bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does Surgery Improve the Survival of Patients with Advanced Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma?
Authors: LU WEN‐TSOUNG , Lin Jen‐Der , Huang Hong‐So , Chao Tzu‐Chieh 
Published: December 2010

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma is one of the most lethal neoplasms, with poor prognosis being reported by most authors. The benefits of surgery for most cases of advanced disease remain controversial. In this study we asked the following question: Does surgical intervention alter outcomes for patients with advanced anaplastic thyroid carcinoma? Forty‐six patients with advanced anaplastic thyroid carcinoma were analyzed. There were 20 patients with advanced localized disease (group 1), 15 of whom received surgery. Of the other 26 patients with evidence of distant metastases (group 2), 13 received surgery. For group 1 patients, the mean survival was 12.8 months versus 8.6 months in the surgical and nonsurgical subgroups (p = 0.46). For group 2 patients, the mean survival was 3.5 months versus 2.8 months in the surgical and nonsurgical subgroups (p = 0.72). These data suggest that surgery does not improve survival for patients with advanced anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. In conclusion, the mean survival showed no significant differences between surgical and nonsurgical patients (p = 0.43). This study suggests that surgical resection does not improve the survival of patients with advanced anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1998;118:728–31.)
Disease course and outcome of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis is more severe in adults than in children
Authors: Ketelslegers IA , Visser IER , Neuteboom RF , Boon M , Catsman-Berrevoets CE , Hintzen RQ 
Published: December 2010

Background: Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) affects children more frequently than adults. Current studies investigating ADEM in different age groups are difficult to compare. Objective: To investigate whether the clinical presentation, outcome and disease course of ADEM differ between adults and children. Methods: Disease characteristics of 25 adults and 92 children suffering from ADEM between 1988 and 2008 were compared. Results: The most common presenting symptoms of ADEM in both groups were pyramidal signs and encephalopathy. Ataxia occurred more frequently in children ( p = 0.002). In general, MRI showed ill-defined and large white matter lesions in both groups, whereas periventricular lesions were more prevalent in adults ( p = 0.001). In adults, duration of hospitalization was longer ( p = 0.002) and intensive care unit (ICU) admission was more frequently required ( p = 0.043). Three adults (12%) and one child (1%) died ( p = 0.030). Fewer adults had complete motor recovery after their first clinical event ( p < 0.001). In 73 patients follow-up time was ≥ 2 years and most of these patients remained monophasic. Although relapses after ADEM can occur, only one adult (5%) and five children (6%) converted to MS. Conclusions: The clinical presentations in children and adults share similarities, but the disease course and outcome of ADEM is more severe in adults with respect to hospitalization, ICU admission, recovery and mortality.
Gel polymer electrolyte based on poly(methyl methacrylate-maleic anhydride)-poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether and organophilic rectorite clay
Authors: Huang Yun , Wang Xu , He Xianru , Yang Yan 
Published: December 2010

