bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Helicobacter pylori infection and the severity of gastritis are not associated with iron deficiency in a group of Brazilian patients
Authors: Alvarenga Eliana C. , Montes Ciro G. , Guerrazzi Fábio , Zeitune José M. , Grotto Helena Z.W. 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

Background:
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection has been associated with iron deficiency anemia. However, results reported in the literature are contradictory. The goal of the present study was to study the possible association between H. pylori infection and iron deficiency in a sample of adults.

Methods: One hundred and fifty individuals were studied (H. pylori-positive n=75; H. pylori-negative n=50). The presence of anemia was determined using red cell indices and reticulocyte hemoglobin content (CHr). Iron status was assessed based on serum iron and ferritin levels. Possible involvement of inflammatory activity in erythropoiesis was investigated by measuring the correlation between C-reactive protein (CRP) and red cell indices and iron status.

Results: There were no significant differences in the hematological or biochemical parameters for the two groups. Iron deficiency was diagnosed in six individuals, but no difference in prevalence was found between the H. pylori-positive and H. pylori-negative groups. A weak but significant inverse correlation was observed between CRP and CHr concentrations and between serum gastrin and CHr in the H. pylori-positive group. These results suggest a reduction in iron availability for reticulocyte hemoglobinization, but insufficient to cause anemia.

Conclusions:
H. pylori infection was not a determining factor for development of iron deficiency in our study population.
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:1809–12.
Non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis: it is time for laboratory medicine
Authors: Sebastiani Giada , Gkouvatsos Konstantinos , Plebani Mario 
Published: October 2010

AbstractChronic liver diseases (CLDs) represent a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In all etiologies of CLDs, staging of liver fibrosis is essential for both prognosis and management. Until a few years ago, liver biopsy was the only tool for the diagnosis of liver fibrosis in patients with CLDs. However, liver biopsy is an invasive and costly procedure. More recently, various serum biomarkers and laboratory tests have been proposed as surrogates of liver histology. Due to inadequate diagnostic accuracy or to lack of sufficient validation, guidelines still do not recommend them as a substitute for liver biopsy that is still considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of liver fibrosis. Notably, non-invasive serum biomarkers, when combined, may reduce by 50%–80% the number of liver biopsies needed for correctly classifying hepatic fibrosis. However, liver biopsy cannot be avoided completely, but should be used in those cases in which non-invasive methods show poor accuracy. In this view, serum biomarkers and liver biopsy represent a union between laboratory medicine and hepatology.
Gender-specific association of serum uric acid with metabolic syndrome and its components in juvenile obesity
Authors: Krzystek-Korpacka Malgorzata , Patryn Eliza , Kustrzeba-Wojcicka Irena , Chrzanowska Joanna , Gamian Andrzej , Noczynska Anna 
Published: October 2010

AbstractBackground:Hyperuricemia has been implicated in the pathogenesis of obesity and related metabolic abnormalities. Studies on the association between serum uric acid (sUA) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in juvenile obesity are scant. The effect of gender has not been evaluated.Methods:sUA (uricase method), anthropometric and biochemical indices were measured in gender-stratified children/adolescents consisting of 113 overweight/obese and 71 lean individuals.Results:In males, sUA was significantly elevated in overweight as well as obese patients. sUA was strongly associated with obesity indices and reflected sexual development, decreases in high density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and moderately, the number of MetS components. Waist circumference (WC) and Tanner stage explained 40% of sUA variability. Controlling for body mass index (BMI) and other MetS components, sUA was associated with abdominal obesity, explaining 30% of variability in WC. In females, sUA was significantly increased in obesity, high blood pressure (BP), and MetS and corresponded with the number of MetS components, indices of glucose metabolism, triglycerides (TG), and the atherogenecity index. Insulin-resistance (IR) (homeostasis model assessment; HOMA) and high BP explained 29% of sUA variability, whereas sUA, while controlling for BMI, age, and other MetS components, was associated with hypertriglyceridemia, hyperglycemia, high BP, and abdominal obesity. IR mediated the associations with high TG and glucose.Conclusions:The association between sUA and MetS components in juvenile obesity is gender-specific, with females being related more closely and to more metabolic abnormalities. It may explain why, despite its lower concentrations, sUA is an independent predictor of mortality from all causes and from vascular diseases exclusively in females. Our findings may help in identifying metabolic abnormalities which may possibly be targeted by reducing sUA in males and females.
Evaluation of ovarian cancer biomarkers in subjects with benign asbestos-related pleural diseases
Authors: Park Eun-Kee , Johnson Anthony R. , Yates Deborah H. , Thomas Paul S. 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

