bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of NiO nanoparticles on the magnetic properties and diffuse phase transition of BZT/NiO composites
Authors: Jarupoom Parkpoom , Eitssayeam Sukum , Pengpat Kamonpan , Tunkasiri Tawee , Cann David P , Rujijanagul Gobwute 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
A new composite system, Ba(Zr0.07Ti0.93)O3 (BZT93) ceramic/NiO nanoparticles, was fabricated to investigate the effect of NiO nanoparticles on the properties of these composites. M-H hysteresis loops showed an improvement in the magnetic behavior for higher NiO content samples plus modified ferroelectric properties. However, the 1 vol.% samples showed the optimum ferroelectric and ferromagnetic properties. Examination of the dielectric spectra showed that the NiO additive promoted a diffuse phase transition, and the two phase transition temperatures, as observed for BZT93, merged into a single phase transition temperature for the composite samples.
Ethnomedicinal study of plants used in villages around Kimboza forest reserve in Morogoro, Tanzania
Authors: Amri Ezekiel , Kisangau Daniel P 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Background
An ethnomedicinal study was conducted to document medicinal plants used in the treatment of ailments in villages surrounding Kimboza forest reserve, a low land catchment forest with high number of endemic plant species.

Methods
Ethnobotanical interviews on medicinal plants used to treat common illnesses were conducted with the traditional medical practitioners using open-ended semi -structured questionnaires. Diseases treated, methods of preparation, use and habitat of medicinal plants were recorded.

Results
A total of 82 medicinal plant species belonging to 29 families were recorded during the study. The most commonly used plant families recorded were Fabaceae (29%), Euphorbiaceae (20%), Asteraceae and Moraceae (17% each) and Rubiaceae (15%) in that order. The most frequently utilized medicinal plant parts were leaves (41.3%), followed by roots (29.0%), bark (21.7%), seeds (5.31%), and fruits (2.6%). The study revealed that stomach ache was the condition treated with the highest percentage of medicinal plant species (15%), followed by hernia (13%), diarrhea (12), fever and wound (11% each), and coughs (10%). Majority of medicinal plant species (65.9%) were collected from the wild compared to only 26.7% from cultivated land.

Conclusions
A rich diversity of medicinal plant species are used for treating different diseases in villages around Kimboza forest reserve, with the wild habitat being the most important reservoir for the majority of the plants. Awareness programmes on sustainable utilization and active involvement of community in conservation programmes are needed.
Cement-augmented dorsal instrumentation of the spine as a safe adjunct to the multimodal management of metastatic pheochromocytoma: a case report
Authors: Rittirsch Daniel , Battegay Edouard , Zimmerli Lukas U , Baulig Werner , Spahn Donat R , Ossendorf Christian , Wanner Guido A , Simmen Hans-Peter , Werner Clément M L 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Malignant pheochromocytoma is a neuroendocrine tumor that originates from chromaffin tissue. Although osseous metastases are common, metastatic dissemination to the spine rarely occurs.
Five years after primary diagnosis of extra-adrenal, abdominal pheochromocytoma and laparoscopic extirpation, a 53-year old patient presented with recurrence of pheochromocytoma involving the spine, the pelvis, both proximal femora and the right humerus. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography revealed osteolytic lesions of numerous vertebrae (T1, T5, T10, and T12). In the case of T10, total destruction of the vertebral body with involvement of the rear edge resulted in the risk of vertebral collapse and subsequent spinal stenosis. Thus, dorsal instrumentation (T8-T12) and cement augmentation of T12 was performed after perioperative alpha- and beta-adrenergic blockade with phenoxybenzamine and bisoprolol.
After thorough preoperative evaluation to assess the risk for surgery and anesthesia, and appropriate perioperative management including pharmacological antihypertensive treatment, dorsal instrumentation of T8-T12 and cement augmentation of T12 prior to placing the corresponding pedicle screws did not result in hypertensive crisis or hemodynamic instability due to the release of catecholamines from metastatic lesions.
To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report describing cement-augmentation in combination with dorsal instrumentation to prevent osteolytic vertebral collapse in a patient with metastatic pheochromocytoma. With appropriate preoperative measures, cement-augmented dorsal instrumentation represents a safe approach to stabilize vertebral bodies with metastatic malignant pheochromocytoma. Nevertheless, direct manipulation of metastatic lesions should be avoided as far as possible in order to minimize the risk of hemodynamic complications.
Hepatitis E virus in Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) captured around a pig farm
Authors: Kanai Yuta , Miyasaka Satoshi , Uyama Sachiko , Kawami Sachiyo , Kato-Mori Yuko , Tsujikawa Muneo , Yunoki Mikihiro , Nishiyama Shoko , Ikuta Kazuyoshi , Hagiwara Katsuro 
Published: January 2012

