bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vascular Access Outcome in the Elderly Dialysis Patient in Combination With the Quality of Life
Authors: Leur Kevin de , Öztürk Çigdem , Zeeland Michiel L. P. Van , Groot Hans G. W. de , Heyligers Jan M. M. , Vriens Patrick W. H. E. , Ho Gwan H. , Laan Lijckle van der 
Published: July 2013

Purpose: We performed a retrospective study on hemodialysis fistulae in patients aged 75 years and older. Methods: Dialysis records of 2 hospitals were searched for patients of 75 years and older who had primary autologous radiocephalic arteriovenous fistulae (RCAVFs) and brachiocephalic arteriovenous fistulae (BCAVFs). Outcome measures were primary, primary-assisted, and secondary patency rates. Also, quality of life (QOL) was measured. Results: A total of 107 fistulae were placed in 90 patients; 65 (61%) RCAVFs and 42 (39%) BCAVFs were created. The primary patency rate ( P = .026) and the primary-assisted patency rate ( P = .016) of BCAVFs were significantly higher than that of RCAVFs. Secondary patency rates at 1 year ( P = .01) and 2 years ( P = .035) were higher in BCAVFs than in RCAVFs. Conclusions: The BCAVFs give significantly higher primary and primary-assisted patency rates and also significantly higher secondary patency rates at 1 and 2 years. Therefore, we suggest the placement of elbow fistulae in the elderly patients. The QOL was surprisingly high in this population despite a high mortality rate.
Longitudinal Outcomes After Tibioperoneal Angioplasty Alone Compared to Tibial Stenting and Atherectomy for Critical Limb Ischemia
Authors: Reynolds Shaun , Galiñanes Edgar Luis , Dombrovskiy Viktor Y. , Vogel Todd R. 
Published: July 2013

Objectives: There are limited data available evaluating longitudinal outcomes after tibioperoneal angioplasty (TA) alone compared to adjunctive tibial procedures including stenting and atherectomy. Methods: Using the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services inpatient claims (2005-2007), patients evaluated TA only, TA plus stent placement (TA + S), and TA plus atherectomy (TA + A). Results: A total of 2080 patients with critical limb ischemia underwent percutaneous tibioperoneal intervention for the indication of ulceration. Procedures included TA (56.3%), TA + S (16.2%), and TA + A (27.5%). Rates of amputation were not statistically different between the groups at 30, 90, and 365 days after the intervention. Mean total hospital charges were TA ($35 867), TA + A ($41 698; P = .0004), and TA + S ($51 040; P < .0001). Conclusions: Patients undergoing TA alone compared to concomitant stenting or atherectomy for ulceration demonstrated no improvement in limb salvage. Future analysis of adjunctive tibioperoneal interventions is essential to temper cost, as they fail to improve long-term limb salvage.
The Ecdysone receptor constrains wingless expression to pattern cell cycle across the Drosophilawing margin in a cyclin B-dependent manner
Authors: Mitchell Naomi C , Lin Jane I , Zaytseva Olga , Cranna Nicola , Lee Amanda , Quinn Leonie M 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Ecdysone triggers transcriptional changes via the ecdysone receptor (EcR) to coordinate developmental programs of apoptosis, cell cycle and differentiation. Data suggests EcR affects cell cycle gene expression indirectly and here we identify Wingless as an intermediary factor linking EcR to cell cycle.

Results
We demonstrate EcR patterns cell cycle across the presumptive Drosophila wing margin by constraining wg transcription to modulate CycB expression, but not the previously identified Wg-targets dMyc or Stg. Furthermore co-knockdown of Wg restores CycB patterning in EcR knockdown clones. Wg is not a direct target of EcR, rather we demonstrate that repression of Wg by EcR is likely mediated by direct interaction between the EcR-responsive zinc finger transcription factor Crol and the wg promoter.

