bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of rapid intravenous 100%L‐isomer lactated Ringer's administration on plasma lactate concentrations in healthy dogs
Authors: Boysen Søren R. , Dorval Patricia 
Published: August 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo determine if rapid intravenous administration of lactated Ringer's solution containing 28 mmol/L ofl‐lactate (L‐LRS) can result in an increase in plasma lactate concentration in healthy dogs.DesignProspective cross over study with a 4‐week washout period.SettingVeterinary teaching hospital.AnimalsSix healthy adult Beagles.InterventionsDogs received 180 mL/kg/h of L‐LRS over 60 minutes, followed by a 4‐week washout period, then 180 mL/kg/h of 0.9% sodium chloride (NaCl) over 60 minutes.Measurements and Main ResultsBlood samples were drawn at baseline (T0), every 10 minutes during fluid administration (T10 to T60), and 60 minutes after fluid administration (T120). Samples were measured in duplicate at all time points with a handheld meter and at T0, T60, and T120 with a blood gas analyzer. Data were analyzed with 1‐way or 2‐way ANOVA for repeated measures and post hoc tests with Dunnett's or Bonferroni's correction for within‐group and between group analyses, respectively.Pvalues < 0.05 were considered significant. Results are mean ± SD. There was no difference between groups at T0 (L‐LRS = 1.1 ± 0.6 mmol/L, NaCl = 1.2 ± 0.9 mmol/L). Within the L‐LRS group, T0 was significantly lower than all other time points except T120. At T50 and T60, the L‐LRS group was higher than the NaCl group. There was a statistical significance between the 2 groups over time.ConclusionsThe rapid administration of intravenous L‐LRS to healthy dogs significantly increases plasma lactate concentration within 10 minutes and returns to baseline values within 60 minutes after cessation of administration. This could have implications in how plasma lactate concentration is interpreted with respect to prognosis, particularly in patients receiving resuscitative rates of L‐LRS. Interpretation of plasma lactate concentrations should be considered in light of the rate, quantity and type of fluid administered, and timing of blood samples.
Retinopathy and clinical outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and anemia
Authors: Bello Natalie A , Pfeffer Marc A , Skali Hicham , McGill Janet B , Rossert Jerome , Olson Kurt A , Weinrauch Larry , Cooper Mark E , de Zeeuw Dick , Rossing Peter , McMurray John J V , Solomon Scott D ,   for the Trial to Reduce cardiovascular Events with Aranesp Therapy (TREAT) Investigators
Published: August 2014

ObjectiveRetinopathy is an established microvascular complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but its independent relationship with macrovascular and other microvascular complications is less well defined across the spectrum of kidney disease in T2DM. We examined the prognostic value of retinopathy in assessing the risk of developing end-stage renal disease (ESRD), cardiovascular morbidity or death among patients in the Trial to Reduce cardiovascular Events with Aranesp Therapy (TREAT).DesignTREAT enrolled 4038 patients with T2DM, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and moderate anemia. Patients were grouped by baseline history of retinopathy. Proportional hazards regression models were utilized to assess the association between retinopathy and subsequent ESRD, cardiovascular morbidity or death over an average of 2.4 years.ResultsAlthough younger, the 1895 (47%) patients with retinopathy had longer duration of diabetes, lower estimated glomerular filtration rate, more proteinuria, and more microvascular complications. In univariate analysis, retinopathy was associated with a higher rate of ESRD, but not with cardiovascular events or mortality. After adjustment, retinopathy was no longer statistically significant for the prediction of ESRD or any clinical endpoint.ConclusionsIn a large cohort of patients with T2DM, CKD, and anemia, retinopathy was common but not independently associated with a higher risk of renal or cardiovascular morbidity or death.Trial registration numberNCT00093015
Case–control study of anaemia among middle-aged and elderly women in three rural areas of China
Authors: Song Pengkun , Li Lixiang , Man Qingqing , Wang Chunrong , Meng Liping , Zhang Jian 
Published: August 2014

