bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
3D BASIN MODELLING IN THE CENTRAL PERSIAN GULF, OFFSHORE IRAN
Authors: Mohsenian E. , Fathi‐Mobarakabad A. , Sachsenhofer R. F. , Asadi‐Eskandar A. 
Published: December 2013

In the Central Persian Gulf, super‐giant natural gas accumulations in Permo‐Triassic reservoirs are assumed to be derived from “hot shale” source rocks in the lower Llandoverian (base‐Silurian) Sarchahan Formation, whereas oil in Mesozoic reservoirs is derived from Mesozoic source rocks. A 3D basin model has been established for a study area located in the Iranian part of the Central Persian Gulf in order to help understand the petroleum systems there. Sensitivity analyses considered different heat flow scenarios, and differences in the timing of Cenozoic uplift and erosion. For the Palaeozoic petroleum system, different thicknesses and distributions of the Silurian source rocks were considered.From current temperature profiles measured in five wells, present‐day heat flow was found to be in the order of 65 mW/m2, while palaeo heat flow was probably between 60 and 68 mW/m2 during Cenozoic maximum burial. For Llandoverian source rocks, oil and gas generation commenced during Jurassic and Late Cretaceous time respectively, and gas generation continued until the Neogene. Sensitivity analyses show that different assumptions on the timing of Cenozoic erosion do not have significant effects on the calculated timing of hydrocarbon generation or on the volume of generated hydrocarbons. As expected however, different heat flow scenarios (e.g. time‐constant heat flow of 65 mW/m2 in the entire study area) had a significant influence.With an assumed 50 m thick Sarchahan “hot shale” succession developed uniformly in the study area (8 % TOC; 470 mg HC / g TOC HI), the model calculated gas accumulations which are of the same order of magnitude as those which have been discovered in this region (e.g. South Pars, Golshan and Balal fields). By contrast, scenarios with thinner “hot shales” and models without the Sarchahan Formation along the Qatar‐South Fars Arch do not predict the known accumulations. These scenarios suggest that prolific Silurian source rocks must be present on both sides of the South Pars / North Dome field, or that lateral gas migration from the south may have supplied the Permo‐Triassic reservoirs.This study shows that the Jurassic (mainly Hanifa / Tuwaiq Mountain Formation) and Cretaceous (Shilaif Formation) source units are not sufficiently mature in the study area to have generated significant volumes of oil. This result supports previous suggestions which envisaged lateral migration from the south of the oil present in Mesozoic reservoirs in the study area.
Effects of 1,8-cineole on hypertension induced by chronic exposure to nicotine in rats
Authors: Moon Hea Kyung , Kang Purum , Lee Hui Su , Min Sun Seek , Seol Geun Hee 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Objectives
The monoterpenic oxide 1,8-cineole is a major component of many essential oils. We investigated its effects on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and oxidative stress in rats chronically exposed to nicotine.

Methods
Male Sprague–Dawley rats (100–120 g) were intraperitoneally injected with 0.8 mg/kg/day nicotine for 21 days, followed by 3 mg/kg nicotine the next day. Rats were subsequently injected intraperitoneally with 0.01, 0.1 and 1 mg/kg 1,8-cineole, or 10 mg/kg nifedipine. SBP was measured using a tail cuff transducer, plasma nitrite concentration was measured colorimetrically, and plasma corticosterone concentration was measured by enzyme immunoassay.

Key findings
We found that 0.1 mg/kg 1,8-cineole significantly reduced SBP, and that 1.0 mg/kg 1,8-cineole significantly increased plasma nitrite concentrations, compared with rats chronically exposed to nicotine alone. Rats chronically exposed to nicotine showed a significant increase in lipid peroxidation levels, an elevation significantly antagonized by treatment with 0.01 mg/kg and 0.1 mg/kg 1,8-cineole. Chronic exposure to nicotine also significantly increased plasma corticosterone levels, but this effect was not diminished by treatment with 1,8-cineole.

Conclusions
These results indicate that 1,8-cineole may lower blood pressure, and that this antihypertensive effect may be associated with the regulation of nitric oxide and oxidative stress in rats chronically exposed to nicotine.
