bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Artificial neural network aided non-invasive grading evaluation of hepatic fibrosis by duplex ultrasonography
Authors: Zhang Li , LI Qiao-ying , Duan Yun-you , Yan Guo-zhen , Yang Yi-lin , Yang Rui-jing 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background
Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are widely studied for evaluating diseases. This paper discusses the intelligence mode of an ANN in grading the diagnosis of liver fibrosis by duplex ultrasonogaphy.

Methods
239 patients who were confirmed as having liver fibrosis or cirrhosis by ultrasound guided liver biopsy were investigated in this study. We quantified ultrasonographic parameters as significant parameters using a data optimization procedure applied to an ANN. 179 patients were typed at random as the training group; 60 additional patients were consequently enrolled as the validating group. Performance of the ANN was evaluated according to accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, Youden’s index and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Results
5 ultrasonographic parameters; i.e., the liver parenchyma, thickness of spleen, hepatic vein (HV) waveform, hepatic artery pulsatile index (HAPI) and HV damping index (HVDI), were enrolled as the input neurons in the ANN model. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the ANN model for quantitative diagnosis of liver fibrosis were 95.0%, 85.0% and 88.3%, respectively. The Youden’s index (YI) was 0.80.

Conclusions
The established ANN model had good sensitivity and specificity in quantitative diagnosis of hepatic fibrosis or liver cirrhosis. Our study suggests that the ANN model based on duplex ultrasound may help non-invasive grading diagnosis of liver fibrosis in clinical practice.
Achieving efficient protein expression in Trichoderma reesei by using strong constitutive promoters
Authors: Li Junxin , Wang Juan , Wang Shaowen , Xing Miao , Yu Shaowen , Liu Gang 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Backgrounds
The fungus Trichoderma reesei is an important workhorse for expression of homologous or heterologous genes, and the inducible cbh1 promoter is generally used. However, constitutive expression is more preferable in some cases than inducible expression that leads to production of unwanted cellulase components. In this work, constitutive promoters of T. reesei were screened and successfully used for high level homologous expression of xylanase II.

Results
The transcriptional profiles of 13 key genes that participate in glucose metabolism in T. reesei were analyzed by quantitative real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The results indicated that the mRNA levels of pdc (encoding pyruvate decarboxylase) and eno (encoding enolase) genes were much higher than other genes under high glucose conditions. Recombinant T. reesei strains that homologously expressed xylanase II were constructed by using the promoters of the pdc and eno genes, and they respectively produced 9266 IU/ml and 8866 IU/ml of xylanase activities in the cultivation supernatant in a medium with high glucose concentration. The productivities of xylanase II were 1.61 g/L (with the pdc promoter) and 1.52 g/L (with the eno promoter), approximately accounted for 83% and 82% of the total protein secreted by T. reesei, respectively.

Conclusions
This work demonstrates the screening of constitutive promoters by using RT-qPCR in T. reesei, and has obtained the highest expression of recombinant xylanase II to date by using these promoters.
Parathyroid involvement in thyroid cancer: an unforeseen event
Authors: Chrisoulidou Alexandra , Mandanas Stylianos , Mitsakis Periklis , Iliadou Paschalia K , Manafis Kosmas , Flaris Nikolaos , Boudina Maria , Mathiopoulou Lemonia , Pazaitou-Panayiotou Kalliopi 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background
Parathyroid metastatic disease from thyroid cancer has not been studied extensively, mainly due to the need for parathyroid preservation during thyroid surgery.

Methods
We reviewed files from 1,770 patients with thyroid cancer followed up in our department and 10 patients with parathyroid metastases (0.5%) were identified. Patient and tumor characteristics were recorded.

Results
Six out of ten patients had metastases from papillary thyroid cancer, three from follicular thyroid cancer and one from anaplastic thyroid cancer. In nine patients parathyroid infiltration from thyroid cancer was found in direct contact with the thyroid cancer, and in one patient metastatic foci were observed not in continuity with the thyroid cancer.

