bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early experience of a CT coronary angiography service in a Scottish regional centre
Authors: Rose N , Ragupathy S , Turpie D , Atherton I , Leslie SJ , Miller JH 
Published: May 2013

Background CT coronary angiography (CTCA) is an emerging diagnostic tool in the assessment of patients with suspected coronary artery disease. It has several advantages over conventional coronary angiography (CCA); however, its use is not yet widespread in large teaching centres. Aims To determine what proportion of patients who have CTCA, do not require subsequent CCA. Methods A prospective analysis of all patients referred for CTCA from the start of the service in January 2008 to April 2010. Results CTCA provided definitive diagnostic images in 85% of patients. Overall only 12% ( n = 33) of patients had subsequent CCA. The proportion of patients who subsequently had CCA reduced with time reflecting increasing confidence with the clinical service. Conclusions A CTCA service can be successfully established out with a large teaching centre hospital. Close working between cardiologists and radiologists leads to increased confidence in the service and obviates the need for CCA in a large proportion of patients.
Bilateral endogenous Serratia marcescens endophthalmitis secondary to endocarditis following cardiac surgery
Authors: Lyall DAM , Gregory ME , McDonnell J , De Villiers F , Tejwani D 
Published: May 2013

Introduction Endogenous endophthalmitis is a sight-threatening condition caused by microorganisms crossing the blood–ocular barrier and inducing profound intraocular inflammation. Case report A 65-year-old female experienced bilateral loss of vision after developing infective endocarditis as a complication of combined Bentall procedure and coronary artery bypass grafting. She was diagnosed with bilateral endogenous endophthalmitis secondary to Serratia marcescens. Despite aggressive treatment with intravitreal injections of antibiotics and steroids, intensive topical and systemic antibiotic therapy, there was permanent loss of sight in both eyes. Conclusion The case highlights the importance of early recognition of the symptoms and signs of endogenous endophthalmitis in any patient with systemic infection by all clinicians and the necessity of prompt ophthalmological referral if a useful level of vision is to be preserved.
Aesthetics and Bildung
Authors: von Bonsdorff Pauline 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe article approaches the educational potential of aesthetics and the arts by reviving the notion of Bildung and suggesting an interpretation that emphasizes both its social character and the role of artworks and other aesthetic expressions. Bildung is a dialogic process where human relationships are crucial both for the exchange and the birth of insights. Artworks are described as images (Bilde), which act as intermediaries and points of reference in expressing, communicating and negotiating cultural values. In developing the argument, Immanuel Kant’s analysis of aesthetic judgment is read together with his ideas on enlightenment, highlighting the social and political character of judgment. Wilhelm von Humboldt’s discussion of the aesthetic and social dimensions of Bildung provides another starting point. Two examples of contemporary artistic processes are used to indicate the educational and political relevance of art in our time.
Comparison of potential protective effects of melatonin and propylthiouracil against lipid peroxidation caused by nitrobenzene in the thyroid gland
Authors: Zasada Krzysztof , Karbownik-Lewinska Malgorzata 
Published: May 2013

Background: Nitrobenzene is a carcinogen, which induces—among others—thyroid tumors. Melatonin is an effective antioxidant, whereas some antioxidative effects of propylthiouracil (PTU; an antithyroid medication used for the treatment of thyrotoxicosis) were also found. The aim of the study was to compare protective effects of melatonin and PTU against lipid peroxidation in homogenates of porcine thyroids, incubated in the presence of nitrobenzene. Methods: Homogenates of porcine thyroids were incubated for 30 min in the presence of nitrobenzene (0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 mM). The level of lipid peroxidation products (malondialdehyde + 4-hydroxyalkenals) was measured spectrophotometrically. Nitrobenzene (7.5 and 10.0 mM) increased lipid peroxidation in the homogenates of porcine thyroids. Subsequently, homogenates of porcine thyroids were incubated for 30 min in the presence of nitrobenzene (7.5 mM) plus one of the antioxidants: melatonin (0.000001, 0.00001, 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 mM) or PTU (0.01, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 mM). Results: Lipid peroxidation caused by nitrobenzene was effectively prevented by melatonin, with the lowest effective concentration of 0.0001 mM, being only two orders of magnitude higher than physiological blood concentration in humans. At the same time, PTU revealed protective effects only in the highest used concentration (7.5 mM), which is practically never reached during pharmacological treatment in patients with thyrotoxicosis. Conclusions: Melatonin can serve as an effective agent in protection against nitrobenzene-induced lipid peroxidation in porcine thyroid.
Preparation and characterization of novel optically active nanostructured poly(amide–imide)s-containing (l)-α-amino acid moieties and azobenzene side groups
Authors: Mallakpour Shadpour , Zarei Mohammad 
Published: May 2013

