bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patterns of Survival Among Patients With Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Diagnosed in Sweden From 1973 to 2008: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Hultcrantz Malin , Kristinsson Sigurdur Yngvi , Andersson Therese M.-L. , Landgren Ola , Eloranta Sandra , Derolf Åsa Rangert , Dickman Paul W. , Björkholm Magnus 
Published: July 2012

Purpose Reported survival in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) shows great variation. Patients with primary myelofibrosis (PMF) have substantially reduced life expectancy, whereas patients with polycythemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythemia (ET) have moderately reduced survival in most, but not all, studies. We conducted a large population-based study to establish patterns of survival in more than 9,000 patients with MPNs. Patients and Methods We identified 9,384 patients with MPNs (from the Swedish Cancer Register) diagnosed from 1973 to 2008 (divided into four calendar periods) with follow-up to 2009. Relative survival ratios (RSRs) and excess mortality rate ratios were computed as measures of survival. Results Patient survival was considerably lower in all MPN subtypes compared with expected survival in the general population, reflected in 10-year RSRs of 0.64 (95% CI, 0.62 to 0.67) in patients with PV, 0.68 (95% CI, 0.64 to 0.71) in those with ET, and 0.21 (95% CI, 0.18 to 0.25) in those with PMF. Excess mortality was observed in patients with any MPN subtype during all four calendar periods (P < .001). Survival improved significantly over time (P < .001); however, the improvement was less pronounced after the year 2000 and was confined to patients with PV and ET. Conclusion We found patients with any MPN subtype to have significantly reduced life expectancy compared with the general population. The improvement over time is most likely explained by better overall clinical management of patients with MPN. The decreased life expectancy even in the most recent calendar period emphasizes the need for new treatment options for these patients.
Endocrine and Clinical Correlates of Myostatin Serum Concentration in Men—the STRAMBO Study
Authors: Szulc Pawel , Schoppet Michael , Goettsch Claudia , Rauner Martina , Dschietzig Thomas , Chapurlat Roland , Hofbauer Lorenz C. 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Context:
Myostatin is expressed mainly in skeletal muscle cells and acts as an inhibitor of muscle growth and differentiation. However, data on the determinants of serum myostatin concentrations in humans are limited.

Objective:
The aim of the study was to assess the correlates of serum myostatin concentrations in men.

Design:
We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the STRAMBO cohort.

Setting:
Men holding private health insurance coverage with Mutuelle de Travailleurs de la Région Lyonnaise were included in the study.

Participants:
A total of 1121 male volunteers aged 20–87 yr participated in the study.

Interventions:
Nonfasting blood samples were collected.

Main Outcome Measures:
We measured the association of the investigated variables with circulating myostatin levels.

Results:
Serum myostatin levels increased slightly with age until 57 yr and then decreased. Circulating myostatin levels showed circannual variation, with the highest concentration in spring. In men older than 57 yr, serum myostatin levels decreased across increasing quartiles of body mass index and of total central and peripheral fat mass (P &lt; 0.05 to &lt; 0.001). Serum myostatin levels were positively correlated with serum levels of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25OHD), even after adjustment for season. Average myostatin levels were 0.47 sd higher in men with 25OHD above 40 ng/ml, compared with those with 25OHD below 20 ng/ml (P &lt; 0.05). Current smokers had lower myostatin concentration. Neither current physical activity nor serum levels of PTH, testosterone, and 17β-estradiol were associated with myostatin concentrations.

Conclusions:
In men, circulating myostatin levels show seasonal changes and are associated with age, body mass index, fat mass, smoking, and 25OHD levels.
Patients’ perceptions of error in long-term illness care: Qualitative study
Authors: Burgess Caroline , Cowie Luke , Gulliford Martin 
Published: July 2012

