bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acrochordons as a cutaneous sign of impaired carbohydrate metabolism, hyperlipidemia, liver enzyme abnormalities and hypertension: a case–control study
Authors: Şenel E. , Salmanoğlu M. , Solmazgül E. , Berçik İnal B. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground Acrochordons are common and benign skin tumours. A few studies with contradictory results have been reported regarding the abnormalities of carbohydrate and/or lipid metabolisms in patients with acrochordons.Objectives We aimed to determine if the presence of acrochordons could be a marker of diabetes, hyperlipidemia, liver enzyme abnormalities and hypertension by comparing with a control group.Methods A total of 110 patients having two or more acrochordons and age‐ and gender‐matched 110 controls were included in the study. Localization, size and the total number of acrochordons were recorded in the patient group. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), serum lipids and liver enzyme levels were tested in patient and controls. All participants underwent a standard 2‐h oral glucose tolerance test with 75 g glucose. Diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose intolerance were diagnosed according to the American Diabetes Association criteria. Arterial blood pressures were measured in two groups.Results A total of 56 patients and 10 controls were diagnosed with overt DM. Thirteen per cent of the patients and 9% of controls had an impaired glucose tolerance test. The difference was statistically significant for the diagnosis of DM and not significant for the impaired glucose tolerance. The mean levels of FPG, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglyceride, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma‐glutamyltransferase and alkaline phosphatase were significantly higher in patients than those in controls. Furthermore, serum levels of HDL were less in patients. Patients with acrochordons had higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures than controls.Conclusions The results of our study suggest that acrochordons may represent a cutaneous sign for impaired carbohydrate or lipid metabolism, liver enzyme abnormalities and hypertension.
Fragile X Syndrome: The FMR1 CGG Repeat Distribution Among World Populations
Authors: Peprah Emmanuel 
Published: December 2011

SummaryFragile X syndrome (FXS) is characterized by moderate to severe intellectual disability, which is accompanied by macroorchidism and distinct facial morphology. FXS is caused by the expansion of the CGG trinucleotide repeat in the 5′ untranslated region of the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene. The syndrome has been studied in ethnically diverse populations around the world and has been extensively characterized in several populations. Similar to other trinucleotide expansion disorders, the gene‐specific instability of FMR1 is not accompanied by genomic instability. Currently we do not have a comprehensive understanding of the molecular underpinnings of gene‐specific instability associated with tandem repeats. Molecular evidence from in vitro experiments and animal models supports several pathways for gene‐specific trinucleotide repeat expansion. However, whether the mechanisms reported from other systems contribute to trinucleotide repeat expansion in humans is not clear. To understand how repeat instability in humans could occur, the CGG repeat expansion is explored through molecular analysis and population studies which characterized CGG repeat alleles of FMR1. Finally, the review discusses the relevance of these studies in understanding the mechanism of trinucleotide repeat expansion in FXS.
Genetic variation of FUT2 in a Vietnamese population: identification of two novel Se enzyme–inactivating mutations
Authors: Soejima Mikiko , Fujimoto Ryo , Agusa Tetsuro , Iwata Hisato , Fujihara Junko , Takeshita Haruo , Minh Tu Binh , Trang Pham Thi Kim , Viet Pham Hung , Nakajima Tamiko , Yoshimoto Joji , Tanabe Shinsuke , Koda Yoshiro 
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND: The human FUT2 gene encodes a secretor‐type α(1,2)fucosyltransferase, and many population‐specific polymorphisms have been reported in the coding region.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Direct sequencing, real‐time polymerase chain reaction, and high‐resolution melt (HRM) analysis were done to detect single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) and copy number variations (CNVs) in a Vietnamese population. The impacts of two novel mutations on the encoded enzyme were examined by a transient expression study.RESULTS: The major nonfunctional allele in the 294 Vietnamese was se357,385, whereas no CNV was detected. Two novel SNPs, 818C>A (Thr273Asn) and 853G>A (Ala285Thr), distributed at low frequency, were shown to remarkably affect the enzyme activity.CONCLUSION: The allelic polymorphism of FUT2 in Vietnamese is similar to that of other East and Southeast Asian populations. This result may reflect the history and gene flow of this population. In addition, HRM analysis seems to be a simple and effective method for screening rare SNPs of FUT2 in a large number of samples.[Correction statement added after online publication 21‐Dec‐2011: Thr273Ala has been updated to Thr273Asn throughout.]
Current trends in miRNAs and their relationship with oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Pérez‐Sayáns Mario , Pilar Gayoso‐Diz , Barros‐Angueira Francisco , Suárez‐Peñaranda José Manuel , Fernández Alexia Conde , Gándara‐Rey José Manuel , García‐García Abel 
Published: December 2011

