bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dyspnea as an independent predictor of mortality
Authors: Pesola Gene R. , Ahsan Habibul 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackground and AimDyspnea is a common and easily elicited presenting complaint in patients seen by physicians who evaluate and take care of chronic respiratory disorders. Although dyspnea is subjective and tends to increase with age or reduced lung function, it appears to be reproducible as a symptom and often signifies serious underlying disease.MethodsSystematic review of longitudinal studies with dyspnea as the exposure and mortality as the outcome; age, smoking and lung function had to be controlled for to be included in the review. In addition, a minimum sample size at baseline of 500 subjects was required for each study.ResultsFrom over 3000 potential references, 10 longitudinal studies met all criteria and were included. All 10 studies suggested that dyspnea was an independent predictor of mortality with point estimates by odds ratio, rate ratio or hazard ratios ranging from 1.3 up to 2.9‐fold greater than baseline. All 10 studies had actual or implied 95% confidence interval bands greater than the null value of one.ConclusionDyspnea, a symptom, predicts mortality and is a proxy for underlying diseases, most often of heart and lung. Therefore, chronic dyspnea needs to be evaluated as to etiology to allow for treatment to minimize morbidity and mortality when possible.
Patterns of tobacco smoking among illicit drug users in Australia 2001–2010
Authors: Fraser Doug , Gartner Coral , Hall Wayne 
Published: July 2014

AbstractIntroduction and AimsThis study aimed to investigate whether there were changes from 2001 to 2010 in the characteristics of young adults who used party drugs or other illicit drugs and to determine if the prevalence of tobacco smoking differed depending on the type of drugs used.Design and MethodsWe analysed confidentialised data from the 2001 and 2010 National Drug Strategy Household Surveys. We compared young adults (aged 18–29) who used party drugs to other drug users and non‐users on demographic variables. We assessed relationships between (i) illicit drug use and smoking; (ii) illicit drug use and smoking while controlling for social and demographic differences; and (iii) illicit drug use and smoking after controlling for social and demographic variables along with cannabis and alcohol use.ResultsThere was little difference between 2001 and 2010 in drug user characteristics and smoking. Party drug users were more educated and of higher socioeconomic status than illicit drug users and non‐users. Party drug users and users of other illicit drugs were far more likely to smoke tobacco; however, a large part of this relationship was explained by the higher rate of cannabis and alcohol use in these groups.Discussion and ConclusionsOver the last decade, party drug users have been a relatively socially advantaged sub‐population, yet smoking prevalence among these and other drug users has remained higher than among non‐users. This might be explained by the common sequence of drug involvement in which people initiate smoking, then cannabis use and followed by other drugs. [Fraser D, Gartner C, Hall W. Patterns of tobacco smoking among illicit drug users in Australia 2001–2010. Drug Alcohol Rev 2014;33:534–9]
Comparative study of thermal reaction norms for development in ants
Authors: Kipyatkov Vladilen E. , Lopatina Elena B. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThis is the first compilation of our research and data from the literature on the duration and thermal reaction norms for development in ants. Altogether, 97 regression lines characterizing the linear dependence of ant brood (egg, larval, prepupal and pupal) development on temperature were obtained for 33 species from 15 genera and three subfamilies. Significant positive correlations between the durations of different immature stages were revealed. We found differences between thermal reaction norms for development for various immature stages, some taxonomic groups, and southern and northern groups of species. All immature stages appeared to be shorter on average at 25°C in northern ants compared to southern species; this difference is insignificant only for eggs. Highly significant negative correlations were revealed between the temperature threshold for development (TTD) and the sum of degree‐days (SDD) for all immature stages. The latitudinal trends in intraspecific variation of thermal constants appeared to be opposite to those we observed at the interspecific level. At the latter, the coefficient of thermal sensitivity of development (i.e. the coefficient of linear regression of development rate on temperature) and TTD tends to decrease and SDD to increase from the south to the north. In contrast, at the intraspecific level, development became more temperature‐sensitive in northern populations, i.e. characterized by higher slopes of regression lines of development rate on temperature, and higher TTDs. The species of the genus Formica are characterized by the shortest and the most temperature‐sensitive immature development among all the ant species studied.
Successful autotransplantation of a mature mesiodens to replace a traumatized maxillary central incisor
Authors: Dharmani U. , Rajput A. , Kamal C. , Talwar S. , Verma M. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAimThis case describes the successful transplantation of a mature mesiodens tooth to replace a traumatized maxillary central incisor.SummaryA 17‐year‐old male attended 1 week after a traumatic injury to his left maxillary central incisor (tooth 21). Radiographs revealed a horizontal root fracture and a poor prognosis. The tooth was atraumatically removed and replaced with a mesiodens lying in the same region. After stabilization, root canal treatment was performed and aesthetics were restored with a tooth coloured restoration. A 2‐year follow‐up revealed the tooth had good aesthetics and function.Key learning points

