bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen deposition and warming – effects on phytoplankton nutrient limitation in subarctic lakes
Authors: Bergström Ann‐Kristin , Faithfull Carolyn , Karlsson Daniel , Karlsson Jan 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe aim of this study was to predict the combined effects of enhanced nitrogen (N) deposition and warming on phytoplankton development in high latitude and mountain lakes. Consequently, we assessed, in a series of enclosure experiments, how lake water nutrient stoichiometry and phytoplankton nutrient limitation varied over the growing season in 11 lakes situated along an altitudinal/climate gradient with low N‐deposition (<1 kg N ha−1 yr−1) in northern subarctic Sweden. Short‐term bioassay experiments with N‐ and P‐additions revealed that phytoplankton in high‐alpine lakes were more prone to P‐limitation, and with decreasing altitude became increasingly N‐ and NP‐colimited. Nutrient limitation was additionally most obvious in midsummer. There was also a strong positive correlation between phytoplankton growth and water temperature in the bioassays. Although excess nutrients were available in spring and autumn, on these occasions growth was likely constrained by low water temperatures. These results imply that enhanced N‐deposition over the Swedish mountain areas will, with the exception of high‐alpine lakes, enhance biomass and drive phytoplankton from N‐ to P‐limitation. However, if not accompanied by warming, N‐input from deposition will stimulate limited phytoplankton growth due to low water temperatures during large parts of the growing season. Direct effects of warming, allowing increased metabolic rates and an extension of the growing season, seem equally crucial to synergistically enhance phytoplankton development in these lakes.
A high blood level in the venous chamber and a wet‐stored dialyzer help to reduce exposure for microemboli during hemodialysis
Authors: Forsberg Ulf , Jonsson Per , Stegmayr Christofer , Jonsson Fredrik , Nilsson Bo , Nilsson Ekdahl Kristina , Stegmayr Bernd 
Published: April 2013

AbstractDuring hemodialysis (HD), microemboli develop in the blood circuit of the apparatus. These microemboli can pass through the venous chamber and enter into the patient's circulation. The aim of this study was to investigate whether it is possible to reduce the risk for exposure of microemboli by altering of the treatment mode. Twenty patients on chronic HD were randomized to a prospective cross‐over study of three modes of HD: (a) a dry‐stored dialyzer (F8HPS, Fresenius, steam sterilized) with a low blood level in the venous chamber (DL), (b) the same dialyzer as above, but with a high level in the venous chamber (DH), and (c) a wet‐stored dialyzer (Rexeed, Asahi Kasei Medical, gamma sterilized) with a high blood level (WH). Microemboli measurements were obtained in a continuous fashion during 180 minutes of HD for all settings. A greater number of microemboli were detected during dialysis with the setting DL vs. WH (odds ratio [OR] 4.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.03–4.11, P < 0.0001) and DH vs. WH (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.17–1.19, P < 0.0001) and less for DH vs. DL (OR 0.290, 95% CI 0.288–0.293, P < 0.0001). These data indicate that emboli exposure was least when using WH, greater with DH, and most with DL. This study shows that using a high blood level in the venous chamber and wet‐stored dialyzers may reduce the number of microemboli.
Characterization of Magnesium‐Doped Hydroxyapatite Prepared by Sol‐Gel Process
Authors: Ziani Salima , Meski Samira , Khireddine Hafit 
Published: April 2013

Pure and doped hydroxyapatite (HA) nanocrystalline powders (Ca10‐xMgx(PO4)6OH2) were synthesized using sol‐gel process. For this, calcium nitrate tetrahydrate, magnesium nitrate hexahydrate, and phosphorous pentoxide were used as precursors for Ca, Mg, and P, respectively. Calculated amounts of magnesium ions (Mg+2) especially from 0 to 10% (molar ratio) were incorporated as dopant into the calcium sol solution. The structure and morphology of the gels obtained after mixing the phosphorous and (calcium + magnesium) sol solution were different, and their condensations in time depend on the quantities of magnesium added. The several powders resulting from the gels dried and sintered at 500°C for 1 h were characterized by thermogravimetry (TG), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and inductively coupled plasma (ICP). Additionally, their agglomeration, morphology, and particle size were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The specific surface area of each sample was measured by the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) gas adsorption technique. The results of XRD, FTIR, and ICP values ranged between 0.45 and 2.11 mg/L indicated that the magnesium added in the calcium solution was incorporated in the lattice structure of HA so prepared, while those obtained by SEM and TEM confirmed the influence of Mg on their morphology (needle and irregular shape) and crystallite size, which is about 30–60 nm. The as‐prepared powders had a specific surface area ranged between 6.37 and 27.60 m2/g.
