bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Semi-automatic algorithm for construction of the left ventricular area variation curve over a complete cardiac cycle
Authors: Melo Salvador A , Macchiavello Bruno , Andrade Marcelino M , Carvalho João LA , Carvalho Hervaldo S , Vasconcelos Daniel F , Berger Pedro A , da Rocha Adson F , Nascimento Francisco AO 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Background
Two-dimensional echocardiography (2D-echo) allows the evaluation of cardiac structures and their movements. A wide range of clinical diagnoses are based on the performance of the left ventricle. The evaluation of myocardial function is typically performed by manual segmentation of the ventricular cavity in a series of dynamic images. This process is laborious and operator dependent. The automatic segmentation of the left ventricle in 4-chamber long-axis images during diastole is troublesome, because of the opening of the mitral valve.

Methods
This work presents a method for segmentation of the left ventricle in dynamic 2D-echo 4-chamber long-axis images over the complete cardiac cycle. The proposed algorithm is based on classic image processing techniques, including time-averaging and wavelet-based denoising, edge enhancement filtering, morphological operations, homotopy modification, and watershed segmentation. The proposed method is semi-automatic, requiring a single user intervention for identification of the position of the mitral valve in the first temporal frame of the video sequence. Image segmentation is performed on a set of dynamic 2D-echo images collected from an examination covering two consecutive cardiac cycles.

Results
The proposed method is demonstrated and evaluated on twelve healthy volunteers. The results are quantitatively evaluated using four different metrics, in a comparison with contours manually segmented by a specialist, and with four alternative methods from the literature. The method's intra- and inter-operator variabilities are also evaluated.

Conclusions
The proposed method allows the automatic construction of the area variation curve of the left ventricle corresponding to a complete cardiac cycle. This may potentially be used for the identification of several clinical parameters, including the area variation fraction. This parameter could potentially be used for evaluating the global systolic function of the left ventricle.
Chronic arthritis leads to disturbances in the bone collagen network
Authors: Caetano-Lopes Joana , Nery Ana M , Canhão Helena , Duarte Joana , Cascão Rita , Rodrigues Ana , Perpétuo Inês P , Abdulghani Saba , Amaral Pedro M , Sakaguchi Shimon , Konttinen Yrjö T , Graça Luís , Vaz Maria F , Fonseca João E 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
Introduction
In this study we used a mice model of chronic arthritis to evaluate if bone fragility induced by chronic inflammation is associated with an imbalance in bone turnover and also a disorganization of the bone type I collagen network.

Methods
Serum, vertebrae and femur bones were collected from eight-month-old polyarthritis SKG mice and controls. Strength of the femoral bones was evaluated using three-point bending tests and density was assessed with a pycnometer. Bone turnover markers carboxy-terminal collagen cross-linking telopeptides (CTX-I) and amino-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP) were measured in serum. The organization and density of bone collagen were analyzed in vertebrae using second-harmonic generation (SHG) imaging with a two-photon microscope and trabecular bone microstructure was assessed by scanning electron microscope (SEM).

Results
Femoral bones of SKG mice revealed increased fragility expressed by deterioration of mechanical properties, namely altered stiffness (P = 0.007) and reduced strength (P = 0.006), when compared to controls. Accordingly, inter-trabecular distance and trabecular thickness as observed by SEM were reduced in SKG mice. PINP was significantly higher in arthritic mice (9.18 ± 3.21 ng/ml) when compared to controls (1.71 ± 0.53 ng/ml, P < 0.001). Bone resorption marker CTX-I was 9.67 ± 3.18 ng/ml in arthritic SKG mice compared to 6.23 ± 4.11 ng/ml in controls (P = 0.176). The forward-to-backward signal ratio measured by SHG was higher in SKG animals, reflecting disorganized matrix and loose collagen structure, compared to controls.

