bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
West Nile virus and blood product safety in Germany
Authors: Pfleiderer Christa , Blümel Johannes , Schmidt Michael , Roth W. Kurth , Houfar M. Kai , Eckert Jana , Chudy Michael , Menichetti Eva , Lechner Sigrid , Nübling C. Micha 
Published: January 2008

AbstractWest Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito‐transmitted flavivirus, widely distributed throughout Africa, Asia and the Middle East. WNV may cause epidemics of human meningoencephalitis. The unexpected emergence of WNV (New York, 1999) and its rapid spread throughout North America during the following years caused a number of blood transfusion‐ and organ transplant‐associated transmissions of WNV. In order to estimate the potential WNV threat for Central Europe, we analyzed the anti‐WNV prevalence and WNV‐RNA incidence among 14,437 and 9,976 blood donors from Germany. There was a high rate of initially anti‐WNV reactives (5.9%), but only a few cases (0.03%) were confirmed as anti‐WNV positive by neutralization assay. No WNV‐RNA positive blood donor was identified in this study. Whereas WNV‐RNA was frequently detected in manufacturing plasma pools from the US, none was detected in pools of European or Asian origin. Virus inactivation steps integrated into the manufacturing process of plasma derivatives were shown to be sufficient to assure the WNV safety of plasma derivatives. A well‐characterized WNV reference material was prepared, showing 340 WNV‐RNA copies per infectious dose. J. Med. Virol. 80:557–563, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Presence of tropical spastic paraparesis/human T‐cell lymphotropic virus type 1‐associated myelopathy (TSP/HAM)‐like among HIV‐1‐infected patients
Authors: Casseb Jorge , de Oliveira Augusto César Penalva , Vergara Maria Paulina Posada , Montanheiro Patricia , Bonasser Francisco , Meilman Ferreira Claudio , Smid Jerusa , Duarte Alberto José da Silva 
Published: January 2008

AbstractHuman immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) and human T‐cell lymphotropic virus types 1 and 2 (HTLV‐1 and ‐2) are retroviruses that share similar routes of transmission and some individuals may have a dual infection. These co‐infected subjects may be at increased risk for tropical spastic paraparesis/HTLV‐1‐associated myelopathy (TSP/HAM)‐like. To study the prevalence of tropical spastic paraparesis/HTLV‐1‐associated myelopathy (TSP/HAM) among co‐infected HIV‐1/HTLV‐1 subjects. Since July 1997, our group has been following a cohort to study the interaction of HTLV with HIV and/or hepatitis C virus (HCV), as well as HTLV‐1‐only infected asymptomatic carriers or those already presenting with TSP/HAM. During these 9 years, 296 HTLV‐1‐infected individuals were identified from a total of 538 patients who were referred to our clinic at the Institute of Infectious Diseases “Emílio Ribas,” in São Paulo, Brazil. All subjects were evaluated by two neurologists, blinded to the HTLV status. TSP/HAM diagnosis was based on Kagoshima diagnostic criteria. Results: A total of 38 HIV‐1/HTLV‐1 co‐infected subjects were identified in this cohort: Twenty‐six had already been diagnosed with AIDS and 12 remained asymptomatic. Six of 38 co‐infected subjects (18%) were diagnosed as having TSP/HAM and also AIDS, and for 5 of them TSP/HAM was their first illness. One additional incident case was diagnosed after 2 years of follow‐up. No modifications on HIV‐1 viral load was seen. In contrast, the co‐infected with TSP/HAM‐like group showed higher HTLV‐1 proviral load (505 ± 380 vs. 97 ± 149 copies/104 PBMC, P = 0.012) than asymptomatic co‐infected subjects, respectively. The incidence of myelopathy among HIV‐1/HTLV‐1 co‐infected subjects is probably higher than among patients infected only with HTLV‐1, and related to a higher HTLV‐1 proviral load. Thus, HTLV‐1/2 screening should be done for all HIV‐1‐infected patients in areas where HTLV‐1 infection is endemic. J. Med. Virol. 80:392–398, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells in a canine disc degeneration model
Authors: Hiyama Akihiko , Mochida Joji , Iwashina Toru , Omi Hiroko , Watanabe Takuya , Serigano Kenji , Tamura Futoshi , Sakai Daisuke 
Published: January 2008

AbstractTransplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is effective in decelerating disc degeneration in small animals; much remains unknown about this new therapy in larger animals or humans. Fas‐ligand (FasL), which is only found in tissues with isolated immune privilege, is expressed in IVDs, particularly in the nucleus pulposus (NP). Maintaining the FasL level is important for IVD function. This study evaluated whether MSC transplantation has an effect on the suppression of disc degeneration and preservation of immune privilege in a canine model of disc degeneration. Mature beagles were separated into a normal control group (NC), a MSC group, and the disc degeneration (nucleotomy‐only) group. In the MSC group, 4 weeks after nucleotomy, MSCs were transplanted into the degeneration‐induced discs. The animals were followed for 12 weeks after the initial operation. Subsequently, radiological, histological, biochemical, immunohistochemical, and RT‐PCR analyses were performed. MSC transplantation effectively led to the regeneration of degenerated discs. FACS and RT‐PCR analyses of MSCs before transplantation demonstrated that the MSCs expressed FasL at the genetic level, not at the protein level. GFP‐positive MSCs detected in the NP region 8 weeks after transplantation expressed FasL protein. The results of this study suggest that MSC transplantation may contribute to the maintenance of IVD immune privilege by the differentiation of transplanted MSCs into cells expressing FasL. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:589–600, 2008
PAN based quasi carbon whiskers reinforced PI polyblends: Microhardness, mechanical, hydraulic, and morphological study
Authors: Kurmvanshi S.K. , Gupta A.K. , Patel P.R. , Bajpai R. , Keller J.M. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractPolyimide (PI)/Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) polyblend films were prepared using solution cast technique by spin coating unit. PAN was incorporated within the PI matrix in different concentration i.e. 10−3, 10−2, 10−1, and 1 wt% to prepare polyblend films. The PI polyblend film incorporated with 10−1 wt% PAN and cured at 330°C produces well defined quasi carbon whiskers within the PI matrix. Evidence of the orientation of these carbon whiskers was indicated by optical microscopy and AFM. The improved microhardness, mechanical performance, and hydraulic resistivity of 10−1 wt% PI/PAN polyblend film was observed and attributed to the orientation of these partially carbonized whiskers within PI matrix. The overall property decreases with increasing the concentration of PAN over 10−1 wt%. The incorporation of ultra low concentration of PAN within the PI provides means of achieving excellent combination of microhardness, mechanical, and hydraulic resistance with improved morphology. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Microdomain composition and properties differences of biodegradable polyurethanes based on MDI and HDI
Authors: Fernández d'Arlas Borja , Rueda Lorena , de la Caba Koro , Mondragon Iñaki , Eceiza Arantxa 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe study of the effect of the diisocyanate structure on the microstructure and macroscopic properties of polyurethanes was the main aim of this work. Biodegradable segmented thermoplastic elastomeric polyurethanes based on a poly(hexamethylene carbonate‐co‐caprolactone)diol (PHM‐co‐PCL) as soft segment were synthesized using 1,4‐butanediol (BD) as chain extender and both 4,4′‐diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) and 1,6‐hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) as components of the hard segment by the two shoot synthesis procedure. Microphase structure and properties were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) as complementary techniques, used to characterize thermal transitions of the polyurethanes and to assign them to determinate functional groups interactions. Gaussian deconvolution technique was used to decompose carbonyl region in four peaks and to study the hydrogen bonding within the different polyurethanes. Both DSC and FTIR showed that MDI‐based biodegradable polyurethanes were less phase segregated than to those based on HDI, and thus that diisocyanate structure has an important role on microdomain composition and polyurethanes properties. Macroscopic properties as hardness and water‐polymer contact angles are related to polyurethanes microphase compositions. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Proteomic analysis of the pathophysiological process involved in the antisnake venom effect of Mucuna pruriens extract
