bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimizing Accu Time‐of‐Flight/Direct Analysis in Real Time for Explosive Residue Analysis
Authors: Swider Joseph R. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe use of a direct analysis in real time (DART) mass spectrometer (MS) instrument was optimized for 22 compounds of organic explosive residues to provide a guide for DART‐MS users in rapid screening of explosive compounds. Samples were introduced as neat solutions and sequential dilutions to determine optimal instrument conditions and lowest concentration detectable. Most compounds were optimized to 250°C in the negative ion mode, and several compounds benefited from the addition of a chloride dopant from methylene chloride (amino‐dinitrotoluenes, RDX, EGDN, and PETN). Few compounds were more sensitive in the positive ion mode (TEGDN, DEGDN, HNS, and DMNB). Mixtures of compounds were detected using clean room wipes, directly from their surfaces and from subsequent extractions. Compounds from the mixtures were also successfully detected in soil and from swipes of spiked surfaces. The instrument showed merit in detection of pg/μL solutions for most of the compounds and among the substrates tested.
The Role of Vitreous Magnesium Quantification in Estimating the Postmortem Interval
Authors: Mihailovic Zoran , Atanasijevic Tatjana , Popovic Vesna , Milosevic Miroslav B. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe use of magnesium as a parameter to estimate the time of death is controversial. In 32 traumatic deaths with known postmortem intervals (PMIs), small quantities of vitreous humor (VH) were sampled repetitively every 3 h until 24 h postmortem. The bodies were kept at the constant ambient temperature of 20°C (68°F). The concentrations of magnesium were in the range of 0.47–1.15 mM. A statistically significant correlation of the concentration of magnesium with the PMI was observed (r = 0.453, p < 0.01), but with small predictive value—coefficient of variation for regression was 45.5%; the average of the paired differences between the estimated and actual PMIs was 5.24 + 3.19 h. Although useful results might be expected due to the large transmembrane gradient for magnesium, the results of this study strongly disprove the usefulness of measuring magnesium in VH to estimate the time of death.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and Death in a Large Enclosed Ventilated Area
Authors: Huston Butch , Froloff Victor , Mills Kelly , McGee Michael 
Published: October 2013

AbstractA 55‐year‐old man with a medical history of tobacco use suddenly collapsed while power washing an empty indoor pool in a hotel. The decedent was transported to the local hospital where he was pronounced. A postmortem examination revealed atherosclerotic heart disease and bilateral pulmonary edema and congestion. A postmortem blood carbon monoxide (CO) level was 27% saturation, and a CO performed on hospital admission blood was 49% saturation. CO poisoning is a common cause of toxicological morbidity and mortality in the United States. The circumstances most often occur in an enclosed environment and may be intentional or unintentional. CO poisoning has been reported in open, well‐ventilated spaces, but rarely results in death. A warning label was present on the engine clearly stating the dangers of CO emission. However, there was a false sense of security due to the large size of the pool room and the presence of industrial blowers that were being used for ventilation.
Possibility of Decrease in CYP1A2 Function in Patients With End‐Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Tsujimoto Masayuki , Sugimoto Sari , Nagatomo Makiko , Furukubo Taku , Izumi Satoshi , Yamakawa Tomoyuki , Minegaki Tetsuya , Nishiguchi Kohshi 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPropranolol, the substrate of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2 and CYP2D6, has been reported to be in high concentrations in end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. This has been thought to be due to the decrease in the nonrenal clearance of propranolol. The objective of this study is to elucidate the reason for the decrease in nonrenal clearance in ESRD patients. CYP1A2 and CYP2D6 activities were estimated by the phenacetin O‐deethylation and methoprolol O‐demethylation methods, respectively. Pooled normal serum and pooled uremic serum were deproteinized by methanol in order to exclude high‐molecular‐weight compounds. We selected as candidate inhibitors: uremic toxins such as 3‐indoxyl sulfate, 3‐carboxy‐4‐methyl‐5‐propyl‐2‐furanpropanoic acid, indole‐3‐acetic acid, and hippuric acid, and xanthine derivatives such as allantoin, uric acid, and xanthine. In this study, uremic serum was found to inhibit the CYP1A2‐mediated metabolism of phenacetin to acetaminophen in a concentration‐dependent and competitive manner. Xanthine also inhibited the metabolism of CYP1A2. On the other hand, uremic serum and the four uremic toxins did not inhibit the CYP2D6‐mediated metabolism of metoprolol to O‐demethylmetoprolol. In conclusion, this study suggests that the increase of the bioavailability of propranolol in ESRD is partly induced by the inhibition of the hepatic metabolism of CYP1A2 by xanthine in the uremic serum.
