bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metal electrode integration on macroporous silicon: pore distribution and morphology
Authors: Scheen Gilles , Bassu Margherita , Francis Laurent A 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
In this work, a new approach for the one-step integration of interdigitated electrodes on macroporous silicon substrates is presented. Titanium/gold interdigitated electrodes are used to pattern p-type silicon substrates prior the anodization in an organic electrolyte. The electrolyte characteristics, conductivity, and pH have been found to affect the adherence of the metal layer on the silicon surface during the electrochemical etching. The impact of the metal pattern on size distribution and morphology of the resulting macroporous silicon layer is analyzed. A formation mechanism supported by finite element simulation is proposed.
CD137 ligand activated microglia induces oligodendrocyte apoptosis via reactive oxygen species
Authors: Yeo Yee Andy , Martínez Gómez Julia M , Croxford J Ludovic , Gasser Stephan , Ling Eng-Ang , Schwarz Herbert 
Published: July 2012

AbstractCD137 (4-1BB, TNFRSF9), a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor family, is a potent T cell co-stimulatory molecule. CD137 ligand (CD137L) is expressed by antigen presenting cells (APC) as a transmembrane protein and transmits activating signals into APC. In this study we investigated the effects of CD137L signaling in microglia, the resident APC in the central nervous system.In vitro, the murine microglia cell lines BV-2 and N9, as well as primary murine microglia responded with activation as evidenced by adherence and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, MMP-9, and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM). CD137L signaling is also important for microglia activationin vivo, since CD137L-deficient mice exhibited profoundly less microglia activation during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) which is a well-established murine model for neuroinflammation and human multiple sclerosis (MS). Also CD137 is expressed in the CNS of mice during EAE. Activated microglia has been reported to mediate the destruction of axonal myelin sheaths and cause the death of oligodendrocytes, the main pathogenic mechanisms in EAE and MS. Corresponding to the lower microglia activation there were also fewer apoptotic oligodendrocytes in the CNS of CD137L-deficient mice.In vitroco-culture confirmed that CD137L-activated microglia induces apoptosis in oligodendrocytes, and identified reactive oxygen species as the mechanism of apoptosis induction. These data demonstrate activating effects of CD137L signaling to microglia, and show for the first time that the CD137 receptor/ligand system may be a mediator of neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disease, by activating microglia which in turn kill oligodendrocytes.
The effects of Global Fund financing on health governance in Brazil
Authors: Gómez Eduardo J , Atun Rifat 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Objectives
The impact of donors, such as national government (bi-lateral), private sector, and individual financial (philanthropic) contributions, on domestic health policies of developing nations has been the subject of scholarly discourse. Little is known, however, about the impact of global financial initiatives, such as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, on policies and health governance of countries receiving funding from such initiatives.

Methods
This study employs a qualitative methodological design based on a single case study: Brazil. Analysis at national, inter-governmental and community levels is based on in-depth interviews with the Global Fund and the Brazilian Ministry of Health and civil societal activists. Primary research is complemented with information from printed media, reports, journal articles, and books, which were used to deepen our analysis while providing supporting evidence.

Results
Our analysis suggests that in Brazil, Global Fund financing has helped to positively transform health governance at three tiers of analysis: the national-level, inter-governmental-level, and community-level. At the national-level, Global Fund financing has helped to increased political attention and commitment to relatively neglected diseases, such as tuberculosis, while harmonizing intra-bureaucratic relationships; at the inter-governmental-level, Global Fund financing has motivated the National Tuberculosis Programme to strengthen its ties with state and municipal health departments, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs); while at the community-level, the Global Fund’s financing of civil societal institutions has encouraged the emergence of new civic movements, participation, and the creation of new municipal participatory institutions designed to monitor the disbursement of funds for Global Fund grants.

