bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determination of biofilm production by Candida tropicalis isolated from hospitalized patients and its relation to cellular surface hydrophobicity, plastic adherence and filamentation ability
Authors: Galán‐Ladero M. A. , Blanco‐Blanco M. T. , Hurtado C. , Pérez‐Giraldo C. , Blanco M. T. , Gómez‐García A. C. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractCandida tropicalis is an emerging virulent species. The aim of this study is to determine the biofilm‐forming ability of 29 strains of C. tropicalis isolated from inpatients, and to examine its relation with other virulence factors such as cellular surface hydrophobicity (CSH), immediate (15 min, IA) and late (24 h, LA) plastic adherence and filamentation ability. The study was performed in parallel using two incubation temperatures – 37 and 22 °C – to determine the effect of growth temperature variations on these pathogenic attributes of C. tropicalis. Biofilm formation (BF) was measured by optical density (OD) and by XTT reduction (XTT); Slime index (SI), which includes growth as a correction factor in BF, was calculated in both methods. All strains were hydrophobic and adherent – at 15 min and 24 h – at both temperatures, with higher values for 22 °C; the adhered basal yeast layer appears to be necessary to achieve subsequent development of biofilm. Filamentation ability varied from 76.2% of strains at 37 °C to 26.6% at 22 °C. All C. tropicalis strains were biofilm producers, with similar results obtained using OD determination and XTT measurement to evaluation methods; SI is useful when good growth is not presented. BF at 37 °C was similar at 24 h and 96 h incubation; conversely, at 22 °C, the highest number of biofilm‐producing strains was detected at 96 h. CSH is an important pathogenic factor which is involved in adherence, is influenced by the filamentation of yeast, and plays a critical role in BF. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Crystal Structure of the Azide K4[Re6Sei8(N3)a6]·4H2O; Luminescence, Redox, and DFT Investigations of the [Re6Sei8(N3)a6]4– Cluster Unit
Authors: Gandubert Aurore , Brylev Konstantin A. , Thuong Nguyen Thi , Naumov Nikolai G. , Kitamura Noboru , Molard Yann , Gautier Régis , Cordier Stéphane 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe reaction of K4[Re6Sei8(OH)a6]·8H2O with NaN3 in water results in the formation of [Re6Sei8(N3)a]4– units that crystallize with K+ and H2O to form K4[Re6Sei8(N3)a6]·4H2O [P21/c (N°14), a = 9.0595(3) Å, b = 13.2457(4) Å, c = 13.2040(5) Å, β = 94.472(1)°]. In the solid state, the unit is characterized by N3 linear groups forming bond angles of roughly 120° with the Re6 cluster. The positions of the νas and νsy bands as well as N–N–N deformation modes of the N3 groups are discussed. Luminescence properties of the [Re6Sei8(N3)a]4– unit were measured in the solid state and in an acetonitrile solution. The redox potential of the [Re6Sei8(N3)a]4–/[Re6Sei8(N3)a]3– system was measured in acetonitrile. Experimental results were analyzed in the light of density functional theory calculations.
Pattern of Surgical Practice in a Regional Hospital in Cameroon and Implications for Training
Authors: Chichom Mefire Alain , Atashili Julius , Mbuagbaw Josephine 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundSurgeons are scarce in African countries. There is still a need to rely on general practitioners to perform a number of selected procedures. Their training needs to take these facts into consideration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pattern of surgical procedures performed in a level III institution in an African city. We then analyzed the implications for training.MethodsThis descriptive retrospective study was conducted at the Regional Hospital, Limbe in Cameroon. This hospital had just been selected as the main training hospital for a newly created medical school. The postoperative notes of all procedures performed over 1 year were used to assess exposure of fourth‐year medical students to various procedures and how much they matched their educational objectives.ResultsA total of 1,351 procedures were carried out during the study period, including 620 major and 731 minor procedures. Most procedures (84 %) were carried out by a trained specialist. The most frequently performed procedures were cesarean section (n = 131), circumcision (n = 148), laparotomy for various indications (n = 144), appendectomy (n = 81), and hernia repair (n = 81). Analysis of exposure of students to procedures indicated adequate exposure to cesarean section and some selected abdominal procedures.ConclusionsIf students are trained only in our institution, they are likely to perform appendectomy, cesarean section, and hernia repair correctly. Their skills in common orthopedic procedures are likely to be poor. There is need to continue prospects to identify other institutions with a more comprehensive pattern of activities to ensure proper training for students.
