bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of the maximum involvement of biopsy core in predicting outcome for patients treated with dose-escalated radiation therapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Murgic Jure , Stenmark Matthew H , Halverson Schuyler , Blas Kevin , Feng Felix Y , Hamstra Daniel A 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Purpose
To evaluate the influence of the maximum involvement of biopsy core (MIBC) on outcome for prostate cancer patients treated with dose-escalated external beam radiotherapy (EBRT).

Methods and materials
The outcomes of 590 men with localized prostate cancer treated with EBRT (≥75 Gy) at a single institution were retrospectively analyzed. The influence of MIBC on freedom from biochemical failure (FFBF), freedom from metastasis (FFM), cause-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS) was compared to other surrogates for biopsy tumor volume, including the percentage of positive biopsy cores (PPC) and the total percentage of cancer volume (PCV).

Results
MIBC correlated with PSA, T-stage, Gleason score, NCCN risk group, PPC, PCV, and treatment related factors. On univariate analysis, MIBC was prognostic for all endpoints except OS; with greatest impact in those with Gleason scores of 8–10. However, on multivariate analysis, MIBC was only prognostic for FFBF (hazard ratio [HR] 1.9, p = 0.008), but not for FFM (p = 0.19), CSS (p = 0.16), and OS (p = 0.99).

Conclusions
In patients undergoing dose-escalated EBRT, MIBC had the greatest influence in those with Gleason scores of 8–10 but provided no additional prognostic data as compared to PPC and PCV, which remain the preferable prognostic variables in this patient population.
Phytochemicals and biological studies of plants from the genus Balanophora
Authors: Wang Xiaohong , Liu Zizhen , Qiao Wenlin , Cheng Ruiyang , Liu Bin , She Gaimei 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
This review focus on the phytochemical progress and biological studies of plants from the genus Balanophora (Balanophoraceae) over the past few decades, in which most plants growth in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Oceania, and nearly 20 species ranged in southwest China. These dioeciously parasitic plants are normally growing on the roots of the evergreen broadleaf trees, especially in the family of Leguminosae, Ericaceae, Urticaceae, and Fagaceae. The plants are mainly used for clearing away heat and toxic, neutralizing the effect of alcoholic drinks, and as a tonic for the treatment of hemorrhoids, stomachache and hemoptysis. And it has been used widely throughtout local area by Chinese people.
Cinnamic acid derivative tannins, possessing a phenylacrylic acid derivative (e. g. caffeoyl, coumaroyl, feruloyl or cinnamoyl), which connected to the C(1) position of a glucosyl unit by O-glycosidic bond, are the characteristic components in genus Balanophora. In addition, several galloyl, caffeoyl and hexahydroxydiphenoyl esters of dihydrochalcone glucosides are found in B. tobiracola, B. harlandii, and B. papuana. Other compounds like phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, terpenoids and sterols are also existed. And their biological activities, such as radical scavenging activities, HIV inhibiting effects, and hypoglycemic effects are highlighted in the review.
Carnitine deficiency presenting with encephalopathy and hyperammonemia in a patient receiving chronic enteral tube feeding: a case report
Authors: Ling Peter , Lee Douglas J , Yoshida Eric M , Sirrs Sandra 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Introduction
Carnitine is an essential cofactor in mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation. Carnitine deficiency results in accumulation of non-oxidized fatty acyl-coenzyme A molecules, and this inhibits intra-mitochondrial degradation of ammonia. Hyperammonemia may lead to encephalopathy. This scenario has been previously reported.

Case presentation
We report the case of a 47-year-old Caucasian man who had sustained a remote motor vehicle accident injury and relied on long-term tube feeding with a commercial product that wascarnitine-free. He was also on phenytoin therapy for control of his chronic seizures. He developed significant acute psychological and behavioral changes superimposed on his chronic neurological impairment. His ammonia level was found to be elevated at 75 to 100μmol/L (normal <35μmol/L). Phenytoin was found to be at a supra-therapeutic level of 143μmol/L (therapeutic range 40–80μmol/L). After adjusting the dose of phenytoin, other pharmacological and hepatic causes of his hyperammonemia and subacute encephalopathy were excluded. His carnitine levels were found to be low. After initiating carnitine supplementation at 500mg twice daily, the patient’s mental status improved, and his ammonia level improved to 53–60μmol/L.