Effects of Nebivolol on Aortic Compliance in Patients With Diabetes and Maximal Renin Angiotensin System Blockade: The EFFORT Study
Authors: Briasoulis Alexandros , Oliva Raymond , Kalaitzidis Rigas , Flynn Colleen , Lazich Ivana , Schlaffer Carrie , Bakris George 
Published: April 2013

The beneficial effects of nebivolol on arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction are well documented in untreated hypertensive patients and differ from nonvasodilatory β‐blockers. This study tests the hypothesis that the addition of nebivolol in predominantly African American patients with type 2 diabetes already receiving maximally tolerated doses of renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) blockers will further improve large artery compliance. Patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension on maximal RAS blockade (n=70) were randomized to nebivolol or metoprolol succinate daily. Doses were titrated until systolic blood pressure (SBP) was <130 mm Hg. Radial artery applanation tonometry and pulse wave velocity (PWV) analysis were used to derive central aortic pressures and hemodynamic indices at repeated visits at intervals during a 6‐month period. Both metoprolol succinate and nebivolol groups demonstrated reductions in brachial SBP (−8.2±4.3 mm Hg [P=.01] and −7.8±3.7 [P=.002], respectively) and aortic DBP (−2.4±1.8 [P=.039] and −4.0±2.9 mm Hg [P=.013], respectively). Aortic SBP decreased in the nebivolol group only (125.3±8 to 121.6±8.2, P=.025). There were no between group differences in aortic SBP, DBP, augmentation index, or PWV reduction. A significant increase in hemoglobin A1c was observed only in the metoprolol group. In patients with well‐controlled type 2 diabetes and hypertension treated with maximally tolerated RAS blockade, nebivolol does not offer significant reductions in aortic BP over metoprolol succinate but maintains a stable metabolic profile.
Diabetes and periodontal diseases: consensus report of the Joint EFP/AAP Workshop on Periodontitis and Systemic Diseases
Authors: Chapple Iain L. C. , Genco Robert ,   working group 2 of the joint EFP/AAP workshop
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundDiabetes and periodontitis are complex chronic diseases with an established bidirectional relationship. There is long‐established evidence that hyperglycaemia in diabetes is associated with adverse periodontal outcomes. However, given the ubiquity of periodontal diseases and the emerging global diabetes epidemic, the complications of which contribute to significant morbidity and premature mortality, it is timely to review the role of periodontitis in diabetes.AimsTo report the epidemiological evidence from cross‐sectional, prospective and intervention studies for the impact of periodontal disease on diabetes incidence, control and complications and to identify potential underpinning mechanisms.EpidemiologyOver the last 20 years, consistent and robust evidence has emerged that severe periodontitis adversely affects glycaemic control in diabetes and glycaemia in non‐diabetes subjects. In diabetes patients, there is a direct and dose‐dependent relationship between periodontitis severity and diabetes complications. Emerging evidence supports an increased risk for diabetes onset in patients with severe periodontitis.Biological mechanismsType 2 diabetes is preceded by systemic inflammation, leading to reduced pancreatic β‐cell function, apoptosis and insulin resistance. Increasing evidence supports elevated systemic inflammation (acute‐phase and oxidative stress biomarkers) resulting from the entry of periodontal organisms and their virulence factors into the circulation, providing biological plausibility for the effects of periodontitis on diabetes. AGE (Advanced Glycation Endproducts)–RAGE (Receptor for AGEs) interactions and oxidative‐stress‐mediated pathways provide plausible mechanistic links in the diabetes to periodontitis direction.InterventionsRandomized controlled trials (RCTs) consistently demonstrate that mechanical periodontal therapy associates with approximately a 0.4% reduction in HbA1C at 3 months, a clinical impact equivalent to adding a second drug to a pharmacological regime for diabetes. RCTs are needed with larger numbers of subjects and longer term follow‐up, and if results are substantiated, adjunctive periodontal therapies subsequently need to be evaluated. There is no current evidence to support adjunctive use of antimicrobials for periodontal management of diabetes patients.GuidelinesGiven the current evidence, it is timely to provide guidelines for periodontal care in diabetes patients for medical and dental professionals and recommendations for patients/the public.
