bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reduced fractional shortening of right ventricular outflow tract is associated with adverse outcomes in patients with left ventricular dysfunction
Authors: Yamaguchi Masashi , Tsuruda Toshihiro , Watanabe Yuki , Onitsuka Hisamitsu , Furukawa Kuniko , Ideguchi Takeshi , Kawagoe Junji , Ishikawa Tetsunori , Kato Johji , Takenaga Makoto , Kitamura Kazuo 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
Recent studies suggest the significance of right ventricular (RV) function in the outcome in patients with left ventricular dysfunction (LVSD); however, global assessment of RV remains to be determined by echocardiogram because of its complex geometry. This study aimed to validate RV outflow tract fractional shortening (RVOT-FS) in the evaluation of RV function and its prognostic value in patients with LVSD.

Methods
This study included eighty-one patients (62 ± 17 years, mean ± SD, male 79%) with reduced LV ejection fraction (LVEF) (≤40%). Two-dimensional echocardiogram of the parasternal short axis view was obtained at the level of the aortic root, and RVOT-FS was calculated as the ratio of end-diastole minus end-systole dimension to end-diastole dimension.

Results
RVOT-FS ranged from 0.04 to 0.8 (0.3 ± 0.2, mean ± SD), and correlated with LVEF (r = 0.33, p = 0.0028), RV fractional area change (r = 0.37, p = 0.0008) and brain natriuretic peptide level (r = -0.38, p = 0.0005). In Cox multivariate regression analysis, RVOT-FS [hazard ratio (HR) 0.028, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.002-0.397]; p = 0.008] and New York Heart Association functional class III-IV [HR 2.233, 95% CI: 1.048-4.761]; p = 0.037] were independent factors to predict the events. During a median follow-up period of 319 days (1 to 1862 days), patients with RVOT-FS ≥ 0.2 showed a higher event-free rate than those < 0.2 by Kaplan-Meier analysis (log-rank test, p = 0.0016).

Conclusions
Our data suggest that RVOT-FS is a simple parameter reflecting the severity of both ventricular function in patients with LVSD. In addition, RVOT-FS might be useful to predict adverse outcomes in such a patient population.
Prevalence and characterization of verotoxigenic-Escherichia coli isolates from pigs in Malaysia
Authors: Ho Wing Sze , Tan Lai Kuan , Ooi Peck Toung , Yeo Chew Chieng , Thong Kwai Lin 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
Postweaning diarrhea caused by pathogenic Escherichia coli, in particular verotoxigenic E. coli (VTEC), has caused significant economic losses in the pig farming industry worldwide. However, there is limited information on VTEC in Malaysia. The objective of this study was to characterize pathogenic E. coli isolated from post-weaning piglets and growers with respect to their antibiograms, carriage of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases, pathotypes, production of hemolysins and fimbrial adhesins, serotypes, and genotypes.

Results
PCR detection of virulence factors associated with different E. coli pathotypes (ETEC, EPEC, EHEC, and VTEC) revealed that VTEC was the only pathotype identified from six swine farms located at north-western Peninsular Malaysia. A low prevalence rate of VTEC was found among the swine samples (n = 7/345) and all 7 VTEC isolates were multidrug resistant. Five of these isolates from different hosts raised in the same pen were likely to be of the same clone as they shared identical sero-pathotypes (O139:H1, VT2e/α-hly/F18), resistance profiles and DNA fingerprinting profiles. Two other serotypes, O130: H26 (n = 1) and O168: H21 (n = 1) carrying virulence factors were also identified. O168: H21 is possibly a new serotype as this has not been previously reported.

