bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Challenge of N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirators with Viable H1N1 Influenza Aerosols
Authors: Harnish Delbert A. , Heimbuch Brian K. , Husband Michael , Lumley April E. , Kinney Kimberly , Shaffer Ronald E. , Wander Joseph D. 
Published: April 2013

Objective.Specification of appropriate personal protective equipment for respiratory protection against influenza is somewhat controversial. In a clinical environment, N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) are often recommended for respiratory protection against infectious aerosols. This study evaluates the ability of N95 FFRs to capture viable H1N1 influenza aerosols.Methods.Five N95 FFR models were challenged with aerosolized viable H1N1 influenza and inert polystyrene latex particles at continuous flow rates of 85 and 170 liters per minute. Virus was assayed using Madin-Darby canine kidney cells to determine the median tissue culture infective dose (TCID50). Aerosols were generated using a Collison nebulizer containing H1N1 influenza virus at 1 × 108 TCID50/mL. To determine filtration efficiency, viable sampling was performed upstream and downstream of the FFR.Results.N95 FFRs filtered 0.8-μm particles of both H1N1 influenza and inert origins with more than 95% efficiency. With the exception of 1 model, no statistically significant difference in filtration performance was observed between influenza and inert particles of similar size. Although statistically significant differences were observed for 2 models when comparing the 2 flow rates, the differences have no significance to protection.Conclusions.This study empirically demonstrates that a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health-approved N95 FFR captures viable H1N1 influenza aerosols as well as or better than its N95 rating, suggesting that a properly fitted FFR reduces inhalation exposure to airborne influenza virus. This study also provides evidence that filtration efficiency is based primarily on particle size rather than the nature of the particle's origin.
Weak solutions to the heat flow for surfaces of prescribed mean curvature
Authors: Bögelein Verena , Duzaar Frank , Scheven Christoph 
Published: April 2013

In this paper we establish the existence of global weak solutions to the heat flow for surfaces of prescribed mean curvature, i.e. the existence for the Cauchy-Dirichlet problem to parabolic systems of the type

{

∂
t

u
−
Δ
u
=
−
2
(
H
∘
u
)

D
1

u
×

D
2

u

in

B
×
(
0
,
∞
)

,

u
=

u
o

on

∂

par

(

B
×
(
0
,
∞
)

)

,

\begin{equation*} \left \{ \begin {array}{c} \partial _t u-\Delta u =-2 (H\circ u)D_1u\times D_2u\quad \mbox {in $B\times (0,\infty )$,}\\[3pt] u=u_o\quad \mbox {on $\partial _\textrm {par} \big (B\times (0,\infty )\big )$}, \end{array} \right . \end{equation*}

where

H
:

R

3

→
R

H\colon \mathbb {R}^3\to R

is a bounded continuous function satisfying an isoperimetric condition,

B
B

is the unit ball in

R

2

\mathbb {R}^2

and

u
:
B
×
(
0
,
∞
)
→

R

3

u\colon B\times (0,\infty )\to \mathbb {R}^3

. As one of the possible applications we show that the problem has a solution with values in

B
R

⊂

R

3

B_R\subset \mathbb {R}^3

, whenever

u
o

(
B
)
⊆

B
R

u_o(B)\subseteq B_R

and furthermore there holds

∫

{
ξ
∈

B
R

:

|

H
(
ξ
)

|

≥

3

2
R

}

|

H

|

3

d
ξ
>

9
π

2

,

|

H
(
a
)

|

≤

1
R

for

a
∈
∂

B
R

.

\begin{equation*} \int _{\{ \xi \in B_R: |H(\xi )|\ge \frac {3}{2R}\}}|H|^3\, d\xi >\frac {9\pi }{2}, \qquad |H(a)|\le \tfrac {1}{R}\quad \mbox {for $a\in \partial B_R$.} \end{equation*}
Asian Sudden Cardiac Death in Heart Failure (ASIAN‐HF) registry
Authors: Lam Carolyn S.P. , Anand Inder , Zhang Shu , Shimizu Wataru , Narasimhan Calambur , Park Sang Weon , Yu Cheuk‐Man , Ngarmukos Tachapong , Omar Razali , Reyes Eugene B. , Siswanto Bambang , Ling Lieng H. , Richards A. Mark 
Published: April 2013