ObjectivesTo propose a feasible suggestion to reduce the high prevalence of anaemia in middle-aged and elderly women by investigating risk factors, particularly nutritional factors, and analysing the effect on anaemia in three different rural areas of China.DesignA case–control study.SettingThree counties of China.ParticipantsWomen aged 50–75 years in the three counties.Main outcome measuresAdjusted OR (95% CI) of anaemia associated with diet, lifestyle and blood biochemical indices.ResultsCompared with controls, women with anaemia had lower body mass index (22.1 (3.2) kg/m2vs 23.2 (3.5) kg/m2; p<0.001), a higher experience of shortage of food (45.0% vs 36.5%; p<0.001), less soy food intake (0.5 (0.3, 26.7) g/day vs 5.6 (0.4, 27.8) g/day; p<0.048), lower serum iron (13.4 (5.4) μmol/L vs 16.4 (5.7) μmol/L; p<0.001), lower ferritin (109.6 (85.6) ng/mL vs 131.0 (92.0) ng/mL; p<0.001), lower transferrin saturation levels (22.5 (9.5)% vs 26.8 (9.6)%; p<0.001) and higher levels of free erythrocyte protoporphyrin (42.4 (21.2) μg/dL vs 39.6 (17.8) μg/dL; p<0.001). Anaemia was significantly associated with BMI(OR=0.90, 95% CI (0.87 to 0.92)), food shortage experience (OR=1.39, 95% CI (1.15 to 1.69)), total protein (OR=0.66, 95%CI (0.54 to 0.80)), Albumin (OR=0.72, 95%CI (0.59 to 0.87)) in univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis showed that body mass index, experience of food shortage, total protein and albumin were independently related to anaemia.ConclusionsAmong middle-aged and elderly women in rural China, the nutrition status of anaemic cases is far below that of controls. Lower body mass index and a greater experience of food shortage are closely related to anaemia. Improving the blood protein status by consuming protein-sufficient foods such as soy food is a feasible approach for elderly anaemic women. Further research is needed on the effect of chronic inflammation and infectious disease on anaemia in elderly women in rural China.
A pilot study of quantitative capillary refill time to identify high blood lactate levels in critically ill patients
Authors: Morimura Naoto , Takahashi Kohei , Doi Tomoki , Ohnuki Takahiro , Sakamoto Tetsuya , Uchida Yasuyuki , Takahashi Hiroki , Fujita Takashi , Ikeda Hiroto 
Published: August 2014

IntroductionWe developed a new device to quantify capillary refill time (CRT) by applying the pulse oximeter principle, and evaluated the correlation between quantitative CRT (Q-CRT) and hypoperfusion status, as represented by blood lactate levels, in critically ill patients.MethodsA pilot study was undertaken in the intensive care unit (ICU) in a tertiary emergency medical centre. While the pulse oxygen saturation sensor was placed on the finger of the patients, transmitted light intensity (TLI) was measured with a pulse oximeter (OLV-3100; Nihon Kohden, Tokyo, Japan) before and during compression of the finger. Q-CRT was defined as the interval from the release of compression to the time when TLI reached 90% of baseline.ResultsQ-CRT was analysed in a total of 57 waveforms among 23 patients and statistically correlated with lactate levels (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, 0.681; p<0.001). The cut-off value of Q-CRT for predicting a lactate level of ≥2.0 mmol/L was 6.81 s (area under the curve (AUC) (95% CI 1.000 (1.000 to 1.000), p<0.001), and the value for predicting a lactate level of ≥4.0 mmol/L was 7.27 s (AUC=0.989 (95% CI 0.954 to 1.000), p<0.001).ConclusionsQ-CRT correlated with blood lactate levels in this pilot study. The most useful threshold for Q-CRT was ∼6–8 s. Further study is needed to investigate the potential role of this modality as a non-invasive predictor of hypoperfusion in the emergency department, ICU and operating room settings.
FJ CTS Group: Strategic Restructuring for Turnaround
Authors: Feng Wei , Ma Yong , Deng Shengliang 
Published: August 2014

