bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Epoetin Alfa on Left Ventricular Structure, Function, and Pressure Volume Relations as Assessed by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance: The Heart Failure Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFPEF) Anemia Trial
Authors: Green Philip , Babu Benson A. , Teruya Sergio , Helmke Stephen , Prince Martin , Maurer Mathew S. 
Published: March 2013

Anemia, a common comorbidity in older adults with heart failure and a preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF), is associated with worse outcomes. The authors quantified the effect of anemia treatment on left ventricular (LV) structure and function as measured by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging. A prospective, randomized single‐blind clinical trial (NCT NCT00286182) comparing the safety and efficacy of epoetin alfa vs placebo for 24 weeks in which a subgroup (n=22) had cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at baseline and after 3 and 6 months to evaluate changes in cardiac structure and function. Pressure volume (PV) indices were derived from MRI measures of ventricular volume coupled with sphygmomanometer‐measured pressure and Doppler estimates of filling pressure. The end‐systolic and end‐diastolic PV relations and the area between them as a function of end‐diastolic pressure, the isovolumic PV area (PVAiso), were calculated. Patients (75±10 years, 64% women) with HFPEF (EF=63%±15%) with an average hemoglobin of 10.3±1.1 gm/dL were treated with epoetin alfa using a dose‐adjusted algorithm that increased hemoglobin compared with placebo (P<.0001). As compared with baseline, there were no significant changes in end‐diastolic (−7±8 mL vs −3±8 mL, P=.81) or end‐systolic (−0.4±2 mL vs −0.7±5 mL, P=.96) volumes at 6‐month follow‐up between epoetin alfa compared with placebo. LV function as measured based on EF (−1.5%±1.6% vs −2.6%±3.3%, P=.91) and pressure volume indices (PVAiso‐EDP at 30 mm Hg, −5071±4308 vs −1662±4140, P=.58) did not differ between epoetin alfa and placebo. Administration of epoetin alfa to older adult patients with HFPEF resulted in a significant increase in hemoglobin, without evident change in LV structure, function, or pressure volume relationships as measured quantitatively using CMR imaging.
Using neutral cline decay to estimate contemporary dispersal: a generic tool and its application to a major crop pathogen
Authors: Rieux A. , Lenormand T. , Carlier J. , de Lapeyre de Bellaire L. , Ravigné V. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractDispersal is a key parameter of adaptation, invasion and persistence. Yet standard population genetics inference methods hardly distinguish it from drift and many species cannot be studied by direct mark‐recapture methods. Here, we introduce a method using rates of change in cline shapes for neutral markers to estimate contemporary dispersal. We apply it to the devastating banana pestMycosphaerella fijiensis, a wind‐dispersed fungus for which a secondary contact zone had previously been detected using landscape genetics tools. By tracking the spatio‐temporal frequency change of 15 microsatellite markers, we find that σ, the standard deviation of parent–offspring dispersal distances, is 1.2 km/generation1/2. The analysis is further shown robust to a large range of dispersal kernels. We conclude that combining landscape genetics approaches to detect breaks in allelic frequencies with analyses of changes in neutral genetic clines offers a powerful way to obtain ecologically relevant estimates of dispersal in many species.
