bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thyroid volume influences serum calcitonin levels in a thyroid-healthy population: results of a 3-assay, 519 subjects study
Authors: Giovanella Luca , Imperiali Mauro , Ferrari Anna , Palumbo Alessia , Lippa Lorella , Peretti Andrea , Graziani Maria Stella , Castello Roberto , Verburg Frederik A. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractWe aimed to assess determinants for serum calcitonin (CT) levels and to define reference ranges for different CT immunoassays integrating thyroid ultrasonography (TUS) and conventional clinical and biochemical criteria to select the reference population.Five hundred and nineteen thyroid-healthy subjects were included in this prospective cross-sectional population study. Thyroid volume was measured by TUS, while serum CT levels were measured by three different immunoassays.Significant interassay differences were found and the agreement between assays was poor. CT levels were higher in males than in females in all immunoassays. Using the first two assays, both gender and thyroid volume were independent determinants for CT levels. While using the third assay, one thyroid volume was the only determinant for CT levels.Thyroid volume is a relevant determinant for CT levels. In the clinical practice, the difference of the thyroid sizes in males and females warrants gender-specific reference ranges.
Impact of the reference values on the clinically-relevant cut-offs. The example of cortisol testing in children
Authors: Brossaud Julie , Barat Pascal , Georges Agnès , Corcuff Jean-Benoît 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAfter modification of our routine cortisol assay, we questioned the reference ranges for basal and stimulated cortisol plasma concentration in children.We retrospectively addressed the relevance of using the manufacturer’s normal reference range for basal cortisol and investigated its response to glucagon-betaxolol testing.Basal morning cortisol was 260 (98–604) nmol/L [manufacturer’s normal range (185–624) nmol/L: 26% subjects had “low” basal cortisol]. Upon testing cortisol increased to 502 (117–856) nmol/L. If a recently described 100% specificity threshold (403 nmol/L) is used it would amount to 31% adrenal insufficient children in apparently unaffected children. Basal and stimulated cortisol obtained with our prior radioimmunoassay (RIA) in a sub-group of subjects were lower: 411 (187–1061) and 770 (329–1542) nmol/L. Using the 403 nmol/L threshold with the radioimmunoassay would result in only 5% adrenal insufficient children.This shows again that laboratories have to advertise the need to establish reference values for given populations, both for basal or stimulated hormone levels. Failure to apply this rule will elicit false-positive and more critically, false-negative results.
Obtaining reference intervals traceable to reference measurement systems: is it possible, who is responsible, what is the strategy?
Authors: Panteghini Mauro , Ceriotti Ferruccio 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAn issue associated with standardization efforts is the need to develop useful reference intervals (RI). Lack of proper RI may hamper the implementation of standardization in Laboratory Medicine as standardization can modify analyte results and, without adequate RI, this can impair the result interpretation. Once defined, RI obtained with analytical procedures that produce results traceable to the corresponding reference system can be transferred among laboratories, providing that they use commercial assays that produce results traceable to the same reference system and populations have the same characteristics. Multicenter studies are needed for a robust definition of traceable RI, using experimental protocols that include well defined prerequisites. Particularly, employed methods must produce results that are traceable to the reference system for that specific analyte. Thus, the trueness of laboratories producing reference values should be verified and, if necessary, experimental results corrected in accordance with correlation results with the selected reference. If requirements in the adoption of traceable RI are fulfilled, the possibility of providing RI that are applicable to any laboratory, able to produce results traceable to the reference system, is realistic. The definition of traceable RI should hopefully cause the disappearance of different RI employed for the same analyte, providing more effective information to clinicians.
