bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A one-year observational study of all hospitalized and fatal acute poisonings in Oslo: Epidemiology, intention and follow-up
Authors: Lund Cathrine , Teige Brita , Drottning Per , Stiksrud Birgitte , Rui Tor Olav , Lyngra Marianne , Ekeberg Øivind , Jacobsen Dag , Hovda Knut Erik 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background
Up to date information on poisoning trends is important. This study reports the epidemiology of all hospitalized acute poisonings in Oslo, including mortality, follow-up referrals, and whether the introduction of over-the-counter sales of paracetamol outside pharmacies had an impact on the frequency of poisonings.

Methods
All acute poisonings of adults (≥16 years) treated at the five hospitals in Oslo from April 2008 to April 2009 were included consecutively in an observational cross-sectional multicentre study. A standardized form was completed by the treating physician, which covered the study aims. All deaths by poisoning in and outside hospitals were registered at the Institute of Forensic Medicine.

Results
There were 1065 hospital admissions of 912 individuals; 460 (50%) were male, and the median age was 36 years. The annual incidence was 2.0 per 1000. The most frequent toxic agents were ethanol (18%), benzodiazepines (15%), paracetamol (11%), and opioids (11%). Physicians classified 46% as possible or definite suicide attempts, 37% as accidental overdoses with substances of abuse (AOSA), and 16% as other accidents. Twenty-four per cent were discharged without any follow-up and the no follow-up odds were highest for AOSA. There were 117 deaths (eight in hospital), of which 75% were males, and the median age was 41 years. Thus, the annual mortality rate was 25 per 100 000 and the in-hospital mortality was 0.8%. Opioids were the most frequent cause of death.

Conclusions
The incidence of hospitalized acute poisonings in Oslo was similar to that in 2003 and there was an equal sex distribution. Compared with a study performed in Oslo in 2003, there has been an increase in poisonings with a suicidal intention. The in-hospital mortality was low and nine out of ten deaths occurred outside hospitals. Opioids were the leading cause of death, so preventive measures should be encouraged among substance abusers. The number of poisonings caused by paracetamol remained unchanged after the introduction of over-the-counter sales outside pharmacies and there were no deaths, so over-the-counter sales may be considered safe.
Association of the UCP-1 single nucleotide polymorphism A-3826G with the dampness-phlegm pattern among Korean stroke patients
Authors: Lim Ji Hye , Ko Mi Mi , Moon Tae-Woong , Cha Min Ho , Lee Myeong Soo 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background
Patients with stroke have various syndromes and symptoms. Through pattern identification (PI), traditional Korean medicine (TKM) classifies the several syndromes and symptoms of stroke patients into five categories: Fire-heat (FH), Dampness-phlegm (DP), Yin-deficiency (YD), Qi-deficiency (QD) and Blood-stasis (BS). DP has been associated with obesity and hyperlipidemia. Uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1), which plays a major role in thermogenesis and energy expenditure can increase the risk of obesity and can be related metabolic disorders. In this study, we elucidated the association of three polymorphisms located in the UCP-1 promoter and coding region with DP among Korean stroke patients.

Methods
1,593 patients with cerebral infarction (583/DP, 1,010/non-DP) and 587 normal subjects were enrolled. The genotypes A-3826G, G-1766A and Ala64Thr (G+1068A) for each subject were determined by polymerase chain reaction with TaqMan probes and five percent of subjects were re-genotyped by sequencing method to confirm the accuracy of genotyping. The results were analyzed using a multiple logistic regression model to evaluate the genetic associations: the UCP-1polymorphisms of normal versus those of DP subjects and those of normal versus those of non-DP subjects.

Results
A significantly higher percentage of subjects in the DP group possessed the A-3826G G allele than the A allele (OR=1.508, p=0.006). Furthermore, the number of subjects with the GG type of A-1766G was significantly lower in the non-DP group than the normal group in the recessive model (OR=0.606, p=0.042). In addition, an analysis of the relationship among 2 SNPs of UCP-1 and lipid serum concentration showed that the serum level of HDL cholesterol was significantly higher in subjects with the A-3826G G allele in the normal group (p=0.032). Serum triglyceride and HDL cholesterol were also associated with the A-1766G variant in the recessive model (p=0.002, p=0.046).

