bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acupuncture for dry eye: a randomised controlled trial protocol
Authors: Kim Tae-Hun , Kim Jong-In , Shin Mi-Suk , Lee Myeong Soo , Choi Jun-Yong , Jung So-Yong , Kim Ae-Ran , Seol Jae-Uk , Choi Sun-Mi 
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Background
Dry eye is usually managed by conventional medical interventions such as artificial tears, anti-inflammatory drugs and surgical treatment. However, since dry eye is one of the most frequent ophthalmologic disorders, safer and more effective methods for its treatment are necessary, especially for vulnerable patients. Acupuncture has been widely used to treat patients with dry eye. Our aim is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for this condition.

Methods/Design
A randomised, patient-assessor blinded, sham (non-acupuncture point, shallow acupuncture) controlled study was established. Participants allocated to verum acupuncture and sham acupuncture groups will be treated three times weekly for three weeks for a total of nine sessions per participant. Seventeen points (GV23; bilateral BL2, GB4, TE23, Ex1 (Taiyang), ST1 and GB20; and left SP3, LU9, LU10 and HT8 for men, right for women) have been selected for the verum acupuncture; for the sham acupuncture, points have been selected that do not coincide with a classical acupuncture point and that are located close to the verum points, except in the case of the rim of the eye. Ocular surface disease index, tear film breakup time, the Schirmer I test, medication quantification scale and general assessment of improvement will be used as outcome variables for evaluating the effectiveness of acupuncture. Safety will also be assessed at every visit. Primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed four weeks after screening. All statistical analyses will be performed using analysis of covariance.

Discussion
The results of this trial will be used as a basis for clarifying the efficacy of acupuncture for dry eye.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00969280.
LD-Spline: Mapping SNPs on genotyping platforms to genomic regions using patterns of linkage disequilibrium
Authors: Bush William S , Chen Guanhua , Torstenson Eric S , Ritchie Marylyn D 
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Background
Gene-centric analysis tools for genome-wide association study data are being developed both to annotate single locus statistics and to prioritize or group single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) prior to analysis. These approaches require knowledge about the relationships between SNPs on a genotyping platform and genes in the human genome. SNPs in the genome can represent broader genomic regions via linkage disequilibrium (LD), and population-specific patterns of LD can be exploited to generate a data-driven map of SNPs to genes.

Methods
In this study, we implemented LD-Spline, a database routine that defines the genomic boundaries a particular SNP represents using linkage disequilibrium statistics from the International HapMap Project. We compared the LD-Spline haplotype block partitioning approach to that of the four gamete rule and the Gabriel et al. approach using simulated data; in addition, we processed two commonly used genome-wide association study platforms.

Results
We illustrate that LD-Spline performs comparably to the four-gamete rule and the Gabriel et al. approach; however as a SNP-centric approach LD-Spline has the added benefit of systematically identifying a genomic boundary for each SNP, where the global block partitioning approaches may falter due to sampling variation in LD statistics.

Conclusion
LD-Spline is an integrated database routine that quickly and effectively defines the genomic region marked by a SNP using linkage disequilibrium, with a SNP-centric block definition algorithm.
Non-imprinted allele-specific DNA methylation on human autosomes
Authors: Zhang Yingying , Rohde Christian , Reinhardt Richard , Voelcker-Rehage Claudia , Jeltsch Albert 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Background
Differential DNA methylation between alleles is well established in imprinted genes and the X chromosomes in females but has rarely been reported at non-imprinted loci on autosomes.

Results
We studied DNA methylation of cytosine-guanine dinucleotide (CpG) islands on chromosome 21 in leukocytes from several healthy individuals and observed novel cases of pronounced differential methylation of alleles. Allele-specific methylation affected complete CpG islands with methylation differences between alleles of up to 85%. The methylation differences between alleles were strongly correlated with the genotypes, excluding a connection to imprinting. We show that allele-specific methylation can lead to allelic repression of the methylated gene copy. Based on our results, allele-specific methylation is likely to affect about 10% of all human genes and to contribute to allele-specific expression and monoallelic gene silencing. Therefore, allele-specific methylation represents an epigenetic pathway of how genetic polymorphisms may lead to phenotypic variability. In most cases, we observed that some, but not all, heterozygous individuals showed allele-specific methylation, suggesting that allele-specific methylation is the outcome of an epigenetic drift, the direction of which is determined by the genetic differences between the alleles. We could show that the tendency to acquire hypermethylation in one allele was inherited.

