bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genes expression profiling of peripheral blood cells of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Peng‐jun , Wei Run , Wen Xin‐yu , Ping Liang , Wang Cheng‐bin , Dong Zhen‐nan , Deng Xin‐xin , Bo Wang , Bin Chen , Tian Ya‐ping 
Published: May 2012

AbstractHCC (hepatocellular carcinoma) is often diagnosed at an advanced stage with poor prognosis. Peripheral blood may be useful in cancer classification, and therefore we investigated the gene expression found by Affymetrix HG‐U133 Plus2.0 microarray, with samples from nine HCC patients and five healthy NC (normal controls). A total of 726 probe sets showed significant differences based on the criteria of P<0.05 and absolute fold change >2. The genes were related to many biological functions, including immune response, transcription regulation and metabolism processes. Ten genes [IL‐8 (interleukin 8), GOS2 (G0/G1 switch gene 2), CXCR4 (CXC chemokine receptor 4), FOS, RPS24 (40S ribosomal protein S24), HAP90AA1, PFDN5, RPL27, GZMA and PFN1] showing significant differences were confirmed by real‐time PCR in 54 HCC patients and 56 healthy NC. Seven genes [IL‐8, GOS2, CXCR4, FOS, RPS24, HSP90AA1 (heat shock protein 90AA1) and PFN1] showed significant difference both in RT—PCR (reverse transcription—PCR) and microarray. Expression of IL‐8 and FOS proteins was up‐regulated in HCC compared with healthy controls. A gene signature in peripheral blood which can distinguish HCC patients and healthy controls may have been identified.
Seasonal Patterns in White Crappies' Consumption and Growth: Influences of Varying Water Temperatures and Prey Availability
Authors: Michaletz Paul H. , Bajer Przemyslaw G. , Hayward Robert S. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractCrappies Pomoxis spp. are popular sport fishes but often fail to achieve sizes that are acceptable to anglers. While many factors may contribute to episodes of suboptimal growth in crappies, insufficient densities of prey fish and high summer water temperatures (>27°C) have been considered to be key underlying causes. We examined the influences of prey fish size, prey availability, and water temperature on the consumption and growth of white crappies P. annularis (ages 1–3) in three Missouri reservoirs over five successive years. Monthly growth rates were estimated using aging analyses, while consumption was estimated using a bioenergetics model. All age‐groups grew fastest in the reservoir that was warmest but in which prey fish availability was the highest. Diet analyses coupled with bioenergetics modeling suggested that white crappies were able to maintain positive growth rates at temperatures exceeding 27°C by maximizing consumption rates when adequate prey fish resources were available. When sufficient prey fish resources were unavailable, white crappies fed on invertebrates and often ceased growing or lost weight, even during periods with suitable water temperatures. Our study documents the importance of adequate prey fish resources for maintaining positive growth rates of white crappies, especially during periods of adverse temperature conditions.
Effect of rapid thermal annealing on the structural and electrical properties of solid ZnO/NiO heterojunctions prepared by a chemical solution process
Authors: Lee Yi-Mu , Yang Hsi-Wen , Huang Chao-Ming 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Transparent pn-heterojunction electrodes composed of n-type zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorod arrays and p-type NiO are fabricated by a chemical solution route combined with rapid thermal annealing (RTA). The effects of RTA treatment (450 °C, 1 min) in reducing atmosphere on the structural properties and alignment of the ZnO nanorods are investigated. SEM images and XRD patterns show that the average diameter and length are increased, and the alignment and crystal quality of the nanorod arrays are significantly improved. The RTA-treated ZnO shows uniform and well-aligned nanorod arrays with a high aspect ratio of ∼12.4. The structural improvements associated with ZnO crystalline and defect reduction are further verified from the enhanced UV to visible emission ratio by a photoluminescence analysis. Moreover, the effect of RTA on the I–V characteristics of the ZnO/NiO heterojunction electrodes is also investigated; the electrical parameters of the junction are determined from the forward-bias I–V characteristics using Cheung's method. The results reveal that the series resistance is significantly reduced from 784.4 to 114.8 Ω, which leads to better rectifying behaviour with rectifying slope increased to ∼6.67 mA V−1. The RTA-processed ZnO/NiO heterojunctions with excellent optoelectronic properties may find wide applications in sensors and solid-state oxide junction-based devices.
