bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interplay of parathyroid hormone and aldosterone antagonist in prevention of heart failure hospitalizations in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Hassan Mona , Qureshi Waqas , Sroujieh Laila S , Albashaireh Derar , BouMalham Sara , Liroff Meghan , Amjad Waseem , Khalid Fatima , Hadid Hiba , Alirhayim Zaid 
Published: July 2014

Background: Aldosterone antagonists may mediate their effects on heart failure through parathyroid hormone (PTH) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Methods: Patients with CKD on spironolactone were selected and matched for age, gender, race, use of a vitamin D analogue, the number of antihypertensive medications, and CKD stage. PTH levels before and after the first prescription of spironolactone were measured. A thorough chart review was conducted to assess for heart failure hospitalizations. An adjusted Cox proportional model was used to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) for heart failure hospitalizations among cases versus controls. Results: There were a total of 950 (mean age 67±13 years, 40% men) patients with CKD. Of these, there were 48 hospitalizations for heart failure among the cases and 82 among the controls (HR 0.37; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.19–0.74, p=0.005). We noted a more significant decrease in PTH levels among the cases when compared to the controls ( p<0.0001). The adjusted hazard for heart failure hospitalization increased with higher PTH levels ( p=0.002) and mediation analysis revealed change in PTH level as a significant mediator of heart failure hospitalization ( p=0.04). Conclusion: Aldosterone antagonists may be helpful in preventing hospitalizations for heart failure exacerbation in CKD patients through a PTH-mediated effect.
Identification of inappropriate medication use in elderly patients with frequent emergency department visits
Authors: Wong Jeffrey , Marr Patricia , Kwan Debbie , Meiyappan Soumia , Adcock Lesley 
Published: July 2014

Objective: To determine the demographic and health care characteristics of elderly family health team patients who are frequent emergency department (ED) users, focusing on potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) and access to primary care services. Design: Cross-sectional retrospective chart review. Setting: Academic family medicine clinic in Toronto, Ontario. Participants: A total of 46 elderly patients (age >65 years) with 4 or more visits to a University Health Network–affiliated ED between April 1, 2010, and March 31, 2011. Main outcome measures: Using the validated STOPP (Screening Tool of Older Persons’ potentially inappropriate Prescriptions) criteria, PIMs were identified. The primary objective was to determine whether PIMs were associated with more frequent ED use. The secondary objective was to determine whether patients who had previously undergone a clinic pharmacist-led medication review had fewer PIMs. We also determined the health characteristics of these patients at the time of their last ED visit of the study period. Utilization of primary care resources, both prior to and after ED visits, was determined. Results: Sixty-five percent of patients were taking at least 1 PIM. The total number of PIMs in the study population was 71. Having more PIMs was significantly correlated with a higher number of ED visits ( r = 0.32, p < 0.05). Patients with a previous medication review had a similar number of PIMs compared with those without a review. The mean number of concurrent medications was 12.1 and the mean Charlson Comorbidity Index score was 3.7. Significant delay between hospital discharge and primary care follow-up (median 13 days) was observed. Conclusion: Elderly patients who are more frequent ED users have a greater number of PIMs. Primary care resources appear to be underused in this population.
Monitoring hydration in lime-metakaolin composites using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Pesce G. L. , Bowen C. R. , Rocha J. , Sardo M. , Allen G. C. , Walker P. J. , Denuault G. , Serrapede M. , Ball R. J. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThis paper describes a study of the hydraulic reactions between metakaolin (MK) and air lime using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). Tests were carried out at 20, 25 and 30°C on lime-MK pastes with 10:1 w/w ratio. Tests over 28 days allowed identification of relevant changes in the EIS signals and characterization of pastes using thermal analysis (TGA/DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) and uni-axial compressive tests. Tests over shorter periods of time (up to 42 h) allowed more detailed studies of the hydraulic phases formed at the very beginning of the reactions.Results of thermal analyses demonstrate formation of hydraulic compounds such as CSH, C4AH13 and C3ASH6 and show their evolution over time. MIP analysis demonstrates changes in pore size distribution related to the formation and trasformation of hydraulic phases. Variations of impedance response with time are shown to be associated with reaction kinetics. Changes in the NMR signal within the first 42 h of reaction are shown to be associated with the dissolution of calcium hydroxide in the pore solution. Overall, this paper demonstrates the importance of NMR in the study of hydraulic reactions in lime based materials and the ability of EIS to detect the formation of hydraulic compounds and the end of the calcium hydroxide dissolution process.
Geochemical processes in compacted clay in contact with an acid landfill leachate: laboratory experiments and modelling results
Authors: De Soto I. S. , Ayora C. , Cuevas J. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractClays are commonly used as liners in urban landfills. However, the reactive processes with landfill leachates, and in particular the role of accessory minerals is poorly known. The aim of this work is to evaluate the diffusion of a synthetic urban landfill leachate through compacted natural smectite-illitic clays containing carbonates and sulfates and to predict the functioning of the clay liner for different minor mineral proportions. The leachate, characterized by acidic pH conditions and high organic matter content, is a typical aqueous solution formed in the acetogenic phase of organic matter degradation in urban landfill areas. Medium-scale (11 cm) laboratory diffusion tests were performed over 77 days. Chloride diffusion coefficients, porosity changes, cation exchange constants and the sulfate reduction rate were quantitatively assessed by means of reactive transport modelling. The exchange capacity of the clays is responsible for NH4+retention. However, the presence or absence of gypsum in the initial clay rock controls the functioning of the liner. Gypsum dissolution ensures a high sulfate concentration in the porewater and enhances the acetate consumption via sulfate reduction. Gypsum dissolution and the concomitant calcite precipitation do not significantly alter the porosity of the clay rock.
Genomic basis of symbiovar mimosae in Rhizobium etli
Authors: Rogel Marco A , Bustos Patricia , Santamaría Rosa I , González Víctor , Romero David , Cevallos Miguel Ángel , Lozano Luis , Castro-Mondragón Jaime , Martínez-Romero Julio , Ormeño-Orrillo Ernesto , Martínez-Romero Esperanza 
Published: July 2014

