bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Visit‐to‐visit systolic blood pressure variability predicts all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality after lacunar infarct
Authors: Lau K. K. , Wong Y. K. , Chang R. S. K. , Teo K. C. , Hon S. F. K. , Chan K. H. , Wat K. L. , Cheung R. T. F. , Li L. S. W. , Siu C. W. , Ho S. L. , Tse H. F. 
Published: November 2013

Background and purposeBoth blood pressure (BP) and its variability (BPV) are established risk factors for development of atherosclerotic disease and are associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular and all‐cause mortality. The prognostic implications of outpatient clinic visit‐to‐visit BPV amongst patients with lacunar infarction are nevertheless unknown.MethodsThe clinical outcome of 281 patients with lacunar infarction was prospectively followed up. The average BP and BPV, as determined by the standard deviation of the systolic and diastolic BP, were recorded during a mean 13 ± 6 outpatient clinic visits.ResultsThe mean age of the population was 70 ± 10 years. After a mean 78 ± 18 months follow‐up, 65 patients died (23%), 31% (20/65) due to cardiovascular causes; 14% and 7% developed recurrent stroke and acute coronary syndrome. After adjusting for age, sex, mean systolic and diastolic BP, cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidities, patients with a systolic BPV of the third tertile had significantly higher risk of all‐cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 1.97, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02–3.80, P = 0.04) and cardiovascular mortality (HR 7.64, 95% CI 1.65–35.41, P < 0.01) than those with systolic BPV of the first tertile. Nevertheless, systolic BPV did not predict recurrent stroke or acute coronary syndrome. Diastolic BPV did not predict various adverse clinical outcomes.ConclusionsVisit‐to‐visit systolic BPV predicts long‐term all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality after lacunar infarct, independent of conventional risk factors including average BP control.
Influence of pH on inhibition of Streptococcus mutans by Streptococcus oligofermentans
Authors: Liu Ying , Chu Lei , Wu Fei , Guo Lili , Li Mengci , Wang Yinghui , Wu Ligeng 
Published: November 2013

Streptococcus oligofermentans is a novel strain of oral streptococcus that can specifically inhibit the growth of Streptococcus mutans. The aims of this study were to assess the growth of S. oligofermentans and the ability of S. oligofermentans to inhibit growth of Streptococcus mutans at different pH values. Growth inhibition was investigated in vitro using an interspecies competition assay. The 4‐aminoantipyine method was used to measure the initial production rate and the total yield of hydrogen peroxide in S. oligofermentans. S. oligofermentans grew best at pH 7.0 and showed the most pronounced inhibitory effect when it was inoculated earlier than S. mutans. In terms of the total yield and the initial production rate of hydrogen peroxide by S. oligofermentans, the effects of the different culture pH values were as follows: pH 7.0 > 6.5 > 6.0 > 7.5 > 5.5 = 8.0 (i.e. there was no significant difference between pH 5.5 and pH 8.0). Environmental pH and the sequence of inoculation significantly affected the ability of S. oligofermentans to inhibit the growth of S. mutans. The degree of inhibition may be attributed to the amount of hydrogen peroxide produced.
Goodbye van Gend en Loos, Hello Bosman? Using Network Analysis to Measure the Importance of Individual CJEU Judgments
Authors: Derlén Mattias , Lindholm Johan 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIt is generally agreed that some judgments by the Court of Justice are more important than others, but the ability of traditional legal methods to identify such judgments is inherently limited. In this article, we apply various tools developed in network analysis to identify which judgments are the most important as legal precedents. The study reveals that certain well‐known judgments, like van Gend en Loos, have limited importance as precedents, while other judgments, like Bosman, PreussenElektra and Schumacker, are likely overlooked.