A statistical methodology to derive the scaling law for the H-mode power threshold using a large multi-machine database
Authors: Murari A. , Lupelli I. , Gaudio P. , Gelfusa M. , Vega J. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
In this paper, a refined set of statistical techniques is developed and then applied to the problem of deriving the scaling law for the threshold power to access the H-mode of confinement in tokamaks. This statistical methodology is applied to the 2010 version of the ITPA International Global Threshold Data Base v6b(IGDBTHv6b). To increase the engineering and operative relevance of the results, only macroscopic physical quantities, measured in the vast majority of experiments, have been considered as candidate variables in the models. Different principled methods, such as agglomerative hierarchical variables clustering, without assumption about the functional form of the scaling, and nonlinear regression, are implemented to select the best subset of candidate independent variables and to improve the regression model accuracy. Two independent model selection criteria, based on the classical (Akaike information criterion) and Bayesian formalism (Bayesian information criterion), are then used to identify the most efficient scaling law from candidate models. The results derived from the full multi-machine database confirm the results of previous analysis but emphasize the importance of shaping quantities, elongation and triangularity. On the other hand, the scaling laws for the different machines and at different currents are different from each other at the level of confidence well above 95%, suggesting caution in the use of the global scaling laws for both interpretation and extrapolation purposes.
Tailored telemonitoring in patients with heart failure: results of a multicentre randomized controlled trial
Authors: Boyne Josiane J.J. , Vrijhoef Hubertus J.M. , Crijns Harry J.G.M. , De Weerd Gerjan , Kragten Johannes , Gorgels Anton P.M. ,   on behalf of the TEHAF investigators
Published: May 2012

AimsRecent increases in heart failure tend to overload the healthcare system. Consequently, there is a need for innovative strategies to reduce heart failure hospitalizations.Methods and resultsA multicentre randomized controlled trial was carried out to test the hypothesis that telemonitoring reduces heart failure hospitalizations during 1 year follow‐up. The mean age of the 382 participating patients was 71.5 (32–93) years; the mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 0.38, and in 61% it was ≤0.45%. Mean time to first heart failure‐related hospitalization was 161 days for the intervention group and 139 days for the usual‐care group; hospitalizations occurred in 18 (9.1%) compared with 25 (13.5%) patients, with a total number of 24 and 43 hospitalizations, respectively [Kaplan–Meier P = 0.151, hazard ratio (HR) 0.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.35–1.17]. Subgroup analysis of the primary endpoint showed benefits for three subgroups: duration of heart failure, having a pacemaker, and co‐habiting. The combined endpoint of heart failure admission and all‐cause mortality was similar for both groups (Kaplan–Meier P = 0.641, HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.69–1.83). No differences were found regarding secondary endpoints, except for the reduced number of face to face contacts with the heart failure nurse (Mann–Whitney P < 0.001). Mortality was 18 (9.1%) in the intervention group and 12 (6.5%) in the usual‐care group (Mann–Whitney P = 0.34, Cox regression analysis P = 0.82).ConclusionNo significant differences were found regarding the primary endpoint, possibly caused by a relative underpowering of the population combined with well‐treated study groups. However, telemonitoring tends to reduce heart failure (re)admissions and significantly decreases contacts with specialized nurses. Further research with pre‐specified groups, as found in the subgroup analysis, is needed.Trial registration: NCT00502255.
Oral Absorbable Fat‐soluble Vitamin Formulation in Pediatric Patients With Cholestasis
Authors: Shen Yu‐Mei , Wu Jia‐Feng , Hsu Hong‐Yuan , Ni Yen‐Hsuan , Chang Mei‐Hwei , Liu Yu‐Wen , Lai Hong‐Shiee , Hsu Wen‐Ming , Weng Hui‐Ling , Chen Huey‐Ling 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTObjective:Fat‐soluble vitamin (FSV) deficiencies are common complications in pediatric patients with chronic cholestasis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the status of FSV deficiencies in patients under present practice and to test the effect of an oral, absorbable, fat‐soluble vitamin formulation (OAFSV) in these patients.Methods:We recruited a total of 23 pediatric patients receiving conventional FSV supplementation in a single medical center, with diagnosis of biliary atresia (10), progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (9), Alagille syndrome (2), and other conditions (2). Ten patients switched to OAFSV and continued for 3 months. Plasma levels of vitamins A, D, and E and an international normalized ratio (INR) for prothrombin time (PT), a surrogate marker for vitamin K deficiency, were measured.Results:The proportion of patients with FSV A, D, E, and K deficiencies under conventional supplementation was 73.9%, 81.8%, 91.3%, and 20.0%, respectively. In patients with total bilirubin levels ≥3.0 mg/dL, the proportion of at least 1 FSV deficiency was 100%; and the deficiency rates of vitamin A, D, E, and K were 78.6%, 100.0%, 100.0% and 21.4%, respectively. Of the 10 patients receiving standard daily dose of OAFSV for 3 months, no adverse events or overdose effects were found. The rates of vitamin A, D, and E deficiency in the patients receiving OAFSV decreased from 80.0%, 100%, and 100%, respectively, to 70.0%, 60.0%, and 60.0% after 3 months of oral supplementation.Conclusions:High rates of FSV deficiency were found in pediatric patients with chronic cholestasis under present follow‐up. OAFSV supplementation is safe and potentially effective in pediatric patients with cholestasis.