Conclusions
These results suggest that that the A-3826G and A-1766G UCP-1 polymorphisms, which are related to obesity, might be candidate genetic markers for the DP pattern in the TKM diagnosis system.
Iranian cancer patients’ perception of spirituality: a qualitative content analysis study
Authors: Rahnama Mozhgan , Khoshknab Masoud Fallahi , Maddah Sadat Seyed Bagher , Ahmadi Fazlollah 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background
Spirituality is a subjective and multi-dimensional concept. The ambiguity in its meaning can create barriers in its application in both education and medicine. The present study aimed to explore the Iranian cancer patients’ perception of spirituality.

Methods
A qualitative study, using the content analysis approach, was conducted. Semi-structured interviews were held with 11 cancer patients and six members of their families in one of Tehran’s hospitals and a charity institute. The data generated were transcribed verbatim and content analysis approach was used for data reduction, naming data, obtaining analytical code and determining categories and themes.

Results
Three themes (and seven sub-themes) emerged from the data analysis: 1) God as the spiritual truth (relationship with God and trust in God), 2) Moralities as a spiritual sign (considering personal and social moral codes) and 3) Spiritual resources as the source of hope (religious, personal and social resources).

Conclusions
Overall, in the view of cancer patients, spirituality can be defined in a religious context. However, some of them believe in morality beside religiosity, so health care staff must pay due attention to these aspects, to provide them with the opportunity to use spiritual resources.
Distinguishing nanowire and nanotube formation by the deposition current transients
Authors: Proenca Mariana P , Sousa Célia T , Ventura João , Vazquez Manuel , Araujo João P 
Published: October 2012

AbstractHigh aspect ratio Ni nanowires (NWs) and nanotubes (NTs) were electrodeposited inside ordered arrays of self-assembled pores (approximately 50 nm in diameter and approximately 50 μm in length) in anodic alumina templates by a potentiostatic method. The current transients monitored during each process allowed us to distinguish between NW and NT formation. The depositions were long enough for the deposited metal to reach the top of the template and form a continuous Ni film. The overfilling process was found to occur in two steps when depositing NWs and in a single step in the case of NTs. A comparative study of the morphological, structural, and magnetic properties of the Ni NWs and NTs was performed using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and vibrating sample magnetometry, respectively.
Coupled fixed and coincidence points for monotone operators in partial metric spaces
Authors: Alsulami Saud M , Hussain Nawab , Alotaibi Abdullah 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
In this paper, we prove some coupled fixed point results for

(
ϕ
,
φ
)

-weakly contractive mappings in ordered partial metric spaces. As an application, we establish coupled coincidence results without any type of commutativity of the concerned maps. Consequently, the results of Luong and Thuan (Nonlinear Anal. 74:983-992, 2011), Alotaibi and Alsulami (Fixed Point Theory Appl. 2011:44, 2011) and many others are extended to the class of ordered partial metric spaces.
Impact of intravenous immunoglobulin on the dopaminergic system and immune response in the acute MPTP mouse model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: St-Amour Isabelle , Bousquet Mélanie , Paré Isabelle , Drouin-Ouellet Janelle , Cicchetti Francesca , Bazin Renée , Calon Frédéric 
Published: October 2012

AbstractIntravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is a blood-derived product, used for the treatment of immunodeficiency and autoimmune diseases. Since a range of immunotherapies have recently been proposed as a therapeutic strategy for Parkinson’s disease (PD), we investigated the effects of an IVIg treatment in a neurotoxin-induced animal model of PD. Mice received four injections of MPTP (15 mg/kg) at 2-hour intervals followed by a 14-day IVIg treatment, which induced key immune-related changes such as increased regulatory T-cell population and decreased CD4+/CD8+ratio. The MPTP treatment induced significant 80% and 84% decreases of striatal dopamine concentrations (P < 0.01), as well as 33% and 40% reductions in the number of nigral dopaminergic neurons (P < 0.001) in controls and IVIg-treated mice, respectively. Two-way analyses of variance further revealed lower striatal tyrosine hydroxylase protein levels, striatal homovanillic acid concentrations and nigral dopaminergic neurons (P < 0.05) in IVIg-treated animals. Collectively, our results fail to support a neurorestorative effect of IVIg on the nigrostriatal system in the MPTP-treated mice and even suggest a trend toward a detrimental effect of IVIg on the dopaminergic system. These preclinical data underscore the need to proceed with caution before initiating clinical trials of IVIg in PD patients.
The efficacy of a brief intervention to reduce alcohol misuse in patients with HIV in South Africa: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Huis in ’t Veld Diana , Skaal Linda , Peltzer Karl , Colebunders Robert , Ndimande John V , Pengpid Supa 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundAlcohol abuse comes with risks for increased morbidity and mortality among patients with HIV. This study aims to determine the prevalence of alcohol use and other risk factors in a sample of primary care patients with HIV in South Africa and to assess a brief intervention to reduce the use of alcohol in this group.Methods/DesignA single-blinded randomized controlled trial is designed to determine the efficacy of a brief intervention to reduce hazardous alcohol use in patients with HIV. The study will be carried out on out-patients with HIV in two primary healthcare HIV clinics near Pretoria, South Africa. Alcohol use will be assessed with the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test questionnaire. Other data that will be collected relate to health-related quality of life, depression, sexual behavior, internalized AIDS stigma, HIV-related information and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (self-reported 7-day recall of missed doses, Visual Analog Scale and pill count). The intervention consists of a brief counseling session to reduce alcohol risk; the control group receives a health education leaflet.DiscussionThe findings will be important in the public health setting. If the intervention proves to be efficient, it could potentially be incorporated into the HIV care policy of the Ministry of Health.Trial registrationPan African Clinical trial Registry: PACTR201202000355384
Pseudomyotonia in Romagnola cattle caused by novel ATP2A1mutations
Authors: Murgiano Leonardo , Sacchetto Roberta , Testoni Stefania , Dorotea Tiziano , Mascarello Francesco , Liguori Rocco , Gentile Arcangelo , Drögemüller Cord 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background
Bovine congenital pseudomyotonia (PMT) is an impairment of muscle relaxation induced by exercise preventing animals from performing rapid movements. Forms of recessively inherited PMT have been described in different cattle breeds caused by two independent mutations in ATP2A1 encoding a skeletal-muscle Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA1). We observed symptoms of congenital PMT in four related Romagnola beef cattle from Italy and evaluated SERCA1 activity and scanned ATP2A1 for possible causative mutations.

Results
We obtained four PMT affected Romagnola cattle and noted striking clinical similarities to the previously described PMT cases in other cattle breeds. The affected animals had a reduced SERCA1 activity in the sarcoplasmic reticulum. A single affected animal was homozygous for a novel complex variant in ATP2A1 exon 8 (c.[632 G>T; 857 G>T]). Three out of four cases were compound heterozygous for the newly identified exon 8 variant and the exon 6 variant c.491 G>A(p. Arg146Gly), which has previously been shown to cause PMT in Chianina cattle. Pedigree analysis showed that the exon 8 double mutation event dates back to at least 1978. Both nucleotide substitutions are predicted to alter the SERCA1 amino acid sequence (p.[(Gly211Val; Gly284Val)]), affect highly conserved residues, in particular the actuator domain of SERCA1.

