bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Toxins from cone snails: properties, applications and biotechnological production
Authors: Becker Stefan , Terlau Heinrich 
Published: March 2008

AbstractCone snails are marine predators that use venoms to immobilize their prey. The venoms of these mollusks contain a cocktail of peptides that mainly target different voltage- and ligand-gated ion channels. Typically, conopeptides consist of ten to 30 amino acids but conopeptides with more than 60 amino acids have also been described. Due to their extraordinary pharmacological properties, conopeptides gained increasing interest in recent years. There are several conopeptides used in clinical trials and one peptide has received approval for the treatment of pain. Accordingly, there is an increasing need for the production of these peptides. So far, most individual conopeptides are synthesized using solid phase peptide synthesis. Here, we describe that at least some of these peptides can be obtained using prokaryotic or eukaryotic expression systems. This opens the possibility for biotechnological production of also larger amounts of long chain conopeptides for the use of these peptides in research and medical applications.
Surgical Resection of Stage IV Colorectal Cancer and Prognosis
Authors: Katoh Hiroshi , Yamashita Keishi , Kokuba Yukihito , Satoh Takeo , Ozawa Heita , Hatate Kazuhiko , Ihara Atsushi , Nakamura Takatoshi , Onosato Wataru , Watanabe Masahiko 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackgroundColorectal cancer (CRC) harbors accumulated genetic alterations with cancer progression, which results in uncontrollable disease. To regulate the most malignant CRC, we have to know the most dismal phenotype of stage IV disease.MethodsA retrospective review of the Kitasato University Hospital was performed (from 1990 to 2001) to extract the 162 resected stage IV CRC. Clinical variables were tested for their relationship to survival in a multivariate prognostic analysis and revealed the interaction of the prognostic factors.ResultsIn stage IV CRC with noncurable resection, the most robust univariate predictors for poor prognosis were preoperative high value of CA19‐9, peritoneal dissemination, depth of invasion, age, extent of liver metastases, pathologic lymph node metastasis status, and gender as tumor factors, and postoperative therapy, perioperative transfusion, and lymph node dissection extent as treatment factors. Among these factors, postoperative therapy (p< 0.0001), perioperative transfusion (0.0002), CA19‐9 (0.001), extent of liver metastases (0.004), and peritoneal dissemination (0.02) were identified as independent prognostic factors by multivariate analysis. Interestingly, among the independent prognostic factors, treatment factors did not depend upon tumor factors and the combination of the three tumor factors (CA19‐9, extent of liver metastases, and peritoneal dissemination) can clearly classify the patients into the definite prognostic groups.ConclusionOur results suggested that the most dismal CRC harbors three definite vectors that may represent the strongest phenotype of putative systemic immune (CA19‐9), distant metastasis (extent of liver metastases), and local progression (peritoneal dissemination).
Evidence for the Role of Perioperative PTH Measurement after Total Thyroidectomy as a Predictor of Hypocalcemia
Authors: Grodski Simon , Serpell Jonathan 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackgroundTotal thyroidectomy is now accepted worldwide as the standard surgical procedure for the management of benign bilateral nodular thyroid disease. Hypocalcemia is the most common complication of that procedure and a variety of strategies for diagnosing and managing post‐thyroidectomy hypocalcemia have been advocated. Increasingly, the use of intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) has been utilized to try to predict those patients at risk of developing post‐thyroidectomy hypocalcemia.MethodsA Medline search of English language literature was performed and we reviewed the evidence in relation to the following three issues: the accuracy of PTH in predicting hypocalcemia, the optimal timing for measuring PTH, and the routine use of oral calcium supplements.ResultsPost‐thyroidectomy PTH levels accurately predict hypocalcemia but lack 100% accuracy. Progressive and severe hypocalcemia is unlikely in the setting of a normal PTH level and hence PTH can be cautiously used to facilitate discharge within 24 h for many patients. In addition, PTH levels can be used to implement early treatment with calcium and/or vitamin D supplements to reduce the incidence and severity of hypocalcemia. A single PTH measurement taken any time from 10 min to several hours postoperative will provide equally accurate results for predicting post‐thyroidectomy hypocalcemia. Routine use of oral calcium supplements may reduce the incidence and severity of post‐thyroidectomy hypocalcemia.ConclusionPostoperative PTH can be used to stratify the risk of patients developing hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy. In addition, the routine use of oral calcium supplements can lead to decreased incidence and severity of post‐thyroidectomy hypocalcemia. Protocols based on PTH and the routine use of oral calcium supplements can lead to improved patient outcomes after thyroidectomy.
