bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Production and extraction of sugars from switchgrass hydrolyzed in ionic liquids
Authors: Sun Ning , Liu Hanbin , Sathitsuksanoh Noppadon , Stavila Vitalie , Sawant Manali , Bonito Anaise , Tran Kim , George Anthe , Sale Kenneth L , Singh Seema , Simmons Blake A , Holmes Bradley M 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
The use of Ionic liquids (ILs) as biomass solvents is considered to be an attractive alternative for the pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass. Acid catalysts have been used previously to hydrolyze polysaccharides into fermentable sugars during IL pretreatment. This could potentially provide a means of liberating fermentable sugars from biomass without the use of costly enzymes. However, the separation of the sugars from the aqueous IL and recovery of IL is challenging and imperative to make this process viable.

Results
Aqueous alkaline solutions are used to induce the formation of a biphasic system to recover sugars produced from the acid catalyzed hydrolysis of switchgrass in imidazolium-based ILs. The amount of sugar produced from this process was proportional to the extent of biomass solubilized. Pretreatment at high temperatures (e.g., 160°C, 1.5 h) was more effective in producing glucose. Sugar extraction into the alkali phase was dependent on both the amount of sugar produced by acidolysis and the alkali concentration in the aqueous extractant phase. Maximum yields of 53% glucose and 88% xylose are recovered in the alkali phase, based on the amounts present in the initial biomass. The partition coefficients of glucose and xylose between the IL and alkali phases can be accurately predicted using molecular dynamics simulations.

Conclusions
This biphasic system may enable the facile recycling of IL and rapid recovery of the sugars, and provides an alternative route to the production of monomeric sugars from biomass that eliminates the need for enzymatic saccharification and also reduces the amount of water required.
Knowledge and utilization of computer among health workers in Addis Ababa hospitals, Ethiopia: computer literacy in the health sector
Authors: Mohammed Ebrahim , Andargie Gashaw , Meseret Solomon , Girma Eshetu 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Incorporation of information technology advancements in healthcare has gained wide acceptance in the last two decades. Developed countries have successfully incorporated information technology advancements in their healthcare system thus, improving healthcare. However, only a limited application of information technology advancements is seen in developing countries in their healthcare system. Hence, this study was aimed at assessing knowledge and utilization of computer among health workers in Addis Ababa hospitals.

Methods
A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 304 health workers who were selected using stratified sampling technique from all governmental hospitals in Addis Ababa. Data was collected from April 15 to April 30, 2010 using a structured, self-administered, and pre-tested questionnaire from five government hospitals in Addis Ababa. The data was entered into Epi Info version 3.5.1 and exported to SPSS version 16. Analysis was done using multinomial logistic regression technique.

Results
A total of 270 participants, age ranging from 21 to 60 years responded to the survey (88.8% response rate). A total of 91 (33.7%) respondents had an adequate knowledge of computers while 108 (40.0%) had fair knowledge and 71(26.3%) of the respondents showed inadequate knowledge. A total of 38(14.1%) were adequately utilizing computers, 14(5.2%) demonstrated average or fair utilization and majority of the respondents 218(80.7%) inadequately utilized computers. Significant predictor variables were average monthly income, job satisfaction index and own computer possession.