Abstract

Background
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) transmitted via the oral route through the consumption of contaminated water or uncooked or undercooked contaminated meat has been implicated in major outbreaks. Rats may play a critical role in HEV outbreaks, considering their negative effects on environmental hygiene and food sanitation. Although the serological evidence of HEV infection in wild rodents has been reported worldwide, the infectivity and propagation of HEV in wild rats remain unknown. To investigate if rats are a possible carrier of HEV, we studied wild Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) that were caught near a pig farm, where HEV was prevalent among the pigs.

Methods
We examined 56 Norway rats for HEV. RNA from internal organs was examined for RT-PCR and positive samples were sequenced. Positive tissue samples were incubated with A549 cell line to isolate HEV. Anti-HEV antibodies were detected by ELISA.

Results
Sixteen rats were seropositive, and the HEV RNA was detected in 10 of the 56 rats. Sequencing of the partial ORF1 gene from 7 samples resulted in partially sequenced HEV, belonging to genotype 3, which was genetically identical to the HEV prevalent in the swine from the source farm. The infectious HEVs were isolated from the Norway rats by using the human A549 cell line.

Conclusions
There was a relatively high prevalence (17.9%) of the HEV genome in wild Norway rats. The virus was mainly detected in the liver and spleen. The results indicate that these animals might be possible carrier of swine HEV in endemic regions. The HEV contamination risk due to rats needs to be examined in human habitats.
Stray dogs as indicators of Toxoplasma gondii distributed in the environment: the first report across an urban-rural gradient in China
Authors: Yan Chao , Fu Lin-Lin , Yue Cai-Ling , Tang Ren-Xian , Liu Yi-Sheng , Lv Liang , Shi Na , Zeng Ping , Zhang Peng , Wang Dong-Hui , Zhou Dong-Hui , Zhu Xing-Quan , Zheng Kui-Yang 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackgroundToxoplasmosis is an important parasitic zoonosis caused by the protozoanToxoplasma gondiithat is distributed world-wide and infects a variety of hosts. However, the prevalence ofT. gondiiin the environment (such as soil, water and food) is largely unknown. Due to the technical difficulty in oocyst counting directly, an alternative assay using the serologic status ofT. gondiiin free-living animals, such as stray or free-living dogs, as an indicator, can be used to evaluate environmental contamination indirectly, as they are exposed to the same risk of infection as humans and other animals.ResultsIn the present study, 231 stray or free-living dogs across an urban-rural gradient were examined to assess the frequency ofT. gondiiin the environment. Specific antibodies toT. gondiiwere found in 93 dogs (40.3%) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and no statistically significant differences were observed in seroprevalences ofT. gondiibetween urban dogs (38.7%) and rural dogs (41%) (p> 0.05).ConclusionsA high seroprevalence ofT. gondiiin stray or free-living dogs in the present study indicates that there would be a wide distribution and a constant infection pressure ofT. gondiiacross an urban-rural gradient, and the oocysts ofT. gondiiin the environment would be an important source of infection for humans and other animals both in urban and rural areas in China.
Maximizing output and recognizing autocatalysis in chemical reaction networks is NP-complete
Authors: Andersen Jakob L , Flamm Christoph , Merkle Daniel , Stadler Peter F 
Published: January 2012

Abstract

Background
A classical problem in metabolic design is to maximize the production of a desired compound in a given chemical reaction network by appropriately directing the mass flow through the network. Computationally, this problem is addressed as a linear optimization problem over the flux cone. The prior construction of the flux cone is computationally expensive and no polynomial-time algorithms are known.

