bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender and survival in patients with heart failure: interactions with diabetes and aetiology. Results from the MAGGIC individual patient meta‐analysis†
Authors: Martínez‐Sellés Manuel , Doughty Robert N. , Poppe Katrina , Whalley Gillian A. , Earle Nikki , Tribouilloy Christophe , McMurray John J.V. , Swedberg Karl , Køber Lars , Berry Colin , Squire Iain ,   on behalf of the Meta‐Analysis Global Group In Chronic Heart Failure (MAGGIC)
Published: March 2012

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between gender and survival of patients with heart failure, using data from both randomized trials and observational studies, and the relative contribution of age, left ventricular systolic function, aetiology, and diabetes to differences in prognosis between men and women.

Methods and results

Data from 31 studies (41 949 patients; 28 052 men, 13 897 women) from the Meta‐Analysis Global Group In Chronic Heart Failure (MAGGIC) individual patient meta‐analysis were used. We performed survival analysis to assess the association of gender with mortality, adjusting for predictors of mortality, including age, reduced or preserved ejection fraction (EF), and ischaemic or non‐ischaemic aetiology. Women were older [70.5 (standard deviation 12.1) vs. 65.6 (standard deviation 11.6) years], more likely to have a history of hypertension (49.9% vs. 40.0%), and less likely to have a history of ischaemic heart disease (46.3% vs. 58.7%) and reduced EF (62.6% vs. 81.6%) compared with men. During 3 years follow‐up, 3521 (25%) women and 7232 (26%) men died. After adjustment, male gender was an independent predictor of mortality, and the better prognosis associated with female gender was more marked in patients with heart failure of non‐ischaemic, compared with ischaemic, aetiology (P‐value for interaction = 0.03) and in patients without, compared with those with, diabetes (P‐value for interaction <0.0001).

Conclusion

This large, individual patient data meta‐analysis has demonstrated that survival is better for women with heart failure compared with men, irrespective of EF. This survival benefit is slightly more marked in non‐ischaemic heart failure but is attenuated by concomitant diabetes.
Comparison of Equipressor Doses of Norepinephrine, Epinephrine, and Phenylephrine on Septic Myocardial Dysfunction
Authors: Ducrocq Nicolas , Kimmoun Antoine , Furmaniuk Anna , Hekalo Zerin , Maskali Fatiha , Poussier Sylvain , Marie Pierre-Yves , Levy Bruno
Published: March 2012

Background

Myocardial depression is a frequent event during septic shock and may mimic a cardiogenic shock state with decreased cardiac output. Nevertheless, data are scarce regarding the myocardial effects of vasopressors used to treat hypotension. In this study, the authors compared the effects of three commonly used vasopressors acting on different adrenergic receptors on myocardial function in a rodent model of septic shock, as explored with conductance catheter and positron emission tomography.

Methods

Septic shock was induced in rats by peritonitis. Eighteen hours after septic insult, vasopressors were titrated to increase mean arterial pressure by 20% compared with baseline values.

Results

We observed that peritonitis was associated with arterial hypotension and systolodiastolic dysfunction. Norepinephrine and epinephrine improved mean arterial pressure, cardiac output, and preload recruitable stroke work, a load-independent measure of systolic function, as well as diastolic function and ventriculoarterial coupling. Heart rate, myocardial oxygen consumption, and arrhythmia incidence were furthermore increased in the epinephrine group. Conversely, phenylephrine, a peripheral α-agonist, exhibited deleterious effects on systolodiastolic function and ventriculoarterial coupling. Conductance catheter and positron emission tomography yielded identical results with regard to myocardial function evolution under vasopressor treatment.

Conclusions

Phenylephrine, a drug without β-1 effects, was associated with decreased ventricular performance and ventriculoarterial uncoupling, whereas epinephrine and norepinephrine improved global hemodynamics and myocardial function in severely hypokinetic and hypotensive experimental septic shock. Nevertheless, epinephrine was associated with increased myocardial oxygen consumption. Thus, norepinephrine appears to be a more reliable and safer strategy as a first-line therapy in this particular setting.
Rapid Test for Fecal Calprotectin Levels in Children With Crohn Disease
Authors: Kolho KL , Turner D. , Veereman‐Wauters G. , Sladek M. , de Ridder L. , Shaoul R. , Paerregaard A. , Dias J. Amil , Koletzko S. , Nuti F. , Bujanover Y. , Staiano A. , Bochenek K. , Finnby L. , Levine A. , Veres G.
Published: March 2012

Assessment of fecal calprotectin, a surrogate marker of mucosal inflammation, is a promising means to monitor therapeutic response in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease, especially if the result is readily available. We tested the performance of a novel calprotectin rapid test, Quantum Blue, versus the conventional enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in 134 stool samples from 56 pediatric patients with Crohn disease. The intraclass correlation coefficient analysis reflected good agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.97 [95% confidence interval 0.95–0.98]) but agreement was better in lower values, where dilutions were not required. Using a cutoff of 100 μg/g for normal values, the percentage agreement between the 2 tests was 87%. The optimal cutoff values to guide clinical decisions in the therapy of inflammatory bowel disease have yet to be determined.
6-Bromo-1H-indole-3-carboxylic acid
Authors: Zhao Jing , Wang Yan
Published: March 2012

In the title molecule, C9H6BrNO2, the dihedral angle between the –COOH group and the ring system is 6 (4)°. In the crystal, pairs of O—H...O hydrogen bonds link the molecules into inversion dimers and these dimers are connectedviaN—H...O hydrogen bonds to form layers parallel to the (-101) plane.
Ethyl 2-(7-oxo-3,5-diphenyl-1,4-diazepan-2-yl)acetate
Authors: Jagadeesan G. , Sethusankar K. , Selvakumar P. , Thennarasu S. , Mandal A. B.
Published: March 2012