AimsOur aim is to determine mortality and morbidity in Asian patients under clinical management for heart failure (HF). Specifically, we will define the incidence of, and risk factors for, sudden cardiac death, as well as the socio‐cultural factors influencing therapeutic choices in these patients.MethodsThis is a prospective observational multinational Asian registry of 5000 patients with symptomatic HF (stage C) and LV systolic dysfunction (EF ≤ 40%) involving 44 centres across 11 Asian regions (China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand). Data collection includes demographic variables, clinical symptoms, functional status, date of HF diagnosis and prior cardiovascular investigations, clinical risk factors, lifestyle factors, socio‐economic status, and survey of cultural beliefs, health practices, and attitudes towards device therapy. Centre‐level characteristics (case load, referral pattern, specialization, and infrastructure) are also obtained. Patients uniformly undergo standard 12‐lead ECG and transthoracic echocardiography at baseline, and are followed over 3 years for outcomes of death or hospitalization. The mode of death and cause of hospitalization are adjudicated by a central event adjudication committee using pre‐specified criteria.PerspectiveBy providing prospective data regarding the demographics, risk factors, and outcomes of Asian patients under treatment for HF, the ASIAN‐HF registry is expected to advance fundamental understanding of the burden and predictors of death and hospitalization among these patients. The knowledge gained will be important for guiding resource allocation and planning preventive strategies to address the unmet and growing clinical needs of patients with cardiovascular disease in Asia.Trial registrationNCT01633398
Sevoflurane Protects Ventricular Myocytes against Oxidative Stress-induced Cellular Ca2+ Overload and Hypercontracture
Authors: Kojima Akiko , Kitagawa Hirotoshi , Omatsu-Kanbe Mariko , Matsuura Hiroshi , Nosaka Shuichi 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background:
Oxidative stress is implicated in pathogenesis of cardiac reperfusion injury, characterized by cellular Ca2+ overload and hypercontracture. Volatile anesthetics protect the heart against reperfusion injury primarily by attenuating Ca2+ overload. This study investigated electrophysiological mechanisms underlying cardioprotective effects of sevoflurane against oxidative stress-induced cellular injury.

Methods:
The cytosolic Ca2+ levels and cell morphology were assessed in mouse ventricular myocytes, using confocal fluo-3 fluorescence imaging, whereas membrane potentials and L-type Ca2+ current (I
Ca,L) were recorded using whole-cell patch-clamp techniques. Phosphorylation of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II was examined by Western blotting.

Results:
Exposure to H2O2 (100 μm) for 15 min evoked cytosolic Ca2+ elevation and hypercontracture in 56.8% of ventricular myocytes in 11 experiments, which was partly but significantly reduced by nifedipine, tetracaine, or SEA0400. Sevoflurane prevented H2O2-induced cellular Ca2+ overload in a concentration-dependent way (IC50 = 1.35%). Isoflurane (2%) and desflurane (10%) also protected ventricular myocytes by a degree similar to sevoflurane (3%). Sevoflurane suppressed H2O2-induced electrophysiological disturbances, including early afterdepolarizations, voltage fluctuations in resting potential, and abnormal automaticities. H2O2 significantly enhanced I
Ca,L by activating Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, and subsequent addition of sevoflurane, isoflurane, or desflurane similarly reduced I
Ca,L to below baseline levels. Phosphorylated Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II increased after 10-min incubation with H2O2, which was significantly prevented by concomitant administration of sevoflurane.

Conclusions:
Sevoflurane protected ventricular myocytes against H2O2-induced Ca2+ overload and hypercontracture, presumably by affecting multiple Ca2+ transport pathways, including I
Ca,L, Na+/Ca2+ exchanger and ryanodine receptor. These actions appear to mediate cardioprotection against reperfusion injury associated with oxidative stress.
Intraoperative Transit-Time Flow Measurement is Not Altered in Venous Bypass Grafts Covered by the eSVS Mesh
Authors: Emery Robert W. , Solien Eric 
Published: April 2013