Long‐term entecavir therapy results in falls in serum hepatitis B surface antigen levels and seroclearance in nucleos(t)ide‐naïve chronic hepatitis B patients
Authors: Hara T. , Suzuki F. , Kawamura Y. , Sezaki H. , Hosaka T. , Akuta N. , Kobayashi M. , Suzuki Y. , Saitoh S. , Arase Y. , Ikeda K. , Kobayashi M. , Watahiki S. , Mineta R. , Kumada H. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryEntecavir (ETV) is reported to result in suppression of hepatitis B virus DNA (HBV DNA) replication with minimal drug resistance. However, information on the long‐term effect of such therapy on serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) level and elimination of HBsAg is not available. ETV therapy was started in 553 nucleos(t)ide‐naïve patients with chronic hepatitis B infection (HBeAg positive: 45%) in our hospital. Serum HBsAg levels were measured serially by the Architect assay. The median baseline HBsAg was 2180 IU/mL (0.12–243 000 IU/mL), and median follow‐up period was 3.0 years, with 529, 475, 355, 247 and 163 patients followed‐up for 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years, respectively. At year 5, the mean log HBsAg decline from baseline was −0.48 log IU/mL, and the cumulative HBsAg clearance rate was 3.5%. Multivariate analysis identified HBV DNA level at baseline (<3.0 log copies IU/mL, odd ratio = 10.2; 95% confidence interval = 1.87–55.5, P = 0.007) and HBsAg level (<500 IU/mL, odd ratio = 29.4; 95% confidence interval = 2.80–333, P = 0.005) as independent predictors of HBsAg seroclearance. These results indicate that although serum HBsAg level declines gradually during ETV therapy, HBsAg seroclearance remains a rare event.
Fungal evolutionary genomics provides insight into the mechanisms of adaptive divergence in eukaryotes
Authors: Gladieux Pierre , Ropars Jeanne , Badouin Hélène , Branca Antoine , Aguileta Gabriela , de Vienne Damien M. , Rodríguez de la Vega Ricardo C. , Branco Sara , Giraud Tatiana 
Published: December 2013

AbstractFungi are ideal model organisms for dissecting the genomic bases of adaptive divergence in eukaryotes. They have simple morphologies and small genomes, occupy contrasting, well‐identified ecological niches and tend to have short generation times, and many are amenable to experimental approaches. Fungi also display diverse lifestyles, from saprotrophs to pathogens or mutualists, and they play extremely important roles in both ecosystems and human activities, as wood decayers, mycorrhizal fungi, lichens, endophytes, plant and animal pathogens, and in fermentation or drug production. We review here recent insights into the patterns and mechanisms of adaptive divergence in fungi, including sources of divergence, genomic variation and, ultimately, speciation. We outline the various ecological sources of divergent selection and genomic changes, showing that gene loss and changes in gene expression and in genomic architecture are important adaptation processes, in addition to the more widely recognized processes of amino acid substitution and gene duplication. We also review recent findings regarding the interspecific acquisition of genomic variation and suggesting an important role for introgression, hybridization and horizontal gene transfers (HGTs). We show that transposable elements can mediate several of these genomic changes, thus constituting important factors for adaptation. Finally, we review the consequences of divergent selection in terms of speciation, arguing that genetic incompatibilities may not be as widespread as generally thought and that pleiotropy between adaptation and reproductive isolation is an important route of speciation in fungal pathogens.
Effect of levamisole supplementation on tetanus vaccination response rates in haemodialysis patients: A randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Fallahzadeh Mohammad Kazem , Sajjadi Sharareh , Singh Neeraj , Khajeh Masomeh , Sagheb Mohammad Mahdi 
Published: December 2013

AbstractLevamisole as an immunomodulator drug has been demonstrated to improve the immune response to hepatitis B virus vaccination in haemodialysis patients. The aim of this randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial was to evaluate the effect of levamisole supplementation on tetanus‐diphtheria (Td) vaccine response rates in haemodialysis patients. Forty haemodialysis patients who had not received tetanus vaccination in a year before investigation and had unprotective anti‐tetanus immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels (<0.1 international unit/mL) were enrolled and randomized into two equal groups to receive one dose of intramuscular Td vaccine supplemented with either levamisole (100 mg) or placebo daily, for 6 days before and 6 days after vaccination. The anti‐tetanus IgG levels were measured 1 and 6 months after vaccination. One month post‐vaccination, four patients were excluded from the levamisole group and two from the placebo group because of either death or renal transplantation. At 1 month, 13 out of 16 (81%) patients in the levamisole group as compared with six out of 18 (33%) patients in the placebo group developed protective anti‐tetanus IgG levels (relative risk = 2.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.21, 4.88). From 1 to 6 months post‐vaccination, one more patient in the levamisole group and two more patients in the placebo group were excluded because of renal transplantation. At 6 months, 11 out of 15 (73%) patients in the levamisole group as compared with four out of 16 (25%) patients in the placebo group still had protective anti‐tetanus IgG levels (relative risk = 2.93, 95% CI = 1.19, 7.23). Supplementation of Td vaccination with levamisole may enhance seroconversion against tetanus in haemodialysis patients.