In the title compound, C21H24N2O3, the diazepane ring adopts a chair conformation. The central diazepane ring forms dihedral angles 67.80 (7) and 72.29 (5)° with the two benzene rings. The ethoxycarbonyl group is disordered over two conformations with site-occupancy factors of 0.643 (5) and 0.357 (5). In the crystal, inversion dimers linked by pairs of N—H...O hydrogen bonds generateR22(8) loops.
(Acetato-κO)(aqua-κO)(2-{bis[(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl-κN2)methyl]amino-κN}ethanol-κO)nickel(II) perchlorate monohydrate
Authors: Zhou Jia , Shu Mouhai
Published: March 2012

In the structure of the title complex, [Ni(CH3CO2)(C14H23N5O)(H2O)]ClO4·H2O, the NiIIcentre has a distorted octahedral environment defined by one O and three N atoms derived from the tetradentate ligand, and two O atoms, one from a water molecule and the other from an acetate anion. The molecules are connected into a three-dimensional architecture by O—H...O hydrogen bonds. The perchlorate anion is disordered over two positions; the major component has a site-occupancy factor of 0.525 (19).
Bis(4-dimethylamino-1-ethylpyridinium) bis(1,2-dicyanoethene-1,2-dithiolato-κ2S,S′)nickelate(II)
Authors: Yu Shan-Shan , Zhou Hong , Ren Xiao-Ming
Published: March 2012

The asymmetric unit of the title complex, (C9H15N2)2[Ni(C4N2S2)2], comprises one 4-dimethylamino-1-ethylpyridinium cation and one half of a [Ni(mnt)2]2−(mnt2−= maleonitriledithiolate) anion; the complete anion is generated by the application of a centre of inversion. The NiIIion is coordinated by four S atoms of two mnt2−ligands and exhibits a square-planar coordination geometry.
4-[(3-Methoxyanilino)methylidene]-2-phenyl-1,3-oxazol-5(4H)-one
Authors: Huang Wan-Yun , Zhang Ye , Hu Kun , Lin Qing-Mei , Liu Xian-Xian
Published: March 2012

In the title compound, C17H14N2O3, the oxazolone ring is essentially planar [maximum deviation = 0.004 (1) Å] and is oriented with respect to the phenyl and benzene rings at 10.06 (9) and 5.63 (8)°, respectively; the dihedral angle between the phenyl ring and the benzene ring is 15.69 (8)°. In the crystal, N—H...O hydrogen bonds link the molecules into chains running along theaaxis. Neighbouring chains are interconnected by π–π stacking, the centroid–centroid distance being 3.6201 (9) Å.
Fluphenazine dihydrochloride dimethanol solvate
Authors: Petrus Joanna , Petrus Rafał , Czarnik-Matusewicz Bogusława
Published: March 2012

In the title compound {systematic name: 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-[3-(2-trifluoromethyl-10H-phenothiazin-10-yl)propyl]piperazine-1,4-diium dichloride dimethanol disolvate}, C22H28F3N3OS2+·2Cl−·2CH3OH, the dihedral angle between the planes of the two outer benzene rings of the tricyclic phenothiazine system is 46.91 (13)°. The piperazine ring adopts a chair conformation. The crystal structure is stabilized by O—H...Cl, N—H...Cl, C—H...O, C—H...Cl and C—H...F hydrogen bonds and contacts.
5-Bromo-4-iodo-2-methylaniline
Authors: Liu Yan-Ju , Dai Da-Shun
Published: March 2012

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C7H7BrIN, contains two independent molecules, which are linked by weak N—H...N hydroden-bonding interactions between the amino groups.
3,6,8-Tribromo-7-ethylamino-4-methyl-2H-chromen-2-one
Authors: Zhang Ting , Xi Hai-tao , Miao Chun-bao , Chen Liang , Sun Xiao-qiang
Published: March 2012

In the title molecule, C12H10Br3NO2, the 2H-chromen ring is essentially planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.022 Å) with the ethylamino group oriented at 13.9 (5)° with respect to the ring. The molecular structure is stabilized by intramolecular N—H...Br and C—H...Br interactions.
DimethylDL-2,3-dibenzyl-2,3-diisothiocyanatosuccinate
Authors: Kalinowska-Tłuścik Justyna , Cież Dariusz , Peyrat Sandrine
Published: March 2012

The title compound, C22H20N2O4S2, has approximate molecular twofold symmetry. In the crystal, the presence of C—H...π interactions leads to the formation ofzigzagchains along [001].
2-[(E)-(Naphthalen-2-ylimino)methyl]-4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenol
Authors: Pekdemir Merve , Şahin Zarife Sibel , Işık Şamil , Alaman Ağar Ayşen , Öztürk Yıldırım Sema , Butcher Ray J.
Published: March 2012

In the title compound, C18H12F3NO2, the planes of the benzene ring and the naphthalene system form a dihedral angle of 47.21 (3)°. The hydroxy group is involved in an intramolecular O—H...N hydrogen bond. In the crystal, weak C—H...O and C—H...F interactions link the molecules related by translations along thecandaaxes, respectively, into sheets.
2-Trifluoromethyl-1H-benzimidazol-3-ium nitrate
Authors: Liu Ming-Liang
Published: March 2012

Ihe title salt, C8H6F3N2+·NO3−, the F atoms of the triflouromethyl group are disordered over two sets of sites in a 0.58 (2):0.42 (2) ratio. In the crystal, N—H...O hydrogen bonds link the cations and anions into chains running parallel to thebaxis. There is π–π stacking between symmetry-related benzene rings with a centroid-centroid distance of 3.949 (3) Å. The crystal studied was a non-merohedral twin, with a 19% minor component.
1-[3-(4-Chlorophenyl)-5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]ethanone
Authors: Fun Hoong-Kun , Quah Ching Kheng , Samshuddin S. , Narayana B. , Sarojini B. K.
Published: March 2012