Conclusion
Clinical, biochemical and DNA analyses confirmed the initial hypothesis. We provide functional and genetic evidence that one novel and one previously described ATP2A1 mutation lead to a reduced SERCA1 activity in skeletal muscles and pseudomyotonia in affected Romagnola cattle. Selection against these mutations can now be used to eliminate the mutant alleles from the Romagnola breed.
Arsenic trioxide improves hematopoiesis in refractory severe aplastic anemia
Authors: Li Ning , Song Yongping , Zhou Jian , Fang Baijun 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
We investigated the efficacy of arsenic trioxide (ATO) in patients with refractory severe aplastic anemia (SAA). A total of 5 consecutive adults were enrolled. The patients received ATO at a dose of 0.15 mg/kg intravenously daily for 5 days every week for 8 weeks. If necessary, a second course was performed after an interval of one week. All patients achieved clinically significant responses to ATO. The overall complete response rate and overall response rate at 17 weeks were 60% (3/5) and 100%(5/5), respectively. So treatment with ATO may be a feasible approach in patients with refractory SAA.
What happens after enrollment? An analysis of the time path of racial differences in GPA and major choice
Authors: Arcidiacono Peter , Aucejo Esteban M , Spenner Ken 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Abstract
At the private university we analyze, the gap between white and black grade point averages falls by half between the students' freshmen and senior year. This outcome could suggest that affirmative action policies are playing a key role to reduce racial differences. However, this convergence masks two effects. First, the variance of grades given falls across time. Hence, shrinkage in the level of the gap may not imply shrinkage in the class rank gap. Second, grading standards differ across courses in different majors. We show that controlling for these two features virtually eliminates any convergence of black/white grades. In fact, black/white gpa convergence is symptomatic of dramatic shifts by blacks from initial interest in the natural sciences, engineering, and economics to majors in the humanities and social sciences. We show that natural science, engineering, and economics courses are more difficult, associated with higher study times, and have harsher grading standards; all of which translate into students with weaker academic backgrounds being less likely to choose these majors. Indeed, we show that accounting for academic background can fully account for average differences in switching behavior between blacks and whites.
Immigration, obesity and labor market outcomes in the UK
Authors: Averett Susan L , Argys Laura M , Kohn Jennifer L 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
We estimate the dual effects of immigration and obesity on labor market outcomes in the UK using the British Household Panel Survey. We find support for the “healthy immigrant hypothesis” and evidence that immigrants’ weights increase with time in the UK. While overweight and obese men enjoy a wage premium, overweight and obese immigrant men face a wage penalty and are less likely to work in a white collar job. Overweight immigrant women are substantially more likely to suffer work limitations. While data limitations preclude efforts to address endogeneity, these associations suggest that immigrants have not been spared from the obesity epidemic.
Carob seed oil: an efficient inhibitor of C38 steel corrosion in hydrochloric acid
Authors: Hmamou Dris Ben , Salghi Rachid , Zarrouk Abdelkader , Benali Omar , Fadel Fatiha , Zarrok Hassan , Hammouti Belkheir 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe carob seed oil (CO) was tested as inhibitor of the corrosion of C38 steel in 1 M HCl by weight loss and electrochemical measurements. The extract was found to inhibit the corrosion of C38 steel in 1 M HCl.ResultsThe results of the study reveal that the inhibition efficiency of CO depends on its concentration and attains approximately 86.7% at 0.5 g/L. Polarization curves reveal that CO is a mixed-type inhibitor. Changes in impedance parameters (charge transfer resistance,Rt, and double-layer capacitance,Cdl) were indicative of CO adsorption on the metal surface, leading to the formation of a protective film. The effect of temperature on the corrosion behavior with the addition of 0.5 g/L of carob seed oil was studied in the temperature range of 298 to 328 K.ConclusionsResults show that the inhibition efficiency of the plant extract increases with increasing temperature, and the adsorption of the latter on the C38 steel surface is found to obey the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Some thermodynamic functions of dissolution processes were also determined.
An analysis on classifications of hyperbolic and elliptic PDEs
Authors: Eltayeb Hassan , Kılıçman Adem , Agarwal Ravi P 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Purpose
Our aim in this study is to generate some partial differential equations (PDEs) with variable coefficients by using the PDEs with non-constant coefficients.

Methods
Then by applying the single and double convolution products, we produce some new equations having polynomials coefficients. We then classify the new equations on using the classification method for the second order linear partial differential equations.

Results
Classification is invariant under single and double convolutions by applying some conditions, that is, we identify some conditions where a hyperbolic equation will be hyperbolic again after single and double convolutions.

