bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chronic kidney disease in Nicaragua: a qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews with physicians and pharmacists
Authors: Ramirez-Rubio Oriana , Brooks Daniel R , Amador Juan Jose , Kaufman James S , Weiner Daniel E , Scammell Madeleine Kangsen 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Northwestern Nicaragua has a high prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) of unknown cause among young adult men. In addition, frequent occurrence of urinary tract infections (UTI) among men and a dysuria syndrome described by sugarcane workers as “chistata” are both reported. This study examines health professionals´ perceptions regarding etiology of these conditions and their treatment approaches, including use of potentially nephrotoxic medications.

Methods
Nineteen in-person semi-structured interviews were conducted in November 2010 among ten physicians and nine pharmacists practicing in the region.

Results
Health professionals perceived CKD as a serious and increasing problem in the region, primarily affecting young men working as manual laborers. All interviewees regarded occupational and environmental exposure to sun and heat, and dehydration as critical factors associated with the occurrence of CKD. These factors were also considered to play a role in the occurrence of chistata in the region. Health professionals indicated that reluctance among workers to hydrate might be influenced by perceptions of water contamination. Symptoms often were treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), diuretics and antibiotics. Physicians acknowledged that the diagnosis of UTI usually was not based on microbial culture and opined that the use of potentially nephrotoxic medications may be contributing to CKD.

Conclusions
Interviews provided evidence suggesting that medications such as diuretics, antibiotics and NSAIDs are widely used and sold over the counter for symptoms that may be related to dehydration and volume depletion. These factors, alone or in combination, may be possible contributors to kidney damage. Acute kidney damage coupled with volume depletion and exposures including medications and infectious agents should be further evaluated as causal factors for CKD in this region.
Influence of untranslated regions on retroviral mRNA transfer and expression
Authors: Prel Anne , Sensébé Luc , Pagès Jean-Christophe 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Deliberate cellular reprogramming is becoming a realistic objective in the clinic. While the origin of the target cells is critical, delivery of bioactive molecules to trigger a shift in cell-fate remains the major hurdle. To date, several strategies based either on non-integrative vectors, protein transfer or mRNA delivery have been investigated. In a recent study, a unique modification in the retroviral genome was shown to enable RNA transfer and its expression.

Results
Here, we used the retroviral mRNA delivery approach to study the impact of modifying gene-flanking sequences on RNA transfer. We designed modified mRNAs for retroviral packaging and used the quantitative luciferase assay to compare mRNA expression following viral transduction of cells. Cloning the untranslated regions of the vimentin or non-muscular myosin heavy chain within transcripts improved expression and stability of the reporter gene while slightly modifying reporter-RNA retroviral delivery. We also observed that while the modified retroviral platform was the most effective for retroviral mRNA packaging, the highest expression in target cells was achieved by the addition of a non-viral UTR to mRNAs containing the packaging signal.

