bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of acoustic radiation force impulse imaging with transient elastography for the detection of complications in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Vermehren Johannes , Polta Andreas , Zimmermann Olga , Herrmann Eva , Poynard Thierry , Hofmann Wolf‐Peter , Bojunga Jörg , Sarrazin Christoph , Zeuzem Stefan , Friedrich‐Rust Mireen 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackgroundAcoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging is a new non‐invasive, ultrasound‐based method for the evaluation of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.AimTo determine the diagnostic accuracy of ARFI imaging, transient elastography (TE) and Fibrotest for the evaluation of complications in patients with cirrhosis.MethodsA total of 166 patients (109 male, mean age: 54 ± 11 years) with chronic liver disease and established cirrhosis were included in this study. ARFI‐imaging of the liver and spleen, TE and Fibrotest were performed in all patients. In addition, clinical, laboratory and morphological parameters, including MELD/Child–Pugh scores, presence of oesophageal varices and hepatocellular carcinoma, history of variceal bleeding and history of hepatic encephalopathy were recorded.ResultsAcoustic radiation force impulse liver was significantly correlated with ARFI spleen (r = 0.48, P < 0.001), TE (r = 0.75, P < 0.001) and Fibrotest (r = 0.21, P = 0.006). The diagnostic accuracy (AUROC) for the diagnosis of large oesophageal varices was 0.58 (95% CI: 0.48–0.67), 0.58 (0.49–0.67), 0.53 (0.44–0.63) and 0.50 (0.41–0.59) for ARFI liver, spleen, TE and Fibrotest respectively (P > 0.20). The AUROC for the detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was 0.54 (0.39–0.70), 0.58 (0.44–0.73), 0.56 (0.40–0.73) and 0.72 (0.60–0.84) respectively (P > 0.20). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that ARFI spleen better predicted the presence of large oesophageal varices and HCC compared with ARFI liver.ConclusionsThe diagnostic accuracy of ARFI liver and spleen was comparable to TE and Fibrotest for the detection of complications in patients with cirrhosis.
Detection of HNA‐3a and ‐3b antibodies using transfected cell lines and recombinant proteins
Authors: Woźniak Marcin J. , Bowring Claire , Lucas Geoff , Ridgwell Kay 
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND: HNA‐3 is a diallellic system located on choline transporter‐like protein 2 (CTL2), defined by a polymorphism at Amino Acid 154. HNA‐3a antibodies are of clinical importance in transfusion‐related acute lung injury but antibody detection requires labor‐intensive granulocyte isolation from HNA‐typed donors and the use of techniques such as the granulocyte agglutination test or granulocyte immunofluorescence test. Also, there is no commercial test for detection of HNA‐3 antibodies.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: HEK293 cells were transfected to generate stable cell lines expressing CTL2 fragments (Amino Acids 55‐230) and full‐length membrane bound CTL2 with HNA‐3a and ‐3b epitopes. Soluble fragments were used in enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays to detect HNA‐3 antibodies. The cell lines expressing full‐length proteins were trypsin treated to remove HLA antigens and frozen at −80°C. Thawed cells were then used to detect HNA‐3 antibodies by flow cytometry.RESULTS: Glycosylated and soluble CTL2 fragments were correctly recognized by 15 of 31 anti‐HNA‐3a sera and by both available anti‐HNA‐3b sera. Twenty‐one anti‐HLA sera reacted variably with untreated cell lines expressing full‐length CTL2. After trypsin treatment of the cell lines, reactivity with HLA antisera was abrogated and all 31 anti‐HNA‐3a and two anti‐HNA‐3b sera bound to the corresponding cell line.CONCLUSION: Whereas soluble, glycosylated CTL2 fragments cannot be used for the detection of HNA‐3 antibodies, the HEK293 cells expressing full‐length CTL2 proteins were useful in the detection of HNA‐3 antibodies even in the presence of HLA antibodies. Moreover, the cell lines can be stored for at least 6 months before use.
Preparation of Si3N4 Foam Ceramics with Nest‐Like Cell Structure by Particle‐Stabilized Foams
Authors: Yu Juanli , Yang Jinlong , Li Sen , Li Hexin , Huang Yong 
Published: December 2011

Silicon nitride, Si3N4 foam ceramics were prepared by particle‐stabilized foams, and the stabilization of Si3N4 foams and the performance of Si3N4 foam ceramics were investigated. The Si3N4 particle‐stabilized foams had high stabilization, the dried green bodies had little shrinkage, and the structure of dried green body surface had no macro‐pores and cracks. The Si3N4 foam ceramics with nest‐like cell structure were obtained, nest pores were jointed by elongated rod‐shaped β‐Si3N4 grains with aspect ratio of 30 or so, pore distribution was uniform, the average pore size was about 16 μm, and the flexural strength was in the range of 3.8 to 77.2 MPa when porosity varied from 82.1% to 60.6%.