Conclusions
Computer knowledge and utilization habit of health workers were found to be very low. Increasing accessibility to computers and delivering training on the use of computers for workers will increases the knowledge and utilization of computers. This will facilitate the rate of diffusion of the technology to the health sector. Hence, programs targeted at enhancing knowledge and skill of computer use and increasing access to computer should be designed. The association between computer knowledge/skill and health care delivery competence should be studied.
Affinity-based target deconvolution of safranal
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Hossein , Mehri Soghra , Abolhassani Mohammad Mahdi , Ramezani Mohammad , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Abnous Khalil 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackground and the purpose of the studyAffinity-based target deconvolution is an emerging method for the identification of interactions between drugs/drug candidates and cellular proteins, and helps to predict potential activities and side effects of a given compound. In the present study, we hypothesized that a part of safranal pharmacological effects, one of the major constituent ofCrocus sativusL., relies on its physical interaction with target proteins.MethodsAffinity chromatography solid support was prepared by covalent attachment of safranal to agarose beads. After passing tissue lysate through the column, safranal-bound proteins were isolated and separated on SDS-PAGE or two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Proteins were identified using MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry and Mascot software.Results and major conclusionData showed that safranal physically binds to beta actin, cytochrome b-c1 complex sub-unit 1, trifunctional enzyme sub-unit beta and ATP synthase sub-unit alpha and beta. These interactions may explain part of safranal’s pharmacological effects. However, phenotypic and/or biological relevance of these interactions remains to be elucidated by future pharmacological studies.
Effect of IMOD™ on the inflammatory process after acute ischemic stroke: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Farhoudi Mehdi , Najafi-Nesheli Mahdi , Hashemilar Mazyar , Mahmoodpoor Ata , Sharifipour Ehsan , Baradaran Behzad , Taheraghdam Aliakbar , Savadi-Oskouei Daryoush , Sadeghi-Bazargani Homayoun , Sadeghi-hokmabadi Elyar , Akbari Hosein , Rikhtegar Reza 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackground and purpose of the studyConsidering the role of inflammation in acute cerebrovascular accidents, anti-inflammatory treatment has been considered as an option in cerebrovascular diseases. Regarding the properties of Setarud (IMOD™) in immune regulation, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of this medication in treating patients with acute ischemic stroke.MethodsIn this randomized clinical trial, 99 patients with their first ever acute ischemic stroke were divided into two groups of IMOD™ (n = 49) and control (n = 50). The control group underwent routine treatment and the intervention group underwent routine treatment plus daily intermittent infusion of IMOD™ (250mg on the first day and then 375mg into DW5% serum during a 30-minute period for 7 days). The serum levels of inflammatory markers were evaluated on the first day (baseline) and on 4th and 7th days. Data were analyzed and the results were compared.Results and major conclusion58 males (58.6%) and 41 females (41.4%) with a mean age of 67.00 ± 8.82 years, who had their first ever stroke attack, were enrolled in this trial. Treatment with IMOD™ showed a decreasing trend in IL-6 levels compared to the control group (p = 0.04). In addition, the treatment resulted in the control of increasing serum levels of hsCRP after 7 days compared to the control group (p = 0.02). There was an insignificant decrease in TNF-α and IL-1 levels in the IMOD™ group. Considering the prominent role of inflammation after an ischemic cerebral damage, it appears that treatment with IMOD™ improves the inflammatory profile. Therefore, IMOD™ (Setarud) might be considered as a therapeutic option in the acute ischemic stroke. However, future studies are necessary on its long-term results and clinical efficacy.
What to do with chronically sick animals? Pastoralists’ management strategies in the far north region of Cameroon
Authors: Healy Profitós Jessica M , Moritz Mark , Garabed Rebecca B 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
While the goal of African pastoralists is health and longevity of herd and household, some of their management strategies appear to counter this long-term goal. Pastoralists in the far north region of Cameroon, for example, do not always remove chronically sick animals from their herds, even though chronic diseases, such as brucellosis, are contagious and have the potential to cause fertility problems in the herd. We used ethnographic and epidemiologic methods to understand why pastoralists do not remove chronically sick animals and whether their management strategies have an impact on herd fertility. We used semi-structured interviews to collect data on pastoralists' understandings of disease and its impacts on fertility as well as data on herd management. We compared these data with disease prevalence and herd fertility data to measure the effect of management strategies on herd fertility. We found that the percentage of chronically sick animals in a herd negatively correlated with herd fertility, but this was not true for the prevalence of brucellosis. Thus, preliminary examination of disease costs and benefits suggests that herders' decisions to keep sick animals in their herds may lower herd fertility, but this is not due to brucellosis alone. The results of this study underline the complexity of infectious disease ecology in pastoral systems and the need for holistic and comprehensive studies of the ecology of infectious diseases in pastoral systems.
A case of bilateral pleural effusion as the first sign of multiple myeloma
Authors: Xu Xuan-li , Shen Yi-hong , Shen Qian , Zhou Jian-ying 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a type of hematological malignancy that can affect all types of tissues in human. However, it is extremely rare that pleural effusion presents as the first sign in MM patients. A 54-year-old male patient attended our department of respiratory medicine complaining of shortness of breath for the past 3 months. A chest computer tomography (CT) radiograph revealed a bilateral pleural effusion, which was further assessed as exudative type. Sinus spiral CT scan demonstrated diffuse bone destruction of craniofacial bone. A broad reduction of the lumbar bone signal was confirmed by MRI. Furthermore, pleural biopsy showed abnormal proliferation of plasmocytes whereas bone marrow biopsy showed active hyperplasia of plasmacytoid cells. Interestingly, Bence-Jones protein in urine and serum protein electrophoresis was negative. The patient was diagnosed as non-secretory MM. He then underwent chemotherapy with vincristine, adriamycin and dexamethasone. Partial regression of the pleural effusion was achieved after two rounds of chemotherapy, and the patient has been followed for more than one year.
The impact of weight loss among seniors on Medicare spending
Authors: Thorpe Kenneth E , Yang Zhou , Long Kathleen M , Garvey W Timothy 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Objective
To examine the impact of temporary and permanent weight loss of 10% and 15% on 10-year and lifetime Medicare spending among adults with overweight and obesity aged 65 years and older. Weight loss of this magnitude is consistent with next generation anti-obesity medications recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