Results
Here we show that the output maximization problem in chemical reaction networks is NP-complete. This statement remains true even if all reactions are monomolecular or bi-molecular and if only a single molecular species is used as influx. As a corollary we show, furthermore, that the detection of autocatalytic species, i.e., types that can only be produced from the influx material when they are present in the initial reaction mixture, is an NP-complete computational problem.

Conclusions
Hardness results on combinatorial problems and optimization problems are important to guide the development of computational tools for the analysis of metabolic networks in particular and chemical reaction networks in general. Our results indicate that efficient heuristics and approximate algorithms need to be employed for the analysis of large chemical networks since even conceptually simple flow problems are provably intractable.
An endogenous factor enhances ferulic acid decarboxylation catalyzed by phenolic acid decarboxylase from Candida guilliermondii
Authors: Huang Hui-Kai , Chen Li-Fan , Tokashiki Masamichi , Ozawa Tadahiro , Taira Toki , Ito Susumu 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe gene for a eukaryotic phenolic acid decarboxylase ofCandida guilliermondiiwas cloned, sequenced, and expressed inEscherichia colifor the first time. The structural gene contained an open reading frame of 504 bp, corresponding to 168 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 19,828 Da. The deduced amino sequence exhibited low similarity to those of functional phenolic acid decarboxylases previously reported from bacteria with 25-39% identity and to those of PAD1 and FDC1 proteins fromSaccharomyces cerevisiaewith less than 14% identity. TheC. guilliermondiiphenolic acid decarboxylase converted the main substrates ferulic acid andp-coumaric acid to the respective corresponding products. Surprisingly, the ultrafiltrate (Mr 10,000-cut-off) of the cell-free extract ofC. guilliermondiiremarkably activated the ferulic acid decarboxylation by the purified enzyme, whereas it was almost without effect on thep-coumaric acid decarboxylation. Gel-filtration chromatography of the ultrafiltrate suggested that an endogenous amino thiol-like compound with a molecular weight greater than Mr 1,400 was responsible for the activation.
Sumoylation is tumor-suppressive and confers proliferative quiescence to hematopoietic progenitors inDrosophila melanogasterlarvae
Authors: Kalamarz Marta E. , Paddibhatla Indira , Nadar Christina , Govind Shubha 
Published: January 2012

SummaryHow cell-intrinsic regulation of the cell cycle and the extrinsic influence of the niche converge to provide proliferative quiescence, safeguard tissue integrity, and provide avenues to stop stem cells from giving rise to tumors is a major challenge in gene therapy and tissue engineering. We explore this question in sumoylation-deficient mutants of Drosophila. In wild type third instar larval lymph glands, a group of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells acquires quiescence; a multicellular niche supports their undifferentiated state. However, how proliferative quiescence is instilled in this population is not understood. We show that Ubc9 protein is nuclear in this population. Loss of the SUMO-activating E1 enzyme, Aos1/Uba2, the conjugating E2 enzyme, Ubc9, or the E3 SUMO ligase, PIAS, results in a failure of progenitors to quiesce; progenitors become hyperplastic, misdifferentiate, and develop into microtumors that eventually detach from the dorsal vessel. Significantly, dysplasia and lethality of Ubc9 mutants are rescued when Ubc9wt is provided specifically in the progenitor populations, but not when it is provided in the niche or in the differentiated cortex. While normal progenitors express high levels of the Drosophila cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 homolog, Dacapo, the corresponding overgrown mutant population exhibits a marked reduction in Dacapo. Forced expression of either Dacapo or human p21 in progenitors shrinks this population. The selective expression of either protein in mutant progenitor cells, but not in other hematopoietic populations, limits overgrowth, blocks tumorogenesis, and restores organ integrity. We discuss an essential and complex role for sumoylation in preserving the hematopoietic progenitor states for stress response and in the context of normal development of the fly.
Screening for CGG Repeat Expansion in the FMR1 Gene by Melting Curve Analysis of Combined 5′ and 3′ Direct Triplet-Primed PCRs
Authors: Teo Clara R L , Law Hai-Yang , Lee Caroline G , Chong Samuel S 
Published: January 2012

Abstract

BACKGROUND
CGG repeat expansions in the FMR1 (fragile X mental retardation 1) gene are associated with fragile X syndrome, fragile X–associated tremor/ataxia syndrome, and fragile X–associated primary ovarian insufficiency. We evaluated the use of melting curve analysis (MCA) of triplet-primed PCR (TP-PCR) assays as a rapid screening tool for the positive identification of expanded FMR1 alleles in men and women.