A supernumerary nonfunctional tooth such as a mesiodens can be successfully used to replace a missing permanent tooth by autotransplantation.

Autotransplantation has a high success rate if case selection is good, appropriate surgery is carried out and excellent hygiene is maintained.

Autotransplantation should be considered as one of the most biologic techniques for replacing a missing tooth with minimal cost.

Autotransplantation can be carried out even after complete root formation in the donor tooth.
Screening for skin cancer in bank and insurance employees: risk profile and correlation of self and physician's assessment
Authors: Winkler Angelika , Plugfelder Annette , Weide Benjamin , Leiter Ulrike , Held Laura , Garbe Claus , Eigentler Thomas 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundSelf‐assessment and knowledge of individual risk factors can be a reasonable strategy to detect cutaneous malignancies in an early curable stage.MethodsBank and insurance employees were voluntarily screened for skin cancer. They had to fill in a questionnaire asking for their skin and hair color, ultraviolet exposure and tanning ability, number and size of typical and atypical nevi, immunosuppression or chemotherapy, and history of skin cancer. Afterwards dermatologists performed a whole body evaluation, including a total body nevi count, and calculated an individualized risk profile.ResultsA total of 1658 employees were evaluated. Most employees underestimated their total number of nevi. There was poor agreement between employees and dermatologists (weighted κ‐value = 0.03); 45.5% of the employees were judged to be at low risk, 27.3% as intermediate risk, and 27.2% as high risk. Twenty‐seven employees (3.7%) with suspicious lesions were transferred to the clinics for further evaluation.ConclusionScreening for skin cancer in a working population reveals low numbers of suspicious lesions. The focus of mass screenings should be on education and teaching of self‐examinations.
Storage stability of cod liver oil organogels formed with beeswax and carnauba wax
Authors: Öğütcü Mustafa , Arifoğlu Nazan , Yılmaz Emin 
Published: July 2014

