bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Arsenic exposure through drinking water increases the risk of liver and cardiovascular diseases in the population of West Bengal, India
Authors: Das Nandana , Paul Somnath , Chatterjee Debmita , Banerjee Nilanjana , Majumder Niladri S , Sarma Nilendu , Sau Tanmoy J , Basu Santanu , Banerjee Saptarshi , Majumder Papiya , Bandyopadhyay Apurba K , States J Christopher , Giri Ashok K 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackgroundArsenic is a natural drinking water contaminant affecting 26 million people in West Bengal, India. Chronic arsenic exposure causes cancer, cardiovascular disease, liver disease, neuropathies and ocular diseases. The aims of the present study were to assess bioindicators of hepatocellular injury as indicated by the levels of liver enzymes, to determine the auto immune status, as indicated by the amounts of anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) and anti-dsDNA antibodies in their serum, and to predict cardiovascular risk in the arsenic exposed population.MethodsEffect of chronic arsenic exposure on liver was determined by liver function tests. Autoimmune status was measured by measuring ANA and anti-dsDNA in serum. Inflammatory cytokines associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk, IL6, IL8 and MCP-1 were determined.ResultsOur results indicated that serum levels of bilirubin, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and ANA were increased in the arsenic exposed population. Serum levels of IL6 and IL8 also increased in the arsenic exposed group.ConclusionsChronic arsenic exposure causes liver injury, increases the serum levels of autoimmune markers and imparts increased cardiovascular risk.
Occurrence of maxillary sinus abnormalities detected by cone beam CT in asymptomatic patients
Authors: Rege Inara Carneiro Costa , Sousa Thiago Oliveira , Leles Cláudio Rodrigues , Mendonça Elismauro Francisco 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackgroundAlthough cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of the maxillofacial region allow the inspection of the entire volume of the maxillary sinus (MS), identifying anatomic variations and abnormalities in the image volume, this is frequently neglected by oral radiologists when interpreting images of areas at a distance from the dentoalveolar region, such as the full anatomical aspect of the MS. The aim of this study was to investigate maxillary sinus abnormalities in asymptomatic patients by using CBCT.Methods1113 CBCT were evaluated by two examiners and identification of abnormalities, the presence of periapical lesions and proximity to the lower sinus wall were recorded. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and Kappa statistics.ResultsAbnormalities were diagnosed in 68.2% of cases (kappa = 0.83). There was a significant difference between genders (p < 0.001) and there was no difference in age groups. Mucosal thickening was the most prevalent abnormality (66%), followed by retention cysts (10.1%) and opacification (7.8%). No association was observed between the proximity of periapical lesions and the presence and type of inflammatory abnormalities (p = 0.124).ConclusionsAbnormalities in maxillary sinus emphasizes how important it is for the dentomaxillofacial radiologist to undertake an interpretation of the whole volume of CBCT images.
Apolipoprotein C-I is an APOE genotype-dependent suppressor of glial activation
Authors: Cudaback Eiron , Li Xianwu , Yang Yue , Yoo Thomas , Montine Kathleen S , Craft Suzanne , Montine Thomas J , Keene Christopher Dirk 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
Inheritance of the human ϵ4 allele of the apolipoprotein (apo) E gene (APOE) significantly increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD), in addition to adversely influencing clinical outcomes of other neurologic diseases. While apoE isoforms differentially interact with amyloid β (Aβ), a pleiotropic neurotoxin key to AD etiology, more recent work has focused on immune regulation in AD pathogenesis and on the mechanisms of innate immunomodulatory effects associated with inheritance of different APOE alleles. APOE genotype modulates expression of proximal genes including APOC1, which encodes a small apolipoprotein that is associated with Aβ plaques. Here we tested the hypothesis that APOE-genotype dependent innate immunomodulation may be mediated in part by apoC-I.