Dielectric Relaxation in BaTiO3–Bi(Zn1/2Ti1/2)O3 Ceramics
Authors: Raengthon Natthaphon , Cann David P. 
Published: December 2011

A dramatic improvement in the dielectric and electrical properties has been observed in ceramics of 0.8BaTiO3–0.2Bi(Zn1/2Ti1/2)O3 through the introduction of Ba vacancies. It possesses a high relative permittivity (εr > 1150) along with a low dielectric loss (tan δ < 0.05) that is maintained up to temperatures as high as 460°C. It is also characterized by a high resistivity of 70 GΩ‐cm, which remains constant up to 270°C. Analysis of complex impedance (Z*) and complex electric modulus (M*) data, measured over the frequency range of 1–106 Hz, revealed a number of important findings. At high temperatures (T > 255°C), a complex plane analysis of Z″ versus Z′ and the frequency dependence of Z″ suggests an electrically inhomogeneous microstructure for the stoichiometric composition. The stoichiometric composition exhibited activation energies of ~1 eV which suggests an extrinsic conduction mechanism. However, the introduction of Ba vacancies resulted in electrically homogeneous microstructure. An overlap of the Z″ and M″ peaks in the frequency domain and much larger activation energies were observed, on the order of half of the band gap, suggesting an intrinsic conduction mechanism. A more detailed analysis of the data reveals insights into the physical mechanisms underpinning the dielectric and ac conductivity.
Trevo System: Single‐Center Experience with a Novel Mechanical Thrombectomy Device
Authors: Mendonça Nuno , Flores Alan , Pagola Jorge , Rubiera Marta , Rodríguez‐Luna David , De Miquel M. Angels , Cardona Pere , Quesada Helena , Mora Paloma , Alvarez‐Sabín José , Molina Carlos , Ribó Marc 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSERecent reports have indicated that mechanical thrombectomy may have the potential to treat acute ischemic stroke. This study aims to describe the safety and effectiveness of Trevo Retriever, using Stentriever technology, in revascularization of patients with acute ischemic stroke.METHODSProspective study evaluating the clinical, radiological, and functional outcome of 13 patients with an angiographically verified occlusion of the anterior cerebral circulation. All patients underwent thrombectomy with TR as monotherapy or in combination with intra‐arterial thrombolysis, within the first 8 hours from the onset of symptoms. Successful revascularization was defined as thrombolysis in cerebral ischemia grade 2a to 3. Good outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale score ≤ 2.RESULTSMedian baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 19(16‐22). The occlusion site was middle cerebral artery in 8 patients and internal carotid artery in 5 patients. Revascularization was achieved in 10 of 13 patients (77%). The mean time from groin puncture to recanalization was 95 ± 31 minutes. No significant intra‐procedural complications occurred. Four patients (30%) died during the 90‐day follow‐up period and 4 patients (30%) achieved functional independence.CONCLUSIONEarly clinical experience suggests that the TR can allow safe and effective revascularization in certain subjects with acute ischemic stroke.
A Correlation Between Fractional Anisotropy Variations and Clinical Recovery in Spinal Cord Infarctions
Authors: Théaudin Marie , Saliou Guillaume , Denier Christian , Adams David , Ducreux Denis 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTPURPOSETo describe diffusion‐weighted imaging and diffusion tensor imaging variations in spinal cord infarctions.METHODSWe studied the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) local variations in 2 patients with spinal cord infarcts in the conus region at days 3–4, 9–10, and 15–22 after clinical onset, and correlated them with the clinical outcome.RESULTSBoth patients (19 and 53 years‐old) presented spinal cord infarction unraveled by paraparesis and bladder dysfunction. Although initial clinical and radiological presentations were similar, the first patient early and fully recovered whereas the second kept severe bladder dysfunctions. Early absolute values of FA and ADC did not seem to correlate with outcome. At day 9–10, the second patient, who presented definitive sequel, had decreasing values of FA in the ischemic region whereas they had increased in the first patient, who fully recovered.CONCLUSIONFA values could be an interesting prognosis marker in spinal cord ischemia, which needs to be confirmed by a larger study.