A low-cost needle-based single-fiber reflectance spectroscopy method to probe scattering changes associated with mineralization in intervertebral discs in chondrodystrophoid canine species – A pilot study
Authors: Piao Daqing , McKeirnan Kelci , Jiang Yuanyuan , Breshears Melanie A. , Bartels Kenneth E. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIntervertebral disc herniation is a common disease in chondrodystrophic dogs, and a similar neurologic condition also occurs in humans. Percutaneous laser disc ablation (PLDA) is a minimally invasive procedure used increasingly for prevention of disc herniation. PLDA is performed on thoracolumbar discs to which the same laser energy is applied regardless of their mineral content. Knowledge of individual disc mineral composition would allow laser energy dosage adjustments and more accurate treatment of degenerative discs. Usually, PLDA is guided by radiography/fluoroscopy, which has a limited sensitivity of approximately 60% for identification of mineralized discs. An imaging or sensing technology that provides a more accurate pre-operativeA pilot study was performed on a total of 21 intervertebral discs from two cadaveric dogs (“Dog A” and “Dog B”). The discs were imaged by computed tomography (CT), radiography, and SFR spectroscopy, before histopathologic examination. SFR spectroscopy in the visible/near-infrared band was performed on the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc through a 20-gauge spinal needle placed percutaneously for PLDA. A normalization method was applied to the raw remission spectra to extract a dimension-less and wavelength-dependent intensity profile in the 500–950 nm spectral range.In total, six discs were determined to be degenerative on histopathology, five discs of “Dog A” and one disc of “Dog B”. CT diagnosed all six degenerated discs, whereas radiography missed two of the five degenerated discs of “Dog A”. The wavelength-dependent mean scattering intensity profiles of the six degenerated discs were noticeably higher than the mean scattering intensity profiles of the 15 “normal” or insignificantly mineralized discs over the entire spectral range. The mean scattering intensities, averaged over each of the entire profiles, were 2.79±0.58 (mean±SD) for the six degenerated discs and 1.48±0.37 for the 15 “normal” or insignificantly mineralized discs. A two-sampleSFR spectroscopy measurements indicate that the increase of light scattering intensity across the entire 500–950 nm spectral range is associated with the mineralization in canine intervertebral discs. However, the scattering characteristics of the nucleus pulposus measured in this study may not necessarily represent the optical properties of the nucleus pulposus at the laser wavelength used for PLDA (2100 nm). More studies on cadaveric and eventually
Application of evidence-based medicine to recurrence of Hansen’s type I intervertebral disc disease in dogs: A justification for continuation of study into percutaneous laser disc ablation?
Authors: Bordelon Jude T. , Bartels Kenneth E. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractTo review and evaluate the literature reporting results of prophylactic surgical procedures for Hansen’s type I intervertebral disc disease.Systematic literature review.Online bibliographic searches of abstracts through PubMed and the Veterinary Information Network (VIN) were performed using the searchable term “canine intervertebral disc disease and recurrence”. The resources were evaluated in regard to the ability of the retrieved references to directly address the clinical question as follows: which prophylactic technique when considered with or without surgery will consistently reduce or eliminate the recurrence of clinical signs associated with Hansen’s type I intervertebral disc disease. All studies were compared and evaluated with regard to study design, technique utilized, short and long-term outcome, and evidence classification.An online bibliographical search was performed in PubMed using the full search term of “canine intervertebral disc disease and recurrence” resulted in 20 total sources, and of those sources 13 contained information pertaining to the clinical question. The same search term when used in the VIN search engine under the classification of journal abstracts resulted in 43 total results with 18 applicable resources. In review of both searches, 13 resources were listed in both searches. Of the 18 obtained by the VIN search 14 were available in the English language. No resources were included in class I level of evidence, and only one was considered as class II level of evidence. As for the remaining studies, three results were classified as class III studies, and the remaining reports were classified as class IV level of evidence.Although direct extrapolation of the evidence provided by the search to the clinical scenario is not possible, this review will hopefully provide the basis for development of a randomized controlled study to provide for a clear need in evidence for prevention of intervertebral disc extrusion in dogs.