Infection and inflammatory mechanisms
Authors: Van Dyke Thomas E. , van Winkelhoff Arie Jan 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThis introductory article examines the potential mechanisms that may play a role in the associations between periodontitis and the systemic conditions being considered in the EFP/AAP Workshop in Segovia, Spain. Three basic mechanisms have been postulated to play a role in these interactions; metastatic infections, inflammation and inflammatory injury, and adaptive immunity. The potential role of each alone and together is considered in in vitro and animal studies and in human studies when available. This is not a systematic or critical review, but rather an overview of the field to set the stage for the critical reviews in each of the working groups.
The effectiveness of a specialised oral nutrition supplement on outcomes in patients with chronic wounds: a pragmatic randomised study
Authors: Bauer J. D. , Isenring E. , Waterhouse M. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundNutrition supplements enriched with immune function enhancing nutrients have been developed to aid wound‐healing, although evidence regarding their effectiveness is limited and systematic reviews have lead to inconsistent recommendations. The present pragmatic, randomised, prospective open trial evaluated a wound‐specific oral nutrition supplement enriched with arginine, vitamin C and zinc compared to a standard supplement with respect to outcomes in patients with chronic wounds in an acute care setting.MethodsTwenty‐four patients [11 males and 13 females; mean (SD) age: 67.8 (22.3) years] with chronic wounds (14 diabetic or venous ulcers; 10 pressure ulcers or chronic surgical wounds) were randomised to receive either a wound‐specific supplement (n = 12) or standard supplement (n = 12) for 4 weeks, with ongoing best wound and nutrition care for an additional 4 weeks. At baseline, and at 4 and 8 weeks, the rate of wound‐healing, nutritional status, protein and energy intake, quality of life and product satisfaction were measured. Linear mixed effects modelling with random intercepts and slopes were fitted to determine whether the wound‐specific nutritional supplement had any effect.ResultsThere was a significant improvement in wound‐healing in patients receiving the standard nutrition supplement compared to a wound‐specific supplement (P = 0.044), although there was no effect on nutritional status, dietary intake, quality of life and patient satisfaction.ConclusionsThe results of the present study indicate that a standard oral nutrition supplement may be more effective at wound‐healing than a specialised wound supplement in this clinical setting.
Using the Life Course Paradigm to Explain Mechanisms That Link Family Disruptions to Compulsive Buying
Authors: BAKER ANDREW , MATHUR ANIL , FATT CHOONG KWAI , MOSCHIS GEORGE P. , RIGDON EDWARD E. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTThis research examines compulsive buying as an impulse‐control disorder, a form of maladaptive behavior believed to have its roots in early‐in‐life experiences of family adversities. Unlike previous research that has typically studied only the effects of family divorce on compulsive buying, this study examines the effects of disruptive family events within the broader multitheoretical life course framework. A sample of 327 young adults is used to test the hypothesized relationships derived from the main life course perspectives. The results show alternate paths leading to compulsive buying, beyond those uncovered in previous studies. By offering a broader overarching framework, the article shows how previous efforts to study compulsive buying can be improved, pointing to the value of the multitheoretical life course approach in understanding consumption phenomena.