AbstractA grafted polymer (P(MMA-MAh)-PEGME)) was synthesized by reacting poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether (PEGME) with copolymer of poly(methyl methacrylate-maleic anhydride) (P(MMA-MAh)and end-capping the residual carboxylic acid with methanol. Natural rectorite (REC) was made organophilic by modification with the surfactant dodecyl benzyl dimethyl ammonium chloride. The organoclay was termed OREC and was used as a filler additive to modify gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) which consisted of the grafted polymer (used as a polymer matrix), propylene carbonate (PC) as a plasticizer and LiClO4 as a lithium ion producer.The temperature dependence of the ionic conductivity of the GPEs agreed well with the VTF (Vogel-Tamman-Fulcher) relation. 5 phr doses of OREC resulted in the highest ionic conductivity. Using OREC also considerably improved the plasticizer retention levels. As a consequence of OREC occupation of the free volume space in the polymer matrix of GPEs, the bulk resistance of the GPEs was reduced and the glass transition temperature (Tg) increased. From the present research, it can be concluded that the incorporation of PEGME into the copolymer of P(MMA-MAh) produced a great improvement in ionic conductivity, plasticizer retention capability and movement of carrier charge of Li+.
Effect of extensive drying on the cation exchange capacity of bentonites
Authors: Kaufhold S. , Dohrmann R. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractExtensive drying of smectites can cause the interlayer space to break down (collapse). This can affect the properties of bentonites as geotechnical barriers of HLRW (highly radioactive waste) repositories. If and to what extent the collapse occurs depends strongly on the type of interlayer cation. In particular K is known to lead to ready dehydration, in contrast to Ca and Mg. In the present study, various bentonites and one illite/smectite clay were dried/heated at 90ºC for 1.5 a and in a different experiment at 120ºC for 4.5 a and investigated with respect to mineralogical and geochemical changes of the smectite.Smectite alteration after extensive drying was restricted to changes of the exchangeable cations. The CEC decreased by 9% (90ºC test) and 14% (120ºC test). A slight decrease of exchangeable Na+ was observed following the 90ºC test. No significant further decrease was observed after the 120ºC test. In contrast, the larger cation exchange capacity (CEC) decrease after the 120ºC test could be explained by increased Ca/Mg fixation. A possible mechanism for the observations is presented.
Comparative influence of burial depth on the clay mineral assemblage of the Agadir-Essaouira basin (western High Atlas, Morocco)
Authors: Daoudi L. , Ouajhain B. , Rocha F. , Rhouta B. , Fagel N. , Chafiki D. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractIn the western High Atlas basin, the evolution of the clay assemblage of the Upper Jurassic–Cretaceous sedimentary series is controlled by palaeogeographic changes of the basin and by burial diagenesis.The effects of burial are expressed by an increase in the proportions of illite and chlorite with depth, a decrease of expandability of smectite minerals and by a decrease in the Kübler Index.Kaolinite is preserved at greater depths than smectite, but also tends to diminish in abundance. TEM observations show that idiomorphic pseudo-hexagonal crystals of illite increase in size and abundance downwards, especially in the sandy levels.In the Agadir section, the main change in the clay mineral evolution related to late diagenesis occurs at the Mid-Albian, corresponding to a burial depth of about 1800 m; in the Essaouira section it occurs at the Lower Tithonian at a burial depth of about 2100 m.Considering the different geothermal gradient between Agadir (36ºC km–1) and Essaouira (27ºC km–1), the disappearance of smectite occurs at the same temperature in these two sites (60 to 65ºC).
Mineralogical and physicochemical characterization of a natural bleaching earth containing sepiolite suitable for fast filtration and bioseparation
Authors: Emmerich K. , Steudel A. , Schuhmann R. , Weidler P. G. , Ruf F. , Sohling U. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractA clay from the Mediterranean area classified as natural bleaching earth was comprehensively characterized and the quantitative phase content was determined. Morphology and surface characteristics were determined by environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) and nitrogen adsorption. The BET surface area was >200 m2 g–1 and the average mesopore diameter was >10 nm. Thus the clay is suitable for bioseparation of larger proteins. X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), cation exchange capacity (CEC), layer charge measurement and simultaneous thermal analysis (STA) were used for mineralogical characterization. Determination of the phase content by Rietveld analysis was possible only after Sr2+ saturation, while Rietveld analysis of XRD patterns from Na+-saturated clay resulted in a strong overestimation of the amorphous content and masking of the sepiolite. The clay consists of sepiolite, dioctahedral smectite with high layer charge and low stack height, X-ray amorphous matter (probably mainly SiO2) and accessory feldspars.
Mineralogical characterization of fibrous zeolites from the Kahrizak volcanic suite, south Tehran, Iran
Authors: Kusehlar M. , Tutti F. , Mirnejad H. , Lalonde A. E. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractSelected samples of large cavity filling and vein-type fibrous zeolites from Eocene volcanic rocks in the Kahrizak region, northern Iran, have been studied for their mineralogical and chemical characteristics. X-ray powder diffraction and electron microprobe analyses confirmed the presence of natrolite, mesolite and scolecite with compositions of [Na14.922Ca0.202K0.015Ba0.002] [Al15.697Si24.267O80]·nH2O, [Ca15.714Na14.224][Al46.431Si73.398O240]·nH2O and [Ca7.804Na0.142K0.024Ba0.012Mg0.006][Al15.320Si24.437O80]·nH2O, respectively. In addition, examination of textural relationships in thin sections and back-scattered electron images reveals a paragenetic order in which the Ca-rich zeolites crystallized first. It is most probable that the fibrous zeolites of Kahrizak were formed during two pulses of hydrothermal activity in the area. Scolecite and mesolite were precipitated from Ca-rich solution, whereas the second stage Na-rich, low-temperature fluid crystallized natrolite and reacted with Ca-species.
Hydroniumpharmacosiderite, a new member of the pharmacosiderite supergroup from Cornwall, UK: structure and description
Authors: Mills S. J. , Kampf A. R. , Williams P. A. , Leverett P. , Poirier G. , Raudsepp M. , Francis C. A. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractHydroniumpharmacosiderite, ideally (H3O)Fe4(AsO4)3(OH)4·4H2O, is a new mineral from Cornwall, UK, probably from the St. Day group of mines. It occurs as a single yellowish green, slightly elongated cube, measuring 0.17 mm ×0.14 mm ×0.14 mm. The mineral is transparent with a vitreous lustre. It is brittle with a cleavage on {001}, has an irregular fracture, a white streak and a Mohs hardness of 2–3 (determined on H3O-exchanged pharmacosiderite). Hydroniumpharmacosiderite has a calculated density of 2.559 g cm–3 for the empirical formula. The empirical formula, based upon 20.5 oxygen atoms, is: [(H3O)0.50K0.48Na0.06]1.04(Fe3.79Al0.22)4.01[(As2.73P0.15)2.88O12](OH)4·4H2.14O. The five strongest lines in the X-ray powder diffraction pattern are [dobs(Å),Iobs,(hkl)]: 8.050,100,(001); 3.265,35,(112); 2.412,30,(113); 2.830,23,(202); 4.628,22,(111). Hydroniumpharmacosiderite is cubic, space group with a = 7.9587(2) Å, V = 504.11(2) Å3 and Z = 1. The crystal structure was solved by direct methods and refined to R1 = 0.0481 for 520 reflections with I > 2σ(I). The structure is consistent with determinations for H3O-exhchanged pharmacosiderite and the general pharmacosiderite structure type.
A temperature-dependent structure study of gem-quality hibonite from Myanmar
Authors: Nagashima M. , Armbruster T. , Hainschwang T. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThe structure of hibonite from Myanmar (space groupP63/mmc,Z= 2, at room temperaturea= 5.5909(1),c= 21.9893(4) Å), with simplified formula CaAl12O19and composition (Ca0.99Na0.01)Σ1.00was investigated between temperatures of 100 K and 923 K by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. Structure refinements have been performed at 100, 296, 473 and 923 K. In hibonite from Myanmar, Ti substitutes for Al mainly at the octahedral Al4 site and, to a lesser degree, at the trigonal bipyramidal site, Al2. The Al4 octahedra build face-sharing dimers. If Ti4+substitutes at Al4, adjacent cations repulse each other for electrostatic reasons, leading to off-centre cation displacement associated with significant bond-length distortion compared to synthetic (Ti-free) CaAl12O19. Most Mg and smaller proportions of Zn and Si are assigned to the tetrahedral Al3 site. 12-coordinated Ca in hibonite replaces oxygen in a closest-packed layer. However, Ca is actually too small for this site and engages in a ‘rattling-type’ motion with increasing temperature. For this reason, Ca does not significantly increase thermal expansion coefficients of hibonite. The expansion of natural Ti,Mg-rich hibonite between 296 and 923 K along thexand thezaxes is αa= 7.64×10–6K–1and αc= 11.19×10–6K–1, respectively, and is thus very similar to isotypic, synthetic CaAl12O19and LaMgAl11O19(LMA).
Mast cell hyperplasia, B-cell malignancy, and intestinal inflammation in mice with conditional expression of a constitutively active kit
Authors: Gerbaulet Alexander , Wickenhauser Claudia , Scholten Julia , Peschke Katrin , Drube Sebastian , Horny Hans-Peter , Kamradt Thomas , Naumann Ronald , Müller Werner , Krieg Thomas , Waskow Claudia , Hartmann Karin , Roers Axel 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
Signaling through the receptor tyrosine kinase kit controls proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic precursor cells and mast cells. Somatic point mutations of the receptor that constitutively activate kit signaling are associated with mastocytosis and various hematopoietic malignancies. We generated a Cre/loxP-based bacterial artificial chromosome transgenic mouse model that allows conditional expression of a kit gene carrying the kitD814V mutation (the murine homolog of the most common mutation in human mastocytosis, kitD816V) driven by the kit promoter. Expression of the mutant kit in cells of adult mice, including hematopoietic precursors, caused severe mastocytosis with 100% penetrance at young age frequently associated with additional hematopoietic (mostly B lineage–derived) neoplasms and focal colitis. Restriction of transgene expression to mature mast cells resulted in a similar mast cell disease developing with slower kinetics. Embryonic expression led to a hyperproliferative dysregulation of the erythroid lineage with a high rate of perinatal lethality. In addition, most adult animals developed colitis associated with mucosal mast cell accumulation. Our findings demonstrate that the effects of constitutive kit signaling critically depend on the developmental stage and the state of differentiation of the cell hit by the gain-of-function mutation.
High-scatter T cells: a reliable biomarker for malignant T cells in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
Authors: Clark Rachael A. , Shackelton Jeffrey B. , Watanabe Rei , Calarese Adam , Yamanaka Kei-ichi , Campbell James J. , Teague Jessica E. , Kuo Helen P. , Hijnen DirkJan , Kupper Thomas S. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractIn early-stage cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), malignant T cells are confined to skin and are difficult to isolate and discriminate from benign reactive cells. We found that T cells from CTCL skin lesions contained a population of large, high-scatter, activated skin homing T cells not observed in other inflammatory skin diseases. High-scatter T (THS) cells were CD4+ in CD4+ mycosis fungoides (MF), CD8+ in CD8+ MF, and contained only clonal T cells in patients with identifiable malignant Vβ clones. THS cells were present in the blood of patients with leukemic CTCL, absent in patients without blood involvement, and contained only clonal malignant T cells. The presence of clonal THS cells correlated with skin disease in patients followed longitudinally. Clonal THS cells underwent apoptosis in patients clearing on extracorporeal photopheresis but persisted in nonresponsive patients. Benign clonal T-cell proliferations mapped to the normal low-scatter T-cell population. Thus, the malignant T cells in both MF and leukemic CTCL can be conclusively identified by a unique scatter profile. This observation will allow selective study of malignant T cells, can be used to discriminate patients with MF from patients with other inflammatory skin diseases, to detect peripheral blood involvement, and to monitor responses to therapy.
Cellular origin(s) of chronic lymphocytic leukemia: cautionary notes and additional considerations and possibilities
Authors: Chiorazzi Nicholas , Ferrarini Manlio 
Published: December 2010

