bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hepatic arterial phase and portal venous phase computed tomography for dose calculation of stereotactic body radiation therapy plans in liver cancer: a dosimetric comparison study
Authors: Xiao Jianghong , Li Yan , Jiang Qingfeng , Sun Lan , Henderson Jr Fraser , Wang Yongsheng , Jiang Xiaoqin , Li Guangjun , Chen Nianyong 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Purpose
To investigate the effect of computed tomography (CT) using hepatic arterial phase (HAP) and portal venous phase (PVP) contrast on dose calculation of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for liver cancer.

Methods
Twenty-one patients with liver cancer were studied. HAP, PVP and non-enhanced CTs were performed on subjects scanned in identical positions under active breathing control (ABC). SBRT plans were generated using seven-field three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (7 F-3D-CRT), seven-field intensity-modulated radiotherapy (7 F-IMRT) and single-arc volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) based on the PVP CT. Plans were copied to the HAP and non-enhanced CTs. Radiation doses calculated from the three phases of CTs were compared with respect to the planning target volume (PTV) and the organs at risk (OAR) using the Friedman test and the Wilcoxon signed ranks test.

Results
SBRT plans calculated from either PVP or HAP CT, including 3D-CRT, IMRT and VMAT plans, demonstrated significantly lower (p <0.05) minimum absorbed doses covering 98%, 95%, 50% and 2% of PTV (D98%, D95%, D50% and D2%) than those calculated from non-enhanced CT. The mean differences between PVP or HAP CT and non-enhanced CT were less than 2% and 1% respectively. All mean dose differences between the three phases of CTs for OARs were less than 2%.

Conclusions
Our data indicate that though the differences in dose calculation between contrast phases are not clinically relevant, dose underestimation (IE, delivery of higher-than-intended doses) resulting from CT using PVP contrast is larger than that resulting from CT using HAP contrast when compared against doses based upon non-contrast CT in SBRT treatment of liver cancer using VMAT, IMRT or 3D-CRT.
Risk factors for endotracheal re-intubation following coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: Jian Liu , Sheng Shi , Min Yu , Zhongxiang Yuan 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Endotracheal re-intubation following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is often associated with significant morbidity and mortality. However, few reports have focused on the independent risk factors for re-intubation following CABG. This study aimed to evaluate the independent risk factors for re-intubation following CABG.

Methods
The pre-, intra-, and post-operative materials in patients who had selective and isolated CABG performed on them from January 2004 to July 2012 in our hospital were analyzed retrospectively. Unvariate analysis and logistic regression were used to analyze the risk factor of postoperative re-intubation following CABG.

Results
Among the 1,244 patients investigated, 97 cases suffered from postoperative re-intubation, and the incidence rate of postoperative re-intubation was 7.8%. The in-hospital mortality in the re-intubation group was significantly higher than that in the non-re-intubation group (9.3% versus 1.4%, P = 0.004). Re-intubation also correlated with many negative outcomes such as pneumonia, tracheotomy, acute renal failure, infection of incision, prolonged mechanical ventilation time, prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay and prolonged hospital stay. The most commonly cause of re-intubation after CABG was hypoxemia due to cardiogenic and noncardiogenic disease, which accounted for 72.2%. The relative factors of postoperative re-intubation were tested through unvariate analysis and logistic regression, and the associated factors were obtained. The associated factors for re-intubation following CABG included preoperative chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (OR = 2.134, 95% CI = 1.472-2.967), preoperative congestive heart failure (CHF) (OR = 2.325, 95% CI = 1.512-3.121), postoperative relative hypoxemia (OR = 2.743, 95% CI = 1.657-3.326), postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) (OR = 2.976, 95% CI = 2.127-4.023), postoperative total mechanical ventilation time (OR = 1.976, 95% CI = 1.347-2.645).