Mitochondrial connexin 43 impacts on respiratory complex I activity and mitochondrial oxygen consumption
Authors: Boengler Kerstin , Ruiz‐Meana Marisol , Gent Sabine , Ungefug Elvira , Soetkamp Daniel , Miro‐Casas Elisabet , Cabestrero Alberto , Fernandez‐Sanz Celia , Semenzato Martina , Lisa Fabio Di , Rohrbach Susanne , Garcia‐Dorado David , Heusch Gerd , Schulz Rainer 
Published: December 2011

AbstractConnexin 43 (Cx43) is present at the sarcolemma and the inner membrane of cardiomyocyte subsarcolemmal mitochondria (SSM). Lack or inhibition of mitochondrial Cx43 is associated with reduced mitochondrial potassium influx, which might affect mitochondrial respiration. Therefore, we analysed the importance of mitochondrial Cx43 for oxygen consumption. Acute inhibition of Cx43 in rat left ventricular (LV) SSM by 18α glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) or Cx43 mimetic peptides (Cx43‐MP) reduced ADP‐stimulated complex I respiration and ATP generation. Chronic reduction of Cx43 in conditional knockout mice (Cx43Cre‐ER(T)/fl + 4‐OHT, 5–10% of Cx43 protein compared with control Cx43fl/fl mitochondria) reduced ADP‐stimulated complex I respiration of LV SSM to 47.8 ± 2.4 nmol O2/min.*mg protein (n = 8) from 61.9 ± 7.4 nmol O2/min.*mg protein in Cx43fl/fl mitochondria (n = 10, P < 0.05), while complex II respiration remained unchanged. The LV complex I activities (% of citrate synthase activity) of Cx43Cre‐ER(T)/fl+4‐OHT mice (16.1 ± 0.9%, n = 9) were lower than in Cx43fl/fl mice (19.8 ± 1.3%, n = 8, P < 0.05); complex II activities were similar between genotypes. Supporting the importance of Cx43 for respiration, in Cx43‐overexpressing HL‐1 cardiomyocytes complex I respiration was increased, whereas complex II respiration remained unaffected. Taken together, mitochondrial Cx43 is required for optimal complex I activity and respiration and thus mitochondrial ATP‐production.
Pathophysiology of hypercortisolism in depression: pituitary and adrenal responses to low glucocorticoid feedback
Authors: Carroll B. J. , Iranmanesh A. , Keenan D. M. , Cassidy F. , Wilson W. H. , Veldhuis J. D. 
Published: December 2011

Carroll BJ, Iranmanesh A, Keenan DM, Cassidy F, Wilson WH, Veldhuis JD. Pathophysiology of hypercortisolism in depression: pituitary and adrenal responses to low glucocorticoid feedback.Objective:  To test three theories of hypercortisolemia in depression–hypothalamic overdrive, impaired glucocorticoid feedback, or autonomous cortisol production.Method:  We applied an overnight low‐cortisol feedback strategy by administering metyrapone to hypercortisolemic depressed in‐patients and control subjects.Results:  Under metyrapone, the increases of plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) concentrations and of basal and pulsatile ACTH secretion were not exaggerated in hypercortisolemic depressed patients compared with control subjects. ACTH approximate entropy (ApEn) did not differ at baseline or under metyrapone. Thus, neither hypothalamic overdrive nor irregular ACTH secretion was seen. We did not detect impaired cortisol feedback: the ACTH response was not reduced, and ApEn measures that are sensitive to feedback changes were comparable in both groups. Metyrapone disrupted cortisol secretory regularity in depressed and control subjects. On the baseline day, basal cortisol secretion was significantly increased and was highly irregular (high ApEn), and ACTH‐cortisol cross‐ApEn was markedly elevated in high‐cortisol patients.Conclusion:  Classical feed‐forward overdrive and impaired feedback theories of hypercortisolemia in depression were not supported. Depressive hypercortisolemia may result from alternative pathophysiological mechanisms involving irregular basal hypersecretion of cortisol, associated with adrenal enlargement, possibly through splanchnic sympathetic activation of the adrenal cortex.