Conclusions
Global Fund financing can help deepen health governance at multiple levels. Future work will need to explore how the financing of civil society by the Global Fund and other donors influence policy agenda-setting and institutional innovations for increased civic participation in health governance and accountability to citizens.
Effect of traditional Chinese medicine on outcomes in patients with mild/moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: study protocol for a randomized placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Minghang Wang , Jiansheng Li , Suyun Li , Haifeng Wang , Xueqing Yu , Hailong Zhang 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has become a major public health problem worldwide because of its high and increasing prevalence, morbidity, and mortality. Little attention has been paid to earlier stages of COPD or before it has developed. Reportedly, TCM may have some advantages in relieving symptoms and reducing the incidence of COPD exacerbations. We postulate that patients with COPD will benefit from therapy with TCM treatment according to syndrome differentiation.

Methods and design
A prospective, multi-center, double-blinded and randomized controlled method will be used to test the therapeutic effects of TCM treatment according to syndrome differentiation. A total of 504 patients will be enrolled into this study with 252 in each treatment group. Patients will receive medication according to their assigned group. TCM for COPD will be administered twice daily over 52 weeks, and all patients will follow the treatment program for 52 weeks. The FEV1 and exacerbations will be used as the primary outcome measures. The quality of life and the Modified Medical Research Council (MMRC) Dyspnea Scale, and the 6-min walk test (6MWD) will be used as the secondary outcome measures.

Discussion
We postulate that patients with COPD will benefit from therapy with TCM treatment according to syndrome differentiation.

Trial registration
This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01486186
The drug cocktail network
Authors: Xu Ke-Jia , Song Jiangning , Zhao Xing-Ming 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
Combination of different agents is widely used in clinic to combat complex diseases with improved therapy and reduced side effects. However, the identification of effective drug combinations remains a challenging task due to the huge number of possible combinations among candidate drugs that makes it impractical to screen putative combinations.

Results
In this work, we construct a 'drug cocktail network' using all the known effective drug combinations extracted from the Drug Combination Database (DCDB), and propose a network-based approach to investigate drug combinations. Our results show that the agents in an effective combination tend to have more similar therapeutic effects and share more interaction partners. Based on our observations, we further develop a statistical approach termed as DCPred (D rug C ombination Pred ictor) to predict possible drug combinations by exploiting the topological features of the drug cocktail network. Validating on the known drug combinations, DCPred achieves the overall AUC (Area Under the receiver operating characteristic Curve) score of 0.92, indicating the predictive power of our proposed approach.

Conclusions
The drug cocktail network constructed in this work provides useful insights into the underlying rules of effective drug combinations and offer important clues to accelerate the future discovery of new drug combinations.
Investigating the role of X chromosome breakpoints in premature ovarian failure
Authors: Baronchelli Simona , Villa Nicoletta , Redaelli Serena , Lissoni Sara , Saccheri Fabiana , Panzeri Elena , Conconi Donatella , Bentivegna Angela , Crosti Francesca , Sala Elena , Bertola Francesca , Marozzi Anna , Pedicini Antonio , Ventruto Marialuisa , Police Maria Adalgisa , Dalprà Leda 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
The importance of the genetic factor in the aetiology of premature ovarian failure (POF) is emphasized by the high percentage of familial cases and X chromosome abnormalities account for 10% of chromosomal aberrations. In this study, we report the detailed analysis of 4 chromosomal abnormalities involving the X chromosome and associated with POF that were detected during a screening of 269 affected women. Conventional and molecular cytogenetics were valuable tools for locating the breakpoint regions and thus the following karyotypes were defined: 46,X,der(X)t(X;19)(p21.1;q13.42)mat, 46,X,t(X;2)(q21.33;q14.3)dn, 46,X,der(X)t(X;Y)(q26.2;q11.223)mat and 46,X,t(X;13)(q13.3;q31)dn. A bioinformatic analysis of the breakpoint regions identified putative candidate genes for ovarian failure near the breakpoint regions on the X chromosome or on autosomes that were involved in the translocation event. HS6ST1, HS6ST2 and MATER genes were identified and their functions and a literature review revealed an interesting connection to the POF phenotype. Moreover, the 19q13.32 locus is associated with the age of onset of the natural menopause. These results support the position effect of the breakpoint on flanking genes, and cytogenetic techniques, in combination with bioinformatic analysis, may help to improve what is known about this puzzling disorder and its diagnostic potential.
Array-based comparative genomic hybridization is more informative than conventional karyotyping and fluorescence in situ hybridization in the analysis of first-trimester spontaneous abortion
Authors: Gao Jinsong , Liu Congcong , Yao Fengxia , Hao Na , Zhou Jing , Zhou Qian , Zhang Liang , Liu Xinyan , Bian Xuming , Liu Juntao 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
Array-based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) is a new technique for detecting submicroscopic deletions and duplications, and can overcome many of the limitations associated with classic cytogenetic analysis. However, its clinical use in spontaneous abortion needs comprehensive evaluation. We used aCGH to investigate chromosomal imbalances in 100 spontaneous abortions and compared the results with G-banding karyotyping and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Inconsistent results were verified by quantitative fluorescence PCR.