Conclusions
Parathyroid involvement, although infrequent, may occur in thyroid cancer independently of patient age and tumor size. The clinical significance of such event is not clear. The influence on disease outcome remains to be elucidated.
One-pot synthesis of poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-Pt nanoparticle composite and its application to electrochemical H2O2 sensor
Authors: Chang Li-Chi , Wu Huan-Nung , Lin Chia-Yu , Lai Yi-Hsuan , Hu Chih-Wei , Ho Kuo-Chuan 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-Pt nanoparticle composite was synthesized in one-pot fashion using a photo-assisted chemical method, and its electrocatalytic properties toward hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was investigated. Under UV irradiation, the rates of the oxidative polymerization of EDOT monomer along with the reduction of Pt4+ ions were accelerated. In addition, the morphology of PtNPs was also greatly influenced by the UV irradiation; the size of PtNPs was reduced under UV irradiation, which can be attributed to the faster nucleation rate. The immobilized PtNPs showed excellent electrocatalytic activities towards the electroreduction of hydrogen peroxide. The resultant amperometric sensor showed enhanced sensitivity for the detection of H2O2 as compared to that without PtNPs, i.e., only with a layer of PEDOT. Amperometric determination of H2O2 at −0.55 V gave a limit of detection of 1.6 μM (S / N = 3) and a sensitivity of 19.29 mA cm−2 M−1 up to 6 mM, with a response time (steady state, t95) of 30 to 40 s. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis, transmission electron microscopic image, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and scanning electron microscopic images were utilized to characterize the modified electrode. Sensing properties of the modified electrode were studied both by CV and amperometric analysis.
Synthesis, structure, and photovoltaic property of a nanocrystalline 2H perovskite-type novel sensitizer (CH3CH2NH3)PbI3
Authors: Im Jeong-Hyeok , Chung Jaehoon , Kim Seung-Joo , Park Nam-Gyu 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
A new nanocrystalline sensitizer with the chemical formula (CH3CH2NH3)PbI3 is synthesized by reacting ethylammonium iodide with lead iodide, and its crystal structure and photovoltaic property are investigated. X-ray diffraction analysis confirms orthorhombic crystal phase with a = 8.7419(2) Å, b = 8.14745(10) Å, and c = 30.3096(6) Å, which can be described as 2 H perovskite structure. Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy and UV-visible spectroscopy determine the valence band position at 5.6 eV versus vacuum and the optical bandgap of ca. 2.2 eV. A spin coating of the CH3CH2NH3I and PbI2 mixed solution on a TiO2 film yields ca. 1.8-nm-diameter (CH3CH2NH3)PbI3 dots on the TiO2 surface. The (CH3CH2NH3)PbI3-sensitized solar cell with iodide-based redox electrolyte demonstrates the conversion efficiency of 2.4% under AM 1.5 G one sun (100 mW/cm2) illumination.
Tuning the dimensionality of ZnO nanowires through thermal treatment: An investigation of growth mechanism
Authors: Shih Po-Hsun , Hung Hsuan-Jung , Ma Yuan-Ron , Wu Sheng-Yun 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
In this study, we synthesized various dimensionalities of ZnO nanowires using the Ti grid-assisted chemical vapor deposition process. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopic mapping technique accompanied with a lattice diffusion model was used to characterize the growth mechanism. A diffusion ratio γ, defined by short-circuit and lattice diffusion activation energies, was obtained to describe the growth mechanism of ZnO nanowires. The tunable dimensionalities of ZnO nanowires allow us to modify the morphology of ZnO nanocrystals by developing well-controlled potential applications.
A pink mouse reports the switch from red to green fluorescence upon Cre-mediated recombination
Authors: Hartwich Heiner , Satheesh Somisetty V , Nothwang Hans Gerd 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background
Targeted genetic modification in the mouse becomes increasingly important in biomedical and basic science. This goal is most often achieved by use of the Cre/loxP system and numerous Cre-driver mouse lines are currently generated. Their initial characterization requires reporter mouse lines to study the in vivo spatiotemporal activity of Cre.

