bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Body Mass Index on Progression of IgA Nephropathy Among Japanese Patients
Authors: Shimamoto Mamiko , Ohsawa Isao , Suzuki Hiyori , Hisada Atsuko , Nagamachi Seiji , Honda Daisuke , Inoshita Hiroyuki , Shimizu Yoshio , Horikoshi Satoshi , Tomino Yasuhiko 
Published: August 2014

BackgroundThe impact of being overweight remains unclear in Asian populations that tend to be lean. The objective of this study is to clarify the impact of body mass index (BMI) and metabolic factors on the prognosis of Japanese patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN).MethodsA total of 193 patients with IgAN were divided into three groups equally according to BMI: Group L (lean group, BMI: 15.6–20.1 kg/m2), Group M (middle group, BMI: 20.2–23.0 kg/m2), and Group O (obesity group, BMI: 23.1–31.9 kg/m2). Clinical data at the time of renal biopsy and the progression of the patients after renal biopsy were analyzed.ResultsAt the time of renal biopsy, hypertension, dyslipidemia, hyperuricemia, and hypercomplementemia in Group O were more significant compared with those in Group L and/or Group M. Uric acid, triglyceride, C3, C4, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, serum creatinine, systolic blood pressure (BP), and diastolic BP were significantly correlated with BMI. In Group O, the remission of urinary protein over 5 years was significantly delayed using a log‐rank test. At the final observation, the BMI of each group was as similar as that at renal biopsy. The patients with aggressive therapy, such as steroid therapy and/or tonsillectomy in Group O did not have major side effects, except for a slight elevation of total cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol.ConclusionEven slightly high BMI seems to be a risk factor for progress in Japanese patients with IgAN.
In Vivo Evaluation of Chemical Composition of Eight Types of Urinary Calculi Using Spiral Computerized Tomography in a Chinese Population
Authors: Huo Jun , Liu Zhong‐Yuan , Wang Ke‐Feng , Xu Zhen‐Qun 
Published: August 2014

BackgroundThis study was conducted to evaluate the chemical composition of eight types of urinary calculi using spiral computerized tomography (CT) in vivo.MethodsFrom October 2011 to February 2013, upper urinary tract calculi were obtained from 122 patients in the department of urinary surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University. All patients were scanned with a 64‐detector row helical CT scanner using 6.50 mm collimation before ureterorenoscopy. Data from the preoperative spiral CT scans and postoperative chemical composition of urinary calculi were collected.ResultsThe chemical composition analysis indicates that there were five types of pure calculi and three types of mixed calculi, including 39 calcium oxalate calculi, 12 calcium phosphate calculi, 10 calcium carbonate calculi, 8 magnesium ammonium phosphate calculi, 6 carbonated apatite, 21 uric acid/ammonium urate calculi, 10 uric acid/calcium oxalate calculi, and 16 calcium oxalate/calcium phosphate calculi. There were significant differences in the mean CT values among the five types of pure calculi (P < 0.001). Furthermore, we also observed significant differences in the mean CT values among three types of mixed calculi (P < 0.001). Significant differences in the mean CT values were also found among eight types of urinary calculi (P < 0.001). However, no statistically significant difference was observed between the mean CT values of magnesium ammonium phosphate calculi and uric acid/calcium oxalate calculi (P = 0.262).ConclusionOur findings suggest that spiral CT could be a promising tool for determining the chemical composition of upper urinary tract calculi.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis Secreted Proteins As Potential Biomarkers for the Diagnosis of Active Tuberculosis and Latent Tuberculosis Infection
Authors: Zhang Caiqin , Song Xiaoqin , Zhao Yong , Zhang Hai , Zhao Shanmin , Mao Fengfeng , Bai Bing , Wu Shaoping , Shi Changhong 
Published: August 2014