AbstractSeveral cell types have been suggested as giving rise to chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and these suggestions have reflected the sophistication of technology available at the time. Although there is no consensus as to the normal cellular counterpart(s) in the disease, an antigen-experienced B lymphocyte appears required based on surface membrane phenotypes and gene expression profiles. However, what is still unclear is whether a single or multiple normal precursors were stimulated to evolve into CLL and at what stage(s) this occurred. A unifying, parsimonious theory is that CLL clones with either mutated or unmutated IGHVs derive from marginal zone B cells. However, evidence for remarkably similar B-cell receptor amino acid sequence and striking differences in polyantigen and autoantigen-binding activity, found in some but not all CLL clones, challenge a single-cell derivation for CLL. In this Perspective, we summarize data regarding normal counterparts of CLL cells and suggest that a multistep process of leukemogenesis is important to consider when assigning a cellular origin for this disease. Finally, although available data do not definitively identify the cell(s) of origin, we offer possibilities for single- and multiple-cell origin models as straw men that can be improved on and hopefully lead to final answers to this puzzle.
Pulmonary function measures predict mortality differently in IPFversuscombined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema
Authors: Schmidt S.L. , Nambiar A.M. , Tayob N. , Sundaram B. , Han M.K. , Gross B.H. , Kazerooni E.A. , Chughtai A.R. , Lagstein A. , Myers J.L. , Murray S. , Toews G.B. , Martinez F.J. , Flaherty K.R. 
Published: December 2010