Conclusions
Through molecular engineering we have assayed a series of constructs to improve retroviral mRNA transfer. We showed that an authentic RNA retroviral genomic platform was most efficiently transferred but that adding UTR sequences from highly expressed genes could improve expression upon transfection while having only a slight effect on expression from transferred RNA. Together, these data should contribute to the optimisation of retroviral mRNA-delivery systems that test combinations of UTRs and packaging platforms.
Motor recovery monitoring using acceleration measurements in post acute stroke patients
Authors: Gubbi Jayavardhana , Rao Aravinda S , Fang Kun , Yan Bernard , Palaniswami Marimuthu 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundStroke is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality. Its recovery and treatment depends on close clinical monitoring by a clinician especially during the first few hours after the onset of stroke. Patients who do not exhibit early motor recovery post thrombolysis may benefit from more aggressive treatment.MethodA novel approach for monitoring stroke during the first few hours after the onset of stroke using a wireless accelerometer based motor activity monitoring system is developed. It monitors the motor activity by measuring the acceleration of the arms in three axes. In the presented proof of concept study, the measured acceleration data is transferred wirelessly using iMote2 platform to the base station that is equipped with an online algorithm capable of calculating an index equivalent to the National Institute of Health Stroke Score (NIHSS) motor index. The system is developed by collecting data from 15 patients.ResultsWe have successfully demonstrated an end-to-end stroke monitoring system reporting an accuracy of calculating stroke index of more than 80%, highest Cohen’s overall agreement of 0.91 (with excellentκcoefficient of 0.76).ConclusionA wireless accelerometer based ‘hot stroke’ monitoring system is developed to monitor the motor recovery in acute-stroke patients. It has been shown to monitor stroke patients continuously, which has not been possible so far with high reliability.
Bisphenol A-associated epigenomic changes in prepubescent girls: a cross-sectional study in Gharbiah, Egypt
Authors: Kim Jung H , Rozek Laura S , Soliman Amr S , Sartor Maureen A , Hablas Ahmed , Seifeldin Ibrahim A , Colacino Justin A , Weinhouse Caren , Nahar Muna S , Dolinoy Dana C 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
There is now compelling evidence that epigenetic modifications link adult disease susceptibility to environmental exposures during specific life stages, including pre-pubertal development. Animal studies indicate that bisphenol A (BPA), the monomer used in epoxy resins and polycarbonate plastics, may impact health through epigenetic mechanisms, and epidemiological data associate BPA levels with metabolic disorders, behavior changes, and reproductive effects. Thus, we conducted an environmental epidemiology study of BPA exposure and CpG methylation in pre-adolescent girls from Gharbiah, Egypt hypothesizing that methylation profiles exhibit exposure-dependent trends.

Methods
Urinary concentrations of total (free plus conjugated) species of BPA in spot samples were quantified for 60 girls aged 10 to 13. Genome-wide CpG methylation was concurrently measured in bisulfite-converted saliva DNA using the Infinium HumanMethylation27 BeadChip (N = 46). CpG sites from four candidate genes were validated via quantitative bisulfite pyrosequencing.

Results
CpG methylation varied widely among girls, and higher urinary BPA concentrations were generally associated with less genomic methylation. Based on pathway analyses, genes exhibiting reduced methylation with increasing urinary BPA were involved in immune function, transport activity, metabolism, and caspase activity. In particular, hypomethylation of CpG targets on chromosome X was associated with higher urinary BPA. Using the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database, we identified a number of candidate genes in our sample that previously have been associated with BPA-related expression change.

Conclusions
These data indicate that BPA may affect human health through specific epigenomic modification of genes in relevant pathways. Thus, epigenetic epidemiology holds promise for the identification of biomarkers from previous exposures and the development of epigenetic-based diagnostic strategies.
Alveolar ridge keratosis - a retrospective clinicopathological study
Authors: Bellato Lorenzo , Martinelli-Kläy Carla P , Martinelli Celso R , Lombardi Tommaso 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Alveolar ridge keratosis (ARK) is a distinct, benign clinicopathological entity, characterized by a hyperkeratotic plaque or patch that occurs on the alveolar edentulous ridge or on the retromolar trigone, considered to be caused by chronic frictional trauma. The aim of this retrospective study is to present the clinicopathological features of 23 consecutive cases of ARK.

Material and methods
The 23 biopsy samples of ARK were selected and pathological features were revised (keratosis, acanthosis, surface architecture, and inflammation). Factors such as the patient’s gender, age, anatomical location, tobacco and alcohol use were analyzed.

Results
Sixteen out of the 23 cases studied were men and 7 women with a mean age of 55.05 (age ranged from 17 to 88 years). Thirteen cases had a history of tobacco habit, amongst whom, 4 also presented alcohol consumption. All the cases presented only unilateral lesions. Nineteen cases involved the retromolar trigone while 4 cases involved edentulous alveolar ridges. When observed microscopically, the lesions were mainly characterized by moderate to important hyperorthokeratosis. Inflammation was scanty or absent. In four of the cases, the presence of melanin pigment in the superficial corium or in the cytoplasm of macrophages was detected. None of the cases showed any features of dysplasia.

