bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of outpatients referred to a chemical pathologist with potential pseudohyperkalaemia
Authors: Kapoor A K , Ravi A , Twomey P J 
Published: September 2009

Background:Pseudohyperkalaemia is when the in vitro blood potassium concentration is artefactually raised while the in vivo concentration is normal. With unexplained hyperkalaemia, pseudohyperkalaemia needs to be excluded to avoid unnecessary and potentially detrimental therapy. There are numerous causes, but no systematic approach for the investigation of outpatients with potential pseudohyperkalaemia exists in the literature.Aims:To evaluate the in-house protocol.Methods:Patients referred for investigation of potential pseudohyperkalaemia underwent an outpatient based protocol which is designed to determine whether the cause was due to delayed blood separation, clotting, centrifugation or a haematological abnormality.Results:32 patients with serum potassium of 5.5–7.1 mmol/l were referred. All patients had pseudohyperkalaemia; the most frequent causes were full blood count (FBC) abnormalities (28%), time >4 hours from sampling to centrifugation (28%) and sample clotting (25%). Anaemia was more likely to be found in male patients.Conclusion:Before a problem can be treated, it must be confirmed and its aetiology identified. A systematic approach to investigate potential pseudohyperkalaemia has been presented. This confirmed the clinician’s suspicion of pseudohyperkalaemia and in the majority of patients the aetiology was also identified. The use of serum and plasma potassium with an FBC in the initial investigation will identify whether clotting or a haematological abnormality is the cause in about half of the cases. Assay of whole-blood potassium is less important as centrifugation is a rare cause. Time to centrifugation is likely to play a major part in the majority of the remaining cases.
The role of laboratory processing in determining diagnostic conclusiveness of breast fine needle aspirations: conventional smearing versus a monolayer preparation
Authors: Wauters C A P , Kooistra B , Strobbe L J A 
Published: September 2009

Aim:To compare breast fine needle aspiration (FNA) specimens prepared by conventional smearing (CS) versus monolayer preparation (MP), with respect to the conclusiveness of the cytopathological diagnosis.Methods:From 1992 to 1996, aspirators prepared aspirates themselves by direct smearing onto 2–4 slides. From 1999 to 2003, aspirate preparation was performed in the laboratory, creating a MP, using a Hettich cytocentrifuge. FNA diagnoses were categorised into inadequate (C1), benign (C2), atypical (C3), suspicious for malignancy (C4) and malignant (C5). The reference standard constituted histological follow-up. A conclusive FNA diagnosis was defined as C2 in lesions benign on follow-up and C5 in lesions malignant on histology.Results:From 1992 to 1996, 692 aspirates were processed by CS, whereas from 1999 to 2003, 1301 aspirates were processed by MP. More FNA were ultrasound-guided in the MP group (85.6% versus 21.5%, p<0.001). When compared with CS, MP-prepared FNA had conclusive diagnoses significantly more often (72.8% versus 58.5%, p<0.001). This effect remained significant when corrected for the difference in ultrasound guidance (adjusted odds ratio 1.7, 95% confidence interval 1.3 to 2.2, p<0.001), and was larger for malignant lesions than for benign lesions (51.7% versus 79.9%, p<0.001).Conclusion:Patients presenting with breast lesions can more often be offered a same-day, conclusive cytopathological diagnosis when FNA are prepared by a manual MP processing technique.
BCL2gene aberration as an IPI-independent marker for poor outcome in non-germinal-centre diffuse large B cell lymphoma
Authors: Obermann E C , Csato M , Dirnhofer S , Tzankov A 
Published: September 2009