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 433–443A micro RNA (miRNA) is a single‐stranded endogenous, non‐coding RNA, with length ranging between 18 and 24 nucleotides and the ability of regulating the expression of other genes on a post‐transcriptional level by means of various processes, degradation or repression of target mRNA. miRNAs play a crucial role in regulating fundamental processes such as cell cycle, differentiation and apoptosis; thus, their deregulation can affect normal cell growth and development, and even participate in carcinogenesis. The goals of this paper are: to outline the formation and functions of miRNAs; to determine their role in oral squamous cell carcinoma; to analyze the different miRNAs described and their roles as oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes, depending on their overexpression or subexpression; to describe the different polymorphisms and epigenetic alterations identified; and to determine their role in multidrug resistance.
Extending Photocatalytic Activity of TiO2 Nanoparticles to Visible Region of Illumination by Doping of Cerium
Authors: Choudhury Biswajit , Borah Bikash , Choudhury Amarjyoti 
Published: December 2011

AbstractCerium‐doped Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles are prepared by sol‐gel method. Doping shifts the UV absorption edge of TiO2 to the visible region, making it efficient for visible light photocatalysis. Incorporation of cerium decreases the effective band gap of TiO2 and increases the Urbach energy levels. At the dopant concentrations of 0.015 and 0.025 mol the luminescence intensity increases compared to undoped TiO2; however, the luminescence is quenched at 0.035 mol. Quenching of luminescence indicates efficient separation of charge carriers. Undoped TiO2 is showing poor performance in the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange under visible light. However, on cerium doping its photoactivity is increased, and is drastically enhanced at 0.035 mol of cerium. Further increase in Ce3+ doping level to 0.045 mol results in the reduction of the photodegradation of the dye. On UV irradiation, entire samples show good photocatalytic activity up to 30 min, but their efficiency decreases when irradiation time is increased to 45 min. Irradiation for longer time results in negative charging of the TiO2 surface with migrating electrons. The negatively charged surface repels the OH− ion and O2 molecule from adsorbing on its surface thus decreasing the availability of hydroxyl and superoxide radical for dye degradation.
River restoration: not only for the sake of nature but also for saving money while addressing flood risk. A decision‐making framework applied to the Chiese River (Po basin, Italy)
Authors: Nardini A. , Pavan S. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractOne of the key ideas of river restoration is that restoring rivers to a more natural status is desirable not only for pure environmental reasons but also to combat flood and geomorphic risk. This paper investigates whether this can be true even in a Mediterranean context, quite different from that of Northern Europe where European river restoration was born. Specifically, we evaluate whether the savings obtained from not implementing new protection works and from maintenance costs not spent – because of elimination of several existing works – exceed the likely increment of flooding and hydromorphological risk. Different conceptual approaches to the decision problem of flood control are synthesised within an integrated, three‐level, evaluation framework. The proposed evaluation framework is applied to a case study on the Chiese River (Po River basin, Italy). Results for this case study are presented. Finally, findings, limitations and potential for application are discussed, concluding that river restoration offers a viable pathway for improving the river environment while not incurring additional economic costs associated with classic flood risk management.
Geographic patterns of genetic variation and population structure inPinus aristata, Rocky Mountain bristlecone pine
Authors: Schoettle Anna W. , Goodrich Betsy A. , Hipkins Valerie , Richards Christopher , Kray Julie 
Published: December 2011