Nanoparticle Enhanced Solders for Increased Solder Reliability
Authors: Mokhtari Omid , Roshanghias Ali , Ashayer Roya , Kotadia Hiren R , Khomamizadeh Farzad , Kokabi Amir H , Clode Michael P , Miodownik Mark , Mannan Samjid H 
Published: May 2012

AbstractDue to environmental concerns traditional eutectic tin-lead solder is gradually being replaced in electronic assemblies by “lead-free” solders. During this transition, nanoparticle technology is also being investigated to see whether improvements in joint reliability for high temperature applications can be made. Nanoparticles can be used to harden the solder via Zener pinning of the grain boundaries and reduce fatigue failure. This paper explores the effects of adding Silica nanoparticles to SnAgCu solder, and how the mechanical properties induced in the solder vary with temperature. It is found that above 100 °C the mechanical response and microstructure of the normal and nanoparticle enhanced solders converge.
Synthesis of Core-Shell Biopolymer Particles Using Coaxial Electrospray
Authors: Lim Cho Hui , Mullins Michael E. 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTCore-shell PLLA microparticles were successfully fabricated using a novel coaxial nozzle design. These particles were synthesized with different components in the core/shell layers representing three classes of systems of interest for drug delivery applications: PVA/PLLA, PLLA/PEG, and oleic acid/PLLA. The components were characterized for their physical properties and interfacial energies, and optimal conditions for the operation were determined. To facilitate the particle characterization, each phase was doped with a different fluorescent dye to aid in the confirmation of a core/shell structure via fluorescence microscopy.
Phylogenetic Relationships among Populations ofVollenhoviaAnts, with Particular Focus on the Evolution of Wing Morphology
Authors: Kobayashi Kazuya , Tamura Kei , Okamoto Misato , Hasegawa Eisuke , Ohkawara Kyohsuke 
Published: May 2012

AbstractQueen polymorphism in wing morphology and thoracic structure provides the opportunity to test hypotheses about mating strategies and colony founding modes. Some studies indicate that the difference in mating behavior between winged and wingless queens may promote genetic isolation, possibly leading to speciation. However, the knowledge about genetic differences and phylogenetic relationships among polymorphic queens is limited. Queens of the myrmicine ant Vollenhovia emeryi Wheeler exhibit two morphs: a long-winged (L-queen) and a short-winged (S-queen) morph. We analyzed the phylogenetic relationship among populations of L- and S-queens in V. emeryi and the congeneric species V. nipponica, V. benzai, V. okinawana, and V. yambaru. The molecular phylogeny inferred from mtDNA (≈2,200 nt) showed that S-queens formed a monophyletic clade and that L- and S- queens sampled from the same location did not group together. The phylogeny indicates that wing reduction occurred only once and that S-queen populations are genetically differentiated from L-queen populations, at least in their maternal genomes. The phylogeny is consistent with the hypothesis that wing reduction leads to reproductive isolation in V. emeryi.
Cost of Diapause on Life-History Traits Under Restricted Resources in Multivoltine Bruchid Acanthoscelides pallidipennis (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)
Authors: Sadakiyo S , Ishihara M 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
The diapause generation of multivoltine insects requires additional energy reserves for diapause maintenance compared with the nondiapause generation. This requirement suggests that the cost of diapause has an effect on life-history traits. We investigated diapause costs in a multivoltine bruchid, Acanthoscelides pallidipennis Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Bruchidae). In the laboratory, life-history traits of A. pallidipennis were compared between nondiapause and diapause treatments. Fecundity and body size of adults were reduced in the diapause treatment compared with the nondiapause treatment. Larger females laid more eggs than smaller females in both treatments. The reduced fecundity of diapause females likely was caused by their reduced body size as a limiting factor. Our findings support the hypothesis that the cost of diapause results in a difference in life-history traits between nondiapause and diapause generations.
A New Parasitization Record of Haliaspis spartinae (Diaspididae) and Encarsia ellisvillensis sp. nov. (Chalcidoidea: Aphelinidae) from the United States
Authors: Japoshvili George , Russell Ellen 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Spartina alterniflora Loisel. and Haliaspis spartinae (Comstock) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), with its parasitoid, were surveyed in Ellisville Marsh, Massachusetts. Average scale density on the damaged leaves was equal to 265 individuals per 10 cm2. Parasitization of H. spartinae was recorded for the first time; however, the percentage was very low at 2.67%. The parasitoid is a new species for science and is described as Encarsia ellisvillensis Japoshvili & Russell sp. nov.