Conclusion
This case illustrates the importance of avoiding carnitine deficiency and anti-convulsant toxicity in tube-fed patients encountered in hospital wards and nursing homes. These patients should have their carnitine levels assessed regularly, and supplementation should be provided as necessary. Manufacturers of enteral feeds and formulas should consider adding carnitine to their product lines.
Induction of microRNA-214-5p in human and rodent liver fibrosis
Authors: Iizuka Masashi , Ogawa Tomohiro , Enomoto Masaru , Motoyama Hiroyuki , Yoshizato Katsutoshi , Ikeda Kazuo , Kawada Norifumi 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
miRNAs are non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression in a wide range of biological contexts, including a variety of diseases. The present study clarified the role of miR-214-5p in hepatic fibrogenesis using human clinical tissue samples, livers from rodent models, and cultured hepatic stellate cells.

Methods
The expression of miR-214-5p and genes that are involved in liver fibrosis were analyzed in hepatitis C virus-infected human livers, rodent fibrotic livers, a human stellate cell line (LX-2), and the cells from intact mouse livers using real-time PCR. The effect of miR-214-5p overexpression in LX-2 cells on cell function was investigated. Twist-1 expression in the liver tissues of mouse models and primary-cultured stellate cells was also analyzed.

Results
miR-214-5p was upregulated in human and mouse livers in a fibrosis progression–dependent manner. miR-214-5p expression increased during the culture-dependent activation of mouse primary stellate cells and was significantly higher in stellate cells than in hepatocytes. The overexpression of miR-214-5p in LX-2 cells increased the expression of fibrosis-related genes, such as matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, α-smooth muscle actin, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1. TGF-β stimulation induced miR-214-5p in LX-2 cells. Twist-1 was increased in fibrotic mouse livers and induced during mouse stellate cell activation.

Conclusion
miR-214-5p may play crucial roles in the activation of stellate cells and the progression of liver fibrosis. Twist-1 may regulate miR-214-5p expression in the liver, particularly in stellate cells.
Phenetic and genetic structure of tsetse fly populations (Glossina palpalis palpalis) in southern Ivory Coast
Authors: Kaba Dramane , Ravel Sophie , Acapovi-Yao Geneviève , Solano Philippe , Allou Koffi , Bosson-Vanga Henriette , Gardes Laetitia , N’Goran Eliezer Kouakou , Schofield Christopher John , Koné Moussa , Dujardin Jean-Pierre 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackgroundSleeping sickness, transmitted byG. p. palpalis, is known to be present in the Ivory Coast.G. p. palpalishas recently been reported to occur in several places within the town of Abidjan, including: (i) the Banco forest, (ii) the Abobo Adjamé University campus and (iii) the zoological park. Could these three places be treated sequentially, as separate tsetse populations, or should they be taken as one area comprising a single, panmictic population?MethodsThe amount of gene flow between these places provides strategic information for vector control. It was estimated by the use of both microsatellite DNA and morphometric markers. The idea was to assess the interest of the faster and much less expensive morphometric approach in providing relevant information about population structure. Thus, to detect possible lack of insect exchange between these neighbouring areas of Abidjan, we used both genetic (microsatellite DNA) and phenetic (geometric morphometrics) markers on the same specimens.Using these same markers, we also compared these samples with specimens from a more distant area of south Ivory Coast, the region of Aniassué (186 km north from Abidjan).ResultsNeither genetic nor phenetic markers detected significant differentiation between the three AbidjanG. p. palpalissamples. Thus, the null hypothesis of a single panmictic population within the city of Abidjan could not be rejected, suggesting the control strategy should not consider them separately. The markers were also in agreement when comparingG. p. palpalisfrom Abidjan with those of Aniassué, showing significant divergence between the two sites.ConclusionsBoth markers suggested that a successful control of tsetse in Abidjan would require the three Abidjan sites to be considered together, either by deploying control measures simultaneously in all three sites, or by a continuous progression of interventions following for instance the "rolling carpet" principle. To compare the geometry of wing venation of tsetse flies is a cheap and fast technique. Agreement with the microsatellite approach highlights its potential for rapid assessment of population structure.
Severe Plasmodium vivax malaria among sudanese children at New Halfa Hospital, Eastern Sudan
Authors: Mahgoub Hyder , Gasim Gasim I , Musa Imad R , Adam Ishag 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
There are few published reports on severe Plasmodium vivax malaria in Africa.

