bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum levels of preS antigen (HBpreSAg) in chronic hepatitis B virus infected patients
Authors: Lian Min , Zhou Xu , Wei Lai , Qiu Shihong , Zhou Tong , Li Lanfen , Gu Xiaocheng , Luo Ming , Zheng Xiaofeng 
Published: September 2007

Abstract

Background
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious health problem worldwide. Treatment recommendation and response are mainly indicated by viral load, e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion, and ALT levels. The S antigen (HBsAg) seroconversion is much less frequent. Since HBeAg can be negative in the presence of high viral replication, preS antigen (HBpreSAg) might be a useful indicator in management of chronic HBV infection.

Results
A new assay of double antibody sandwich ELISA was established to detect preS antigens. Sera of 104 HBeAg-negative and 50 HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients have been studied and 23 HBeAg-positive patients were enrolled in a treatment follow-up study. 70% of the HBeAg-positive patients and 47% of the HBeAg-negative patients showed HBpreSAg positive. Particularly, in the HBeAg-negative patients, 30 out of 47 HBpreSAg positive patients showed no evidence of viral replication based on HBV DNA copies. A comparison with HBV DNA copies demonstrated that the overall accuracy of the HBpreSAg test could reach 72% for active HBV replication. HBpreSAg changes were well correlated with changes of HBsAg, HBV DNA and ALT levels during the course of IFN-α treatment and follow-up. HBeAg positive patients responded well to treatment when reduction of HBpreSAg levels was more pronounced.

Conclusion
Our results suggested that HBpreSAg could be detected effectively, and well correlated with HBsAg and HBV DNA copies. The reduction of HBpreSAg levels in conjunction with the HBV DNA copies appears to be an improved predictor of treatment outcome.
Lack of evidence of WNT3A as a candidate gene for congenital vertebral malformations
Authors: Ghebranious Nader , Raggio Cathleen L , Blank Robert D , McPherson Elizabeth , Burmester James K , Ivacic Lynn , Rasmussen Kristen , Kislow Jennifer , Glurich Ingrid , Jacobsen F Stig , Faciszewski Thomas , Pauli Richard M , Boachie-Adjei Oheneba , Giampietro Philip F 
Published: September 2007

Abstract

Background
Prior investigations have not identified a major locus for vertebral malformations, providing evidence that there is genetic heterogeneity for this condition. WNT3A has recently been identified as a negative regulator of Notch signaling and somitogenesis. Mice with mutations in Wnt3a develop caudal vertebral malformations. Because congenital vertebral malformations represent a sporadic occurrence, linkage approaches to identify genes associated with human vertebral development are not feasible. We hypothesized that WNT3A mutations might account for a subset of congenital vertebral malformations.

Methods
A pilot study was performed using a cohort of patients with congenital vertebral malformations spanning the entire vertebral column was characterized. DNA sequence analysis of the WNT3A gene in these 50 patients with congenital vertebral malformations was performed.

Results
A female patient of African ancestry with congenital scoliosis and a T12-L1 hemivertebrae was found to be heterozygous for a missense variant resulting in the substitution of alanine by threonine at codon 134 in highly conserved exon 3 of the WNT3A gene. This variant was found at a very low prevalence (0.35%) in a control population of 443 anonymized subjects and 1.1% in an African population.

Conclusion
These data suggest that WNT3A does not contribute towards the development of congenital vertebral malformations. Factors such as phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity may underlie our inability to detect mutations in WNT3A in our patient sample.
Inherent change in MammoSite applicator three-dimensional geometry over time
Authors: Mutyala Subhakar , Choi Walter , Khan Atif J , Yaparpalvi Ravi , Stewart Alexandra J , Devlin Phillip M 
Published: September 2007

AbstractAccelerated partial breast irradiation is commonly done with the MammoSite applicator, which requires symmetry to treat the patient. This paper describes three cases that were asymmetric when initially placed and became symmetric over time, without manipulation.
Efficacy of chordal cutting in alleviating ischemic mitral regurgitation: insights from 3-dimensional echocardiography
Authors: Sai-Sudhakar Chittoor B , Vandse Rashmi , Armen Todd A , Bickle Katherine M , Nathan Nadia S 
Published: September 2007

Abstract

Background
Ischemic mitral regurgitation often complicates severe ischemic heart disease and adversely affects the prognosis in these patients. There is wide variation in the clinical spectrum of ischemic mitral regurgitation due to varying location and chronicity of ischemia and anomalies in annular and ventricular remodeling. As a result, there is lack of consensus in treating these patients. Treatment has to be individualized for each patient. Most of the available surgical options do not consistently correct this condition in all the patients. Chordal cutting is one of the newer surgical approaches in which cutting a limited number of critically positioned basal chordae have found success by relieving the leaflet tethering and thereby improving the coaptation of leaflets. Three-dimensional echocardiography is a potentially valuable tool in identifying the specific pattern of tethering and thus the suitability of this procedure in a given clinical scenario.