Multidrug‐Resistant Organisms in Dialysis Patients
Authors: Calfee David P. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractMultidrug‐resistant organisms (MDROs) have emerged as important causes of healthcare‐associated infections (HAIs), and these infections are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Dialysis patients have been particularly affected by these pathogens, with colonization and infection rates often exceeding those seen in persons with other types of healthcare exposure. The infection control practices that are currently recommended for use in dialysis facilities and other healthcare settings have the potential to eliminate, or at least substantially reduce transmission of and infection with MDROs. Unfortunately, recent data suggest that these recommended practices are not consistently implemented. Additional efforts and research are needed to increase healthcare workers' awareness of and adherence to infection prevention measures, to develop new and more effective prevention strategies, and to determine cost‐effective approaches to MDRO prevention to optimize the safety and quality of care provided to dialysis patients.
Multiplex Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Assay for Simultaneous Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Ribavirin, Boceprevir, and Telaprevir
Authors: Aouri Manel , Moradpour Darius , Cavassini Matthias , Mercier Thomas , Buclin Thierry , Csajka Chantal , Telenti Amalio , Rauch Andri , Decosterd Laurent A. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTNew directly acting antivirals (DAAs) that inhibit hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication are increasingly used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. A marked pharmacokinetic variability and a high potential for drug-drug interactions between DAAs and numerous drug classes have been identified. In addition, ribavirin (RBV), commonly associated with hemolytic anemia, often requires dose adjustment, advocating for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) in patients under combined antiviral therapy. However, an assay for the simultaneous analysis of RBV and DAAs constitutes an analytical challenge because of the large differences in polarity among these drugs, ranging from hydrophilic (RBV) to highly lipophilic (telaprevir [TVR]). Moreover, TVR is characterized by erratic behavior on standard octadecyl-based reversed-phase column chromatography and must be separated from VRT-127394, its inactive C-21 epimer metabolite. We have developed a convenient assay employing simple plasma protein precipitation, followed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) for the simultaneous determination of levels of RBV, boceprevir, and TVR, as well as its metabolite VRT-127394, in plasma. This new, simple, rapid, and robust HPLC-MS/MS assay offers an efficient method of real-time TDM aimed at maximizing efficacy while minimizing the toxicity of antiviral therapy.
How Does Colistin-Induced Nephropathy Develop and Can It Be Treated?
Authors: Ozkan Gulsum , Ulusoy Sukru , Orem Asım , Alkanat Mehmet , Mungan Sevdegül , Yulug Esin , Yucesan Fulya Balaban 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACT
Colistin is an old antibiotic used in the treatment of Gram-negative infections. It was once suspended because of its nephrotoxic effect but has since been reintroduced due to multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. The pathogenesis of colistin-associated nephropathy has not been clarified, and there is currently no effective therapeutic or prophylactic agent available. The aim of this study was to investigate the roles of caspase-associated apoptosis and caspase 1, calpain 1, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression in the pathogenesis of colistin-associated nephrotoxicity and the effect of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) in preventing it. Twenty-four rats were divided into three groups: control, colistin, and colistin plus GSPE (colistin+GSPE). Colistin-associated nephropathy was induced by the administration of 300,000 IU/kg of body weight/day colistin intraperitoneally for 7 days. The experiment was discontinued on the seventh day. Blood was collected for measurements of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels. Histopathological examination of kidney tissue and caspase 1 and 3, iNOS, eNOS, terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL), and calpain 1 staining was also performed. Significant increases in BUN levels; creatinine levels; renal histopathological scores; and TUNEL, caspase 1 and 3, calpain 1, iNOS, and eNOS staining were observed for the colistin group compared to the control group. Significant decreases in BUN levels; creatinine levels; renal histopathological scores; and TUNEL, caspase 1 and 3, calpain 1, iNOS, and eNOS staining were observed in the colistin+GSPE group compared to the colistin group. Our study shows, for the first time in the literature, that caspase-mediated apoptosis, iNOS, caspase 1, and calpain 1 are involved in the pathogenesis of colistin-associated nephropathy. GSPE had a renoprotective effect, as shown by the lowered levels of these mediators.