Conclusions
We observed that larger differences in methylation levels between individuals were often coupled to allele-specific methylation and genetic polymorphisms, suggesting that the inter-individual variability of DNA methylation is strongly influenced by genetic differences. Therefore, genetic differences must be taken into account in future comparative DNA methylation studies.
Setting standards for physical health monitoring in patients on antipsychotics
Authors: Churchward Samantha , Oxborrow Susan M. , Olotu Victor O. , Thalitaya M. Deepak 
Published: December 2009

Aims and MethodTo develop standards for physical health monitoring in patients on antipsychotics in a forensic environment. We reviewed recommendations for physical health checks from key publications and then agreed a consensus on what to monitor and how often.ResultsWe developed a standardised form to ensure the requisite minimum monitoring is performed when a patient is newly prescribed an antipsychotic drug or the dose is increased, when an abnormality is detected and for routine annual physical health monitoring.Clinical ImplicationsWe have produced a pragmatic solution to the gap between the recognised risks to physical health of individuals treated with antipsychotic medication and the need for clear, unambiguous standards of physical healthcare.
Workplace-based assessment: survey of psychiatric trainees in Wales
Authors: Menon Sharmila , Winston Mark , Sullivan Gary 
Published: December 2009

Aims and MethodTo explore attitudes and perceptions regarding workplace-based assessment (WPBA) among psychiatric trainees in Wales, identify current problems and recommend measures to successfully implement WPBA. An anonymous questionnaire-based, cross-sectional online national survey was conducted involving all psychiatric specialty registrars in Wales.ResultsOut of 88 specialty registrars in Wales, 81 participated in the survey, a response rate of 92%. the survey highlighted widespread problems and negative attitudes among trainees towards WPBA. Numerous concerns, involving assessment tools, online system, quality of assessors and practicalities of assessments were identified.Clinical ImplicationsThe negative attitudes harboured by many trainees would certainly contribute towards undermining the efficacy of WPBA to improve training. In this context, specific measures with the potential to address the shortcomings identified during the survey are discussed, with a view to improving WPBA and rendering it more acceptable to trainees, and in doing so, facilitate the improvement of training.
Atazanavir-Associated Choledocholithiasis Leading to Acute Hepatitis in an HIV-infected Adult
Authors: Jacques Amanda Caroline , Giguère Pierre , Zhang Guijun , Touchie Claire , la Porte Charles JL 
Published: December 2009