A Single‐center Large‐volume Experience in the Surgical Management of Hydatid Disease of the Lung With and Without Extrapulmonary Involvement
Authors: Türk Figen , Yuncu Gökhan , Karabulut Nevzat , Türk Tarık , Ozban Murat , Zümrütbas Ersin Ali , Akdag Beyza 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundWe compared the number of incisions, surgical procedures, hospital duration, and complications in hydatid cyst patients with unilateral or bilateral thoracic involvement and concomitant involvement of the extrathoracic organs.MethodsA total of 76 hydatid cyst cases surgically treated between the years 2007 and 2012 were divided into three groups according to radiological evidence of other organ involvement and surgical procedures: group 1 had only unilateral thoracic involvement and a single incision; group 2 had additional involvement of the contralateral thoracic side or extrathoracic organs and at most two incisions were performed at the same session; and group 3 had two or more incisions performed at separate sessions in addition to the involvement features of group 2.ResultsWe had 46 (60.5 %) cases with only thoracic involvement and 30 others (39.5 %) with extrathoracic organ involvement. Complications were seen in only one patient each in the first and second groups, and in 6 patients in the third group. Duration of hospital stay was 7.04 ± 0.86 (5–9) days in group 1.8.33 ± 1.87 (7–13) days in group 2, and 13.95 ± 2.03 (9–18) days in group 3.ConclusionsAlthough multiple session surgery is used to decrease the risk of complications, contamination, and infection in multiple or bilateral pulmonary hydatid cyst cases, or in patients with other organ involvement, single‐session surgery can be used in selected cases taking into account the operative trauma, financial consequences, and psychological profile.
A Randomized, Prospective, Double‐blind, Placebo‐Controlled Trial of the Effect of Diltiazem Gel on Pain After Hemorrhoidectomy
Authors: Sugimoto Takuya , Tsunoda Akira , Kano Nobuyasu , Kashiwagura Yasuharu , Hirose Ken‐ichi , Sasaki Tadanori 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundSpasm of the internal anal sphincter is considered to be one of the causes of pain in anal diseases. We have evaluated the effects of topical diltiazem on postoperative pain after hemorrhoidectomy.MethodsSixty‐two patients were randomly assigned to receive a 2 % diltiazem gel (n = 32) or a placebo gel (n = 30) after hemorrhoidectomy. Patients applied the gel to the anal region three times per day for 14 days. Pain both in the resting state and on defecation ranged from 0 to 10 on a numerical rating scale, and the number of prescribed loxoprofen tablets (Loxonin) were recorded and confirmed daily by telephone. Any morbidity during the follow‐up period was recorded.ResultsBoth pain scores during defecation and the number of analgesic tablets consumed tended to be lower in the diltiazem group, although they did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.09, P = 0.12, respectively). Total number of complications was significantly higher in the diltiazem group, but each incidence of complications, including itching sensation, headache, and dizziness was not statistically different.ConclusionsPerianal application of 2 % diltiazem gel after hemorrhoidectomy has the potential to reduce postoperative pain during defecation.
Concordance rates of Wilson's disease phenotype among siblings
Authors: Chabik Grzegorz , Litwin Tomasz , Członkowska Anna 
Published: June 2013

AbstractWilson's disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by the functional disruption of adenosine triphosphatase 7B (ATP7B), which results in positive copper balance. Although the primary manifestations of the disease are hepatic or neurological in scope, the factors that cause a very diverse picture of WD are not well researched. We compared the first clinical presentation, ages of onset and diagnosis, copper metabolism parameters, and ceruloplasmin levels between index cases (ICs) and their siblings. We examined 73 ICs and 95 siblings from 73 families, including a total of 168 patients with biochemical and genetically confirmed WD diagnoses. We observed an 86 % concordance rate of primary clinical symptoms among ICs with hepatic symptoms and their siblings. There was 66 % concordance among ICs with neurological symptoms and their siblings. No differences regarding age at onset of symptoms or copper metabolism parameters at diagnosis were identified between hepatic ICs and their siblings. The age at symptom onset did not differ between neurological ICs and their siblings, although ICs presented lower ceruloplasmin and serum copper levels. These results demonstrate a high intra‐familial concordance of the clinical and biochemical presentation of WD, suggesting that similar factors shared within the same families strongly influence the disease presentation.
