bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Global Warming Potential of Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Biomass Stored in the Anthroposphere and Used for Bioenergy at End of Life
Authors: Guest Geoffrey , Cherubini Francesco , Strømman Anders H. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryThere is growing interest in understanding how storage or delayed emission of carbon in products based on bioresources might mitigate climate change, and how such activities could be credited. In this research we extend the recently introduced approach that integrates biogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) fluxes with the global carbon cycle (using biogenic global warming potential [GWPbio]) to consider the storage period of harvested biomass in the anthroposphere, with subsequent oxidation. We then examine how this affects the climate impact from a bioenergy resource. This approach is compared to several recent methods designed to address the same problem. Using both a 100‐ and a 500‐year fixed time horizon we calculate the GWPbiofactor for every combination of rotational and anthropogenic storage periods between 0 and 100 years. The resulting GWPbiofactors range from −0.99 (1‐year rotation and 100‐year storage) to +0.44 (100‐year rotation and 0‐year storage). The approach proposed in this study includes the interface between biomass growth and emissions and the global carbon cycle, whereas other methods do not model this. These results and the characterization factors produced can determine the climate change benefits or impacts associated with the storage of biomass in the anthroposphere, and the subsequent release of biogenic CO2with the radiative forcing integrated in a fixed time window.
Medial Humeral Epicondylitis in Cats
Authors: Streubel Ronny , Geyer Hans , Montavon Pierre M. 
Published: August 2012

ObjectiveTo describe medial humeral epicondylitis in cats based on radiographic, anatomic, and histologic observations.Study DesignProspective cohort study.AnimalsFeline cadavers (n = 60).MethodsExtended craniocaudal, and extended and flexed mediolateral radiographic projections were taken of both elbows of 60 consecutiveEuropean shorthair cats that died or were euthanatized. Elbows with new bone formation at the medial epicondyle were dissected and embedded in methyl‐methacrylate (MMA). For comparison, both elbows of a cat with no radiographic changes were prepared in a similar manner. Sections of theMMAblocks wereGiemsa stained and examined with light microscopy.ResultsBilateral new bone formation was identified radiographically at the medial aspect of the humeral epicondyle in 6 cats (10%). All of these cats had mineral deposition in the humeral head of the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle. Other findings were cartilage damage (n = 3 cats), an additional loose medial joint body (1), and tendinosis (3). The ulnar nerve was flattened and displaced caudally, and signs of chronic epineural fibrosis were present in 2 severely affected cats.ConclusionsTen percent of this feline population had radiographic evidence of medial humeral epicondylitis with chronic degeneration, mineralization, and metaplastic bone formation in damaged fibrillar matrix involving the origin of the humeral head of the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle. New bone formation caused displacement and compression of the ulnar nerve in severely affected elbows. Based on our findings, medial humeral epicondylitis appears to be a common disorder in cats with potential clinical sequelae.
Prediction of Long‐Term Outcomes of Catheter Ablation of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation by Parameters of Preablation DC Cardioversion
Authors: KANG JUN HYUK , LEE DAE IN , KIM SUA , KIM MI NA , PARK YAE MIN , BAN JI EUN , CHOI JONG IL , LIM HONG EUY , PARK SANG WEON , KIM YOUNG‐HOON 
Published: August 2012