Conclusion
Our results reveal that ARK is a benign lesion. However, the high prevalence of smokers amongst the patients might suggest that some potentially malignant disorders such as tobacco associated leukoplakia may clinically mimic ARK.
Gastroduodenal artery aneurysm, diagnosis, clinical presentation and management: a concise review
Authors: Habib Nicholas , Hassan Samer , Abdou Rafik , Torbey Estelle , Alkaied Homam , Maniatis Theodore , Azab Basem , Chalhoub Michel , Harris Kassem 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Gastroduodenal artery (GDA) aneurysms are rare but a potentially fatal condition if rupture occurs. They represent about 1.5% of all visceral artery (VAA) aneurysms and are divided into true and pseudoaneurysms depending on the etiologic factors underlying their development. Atherosclerosis and pancreatitis are the two most common risk factors. Making the diagnosis can be complex and often requires the use of Computed Tomography and angiography. The later adds the advantage of being a therapeutic option to prevent or stop bleeding. If this fails, surgery is still regarded as the standard for accomplishing a definite treatment.
Novel 1H low field nuclear magnetic resonance applications for the field of biodiesel
Authors: Berman Paula , Leshem Adi , Etziony Oren , Levi Ofer , Parmet Yisrael , Saunders Michael , Wiesman Zeev 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Biodiesel production has increased dramatically over the last decade, raising the need for new rapid and non-destructive analytical tools and technologies. 1H Low Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (LF-NMR) applications, which offer great potential to the field of biodiesel, have been developed by the Phyto Lipid Biotechnology Lab research team in the last few years.

Results
Supervised and un-supervised chemometric tools are suggested for screening new alternative biodiesel feedstocks according to oil content and viscosity. The tools allowed assignment into viscosity groups of biodiesel-petrodiesel samples whose viscosity is unknown, and uncovered biodiesel samples that have residues of unreacted acylglycerol and/or methanol, and poorly separated and cleaned glycerol and water. In the case of composite materials, relaxation time distribution, and cross-correlation methods were successfully applied to differentiate components. Continuous distributed methods were also applied to calculate the yield of the transesterification reaction, and thus monitor the progress of the common and in-situ transesterification reactions, offering a tool for optimization of reaction parameters.

Conclusions
Comprehensive applied tools are detailed for the characterization of new alternative biodiesel resources in their whole conformation, monitoring of the biodiesel transesterification reaction, and quality evaluation of the final product, using a non-invasive and non-destructive technology that is new to the biodiesel research area. A new integrated computational-experimental approach for analysis of 1H LF-NMR relaxometry data is also presented, suggesting improved solution stability and peak resolution.
Transglutaminase-mediated restoration of historic silk and its ageing resistance
Authors: Zhu Zhanyun , Liu Liu , Gong Decai 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Introduction
Transglutaminase-mediated polymerization, unlike the traditional restoration methods based on the application of synthetic polymers, has proved to be a potential strategy in the restoration of historic silk. In the present study, the treatment process has been adapted to satisfy the needs of consolidating historic silk fabrics in various cases. Artificially aged (dry thermal ageing) silk samples were restored using this method. The effects of the reaction on silk fibers were investigated by tensile tests, colour difference tests, scanning electron microscopy and FT-IR. The ageing resistance of the restored samples was evaluated.

Results
The results showed that tensile strength, elongation rate at breakage and micro morphology of the silk samples were remarkably improved without significant colour difference after restoration. FT-IR spectroscopy confirmed the existence of transglutaminase-induced biopolymers in the restored silk samples and demonstrated that the transglutaminase-mediated restoration did not change the basic structure of silk protein. The ageing resistance of the restored samples evaluated using standard methods ensured that the treatment would not introduce any long term problems. The method was then applied to genuine historic silk fabrics and achieved the desired results.

Conclusions
From the results of this study, the effectiveness of transglutaminase-mediated polymerisation to restore historic silk was demonstrated.
Mortality and quality of life in the five years after severe sepsis
Authors: Cuthbertson Brian H , Elders Andrew , Hall Sally , Taylor Jane , MacLennan Graeme , Mackirdy Fiona , Mackenzie Simon J ,   the Scottish Critical Care Trials Group and the Scottish Intensive Care Society Audit Group
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Severe sepsis is associated with high levels of morbidity and mortality, placing a high burden on healthcare resources. We aimed to study outcomes in the five years after severe sepsis.

