bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impaired Cardiac Autonomic Functions in Apparently Healthy Subjects with Vitamin D Deficiency
Authors: Canpolat Uğur , Özcan Fırat , Özeke Özcan , Turak Osman , Yayla Çağr , Açıkgöz Sadık Kadri , Çay Serkan , Topaloğlu Serkan , Aras Dursun , Aydoğdu Sinan 
Published: November 2014

ObjectivesVitamin D (VitD) deficiency affects the cardiovascular system via endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine pathways. Limited data are available regarding cardiac autonomic dysfunction in VitD deficiency. The aim of this study was to assess the cardiac autonomic functions by using heart rate recovery index (HRRI) and heart rate variability (HRV) in apparently healthy subjects with VitD deficiency.MethodsA total of 24 VitD deficient and 50 age‐, gender‐, and body mass index–matched VitD sufficient healthy participants who admitted to outpatient clinics at a tertiary centre were enrolled. All study participants underwent Treadmill exercise test and 24‐hour Holter recording to assess cardiac autonomic functions. HRRIs were calculated by subtracting first, second, and third minute heart rates during recovery period from maximal heart rate.ResultsMean HRR1 (28.0 ± 8.3 vs 42.8 ± 6.4, P < 0.001), HRR2 (41.1 ± 11.2 vs 60.8 ± 10.4, P < 0.001), and HRR3 (44.9 ± 13.3 vs 65.9 ± 9.8, P < 0.001) were significantly higher in VitD sufficient group compared to VitD deficient group. HRV parameters as, SDNN (P = 0.040), SDANN (P < 0.001), RMSSD (P < 0.001), PNN50 (P < 0.001), and HF (P < 0.001) were significantly decreased in patients with VitD deficiency; but LF (P < 0.001) and LF/HF (P = 0.003) were significantly higher in VitD deficient group. Serum 25(OH)D level was positively correlated with HRRIs (P < 0.001), PNN50, RMSSD, SDANN, and HFnu; negatively correlated with LFnu and LF/HF (P < 0.05). Also, multivariate linear regression analysis showed that serum 25(OH)D level was significantly associated with HRRIs and HRV parameters (P < 0.001).ConclusionOur study results suggest that cardiac autonomic functions are impaired in patients with VitD deficiency despite the absence of overt cardiac involvement and symptoms. Further studies are needed to elucidate the prognostic significance and clinical implications of impaired autonomic functions in patients with VitD deficiency.
Early and exudative age‐related macular degeneration is associated with increased plasma levels of soluble TNF receptor II
Authors: Faber Carsten , Jehs Tina , Juel Helene Bæk , Singh Amardeep , Falk Mads Krüger , Sørensen Torben Lykke , Nissen Mogens Holst 
Published: November 2014

AbstractPurposeWe have recently identified homeostatic alterations in the circulating T cells of patients with age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). In cultures of retinal pigment epithelial cells, we have demonstrated that T‐cell‐derived cytokines induced the upregulation of complement, chemokines and other proteins implicated in AMD pathogenesis. The purpose of this study was to test whether increased plasma levels of cytokines were present in patients with AMD.MethodsWe conducted a case–control study. Age‐related macular degeneration status was assessed using standardized multimodal imaging techniques. Plasma was isolated from freshly drawn peripheral venous blood samples and analysed for interleukin (IL)15, IL18, interferon (IFN)γ, soluble tumour necrosis factor (TNF) receptor II (sTNFRII) and complement factor H (CFH) Y402H genotype.ResultsWe included 136 individuals with early or late forms of AMD and 74 controls. Significantly increased levels of sTNFRII were observed in patients with early or exudative AMD (p < 0.01). After adjusting for CFH Y402H genotype, age, sex and smoking history, the level of sTNFRII remained a significant predictor for prevalence of AMD with odds ratios at 3.0 in the middle and 3.6 in the highest tertiles. Levels of IL15, IL18 and IFNγ were low and not associated with AMD.ConclusionsIncreased plasma level of sTNFRII is found to be associated with AMD. The data supports the observations of low‐grade, systemic inflammatory alterations in patients with AMD. However, it remains to be determined whether increased levels of TNFα can be found, which directly reflects an increased activity of macrophages and T cells.
Effect of basal ganglia calcification on its glucose metabolism and dopaminergic function in idiopathic hypoparathyroidism
Authors: Modi Sagar , Arora Geetanjali , Bal Chandra Shekhar , Sreenivas Vishnubhatla , Kailash Suparna , Sagar Rajesh , Goswami Ravinder 
Published: November 2014