In the title compound, C18H17ClN2O2, the benzene rings form dihedral angles of 6.69 (6) and 74.88 (5)° with the 4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole ring. The benzene rings form a dihedral angle of 76.67 (5)° with each other. In the crystal, molecules are linkedviabifurcated (C,C)–H...O hydrogen bonds into chains along [010]. The crystal structure is further consolidated by C—H...π interactions.
(2E)-2-[(2H-1,3-Benzodioxol-5-yl)methylidene]-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one
Authors: Asiri Abdullah M. , Faidallah Hassan M. , Al-Nemari Khulud F. , Ng Seik Weng , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: March 2012

In the title compound, C17H12O3, each of the five-membered rings in the inden-1-one and 1,3-benzodioxole residues is almost planar (r.m.s. deviations = 0.041 and 0.033 Å, respectively). A small twist about the single bond linking the two residues is evident [the C—C—C—C torsion angle = 8.7 (4)°]. Supramolecular zigzag layers propagating in theacplane are formed in the crystalviaC—H...O interactions. The layers are linkedviaπ–π interactions between the five- and six-membered rings of 1,3-benzodioxole residues [centroid–centroid distance = 3.4977 (14) Å].
Ammonium imidazolium dichromate
Authors: Zhu Run-Qiang
Published: March 2012

In the crystal structure of the title compound, (C3H5N2)(NH4)[Cr2O7], the anions and cations are linked through N—H...O hydrogen bonds, resulting in a three-dimensional structure which contains three kinds of layers parallel to (001). One layer contains imidazole cations, the other two layers the ammonium cations and dichromate anions. The dichromate anion has an eclipsed conformation with a dihedral angle of 14.65 (18)° between the mean planes of the O—P—O—P—O backbone.
Bis{S-benzyl 3-[(phenyl)(pyridin-2-yl)methylidene]dithiocarbazato}zinc acetonitrile monosolvate
Authors: Ravoof Thahira B. S. A. , Omar Siti Aminah , Mohamed Tahir Mohamed Ibrahim , Crouse Karen A.
Published: March 2012

In the title compound, [Zn(C20H16N3S2)2]·CH3CN, two different Schiff base moieties coordinate to the central ZnIIion as tridentateN,N′,S-chelating ligands, creating a distorted octahedral environment [the smallest angle being 73.24 (6)° and the widest angle being 155.73 (7)°], with the two S atoms incispositions. The dihedral angle between the mean planes of the two coordinating ligands is 83.65 (5)°. The crystal packing is consolidated by weak C—H...N hydrogen-bonding interactions.
1-(4-Methylphenyl)-2-(phenylsulfonyl)ethanone
Authors: Abdel-Aziz Hatem A. , Al-Rashood Khalid A. , Ghabbour Hazem A. , Fun Hoong-Kun , Chia Tze Shyang
Published: March 2012

In the title compound, C15H14O3S, the benzene and phenyl rings make a dihedral angle of 33.56 (16)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked by C—H...O hydrogen bonds into a layer parallel to theabplane.
A redetermination of the structure of poly[[μ4-(R)-2-ammonio-3-sulfonatopropanoato]aquasodium], originally reported as poly[[μ7-L-cysteato(2−)]disodium]
Authors: Brown I. David
Published: March 2012

The structure originally reported as poly[[μ7-L-cysteato(2−)]disodium], [Na2(C3H5NO5S)]n[Liu (2002).Acta Cryst. E67, m1346–m1347], has been redetermined with one of the sodium atoms replaced with a water molecule and an additional proton attached to the amine group, resulting in the revised formula [Na{CO2CH(CH2SO3)NH3}(H2O)]n. The agreement index,wR, has been reduced from 0.159 to 0.087 and the global instability index from 0.56 vu (valence units) to the acceptable value of 0.11 vu.
(6Z)-4-Bromo-6-{[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]methylidene}cyclohexa-2,4-dien-1-one
Authors: Mohamed Shaaban K. , Akkurt Mehmet , Elhamid Antar A. Abd , Singh Kuldip , Potgieter Herman
Published: March 2012

The title molecule, C9H10BrNO2, excluding methylene H atoms and the C—OH group, is essentially planar, with a maximum deviation of 0.037 (2) Å for the N atom. The N—C—C—O torsion angle is −63.1 (3)°. The molecular structure is stabilized by a weak intramolecular N—H...O(carbonyl) hydrogen bond, forming anS(6) motif. In the crystal, molecules are linked by O—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional network.
Diaquabis(propane-1,3-diamine)nickel(II) bis(propane-1,3-diamine)disulfatonickelate(II)
Authors: Rusanova Julia A.
Published: March 2012

The ionic NiIItitle complex, [Ni(C3H10N2)2(H2O)2][Ni(SO4)2(C3H10N2)2], is built up of [Ni(dipr)2(H2O)2]2+complex cations and [Ni(dipr)2(SO4)2]2−complex anions (dipr is propane-1,3-diamine). Both NiIIatoms display a slightly distorted octahedral coordination and are located on inversion centers. There are several types of hydrogen-bonding interactions, which connect complex cations and anions into a two-dimensional network parallel to (010). Hydrogen bonds formed by the axially coordinated water molecule of the complex cation and one of the O atoms of the sulfate groups of the complex anion (first type) link them into chains along thecaxis. These chains are linked to each other through hydrogen bonds formed by an O atom (second type) of the SO4groups and NH2groups of the ligand of the complex cations from neighboring chains, forming a two-dimensional hydrogen-bonded net perpendicular to thebaxis. The third type of O atoms of the sulfate groups of the complex anion are also linked into chains by a combination of both previously described types of H-atom connections.
N,N′-Bis[(E)-1-(thiophen-3-yl)ethylidene]ethane-1,2-diamine
Authors: Asiri Abdullah M. , Faidallah Hassan M. , Khan Khalid A. , Ng Seik Weng , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: March 2012