Findings
Here, we report a dual fluorescence reporter mouse line, which switches expression from the red fluorescent protein mCherry to eGFP after Cre-mediated recombination. Both fluorescent proteins are expressed from the ubiquitously active and strong CAGGS promoter. Among the founders, we noticed a pink mouse line, expressing high levels of the red fluorescent protein mCherry throughout the entire body. Presence of mCherry in the living animal as well as in almost all organs was clearly visible without optical equipment. Upon Cre-activity, mCherry expression was switched to eGFP, demonstrating functionality of this reporter mouse line.

Conclusions
The pink mouse presented here is an attractive novel reporter line for fluorescence-based monitoring of Cre-activity. The high expression of mCherry, which is visible to the naked eye, facilitates breeding and crossing, as no genotyping is required to identify mice carrying the reporter allele. The presence of two fluorescent proteins allows in vivo monitoring of recombined and non-recombined cells. Finally, the pink mouse is an eye-catching animal model to demonstrate the power of transgenic techniques in teaching courses.
Haemophilus influenzae and the lung (Haemophilus and the lung)
Authors: King Paul 
Published: June 2012

AbstractHaemophilus influenzae is present as a commensal organism in the nasopharynx of most healthy adults from where it can spread to cause both systemic and respiratory tract infection. This bacterium is divided into typeable forms (such as type b) or nontypeable forms based on the presence or absence of a tough polysaccharide capsule. Respiratory disease is predominantly caused by the nontypeable forms (NTHi). Haemophilus influenzae has evolved a number of strategies to evade the host defense including the ability to invade into local tissue. Pathogenic properties of this bacterium as well as defects in host defense may result in the spread of this bacterium from the upper airway to the bronchi of the lung. This can result in airway inflammation and colonization particularly in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Treatment of respiratory tract infection with Haemophilus influenzae is often only partially successful with ongoing infection and inflammation. Improvement in patient outcome will be dependent on a better understanding of the pathogenesis and host immune response to this bacterium.
Common polymorphisms in GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTP1, GSTA1 and susceptibility to colorectal cancer in the Central European population
Authors: Hezova Renata , Bienertova-Vasku Julie , Sachlova Milana , Brezkova Veronika , Vasku Anna , Svoboda Marek , Radová Lenka , Kiss Igor , Vyzula Rostislav , Slaby Ondrej 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background
Central Europe presents with the highest incidence of sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC) worldwide. As sporadic CRC represents a typical multifactorial disease, it is characterized by intense interaction of the genetic background with the environment. Glutathione S-transferases could act as attractive susceptibility genes for CRC, as they are directly involved in conjugation between glutathione and chemotherapeutics, environmental pollutants and a wide spectrum of xenobiotics.

Methods
In this study, we investigated associations of polymorphisms in glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) genes, that is GSTA1, GSTT1, GSTM1 and GSTP1, with CRC in a total of 197 cases and 218 controls originating from the Czech Central European population. Polymorphisms were assessed by polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism-based methods, allele-specific multiplex and allelic discrimination by real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results
None of investigated polymorphisms showed any associations with CRC, with the exception of GSTP1; where the heterozygote genotype Ile105Val was associated with decreased risk of CRC (P = 0.043).

Conclusions
The frequencies observed in our study are in accordance with those from other European Caucasian populations. Based on our studies, examined variability in GST genes is not a major determinant of CRC susceptibility in the Central European population.
Quantiferon-TB Gold in tube assay for the screening of tuberculosis before and during treatment with tumor necrosis factor alpha antagonists
Authors: Hatemi Gulen , Melikoglu Melike , Ozbakir Fatma , Tascilar Koray , Yazici Hasan 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Introduction
The usefulness of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) release assays for tuberculosis screening before tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) antagonists and for monitoring during treatment is a contraversial issue. The aims of this study were to determine whether TNF-α antagonists affect the results of the Quantiferon-TB Gold in-tube assay (QTF); to assess how QTF performs in comparison with the tuberculin skin test (TST) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients who are about to start treatment with TNF-α antagonists, RA patients who are not candidates for treatment with TNF-α antagonists, rheumatology patients with confirmed current or past tuberculosis infection, and healthy controls, and to determine the specificity of the QTF test to differentiate leprosy patients, another group of patients infected with mycobacteria.