Conclusions
We have shown for the first time that chronic arthritis by itself impairs bone matrix architecture, probably due to disturbed bone remodeling and increased collagen turnover. This effect might predispose patients to bone fragility fractures.
Type I gamma phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinase modulates invasion and proliferation and its expression correlates with poor prognosis in breast cancer
Authors: Sun Yue , Turbin Dmitry A , Ling Kun , Thapa Narendra , Leung Samuel , Huntsman David G , Anderson Richard A 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
Introduction
The loss of E-cadherin based cell-cell contacts and tumor cell migration to the vasculature and lymphatic system are hallmarks of metastasis of epithelial cancers. Type I gamma phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinase (PIPKIγ), an enzyme that generates phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI4,5P2) a lipid messenger and precursor to many additional second messengers, was found to regulate E-cadherin cell-cell contacts and growth factor-stimulated directional cell migration, indicating that PIPKIγ regulates key steps in metastasis. Here, we assess the expression of PIPKIγ in breast cancers and have shown that expression correlated with disease progression and outcome.

Methods
Using a tissue microarray, we analyzed 438 breast carcinomas for the levels of PIPKIγ and investigated the correlation of PIPKIγ expression with patient survival via Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Moreover, via knockdown of the expression of PIPKIγ in cultured breast cancer cells with siRNA, the roles of PIPKIγ in breast cancer migration, invasion, and proliferation were examined.

Results
Tissue microarray data shows that ~18% of the cohort immunostained showed high expression of PIPKIγ. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed a significant inverse correlation between strong PIPKIγ expression and overall patient survival. Expression of PIPKIγ correlated positively with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression, which regulates breast cancer progression and metastasis. In cultured breast cancer cells, PIPKIγ is required for growth factor stimulated migration, invasion, and proliferation of cells.

Conclusions
The results reveal a significant correlation between PIPKIγ expression and the progression of breast cancer. This is consistent with PIPKIγ 's role in breast cancer cell migration, invasion, and proliferation.
(-)-Epigallocatechin gallate sensitizes breast cancer cells to paclitaxel in a murine model of breast carcinoma
Authors: Luo Ting , Wang Jiao , Yin Yancun , Hua Hui , Jing Jing , Sun Xiangming , Li Minjing , Zhang You , Jiang Yangfu 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
Introduction
Paclitaxel (Taxol®) is a microtubule-targeted agent that is widely used for cancer treatment. However, resistance to paclitaxel is frequently encountered in the clinic. There is increasing interest in identifying compounds that may increase the sensitivity to conventional chemotherapeutic agents. In this study, we investigated whether green tea polyphenol (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) could sensitize breast carcinoma to paclitaxel in vivo.

Methods
Breast cancer cells were treated with or without EGCG and paclitaxel followed by detection of cell survival and apoptosis. c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation and glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) expression were detected by Western blotting. For in vivo study, 4T1 breast cancer cells were inoculated into Balb/c mice to establish a transplantation model. The tumor-bearing mice were treated with or without EGCG (30 mg/kg, i.p.) and paclitaxel (10 mg/kg, i.p.). Tumor growth was monitored. Apoptosis in tumor tissues was detected. Cell lysates from tumors were subjected to Western blot analysis of GRP78 expression and JNK phosphorylation.