The Complete Mitochondrial Genome of the Wild Type of Antheraea pernyi (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae)
Authors: Liu Yan-Qun , Li Yu-Ping , Wang Huan , Xia Run-Xi , Chai Chun-Li , Pan Min-Hui , Lu Cheng , Xiang Zhong-Huai 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Antheraea pernyi (Guérin-Méneville) (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae), a well-known economically important insect, was domesticated from its wild type. In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of the wild type of A. pernyi was determined and compared for nucleotide variation with its domesticated type. The mitogenome of the wild type of A. pernyi is 15,537 bp in size, thus 29 bp smaller than that of the domesticated type. The gene content, order, and orientation of the complete mitogenome of the wild type are identical to those of the domesticated type, as are those of the other completely sequenced lepidopteran mitogenomes. A striking difference between the two mitogenomes was found in the A+T-rich region because of the numbers of tandem repeat units. The wild type has five tandem repeat units, whereas the domesticated type has six. Comparative analysis of the two mitogenomes revealed a relatively lower level of sequence divergence (1.70%). Within the two mitogenomes, there are no significant differences in nucleotide substitution rate for the 13 protein-coding genes except for the nad4L gene, which is different from those differences observed between the domesticated silkmoth Bombyx mori (L.) (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) and its wild-type ancestor Chinese B. mandarina Moore. The divergence time between the two Antheraea mitochondrias was estimated to be between 0.74 ± 0.13 and 0.97 ± 0.17 million years ago, based on the genes cox1+cox2 sequences. To our knowledge, this is the first report on sequence variation of the complete mitogenomes between the domesticated insect and its wild-type ancestor, within a single species.
Caste Composition and Mound Size of the Subterranean Termite Macrotermes gilvus (Isoptera: Termitidae: Macrotermitinae)
Authors: Lee Ching-Chen , Neoh Kok-Boon , Lee Chow-Yang 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
The colony size and caste composition of different-sized Macrotermes gilvus (Hagen) (Isoptera: Termitidae: Macrotermitinae) mounds on Penang Island, Malaysia, were studied. The total number of termite individuals differed significantly among different-sized mounds. Small mounds contained 15,400 ± 600 (n = 3) individuals; medium mounds contained 33,500 ± 2,400 (n = 3) individuals; and large mounds contained 61,400 ± 4,400 (n = 3) individuals. Larvae constituted the largest proportion (42.60%) of the total population, followed by workers (42.19%), soldiers (14.16%), presoldiers (0.71%), and alates (0.34%). Population parameters (i.e., total population, total adult apterous caste, and total juvenile apterous caste) were positively and significantly correlated with mound size (e.g., mound height and mound diameter) and queen weight. Significant correlations also were found between mound parameters and queen weight. The sex ratio of alates was significantly skewed toward females in five of seven colonies. Of 44 colonies surveyed, 13.6% were polygynous and 11.4% were polyandrous. The degree of physogastry of female reproductives in polygynous colonies was lower than that in monogynous colonies. In contrast, there was no significant difference in the mean weight of male reproductives between monoandrous and polyandrous colonies.
Comparison of Male Genitalia ofEuschistusspp. in the Midwestern United States (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)
Authors: McPherson J E , Ahmad Imtiaz 
Published: May 2012

AbstractMale genitalia, including the pygophore, parameres, and inflated aedeagi, are compared between the midwestern species of Euschistus [i.e., E. ictericus (L.), E. politus Uhler, E. servus (Say) (including E. s. servus and E. s. euschistoides (Vollenhoven), E. tristigmus (Say) (including E. t. tristigmus and E. t. luridus Dallas), and E. variolarius (Palisot de Beauvois) ]. These structures differ markedly between these taxa with the exception of the two subspecies of E. servus and of E. tristigmus, thus confirming their subspecific status.