Methods
The 38 RA patients who were prescribed TNF-α antagonists, 40 RA patients who were not considered for TNF-α antagonist use, 30 rheumatology patients with a history or new diagnosis of tuberculosis, 23 leprosy patients, and 41 healthy controls were studied. QTF and TST were done on the same day, and both were repeated after a mean of 3.6 ± 0.2 months in patients who used TNF-α antagonists.

Results
Treatment with TNF-α antagonists did not cause a significant change in the QTF or TST positivity rate (34% versus 42%; P = 0.64; and 24% versus 37%; P = 0.22). Patients with leprosy had a trend for a higher mean IFN-γ level (7.3 ± 8.0) and QTF positivity (61%) than did the other groups; however, the difference was not significant (P = 0.09 and P = 0.43).

Conclusions
Treatment with TNF-α antagonists does not seem to affect the QTF test to an appreciable degree. The higher IFN-γ levels in leprosy patients deserves further attention.
Mid- to long-term results of revision total knee replacement using press-fit intramedullary stems with cemented femoral and tibial components
Authors: Manopoulos P. , Havet E. , Pearce O. , Lardanchet J. F. , Mertl P. 
Published: June 2012

This was a retrospective analysis of the medium- to long-term results of 46 TC3 Sigma revision total knee replacements using long uncemented stems in press-fit mode.Clinical and radiological analysis took place pre-operatively, at two years post-operatively, and at a mean follow-up of 8.5 years (4 to 12). The mean pre-operative International Knee Society (IKS) clinical score was 42 points (0 to 74), improving to 83.7 (52 to 100) by the final follow-up. The mean IKS score for function improved from 34.3 points (0 to 80) to 64.2 (15 to 100) at the final follow-up. At the final follow-up 30 knees (65.2%) had an excellent result, seven (15.2%) a good result, one (2.2%) a medium and eight (17.4%) a poor result. There were two failures, one with anteroposterior instability and one with aseptic loosening.The TC3 revision knee system, when used with press-fit for long intramedullary stems and cemented femoral and tibial components, in both septic and aseptic revisions, results in a satisfactory clinical and radiological outcome, and has a good medium- to long-term survival rate.
A case-control study of spontaneous patellar fractures following primary total knee replacement
Authors: Seo J. G. , Moon Y. W. , Park S. H. , Lee J. H. , Kang H. M. , Kim S. M. 
Published: June 2012

Peri-prosthetic patellar fracture following resurfacing as part of total knee replacement (TKR) is an infrequent yet challenging complication. This case-control study was performed to identify clinical, radiological and surgical factors that increase the risk of developing a spontaneous patellar fracture after TKR. Patellar fractures were identified in 74 patients (88 knees) from a series of 7866 consecutive TKRs conducted between 1998 and 2009. After excluding those with a previous history of extensor mechanism realignment or a clear traumatic event, a metal-backed patella, any uncemented component or subsequent infection, the remaining 64 fractures were compared with a matched group of TKRs with an excellent outcome defined by the Knee Society score. The mean age of patients with a fracture was 70 years (51 to 81) at the time of TKR. Patellar fractures were detected at a mean of 13.4 months (2 to 84) after surgery. The incidence of patellar fracture was found to be strongly associated with the number of previous knee operations, greater pre-operative mechanical malalignment, smaller post-operative patellar tendon length, thinner post-resection patellar thickness, and a lower post-operative Insall-Salvati ratio.An understanding of the risk factors associated with spontaneous patellar fracture following TKR provides a valuable insight into prevention of this challenging complication.
Factors related to the development of myelopathy in patients with cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament
Authors: Chang H. , Song K-J. , Kim H-Y. , Choi B-W. 
Published: June 2012