Case Presentation
A 66-year-old man with cardiomyopathy and ischemic mitral regurgitation presented to us with the features of congestive heart failure. The three-dimensional echocardiography revealed severe mitral regurgitation associated with the tethering of the lateral (P1) and medial (P3) scallops of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve due to secondary chordal attachments. The ejection fraction was only 15% with severe global systolic and diastolic dysfunction. Mitral regurgitation was successfully corrected with mitral annuloplasty and resection of the secondary chordae tethering the medial and lateral scallops of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve.

Conclusion
Cutting the second order chordae along with mitral annuloplasty could be a novel method to remedy Ischemic mitral regurgitation by relieving the tethering of the valve leaflets. The preoperative three-dimensional echocardiography should be considered in all patients with Ischemic mitral regurgitation to assess the complex three-dimensional interactions between the mitral valve apparatus and the left ventricle. This aids in timely surgical planning.
IL-23 induces human osteoclastogenesis via IL-17 in vitro, and anti-IL-23 antibody attenuates collagen-induced arthritis in rats
Authors: Yago Toru , Nanke Yuki , Kawamoto Manabu , Furuya Takefumi , Kobashigawa Tsuyoshi , Kamatani Naoyuki , Kotake Shigeru 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThis study demonstrates that IL-23 stimulates the differentiation of human osteoclasts from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Furthermore, in vivo blockade of endogenous IL-23 activity by treatment with anti-IL-23 antibody attenuates collagen-induced arthritis in rats by preventing both inflammation and bone destruction. IL-23 induced human osteoclastogenesis in cultures of PBMC in the absence of osteoblasts or exogenous soluble-receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL). This IL-23-induced osteoclastogenesis was inhibited by osteoprotegerin, anti-IL-17 antibody, and etanercept, suggesting that RANKL, IL-17, and TNF-alpha are involved. In addition, we found the ratio of production levels of IL-17 to those of IFN-gamma from activated human T cells was elevated at 1 to 10 ng/ml IL-23. The inductive effect of IL-17 and the inhibitory effect of IFN-gamma on osteoclastogenesis indicate that the balance of these two cytokines is particularly important. We also demonstrated that IL-23 administered at a later stage significantly reduced paw volume in rats with collagen-induced arthritis, in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, anti-IL-23 antibody reduced synovial tissue inflammation and bone destruction in these rats. These findings suggest that IL-23 is important in human osteoclastogenesis and that neutralizing IL-23 after onset of collagen-induced arthritis has therapeutic potential. Thus, controlling IL-23 production and function could be a strategy for preventing inflammation and bone destruction in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Platelet-derived exosomes induce endothelial cell apoptosis through peroxynitrite generation: experimental evidence for a novel mechanism of septic vascular dysfunction
Authors: Gambim Marcela Helena , de Oliveira do Carmo Alipio , Marti Luciana , Veríssimo-Filho Sidney , Lopes Lucia Rossetti , Janiszewski Mariano 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Introduction
Several studies link hematological dysfunction to severity of sepsis. Previously we showed that platelet-derived microparticles from septic patients induce vascular cell apoptosis through the NADPH oxidase-dependent release of superoxide. We sought to further characterize the microparticle-dependent vascular injury pathway.

Methods
During septic shock there is increased generation of thrombin, TNF-α and nitric oxide (NO). Human platelets were exposed for 1 hour to the NO donor diethylamine-NONOate (0.5 μM), lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 100 ng/ml), TNF-α (40 ng/ml), or thrombin (5 IU/ml). Microparticles were recovered through filtration and ultracentrifugation and analyzed by electron microscopy, flow cytometry or Western blotting for protein identification. Redox activity was characterized by lucigenin (5 μM) or coelenterazine (5 μM) luminescence and by 4,5-diaminofluorescein (10 mM) and 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein (10 mM) fluorescence. Endothelial cell apoptosis was detected by phosphatidylserine exposure and by measurement of caspase-3 activity with an enzyme-linked immunoassay.