Background: Mesothelioma and ovarian cancer have been reported to have a similar pathogenesis, and for this reason it was hypothesized that there may be biomarkers in common and possibly associated with benign pleural diseases caused by asbestos exposure.

Methods: Serum biomarkers including insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II), leptin, prolactin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were measured in an observational study of subjects with benign asbestos-related pleural diseases (BARPD) (n=24) and healthy subjects with an asbestos exposure history (n=12).

Results: Mean serum IGF-II and VEGF concentration in healthy subjects with a history of asbestos exposure were higher than those with BARPD. Mean serum concentrations of leptin and prolactin showed opposite trends when compared to IGF-II and VEGF concentrations among these groups.

Conclusions: The results suggest that IGF-II and VEGF concentrations are lower in BARPD, similar to studies of ovarian cancer. This finding warrants further investigation with malignant asbestos-related diseases.
Reconstruction of pressure velocities and boundaries of thin layers in thinly-stratified layers
Authors: Karchevsky A. L. 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
The algorithm of reconstruction of pressure velocities in a thinly stratified layer and of the location of the gap points of medium is suggested. The analytic expressions for derivatives of residual functional with respect to the pressure velocities in thin layers and by the coordinate of gap points of medium are obtained. The suggested algorithm is tested by numerical examples.
Kognitive Humanoide Robotik: Entwicklungsschritte in Lernen und Verhaltensorganisation
Authors: Goerick Christian , Körner Edgar 
Published: October 2010

Zusammenfassung
In diesem Beitrag geben wir einen Überblick über unsere Forschungsarbeiten auf dem Gebiet der humanoiden Robotik mit dem Schwerpunkt auf kognitiven Systemen. Insbesondere betrachten wir eine Serie von Systemen, die wir gemäß unseres hierarchischen inkrementellen Systemansatzes erforscht, realisiert und analysiert haben.
Entwurf und Regelung des Humanoiden Laufroboters Lola
Authors: Buschmann Thomas , Lohmeier Sebastian , Ulbrich Heinz 
Published: October 2010

Zusammenfassung
Der Beitrag beschreibt den mechatronischen Entwurf und die Laufregelung des humanoiden Roboters Lola. Seine charakteristischen Merkmale sind die redundante Kinematik, der extreme Leichtbau, Gelenkantriebe mit bürstenlosen Motoren und eine Elektronik-Architektur mit dezentraler Gelenkregelung. Ein Schwerpunkt im Entwurf war die Optimierung der Massenverteilung zur Verbesserung der Systemdynamik. Die Referenztrajektorien werden in Echtzeit berechnet und durch eine stabilisierende Regelung auf Basis hybrider Kraft-/Positionsregelung modifiziert. Das Regelungssystem ermöglicht sowohl schnelles Gehen als auch die für das autonome Gehen erforderliche Anpassung der Laufrichtung und -geschwindigkeit während des Gehens.
DLRs zweihändiger Humanoide Justin: Systementwurf, Integration und Regelung
Authors: Wimböck Thomas , Borst Christoph , Albu-Schäffer Alin , Ott Christian , Schmidt Florian , Fuchs Matthias , Friedl Werner , Eiberger Oliver , Baumann Andreas , Beyer Alexander , Hirzinger Gerd 
Published: October 2010