The composite physiologic index (CPI) was derived to represent the extent of fibrosis on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), adjusting for emphysema in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). We hypothesised that longitudinal change in CPI would better predict mortality than forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) or diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DL,CO) in all patients with IPF, and especially in those with combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE).Cox proportional hazard models were performed on pulmonary function data from IPF patients at baseline (n = 321), 6 months (n = 211) and 12 months (n = 144). Presence of CPFE was determined by HRCT.A five-point increase in CPI over 12 months predicted subsequent mortality (HR 2.1, p = 0.004). At 12 months, a 10% relative decline in FVC, a 15% relative decline inDL,COor an absolute increase in CPI of five points all discriminated median survival by 2.1 to 2.2 yrsversuspatients with lesser change. Half our cohort had CPFE. In patients with moderate/severe emphysema, only a 10% decline in FEV1predicted mortality (HR 3.7, p = 0.046).In IPF, a five-point increase in CPI over 12 months predicts mortality similarly to relative declines of 10% in FVC or 15% inDL,CO. For CPFE patients, change in FEV1was the best predictor of mortality.
Transforming growth factor-β gene polymorphisms in different phenotypes of sarcoidosis
Authors: Pabst S. , Fränken T. , Schönau J. , Stier S. , Nickenig G. , Meyer R. , Skowasch D. , Grohé C. 
Published: December 2010