Computer-Assisted Navigation in Patellofemoral Arthroplasty: A New Technique to Improve Rotational Position of the Trochlea
Authors: Hernigou Philippe , Flouzat-Lachaniette Charles Henri , Delblond William , Duffiet Pascal , Julian Didier 
Published: June 2013

Background Maltracking or subluxation is one of the complications of patellofemoral arthroplasty. Questions/Purposes We questioned whether the computed navigation system can improve patellar tracking in patients with patellofemoral arthroplasty (PFA). Methods Between 2007 and 2010 we performed 15 patellofemoral arthroplasties using the Ceraver PFA and navigation assistance. Fifteen other patients underwent surgery without navigation during the same period and acted as a control group. The rotation of the native trochlea as measured using the epicondylar line as a reference before surgery and the rotation of the trochlear component and the trochlear twist angle were assessed with computed tomography (CT) scan after surgery. Results The mean follow-up was 3 years (range, 2–5 years). The group with navigation had no patellofemoral complications and better clinical scores. The group without navigation had abnormal patellofemoral tracking in 5 of the 15 patients. CT scan demonstrated excessive internal component rotation, as compared with patients without complications. This excessive internal rotation was proportional to the severity of the patellofemoral maltracking. Conclusions The short-term results suggest that navigation can lead to better trochlear rotation which, in our hands, is associated with fewer cases of patellar maltracking and better overall clinical scores.
The effects of botulinum toxin injection frequency on calf muscle growth in young children with spastic cerebral palsy: A 12-month prospective study
Authors: Barber Lee , Hastings-Ison Tandy , Baker Richard , Kerr Graham H. , Barrett Rod , Lichtwark Glen 
Published: June 2013

Purpose This study was a 12-month prospective investigation of changes in the medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscle morphology in children aged 2–5 years with spastic cerebral palsy (CP) who had received no previous intramuscular injections of botulinum neurotoxin type-A (BoNT-A) and were randomised to receive either single or multiple (three) BoNT-A injections to the gastrocsoleus. MG morphological changes were compared to age-matched typically developing (TD) peers. Methods Thirteen children with spastic CP with a mean age of 45 (15) months and 18 TD children with a mean age of 48 (14) months participated in the study. The principal outcome measures were MG muscle volume, fascicle length, pennation angle and physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA), which were obtained using 2D and 3D ultrasound. Results The single and multiple injection frequency groups significantly increased MG muscle volume at 12 months relative to the baseline by 13 and 15 %, respectively. There were no significant differences in the MG muscle volume 28.5 (12.3) versus 30.3 (3.8) ml, fascicle length 48.0 (10.4) versus 44.8 (1.2) mm or PCSA 7.0 (1.2) versus 6.6 (1.7) cm2 between the single and multiple injection groups, respectively, at 12 months follow-up. The change in MG muscle volume in the single and multiple injection groups was significantly lower than the TD peers by 66 and 60 %, respectively. Interpretation In young children with spastic CP, naive to BoNT-A treatment, MG muscle growth over 12 months does not appear to be influenced by intramuscular BoNT-A injection frequency. However, MG muscle growth in the spastic CP groups was significantly lower than the age-matched TD peers. It is unclear whether this is an effect of intramuscular BoNT-A injections or reduced growth rates in children with spastic CP in general. Controlled investigations and longitudinal studies with multiple measurement time points are required in order to determine the influence of BoNT-A treatment on muscle physiological and mechanical growth factors in young children with spastic CP.