Zusammenfassung
Mit dem mobilen humanoiden Roboter Justin stellt das DLR eine für die feinfühlige Manipulation von Alltagsgegenständen ausgelegte Hardware-Plattform vor. Die Überlegungen und wesentlichen Designentscheidungen für den mechatronischen Entwurf des Systems werden vorgestellt. Weiterhin wird beschrieben wie die vorhandene Sensorik des Systems zur passivitätsbasierten Regelung genutzt werden kann und so dem Roboter eine einstellbare Nachgiebigkeit im Aufgabenraum gegeben werden kann. Dies ermöglicht die feinfühlige Anpassung an unbekannte Umgebungen. Einige beispielhafte Anwendungen und Experimente zeigen, wie diese Eigenschaften die Programmierung solcher komplexer Robotersysteme vereinfachen und sicherer machen können.
Hazard Assessments of Manufactured Nanomaterials
Authors: Morimoto Yasuo , Kobayashi Norihiro , Shinohara Naohide , Myojo Toshihiko , Tanaka Isamu , Nakanishi Junko 
Published: October 2010

Hazard Assessments of Manufactured Nanomaterials: Yasuo Morimoto, et al. Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, JapanBackgroundIt has been difficult to make reliable hazard assessments of manufactured nanomaterials, because the nanomaterials form large agglomerations in both in vitro and in vivo studies.ObjectiveIn the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) Project of Japan, the physicochemical properties of many manufactured nanomaterials are being measured, and in vitro and in vivo studies are being performed to determine which endpoints are correspond to the hazards and risks of nanomaterials. Focusing on titanium dioxide, fullerenes and carbon nanotubes, we introduce findings made in inhalation and intratracheal installation studies overseas, and together with the findings made in the NEDO project, and also assess the hazards presented by manufactured nanomaterials.Results and ConclusionA project by NEDO has succeeded in ensuring the stability of dispersion (nanoscale <100 nm) of manufactured nanomaterials, and is developing hazard assessments of manufactured nanomaterials. In these interim reports, the acceptable exposure concentration of titanium dioxide and fullerene was proposed to be 1.2 mg/m3and 0.8 mg/m3respirable dust in working environment, respectively.
Characterisation of Ni-C films obtained in PVD/CVD process
Authors: Kęczkowska Justyna 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
The work presents the results of the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman spectrometry studies of carbonaceous nanostructures containing nickel nanocrystallites. The films were obtained using a two-step method. In the first phase the Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) method was applied, whereas in the second Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) method was used. The paper presents results for samples with various Ni content obtained with different parameters of the two-phase technological process. The research confirms that the thin films obtained by PVD method contain Ni nanocrystallites distributed in a carbonaceous matrix. The matrix is composed of various carbon allotropes (amorphous carbon, graphite, fullerene). The thin films made by CVD method make a matrix when multiwalled, carbonaceous nanotubes are obtained. Depending on the technological process parameters of each phase, we obtain multiwall nanotubes with a various degree of defects.
Patients Are Satisfied with Advanced Practice Physiotherapists in a Role Traditionally Performed by Orthopaedic Surgeons
Authors: Kennedy Deborah M. , Robarts Susan , Woodhouse Linda 
Published: October 2010

Purpose: To measure and compare patient satisfaction with follow-up care in advanced practice physiotherapist (APP) and orthopaedic surgeon clinics for patients following total hip or knee replacement. Method: Consecutive patients attending either an APP-led or a surgeon-led review clinic were surveyed using a modified nine-item satisfaction questionnaire based on the Visit-Specific Satisfaction Instrument (VSQ-9). Chi-square analyses were used to examine differences in patient characteristics and type of visit. Independent t-tests were used to examine potential differences in patient satisfaction. Results: Of the 123 participants, more than half were aged 65 years or older. Chi-squared analyses revealed no significant difference in participant characteristics (gender, age, and overall health status) between the two different types of clinics. There was a significant difference (χ24=12.49, p=0.014) in the distribution of the timing of follow-up appointments. There was no significant difference between the groups in mean overall patient satisfaction scores on the modified VSQ-9 (p=0.34) nor in the mean of the sum of the seven items related to the service provider (p=0.85). Satisfaction scores for most of the service-provider items were above 90/100. Conclusion: Patients are highly satisfied with the care provided by APPs in follow-up clinics after joint replacement. Evaluation of the patient perspective is essential to any new role involving a shift in traditional practice boundaries.
Modifiable Risk Factors Identify People Who Transition from Non-fallers to Fallers in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Prospective Study
Authors: Muir Susan W. , Berg Katherine , Chesworth Bert M. , Klar Neil , Speechley Mark 
Published: October 2010