Methods
ApoC-I concentration in cerebrospinal fluid from control subjects of differing APOE genotypes was quantified by ELISA. Real-time PCR and ELISA were used to analyze apoC-I mRNA and protein expression, respectively, in liver, serum, cerebral cortex, and cultured primary astrocytes derived from mice with targeted replacement of murine APOE for human APOE ϵ3 or ϵ4. ApoC-I direct modulation of innate immune activity was investigated in cultured murine primary microglia and astrocytes, as well as human differentiated macrophages, using specific toll-like receptor agonists LPS and PIC as well as Aβ.

Results
ApoC-I levels varied with APOE genotype in humans and in APOE targeted replacement mice, with ϵ4 carriers showing significantly less apoC-I in both species. ApoC-I potently reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion from primary murine microglia and astrocytes, and human macrophages, stimulated with LPS, PIC, or Aβ.

Conclusions
ApoC-I is immunosuppressive. Our results illuminate a novel potential mechanism for APOE genotype risk for AD; one in which patients with an ϵ4 allele have decreased expression of apoC-I resulting in increased innate immune activity.
Monitor units are not predictive of neutron dose for high-energy IMRT
Authors: Hälg Roger A , Besserer Jürgen , Boschung Markus , Mayer Sabine , Schneider Uwe 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
Due to the substantial increase in beam-on time of high energy intensity-modulated radiotherapy (>10 MV) techniques to deliver the same target dose compared to conventional treatment techniques, an increased dose of scatter radiation, including neutrons, is delivered to the patient. As a consequence, an increase in second malignancies may be expected in the future with the application of intensity-modulated radiotherapy. It is commonly assumed that the neutron dose equivalent scales with the number of monitor units.

Methods
Measurements of neutron dose equivalent were performed for an open and an intensity-modulated field at four positions: inside and outside of the treatment field at 0.2 cm and 15 cm depth, respectively.

Results
It was shown that the neutron dose equivalent, which a patient receives during an intensity-modulated radiotherapy treatment, does not scale with the ratio of applied monitor units relative to an open field irradiation. Outside the treatment volume at larger depth 35% less neutron dose equivalent is delivered than expected.

Conclusions
The predicted increase of second cancer induction rates from intensity-modulated treatment techniques can be overestimated when the neutron dose is simply scaled with monitor units.
Effect of culture conditions on growth, lipid content, and fatty acid composition of Aurantiochytrium mangrovei strain BL10
Authors: Chaung Kai-Chuang , Chu Chun-Yao , Su Yu-Ming , Chen Yi-Min 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
This study explored the influence of various culture conditions on the biomass, lipid content, production of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and fatty acid composition of Aurantiochytrium mangrovei strain BL10. The variables examined in this study include the species and concentration of salt, the concentrations of the two substrates glucose and yeast extract, the level of dissolved oxygen, the cerulenin treatment, and the stages of BL10 growth. Our results demonstrate that BL10 culture produces maximum biomass when salinity levels are between 0.2 and 3.0%. Decreasing salinity to 0.1% resulted in a considerable decrease in the biomass, lipid content, DHA production, and DHA to palmitic acid (PA) (DHA/PA) ratio, signifying deterioration in the quality of the oil produced. The addition of 0.9% sodium sulfate to replenish salinity from 0.1% to 1.0% successfully recovered biomass, lipid content and DHA production levels; however, this also led to a decrease in DHA/PA ratio. An increase in oxygen and cerulenin levels resulted in a concomitant decrease in the DHA to docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) (DHA/DPA) ratio in BL10 oil. Furthermore, the DHA/DPA and DHA/PA ratios varied considerably before and after the termination of cell division, which occurred around the 24 hour mark. These results could serve as a foundation for elucidating the biochemistry underlying the accumulation of lipids, and a definition of the extrinsic (environmental or nutritional) and intrinsic (cell growth stage) factors that influence lipid quality and the production of DHA by BL10.
Political violence and mental health in Nepal: prospective study
Authors: Kohrt Brandon A. , Hruschka Daniel J. , Worthman Carol M. , Kunz Richard D. , Baldwin Jennifer L. , Upadhaya Nawaraj , Acharya Nanda Raj , Koirala Suraj , Thapa Suraj B. , Tol Wietse A. , Jordans Mark J. D. , Robkin Navit , Dev Sharma Vidya , Nepal Mahendra K. 
Published: August 2012