Objectives: To explore patients’ perceptions of events that may represent errors in long-term illness care and evaluate potential associations with dimensions of quality in health care. Methods: Qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews with 33 patients with long-term conditions. Results: Patients’ accounts revealed experiences of errors arising from health care. Errors of access included difficulties of gate-keeping leading to problems in gaining access to primary care consultations, diagnostic tests and specialist care. Potential harms included delayed diagnosis or delayed delivery of specialist care. Errors of interpersonal care included patients’ perceptions of not being taken seriously, including perceived failure by professionals to respond adequately to reports of adverse drug reactions or accounts of painful symptoms. Potentialharms included continuing medication-related symptoms, negative emotionalreactions and breakdown in communication between patients and professionals. Errors were noted at transitions between primary and secondary care including failures of information transfer and communication. Conclusions: Problems of gaining access to care and problems at transitions between levels of care may sometimes constitute errors, but they may also give rise to circumstances in which errors occur. Interpersonal and communication problems may also be associated with errors. There appears to be a close relationship between broader concepts of quality of care and the concept of patient safety.
Moderate alcohol consumption may protect against overt autoimmune hypothyroidism: a population-based case–control study
Authors: Carlé Allan , Pedersen Inge Bülow , Knudsen Nils , Perrild Hans , Ovesen Lars , Rasmussen Lone Banke , Jørgensen Torben , Laurberg Peter 
Published: July 2012

ObjectiveAlcohol consumption is an important protective risk factor for many autoimmune diseases. We wished to study the association between alcohol consumption and autoimmune hypothyroidism.DesignPopulation-based, case–control study, 1997–2001, Denmark.MethodsPatients with newly diagnosed autoimmune overt hypothyroidism (n=140) were prospectively identified in a population (2 027 208 person-years of observation), and their matched controls with normal thyroid function (n=560) were recruited simultaneously from the same population. Participants gave information on alcohol intake, smoking, previous diseases, education, and family history of hypothyroidism. The association between alcohol intake and development of hypothyroidism was analyzed in conditional regression models.ResultsHypothyroid cases had reported a lower alcohol consumption than controls (median units of alcohol (12 g) per week: 3 vs 5,P=0.002). In a multivariate regression model, alcohol consumption was associated with a reduction in risk for development of overt autoimmune hypothyroidism. Odds ratios (95% confidence interval) compared with the reference group with a recent (last year) consumption of 1–10 units of alcohol per week were as follows: 0 units/week, 1.98 (1.21–3.33); 11–20 units/week, 0.41 (0.20–0.83); and ≥21 units/week, 0.90 (0.41–2.00). Similar results were found for maximum previous alcohol consumption during a calendar year. No interaction was found with type of alcohol consumed (wine vs beer), sex, or region of inhabitancy.ConclusionsAlcohol consumption seems to confer considerable protection against development of overt autoimmune hypothyroidism irrespective of sex and type of alcohol consumed.
Hypoxic and Hypercapnic Events in Young Infants During Bed-sharing
Authors: Baddock Sally A. , Galland Barbara C. , Bolton David P.G. , Williams Sheila M. , Taylor Barry J. 
Published: July 2012

OBJECTIVES:
To identify desaturation events (arterial oxygen saturation [Sao2] &lt;90%) and rebreathing events (inspired carbon dioxide (CO2) &gt;3%), in bed-sharing (BS) versus cot-sleeping (CS) infants.

METHODS:
Forty healthy, term infants, aged 0 to 6 months who regularly bed-shared with at least 1 parent &gt;5 hours per night and 40 age-matched CS infants were recruited. Overnight parent and infant behavior (via infrared video), Sao2, inspired CO2 around the infant’s face, and body temperature were recorded during sleep at home.

RESULTS:
Desaturation events were more common in BS infants (risk ratio = 2.17 [95% confidence interval: 1.75 to 2.69]), associated partly with the warmer microenvironment during BS. More than 70% of desaturations in both groups were preceded by central apnea of 5 to 10 seconds with no accompanying bradycardia, usually in active sleep. Apnea &gt;15 seconds was rare (BS infants: 3 events; CS infants: 6 events), as was desaturation &lt;80% (BS infants: 3 events; CS infants: 4 events). Eighty episodes of rebreathing were identified from 22 BS infants and 1 CS infant, almost all preceded by head covering. During rebreathing, Sao2 was maintained at the baseline of 97.6%.