Purpose: To identify modifiable risk factors associated with the transition from non-faller to faller in community-dwelling older adults. Method: A prospective study design was used. Adults aged 60 to 90 years (n=90, mean age=79.7 years, 63% male) who did not report falling in the past year were included. A comprehensive geriatric assessment was performed at study baseline, and daily falls data were collected monthly for 1 year. Multivariable regression using a modified Poisson model on fall status (yes/no) and a Cox proportional hazards model for time to first fall were used to identify risk factors. Results: Twenty-four people (27%) fell. Modifiable risk factors were present in 67% of study participants, and fall risk increased as the number of risk factors increased. The most common activities performed prior to falling were walking and using stairs. Fall risk doubled ([relative risk=2.00; 95%CI: 1.13–3.56) per unit increase in the number of risk factors (lower-extremity weakness, balance impairment, and ≥4 prescription medications). Conclusions: Among older adults who were self-reported non-fallers, falls were a common outcome, and modifiable risk factors were present in the majority of the sample. The absence of a fall history does not rule out the need to screen for other risk factors for falls. Functional lower-extremity weakness, balance impairment as measured by the Berg Balance Scale (score <50), and number of risk factors were independent predictors for the transition in status from non-faller to faller. Further research is required to define effective interventions to prevent first falls.
CD20+ B Cells: The Other Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes
Authors: Nelson Brad H. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractTumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells are strongly associated with patient survival in a wide variety of human cancers. Less is known about tumor-infiltrating CD20+ B cells, which often colocalize with T cells, sometimes forming organized lymphoid structures. In autoimmunity and organ transplantation, T cells and B cells collaborate to generate potent, unrelenting immune responses that can result in extensive tissue damage and organ rejection. In these settings, B cells enhance T cell responses by producing Abs, stimulatory cytokines, and chemokines, serving as local APCs, and organizing the formation of tertiary lymphoid structures that sustain long-term immunity. Thus, B cells are an important component of immunological circuits associated with persistent, rampant tissue destruction. Engagement of tumor-reactive B cells may be an important condition for generating potent, long-term T cell responses against cancer.
Enhancing Phosphorescence and Electrophosphorescence Efficiency of Cyclometalated Pt(II) Compounds with Triarylboron
Authors: Hudson Zachary M. , Sun Christina , Helander Michael G. , Amarne Hazem , Lu Zheng‐Hong , Wang Suning 
Published: October 2010

AbstractA synthetic strategy for the preparation of cyclometalated platinum(II) acetylacetonate (acac) complexes functionalized with triarylboron is achieved. This method is used to synthesize a series of triarylboron‐functionalized phosphorescent Pt(acac) compounds, which are characterized by NMR spectroscopy, X‐ray crystallography, and theoretical calculations. These complexes exhibit a range of bright phosphorescent colors spanning the green to red region of the visible spectrum (λmax = ∼520–650 nm) in solution and the solid state. Functionalization with a triarylboron group leads to significant enhancement in quantum yield for several of these complexes relative to the non‐borylated Pt(II) parent chromophores, which may be attributed to the increased mixing of 1MLCT and 3LC states. The phosphorescent enhancement, electron transport capabilities, and steric bulkiness offered by the triarylboron group can be used to significantly enhance the performance of electrophosphorescent devices based on Pt(II) emitters. A high efficiency green electrophosphorescent device is fabricated with a maximum external quantum efficiency of 8.9%, luminance efficiency of 34.5 cd A−1, and power efficiency of 29.8 lm W−1, giving significantly improved performance over control devices in which the Pt(II) emitter lacks the boron functionality.
Tunable Dielectric Function in Electric‐Responsive Glass with Tree‐Like Percolating Pathways of Chargeable Conductive Nanoparticles
Authors: Paleari Alberto , Brovelli Sergio , Lorenzi Roberto , Giussani Marco , Lauria Alessandro , Mochenova Natalia , Chiodini Norberto 
Published: October 2010