Adenosine‐5′‐phosphosulfate – a multifaceted modulator of bifunctional 3′‐phospho‐adenosine‐5′‐phosphosulfate synthases and related enzymes
Authors: Mueller Jonathan W. , Shafqat Naeem 
Published: March 2013

All sulfation reactions rely on active sulfate in the form of 3′‐phospho‐adenosine‐5′‐phosphosulfate (PAPS). In fungi, bacteria, and plants, the enzymes responsible for PAPS synthesis, ATP sulfurylase and adenosine‐5′‐phosphosulfate (APS) kinase, reside on separate polypeptide chains. In metazoans, however, bifunctional PAPS synthases catalyze the consecutive steps of sulfate activation by converting sulfate to PAPS via the intermediate APS. This intricate molecule and the related nucleotides PAPS and 3′‐phospho‐adenosine‐5′‐phosphate modulate the function of various enzymes from sulfation pathways, and these effects are summarized in this review. On the ATP sulfurylase domain that initially produces APS from sulfate and ATP, APS acts as a potent product inhibitor, being competitive with both ATP and sulfate. For the APS kinase domain that phosphorylates APS to PAPS, APS is an uncompetitive substrate inhibitor that can bind both at the ATP/ADP‐binding site and the PAPS/APS‐binding site. For human PAPS synthase 1, the steady‐state concentration of APS has been modelled to be 1.6 μm, but this may increase up to 60 μm under conditions of sulfate excess. It is noteworthy that the APS concentration for maximal APS kinase activity is 15 μm. Finally, we recognized APS as a highly specific stabilizer of bifunctional PAPS synthases. APS most likely stabilizes the APS kinase part of these proteins by forming a dead‐end enzyme–ADP–APS complex at APS concentrations between 0.5 and 5 μm; at higher concentrations, APS may bind to the catalytic centers of ATP sulfurylase. Based on the assumption that cellular concentrations of APS fluctuate within this range, APS can therefore be regarded as a key modulator of PAPS synthase functions.
Comparative study of the microvascular blood flow in the intestinal wall, wound contraction and fluid evacuation during negative pressure wound therapy in laparostomy using the V.A.C. abdominal dressing and the ABThera open abdomen negative pressure therapy system
Authors: Lindstedt Sandra , Malmsjö Malin , Hlebowicz Joanna , Ingemansson Richard 
Published: March 2013

AbstractTo compare the changes in microvascular blood flow in the small intestinal wall, wound contraction and fluid evacuation, using the established V.A.C. abdominal dressing (VAC dressing) and a new abdominal dressing, the ABThera open abdomen negative pressure therapy system (ABThera dressing), in negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). Midline incisions were made in 12 pigs, which were subjected to treatment with NPWT using the VAC or ABThera dressing. The microvascular blood flow in the intestinal wall, were measured before and after the application at topical negative pressures of −50, −75 and −125 mmHg, using laser Doppler velocimetry. Wound contraction and fluid evacuation were also measured. Baseline blood flow was defined as 100% in all settings. The blood flow was significantly reduced, to 64·6 ± 6·7% (P < 0·05) after the application of −50 mmHg using the VAC dressing, and to 65·3 ± 9·6% (P < 0·05) after the application of −50 mmHg with the ABThera dressing. The blood flow was significantly reduced, to 39·6 ± 6·7% (P < 0·05) after the application of −125 mmHg using VAC, and to 40·5 ± 6·2% (P < 0·05) after the application of −125 mmHg with ABThera. No significant difference in the reduction in blood flow could be observed between the two groups. The ABThera system gave significantly better fluid evacuation from the wound compared to the VAC system. There was no difference between the dressings regarding the reduction in blood flow, but the ABThera dressing afforded better drainage of the abdomen and better wound contraction than the VAC dressing.
Low molecular weight heparin improves healing of chronic venous ulcers especially in the elderly
Authors: Serra Raffaele , Buffone Gianluca , Molinari Vincenzo , Montemurro Rossella , Perri Paolo , Stillitano Domenico M , Amato Bruno , de Franciscis Stefano 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTVenous ulcers are common, especially in the elderly, accounting for more than 50% of all lower extremity ulcers with important socioeconomic problems. Improving extracellular matrix functioning, by heparin administration, seems to be a way to support wound healing. A total of 284 patients with venous ulcers were recruited in a 4‐year period. All patients were subjected to the most appropriate treatment after considering their preference (compression therapy followed or not by vein surgery). Patients were randomised into two groups of 142 persons in each (group A and group B as cases and controls, respectively). Patients of group A, in addition to the basic treatment as described earlier, received administration of nadroparin 2850 IU/0.3 ml through subcutaneous injection once a day for 12 months, whereas group B patients received basic treatment alone. Healing was assessed by means of direct ulcer tracing with computerised planimetry. Group A showed a healing rate of 83·80% at 12 months, whereas that of group B was 60·56%. Results by age group surprisingly showed that the group of older patients took the most advantage from long‐term treatment with low molecular weight heparin; this group also had lowest recurrence rate.