Intra‐Arterial Treatment for Massive Subcutaneous Hemorrhage in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Banshodani Masataka , Kawanishi Hideki , Moriishi Misaki , Shintaku Sadanori , Sato Tomoyasu , Tsuchiya Shinichiro 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe incidence of acute massive hemorrhage in hemodialysis (HD) patients is thought to be higher than in healthy individuals, and a large, expanding subcutaneous hematoma can result in necrosis of the overlying skin. We evaluated the efficacy of intra‐arterial treatment for acute massive subcutaneous hemorrhage in HD patients. Seven HD patients with subcutaneous hemorrhage following minor blunt trauma were treated using superselective transarterial embolization, between July 2005 and October 2012. After examining the site of the hemorrhage using contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CT), embolizations were performed using microcoils, gelatin sponges, or N‐butyl cyanoacrylate. Hematoma evacuation or skin grafting was performed as needed. Four men and three women with a mean age of 70 years (range, 63–82 years) comprised the study population. Sites of bleeding were as follows: lower leg (N = 3), upper leg (N = 1), buttock (N = 1), precordia (N = 1), and forearm (N = 1). Blood transfusions were administered to five cases. All patients were successfully salvaged using transarterial embolization. Six patients underwent hematoma evacuation after transarterial embolization, and two patients underwent split‐thickness skin grafting for skin necrosis. We established a treatment strategy for HD patients with acute subcutaneous hemorrhage. Immediate confirmation of the site and the degree of bleeding with contrast‐enhanced CT and early treatment using the transarterial embolization and as needed, hematoma evacuation are effective for preventing skin necrosis in HD patients with acute subcutaneous hemorrhage.
Nutritional status and quality of life in a cohort ofAustralian home parenteral nutrition patients: A pilot study
Authors: Schliefert Emma , Carey Sharon 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimHome parenteral nutrition (HPN) impacts on nutritional status and subsequent quality of life. The aim of this pilot study was to assess the nutritional status and quality of life in a cohort of patients receiving home parenteral nutrition in a tertiary referral hospital, and the relationship between these two outcome measures.MethodsOutpatients attending an intestinal failure clinic were recruited. Nutritional assessment included anthropometrics,SubjectiveGlobalAssessment and total dietary intake. Self‐administered symptom and quality of life questionnaires were administered. Nutritional status, quality of life and the association between the two measures were statistically analysed.ResultsSubjectiveGlobalAssessment, body mass index, overall energy and protein intake indicated adequate nourishment. Clear gender differences were seen when assessing weight gain while on home parenteral nutrition. Males gained 15% body weight since commencement ofHPN, while females lost −4%. Median female triceps skinfold and male mid‐arm muscle circumference were below the 10th percentile, and grip strength was 50% of the predicted value. Quality of life was low compared withAustralian norm values. Higher grip strength was associated with higher quality of life (P< 0.05).ConclusionsMales onHPNare gaining weight on treatment while females are not. All have lower muscle mass, muscle strength and quality of life measures compared with the normal population. Current international clinical practice guidelines do not include exercise or rehabilitative recommendations that could potentially enhance patients' physical function and overall quality of life.
Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. salmonicida in the light of its type‐three secretion system
Authors: Vanden Bergh Philippe , Frey Joachim 
Published: October 2013

SummaryAeromonas salmonicida subsp. salmonicida is an important pathogen in salmonid aquaculture and is responsible for the typical furunculosis. The type‐three secretion system (T3SS) is a major virulence system. In this work, we review structure and function of this highly sophisticated nanosyringe in A. salmonicida. Based on the literature as well as personal experimental observations, we document the genetic (re)organization, expression regulation, anatomy, putative functional origin and roles in the infectious process of this T3SS. We propose a model of pathogenesis where A. salmonicida induces a temporary immunosuppression state in fish in order to acquire free access to host tissues. Finally, we highlight putative important therapeutic and vaccine strategies to prevent furunculosis of salmonid fish.
