bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of chronic congestive heart failure on pharmacokinetics and vasomotor effects of infused nitrite
Authors: Maher Abdul R , Arif Sayqa , Madhani Melanie , Abozguia Khalid , Ahmed Ibrar , Fernandez Bernadette O , Feelisch Martin , O'Sullivan AG , Christopoulos Arthur , Sverdlov Aaron L , Ngo Doan , Dautov Rustem , James Philip E , Horowitz John D , Frenneaux Michael P 
Published: March 2013

Background and PurposeNitrite (NO2−) has recently been shown to represent a potential source of NO, in particular under hypoxic conditions. The aim of the current study was to compare the haemodynamic effects of NO2− in healthy volunteers and patients with stable congestive heart failure (CHF).Experimental ApproachThe acute haemodynamic effects of brachial artery infusion of NO2− (0.31 to 7.8 μmol·min−1) was assessed in normal subjects (n = 20) and CHF patients (n = 21).Key ResultsNO2− infusion was well tolerated in all subjects. Forearm blood flow (FBF) increased markedly in CHF patients at NO2− infusion rates which induced no changes in normal subjects (anova: F = 5.5; P = 0.02). Unstressed venous volume (UVV) increased even with the lowest NO2− infusion rate in all subjects (indicating venodilation), with CHF patients being relatively hyporesponsive compared with normal subjects (anova: F = 6.2; P = 0.01). There were no differences in venous blood pH or oxygen concentration between groups or during NO2− infusion. Venous plasma NO2− concentrations were lower in CHF patients at baseline, and rose substantially less with NO2− infusion, without incremental oxidative generation of nitrate, consistent with accelerated clearance in these patients. Plasma protein‐bound NO concentrations were lower in CHF patients than normal subjects at baseline. This difference was attenuated during NO2− infusion. Prolonged NO2− exposure in vivo did not induce oxidative stress, nor did it induce tolerance in vitro.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe findings of arterial hyper‐responsiveness to infused NO2− in CHF patients, with evidence of accelerated transvascular NO2− clearance (presumably with concomitant NO release) suggests that NO2− effects may be accentuated in such patients. These findings provide a stimulus for the clinical exploration of NO2− as a therapeutic modality in CHF.
Roles of basophils and mast cells infiltrating the lung by multiple antigen challenges in asthmatic responses of mice
Authors: Nabe T , Matsuya K , Akamizu K , Fujita M , Nakagawa T , Shioe M , Kida H , Takiguchi A , Wakamori H , Fujii M , Ishihara K , Akiba S , Mizutani N , Yoshino S , Chaplin DD 
Published: March 2013

Background and PurposeMast cell hyperplasia has been observed in the lungs of mice with experimental asthma, but few reports have studied basophils. Here, we attempted to discriminate and quantify mast cells and basophils in the lungs in a murine asthma model, determine if both cells were increased by multiple antigen challenges and assess the roles of those cells in asthmatic responses.Experimental ApproachSensitized Balb/c mice were intratracheally challenged with ovalbumin four times. Mast cells and basophils in enzymatically digested lung tissue were detected by flow cytometry. An anti‐FcεRI monoclonal antibody, MAR‐1, was i.p. administered during the multiple challenges.Key ResultsThe numbers of both mast cells (IgE+ C‐kit+) and basophils (IgE+ C‐kit− CD49b+) increased in the lungs after three challenges. Treatment with MAR‐1 completely abolished the increases; however, a late‐phase increase in specific airway resistance (sRaw), and airway eosinophilia and neutrophilia were not affected by the treatment, although the early‐phase increase in sRaw was suppressed. MAR‐1 reduced antigen‐induced airway IL‐4 production. Basophils infiltrating the lung clearly produced IL‐4 after antigen stimulation in vitro; however, histamine and murine mast cell protease 1 were not increased in the serum after the challenge, indicating that mast cell activation was not evoked.Conclusion and ImplicationsBoth mast cells and basophils infiltrated the lungs by multiple intratracheal antigen challenges in sensitized mice. Neither mast cells nor basophils were involved in late‐phase airway obstruction, although early‐phase obstruction was mediated by basophils. Targeting basophils in asthma therapy may be useful for an early asthmatic response.