BackgroundPost-conflict mental health studies in low-income countries have lacked pre-conflict data to evaluate changes in psychiatric morbidity resulting from political violence.AimsThis prospective study compares mental health before and after exposure to direct political violence during the People's War in Nepal.MethodAn adult cohort completed the Beck Depression Inventory and Beck Anxiety Inventory in 2000 prior to conflict violence in their community and in 2007 after the war.ResultsOf the original 316 participants, 298 (94%) participated in the post-conflict assessment. Depression increased from 30.9 to 40.6%. Anxiety increased from 26.2 to 47.7%. Post-conflict post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was 14.1%. Controlling for ageing, the depression increase was not significant. The anxiety increase showed a dose–response association with conflict exposure when controlling for ageing and daily stressors. No demographic group displayed unique vulnerability or resilience to the effects of conflict exposure.ConclusionsConflict exposure should be considered in the context of other types of psychiatric risk factors. Conflict exposure predicted increases in anxiety whereas socioeconomic factors and non-conflict stressful life events were the major predictors of depression. Research and interventions in postconflict settings therefore should consider differential trajectories for depressionv.anxiety and the importance of addressing chronic social problems ranging from poverty to gender and ethnic/caste discrimination.
Direct Polymerization of Poly(acrylic acid) on a Silicon-wafer Surface
Authors: Lee Hoik , Kim Donghyun , Sohn Daewon 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
This study examines the direct preparation of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) on a silicon wafer modified by γ-ray radiation. Using this innovative method, we synthesized PAA on a silicon wafer without additive material because the silicon-wafer itself acts as an initiator. The reaction time was adjusted to control the thickness of PAA on the silicon wafer.
Histone-like Protein HCcp3-induced Liquid Crystalline DNA Condensation
Authors: Sun Shiyong , Wong Joseph T Y , Dong Faqin , Liu Mingxue 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
From prokaryotes to eukaryotes, the DNA condensation process by basic proteins is essential to store the genome in vivo. The surface charge inversion with a DNA/HCcp3 charge ratio of 0.7/1 indicates a role for HCcp3-mediated counter ion-driven mechanism in DNA condensation. The formation of the cholesteric liquid-crystalline phase of DNA–HCcp3 complexes occurred when DNA charges were neutralized. The results suggest that DNA condensation processes by HCcp3 can be divided into two distinctive binding stages: the first state, prior to condensation, involves an entropy-driven binding process of HCcp3 to the DNA, while the second state is an electrostatically driven condensing and assembling process.
Utility of high-resolution ultrasonography and colour Doppler in the assessment of pigmented skin lesions
Authors: Mandava Anitha , Konathan Rajyalaxmi , Neelala Krishnaveni 
Published: August 2012