The complete molecule of the title compound, C14H16N2S2, is generated by a crystallographic inversion centre. The thiophene residue is close to being coplanar with the imine group [C—C—C—N torsion angle = 6.5 (2)°], and the conformation about the imine C=N bond [1.281 (2) Å] isE. In the crystal, the three-dimensional architecture is consolidated by C—H...N, C—H...π and S...S [3.3932 (7) Å] interactions.
Tris(ethylenediamine-κ2N,N′)cadmium hexafluoridogermanate
Authors: Wang Guo-Ming , Li Zeng-Xin , Wang Pei
Published: March 2012

In the title compound, [Cd(C2H8N2)3](GeF6), the CdIIatom, lying on a 32 symmetry site, is coordinated by six N atoms from three ethylenediamine (en) ligands in a distorted octahedral geometry. The Ge atom also lies on a 32 symmetry site and is coordinated by six F atoms. The en ligand has a twofold rotation axis passing through the mid-point of the C—C bond. The F atom is disordered over two sites with equal occupancy factors. In the crystal, the [Cd(en)3]2+cations and [GeF6]2−anions are connected through N—H...F hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional supramolecular network.
6-(3,5-Dimethylbenzyl)-5-ethyl-1-[(2-phenylethoxy)methyl]pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)dione
Authors: El-Brollosy Nasser R. , Attia Mohamed I. , Ghabbour Hazem A. , Chantrapromma Suchada , Fun Hoong-Kun
Published: March 2012

In the title pyrimidine derivative, C24H28N2O3, the uracil unit is essentially planar with an r.m.s. deviation of 0.0054 (1) Å for the eight non-H atoms. The pyrimidine ring is tilted by a dihedral angle of 77.08 (7)° with respect to the aromatic ring of the 3,5-dimethylbenzyl substituent, whereas it is nearly parallel to the benzene ring of the phenethoxymethyl unit, with a dihedral angle of 8.17 (8)°. An intramolecular C—H...O hydrogen bond generates anS(6) ring motif. In the crystal, molecules are linked by a pair of amide–uracil N—H...O hydrogen bonds into an inversionR22(8) dimer. These dimers are stacked along thebaxis through π–π interactions with a centroid–centroid distance of 3.9517 (8) Å. Weak C—H...π interactions are also present.
4,6-Bis(diphenylphosphanyl)-2,8-dimethylphenoxathiin dichloromethane monosolvate
Authors: Marimuthu Thashree , Friedrich Holger B. , Bala Muhammad D.
Published: March 2012

The title compound, C38H30OP2S·CH2Cl2, belongs to the xanthene family of ligands containing S- and O-donor atoms in the central heterocylic ring. Positions 2 and 8 on the xanthene backbone are functionalized with methyl groups to allow for the selective functionalization of the backbone at positions 4 and 6 with diphenylphosphanyl units. The title compound shows a significant `roof-like' bending along the axis of planarity involving the O- and S-donor atoms and the benzene rings, resulting in a dihedral angle between the mean planes of the benzene rings of 32.88 (13)°.
1,4-Dihexyloxy-2,5-bis(2-nitrophenyl)benzene
Authors: Wrobel Norma , Schollmeyer Dieter , Detert Heiner
Published: March 2012

The title compound, C30H36N2O6, was preparedviatwofold Suzuki coupling of a diboronic acid with bromonitrobenzene. The molecule is located on a crystallographic inversion centre. The lateral benzene ring and the central ring make a dihedral angle of 48.75 (14)° and the nitro group is twisted by 41.47 (13)° out of the plane of the benzene ring. The nitro and hexyloxy groups are in close proximity and the hexyloxy chain adopts an all-anticonformation.
(E)-3-[(3-Ethoxy-2-hydroxybenzylidene)amino]benzoic acid
Authors: Kargar Hadi , Sharafi Zahra , Kia Reza , Tahir Muhammad Nawaz
Published: March 2012

In the title compound, C16H15NO4, a potential bidentateN,O-donor Schiff base ligand, the benzene rings are inclined to one another by 4.24 (12)°. The molecule has anEconformation about the C=N bond. An intramolecular O—H...N hydrogen bond makes anS(6) ring motif. In the crystal, pairs of O—H...O hydrogen bonds link the molecules, forming inversion dimers withR22(8) ring motifs. These dimers are further connected by C—H...O interactions, forming a sheet in (104). There is also a C—H...π interaction present involving neighbouring molecules.
(E)-4-[(4-Diethylamino-2-hydroxybenzylidene)amino]benzoic acid
Authors: Kargar Hadi , Sharafi Zahra , Kia Reza , Tahir Muhammad Nawaz
Published: March 2012

In the title compound, C18H20N2O3, a potential bidentateN,O-donor Schiff base ligand, the benzene rings are inclined at an angle of 12.25 (19)°. The molecule has anEconformation about the C=N bond. One of the ethyl groups is disordered over two positions, with a refined site-occupancy ratio of 0.55 (1):0.45 (1). An intramolecular O—H...N hydrogen bond makes anS(6) ring motif. In the crystal, pairs of O—H...O hydrogen bonds link molecules, forming inversion dimers withR22(8) ring motifs.
3-Amino-1-(thiophen-2-yl)-9,10-dihydrophenanthrene-2,4-dicarbonitrile
Authors: Al-Youbi Abdulrahman O. , Asiri Abdullah M. , Faidallah Hassan M. , Ng Seik Weng , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: March 2012