Is lead chelation therapy effective for chronic kidney disease? A meta‐analysis
Authors: Yang Shi‐kun , Xiao Li , Song Pan‐ai , Xu Xiao‐xuan , Liu Fu‐you , Sun Lin 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe heavy metal lead (Pb) is a major environmental and occupational hazard. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated a strong association between lead exposure and the presence of chronic kidney injury. Some studies have suggested that chelation therapy with calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (calcium disodium EDTA) might help decrease the progression of chronic kidney disease among patients with measurable body lead burdens. However, calcium disodium EDTA chelation in lead exposure is controversial due to the potential for adverse effects such as acute tubular necrosis. Therefore, we investigated the available randomized controlled trials assessing the renoprotective effects of calcium disodium EDTA chelation therapy. Our meta‐analysis shows that calcium disodium EDTA chelation therapy can effectively delay the progression of chronic kidney disease in patients with measurable body lead burdens reflected by increasing the levels of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and creatinine clearance rate (Ccr). There appears to be no conclusive evidence that calcium disodium EDTA can decrease proteinuria.
The role of albuminuria as a non‐invasive marker for congestive acutely decompensated chronic heart failure and the spironolactone effect in elderly Portuguese: a non‐randomized trial
Authors: Ferreira João Pedro , Santos Mário , Almeida Sofia , Marques Irene , Bettencourt Paulo , Carvalho Henrique 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesAlbuminuria is a robust, validated cardiovascular risk factor. It is a simple and widely available test that was shown to be a powerful and independent predictor of prognosis in chronic heart failure. Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists may reduce the acute and chronic harmful effects of mineralocorticoid receptor activation on the kidney. The objectives of the trial were to compare the effect of spironolactone versus standard acutely decompensated heart failure (ADHF) therapy on albuminuria and to investigate the role of albuminuria as a prognostic marker in patients with ADHF.MethodsSecondary analysis of a prospective, interventional study including 100 patients with ADHF. Fifty patients were non‐randomly assigned to spironolactone 100 mg/day plus standard ADHF therapy (intervention group) or standard ADHF therapy alone (control group).ResultsPatients in control group were older, had higher creatinine and urea levels, and had higher proportion of microalbuminuria (all, P < 0.05). Paired comparison of baseline and day 3 log albuminuria within each group, showed a more pronounced decrease in the intervention group (1.79 ± 0.75 to 1.59 ± 0.67, P = 0.003 vs 1.89 ± 0.70 to 1.79 ± 0.74, P = 0.096). In addition, the proportion of patients with normoalbuminuria increased from baseline to day 3 in spironolactone group (20 (40%) to 27 (54%), P < 001), accordingly the number of patients in the micro and macroalbuminuria groups was reduced. Day 1 albuminuria was positively correlated with day 1 N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (0.260 [0.105–0.758], P = 0.009).ConclusionsHigh‐dose spironolactone added to standard ADHF therapy is likely to induce a more pronounced albuminuria decrease and a significant reduction in the proportion of micro and macroalbuminuria.