Prediction of Long‐Term Outcomes of Catheter Ablation of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation. Aim: It has been demonstrated that atrial fibrillation (AF) frequently recurred after cardioversion (CV) using direct current (DC) or radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) in patients with persistent (PeAF) or longstanding persistent AF (LPAF). We hypothesized that the atrial substrate impeding successful CV would also produce difficulty in catheter ablation, and therefore, the outcomes of RFCA for PeAF and LPAF could be predicted by the parameters determined at the time of DC CV.Method: From 2006 to 2009, 94 patients with PeAF and LPAF who had undergone elective DC CV before RFCA were studied. The parameters associated with DC CV, including number of shocks, cumulative energy adjusted, highest energy adjusted, with or without intravenous amiodarone use, and other clinical parameters were assessed.Result: Thirty‐two out of the 94 patients (34%) experienced AF recurrence during the follow‐up of 19.8 ± 12.3 months after RFCA. The average time to recurrence of AF after RFCA was 9.2 ± 3.2 months. Of the 62 patients, 29 patients (31%) remained sinus rhythm (SR) without antiarrhythmic drug (AAD). The patients who maintained SR had smaller body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.048), shorter duration of AF (P = 0.012), and lower prevalence of diabetes mellitus (P = 0.023) compared with patients in whom AF recurred. Total number of shocks, total energy, and highest shock energy during CV were lower (P < 0.001, P = 0.002, P = 0.048, respectively) in patients with SR during the follow‐up. The outcome in patients who used amiodarone IV prior to CV, however, was not different from that in those who did not use amiodarone IV.Conclusion: DC energy parameters for successful CV before RFCA were useful to predict the long‐term outcome after RFCA in patients with PeAF and LPAF. The presence of the atrial substrate making DC CV difficult might reflect atrial substrate that subsequently related to the recurrence of AF after RFCA in chronic AF. These DC energy parameters may be related to the chronicity or electroanatomical remodeling of AF. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 1165–1170, November 2012)
Patient experiences and preferences on short daily and nocturnal home hemodialysis
Authors: Xi Wang , Singh P. Mony , Harwood Lori , Lindsay Robert , Suri Rita , Brown Judith Belle , Moist Louise M. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractQuotidian/intensive hemodialysis (short daily and nocturnal) has variable effects on health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) as measured by standard HRQOL tools. We sought to understand the perceived benefits and limitations of quotidian dialysis by interviewing patients who had switched from conventional to home quotidian dialysis. We used a qualitative, phenomenological approach to explore the perceived benefits of quotidian dialysis from 10 patients using either short daily or nocturnal hemodialysis at a tertiary health care center in London, Canada. The patients varied in gender, age, employment status, home support, physical capacity, primary cause of kidney disease, previous forms of renal replacement therapy, and level of education. Four major themes emerged: (1) improvement in physical and mental well‐being including better blood pressure and concentration, (2) increased control over patient's own life including time availability, choosing when to dialyze, and dialyzing at home, (3) decreased perception of being sick including returning to regular employment and avoiding sicker patients who must have in‐center dialysis, and (4) identification of the competencies and supports required for quotidian dialysis including ability to provide self‐care, supportive family, and medical support. Our findings suggest when patients' willingness and physical ability to use quotidian dialysis are coupled with education and support systems to assist patients' and families' self‐directed care, patients qualitatively perceive benefits of both increased physical and mental health, both measures of health‐related quality of life.
Complex evaluation of human monocyte‐derived dendritic cells for cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Vopenkova Katerina , Mollova Klara , Buresova Ivana , Michalek Jaroslav 
Published: August 2012

AbstractDendritic cell (DC) immunotherapy is capable of generating tumour‐specific immune responses. Different maturation strategies were previously tested to obtain DC capable of anti‐cancer responses in vitro, usually with limited clinical benefit. Mutual comparison of currently used maturation strategies and subsequent complex evaluation of DC functions and their stimulatory capacity on T cells was performed in this study to optimize the DC vaccination strategy for further clinical application. DC were generated from monocytes using granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) and interleukin (IL)‐4, pulsed with whole tumour cell lysate and then matured with one of five selected maturation strategies or cultured without additional maturation stimulus. DC were characterized with regard to their surface marker expression, cytokine profiles, migratory capacity, allogeneic and autologous T cell stimulatory capacity as well as their specific cytotoxicity against tumour antigens. We were able to demonstrate extensive variability among different maturation strategies currently used in DC immunotherapeutic protocols that may at least partially explain limited clinical benefit of some clinical trials with such DC. We identified DC matured with interferon‐γ and lipopolysaccharide as the most attractive candidate for future clinical trials in cancer immunotherapy.
Cerebrolysin administration reduces oxidative stress‐induced apoptosis in limphocytes from healthy individuals
Authors: Formichi Patrizia , Radi Elena , Battisti Carla , Di Maio Giuseppe , Muresanu Dafin , Federico Antonio 
Published: August 2012