OBJECTIVE To report a case of atazanavir-associated choledocholithiasis in an HIV-infected individual. CASE SUMMARY A 47-year-old treatment-naïve HIV-positive African female presented to the emergency department with a 3-day history of right epigastric pain. Six weeks prior to this episode, she began antiretroviral therapy with a regimen consisting of atazanavir 400 mg and abacavir/lamivudine 600/300 mg once daily. Alanine aminotransferase (766 U/L), aspartate aminotransferase (876 U/L), γ-glutamyltransferase (588 U/L), alkaline phosphatase (348 U/L), and total bilirubin (3.9 mg/dL) levels were elevated. Abdominal ultrasound revealed obstructive choledocholithiasis as well as intra- and extrahepatic biliary dilatation. She underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which revealed approximately 50 small calculi present in the gallbladder. Since previous ultrasounds had also shown gallstones, an analysis of the extracted calculi was performed to determine the possible association with atazanavir use; low amounts of atazanavir were detected. DISCUSSION Atazanavir is an inhibitor of the bilirubin-conjugating enzyme UGT1A1 and has been frequently linked to the occurrence of hyperbilirubinemia without complications. This individual experienced hyperbilirubinemia that peaked at hospital presentation after she developed choledocholithiasis and secondary acute hepatitis. Analysis of the extracted gallstones revealed that smaller stones contained a higher content of atazanavir than larger stones, which suggests that atazanavir precipitation may play a role in cholelithiasis, although the mechanism remains unknown. The low yield of atazanavir may be explained by the short, 6-week duration of drug exposure as well as the lack of assay for metabolites. The Naranjo probability scale implicated choledocholithiasis as a possible atazanavir-associated adverse event. This report provides the first published evidence that even short-term use of atazanavir may lead to hyperbilirubinemia with choledocholithiasis and secondary acute hepatitis in HIV-infected adults. CONCLUSIONS Atazanavir should be considered a possible contributor in the development of cholelithiasis or choledocholithiasis, and people with HIV should receive adequate counseling in the recognition of symptoms associated with gallstones. The exact incidence and mechanism still need to be elucidated.
Antibody-Based Protein Multiplex Platforms: Technical and Operational Challenges
Authors: Ellington Allison A , Kullo Iftikhar J , Bailey Kent R , Klee George G 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground: The measurement of multiple protein biomarkers may refine risk stratification in clinical settings. This concept has stimulated development of multiplexed immunoassay platforms that provide multiple, parallel protein measurements on the same specimen.Content: We provide an overview of antibody-based multiplexed immunoassay platforms and discuss technical and operational challenges. Multiplexed immunoassays use traditional immunoassay principles in which high-affinity capture ligands are immobilized in parallel arrays in either planar format or on microspheres in suspension. Development of multiplexed immunoassays requires rigorous validation of assay configuration and analytical performance to minimize assay imprecision and inaccuracy. Challenges associated with multiplex configuration include selection and immobilization of capture ligands, calibration, interference between antibodies and proteins and assay diluents, and compatibility of assay limits of quantification. We discuss potential solutions to these challenges. Criteria for assessing analytical multiplex assay performance include the range of linearity, analytical specificity, recovery, and comparison to a quality reference method. Quality control materials are not well developed for multiplexed protein immunoassays, and algorithms for interpreting multiplex quality control data are needed.Summary: Technical and operational challenges have hindered implementation of multiplexed assays in clinical settings. Formal procedures that guide multiplex assay configuration, analytical validation, and quality control are needed before broad application of multiplexed arrays can occur in the in vitro diagnostic market.
Analytical Validation of a High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T Assay
Authors: Giannitsis Evangelos , Kurz Kerstin , Hallermayer Klaus , Jarausch Jochen , Jaffe Allan S , Katus Hugo A 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Background: We report the development of a novel high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) assay, a modification of the Roche fourth-generation cTnT assay, and validation of the analytical performance of this assay.
Methods: Validation included testing of analytical sensitivity, specificity, interferences, and precision. We established the 99th percentile cutoff from healthy reference populations (n = 616). In addition, we studied differences in time to a positive result when using serial measurements of hs-cTnT vs cTnT in patients with a confirmed diagnosis of non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (non-STEMI).
Results: The hs-cTnT assay had an analytical range from 3 to 10 000 ng/L. At the 99th percentile value of 13.5 ng/L, the CV was 9% using the Elecsys® 2010 analyzer. The assay was specific for cTnT without interferences from human cTnI or cTnC, skeletal muscle TnT, or hemoglobin concentrations up to 1000 mg/L, above which falsely lower values would be expected. When the assay was evaluated clinically, a hs-cTnT higher than the 99th percentile concentration identified a significantly higher number of patients with non-STEMI on presentation (45 vs 20 patients, P = 0.0004) compared with cTnT, and a final diagnosis of non-STEMI was made in 9 additional patients (55 vs 46 patients, P = 0.23) after serial sampling. Time to diagnosis was significantly shorter using hs-cTnT compared with cTnT [mean 71.5 (SD 108.7) min vs 246.9 (82.0) min, respectively; P &lt; 0.01].
Conclusions: The analytical performance of hs-cTnT complies with the ESC-ACCF-AHA-WHF Global Task Force recommendations for use in the diagnosis of MI.
Neurobiochemical Markers of Brain Damage in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients
Authors: Brouns Raf , De Vil Bart , Cras Patrick , De Surgeloose Didier , Mariën Peter , De Deyn Peter P 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Background: Ischemic injury to the central nervous system causes cellular activation and disintegration, leading to release of cell-type–specific proteins into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We investigated CSF concentrations of myelin basic protein (MBP), glial fibrillary astrocytic protein (GFAP), the calcium-binding protein S100B, and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) in acute ischemic stroke patients and their relation to initial stroke severity, stroke location, and long-term stroke outcome.
Methods: CSF concentrations of MBP, GFAP, S100B, and NSE were assessed in 89 stroke patients on admission (mean 8.7 h after stroke onset) and in 35 controls. We evaluated the relation between CSF concentrations and (a) stroke severity (NIH Stroke Scale [NIHSS] score on admission, infarct volume), (b) stroke location, and (c) stroke outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score at month 3).
Results: MBP concentration was significantly higher in subcortical than in cortical infarcts (median MBP, 1.18 vs 0.66 μg/L, P &lt; 0.001). GFAP and S100B concentrations correlated with the NIHSS score on admission (GFAP, R = 0.35, P = 0.001; S100B, R = 0.29, P = 0.006), infarct volume (GFAP, R = 0.34, P = 0.001; S100B, R = 0.28, P = 0.008), and mRS score at month 3 (R = 0.42, P &lt; 0.001 and R = 0.28, P = 0.007). Concentrations of NSE did not correlate with stroke characteristics.
Conclusions: MBP, GFAP, S100B, and NSE display relevant differences in cellular and subcellular origins, which are reflected in their relation to stroke characteristics. MBP is a marker for infarct location. GFAP and S100B correlate with stroke severity and outcome.
Deutschland und die deutschen Lande im Spiegel einer lateinischen Spruchsammlung
Authors: Haye Thomas 
Published: December 2009