Effects of oral care solutions on mucous membrane integrity and bacterial colonization
Authors: Özden Dilek , Türk Gülengün , Düger Cevdet , Güler Elem K , Tok Fatma , Gülsoy Zuhal 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTAimThis research was conducted with the aim of determining the influence of three different oral care solutions on oral mucous membrane integrity in critically ill patients.BackgroundOral care is a basic part of nursing care in intensive care units.DesignA randomized controlled trial was conducted.MethodA total of 60 patients (20 patients in each group) comprised the study sample of the research. Patients were randomly allocated to three groups. Patients in groups 1, 2 and 3 were administered mouth care three times a day using 5% sodium bicarbonate, 0·2% chlorhexidine and saline solution, respectively. Data were collected by means of a ‘Descriptive characteristics form’ and an ‘oral assessment tool’.ResultsMean scores of oral assessment tool increased according to days in all groups, however, this increase was found to be statistically insignificant (p > 0·05). Mean scores of the patients in saline solution group were seen to be lower than those of the other groups. When inter‐group comparison of days was done, the difference between oral assessment scores was found to be statistically significant (p = 0·000).ConclusionIt was found that there was no difference between patient groups receiving saline solution, sodium bicarbonate and 0·2% chlorhexidine for mouth care in terms of oral mucous membrane integrity; oral mucosa of all patients was found to be mildly dysfunctioning.Relevance to clinical practiceIt is thought that standardized protocols for oral hygiene developed in the light of the findings of randomized controlled trials may improve the oral health in critically ill patients.
The emergence of cardiometabolic disease risk in Chinese children and adults: consequences of changes in diet, physical activity and obesity
Authors: Adair L. S. , Gordon‐Larsen P. , Du S. F. , Zhang B. , Popkin B. M. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryStrong secular declines in physical activity, increased fat and salt intake, and increased obesity, especially abdominal obesity, mark China's recent nutrition transition. The China Health and Nutrition 2009 Survey collected anthropometry, blood pressure and fasting blood samples from more than 9,000 individuals ≥7 years of age. We focus on elevated blood pressure and plasma markers of diabetes, inflammation and dyslipidemia. We used international definitions of cardiometabolic risk and estimated age‐ and sex‐specific prevalence ratios for each outcome for high waist circumference or overweight. We used logistic regression to assess each risk factor's association with diet, physical activity, overweight and abdominal obesity. Cardiometabolic risk prevalence was high in all age groups Prevalence ratios for most risk factors were nearly doubled for overweight or high waist circumference groups. Prevalence ratios were higher in younger than older adults. Low physical activity consistently predicted higher cardiometabolic risk across most outcomes and age‐sex groups. The co‐occurrence of overweight and high waist circumference was highly predictive of dyslipidemia, elevated glycated haemoglobin and diabetes. High prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors and their strong association with weight status and abdominal obesity in young adults portend increases in cardiometabolic morbidity and mortality. Early interventions will be required to reverse trends.
The physical activity transition among adults in China: 1991–2011
Authors: Ng S. W. , Howard A.‐G. , Wang H. J. , Su C. , Zhang B. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryPrevious studies have linked work, home production, travel activities and inactivity with weight and health outcomes. However, these focused on average physical activity (PA) over time rather than changes in PA and associated sociodemographic and economic factors and urbanicity. Using the 1991–2011 China Health and Nutrition Survey data, we estimated the metabolic equivalent of task hours per week for individuals in occupational, domestic, travel and active leisure domains and sedentary hours per week. We present the distributions among adult men and women (aged 18–60), and use quantile regression models to explore factors associated with these trends. Trend analyses on the distribution of PA show declines along the whole distribution of occupational PA for men and women and domestic PA for women in China. These patterns remain consistent after adjusting for individual‐ and household‐level factors. Controlling for urbanicity mitigated the decrease in occupational PA, particularly for men, but not the decrease in domestic PA. Given China's rapid urbanization and its association with occupational PA declines and the strong time trend in domestic PA, there is a need to invest in interventions and policies that promote PA during leisure and travel times.
Progress in understanding oral health and HIV/AIDS
Authors: Patton LL 
Published: December 2013

Over the last 30 years, there have been significant advances in our scientific knowledge of HIV disease, including prevention, detection, medical management, and attempts at cure. Investigations and observations of the oral cavity in individuals with HIV disease have contributed substantially to scientific discovery and innovation. Challenges remain for managing existing and emerging oral diseases associated with HIV and understanding the contribution of latent oral mucosal reservoirs to HIV eradication.