Methods
This was a cohort study using data from a prospective audit in 26 adult ICUs in Scotland. Mortality was measured using clinical databases and quality of life using Short Form 36 (SF-36) at 3.5 and 5 years after severe sepsis.

Results
A total of 439 patients were recruited with a 58% mortality at 3.5 years and 61% mortality at 5 years. A total of 85 and 67 patients responded at 3.5 and 5 years follow-up, respectively. SF-36 physical component score (PCS) was low compared to population controls at 3.5 years (mean 41.8 (SD 11.8)) and at 5 years (mean 44.8 (SD 12.7)). SF-36 mental component score (MCS) was slightly lower than population controls at 3.5 years (mean 47.7 (SD 14.6)) and at 5 years after severe sepsis (mean 48.8 (SD 12.6)). The majority of patients were satisfied with their current quality of life (QOL) (80%) and all patients would be willing to be treated in an ICU again if they become critically ill despite many having unpleasant memories (19%) and recall (29%) of ICU events.

Conclusions
Patients with severe sepsis have a high ongoing mortality after severe sepsis. They also have a significantly lower physical QOL compared to population norms but mental QOL scores were only slightly below population norms up to five years after severe sepsis. All survivors would be willing to be treated in an ICU again if critically ill. Mortality and QOL outcomes were broadly similar to other critically ill cohorts throughout the five years of follow-up.
Randomized Phase II Study of Ixabepilone or Paclitaxel Plus Carboplatin in Patients With Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer Prospectively Stratified by Beta-3 Tubulin Status
Authors: Edelman Martin J. , Schneider Claus-Peter , Tsai Chun-Ming , Kim Heung-Tae , Quoix Elisabeth , Luft Alexander V. , Kaleta Remigiusz , Mukhopadhyay Pralay , Trifan Ovidiu C. , Whitaker Laura , Reck Martin 
Published: April 2013

PurposeRetrospective studies have reported that tumor expression of the beta-3 tubulin (β3T) isoform is an unfavorable prognostic factor in non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with tubulin-inhibiting chemotherapy. Ixabepilone is a tubulin-inhibiting agent with low susceptibility to multiple resistance mechanisms including β3T isoform expression in several tumor models. This randomized phase II study evaluated ixabepilone-based chemotherapy in stage IIIb/IV NSCLC, compared with paclitaxel-based chemotherapy. Tumor specimens were prospectively evaluated for β3T expression.Patients and MethodsPatients were stratified by β3T status (positive v negative) and randomly assigned at a ratio of 1:1 to receive ixabepilone (32 mg/m2) and carboplatin (area under concentration-time curve [AUC], 6) or paclitaxel (200 mg/m2) and carboplatin (AUC, 6) for up to six cycles. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS) in the β3T-positive subgroup.ResultsNinety-five patients (β3T positive, 52; β3T negative, 43) received ixabepilone plus carboplatin; 96 patients (β3T positive, 49; β3T negative, 47) received paclitaxel plus carboplatin. No significant differences in median PFS were observed between arms for either subgroup (β3T positive, 4.3 months in both arms; β3T negative, 5.8 v 5.3 months). Ixabepilone did not significantly improve overall survival (OS) for the β3T-positive subset or the overall population. Adverse events were similar between the two arms and comparable with those in previous studies.ConclusionThere was no predictive value of β3T in differentiating clinical activity of ixabepilone- or paclitaxel-containing regimens. Ixabepilone did not improve PFS or OS in patients with β3T-positive tumors. β3T-positive patients had worse PFS relative to β3T-negative patients, regardless of treatment; hence, β3T expression seems to be a negative prognostic factor, but not a predictive factor, in advanced NSCLC treated with either ixabepilone or paclitaxel platinum-based doublets.
Ação de Inseticidas Botânicos sobre a Preferência Alimentar e sobre Posturas de Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) em Milho
Authors: Mazzonetto Fábio , Coradini Flávia , Corbani Renato Zapparoli , Dalri Alexandre Barcellos 
Published: April 2013