SIL index, comprising stage, soluble interleukin‐2 receptor, and lactate dehydrogenase, is a useful prognostic predictor in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Tomita Naoto , Sakai Rika , Fujisawa Shin , Fujimaki Katsumichi , Taguchi Jun , Hashimoto Chizuko , Ogawa Koji , Yamazaki Etsuko , Ishigatsubo Yoshiaki 
Published: May 2012

Rituximab (R) plus doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisolone (CHOP) chemotherapy (R‐CHOP) is widely accepted as standard care for diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients. The revised International Prognostic Index (R‐IPI) was established in 2007 after the addition of rituximab to standard DLBCL treatment. To reassess the utility of R‐IPI, we carried out a retrospective analysis of patients with DLBCL uniformly treated with standard R‐CHOP. Progression‐free survival (PFS) curves in “very good” and “good” risk groups as defined by the R‐IPI showed no statistical difference. We added soluble interleukin‐2 receptor (sIL‐2R) level to the factors comprising the R‐IPI. Five levels of sIL‐2R were weighed with respect to their impact on PFS. sIL‐2R of >2500 U/mL was determined as the most appropriate threshold. We developed a new prognostic SIL index, which includes three independent prognostic risk factors: clinical stage (S); sIL‐2R level over 2500 U/mL (I); and elevated lactate dehydrogenase level (L). This index indicates standard risk (0 or 1 risk factors, 4‐year PFS 83%, 4‐year overall survival 91%) and high risk (2 or 3 risk factors, 4‐year PFS 52%, 4‐year overall survival 67%) outcomes. The SIL index is a simple and objective prognostic index for DLBCL patients to identify candidates for experimental therapy other than R‐CHOP. (Cancer Sci, doi: 10.1111/j.1349‐7006.2012.02331.x, 2012)
Meta‐analysis: IL28B polymorphisms predict sustained viral response in HCV patients treated with pegylated interferon‐α and ribavirin
Authors: Chen Y. , Xu H.‐X. , Wang L.‐J. , Liu X.‐X. , Mahato R. I. , Zhao Y.‐R. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryBackgroundInterleukin (IL) 28B single nucleotide polymorphisms can predict sustained virological response (SVR) in hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients following pegylated interferon‐alpha (PEG IFN‐α) and ribavirin treatment.AimTo design a meta‐analysis to determine IL28B genotypes', rs12979860 CC and rs8099917 TT, correlation with SVR in PEG IFN‐α/ribavirin‐treated HCV patients.MethodsMeta‐analysis was performed in 17 studies of rs12979860 CC vs. CT/TT and 17 of rs8099917 TT vs. TG/GG. Odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated by fixed‐ or random‐effects models. Heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis and publication bias were also assessed.ResultsOf 4252 Asian, Caucasian and African HCV patients analysed for rs12979860, SVR was more frequent in CC (vs. CT/TT; OR = 4.76, 95% CI: 3.15–7.20). Moreover, CC was associated with SVR for HCV genotype‐1 or ‐4 infections (ORgenotype 1 = 5.52, 95% CI: 3.74–8.15; ORgenotype 4 = 8.11, 95% CI: 4.13–15.93), regardless of ethnicity. Of 4549 Caucasian and Asian HCV patients analysed for rs8099917, SVR was more frequent in TT (vs. TG/GG; OR = 3.31, 95% CI: 2.39–4.59). Moreover, TT was associated with SVR for HCV‐1 (ORgenotype 1 = 4.28, 95% CI: 2.87–6.38). Rs8099917 TT predictive value was stronger in Asians (ORAsians = 8.09, 95% CI: 5.63–11.61; ORCaucasians = 3.00, 95% CI: 2.03–4.45). Ethnicity stratification revealed that rs8099917 TT had slight predictive value in Asian HCV‐2/3 patients (OR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.09–3.62).ConclusionsIL28B rs12979860 CC and rs8099917 TT are strong SVR predictors for PEG IFN‐α/ribavirin‐treated HCV‐1 patients, regardless of ethnicity. In HCV‐2/3, rs12979860 CC has no SVR predictive value, but rs8099917 TT was slightly associated with SVR in Asians.