Oesophageal involvement in bullous pemphigoid
Authors: Maharshak N. , Sagi M. , Santos E. , Sprecher E. , Goldberg I. 
Published: March 2013

Summary
Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an acquired autoimmune disease that predominantly affects older people. Mucosal involvement is rare in BP. We report an unusual case of an elderly patient with BP with involvement of the oesophagus presenting as gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Although mucosal involvement is typically rare in BP, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of GI bleeding in patients affected with the disease.
Permissible Use and Interdependence: Against Principled Veganism
Authors: Wayne Katherine 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAre animals not ours to use? According to proponents of veganism such as Gary Francione, any and all use of animals by humans is exploitative and wrong. It is wrong because animals have intrinsic worth and humans' use of animals fails to respect that worth. Contra Francione, I argue that that there are conditions under which it may be morally appropriate to collect, consume, sell, or otherwise use animal products. Francione is mistaken in his belief that assigning intrinsic worth to a being is impossible if said being is also conceived as a resource. Using and (non‐instrumental) valuing are not mutually exclusive; if they were, many if not most human relationships would be deemed morally unacceptable. Through a series of thought experiments involving intra‐human relationships, I suggest that moral condemnation of relationships within which a less dependent party regularly takes from a more dependent party is indefensible. In fact, relationships of use between asymmetrically dependent parties are essential to the functioning of cooperative society, and are therefore desirable. My aims with this article are to convince readers of the need to reject principled veganism, and to garner support for new philosophical accounts of morally appropriate human‐nonhuman animal relationships.
Does acetylsalicylic acid or warfarin affect the accuracy of fecal occult blood tests?
Authors: Gandhi Sumeet , Narula Neeraj , Gandhi Samir , Marshall John K , Farkouh Michael E 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundCurrent guidelines for screening of colorectal cancer do not offer specific recommendations for cessation of antithrombotic agents prior to fecal occult blood test (FOBT).AimTo asess the accuracy of FOBT in patients taking acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) or warfarin.MethodsA literature search was conducted for studies that investigated the accuracy of FOBT in patients taking ASA and warfarin. The primary outcome was the pooled relative risk (RR) for true positive FOBT for detecting significant colonic neoplasia in patients taking ASA or warfarin compared with controls. The secondary outcome was a pooled RR for true positive in guaiac FOBT (g‐FOBT) compared with immunochemical FOBT (i‐FOBT).ResultsFive observational studies included 759 patients taking ASA and 1652 control subjects. In patients taking ASA, pooled RR for true positive FOBT was 0.82 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.73–0.93, P = 0.0009), pooled RR for true positive g‐FOBT was 0.69 (95% CI 0.60–0.79, P < 0.0001), whereas pooled RR for true positive i‐FOBT was 1.013 (95% CI 0.81–1.30, P = 0.8182). Five observational studies included 806 patients taking warfarin and 10 338 control subjects. In patients taking warfarin, pooled RR for true positive FOBT was 1.559 (95% CI 1.349–1.801, P < 0.0001).ConclusionThe results of our meta‐analysis demonstrate that in patients taking ASA, there is a decrease in the positive predictive value (PPV) of g‐FOBT but no significant difference in the PPV of i‐FOBT compared with control subjects for detecting significant neoplasia. In patients taking warfarin, the PPV of FOBT was increased for detection of colorectal cancer compared with control subjects.