Objective The aim of this study was to determine whether the eSVS Mesh interferes with transit-time flow measurement (TTFM) assessing intraoperative coronary vein graft patency. Methods In four swine undergoing off-pump bypass grafting to the anterior descending coronary artery, five TTFMs were sequentially obtained on meshed and bare grafts at baseline and under Dobutamine stress at five separate locations on the graft in each animal. The Medistim VeriQ was used for TTFM. The grafts were examined for patency after the swine were killed. Results There was no difference in hemodynamics or TTFM either at baseline or under Dobutamine stress between the eSVS Mesh covered and uncovered grafts. Dobutamine, however, significantly increased hemodynamics and graft flow parameters measured from baseline. Conclusions The eSVS Mesh does not interfere with Doppler flow measurement in covered coronary vein grafts.
Nuclear Accumulation of Cytosolic Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase in Cadmium-Stressed Arabidopsis Roots
Authors: Vescovi Marco , Zaffagnini Mirko , Festa Margherita , Trost Paolo , Lo Schiavo Fiorella , Costa Alex 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
NAD-dependent glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) is a ubiquitous enzyme involved in the glycolytic pathway. It has been widely demonstrated that mammalian GAPDH, in addition to its role in glycolysis, fulfills alternative functions mainly linked to its susceptibility to oxidative posttranslational modifications. Here, we investigated the responses of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) cytosolic GAPDH isoenzymes GAPC1 and GAPC2 to cadmium-induced stress in seedlings roots. GAPC1 was more responsive to cadmium than GAPC2 at the transcriptional level. In vivo, cadmium treatments induced different concomitant effects, including (1) nitric oxide accumulation, (2) cytosolic oxidation (e.g. oxidation of the redox-sensitive Green fluorescent protein2 probe), (3) activation of the GAPC1 promoter, (4) GAPC1 protein accumulation in enzymatically inactive form, and (5) strong relocalization of GAPC1 to the nucleus. All these effects were detected in the same zone of the root tip. In vitro, GAPC1 was inactivated by either nitric oxide donors or hydrogen peroxide, but no inhibition was directly provided by cadmium. Interestingly, nuclear relocalization of GAPC1 under cadmium-induced oxidative stress was stimulated, rather than inhibited, by mutating into serine the catalytic cysteine of GAPC1 (C155S), excluding an essential role of GAPC1 nitrosylation in the mechanism of nuclear relocalization, as found in mammalian cells. Although the function of GAPC1 in the nucleus is unknown, our results suggest that glycolytic GAPC1, through its high sensitivity to the cellular redox state, may play a role in oxidative stress signaling or protection in plants.
Antihyperalgesic effects of a novel muscarinic agonist (LASSBio‐873) in spinal nerve ligation in rats
Authors: Mendes Thaiana CF , Antunes Fernanda , Trachez Margarete M , Nascimento Nailton M , Fraga Carlos AM , Barreiro Eliezer J , Zapata‐Sudo Gisele , Sudo Roberto T 
Published: April 2013

Summary

New chemicals or adjuvants with analgesic effects on chronic pain are needed and clinically relevant due to the limited number of effective compounds that possess these characteristics. LASSBio‐873, a pyrazolo[3,4‐b]pyrrolo[3,4‐d]pyridine derivative, activates muscarinic cholinergic receptors and has potent analgesic effects on acute and inflammatory pain.

The present study evaluated the therapeutic and prophylactic effects of oral administration of LASSBio‐873 in a spinal nerve ligation (SNL) model of chronic peripheral nerve injury.

LASSBio‐873 (100 mg/kg) inhibited the development of thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia when administered once daily for 7 consecutive days after SNL surgery and reversed these symptoms. LASSBio‐873 treatment did not alter rat behaviour in open field testing measured during the first 24 h after administration and again after 7 continuous days administration. The analgesic effect of LASSBio‐873 was inhibited by intrathecal methoctramine, an M2 receptor antagonist, implicating the muscarininc M2 receptor signalling pathway in the drug's action.