Aim:Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common lymphoid malignancy in the western hemisphere, and is characterised by a highly variable outcome that impedes individual risk assessment. Lacking reliable biomarkers, the international prognostic index (IPI) has been the most reliable factor to predict survival and stratify patients for therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and potential prognostic role ofBCL2aberrations on the chromosomal level and the protein level in a large DLBCL collective.Methods:Fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) with commercially available dual-colour break-apart probes and immunohistochemistry were used to assessBCL2gene abnormalities and bcl2 protein expression on validated tissue microarrays containing 224 well-characterised cases of primary DLBCL.Results:FISH analysis ofBCL2revealed a break in 40/215 cases (19%) and a gain in 66/171 (39%) cases. OnlyBCL2gains correlated with bcl2 protein expression (p = 0.001). Presence of anyBCL2gene abnormality, particularly gains, correlated independently of the IPI with a significantly worse prognosis in DLBCL of non-germinal centre (non-GC) phenotype as opposed to DLBCL of non-GC type without this genetic alteration (p = 0.003). DLBCL of germinal centre phenotype did not show this association.Conclusions:Cases of DLBCL of the non-GC type withBCL2gene aberration are accompanied by a significantly worse prognosis as opposed to cases without such gene abnormalities. It may be helpful to assesBCL2gene abnormalities by FISH in addition to assessing established parameters for individual risk estimation in DLBCL.
ASYMPTOTICS OF CANONICAL AND SATURATED RNA SECONDARY STRUCTURES
Authors: CLOTE PETER , KRANAKIS EVANGELOS , KRIZANC DANNY , SALVY BRUNO 
Published: September 2009

It is a classical result of Stein and Waterman that the asymptotic number of RNA secondary structures is 1.104366 · n-3/2 · 2.618034n. In this paper, we study combinatorial asymptotics for two special subclasses of RNA secondary structures — canonical and saturated structures. Canonical secondary structures are defined to have no lonely (isolated) base pairs. This class of secondary structures was introduced by Bompfünewerer et al., who noted that the run time of Vienna RNA Package is substantially reduced when restricting computations to canonical structures. Here we provide an explanation for the speed-up, by proving that the asymptotic number of canonical RNA secondary structures is 2.1614 · n-3/2 · 1.96798n and that the expected number of base pairs in a canonical secondary structure is 0.31724 · n. The asymptotic number of canonical secondary structures was obtained much earlier by Hofacker, Schuster and Stadler using a different method. Saturated secondary structures have the property that no base pairs can be added without violating the definition of secondary structure (i.e. introducing a pseudoknot or base triple). Here we show that the asymptotic number of saturated structures is 1.07427 · n-3/2 · 2.35467n, the asymptotic expected number of base pairs is 0.337361 · n, and the asymptotic number of saturated stem-loop structures is 0.323954 · 1.69562n, in contrast to the number 2n - 2 of (arbitrary) stem-loop structures as classically computed by Stein and Waterman. Finally, we apply the work of Drmota to show that the density of states for [all resp. canonical resp. saturated] secondary structures is asymptotically Gaussian. We introduce a stochastic greedy method to sample random saturated structures, called quasi-random saturated structures, and show that the expected number of base pairs is 0.340633 · n.
Apatite thermochronology in modern geology
Authors: Lisker F. , Ventura B. , Glasmacher U. A. 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Fission-track and (U–Th–Sm)/He thermochronology on apatites are radiometric dating methods that refer to thermal histories of rocks within the temperature range of 40°–125 °C. Their introduction into geological research contributed to the development of new concepts to interpreting time-temperature constraints and substantially improved the understanding of cooling processes within the uppermost crust. Present geological applications of apatite thermochronological methods include absolute dating of rocks and tectonic processes, investigation of denudation histories and long-term landscape evolution of various geological settings, and basin analysis.
Focused erosion in the Alps constrained by fission-track ages on detrital apatites
Authors: Malusà Marco G. , Zattin Massimiliano , Andò Sergio , Garzanti Eduardo , Vezzoli Giovanni 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Fission-track dating on detrital apatites from modern sands of the Po Delta is used for a provenance study of sediments in the Po River basin. Analysed samples show a fission-track grain-age distribution characterized by two prominent peaks at 7.7 Ma and 17 Ma. The youngest peak accounts for 46% of the total population of dated grains. This young component in the grain-age distribution is consistent with bedrock cooling ages observed in the Western Alps between the External Massifs and the Houiller unit, as well as in the Lepontine dome of the Central Alps and in the Miocene foredeep units of the Apennines, that overall represent only 12% of the orogenic source area. Results suggest that most of the sediment load in the last 10
2
–10
5
years was supplied by focused erosion of relatively small areas that experienced short-term erosion rates one order of magnitude higher than in the rest of the belt.
Exhumation of the Sierra de Cameros (Iberian Range, Spain): constraints from low-temperature thermochronology
Authors: Del Río P. , Barbero L. , Stuart F. M. 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