Patterns in CH4 and CO2 concentrations across boreal rivers: Major drivers and implications for fluvial greenhouse emissions under climate change scenarios
Authors: Campeau Audrey , del Giorgio Paul A. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIt is now widely accepted that boreal rivers and streams are regionally significant sources of carbon dioxide (CO2), yet their role as methane (CH4) emitters, as well as the sensitivity of these greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to climate change, are still largely undefined. In this study, we explore the large‐scale patterns of fluvial CO2 and CH4 partial pressure (pCO2, pCH4) and gas exchange (k) relative to a set of key, climate‐sensitive river variables across 46 streams and rivers in two distinct boreal landscapes of Northern Québec. We use the resulting models to determine the direction and magnitude of C‐gas emissions from these boreal fluvial networks under scenarios of climate change. River pCO2 and pCH4 were positively correlated, although the latter was two orders of magnitude more variable. We provide evidence that in‐stream metabolism strongly influences the dynamics of surface water pCO2 and pCH4, but whereas pCO2 is not influenced by temperature in the surveyed streams and rivers, pCH4 appears to be strongly temperature‐dependent. The major predictors of ambient gas concentrations and exchange were water temperature, velocity, and DOC, and the resulting models indicate that total GHG emissions (C‐CO2 equivalent) from the entire network may increase between by 13 to 68% under plausible scenarios of climate change over the next 50 years. These predicted increases in fluvial GHG emissions are mostly driven by a steep increase in the contribution of CH4 (from 36 to over 50% of total CO2‐equivalents). The current role of boreal fluvial networks as major landscape sources of C is thus likely to expand, mainly driven by large increases in fluvial CH4 emissions.
Fibrolytic enzymes and a ferulic acid esterase‐producing bacterial additive applied to alfalfa hay at baling: effects on fibre digestibility, chemical composition and conservation characteristics
Authors: Lynch J. P. , Jin L. , Church J. S. , Baah J. , Beauchemin K. A. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThis study evaluated the effect of two fibrolytic enzyme products, applied at baling, on the chemical composition and digestibility of alfalfa hay. Three replicate bales of alfalfa hay (82% dry matter) were produced with the application of one of five treatments including an untreated control and one of two fibrolytic enzyme products (DYC and ECO), either applied alone or in combination with a ferulic acid esterase‐producing bacterial additive. The enzyme products were applied on the basis of endoglucanase activity. The neutral detergent fibre (NDF) concentration and accumulated temperature after storage of hay produced using DYC‐ or ECO‐based treatments were greater (P < 0·05) than untreated hay, except for hay bales produced using ECO alone. Bales produced using ECO‐based treatments had a greater (P < 0·05) in vitro NDF digestibility compared with untreated bales. The application of fibrolytic enzymes at baling may potentially improve NDF digestibility without negatively affecting chemical composition or increasing aerobic deterioration. However, the effects of fibrolytic enzymes varied depending on the product applied. Combining ferulic acid esterase‐producing bacterial additives with fibrolytic enzymes did not improve the nutritive value of hay after storage.
Virtual tissue microarrays: a novel and viable approach to optimizing tissue microarrays for biomarker research applied to ductal carcinoma in situ
Authors: Quintayo Mary Anne , Starczynski Jane , Yan Fu Jian , Wedad Hanna , Nofech‐Mozes Sharon , Rakovitch Eileen , Bartlett John M S 
Published: November 2013

AimsTissue microarrays (TMAs) are effective tools for performing high‐throughput standardization analyses of biomarkers, but evidence indicating the core number required to be representative of the whole tumour is lacking. Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a non‐obligate precursor of invasive breast cancer. The number and size of cores that can best represent a DCIS lesion are unknown. Rather than performing extensive experiments using several variants of physical TMAs, the aim of this study was to develop a ‘virtual TMA’ approach that is effective at optimizing biomarker discovery and validation.Methods and resultsWhole DCIS sections from 95 patients were evaluated by immunohistochemistry for oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PgR), HER2, and Ki67. Histoscores were generated manually for ER, PgR, and HER2, as well as percentage positivity for Ki67. Slides were scanned using the FDA‐approved Ariol SL50 Image Analysis system, and the virtual array (V‐Array) module was used. Virtual cores created virtual TMAs, and our validated scoring classifiers were applied. Automated histoscores and percentage positivity were determined, and compared against increasing numbers of cores. The optimal number of cores was based on concordant results between virtual TMAs and corresponding whole sections.ConclusionsWe have shown that virtual arrays constitute an important tool in digital pathology in both research and clinical settings.