Conclusion
Preoperative COPD, preoperative CHF, postoperative relative hypoxemia, postoperative AKI and postoperative total mechanical ventilation time were five independent risk factors for re-intubation following CABG.
Tween 40 pretreatment of unwashed water-insoluble solids of reed straw and corn stover pretreated with liquid hot water to obtain high concentrations of bioethanol
Authors: Lu Jie , Li Xuezhi , Yang Ruifeng , Zhao Jian , Qu Yinbo 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Liquid hot water (LHW) pretreatment is an effective and environmentally friendly method to produce bioethanol with lignocellulosic materials. In our previous study, high ethanol concentration and ethanol yield were obtained from water-insoluble solids (WIS) of reed straw and corn stover pretreated with LHW by using fed-batch semi-simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (S-SSF). However, high cellulase loading and the large amount of wash water possibly limit the practical application of LHW pretreatment. To decrease cellulase loading and the amount of wash water, we performed Tween 40 pretreatment before WIS was subjected to bioethanol fermentation.

Results
Results showed that the optimum conditions of Tween 40 pretreatment were as follows: Tween 40 concentration of 1.5%, WIS-to-Tween 40 ratio of 1:10 (w/v), and pretreatment time of 1 hour at ambient temperature. After Tween 40 pretreatment, cellulase loading could be greatly reduced. After Tween 40 pretreatment, the residual liquid could be recycled for utilization but slightly affected ethanol concentration and yield. The unwashed WIS could obtain a high ethanol concentration of 56.28 g/L (reed straw) and 52.26 g/L (corn stover) by Tween 40 pretreatment using fed-batch S-SSF. Ethanol yield reached a maximum of 69.1% (reed straw) and 71.1% (corn stover).

Conclusions
Tween 40 pretreatment was a very effective and less costly method with unwashed WIS. This pretreatment could greatly reduce cellulase loading and save wash water. Higher ethanol concentration was obtained almost without reducing ethanol yield.
Intestinal parasitosis in school children of Lalitpur district of Nepal
Authors: Tandukar Sarmila , Ansari Shamshul , Adhikari Nabaraj , Shrestha Anisha , Gautam Jyotshana , Sharma Binita , Rajbhandari Deepak , Gautam Shikshya , Nepal Hari Prasad , Sherchand Jeevan B 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Enteric parasites are the most common cause of parasitic diseases and cause significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in developing countries like Nepal. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections among school going children of Lalitpur district of Nepal.

Methods
A total of 1392 stool samples were collected from school children of two government, two private and two community schools of the same district. The stool samples were examined for evidence of parasitic infections by direct microscopy and confirmed by concentration methods (formal ether sedimentation technique or floatation technique by using Sheather’s sugar solution). Modified Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining was performed for the detection of coccidian parasites.

Results
Prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was found to be 16.7%. The highest prevalence rate was seen with Giardia lamblia (7.4%) followed by Entamoeba histolytica (3.4%) and Cyclospora cayetanensis (1.6%). Children aged 11–15 years and the ones belonging to family of agriculture workers were most commonly affected. Hand washing practice and type of drinking water also showed significant difference.

Conclusions
The burden of parasitic infections among the school children, coupled with the poor sanitary conditions in the schools, should be regarded as an issue of public health priority and demands for effective school health programs involving periodic health education and screening.
Immunoglobulin A nephropathy with massive paramesangial deposits caused by anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy for metastatic rectal cancer: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Yahata Mayumi , Nakaya Izaya , Sakuma Tsutomu , Sato Hiroshi , Aoki Shigehisa , Soma Jun 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Bevacizumab, a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody for vascular endothelial growth factor, has been widely used in various cancers offering substantial clinical benefit. It is reportedly associated with development of high-grade proteinuria and nephrotic syndrome with the histology of thrombotic microangiopathy, but there has been no report describing the development of immunoglobulin A nephropathy in bevacizumab-treated patients.

Case presentation
A 68-year-old man with metastatic rectal cancer was treated with bevacizumab. He presented with hematuria and proteinuria 15 and 17 months, respectively, after bevacizumab initiation. Bevacizumab was stopped at 17 months. Renal biopsy at 19 months revealed immunoglobulin A nephropathy, with numerous paramesangial hemispherical deposits and thrombotic microangiopathy. Electron microscopy showed numerous paramesangial electron-dense deposits of various sizes, and subendothelial injuries. Proteinuria almost completely resolved 8 months after bevacizumab cessation, although hematuria persisted. Follow-up renal biopsy 11 months after bevacizumab cessation showed a marked decrease in mesangial immunoglobulin A deposits and paramesangial electron-dense deposits, which correlated with a gradual decrease in serum immunoglobulin A.