Development of genomic resources for the tick Ixodes ricinus: isolation and characterization of single nucleotide polymorphisms
Authors: Quillery E. , Quenez O. , Peterlongo P. , Plantard O. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAssessing the genetic variability of the tick Ixodes ricinus—an important vector of pathogens in Europe—is an essential step for setting up antitick control methods. Here, we report the first identification of a set of SNPs isolated from the genome of I. ricinus, by applying a reduction in genomic complexity, pyrosequencing and new bioinformatics tools. Almost 1.4 million of reads (average length: 528 nt) were generated with a full Roche 454 GS FLX run on two reduced representation libraries of I. ricinus. A newly developed bioinformatics tool (DiscoSnp), which isolates SNPs without requiring any reference genome, was used to obtain 321 088 putative SNPs. Stringent selection criteria were applied in a bioinformatics pipeline to select 1768 SNPs for the development of specific primers. Among 384 randomly SNPs tested by Fluidigm genotyping technology on 464 individuals ticks, 368 SNPs loci (96%) exhibited the presence of the two expected alleles. Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium tests conducted on six natural populations of ticks have shown that from 26 to 46 of the 384 loci exhibited significant heterozygote deficiency.
Disease Modifying Therapies Modulate Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Sternberg Zohara , Leung Christopher , Sternberg Daniel , Yu Jinhee , Hojnacki David 
Published: October 2013

SummaryObjectivesThis retrospective study aimed to determine (1) the association between the use of three major disease modifying therapies (DMTs) (Interferon‐beta [IFN‐β], Glatiramer acetate [GA], Natalizumab [NTZ]) and cardiovascular (CV) risk factors in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, and (2) the association between the use of CV drugs (antihypertensive, hypolipidemic, and antiplatelets) and other drugs acting on the CV system (antispastics/anticonvulsants/anxyolitics, antidepressants/stimulants), and MS disease severity.MethodsThe charts of 188 patients with MS, who were taking one of the three DMTs, and 110 patients, who were naïve to these drugs, were retrospectively reviewed. The obtained data included height and weight, fasting lipid profiles, plasma glucose, systolic and diastolic BP, smoking habit, list of medications, and indicators of MS disease severity.ResultsThe use of DMTs was associated with higher diastolic BP readings, as well as higher plasma glucose and HDL‐C plasma levels. In addition, there was an association between CV risk factors and the type of DMTs. When compared to DMT‐naïve patients with MS, the use of IFN‐β and GA was associated with higher CV risk factors, whereas the use of NTZ was associated with lower CV risk factors. In DMT‐naïve patients, the use of CV and related drugs was associated with higher Extended Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and higher MS Severity Scale (MSSS).ConclusionThere is an association between higher CV risk factors and the use of DMTs. Furthermore, CV and related drugs have the potential for modulating MS disease severity.
The status of serum vitamin D in patients with active Behcet's disease compared with controls
Authors: Khabbazi Alireza , Rashtchizadeh Nadereh , Ghorbanihaghjo Amir , Hajialiloo Mehrzad , Ghojazadeh Mortasa , Taei Ramin , Kolahi Sousan 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to characterize the status of vitamin D in patients with active and recently diagnosed Behcet's disease (BD) and the relationship between vitamin D levels and BD activity.Methods and materialsIn this cross sectional study 48 patients with BD and 47 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls were included. BD was diagnosed by the International Criteria for BD. Behcet's patients were new cases who were not on any treatment. BD activity was measured by the Iranian Behcet's Disease Dynamic Activity Measure (IBDDAM) and Behcet's Disease Current Activity Form (BDCAF). 25(OH)D measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay method as an indicator of vitamin D status.ResultsThe mean 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D level in the BD group was lower than the control group. Insufficiency and deficiency of 25(OH)D in the BD group was more common than the control group. No correlation was observed between the total IBDDAM, ophthalmic IBDDAM, and BDCAF with 25(OH)D levels. No correlation was found between the major symptoms of BD and 25(OH)D value.ConclusionsOur study suggests that deficiency of 25(OH)D may be a trigger factor for BD.