The Vatican codex Borgh. 200 contains the earliest medieval collection of proverbs and sentences systematically dealing with German regions and territories. The compiler, an anonymous writer of the thirteenth century, is arranging and organizing the descriptions of each German countryside as a circle. Clockwise he is explaining moral characteristics and behavioural qualities of the inhabitants. As a consequence of such a mental cartography, he is drawing a profile of the slowly emerging German nation composed by different regional cultures.
The article presents a critical edition and a literary evaluation of the poem.
Association between serum alkaline phosphatase and C-reactive protein in the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005–2006
Authors: Webber Matthew , Krishnan Aisling , Thomas Neil G. , Cheung Bernard M.Y. 
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Background: Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is a widely used marker for skeletal and hepatobiliary disorders, but its activity is also increased in atherosclerosis and peripheral vascular disease. It is an inflammatory marker like C-reactive protein (CRP). We therefore analyzed its relationship with CRP in the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2006.

Methods: The analysis included 4155 men and non-pregnant women over the age of 20 years. The relationship between log-transformed ALP and plasma CRP was analyzed using univariate and multivariate models.

Results: ALP activity was significantly correlated with age, waist circumference, body mass index, blood pressure, exercise, alcohol, triglycerides, and other liver enzymes after adjusting for age, gender and ethnicity (p<0.001). ALP was significantly associated with a higher frequency of cardiovascular disease (p=0.02), hypertension (p=0.01) hypercholesterolemia (p=0.04), and diabetes (p=0.02). Compared to the lowest quartile of ALP, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) associated with the highest quartile were 1.9 [95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.1–3.5], 1.6 (95% CI 1.0–2.5), 1.5 (95% CI 1.1–2.1) and 1.7 (95% CI 1.0–2.4) for cardiovascular disease, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes, respectively. In multivariate analysis, log ALP was an independent predictor of log CRP (p=1.0×10−6). A multivariate model that included log ALP, ethnicity, glycohemoglobin, waist circumference, albumin, apolipoprotein B, γ-glutamyltransferase and uric acid explained 40% of the variance in log CRP.