Conclusions
Thus we elucidate a critical mechanism potentially connecting ecdysone with patterning signals to ensure correct timing of cell cycle exit and differentiation during margin wing development.
Variable promoter methylation contributes to differential expression of key genes in human placenta-derived venous and arterial endothelial cells
Authors: Joo Jihoon E , Hiden Ursula , Lassance Luciana , Gordon Lavinia , Martino David J , Desoye Gernot , Saffery Richard 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
The endothelial compartment, comprising arterial, venous and lymphatic cell types, is established prenatally in association with rapid phenotypic and functional changes. The molecular mechanisms underpinning this process in utero have yet to be fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential for DNA methylation to act as a driver of the specific gene expression profiles of arterial and venous endothelial cells.

Results
Placenta-derived venous and arterial endothelial cells were collected at birth prior to culturing. DNA methylation was measured at >450,000 CpG sites in parallel with expression measurements taken from 25,000 annotated genes. A consistent set of genomic loci was found to show coordinate differential methylation between the arterial and venous cell types. This included many loci previously not investigated in relation to endothelial function. An inverse relationship was observed between gene expression and promoter methylation levels for a limited subset of genes implicated in endothelial function, including NOS3, encoding endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase.

Conclusion
Endothelial cells derived from the placental vasculature at birth contain widespread methylation of key regulatory genes. These are candidates involved in the specification of different endothelial cell types and represent potential target genes for environmentally mediated epigenetic disruption in utero in association with cardiovascular disease risk later in life.
Monitoring the prevalence of viable and dead cariogenic bacteria in oral specimens and in vitro biofilms by qPCR combined with propidium monoazide
Authors: Yasunaga Ai , Yoshida Akihiro , Morikawa Kazumasa , Maki Kenshi , Nakamura Suguru , Soh Inho , Awano Shuji , Ansai Toshihiro 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background

Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus are associated with the development of dental caries in humans. However, previous diagnostic systems are unsuitable for monitoring viable cell numbers in oral specimens. Assessing the relationship between the numbers of viable and dead bacterial cells and oral status is important for understanding oral infectious diseases. Propidium monoazide (PMA) has been reported to penetrate dead cells following membrane damage and to cross-link DNA, thereby inhibiting DNA amplification. In the present study, we established an assay for selective analysis of two viable human cariogenic pathogens, S. mutans and S. sobrinus, using PMA combined with real-time PCR (PMA-qPCR).

Results
We designed species-specific primer sets for S. mutans and S. sobrinus, generated standard curves for measuring cell numbers, and evaluated the dynamic range of the assay. To determine the effectiveness of the assay, PMA was added to viable and autoclave-killed cell mixtures. PMA treatment effectively prevented DNA amplification from dead cells. No amplification of DNA from dead cells was observed in these organisms. In addition, we applied this assay to analyze viable cell numbers in oral specimens. A significant correlation was found between the number of viable S. mutans cells in saliva and that in plaque among caries-free patients, whereas no correlation was observed between saliva and carious dentin. The total and viable cell numbers in caries-positive saliva were significantly higher than those in caries-free saliva. Finally, we analyzed the usefulness of this assay for in vitro oral biofilm analysis. We applied PMA-qPCR for monitoring viable S. mutans cell numbers in vitro in planktonic cells and oral biofilm treated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). In planktonic cells, the number of viable cells decreased significantly with increasing H2O2 concentration, whereas only a small decrease was observed in biofilm cell numbers.

Conclusions
PMA-qPCR is potentially useful for quantifying viable cariogenic pathogens in oral specimens and is applicable to oral biofilm experiments. This assay will help to elucidate the relationship between the number of viable cells in oral specimens and the oral status.
A Method for generating marker-less gene deletions in multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Amin Ismawati Mohammad , Richmond Grace E , Sen Paromita , Koh Tse Hsien , Piddock Laura JV , Chua Kim Lee 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background

Acinetobacter baumannii is an important nosocomial pathogen that has become increasingly resistant to multiple antibiotics. Genetic manipulation of MDR A. baumannii is useful especially for defining the contribution of each active efflux mechanism in multidrug resistance. Existing methods rely on the use of an antibiotic selection marker and are not suited for multiple gene deletions.