CONCLUSIONS:
BS infants experienced more oxygen desaturations preceded by central apnea, partly related to the warmer microenvironment. Rebreathing occurred mainly during bed-sharing. Infants were at low risk of sudden infant death syndrome and maintained normal oxygenation. The effect of repeated exposure to oxygen desaturation in vulnerable infants is unknown as is the ability of vulnerable infants to respond effectively to rebreathing caused by head covering.
Long-term Clinical Outcome After Lyme Neuroborreliosis in Childhood
Authors: Skogman Barbro H. , Glimåker Kajsa , Nordwall Maria , Vrethem Magnus , Ödkvist Lars , Forsberg Pia 
Published: July 2012

OBJECTIVES:
To determine long-term clinical outcome in children with confirmed Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) and to evaluate persistent subjective symptoms compared with a control group.

METHODS:
After a median of 5 years, 84 children with confirmed LNB underwent a neurologic re-examination, including a questionnaire. Medical records were analyzed, and a control group (n = 84) was included.

RESULTS:
The total recovery rate was 73% (n = 61). Objective neurologic findings, defined as “definite sequelae,” were found in 16 patients (19%). The majority of these children had persistent facial nerve palsy (n = 11), but other motor or sensory deficits occurred (n = 5). Neurologic signs and/or symptoms defined as “possible sequelae” were found in another 7 patients (8%), mainly of sensory character. Nonspecific subjective symptoms were reported by 35 patients (42%) and 32 controls (38%) (nonsignificant). Affected daily activities or school performance were reported to the same extent in both groups (23% vs 20%, nonsignificant).

CONCLUSIONS:
The long-term clinical recovery rate was 73% in children with confirmed LNB. Persistent facial nerve palsy occurred in 13%, whereas other motor or sensory deficits were found in another 14%. Neurologic deficits did not affect daily activities or school performance more often among patients than controls and should be considered as mild. Furthermore, nonspecific subjective symptoms such as headache, fatigue, or memory or concentration problems were reported as often among patients as controls and should not be considered as sequelae after LNB.
Association Between Periodontitis and Salivary Nitric Oxide Metabolites Among Community Elderly Koreans
Authors: Han Dong‐Hun , Kim Mi‐Sun , Shin Hye‐Sun , Park Kyung Pyo , Kim Hyun‐Duck 
Published: July 2012

Background: Nitric oxide (NO) is known to play an important role in many biologic systems, although the relationship between NO metabolites and periodontitis remains controversial. Moreover, little evidence of an association between salivary NO (S‐NO) and periodontitis in the general population has been reported. This study aims to investigate the relationship between S‐NO and periodontitis in an elderly Korean population.Methods: A cross‐sectional study was conducted using participants and salivary samples from Sunchang Elderly Cohort Study. The total number of final participants was 242 (91 males and 151 females; 48 to 93 years old). Periodontitis was determined by a clinical attachment loss of >6 mm at six probe points on 12 index teeth. NO was measured in unstimulated saliva via the Griess reaction. Sociodemographic status, general/oral health, and health‐related behaviors were investigated as confounders. Bivariate analysis and multivariable linear regression analyses including confounders were applied.Results: After controlling for age, sex, education, salivary flow rate, number of teeth, smoking status, physical activity, hypertension, and diabetes, three metabolites of S‐NO (total NO, nitrite, and nitrate) were independently associated with the percentage of probe points exhibiting periodontitis. Of these linear associations, total NO was found to have the strongest correlation with periodontitis (partial r = 0.181, P = 0.009). These associations were most pronounced in females (except for nitrate), non‐smokers, those without hypertension, and those without diabetes.Conclusions: Our data suggest that high concentrations of S‐NO are associated with severe periodontitis. Thus, S‐NO may serve as a potential biologic marker for detecting and monitoring periodontitis.
Doxycycline Counteracts Bone Morphogenic Protein 2–Induced Osteogenic Mediators
Authors: Muthukuru Manoj , Sun Jeffrey 
Published: July 2012