Conclusion
This is the first case report that confirmed histologically the development and resolution of immunoglobulin A nephropathy during and after bevacizumab therapy. This case shows that there may be other mechanisms of glomerular injury by bevacizumab besides glomerular endothelial injury leading to thrombotic microangiopathy.
Carboplatin and oxaliplatin in sequenced combination with bortezomib in ovarian tumour models
Authors: Al-Eisawi Zaynab , Beale Philip , Chan Charles , Yu Jun Q , Huq Fazlul 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundOvarian cancer remains an on-going challenge mainly due to the development of drug resistance and also because the cancer is likely to have metastasized at the time of diagnosis. Currently, chemotherapy based on platinum drugs such as cisplatin is the primary treatment for the disease. Copper transporter 1 is involved in the transport of cisplatin into the cell, but is also down-regulated by the drug. Bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor, has been reported to block this platinum-induced down-regulation of CTR1, so that in the presence of bortezomib, the cellular uptake of platinum drugs may be increased. Increased platinum accumulation may result in increased platinum − DNA binding so that the platinum drug in combination with bortezomib may produce enhanced cell kill.MethodsIn this study the efficacy of the sequential combinations of carboplatin, oxaliplatin and atrans-platinum compound coded as CH1 with BORT on the human ovarian A2780, A2780cisR, A2780ZD0473Rand SKOV-3 cancer cell lines was evaluated. The levels of cellular platinum accumulation and platinum-DNA binding were determined following the treatment with these combinations. In order to investigate the effect of the combinations of the formation of ROS, the total and oxidized glutathione levels were also determined.ResultsPrevention of copper transporter 1 degradation by bortezomib is found to enhance the cellular accumulation of platinum, the level of Platinum − DNA binding and increases oxidative stress especially in the resistant cell lines.ConclusionsThe results suggest that the prevention of CTR1 degradation by bortezomib may be playing a major role in increasing the cellular uptake of platinum drugs and platinum-DNA binding level. Furthermore, the generation of oxidative stress appears to be a major contributor to the enhanced cell kill.
Nanoscale elucidation of Na,K-ATPase isoforms in dendritic spines
Authors: Liebmann Thomas , Blom Hans , Aperia Anita , Brismar Hjalmar 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
The dimensions of neuronal synapses suggest that optical super-resolution imaging methods are necessary for thorough investigation of protein distributions and interactions. Nanoscopic evaluation of neuronal samples has presented practical hurdles, but advancing methods are making synaptic protein topology and quantification measurements feasible. This work explores the application of Photoactivated Localization Microscopy (PALM) pointillistic super-resolution imaging for investigation of the membrane bound sodium pump, the Na,K-ATPase, in matured neurons.

Results
Two isoforms of the sodium pump (ATP1a1 and ATP1a3) were studied in cultured neurons using the PALM-compatible fluorescent proteins PAGFP and mEos. Nanoscopic imaging reveals a compartmentalized distribution of sodium pumps in dendritic spines. Several nanoclusters of pumps are typically found in the spine head and fewer in the spine neck. The density of sodium pumps was estimated from a quantification of detected single molecules at 450–650 pump copies/μm2 in the spine heads.

Conclusions
We have utilized PALM for dissection of nanoscale localization in mature cultured neurons and demonstrated similar topology and quantification estimates with PAGFP and mEos. PALM topology assessments of the sodium pump appeared similar to previous STED studies, though quantification estimates varied, implying that labeling strategies, sample analysis and choice of nanoscopic imaging method can be critical factors for correct molecular quantification.
Proposed design for the PGAA facility at the TRIGA IPR-R1 research reactor
Authors: Guerra Bruno T , Jacimovic Radojko , Menezes Maria Angela BC , Leal Alexandre S 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
This work presents an initial proposed design of a Prompt Gamma Activation Analysis (PGAA) facility to be installed at the TRIGA IPR-R1, a 60 years old research reactor of the Centre of Development of Nuclear Technology (CDTN) in Brazil. The basic characteristics of the facility and the results of the neutron flux are presented and discussed.