Gastric emptying and antral motility parameters in children with functional dyspepsia: Association with symptom severity
Authors: Devanarayana Niranga Manjuri , Rajindrajith Shaman , Perera Madushanka S , Nishanthanie Samudu W , Benninga Marc A 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackground and AimsFunctional dyspepsia (FD) is an important gastrointestinal problem with obscure etiology. Abnormal gastric motility is suggested as a possible pathophysiological mechanism for symptoms. The main objective of this study was to assess gastric motility in Sri Lankan children with FD.MethodsForty‐one children (19 [46.3%] males, age 4–14 years, mean 7.5 years, SD 2.6 years) referred to the Gastroenterology Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, from January 2007 to December 2011, were screened. Those fulfilling Rome III criteria for FD were recruited. None had clinical or laboratory evidence of organic disorders. Twenty healthy children were recruited as controls (eight [40%] males, age 4–14 years, mean 8.4 years, SD 3.0 years). Liquid gastric emptying rate (GE) and antral motility parameters were assessed using an ultrasound‐based method.ResultsAverage GE (45.6% vs 66.2% in controls), amplitude of antral contractions (58.2% vs 89.0%) and antral motility index (5.1 vs 8.3) were lower and fasting antral area (1.5 cm2 vs 0.6 cm2) was higher in patients with FD (P < 0.01). Frequency of antral contractions (8.8 vs 9.3) did not show a significant difference (P = 0.07). Scores obtained for severity of abdominal pain negatively correlated with GE (r = −0.35, P = 0.025). Children with FD, exposed to stressful events had higher fasting antral area (1.9 cm2) than those not exposed to stress (1.0 cm2) (P = 0.02).ConclusionsGE and antral motility parameters were significantly impaired in children with FD compared with controls. GE negatively correlated with severity of symptoms. This study points to disturbances in gastric motility as an etiological factor for FD.
Quantitative particle microscopy in self‐metered fluids
Authors: WHITE L.V. , COOKE I.R. , WAKES S.J. , SOWERBY S.J. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryWe describe a simple device that volumetrically samples poured liquids and draws buoyant  materials into a single field of view for quantitative particle microscopy. Our approach relies on the formation of axisymmetric menisci and computational models of the static fluid developed using surface evolver showed close agreement with experiment. The apparatus was evaluated by counting pollen and demonstrated utility for the field analysis of microparticles.
Queer Selfhoods in the Shadow of Neoliberal Urbanism
Authors: Menon Jisha 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThis article explores the political and performative shift in representations of same‐sex desire within the context of neoliberal urbanism in Bengaluru, India. The affective shift from labile sexual practices to defiant assertions of sexual identity over the past two decades warrants a conjunctural analysis that tracks the intersections between neoliberal cultures of consumption and liberal rhetorics of equal rights and freedom of choice. Focusing on the queer subject in Mahesh Dattani's dramatic oevre, this article considers progressivist accounts of same‐sex desire in neoliberal Bengaluru over the past two decades. By examining how non‐normative sexual practices are disciplined into the epistemological categories of LGBT identity politics, the essay charts the itineraries of “queer” as it travels to India.
A Certain Gesture: Reflections on the Murder of Sivaram
Authors: Spencer Jonathan 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIn the late 1970s and early 1980s, a generation of young Tamils in Sri Lanka joined one or other of the militant separatist groups that sprang up in opposition to the Sinhala‐dominated government of Sri Lanka. This paper examines the life of one member of this generation, the journalist and intellectual, Sivaram Dharmaratnam, who was abducted and murdered in Colombo in 2005. Sivaram's death provoked a flood of reflections from his peers and these are used to ask questions about the relationship between personal biography, intellectual trajectory and political commitment in a post‐colony in long‐term crisis. The subsequent appearance of a biography of Sivaram, written by his friend the anthropologist Mark Whitaker, provides an opportunity for further reflection on ethnography, friendship and the limits of biography.