Abstract

Background
Symbiosis genes (nod and nif) involved in nodulation and nitrogen fixation in legumes are plasmid-borne in Rhizobium. Rhizobial symbiotic variants (symbiovars) with distinct host specificity would depend on the type of symbiosis plasmid. In Rhizobium etli or in Rhizobium phaseoli, symbiovar phaseoli strains have the capacity to form nodules in Phaseolus vulgaris while symbiovar mimosae confers a broad host range including different mimosa trees.

Results
We report on the genome of R. etli symbiovar mimosae strain Mim1 and its comparison to that from R. etli symbiovar phaseoli strain CFN42. Differences were found in plasmids especially in the symbiosis plasmid, not only in nod gene sequences but in nod gene content. Differences in Nod factors deduced from the presence of nod genes, in secretion systems or ACC-deaminase could help explain the distinct host specificity. Genes involved in P. vulgaris exudate uptake were not found in symbiovar mimosae but hup genes (involved in hydrogen uptake) were found. Plasmid pRetCFN42a was partially contained in Mim1 and a plasmid (pRetMim1c) was found only in Mim1. Chromids were well conserved.

Conclusions
The genomic differences between the two symbiovars, mimosae and phaseoli may explain different host specificity. With the genomic analysis presented, the term symbiovar is validated. Furthermore, our data support that the generalist symbiovar mimosae may be older than the specialist symbiovar phaseoli.
Electrical impedance tomography: so close to touching the holy grail
Authors: Constantin Jean-Michel , Perbet Sebastien , Delmas Julie , Futier Emmanuel 
Published: July 2014

AbstractElectrical impedance tomography is a new technology giving us lung imaging that may allow lung function to be monitored at the bedside. Several applications have been studied to guide mechanical ventilation at the bedside with electrical impedance tomography. Positive end-expiratory pressure trials guided by electrical impedance tomography are relevant in terms of recruited volume or homogeneity of the lung. Tidal impedance variation is a new parameter of electrical impedance tomography that may help physicians with ventilator settings in acute respiratory distress syndrome patients. This parameter is able to identify the onset of overdistention in the nondependent part and recruitment in the dependent part. Electrical impedance tomography presents a big step forward in mechanical ventilation.
Tendon proper- and peritenon-derived progenitor cells have unique tenogenic properties
Authors: Mienaltowski Michael J , Adams Sheila M , Birk David E 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Multipotent progenitor populations exist within the tendon proper and peritenon of the Achilles tendon. Progenitor populations derived from the tendon proper and peritenon are enriched with distinct cell types that are distinguished by expression of markers of tendon and vascular or pericyte origins, respectively. The objective of this study was to discern the unique tenogenic properties of tendon proper- and peritenon-derived progenitors within an in vitro model. We hypothesized that progenitors from each region contribute differently to tendon formation; thus, when incorporated into a regenerative model, progenitors from each region will respond uniquely. Moreover, we hypothesized that cell populations like progenitors were capable of stimulating tenogenic differentiation, so we generated conditioned media from these cell types to analyze their stimulatory potentials.