Authors: Guerranti Roberto , Ogueli Ifeanyi G. , Bertocci Erica , Muzzi Chiara , Aguiyi John C. , Cianti Riccardo , Armini Alessandro , Bini Luca , Leoncini Roberto , Marinello Enrico , Pagani Roberto 
Published: January 2008

AbstractPreviously, we reported the antisnake venom properties of a Mucuna pruriens seed extract (MPE) and tested its in vivo efficacy against Echis carinatus venom (EV) in short‐ (1 injection) and long‐term (three weekly injections) treatments. The aim of the present study was to investigate plasma proteome changes associated with MPE treatments and identify proteins responsible for survival of envenomated mice (CHALLENGED mice). Six treatment groups were studied. Three control groups: one saline, one short‐term and one long‐term MPE treatment. One group received EV alone. Two test groups received EV with either a short‐term or long‐term MPE treatment (CHALLENGED mice). The plasma from each group was analysed by 2‐DE/MALDI‐TOF MS. The most significant changes with treatment were: albumin, haptoglobin, fibrinogen, serum amyloid A and serum amyloid P. Most of these changes were explained by EV effects on coagulation, inflammation and haemolysis. However, MPE treatments prevented the EV‐induced elevation in HPT. Consequently, HPT levels were similar to controls in the plasma of CHALLENGED mice. The plasma of CHALLENGED mice showed substantial proteomic modifications. This suggests the mechanism of MPE protection involves the activation of counterbalancing processes to compensate for the imbalances caused by EV.
Guiding research in family care: a new approach to oncology caregiving
Authors: Sherwood Paula R. , Given Barbara A. , Donovan Heidi , Baum Andrew , Given Charles W. , Bender Catherine M. , Schulz Richard 
Published: January 2008

AbstractObjective: Much research has documented both negative emotional and physical health conditions that may result from providing care to a family member with an illness. However, little has been done in family caregiving, particularly in oncology, to evaluate pathways in which biological and behavioral responses to stress may interact. The purpose of this article is to describe how a mind‐body (biobehavioral) model can be adapted to study family caregivers of persons with a brain tumor.Method: A systematic literature review was performed on caregiving literature in the area of dementia and oncology to provide support for proposed relationships in the model.Results: Prior research supports the application of a biobehavioral model to family caregiving in neuro‐oncology and suggests ways in which emotional reactions to caregiving may be manifested as changes in physical health.Conclusion: Suggestions for conducting biobehavioral research in oncology caregiving and alternative variables for future research are presented. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Approximating average parameters of graphs
Authors: Goldreich Oded , Ron Dana 
Published: January 2008

AbstractInspired by Feige (36th STOC, 2004), we initiate a study of sublinear randomized algorithms for approximating average parameters of a graph. Specifically, we consider the average degree of a graph and the average distance between pairs of vertices in a graph. Since our focus is on sublinear algorithms, these algorithms access the input graph via queries to an adequate oracle.We consider two types of queries. The first type is standard neighborhood queries (i.e., what is the ith neighbor of vertex v?), whereas the second type are queries regarding the quantities that we need to find the average of (i.e., what is the degree of vertex v? and what is the distance between u and v?, respectively).Loosely speaking, our results indicate a difference between the two problems: For approximating the average degree, the standard neighbor queries suffice and in fact are preferable to degree queries. In contrast, for approximating average distances, the standard neighbor queries are of little help whereas distance queries are crucial. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2008
Can SAPS II Predict Operative Mortality More Accurately Than POSSUM and P‐POSSUM in Patients with Colorectal Carcinoma Undergoing Resection?