Methods
Clinical pattern/manifestations of severe P. vivax were described in children admitted at New Halfa Hospital in Sudan between September 2009-December 2011.

Results
Eighteen children were admitted at the hospital during the study period with different manifestations of severe P. vivax malaria namely: severe anaemia (6, 33.3%), jaundice (5, 27.8%), thrombocytopenia (4, 22.2%), hypotension (3, 16.7%), cerebral malaria (2, 11.1%), epistaxis (2, 11.1%), renal impairment (1, 5.5%), hypogylcaemia and more than one manifestation (5, 27.8%).

By day 2, all patients were asymptomatic, a parasitaemic and had started oral quinine and primaquine. There was no death among these patients

Conclusion
Severe P. vivax malaria is an existing entity in eastern Sudan. Further studies are required to understand emergence of severe P. vivax malaria.
Perceptions of the ankle brachial index amongst podiatrists registered in Western Australia
Authors: Chen Pamela Y , Lawford Kaye M , Shah Naiya , Pham Julie , Bower Virginia M 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe ankle brachial index (ABI) is an objective diagnostic tool that is widely used for the diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease. Despite its usefulness, it is evident within the literature that many practitioners forgo using this screening tool due to limiting factors such as time. There is also no recommended technique for ABI measurement. The purpose of this study is to investigate the perceptions of the use of ABI clinically among Western Australian podiatrists.MethodsThis study was a cross sectional survey which evaluated the perceptions of the ABI amongst registered podiatrists in Western Australia. The study sample was obtained from the register of podiatrists listed with the Podiatrists Registration Board of Western Australia. Podiatrists were contacted by telephone and invited to participate in a telephone questionnaire. Chi‐square tests were performed to determine if there was a statistically significant relationship between use of the ABI and podiatrists' profile which included: sector of employment; geographical location; and length of time in practice.ResultsThere is a statistically significant relationship (p=0.004) between podiatrists' profile and the use of ABI, with higher usage in the tertiary hospital setting than in private practice. Length of time spent in practice had no significant impact on ABI usage (p=0.098). Time constraints and lack of equipment were key limiting factors to performing the ABI, and no preferred technique was indicated.ConclusionWestern Australian podiatrists agree that the ABI is a useful tool for lower limb vascular assessment, however, various factors influence uptake in the clinical setting. This study suggests that a podiatrists' profile has a significant influence on the use of the ABI, which may be attributed to different patient types across the various settings. The influence of time spent in practice on ABI usage may be attributed to differences in clinical training and awareness of lower limb pathology over time. The authors recommend publication of ‘best practice’ guidelines to ABI performance, as well as further education and financial rebates from health organizations to facilitate increased utility of the ABI based on the findings of this study.
Sexually dimorphic effects of oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) variants on Harm Avoidance
Authors: Stankova Trayana , Eichhammer Peter , Langguth Berthold , Sand Philipp G 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
Recent research has suggested that oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) variants may account for individual differences in social behavior, the effects of stress and parenting styles. Little is known, however, on a putative role of the gene in heritable temperamental traits.

Methods
We addressed effects of two common OXTR variants, rs237900 and rs237902, on personality dimensions in 99 healthy subjects using the Temperament and Character Inventory.

Results
When sex was controlled for and an OXTR genotype*sex interaction term was included in the regression model, 11% of the variance in Harm Avoidance could be explained (uncorrected p ≤ 0.01). Female carriers of the minor alleles scored highest, and a novel A217T mutation emerged in the most harm avoidant male participant.