These results reinforce the potential of LASSBio‐873 as a possible prototype for the development of more effective alternatives for the treatment of neuropathic pain.
Effects of phosphorus starvation versus limitation on the marine cyanobacterium Prochlorococcus MED4 II: gene expression
Authors: Reistetter Emily Nahas , Krumhardt Kristen , Callnan Kate , Roache‐Johnson Kathryn , Saunders Jaclyn K. , Moore Lisa R. , Rocap Gabrielle 
Published: April 2013

SummaryPhosphorus (P) availability drives niche differentiation in the most abundant phytoplankter in the oceans, the marine cyanobacterium Prochlorococcus. We compared the molecular response of Prochlorococcus strain MED4 to P starvation in batch culture to P‐limited growth in chemostat culture. We also identified an outer membrane porin, PMM0709, which may allow transport of organic phosphorous compounds, rather than phosphate as previously suggested. The expression of three P uptake genes, pstS, the high‐affinity phosphate‐binding component of the phosphate transporter, phoA, an alkaline phosphatase, and porin PMM0709, were strongly upregulated (between 10‐ and 700‐fold) under both P starvation and limitation. pstS exhibits high basal expression under P‐replete conditions and is likely necessary for P uptake regardless of P availability. A P‐stress regulatory gene, ptrA, was upregulated in response to both P starvation and limitation although a second regulatory gene, phoB, was not. Elevated expression levels (> 10‐fold) of phoR, a P‐sensing histidine kinase, were only observed under conditions of P limitation. We suggest Prochlorococcus in P‐limited systems are physiologically distinct from cells subjected to abrupt P depletion. Detection of expression of both pstS and phoR in field populations will enable discernment of the present P status of Prochlorococcus in the oligotrophic oceans.
Interactions between specific phytoplankton and bacteria affect lake bacterial community succession
Authors: Paver Sara F. , Hayek Kevin R. , Gano Kelsey A. , Fagen Jennie R. , Brown Christopher T. , Davis‐Richardson Austin G. , Crabb David B. , Rosario‐Passapera Richard , Giongo Adriana , Triplett Eric W. , Kent Angela D. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryTime‐series observations and a phytoplankton manipulation experiment were combined to test the hypothesis that phytoplankton succession effects changes in bacterial community composition. Three humic lakes were sampled weeklyMay–August and correlations between relative abundances of specific phytoplankton and bacterial operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in each time series were determined. To experimentally characterize the influence of phytoplankton, bacteria from each lake were incubated with phytoplankton from one of the three lakes or no phytoplankton. Following incubation, variation in bacterial community composition explained by phytoplankton treatment increased 65%, while the variation explained by bacterial source decreased 64%. Free‐living bacteria explained, on average, over 60% of the difference between phytoplankton and corresponding no‐phytoplankton control treatments. Fourteen out of the 101 bacterialOTUsthat exhibited positively correlated patterns of abundance with specific algal populations in time‐series observations were enriched in mesocosms following incubation with phytoplankton, and one out of 59 negatively correlated bacterialOTUswas depleted in phytoplankton treatments. Bacterial genera enriched in mesocosms containing specific phytoplankton assemblages includedLimnohabitans(cladebetI‐A),BdellovibrioandMitsuaria. These results suggest that effects of phytoplankton on certain bacterial populations, including bacteria tracking seasonal changes in algal‐derived organic matter, result in correlations between algal and bacterial community dynamics.
Agreement between arterial and venous pH and pCO2 in patients undergoing non‐invasive ventilation in the emergency department
Authors: Kelly Anne‐Maree , Klim Sharon 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundBlood gas analysis is an important part of the assessment of ventilatory function in patients with respiratory distress. Traditionally, analysis of arterial blood has been used, but recently, there has been a move towards venous blood gas analysis for selected conditions. Arteriovenous agreement for pH and pCO2 in adult patients undergoing non‐invasive ventilation (NIV) has not been explored to date. The aim of this study was to address this question.MethodsThis was a prospective study of adult patients undergoing NIV for acute respiratory compromise in an ED. When arterial blood gas analysis was required for clinical purposes, staff also drew a venous sample as close to simultaneously as possible. Data collected included demographics, clinical diagnosis and results of blood gas analyses. Primary outcome of interest was arteriovenous agreement for pH and pCO2. Bland‐Altman bias plot analysis was used.ResultsEighty‐nine sample pairs in 53 patients were studied. Median age was 74, and 64% of patients were male. The principal diagnoses were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (43%) and acute pulmonary oedema (40%). Mean difference for pH (a‐v) was 0.04 pH units (95% limits of agreement −0.02, 0.11). Mean difference for pCO2 (a‐v) was −8.02 mmHg (95% limits of agreement −22.63, 6.58)ConclusionFor adult patients undergoing NIV in an ED, arteriovenous agreement for pH was close with narrow limits of agreement making venous pH clinically interchangeable with arterial pH. Agreement for pCO2 was poor with unacceptably wide limits of agreement.
First case report of Nocardia veterana causing nodular lymphangitis in an immunocompromised host
Authors: Dua Janet , Clayton Rima 
Published: April 2013