Results
A tellurite-resistant (sacB
+, xylE
+) suicide vector, pMo130-TelR, was created for deleting the adeFGH and adeIJK operons in two clinical MDR A. baumannii, DB and R2 from Singapore. Using a two-step selection, plasmid insertion recombinants (first-crossover) were selected for tellurite resistance and the deletion mutants (second-crossover) were then selected for loss of sacB. The DNA deletions were verified by PCR while loss of gene expression in the ΔadeFGH, ΔadeIJK and ΔadeFGH ΔadeIJK deletion mutants was confirmed using qRT-PCR. The contribution of AdeFGH and AdeIJK pumps to MDR was defined by comparing antimicrobial susceptibilities of the isogenic mutants and the parental strains. The deletion of adeIJK produced no more than eight-fold increase in susceptibility to nalidixic acid, tetracycline, minocycline, tigecycline, clindamycin, trimethoprim and chloramphenicol, while the deletion of adeL-adeFGH operon alone had no impact on antimicrobial susceptibility. Dye accumulation assays using H33342 revealed increased dye retention in all deletion mutants, except for the R2ΔadeFGH mutant, where a decrease was observed. Increased accumulation of ethidium bromide was observed in the parental strains and all pump deletion mutants in the presence of efflux inhibitors. The efflux pump deletion mutants in this study revealed that only the AdeIJK, but not the AdeFGH RND pump, contributes to antimicrobial resistance and dye accumulation in MDR A. baumannii DB and R2.

Conclusions
The marker-less gene deletion method using pMo130-TelR is applicable for creating single and multiple gene deletions in MDR A. baumannii. The adeFGH and adeIJK operons were successfully deleted separately and together using this method and the impact of each efflux pump on antimicrobial resistance could be defined clearly.
Problem alcohol use among problem drug users in primary care: a qualitative study of what patients think about screening and treatment
Authors: Field Catherine Anne , Klimas Jan , Barry Joseph , Bury Gerard , Keenan Eamon , Smyth Bobby P , Cullen Walter 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Problem alcohol use is common and associated with considerable adverse outcomes among patients who attend primary care in Ireland and other European countries for opiate substitution treatment. This paper aims to describe patients’ experience of, and attitude towards, screening and therapeutic interventions for problem alcohol use in primary care.

Methods
This qualitative study recruited problem drug users (N = 28) from primary care based methadone programmes in the Ireland’s Eastern region, using a stratified sampling matrix to include size of general practice and geographical area. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed using thematic analysis, and audited by a third reviewer.

Results
We identified three overarching themes relevant to the purpose of this paper: (1) patients’ experience of, and (2) attitude towards, screening and treatment for problem alcohol use in primary care, as well as their (3) views on service improvement. While most patients reported being screened for problem alcohol use at initial assessment, few recalled routine screening or treatment. Among the barriers and enablers to screening and treatment, patients highlighted the importance of the practitioner-patient relationship in helping them address the issue. Nevertheless, patients felt that healthcare professionals should be more proactive in the management of problem alcohol use at a primary care level and that primary care can play an important role in their treatment.

Conclusions
Problem alcohol use is an important challenge in the care of problem drug users. While primary care is well placed to address this issue, little data has reported on this topic. The development of interventions which promote screening and brief interventions in practice are likely to benefit this at-risk group and further research and education, that help achieve this goal, are a priority. Strategies such as dissemination of clinical guidelines, educational videos, academic detailing and practice visits, should be explored.
Dissemination of imipenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii with new plasmid-borne bla
OXA-72 in Taiwan
Authors: Kuo Shu-Chen , Yang Su-Pen , Lee Yi-Tzu , Chuang Han-Chuan , Chen Chien-Pei , Chang Chi-Ling , Chen Te-Li , Lu Po-Liang , Hsueh Po-Ren , Fung Chang-Phone 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
The systemic surveillance of imipenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (IRAB) from multicenters in Taiwan revealed the emergence of isolates with bla
OXA-72. This study described their genetic makeup, mechanism of spread, and contribution to carbapenem resistance.