METHODS
Both 5′- and 3′-weighted direct TP-PCRs (dTP-PCRs) were evaluated on 29 cell line–derived DNA samples and 44 blinded clinical samples. The presence of expansions was identified by the melting curve profiles generated automatically through MCA on the LightCycler 480 Real-Time PCR System. All samples were also analyzed by capillary electrophoresis to confirm the identities of the PCR fragments that gave rise to the observed melt peak profiles.

RESULTS
The presence of expanded alleles in samples from both males and females produced melt peak profiles that were distinct from those of individuals with the normal allelic form. In the blinded test, positive and negative calls for the presence of an expanded allele corroborated with previously determined genotype classifications for all samples.

CONCLUSIONS
The approach of dTP-PCR plus MCA offers a single-step strategy with high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for rapid screening detection of FMR1 CGG repeat expansions, regardless of sex. The combined use of 5′- and 3′-weighted dTP-PCR assays minimizes the incidence of false-negative results arising from repeat-flanking deletions.
Effect of Gingivitis on Azithromycin Concentrations in Gingival Crevicular Fluid
Authors: Jain Nidhi , Lai Pin‐Chuang , Walters John D. 
Published: January 2012

Background: Macrolide antibiotics yield high concentrations in inflamed tissue, suggesting that their levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) could be increased at gingivitis sites. However, the increased volume of GCF associated with gingivitis could potentially dilute macrolides. To determine whether these assumptions are correct, the bioavailability of systemically administered azithromycin was compared in GCF from healthy and gingivitis sites.Methods: Experimental gingivitis was induced in one maxillary posterior sextant in nine healthy individuals. Contralateral healthy sextants served as controls. Participants ingested 500 mg azithromycin, followed by a 250‐mg dose 24 hours later. Four hours after the second dose, plaque was removed from experimental sites. GCF was collected from eight surfaces in both the experimental and control sextants and pooled separately. GCF samples were subsequently collected on days 2, 3, 8, and 15, and azithromycin content was determined by agar diffusion bioassay.Results: On days 2 and 3, the pooled GCF volume at experimental sites was significantly higher than at control sites (P <0.01), and the total azithromycin mass in 30‐second GCF samples pooled from experimental sites was significantly higher than at control sites (P <0.02). However, there were no significant differences in azithromycin concentration between the experimental and control pools at any point. Concentrations exceeded 7.3 μg/mL on day 2 and 2.5 μg/mL on day 15.Conclusion: Azithromycin concentrations are similar in GCF from gingivitis sites and healthy sites, suggesting that the processes that regulate GCF azithromycin concentration can compensate for local inflammatory changes.
The Living Kidney Donor Evaluation
Authors: Kher Ajay , Mandelbrot Didier A. 
Published: January 2012

Summary
Living kidney donor evaluations and follow-up have previously been addressed mostly by transplant physicians and surgeons. However, this area is significantly informed by basic principles of renal physiology and is of increasing clinical interest to general nephrologists. The general nephrology community is increasingly involved in evaluating the suitability of potential donors and in following them after donation when questions are raised about low GFR, hypertension, and other renal concerns. This article focuses on some of the most central and common issues that arise in evaluating potential donors and attempts to provide guidance on the basis of our review of the living donor literature, extrapolations from the general nephrology literature, and our own clinical experience.
Gummy smile and facial profile correction using miniscrew anchorage
Authors: Kaku Masato , Kojima Shunichi , Sumi Hiromi , Koseki Hiroyuki , Abedini Sara , Motokawa Masahide , Fujita Tadashi , Ohtani Junji , Kawata Toshitsugu , Tanne Kazuo 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
This case report describes the treatment of a case involving a skeletal Class II facial profile with a gummy smile. While treating a facial profile and a gummy smile, the outcome may not always be successful with orthodontic therapy alone. For this reason, surgical therapy is often chosen to gain an esthetic facial profile and a good smile. However, sometimes the patients reject surgical treatment and an alternative method must be considered. Skeletal anchorage systems such as miniscrews are now frequently used for correcting severe malocclusion that should be treated by surgical therapy. In this case report, we treated a skeletal Class II malocclusion with a convex profile and a gummy smile using miniscrews, which were placed in the upper posterior and anterior areas. The active treatment period was 3.5 years, and the patient's teeth continued to be stable after a retention period of 36 months.
Endoscopic endonasal approach to cholesterol granulomas of the petrous apex: a series of 17 patients
Authors: Paluzzi Alessandro , Gardner Paul , Fernandez-Miranda Juan C. , Pinheiro-Neto Carlos D. , Scopel Tiago Fernando , Koutourousiou Maria , Snyderman Carl H. 
Published: January 2012