Circulating plasmacytoid dendritic cells in patients with primary and Helicobacter pylori‐associated immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Saito Akio , Yokohama Akihiko , Osaki Yohei , Ogawa Yoshiyuki , Nakahashi Hirotaka , Toyama Kohtaro , Mitsui Takeki , Hashimoto Yoko , Koiso Hiromi , Uchiumi Hideki , Saitoh Takayuki , Handa Hiroshi , Sawamura Morio , Karasawa Masamitsu , Murakami Hirokazu , Tsukamoto Norifumi , Nojima Yoshihisa 
Published: December 2011

AbstractObjectives:  Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of autoreactive antibodies against platelet antigens. Although dysfunction of multiple aspects of cellular immunity is considered to be important in the pathogenesis of ITP, it has not been clarified which cell types play a principal role.Methods:  We enrolled 46 untreated patients with chronic ITP and 47 healthy adult volunteers, and investigated by flow cytometry the percentage and absolute number of cells in their peripheral blood that participate in the regulation of cellular immunity. These included plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs), natural killer (NK) cells, natural killer T (NKT) cells, regulatory T (Treg) cells, and Th17 cells.Results:  We found a significant reduction in the absolute number of pDCs, but not of mDCs, in patients with ITP when compared with healthy controls (P < 0.001). Reduced numbers of circulating pDCs were observed in both Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)‐positive and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)‐negative patients with ITP. In contrast, there were no significant differences in the numbers of circulating Treg cells, Th17 cells, NK cells, or NKT cells. Interestingly, we observed increases in the number of pDCs after H. pylori eradication by antibiotics in responders but not in non‐responders, while pDCs and mDCs decreased markedly after prednisolone therapy in both responders and non‐responders. In patients without treatment, low pDC numbers persisted during the observational period.Conclusions:  We demonstrated that the number of circulating pDCs is low in patients with primary and H. pylori‐associated ITP and that it changes depending on treatment modality. Further investigation is warranted with regard to the role of pDCs in the immunopathogenesis of ITP.
Clinical bleeding events and laboratory coagulation profiles in acute promyelocytic leukemia
Authors: Chang Hung , Kuo Ming‐Chung , Shih Lee‐Yung , Dunn Po , Wang Po‐Nan , Wu Jin‐Hou , Lin Tung‐Liang , Hung Yu‐Shin , Tang Tzung‐Chih 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground:  Bleeding is the leading cause of death for patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Blood component transfusion to correct coagulopathy is the keystone in reducing bleeding. The benefit of fresh frozen plasma transfusion is unproven. Using laboratory profiles to predict bleeding is important guidance for the determination of transfusion policies in the treatment of APL.Design and methods:  For 116 patients of APL, bleeding events were collected and correlated with various hematologic and coagulation parameters, including leukemic cell percentages, white blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen levels, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) scores.Results:  Overt DIC occurred in 77.6% of patients. Severity of DIC was associated with bone marrow leukemic cell percentages but unrelated to bleeding. Patients with bleeding had significantly higher WBC counts (26.73 ± 6.18 vs. 13.03 ± 3.03 per μL, P = 0.026) and more prolonged PT (4.85 ± 0.70 vs. 2.59 ± 0.28 s, P = 0.002) and APTT (3.98 ± 1.68 vs. 0.96 ± 0.93 s, P = 0.017). Fibrinogen levels, platelet counts, and leukemia cell percentages were not significantly different between bleeding and non‐bleeding patients. PT is valuable in prediction of bleeding. Patients with PT ≧ 5 s had a relative risk of 6.14 for bleeding. Seven patients had severe bleeding before initiation of all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA).Conclusions:  Patients with APL are susceptible to DIC and subsequent bleeding events. Prompt ATRA administration is crucial in preventing hemorrhagic events. High WBC counts, prolonged PT, and APTT are associated with clinical bleeding in our series. PT is the most accurate parameter in predicting bleeding. Based on these findings, supportive care should be directed toward correction of coagulopathy to prevent bleeding complications and fresh frozen plasma appears to be indicated for coagulopathy associated with APL.
Egg exposure to pyriproxyfen in the tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta: ovicidal activity or behavioural‐modulated hatching mortality?