Metagenomic analysis on seasonal microbial variations of activated sludge from a full‐scale wastewater treatment plant over 4 years
Authors: Ju Feng , Guo Feng , Ye Lin , Xia Yu , Zhang Tong 
Published: October 2013

SummaryMetagenomic technique was employed to characterize the seasonal dynamics of activated sludge (AS) communities in a municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) over 4 years. The results indicated that contrary to Eukaryota (mainly Rotifera and Nematoda), abundances of Bacteria and Archaea (mainly Euryarchaeota) were significantly higher in winter than summer. Two‐way analysis of variance and canonical correspondence analysis revealed that many functionally important genera followed strong seasonal variation patterns driven by temperature and salinity gradients; among them, two nitrifying bacteria, Nitrospira and Nitrosomonas, displayed much higher abundances in summer, whereas phosphate‐removing genus Tetrasphaera, denitrifier Paracoccus and potential human faecal bacteria, i.e. Bifidobacterium, Dorea and Ruminococcus, showed significantly higher abundances in winter. Particularly, occurrence of dual variation patterns beyond explanation merely by seasonality indicated that multivariables (e.g. dissolved oxygen, sludge retention time, nutrients) participated in shaping AS community structure. However, SEED subsystems annotation showed that functional categories in AS showed no significant difference between summer and winter, indicating that compared with its microbial components, the functional profiles of AS were much more stable. Taken together, our study provides novel insights into the microbial community variations in AS and discloses their correlations with influential factors in WWTPs.
Eosinophil major basic protein activates human cord blood mast cells primed with fibroblast membranes by integrin‐β1
Authors: Ben‐Zimra M. , Bachelet I. , Seaf M. , Gleich G. J. , Levi‐Schaffer F. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundMast cell (MC) – eosinophil (Eos) activating cross‐talk might be critical for the severity and chronicity of allergy. Among soluble mediators, eosinophil major basic protein (MBP), a hallmark of allergy, is particularly important because it was shown to activate specific MC subtypes. We previously demonstrated that MBP activates IgE‐desensitized rat MC and human lung and cord blood‐derived MC (CBMC) after priming with fibroblast membranal stem cell factor. However, a distinct mechanism for this activation was missing. Therefore, we aimed to investigate it.MethodsMajor basic protein‐1 activation of CBMC primed with fibroblast‐derived membranes (FBM) was measured by β‐hexosaminidase and tryptase release. Chemical cross‐linking followed by micrometric flow cytometry probed direct interactions. Antibodies neutralized integrin‐β1 and recognized its active form. Pertussis toxin (Ptx) was used to decrease integrin‐β1 active form expression. Hematopoietic cell kinase (Hck) was identified by immunoprecipitation (IP) and silenced by siRNA.ResultsMajor basic protein‐1‐induced CBMC activation is mediated partly by MBP1–integrin‐β1 interaction on the MC surface. FBM prime CBMC via a G protein, as confirmed by Ptx, to shift integrin‐β1 to its active form. Following MBP1 binding, integrin‐β1 binds Hck that further transduces the activation signal. MC priming with FBM leads to up‐regulation in Hck protein level. MC integrin‐β1 neutralization inhibits MBP1‐induced activation and uptake. Hck silencing results with reduced MBP1‐induced activation.ConclusionsFibroblast‐derived membranes, integrin‐β1, and Hck are involved in MBP1‐induced activation of CBMC and therefore represent a distinct mechanism for this activation. This finding might implicate integrin‐β1 and Hck as targets for decreasing MC – Eos activating cross‐talk in allergy.
Experience of fetal scalp blood sampling during labor
Authors: Liljeström Lena , Wikström Anna‐Karin , Skalkidou Alkistis , Åkerud Helena , Jonsson Maria 
Published: October 2013

AbstractFetal scalp blood sampling (FBS) is often claimed to be painful for women in labor and difficult for obstetricians to perform. Our aim was to assess women's experience of pain during FBS and obstetricians' experience of difficulty in performing the test. At a tertiary center in Sweden, a questionnaire with answers on a 10‐point scale was completed by 51 women and the obstetricians performing the test. Women's experience of pain had a median of 3.5. FBS was well tolerated in women who had epidural analgesia but might be associated with pain in women without. Higher maternal body mass index and less cervical dilation were associated with higher pain ratings. Obstetricians did not generally experience scalp sampling as difficult to perform (median score 3.0). However, the sampling procedure can be more complicated in situations with higher maternal body mass index, less cervical dilation, and a higher station of the fetal head.