Preoperative Neutrophil‐to‐Lymphocyte Ratio as a Prognostic Predictor after Curative Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Gomez D. , Farid S. , Malik H. Z. , Young A. L. , Toogood G. J. , Lodge J. P. A. , Prasad K. R. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackgroundThis study was designed to evaluate the impact of an elevated preoperative neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) on outcome after curative resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsPatients undergoing resection for HCC from January 1994 to May 2007 were identified from the hepatobiliary database. Demographics, laboratory analyses, and histopathology data were analyzed.ResultsA total of 96 patients were identified with a median age at diagnosis of 65 (range, 15–85) years. The 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year overall survival rates were 80%, 58%, and 52%, respectively. Although the presence of microvascular invasion, NLR ≥5, and R1 resection margin were adverse predictors of overall survival, there were no independent predictors identified on multivariate analysis. The 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year disease‐free survival rates were 74%, 63%, and 57%, respectively. Preoperative tumor biopsy, NLR ≥ 5, multiple liver tumors, microvascular invasion, and R1 resection margin were all predictors of poorer disease‐free survival. Multivariate analysis showed that a NLR ≥ 5 and R1 resection margin were independent predictors of poorer disease‐free survival. The median disease‐free survival of those with a NLR ≥ 5 was 8 months compared with 18 months for those with a NLR < 5.ConclusionPreoperative NLR ≥ 5 was an adverse predictor of disease‐free and overall survival.
Preventing acute infection in total hip prostheses implanted after external fixation of the femur: is there a need for a staged procedure?
Authors: Massè A. , Aprato A. , Guzzi Susini E. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
We report two cases of acute infection of an uncemented femoral component in a hip prosthesis implanted after external fixation of a femoral fracture. In both cases, the surgical access did not cross over the pin scars. When the prosthesis was implanted the stem crossed one or more pin tracts. The preoperative clinical examination, laboratory tests and bone scintigraphy with marked granulocytosis did not show signs of local infection in either case. We suggest that every patient destined to receive a prosthesis after external fixation should be treated with a staged procedure, the first step being excision of the soft tissues around the pin tracts and curettage or drilling of the bony holes, followed by prosthesis implant.
Elastofibroma dorsi: 8 case reports and a literature review
Authors: Muratori F. , Esposito M. , Rosa F. , Liuzza F. , Magarelli N. , Rossi B. , Folath H. M. , Pacelli F. , Maccauro G. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
A series of 8 cases of elastofibroma is reported, and the clinical, pathological and imaging features and different therapeutic modalities are reviewed. On this basis, we suggest an algorithm for the diagnosis and treatment of elastofibroma. Briefly, marginal excision is the treatment of choice in symptomatic patients, while followup appears to be a good solution in asymptomatic ones.
Bridging Science and Practice in Violence Prevention: Addressing Ten Key Challenges
Authors: Saul Janet , Duffy Jennifer , Noonan Rita , Lubell Keri , Wandersman Abraham , Flaspohler Paul , Stillman Lindsey , Blachman Morris , Dunville Richard 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThis article illustrates ideas for bridging science and practice generated during the Division of Violence Prevention's (DVP) dissemination/implementation planning process. The difficulty of moving what is known about what works into broader use is near universal, and this planning process pushed us to look beyond the common explanations (e.g., providers were resistant/unwilling to change practice) and think about the multiple layers and systems involved. As part of this planning process, the Interactive Systems Framework for Dissemination and Implementation (ISF) was developed and then applied to the fields of child maltreatment and youth violence prevention. Challenges for each of the three systems in the ISF are discussed as well as and action and research ideas to address the challenges. Also described are actions taken by DVP in response to the planning process to illustrate how a funder can use the ISF to bridge science and practice.
