bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Underutilization of information and knowledge in everyday medical practice: Evaluation of a computer-based solution
Authors: Zakim David , Braun Niko , Fritz Peter , Alscher Mark Dominik 
Published: November 2008

Abstract

Background
The medical history is acknowledged as the sine qua non for quality medical care because recognizing problems is pre-requisite for managing them. Medical histories typically are incomplete and inaccurate, however. We show here that computers are a solution to this issue of information gathering about patients. Computers can be programmed to acquire more complete medical histories with greater detail across a range of acute and chronic issues than physician histories.

Methods
Histories were acquired by physicians in the usual way and by a computer program interacting directly with patients. Decision-making of what medical issues were queried by computer were made internally by the software, including determination of the chief complaint. The selection of patients was from admissions to the Robert-Bosch-Hospital, Stuttgart, Germany by convenience sampling. Physician-acquired and computer-acquired histories were compared on a patient-by-patient basis for 45 patients.

Results
The computer histories reported 160 problems not recorded in physician histories or slightly more than 3.5 problems per patient. However, physicians but not the computer reported 13 problems. The data show that computer histories reported problems across a range of organ systems, that the problems detected by computer but not physician histories were both acute and chronic and that the computer histories detected a significant number of issues important for preventing further morbidity.

Conclusion
A combination of physician and computer-acquired histories, in non-emergent situations, with the latter available to the physician at the time he or she sees the patient, is a far superior method for collecting historical data than the physician interview alone.
Dietary fish oil did not prevent sleep deprived rats from a reduction in adipose tissue adiponectin gene expression
Authors: de Mattos Ana Barbosa Marcondes , Pinto Mônica Jordão S , Oliveira Cristiane , Biz Carolina , Ribeiro Eliane Beraldi , do Nascimento Claudia Maria Oller , Andersen Monica Levy , Tufik Sergio , Oyama Lila Missae 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Sleep deprivation in humans has been related to weight gain and consequently, increased risk for insulin resistance. In contrast, there is a significant loss of weight in sleep deprived rats suggesting a state of insulin resistance without obesity interference. Thus, we aimed to assess the effects of a rich fish oil dietetic intervention on glucose tolerance, serum insulin and adiponectin, and adipose tissue gene expression of adiponectin and TNF-α of paradoxically sleep deprived (PSD) rats. The study was performed in thirty day-old male Wistar randomly assigned into two groups: rats fed with control diet (soybean oil as source of fat) and rats fed with a fish oil rich diet. After 45 days of treatment, the animals were submitted to PSD or maintained as home cage control group for 96 h. Body weight and food intake were carefully monitored in all groups. At the end of PSD period, a glucose tolerance test was performed and the total blood and adipose tissues were collected. Serum insulin and adiponectin were analyzed. Adipose tissues were used for RT-PCR to estimate the gene expression of adiponectin and TNF-α. Results showed that although fish oil diet did not exert any effect upon these measurements, PSD induced a reduction in adiponectin gene expression of retroperitoneal adipose tissues, with no change in serum adiponectin concentration or in adiponectin and TNF-α gene expression of epididymal adipose tissue. Thus, the stress induced by sleep deprivation lead to a desbalance of adiponectin gene expression.
The synchronous occurrence of squamous cell carcinoma and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) at esophageal site
Authors: Spinelli Gian Paolo , Miele Evelina , Tomao Federica , Rossi Luigi , Pasciuti Giulia , Zullo Angelo , Zoratto Federica , Nunnari Jose , Pisanelli Giovanni Codacci , Tomao Silverio 
Published: November 2008

Abstract

Background
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is a relative common malignancy with a very poor prognosis, even adopting an integrated and multidisciplinary approach. According to the literature, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) rarely originate from the esophagus. Moreover there are not reports of synchronous occurrence of squamous cell carcinoma and GIST at esophageal site.

Case presentation
We describe a case of a 74 year old patient who underwent surgery for squamous cell carcinoma of the lower third of the esophagus with an incidental pathologic diagnosis of a concomitant GIST in the thoracic tract.