BackgroundThe detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) specific human antibodies has been an important diagnostic aid in the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) cases with smear‐negative sputum samples, especially for the screening of high‐risk population. This study focused on the analysis and comparison of the four potential Mtb‐secreted proteins (ESAT6, CFP10, Ag85B, Hsp16.3) and the fusion protein Ag85B‐Hsp16.3 as new markers in the serodiagnosis between active TB and latent TB infection (LTBI).MethodsThese five recombinant proteins were produced and used in optimized ELISA to detect IgG serum antibodies against the four secreted proteins. The capacity of identifying infection was evaluated either in active TB patients or LTBI individuals, which was compared with the control groups consisting of hospitalized non‐TB individuals.ResultsThe results showed that Ag85B‐Hsp16.3/ESAT6 and Hsp16.3/ESAT6 were the best‐associated antigens for serology diagnosis of the active TB and LTBI individuals because of their specificity, sensitivity, YI values, and positive rates, respectively. ELISA test demonstrated that 41.67% (25/60) of blood donors respond to Ag85B‐Hsp16.3/ESAT6. The consistency of this positive respond with clinical diagnosis almost reached 84% (21/25).ConclusionThus, a combined test of multiple Mtb‐secreted proteins Ag85B, Hsp16.3, and ESAT6 may be the ascendant preliminary screening antigens for active TB or LTBI patients.
Enhanced RBC Aggregation in Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Authors: Li Qing , Li Li , Li Yong 
Published: August 2014

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the relationship between HbA1c and RBC aggregation in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients by analysis of data from routine clinical tests and from in vitro experiments.MethodsA total of 2,111 inpatients with type 2 diabetes were selected and among them, 364 patients (Group A) had limited influence of plasma proteins on erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and was compared with the rest of the 1,747 inpatients (Group B). ESR, HbA1c, WBC, CRP, Fbg, and HCT were measured in all samples. Sixty samples were also collected from T2DM patients and used for in vitro ESR studies. Spearman's correlation coefficients were employed to reflect the correlation between ESR and other parameters. Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare the study parameters.ResultsThe test results for Group A were lower than Group B with respect to ESR, age, HCT, HbA1c, CRP, WBC, and Fbg. Only the difference in HbA1c, CRP, and Fbg values had statistical significance (P < 0.05). In addition, HbA1c correlated better with ESR for Group A (R = 0.622) than Group B (R = 0.563), whereas CRP and Fbg were contrary to this. In the in vitro studies, the HbA1c values were classified into the subgroups of 6.5–8.0%, 8.1–10%, and >10%. The corresponding ESR values were 28 ± 5.1 mm/h, 33 ± 2.7 mm/h, and 40 ± 4.1 mm/h, respectively.ConclusionESR results of T2DM patients were elevated that was mainly caused by Fbg levels, and in addition HbA1c in part contributed to RBC aggregation.
Gamma Glutamyl Transferase Activity is Associated With Both Paraoxonase Activity and Aortic Stiffness in Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Gözükara Mehmet Yavuz , Börekçi Abdurrezzak , Gür Mustafa , Aksoy Nurten , Şeker Taner , Kaypaklı Onur , Uçar Hakan , Türkoğlu Caner , Koç Mevlüt , Makca İlyas , Akyol Selahattin , Selek Şahbettin , Çaylı Murat 
Published: August 2014

BackgroundWe aimed to investigate relationship between gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity with paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity and aortic stiffness (AS) parameters such as pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (AIx).MethodsMeasurements were obtained from 324 patients with newly diagnosed essential hypertension (mean age: 55.0 ± 8.2 years). The patients were divided into two groups according to their median GGT values. PWV and AIx were calculated using the single‐point method via the Mobil‐O‐Graph® ARCsolver algorithm.ResultsPWV, Aix, and high‐sensitive C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) values were higher and PON1 activity values were lower in GGThigh group compared with GGTlow group (P < 0.05, for all). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that GGT activity was independently associated with PWV (β = 0.496, P < 0.001) and PON1 activity (β = −0.343, P < 0.001) as well as hs‐CRP (β = 0.334, P < 0.001).ConclusionThese results may support that increased GGT activity would be associated with both impaired antioxidant system and increased AS in hypertensive patients.
Automated Competitive Protein‐Binding Assay for Total 25‐OH Vitamin D, Multicenter Evaluation and Practical Performance
Authors: Wielders Jos PM , Carter Graeme F. , Eberl Heike , Morris Gary , Jürgen Roth Heinz , Vogl Christian 
Published: August 2014