Authors: Can Mehmet F. , Yagci Gohkan , Tufan Turgut , Ozturk Erkan , Zeybek Nazif , Cetiner Sadettin 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBackgroundThis study assessed the APACHE II (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II), SAPS II (Simplified Acute Physiology Score‐II), POSSUM (Physiologic and Operative Severity Score for Enumeration of Morbidity and Mortality), and P‐POSSUM (Portsmouth‐POSSUM) in patients with colorectal cancer undergoing curative or palliative resection.MethodsPredicted mortality rates and the observed/expected mortality ratio were computed by means of each scoring system. The results were compared between survivors and nonsurvivors and between elective and emergency operations. Each model was assessed for its accuracy to predict the risk of death using receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, and risk stratification was generated as well.ResultsSome 224 patients were enrolled in the study. The overall 30‐day mortality rate was 3.6% (n = 8). Predicted mortality rates generated by APACHE II, SAPS II, POSSUM, and P‐POSSUM were 9.1%, 3.7%, 13.4%, and 5.2%, respectively. All the scoring systems assigned higher scores to those patients who died than to those who survived. Areas under the curve calculated by ROC curve analysis for APACHE II, SAPS II, POSSUM, and P‐POSSUM were 0.786, 0.854, 0.793, and 0.831, respectively. Best stratification was achieved by the SAPS II score.ConclusionsSAPS II and P‐POSSUM were determined to be better predictors for patients with colorectal cancer undergoing resection. SAPS II also was found to have a higher degree of discriminatory power in colorectal resection for carcinoma. The predictive value of this useful severity score in several surgical subgroups must be examined to evaluate its routine use in risk‐adjusted audit.
Graft‐dependent Renal Hyperparathyroidism Despite Successful Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Schlosser K. , Rothmund M. , Maschuw K. , Barth P. J. , Vahl T. P. , Suchan K. L. , Fernández E. Domínguez 
Published: January 2008

AbstractIntroductionOnly a few reports can be found on the recurrence or persistence of hyperparathyroidism after total parathyroidectomy and autotransplantation (PTX + AT) following kidney transplantation (KTX). The objective of the present study was to assess the frequency and pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for the development of graft‐dependent renal hyperparathyroidism (rHPT) after KTX.Patients and methodsBetween 1986 and 2006, 69 patients underwent surgery for rHPT after KTX at our institution. Patients with reoperations at the parathyroid autograft (AT) were identified. Kidney graft function (KGF) was assessed by the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Representative parts of the parathyroid gland chosen for autotransplantation during the initial parathyroidectomy and of the excised AT at reoperation were reanalyzed according to the morphologic pattern and the proliferative index.ResultsEight of the 69 patients underwent reoperation of the AT. All patients had undergone initial PTX + AT before KTX. The GFR before parathyroid reoperation was 66.6 ± 9.6 ml/min per1.73 m² (mean ± SEM). Histopathological re‐examination revealed nodular hyperplasia in the parathyroid tissue for autotransplantation and in the excised parathyroid autografts. The Ki67 index was increased in the glands chosen for autotransplantation prior to KTX, but was overall low in the excised autografts.DiscussionAlthough not reported in the literature to date, tertiary hyperparathyroidism (tHPT) may arise from parathyroid autografts even in patients with a good KGF. In these cases, graft‐dependent tHPT represents the inability of autonomous, nodular parathyroid tissue to regress despite the recovery of renal function. Non‐nodular tissue should be selected for parathyroid autotransplantation to decrease the incidence of graft‐dependent recurrent rHPT.
The Value of Positron Emission Tomography in the Surgical Management of Recurrent Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Grant Clive S. , Thompson Geoffrey B. , Farley David R. , Richards Melanie L. , Mullan Brian P. , Hay Ian D. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBackgroundPatients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) may suffer recurrence despite thyroidectomy and complete radioiodine (RAI) ablation. Reoperation is vitally dependent on accurate and complete disease localization, typically utilizing cervical ultrasonography (US) and/or computed tomography. Our aim was to determine the comparative value of F18‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET) to US for localization of locoregional recurrence in patients who underwent reoperation for recurrent PTC.MethodsFrom 1999 to 2004, 30 patients who underwent re‐exploration and 100 nonoperated patients who were investigated with PET for possible recurrent PTC were reviewed. The surgical group [9 males, 21 females; mean age = 50 years (range = 18–84 years)] all had received RAI ablation. Preoperative thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroglobulin (Tg), and location of metastasis were recorded for each imaging study and surgical exploration. All separate sites that contained disease pathologically must have been identified by imaging for a patient to be considered true positive (TP).ResultsPET scans were TP in 43%, false positive in 7%, false negative (FN) in 50%, and had a sensitivity of 46%. Comparable US results were 86%, 10%, 3%, and 96%. Of the 15 patients with FN PET scans, 13 had lymph node metastasis less than 2 cm in diameter, 11 had Tg ≤ 10 μg/L, and the TSH < 20 in 13. In only 3 of the 30 (10%) patients was PET deemed to add value.ConclusionsAt least with suppressed TSH, PET scanning in reoperative PTC patients appears to offer modest benefit beyond high‐resolution US.