This case describes how Fujian CTS Group, a state-owned company in Fujian Province, China, transformed from a company suffering from three consecutive years of losses to a profitable conglomerate through strategic restructuring. This case focuses on the whole process of strategic restructuring, including the background of the restructuring, the formulation and implementation of the strategic restructuring plan, as well as the results of the restructuring. FJ CTS group was founded in December 1949 as “Xiamen Overseas Chinese Service”, known as the first travel agency of PR China. After 60 years of development, Fujian CTS Group has developed into a conglomerate with core businesses of travel service, hotel, and tour bus. With the rapid development of China's tourism industry and quick change of business environment, Fujian CTS Group faced fierce competition from many domestic and foreign tourism enterprises, and the company had suffered from three consecutive years of losses since 2003. At the end of 2005, in order to get the company out of financial difficulties and achieve profitability, the board of directors of the group started to work on strategic restructuring program. At the end of 2006, the restructuring plan was completed. In early 2007, the group began the implementation of restructuring plan. Since then, with two years' great efforts, the restructuring of the group had been completed successfully. The company's overall revenue rose steadily, operating performance greatly improved. Until the end of 2009, the total assets of the group reached 13.52 billion Chinese yuan and the three core businesses (travel service segment, hotel segment, and tour bus segment) of the group all achieved good financial performance. The group has achieved turnaround through effective restructuring.
k-torsionfree modules with respect to generalized tilting modules
Authors: Zhao Zhi-Bing , Du Xian-Neng 
Published: August 2014

In this paper, the extension closure of the subcategory of mod R consisting of k-torsionfree modules with respect to a generalized tilting bimodule is discussed. Some classical results related to the extension closure of k-torsionfree modules are generalized and strengthened. Let RωS be a cotilting bimodule, the notion of left ⊥ω-approximation dimension is introduced, and as an application, we give a condition such that a ω-k-syzygy module to be ω-k-torsionfree.
Maximal rigid objects without loops in connected 2-CY categories are cluster-tilting objects
Authors: Xu Jinde , Ouyang Baiyu 
Published: August 2014

In this paper, we study Conjecture II.1.9 of [A. B. Buan, O. Iyama, I. Reiten and J. Scott, Cluster structures for 2-Calabi–Yau categories and unipotent groups, Compos. Math. 145(4) (2009) 1035–1079], which said that any maximal rigid object without loops or 2-cycles in its quiver is a cluster-tilting object in a connected Hom-finite triangulated 2-CY category [Formula: see text]. We obtain some conditions equivalent to the conjecture, and by using them we prove the conjecture.
Existence of Positive Periodic Solutions forn-Dimensional Nonautonomous System
Authors: Liu Youjun , Zhao Huanhuan , Yan Jurang 
Published: August 2014