Introduction This study evaluated the role of high-resolution ultrasonography in the assessment of pigmented skin lesions in correlation with clinico-pathological findings to predict malignant potential with high sensitivity and specificity. Methods A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out in 124 cases of pigmented skin lesions by using variable frequency (6–18 MHz) high-resolution ultrasonography and colour Doppler over a period of 14 months in Central Hospital, South Central Railway, Hyderabad, India. The correlation between sonographic parameters (greyscale imaging characteristics and vascular flow on colour Doppler) and pathological parameters (malignant and benign) were statistically analysed. Results For predicting malignancy, the presence of vascular flow on colour Doppler had good overall accuracy, specificity and negative predictive value but relatively low sensitivity and positive predictive value (respectively, 91%, 94%, 94%, 81% and 78%). However, greyscale imaging characteristics to predict malignancy had low overall accuracy, specificity and positive predictive value but high sensitivity and negative predictive value (respectively, 54%, 34%, 26%, 85% and 89%). There was a significant positive association between vascular flow on Doppler and malignancy ( P = 0.0001) but the correlation between greyscale imaging findings and malignancy is not statistically significant ( P = 0.0603 ). Conclusions High-resolution sonographic imaging is useful in non-invasive monitoring of pigmented lesions at risk and screening of pigmented lesions suspected of malignancy to give relevant information about the extent and nature of the disease and to stratify the high risk cases for surveillance and planning of the treatment.
An investigation of sonographers unaffected by work-related musculoskeletal disorders
Authors: Gibbs Vivien , Edwards Hazel 
Published: August 2012

There is much concern amongst sonographers that reported cases of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) seem to be increasing at an alarming rate. Various studies have been published quoting high incidences within the profession, but there is a dearth of contemporary, robust evidence. Within the profession, anecdotal evidence suggests that a number of sonographers have been practising full-time for a number of years without experiencing any symptoms of WRMSD. In order to explore this phenomenon in more detail, a small study was undertaken looking at 22 sonographers. It was anticipated that those who have avoided the condition may offer examples of preventative strategies which could be shared within the profession. Several common themes were identified which may be protecting some of them from developing WRMSD, however, not all the findings were common to all participants. It appears that the avoidance of, as well as the development of, WRMSD is multifactorial. A high sense of personal well-being, high levels of job satisfaction and a responsive posture may be linked with avoiding WRMSD. The main learning points from this study appear to be the importance for sonographers taking responsibility for themselves, and of maintaining a constant awareness of potential problems. We recommend that, based on the experiences of our participants, sonographers experiment with different approaches at an individual level to find what works for them.
Determination of dipping contacts using electrical resistivity tomography
Authors: Putiška René , Dostál Ivan , Kušnirák David 
Published: August 2012

Determination of dipping contacts using electrical resistivity tomographyGenerally, all electrode arrays are able to delineate the contact of two lithostratigraphic units especially with very high resistivity contrast. However, the image resolution for the location of vertical and dipping structures is different. The responses of dipole-dipole (DD), Wenner alpha (WA), Schlumberger (SCH) and combined pole-dipole (PD) arrays have been computed using the finite difference method. Comparison of the responses indicates that: (1) The dipole-dipole array usually gives the best resolution and is the most detailed method especially for the detection of vertical structures. This array has shown the best resolution to recognize the geometrical characterisation of the fault. (2) The pole-dipole has shown the second best result in our test. The PD is an effective method for detection of vertical structures with a high depth range, but the deepest parts are deformed. (3) Wenner alpha shows a low resolution, inconvenient for detailed investigation of dip structures. (4) The Schlumberger array gives a good and sharp resolution to assess the contact between two lithological units but gives poor result for imaging geometry of dipping contact.
Polish Migrating - from Globetrotting to See-sawing
Authors: Bukraba-Rylska Izabella 
Published: August 2012

Polish Migrating - from Globetrotting to See-sawing
Polish rural migrations are a permanent phenomenon with specific features. They are a temporary yet indefinite type of departure from the social and topographic ‘peripheries’ to similar ‘peripheries’ of the receiving country, a group rather than an individual process of nominating migrants, their mutual movement to a chosen country and staying in ethnic cliques ("ghettoes"), finally the lack of a clear innovative effect and even the stagnation and retraditionalism of the environment they return to. These phenomena were described in detail by Polish rural sociologists during the inter-war years and current research confirms the constancy of the pattern established at that time. The similar behaviour of migrants and social consequences of toing and froing to earn money suggest the constancy of their conditions (particularly the peripheral situation of Poland in Europe and the dual development of Polish society and economy).
Failure as a Precondition for Success - the Transformation of East German Agriculture Revisited
Authors: Barlösius Eva , Neu Claudia 
Published: August 2012