Long‐term Outcome after Parathyroidectomy in Patients with Advanced Primary Hyperparathyroidism and Associated Vitamin D Deficiency
Authors: Pradeep P. V. , Mishra Anjali , Agarwal Gaurav , Agarwal Amit , Verma A. K. , Mishra S. K. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractIntroductionPrimary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is increasingly being recognized in the developing world, but long‐term recovery of affected organs after successful parathyroidectomy, remains unaddressed. A study was therefore undertaken to elucidate this aspect of care among our patients.MethodsRetrospective analysis was done on 82 PHPT patients who underwent parathyroidectomy between 1991 and 2004. Appropriate biochemical and radiological investigations revealed the recovery pattern in target organs.ResultsFollow‐up ranged between 2 years and 13 years. Bone pain and muscle weakness disappeared quickly in all patients. Radiographs revealed vigorous but disorderly remineralization in lesions that healed within a median period of 3 months. Mean 25‐OH vitamin D levels in the preoperative and postoperative period were 11.6 ± 8.7 and 16.94 ± 12.77 ng/ml, respectively. Twenty‐four of 32 (75%) patients remained persistently vitamin D deficient (mean level 12.15 ± 5.45 ng/ml) postoperatively and in the long term (2–13 years; median: 3 years). Kidney disease occurred in 43 patients, and 74% of them became symptom free; in 9 patients it remained static and in 3 others it progressed to end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). Seven patients had pancreatitis, 5 became symptom free, and 2 had no relief after failed exploration (n = 1) and recurrence (n = 1). Overall recurrence and persistence rates were 2.7% each. Of the 5 deaths in the follow‐up period, three were due to ESRD and one was due to cerebral metastasis.ConclusionsIn India, PHPT presents at an advanced stage and is associated with vitamin D deficiency. Persistent vitamin D deficiency after operation delays bone recovery. Replenishment of vitamin D stores in the follow‐up has to be continuously ensured. Recovery from renal disease is gradual and may never occur in some patients; in others, it may progress to ESRD. Patients recover fully from pancreatitis.
Sparse representation and Bayesian detection of genome copy number alterations from microarray data
Authors: Pique-Regi Roger , Monso-Varona Jordi , Ortega Antonio , Seeger Robert C. , Triche Timothy J. , Asgharzadeh Shahab 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
Motivation: Genomic instability in cancer leads to abnormal genome copy number alterations (CNA) that are associated with the development and behavior of tumors. Advances in microarray technology have allowed for greater resolution in detection of DNA copy number changes (amplifications or deletions) across the genome. However, the increase in number of measured signals and accompanying noise from the array probes present a challenge in accurate and fast identification of breakpoints that define CNA. This article proposes a novel detection technique that exploits the use of piece wise constant (PWC) vectors to represent genome copy number and sparse Bayesian learning (SBL) to detect CNA breakpoints.
Methods: First, a compact linear algebra representation for the genome copy number is developed from normalized probe intensities. Second, SBL is applied and optimized to infer locations where copy number changes occur. Third, a backward elimination (BE) procedure is used to rank the inferred breakpoints; and a cut-off point can be efficiently adjusted in this procedure to control for the false discovery rate (FDR).
Results: The performance of our algorithm is evaluated using simulated and real genome datasets and compared to other existing techniques. Our approach achieves the highest accuracy and lowest FDR while improving computational speed by several orders of magnitude. The proposed algorithm has been developed into a free standing software application (GADA, Genome Alteration Detection Algorithm).
Availability: http://biron.usc.edu/~piquereg/GADA
Contact: shahab@chla.usc.edu and rpique@ieee.org
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.