AbstractCerebrolysin is the only drug available for clinical use containing active fragments of some important neurotrophic factors obtained from purified porcine brain proteins, which has long been used for the treatment of dementia and stroke sequels. Cerebrolysin has growth factor‐like activities and promotes neuronal survival and sprouting, however, its molecular mechanism still needs to be determined. It has been shown that Cerebrolysin may interact with proteolytic pathways linked to apoptosis. Administration of Cerebrolysin significantly reduces the number of apoptotic neurons after glutamate exposure. Furthermore, it has been reported that Cerebrolysin inhibits free radicals formation and lipid peroxidation. In vitro we evaluated the protective effects of Cerebrolysin towards spontaneous and induced apoptotic death in cells from healthy individuals. Peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) from 10 individuals were used as cell model; 2‐deoxy‐D‐ribose (dRib), a highly reducing sugar, was used as paradigm pro‐apoptotic stimulus. Apoptosis was analysed using flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. Our results showed that Cerebrolysin significantly reduced the number of apoptotic PBLs after dRib treatment, although it had no significative effects on cells cultured in standard conditions. Our work showed a protective effect of Cerebrolysin on oxidative stress‐induced apoptosis and suggested that PBLs can be used as an easy obtainable and handy cell model to verify Cerebrolysin effects in neurodegenerative pathologies.
The liberated domain I of urokinase plasminogen activator receptor – a new tumour marker in small cell lung cancer
Authors: Almasi Charlotte E. , Drivsholm Lars , Pappot Helle , Høyer‐Hansen Gunilla , Christensen Ib J. 
Published: August 2012

The prognosis of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) remains poor with a 5‐year survival rate of 4–6%. In non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), high levels of intact and cleaved forms of the receptor for urokinase plasminogen activator (uPAR) are significantly associated with short overall survival. Our aim was therefore to determine the prognostic value of the different uPAR forms in blood from SCLC patients. Serum samples from 92 treatment naive SCLC patients were analysed. Intact uPAR, uPAR(I–III), intact and cleaved uPAR, uPAR(I–III) + uPAR(II–III) and the liberated domain I, uPAR(I) were measured using time‐resolved fluorescence immunoassays (TR‐FIA 1–3). Assessment of association of the uPAR forms to overall survival (OS) was done using Cox regression analysis adjusted for clinical covariates [age, gender, stage, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), WHO performance status (PS)]. Multivariate survival analysis demonstrated that high levels of uPAR(I) were significantly (p = 0.009) associated with short overall survival (OS). Patients with uPAR(I) levels above the second tertile had a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.9 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1–3.3), compared to patients with levels below the first tertile. High serum uPAR(I) levels are associated with short OS in SCLC patient, independent of LDH and PS.
Expression of apoptosis associated proteins Survivin, Livin and Thrombospondin‐1 in Burkitt lymphoma
Authors: Kalungi Sam , Wabinga Henry , Bostad Leif 
Published: August 2012

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) accounts for 80% of Non‐Hodgkin lymphoma in Uganda. The tumour is fast growing with a very short doubling time. Inhibition of apoptosis, achieved through the apoptosis inhibitor family of proteins enhances survival of cancer cells. The aim of this study was to explore the expression of apoptosis related proteins Survivin, Livin and Thrombospondin‐1 (TSP‐1) in BL and comparing it with the expression in reactive follicular hyperplasia. Among the BL cases, survivin was positive in 37 (75%) and negative in 12 (25%). Livin staining was positive in 23 (48%) and negative in 25 (52%) of the BL cases. TSP‐1 was positive in 40 (87%) and negative in 6 (13%) of the BL cases. All the 10 reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (RLH) were positive for survivin, livin expression was found in 4 (40%), whereas TSP‐1 was positive in 7 (70%) of the RLH cases. Among the BL, there was no statistically significant association between survivin and livin expression (p = 0.6), livin and TSP‐1 (p = 1.0) or survivin and TSP‐1 (p = 0.6). Likewise no statistical association was found between the expressions of the proteins in RLH. There was no statistically significant difference between the expression frequency of the apoptosis associated proteins examined in BL and RLH. In conclusion, we have demonstrated the expression of inhibitor of apoptosis proteins, survivin and Livin and the pro‐apoptotic protein TSP‐1 in endemic BL. No significant difference was found between BL and RLH.
Mechanical stress‐induced interleukin‐1beta expression through adenosine triphosphate/P2X7 receptor activation in human periodontal ligament cells
Authors: Kanjanamekanant K. , Luckprom P. , Pavasant P. 
Published: August 2012