SummaryBackgroundThe functional significance of basal ganglia calcification (BGC) in idiopathic hypoparathyroidism (IH) is not clear.ObjectiveTo assess the effect of BGC on glucose metabolism and dopaminergic function in IH.Methods18F‐FDG and 99mTc‐TRODAT‐1 nuclear imaging were performed in 35 IH patients with (n = 26) and without (n = 9) BGC. Controls were subjects without hypoparathyroidism or BGC (nine for 18F‐FDG and 12 for 99mTc‐TRODAT‐1). Relationship of the glucose metabolism and dopaminergic function was assessed with the neuropsychological and biochemical abnormalities.Results18F‐FDG uptake in IH patients with calcification at caudate and striatum was less than that of IH patients without calcification (1·06 ± 0·13 vs 1·24 ± 0·09, P = <0·0001 and 1·06 ± 0·09 vs 1·14 ± 0·08, P = 0·03, respectively). 18F‐FDG uptake did not correlate with neuropsychological dysfunctions. 18F‐FDG uptake in IH without BGC was significantly lower than that of controls. The mean 99mTc‐TRODAT‐1 uptake at basal ganglia was comparable between IH with and without BGC and between IH without BGC and controls. Serum calcium–phosphorus ratio maintained by the patients correlated with 18F‐FDG uptake at striatum (r = 0·57, P = 0·001). For every 0·1 unit reduction in calcium–phosphorus ratio, 18F‐FDG uptake decreased by 2·5 ± 0·68% (P = 0·001).ConclusionBGC was associated with modest reduction (15%) in 18F‐FDG uptake at basal ganglia in IH but did not affect dopaminergic function. 18F‐FDG uptake did not correlate with neuropsychological dysfunctions. Interestingly, chronic hypocalcaemia–hyperphosphataemia also contributed to reduction in 18F‐FDG uptake which was independent of BGC.
Spread of Paraleyrodes minei Iaccarino (nesting whitefly) in Italian citrus groves
Authors: Longo S. , Rapisarda C. 
Published: November 2014

Outbreaks of Paraleyrodes minei Iaccarino have been noted on citrus in a wide area along the whole eastern coast of Sicily (South Italy), in the districts of Catania, Messina and Siracusa. Until this year, the whitefly was only reported in Italy from a few samples collected on a limited number of ornamental sour orange trees in a town park in Portici, in the district of Naples. Findings in 2014 of the insect in Sicily were made not only on ornamental citrus trees in urban areas, but more importantly in orange, lemon and mandarin commercial orchards. This severe and extremely rapid spread of P. minei in Sicily (where more than half of Italian citrus are produced) represents a potential threat for the local citrus industry and requires careful monitoring to define both the actual pest status of the whitefly as well as the occurrence and role of eventual natural enemies. Brief notes on morphology, bio‐ecology and present geographical distribution of P. minei are given in this paper, together with details on the occurrences in Sicily and short considerations on the pest importance and control possibilities for this insect.
Epidemiological characteristics and outcome in elderly patients sustaining non‐simultaneous bilateral hip fracture: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhu Yanbin , Chen Wei , Sun Tao , Zhang Qi , Liu Song , Zhang Yingze 
Published: November 2014

ObjectivesThe present study aimed to quantitatively and comprehensively conclude the epidemiological characteristics and outcome in elderly patients with non‐simultaneous bilateral hip fractures.MethodsA search was applied to Medline, Embase and Cochrane central database (all up to February 2014). All the studies on non‐simultaneous bilateral hip fractures in elderly patients without language restriction were reviewed, and qualities of included studies were assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. All the data were carefully and independently abstracted by two reviewers, any disagreement was settled by discussion. Data were pooled and a meta‐analysis completed.ResultsA total of 23 studies (all were observational) including 2168 cases with bilateral hip fractures were identified, showing an accumulated incidence of 8.54%, and of them 71.4% were symmetrical. A total of 70.4% of cases occurred in the first 3 years, especially 36.3% in the first year. Results of meta‐analyses showed that patients of female sex (odds ratio [OR] 1.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10–1.99), advanced age (standardized mean difference 0.25, 95% CI 0.15–0.36), initial trochanteric fractures (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.01–1.32) and osteoporosis (Singh Index 1–3) (OR 10.02, 95% CI 5.41–18.57) were more likely to sustain a second contralateral hip fracture.ConclusionsNon‐simultaneous bilateral hip fracture accounts for a high proportion of hip fractures, and most of the second hip fractures occurred in the first 3 years. Patients of female sex, having initial trochanteric fractures, of more advanced age and having osteoporosis are more likely to sustain a second contralateral hip fracture, and risk‐reduction strategies should be implemented. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 11–18.
Relationship between chewing ability and sarcopenia in Japanese community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Murakami Masaharu , Hirano Hirohiko , Watanabe Yutaka , Sakai Katsuhiko , Kim Hunkyoung , Katakura Akira 
Published: November 2014