Conclusions
It is shown that the classifications of the new PDEs are related to the coefficients of polynomials which are considered during the process of convolution product.
Digital transcriptome profiling of normal and glioblastoma-derived neural stem cells identifies genes associated with patient survival
Authors: Engström Pär G , Tommei Diva , Stricker Stefan H , Ender Christine , Pollard Steven M , Bertone Paul 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Background
Glioblastoma multiforme, the most common type of primary brain tumor in adults, is driven by cells with neural stem (NS) cell characteristics. Using derivation methods developed for NS cells, it is possible to expand tumorigenic stem cells continuously in vitro. Although these glioblastoma-derived neural stem (GNS) cells are highly similar to normal NS cells, they harbor mutations typical of gliomas and initiate authentic tumors following orthotopic xenotransplantation. Here, we analyzed GNS and NS cell transcriptomes to identify gene expression alterations underlying the disease phenotype.

Methods
Sensitive measurements of gene expression were obtained by high-throughput sequencing of transcript tags (Tag-seq) on adherent GNS cell lines from three glioblastoma cases and two normal NS cell lines. Validation by quantitative real-time PCR was performed on 82 differentially expressed genes across a panel of 16 GNS and 6 NS cell lines. The molecular basis and prognostic relevance of expression differences were investigated by genetic characterization of GNS cells and comparison with public data for 867 glioma biopsies.

Results
Transcriptome analysis revealed major differences correlated with glioma histological grade, and identified misregulated genes of known significance in glioblastoma as well as novel candidates, including genes associated with other malignancies or glioma-related pathways. This analysis further detected several long non-coding RNAs with expression profiles similar to neighboring genes implicated in cancer. Quantitative PCR validation showed excellent agreement with Tag-seq data (median Pearson r = 0.91) and discerned a gene set robustly distinguishing GNS from NS cells across the 22 lines. These expression alterations include oncogene and tumor suppressor changes not detected by microarray profiling of tumor tissue samples, and facilitated the identification of a GNS expression signature strongly associated with patient survival (P = 1e-6, Cox model).

Conclusions
These results support the utility of GNS cell cultures as a model system for studying the molecular processes driving glioblastoma and the use of NS cells as reference controls. The association between a GNS expression signature and survival is consistent with the hypothesis that a cancer stem cell component drives tumor growth. We anticipate that analysis of normal and malignant stem cells will be an important complement to large-scale profiling of primary tumors.
Prospective International Multicenter Phase II Trial of Intravenous Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin Monochemotherapy in Patients With Stage IIB, IVA, or IVB Advanced Mycosis Fungoides: Final Results From EORTC 21012
Authors: Dummer Reinhard , Quaglino Pietro , Becker Jürgen C. , Hasan Baktiar , Karrasch Matthias , Whittaker Sean , Morris Stephen , Weichenthal Michael , Stadler Rudolf , Bagot Martine , Cozzio Antonio , Bernengo Maria G. , Knobler Robert 
Published: October 2012

Purpose Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. There is a need for multicenter trials involving defined patient populations using rigorous assessment criteria. We have investigated pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) in a clearly defined patient population with advanced MF. Patients and Methods Eligible patients had stage IIB, IVA, or IVB MF, refractory or recurrent after at least two previous systemic therapies. Patients were registered to receive a maximum of six cycles of PLD 20 mg/m2 on days 1 and 15, every 28 days (one cycle). The primary end point was response rate (RR). Results Nine centers recruited 49 eligible patients. The median number of chemotherapy cycles received was five. There were no grade 3 to 4 hematologic toxicities. Grade 3 or 4 nonhematologic/nonbiochemical toxicities included cardiac symptom (2%), allergy/hypersensitivity (2%), constitutional symptom (4%), hand and foot reaction (2%), other dermatologic toxicity (6%), other GI toxicity (4%), infection (4%), pulmonary embolism (2%), and cardiac ischemia (2%). Of 49 patients, 20 (40.8%) were responders (complete clinical response [CCR] or partial response [PR] as overall response): three (6.1%) experienced CCRs, and 17 (34.7%) experienced PRs. A 50% or greater reduction of cutaneous manifestations was observed in 26 (60.5%) of 43 assessable patients. Two early deaths were reported, resulting from related cardiovascular toxicity and disease progression. The lower limit of the one-sided 90% CI for RR was 31.2%. Median time to progression and median duration of response were 7.4 and 6 months, respectively. Conclusion PLD has an acceptable safety profile in patients with advanced MF. The efficacy of PLD seems promising.