Blood eosinophil counts during bronchiolitis are related to bronchial hyper‐responsiveness and lung function in early adolescence
Authors: Mikalsen Ingvild Bruun , Halvorsen Thomas , Øymar Knut 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimTo assess whether inflammatory markers measured in urine and blood during acute bronchiolitis in infancy were associated with asthma, lung function, bronchial hyper‐responsiveness (BHR) and atopy at 11 years of age.MethodsWe included 105 children hospitalised for bronchiolitis during their first year of life. At hospitalisation, urinary (U‐) eosinophil protein X, U‐leukotriene E4, U‐prostaglandin 9α, 11β‐PGF2 and blood eosinophil counts were measured. Ninety‐five children (90%) were available for follow‐up at 11 years of age.ResultsAt follow‐up, higher blood eosinophil counts obtained during bronchiolitis were observed in the group with asthma than in the group without asthma (median 0.27 versus 0.09 × 109/L, respectively, p = 0.048). By regression analyses, blood eosinophil counts during the acute bronchiolitis were positively associated with BHR (p = 0.006) and negatively associated with forced expiratory volume in first second (p = 0.025) at 11 years of age. None of the other inflammatory markers were associated with asthma, lung function, BHR or atopy at 11 years of age.ConclusionEosinophil inflammation during bronchiolitis may have a long‐term impact on lung function and airway responsiveness. The associations could be related to virus–host interactions during bronchiolitis or to predisposed children.
Lipid profile and atherogenic indices soon after birth in Japanese preterm infants
Authors: Shoji Hiromichi , Murano Yayoi , Mori Mari , Matsunaga Nobuaki , Ohkawa Natsuki , Suganuma Hiroki , Ikeno Mitsuru , Hisata Ken , Hirayama Satoshi , Ueno Tsuyoshi , Miida Takashi , Shimizu Toshiaki 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimThe intra‐uterine environment affects the risk of development of cardiovascular disease in adulthood. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of prematurity and foetal growth restriction on lipid metabolism, by assessing atherogenic indices soon after birth in preterm infants.MethodsBlood samples were collected within 20 min of birth from 80 preterm infants with a gestational age of ≤35 weeks. Serum total cholesterol (TC), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), apolipoprotein‐A1 (apoA1) and apolipoprotein‐B (apoB) levels were measured. The ratio of TC/HDLc, LDLc/HDLc and apoB/apoA1 were also calculated. Correlations between these indices and gestational age, birth weight and the standard deviation (SD) score for birth weight were also determined.ResultsGestational age, birth weight and SD score for birth weight were negatively correlated with the TC/HDLc, LDLc/HDLc and apoB/apoA1 ratios.ConclusionIn preterm infants, prematurity and poor foetal growth may influence lipid and apolipoprotein metabolism and affect atherogenic indices at birth.
The importance of language in the home for school‐age children with permanent hearing loss
Authors: Vohr Betty R , Topol Deborah , Watson Victoria , St Pierre Lucille , Tucker Richard 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimTo determine the characteristics of the natural spoken language environment associated with better language skills at school age of children with permanent hearing loss (HL) screened in a newborn hearing screen programme.MethodsA language processor recorded language environment including child vocalisations (CVs), conversational turns (CTs), adult word count (AWC), percentage of language and percentage of silence in 23 children withHLand 41 hearing controls. Relationships of language environment scores withReynell language scores were analysed.ResultsChildren withHLhad significantly lower Reynell comprehension scores (15–25 points; p = 0.0001) and expressive scores (7–12 points;NS) than hearing children. In regression analyses for the children withHL, after adjusting for age of entry to early intervention and stay in aNICU, every increase in ten percentage points of language in the home was associated with 7.2 points higher comprehension score (p = 0.027) and 9.99 points higher expressive score (p = 0.006). After adjusting for nonverbal intelligence, similar independent effects of the language environment on both comprehension (p = 0.027) and expressive scores (p = 0.006) were identified.ConclusionA rich language environment in the home is associated with better language abilities, which are necessary for academic success for children with permanentHLat school age.