitutively competent bacteria, displaying a high rate of intergenomic recombination. While recombination events are essential for evolution and adaptation of H. pylori to dynamic gastric niches and new hosts, such events should be regulated tightly to maintain genomic integrity. Here, we analyze the role of the nuclease activity of MutS2, a protein that limits recombination during transformation in H. pylori. In previously studied MutS2 proteins, the C‐terminal Smr domain was mapped as the region responsible for its nuclease activity. We report here that deletion of Smr domain does not completely abolish the nuclease activity of HpMutS2. Using bioinformatics analysis and mutagenesis, we identified an additional and novel nuclease motif (LDLK) at the N‐terminus of HpMutS2 unique to Helicobacter and related ε‐proteobacterial species. A single point mutation (D30A) in the LDLK motif and the deletion of Smr domain resulted in ∼ 5–10‐fold loss of DNA cleavage ability of HpMutS2. Interestingly, the mutant forms of HpMutS2 wherein the LDLK motif was mutated or the Smr domain was deleted were unable to complement the hyper‐recombination phenotype of a mutS2− strain, suggesting that both nuclease sites are indispensable for an efficient anti‐recombinase activity of HpMutS2.
Cryptic biodiversity in the cytogenome of bird‐biting blackflies in North Africa
Authors: ADLER P. H. , CHERAIRIA M. , ARIGUE S. F. , SAMRAOUI B. , BELQAT B. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBird‐biting blackflies in the Simulium (Eusimulium) aureum group (Diptera: Simuliidae) are widespread vectors of Leucocytozoon and Trypanosoma parasites. The polytene chromosomes of 619 larvae of the three nominal members of the S. aureum group in North Africa were evaluated cytogenetically for cryptic biodiversity. Seven chromosomal segregates were discovered among 29 populations in Algeria and Morocco. This diversity was based primarily on two chromosomal inversions, which have assumed unique roles in different lineages, including sex linkage, fixation, loss and autosomal polymorphism. Reproductive isolation was demonstrated for six of the seven segregates, doubling the number of species known in the area. Four species were linked with existing names: (a) Simulium mellah Giudicelli & Bouzidi, which is known only from North African high‐salinity habitats; (b) Simulium petricolum (Rivosecchi), which is tentatively conspecific with continental European populations; (c) Simulium rubzovianum (Sherban) and its synonym Simulium latinum (Rubtsov), which is widely distributed from North Africa across Europe into Western Asia, and (d) Simulium velutinum (Santos Abreu) and its new synonym Simulium tenerificum Crosskey, which is restricted to North Africa and the Canary Islands. Of the remaining entities, two are new species precinctive to North Africa and one, known only from Morocco, is of undetermined taxonomic status.
Interactions Among Different Devices and Electrical Stimulus on the Electroejaculation of Captive Agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina)
Authors: Castelo TS , Souza ALP , Lima GL , Peixoto GCX , Campos LB , Oliveira MF , Silva AR 
Published: March 2015

ContentsThe interactions among different electroejaculation devices associated with serial or continuous stimuli were investigated to improve the efficiency of the electroejaculation for semen collection in agoutis. Ten sexually matured male Dasyprocta leporina were restrained by the intramuscular administration of xylazine–ketamine association. Each individual was randomly subjected to four electroejaculation protocols, by combining two devices (one presenting longitudinal electrodes emitting square waves and other presenting ring electrodes emitting sine waves) and two electrical stimuli protocols (serial or continuous). A total of 40 attempts for electroejaculation were conducted in agoutis, being 10 per treatment. The most efficient treatment in providing ejaculates containing sperm (p < 0.05) was that using and electroejaculator connected to a probe with ring electrodes and associated with serial stimuli (4/7; 57%). In spite of semen parameters obtained by sine waves were adequate for using the samples for assisted reproduction, higher values for sperm motility and functional membrane integrity were obtained in the use of the square wave, independently of the electric stimulation protocol used (p < 0.05). In conclusion, we verified that the use of a device presenting a probe with ring electrodes and emitting sine waves, associated with a serial stimuli protocol, improves the efficiency for semen obtaining by electroejaculation in adults D. leporina.
How much related to skin wrinkles between facial and body site? Age‐related changes in skin wrinkle on the knee assessed by skin bioengineering techniques
Authors: Yoo M. A. , Seo Y. K. , Shin M. K. , Koh J. S. 
Published: March 2015