A series of optically active poly(amide–imide)s (PAI)s-containing photochromic azobenzene moieties as side groups were synthesized. These chiral polymers were derived from monomers-based (l)-α-amino acids such as alanine, isoleucine, methionine, and phenylalanine. Azo-containing diamine 7 was synthesized from the reaction of 4-aminoazobenzene and 3,5-dinitrobenzoyl chloride, followed by the reduction in dinitro with iron oxide hydroxide catalyst and hydrazine monohydrate. The novel PAIs were prepared by direct polycondensation under green medium. The synthesized PAIs, with inherent viscosities of 0.43–0.85 dL g−1, were obtained in high yields. The structures of them were confirmed by elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and proton and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy techniques. The resulting PAIs were also characterized by x-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis techniques. Morphology probes showed that these PAIs were nanostructured polymers and the particle size was around 40–90 nm.
Market Power in the Log and Lumber Import Market in Japan
Authors: Chang Tsaiyu , Inoue Masafumi 
Published: May 2013

Japan imports rather than exports forestry products even though it has ample forestry resources. Moreover, the leading exporters of forest products often have strong market power in the trade market of forestry products. The possibility of incomplete competition in the Japanese wood import market can also be suspected from the fact that the structure of imports of logs and lumber has remained unchanged over the past 10 years. However, there has been limited empirical economic analysis of the timber trade market to support this assertion. In this study, we examine the market power of the primary exporting countries in the Japanese log and lumber market based on the residual demand model. We analysed the import data of forestry products from 1988 to 2010 with respect to every main item exported to Japan. The analysis shows that Canada has market power over several items of logs in the Japanese import market, while the United States and Canada have market power over several items of lumber. The study also clarifies that imperfect competition exists in the Japanese timber import market and that the timber price in Japan is partially determined by the exporting countries. JEL Classification: Q17, Q23, Q27
Evaluation of the Effect of Exchange Rate Variability on the Export of Ethiopia’s Agricultural Product: A Case of Coffee
Authors: Mehare Abule , Edriss Abdi K. 
Published: May 2013

Research was conducted to find out the effects of exchange rate variability, terms of trade, competitiveness and gross domestic product on the dominant export crop of Ethiopia, coffee. This study employs annual time series data (1992–2010) and uses the autoregressive distributive lag (ARDL) model augmented by the Wald test. The results reveal that exchange rate variability has a negative effect on the export of coffee in the short run, but is insignificant in the long run. This implies that, over time, exchange rate changes in the country have been favouring the export performance of coffee. Regardless of exchange rate variability, the competitiveness of the country, explained by real effective exchange rates, improved, but the price of coffee did not increase relative to the price of imports, which has resulted in deteriorating terms of trade. To improve the worsening terms of trade and benefit from policy changes, export diversification and value addition are possible solutions the country should focus on. JEL Classification: F130
Oligoclonal bands in multiple sclerosis reactive against two herpesviruses and association with magnetic resonance imaging findings
Authors: Virtanen JO , Wohler J , Fenton K , Reich DS , Jacobson S 
Published: May 2013