Conclusions: ALP is a marker of cardiometabolic risk, but it needs to be tested as part of a multivariate model in prospective studies.
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:167–73.
Characterization of black liquors from kraft pulping of first-thinning Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.)
Authors: Rautiainen Riikka , Alén Raimo 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Formation of hydroxy acids and soluble lignin fragments was investigated during conventional kraft pulping of first-thinning Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stem wood and its long-fiber outer part and short-fiber inner part. The results indicate that there are characteristic differences in the formation of hydroxy acids in these specific tissues, due to the slightly different contents of cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignin. Notable are the differences in the formation of xylan-derived acids (2-hydroxybutanoic and xyloisosaccharinic acids) and glucomannan- and cellulose-derived acids (3,4-dideoxy-pentonic and glucoisosaccharinic acids). In contrast, no significant differences were found in the average molecular masses of the dissolved lignins in these black liquors. Finally, the black liquor from the outer part of first-thinning pine was shown to have similar properties as the black liquor from the reference mature wood material.
Estimate of resistance-curve in wood through the double cantilever beam test
Authors: Dourado Nuno M.M. , de Moura Marcelo F.S.F. , Morais José J.L. , Silva Manuel A.L. 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Numerical and experimental studies involving the double cantilever beam test to estimate the resistance-curve under mode I loading in wood (Pinus pinaster Ait. – RL fracture system) are presented. Two data reduction schemes based on the specimen compliance and crack equivalent concept are proposed to obtain accurate values of fracture energy. The methods do not require crack length monitoring and mitigate the influence of scatter of wood elastic properties on the measured fracture energy. A finite element analysis to validate the proposed methodologies was performed. Good agreement was achieved in both cases, especially for one case. Experimental tests were also carried out to determine the fracture energy of this wood species. Application of both data reduction schemes provided consistent values.
Lignin and carbohydrate variation with earlywood, latewood, and compression wood content of bent and straight ramets of a radiata pine clone
Authors: Kibblewhite R. Paul , Suckling Ian D. , Evans Robert , Grace Jennifer C. , Riddell Mark J.C. 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Changes in lignin and carbohydrate content with radial direction, growth-layer number, compression wood (CW) severity, and earlywood (EW) and latewood (LW) origin are described for one near-ground position in each of a severely bent and a nominally straight ramet (tree) of a clone (genotype) of Pinus radiata. Bark-to-bark strips were taken through the pith and the longest radial dimension of the CW side of the discs. Separate EW and LW samples were obtained for most growth layers, yielding a total of 95 samples. Differences in lignin and carbohydrate content between EW and LW were large where CW formation was moderate and small where it was severe. Mannose content was consistently different in the EW and LW of opposite wood (OW) and CW. Results suggested that the inner juvenile wood of OW rings might contain either a galactose-rich galactoglucomannan or a β-1,4-galactan. Consideration of all 95 samples showed that although the contents of galactose, lignin, glucose, and mannose were linearly and strongly correlated with one another, their relationship with xylose and arabinose content was non-linear.
The Efficiency Analysis of Life Insurance Company in Taiwan: Two-Stage Data Envelopment Analysis
Authors: Tsai Hui-Yin , Wang An Siou 
Published: December 2009

AbstractIn this research we use the two-stage data envelopment analysis (DEA) and divide life insurance activities into two stages according to the production characteristics of 11 life insurance companies in Taiwan. The first stage is the operational efficiency, and the second stage is the profitability efficiency. Analysis of the input and output data during the 2005–2006 period was made for 11 life insurance companies in Taiwan. The aim of this analysis was to investigate the relative efficiency of each life insurance company at various stages of production activities. The efficiency of decision processes that can be divided into single stages has been measured for the whole process as well as for each stage separately by using the conventional DEA methodology in order to identify the causes of inefficiency.