Supplier–retailer inventory coordination with credit term for inventory‐dependent and linear‐trend demand
Authors: Wu Chengfeng , Zhao Qiuhong 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIn this paper, a nonintegrated and collaborative replenishment policy is considered, respectively, which incorporates varying demand depending on both inventory level and time during the finite planning horizon. For additional cost savings realized from coordination, the paper adopts trade credit as a cost‐saving shift means and introduces a brand new parameter, that is, credit period rate. Then, the equitable credit period rate is determined, and different values of the credit period rate reflect the allocation of additional cost savings between the supplier and retailer. Furthermore, the conditions for the existence and uniqueness of an optimal solution are proved for the nonintegrated and collaborative replenishment policy, and an efficient solution procedure is developed to determine the optimal results and coordination of the inventory model. Finally, several numerical examples are provided to illustrate the proposed strategy and algorithm, and the sensitivity analysis of the optimal solution with respect to each parameter is presented. The sensitivity analysis suggests that the size of the credit period rate has a strong relationship with the supplier's and retailer's inventory cost (including capital cost) and setup cost. In real‐life situations, this proposed strategy may be applied to some consumer products in the growth phase or best‐selling consumer goods, etc.
What's going on behind the screens?
Authors: Falloon G. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractSince their introduction in 2010, much has been said and written about Apple's iPad (Apple Inc., Cupertino, CA, USA) and its potential to transform when and how students learn. Much of this hype has focused on attributes of the device such as its touch screen interface, light and portable form factor, easy‐to‐use operating system, and large array of apps. Emerging studies mainly report positive outcomes for students from using iPads in specific learning situations. These studies have cited enhanced motivation and learner engagement, often linking this with improved learning outcomes. However, there is a dearth of research exploring how students interact with these devices, and the factors that affect the quality and learning value from that interaction.This article reports on the use of an innovative recording solution to capture video and audio data of young students using iPads to develop literacy, numeracy and problem‐solving/decision‐making skills. The study offers insights into how students go about solving problems within apps, and highlights the importance of knowledge, affective and dispositional elements, and good app design to profitable interaction. It also flags considerations for teachers embarking on initiatives involving iPads, and suggests app developers need to work more closely with teachers to improve the learning value of their products.
Seborrheic dermatitis and hypertension in adults: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Linder D. , Dreiher J. , Zampetti A. , Sampogna F. , Cohen A.D. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundSeborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that shares some features with psoriasis. Previous reports have demonstrated an association between hypertension and psoriasis. Chronic skin inflammation may plays a role in the aetiology of hypertension in both disorders.ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between SD and hypertension in an adult large population sample.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was carried out by utilizing the database of Clalit Health Services, a healthcare provider organization for over 4 million enrollees in Israel. All adult patients previously diagnosed with SD were compared with a sample of enrollees without SD regarding the prevalence of hypertension. Patients without SD were frequency matched to SD patients regarding age and sex. Data on other health‐related lifestyles and comorbidities were collected.ResultsThe study included all 9255 patients with SD and 9246 age‐ and sex‐matched patients without SD. The prevalence of hypertension was significantly higher in patients with SD (27.1% vs. 24.7%, P < 0.001, OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.05–1.21). A multivariate logistic regression model demonstrated that SD was significantly associated with hypertension after controlling for confounders, including age, sex, socioeconomic status, smoking, diabetes and obesity (multivariate OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.12–1.35, P < 0.001).ConclusionsIn this study, an association between SD and hypertension was demonstrated in adults. Many factors can be advocated to explain this association. Genetic predisposition, psychological conditions, lipid abnormalities and chronic inflammation of the skin with a change in cytokine balance should be explored as potential mechanisms.