Background: Two human herpesviruses, human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), have been repeatedly linked to multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate HHV-6 and EBV reactive oligoclonal bands (OCBs), and viral DNA in the intrathecal compartment in MS. Methods: The reactivity of OCBs in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for EBV and HHV-6 antigens and stability of virus reactive OCBs over time were studied in a well-characterized MS patient cohort. Associations between virus reactive OCBs and viral DNA in CSF (and any clinical and/or radiological findings) were investigated. Results: Of patients with MS, 38% had OCBs reactive to either one of the viruses studied, compared to none in the patients with other inflammatory neurological diseases ( p=0.005). The banding pattern of virus reactive OCBs remained the same over time. Furthermore, MS patients with viral DNA in CSF had more contrast enhancing lesions (CELs). Conclusion: The stable presence of herpesvirus reactive OCBs in CSF further strengthens the association of MS with these viruses. The finding that herpesviruses might be linked to the appearance of active lesions warrants investigation of new therapeutic strategies to treat these viruses in MS.
The SMART Practice of Scholarly Practice
Authors: Lombardozzi Catherine 
Published: May 2013

The Problem Scholar-practitioners can be more successful than their less grounded peers; yet engaging in scholarly practice is not a guarantee of success in a business environment. The cases in this issue provide examples of scholarly practice, but don’t necessarily provide actionable advice on how it is effectively accomplished. The Solution This article derives a framework for SMART (Scholarly, Macro, Aligned, Realistic, and Tested) practice that draws from the literature on scholarly practice and the literature on practicing HRD with a business mind-set to generate practices that are effective in organizations. The cases in this issue provide examples of these behaviors. The Stakeholders The SMART framework supports practitioners who want to increase their effectiveness at integrating theory and research into practice and HRD faculty who want to provide guidance on successful scholarly practice. In the end, leaders that might desire a more theory- or evidenced-based approach to HRD will benefit from having more savvy HRD practitioners.
Comparison of endosonography‐guided vs. percutaneous biliary stenting when papilla is inaccessible for ERCP
Authors: Bapaye Amol , Dubale Nachiket , Aher Advay 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundEndoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and biliary stenting fails in 5–10% patients of malignant biliary obstruction because papilla is inaccessible. Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) is an accepted alternative. Endosonography‐guided biliary drainage (EUS‐BD) has been described recently.AimTo compare success rates and complications of EUS‐BD and PTBD internal stenting.MethodsThis retrospective study included failed ERCP in inoperable malignant biliary obstruction due to inaccessible papilla undergoing PTBD or EUS‐BD. Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography guided/EUS‐guided rendezvous procedures were excluded. When PTBD internal stenting failed, external drainage was performed. EUS‐BD was performed using either intra‐ or extrahepatic approach, and stents were placed by transmural (choledocho‐duodenostomy or hepatico‐gastrostomy) or antegrade approach. Self‐expandable metallic stents or plastic stents were placed in both groups. Success of internal stenting and complications were compared using t‐test and chi‐squared test.ResultsRetrospective review of 6 years of records (2005–2011) revealed 50 patients meeting the required criteria. EUS‐BD was attempted in 25 and PTBD in 26 patients (one crossover from EUS‐BD to PTBD). Internal stenting was technically and clinically successful in 23/25 (92%) EUS‐BD vs. 12/26 (46%) PTBD (p  < 0.05). External catheter drainage was performed in remaining 14 PTBD patients. Complications occurred in 5/25 (20%) EUS‐BD (one major, four minor) and in 12/26 (46%) PTBD (four major, eight minor; p  < 0.05). Late stent occlusion occurred in one EUS‐BD and three PTBD.ConclusionsIn this retrospective study comparing success and complications of EUS‐BD and PTBD in patients with inoperable malignant biliary obstruction and inaccessible papilla, EUS‐BD was found superior to PTBD for both comparators.
Cervical Cancer Screening among HIV-Positive Women in Nigeria
Authors: Dim Cyril C. , Onyedum Cajetan C. , Dim Ngozi R. , Chukwuka Judith C. 
Published: May 2013