Tumour necrosis factor-α plus interleukin-10 low producer phenotype predicts acute kidney injury and death in intensive care unit patients
Authors: Dalboni M A , Quinto B M R , Grabulosa C C , Narciso R , Monte J C , Durão M , Rizzo L , Cendoroglo M , Santos O P , Batista M C 
Published: March 2013

SummaryGenetic polymorphism studies of cytokines may provide an insight into the understanding of acute kidney injury (AKI) and death in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the genetic polymorphisms of −308 G &lt; A tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, −174 G &gt; C interleukin (IL)-6 and −1082 G &gt; A IL-10 may predispose ICU patients to the development of AKI and/or death. In a prospective nested case–control study, 303 ICU patients and 244 healthy individuals were evaluated. The study group included ICU patients who developed AKI (n = 139) and 164 ICU patients without AKI. The GG genotype of TNF-α (low producer phenotype) was significantly lower in the with AKI than without AKI groups and healthy individuals (55 versus 62 versus 73%, respectively; P = 0·01). When genotypes were stratified into four categories of TNF-α/IL-10 combinations, it was observed that low TNF-α plus low IL-10 producer phenotypes were more prevalent in patients with AKI, renal replacement therapy and death (P &lt; 0·05). In logistic regression analysis, low TNF-α producer plus low IL-10 producer phenotypes remained as independent risk factors for AKI and/or death [odds ratio (OR) = 2·37, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1·16–4·84; P = 0·02] and for renal replacement therapy (RRT) and/or death (OR = 3·82, 95% CI: 1·19–12·23; P = 0·02). In this study, the combination of low TNF-α plus low IL-10 producer phenotypes was an independent risk factor to AKI and/or death and RRT and/or death in critically ill patients. Our results should be validated in a larger prospective study with long-term follow-up to emphasize the combination of these genotypes as potential risk factors to AKI in critically ill patients.
Relationships between emerging cardiovascular risk factors, z‐BMI, waist circumference and body adiposity index (BAI) on adolescents
Authors: Dias Ingrid B. F. , Panazzolo Diogo G. , Marques Marcela F. , Paredes Bruno D. , Souza Maria G. C. , Manhanini Diogo P. , Morandi Verônica , Farinatti Paulo T. V. , Bouskela Eliete , Kraemer‐Aguiar Luiz G. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryObjectiveThe body adiposity index (BAI) has been recently proposed as an alternative index to body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) to evaluate adiposity in adults, with special focus on its ability to discriminate gender specificities on adiposity. Endothelial dysfunction, circulating endothelial cells (CECs), endothelin‐1 and adipocytokines are all related to atherosclerosis and nowadays considered as markers of emerging cardiovascular (CV) risk. This study aimed to determine in normal weight and obese adolescents which measures of body composition (BAI and z‐BMI) or distribution (WC) correlate better with emerging CV risk markers.PatientsForty adolescents were selected according to BMI: normal weight (n = 20; 7 girls/13 boys, 14·7 ± 1·4 years, 53·4 ± 6·0 kg, z‐BMI 0·6 ± 0·1) and obese ones (n = 20; 13 girls/7 boys, 14·1± 1·0 years, 86·7 ± 11·5 kg, z‐BMI 2·7 ± 0·4).MeasurementsBody fat and fat mass were measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA). Non‐nutritive skin microvascular reactivity was evaluated by laser Doppler flowmetry with iontophoretic release of vasoactive drugs. Activated CECs were assessed by flow cytometric analysis.ResultsIn adolescents, the measurement of % fat by DXA showed high correlation with BAI (ρ = 0·75, P < 0·0001), z‐BMI (r = 0·84, P < 0·0001) and WC (r = 0·83, P < 0·0001). Endothelin‐1 and activated CECs did not correlate with any anthropometric measures while adipocytokines expressed variable associations among them. Endothelium‐dependent vasodilation showed higher correlation with BAI (r = −0·51, P < 0·0001) compared to z‐BMI (r = −0·40, P < 0·001) or WC (r = −0·45, P < 0·001), specially on females.ConclusionsBAI was associated with emerging CV risk markers in adolescents but further research is needed to evaluate its potential in clinical and epidemiological sets.