SummaryIn this study, organogels of cod liver oil (CLO) with beeswax (BW) and carnauba wax (CW) were prepared, and compared with a commercial margarine (CM). Oil binding capacities (OBC) of BW organogels were over 99%, while CW had a maximum OBC value of 91.28%. Crystal formation time of BW was shorter. Although the highest solid fat content (SFC) was in the 10% CW containing sample (8.69%), it was 28.99% in the CM sample at 20 °C. The peak melting temperature of CM was 43.70 °C, and BW organogel at 3% addition had the closest values (45.42 °C). Firmness and stickiness values of the organogels were lower than that of CM sample. No significant change in the texture parameters during storage was detected, indicating good stability. There was no hurdle against oxidation by organogelation during storage. This study has shown that CLO organogels can be suitable spreadable products.
Functional characterization of platelets in patients with arterial erectile dysfunction
Authors: La Vignera S. , Condorelli R. A. , Burgio G. , Vicari E. , Favilla V. , Russo G. I. , Cimino S. , Morgia G. , Calogero A. E. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryArterial erectile dysfunction (ED) is commonly associated with classic cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors, such as smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia and obesity. However, some patients with arterial ED do not present any cardiovascular risk factor. As mean platelet volume (MPV) has been shown to be directly related to the cardiovascular risk and the percentage of platelets expressing the vitronectin receptor (αVβ3), involved in the early stages of platelet adhesion, is higher in patients with ED, the present study was undertaken to evaluate MPV and αVβ3 in 15 patients with arterial ED not associated with any cardiovascular risk factor. Their MPV and αVβ3 values were compared with those of men with normal penile haemodynamic. Patients with arterial ED had a mean value of MPV (11.25 vs. 9.88 fL; p < 0.001) and a percentage of platelets expressing the αVβ3 (7.39 vs. 2.07%; p < 0.001) significantly higher compared to controls. A negative correlation was observed between peak systolic velocity and MPV (r = 0.916; p < 0.001) or αVβ3 (r = 0.930; p < 0.001), whereas MPV and αVβ3 correlated positively (r = 0.908; p < 0.001). In conclusion, this study showed for the first time that MPV and the percentage of platelet expressing αVβ3 are significantly higher in patients with arterial ED compared to controls. We speculate that these parameters of platelet function may be envisaged as markers of cardiovascular risk in patients with arterial ED.
Ring Compression Test for High‐Temperature Glass Using the Generalized Navier Law
Authors: Trabelssi Mohamed , Joseph Paul F. 
Published: July 2014

Glass‐forming processes such as high viscosity extrusion and Precision Glass Molding take place at temperatures where slip between the glass and mold/die surfaces is known to occur. Characterization of the frictional forces that accompany interface slip are essential in computational simulations of these processes for prediction of pressing time or force, distortion of the part and possible wear of expensive mold surfaces. In this study, the generalized Navier law, where the interface shear stress, τ, is related to the relative sliding speed of the glass on the mold surface, vs, by τ = kvse, is used in simulations of the ring compression test to produce friction calibration curves. Contrary to the nonlinear form of the Navier law, the linear form, just like the Coulomb friction model, leads to calibration curves that are loading rate and material behavior independent. This independence is achieved by normalizing the Navier friction coefficient with the viscosity. Friction calibration curves for the normalized coefficient are characterized for the full range of interface conditions from no‐slip to no friction. The results showed an approximate one‐to‐one correspondence between the normalized Navier coefficient and the Coulomb friction coefficient for the full range of axial deformation in the ring compression test.
Habitat and resource partitioning among Indo‐Pacific bottlenose dolphins in Moreton Bay, Australia
Authors: Ansmann Ina C. , Lanyon Janet M. , Seddon Jennifer M. , Parra Guido J. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractInvestigating resource partitioning among mobile marine predators such as cetaceans is challenging. Here we integrate multiple methodologies (analyses of habitat use, stable isotopes and trace elements) to assess ecological niche partitioning amongst two genetically divergent sympatric subpopulations (North and South) of Indo‐Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in Moreton Bay, Australia. Comparisons of the mean locations (latitude, longitude) and environmental variables (distance from sandbanks, distance from shore and water depth) observed at sightings of biopsy‐sampled individuals indicated that the North subpopulation occurred in the northwestern bay in significantly deeper water than the South subpopulation, which was found in southeastern nearshore waters and closer to sandbanks. Ratios of stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes in skin samples suggested that North dolphins foraged on higher trophic level prey in relatively more pelagic, offshore habitats, while South dolphins foraged on lower trophic prey in more nearshore, demersal and/or benthic habitats. Habitat partitioning was also reflected in higher blubber concentrations of most of the 13 measured trace elements, in particular lead, in the coastal South compared to the more pelagic North dolphins. These findings indicate that genetic subpopulations of bottlenose dolphins in Moreton Bay are adapted to different niches.
Induction of Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress in Leishmania donovani by Orally Active Clerodane Diterpene
Authors: Kathuria Manoj , Bhattacharjee Arindam , Sashidhara Koneni V. , Singh Suriya Pratap , Mitra Kalyan 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT

This study was performed to investigate the mechanistic aspects of cell death induced by a clerodane diterpene (K-09) in
Leishmania donovani
promastigotes that was previously demonstrated to be safe and orally active against visceral leishmaniasis (VL). K-09 caused depolarization of the mitochondrion and the generation of reactive oxygen species, triggering an apoptotic response in
L. donovani
promastigotes. Mitochondrial dysfunction subsequently resulted in the release of cytochrome
c
into the cytosol, impairing ATP production. Oxidative stress caused the depletion of reduced glutathione, while pretreatment with antioxidant
N
-acetyl cysteine (NAC) was able to abrogate oxidative stress. However, NAC failed to restore the mitochondrial membrane potential or intracellular calcium homeostasis after K-09 treatment, suggesting that the generation of oxidative stress is a downstream event relative to the other events. Caspase-3/-7-like protease activity and genomic DNA fragmentation were observed. Electron microscopy studies revealed gross morphological alterations typical of apoptosis, including severe mitochondrial damage, pyknosis of the nucleus, structural disruption of the mitochondrion-kinetoplast complex, flagellar pocket alterations, and the displacement of organelles. Moreover, an increased number of lipid droplets was detected after K-09 treatment, which is suggestive of altered lipid metabolism. Our results indicate that K-09 induces mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress-mediated apoptotic cell death in
L. donovani
promastigotes, sharing many features with metazoan apoptosis. These mechanistic insights provide a basis for further investigation toward the development of K-09 as a potential drug candidate for VL.
Pharmacokinetic Interaction between Pyronaridine-Artesunate and Metoprolol
Authors: Morris Carrie A. , Pokorny Rolf , Lopez-Lazaro Luis , Miller Robert M. , Arbe-Barnes Sarah , Duparc Stephan , Borghini-Fuhrer Isabelle , Shin Jang-Sik , Fleckenstein Lawrence 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT

The objectives of this study were to characterize any drug-drug interaction between the antimalarial Pyramax (pyronaridine-artesunate [PA]) and the CYP2D6 probe substrate metoprolol and to assess the safety of 60-day or 90-day PA redosing, particularly with regard to liver biochemistry parameters. Healthy adult subjects were randomized to arm A (
n
= 26) or arm B (
n
= 30), with the arm A subjects administered 100 mg metoprolol tartrate in the first period, 100 mg metoprolol tartrate with the third of three daily doses of PA in the second period, and three daily doses of PA alone in the 90-day redosing period. The arm B subjects received the three-day PA regimen in the first period, with redosing of the regimen after 60 days in the second period. The noncompartmental pharmacokinetic parameters were computed for metoprolol, its metabolite alpha-hydroxymetoprolol, and pyronaridine. The coadministration of metoprolol and PA was associated with an average 47.93% (90% confidence interval [CI], 30.52, 67.66) increase in the maximum concentration of metoprolol and a 25.60% (90% CI, 15.78, 36.25) increase in the metoprolol area under the concentration-time curve from time zero to the last quantifiable concentration obtained (AUC

0-
t

); these increases most likely resulted from pyronaridine-mediated CYP2D6 inhibition. No interaction effect of metoprolol with pyronaridine was apparent. Following dosing with PA, some subjects experienced rises in liver function tests above the upper limit of normal during the first few days following PA administration. All such elevations resolved typically within 10 days, and up to 30 days at most. In subjects who were redosed, the incidences of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or aspartate transaminase (AST) level elevations were similar on the first and second administrations, with no marked difference between the 60-day and 90-day redosing.
Pivotal Role for a Tail Subunit of the RNA Polymerase II Mediator Complex CgMed2 in Azole Tolerance and Adherence in Candida glabrata
Authors: Borah Sapan , Shivarathri Raju , Srivastava Vivek Kumar , Ferrari Sélène , Sanglard Dominique , Kaur Rupinder 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT

Antifungal therapy failure can be associated with increased resistance to the employed antifungal agents.
Candida glabrata
, the second most common cause of invasive candidiasis, is intrinsically less susceptible to the azole class of antifungals and accounts for 15% of all
Candida
bloodstream infections. Here, we show that
C. glabrata
MED2
(
CgMED2
), which codes for a tail subunit of the RNA polymerase II Mediator complex, is required for resistance to azole antifungal drugs in
C. glabrata
. An inability to transcriptionally activate genes encoding a zinc finger transcriptional factor, CgPdr1, and multidrug efflux pump, CgCdr1, primarily contributes to the elevated susceptibility of the
Cgmed2
Δ mutant toward azole antifungals. We also report for the first time that the
Cgmed2
Δ mutant exhibits sensitivity to caspofungin, a constitutively activated protein kinase C-mediated cell wall integrity pathway, and elevated adherence to epithelial cells. The increased adherence of the
Cgmed2
Δ mutant was attributed to the elevated expression of the
EPA1
and
EPA7
genes. Further, our data demonstrate that
CgMED2
is required for intracellular proliferation in human macrophages and modulates survival in a murine model of disseminated candidiasis. Lastly, we show an essential requirement for CgMed2, along with the Mediator middle subunit CgNut1 and the Mediator cyclin-dependent kinase/cyclin subunit CgSrb8, for the high-level fluconazole resistance conferred by the hyperactive allele of CgPdr1. Together, our findings underscore a pivotal role for CgMed2 in basal tolerance and acquired resistance to azole antifungals.
Sequence Types 235, 111, and 132 Predominate among Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Clinical Isolates in Croatia
Authors: Guzvinec Marija , Izdebski Radosław , Butic Iva , Jelic Marko , Abram Maja , Koscak Iva , Baraniak Anna , Hryniewicz Waleria , Gniadkowski Marek , Tambic Andrasevic Arjana 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT

A population analysis of 103 multidrug-resistant
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
isolates from Croatian hospitals was performed. Twelve sequence types (STs) were identified, with a predominance of international clones ST235 (serotype O11 [41%]), ST111 (serotype O12 [15%]), and ST132 (serotype O6 [11%]). Overexpression of the natural AmpC cephalosporinase was common (42%), but only a few ST235 or ST111 isolates produced VIM-1 or VIM-2 metallo-β-lactamases or PER-1 or GES-7 extended-spectrum β-lactamases.
Faecal incontinence—the hidden scourge of irritable bowel syndrome: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Atarodi Sima , Rafieian Shahram , Whorwell Peter J 
Published: July 2014

ObjectiveFaecal incontinence (FI) is a devastating condition which is well recognised in the elderly and those with certain conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease. However, there is surprisingly little information on its prevalence in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), especially in relation to bowel habit subtype, and this study aimed to answer this question.Design500 consecutive new and follow-up secondary care IBS outpatients (399 female, 101 male, age range 15–87, mean age 46) fulfilling Rome III criteria without any significant concomitant disease were studied. They completed a series of questionnaires documenting FI, IBS severity, IBS subtype, non-colonic symptoms, quality of life, anxiety, depression and any other factors that might be associated with FI.Results285 patients (57%) reported FI, which was mild in 68 (23.9%), moderate in 99 (34.7%) and severe in 91 (31.9%) and in response to laxatives in 27 (9.5%) with an equal prevalence in males and females. The prevalence of FI in patients classified as having mild, moderate or severe IBS was 62%, 49.5% and 61%, respectively. The prevalence of incontinence was 65.2% in diarrhoea IBS, 63.7% in alternating IBS and, surprisingly, 37.9% in constipation IBS, where it was in response to laxatives in 35.8%. Compared to continent patients, those with FI had a significantly higher prevalence of urinary incontinence, previous abdominal surgery, pregnancy and vaginal as opposed to caesarean delivery. 23.3% had not disclosed their incontinence to anyone and only 50.6% had told their general practitioner. 66% always carried a change of clothes and 30% used incontinence pads on a regular basis.ConclusionsThe prevalence of FI in these relatively young patients approached that observed in elderly care homes. Hopefully, recognition of this problem will lead to improved management and reduce the trivialisation that unfortunately still continues to surround this condition.