Introduction: The sustainability of donor-supported cervical cancer screening for HIV-positive women in underresourced setting is a concern. The authors aimed to determine the willingness of HIV-positive women for out-of-pocket payment for the cancer screening, if necessary. Methods: Questionnaires were administered to 400 HIV-positive women at the Adult HIV clinic, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu, Nigeria. Results: In all 11 (2.8%) respondents were aware of Pap smear, but only 1 (9.1%) of them had used it. After cervical cancer screening counseling, 378 (94.5%) respondents were willing to pay for Pap smear, irrespective of the cost. This willingness showed no trend across marital or educational groups. Younger age of respondents was not associated with willingness to pay for Pap smear (odds ratio = 1.24; confidence interval 95%: 0.52, 2.94). Conclusion: Willingness to pay for Pap smear by HIV-positive women in Enugu, Nigeria, is high. This has implication for the program sustainability.
Effect of Lipodystrophy on the Quality of Life among People Living with HIV (PLHIV) on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Shenoy Archana , Ramapuram John T. , Unnikrishan Bhaskaran , Achappa Basavaprabhu , Madi Deepak , Rao Satish , Mahalingam Soundarya 
Published: May 2013

Background: Lipodystrophy is a known adverse effect of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Lipodystrophy resulting in body dysmorphism can lower the quality of life (QoL) among HAART recipients. The main aim of our study was to find the effect of lipodystrophy on QoL among people living with HIV (PLHIV) on HAART. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in south India. The participants were assessed for the presence of lipodystrophy. Their QoL was assessed using HIV-AIDS-targeted QoL questionnaire (HAT-QoL). Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS version 11.5. Results: Lipodystrophy was present in 21 participants (42%). The QoL among individuals with lipodystrophy was found to be significantly lower in terms of disclosure worries ( P = .023) and financial worries ( P = .049). Conclusions: Lipodystrophy adversely affects QoL among PLHIV. There is a need for studies analyzing factors that can potentially improve the QoL in such individuals.
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor directs hematopoietic progenitor cell expansion and differentiation
Authors: Smith Brenden W. , Rozelle Sarah S. , Leung Amy , Ubellacker Jessalyn , Parks Ashley , Nah Shirley K. , French Deborah , Gadue Paul , Monti Stefano , Chui David H. K. , Steinberg Martin H. , Frelinger Andrew L. , Michelson Alan D. , Theberge Roger , McComb Mark E. , Costello Catherine E. , Kotton Darrell N. , Mostoslavsky Gustavo , Sherr David H. , Murphy George J. 
Published: May 2013

Key Points
This breakthrough involves the role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in the expansion and specification of hematopoietic progenitor cells. This work sets a precedent for the use of an in vitro platform for the clinically relevant production of blood products.
Critical role of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2 (S1PR2) in acute vascular inflammation
Authors: Zhang Guoqi , Yang Li , Kim Gab Seok , Ryan Kieran , Lu Shulin , O’Donnell Rebekah K. , Spokes Katherine , Shapiro Nathan , Aird William C. , Kluk Michael J. , Yano Kiichiro , Sanchez Teresa 
Published: May 2013

Key PointsEndothelial S1PR2 plays a critical role in the induction of vascular permeability and vascular inflammation during endotoxemia. S1PR2 could be a novel therapeutic target to promote vascular integrity in inflammatory vascular disorders.
Safety of formoterol in asthma clinical trials: an update
Authors: Sears Malcolm R. , Radner Finn 
Published: May 2013