This study evaluates factors related to myelopathic symptoms in patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). A total of 87 patients with OPLL were included. Of these, 53 (Group I) had no symptoms or presented with neck pain and radiculopathy and 34 (Group II) had myelopathic symptoms. Gender, age, and history of trauma were evaluated in the two groups. The range of movement of the cervical spine was measured using plain radiographs. The number of involved segments, type of OPLL, and maximal compression ratio were analysed using CT and signal change in the spinal cord was evaluated using MRI. The patients’ age was found to be significant (p = 0.001). No difference was found between gender and the range of movement in the two groups. The maximum compression of the spinal canal showed a difference (p = 0.03). The signal change of the spinal cord was different between the two groups. In patients with OPLL of the cervical spine, myelopathic symptoms are not related to the range of movement or the number of involved segments.
Effectiveness and Challenges of an Asian NGO Network for Disaster Reduction and Response
Authors: Izumi Takako , Shaw Rajib 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAbstractThis paper reviews the role, characteristics, achievements, and challenges of an Asian NGO Network. Ways to overcome challenges are also discussed. The Asian Disaster Reduction and Response Network (ADRRN) is the first Asian and Pacific NGO network that mainly targets national and local NGOs based in the Asia‐Pacific region. The Network has made achievements in advocacy and capacity development in disaster risk reduction and response among local actors based on the unique characteristics of its membership, its organizational structure, and collaboration with international and regional organizations. The Network serves as meeting point and forum for member organizations that share the same objectives and goals. Through the Network, members can gain knowledge and expertise in new topics and enhance their existing skills. Challenges include how to measure the impacts of Network activities and progress of Network members to prove Network effectiveness. It is vital that the Network address these challenges for its sustainability.
A Model of Community Response: Institutional Structures and Effective Disaster Management
Authors: Hughey Erin P. , Bell Heather M. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAbstractWhat are the institutional structures that influence effective disaster management? Building on earlier work (Hughey 2003, 2008; Hughey and Bell 2011), this paper explores the utility of Hughey's (2003) Model of Community Response to Disaster applied within the context of The Bahamas. The model provides a framework for the systematic review of some of the institutional and social mechanisms that contribute to response quality. The model was applied using data collected on conditions, disaster management processes and structures, and response outcomes before and after the implementation of a national Comprehensive Emergency Management (CEM) system. Results indicate that the model can be successfully applied outside the United States and supports a better understanding of the dynamic relationships between events, institutional and social structures, and disaster management operations. In order to improve consistency and facilitate more robust and comparable results, the development of an accompanying metric is recommended.
Association of the atherogenic index of plasma and oxidative stress status with weight gain during non-complicated pregnancy
Authors: Stefanović Aleksandra , Kotur-Stevuljević Jelena , Vujović Ana , Spasić Slavica , Spasojević-Kalimanovska Vesna , Jelic-Ivanović Zorana , Martinović Jelena , Ardalić Daniela , Mandić-Marković Vesna , Miković Zeljko , Cerović Nikola 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy is a stressful condition linked with altered lipid profile, increased oxidative stress and increased inflammation processes. The purpose of the present study was to determine the associations between those alterations with increased weight gain during pregnancy.

Methods: The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and oxidative stress status parameters were determinated in 50 healthy and 172 pregnant women with non-complicated pregnancy. Pregnant women were divided in four groups according to body mass index (BMI) values (BMI quartiles).

Results: Oxidative stress parameters were significantly lower in the control group compared with all the pregnant women quartiles. Unexpectedly, differences in oxidative stress parameters between BMI quartiles groups were not significant. The antioxidant defence parameters remained quite similar in the different BMI quartiles. Weight gain and paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activities were independently associated with increased AIP while weight gain and triglyceride concentration were found to be significant predictors of PON1 activities.

Conclusions: The results of our current study indicate the association of maternal weight gain during pregnancy and altered lipid profile, elevated oxidative stress and changed antioxidative capacity of PON1. Taken together all these facts indicate possible increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) development in later life if the weight gain during pregnancy is excessive.
Step. Rhythmus, Präsenz und Breaks
Authors: Schulze Holger 
Published: June 2012

Zusammenfassung
Dieser Beitrag stellt anhand der Praxistheorien (Lehnerer) von drei AutorInnen und TänzerInnen verschiedene tänzerische Schrittpraktiken im Stepptanz, im Tango und im Dubstep bzw. Breakbeat vor – und befragt sie vor dem Hintergrund der Debatte um eine Präsenz- und/oder Sinnkultur (Gumbrecht/Lyotard/Sontag).