Protein markers predict body composition during growth hormone treatment in short prepubertal children
Authors: Decker Ralph , Andersson Björn , Nierop Andreas F. M. , Bosaeus Ingvar , Dahlgren Jovanna , Albertsson‐Wikland Kerstin , Hellgren Gunnel 
Published: March 2013

SummaryObjectiveA high‐throughput pharmaco‐proteomic approach has previously been successfully used to identify lipoprotein biomarkers related to changes in longitudinal growth and bone mass in response to growth hormone (GH) treatment.The aim of this study was to identify protein markers involved in the diverse anabolic and lipolytic remodelling of body composition during GH treatment.Design, patients and measurementsThe study population consisted of 128 prepubertal children receiving GH treatment. Thirty‐nine were short as a result of GH deficiency, and 89 had idiopathic short stature (ISS). Serum protein expression profiles at study start and after 1 year of GH treatment were analysed using surface‐enhanced laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (SELDI‐TOF MS). Body composition was analysed by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA), reliably estimating muscle mass from appendicular (arms and legs) lean soft tissue mass (LST). DXA was also used to estimate appendicular bone mineral content (BMC) and fat mass for the total body.ResultsSpecific protein expression patterns associated with GH response in different body compartments were identified. Among identified proteins, different isoforms of nutrition markers such as apolipoproteins (Apo) were recognized: Apo C‐I, Apo A‐II, serum amyloid A4 (SAA4) and transthyretin (TTR). In addition, unidentified peaks were associated with GH effects on specific body compartments.ConclusionsOur results suggest that unique protein markers are associated with remodelling of different body compartments during GH treatment, which in the future might be useful to optimize GH treatment not only with regard to longitudinal growth.
Complete genome sequences provide a case study for the evaluation of gene‐tree thinking
Authors: Dikow Rebecca B. , Smith William Leo 
Published: March 2013

AbstractComplete genome sequences from a genus of Gammaproteobacteria, Shewanella, are used to generate a genome‐wide exploration of the gene‐tree species‐tree dichotomy. A number of datasets were constructed and analyses were attempted. Single genes were chosen from 243 regions of collinear gene homology (128 of these 243 chosen genes are from the core Shewanella genome and 162 of 243 have the complete taxon sampling) from a previous study (Dikow, 2011) and subjected to phylogenetic analysis both individually and concatenated. In addition, three of the 243 sets of collinear genes from the core Shewanella genome were also chosen (comprising 15, 17, and 23 genes each) to be analysed in detail, this time to maximize the expectation of gene concordance. Analysis of these 55 genes in maximum parsimony (MP) and maximum likelihood (ML) produced 164 unique topologies (out of 166 resulting topologies). No genes from within collinear regions were congruent with one another, and none of these 164 topologies matches the result from concatenation. This result is particularly striking given that we chose collinear sets of genes. Analyses in MP and ML of 243 genes distributed across the genome produced 567 unique topologies (out of 571 resulting topologies for those 162 genes with complete taxon sampling). These results are discussed in light of recent works focused on incongruence. The gene as a phylogenetic unit is also discussed. It is our conclusion that molecular systematics has been reliant on the gene as a unit without a critical eye on the distinction between gene homology and character homology.