Changes in Infestation, Cell Cap Condition, and Reproductive Status of Varroa destructor (Mesostigmata: Varroidae) in Brood Exposed to Honey Bees with Varroa Sensitive Hygiene
Authors: Harris Jeffrey W , Danka Robert G , Villa José D 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) bred for Varroa sensitive hygiene (VSH) selectively remove pupae infested with Varroa destructor Anderson & Trueman (Mesostigmata: Varroidae) from capped brood that is inserted into the nest. After 1 wk, remaining brood cells tend to have been uncapped and recapped, and remaining mites are mostly infertile. A primary goal of this experiment was to compare the reproductive status of mites that remained in recapped and normally capped cells after a 1-wk exposure to VSH and control colonies. Differences in distribution of fertile mites in normally capped brood cells between VSH bees and control bees may suggest that the stimulus for hygiene is related to reproduction by mites. Identification of stimuli triggering VSH behavior could be used to develop new bioassays for selective breeding of this important resistance mechanism. Combs of capped brood that were exposed to control bees had 10 times more pupae with fertile mites in normally capped brood as did VSH bees (6.7 and 0.7%, respectively). They also had 3 times more pupae with infertile mites in normally capped brood than did VSH bees (1.4 and 0.5%, respectively). Thus, VSH bees targeted fertile mites by a 3:1 ratio by either removing or uncapping and recapping their host pupae. Biased removal of mite-infested pupae with fertile mites suggested that stimuli triggering VSH behavior were enhanced by the presence of mite offspring within the brood cell. This bias for fertile mites is not seen during experiments of short 3-h duration. The differing results are discussed relative to a behavioral threshold model for hygienic behavior in honey bees in which different experimental protocols may reflect activities of honey bees having different sensitivities to pupae infested by fertile mites. In addition, mortality of mite offspring was significantly higher in recapped cells than in normally capped cells and contributed to decreased reproduction by the mites.
Qualitative methods to explore health issues among young moldovans
Authors: Wallace Lorraine , McLauchlan Judithanne 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions of health-related issues among youth residing in Chişinău, Moldova, through a combination of photovoice and focus group methodologies. During June, 2011, 13 youth, aged 10 to 17, participated in photovoice and focus group sessions. Participants were instructed to take between 10 and 20 photographs, over a 7 day period, representing health-related issues in their community. During focus group sessions, participants, as a group, were asked to sort photographs into piles based on similarly and/or themes. The SHOWeD mnemonic method was used to guide discussion about photographs from a personal to social level. Content analyses were used to summarize and interpret collected data. Seven common themes emerged across both focus groups, including: (1) abundance of garbage in public spaces; (2) homeless dogs wandering the streets; (3) unsafe drinking water; (4) individuals engaging in risky health behaviors, including cigarette smoking and alcohol use; (5) large number of individuals with limited financial resources; (6) considerable number of individuals forced to live in suboptimal living conditions; and (7) poor road and sidewalk conditions. CBPR methods, including photovoice and focus groups, offer promise in gathering valuable information to inform health-related policy in Moldova in the future.
Personal autonomy in the management of candidal prosthetic joint infection
Authors: Villamil-Cajoto Iago , Eynde-Collado Alfonso , Otero Luis , Villacian Vicedo Maria 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
The principle of patient autonomy dominates the contemporary debate in medical ethics. Twenty-five years ago, most major medical decisions were left exclusively in the hands of physicians. Such decisions were usually made with beneficent intent but without open discussion, much less the full participation of the patient. Our case involves a patient’s decision to treat an infection with Candida species, the most common fungi affecting humans in a broad spectrum of opportunistic infections, including bones and joints. Only four recent cases of delayed reimplantation arthroplasty for candidal prosthetic joint infection have been reported, and there are no reports, besides ours, of successful non-surgical resolution of candidal prosthetic joint arthritis. We report this case as a patient’s choice with an excellent outcome.