In the title compound, C20H13N3S, the partially saturated ring adopts a twisted half-boat conformation with the methylene C atom closest to the aminobenzene ring lying 0.690 (6) Å out of the plane defined by the five remaining atoms. The dihydrophenanthrene residue has a folded conformation [dihedral angle between the outer benzene rings = 26.27 (18)°]. The thiophen-2-yl ring forms a dihedral angle of 63.76 (19)° with the benzene ring to which it is attached. In the crystal, inversion dimers linked by pairs of N—H...N hydrogen bonds generateR22(12) loops. The dimers are linked into layers in thebcplane by weak C—H...π interactions. The thiophen-2-yl ring is disordered over two essentially coplanar but opposite orientations in a 0.918 (4):0.082 (4) ratio.
Discriminating farmed gilthead sea bream Sparus aurata and European sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax from wild stocks through scales and otoliths
Authors: Arechavala‐Lopez P. , Sanchez‐Jerez P. , Bayle‐Sempere J. T. , Sfakianakis D. G. , Somarakis S.
Published: March 2012

The study of mass and standard length (LS) relationships showed that farmed individuals had higher values than wild fishes for both gilthead sea bream Sparus aurata and European sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax. Such differences were more pronounced in larger individuals than smaller ones and were more noticeable in S. aurata than in D. labrax. Additionally, differences in external characteristics of scales were detected between origins. A high proportion of farmed S. aurata had a regenerated nucleus (98%) and scale malformations (73%), and there were no annual rings in the farmed D. labrax (100%). Variation in otolith morphology was examined through shape descriptors such as area, perimeter, circularity, roundness, mass, height and length relationship and elliptic Fourier descriptors (EFDs). Important differences were found within geographical origins according to each shape descriptor separately, but no clear patterns distinguished wild and farmed fish. Discriminant analysis with either all shape descriptors together or EFDs was able to classify with high accuracy both S. aurata (89·5–95·7%) and D. labrax (93·2–95·2%) according to their origin. Hence, this study suggests the use of scale characteristics as the easiest and quickest way to distinguish farmed or escaped fishes, and secondly, the usefulness of EFDs or shape descriptors to improve such separation.
High levels of DJ‐1 protein in nipple fluid of patients with breast cancer
Authors: Oda Miki , Makita Masujiro , Iwaya Keiichi , Akiyama Futoshi , Kohno Norio , Tsuchiya Benio , Iwase Takuji , Matsubara Osamu
Published: March 2012

As we have previously demonstrated that some breast cancer cell lines secrete DJ‐1 protein, we examined here whether breast cancer cells secrete DJ‐1 protein in vivo. To this end, the levels of DJ‐1 protein present in 136 specimens of nipple fluid was examined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The average concentration of DJ‐1 protein detected in diluted samples from 47 patients with invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) was 22.4 ng/mL, while it was 18.6 ng/mL in 26 patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). In contrast, the average DJ‐1 concentration in samples from 63 women with benign lesions was 2.7 ng/mL, demonstrating that higher DJ‐1 protein levels were detected in nipple fluid in the presence of cancer cells than in the presence of benign lesions (P < 0.0001). When a cut‐off level of 3.0 ng/mL was applied, the higher level of DJ‐1 was shown to be of significant clinical value for predicting the presence of breast cancer (85.9% specificity, 75% sensitivity; P < 0.0001). Multivariate logistic analysis that included established factors such as nipple discharge cytology, ductoscopic cytology, and carcinoembryonic antigen level further showed that the level of DJ‐1 protein alone is of significant value for predicting the presence of breast cancer. Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization also showed that the low expression of DJ‐1 protein, despite high mRNA expression, was significantly correlated with high DJ‐1 protein levels in the nipple fluid. These data indicate that breast cancer cells secrete DJ‐1 protein in vivo, and that its level is a potential indicator of breast cancer in patients with nipple discharge. (Cancer Sci 2012; 103: 1172–1176)
Combining cognitive behavioral therapy and contingency management to enhance their effects in treating cannabis dependence: less can be more, more or less
Authors: Carroll Kathleen M. , Nich Charla , LaPaglia Donna M. , Peters Erica N. , Easton Caroline J. , Petry Nancy M.
Published: March 2012

Aims  To evaluate reciprocal enhancement (combining treatments to offset their relative weaknesses) as a strategy to improve cannabis treatment outcomes. Contingency management (CM) with reinforcement for homework completion and session attendance was used as a strategy to enhance cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) via greater exposure to skills training; CBT was used as a strategy to enhance durability of CM with rewards for abstinence.

Setting  Community‐based out‐patient treatment program in New Haven, Connecticut, USA.

Design  Twelve‐week randomized clinical trial of four treatment conditions: CM for abstinence alone or combined with CBT, CBT alone or combined with CM with rewards for CBT session attendance and homework completion.

Participants  A total of 127 treatment‐seeking young adults (84.3% male, 81.1% minority, 93.7% referred by criminal justice system, average age 25.7 years).

Measurements  Weekly urine specimens testing positive for cannabis, days of cannabis use via the time‐line follow‐back method.

Findings  Within treatment, reinforcing homework and attendance did not significantly improve CBT outcomes, and the addition of CBT worsened outcomes when added to CM for abstinence (75.5 versus 57.1% cannabis‐free urine specimens, F = 2.25, P = 0.02). The CM for abstinence condition had the lowest percentage of cannabis‐negative urine specimens and the highest mean number of consecutive cannabis‐free urine specimens (3.3, F = 2.33, P = 0.02). Attrition was higher in the CBT alone condition, but random effect regression analyses indicated this condition was associated with the greatest rate of change overall. Cannabis use during the 1‐year follow‐up increased most rapidly for the two enhanced groups.