Extramedullary disease in patients with acute myeloid leukemia assessed by (18)F‐FDG PET
Authors: Cribe Anne‐Sofie Weindel Ibar , Steenhof Maria , Marcher Claus Werenberg , Petersen Henrik , Frederiksen Henrik , Friis Lone Smidstrup 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundPrevalence of extramedullary disease (EMD) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) at the time of diagnosis is unknown. Previous estimates range from 2.5% to 30.5% and are usually based on clinical examination. This may cause an under diagnosis of EMD as not all extramedullary manifestations are easily detectable. Few recent studies have used positron emission tomography (PET) scans for diagnosing EMD in patients AML.MethodDuring a 9‐month period, newly diagnosed patients with AML who were candidates for intensive chemotherapy were 18F‐Fluoro‐deoxy‐glucose (FDG) PET‐scanned prior to induction treatment. We compared the prevalence of EMD diagnosed by PET scans and by clinical examination. Subsequent PET scans following induction chemotherapy were performed for response evaluation of EMD.ResultsTwenty‐six patients were included in the study. 18‐F‐FDG PET scans revealed more than twice as many patients with EMD than found by clinical examination (65% vs. 31%). PET demonstrated 55 EMD lesions compared with 15 diagnosed by clinical examination. In general, the responses of EMD detected by PET scans were concordant with the bone marrow responses assessed by pathology examination.Conclusion18‐F‐FDG PET is a useful tool for diagnosing EMD in AML and for assessing treatment responses of EMD in AML.
A nano‐scale study in a soil chronosequence from southern Spain
Authors: Calero J. , Martín‐García J. M. , Delgado G. , Aranda V. , Delgado R. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryA soil chronosequence from the River Guadalquivir (Spain) was studied at a nanometre scale (10−9 m), this being a poorly investigated aspect of soil genesis. The fine mineral fractions (< 50 µm) were studied by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and analytical electron microscopy (TEM‐AEM). At a nano‐scale, the dominant materials in the chronosequence were dioctahedral 2:1 phyllosilicates, such as potassium mica (mainly muscovites and illites), mixed‐layer smectite/illite and smectite (beidellite). Sodium mica brammallite was described for the first time in soils. These dioctahedral phases are related genetically to illite by inheritance of muscovite and posterior transformation of illite into beidellite. These processes involve (i) loss of regularity in the layer stacking sequence in high‐resolution TEM images, even to the point of losing the contrast between layers; (ii) loss of three‐dimensional order in selected area (electron) diffraction (SAED) patterns, with increased diffusivity and weak spots on hkl levels; (iii) smaller layer packets producing superimposed SAED patterns (high‐angle boundaries in 00l); (iv) changing from two‐layer ordered polytypes (2M1) to one‐layer random polytypes (1Md); and (v) chemically, loss of charge and ions in the interlayer. The final result is beidellites with almost tactoid morphologies. As these processes are related to the soil‐forming factor of time it was possible to establish logarithmic chrono‐functions tending to steady state for nano‐scale properties such as the percentage of 2M1 polytypes, the layer charge, interlayer charge and the interlayer ion content in 2:1 phyllosilicates (more smectite‐like micas). This shows that time affects soil‐forming processes at the nano‐scale to the same extent as described for other scales such as ultra‐microfabric (10−6 m), horizon (10−1 m) or pedon (100 m).
Urology nursing practice educational preparation, titles, training, and job responsibilities around the globe: Republication
Authors: Albaugh Jeffrey A. 
Published: March 2013

Research SummaryDescribing urologic nursing practice is an essential step in determining how urology nurses are prepared for practice, the titles they claim, and the job responsibilities performed by urology nurses around the globe to identify commonalities and differences, and to work toward establishing consistency and excellence in care. The purpose of this study was to determine the training preparation for urology nurses at all levels of practice, the titles used by urology nurses, and the clinical responsibilities of urology nurses. The study used a prospective descriptive survey design. The questionnaire was distributed via the Internet with a link to an online survey that was anonymously completed by urology nurses around the world. There were 709 valid responses from urology nurses representing 34 different countries around the world. A total of 82 different titles were identified by urology nurses around the world. The most common title was registered nurse/staff nurse. The most common age group of urology nuses in the study was 51 to 60 years of age (38·7%), with the next most common age being 41 to 50 years of age (36·3%). The most common certification held by urology nurses was urology certification (34·8%, n = 247), with nurses in North America most commonly certified (n = 124), followed by Europe (n = 66) and the United Kingdom (n = 33). The urology nurses identified 98 distinct roles, and the most common activities performed by the entire group were patient/family education, catheterization, intermittent catheterization, bladder ultrasound, change/manage suprapubic catheters, medication administration, uroflow, and assist urologist with procedure. Nursing titles vary greatly around the globe. The lack of continuity in titles may lead to confusion among nurses and the public at large. Nurses around the world reported many roles, and although there were many common roles shared by many nurses, nurses are taking on advanced roles, such as performing cystoscopy, circumcision, and prostate biopsy.