Methods
We follow the approach of a longitudinal dynamic aging process model developed by our research team. This model considers the dynamic relationships between weight, chronic disease, acute medical events, functional status, mortality, health care utilization and spending among Medicare beneficiaries from age 65 until death. Using this model, we estimate baseline Medicare spending over the next decade and then over the lifetime of seniors with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 27 with at least one weight-related comorbidity (overweight), and seniors with obesity having a BMI ≥ 30 and ≥ 35. We then estimate Medicare spending for this population between ages 65 and 70 over the course of a year, assuming 10% and 15% weight loss under alternative scenarios: with and without weight regain. (Weight regain is assumed to be 90% over a 10-year period.) The difference in spending between baseline (no weight-loss intervention) and the alternative scenarios represent potential gross savings to the Medicare program.

Results
Permanent weight loss of 10 to 15% will yield $9,445 to $15,987 in gross per capita savings throughout their lifetime, and $8,070 to $13,474 over ten years. Similarly, initial weight loss of 10 to 15% followed by 90% weight regain will result in gross per capita savings of $7,556 to $11,109 over their lifetime, and $6,456 to $8,911 over ten years. Targeting weight loss medications to adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30) produces greater savings to the Medicare program.

Conclusion
Medicare can realize significant cost savings through anti-obesity medications that produce substantial weight loss, and as a result, reduce the progression to type 2 diabetes, and improve blood pressure and glycemic indicators in hypertensive and diabetic patients, respectively. Medications are currently excluded from coverage in the Medicare program, however, in light of potential savings and health benefits, may warrant consideration.
Mechanisms that link the oncogenic epithelial–mesenchymal transition to suppression of anoikis
Authors: Frisch Steven M. , Schaller Michael , Cieply Benjamin 
Published: March 2013

Summary
The oncogenic epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) contributes to tumor progression in various context-dependent ways, including increased metastatic potential, expansion of cancer stem cell subpopulations, chemo-resistance and disease recurrence. One of the hallmarks of EMT is resistance of tumor cells to anoikis. This resistance contributes to metastasis and is a defining property not only of EMT but also of cancer stem cells. Here, we review the mechanistic coupling between EMT and resistance to anoikis. The discussion focuses on several key aspects. First, we provide an update on new pathways that lead from the loss of E-cadherin to anoikis resistance. We then discuss the relevance of transcription factors that are crucial in wound healing in the context of oncogenic EMT. Next, we explore the consequences of the breakdown of cell-polarity complexes upon anoikis sensitivity, through the Hippo, Wnt and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) pathways, emphasizing points of crossregulation. Finally, we summarize the direct regulation of cell survival genes through EMT-inducing transcription factors, and the roles of the tyrosine kinases focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and TrkB neurotrophin receptor in EMT-related regulation of anoikis. Emerging from these studies are unifying principles that will lead to improvements in cancer therapy by reprogramming sensitivity of anoikis.
Statistically-Based Tolerances of Steel Frame Columns Out-Of-Plumbs
Authors: Machowski Andrzej , Żwirek Pawel 
Published: March 2013

Statistically based mathematical model of post-erectional columns out-of-plumb was taken as the basis for the formulation of rational criteria for control of skeletons of steel halls. The results of statistical analysis of a set of post-erectional measurements of out-of-plumb columns of 33 halls steel skeletons – with different: geometry, structure and destination were used. Current and selected previous recommendations by standards of out-of-plumb tolerance of columns halls were subjected to critical analysis. The results obtained were compared with the results of the earlier analysis of the standard recommendations of the steel columns of multistory building frames.
Gender medicine: a task for the third millennium
Authors: Baggio Giovannella , Corsini Alberto , Floreani Annarosa , Giannini Sandro , Zagonel Vittorina 
Published: March 2013