Background and ObjectiveMechanical stress is an important factor in maintaining homeostasis of the periodontium. Interleukin‐1beta (IL‐1β) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) are considered potent inflammatory mediators. In macrophages, ATP‐activated P2X7 receptor is involved in IL‐1β processing and release. Our previous works demonstrated mechanical stress‐induced expression of osteopontin and RANKL through the ATP/P2Y1 receptor in human periodontal ligament (HPDL) cells. This study was designed to examine the effect of mechanical stress on IL‐1β expression in HPDL cells, as well as the mechanism and involvement of ATP and the P2 purinergic receptor.Material and MethodsCultured HPDL cells were treated with continuous compressive loading. IL‐1β expression was analyzed at both mRNA and protein levels, using RT‐PCR and ELISA, respectively. Cell viability was examined using the MTT assay. ATP was also used to stimulate HPDL cells. Inhibitors, antagonists and the small interfering RNA (siRNA) technique were used to investigate the role of ATP and the specific P2 subtypes responsible for IL‐1β induction along with the intracellular mechanism.ResultsMechanical stress could up‐regulate IL‐1β expression through the release of ATP in HPDL cells. ATP alone was also capable of increasing IL‐1β expression. The induction of IL‐1β was markedly inhibited by inhibitors and by siRNA targeting the P2X7 receptor. ATP‐stimulated IL‐1β expression was also diminished by intracellular calcium inhibitors.ConclusionOur work clearly indicates the capability of HPDL cells to respond directly to mechanical stimulation. The results signified the important roles of ATP/P2 purinergic receptors, as well as intracellular calcium signaling, in mechanical stress‐induced inflammation via up‐regulation of the proinflammatory cytokine, IL‐1β, in HPDL cells.
Current Trends of Reproductive Immunology Practices in In Vitro fertilization (IVF) ‐ A First World Survey Using IVF‐Worldwide.com
Authors: Kwak‐Kim Joanne , Han Ae Ra , Gilman‐Sachs Alice , Fishel Simon , Leong Milton , Shoham Zeev 
Published: August 2012