Results
Abnormalities were detected in 61 cases. aCGH achieved the highest detection rate (93.4%, 57/61) compared with traditional karyotyping (77%, 47/61) and FISH analysis (68.9%, 42/61). aCGH identified all chromosome abnormalities reported by traditional karyotyping and interphase FISH analysis, with the exception of four triploids. It also detected three additional aneuploidy cases in 37 specimens with ‘normal’ karyotypes, one mosaicism and 10 abnormalities in 14 specimens that failed to grow in vitro.

Conclusions
aCGH analysis circumvents many limitations in traditional karyotyping or FISH. The accuracy and efficiency of aCGH in spontaneous abortions highlights its clinical usefulness for the future. As aborted tissues have the potential to be contaminated with maternal cells, the threshold value of detection in aCGH should be lowered to avoid false negatives.
Radius neck-to-humerus trochlea transposition elbow reconstruction after proximal ulnar metastatic tumor resection: case and literature review
Authors: Chen FeiYan , Xia Jun , Wei YiBing , Wang SiQun , Wu JianGuo , Huang GangYong , Chen Jie , Shi JingSheng 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Wide en bloc excision of proximal ulna sections is used to treat traumatic and pathological fractures of the ulna, though poor standardization of clinical treatment often results in long-term failure of such reconstructed biomechanical structures. In order to provide insight into effective ulnar reconstructive treatments, the case of an 80-year-old Chinese Han male presenting with pathological fracture caused by a proximal ulnar metastatic tumor concurrent with metastatic renal cancer complicated by occurrence in the brain and lungs is reported and contrasted with alternative treatment techniques. Wide resectioning of the proximal ulna and reconstruction with local radius neck-to-humerus trochlea transposition resulted in preservation of functionality, sensitivity, and biomechanical integrity after postsurgical immobilization, 6 weeks of passive- and active-assisted flexion, and extension with a hinged brace. The resultant Musculoskeletal Tumor Society rating score was 25 of 30 (83 %). Full sensitivity and mobility of the left hand and elbow (10° to 90° with minimally impaired supination and pronation) was restored with minimal discomfort. No evidence of local recurrence or other pathological complications were observed within a 1-year follow-up period. Efficient reconstruction of osseous and capsuloligamentous structures in the elbow is often accomplished by allografts, prosthesis, and soft tissue reconstruction, though wide variations in risk and prognosis associated with these techniques has resulted in disagreements regarding the most effective standards for clinical treatment. Current findings suggest that radius neck-to-humerus trochlea transposition offers a superior range of elbow movement and fewer complications than similar allograft and prosthetic techniques for patients with multiple metastatic cancers.
Third-generation feed stocks for the clean and sustainable biotechnological production of bulk chemicals: synthesis of 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid
Authors: Przybylski Denise , Rohwerder Thore , Harms Hauke , Mueller Roland H 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
The synthesis of 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid (2-HIB), a promising building block for, e.g., Plexiglas® production, is described as an example for a clean and sustainable bioproduction.

Methods
A derivative strain of Cupriavidus necator H16, impaired in the poly-ß-hydroxybutyrate synthesis pathway and equipped with xenogenic 2-hydroxyisobutyryl-coenzyme A mutase from Aquincola tertiaricarbonis L108, was applied. Batch cultivation was performed in the presence of vitamin B12 by supplying a gas mixture comprising hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide.