In this paper we consider the existence, multiplicity, and nonexistence of positive periodic solutions forn-dimensional nonautonomous functional differential systemx'(t)=H(t,x(t))-λB(t)F(x(t-τ(t))), wherehiareω-periodic intand there existω-periodic functionsαi,βi∈C(R,R+)such thatαi(t)≤(hi(t,x)/xi)≤βi(t),∫0ω‍αi(t)dt>0,forx∈R+nall withxi>0,andt∈R,limxi→0+(hi(t,x)/xi)exist fort∈R;bi∈C(R,R+)areω-periodic functions and∫0ω‍bi(t)dt>0;fi∈C(R+n,R+),fi(x)>0forx >0;τ∈(R,R)is anω-periodic function. We show that the system has multiple or no positiveω-periodic solutions for sufficiently large or smallλ>0, respectively.
Mismatch Repair Status and BRAF Mutation Status in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients: A Pooled Analysis of the CAIRO, CAIRO2, COIN, and FOCUS Studies
Authors: Venderbosch Sabine , Nagtegaal Iris D. , Maughan Tim S. , Smith Christopher G. , Cheadle Jeremy P. , Fisher David , Kaplan Richard , Quirke Philip , Seymour Matthew T. , Richman Susan D. , Meijer Gerrit A. , Ylstra Bauke , Heideman Danielle A.M. , de Haan Anton F.J. , Punt Cornelis J.A. , Koopman Miriam 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Purpose: To determine the prevalence and prognostic value of mismatch repair (MMR) status and its relation to BRAF mutation (BRAFMT) status in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).
Experimental Design: A pooled analysis of four phase III studies in first-line treatment of mCRC (CAIRO, CAIRO2, COIN, and FOCUS) was performed. Primary outcome parameter was the hazard ratio (HR) for median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in relation to MMR and BRAF. For the pooled analysis, Cox regression analysis was performed on individual patient data.
Results: The primary tumors of 3,063 patients were analyzed, of which 153 (5.0%) exhibited deficient MMR (dMMR) and 250 (8.2%) a BRAFMT. BRAFMT was observed in 53 (34.6%) of patients with dMMR tumors compared with 197 (6.8%) of patients with proficient MMR (pMMR) tumors (P &lt; 0.001). In the pooled dataset, median PFS and OS were significantly worse for patients with dMMR compared with pMMR tumors [HR, 1.33; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.12–1.57 and HR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.13–1.61, respectively), and for patients with BRAFMT compared with BRAF wild-type (BRAFWT) tumors (HR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.17–1.54 and HR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.66–2.19, respectively). PFS and OS were significantly decreased for patients with BRAFMT within the group of patients with pMMR, but not for BRAF status within dMMR, or MMR status within BRAFWT or BRAFMT.
Conclusions: Prevalence of dMMR and BRAFMT in patients with mCRC is low and both biomarkers confer an inferior prognosis. Our data suggest that the poor prognosis of dMMR is driven by the BRAFMT status. Clin Cancer Res; 20(20); 5322–30. ©2014 AACR.
Widefield Optical Imaging of Changes in Uptake of Glucose and Tissue Extracellular pH in Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Luo Zhen , Loja Melissa N. , Farwell D. Greg , Luu Quang C. , Donald Paul J. , Amott Deborah , Truong Anh Q. , Gandour-Edwards Regina , Nitin Nitin 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
The overall objective of this study was to develop an optical imaging approach to simultaneously measure altered cell metabolism and changes in tissue extracellular pH with the progression of cancer using clinically isolated biopsies. In this study, 19 pairs of clinically normal and abnormal biopsies were obtained from consenting patients with head and neck cancer at University of California, Davis Medical Center. Fluorescence intensity of tissue biopsies before and after topical delivery of 2-NBDG (2-[N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)amino]-2-deoxy-D-glucose) and Alexa 647-pHLIP [pH (low) insertion peptide] was measured noninvasively by widefield imaging, and correlated with pathologic diagnosis. The results of widefield imaging of clinical biopsies demonstrated that 2-NBDG and pHLIP peptide can accurately distinguish the pathologically normal and abnormal biopsies. The results also demonstrated the potential of this approach to detect subepithelial lesions. Topical application of the contrast agents generated a significant increase in fluorescence contrast (3- to 4-fold) in the cancer biopsies as compared with the normal biopsies, irrespective of the patient and location of the biopsy within a head and neck cavity. This unpaired comparison across all the patients with cancer in this study highlights the specificity of the imaging approach. Furthermore, the results of this study indicated that changes in intracellular glucose metabolism and cancer acidosis are initiated in the early stages of cancer, and these changes are correlated with the progression of the disease. In conclusion, this novel optical molecular imaging approach to measure multiple biomarkers in cancer has a significant potential to be a useful tool for improving early detection and prognostic evaluation of oral neoplasia. Cancer Prev Res; 7(10); 1035–44. ©2014 AACR.
Climatology of Storm Characteristics in Costa Rica using the TRMM Precipitation Radar
Authors: Rapp Anita D. , Peterson Alexander G. , Frauenfeld Oliver W. , Quiring Steven M. , Roark E. Brendan 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission Precipitation Radar precipitation features are analyzed to understand the role of storm characteristics on the seasonal and diurnal cycles of precipitation in four distinct regions in Costa Rica. The distribution of annual rainfall is highly dependent on the stratiform precipitation, driven largely by seasonal increases in stratiform area. The monthly distribution of stratiform rain is bimodal in most regions, but the timing varies regionally and is related to several important large-scale features: the Caribbean low-level jet, the ITCZ, and the Chorro del Occidente Colombiano (CHOCO) jet. The relative importance of convective precipitation increases on the Caribbean side during wintertime cold air surges. Except for the coastal Caribbean domain, most regions show a strong diurnal cycle with an afternoon peak in convection followed by an evening increase in stratiform rain. Along the Caribbean coast, the diurnal cycle is weaker, with evidence of convection associated with the sea breeze, as well as a nocturnal increase in storms. The behavior of extreme precipitation features with rain volume in the 99th percentile is also analyzed. They are most frequent from May to November, with notable differences between features at the beginning/end of the rainy season versus those in the middle, as well as between wet and dry seasons. Convective rain exceeds stratiform in winter and midsummer extreme features, while stratiform rain is larger at the beginning and end of the wet season. Given projected changes in precipitation and extreme events in Costa Rica for future climate change scenarios, the results indicate the importance of understanding both changes in total precipitation and in the storm characteristics.
Redesigning acute care for cognitively impaired older adults: Optimizing health care services
Authors: LaMantia Michael A , Boustani Malaz A , Jhanji Shola , Maina Mungai , Nazir Arif , Messina Frank C , Frame Amie , Alder Catherine , Chodosh Joshua 
Published: August 2014