BackgroundThe Roche Elecsys Vitamin D Total competitive protein‐binding assay uses recombinant vitamin D binding protein for measuring 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25‐OHD), which is different from commonly used antibody assays.MethodsThe assay, standardized against LC‐MS/MS, was tested at four sites. Evaluation included precision; between‐laboratory variability; functional sensitivity; correlation to LC‐MS/MS, HPLC, and immunoassays; as well as robustness, traceability, and EQAS performance.ResultsPrecision testing showed within‐run coefficient of variations (CVs) of ≤7%, within‐laboratory CVs of <9.5%, between‐laboratory precision CVs of ≤10.1%, and a functional sensitivity below 9.8 nmol/l (at CV 12.9%). The assay showed equivalent 25‐OHD levels for matched serum and plasma samples, good reagent lot‐to‐lot consistency in pooled sera over time, and good agreement with HPLC (relative bias −8.8%). Comparison with LC‐MS/MS methods yielded relative biases of −15.4, −13.5, −10.2, and 3.2%. Comparison against immunoassays showed a relative bias of 14.5% (DiaSorin Liaison) and −58.2% (IDS‐iSYS). The overall mean results in 2 years DEQAS was 102% of the ALTM. In a certified reference patient panel, the average bias was <4% for the sum of 25‐OHD2 and 25‐OHD3.ConclusionThe Elecsys Vitamin D Total assay demonstrated good overall performance and is, according to present standards, very suitable for automated measurement of 25‐OHD.
Comparison of Chromogenic In Situ Hybridization and Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization for the Evaluation of MDM2 Amplification in Adipocytic Tumors
Authors: Mardekian Stacey K. , Solomides Charalambos C. , Gong Jerald Z. , Peiper Stephen C. , Wang Zi‐Xuan , Bajaj Renu 
Published: August 2014

BackgroundAtypical lipomatous tumor/well‐differentiated liposarcoma (ALT‐WDLPS) and dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLPS) are characterized cytogenetically by a 12q13–15 amplification involving the mouse double minute 2 (MDM2) oncogene. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is used frequently to detect this amplification and aid with the diagnosis of these entities, which is difficult by morphology alone. Recently, bright‐field in situ hybridization techniques such as chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) have been introduced for the determination of MDM2 amplification status.MethodsThe present study compared the results of FISH and CISH for detecting MDM2 amplification in 41 cases of adipocytic tumors. Amplification was defined in both techniques as a MDM2/CEN12 ratio of 2 or greater.ResultsEleven cases showed amplification with both FISH and CISH, and 26 cases showed no amplification with both methods. Two cases had discordant results between CISH and FISH, and two cases were not interpretable by CISH.ConclusionCISH is advantageous for allowing pathologists to evaluate the histologic and molecular alterations occurring simultaneously in a specimen. Moreover, CISH is found to be more cost‐ and time‐efficient when used with automation, and the signals do not quench over time. CISH technique is a reliable alternative to FISH in the evaluation of adipocytic tumors for MDM2 amplification.
Cerebral blood flow measurements in infants using look–locker arterial spin labeling
Authors: Varela Marta , Petersen Esben T. , Golay Xavier , Hajnal Joseph V. 
Published: August 2014

PurposeTo measure cerebral blood flow (CBF) using Look–Locker arterial spin labeling (ASL) in children under 1 year of age and to investigate the advantages of using subject‐specific estimates of ASL model parameters in this population.Materials and MethodsOf 12 scanned infants, we successfully acquired CBF maps in 7 (postmenstrual age: 32 to 78 weeks) using a Look–Locker ASL scheme and both adult literature‐derived and subject‐specific model parameters. ASL global CBF measurements were compared with independent global CBF measurements obtained in the same scanning session using phase‐contrast angiography.ResultsMeasured global CBF values ranged from 24 to 56 mL/100g/min in the scanned infants, increasing significantly with postmenstrual age (ρSpearman = 0.89, P‐value = 0.01). Using subject‐specific model parameters yielded CBF estimates in significantly better agreement with phase‐contrast angiography values (P‐value: 0.80) than when standard adult parameters were used (P‐value: 0.04).ConclusionLook–Locker ASL can be used to measure CBF in infants and its accuracy is improved with the use of infant‐specific auxiliary parameters, particularly blood and tissue T1, which were much more variable in the imaged infants in than adults. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;41:1591–1600. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Well‐Defined Glycopolymers via RAFT Polymerization: Stabilization of Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Álvarez‐Paino Marta , Bordegé Vanesa , Cuervo‐Rodríguez Rocío , Muñoz‐Bonilla Alexandra , Fernández‐García Marta 
Published: August 2014