Change in Pain Severity With Open Label Venlafaxine Use in Patients With a Depressive Symptomatology: An Observational Study in Primary Care
Authors: Begré Stefan , Traber Martin , Gerber Martin , von Känel Roland 
Published: March 2008

AbstractPurpose.Venlafaxine has shown benefit in the treatment of depression and pain. Worldwide data are extensively lacking investigating the outcome of chronic pain patients with depressive symptoms treated by venlafaxine in the primary care setting. This observational study aimed to elucidate the efficacy of venlafaxine and its prescription by Swiss primary care physicians and psychiatrists in patients with chronic pain and depressive symptomatology.Subjects and methods.We studied 505 patients with depressive symptoms suffering from chronic pain in a prospective naturalistic Swiss community based observational trial with venlafaxine in primary care. These patients have been treated with venlafaxine by 122 physicians, namely psychiatrists, general practitioners, and internists.Results.On average, patients were treated with 143 ± 75 mg (0–450 mg) venlafaxine daily for a follow-up of three months. Venlafaxine proved to be beneficial in the treatment of both depressive symptoms and chronic pain.Discussion.Although side effects were absent in most patients, physicians might have frequently omitted satisfactory response rate of depression by underdosing venlafaxine. Our results reflect the complexity in the treatment of chronic pain in patients with depressive symptoms in primary care.Conclusion.Further randomized dose-finding studies are needed to learn more about the appropriate dosage in treating depression and comorbid pain with venlafaxine.
Docosahexaenoic acid-rich fish oil improves heart rate variability and heart rate responses to exercise in overweight adults
Authors: Ninio Daniel M. , Hill Alison M. , Howe Peter R. , Buckley Jonathan D. , Saint David A. 
Published: March 2008

Dietary fish oil supplementation and regular physical activity can improve outcomes in patients with established CVD. Exercise has been shown to improve heart rate variability (HRV), a predictor of cardiac death, but whether fish oil benefits HRV is controversial. Obese adults at risk of future coronary disease have impaired HRV and may benefit from these interventions. We evaluated the effect of DHA-rich tuna fish oil supplementation with and without regular exercise on HRV in sedentary, overweight adults with risk factors for coronary disease. In a randomised, double-blind, parallel comparison, sixty-five volunteers consumed 6 g fish oil/d (DHA 1·56 g/d, EPA 0·36 g/d) or sunflower-seed oil (placebo) for 12 weeks. Half of each oil group also undertook regular moderate physical activity (3 d/week for 45 min, at 75 % of age-predicted maximal heart rate (HR)). Resting HR and the HR response to submaximal exercise were measured at weeks 0, 6 and 12. In forty-six subjects, HRV was also assessed by power spectrum analysis of 20 min electrocardiogram recordings taken supine at baseline and 12 weeks. Fish oil supplementation improved HRV by increasing high-frequency power, representing parasympathetic activity, compared with placebo (P = 0·01; oil × time interaction). It also reduced HR at rest and during submaximal exercise (P = 0·008; oil × time interaction). There were no significant fish oil × exercise interactions. Dietary supplementation with DHA-rich fish oil reduced HR and modulated HRV in keeping with an improved parasympathetic–sympathetic balance in overweight adults with risk factors for future coronary disease.