Methods
Two hundred and ninety-one non-repetitive isolates of A. baumannii were collected from 10 teaching hospitals from different geographical regions in Taiwan from June 2007 to September 2007. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined by agar dilution. Clonality was determined by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Plasmid was extracted and digested by restriction enzymes, and subsequently analyzed by electrophoresis and Southern blot for bla
OXA-72. The flanking regions of bla
OXA-72 were determined by inverse PCR. The contribution of bla
OXA-72 to imipenem MIC was determined by transforming plasmids carrying bla
OXA-72 into imipenem-susceptible A. baumannii.

Results
Among 142 IRAB in Taiwan, 27 harbored bla
OXA-72; 22 originated from Southern Taiwan, 5 from Central Taiwan, and none from Northern Taiwan. There were two major clones. The bla
OXA-72 was identified in the plasmids of all isolates. Two genetic structures flanking plasmid-borne bla
OXA-72 were identified and shared identical sequences in certain regions; the one described in previous literature was present in only one isolate, and the new one was present in the remaining isolates. Introduction of bla
OXA-72 resulted in an increase of imipenem MIC in the transformants. The overexpression of bla
OXA-72 mRNA in response to imipenem further supported the contribution of bla
OXA-72.

Conclusions
In conclusion, isolates with new plasmid-borne bla
OXA-72 were found to be disseminated successfully in Southern Taiwan. The spread of the resistance gene depended on clonal spread and dissemination of a new plasmid. Bla
OXA-72 in these isolates directly led to their imipenem-resistance.
Diastolic dysfunction is associated with an increased risk of contrast-induced nephropathy: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Koo Hyang Mo , Doh Fa Mee , Ko Kwang Il , Kim Chan Ho , Lee Mi Jung , Oh Hyung Jung , Han Seung Hyeok , Kim Beom Seok , Yoo Tae-Hyun , Kang Shin-Wook , Choi Kyu Hun 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is the third leading cause of hospital-acquired acute kidney injury, and it is associated with poor long-term clinical outcomes. Although systolic heart failure is a well-known risk factor for CIN, no studies have yet evaluated the association between diastolic dysfunction and CIN.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective study of 735 patients who underwent percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) and had an echocardiography performed within one month of the procedure at our institute, between January 2009 and December 2010. CIN was defined as an increase of ≥ 0.5 mg/dL or ≥ 25% in serum creatinine level during the 72 hours following PTCA.

Results
CIN occurred in 64 patients (8.7%). Patients with CIN were older, had more comorbidities, and had an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) placed more frequently during PTCA than patients without CIN. They showed greater high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels and lower estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR). Echocardiographic findings revealed lower ejection fraction and higher left atrial volume index and E/E’ in the CIN group compared with non-CIN group. When patients were classified into 3 groups according to the E/E’ values of 8 and 15, CIN occurred in 42 (21.6%) patients in the highest tertile compared with 20 (4.0%) in the middle and 2 (4.3%) in the lowest tertile (p < 0.001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, E/E’ > 15 was identified as an independent risk factor for the development of CIN after adjustment for age, diabetes, dose of contrast media, IABP use, eGFR, hs-CRP, and echocardiographic parameters [odds ratio (OR) 2.579, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.082-5.964, p = 0.035]. In addition, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of E/E’ was 0.751 (95% CI 0.684-0.819, p < 0.001), which was comparable to that of ejection fraction and left atrial volume index (0.739 and 0.656, respectively, p < 0.001).