Background: Microbial colonization during wound healing may exaggerate the inflammatory response and could adversely affect the outcome of periodontal regeneration. Bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs) directly augment bone regeneration. Interestingly, inhibitors of tissue collagenases, such as sub‐antimicrobial–dose doxycycline, also indirectly promote hard‐tissue regeneration. In this study, it is hypothesized that BMP2‐mediated bone regeneration would be positively affected by simultaneous treatment of sub‐antimicrobial–dose doxycycline.Methods: Human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells were stimulated with: 1) 10 ng/mL BMP2; 2) 1 μg/mL doxycycline; or 3) a combination of the two. The expressions of alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, osteonectin, and osteopontin were analyzed along with in vitro mineralized nodule formation and calcium accumulation.Results: BMP2 was a potent inducer of osteocalcin/osteopontin (statistically significant at P <0.01) and osteonectin in PDL cells relative to stimulation with doxycycline. However, doxycycline relative to BMP2 (statistically significant at P <0.001) upregulated the expression of alkaline phosphatase and in vitro mineralized nodule formation. Contrary to expected results, combined BMP2 and doxycycline induced a statistically significant (P <0.001) downregulation of alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, osteonectin/osteopontin, and in vitro mineralized nodule formation compared to stimulation with either BMP2 or doxycycline alone.Conclusions: Combined treatment of BMP2 and doxycycline in PDL cells counteracts the osteogenic mediators. Molecular interaction of growth factors should be explored before using a combination of these biologic molecules. It is important and clinically relevant to determine whether tetracycline and its other derivatives also counteract BMP functions. Animal models should be used to confirm these in vitro results.
Advances in Hybrid Computational Intelligence Application in Oil and Gas Reservoir Characterization
Authors: Anifowose Fatai Adesina 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques have been successfully applied in the characterization of oil and gas reservoirs especially in the prediction of porosity, permeability, water saturation, dew point pressure, PVT properties and lithofacies. As good as each technique might be, it has its limitations in terms of ability to handle uncertainties, ability to learn and certain data size requirements. The performance of each technique is also limited by the nature and complexity of the problems to be solved.
The concept of combining two or more AI techniques to reduce the impact of their respective limitations and to enhance their performance is becoming increasingly popular. This hybridization effort attempts to complement the weaknesses of one technique with the strength of another.
In this paper, the basic requirements for hybridization are presented and a number of successful hybrid techniques are also reviewed. The architecture of some of the popular hybrid techniques such as Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System, Functional Networks-Type-2 Fuzzy and Functional Networks-Support Vector Machines are concisely discussed.
This is meant to be a guide for those who might want to dig deeper into this increasingly-popular concept of hybrid computational intelligence for the possible realization of the future AI-assisted reservoir simulation for better exploration, production and exploitation.
Di-lepton production in heavy-ion collisions and the QCD phase diagram
Authors: Zhang Yifei , Xu Haojie , Zha Wangmei , Wang Qun 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
We reproduce di-electron spectra in the region of 0 < m
e+e < 4 GeV in both minimum bias and central Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt {s_{NN} } $ = 200 GeV measured by the STAR experiment. A cocktail simulation, incorporating STAR acceptance and detector responses, is able to describe the “enhancement” of the low mass region by including an in-medium modification of vector mesons and a thermal di-lepton calculation. We also predict the di-lepton mass spectra in RHIC lower energies via an extrapolation method. The evolution of Di-lepton mass spectra, effective temperature, and possible medium modifications versus colliding energies are studied to explore the QCD phase diagram.
Equation of state at non-zero baryon density based on lattice QCD
Authors: Huovinen Pasi , Petreczky Péter , Schmidt Christian 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
We employ the lattice QCD data on Taylor expansion coefficients to extend our previous parametrization of the equation of state to finite baryon density. When we take into account lattice spacing and quark mass dependence of the hadron masses, the Taylor coefficients at low temperature are equal to those of hadron resonance gas. Parametrized lattice equation of state can thus be smoothly connected to the hadron resonance gas equation of state at low temperatures.
Topological systems and Artin glueing
Authors: Solovyov Sergey 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Using methods of categorical fuzzy topology, the paper shows a relation between topological systems of S. Vickers and Artin glueing of M. Artin. Inspired by the problem of interrelations between algebra and topology, we show the necessary and sufficient conditions for the category, obtained by Artin glueing along an adjoint functor, to be (co)algebraic and (co)monadic, incorporating the respective result of G. Wraith. As a result, we confirm the algebraic nature of the category of topological systems, showing that it is monadic.
Effects of Non-Fertilised Grassland Management Intensity on Herbage Quality and Quantity
Authors: Kováčiková Zuzana , Vargová Vladimíra , Michalec Milan 
Published: July 2012