Protest Leadership in Rural China
Authors: Li Lianjiang , O'brien Kevin J. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractRural protest leaders in China play a number of roles. Among others, they lead the charge, shape collective claims, recruit activists and mobilize the public, devise and orchestrate acts of contention, and organize cross-community efforts. Protest leaders emerge in two main ways. Long-standing public figures initiate popular action on their own or in response to requests from other villagers; and ordinary villagers evolve into protest leaders when efforts to seek redress for a personal grievance fail. Rural officials sometimes attempt to co-opt or buy off protest leaders, but more often turn to repression. Although cracking down may inhibit further contention, at other times it firms up the determination of protest leaders and makes them more prone to adopt confrontational tactics, partly by enhancing their popular support, partly by increasing the costs of withdrawal.
Local Governments and the Suppression of Popular Resistance in China
Authors: Cai Yongshun 
Published: March 2008

AbstractLocal governments are responsible for dealing with many of the instances of resistance in China, and an important mode of response which they use is suppression. This article examines the rationale behind local governments' use of this mode of response. It shows that Chinese citizens who stage resistance are in a weak legal position because their actions often violate the law or government regulations. Given local governments' discretion in interpreting citizens' action, suppression becomes the option when concessions are difficult to make and citizen resistance threatens social stability, policy implementation or local officials' images. However, suppression has not stopped popular resistance, and it remains a channel through which citizens defend or pursue their legitimate rights in China.
Reconsidering the Campaign to Suppress Counterrevolutionaries
Authors: Kuisong Yang 
Published: March 2008

AbstractPower seized with violence has to be maintained with violence. This truth has been repeatedly proved in the course of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party. The suppression of the counterrevolutionary movement in the 1950–53 period was the first campaign launched by the PRC aimed at cleansing opposition elements. This article re-examines Mao Zedong's policies and practices, and the interaction between China's central and local authorities during the campaign. It assesses whether the campaign met its goals and its implications for the future use of suppression by the regime.
Governance Reform towards “Serving Migrant Workers”: The Local Implementation of Central Government Regulations
Authors: Davies Gloria , Ramia Gaby 
Published: March 2008

AbstractUsing data from three provinces as part of a joint study by Monash University in Australia and China's Institute of Labour Science, an affiliate body of the national Ministry of Labour and Social Security, this article examines the extension of social rights and social security coverage to intra-national migrants in China as a public governance issue. More specifically, it analyses how central government regulations on improving the situation of migrant workers are being interpreted and implemented by local governments. In this regard, it offers a unique case study of difficulties encountered in the local implementation of policy directives issued by the central government.
China's 2004 Economic Census and 2006 Benchmark Revision of GDP Statistics: More Questions than Answers?
Authors: Holz Carsten A. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIn 2006, China's National Bureau of Statistics undertook a benchmark revision of national income and product accounts statistics based on the findings of the 2004 economic census. The benchmark revision covers primarily the years 1993–2004 with revised economy-wide and sectoral output values. The new data have three implications. First, despite all the hype only a few years ago about data falsification by local statistical authorities in China, the 2004 economic census results validate the provincial aggregate output values and invalidate the centre's national ones. Second, at the national level, economy-wide as well as sectoral nominal values were revised but real growth rates of some sectors remained unchanged. That is not plausible, and implies that at least the secondary sector real growth rates are erroneous. And finally, the benchmark revision raises questions about the quality and meaning of a large body of official statistics. Ultimately, it casts doubt on the professionalism and sincerity of China's statistical authority.