Conclusions
Findings lend support to a modulatory effect of common OXTR variants on Harm Avoidance in healthy caucasian women and invite resequencing of the gene in anxiety phenotypes to identify more explanatory functional variation.
Intrusive memories of trauma in PTSD and addiction
Authors: Reynolds Martina , Nayak Sheena , Kouimtsidis Christos 
Published: August 2012

Aims and methodTo study intrusive phenomena relating to traumatic experiences in a community sample seeking treatment for substance use disorder and an in-patient sample from an addiction in-patient detoxification service in London. Perceived effect of drugs and drug use on traumatic intrusion and memory experiences was also analysed. The study was conducted using a semi-structured patient interview comprising a series of questionnaires.ResultsThe most frequently identified traumatic memories were those of traumatic bereavements. Substance use appears to have had the effect of dampening the memories for those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and significantly more individuals reported that their memories were less vivid and less distressing before they ceased substance use.Clinical implicationsThe findings suggest that continued substance use could in part be motivated by its capacity to dampen distressing memories within the PTSD group. This should be addressed within a treatment plan of comorbid PTSD.
Thin-layer Steam Distillation of Fermented Grains: Effects of Steam Flow Rate and Temperature
Authors: Chen Jingju , Li Zhanyong , Xu Qing , Song Jitian , Ye Jingsheng 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Bioethanol was obtained by distillation of solid-state fermented biomass. In this process, the objective material is ethanol and it is not necessary to consider other contents, like aromatic compounds, as essential in Chinese traditional alcohol distillation. In this paper, the characteristics of steam distillation of fermented grains were investigated and interpreted by means of steam drying. Two criteria were defined to evaluate the process unit energy consumption. The results indicated that the ethanol removal rate is improved with an increase of steam flow rate and the unit energy consumption is higher. But with an increase of inlet steam temperature, the constant distillation rate keeps invariant, and the unit energy consumption is lower.
Application of box-behnken design to the extraction of flavonoid fraction of Schizophyllum commune and the empirical kinetic study
Authors: Teoh Yi. Peng , Mat Don Mashitah , Ujang Salmiah 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
This paper describes the use of the Box–Behnken experimental design to optimize the extraction parameters for producing maximum yield and total flavonoid content (TFC) from S. commune mycelia extract. The range of the independent variables, such as methanol-water concentration (0-100% v/v), extraction temperature (25-65°C), and mixing rate (0-250 rpm) were identified by a first set of single factor experiments. The actual values of the independent variables coded at three-level were selected based on the results of single factor experiments. Results showed that 3.0% extraction yield and 1.1 g% TFC were obtained under extraction condition of 84.6% (v/v) methanol-water concentration, extraction temperature 40.5°C, and mixing rate 162 rpm, respectively. In such condition, the error percentage between experimental and predicted data was 0.11 to 0.82%, which was less than 1%, thus indicating that the suitability of the models developed in optimizing the extraction conditions. The extraction mechanism was also investigated using a parabolic diffusion model, which described the washing and diffusion-controlled step. The proposed empirical model was valid with MSE value less than 10%.
Limit and Unlimitedness in the Philebus: An Argument for the Gadamerian Reading
Authors: Lynch Greg 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
In ‘The Limits of Being in the Philebus’, Russell Dancy argues that the Philebus is incoherent because a central concept - that of the apeiron (the unlimited) - functions entirely differently in the discussions of the ‘Heavenly Tradition’ and the ‘Fourfold Division’. I argue that a phenomenological reading of the type developed by Hans-Georg Gadamer, one according to which ‘limit’ and ‘unlimitedness’ describe the way entities appear when approached with certain concepts, shows Dancy’s worry of incoherence to be unfounded. On this reading, in both the Heavenly Tradition and the Fourfold Dividsion for a thing to be apeiron is for it to escape comprehension due to its appearing in terms of an indefinite plurality rather than a defined (limited) unity. I argue further that this interpretation allows us to properly understand the methodological character of Plato’s discussion. His account aims to help us distinguish the damaging instances of apeiron from the benign and to show how the former can be avoided.
The gap between the perception and production of tones by American learners of Mandarin – An intralingual perspective
Authors: Yang, Bei 
Published: August 2012