Conclusions
The occurrence of VTEC with infrequently encountered serotypes that are multidrug resistant and harbouring virulence factors may be of public health concern. The detection of possible clones in this study also showed that the combination of different typing tools including phenotyping and genotyping methods is useful for molecular epidemiologic surveillance and studies.
Multiplex PCR followed by restriction length polymorphism analysis for the subtyping of bovine herpesvirus 5 isolates
Authors: Maidana Silvina Soledad , Morano Cintia Débora , Cianfrini Daniela , Campos Fabrício Souza , Roehe Paulo Michel , Siedler Bianca , De Stefano Gabriel , Mauroy Axel , Thiry Etienne , Romera Sonia Alejandra 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundSeveral types and subtypes of bovine herpesviruses 1 and 5 (BoHV-1 and BoHV-5) have been associated to different clinical conditions of cattle, making type/subtype differentiation essential to understand the pathogenesis and epidemiology of BoHV infections. BoHV-5 subtyping is currently carried out byBstEII restriction enzyme analysis (REA) of the complete virus genome. This method allowed the description of three subtypes, one of which is the most widespread while the remaining two have so far only been found in South America. The present work describes a multiplex PCR followed by REA for BoHV-5 subtyping.ResultsThe method consists in the simultaneous amplification of glycoprotein B and UL54 gene fragments of 534 and 669 base pairs (bp), respectively,BstEII digestion of amplicons, separation of products in 1% agarose gels, and analysis of fragment length polymorphims. The multiplex PCR detected up to 227 BoHV-5 genome copies and 9.2 × 105BoHV-5 genome copies when DNA was extracted from purified virus or infected tissue homogenates, respectively. The applicability of multiplex PCR-REA was demonstrated on 3 BoHV-5 reference strains. In addition, subtyping of two new isolates and seventeen previously reported ones (17 BHV-5a and 2 BHV-5b) by this method gave coincident results with those obtained with the classicBstEII REA assay.ConclusionsMultiplex PCR-REA provides a new tool for the fast and simple diagnosis and subtyping of BoHV-5.
Targeted therapy for HER2 positive breast cancer
Authors: Incorvati Jason A , Shah Shilpan , Mu Ying , Lu Janice 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Introduction
Breast cancer is the second most common cause of death for women behind lung cancer and the most common cause of cancer deaths for women aged 45–55 years old (CDC.gov 2012). Although there continue to be enormously large numbers of disease incidence, deaths have been declining due to the disease with two hallmark time frames. The first occurred during the mid to late 1980’s when hormonal therapy was introduced as a treatment for ER/PR positive breast cancer. The second occurred in the late 1990’s when trastuzumab was introduced in treating HER2 positive breast cancer. These remarkable accomplishments in developing novel targeted therapies for breast cancer, along with a better understanding of the disease biology have improved disease outcome over the past 20 years.
This article reviews the data presented at 2012 American Society of Clinical Oncology and 2012 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium regarding progress made in the field of HER2 positive breast cancer and examines the future of HER2 targeted therapy.
A study on the painting techniques and materials of the murals in the Five Northern Provinces’ Assembly Hall, Ziyang, China
Authors: Hu Kejia , Bai Chongbin , Ma Linyan , Bai Ke , Liu Dongbo , Fan Binbin 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
A limited amount of analytical data is available on the techniques and materials used in the murals of the Qing dynasty (1636–1911) in China. The Five Northern Provinces’ Assembly Hall (1861–1874) is located in Wafangdian on the confluence of two rivers. It has the largest murals in Shaanxi Province. This paper presents the first comprehensive investigation of the painting techniques and materials of the murals in the Five Northern Provinces’ Assembly Hall. The analytical methods include polarized light microscopy (PLM), microscopic examination on cross-sections, x-ray fluorescence (XRF), x-ray diffraction (XRD), micro-Raman spectroscopy (μ-RS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy with an energy-dispersive spectrometer (SEM-EDX), which have been used to examine the paint layer stratigraphy, plaster layers, the priming layer and inorganic pigments composition. The results show that the carrier was firstly prepared with two levels of coarse layers, which are made of clay, sand and rice straw applied onto the brick wall, and a fine coat layer made of lime, clay, sand and cotton follows. Then a kaolin-pigmented priming layer was painted on the fine coat, which was finally painted with red lead, red ochre, cinnabar, atacamite, malachite, botallackite, orpiment, yellow ochre, Prussian blue, smalt, azurite, lead white and flame carbons on top. The research suggests that the painting materials of the murals of the Five Northern Provinces’ Assembly Hall are original and the techniques were well implemented and followed the traditional and standard way in ancient China. But a few details present strong local characteristics, such as using rice straw, cotton and kaolin as original materials which were more convenient to obtain. This study also indicates that only one red dyestuff was found, and the other colourants are all inorganic. Except Prussian blue, smalt and botallackite used in ancient mural in China were less reported, and the rest of the pigments represent traditional Chinese painting materials. In addition, the usage of the imported pigments Prussian blue and smalt proves that the geographic position of the Five Northern Provinces’ Assembly Hall was of crucial importance for trade.
Risk of cardiovascular malformations after exposure to paroxetine in pregnancy: meta-analysis
Authors: Painuly Nitesh , Painuly Ritu , Heun Reinhard , Sharan Pratap 
Published: June 2013