Object
The aim of this study was to report the results in a consecutive series of patients who had undergone an endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) for drainage of a petrous apex cholesterol granuloma (CG).

Methods
Seventeen cases with a confirmed diagnosis of petrous apex CG were identified from a database of more than 1600 patients who had undergone an EEA to skull base lesions at the authors' institution in the period from 1998 to 2011. Clinical outcomes were reviewed and compared with those in previous studies of open approaches.

Results
Nine patients underwent a transclival approach and 8 patients underwent a combined transclival and infrapetrous approach. A Silastic stent was used in 11 patients (65%), a miniflap in 4 (24%), and a simple marsupialization of the cyst in 3 (18%). All symptomatic patients had partial or complete improvement of their symptoms postoperatively and at the follow-up (mean follow-up 20 months, range 3–67 months). Complications developed in 3 patients (18%) including epistaxis, chronic serous otitis media, eye dryness, and a transient sixth cranial nerve palsy. Two patients (12%) had a symptomatic recurrence of the cyst requiring repeat endoscopic endonasal drainage. There were no instances of internal carotid artery injuries, CSF leaks, or new hearing loss. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 2 days (range 0.7–4.6 days). These results were comparable with those in previous studies of open approaches to petrous apex CGs.
There was a strong correlation between the size of the cyst and the type of approach chosen (Rpb [point biserial correlation coefficient] = +0.67, p = 0.003359) and a very strong correlation between the degree of medial extension (defined by the V-angle) and the choice of approach (Rpb = +0.81, p < 0.0001). Based on these observations, the authors developed an algorithm for guiding the choice of the most appropriate route of drainage.

Conclusions
The EEA is a safe and effective alternative to traditional open approaches to petrous apex CGs.
Reduction of catheter-associated urinary tract infections among patients in a neurological intensive care unit: a single institution's success
Authors: Titsworth W. Lee , Hester Jeannette , Correia Tom , Reed Richard , Williams Miranda , Guin Peggy , Layon A. Joseph , Archibald Lennox K. , Mocco J 
Published: January 2012

Object
To date, there has been a shortage of evidence-based quality improvement initiatives that have shown positive outcomes in the neurosurgical patient population. A single-institution prospective intervention trial with continuous feedback was conducted to investigate the implementation of a urinary tract infection (UTI) prevention bundle to decrease the catheter-associated UTI rate.

Methods
All patients admitted to the adult neurological intensive care unit (neuro ICU) during a 30-month period were included. The study consisted of two 1-month preintervention observation periods (approximately 1200 catheter days) followed by a 30-month intervention phase (20,394 catheter days). A comprehensive evidence-based UTI bundle encompassing avoidance of catheter insertion, maintenance of sterility, product standardization, and early catheter removal was enacted.

Results
The urinary catheter utilization rate dropped from 100% to 73.3% during the intervention phase (p < 0.0001) without any increase in the rate of sacral decubitus ulcers or other skin breakdown. The rate of catheter-associated UTI was also significantly reduced from 13.3 to 4.0 infections per 1000 catheter days (p < 0.001). There was a linear relationship between the decreased quarterly catheter utilization rate and the decreased catheter-associated UTI rate (r2 = 0.79, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions
This single-center prospective study demonstrated that a comprehensive UTI prevention bundle along with a continuous quality improvement program can significantly reduce the duration of urinary catheterization and rate of catheter-associated UTI in a neuro ICU.