AimIt has been reported that if nutrient intake is unbalanced, muscle mass, muscle strength and physical performance declines, and therefore it is important to maintain chewing ability to keep a balanced nutrient intake. However, the relationship between chewing ability and sarcopenia has not been previously reported. Therefore, the present study investigated the relationship between chewing ability and sarcopenia in addition to known sarcopenia‐related factors.MethodsWe examined 761 participants (average age 73.0 ± 5.1 years), who lived in the Itabashi city of Tokyo. Our research was designed to examine the relationship between chewing ability and sarcopenia. We carried out regression analysis to analyze the relationship with sarcopenia‐related factors with consideration of the age of the participants.ResultsThe 761 participants were divided into two groups in terms of the stage of sarcopenia according to whether there was a deterioration of muscle strength or physical performance. Furthermore, we carried out logistic regression analyses on the value as a dependent variable, including known sarcopenia‐related factors. There were significant correlations of sarcopenia with age (odds ratio 2.37, 95% confidence interval 1.52–3.70), body mass index (odds ratio 0.75, 95% confidence interval 0.69–0.81) and chewing ability (odds ratio 2.18, 95% confidence interval 1.21–3.93).ConclusionsThe present study shows that chewing ability is related to sarcopenia, which is equal to the relationship with the known factor of age by odds ratio. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 1007–1012.
A Plains‐wanderer (Pedionomidae) that did not wander plains: a new species from the Oligocene of South Australia
Authors: De Pietri Vanesa L. , Camens Aaron B. , Worthy Trevor H. 
Published: November 2014

The remarkable fauna of Australia evolved in isolation from other landmasses for millions of years, yet understanding the evolutionary history of endemic avian lineages on the continent is confounded by the ability of birds to disperse over geographical barriers even after vicariance events. The Plains‐wanderer Pedionomus torquatus (Charadriiformes) is an enigmatic, predominantly sedentary, quail‐like bird that occurs exclusively in sparse native grasslands of southeastern Australia. It is the only known species of its family (Pedionomidae), and its closest relatives are the South American seedsnipes (Thinocoridae). Here we describe a further representative of this lineage, Oligonomus milleri gen. et sp. nov., from the Late Oligocene of South Australia (26–24 Ma), which pre‐dates the earliest record of P. torquatus by c. 22 Ma and attests to the presence of this lineage during Australia's period of isolation (50–15 Ma). Based on the morphology of the coracoid and the palynological record, we propose that O. milleri and P. torquatus were ecologically disparate taxa and that, similar to coeval marsupials, O. milleri inhabited well‐wooded habitats, suggesting that the preference for grassland in the extant P. torquatus and thinocorids is likely to be convergent and not ancestral. The speciation event leading to the evolution of the extant Plains‐wanderer was probably triggered by the spread of grasslands across Australia in the Late Miocene–Pliocene, which this record pre‐dates. The presence of a pedionomid in the Late Oligocene of Australia strengthens the hypothesis of a Gondwanan divergence of the lineages giving rise to Thinocoridae and Pedionomidae.
Effects of Different Surfactants on Humidity Sensing Properties of CeO2 Nanobelts Thin Film Prepared by Hydrothermal Method
Authors: Wang Chunjie , Wang Yue 
Published: November 2014