Pinus aristata Engelm., Rocky Mountain bristlecone pine, has a narrow core geographic and elevational distribution, occurs in disjunct populations, and is threatened by rapid climate change, white pine blister rust, and bark beetles. Knowledge of genetic diversity and population structure will help guide gene conservation strategies for this species. Sixteen sites across four mountain ranges in the core distribution of P. aristata were sampled and genetic diversity was assessed with 21 isozyme loci. Low species and population level genetic diversity (He = 0.070 and 0.062, respectively) occurred with moderate among-population differentiation (FST = 0.131). Genetic diversity correlated with longitude, latitude, and elevation and a strong mountain island effect may contribute to substructuring and isolation. Using multiple complementary analyses, sampled trees were assigned to three genetic lineages that varied in diversity and admixture and were associated with different climatic factors. The distribution of genetic diversity and substructuring of P. aristata may be an outcome of a combination of restricted gene flow due to geographic and phenological isolation, random processes of genetic drift, life history traits, natural selection, and postglacial migrations. The combination of low genetic diversity, moderate population isolation, and a protracted regeneration dynamic puts populations at risk for extirpation by novel stresses.
Mixed-severity fire regimes in dry forests of southern interior British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Heyerdahl Emily K. , Lertzman Ken , Wong Carmen M. 
Published: December 2011

Historical fire severity is poorly characterized for dry forests in the interior west of North America. We inferred a multicentury history of fire severity from tree rings in Douglas-fir ( Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca (Beissn.) Franco) – ponderosa pine ( Pinus ponderosa Douglas ex P. Lawson & C. Lawson) forests in the southern interior of British Columbia, Canada. In 2 ha plots distributed systematically over 1105 ha, we determined the dates of fire scars, indicators of low-severity fire, from 125 trees and inferred dates of even-aged cohorts, potential indicators of high-severity fire, from establishment dates of 1270 trees. Most (76%) of the 41 plots contained fire-scarred trees with a mean plot-composite fire scar interval of 21 years (1700–1900). Most (76%) also contained one or two cohorts. At the plot scale, we inferred that the fire regime at most plots was of mixed severity through time (66%) and at the remaining plots of low (20%), high (10%), or unknown (4%) severity through time. We suggest that across our study area, the fire regime was mixed severity over the past several centuries, with low-severity fires most common and often extensive but small, high-severity disturbances also occasionally occurred. Our results present strong evidence for the importance of mixed-severity fire regimes in which low-severity fires dominate in interior Douglas-fir – ponderosa pine forests in western Canada.
Comparison of a new ELISA assay with the flow cytometric assay for platelet vasodilator-associated stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) phosphorylation in whole blood to assess P2Y12 inhibition
Authors: Bourguet Nicolas , Boulay-Moine Danièle , Sugidachi Atsuhiro , Yamaguchi Shinji , Barragan Paul , Zhou Chunmei , Jakubowski Joseph , Moulard Maxime 
Published: December 2011

SummaryThienopyridines and other agents target the platelet P2Y12 receptor and inhibit several platelet activities mediated by adenosine diphosphate (ADP). The measurement of vasodilator-associated stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) phosphorylation, expressed as platelet reactivity index (PRI), mirrors the degree of P2Y12 receptor inhibition and can detect the well-known variable response to clopidogrel. The commercially available VASP assay uses flow cytometry (FC) and requires that the test be run within 48 hours of blood collection. A new ELISA VASP assay offers the advantages of using more widely available technology and the potential to freeze and store samples before analysis. The objectives of the present study were to compare the performance of the ELISA and FC methods and to describe the relative flexibility of the ELISA-based assay. Human blood samples encompassing a wide range of levels of P2Y12 blockade achieved in vitro by preincubation with P2Y12 antagonists or in vivo from patients treated with clopidogrel were included, reflecting the wide spread of values reported in clinical studies. The correlation between the PRI measured by ELISA and FC was highly significant (r=0.95, p<0.001), (n=80). After the initial activation, samples were stable for at least four weeks when frozen (−20°C) prior to analysis by ELISA. Frozen samples from patients treated with clopidogrel appeared stable for up to nine weeks. Based on these results, the ELISA-based assay appears to provide a reliable and more flexible alternative to the FC method to determine P2Y12 receptor blockade and may enable more extensive utilisation of the VASP assay in clinical studies.Note: All work done at BioCytex, Marseille, France and Daiichi Sankyo, Tokyo, Japan.
Evaluation of the anti-factor Xa chromogenic assay for the measurement of rivaroxaban plasma concentrations using calibrators and controls
Authors: Contant Genevieve , Spiro Theodore , Perzborn Elisabeth , Guinet Céline , Gourmelin Yves , Flem Léna , Rohde Gabriele , Martinoli Jean , Samama Meyer ,   for the Rivaroxaban Anti-Factor Xa Chromogenic Assay Field Trial Laboratories
Published: December 2011