Conclusions  Combining contingency management and cognitive–behavioural therapy does not appear to improve success rates of treatment for cannabis dependence in clients involved with the criminal justice system.
Drug treatment and the conditionality of HIV treatment access: a qualitative study in a Russian city
Authors: Rhodes Tim , Sarang Anya
Published: March 2012

Aims  We explored social factors affecting access to antiretroviral HIV treatment (ART) among people who inject drugs (PWID) in a Russian city with a large HIV burden.

Design  Qualitative interview study.

Setting  Community settings in Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation.

Participants  42 PWID living with HIV and 11 health practitioners.

Measurements  Thematic analyses of in‐depth qualitative interviews.

Findings  Access to ART was felt by participants to be contingent upon their capacity to demonstrate a commitment to becoming ‘drug free’. We identify, across interview accounts, a treatment access narrative of ‘treat drugs before HIV’. This narrative is upheld by ART providers' concerns to maximize clinical outcome in the face of adherence doubts, as well as by would‐be patients' perceptions of expectations placed upon them by the treatment system and their own doubts regarding treatment engagement. This has the effect of reproducing a habit of ART delay and disengaging people from the treatment system. Difficulties accessing ART, and the perceived rationing of treatment on account of untreated drug use, were experienced as ‘moral discipline’ for falling short of treatment ‘deservedness’. Participants describe a ‘Catch 22’ system, where they are invited to treat their drug use in a setting where effective drug treatment was perceived as unavailable.

Conclusions  Inadequate drug treatment practices act as structural obstacles to realizing HIV treatment. Evidence internationally suggests that effective drug treatment, including opioid substitution therapy, improves access and adherence to antiretroviral treatment among people who inject drugs. Policy shifts are urgently needed in this setting to enable systemic improvements to drug treatment, especially given large HIV treatment demand.
Anopheles gambiae corazonin: gene structure, expression and effect on mosquito heart physiology
Authors: Hillyer J. F. , Estévez‐Lao T. Y. , Funkhouser L. J. , Aluoch V. A.
Published: March 2012

Haemolymph flow in mosquitoes is primarily driven by the contraction of a dorsal vessel that is subdivided into an abdominal heart and a thoracic aorta. The factors that regulate mosquito heart contractions are not understood, but in other insects heart physiology is partially controlled by several neurohormones. One of these is corazonin, a neuropeptide initially discovered because of its cardioacceleratory activity in the cockroach Periplaneta americana. In the present study, we describe the corazonin gene and transcript structure in the mosquito Anopheles gambiae, characterize its developmental expression, and test its role in modulating heart physiology. We show that the A. gambiae corazonin gene encodes the most common form of the corazonin peptide ([Arg7]‐corazonin) and that it is alternatively spliced, with the only difference between the transcripts occurring in the 5′ untranslated region. Analysis of the developmental expression of corazonin and the corazonin receptor revealed that transcription of both follows a bimodal distribution, with highest mRNA levels in 2nd instar larvae and during the pupa to adult transition. Finally, experiments where mosquitoes were injected with various doses of corazonin and experiments where the transcription of corazonin and the corazonin receptor were reduced by RNA interference failed to detect a significant role for this neuropeptide in modulating mosquito heart physiology.
Early breast development in girls after prenatal exposure to non‐persistent pesticides
Authors: Wohlfahrt‐Veje C. , Andersen H. R. , Schmidt I. M. , Aksglaede L. , Sørensen K. , Juul A. , Jensen T. K. , Grandjean P. , Skakkebæk N. E. , Main K. M.
Published: March 2012

Contemporary American and European girls experience breast development at earlier ages compared with 15–20 years ago. Alterations in BMI alone cannot account for these changes. Several currently used pesticides possess endocrine disrupting properties and may interfere with reproductive development, but human data are sparse. We examined girls whose mothers worked in greenhouses in the first trimester of pregnancy to assess the long‐term effects of prenatal pesticide exposure on puberty. Mothers were prenatally categorized as exposed or unexposed to pesticides. We studied the offspring of these greenhouse workers, and evaluated the anthropometry, pubertal staging in the girls, and blood samples were drawn at 3 months of age (n = 90) and again once at school age (6–11 years, n = 83). No clinical and biochemical differences were found between the exposed and unexposed girls at 3 months of age. Mean onset of B2+ was 8.9 years (95% CI: 8.2; 9.7) in prenatally exposed girls, compared with 10.4 years (9.2; 17.6) in the unexposed (p = 0.05), and 10.0 (9.7–10.3) years in a Danish reference population (p = 0.001). Exposed girls had higher serum androstenedione levels (geometric means: 0.58 vs. 0.79 nmol/L, p = 0.046) and lower Anti‐Müllerian Hormone (AMH) compared with the unexposed (geometric means: 16.4 vs. 21.3 pmol/L, p > 0.05) and the reference group (20.2 pmol/L, p = 0.012). Levels of testosterone, estradiol, prolactin, FSH, LH, SHBG, DHEAS, DHT, Inhibin A and Inhibin B did not differ between the groups. In conclusion, our findings suggest that prenatal exposure to currently approved pesticides may cause earlier breast development in girls. This association appeared not to be because of changes in gonadotropins, but rather to higher androgen levels, which indirectly may increase oestrogens through aromatization. In addition, lower serum AMH levels indicated a reduced pool of antral ovarian follicles. The long‐term consequences of our findings with regard to establishment of future reproductive function still remain unknown.
Expression of the vitamin D metabolizing enzyme CYP24A1 at the annulus of human spermatozoa may serve as a novel marker of semen quality
Authors: Blomberg Jensen M. , Jørgensen A. , Nielsen J. E. , Bjerrum P. J. , Skalkam M. , Petersen J. H. , Egeberg D. L. , Bangsbøll S. , Andersen A. N. , Skakkebæk N. E. , Juul A. , Rajpert‐De Meyts E. , Dissing S. , Leffers H. , Jørgensen N.
Published: March 2012