Aims and methodTo examine the association between the use of paroxetine during pregnancy and the risk of cardiovascular defects in the newborn. A systematic review of nine electronic databases was carried out and bibliographies were hand-searched for other relevant articles. Inclusion criteria for studies were the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in the first trimester of pregnancy, with separate data available for paroxetine and cardiovascular defects in newborn babies. A random-effect model was used to combine the data.ResultsA total of 11 studies were included in the analysis, concerning 4515 offspring who were exposed to paroxetine in the first trimester and 1 469 302 controls. In pooled analysis, paroxetine in the first trimester of pregnancy was slightly, but significantly, associated with a risk of cardiovascular malformations in the offspring (relative risk= 1.25, 95% CI 1.01–1.54). Separate analyses of case-control and cohort studies made this difference non-significant.Clinical implicationsThis meta-analysis supports current guidelines advising not to use paroxetine in early pregnancy.
Library use by patients in an English maximum security hospital
Authors: Milton John , Ruck Rosemary 
Published: June 2013

Aims and methodScant clinical attention is usually paid to (a) forensic patients' reading interests or (b) the potential that library services may offer in providing information and therapy to patients. We undertook a cross-sectional service evaluation of patients' library attendance and use at Rampton high secure hospital in a 12-month period between July 2009 and June 2010.ResultsWe collected information for 326 patients across all 28 wards. Almost 79% used the library service in some way, 66% borrowing music, 67% borrowing books and some borrowing both. Factual books were borrowed more than fiction, with graphic novels, talking books and self-help books about mental disorder all proving popular.Clinical implicationsReading and library use should be considered by clinicians in terms of the positive impact of improving literacy to enhance wider recovery, in relation to the impact of illness and medication effects on reading ability and the potential for providing health-related messages, illness education and reading therapy.
Underuse of Hospice Care by Medicaid-Insured Patients With Stage IV Lung Cancer in New York and California
Authors: Mack Jennifer W. , Chen Kun , Boscoe Francis P. , Gesten Foster C. , Roohan Patrick J. , Weeks Jane C. , Schymura Maria J. , Schrag Deborah 
Published: June 2013

Purpose Medicare patients with advanced cancer have low rates of hospice use. We sought to evaluate hospice use among patients in Medicaid, which insures younger and indigent patients, relative to those in Medicare. Patients and Methods Using linked patient-level data from California (CA) and New York (NY) state cancer registries, state Medicaid programs, NY Medicare, and CA Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results–Medicare data, we identified 4,797 CA Medicaid patients and 4,001 NY Medicaid patients ages 21 to 64 years, as well as 27,416 CA Medicare patients and 16,496 NY Medicare patients ages ≥ 65 years who were diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer between 2002 and 2006. We evaluated hospice use, timing of enrollment, and location of death (inpatient hospice; long-term care facility or skilled nursing facility; acute care facility; home with hospice; or home without hospice). We used multiple logistic regressions to evaluate clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with hospice use. Results Although 53% (CA) and 44% (NY) of Medicare patients ages ≥ 65 years used hospice, fewer than one third of Medicaid-insured patients ages 21 to 64 years enrolled in hospice after a diagnosis of stage IV lung cancer (CA, 32%; NY, 24%). A minority of Medicaid patient deaths (CA, 19%; NY, 14%) occurred at home with hospice. Most Medicaid patient deaths were either in acute-care facilities (CA, 28%; NY, 36%) or at home without hospice (CA, 39%; NY, 41%). Patient race/ethnicity was not associated with hospice use among Medicaid patients. Conclusion Given low rates of hospice use among Medicaid enrollees and considerable evidence of suffering at the end of life, opportunities to improve palliative care delivery should be prioritized.
Fluorouracil, Doxorubicin, and Cyclophosphamide (FAC) Versus FAC Followed by Weekly Paclitaxel As Adjuvant Therapy for High-Risk, Node-Negative Breast Cancer: Results From the GEICAM/2003-02 Study
Authors: Martín Miguel , Ruiz Amparo , Borrego Manuel Ruiz , Barnadas Agustí , González Sonia , Calvo Lourdes , Vila Mireia Margelí , Antón Antonio , Rodríguez-Lescure Alvaro , Seguí-Palmer Miguel Angel , Muñoz-Mateu Montserrat , Ribugent Joan Dorca , López-Vega José Manuel , Jara Carlos , Espinosa Enrique , Fernández César Mendiola , Andrés Raquel , Ribelles Nuria , Plazaola Arrate , Sánchez-Rovira Pedro , Bofill Javier Salvador , Crespo Carmen , Carabantes Francisco J. , Servitja Sonia , Chacón José Ignacio , Rodríguez César A. , Hernando Blanca , Álvarez Isabel , Carrasco Eva , Lluch Ana 
Published: June 2013