Purpose of the study Cognitive impairment (CI) is one of several factors known to influence hospitalization, hospital length of stay, and rehospitalization among older adults. Redesigning care delivery systems sensitive to the influence of CI may reduce acute care utilization while improving care quality. To develop a foundation of fundamental needs for health care redesign, we conducted focus groups with inpatient and outpatient providers to identify barriers, facilitators, and suggestions for improvements in care delivery for patients with CI. Design and methods Focus group sessions were conducted with providers to identify their approach to caring for cognitively impaired hospitalized adults; obstacles and facilitators to providing this care; and suggestions for improving the care process. Using a thematic analysis, two reviewers analyzed these transcripts to develop codes and themes. Results Seven themes emerged from the focus group transcripts. These were: (1) reflections on serving the cognitively impaired population; (2) descriptions of perceived barriers to care; (3) strategies that improve or facilitate caring for hospitalized older adults; (4) the importance of fostering a hospital friendly to the needs of older adults; (5) the need for educating staff, patients, and caregivers; (6) the central role of good communication; and (7) steps needed to provide more effective care. Implications Providing effective acute care services to older adults with CI is an important challenge in health care reform. An understanding derived from the perspective of multiple professional disciplines is an important first step. Future research will build on this preliminary study in developing new acute care models for patients with CI.
NAD-dependent ADP-ribosylation of the human antimicrobial and immune-modulatory peptide LL-37 by ADP-ribosyltransferase-1
Authors: Picchianti Monica , Russo Carla , Castagnini Marta , Biagini Massimiliano , Soldaini Elisabetta , Balducci Enrico 
Published: August 2014

LL-37 is a cationic peptide belonging to the cathelicidin family that has antimicrobial and immune-modulatory properties. Here we show that the mammalian mono-ADP-ribosyltransferase-1 (ART1), which selectively transfers the ADP-ribose moiety from NAD to arginine residues, ADP-ribosylates LL-37 in vitro. The incorporation of ADP-ribose was first observed by Western blot analysis and then confirmed by MALDI-TOF. Mass-spectrometry showed that up to four of the five arginine residues present in LL-37 could be ADP-ribosylated on the same peptide when incubated at a high NAD concentration in the presence of ART1. The attachment of negatively charged ADP-ribose moieties considerably alters the positive charge of the arginine residues thus reducing the cationicity of LL-37. The cationic nature of LL-37 is key for its ability to interact with cell membranes or negatively charged biomolecules, such as DNA, RNA, F-actin and glycosaminoglycans. Thus, the ADP-ribosylation of LL-37 is expected to have the potential to modulate LL-37 biological activities in several physiological and pathological settings.
Carbimazole inhibits TNF-α expression in Fat-induced hypothyroidism
Authors: Tripathi Yamani Bhusan , Pandey Nidhi 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe effect of the carbimazole on expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) in liver, was investigated in an experimental model of high fat diet (HFD) induced obesity. The HFD (orally given for 4 months) induced TNF-α in liver tissue along with raised serum triglyceride (TG), cholesterol and high TSH (62%). In carbimazole (1 mg/100 gbw) treatment, the induction of TNF-α was significantly inhibited, without affecting other parameters. It also improved the liver function, which was raised due to HFD in experimental control rats.