Results
EGCG synergistically sensitized breast cancer cells to paclitaxel in vitro and in vivo. EGCG in combination with paclitaxel significantly induced 4T1 cells apoptosis compared with each single treatment. When tumor-bearing mice were treated with paclitaxel in combination with EGCG, tumor growth was significantly inhibited, whereas the single-agent activity for paclitaxel or EGCG was poor. EGCG overcame paclitaxel-induced GRP78 expression and potentiated paclitaxel-induced JNK phosphorylation in 4T1 cells both in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions
EGCG may be used as a sensitizer to enhance the cytotoxicity of paclitaxel.
Preparation of Novel Fluoroalkyl End-Capped Trimethoxyvinylsilane Oligomeric Nanoparticle-Encapsulated Binaphthol: Encapsulated Binaphthol Remaining Thermally Stable Even at 800 °C
Authors: Sawada Hideo , Matsuki Yusuke , Goto Yuki , Kodama Shun , Sugiya Masashi , Nishiyama Yusuke 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
Novel cross-linked fluoroalkyl end-capped trimethoxyvinylsilane oligomeric nanoparticles [RF–(VM-SiO2)n–RF]-encapsulated 1,1′-bi(2-naphthol) (BINOL) were prepared by the hydrolysis of fluoroalkyl end-capped trimethoxyvinylsilane oligomer in the presence of BINOL under alkaline conditions. RF–(VM-SiO2)n–RF-encapsulated BINOL nanocomposite thus obtained afforded no weight loss corresponding to the presence of BINOL in the composite at 800 °C. Interestingly, RF–(VM-SiO2)n–RF/BINOL nanocomposite did not show absorption peaks before calcination however this nanocomposite was found to exhibit similar absorption and fluorescence peaks to those of the parent BINOL after calcination at 800 °C. More interestingly, RF–(VM-SiO2)n–RF/BINOL nanocomposite after calcination exhibited a releasing characteristic into methanol although before calcination this nanocomposite showed no such characteristic at all. In particular, FT-IR spectra of the released molecules showed typical bands related to both the parent BINOL and silica gel, indicating that the released guest molecules should be thermally stable even at 800 °C through the architecture of rigid BINOL-containing silica gel matrices.
Synthesis of an Advanced Intermediate Bearing Two Hydroxy Groups for (−)-Tetrodotoxin and Its Analogs
Authors: Nishikawa Toshio , Koide Yuya , Adachi Masaatsu , Isobe Minoru 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
A new intermediate for tetrodotoxin and its analogs was synthesized from a bicyclic lactam intermediate, which was prepared from a known enone compound by a novel neighboring group participation as a key step.
Liquid Junction Potential between Electrolyte Solutions in Different Solvents: Some Consideration on the Component Due to Solvent–Solvent Interactions
Authors: Izutsu Kosuke 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
The liquid junction potential between different solvents contains three components, i.e., (a) related to ionic concentrations and mobilities, (b) related to ion solvations, and (c) related to solvent–solvent interactions at the junction. In order to understand the characteristics of component (c), we formerly introduced a model that the two solvents at the junction directly interact each other as a Lewis acid and a Lewis base and some parts of the solvent molecules are oriented perpendicularly to the boundary. However, this direct-interaction model deviates from reality in that the actual junction has a transition layer; its solvent composition gradually varies from that on one side to that on the other and its thickness expands with time, usually between 0.05 and 1 mm. In this report, we show that this direct-interaction model is applicable also in the presence of such transition layer. For this, we divide the transition layer in steps and get the total component (c) by summing up component (c) at each step. Here, the value at each step is obtained from the experimental results for component (c) at mixed solvent/mixed solvent junctions. The extent of the solvent orientation at the boundary was also roughly estimated.
Association of postprandial and fasting triglycerides with traits of the metabolic syndrome in the Metabolic Intervention Cohort Kiel
Authors: Rubin Diana , Helwig Ulf , Nothnagel Michael , Fölsch Ulrich R , Schreiber Stefan , Schrezenmeir Jürgen 
Published: January 2010

ObjectivePostprandial (pp) lipid metabolism is associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. In young men, pp triglycerides (TGs) are more strongly associated with traits of metabolic syndrome (MS) than fasting TGs. We established a cohort of middle-aged men selected for traits of MS and pp lipid metabolism to determine if fasting TGs or pp TGs are more closely related to MS.Research design and methodsA total of 1558 men were characterized for MS. A total of 755 men underwent an oral metabolic tolerance test consisting of a standardized high-fat meal and an oral glucose tolerance test. Blood samples were drawn in the fasting state and hourly until 9 h to determine pp TGs and free fatty acids. Glucose and insulin were analyzed until 5 h pp.ResultsIn the overall cohort, 329 subjects (21.1%) had a complete MS based on the Adult Treatment Panel III criteria, and 650 subjects (41.7%) had a complete MS based on the International Diabetes Federation criteria. The association of pp TGs with MS parameters was not stronger than the association of fasting TGs with them. Pp TGs were independently associated with β-cell function.ConclusionsPp TGs did not show a higher correlation with MS traits than fasting TGs. This finding is probably due to the high incidence of overweight subjects in this middle-aged cohort.
Developing a care bundle for the management of suspected placenta accreta
Authors: Paterson‐Brown Sara , Singh Claire 
Published: January 2010

Key content:

Care bundles are an established method of improving health care but they have not been used in obstetrics to date.
The NPSA, RCOG and RCM set up an expert group to explore whether care bundles could be a useful tool in the management of women with a low‐lying placenta who have had a previous caesarean section.
A care bundle was designed and piloted in six obstetric units over a 5‐month period and was found to be achievable in all of them.