AbstractThe design of nanostructured materials with specific physical properties is generally pursued by tuning nanoparticle size, concentration, or surface passivation. An important step forward is to realize “active” systems where nanoparticles are vehicles for controlling, in situ, some specific, tuneable features of a responsive functional material. In this perspective, this work focuses on the rational design of a nanostructured glass with electrically tuneable dielectric function obtained by injection and accumulation of charge on embedded conductive nanocrystals. This enables electrically controlled switching of semiconducting nanophases to charged polarisable states to be achieved, which could lead to smart, field‐enhancement applications in nanophotonics and plasmonics. Here, it is shown that such response switching can be obtained if a percolating charge‐transport mechanism is activated through a disordered tree‐like network, as is demonstrated to be possible in SiO2 films where suitable dispersions of SnO2 nanocrystals, with conductive interfaces, are obtained as a result of a new synthesis strategy.
Aerosol Route to Functional Nanostructured Inorganic and Hybrid Porous Materials
Authors: Boissiere Cedric , Grosso David , Chaumonnot Alexandra , Nicole Lionel , Sanchez Clement 
Published: October 2010

AbstractThe major advances in the field of the designed construction of hierarchically structured porous inorganic or hybrid materials wherein multiscale texturation is obtained via the combination of aerosol or spray processing with sol–gel chemistry, self‐assembly and multiple templating are the topic of this review. The available materials span a very large set of structures and chemical compositions (silicates, aluminates, transition metal oxides, nanocomposites including metallic or chalcogenides nanoparticles, hybrid organic–inorganic, biohybrids). The resulting materials are manifested as powders or smart coatings via aerosol‐directed writing combine the intrinsic physical and chemical properties of the inorganic or hybrid matrices with defined multiscale porous networks having a tunable pore size and connectivity, high surface area and accessibility. Indeed the combination of soft chemical routes and spray processing provides “a wind of change” in the field of “advanced materials”. These strategies give birth to a promising family of innovative materials with many actual and future potential applications in various domains such as catalysis, sensing, photonic and microelectronic devices, nano‐ionics and energy, functional coatings, biomaterials, multifunctional therapeutic carriers, and microfluidics, among others.
A Nitric Acid‐Assisted Carbon‐Catalyzed Oxidation System with Nitroxide Radical Cocatalysts as an Efficient and Green Protocol for Selective Aerobic Oxidation of Alcohols
Authors: Kuang Yongbo , Rokubuichi Hodaka , Nabae Yuta , Hayakawa Teruaki , Kakimoto Masa‐aki 
Published: October 2010

AbstractThe incorporation of nitroxide radicals into a nitric acid‐assisted carbon‐catalyzed oxidation system (NACOS) afforded a highly efficient, widely applicable, non‐metallic approach for the selective aerobic oxidations of alcohols. Without any solvent, this novel protocol has the ability to oxidize various primary alcohols to their corresponding aldehydes with selectvities as high as 99% at full conversions, with only 0.1 mol% of nitroxide radicals and <4.5 wt% of activated carbon under mild conditions (temperatures as low as 50 °C and atmospheric pressure). The performances of several stable nitroxide radicals have been compared. The effects of nitric acid concentration, activated carbon loading, and temperature have been studied for the oxidation of benzyl alcohol. The enhanced NACOS represents a greener and more efficient fundamental chemical process, due to its use of molecular oxygen as an oxidant, and its solvent‐free nature.
Stability of TiO2 forms (anatase–rutile) in the Y2O3Ti(OBu)4Rb2CO3 system prepared by sol–gel process
Authors: Kallel W. , Bouattour S. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractThree different sol–gel routes were used in order to study the stability and the crystallinity of the ternary system Y2O3, Ti(OBu)4, Rb2CO3. Different techniques such as FTIR, 13C NMR TGA, DTA and XRD were used to characterize xerogels and final products. Results demonstrated that using hexanoic acid during the sol step preparation influences structural changes in the precursor gel. The effect of heat treatment to eliminate the organic material from xerogels was investigated by thermal gravimetry and differential thermalanalysis. According to the ratio of acetic acid to hexanoic acid, the phase structure of TiO2, viz. anatase to rutile phase, could tailored. The photocatalytic activity of the prepared catalysts, under sunlight irradiation, was evaluated using 2‐naphthol as a pollutant model. Results showed a great enhancement in the photocatalytic efficiency for doped TiO2 sample prepared in the presence of 30acet–70hex. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.