Vitamin D (VD) is important for male reproduction in mammals and the VD receptor (VDR) and VD‐metabolizing enzymes are expressed in human spermatozoa. The VD‐inactivating enzyme CYP24A1 titrates the cellular responsiveness to VD, is transcriptionally regulated by VD, and has a distinct expression at the sperm annulus. Here, we investigated if CYP24A1 expression serves as a marker for VD metabolism in spermatozoa, and whether CYP24A1 expression was associated with semen quality. We included 130 men (53 healthy young volunteers and 77 subfertile men) for semen analysis and immunocytochemical (ICC) detection of CYP24A1. Another 40 men (22 young, 18 subfertile) were tested for in vitro effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 on intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) and sperm motility. Double ICC staining showed that CYP24A1 and VDR were either concomitantly expressed or absent in 80% of the spermatozoa from young men. The median number of CYP24A1‐expressing spermatozoa was 1% in subfertile men and thus significantly (p < 0.0005) lower than 25% in spermatozoa from young men. Moreover, CYP24A1 expression correlated positively with total sperm count, ‐concentration, ‐motility and ‐morphology (all p < 0.004), and the percentage of CYP24A1‐positive spermatozoa increased (15 vs. 41%, p < 0.0005) after percoll‐gradient‐centrifugation. We noticed that the presence of >3% CYP24A1‐positive spermatozoa distinguished young men from subfertile men with a sensitivity of 66.0%, a specificity of 77.9% and a positive predictive value of 98.3%. Functional studies revealed that 1,25(OH)2D3 increased [Ca2+]i and sperm motility in young healthy men, while 1,25(OH)2D3 was unable to increase motility in subfertile patients. In conclusion, we suggest that CYP24A1 expression at the annulus may serve as a novel marker of semen quality and an objective proxy for sperm function.
The effect of baclofen on nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux and measures of sleep quality: a randomized, cross‐over trial
Authors: Orr W. C. , Goodrich S. , Wright S. , Shepherd K. , Mellow M.
Published: March 2012

Background  Baclofen, a GABAb agonist, has been shown to reduce episodes of gastroesophageal reflux (GER). To determine if baclofen would significantly reduce reflux during sleep, and also improve objective and subjective measures of sleep.

Methods  Twenty‐one individuals with complaints of nighttime heartburn at least twice a week and a Carlsson GERD score of at least 5 were studied. Patients underwent polysomnography (PSG) and simultaneous esophageal pH monitoring on two occasions separated by approximately 1 week in a cross‐over design. The night of each polysomnographic study, patients consumed a refluxogenic meal. Baclofen (40 mg) or placebo was given in random order 90 min prior to the start of the PSG.

Key Results  Baclofen significantly reduced the number of reflux events compared with placebo. Upright and recumbent acid contact times were both reduced by baclofen vs placebo, but the differences were not significant. Regarding sleep outcomes, several variables were significantly improved by baclofen. Total sleep time and sleep efficiency increased, and wake after sleep onset decreased in the baclofen condition compared with placebo. Proportion of Stage 1 sleep was also significantly decreased on baclofen.

Conclusions & Inferences  In addition to reducing the number of reflux events during sleep, baclofen significantly improved several measures of sleep in patients with documented GER and sleep disturbances. Baclofen could therefore be considered as a useful adjunct therapy to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in patients with nighttime heartburn and sleep disturbance who continue to have heartburn and/or sleep complaints despite PPI therapy.
The Bazar Ophiolite of NW Iberia: a relic of the Iapetus–Tornquist Ocean in the Variscan suture
Authors: Martínez Sonia S. , Gerdes Axel , Arenas Ricardo , Abati Jacobo
Published: March 2012

Terra Nova, 24, 283–294, 2012

The Bazar Ophiolite, one of the ophiolitic units involved in the Variscan suture of NW Iberia, is mainly formed by metagabbroic high T amphibolites with N‐MORB affinity. The ophiolite appears accreted under an arc‐derived upper terrane affected by intermediate‐P granulite facies metamorphism dated at 496–484 Ma. U‐Th‐Pb geochronology and Lu‐Yb‐Hf isotope geochemistry of zircons allow recognizing two growth stages. The first occurred during crystallization of the gabbroic protolith and has been dated at 495 ± 2 Ma, whereas the second one, interpreted as dating the high T metamorphism, yielded an age of 475 ± 2 Ma. The chronology of the Bazar Ophiolite and its accretionary history suggest that this unit is a relic of the Cambrian ocean located to the North of Gondwana, the Iapetus–Tornquist Ocean, accreted to a dissected arc during or before the early stages in the opening of the Rheic Ocean.
Intravenous iron supplementation after kidney transplantation
Authors: Rozen‐Zvi Benaya , Gafter‐Gvili Anat , Zingerman Boris , Levy‐Drummer Rachel S. , Levy Liora , Mor Eitan , Gafter Uzi , Rahamimov Ruth
Published: March 2012

Background

We sought to evaluate the effect of intravenous (IV) iron supplementation on hemoglobin (Hb) levels and detect predictors for response.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of 81 patients who were treated with IV iron post‐transplant. We evaluated predictors of response to treatment defined as an increase in Hb value of more than 1 g/dL by linear regression analysis.