O presente trabalho objetivou comparar o efeito de diferentes extratos de origem vegetal na preferência alimentar e na postura da lagarta do cartucho Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) em folhas de milho. Extratos aquosos a 10% p/v de Chenopodium ambrosioides (Linnaeus) (Erva de Santa Maria), Corymbia citriodora (Hill & Johnson) (Eucalipto Cheiroso), Chrysanthemum leucanthemum (Linnaeus) (Crisântemo) e Azadirachta indica (A. Juss) (Nim) foram aplicados em discos de folhas de milho e oferecidos às lagartas em testes com e sem chance de escolha. A atratividade das lagartas pelos discos com os extratos não diferiu da testemunha no teste com chance de escolha, porém os extratos de Nim e Crisântemo apresentaram efeito fagodeterrente a S. frugiperda. Nos testes sem chance de escolha, o tratamento que mais repeliu as lagartas foi utilizando extrato de Nim, representando possível alternativa para o controle das lagartas desta espécie. Nenhum dos extratos aquosos das espécies vegetais testadas apresentou efeito ovicida.

Action of Botanical Insecticides on the Preference of Food and on Postures of Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Maize
Abstract. This study compares the effect of different extracts of vegetal origin in food preference and posture of the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) in maize leaves. Aqueous extracts 10% w/v of Chenopodium ambrosioides (Linnaeus), Corymbia citriodora (Hill & Johnson), Chrysanthemum leucanthemum (Linnaeus, 1753) and Azadirachta indica (A. Juss) were applied to leaf discs of maize and offered to caterpillars tests with and without choice. The attractiveness of the caterpillars for discs with the extracts did not differ from the control test-choice, but extracts of A. indica and C. leucanthemum showed antifeedant activity to S. frugiperda. In no-choice tests, the treatment was more repelled the larvae using A. indica extract, representing possible alternative for the control of caterpillars of this species. None of the aqueous extracts of the plant species tested showed ovicidal effect.
Use of Leaves Treated with Hydrogen Peroxide in Case-Building by Phylloicus spp. (Trichoptera: Calamoceratidae)
Authors: Vidovix Thyago Augusto da Silva , Martins Renato Tavares , Duarte Cleber , Pes Ana Maria Oliveira 
Published: April 2013

The objective of this study was to assess if larvae of Phylloicus spp. show any preference for leaves with or without microorganisms when building cases. Two experiments were realized at municipality of Presidente Figueiredo (Amazonas – Brazil), containing leaves treated with Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a compost that has an antimicrobial action, and another one with untreated leaves. In the first were observed the case-building by larvae of Phylloicus spp. And in the second was tested the preference by treated or untreated leaves. The larvae were monitored during 24 hours and to statistical analysis was used the t-test. Were not observed significant differences in the number of discs used by the larvae in the first experiment (p=0.24; t=-0.73) and no preference by type of leaf in the second experiment (p=0.41; t=0.23). Therefore, we do not recommend the use of hydrogen peroxide in studies that aim to eliminate microorganisms from decomposing leaves.
Uso de Folhas Tratadas com Peróxido de Hidrogênio na Construção de Abrigos por Phylloicus spp. (Trichoptera: Calamoceratidae)
Resumo. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar se larvas de Phylloicus spp. possuem preferência por folhas com ou sem micro-organismos para a construção de abrigos. Dois experimentos foram realizados no município de Presidente Figueiredo (Amazonas – Brasil), contendo folhas tratadas com peróxido de hidrogênio (H2O2), composto que possui ação antimicrobiana, e folhas não tratadas. No primeiro observaram-se a construção de abrigos pelas larvas de Phylloicus spp. e no segundo testou-se a preferência por folhas tratadas ou não tratadas. As larvas foram monitoradas durante 24 horas e para a análise estatística foi utilizado o teste-t. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas no número de discos usados pelas larvas no primeiro experimento (p=0,24; t=-0,73) e nem na preferência pelo tipo de folha no segundo experimento (p=0,41; t=0,23). Portanto, não recomendamos o uso do peróxido de hidrogênio em estudos realizados em laboratório que visem à eliminação de micro-organismos de folhas em decomposição.