ProblemReproductive immunology has evolved from basic research studies to clinical applications. In this study, we aim to investigate the actual application of reproductive immunology concepts and findings in clinical reproductive medicine such as recurrent pregnancy losses (RPL), repeated implantation failures (RIF), and failed in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles.Method of StudyA web‐based survey was performed on IVF-Worldwide.com. Collected data were analyzed by the computerized software.ResultsA significant proportion of physicians recommend thrombophilia workups (86%), parental genetic study (79%), and immunologic evaluations (69%) to IVF candidates who have a history of RPL or chemical pregnancy losses. IVF physicians consider an immunologic workup when patients have two (30%) or three (21%) failed IVF cycles. Assays for anticardiolipin antibody, lupus anticoagulant, thyroid peroxidase antibody, and antinuclear antibody are the four most commonly ordered immunologic tests for RPL (88, 84, 50, 47% each) and RIF (68, 63, 38, 38% each). Cellular immune evaluations, such as NK assay, human leukocyte antigen study, Th1/Th2 study or immunophenotype assay, are less commonly ordered.ConclusionsReproductive immunology principles have been applied to the clinical management of RPL, RIF, and failed IVF cycles, and a significant proportion of IVF physicians acknowledge the importance of immunologic alterations with reproductive outcomes.
Prevalence of oral trauma in Para‐Pan American Games athletes
Authors: Andrade Rafaela Amarante , Modesto Adriana , Evans Patricia Louise Scabell , Almeida Anne Louise Scabell , de Jesus Rodrigues da Silva Juliana , Guedes Aurelino Machado Lima , Guedes Fábio Ribeiro , Ranalli Dennis N. , Tinoco Eduardo Muniz Barretto 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe aim of this cross‐sectional epidemiological survey was to assess the prevalence of oral trauma in athletes representing 25 countries competing at the most recent Para‐Pan American Games (III PARAPAN) held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The study was approved by the appropriate institutional review board. The examiners participated in standardization and calibration training sessions before the field phase began. Invitations were sent to >1200 participating athletes competing in eight sports and to the Medical Committee of the Para‐Pan American Sports Organization before and during the III PARAPAN. A convenience sample of 120 athletes was recruited. After signing an informed consent, all athletes answered a questionnaire. Data were collected at the clinical examination and recorded in a specific trauma form. The mean age of the athletes was 32.5 years. Males comprised 79.2% of the sample; females 20.8%. The prevalence of oral trauma among the athletes was 47.5% (N = 57). However, only 15 athletes reported that these traumatic injuries were sports‐related. The sport with the highest prevalence of oral trauma was judo (75%); the least was volleyball with no reported traumatic injuries. The most common traumatic injury was enamel fracture (27.4%). The teeth most affected were the maxillary permanent central incisors (N = 19), followed by the maxillary premolars (N = 8). On the basis of the results of this study of oral trauma among athletes examined at the III PARAPAN, a recommendation for enhanced educational efforts and the use of properly fitted mouthguards to prevent traumatic injuries among high‐performance athletes with disabilities seems warranted.
Rumen fermentation, milk production and conjugated linoleic acid in the milk of cows fed high fiber diets added with dried distillers grains with solubles
Authors: KUROKAWA Yuzo , SHIBATA Hiroko , TATENO Shoko , KANDA Shuhei , TAKAURA Kazuki , ISHIDA Souichi , ITABASHI Hisao 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTThe effects of corn dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) feeding on rumen fermentation and milk production in cows were evaluated using diets high in neutral detergent fiber (NDF, 45.9–46.6%). The control diet (Control) consisted mainly of hay, corn silage and concentrates. In the experimental diets, the concentrates were replaced with DDGS as 10% dry matter (DM) (10%DDGS) and 20% DM (20%DDGS). Eight cows were used for each 14‐day treatment period. Effect of DDGS feeding on DM intake was not significant. Ruminal volatile fatty acids and ammonia‐N at 5 h after feeding of 20%DDGS were decreased compared to Control, whereas protozoal count at 2 h after feeding of 20%DDGS was higher than that of 10%DDGS. Milk yield of cows fed DDGS diets was greater than that of Control, although percentages of milk protein and solids‐not‐fat were decreased by DDGS diets. The proportions of C10:0, C12:0, C14:0 and C16:0 in the milk fat decreased, and those of C18:0, C18:1, C18:2 and cis‐9, trans‐11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) increased markedly with elevated DDGS. Increase in trans‐11 C18:1 was observed in the rumen fluid at 5 h after feeding. These findings suggest that DDGS feeding enhanced milk yield, as well as CLA synthesis under a high dietary NDF condition.
Resurgence of the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera in northern Greece associated with insecticide resistance
Authors: Mironidis George K. , Kapantaidaki Despina , Bentila Maria , Morou Evangelia , Savopoulou‐Soultani M. , Vontas John 
Published: August 2012

AbstractHelicoverpa armigera has been controlled effectively with chemical insecticides in the major cotton crop production areas of northern Greece for many years. However, a resurgence of the pest was observed in 2010, which significantly affected crop production. During a 4‐year survey (2007–2010), we examined the insecticide resistance status of H. armigera populations from two major and representative cotton production areas in northern Greece against seven insecticides (chlorpyrifos, diazinon, methomyl, alpha‐cypermethrin, cypermethrin, gamma‐cyhalothrin and endosulfan). Full dose‐response bioassays on third instar larvae were performed by topical application. Lethal doses at 50% were estimated by probit analysis and resistance factors (RF) were calculated, compared to a susceptible laboratory reference strain. Resistance levels were relatively moderate until 2009, with resistance ratios below 10‐fold for organophosphates and carbamates and up to 16‐fold for the pyrethroid alpha‐cypermethrin. However, resistance rose to 46‐ and 81‐fold for chlorpyrifos and alpha‐cypermethrin, respectively in 2010, when the resurgence of the pest was observed. None of the known pyrethroid resistance mutations were found in the pyrethroid‐resistant insects. The possible association between resistance and H. armigera resurgence in Greece is discussed.