SummaryRivaroxaban is an oral, direct factor Xa inhibitor. Routine coagulation monitoring is not required, but a quantitative determination of rivaroxaban concentrations might be useful in some clinical circumstances. This multicentre study assessed the suitability of the anti-factor Xa chromogenic assay for the measurement of rivaroxaban plasma concentrations (ng/ml) using rivaroxaban calibrators and controls, and the inter-laboratory precision of the measurement. Twenty-four centres in Europe and North America were provided with sets of rivaroxaban calibrators (0, 41, 209 and 422 ng/ml) and a set of rivaroxaban pooled human plasma controls (20, 199 and 662 ng/ml; the concentrations were unknown to the participating laboratories). The evaluation was carried out over 10 days by each laboratory using local anti-factor Xa reagents as well as the centrally provided reagent, a modified STA® Rotachrom® assay. A calibration curve was produced each day, and the day-to-day precision was evaluated by testing three human plasma controls. When using the local anti-factor Xa reagents, the mean rivaroxaban concentrations (measured/actual values) were: 17/20, 205/199 and 668/662 ng/ml, and the coefficient of variance (CV) was 37.0%, 13.7% and 14.1%, respectively. When the modified STA Rotachrom method was used, the measured/actual values were: 18/20, 199/199 and 656/662 ng/ml, and the CV was 19.1%, 10.9% and 10.0%, respectively. The results suggest that, by using rivaroxaban calibrators and controls, the anti-factor Xa chromogenic method is suitable for measuring a wide range of rivaroxaban plasma concentrations (20–660 ng/ml), which covers the expected rivaroxaban plasma levels after therapeutic doses.
SYNTAX, STS and EuroSCORE – How good are they for risk estimation in atherosclerotic heart disease?
Authors: Winkler Bernhard , Metzler Bernhard 
Published: December 2011

SummaryTests that enable prediction of adverse outcome after surgical or nonsurgical intervention in cardiac patients are of great importance since they can help guide clinical decision making. The new evolving percutaneous therapeutic techniques combined with the currently available risk scoring systems require improved prediction models. In the context of steadily improving surgical techniques and perioperative care, on the one hand, and the inadequacy of regional patient data sets to provide generally applicable risk prediction base, on the other, there is need for adaption and recalibration of scoring systems some of which are partly outdated but still widely in use. The accuracy of predictive models depends on their proper application as well as the knowledge of their individual strengths and weaknesses. The EuroSCORE and the STS score take into consideration some risk factors associated with mortality, whereas the SYNTAX score relies solely on coronary anatomy and lesion characteristics. A combination of selected score components from the EuroSCORE, assessing the mortality risk, and those from the SYNTAX score, reflecting the coronary artery disease complexity, can be expected to yield more accurate results in estimating risk in individual patients. In this review, the predictive ability of the SYNTAX score, the STS score and the EuroSCORE will be discussed.
Evaluation of the duration of thromboembolic prophylaxis after high-risk orthopaedic surgery: The ETHOS observational study
Authors: Arcelus Juan , Felicissimo Paulo , Bergqvist David ,   ETHOS Investigators
Published: December 2011