N‐Alkoxyheterocycles As Irreversible Photooxidants
Authors: Wosinska Zofia M. , Stump Faye L. , Ranjan Rajeev , Lorance Edward D. , Finley GeNita N. , Patel Priya P. , Khawaja Muzamil A. , Odom Katie L. , Kramer Wolfgang H. , Gould Ian R. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIrreversible photooxidation based on N–O bond fragmentation is demonstrated for N‐methoxyheterocycles in both the singlet and triplet excited state manifolds. The energetic requirements for bond fragmentation are studied in detail. Bond fragmentation in the excited singlet manifold is possible for ππ* singlet states with energies significantly larger than the N–O bond dissociation energy of ca 55 kcal mol−1. For the nπ* triplet states, N–O bond fragmentation does not occur in the excited state for orbital overlap and energetic reasons. Irreversible photooxidation occurs in the singlet states by bond fragmentation followed by electron transfer. Irreversible photooxidation occurs in the triplet states via bimolecular electron transfer to the donor followed by bond fragmentation. Using these two sensitization schemes, donors can be irreversibly oxidized with oxidation potentials ranging from ca 1.6–2.2 V vs SCE. The corresponding N‐ethylheterocycles are characterized as conventional reversible photooxidants in their triplet states. The utility of these sensitizers is demonstrated by irreversibly generating the guanosine radical cation in buffered aqueous solution.
Comparative Analysis of Cellular Phenotypes Within the Neointima From Vein Segments Collected Prior to Vascular Access Surgery and Stenotic Arteriovenous Dialysis Accesses
Authors: Lee Timmy , Wang Yang , Arend Lois , Cornea Virgilius , Campos Begona , Munda Rino , Roy‐Chaudhury Prabir 
Published: December 2013

AbstractVenous stenosis, secondary to venous neointimal hyperplasia (VNH), at the arteriovenous anastomosis (AV) is a major etiology of vascular access failure in AV fistulas (AVF) and AV grafts (AVG). Recently, our group has reported that severe VNH also occurs prior to vascular access placement. The objective of this study was to perform a comparison of the cellular phenotypes within the neointima from veins collected from subjects at the time of new vascular access creation and stenotic veins from subjects with failed AVGs and AVFs. Vein samples, collected at the time of new access surgery, and stenotic vein segments, collected at access revision, were evaluated for expression of α‐smooth muscle actin (SMA), vimentin, and desmin within the neointima, and quantified using semiquantitative scoring. Within the neointima, the majority of cells from vein samples collected at the time of new access surgery were contractile smooth muscle cells, and veins from stenotic AVF and AVG were predominately myofibroblasts. Our results suggest the possibility of different mechanistic pathways in response to vascular injury that occurs prior to vascular access creation vs. after access creation, and that divergent therapeutic approaches may be needed for treating vascular injury in these two settings.
Identity Politics in the Educational System in South Tyrol: Balancing between Minority Protection and the Need to Manage Diversity
Authors: Wisthaler Verena 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThis article focuses on the educational system in South Tyrol as one of the pillars of language and identity politics used for minority protection and elaborates on possible future developments triggered by immigration. After a historical overview of the coexistence of the three linguistic groups in South Tyrol, the article will explore, from the perspective of the educational system, the institutional framework guaranteeing the protection of the German‐speaking and Ladin minority and in particular their languages as the most important markers of the particular local identities. The article then examines how the educational system in South Tyrol deals with increasing immigration, assessing the strengths and weaknesses in relation to whether the educational system facilitates, on the one hand, the development of a multilingual society and, on the other, individual language competences and thus individual multilingualism.
Liturgy of Nation‐Formation: Patrick Pearse and the Theological Background of the Easter Rising of 1916
Authors: Ruczaj Maciej 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe Dublin 1916 Easter Rising is most often analysed in terms of the ‘blood sacrifice’ concept and its ‘theatrical’ aspect with both rhetorical devices being ascribed to Patrick (Padraic) Pearse – poet, dramatist, and a crucial figure in the development of the discourse of Irish nationalism. This article proposes a reading of Pearse's literary and political texts centred on the relation between the religious and the political. Starting with the delineation of the complex ‘translation of the sacred’ from the religious to the secular context, the article then examines the two above‐mentioned key dimensions of the Rising, its sacrificial and ‘theatrical’ aspects, demonstrating their theological affinities. The two are interconnected through the thomistic theory of the liturgical sign, suggesting that the Easter Rising, as a crucial event in the construction of Irish nationhood, was devised and carried out per analogiam to the liturgical symbolism of the Catholic Mass.