AbstractLinguists have predominantly maintained that perception precedes production (Dinnsen 1983), an assertion also accepted by those studying second language acquisition (Flege 1995). However, an observation of acquisition of tones in Chinese as a second language suggests that American learners make different tonal mistakes in perception and production. This study explores tonal perception and production referring to the sound system of Mandarin, since a tone has a close relationship with an initial that is an onset and a final that is a rhyme within a syllable in Mandarin. The research instrument has 84 monosyllables that are representative according to the relationship among initials, finals and tones. Twenty-five American learners of Chinese in second-semester Chinese class and 11 learners of Chinese in fourth-semester Chinese class participated in this study. A two-way mixed ANOVA is the main statistical method used to analyze the acquisition data. The results reveal that tonal production is better than tonal perception. The error distribution of perception is influenced not only by tonal features, but also by initial features and final structures. For production, however, initial and final features do not influence tones. Therefore, the paper argues that tones are perceived at the phonological level and produced at the phonetic level and it takes L2 learners longer time to acquire phonological features of tones.
Plasma homocysteine and the risk of venous thromboembolism: insights from the FIELD study
Authors: Herrmann Markus , Whiting Malcolm J. , Veillard Anne-Sophie , Ehnholm Christian , Sullivan David R. , Keech Anthony C. ,   for the FIELD study investigators
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackground:The lipid-lowering effect of fenofibrate is accompanied by a rise in plasma homocysteine (HCY), a potential risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE). This study investigated the relationship between HCY and the risk of VTE in patients treated with fenofibrate.Methods:The relationship between HCY and deep-vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism was investigated in 9522 participants of the 5-year Fenofibrate Intervention and Event Lowering in Diabetes (FIELD) trial. All subjects received fenofibrate during a 6-week active run-in phase before randomization. A Cox proportional-hazards model was used to assess the effect of HCY on risk of venous thromboembolic events.Results:During active-drug run-in, HCY rose on average by 6.5 μmol/L, accompanied by a substantial rise in plasma creatinine (+12%). Fenofibrate-induced changes in HCY and creatinine were fully reversible in the placebo group but persisted in the treatment group until reversing at the end of therapy. During follow-up, 1.8% had at least one episode of deep-vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism: 103 on fenofibrate and 68 on placebo (log-rank p=0.006). In multivariate analysis, every 5 μmol/L higher baseline HCY was associated with 19% higher risk of VTE. Fenofibrate treatment was associated with 52% higher risk, but the change in HCY with fenofibrate was not significantly associated with VTE after adjustment for baseline HCY.Conclusions:Hyperhomocysteinemia is prospectively associated with VTE. Fenofibrate may predispose individuals with high pretreatment HCY towards VTE. The fenofibrate-induced increase in HCY did not, however, explain the risk associated with fenofibrate therapy.
The usefulness of cystatin C and related formulae in pediatrics
Authors: Filler Guido , Huang Shih-Han S. , Yasin Abeer 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Serum creatinine does not share the properties of an ideal marker of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) like inulin, but continues to be the most widely used endogenous marker of GFR. In the search of a better biomarker of GFR, the small molecular weight protein cystatin C has been introduced with features more similar to that of inulin, such as constant production and no non-renal elimination. However, it has not enjoyed widespread use despite its significantly improved diagnostic performance in the detection of impaired GFR and its independence of body composition. A variety of formulae based on either cystatin C or creatinine or both have been developed to estimate GFR. We summarize the currently used methods of GFR measurement, their limitations and analytical errors. The review also summarizes the history, features and the feasibility of cystatin C measurements as well as the most widely used formulae for the estimation of GFR in children. The diagnostic performance of the cystatin C derived eGFR formulae at various levels of GFR is also discussed. An eGFR formula derived from pooled studies analyzing both creatinine and cystatin C, and using a biology-based mathematical approach may be advantageous.