Well‐defined glycopolymers of poly(2‐{[(d‐glucosamin‐2‐N‐yl)carbonyl]oxy}ethyl meth(acry­late)) (PHEMAGl and PHEAGl, respectively) are first synthesized by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization in green solvents such as water and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The biomolecular recognition of the synthesized glycopolymers bearing glucose residues toward Concanavalin A lectin is confirmed by turbidimetric assays. Subsequently, HEMAGl glycopolymer is mixed with gold nanoparticles in the presence of sodium borohydride, which reduces the terminal groups to thiol and yields the preparation of synthetic carbohydrate polymer‐stabilized gold nanoparticles showing enhanced colloidal stability. The resulting glyco‐nanoparticles are characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and field‐emission electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), whereas the molecular recognition abilities are investigated using UV–vis spectroscopy by analyzing the shift in the plasmon band as a consequence of the aggregation variation with the addition of Concanavalin A.
image
Associations between Salivary Testosterone Levels, Androgen-Related Genetic Polymorphisms, and Self-Estimated Ejaculation Latency Time
Authors: Jern P. , Westberg L. , Ankarberg-Lindgren C. , Johansson A. , Gunst A. , Sandnabba N. K. , Santtila P. 
Published: August 2014

Abstract

Introduction
Recently, testosterone (T) has been shown to be associated with premature ejaculation (PE) symptoms in the literature. Furthermore, studies suggest that the etiology of PE is partly under genetic control.

Aim
The aim of this study was to reassess findings suggesting an association between testosterone (T) and a key symptom of PE, ejaculation latency time (ELT), as well as exploratively investigating associations between six androgen-related genetic polymorphisms and ELT.

Materials and Methods
Statistical analyses were performed on a population-based sample of 1,429 Finnish men aged 18–45 years (M = 26.9, SD = 4.7). Genotype information was available for 1,345–1,429 of these (depending on the polymorphism), and salivary T samples were available from 384 men. Two androgen receptor gene-linked, two 5-alpha-reductase type 2-gene-linked, and two sex hormone-binding globuline gene-linked polymorphisms were genotyped.

Main Outcome Measures
Ejaculatory function was assessed using self-reported ELT.

Results
We found no association between salivary T levels and ELT. We found a nominally significant association between a 5-alpha-reductase type 2-gene-linked polymorphism (rs2208532) and ELT, but this association did not remain significant after correction for multiple testing. One single nucleotide polymorphism in the sex hormone-binding globulin gene (rs1799941) moderated (significantly after correction for multiple testing) the association between salivary T and ELT, so that A:A genotype carriers had significantly lower salivary T levels as a function of increasing ELT compared with other genotype groups.

Conclusions
We were unable to find support for the hypothesis suggesting an association between T levels and ELT, possibly because of the low number of phenotypically extreme cases (the sample used in the present study was population based). Our results concerning genetic associations should be interpreted with caution until replication studies have been conducted.
CLP1 as a novel player in linking tRNA splicing to neurodegenerative disorders
Authors: Weitzer Stefan , Hanada Toshikatsu , Penninger Josef M. , Martinez Javier 
Published: August 2014

AbstractDefects in RNA metabolic pathways are well‐established causes for neurodegenerative disorders. Several mutations in genes involved in pre‐messenger RNA (pre‐mRNA) and tRNA metabolism, RNA stability and protein translation have been linked to motor neuron diseases. Our study on a mouse carrying a catalytically inactive version of the RNA kinase CLP1, a component of the tRNA splicing endonuclease complex, revealed a neurological disorder characterized by progressive loss of lower spinal motor neurons. Surprisingly, mutant mice accumulate a novel class of tRNA‐derived fragments. In addition, patients with homozygous missense mutations in CLP1 (R140H) were recently identified who suffer from severe motor‐sensory defects, cortical dysgenesis and microcephaly, and exhibit alterations in transfer RNA (tRNA) splicing. Here, we review functions of CLP1 in different RNA pathways and provide hypotheses on the role of the tRNA splicing machinery in the generation of tRNA fragments and the molecular links to neurodegenerative disorders. We further immerse the biology of tRNA splicing into topics of (t)RNA metabolism and oxidative stress, putting forward the idea that defects in tRNA processing leading to tRNA fragment accumulation might trigger the development of neurodegenerative diseases. WIREs RNA 2015, 6:47–63. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1255This article is categorized under:

RNA Processing > 3' End Processing
RNA Processing > tRNA Processing
RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
Progress in developments of dry coal beneficiation
Authors: Zhao Yuemin , Yang Xuliang , Luo Zhenfu , Duan Chenlong , Song Shulei 
Published: August 2014

AbstractChina’s energy supply heavily relies on coal and China’s coal resource and water resource has a reverse distribution. The problem of water shortages restricts the applications of wet coal beneficiation technologies in drought regions. The present situation highlights the significance and urgency of developing dry beneficiation technologies of coal. Besides, other countries that produce large amounts of coal also encounter serious problem of lack of water for coal beneficiation, such as American, Australia, Canada, South Africa, Turkey and India. Thus, dry coal beneficiation becomes the research hot-points in the field of coal cleaning worldwide in recent years. This paper systematically reviewed the promising research efforts on dry coal beneficiation reported in literature in last 5 years and discussed the progress in developments of dry coal beneficiation worldwide. Finally, we also elaborated the prospects and the challenges of the development of dry coal beneficiation.
Serum amyloid A-related inflammation is lowered by increased fruit and vegetable intake, while high-sensitive C-reactive protein, IL-6 and E-selectin remain unresponsive
Authors: Nadeem Nida , Woodside Jayne V. , Neville Charlotte E. , McCall Damian O. , McCance David , Edgar David , Young Ian S. , McEneny Jane 
Published: August 2014

The present study assessed whether increased fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake reduced the concentrations of the inflammatory marker serum amyloid A (SAA) in serum, HDL2and HDL3and whether the latter reduction influenced any of the functional properties of these HDL subfractions. The present study utilised samples from two previous studies: (1) the FAVRIT (Fruit and Vegetable Randomised Intervention Trial) study – hypertensive subjects (systolic blood pressure (BP) range 140–190 mmHg; diastolic BP range 90–110 mmHg) were randomised to receive a 1-, 3- or 6-portion F&V/d intervention for 8 weeks, and (2) the ADIT (Ageing and Dietary Intervention Trial) study – older subjects (65–85 years) were randomised to receive a 2- or 5-portion F&V/d intervention for 16 weeks. HDL2and HDL3were isolated by rapid ultracentrifugation. Measurements included the following: serum high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) by an immunoturbidimetric assay; serum IL-6 and E-selectin and serum-, HDL2- and HDL3-SAA by ELISA procedures; serum-, HDL2- and HDL3-cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) activity by a fluorometric assay. Although the concentrations of hsCRP, IL-6 and E-selectin were unaffected by increasing F&V intake in both studies (P>0·05 for all comparisons), those of SAA in HDL3decreased in the FAVRIT cohort (P= 0·049) and those in HDL2and HDL3decreased in the ADIT cohort (P= 0·035 and 0·032), which was accompanied by a decrease in the activity of CETP in HDL3in the FAVRIT cohort (P= 0·010) and in HDL2in the ADIT cohort (P= 0·030). These results indicate that SAA responds to increased F&V intake, while other inflammatory markers remain unresponsive, and this leads to changes in HDL2and HDL3, which may influence their antiatherogenic potential. Overall, the present study provides tangible evidence of the effectiveness of increased F&V intake, which may be of use to health policy makers and the general public.
Space Before God? A Problem in Newton's Metaphysics
Authors: Connolly Patrick J. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractMy goal in this paper is to elucidate a problematic feature of Newton's metaphysics of absolute space. Specifically, I argue that Newton's theory has the untenable consequence that God depends on space for His existence and is therefore not an independent entity. I argue for this conclusion in stages. First, I show that Newton believed that space was an entity and that God and space were ontologically distinct entities. Part of this involves arguing that Newton denies that space is a divine attribute. I then show that Newton endorsed a principle according to which the existence of space is a necessary condition for the existence of any other entity. Following this, I discuss the ways in which this makes God depend on space for His existence and the reasons why this is unacceptable for traditional conceptions of God. Specifically, I show that it is incompatible with the orthodox position that God be entirely independent and self-determining. Finally, I offer two considerations which, I hope, make the problem seem less serious than it first appears. The first consideration has to do with Newton's polemical context and the second has to do with the nature of his theological thought.