Results
Exploiting the chemo-litho-autotrophic potential of this so-called knallgas bacterium, 2-HIB was synthesized and excreted into the cultivation broth under aerobic conditions when inorganic nitrogen-limited conditions allowed an overflow metabolism of carbon metabolites. 2-HIB synthesis proceeded at a rate of 8.58 mg/[(g bacterial dry mass)·h]. Approximately 400 mg/L in total was obtained. The results were subsequently compared to calculated model data to evaluate the efficiency of the conversion of the substrates into the product. To achieve overall yield data regarding the substrate conversion, the model describes an integral process which includes both 2-HIB synthesis and biomass formation.

Conclusions
This study has confirmed the feasibility of the microbial synthesis of the bulk chemical 2-HIB from hydrogen and carbon dioxide by exploiting the chemo-litho-autotrophic metabolism of C. necator H16 PHB−4, additionally expressing the foreign 2-HIB-coenzyme A mutase. The product synthesis was satisfying as a proof of principle but does not yet approach the maximum value as derived from the model data. Furthermore, the biosynthesis potential of an optimized process is discussed in view of its technical application.
Height, adiposity and body fat distribution and breast density in young women
Authors: Dorgan Joanne F , Klifa Catherine , Shepherd John A , Egleston Brian L , Kwiterovich Peter O , Himes John H , Gabriel Kelley Pettee , Horn Linda Van , Snetselaar Linda G , Stevens Victor J , Barton Bruce A , Robson Alan M , Lasser Norman L , Deshmukh Snehal , Hylton Nola M 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Breast density is one of the strongest risk factors for breast cancer, but determinants of breast density in young women remain largely unknown.

Methods
Associations of height, adiposity and body fat distribution with percentage dense breast volume (%DBV) and absolute dense breast volume (ADBV) were evaluated in a cross-sectional study of 174 healthy women, 25 to 29 years old. Adiposity and body fat distribution were measured by anthropometry and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), while %DBV and ADBV were measured by magnetic resonance imaging. Associations were evaluated using linear mixed-effects models. All tests of statistical significance are two-sided.

Results
Height was significantly positively associated with %DBV but not ADBV; for each standard deviation (SD) increase in height, %DBV increased by 18.7% in adjusted models. In contrast, all measures of adiposity and body fat distribution were significantly inversely associated with %DBV; a SD increase in body mass index (BMI), percentage fat mass, waist circumference and the android:gynoid fat mass ratio (A:G ratio) was each associated significantly with a 44.4 to 47.0% decrease in %DBV after adjustment for childhood BMI and other covariates. Although associations were weaker than for %DBV, all measures of adiposity and body fat distribution also were significantly inversely associated with ADBV before adjustment for childhood BMI. After adjustment for childhood BMI, however, only the DXA measures of percentage fat mass and A:G ratio remained significant; a SD increase in each was associated with a 13.8 to 19.6% decrease in ADBV. In mutually adjusted analysis, the percentage fat mass and the A:G ratio remained significantly inversely associated with %DBV, but only the A:G ratio was significantly associated with ADBV; a SD increase in the A:G ratio was associated with an 18.5% decrease in ADBV.

Conclusion
Total adiposity and body fat distribution are independently inversely associated with %DBV, whereas in mutually adjusted analysis only body fat distribution (A:G ratio) remained significantly inversely associated with ADBV in young women. Research is needed to identify biological mechanisms underlying these associations.
Free hemoglobin concentration in severe sepsis: methods of measurement and prediction of outcome
Authors: Adamzik Michael , Hamburger Tim , Petrat Frank , Peters Jürgen , de Groot Herbert , Hartmann Matthias 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Hemolysis can be induced in sepsis via various mechanisms, its pathophysiological importance has been demonstrated in experimental sepsis. However, no data on free hemoglobin concentrations in human sepsis are available. In the present study we measured free hemoglobin in patients with severe sepsis as well as in postoperative patients using four methods. It was our aim to determine the potential value of free hemoglobin as a biomarker for diagnosis and outcome of severe sepsis in critical illness.