Effects of Non-Fertilised Grassland Management Intensity on Herbage Quality and Quantity
Over 2006-2009, an optimum cutting frequency was investigated at non-fertilised grassland. The research was carried out at the Suchý vrch site (near Banská Bystrica), altitude 460 m. The research sward was utilised by cutting with different intensity: high (4 cuts), medium (3 cuts), low (2 cuts) and by 1 cut under extensive exploitation. Herbage yield, organic and mineral substances and nutritive value were determined. The intensity of sward exploitation influenced the dry matter (DM) production which was higher when utilised by two cuts than by four and three cuts, respectively. The research parameters showed the best DM quality at the highest cutting frequency (the high and the medium intensity). Crude protein (CP) content increased at higher cutting frequency, but dropped at extensive utilisation. The content of fibre was higher at less intensive cutting. The highest content of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) was found under more intensive cutting. Towards the end of growing season, calcium (Ca) content was rising while that of K was decreasing. The sodium (Na) content was low at all the research treatments.
Effect of Stubble Heights and Treatment Duration Time on the Performance of Water Dropwort Floating Treatment Wetlands (FTWS)
Authors: Xin Zai-jun , Li Xiu-zhen , Nielsen Søren , Yan Zhong-zheng , Zhou Yuan-qing , Jia Yue , Tang Ying-ying , Guo Wen-yong , Sun Yong-guang 
Published: July 2012

Effect of Stubble Heights and Treatment Duration Time on the Performance of Water Dropwort Floating Treatment Wetlands (FTWS)
Floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) with Water Dropwort (Oenanthe javanica) were established in winter to investigate their potential role in the purification of eutrophicated water, and to identify the effects of different stubble heights of the Water Dropwort on the performance of the FTWs. The results of the experiments demonstrated: The Water Dropwort FTWs were effective in buffering the pH of the experimental water. The Water Dropwort FTWs were efficient in purifying eutrophicated water, with removal rate for total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), ammonium nitrogen (NH4+ - N), and nitrate nitrogen (NO3- - N) at 91.3, 58.0, 94.6, and 95.5% in the 15-day experiment, respectively. No significant difference in the purification effect was found among different stubble heights of Water Dropwort FTWs. Significant differences between the zero control and the FTWs were found for the removal of TP in the first 11 days; and for the removal of NH4+ - N in the first 4 days. No significant difference was found between the zero control and the FTWs for NO3- - N in the first 4 days, but significant difference was detected after day 4. The optimum treatment duration time for the FTWs with Water Dropwort will depend on the nutrients to be removed. These results will provide basis for further application of the FTWs at large scale, as well as for future studies on the mechanism of nutrient removal process.
Phytoextraction of Nickel by Selected Ornamental Plants
Authors: Bosiacki Maciej , Wojciechowska Ewelina 
Published: July 2012

Phytoextraction of Nickel by Selected Ornamental PlantsIn the pot experiment the effect of increasing doses of Ni (the control, 25, 50, 75, 150, 300 mg · dm-3substrate) on the content of this metal in individual organs of aboveground parts was investigated in three selected species of ornamental plants: Aztec marigold (Tagetes erectaL.), sunflower (Helianthus annusL.) and love-lies-bleeding (Amaranthus caudatusL.). A significant effect of increasing Ni doses on the content of this metal was found in individual organs of selected species. InTagetes erectaL. andAmaranthus caudatusL. the highest amounts of nickel were accumulated in leaves, while in sunflower growing in the substrate, to which nickel was introduced at 25, 50, 75 and 150 mg·dm-3, the highest amounts of this metal were accumulated in inflorescences. Among the analyzed species of ornamental plants growing in the substrate with no addition of this metal and in the substrate with an addition of 25 and 50 mg Ni · dm-3the highest nickel uptake was observed inTagetes erectaL. plants. For the substrate with an addition of 75, 150 and 300 mg Ni · dm-3the biggest nickel accumulation was recorded inAmaranthus caudatusL.