Findings
The proposed design is based on a quasi vertical tube as a neutron guide from the reactor core, inside the reactor pool, 6 m below the room’s level where shall be located the rack containing the set sample/detector/shielding. The evaluation of the thermal and epithermal neutron flux in the sample position was done considering the experimental data obtained from a vertical neutron guide, already existent in the reactor, and the simulated model for the facility.

Methods
The experimental determination of the neutron flux was obtained through the standard procedure of using Au monitors in different positions of the vertical tube. In order to validate both, this experiment and calculations of the simulated model, the flux was also determined in different positions in the core used for sample irradiation. The model of the system was developed using the Monte Carlo code MCNP5.

Conclusion
The preliminary results suggest the possibility of obtaining a beam with minimum thermal flux of magnitude 106 cm-2 s-1, which confirm the technical feasibility of the installation of PGAA at the TRIGA IPR-R1 reactor. This beam would open new possibilities for enhancing the applications using the reactor.
A hybrid fuzzy stochastic analytical hierarchy process (FSAHP) approach for evaluating ballast water treatment technologies
Authors: Jing Liang , Chen Bing , Zhang Baiyu , Peng Hongxuan 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Environmental decisions can be complex because of the inherent trade-offs among environmental, social, ecological, and economic factors. This paper presents a novel hybrid fuzzy stochastic analytical hierarchy process (FSAHP) approach to aid decision making by incorporating fuzzy and stochastic uncertainty into the traditional analytic hierarchy process (AHP). A case study related to ballast water management is used to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed approach. Nine experts from government ministries and academic institutions are invited to evaluate five treatment technologies (i.e., heat treatment, ultraviolet, ozone, ultrasound, and biocide) based on a number of criteria such as efficacy, capital cost, and human risk.

Results
The experts’ preferences over the set of alternatives are represented as linguistic terms instead of numerical values. The beta-PERT distribution is adopted to approximate the probability density functions of the values of their inputs. Statistical analysis indicates that ultraviolet has the highest score (0.22–0.24) in most replications and its overlap with the second-best alternative is statistically negligible. Ozone, ultrasound, and heat treatment are mostly found as the second-, third-, and fourth-best alternatives with considerable overlaps that may be reduced if more experts are involved.

Conclusions
As compared with the traditional AHP, the proposed FSAHP approach can not only take into account linguistic information but also capture the uncertainty associated with insufficient information and biased opinions in group decision-making problems.
CD14hiHLA-DRdim macrophages, with a resemblance to classical blood monocytes, dominate inflamed mucosa in Crohn's disease
Authors: Thiesen Susanne , Janciauskiene Sabina , Uronen-Hansson Heli , Agace William , Högerkorp Carl-Magnus , Spee Pieter , Håkansson Katarina , Grip Olof 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTIntestinal Mϕ play an important role in maintaining gut homeostasis. However, little is known about these cells, their precursors, and their role in intestinal inflammation. Here, we characterize the CD14+ mononuclear cell populations in intestinal mucosa and blood in patients with CD. Among the LP CD14+ Mϕ, we identified three distinct HLA-DR+-expressing subsets. Compared with uninflamed, inflamed mucosa contained a marked increase in the proportion of the CD14hiHLA-DRdim cellular subset. This subset resembled the classical blood monocytes with low CD16, HLA-DR, and CX3CR1 expression. Classical monocytes migrated efficiently toward CCL2 and released the highest levels of MMP-1 and proinflammatory cytokines when stimulated with immune complexes or LPS. Our findings strongly suggest that it is the classical and not the intermediate or nonclassical monocytes that are the precursors to the dominating intestinal CD14hiHLA-DRdim subset. This enhances our understanding of CD pathology and may provide new options in treatment.
Technical Advance: A new cell preparation strategy that greatly improves the yield of vital and functional Tregs and NKT cells
Authors: Rissiek Björn , Danquah Welbeck , Haag Friedrich , Koch-Nolte Friedrich 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTRelease of NAD+ during preparation of murine lymphocytes causes enzymatic ADP-ribosylation of cell-surface proteins on T cells, catalyzed by toxin-related ecto-ADP-ribosyltransferase, ARTC2. ADP-riboslyation activates the cytolytic P2X7 ion channel and affects, in particular, the vitality and function of Tregs and NKT cells. Here, we describe a simple method—injection of an ARTC2-blocking nanobody—to greatly improve Treg and NKT cell vitality and to preserve their function during in vitro assays and in adoptive-transfer experiments. Moreover, we present a method for the sorting of functional, primary NKT cells, based on coexpression of ARTC2 and NK1.1. Our results pave the way for the efficient ex vivo proliferation of Tregs and NKT cells and for new experimental and therapeutic uses of these important regulatory cells.
Migratory and adhesive properties of Xenopus laevis primordial germ cells in vitro
Authors: Dzementsei Aliaksandr , Schneider David , Janshoff Andreas , Pieler Tomas 
Published: November 2013