The aetiology of sarcoidosis is unclear. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in transforming growth factor (TGF)-β2 and -β3 have been reported to be associated with the development of lung fibrosis in patients with sarcoidosis.SNPs in TGF-β2 (rs1891467) and TGF-β3 (rs3917200) were investigated in 296 patients with sarcoidosis (acute/self remitting, n = 70 (including 62 patients with Löfgren's syndrome); chronic, n = 168; acute/chronic, n = 58) by real-time PCR. 32 patients showed radiological signs of lung fibrosis. The genotype frequencies were compared among the sarcoidosis groups as well as to 377 healthy controls.We found a significant association with the G-allele in rs1891467 in TGF-β2 and an acute/self remitting course of sarcoidosis compared to a chronic course (p = 0.001). The results were even more evident for patients with Löfgren's syndrome (p<0.001). Moreover, we could demonstrate a borderline significance between TGF-β3 (rs3917200) and lung fibrosis (p = 0.050).Carriers of the G-allele in rs1891467 might be protected from developing a chronic course. Moreover, there is evidence that rs3917200 is involved in the development of lung fibrosis in sarcoidosis. This study is the first in sarcoidosis patients to suggest a genetic implication of TGF-β2 as a protective factor in the course of sarcoidosis.
High prevalence of smoking among patients with suspected tuberculosis in South Africa
Authors: Brunet L. , Pai M. , Davids V. , Ling D. , Paradis G. , Lenders L. , Meldau R. , van Zyl Smit R. , Calligaro G. , Allwood B. , Dawson R. , Dheda K. 
Published: December 2010

There is growing evidence that tobacco smoking is an important risk factor for tuberculosis (TB). There are no data validating the accuracy of self-reported smoking in TB patients and limited data about the prevalence of smoking in TB patients from high-burden settings.We performed a cross-sectional analysis of 500 patients with suspected TB in Cape Town, South Africa. All underwent comprehensive diagnostic testing. The accuracy of their self-reported smoking status was determined against serum cotinine levels.Of the 424 patients included in the study, 56 and 60% of those with active and latent TB infection (LTBI), respectively, were current smokers. Using plasma cotinine as a reference standard, the sensitivity of self-reported smoking was 89%. No statistically significant association could be found between smoking and active TB or LTBI.In Cape Town, the prevalence of smoking among patients with suspected and confirmed TB was much higher than in the general South African population. Self-reporting is an accurate measure of smoking status. These results suggest the need to actively incorporate tobacco cessation programmes into TB services in South Africa.
Chromosomal mapping of rRNA genes, core histone genes and telomeric sequences in Brachidontes puniceus and Brachidontes rodriguezi (Bivalvia, Mytilidae)
Authors: Pérez-García Concepción , Guerra-Varela Jorge , Morán Paloma , Pasantes Juan J 
Published: December 2010

Abstract

Background
Chromosome rearrangements are an important part of the speciation process in many taxa. The study of chromosome evolution in bivalves is hampered by the absence of clear chromosomal banding patterns and the similarity in both chromosome size and morphology. For this reason, obtaining good chromosome markers is essential for reliable karyotypic comparisons. To begin this task, the chromosomes of the mussels Brachidontes puniceus and B. rodriguezi were studied by means of fluorochrome staining and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH).

Results

Brachidontes puniceus and B. rodriguezi both have 2n = 32 chromosomes but differing karyotype composition. Vertebrate-type telomeric sequences appear at both ends of every single chromosome. B. puniceus presents a single terminal major rRNA gene cluster on a chromosome pair while B. rodriguezi shows two. Both mussels present two 5S rDNA and two core histone gene clusters intercalary located on the long arms of two chromosome pairs. Double and triple-FISH experiments demonstrated that one of the 5S rDNA and one of the major rDNA clusters appear on the same chromosome pair in B. rodriguezi but not in B. puniceus. On the other hand, the second 5S rDNA cluster is located in one of the chromosome pairs also bearing one of the core histone gene clusters in the two mussel species.

Conclusion
Knowledge of the chromosomal distribution of these sequences in the two species of Brachidontes is a first step in the understanding of the role of chromosome changes on bivalve evolution.