Antimicrobial Activity of Ceftaroline Tested against Staphylococci with Reduced Susceptibility to Linezolid, Daptomycin, or Vancomycin from U.S. Hospitals, 2008 to 2011
Authors: Sader Helio S. , Flamm Robert K. , Jones Ronald N. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACT

Vancomycin, linezolid, and daptomycin are very active against staphylococci, but isolates with decreased susceptibility to these antimicrobial agents are isolated sporadically. A total of 19,350
Staphylococcus aureus
isolates (51% methicillin resistant [MRSA]) and 3,270 coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) were collected consecutively from 82 U.S. medical centers from January 2008 to December 2011 and tested for susceptibility against ceftaroline and comparator agents by the reference broth microdilution method. Among
S. aureus
strains, 14 isolates (0.07%) exhibited decreased susceptibility to linezolid (MIC, ≥8 μg/ml), 18 (0.09%) to daptomycin (MIC, ≥2 μg/ml), and 369 (1.9%) to vancomycin (MIC, ≥2 μg/ml; 368 isolates at 2 μg/ml and 1 at 4 μg/ml). Fifty-one (1.6%) CoNS were linezolid resistant (MIC, ≥8 μg/ml), and four (0.12%) were daptomycin nonsusceptible (MIC, ≥2 μg/ml). Ceftaroline was very active against
S. aureus
overall (MIC
50/90
, 0.5/1 μg/ml; 98.5% susceptible), including MRSA (MIC
50/90
, 0.5/1 μg/ml; 97.2% susceptible). All daptomycin-nonsusceptible and 85.7% of linezolid-resistant
S. aureus
isolates were susceptible to ceftaroline. Against
S. aureus
isolates with a vancomycin MIC of ≥2 μg/ml, 91.9, 96.2, and 98.9% were susceptible to ceftaroline, daptomycin, and linezolid, respectively. CoNS strains were susceptible to ceftaroline (MIC
50/90
, 0.25/0.5 μg/ml; 99.1% inhibited at ≤1 μg/ml), including methicillin-resistant (MIC
50/90
, 0.25/0.5 μg/ml), linezolid-resistant (MIC
50/90
, 0.5/0.5 μg/ml), and daptomycin-nonsusceptible (4 isolates; MIC range, 0.03 to 0.12 μg/ml) strains. In conclusion, ceftaroline demonstrated potent
in vitro
activity against staphylococci with reduced susceptibility to linezolid, daptomycin, or vancomycin, and it may represent a valuable treatment option for infections caused by these multidrug-resistant staphylococci.
Epsilon Toxin Is Essential for the Virulence of Clostridium perfringens Type D Infection in Sheep, Goats, and Mice
Authors: Garcia J. P. , Adams V. , Beingesser J. , Hughes M. L. , Poon R. , Lyras D. , Hill A. , McClane B. A. , Rood J. I. , Uzal F. A. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTClostridium perfringenstype D causes disease in sheep, goats, and other ruminants. Type D isolates produce, at minimum, alpha and epsilon (ETX) toxins, but some express up to five different toxins, raising questions about which toxins are necessary for the virulence of these bacteria. We evaluated the contribution of ETX toC. perfringenstype D pathogenicity in an intraduodenal challenge model in sheep, goats, and mice using a virulentC. perfringenstype D wild-type strain (WT), an isogenic ETX null mutant (etxmutant), and a strain where theetxmutation has been reversed (etxcomplemented). All sheep and goats, and most mice, challenged with the WT isolate developed acute clinical disease followed by death in most cases. Sheep developed various gross and/or histological changes that included edema of brain, lungs, and heart as well as hydropericardium. Goats developed various effects, including necrotizing colitis, pulmonary edema, and hydropericardium. No significant gross or histological abnormalities were observed in any mice infected with the WT strain. All sheep, goats, and mice challenged with the isogenicetxmutant remained clinically healthy for ≥24 h, and no gross or histological abnormalities were observed in those animals. Complementation ofetxknockout restored virulence; most goats, sheep, and mice receiving this complemented mutant developed clinical and pathological changes similar to those observed in WT-infected animals. These results indicate that ETX is necessary for type D isolates to induce disease, supporting a key role for this toxin in type D disease pathogenesis.