Results
Size, morphology, high exposure of the tetraspanins CD9, CD63, and CD81, together with low phosphatidylserine, showed that platelets exposed to NONOate and LPS, but not to TNF-α or thrombin, generate microparticles similar to those recovered from septic patients, and characterize them as exosomes. Luminescence and fluorescence studies, and the use of specific inhibitors, revealed concomitant superoxide and NO generation. Western blots showed the presence of NO synthase II (but not isoforms I or III) and of the NADPH oxidase subunits p22phox, protein disulfide isomerase and Nox. Endothelial cells exposed to the exosomes underwent apoptosis and caspase-3 activation, which were inhibited by NO synthase inhibitors or by a superoxide dismutase mimetic and totally blocked by urate (1 mM), suggesting a role for the peroxynitrite radical. None of these redox properties and proapoptotic effects was evident in microparticles recovered from platelets exposed to thrombin or TNF-α.

Conclusion
We showed that, in sepsis, NO and bacterial elements are responsible for type-specific platelet-derived exosome generation. Those exosomes have an active role in vascular signaling as redox-active particles that can induce endothelial cell caspase-3 activation and apoptosis by generating superoxide, NO and peroxynitrite. Thus, exosomes must be considered for further developments in understanding and treating vascular dysfunction in sepsis.
Atherosclerosis and liver inflammation induced by increased dietary cholesterol intake: a combined transcriptomics and metabolomics analysis
Authors: Kleemann Robert , Verschuren Lars , van Erk Marjan J , Nikolsky Yuri , Cnubben Nicole HP , Verheij Elwin R , Smilde Age K , Hendriks Henk FJ , Zadelaar Susanne , Smith Graham J , Kaznacheev Valery , Nikolskaya Tatiana , Melnikov Anton , Hurt-Camejo Eva , van der Greef Jan , van Ommen Ben , Kooistra Teake 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Background
Increased dietary cholesterol intake is associated with atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis development requires a lipid and an inflammatory component. It is unclear where and how the inflammatory component develops. To assess the role of the liver in the evolution of inflammation, we treated ApoE*3Leiden mice with cholesterol-free (Con), low (LC; 0.25%) and high (HC; 1%) cholesterol diets, scored early atherosclerosis and profiled the (patho)physiological state of the liver using novel whole-genome and metabolome technologies.

Results
Whereas the Con diet did not induce early atherosclerosis, the LC diet did so but only mildly, and the HC diet induced it very strongly. With increasing dietary cholesterol intake, the liver switches from a resilient, adaptive state to an inflammatory, pro-atherosclerotic state. The liver absorbs moderate cholesterol stress (LC) mainly by adjusting metabolic and transport processes. This hepatic resilience is predominantly controlled by SREBP-1/-2, SP-1, RXR and PPARα. A further increase of dietary cholesterol stress (HC) additionally induces pro-inflammatory gene expression, including pro-atherosclerotic candidate genes. These HC-evoked changes occur via specific pro-inflammatory pathways involving specific transcriptional master regulators, some of which are established, others newly identified. Notably, several of these regulators control both lipid metabolism and inflammation, and thereby link the two processes.