Conclusions
This study demonstrated that, among echocardiographic variables, E/E' was an independent predictor of CIN. This in turn suggests that diastolic dysfunction may be a useful parameter in CIN risk stratification.
What price quitting? The price of cigarettes at which smokers say they would seriously consider trying to quit
Authors: Scollo Michelle , Hayes Linda , Wakefield Melanie 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Deciding on an appropriate level for taxes on tobacco products is a critical issue in tobacco control. The aim of the present study was to describe the critical price points for packs for smokers of each pack size, to calculate what this would equate to in terms of price per stick, and to ascertain whether price points varied by age, socio-economic status and heaviness of smoking.

Methods
In November 2011, 586 Victorian smokers of factory-made cigarettes were asked during a telephone survey about their usual brand, including the size and cost of their usual pack. They were also asked about use of illicit tobacco. Smokers estimated what price their preferred pack would need to reach before they would seriously consider quitting.

Results
Three-quarters of regular smokers of manufactured cigarettes could envisage their usual brand reaching a price at which they would seriously consider quitting. Analyses revealed that answers clustered around whole numbers, (AUD$15, $20, $25 and $30), with a median nominated price point of AUD$20 per pack. The median price point at which regular smokers would consider quitting was calculated to be 80 cents per stick, compared to the current median reported stick price of 60 cents.
Of the smokers who nominated a price point, 60.1% indicated they would seriously consider quitting if the cost of their usual brand equated to 80 cents per stick or less; 87.5% would seriously consider quitting if sticks reached one dollar each.

Conclusions
These results do suggest a potentially useful approach to setting taxes in Australia. If taxes can be set high enough to ensure that the cost of the smokers’ preferred packs exceeds critical price points, then it seems likely that more people would seriously attempt to quit than if the price increased to a level even slightly below the price points. Our study suggests that a tax increase large enough to ensure that a typical pack of 25 cigarettes in Australia cost at least AUD$20 would prompt more than 60% of smokers able to nominate a price point to seriously think about quitting, with particularly strong effects among low-SES smokers.
Effects of FTO RS9939906 and MC4R RS17782313 on obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus and blood pressure in patients with hypertension
Authors: Marcadenti Aline , Fuchs Flavio D , Matte Ursula , Sperb Fernanda , Moreira Leila B , Fuchs Sandra C 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Genetic variants of the FTO gene rs9939609 A/T and the MC4R gene rs17782313 C/T have been associated with obesity. Individuals with mutations in MC4R gene have lower blood pressure (BP), independently of obesity. This study aimed to investigate the association of FTO rs9939609 and MC4R rs17782313 with anthropometric indexes, BP, and type 2 diabetes mellitus among hypertensive patients.

Methods
We genotyped 217 individuals (86 men and 131 women) with hypertension (systolic or diastolic BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg or using antihypertensive drugs). Diabetes mellitus was diagnosed according to the American Diabetes Association criteria. Waist and neck circumferences (cm), Body Adiposity Index (BAI,%), Lipid Accumulation Product Index (LAP, cm.mmol.l) and body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) were analyzed using analysis of covariance or modified Poisson’s regression.

Results
Rare allele frequencies were 0.40 for A for FTO rs9939609 and 0.18 for C for MC4R rs17782313. A positive association of FTO rs9939609 and MC4R rs17782313 with BMI was observed in the overall sample. Among men and women, neck circumference was associated with the FTO genotype and, for women, MC4R genotype. In contrast, in men we found a negative association of MC4R rs17782313 with diastolic BP (TT 90.1 ±12.2, TC/CC 83.2 ±12.1; P = 0.03) and borderline association for systolic BP after controlling for age and BMI.

Conclusions
Common genetic variants of FTO rs9939609 have positive associations with BMI and neck circumference and MC4R rs17782313 in women, but a negative association with diastolic and mean blood pressure in men with hypertension.