Conclusion
In literature there is no evidence of concomitant squamous carcinoma and GIST of the thoracic esophagus, even if esophageal GISTs are sometimes described. The occasional finding of this neoplastic lesion underlines the importance of a carefully pathological diagnosis for its identification. Surgery, followed by a multidisciplinary approach remains the first-line treatment in both squamous and stromal neoplasm.
Implantation of neural stem cells embedded in hyaluronic acid and collagen composite conduit promotes regeneration in a rabbit facial nerve injury model
Authors: Zhang Han , Wei Yue Teng , Tsang Kam Sze , Sun Chong Ran , Li Jin , Huang Hua , Cui Fu Zhai , An Yi Hua 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
The implantation of neural stem cells (NSCs) in artificial scaffolds for peripheral nerve injuries draws much attention. NSCs were ex-vivo expanded in hyaluronic acid (HA)-collagen composite with neurotrophin-3, and BrdU-labeled NSCs conduit was implanted onto the ends of the transected facial nerve of rabbits. Electromyography demonstrated a progressive decrease of current threshold and increase of voltage amplitude in de-innervated rabbits after implantation for one, four, eight and 12 weeks compared to readouts derived from animals prior to nerve transection. The most remarkable improvement, observed using Electrophysiology, was of de-innervated rabbits implanted with NSCs conduit as opposed to de-innervated counterparts with and without the implantation of HA-collagen, NSCs and HA-collagen, and HA-collagen and neurotrophin-3. Histological examination displayed no nerve fiber in tissue sections of de-innervated rabbits. The arrangement and S-100 immunoreactivity of nerve fibers in the tissue sections of normal rabbits and injured rabbits after implantation of NSCs scaffold for 12 weeks were similar, whereas disorderly arranged minifascicles of various sizes were noted in the other three arms. BrdU+ cells were detected at 12 weeks post-implantation. Data suggested that NSCs embedded in HA-collagen biomaterial could facilitate re-innervations of damaged facial nerve and the artificial conduit of NSCs might offer a potential treatment modality to peripheral nerve injuries.
Kinin B2receptor regulates chemokines CCL2 and CCL5 expression and modulates leukocyte recruitment and pathology in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in mice
Authors: Dos Santos Adriana C , Roffê Ester , Arantes Rosa ME , Juliano Luiz , Pesquero Jorge L , Pesquero João B , Bader Michael , Teixeira Mauro M , Carvalho-Tavares Juliana 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackgroundKinins are important mediators of inflammation and act through stimulation of two receptor subtypes, B1and B2. Leukocyte infiltration contributes to the pathogenesis of autoimmune inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS), occurring not only in multiple sclerosis (MS) but also in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). We have previously shown that the chemokines CCL2 and CCL5 play an important role in the adhesion of leukocytes to the brain microcirculation in EAE. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relevance of B2receptors to leukocyte-endothelium interactions in the cerebral microcirculation, and its participation in CNS inflammation in the experimental model of myelin-oligodendrocyte-glycoprotein (MOG)35–55-induced EAE in mice.MethodsIn order to evaluate the role of B2 receptor in the cerebral microvasculature we used wild-type (WT) and kinin B2 receptor knockout (B2-/-) mice subjected to MOG35–55-induced EAE. Intravital microscopy was used to investigate leukocyte recruitment on pial matter vessels in B2-/-and WT EAE mice. Histological documentation of inflammatory infiltrates in brain and spinal cords was correlated with intravital findings. The expression of CCL5 and CCL2 in cerebral tissue was assessed by ELISA.ResultsClinical parameters of disease were reduced in B2-/-mice in comparison to wild type EAE mice. At day 14 after EAE induction, there was a significant decrease in the number of adherent leukocytes, a reduction of cerebral CCL5 and CCL2 expressions, and smaller inflammatory and degenerative changes in B2-/-mice when compared to WT.ConclusionOur results suggest that B2receptors have two major effects in the control of EAE severity: (i) B2regulates the expression of chemokines, including CCL2 and CCL5, and (ii) B2modulates leukocyte recruitment and inflammatory lesions in the CNS.
Quantification of gamma-secretase modulation differentiates inhibitor compound selectivity between two substrates Notch and amyloid precursor protein
Authors: Yang Ting , Arslanova Dilyara , Gu Yongli , Augelli-Szafran Corinne , Xia Weiming 
Published: November 2008

Abstract

Background
Deposition of amyloid-β protein (Aβ) is a major pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Aβ is generated from γ-secretase cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP). In addition to APP, γ-secretase also cleaves other type I integral membrane proteins, including the Notch receptor, a key molecule involved in embryonic development.