Conclusion
With increasing dietary cholesterol intake the liver switches from a mainly resilient (LC) to a predominantly inflammatory (HC) state, which is associated with early lesion formation. Newly developed, functional systems biology tools allowed the identification of novel regulatory pathways and transcriptional regulators controlling both lipid metabolism and inflammatory responses, thereby providing a rationale for an interrelationship between the two processes.
Recovery and Separation of Precious Metals Using Waste Paper
Authors: Adhikari Chaitanya Raj , Parajuli Durga , Kawakita Hidetaka , Chand Rumi , Inoue Katsutoshi , Ohto Keisuke 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
An adsorption gel was prepared from waste paper by immobilizing iminodiacetic acid so as to investigate its adsorption behavior for various metal ions from chloride media. The gel was found to be selective for AuIII and PdII over PtIV and other base metal ions including CuII, FeIII, NiII and ZnII at varying concentrations of hydrochloric acid. Moreover, AuIII was reduced by the gel giving rise to clearly recognizable beautiful elemental gold particles which was confirmed by means of the XRD-spectrum and SEM-images of the adsorbent after adsorption. This result has increased the prospect for mutual separation of AuIII and PdII from coexisting PtIV and base metals.
Absorption Spectra of Imidazolium Ionic Liquids
Authors: Katoh Ryuzi 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
The absorption spectra of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([bmim][PF6]) and 1-methyl-3-butylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ([bmim][TFSI]) were measured. The similarity of the spectra in the liquid phase with the corresponding solution spectra shows that weak electronic intermolecular interaction occurs in these ionic liquids.
Preparation of Mesoporous Silica and Carbon Using Gelatin or Gelatin–Phenol–Formaldehyde Polymer Blend as Template
Authors: Lin Yu-Chin , Hsu Chun-Han , Lin Hong-Ping , Tang Chih-Yuan , Lin Ching-Yen 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Mesoporous silica and carbon with high surface area and large pore size were readily prepared in a dilute silica solution at pH ≈4.0–6.0 by using the biodegradable gelatin or gelatin–phenol–formaldehyde polymer blend as template.
Hypervalent Silicon and Phosphorus Atoms in Single Molecules: Synthesis and Properties of Phosphoranylalkoxysilicates and a Phosphoranyloxysilicate
Authors: Kano Naokazu , Miyake Hideaki , Kawashima Takayuki 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
The first hypervalent compounds containing both a pentacoordinated silicon atom and a pentacoordinated phosphorus atom were synthesized by the cooperative three-component reaction of a phosphoranide, a silane, and THF accompanying the ring opening of THF, or by the nucleophilic addition of phosphoranylalkoxides to a silane. Hydrolysis of the phosphoranyloxysilicate and phosphoranylalkoxysilicates gave the hydroxysilicate and the corresponding phosphoranes.
Continuous Hydrothermal Preparation of Partially Substituted Perovskite Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Lu Jinfeng , Hakuta Yukiya , Hayashi Hiromichi , Ohashi Tomotsugu , Hoshi Yasushi , Sato Koichi , Nishioka Masateru , Inoue Tomoya , Hamakawa Satoshi 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Using a supercritical flow system, in which supercritical water was utilized as reaction medium, nanoparticles of partially substituted perovskite oxide (Ca0.8Sr0.2Ti0.9Fe0.1O3−α) were rapidly formed within a 10 s reaction time. The average particle size is 20 nm, and BET specific surface area is 70.6 m2/g.
Patterning of Self-assembled Thin Films Using Vacuum Ultraviolet Irradiation Through Anodic Porous Alumina Mask
Authors: Harada Masahiro , Murata Sunao , Yanagishita Takashi , Sugimura Hiroyuki , Nishio Kazuyuki , Masuda Hideki 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
The high-throughput patterning of self-assembled monolayer (SAM) on Au substrates could be achieved by vacuum ultraviolet (VUV: λ=172 nm) irradiation through an anodic porous alumina mask. The fluorescence image of the patterned SAM indicated the formation of a hole array on the submicron scale identical to that in the alumina mask.
Zirconocene-mediated Preparation of Precursors for Estratriene Synthesis
Authors: Herrmann Pavel , Budešínský Miloš , Kotora Martin 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Zirconium-mediated cyclization of an allyl-ene compound afforded organozirconium intermediate, which after alkylation (allylation and acylation) afforded either dienes or unsaturated ketones. These are considered to be precursors further elaboration of which should yield functionlized steroids.
Hypervalent Iodine-mediated Efficient Synthesis of Imidazoles
Authors: Das Biswanath , Srinivas Yallamalla , Holla Harish , Krishnaiah Maddeboina , Narender Ravirala 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
The condensation of an α-hydroxy ketone with an aldehyde and ammonium acetate in the presence of diacetoxy iodobenzene (DIB) produced the corresponding imidazole in excellent yield.
Complexation of Some Phenol Hosts with Quinoline N-Oxide and the Structural Studies of Their Complexes by X-ray Crystallography
Authors: Hatano Bunpei , Aikawa Akiko , Katagiri Hiroshi , Tagaya Hideyuki , Takahashi Hiroki 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
The 1:1 inclusion complexes of phenol hosts, 4,4′-isopropylidenebisphenol, 4,4′-cyclohexylidenebisphenol, and 4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenol, with quinoline N-oxide were obtained in good yields. Single-crystal X-ray structural analyses revealed the molecular arrangement of the inclusion complexes.
Effect of Base Additives on the Selective Hydrogenolysis of Glycerol over Ru/TiO2 Catalyst
Authors: Feng Jian , Wang Jinbo , Zhou Yafen , Fu Haiyan , Chen Hua , Li Xianjun 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Under mild reaction conditions (170 °C, 3 MPa), glycerol is hydrogenolyzed to 1,2-propanediol with very high selectivity at high conversion using Ru/TiO2 as catalyst in basic aqueous solution. The base aids the initial dehydrogenation of glycerol to glyceraldehyde and promotes the dehydration of glyceraldehyde to 2-hydroxyacrolein.
Involvement of Electron Transfer in the Radical-scavenging Reaction of Resveratrol
Authors: Nakanishi Ikuo , Shimada Tomokazu , Ohkubo Kei , Manda Sushma , Shimizu Takehiko , Urano Shiro , Okuda Haruhiro , Miyata Naoki , Ozawa Toshihiko , Anzai Kazunori , Fukuzumi Shunichi , Ikota Nobuo , Fukuhara Kiyoshi 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Resveratrol (3,4′,5-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) efficiently scavenges an oxygen radical via an electron transfer from resveratrol to the radical in deaerated acetonitrile, which is significantly accelerated by the presence of magnesium ion.
Umbilical cord blood serum procalcitonin by Time-Resolved Amplified Cryptate Emission (TRACE) technology: reference values of a potential marker of vertically transmitted neonatal sepsis
Authors: Llorente Elena , Prieto Belén , Cardo Leyre , Avello Noelia , Alvarez Francisco V. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractClin Chem Lab Med 2007;45:1531–5.
Evaluation of genus-specific and species-specific real-time PCR assays for the identification of Brucella spp.
Authors: Al Dahouk Sascha , Nöckler Karsten , Scholz Holger C. , Pfeffer Martin , Neubauer Heinrich , Tomaso Herbert 
Published: September 2007