Authors: Tomé H.V.V. , Cordeiro E.M.G. , Rosado J.F. , Guedes R.N.C. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractInsecticide susceptibility varies with the insect life stage and although the egg stage is sometimes perceived as the most vulnerable, it is a difficult target for insecticide application and little studied as such. Egg susceptibility to insecticides is generally considered important for insect growth regulators and insect pests of reduced mobility like leaf miners because of their placement on the host plant part targeted by the insecticidal application. The egg exposure to the juvenile hormone mimic pyriproxyfen was studied here in the tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), a key tomato insect pest, aiming to assess if mortality is achieved due to insecticide ovicidal activity or due to behavioural impairment of the larvae preventing egg hatching. Survival analysis of treated tomato leaves and/or eggs indicated the importance of egg exposure to pyriproxyfen leading to a significant decrease in survival with a nearly 50% reduction in survival time, which peaked at the first instar. Ovicidal activity of pyriproxyfen in the tomato leaf miner was negligible, but image recording and behaviour analysis indicated behavioural impairment of larval activity compromising hatching and leaf mining by early instar larvae leading to high mortality at this stage (ca 50%). The likely causes and management implications of such findings are discussed.
Reproduction of the Atlantic bobtail squid Sepiola atlantica (Cephalopoda: Sepiolidae) in northwest Spain
Authors: Rodrigues Marcelo , Guerra Ángel , Troncoso Jesús S. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractAtlantic bobtail squid (Sepiola atlantica) in northwest Spain show seasonal variation in population structure, with juvenile abundance peaking during summer and autumn. However, whether similar patterns exist for reproduction is unknown. Therefore, we describe the reproductive biology of 505 specimens of S. atlantica collected monthly during two consecutive years at two different sites off of Areamilla beach in the Ría de Vigo. Mature males displayed a type of sexual dimorphism previously unknown in members of this species, developing a muscular nodule in the base of each of the ventral arms over ontogeny. Reproductive output of both sexes was similar to that of other bobtail squids. Relative oocyte size (~10% mantle length) appeared to be similar to those of other bobtail squids. Females did not show evidence of having mated before complete maturity. Females of S. atlantica have group‐synchronous ovary maturation, with a positive correlation between female mantle length and ripe oocyte mass, suggesting a terminal investment strategy. Atlantic bobtail squids displayed the same seasonal patterns of reproductive traits at both sampling sites, with significant differences in reproductive activity between males and females. We consider reproductive traits in these small animals as adaptations to the coastal shelf lifestyle.
Ecology and Hybridization Potential of Two Sympatric Metallophytes, the Narrow EndemicCrepidorhopalon perennis(Linderniaceae) and its More Widespread CongenerC. tenuis
Authors: Faucon Michel‐Pierre , Tshilong Benedict M. , Van Rossum Fabienne , Meerts Pierre , Decocq Guillaume , Mahy Grégory 
Published: December 2011

AbstractCrepidorhopalon perennisis a metallophyte critically endangered by mining activities and currently known from only one site on copper‐rich soils inKatanga (Dem.Rep.Congo). It is closely related to the annualC. tenuis, also a rare metallophyte, but with a broader geographical range. We investigated the variation in morphometric traits and ecological niches (based on edaphic conditions and pollinator assemblages) ofC. perennisandC. tenuis, to evaluate the risk of inter‐specific competition, and their potential for hybridization to ascertain ifC. perennismight be at risk of genetic swamping by its more widespread congener. We examined whether species were found under sympatric or parapatric settings with opportunity for hybridization (or gene exchange). Such knowledge is essential for implementing restoration management protocols, including the introduction ofC. perennisinto substitution sites whereC. tenuismight be already present. Fourteen morphological characters and 11 soil variables were measured and visiting pollinator species were identified at the site where the two species co‐occur. Our results show that the two species can be distinguished based on their morphological traits, show niche overlap based on edaphic properties, and share the same pollinator assemblage. In addition, no morphologically intermediate individuals could be detected, suggesting no hybridization, and that the two species may be reproductively isolated. We conclude thatC. perennisconservation and restoration operations can be realized in substitution sites whereC. tenuismay be present, with the need, however, to evaluate the potential effect of sharing a pollinator assemblage on reproductive success of both species.
Low-frequency radio spectrum of LS 5039 during periastron and apastron passages
Authors: Bhattacharyya Subir , Godambe Sagar , Bhatt Nilay , Mitra Abhas , Choudhury Manojendu 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT
We have recently studied LS 5039, a gamma-ray binary, with the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope during its periastron and apastron passage. The results presented here show that the spectra are inverted at low frequency and the flux densities do not differ significantly for two different orbital phases. Assuming that the free–free absorption of radio in the stellar wind environment is responsible for the optically thick radio emission, we calculated the free–free absorption optical depth and constrained the height of the radio-emitting region from the orbital plane. The height is found to be around 1.6 au for a spherical stellar wind geometry. This estimate may change if the stellar wind is focused or the radio absorption is due to synchrotron self-absorption.