What is the best management strategy for a 20‐year‐old woman with premature ovarian failure?
Authors: Davies Melanie C. , Cartwright Beth 
Published: May 2012

SummaryThe diagnosis of premature ovarian failure (POF) for a 20‐year‐old woman is devastating and will impact on many areas of her life. She deserves prompt confirmation of the diagnosis and accurate, honest information about the condition including the chances of conception and long‐term health issues. She should be offered investigation of aetiology, although this may be hard to establish, and assessment of associated medical conditions. Oestrogen replacement should be advised for long‐term use until the normal age of menopause, and she should be fully counselled on the benefits and risks of hormone replacement and her options of which preparation to take. Long‐term follow‐up is needed, and this is likely to require multidisciplinary input, including that from a gynaecologist, clinical psychologist and fertility team. POF may not be the appropriate terminology for this condition. Ovarian function often fluctuates in young women with POF, who may continue to menstruate occasionally and even conceive spontaneously. In view of this unpredictability, ‘premature ovarian insufficiency’ is a better description of the condition and carries a less negative connotation than ‘ovarian failure’ which can cause great distress. We recommend that the condition is termed ‘premature ovarian insufficiency’ (Clinical Endocrinology 2008;68:499).
Bile duct expression of pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 in perihilar cholangiocarcinogenesis
Authors: Igarashi Saya , Matsubara Takashi , Harada Kenichi , Ikeda Hiroko , Sato Yasunori , Sasaki Motoko , Matsui Osamu , Nakanuma Yasuni 
Published: May 2012

Igarashi S, Matsubara T, Harada K, Ikeda H, Sato Y, Sasaki M, Matsui O & Nakanuma Y  (2012) Histopathology 61, 266–276Bile duct expression of pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 in perihilar cholangiocarcinogenesisAims:  Pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (Pdx1) is a transcription factor that is crucial in embryogenic development and differentiation of pancreas, and its overexpression is reportedly involved in the progression of many malignancies, including pancreatic carcinoma. In this study, the role of Pdx1 was examined in cholangiocarcinogenesis.Methods and results:  Forty‐three cases of human cholangiocarcinoma (CC) and 66 cases of hepatolithiasis or primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) with biliary intraepithelial neoplasia (BilIN) lesions and also eight fetal and 20 adult normal livers were examined immunohistochemically. Pdx1 was constantly expressed in the nuclei of fetal bile ducts, but was virtually absent in the large bile ducts of adults. By contrast, Hairy and enhancer of split 1 (Hes1), which represses pancreatic exocrine and endocrine differentiation, was expressed frequently in the adult bile ducts. Pdx1 was expressed in 67% of invasive CCs. In large bile ducts, expression of Pdx1 increased while that of Hes1 decreased during the progression of BilIN lesions to CC. Expression of Pdx1 correlated with proliferative activities in CCs. In an in vitro study, all three CC cell lines expressed Pdx1 mRNA and protein.Conclusion:  Up‐regulation of Pdx1 is a feature of cholangiocarcinogenesis associated with chronic cholangitis. Furthermore, expression of Pdx1 in CC is related to increased proliferative activity in CCs.