Peer‐related loneliness across early to late adolescence: Normative trends, intra‐individual trajectories, and links with depressive symptoms
Authors: Ladd Gary W. , Ettekal Idean 
Published: June 2013

AbstractStudy aims were to: (a) describe normative levels and person‐oriented developmental trends in loneliness across adolescence, and (2) examine the association between loneliness and depressive symptoms during this same epoch. Participants included 478 youth (239 males and females; 80% Caucasian, 16% African American, and 4% other). Measures of loneliness and multiple indicators of depressive symptoms were gathered yearly across grades 6 through 12 (ages 12–18). Findings implied that most adolescents experience loneliness more strongly during early rather than later adolescence, but not all adolescents traverse the same loneliness trajectories. Youth followed one of five distinct trajectories, characterized as: (a) stable non‐lonely, (b) stable low lonely, (c) stable high (chronic) lonely, (d) moderate decliners, and (e) steep decliners. Adolescents following stable high and moderate loneliness trajectories displayed the most depressive symptoms and, although informant differences were found, these youth also manifest the largest gains in depressive symptoms over time.
Examination of factors associated with aspiration pneumonia following stroke
Authors: Watanabe Satoshi , Shimozato Kazuo , Oh‐Shige Hideo , Umemura Masahiro , Fujiwara Shigeyoshi , Abe Yusuke , Mano Kazuo , Goto Yoji , Oh‐Iwa Ichiro 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackground: Studies have investigated factors related to aspiration pneumonia (AP) onset in stroke patients. However, no study has examined the influence of swallowing function assessment‐based strategies.Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate factors related to the onset of AP that differ before and after swallowing function assessment.Methods and subjects: Subjects consisted of 143 patients admitted to acute‐stage hospitals within 7 days of stroke onset. We examined the association between AP onset within 1 year after stroke and several parameters.Results: AP incidence was 24.5% overall, 20.3% before swallowing function assessment, and 7.7% after assessment. In patients who developed AP prior to swallowing function assessment, the onset was associated with male gender [odds ratio (OR): 6.206, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.871–28.937], dysarthria (OR: 5.683, CI: 1.432–38.713), and denture usage (OR: 2.843, CI: 1.011–8.048). In those who developed AP after swallowing function assessment, AP was associated with cerebral atrophy (OR: 4.225, CI: 1.071–16.705), infracted foci in the basal ganglia (OR: 8.914, CI: 1.489–77.776), and Barthel Index (BI) <100 points before admission (OR: 5.404, CI: 1.418–21.482).Conclusions: Onset of AP after stroke was associated with gender, dysarthria, denture usage at before swallowing function assessment and cerebral atrophy, infarcted foci in the basal ganglia, and BI before admission at after swallowing function assessment. It is necessary to pay attention to the fact that factors related to AP differ before and after swallowing function assessment to identify patients at high risk of developing AP after stroke.
Betanin, a beetroot component, induces nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2-mediated expression of detoxifying/antioxidant enzymes in human liver cell lines
Authors: Krajka-Kuźniak Violetta , Paluszczak Jarosław , Szaefer Hanna , Baer-Dubowska Wanda 
Published: June 2013

Our recent study has shown that beetroot juice protects against N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDEA)-induced liver injury and increases the activity of phase II enzymes, suggesting the activation of the nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)–antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway. The aim of the present study was to further explore the mechanism of the activity of beetroot by evaluating the cytoprotective effects of its major component. The influence of betanin (BET) on the activation of Nrf2 and the expression ofGSTA,GSTP,GSTM,GSTT,NQO1andHO-1was assessed in two hepatic cell lines: non-tumour THLE-2 and hepatoma-derived HepG2 cell lines. The level of the tumour suppressor p53 in both cell lines and the methylation ofGSTPin HepG2 cells were also evaluated. Treatment of both cell lines with 2, 10 and 20 μmof BET resulted in the translocation of Nrf2 from the cytosol to the nucleus. The mRNA and nuclear protein levels of Nrf2 and the binding of Nrf2 to ARE sequences were increased only in the THLE-2 cells and were accompanied by the phosphorylation of serine/threonine kinase (AKT), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). BET also significantly increased the mRNA and protein levels of GSTP, GSTT, GSTM and NQO1 in these cells. Conversely, besides the translocation of Nrf2 from the cytosol to the nucleus, BET did not modulate any of the other parameters measured in the HepG2 cells. BET did not change the methylation ofGSTP1in these cells either. These results indicate that BET through the activation of Nrf2 and subsequent induction of the expression of genes controlled by this factor may exert its hepatoprotective and anticarcinogenic effects. Moreover, the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases may be responsible for the activation of Nrf2 in the THLE-2 cells.