AbstractClin Chem Lab Med 2007;45:1464–70.
Redefining functional sensitivity of thyroglobulin assay on Immulite platform: implications in thyroid cancer management
Authors: Giovanella Luca , Ceriani Luca , Ghelfo Antonella 
Published: September 2007

AbstractCirculating thyroglobulin (Tg) measurement after thyrotropin stimulation is a pivotal tool in the management of patients affected by differentiated thyroid carcinoma. The Tg assay on Immulite platform has a declared functional sensitivity of 0.9 ng/mL and it is widely used in clinical practice and research on thyroid carcinoma. Recently, thyroglobulin measured during thyroxine treatment was found to be adequate for thyroid carcinoma follow-up if functional sensitivity at 0.2–0.3 ng/mL was reached by assay methods. Thus, the present study was then undertaken to evaluate the imprecision of Immulite Tg assay at very low concentrations. The detection limit was calculated on zero calibrator and Tg-free pooled sera replicates and was 0.14 and 0.16 ng/mL, respectively. Different serum pools with Tg concentrations ranging from 0.16 to 2.50 ng/mL were assayed according to the National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry guidelines to estimate functional sensitivity. By interpolating the imprecision profile with a coefficient of variation of 20%, the functional sensitivity was 0.36 ng/mL. The Immulite-Tg assay was directly compared with a high-sensitive immunoradiometric Tg assay in sera from 93 patients with thyroid carcinomas. No significant differences in sensitivity and specificity were observed by using the newly defined functional sensitivity. In conclusion, the Immulite Tg assay showed a lower functional sensitivity than expected and performed comparably to high-sensitive immunoradiometric assay in patients with thyroid carcinoma.Clin Chem Lab Med 2007;45:1523–4.
A Simple Triaxial System for Evaluating the Performance of Unsaturated Soils Under Repeated Loading
Authors: Thom R. , Sivakumar V. , Brown J. , Hughes D. 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Unsaturated soils constitute a large proportion of the foundation materials supporting infrastructure throughout the world and they are subject to various loading conditions. This paper describes the development of a simple system for testing unsaturated soils under repeated loading. The equipment was comprised of a modified triaxial cell with hydraulic loading system, hall-effect transducers for on-sample strain measurements, and thermocouple psychrometer for suction measurements. A number of undrained monotonic and repeated loading triaxial tests were performed on compacted samples of kaolin clay in order to attest the newly developed system. The results yielded some useful information on the resilient modulus and permanent deformation of a soil when subjected to repeated loading. There is some difference between the failure deviator stress of samples subjected to repeated and monotonic loading, though repeated loading continued to result in a significant permanent deformation. This paper is aimed at demonstrating the key features of the equipment using preliminary data generated as part of the on-going research.