AbstractWe report a unique case of ascending cutaneous lymphangitis in a 72‐year‐old immunocompromised man from which a newly described Nocardia species was isolated by 16S ribosomal gene sequencing. Treatment with trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole resulted in successful resolution of symptoms. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of N. veterana implicated in causing ascending cutaneous lymphangitis.
Serum Soluble‐Fas, Inflammation, and Anemia in Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Góes Miguel Angelo , Iizuka Ilson Jorge , Quinto Beata Marie , Dalboni Maria Aparecida , Monte Julio César , Santos Bento Cardoso , dos Santos Oscar Fernando Pavão , Pereira Virgilio Gonçalves , Durão Marcelino de Souza , Batista Marcelo Costa , Cendoroglo Miguel 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAnemia is a common feature in critically ill patients. Serum soluble‐Fas (sFas) levels are associated with anemia in chronic kidney disease. It is possible that sFas levels are also associated with anemia in acute kidney injury (AKI) patients. The study aims to investigate the relationship between serum levels of sFas, erythropoietin (Epo), inflammatory cytokines, and hemoglobin (Hb) concentration in critically ill patients with AKI. We studied 72 critically ill patients with AKI (AKI group; n = 53) or without AKI (non‐AKI group; n = 19), and 18 healthy volunteers. Serum sFas, Epo, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐10, iron status, and Hb concentration were analyzed in all groups. We also investigated the correlation between these variables in the AKI group. Critically ill patients (AKI and non‐AKI groups) had higher serum levels of Epo than healthy volunteers. Hb concentration was lower in the AKI group than in the other groups. Serum sFas, IL‐6, TNF‐α, and ferritin levels were higher in the AKI group. Hb concentration correlated negatively with serum IL‐6 (r = −0.37, P = 0.008), sFas (r = −0.35, P = 0.01), and Epo (r = −0.27, P = 0.04), while serum sFas correlated positively with iron levels (r = 0.36, P = 0.008) and IL‐6 (r = 0.28, P = 0.04) in the AKI group. In multivariate analysis, after adjusting for markers of inflammation and iron stores, only serum sFas levels (P = 0.03) correlated negatively with Hb concentration in the AKI group. Serum Epo and inflammatory cytokine levels are elevated in critically ill patients with or without AKI. Serum levels of sFas are elevated and independently associated with anemia in critically ill patients with AKI.
Direct endoscopic probing for congenital lacrimal duct obstruction
Authors: Sasaki Hidenori , Takano Toshiyuki , Murakami Akira 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe most common treatment for congenital lacrimal duct obstruction is standard probing without dacryoendoscopy. However, the lacrimal duct cannot be observed in this procedure. If the probing procedure allows the observation of the lacrimal duct, it could be more successful and safer. To use endoscopic probing to view the lacrimal duct in cases of congenital lacrimal duct obstruction 6 months post‐surgery and to evaluate the condition of the lumen while simultaneously performing direct endoscopic probing.DesignThis is a retrospective, non‐comparative case series.ParticipantsThe study participants were 10 children aged 14–74 months, including three children with bilateral obstruction. In total, 13 congenital lacrimal duct obstruction were probed.MethodsThe patients underwent direct endoscopic probing with dacryoendoscopy instead of blind probing, that is, standard probing without dacryoendoscopy under brief total anaesthesia.Main Outcome MeasuresDuring the procedure, outcomes were assessed as the endoscope reached the nasal cavity. A successful probing outcome was defined as an absence of tearing and discharge.ResultsTwelve congenital lacrimal duct obstruction were successfully treated by direct endoscopy, whereas one was not. There were various sites of obstruction and various conditions such as oedematous thickening of the mucosa of the lacrimal duct and fibrous tissue because of chronic inflammation. The subjective outcome from their parents by telephonic interview was obtained. Epiphora disappeared in 12/13 (92.3%) of the eyes treated by endoscopy; however, 5/13 (38.5%) of the patients reported occasional discharge from the eyes.ConclusionsDirect endoscopic probing is effective and safe to treat cases of congenital lacrimal duct obstruction in children.