Comparative study of photodynamic therapy with 5%, 10% and 20% aminolevulinic acid in the treatment of generalized recalcitrant facial verruca plana: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Li Q. , Jiao B. , Zhou F. , Tan Q. , Ma Y. , Luo L. , Zhai J. , Luan Q. , Li C. , Wang G. , Gao T. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundGeneralised recalcitrant facial verruca plana responds poorly to current therapeutic options, including cryotherapy, topical drugs and carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. Case reports and uncontrolled studies suggested that topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) is effective choice of treatment free from potential complications associated with invasive therapies.AimsTo investigate the efficacy and safety of PDT with different concentrations of photosensitiser in the treatment of verruca plana.Materials & MethodsThe two sides of a subject's face were separately randomized to receive aminolevulinic acid (ALA) of 5%, 10% or 20% concentration. All patients were irradiated with 633‐nm red light for 339 J/cm2 total dose. Complete response (CR) rate was assessed on Week 4, 8, and 16 respectively.ResultsThe mean overall clearance rate was 74.1%, 68.8%, and 64.6% on Week 4, 8, and 12, respectively, in the 110 treated sides. The CR rate was lower in the 5%‐ALA group than in the 10%‐ALA group (14.3% vs. 33.3%, p < 0.05) and 20%‐ALA group (14.3% vs. 26.3%, p < 0.05) after 12 weeks. The mean severity of pain measured by visual analogue scale (VAS) scoring was 3.8 (range: 2 to 10, depending on the lesion location). The overall recurrence rate was 16.7% (4/24) on Week 12. Hyperpigmentation was observed in 61% (67/110) of all treated sides. On Week 4, 8, and 16, hyperpigmentation was more developed in the 20%‐ALA group than in the other two groups (p < 0.05).DiscussionIn terms of complete clearance rate, the 5% ALA‐PDT group was significantly inferior to the 10% and 20% ALA‐PDT groups at each follow‐up. In contrast, the 20% ALA group showed a higher incidence rate of transient hyperpigmentation than the other two groups.ConclusionsThis randomised clinical trial suggests that PDT with ALA of 10% concentration offers better efficacy and safety than 5% or 20% concentration for generalised recalcitrant facial verruca plana.
A Detailed Cost Evaluation of a Juvenile Drug Court that Follows the Juvenile Drug Court Model (16 Strategies)
Authors: Carey Shannon M. , Herrera Allen Theresa , Perkins Tamara , Waller Mark S. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAlthough juvenile drug courts (JDCs) have now been in operation for 17 years, there is still no definitive appraisal as to this model's cost effectiveness and in particular, no detailed cost analysis of a JDC program following the 16 strategies until this one. The cost data presented in this paper build on the process and outcome evaluations performed on the Clackamas County Juvenile Drug Court (CCJDC). The criminal justice costs incurred by participants in drug court are compared with the costs incurred by eligible non‐participants.CCJDC participants had far more positive outcomes than those who did not participate in the program. In the two years after drug court entry, CCJDC participants cost the taxpayers $961 less per participant than similar individuals who did not attend the drug court program.
Burden of Sliding Scale Insulin Use in Elderly Long‐Term Care Residents with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Pandya Naushira , Wei Wenhui , Meyers Juliana L. , Kilpatrick Brett S. , Davis Keith L. 
Published: November 2013

ObjectivesTo examine prevalence, practice patterns, and associated burden of sliding scale insulin (SSI) therapy in elderly adults with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).DesignA retrospective cross‐sectional study assessing merged medical chart data and the Minimum Data Set.SettingOne hundred seventeen long‐term care (LTC) facilities in seven U.S. states.ParticipantsElderly adults with insulin‐treated T2DM (N = 2,096) admitted to a LTC facility after January 1, 2009, who had been in the facility for at least 3 months before chart abstraction and had received treatment with non‐SSI or SSI regimens. The latter were categorized into SSI‐only, basal–SSI, prandial–SSI, basal–prandial–SSI, and multiple regimens with SSI. Data were collected from September 2010 through September 2011.MeasurementsDemographic and clinical characteristics were recorded. Fingerstick burden was assessed as the average number of fingersticks per week and average number without subsequent insulin administration. Other measures included glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and hypoglycemia events.ResultsOverall, 73.8% of participants received SSI therapy. SSI‐treated participants were more likely to be younger (P = .01), non‐white (P = .002), and receiving sulfonylurea (P = .004) than non‐SSI treated participants. SSI therapy was associated with a mean ± standard deviation of 19.9 ± 7.9 fingersticks per week, of which 12.5 ± 7.6 were not followed by insulin administration. Fewer SSI‐treated participants than non‐SSI treated participants had one or more HbA1c measurements of 7.0% or less (48.8% vs 57.2%) or 8.5% or less (85.2% vs 87.6%, respectively). Rates of hypoglycemia were similar in both groups (15.0% vs 14.9%).ConclusionSSI therapy is widely used in LTC facilities and is associated with a high fingerstick burden. SSI regimens are associated with poorer glycemic control but a rate of hypoglycemia similar to that of non‐SSI regimens.
Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment, and Control of Hypertension in Elderly Adults with Chronic Kidney Disease: Results from the Survey of Prevalence, Awareness, and Treatment Rates in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients with Hypertension in China
Authors: Cai Guangyan , Zheng Ying , Sun Xuefeng , Chen Xiangmei ,   the Survey of Prevalence, Awareness, and Treatment Rates in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients with Hypertension in China Collaborative Group
Published: November 2013

ObjectivesData regarding hypertension in elderly adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains limited. This study aimed to assess the epidemiological characteristics of hypertension in elderly adults with CKD using data from a nationwide survey.DesignA nationwide, multicenter, cross‐sectional study with a large sample.SettingThe Survey of Prevalence, Awareness, and Treatment Rates in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients with Hypertension in China (PATRIOTIC).ParticipantsParticipants in PATRIOTIC (aged ≥60; n = 2,414).MeasurementsTrained physicians measured blood pressure (BP) using a standard protocol with a mercury sphygmomanometer at the time of admission.ResultsThe prevalence, awareness, and treatment of hypertension in elderly adults with CKD were 82.0%, 90.7%, and 87.3%, respectively. The control of hypertension at BP less than 140/90 mmHg was 29.6% and at BP less than 130/80 mmHg it was 12.1%. No significant differences were noted in the prevalence, awareness, treatment, or control of hypertension in individuals with CKD divided into the age groups of 60 to 69, 70 to 79, and 80 and older (P > .05). With increasing age, the proportion of isolated systolic hypertension in elderly adults with CKD with uncontrolled hypertension increased (P = .02). Obesity (P = .01), CKD Stages 4 and 5 (P < .001), and concomitant diabetes mellitus (P = .002) were significantly associated with uncontrolled hypertension in elderly adults with CKD, using the goal of BP less than 140/90 mmHg.ConclusionThe prevalence of hypertension in elderly adults in China with CKD is high, and its control is poor. Most elderly adults with CKD with uncontrolled hypertension have systolic hypertension. Obesity, CKD Stages 4 and 5, and diabetes mellitus were adversely associated with greater uncontrolled hypertension in elderly adults with CKD.
Maternal obesity impairs brain glucose metabolism and neural response to hyperglycemia in male rat offspring
Authors: Chen Hui , Simar David , Morris Margaret J. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractHypothalamic appetite regulators neuropeptide Y (NPY) and pro‐opiomelanocortin (POMC) are modulated by glucose. This study investigated how maternal obesity disturbs glucose regulation of NPY and POMC, and whether this deregulation is linked to abnormal hypothalamic glucose uptake‐lactate conversion. As post‐natal high‐fat diet (HFD) can exaggerate the effects of maternal obesity, its additional impact was also investigated. Female Sprague Dawley rats were fed a HFD (20 kJ/g) to model maternal obesity. At weaning, male pups were fed chow or HFD. At 9 weeks, in vivo hypothalamic NPY and POMC mRNA responses to acute hyperglycemia were measured; while hypothalami were glucose challenged in vitro to assess glucose uptake‐lactate release and related gene expression. Maternal obesity dampened in vivo hypothalamic NPY response to acute hyperglycemia, and lowered in vitro hypothalamic glucose uptake and lactate release. When challenged with 20 mM glucose, hypothalamic glucose transporter 1, monocarboxylate transporters, lactate dehydrogenase‐b, NPY and POMC mRNA expression were down‐regulated in offspring exposed to maternal obesity. Post‐natal HFD consumption reduced in vitro lactate release and monocarboxylate transporter 2 mRNA, but increased POMC mRNA levels when challenged with 20 mM glucose. Overall, maternal obesity produced stronger effects than post‐natal HFD consumption to impair hypothalamic glucose metabolism. However, they both disturbed NPY response to hyperglycemia, potentially leading to hyperphagia.
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Maternal obesity reduced hypothalamic glucose uptake‐lactate conversion, which disturbs glucose regulation of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and potentially leads to hyperphagia. The down‐regulation of hypothalamic glucose and lactate transporters and the synchronously decreased mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) expression in response to maternal obesity may be an underlying mechanism. Post‐weaning high‐fat diet (HFD) consumption also impaired hypothalamic NPY response to hyperglycemia, however less potently than maternal obesity, potentially because of its limited impact on glucose‐lactate conversion and transporter expression.