We present new fission-track and (U–Th)/He data from apatite and zircon in order to reconstruct the exhumation of the Sierra de Cameros, in the northwestern part of Iberian Range, Spain. Zircon fission-track ages from samples from the depocentre of the basin were reset during the metamorphic peak at approximately 100 Ma. Detrital apatites from the uppermost sediments retain fission-track age information that is older than the sediment deposition age, indicating that these rocks have not exceeded 110 °C. Apatites from deeper in the stratigraphic sequence of the central part of the basin have fission-track ages of around 40 Ma, significantly younger than the stratigraphic age, recording the time of cooling after peak metamorphic conditions. Apatite (U–Th)/He ages in samples from these sediments are 31–40 Ma and record the last period of cooling during Alpine compression. The modelled thermal history derived from the uppermost sediments indicates that the thermal pulse associated with peak metamorphism was rapid, and that the region has cooled continuously to the present. The estimated palaeogeothermal gradient is around 86 °C km
−1
and supports a tectonic model with a thick sedimentary fill (
c
. 8 km) and explains the origin of the low-grade metamorphism observed in the oldest sediments.
Thermal and denudation history of the Lusatian Block (NE Bohemian Massif, Germany) as indicated by apatite fission-track data
Authors: Ventura Barbara , Lisker Frank , Kopp Jürgen 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
The Lusatian Block in eastern Germany is part of the Variscan Bohemian Massif. It is located at the intersection of two regional fault–thrust systems that have been controlling the regional geological and landscape evolution since at least late Mesozoic times, the Elbe Fault System and the Eger Graben. Although the Lusatian Block has traditionally been described as a morphological high throughout the Mesozoic, timing, style and amount of denudation have not yet been quantified. Apatite fission-track (AFT) analysis of basement rocks yields ages varying between approximately 70 and 95 Ma, with mean track-lengths ranging from 13.6 to 14.1 µm. Thermal history modelling of the AFT data points to a minimum denudation of 3 km of the Lusatian Block in the Late Cretaceous. Onset of denudation can be related to transpression along the Lusatian Thrust as a main element of the Elbe Fault System. Moreover, the thermal history models provide tentative evidence for a second cooling–denudation event, which affected Lusatia in the late Palaeogene. This final denudation of at least 1 km probably occurred as a far-field response to the uplift of the northern shoulder of the Cenozoic Eger Graben.
Steady-state exhumation pattern in the Central Andes – SE Peru
Authors: Ruiz G. M. H. , Carlotto V. , Van Heiningen P. V. , Andriessen P. A. M. 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