Purpose Adding taxanes to anthracycline-based adjuvant therapy improves survival outcomes of patients with node-positive breast cancer (BC). Currently, however, most patients with BC are node negative at diagnosis. The only pure node-negative study (Spanish Breast Cancer Research Group 9805) reported so far showed a docetaxel benefit but significant toxicity. Here we tested the efficacy and safety of weekly paclitaxel (wP) in node-negative patients, which is yet to be established. Patients and Methods Patients with BC having T1-T3/N0 tumors and at least one high-risk factor for recurrence (according to St. Gallen 1998 criteria) were eligible. After primary surgery, 1,925 patients were randomly assigned to receive fluorouracil, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (FAC) × 6 or FAC × 4 followed by wP × 8 (FAC-wP). The primary end point was disease-free survival (DFS) after a median follow-up of 5 years. Secondary end points included toxicity and overall survival. Results After a median follow-up of 63.3 months, 93% and 90.3% of patients receiving FAC-wP or FAC regimens, respectively, remained disease free (hazard ratio [HR], 0.73; 95% CI, 0.54 to 0.99; log-rank P = .04). Thirty-one patients receiving FAC-wP versus 40 patients receiving FAC died (one and seven from cardiovascular diseases, respectively; HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.49 to 1.26; log-rank P = .31). The most relevant grade 3 and 4 adverse events in the FAC-wP versus the FAC arm were febrile neutropenia (2.7% v 3.6%), fatigue (7.9% v 3.4%), and sensory neuropathy (5.5% v 0%). Conclusion For patients with high-risk node-negative BC, the adjuvant FAC-wP regimen was associated with a small but significant improvement in DFS compared with FAC therapy, in addition to manageable toxicity, especially regarding long-term cardiac effects.
Indium Triflate-promoted Synthesis of Novel 1,2,3-Triazole-, and Isoxazole-substituted Xanthene-1,8(2H)-dione Derivatives
Authors: Rao P Sambasiva , Reddy K Rathnakar , Nagender P , Kumar Royya Naresh , Rao Pamulaparthy Shanthan , Narsaiah Banda 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
An efficient synthetic protocol has been developed for the synthesis of the novel 1,2,3-triazole- and isoxazole-substituted xanthene-1,8(2H)-dione derivatives 3 and 5, respectively, from the reaction of 1,2,3-triazole-4-carbaldehyde 2 or isoxazole-5-aldehyde 4 with cyclohexanedione 1, using indium triflate as a catalyst.
Suitable Location to Control Electron Transfer and Gap-mode Plasmon Interactions: Photocurrent Generation from Silver Nanoparticle–Porphyrin Composite Layers
Authors: Kanaizuka Katsuhiko , Yagyu Shigeta , Kajikawa Azusa , Kakuta Takayoshi , Kon Hiroki , Togashi Takanari , Uruma Keirei , Ishizaki Manabu , Sakamoto Masatomi , Kurihara Masato 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Two types of silver nanoparticle (Ag NP)–dye nanocomposite layers were prepared on an indium-tin oxide (ITO) transparent electrode, where porphyrins were fixed on the Ag NPs by chemical bonding through their carboxylate moieties or by hydrophobic interactions. Stable cathodic photocurrents were generated from the nanocomposite layer structures and were specifically enhanced by the overlap of the Q-band excitation of the porphyrins between 500 and 600 nm with the gap-mode plasmon band of the Ag NPs. The photocurrent efficiency of the chemical bonding system was significantly higher than that from the hydrophobic interaction system.
Selective Synthesis of [6]-, [8]-, and [10]Cycloparaphenylenes
Authors: Kayahara Eiichi , Iwamoto Takahiro , Suzuki Toshiyasu , Yamago Shigeru 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
The selective synthesis of [6]-, [8]-, and [10]cycloparaphenylenes (CPPs) was achieved by a new synthetic route involving Ni(0)-mediated coupling of bis(para-haloaryl)dinuclear arylplatinum complexes and the reductive elimination of the complexes. Importantly, the highly strained [6]CPP was prepared in good overall yield.
Effect of Temperature on Carbon-coated Graphene for Lithium-ion Batteries with Improved Performance
Authors: Zhu Biyu , Wang Yongchen , Wang Haibo , Ni Jiangfeng , Gao Lijun 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Carbon-coated graphene was synthesized through pyrolysis of a polyaniline–graphite oxide (PANI–GO) precursor by annealing in an Ar and H2 atmosphere at various temperatures. X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning and high-resolution transmission electron microscopies, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectra, and thermogravimetric analysis were used to characterize the pyrolyzed PANI–GO at different temperatures. The PANI on the graphene at temperatures above 650 °C was completely converted into a nanocarbon film. Galvanostatic charge–discharge tests revealed that PANI–GO-800 exhibited improved rate and cycle capabilities over that of graphene due to the increased conductivity in the out-of-plane direction.