Results
To explore selective γ-secretase inhibitors, a combination of five methods was used to systematically determine these inhibitors' profiles on the γ-secretase cleavage of APP and Notch. When two potent γ-secretase inhibitors, compound E (cpd E) and DAPT, were used in a conventional in vitro γ-secretase activity assay, cpd E completely blocked Aβ generation from the cleavage of substrate APP C100, but only had a minor effect on Notch cleavage and NICD generation. Next, cpd E and DAPT were applied to HEK293 cells expressing a truncated Notch substrate NotchΔE. Both cpd E and DAPT were more potent in blocking Aβ generation than NICD generation. Third, a reporter construct was created that carried the NICD targeting promoter with three Su(H) binding sequences followed by the luciferase gene. We found that the inhibition of NICD generation by cpd E and DAPT was consistent with the reduced expression of luciferase gene driven by this Notch targeting promoter. Fourth, levels of "Notch-Aβ-like" (Nβ*) peptide derived from two previously reported chimeric APP with its transmembrane domain or the juxtamembrane portion replaced by the Notch sequence were quantified. Measurement of Nβ* peptides by ELISA confirmed that EC50's of cpd E were much higher for Nβ* than Aβ. Finally, the expression levels of Notch target gene her6 in cpd E or DAPT-treated zebrafish were correlated with the degree of tail curvature due to defective somitogenesis, a well characterized Notch phenotype in zebrafish.

Conclusion
Our ELISA-based quantification of Aβ and Nβ* in combination with the test in zebrafish provides a novel approach for efficient cell-based screening and in vivo validation of APP selective γ-secretase inhibitors.
Absence of Somatic SQSTM1 Mutations in Paget’s Disease of Bone
Authors: Matthews Brya G. , Naot Dorit , Bava Usha , Callon Karen E. , Pitto Rocco P. , McCowan Stuart A. , Wattie Diana , Cundy Tim , Cornish Jill , Reid Ian R. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Background: Paget’s disease is a common focal bone disorder that appears to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Mutations in the SQSTM1 gene are found in about one third of families with Paget’s disease and 8% of sporadic cases. Other potential loci linked to the disease have also been identified, and a number of environmental factors have been suggested to be involved in the disease. However, the focal nature of Paget’s is still unexplained. Therefore, we examined the possibility that somatic mutations in the SQSTM1 gene are present in the local lesions, using RNA collected from primary osteoblast and bone marrow cell cultures of patients with this condition.
Methods: SQSTM1 was sequenced, and allelic discrimination for the common P392L mutation was performed in cDNA samples from 14 osteoblast cultures and from 14 cultures of bone marrow cells.
Results: In these 28 samples drawn from 23 patients, the wild-type sequence of SQSTM1 was found in all but one marrow sample, which was heterozygous for the P392L mutation. DNA from peripheral blood in this subject had an identical sequence of SQSTM1, indicating that this was a germline mutation.
Conclusion: We conclude that somatic mutations for SQSTM1 are not commonly present in Paget’s disease.
Common Type 2 Diabetes Risk Gene Variants Associate with Gestational Diabetes
Authors: Lauenborg Jeannet , Grarup Niels , Damm Peter , Borch-Johnsen Knut , Jørgensen Torben , Pedersen Oluf , Hansen Torben 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Objective: We aimed to examine the association between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and 11 recently identified type 2 diabetes susceptibility loci.