Physician Attitudes Regarding School‐Located Vaccination Clinics
Authors: Fiala Steven C. , Cieslak Paul R. , DeBess Emilio E. , Young Collette M. , Winthrop Kevin L. , Stevenson Ellen B. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDSchool‐located vaccination clinics offer an opportunity to target children for vaccination programs during communicable disease outbreaks. However, children in the United States are primarily vaccinated in the pediatrician's or family physician's office, and the concept of school‐located vaccinations may be unfamiliar to some parents and guardians. Physician support could contribute to effective implementation of school‐located vaccination clinics during outbreak situations. The primary objective of the study was to assess physician opinion of using school‐located vaccination clinics to administer both outbreak‐specific and routine vaccines.METHODSA statewide mail and Internet survey was administered to 275 pediatricians and 275 family physicians in Oregon during July and August 2010.RESULTSNinety‐one percent of physicians supported the use of school‐located vaccination clinics as immunization delivery sites during outbreak situations. Sixty percent of physicians supported using school‐located vaccination clinics to administer routine vaccinations. Only 57% of physicians had knowledge of school‐located vaccination clinic availability to their patients.CONCLUSIONSPediatricians and family physicians expressed strong support of school vaccination clinics as sites for immunization delivery during outbreak situations but significantly less support for administering routine vaccinations. Increasing physician awareness of school‐located vaccination clinic availability and establishing partnerships between physician practices and school vaccination clinics may improve access to immunizations for school‐aged children and adolescents, particularly during large‐scale communicable disease outbreaks.
The Effect of Physical Education Climates on Elementary Students' Physical Activity Behaviors
Authors: Wadsworth Danielle D. , Robinson Leah E. , Rudisill Mary E. , Gell Nancy 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDWith the growing need for children from underserved populations to be physically active it is imperative to create developmentally appropriate and enjoyable physical education programs that promote physical activity. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of mastery and performance climates on physical activity during physical education.METHODSChildren (N = 108) in grades K‐2 from a rural southeastern elementary school in the United States were randomly assigned to a mastery‐ or performance‐oriented climate. The climates were implemented over 10 school days during regular scheduled physical education classes, and physical activity was measured with pedometers and system for observing fitness instruction time (SOFIT). Two experts in mastery motivational climates served as teachers for the study and were counterbalanced between conditions.RESULTSResults showed that steps/minute were significantly higher for the mastery condition, and participants in the mastery condition spent significantly less time sitting (p < .001) and in management (p < .001) and more time in moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA; p = .002) and fitness activities (p = .001).CONCLUSIONResults indicate that a mastery approach, which allows children the opportunity to drive their own physical activity, elicits higher step counts and more time spent in MVPA compared with a performance‐oriented approach.
Feasibility of colocating dental hygienists into medical practices
Authors: Braun Patricia A. , Kahl Shelby , Ellison Misoo C. , Ling Sarah , Widmer‐Racich Katina , Daley Matthew F. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractObjectivesTo test the feasibility of colocating registered dental hygienists (RDHs) into medical practices and to evaluate parent/caregiver oral health characteristics.MethodsFrom December 2008 to April 2009, we colocated five RDHs into five medical practices identified for their service to low‐income children. Dual‐function exam rooms were built in each office. Caregiver–child dyads were recruited from the practices for program evaluation. We used both qualitative (key informant interviews) and quantitative (survey) methods to evaluate the project. Feasibility was measured by assessment of RDH and practice factors that facilitated and/or created barriers to colocation, sustainability of services 5 years after colocation, and caregiver satisfaction with services. Caregiver oral health knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors were also measured.ResultsOver 27 months, five part‐time RDHs provided care to 2,071 children. Children of caregiver–child dyads (n = 583) recruited for evaluation were young (mean age = 1.8 years), white (46 percent), non‐Hispanic (56 percent), and publicly insured (68 percent Medicaid/11 percent State Children's Health Insurance Plan). Key informant interviews revealed various factors that facilitated and created barriers to program adoption, implementation, and sustainability. Most barriers were overcome. Five RDHs remained in the practices 2 years after program initiation and four remained after 5 years. At 1 year, 27 percent of caregiver–child dyads returned for evaluation and were highly satisfied with services. Caregivers reported favorable oral health characteristics and few barriers to receiving preventive dental care at baseline and 1‐year follow‐up.ConclusionsColocating RDHs into medical practices is feasible and an innovative model to provide preventive oral health services to disadvantaged children.