CeO2 nanobelts were synthesized with three different types of surfactants (polyethyleneglycol [PEG], cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide [CTAB], and sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate [SDBS]) via hydrothermal method. X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were utilized to characterize the phase structures and morphologies of the products. CeO2‐C (the sample with CTAB as surfactant) has the largest specific surface area among three samples. The humidity sensing performances of the corresponding sensors were also investigated. CeO2‐C shows high humidity sensitivity (the impedance decreases by about five orders of magnitude), rapid response–recovery characteristics (6 and 7 s), and narrow hysteresis loop (4%) at 100 Hz in the relative humidity range from 11% to 95%. Such results indicate that the cationic surfactant (CTAB) can effectively improve on the performance of CeO2 humidity sensors.
Eram, ergo sum? A 1-year retrospective study of General Pharmaceutical Council fitness to practise hearings
Authors: Gallagher Cathal T , Greenland Victoria A M , Hickman Adrienne C 
Published: November 2014

Abstract

Objectives
The principal aims of this research were: to assess whether aggravating and mitigating circumstances considered by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) when imposing sanctions are considered when determining impairment of fitness to practise and to determine whether those circumstances described by the GPhC in their Indicative Sanctions Guidance (ISG) as warranting erasure from the Register of Pharmacists lead to that outcome.

Methods
The consideration of specific aggravating circumstances or points of mitigation in determining impairment of fitness to practise were compared with their subsequent consideration when determining the severity of sanction. Additionally, the proportion of cases that highlighted aggravating circumstances deemed by the GPhC as serious enough to warrant the sanction of erasure were monitored to determine if they were more likely to give rise to this sanction.

Key findings
Fifty-one cases heard by the GPhC between 1 October 2011 and 30 September 2012 met with the inclusion criteria. Pearson’s χ2 test was used to detect a variation from the expected distribution of data. Of the four aggravating/mitigating circumstances considered, all but one was more likely to be heard when determining sanction having first been factored in to the consideration of impairment. There was a statistically significant correlation between both risk of harm and dishonesty as aggravating factors and the sanction erasure from the Medical Register.

Conclusions
The GPhC do, in general, consider relevant factors at all stages of their deliberations into practitioner misconduct, as required by the determinations in the cases of Cohen, Zygmunt, and Azzam, and subsequently consider their ISG regarding dishonesty as an aggravating circumstance in determining which sanction to apply.
Physicians’ attitudes towards provision of primary care services in community pharmacy in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Hasan Sanah , Stewart Kay , Chapman Colin B , Hasan Mohammed Yousif , Kong David C M 
Published: November 2014

Abstract

Objectives
This study aims to explore physicians' views of pharmacists' roles in providing primary care services through community pharmacies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Methods
A qualitative approach involving semi-structured interviews conducted one-to-one or in group discussions was employed. The interviews explored participants' views of pharmacists' primary care services including screening and monitoring of disease, health advice, referral, lifestyle and preventive care, supply of printed information, counselling on medications, patient record keeping, and pharmacist intervention in chronic disease management. Data were analysed using the Framework approach.

Key findings
Fifty-three physicians participated; 27 were interviewed individually and 26 participated in five group discussions. Four major themes were identified: competence, business orientation, territorial control and service delivery. Participants were supportive of verbal counselling about medications, checking for drug dosing, interactions, duplications and errors, and keeping patient medication profiles. Physicians generally did not favour pharmacists' involvement in screening or monitoring of disease, providing information about diseases, diagnosis or long-term management of disease, or intervention directly with patients, mainly due to perceived lack of competence, territorial encroachment and business orientation of community pharmacy.

Conclusions
Despite some reservations, participants showed support for pharmacist involvement in providing primary care services, provided certain quality and territorial issues were addressed. Understanding physicians' attitudes will facilitate interventions to enhance the contribution of community pharmacists to primary care in the UAE, and possibly in other regions with similar healthcare systems.
Visualization of granzyme B‐expressing CD8 T cells during primary and secondary immune responses to Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Mouchacca Pierre , Chasson Lionel , Frick Melissa , Foray Chloé , Schmitt‐Verhulst Anne‐Marie , Boyer Claude 
Published: November 2014