Summary
The directional migration of primordial germ cells (PGCs) to the site of gonad formation is an advantageous model system to study cell motility. The embryonic development of PGCs has been investigated in different animal species, including mice, zebrafish, Xenopus and Drosophila. In this study we focus on the physical properties of Xenopus laevis PGCs during their transition from the passive to the active migratory state. Pre-migratory PGCs from Xenopus laevis embryos at developmental stages 17–19 to be compared with migratory PGCs from stages 28–30 were isolated and characterized in respect to motility and adhesive properties. Using single-cell force spectroscopy, we observed a decline in adhesiveness of PGCs upon reaching the migratory state, as defined by decreased attachment to extracellular matrix components like fibronectin, and a reduced adhesion to somatic endodermal cells. Data obtained from qPCR analysis with isolated PGCs reveal that down-regulation of E-cadherin might contribute to this weakening of cell-cell adhesion. Interestingly, however, using an in vitro migration assay, we found that movement of X. laevis PGCs can also occur independently of specific interactions with their neighboring cells. The reduction of cellular adhesion during PGC development is accompanied by enhanced cellular motility, as reflected in increased formation of bleb-like protrusions and inferred from electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) as well as time-lapse image analysis. Temporal alterations in cell shape, including contraction and expansion of the cellular body, reveal a higher degree of cellular dynamics for the migratory PGCs in vitro.
Maintenance of muscle myosin levels in adult C. elegans requires both the double bromodomain protein BET-1 and sumoylation
Authors: Fisher Kate , Gee Fiona , Wang Siyao , Xue Feng , Knapp Stefan , Philpott Martin , Wells Christopher , Rodriguez Miriam , Snoek L. Basten , Kammenga Jan , Poulin Gino B. 
Published: November 2013

Summary
Attenuation of RAS-mediated signalling is a conserved process essential to control cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Cooperative interactions between histone modifications such as acetylation, methylation and sumoylation are crucial for proper attenuation in C. elegans, implying that the proteins recognising these histone modifications could also play an important role in attenuation of RAS-mediated signalling. We sought to systematically identify these proteins and found BET-1. BET-1 is a conserved double bromodomain protein that recognises acetyl-lysines on histone tails and maintains the stable fate of various lineages. Unexpectedly, adults lacking both BET-1 and SUMO-1 are depleted of muscle myosin, an essential component of myofibrils. We also show that this muscle myosin depletion does not occur in all animals at a specific time, but rather that the penetrance of the phenotype increases with age. To gain mechanistic insights into this process, we sought to delay the occurrence of the muscle myosin depletion phenotype and found that it requires caspase activity and MEK-dependent signalling. We also performed transcription profiling on these mutants and found an up-regulation of the FGF receptor, egl-15, a tyrosine kinase receptor acting upstream of MEK. Consistent with a MEK requirement, we could delay the muscle phenotype by systemic or hypodermal knock down of egl-15. Thus, this work uncovered a caspase- and MEK-dependent mechanism that acts specifically on ageing adults to maintain the appropriate net level of muscle myosin.