Lymphatic vessel density in primary melanomas predicts sentinel lymph node status and risk of metastasis
Authors: Shayan Ramin , Karnezis Tara , Murali Rajmohan , Wilmott James S , Ashton Mark W , Taylor G Ian , Thompson John F , Hersey Peter , Achen Marc G , Scolyer Richard A , Stacker Steven A 
Published: May 2012

Shayan R, Karnezis T, Murali R, Wilmott J S, Ashton M W, Taylor G I, Thompson J F, Hersey P, Achen M G, Scolyer R A & Stacker S A  (2012) Histopathology 61, 702–710Lymphatic vessel density in primary melanomas predicts sentinel lymph node status and risk of metastasisAims:  Important prognostic factors in patients with cutaneous melanoma include primary tumour thickness/depth of invasion, ulceration and mitotic rate, and the presence of tumour cells in regional lymph nodes. More recently, features of stromal components, such as blood and lymphatic vessel density, have been suggested as additional indicators of metastatic potential. Our aim was to investigate the relationship between tumour lymphatic vessels and lymph node metastasis.Methods and results:  Metastasizing (n = 11) and non‐metastasizing (n = 11) primary melanoma samples matched for depth/thickness, mitotic rate and ulceration were examined for lymphatic vessel density (LVD) in the primary tumour, using an antibody to podoplanin. Significant differences were found between LVD (vessels/unit area) in the peripheral (5.73 ± 0.67) versus central (1.72 ± 0.42) regions of the metastasizing tumour group (P < 0.001), and between LVD in the peripheral areas of metastasizing (5.73 ± 0.67) versus non‐metastasizing (4.21 ± 0.37) tumours (P < 0.01). No overall difference was found between total average LVD in the two tumour groups or between their vessel morphology.Conclusions:  Our results show that LVD is associated with risk of lymph node metastasis. Furthermore, the ratio of peripheral LVD:central LVD is a useful marker of primary melanomas that are likely to metastasize to lymph nodes.
Technology‐driven dietary assessment: a software developer’s perspective
Authors: Buday R. , Tapia R. , Maze G. R. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractDietary researchers need new software to improve nutrition data collection and analysis, although the creation of information technology is difficult. Software development projects may be unsuccessful as a result of an inadequate understanding of needs, management problems, technology barriers or legal hurdles. Cost over‐runs and schedule delays are common. Barriers facing scientific researchers developing software include workflow, cost, schedule and team issues. Different methods of software development and the role that intellectual property rights play are discussed. A dietary researcher must carefully consider multiple issues to maximise the likelihood of success when creating new software.
Tales of tethers and tentacles: golgins in plants
Authors: OSTERRIEDER A. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryAs plant Golgi bodies move through the cell along the actin cytoskeleton, they face the need to maintain their polarized stack structure whilst receiving, processing and distributing protein cargo destined for secretion. Structural proteins, or Golgi matrix proteins, help to hold cisternae together and tethering factors direct cargo carriers to the correct target membranes. This review focuses on golgins, a protein family containing long coiled‐coil regions, summarizes their known functions in animal cells and highlights recent findings about plant golgins and their putative roles in the plant secretory pathway.
A service user‐initiated project investigating the attitudes of mental health staff towards clients and services in an acute mental health unit
Authors: TYSON P. J. 
Published: May 2012

Accessible summary
Mental Health Service users should play an important part in research.
This study stemmed from the idea of a group of service users who wanted to understand the attitudes of mental health staff towards them.
A questionnaire was used to look at staff attitudes, and mainly positive opinions were found.
Research in mental health can benefit greatly from more inclusion of mental health service users.
AbstractMental Health Service Users (MHSU) are becoming increasingly recognized as very valuable contributors to the research process. The current study originated from the idea of a group of MHSU within a service user and carer research group. They wanted to investigate the attitudes of mental health staff towards clients in an acute mental health setting, as well as their attitudes towards certain aspects of service. An amended version of the ‘Attitudes Towards Acute Mental Health Scale’ was sent to nursing and allied staff at an acute psychiatric unit within the Gloucestershire 2gether NHS Foundation Trust. Fifty‐seven of the 200 anonymous questionnaires were returned. Generally positive opinions of MHSU were obtained, but there were divided opinions on questions regarding the aetiology of mental health problems (e.g. social vs. genetic determinants). Opinions on aspects of the admissions process, therapeutic aspects of care, the use of medication and the use of control and restraint techniques were also obtained. Demographic variables of staff age, status and years of experience in mental health were found to be associated with attitudes and opinions. This MHSU‐initiated study has extended the literature on mental health staff attitudes towards clients and services in an acute mental health setting. This study is split into two parts, Part A is focused on the process of involving MHSU in this project, Part B is concerned with the empirical investigation.