Learning objectives:

To learn about the risks of morbidly adherent placenta.
To learn about the methods of developing a care bundle.
To examine the evidence for the usefulness of a care bundle for placenta praevia after previous caesarean section.

Ethical issues:

Once introduced to a unit, would failure to use a care bundle constitute substandard care?
Will the standards of care outlined in care bundles be unrealistic in some units with limited resources?

Please cite this article as: Paterson‐Brown S, Singh C. Developing a care bundle for the management of suspected placenta accreta. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2010;12:21–27.
Dermatoglyphic Analysis in Parents with Nonfamilial Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Children
Authors: Jahanbin Arezoo , Mahdavishahri Naser , Naseri Mohammad Mahdi , Sardari Yasaman , Rezaian Sareh 
Published: January 2010

Objectives To test the hypothesis that unaffected parents with nonsyndromic bilateral cleft lip and palate children possess greater levels of dermatoglyphic asymmetry than the normal population and to test for the difference in the distribution of pattern types. Design Case-control study. Setting Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. Participants Forty-five unaffected parents (45 men and 45 women) of children with nonfamilial bilateral cleft lip and palate anomaly were enlisted. A control group of 45 unaffected parents with at least two unaffected children and no prior family history of clefting were also simultaneously selected. Main Outcome Measures Palm prints and fingerprints were taken from each participant, and total ridge counts, atd angles, and pattern types were determined. For each of the three dermatoglyphic measures, asymmetry scores between right and left hands were defined, and then asymmetry scores of unaffected parents and pattern types were compared statistically with the controls, using Mann-Whitney and chi-square tests. Results In contrast to total ridge count asymmetry, the asymmetry of atd angles in unaffected parents and the asymmetry of patterns (in unaffected mothers) were significantly higher in comparison with the controls. Furthermore, unaffected fathers had significantly more arches than the controls, but there were no significant differences in dermatoglyphic patterns of unaffected mothers and the controls. Conclusion The findings suggest that an increase in the asymmetry of atd angles and pattern types in parents of sporadically affected children may reflect more the genetic base of this congenital malformation.
A Biomechanical Study on the Effect of Premature Fusion of the Frontosphenoidal Suture on Orbit Asymmetry in Unilateral Coronal Synostosis
Authors: Nagasao Tomohisa , Miyamoto Junpei , Uchikawa Yumiko , Tamaki Tamotsu , Yamada Akira , Kaneko Tsuyoshi , Jiang Hua , Issiki Yasushige 
Published: January 2010

Objective The coronal ring of patients with unilateral coronal synostosis (UCS) presents premature fusion. This study aims to elucidate whether or not the dynamic behavior of the orbit in response to intracranial pressure (ICP) differs between patients in whom the premature fusion exists only in the frontoparietal suture (FPS) and those in whom the premature fusion extends to the frontosphenoidal suture (FSS). Methods A total of 15 UCS patients were included in the present study. Patients in whom premature fusion was seen inside the FPS and those in whom premature fusion extended to the FSS were categorized as FP Only (4.2 ± 1.4 m/o) and FP + FS groups (4.6 ± 2.2 m/o), respectively. On the basis of computed tomography (CT) data, computer-aided design models were produced. Pressure of 15 mm Hg was applied to the neurocranium of each skull model to simulate ICP. Using the finite element method, the displacements presented by each model's orbits were calculated. Displacements of the two groups were compared. Results The orbit demonstrated greater displacement in the FP Only group than in the FP + FS group, suggesting that premature closure of the FSS disturbs growth of the orbit in response to ICP. Conclusion In performing surgical treatment for UCS, the degree of fusion that the FSS presents should be evaluated carefully. In cases in which the FSS presents premature fusion, it is recommended to release the fusion at an early stage of cranial growth to improve the appearance of the orbital region.
Like Father, Like Son: The Intergenerational Cycle of Adolescent Fatherhood
Authors: Sipsma Heather , Biello Katie Brooks , Cole-Lewis Heather , Kershaw Trace 
Published: January 2010