Results

Three months after treatment, the mean Hb level increased significantly from 9.8 ± 1.4 g/dL to 11.1 ± 1.6 g/dL (p < 0.001). A lower baseline Hb value (OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.33–0.78 per 1 g/dL increase) was the only predictor of response at three months. The Hb value in the evaluable 60 patients at one yr increased from 9.9 ± 1.4 g/dL to 11.7 ± 1.7 g/dL (p < 0.001). Lower baseline Hb value (OR: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.18–0.65 per 1 g/dL increase) and a shorter time from transplantation (OR: 0.8, 95% CI: 0.68–0.94 per one yr increase) were predictors of response. Adverse events were reported in five patients (0.7% of doses). The rate of estimated glomerular filtration rate decline was reduced following the IV iron treatment −0.34 ± 1.05 mL/min/month after treatment compared with −0.81 ± 1.11 mL/min/month before treatment (p = 0.013).

Conclusions

IV iron treatment was safe and associated with Hb increase in a cohort of patients after kidney transplantation.
Modelling the maintenance of egg polymorphism in avian brood parasites and their hosts
Authors: LIANG W. , YANG C. , STOKKE B. G. , ANTONOV A. , FOSSØY F. , VIKAN J. R. , MOKSNES A. , RØSKAFT E. , SHYKOFF J. A. , MØLLER A. P. , TAKASU F.
Published: March 2012

In avian brood parasitism, egg phenotype plays a key role for both host and parasite reproduction. Several parrotbill species of the genusParadoxornisare parasitized by the common cuckooCuculus canorus, and clear polymorphism in egg phenotype is observed. In this article, we develop a population genetics model in order to identify the key parameters that control the maintenance of egg polymorphism. The model analyses show that egg polymorphism can be maintained either statically as an equilibrium or dynamically with frequency oscillations depending on the sensitivity of the host against unlike eggs and how the parasite targets host nests with specific egg phenotypes. On the basis of the model, we discuss egg polymorphism observed in parrotbills and other host species parasitized by the cuckoo. We suggest the possibility that frequencies of egg phenotypes oscillate and we appeal for monitoring of cuckoo–host interactions over a large spatiotemporal scale.
The form of sexual selection arising from male–male competition depends on the presence of females in the social environment
Authors: PROCTER D. S. , MOORE A. J. , MILLER C. W.
Published: March 2012

Sexual selection arises from social interactions, and if social environments vary so too should sexual selection. For example, male–male competition often occurs either in the presence or in the absence of females, and such changes in the social environment could affect the form and strength of sexual selection. Here we examine how the presence of a female influences selection arising from male–male competition in a leaf‐footed cactus bug, Narnia femorata, which has a resource defence mating system. Males compete for territories on cacti because females lay eggs on the cactus plants. Females are not always present when this competition first occurs; however, the presence or absence of the female matters. We found that both the form and strength of selection on male traits, those traits that influenced success in intrasexual competition, depended on the social context. When a female was not present, male size and the area of the sexually dimorphic hind legs was only marginally important to winning a contest. However, males with larger overall size and leg area were more likely to win in the presence of a female. There was also positive quadratic selection on these traits when a female was present with both the largest and the smallest males winning. The implication is unexpected alternative strategies when females are present. Our results support the notion that sexual selection should be studied under all relevant social contexts.
Distribution of hepatitis C virus in circulating blood components from blood donors
Authors: Chancey C. , Winkelman V. , Foley J. B. , Silberstein E. , Teixeira‐Carvalho A. , Taylor D. R. , Rios M.
Published: March 2012

Background and Objectives  Current nucleic acid tests (NAT) for blood donor screening use plasma as the test sample and, consequently, cannot detect virions bound to blood cells of infected donors. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA and infectious virions have been detected in association with the cellular components of blood of patients with active liver disease; however, studies comparing HCV viral loads in whole blood and plasma have generated contradictory results. The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of HCV in different compartments of the peripheral blood from HCV‐infected blood donors, which may differ from that observed in patients with HCV‐associated liver disease.

Materials and Methods  Hepatitis C virus‐positive donor specimens were identified by NAT and antibody testing. HCV RNA was extracted from samples of whole blood and their corresponding components (RBC and plasma). Viral RNA was quantified by real‐time qRT‐PCR.

Results  Hepatitis C virus was present in all blood components from infected donors from which RNA could be amplified. For the majority of samples, plasma (34/46) had the highest detectable concentration of HCV RNA, and RBC (37/46) had the lowest. Specimens with negative NAT and positive antibody assays also produced qRT‐PCR negative results.

Conclusion  These results indicate that including the RBC fraction in the tested sample will not increase assay sensitivity. Although 10% of the specimens had a higher viral load in whole blood, there was no significant overall increase in sensitivity to justify changes in the specimen format. Thus, plasma specimens are well suited for blood donor screening for HCV.
Association between vitamin C deficiency and dialysis modalities
Authors: ZHANG KUNYING , DONG JIE , CHENG XUYANG , BAI WENYING , GUO WEIYA , WU LEIYUN , ZUO LI
Published: March 2012

Aim:  We designed a cross‐sectional study to investigate plasma vitamin C level in patients who underwent maintenance haemodialysis (MHD) and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) to explore whether there is a difference in vitamin C deficiency between MHD patients and CAPD patients.

Methods:  This investigation included 382 dialysis patients without vitamin C supplement before the study. Demographic characteristics, laboratory tests, ascorbic acid and total plasma vitamin C level were measured. A linear regression model was built to explore the association between vitamin C deficiency and dialysis modalities after adjusting for age, dialysis vintage, gender, Charlson index, modality of dialysis and hsCRP.

Results:  The range of plasma vitamin C level was from 0.48 µg/mL to 31.16 µg/mL. 35.9% (n = 137) patients had severe vitamin C deficiency (<2 µg/mL). Plasma vitamin C level was inversely associated with age and dialysis vintage. After age and dialysis vintage were adjusted, vitamin C deficiency was associated with MHD. R square for model fitting was relatively low, which implied that there were other vitamin C influencing factors not included in the model.

Conclusions:  Vitamin C deficiency is common in dialysis patients, especially in patients treated with MHD.