Background/purposeSkin aging has been focused the wrinkle on the face than on the body, so most studies have been studied the change in Crow's feet for ages. Only little is known about the age‐dependent changes of wrinkles on body sites. The aim of this study was to establish new grading criteria for severity of wrinkles on knees and to investigate the relationship of wrinkle severity with age‐ and site‐dependent.MethodsThe skin on the knee of 38 healthy Korean female volunteers, divided into two groups young and old, were photographed. Standard photograph for body wrinkle was established (grade 0~7), and then visual assessment, skin wrinkle, and skin elasticity were evaluated on Crow's feet and the knee. We examined for any significant differences and the correlation of skin aging parameters with age and two different sites.ResultsSkin wrinkle severity with standard photograph and wrinkle parameters (Ra, Rmax, Rz, and Rv) had a significantly positive correlation with age‐dependent on the knee (P < 0.001). Also, skin elastic parameters (R2, R5, R6, R7, and Q1) showed a significant negative correlation with age on the knee (P < 0.001). Skin wrinkle severity with standard photograph was highly correlated with all skin wrinkle parameters and skin elastic parameters (R2, R5, R7, and Q1) on the knee (P < 0.001). In addition, all the skin aging parameters on the knee were significantly correlated with Crow's feet (P < 0.01). Skin aging on the knee had the same tendency as the Crow's feet.ConclusionsThis study has shown the new grading criteria of wrinkles on the knee. Skin wrinkle and elasticity on the knee are age‐dependent related and aging on the knee is highly related to Crow's feet. Those parameters are using a quantitative method to evaluate body aging. Also, the knee is considered that it could be a suitable site to evaluate body aging.
Simplified IGCC With Hot Fuel Gas Combustion
Authors: Horner M. W. 
Published: March 2015

Experimental testing and data analysis performed for simulated simplified IGCC system components have been completed. Earlier papers presented the program description and preliminary testing operations. This paper presents a review of the testing accomplishments and the results of data analysis.
An air-blown, fixed-bed coal gasifier, and downstream cyclone particle separator were found to retain or remove coal ash particles and alkali metals very effectively. The low calorific fuel gas delivered to a gas turbine combustor was found to be significantly closer to the current “clean fuel” specification than had been anticipated. These results are very encouraging for the further development of simplified IGCC systems utilizing hot gas cleanup. Observed ash deposition rates imply that turbine cleaning would be less frequent by at least an order of magnitude as compared to operation on treated ash-forming petroleum fuels.
Deposition From a Coal-Water Slurry Fueled Gas Turbine Combustor
Authors: White David J. , LeCren Richard T. 
Published: March 2015

A two-stage coal-water slurry fueled high-pressure gas turbine combustion system employing a primary zone with a hot refractory wall and an internal slag removal system has been designed, built and tested. The molten ash or slag is largely removed internally by aerodynamic means using a form of jet impaction. Some small amount of the mineral matter in the coal, however, does escape the primary zone and exits the combustor. The overall combustion system is extremely flexible and can be readily configured to operate either with a lean or a rich reaction (primary) zone. In most cases a rich primary zone and a lean secondary zone is used.
Results showing the emission signatures of a number of coal-water slurry fuels operating with the combustor arranged in a rich primary zone configuration have been presented in a previous paper (1). NOx emissions were obtained that meet EPA regulations for stationary gas turbines. Deposition on a rig simulation of a turbine nozzle guide vane has been measured. The deposition appears to be a strong function of coal type and ash composition.
Software for the Performance Evaluation of Combined Cycles
Authors: Levine Philip , Dougherty Edward , Dohner Clark 
Published: March 2015

This paper describes a software package developed under the auspices of the Electric Power Research Institute to monitor combined cycle power plant performance. By monitoring plant performance a usefull data base can be created. When trended and compared against a performance model this database can be used to schedule performance maintenance and repairs, and to evaluate the benefits of maintenance and/or upgrade options.
The software is named EMAP, an acronym for “Efficiency Maintenance Analysis Program”, and is available through EPRI.