Improved group-specific PCR primers for denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis of the genetic diversity of complex microbial communities
Authors: Mühling Martin , Woolven-Allen John , Murrell J Colin , Joint Ian 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Phylum- and class-specific PCR primers were tested for the production of clone libraries and for denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis of complex bacterial communities. Primers were designed to specifically amplify 16S rRNA gene fragments of the phyla Bacteroidetes, Planctomycetes and Firmicutes, of three classes of the phylum Proteobacteria, the Alphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria, and of the Cyanobacteria (including chloroplast 16S rRNA genes). The specificity of the seven primer pairs was tested by producing clone libraries from environmental DNA samples from mesotrophic (Norwegian coastal) and oligotrophic (Northern Atlantic Gyre) environments. Five of the seven primer pairs specifically amplified target 16S rRNA gene sequences. Exceptions were the Betaproteobacteria- and Firmicutes-specific primers, which were relatively successful with coastal water mesocosm samples but less so with the Northern Atlantic Gyre sample. Phylogenetic analysis of sequences from the Gammaproteobacteria clone library revealed that the coastal sample yielded a number of clones that clustered within clades that belong to the oligotrophic marine Gammaproteobacteria (OMG) group, indicating that this group is not confined exclusively to the oligotrophic environment. Comparison of the bacterial diversity of the environmental DNA sample from the coastal and the open ocean using a two- or three-step nested PCR-DGGE process revealed significant differences in the bacterial communities. The application of the group-specific primers provides a higher resolution genetic fingerprinting approach than existing DGGE primer sets.
The Taverna Interaction Service: enabling manual interaction in workflows
Authors: Lanzén Anders , Oinn Tom 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Summary: Taverna is an application that eases the integration of tools and databases for life science research by the construction of workflows. The Taverna Interaction Service extends the functionality of Taverna by defining human interaction within a workflow and acting as a mediation layer between the automated workflow engine and one or more users.
Availability: Taverna, the Interaction Service plug-in and web application are available as open source and can be downloaded from http://taverna.sourceforge.net/
Contact: taverna-users@lists.sourceforge.net
PlasmoGF: an integrated system for comparative genomics and phylogenetic analysis of Plasmodium gene families
Authors: Xu Xiang , Wu Jinyu , Xiao Jian , Tan Yi , Bao Qiyu , Zhao Fangqing , Li Xiaokun 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Summary: Malaria, one of the world's most common diseases, is caused by the intracellular protozoan parasite known as Plasmodium. Recently, with the arrival of several malaria parasite genomes, we established an integrated system named PlasmoGF for comparative genomics and phylogenetic analysis of Plasmodium gene families. Gene families were clustered using the Markov Cluster algorithm implemented in TribeMCL program and could be searched using keywords, gene-family information, domain composition, Gene Ontology and BLAST. Moreover, a number of useful bioinformatics tools were implemented to facilitate the analysis of these putative Plasmodium gene families, including gene retrieval, annotation, sequence alignment, phylogeny construction and visualization. In the current version, PlasmoGF contained 8980 sets of gene families derived from six malaria parasite genomes: Plasmodium. falciparum, P. berghei, P. knowlesi, P. chabaudi, P. vivax and P. yoelii. The availability of such a highly integrated system would be of great interest for the community of researchers working on malaria parasite phylogenomics.
Availability: PlasmoGF is freely available at http://bioinformatics.zj.cn/pgf/
Contact: xiaokunli@163.net; baoqy@genomics.org.cn; fuz3@psu.edu
A nearest neighbor approach for automated transporter prediction and categorization from protein sequences
Authors: Li Haiquan , Dai Xinbin , Zhao Xuechun 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Motivation: Membrane transport proteins play a crucial role in the import and export of ions, small molecules or macromolecules across biological membranes. Currently, there are a limited number of published computational tools which enable the systematic discovery and categorization of transporters prior to costly experimental validation. To approach this problem, we utilized a nearest neighbor method which seamlessly integrates homologous search and topological analysis into a machine-learning framework.
Results: Our approach satisfactorily distinguished 484 transporter families in the Transporter Classification Database, a curated and representative database for transporters. A five-fold cross-validation on the database achieved a positive classification rate of 72.3% on average. Furthermore, this method successfully detected transporters in seven model and four non-model organisms, ranging from archaean to mammalian species. A preliminary literature-based validation has cross-validated 65.8% of our predictions on the 11 organisms, including 55.9% of our predictions overlapping with 83.6% of the predicted transporters in TransportDB.
Availability and Supplementary information: http://bioinfo.noble.org/manuscript-support/transporter/
Contact: pzhao@noble.org