Research Design and Methods: Type 2 diabetes risk variants in TCF7L2, CDKAL1, SLC30A8, HHEX/IDE, CDKN2A/2B, IGF2BP2, FTO, TCF2, PPARG, KCNJ11, and WFS1 loci were genotyped in a cohort of women with a history of GDM (n = 283) and glucose-tolerant women of the population-based Inter99 cohort (n = 2446).
Results: All the risk alleles in the 11 examined type 2 diabetes risk variants showed an odds ratio (OR) greater than 1 for the GDM group compared with the control group ranging from 1.13 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.88–1.46] to 1.44 (95% CI 1.19–1.74) except for the WFS1 rs10010131 variant with OR 0.87 (95% CI 0.73–1.05). Combined analysis of all 11 variants showed a highly significant additive effect of multiple risk alleles on risk of GDM [OR 1.18 (95% CI 1.10–1.27)] per risk allele, P = 3.2 × 10−6). Applying receiver-operating characteristic showed an area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve of 0.62 for the genetic test alone and 0.73 when combining information on age, body mass index, and genotypes of the 11 gene variants.
Conclusions: The prevalence in a prior GDM group of several previously proven type 2 diabetes risk alleles equals the findings from association studies on type 2 diabetes. This supports the hypothesis that GDM and type 2 diabetes are two of the same entity.
Hematologic Effects of Levothyroxine in Iron-Deficient Subclinical Hypothyroid Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Study
Authors: Cinemre Hakan , Bilir Cemil , Gokosmanoglu Feyzi , Bahcebasi Talat 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Context: In patients with coexisting iron-deficiency anemia and subclinical hypothyroidism, anemia does not adequately respond to oral iron therapy.
Objective: We studied whether iron-deficiency anemia might indicate treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism.
Design: Patients were assigned to a control or experimental group: 240 mg/d oral iron alone (iron group) or 240 mg/d oral iron plus 75 μg/d levothyroxine (iron/levothyroxine group). Levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cell count, serum iron levels, ferritin, total iron-binding capacity, TSH, and free T4 were measured before and after treatment.
Setting: The study was conducted at a university hospital outpatient clinic.
Patients: Fifty-one patients with coexisting iron-deficiency anemia and subclinical hypothyroidism participated in the study.
Intervention: Patients were treated as described above in either the iron group or the iron/levothyroxine group.
Main Outcome Measure: A clinically satisfactory increase in hemoglobin was regarded as successful.
Results: Mean hemoglobin levels increased by 0.4 g/dl in the iron group [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.2–0.7, P = 0.001], whereas it increased by a mean of 1.9 g/dl in the iron/levothyroxine group (95% CI 1.5–2.3, P &lt; 0.0001). The increase in serum iron was greater in the iron/levothyroxine group by a mean of 47.6 μg/dl (95% CI 34.5–60.6, P &lt; 0.0001). Increases in hemoglobin, red blood cells, hematocrit, and serum ferritin levels after treatment were statistically significantly greater in the iron/levothyroxine group (P &lt; 0.0001). Starting hemoglobin and increase in hemoglobin were negatively correlated in the iron/levothyroxine group (r = −0.531, P = 0.006).
Conclusions: Subclinical hypothyroidism should be treated in iron-deficiency anemia patients when both conditions coexist. This would provide a desired therapeutic response to oral iron replacement and prevent ineffective iron therapy.
Bariatric Surgery: Risks and Rewards
Authors: Pories Walter J. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACT

Context
Over 23 million Americans are afflicted with severe obesity, i.e. their body mass index (in kilograms per square meter) values exceed 35. Of even greater concern is the association of the adiposity with comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiopulmonary failure, asthma, pseudotumor cerebri, infertility, and crippling arthritis.
Objective: Diets, exercise, behavioral modification, and drugs are not effective in these individuals. This article examines the effect of surgery on the control of the weight and the comorbidities, as well as the safety of these operations.
Interventions: Although the article focuses on the outcomes of the three most commonly performed operations, i.e. adjustable gastric banding, the gastric bypass, and the biliopancreatic bypass with duodenal switch, it aims for perspective with the inclusion of abandoned and current investigational procedures, a review of the complications, and an emphasis on the appropriate selection of patients.
Positions: Ample evidence, including controlled randomized studies, now document that bariatric surgery produces durable weight loss exceeding 100 lb (46 kg), full and long-term remission of type 2 diabetes in over 80% with salutary effects on the other comorbidities as well with significant reductions in all-cause mortality. Although the severely obese present with serious surgical risks, bariatric surgery is performed safely with a 0.35% 90-d mortality in Centers of Excellence throughout the United States—similar to the complication rates after cholecystectomy.

Conclusions
Until better approaches become available, bariatric surgery is the therapy of choice for patients with severe obesity.
Effect of High Magnetic Field on the Fabrication of One-dimensional Tellurium Microstructures via a Solvothermal Treatment
Authors: Xu Yongbin , Ren Zhongming , Cao Guanghui , Ren Weili , Deng Kang , Zhong Yunbo 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
The magnetic-field-assisted solvothermal approach has been used in the shape-controlled growth of Te microcrystals. By applying a high magnetic field to the reaction system, the shape of obtained Te microcrystals could be changed greatly. Various techniques such as X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy have been used to characterize the obtained products. The results show that the magnetic field plays a key role in the growth behavior of Te microcrystals. The possible cause of magnetic field effects is discussed.
Luminescent Ionic Liquid Crystals Based on Tripodal Pyridinium Salts
Authors: Tanabe Kana , Yasuda Takuma , Kato Takashi 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Three-fold symmetrical pyridinium salts tethering tridodecyloxyphenyl substituents form liquid-crystalline columnar and micellar cubic phases and exhibit photoluminescent properties in liquid-crystalline states.
Metal–Metal Bond Formed in Tetrakis(2-pyridonato)Copper(II)–Platinum(II)/Palladium(II) Complexes
Authors: Ichieda Naoko , Kamimura Tetsuya , Wasada-Tsutsui Yuko , Funahashi Yasuhiro , Ozawa Tomohiro , Jitsukawa Koichiro , Masuda Hideki 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
New tetrakis(2-pyridonato)copper(II)–palladium(II)/platinum(II) complexes, [CuPd(2-pyrd)4(py)] (1), [CuPt(2-pyrd)4(py)] (2), [CuPd(2-pyrd)4(H2O)] (3), and [CuPt(2-pyrd)4(H2O)] (4) (2-pyrd = 2-pyridone, py = pyridine), were prepared, and the metal–metal bonds between PtII/PdII and CuII atoms were evidenced on the basis of X-ray structural and ESR spectroscopic methods, which were also supported from the DFT calculations.
Hydrogen Selective Catalytic Reduction of NOx Assisted by In Situ Ammonia Formation over Pt Catalyst Supported on Fe-doped Tin Phosphate
Authors: Saito Makoto , Itoh Masahiro , Iwamoto Jun , Machida Ken-ichi 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
In situ formation of ammonia and NOx reduction with high N2 selectivity based on it were observed in the hydrogen selective catalytic reduction (H2-SCR) of NOx over a platinum catalyst supported on a Fe-doped SnP2O7 powder with strong solid acidity even under conditions of high oxygen contents of about 10 vol %.
Nanocrystalline silicon carbide films for solar photovoltaics: The role of dangling-bond defects
Authors: Lim Koeng Su , Shevaleevskiy Oleg 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Thin films of microcrystalline hydrogenated silicon (µc-Si:H) and nanocrystalline silicon carbide (nc-SiC:H) provide a new class of advanced nanostructured materials for solar photovoltaic (PV) devices. We have worked on the fabrication, characterization, and application of these materials for thin film PV solar cells based on amorphous silicon. Here we present an overview of the preparation and characterization methods for heterogeneous SiC:H-based layers. Hydrogenated nc-SiC:H thin film materials with high crystalline volume fraction were deposited using photo-assisted chemical vapor deposition (photo-CVD) technique. The behavior of spin-containing dangling-bond (DB) defects was performed using electron spin resonance (ESR) and transport measurements as a function of sample crystallinity, doping level, and temperature. The electronic and structural properties of intrinsic and doped µc-Si:H and nc-SiC:H thin films are reviewed with the emphasis of the essential role of DB defects on the photoelectronic transport parameters.
Unraveling Epistasis With Triple Testcross Progenies of Near-Isogenic Lines
Authors: Reif Jochen C , Kusterer Barbara , Piepho Hans-Peter , Meyer Rhonda C , Altmann Thomas , Schön Chris C , Melchinger Albrecht E 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Libraries of near-isogenic lines (NILs) are a powerful plant genetic resource to map quantitative trait loci (QTL). Nevertheless, QTL mapping with NILs is mostly restricted to genetic main effects. Here we propose a two-step procedure to map additive-by-additive digenic epistasis with NILs. In the first step, a generation means analysis of parents, their F1 hybrid, and one-segment NILs and their triple testcross (TTC) progenies is used to identify in a one-dimensional scan loci exhibiting QTL-by-background interactions. In a second step, one-segment NILs with significant additive-by-additive background interactions are used to produce particular two-segment NILs to test for digenic epistatic interactions between these segments. We evaluated our approach by analyzing a random subset of a genomewide Arabidopsis thaliana NIL library for growth-related traits. The results of our experimental study illustrated the potential of the presented two-step procedure to map additive-by-additive digenic epistasis with NILs. Furthermore, our findings suggested that additive main effects as well as additive-by-additive digenic epistasis strongly influence the genetic architecture underlying growth-related traits of A. thaliana.