Nicotinamide supplementation induces detrimental metabolic and epigenetic changes in developing rats
Authors: Li Da , Tian Yan-Jie , Guo Jing , Sun Wu-Ping , Lun Yong-Zhi , Guo Ming , Luo Ning , Cao Yu , Cao Ji-Min , Gong Xiao-Jie , Zhou Shi-Sheng 
Published: June 2013

Ecological evidence suggests that niacin (nicotinamide and nicotinic acid) fortification may be involved in the increased prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes, both of which are associated with insulin resistance and epigenetic changes. The purpose of the present study was to investigate nicotinamide-induced metabolic changes and their relationship with possible epigenetic changes. Male rats (5 weeks old) were fed with a basal diet (control group) or diets supplemented with 1 or 4 g/kg of nicotinamide for 8 weeks. Low-dose nicotinamide exposure increased weight gain, but high-dose one did not. The nicotinamide-treated rats had higher hepatic and renal levels of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine, a marker of DNA damage, and impaired glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity when compared with the control rats. Nicotinamide supplementation increased the plasma levels of nicotinamide,N1-methylnicotinamide and choline and decreased the levels of betaine, which is associated with a decrease in global hepatic DNA methylation and uracil content in DNA. Nicotinamide had gene-specific effects on the methylation of CpG sites within the promoters and the expression of hepatic genes tested that are responsible for methyl transfer reactions (nicotinamideN-methyltransferase and DNA methyltransferase 1), for homocysteine metabolism (betaine–homocysteineS-methyltransferase, methionine synthase and cystathionine β-synthase) and for oxidative defence (catalase and tumour protein p53). It is concluded that nicotinamide-induced oxidative tissue injury, insulin resistance and disturbed methyl metabolism can lead to epigenetic changes. The present study suggests that long-term high nicotinamide intake (e.g. induced by niacin fortification) may be a risk factor for methylation- and insulin resistance-related metabolic abnormalities.
Anaemia in infancy in rural Bangladesh: contribution of iron deficiency, infections and poor feeding practices
Authors: Rawat Rahul , Saha Kuntal Kumar , Kennedy Andrew , Rohner Fabian , Ruel Marie , Menon Purnima 
Published: June 2013

Few data exist on the aetiology of anaemia and Fe deficiency (ID) during early infancy in South Asia. The present study aimed to determine the contribution of ID, infections and feeding practices to anaemia in Bangladeshi infants aged 6–11 months. Baseline data from 1600 infants recruited into a cluster-randomised trial testing the effectiveness of micronutrient powder sales by frontline health workers on the prevalence of anaemia were used. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for anaemia and ID, and population attributable fractions (PAF) were computed to estimate the proportion of anaemia that might be prevented by the elimination of individual risk factors. It was found that 68 % of the infants were anaemic, 56 % were Fe deficient, and one-third had evidence of subclinical infections. The prevalence of anaemia and ID increased rapidly, until 8–9 months of age, while that of subclinical infections was constant. ID (adjusted OR (AOR) 2·6–5·0;P< 0·001) and subclinical infections (AOR 1·4–1·5;P< 0·01) were major risk factors for anaemia, in addition to age and male sex. Similarly, subclinical infections, age and male sex were significant risk factors for ID. Previous-day consumption of Fe-rich foods was very low and not associated with anaemia or ID. The PAF of anaemia attributable to ID was 67 % (95 % CI 62, 71) and that of subclinical infections was 16 % (95 % CI 11, 20). These results suggest that a multipronged strategy that combines improvements in dietary Fe intake alongside infection control strategies is needed to prevent anaemia during infancy in Bangladesh.