Calcium Phosphate Coating on a Bioresorbable Hydroxyapatite/Collagen Nanocomposite for Surface Functionalization
Authors: Bodhak Subhadip , Kikuchi Masanori , Sogo Yu , Tsurushima Hideo , Ito Atsuo , Oyane Ayako 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Surface functionalization of highly bioresorbable biomaterials has been a challenging subject. The objective of our research is to establish a calcium phosphate (CaP) coating technique on a bioresorbable bone substitute material: hydroxyapatite and collagen nanocomposite for surface functionalization using supersaturated solutions. A coating technique using a metastable supersaturated solution could not be applied on the nanocomposite. In contrast, CaP coating was successfully prepared on the nanocomposite by using labile supersaturated solutions when the solution concentration was adjusted to a certain range.
Cellulose–Sulfonic Acid: An Efficient, Recyclable, and Biodegradable Solid Acid Catalyst for the Synthesis of 3-Aminoalkylindoles
Authors: Satyanarayana S , Kumar K Praveen , Reddy P Lakshmi , Narender R , Narasimhulu G , Reddy B V Subba 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Three-component coupling (3CC) of indoles, aldehydes, and N-alkylanilines has been accomplished using a catalytic amount of cellulose–sulfonic acid under mild reaction conditions to furnish the 3-aminoalkylindoles at room temperature in short reaction times and in relatively good to excellent yields and selectivity. The use of biodegradable cellulose–sulfonic acid makes this method quite simple, convenient, and economically viable for the synthesis of 3-aminoalkylindoles.
Understanding Dialect and Developing Critical Literacy with English Language Learners
Authors: Coffey Heather , Davila Liv , Kolano Lan 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
English language learners (ELLs) are the fastest growing population in the US schools (National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 2011); these students are consistently outperformed by their White counterparts on the National Assessment of Educational Progress data (NCES, 2011). While traditional English as a second language (ESL) classes emphasize building students’ knowledge of spoken and written aspects of the English language, focusing on vocabulary and grammar instruction, we propose that ESL instruction might also include a focus on more nuanced elements of the language such as dialect and register and the relation between power and language, which is critical literacy. This article defines critical literacy in working with ELLs, explores the potential benefit of understanding language/power relationships, and provides one unit plan that will enable teachers to facilitate this development of knowledge.
Income Inequality amongst Swiss Primary School Teachers in the Late 19th Century
Authors: Floris Joël , Woitek Ulrich , Wüthrich Gabriela 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
We examine the distribution of income across Swiss primary school teachers at the end of the 19th century. To assess income differences we use a detailed data set on the income of 14,000 Swiss primary school teachers in 1881 and 1894/95. In addition, we use annually aggregated test scores from pedagogical examinations at recruitment, to test for the impact of inequality on conscripts’ performance. Our results show that between-group inequality amounts to about 35 per cent of total income inequality, and that teachers’ income inequality does not play a role in explaining differences in the performance of conscripts in the pedagogical examinations.
Guns and Butter – But No Margarine: The Impact of Nazi Economic Policies on German Food Consumption, 1933–38
Authors: Spoerer Mark , Streb Jochen 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
The German population’s material standard of living during the ‘peace years’ of the Nazi regime (1933–38) is much debated. We use hitherto disregarded consumption data and the axiom of revealed preferences to test whether the material standard of living improved. We find that the food consumption bundle realized in 1935–36 must have been inferior to that of 1927–28, despite GDP per capita being much higher. Even in 1937–38 consumers were probably worse off compared to 1927–28. We conclude that increasing consumption constraints forced German consumers to diet and thus to a material standard of living that was much more frugal than national income figures suggest.