Methods
Plasma concentration of free hemoglobin was determined in patients with severe sepsis (n = 161) and postoperative patients (n = 136) on day 1 of diagnosis and surgery. For the measurement of free hemoglobin, an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and three spectrophotometric algorithms were used. Moreover, SAPS II- and SOFA scores as well as procalcitonin concentration and outcome were determined. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed and odds ratios were determined after classification of free hemoglobin concentrations in a high and low concentration group according to the median. For statistical evaluation the Mann-Whitney test and logistic regression analysis were used.

Results
In non-survivors of severe sepsis, free hemoglobin concentration was twice the concentration compared to survivors. Thirty-day survival of patients, as evidenced by Kaplan-Meier analysis, was markedly lower in patients with high free hemoglobin concentration than in patients with low free hemoglobin concentration. Best discrimination of outcome was achieved with the spectrophotometric method of Harboe (51.3% vs. 86.4% survival, p < 0.001; odds ratio 6.1). Multivariate analysis including free hemoglobin, age, SAPS II- and SOFA-score and procalcitonin demonstrated that free hemoglobin, as determined by all 4 methods, was the best and an independent predictor for death in severe sepsis (p = 0.022 to p < 0.001). Free hemoglobin concentrations were not significantly different in postoperative and septic patients in three of four assays. Thus, free hemoglobin can not be used to diagnose severe sepsis in critical illness.

Conclusions
Free hemoglobin is an important new predictor of survival in severe sepsis.
Can you Read This? Legibility and Hospital Records: A Multi-Stakeholder Analysis
Authors: Murray Susan , Boylan Geraldine , O'Flynn Siun , O'Tuathaigh Colm , Doran Kieran 
Published: July 2012

Introduction and objectives Poorly kept or illegible medical records may be detrimental to patient care while also leaving doctors vulnerable to litigation. Inconsistent data concerning legibility of physicians’ handwritten medical notes has been confounded by factors including the clinical experience and the healthcare role of the reader. The present study investigated the rate of illegibility in medical notes recorded by doctors in Irish hospitals and examined whether this rate varied according to hospital department, the reader's clinical experience or healthcare occupation. Design The legibility of twenty-five anonymized random samples of case notes from four university hospitals was analysed by a range of medical, nursing ancillary healthcare staff and legal professionals using a standardized point scale and questionnaire. Results The mean rate of illegibility of samples as scored by 239 observers was 22.2%. The reported rate was lower for surgical versus medical departments (Mann-Whitney U = 233, z = 3.61, P < 0.001), varied depending on healthcare occupation (Kruskal-Wallis X2 = 62.95, P < 0.001), and improved with increased clinical experience (Mann-Whitney U = 370.5, z = 2.03, P < 0.05) with legal professionals scoring an illegibility rate of 31%. Conclusions Estimations of legibility of medical records are influenced by observer attributes and possibly by the discipline from which such case notes originate. Our findings suggest a need for continued vigilance in this area.
Fictionalizing the figuration: (In) consideration of the Arab spring’s narrative matrix
Authors: Derr Diane 
Published: July 2012

The objective of this article is to investigate the perceptual experience of a mediated temporality as it pertains to the structure and iteration of the narrative matrix. It examines the construction of the internal narrative assembled from disparate points of media production and distribution
fictionalized into codified sequences through the operational stages of figuration and the subsequent iteration. The article will consider the syntagmatic and the paradigmatic within the narrative matrix of the Arab Spring, and the subsequent breakdown of the chronological and mimetic activity.
[…]
time becomes human to the extent that it is articulated through a narrative mode, and narrative attains its full meaning when it becomes a condition of temporal experience.
Diabetes Symptoms and Distress in ACCORD Trial Participants: Relationship to Baseline Clinical Variables
Authors: Sullivan Mark D. , Evans Gregory , Anderson Roger , O'Connor Patrick , Raisch Dennis W. , Simmons Debra L. , Narayan K.M. Venkat 
Published: July 2012

IN BRIEF
Our study demonstrates strong associations of diabetes symptoms and distress with female sex, higher BMI, history of neuropathy, and current depressive symptoms. Many diabetes-specific symptoms may be significantly shaped by factors such as depression and obesity.