The Western Cordillera of SE Peru is part of the Central Andes and is situated to the west of the Eastern Andes from which it is separated by the northern termination of the Altiplano – the Inter-Andean Valley. It is a volcanic–volcano-detrital chain that developed in the Palaeogene, and is characterized by a 4000 m-high mean altitude whose origin is poorly constrained. We selected a vertical profile in the region of Abancay to trace the record the evolving uplift and erosion history of the Andean orogen. Fission-track data on both apatite and zircon crystals were completed on plutonic rocks of the Tertiary Andahuaylas–Yauri batholith. Ages ranged between 24 and 14 Ma, and 38 and 30 Ma, respectively. Thermal modelling was completed for the whole profile and does not, like age–altitude relationships, show evidence of any clear disruption of the exhumation paths since 38 Ma either by sedimentary burial and/or rapid exhumation. One of the noteworthy aspects of the data is that exhumation was steady at a rate of 0.17 km Ma
−1
from the late Eocene until at least the middle Miocene (38–14 Ma). The uplift of the Western Cordillera was thus probably steady for this period with sedimentary deposition restricted to the present-day Altiplano and Inter-Andean Valley regions.
Improving constraints on apatite provenance: Nd measurement on fission-track-dated grains
Authors: Carter A. , Foster G. L. 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Detrital thermochronology is commonly used to locate source and improve the understanding of a region's long-term development. Provenance detrital age data typically comprise a number of distinct age modes representing contributions from a number of different sources. For methods such as apatite fission track (FT) this can present a challenge in that direct assignment of age modes to particular lithological or tectono-stratigraphic units is rarely possible, particularly when ancient orogenic sediments are examined. A new approach described here is based on measuring Nd isotopic data on single apatites by laser ablation ICPMS where the
143
Nd/
144
Nd ratios are diagnostic of grain source. By combining Nd isotopic measurement with apatite FT analysis it is possible to link detrital apatite FT ages to specific rock unit sources. The methodology and wider benefits of this new approach are discussed using examples from the Himalaya and Andaman Islands.
Calibration and comparison of etching techniques for apatite fission-track thermochronology
Authors: Murrell G. R. , Sobel E. R. , Carrapa B. , Andriessen P. 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Understanding time–temperature histories using apatite fission-track thermochronology involves sample preparation, analysis and then thermal modelling using an appropriate annealing algorithm. A subtle point in this sequence is ascertaining that the sample preparation utilized is compatible with the methodology used in obtaining the data for constructing the annealing data set. This issue is important if one wishes to utilize the relatively new multikinetic annealing algorithm of Ketcham
et al.
that is implemented in their AFTSolve and HeFTy models which is based on a different etching recipe than those previously used. A preliminary calibration step involves comparing published etch pit diameters for a suite of samples with those analysed by an operator. Results show that the operator can reliably reproduce the calibration data set. We then report a laboratory experiment using samples from Finland and Spain that compares the results obtained using two different etching methodologies (7% nitric acid with qualitative etching conditions and 5.5 M nitric acid at constant conditions). The two raw data sets yield variable results. Comparing the two etching methodologies reveals the influence of this procedure on the kinetic parameter
D
par
.
Convective heat transfer in a steeply dipping fault zone and its impact on the interpretation of fission-track data - a modelling study
Authors: Timar-Geng Zoltan , Henk Andreas , Wetzel Andreas 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
The effects of convective heat transfer by hydrothermal fluid flow on fission-track (FT) thermochronology are studied using numerical modelling techniques. Parameter studies are carried out on two-dimensional crustal segments with a steeply dipping fault zone exposed to constant denudation to evaluate the relative importance of different variables, including denudation rate as well as hydraulic and material properties. Time–temperature histories of particle points are calculated in the vicinity and also a few kilometres away of the fault zone. These time–temperature paths are then used in a forward-modelling approach to determine the expected FT cooling ages and track-length distributions.
Modelling results indicate that hydrothermal fluid flow can significantly disturb the background conductive thermal state of the upper crust, and the interpretation of FT data using a steady-state geothermal gradient can result in erroneous denudation rates that overestimate the true erosion rates by more than 80%. A pattern of highly varied FT cooling ages from samples at the same elevation does not necessarily ask for differential tectonic movements, instead it can be generated by deep circulation of groundwater within a few million years (Ma). Denudation rates inferred from FT cooling age–elevation plots are likewise inaccurate in a hydrothermally active area because the important assumption about closure temperature isotherms being horizontal or at a constant depth below the surface is not met.
What perturbs isotherms? An assessment using fission-track thermochronology and thermal modelling along the Gotthard transect, Central Alps
Authors: Glotzbach C. , Spiegel C. , Reinecker J. , Rahn M. , Frisch W. 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Interpretation of low-temperature thermochronological data usually relies on assumptions on the shape of isotherms. Recently, a number of thermal modelling approaches investigate and predict the theoretical influence of topography on isotherms. The application and proof of these predictions is not well confirmed by measured data. Here we present apatite fission-track (AFT) data from samples collected along the Gotthard road tunnel and its corresponding surface line to test these predictions. AFT ages broadly cluster around 6 Ma along the tunnel. No correlation of tunnel ages with superimposed topography is seen, which means that topography-induced perturbation of isotherms under given boundary conditions (topographic wavelength 12 km; relief 1.5 km; exhumation rate 0.45 km Ma
−1
) can be neglected for the interpretation of AFT ages. Thus, in areas characterized by similar topographies and exhumation rates, apparent exhumation rates deduced from the age–elevation relationship (AER) of AFT data need no correction for topography-induced perturbation of isotherms. Three-dimensional (3D) numerical thermal modelling was carried out incorporating thermally relevant parameters and mechanisms, such as topography, geology, thermal conductivities and heat production. Modelling reveals a strong influence on the shape of isotherms caused by spatially variable thermal parameters, especially heat production rates. Therefore, not only topography has to be considered for interpreting low-temperature thermochronological data, but also other parameters like heat production rates.