Methods
Isolated progenitors were seeded within fibrinogen/thrombin gel-based constructs with or without supplementation with recombinant growth/differentiation factor-5 (GDF5). Early and late in culture, gene expression of differentiation markers and matrix assembly genes was analyzed. Tendon construct ultrastructure was also compared after 45 days. Moreover, conditioned media from tendon proper-derived progenitors, peritenon-derived progenitors, or tenocytes was applied to each of the three cell types to determine paracrine stimulatory effects of the factors secreted from each of the respective cell types.

Results
The cell orientation, extracellular domain and fibril organization of constructs were comparable to embryonic tendon. The tendon proper-derived progenitors produced a more tendon-like construct than the peritenon-derived progenitors. Seeded tendon proper-derived progenitors expressed greater levels of tenogenic markers and matrix assembly genes, relative to peritenon-derived progenitors. However, GDF5 supplementation improved expression of matrix assembly genes in peritenon progenitors and structurally led to increased mean fibril diameters. It also was found that peritenon-derived progenitors secrete factor(s) stimulatory to tenocytes and tendon proper progenitors.

Conclusions
Data demonstrate that, relative to peritenon-derived progenitors, tendon proper progenitors have greater potential for forming functional tendon-like tissue. Furthermore, factors secreted by peritenon-derived progenitors suggest a trophic role for this cell type as well. Thus, these findings highlight the synergistic potential of including these progenitor populations in restorative tendon engineering strategies.
γ/δ T cell subsets in human aging using the classical α/β T cell model
Authors: Vasudev Anusha , Tan Tze Ying Crystal , Ayyadhury Shamini , Joo Puan Kia , Kumar Andiappan Anand , Shwe Zin Nyunt Ma , Binte Shadan Nurhidaya , Mustafa Seri , Low Ivy , Rotzschke Olaf , Fulop Tamas , Pin Ng Tze , Larbi Anis 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAging is associated with an increased susceptibility to infections and diseases. It has also been associated with reduced functionality and altered distribution of immune cells, especially T cells. Whereas classical α/β T cells, especially CD8+ T cells, were shown to be highly susceptible to aging, the effects of viral persistent stimulations on the fate of γ/δ T cells are much less documented. Healthy, elderly individuals of Chinese ethnical background were recruited under the aegis of SLAS-II. In this observational study, γ/δ T cell populations were characterized by flow cytometry and compared with the α/β CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in elderly and young controls. In our study, we identified a reduced frequency of γ/δ T cells but not α/β T cells with aging. The classical markers of α/β T cell aging, including CD28, CD27, and CD57, did not prove significant for γ/δ T cells. The extreme range of expression of these markers in γ/δ T cells was responsible for the lack of relationship between γ/δ T cell subsets, CD4/CD8 ratio, and anti-CMV titers that was significant for α/β T cells and, especially, CD8+ T cells. Although markers of aging for γ/δ T cells are not clearly identified, our data collectively suggest that the presence of CD27 γ/δ T cells is associated with markers of α/β T cell aging.
Mice With Hepatocyte-Specific Deficiency of Type 3 Deiodinase Have Intact Liver Regeneration and Accelerated Recovery From Nonthyroidal Illness After Toxin-Induced Hepatonecrosis
Authors: Castroneves Luciana A. , Jugo Rebecca H. , Maynard Michelle A. , Lee Jennifer S. , Wassner Ari J. , Dorfman David , Bronson Roderick T. , Ukomadu Chinweike , Agoston Agoston T. , Ding Lai , Luongo Cristina , Guo Cuicui , Song Huaidong , Demchev Valeriy , Lee Nicholas Y. , Feldman Henry A. , Vella Kristen R. , Peake Roy W. , Hartigan Christina , Kellogg Mark D. , Desai Anal , Salvatore Domenico , Dentice Monica , Huang Stephen A. 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Type 3 deiodinase (D3), the physiologic inactivator of thyroid hormones, is induced during tissue injury and regeneration. This has led to the hypotheses that D3 impacts injury tolerance by reducing local T3 signaling and contributes to the fall in serum triiodothyronine (T3) observed in up to 75% of sick patients (termed the low T3 syndrome). Here we show that a novel mutant mouse with hepatocyte-specific D3 deficiency has normal local responses to toxin-induced hepatonecrosis, including normal degrees of tissue necrosis and intact regeneration, but accelerated systemic recovery from illness-induced hypothyroxinemia and hypotriiodothyroninemia, demonstrating that peripheral D3 expression is a key modulator of the low T3 syndrome.
Decreasing Handoff-Related Care Failures in Children’s Hospitals
Authors: Bigham Michael T. , Logsdon Tina R. , Manicone Paul E. , Landrigan Christopher P. , Hayes Leslie W. , Randall Kelly H. , Grover Purva , Collins Susan B. , Ramirez Dana E. , O’Guin Crystal D. , Williams Catherine I. , Warnick Robin J. , Sharek Paul J. 
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
Patient handoffs in health care require transfer of information, responsibility, and authority between providers. Suboptimal patient handoffs pose a serious safety risk. Studies demonstrating the impact of improved patient handoffs on care failures are lacking. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a multihospital collaborative designed to decrease handoff-related care failures.