SummaryReal-life data on post-discharge venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis practices and treatments are lacking. We assessed post-operative VTE prophylaxis prescribed and received in a prospective registry, compared with the 2004 American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) guidelines in high-risk orthopaedic surgery patients. Consecutive patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA), hip fracture surgery (HFS), or knee arthroplasty (KA) were enrolled at discharge from 161 centres in 17 European countries if they had received in-hospital VTE prophylaxis that was considered in accordance with the ACCP guidelines by the treating physician. Data on prescribed and actual prophylaxis were obtained from hospital charts and patient post-discharge diaries. Post-operative prophylaxis prescribed and actual prophylaxis received were considered adherent or adequate, respectively, if recommended therapies were used for ≥28 days (HFS and THA) or ≥10 days (KA). Among 4,388 patients, 69.9% were prescribed ACCP-adherent VTE prophylaxis (THA: 1,411/2,217 [63.6%]; HFS: 701/1,112 [63.0%]; KA: 955/1,059 [90.2%]). Actual prophylaxis received was described in 3,939 patients with an available diary after discharge (non-evaluability rate of 10%). Mean actual durations of pharmacological prophylaxis from surgery were: 28.4 ± 13.7 (THA), 29.3 ± 13.9 (HFS), and 28.7 ± 14.1 days (KA). ACCP-adequate VTE prophylaxis was received by 66.5% of patients (60.9% THA, 55.4% HFS, and 88.7% KA). Prophylaxis inadequacies were mainly due to inadequate prescription, non-recommended prophylaxis prescription at discharge, or too short prophylaxis prescribed. In high-risk orthopaedic surgery patients with hospital-initiated prophylaxis, there is a gap between ACCP recommendations, prescribed and actual prophylaxis received, mainly due to inadequate prescription at discharge.
Study of Octaplex dosing accuracy: An in vitro analysis
Authors: Chin-Yee Ian , Kovacs Michael , Lazo-Langner Alejandro , Keeney Michael , Hsia Cyrus , Patriquin Christopher 
Published: December 2011

SummaryProthrombin complex concentrates (PCC) are recommended for urgent warfarin reversal. However, disagreement exists regarding the proper dosing strategy (i.e. fixed vs. weight-based). We measured the in vitro effect of PCC dosing on international normalised ratio (INR) and factor activity. Plasma from warfarin-anticoagulated patients with stable INRs was collected. PCC doses of 1,000, 2,000 and 3,000 IU were added to the samples, and INR and factor activity were analysed before and after PCC. Twenty-three of thirty subjects enrolled had complete data for analysis. INRs were below 1.5 in all samples post-1,000 IU, and decreased further with subsequent doses (p<0.001). Factors II, VII, and X increased with consecutive doses (p<0.01). Linear correlation was seen between INR and factors II, VII and X. Factor IX did not increase consistently nor show correlation with INR reversal. Weight-based dosing was then estimated; INRs were all <1.2 (0.9–1.2) and activity >0.50 IU for factors II, VII and X (0.96–1.52, 0.51–1.45 and 0.81–1.38, respectively). Factor IX did not uniformly correct above 0.50 IU (0.31–1.31). We confirm in vitro that 1,000 IU of Octaplex® is able to correct INR to <1.5 but factors were not uniformly >0.50 IU until 2,000 IU, and not >1.00 IU until 3,000 IU. This suggests that INR correction alone may not accurately reflect factor activity, and lends support for weight-based dosing.
On quotients and differences of hypergeometric functions
Authors: Simić Slavko , Vuorinen Matti 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
For Gaussian hypergeometric functions F(x) = F(a, b; c; x), a, b, c > 0, we consider the quotient Q

F
(x, y) = (F(x) + F(y))/F(z) and the difference D

F
(x, y) = F(x) + F(y) - F(z) for 0 < x, y < 1 with z = x + y - xy. We give best possible bounds for both expressions under various hypotheses about the parameter triple (a, b; c).

2010 Mathematics Subject Classification: 26D06; 33C05.