Objectives. Strong evidence exists to support an intergenerational cycle of adolescent fatherhood, yet such a cycle has not been studied. We examined whether paternal adolescent fatherhood (i.e., father of study participant was age 19 years or younger when his first child was born) and other factors derived from the ecological systems theory predicted participant adolescent fatherhood. Methods. Data included 1496 young males who were interviewed annually from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997. Cox regression survival analysis was used to determine the effect of paternal adolescent fatherhood on participant adolescent fatherhood. Results. Sons of adolescent fathers were 1.8 times more likely to become adolescent fathers than were sons of older fathers, after other risk factors were accounted for. Additionally, factors from each ecological domain—individual (delinquency), family (maternal education), peer (early adolescent dating), and environment (race/ethnicity, physical risk environment)—were independent predictors of adolescent fatherhood. Conclusions. These findings support the need for pregnancy prevention interventions specifically designed for young males who may be at high risk for continuing this cycle. Interventions that address multiple levels of risk will likely be most successful at reducing pregnancies among partners of young men.
Medical Nutrition Therapy: A Key to Diabetes Management and Prevention
Authors: Morris Sara F. , Wylie-Rosett Judith 
Published: January 2010

IN BRIEF
Because of the direct correlation between diet and diabetes management, medical nutrition therapy (MNT) provided by a registered dietitian is a key complement to traditional medical interventions in diabetes treatment. This article describes MNT, summarizes evidence for the effectiveness of MNT in preventing and treating diabetes, and provides physicians with information about how to refer patients for MNT.
Evaluation of trends in urolith composition and characteristics of dogs with urolithiasis: 25,499 cases (1985–2006)
Authors: Low Winnie W. , Uhl Justin M. , Kass Philip H. , Ruby Annette L. , Westropp Jodi L. 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
Objective—To evaluate trends in urolith composition and urolithiasis in dogs during the past 21 years.
Design—Retrospective case series.
Sample Population—25,499 uroliths and the dogs from which they were obtained.
Procedures—Database of the Gerald V. Ling Urinary Stone Analysis Laboratory was searched from January 1985 through December 2006. All uroliths from dogs and the accompanying submission forms were evaluated. Age, sex, breed, and urolith location were recorded.
Results—Minerals identified in uroliths included struvite, calcium oxalate (CaOx), urate, apatite, brushite, cystine, silica, potassium magnesium pyrophosphate, sulfa drug, xanthine, and newberyite. Although more struvite-containing uroliths were submitted during this period, a significant decrease in the proportion of struvite-containing uroliths submitted as a percentage of all uroliths submitted was detected. Also, a significant increase in the proportion of CaOx-containing uroliths submitted over time was detected. There was a significant nonlinear decrease in submission of urate-, silica-, and cystine-containing uroliths. The CaOx-, cystine-, and silica-containing uroliths were obtained significantly more often from male dogs; struvite- and urate-containing uroliths were obtained significantly more often from female dogs.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—An increase in the proportion of CaOx uroliths submitted over time was detected. Reasons for long-term changes in this trend were likely multifactorial and could have included alterations in diet formulations and water consumption and possibly the fact that people favor ownership of breeds more prone to developing CaOx-containing uroliths. The decrease in metabolic uroliths could have been related to better breeding practices and increased awareness of results of genetic studies.
Subfocal Color Categorization and Naming: The Role of Exposure to Language and Professional Experience
Authors: Malinowska Monika , Haman Maciej 
Published: January 2010

Subfocal Color Categorization and Naming: The Role of Exposure to Language and Professional ExperienceThe current state of the debate on the linguistic factors in color perception and categorization is reviewed. Developmental and learning studies were hitherto almost ignored in this debate. A simple experiment is reported in which 20 Academy of Fine Arts, Faculty of Painting students' performance in color discrimination and naming tasks was compared to the performance of 20 Technical University students. Subfocal colors (different hues of red and blue) were used. While there was no difference in overall discrimination ability, AFA students had a much richer and specialized color vocabulary. Both groups also applied different strategies of discrimination and naming. However, naming system in neither group was coherent. This suggests that naming played primarily the role of markers for control processes rather than names for categories. It is concluded that up-to-date debate is too simplified and a complex model of interrelations between perceptual categorization and naming framed in the developmental context is needed rather than the search for a simple answer "language", "environment", or "perceptual universals".