“Smuggled Refugees”: The Social Construction of North Korean Migration
Authors: Song Jiyoung 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIn this paper, I demonstrate the identity transformation of North Korean women in interaction with state and non‐state actors and domestic and regional structures, which I formulate for the purposes of this paper. From a state‐centric social constructivist perspective in politics and international relations, I examine how the identities and interests of North Korean women are constituted and reconstituted in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the People's Republic of China and five South‐East Asian countries along their migration routes before they reach the Republic of Korea – the so‐called “Seoul Train in the Underground Railway”. Back in their country of origin, North Korean women are socially constructed as Confucian communist mothers. In China, the most frequently depicted images of North Korean women are trafficked wives. By paying for smugglers to cross borders to neighbouring South‐East Asian countries, North Korean women finally become the agents of their own destiny, refugees in waiting to be transferred to South Korea.
International Student Mobility and Tertiary Education Capacity in Africa
Authors: Kritz Mary M. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIn Africa, 5.8 per cent of enrolled tertiary students go outside their homelands for tertiary study. No other world region has this high a share of outbound student mobility. In this study, I examined why African countries have larger student outflows than other regions and, in particular, I considered the importance of tertiary education capacity in the region for student mobility. I evaluated the determinants of student outflows from African countries for three different measures: the total number of tertiary students abroad, the percentage of the tertiary age cohort studying abroad and the percentage of total enrolled students abroad. In addition to showing that country rankings differ on these mobility measures, the findings indicate that their determinants also differ. The study premise was that student outflows should be lower from countries that have a greater supply of tertiary training capacity and that thesis received strong support in models that estimated the percentage of total enrolled students abroad. In models for that outcome, student outflows were also larger if countries had high tertiary demand and populations under 2 million. The findings for models that estimated total numbers abroad and share of the tertiary cohort abroad were similar after controlling for interactions between tertiary education supply and GDP per capita. In addition, population size and per capita GDP were stronger correlates of student mobility in those models, which suggests that it is more difficult for education supply and demand measures to account for student outflows when crude outflow measures are used. I concluded that strengthening tertiary education supply at home would be a cost‐effective way for African governments to increase their human capital and reduce brain drain losses.
Framing an EU Level Regularization Mechanism: Mission Impossible?
Authors: Bilgic Ali 
Published: March 2013

AbstractEuropean Union Member States have so far tackled the problem of irregular migration in Europe by adopting common policies which aim to prevent irregular arrivals on the EU borders. In their EU‐level policies, they have neglected regularization as an alternative EU‐level policy addressing irregular migration. This represents a contrast to regularizations which are performed by many EU Member States. However, the EU Commission has gradually adopted a more positive stance about regularization. This article will discuss the principles of an EU‐level regularization scheme through the analysis of the Commission's ideas on the issue. It will be argued that, rather than adopting a common policy, the flexible set of measures, which guide Member States in formulating regularization mechanism for protection/humanitarian reasons, can be formulated at the EU level.
The UK Migrant Cap, Migrant Mobility and Employer Implications
Authors: Scullion Lisa , Pemberton Simon 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAdvocates of the “borderless world” thesis suggest that migrant workers can benefit from employment opportunities available everywhere, with workers simply migrating towards these opportunities. However, as global inequalities widen and potential global mobilities develop, states are “managing” migration. Individual migrant “agency”, its structuration, and the subsequent experiences of migrants and employers, can restrict such mobility. Consequently, there is a need to describe and problematize the new strategies. This article considers these issues with reference to the emerging impact of the migrant cap on non‐European Economic Area (EEA) migrants to the United Kingdom (UK). It explores the links between immigration and employment rights and the implications for migrant mobility. Policies of “managed migration” frequently do not take into account issues of geography and intra and inter regional competition for migrants by employers operating in sectors with skill shortages, or differential migrant “agency” in the form of their skills and attributes. This may impinge on the effectiveness of such approaches and on economic prosperity at a national, regional and local scale.