AbstractGender-specific medicine is the study of how diseases differ between men and women in terms of prevention, clinical signs, therapeutic approach, prognosis, psychological and social impact. It is a neglected dimension of medicine. In this review we like to point out some major issues in five enormous fields of medicine: cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), pharmacology, oncology, liver diseases and osteoporosis.CVDshave been studied in the last decades mainly in men, but they are the first cause of mortality and disability in women. Risk factors for CVD have different impacts in men and women; clinical manifestations of CVD and the influence of drugs on CVD have lot of gender differences. Sex-related differences inpharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamicsare also emerging. These differences have obvious relevance to the efficacy and side effect profiles of various medications in the two sexes. This evidence should be considered for drug development as well as before starting any therapy. Gender disparity incancerincidence, aggressiveness and prognosis has been observed for a variety of cancers and, even if partially known, is underestimated in clinical practice for the treatment of the major types of cancer. It is necessary to systematize and encode all the known data for each type of tumor on gender differences, to identify where this variable has to be considered for the purposes of the prognosis, the choice of treatment and possible toxicity. Clinical data suggest that men and women exhibit differences regarding the epidemiology and the progression of certainliver diseases, i.e., autoimmune conditions, genetic hemochromatosis, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and chronic hepatitis C. Numerous hypotheses have been formulated to justify this sex imbalance including sex hormones, reproductive and genetic factors. Nevertheless, none of these hypothesis has thus far gathered enough convincing evidence and in most cases the evidence is conflicting.Osteoporosisis an important public health problem both in women and men. On the whole, far more epidemiologic, diagnostic and therapeutic studies have been carried out in women than in men. In clinical practice, if this disease remains underestimated in women, patients’ and physicians’ awareness is even lower for male osteoporosis, for which diagnostic and therapeutic strategies are at present less defined.In conclusion this review emphasizes the urgency of basic science and clinical research to increase our understanding of the gender differences of diseases.
A fixed point theorem for Lie groups acting on buildings and applications to Kac–Moody theory
Authors: Marquis Timothée 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
We establish a fixed point property for a certain class of locally compact groups, including almost connected Lie groups and compact groups of finite abelian width, which act by simplicial isometries on finite rank buildings with measurable stabilisers of points. As an application, we deduce amongst other things that all topological one-parameter subgroups of a real or complex Kac–Moody group are obtained by exponentiating ad-locally finite elements of the corresponding Lie algebra.
Biorefinery in a pulp mill: simultaneous production of cellulosic fibers from Eucalyptus globulus by soda-anthraquinone cooking and surface-active agents
Authors: Sanglard Marion , Chirat Christine , Jarman Bevan , Lachenal Dominique 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Industrial Eucalyptus globulus wood chips were submitted to different autohydrolysis conditions followed by kraft cooking and soda-anthraquinone cooking. The autohydrolyzed wood chips were much easier to delignify than the control wood chips. Soda-anthraquinone cooking could be performed at a cooking temperature that was 20°C lower than that for the kraft cooking on control wood chips. Furthermore, the active alkali could be reduced. The resulting unbleached pulps reacted as well to oxygen delignification as the control pulps and could be further bleached to 90% ISO brightness with a D(EP)D sequence. The autohydrolysis liquors were investigated for their suitability as a source for the synthesis of alkylpolyxylosides (APX). These surface-active agents are synthesized through the reaction between the saccharides of the autohydrolysates and a fatty alcohol, with the former being the hydrophilic and the latter being the hydrophobic part of the molecule. The impact of the substances detected in autohydrolysates on the APX synthesis was studied. It was demonstrated that lignin dissolved during autohydrolysis should at least partially be removed before the production of APX.
Associations between thyroid hormone levels and regional fat accumulation in euthyroid men
Authors: Moon Min Kyong , Hong Eun Shil , Lim Jung Ah , Cho Sun Wook , Soo Lim , Choi Sung Hee , Yi Ka Hee , Park Do Joon , Park Young Joo , Jang Hak Chul 
Published: March 2013

ObjectiveBody adiposity, especially ectopic fat accumulation, has a range of metabolic and cardiovascular effects. This study aimed to investigate whether thyroid function is associated with various regional fat quantities in euthyroid subjects.MethodsA total of 100 euthyroid men (free triiodothyronine (fT3), 4.77±1.21 pg/ml; free thyroxine (fT4), 1.38±0.21 ng/dl; and TSH, 2.09±0.91 μIU/ml) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. We measured accumulated regional fat using 64-slice multi-detector computed tomography. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine whether accumulated fat in each region was associated with clinical parameters after adjusting for age.ResultsFT3 was inversely correlated with BMI (r=−0.232, P=0.029) and LDL cholesterol level (r=−0.277, P=0.019). FT4 was inversely correlated with waist circumference (r=−0.350, P=0.008) and BMI (r=−0.355, P<0.001). In multiple linear regression analysis, fT3 and fT4 levels were significantly associated with pericardial fat volume (fT3: B=−0.079, 95% CI −0.142 to −0.017, P=0.013; fT4: B=−0.411, 95% CI −0.780 to −0.042, P=0.030) in euthyroid men, independent of age. FT3 level was inversely associated with intramuscular fat area (B=−0.059, 95% CI −0.106 to −0.011, P=0.016) and hepatic fat quantity (B=−0.237, 95% CI −0.441 to −0.033, P=0.024) in euthyroid men, independent of age.ConclusionsIn euthyroid men, low levels of fT3 and fT4 were significantly associated with increased pericardial fat volume and BMI.