Supplementary material:
1. Electron microprobe analyses, 2. Topography and model extend, 3. Model parameters are all available online at
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18380
.
Cardio-Renal Effects of the A1 Adenosine Receptor Antagonist SLV320 in Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Mitrovic Veselin , Seferovic Petar , Dodic Slobodan , Krotin Mirjana , Neskovic Aleksander , Dickstein Kenneth , de Voogd Hanka , Böcker Christiane , Ziegler Dieter , Godes Michael , Nakov Roumen , Essers Hans , Verboom Cees , Hocher Berthold 
Published: September 2009

Background—Blocking the tubuloglomerular feedback mechanism with adenosine A1 receptor antagonists seems to improve diuresis and sodium excretion without compromising the glomerular filtration rate in patients with heart failure. However, the direct cardiac effects of this compound class have not been investigated to date.Methods and Results—In total, 111 patients (109 men and 2 women) received a 1-hour infusion of 5, 10, and 15 mg SLV320, an adenosine A1 receptor antagonist, placebo, or 40 mg furosemide. Mean age was 57.9 years, mean ejection fraction was 28.1%, 82 patients were of New York Heart Association class II, and 29 patients were of New York Heart Association class III. Hemodynamic parameters (heart rate, blood pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, mean pulmonary arterial pressure, systemic vascular resistance, right atrial pressure, and cardiac output) were determined. Kidney function was assessed by cystatin C measurements and by analysis of urine output and urine electrolytes. In addition, pharmacokinetics of SLV320 and ex vivo inhibition of adenosine A1 receptor activity were performed. SLV320 was well tolerated, and no serious adverse events were observed. Heart rate, blood pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, mean pulmonary arterial pressure, right atrial pressure, and cardiac output were not altered by any dose of SLV320. Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure was significantly (P=0.04) decreased by furosemide (−6.2�5.9 mm Hg). Systemic vascular resistance was significantly (P=0.04) increased in the furosemide group (+166.70�261.87 dynes � s−1� cm−5), whereas all SLV320 groups showed no significant alterations of systemic vascular resistance. Changes from baseline cystatin C plasma concentrations decreased after 10 mg SLV320 (−0.093�0.137 mg/L,P=0.046), whereas furosemide resulted in a significant (P=0.03) increase of cystatin C (+0.052�0.065 mg/L) versus baseline. All values represent mean changes�SD from baseline at 3 hours postdosing: SLV320 (10 and 15 mg) increased significantly sodium excretion and diuresis compared with placebo during the 0- to 6-hour collection period postdosing.Conclusions—SLV320 infusion shows no immediate effects on cardiac hemodynamics. SLV320 might improve glomerular filtration rate while simultaneously promoting natriuresis and diuresis.Clinical Trial Registration—clinicaltrials.gov Indentifier: NCT00160134.
Understanding Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: White Patricia , Smith Susan M. , Hevey David , O'Dowd Thomas 
Published: September 2009

Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between psychological and social factors and diabetes outcomes in people with type 2 diabetes and their family members. Methods A total of 153 patients with type 2 diabetes were assessed at a diabetes outpatient clinic and postal questionnaires were sent to nominated family members. The measures examined were diabetes knowledge, social support, well-being, and illness perceptions. Results When compared with those with diabetes, family members reported lower positive well-being and lower levels of satisfaction with support. They also perceived diabetes as a more cyclical illness, which was controlled more by treatment than by the individual. Family members also reported that the person with diabetes was more emotionally distressed and knew more about diabetes than the patient had actually reported himself or herself. There were no differences between the family members of those in good or poor glycaemic control. Conclusions This study reinforces the importance of understanding social context and illness beliefs in diabetes management. It also highlights the potential for including family members in discussions and education about diabetes management.