Use of long-acting β-agonists (LABAs) in asthma remains controversial, and large safety trials are in progress. We have previously reported safety outcomes with formoterol in 117 AstraZeneca asthma trials (78 339 patients, 92% using inhaled corticosteroids) completed by December 2006, and have now added 32 trials with formoterol (26 124 patients, 100% using inhaled corticosteroids) completed by December 2011.The primary dataset of 79 randomised controlled trials includes 94 684 patients, 67 380 of whom were exposed to formoterol, while the complete dataset comprises 149 trials and 104 463 patients. There were no new asthma-related deaths in the expanded primary dataset, with eight asthma-related deaths among formoterol-randomised patients and two among non-LABA-randomised patients (relative risk 1.13, 95% CI 0.23–10.9), and 15versusnine cardiac-related deaths (relative risk 0.47, 95% CI 0.19–1.22). Nonfatal asthma-related serious adverse events were significantly reduced with formoterol (relative risk 0.63, 95% CI 0.53–0.75), as were discontinuations due to adverse events. Examining 40 trials with direct formoterolversusnon-LABA comparisons, Mantel–Haenszel relative risk for asthma-related death was 2.75 (95% CI 0.52–14.4) and for serious adverse events 0.83 (95% CI 0.68–1.02).We conclude that this enlarged dataset indicates no increased risk of asthma-related deaths among patients exposed to formoterol compared with non-LABA treatments, although the wide confidence interval precludes certainty.
Dose-dependent association of smoking and bronchial hyperresponsiveness
Authors: Juusela Maria , Pallasaho Paula , Rönmark Eva , Sarna Seppo , Sovijärvi Anssi , Lundbäck Bo 
Published: May 2013

Our aim was to study the association of smoking habits and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure with bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR).A random sample of 292 adults was examined using a structured interview, spirometry, skin prick tests, exhaled nitric oxide fraction (FeNO) and bronchial histamine challenge.A large majority of subjects with BHR were smokers or ex-smokers. Starting to smoke before 20 years of age was significantly associated with BHR, as was current smoking, quantity of smoking and ETS exposure. The severity of BHR increased significantly with increasing pack-years of exposure (p<0.001). Current smokers with decreased lung function were at a particularly high risk of BHR. Impaired forced expiratory volume in 1 s and mean maximal expiratory flow were independent determinants for more severe BHR, regardless of age. In multivariate analysis, smoking remained an independent determinant for BHR after adjustment for impaired lung function and other covariates: ≥15 pack-years yielded an odds ratio of 3.00 (95% CI 1.33–6.76) for BHR. The association between BHR andFeNOwas dependent on smoking habits.The results indicate that smoking is a significant risk factor for BHR, with a dose-dependent pattern, and that the severity of BHR increases with pack-years. The findings strongly suggest assessment of smoking habits in subjects with BHR.
Association of lung function, chest radiographs and clinical features in infants with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Rosenfeld Margaret , Farrell Philip M. , Kloster Margaret , Swanson Jonathan O. , Vu Thuy , Brumback Lyndia , Acton James D. , Castile Robert G. , Colin Andrew A. , Conrad Carol K. , Hart Meeghan A. , Kerby Gwendolyn S. , Hiatt Peter W. , Mogayzel Peter J. , Johnson Robin C. , Davis Stephanie D. 
Published: May 2013

The optimal strategy for monitoring cystic fibrosis lung disease in infancy remains unclear. Our objective was to describe longitudinal associations between infant pulmonary function tests, chest radiograph scores and other characteristics.Cystic fibrosis patients aged ≤24 months were enrolled in a 10-centre study evaluating infant pulmonary function tests four times over a year. Chest radiographs ∼1 year apart were scored using the Wisconsin and Brasfield systems. Associations of infant pulmonary function tests with clinical characteristics were evaluated with mixed effects models.The 100 participants contributed 246 acceptable flow/volume (forced expiratory volume in 0.5 s (FEV0.5) and forced expiratory flow at 75% of the forced vital capacity (FEF75%)), 303 functional residual capacity measurements and 171 chest radiographs. Both Brasfield and Wisconsin chest radiograph scores worsened significantly over the 1-year interval. Worse Wisconsin chest radiograph scores andStaphylococcus aureuswere both associated with hyperinflation (significantly increased functional residual capacity), but not with diminished FEV0.5or FEF75%. Parent-reported cough was associated with significantly diminished forced expiratory flow at 75% but not with hyperinflation.In this infant cohort in whom we previously reported worsening in average lung function, chest radiograph scores also worsened over a year. The significant associations detected between both Wisconsin chest radiograph score andS. aureusand hyperinflation, as well as between cough and diminished flows, reinforce the ability of infant pulmonary function tests and chest radiographs to detect early cystic fibrosis lung disease.