SummaryCD8 T cells contribute to long‐term protection against Listeria monocytogenes infection by differentiating into memory T cells. These rapidly respond to antigen or inflammation upon secondary infection. In this study we used CD8 T cells from OT1 mice and CD4 T cells from OT2 mice expressing a fluorescent chimeric granzyme (GZMB‐Tom) protein to monitor the primary response to infection with ovalbumin‐expressing L. monocytogenes (Lm‐OVA). We show that, unlike poorly responding CD4 T cells, CD8 T cells readily proliferated and expressed high levels of GZMB‐Tom as early as 2 days after infection. FACS analysis showed GZMB‐Tom expression in undivided CD8 T cells, with its level increasing over one to four divisions. OT1 T cells were visualized in the T‐cell zone by confocal microscopy. This showed GZMB‐Tom‐containing granules oriented towards MHCII‐positive cells. Twenty hours later, most OT1 T cells had divided but their level of GZMB‐Tom expression was reduced. Recently divided OT1 cells failed to express GZMB‐Tom. Fourteen hours after secondary infection, GZMB‐Tom was re‐expressed in memory OT1 T cells responding either to Lm‐OVA or L. monocytogenes. Differences in the activation phenotype and in the splenic distribution of OT1 T cells were observed, depending on the challenge. Notably, OTI T cells with polarized granules were only observed after challenge with cognate antigen. This work showed that the GZMB‐Tom knock‐in mice in which GZMB‐Tom faithfully reproduced GZMB expression, provide useful tools to dissect mechanisms leading to the development of anti‐bacterial effector and memory CD8 T cells and reactivation of the memory response to cognate antigen or inflammatory signals.
Synthesis of Biopolymer‐Derived Zirconium Carbide Powder by Facile One‐Pot Reaction
Authors: Patra Niranjan , Jayaseelan Daniel Doni , Lee William Edward 
Published: November 2014

Zirconium carbide (ZrC) was synthesized by polycondensation and carbothermal reduction reactions from an organic–inorganic hybrid complex. A natural biopolymer Gum Karaya (GK) and zirconyl oxychloride octahydrate (ZOO) were used as the sources of carbon and zirconium, respectively. FTIR of as‐synthesized dried complexes revealed formation of Zr–O. Pyrolysis of the complexes at 1200°C/1 h under argon resulted in tetragonal and monoclinic zirconia which after heat treatment at 1400°C–1550°C transformed to zirconium carbide. Thermal analysis shows that the GK–ZOO complexes lost less mass than the pristine GK to 600°C. The intensity of exothermic decomposition decreases and shifted to higher temperature for the hybrid complexes indicating that zirconia induced thermal stability. A maximum ZrC yield of ~60 wt% is obtained for the intermediate GK–ZOO ratio of 1:2. Particles pyrolyzed for 1 h at 1550°C were coarser (5–10 μm) with flakes for lower GK–ZOO weight ratio, but were spheroidal with narrow size distribution (~1 μm) with increasing GK–ZOO weight ratio.
Electronic Surveillance and Pharmacist Intervention for Vulnerable Older Inpatients on High‐Risk Medication Regimens
Authors: Peterson Josh F. , Kripalani Sunil , Danciu Ioana , Harrell Debbie , Marvanova Marketa , Mixon Amanda S. , Rodriguez Carmen , Powers James S. 
Published: November 2014

ObjectivesTo develop and evaluate an electronic tool to assist clinical pharmacists with reviewing potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) in hospitalized elderly adults.DesignPilot intervention.SettingAcademic tertiary care hospital.ParticipantsHospitalized adults aged 65 and older admitted to the general medicine, orthopedics, and urology services during a 3‐week period in 2011 who were administered at least one medication from a list of 240 PIMs.InterventionA computerized PIMS dashboard flagged individuals with at least one administered PIM or a high calculated anticholinergic score. The dashboard also displayed 48‐hour cumulative narcotic and benzodiazepine administration. Participants were ranked to reflect the estimated risk of an adverse event using logical combinations of data (e.g., use of multiple sedatives in a nonmonitored location). In a pilot implementation, a clinical pharmacist reviewed the flagged records and delivered an immediate point‐of‐care intervention for the treating physician.MeasurementsClinician response to pharmacist intervention.ResultsThe PIMS dashboard flagged 179 of 797 individuals (22%) admitted over a 3‐week period and 485 participant‐medication pairs for review by the clinical pharmacist. Seventy‐one participant records with 139 participant–medication pairs required additional manual review of the electronic medical record. Twenty‐two participants receiving 40 inappropriate medication orders were judged to warrant an intervention, which was delivered by personal communication over the telephone or text message. Clinicians enacted 31 of 40 (78%) pharmacist recommendations.ConclusionAn electronic PIM dashboard provided an efficient mechanism for clinical pharmacists to rapidly screen the medication regimens of hospitalized elderly adults and deliver a timely point‐of‐care intervention when indicated.