Failure as a Precondition for Success - the Transformation of East German Agriculture Revisited
This paper asks why the transformation of the East German agricultural sector did not occur as politically intended: decollectivisation and a change to small family farms did not take place. In order to answer this question the two dominant sociological concepts of transformation, transfer of institutions and delayed modernisation, are first considered. Afterwards the theoretical and methodological approaches and results of socio-agricultural studies are presented. Based on the interpretation of the findings of these studies the main characteristics of the agricultural transformation are identified. The paper ends with the thesis that, as was typical for the German reading of the transformation process was its interpretation within the "order of time". This implied a devaluation and ignorance of whatever was not in line with the concept of modernisation.
The Formation and Destruction of Social Capital - Lessons from East German Rural Restructuring
Authors: Laschewski Lutz 
Published: August 2012

The Formation and Destruction of Social Capital - Lessons from East German Rural Restructuring
Twenty years after German unification, rural East Germany still remains in deep economic crisis. The fact that the physical, social and private infrastructure have improved significantly, but with seemingly little effect on the economic performance and negative demographic trends, raises the question of alternative, institutional and social explanations for the current crisis. In this context this paper explores the concept of social capital and its relation to rural development in order to understand the current rural crisis in East Germany. It describes the process of agricultural restructuring after unification and analyses the processes of formation and destruction of different forms of social capital in this process.
It is argued that social capital is connected with particular institutions and activities. In the case of Rural East Germany it was difficult for many actors to draw on network relations, simply because those networks vanished after having lost their meaning, institutional and physical basis. However, the new institutional framework, which has been transferred from the West, does not offer suitable incentives for the formation of other, new forms of social capital that are necessary to overcome the rural crisis.
A generalization from the East German experience is that it is important to identify the base of social capital and thereby its likely durability in times of change. If an economic, social or cultural function is lost, it is likely that social capital related to this function will also be destroyed. However, this also gives room for careful optimism, due to the fact that new economic, social or cultural activities may serve as a basis for new social capital.
Rural Social Capital versus European and Global Challenges (About "good" and "bad" Social Capital)
Authors: Mikiewicz Piotr , Szafraniec Krystyna 
Published: August 2012

Rural Social Capital versus European and Global Challenges (About "good" and "bad" Social Capital)
This text has two aims - to relate the results of research carried out in IRWiR PAN (Institute for Rural and Agricultural Development Polish Academy of Sciences) on rural social capital and achieve a useful social interpretation of those results referring to the theory of social capital. Social capital is nowadays becoming a very important element in academic and political discourse. It is seen as having the potential for greater efficiency in levelling social differences, improving the opportunities of rural inhabitants. No matter how popular and positive, social capital can be understood in various ways due to its various theoretical sources, it is also possible to point out its negative aspects. This text is an attempt at showing the nuances of how social capital works. The first part presents the basic understanding of the category discussed here. The second part is a presentation of the results of empirical research where interpretation was carried out in the light of earlier outlined concepts.
Local Initiatives Functioning as a Condition of Rural Development of the Czech Countryside
Authors: Majerová Věra 
Published: August 2012

Local Initiatives Functioning as a Condition of Rural Development of the Czech Countryside
Rural development is closely connected with the development possibilities of residential locations. Broken social ties are projected into its earlier development. The socialist way of life (from the end of the WW II until the end of the eighties) was ideologically formed by collectivist models. Social organisations were highly formalised and controlled from above. Thousands of new social organisations have emerged in the villages and in towns since 1989, mostly involving cultural, sports and social activities. Civil initiatives were slow in winning recognition in rural areas and some types of initiatives are still missing. A new impulse for their progress was the accession of the Czech Republic into the EU in 2004. Information is drawn from the sociological research projects of the Sociological Laboratory, Czech University of Life Sciences.