METHODS:
Twenty-three children’s hospitals participated in a quality improvement collaborative aimed at reducing handoff-related care failures. The improvement was guided by evidence-based recommendations regarding handoff intent and content, standardized handoff tools/methods, and clear transition of responsibility. Hospitals tailored handoff elements to locally important handoff types. Handoff-related care failures were compared between baseline and 3 intervention periods. Secondary outcomes measured compliance to specific change package elements and balancing measure of staff satisfaction.

RESULTS:
Twenty-three children’s hospitals evaluated 7864 handoffs over the 12-month study period. Handoff-related care failures decreased from baseline (25.8%) to the final intervention period (7.9%) (P &lt; .05). Significant improvement was observed in every handoff type studied. Compliance to change package elements improved (achieving a common understanding about the patient from 86% to 96% [P &lt; .05]; clear transition of responsibility from 92% to 96% [P &lt; .05]; and minimized interruptions and distractions from 84% to 90% [P &lt; .05]) as did overall satisfaction with the handoff (from 55% to 70% [P &lt; .05]).

CONCLUSIONS:
Implementation of a standardized evidence-based handoff process across 23 children’s hospitals resulted in a significant decrease in handoff-related care failures, observed over all handoff types. Compliance to critical components of the handoff process improved, as did provider satisfaction.
Turkusowe Lake (Wolin Island, Poland) - Surface Waters Quality Changes in Years 1986-2010
Authors: Poleszczuk Gorzysław , Svobodová Zdeňka , Bucior-Kwaczyńska Anna , Miller Tymoteusz 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
After presentation of the characteristics of a water reservoir in CaCO3 excavation pit, called the Turkusowe Lake, situated in the Wolin National Park on the Wolin Island, available results of the analyses referring to the quality of surface water of this water reservoir and being carried out since 1986 as well as those of own studies being carried out from 1999 to 2010 were gathered, collecting this way a research material covering the quarter-century 1986-2010. It was shown that the Turkusowe Lake is a water reservoir being resistant by nature to eutrophication (lake basin development and depth, surrounding by the heights adhering to it, and presence of CaCO3 building the lake basin), whereas an increase in the trophic level and development of eutrophication phenomena in the form of weak phytoplankton blooms being observed, particularly in 2005-2010, is connected with increased anthropogenic pressure in the form of direct discharge of municipal sewage to the lake and waste-water to the soil in the alimentation zone of underground waters feeding this lake. The extent of anthropogenic pressure was so big that it started to prevail over the natural processes limiting an increase in the trophic level in this lake.
Multi-Stage 20-m Shuttle Run Fitness Test, Maximal Oxygen Uptake and Velocity at Maximal Oxygen Uptake
Authors: Paradisis Giorgos P. , Zacharogiannis Elias , Mandila Dafni , Smirtiotou Athanasia , Argeitaki Polyxeni , Cooke Carlton B 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
The multi-stage 20-m shuttle run fitness test (20mMSFT) is a popular field test which is widely used to measure aerobic fitness by predicting maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max) and performance. However, the velocity at which VO 2 max occurs (vVO 2 max) is a better indicator of performance than VO 2 max, and can be used to explain inter-individual differences in performance that VO 2 max cannot. It has been reported as a better predictor for running performance and it can be used to monitor athletes’ training for predicting optimal training intensity. This study investigated the validity and suitability of predicting VO2max and vVO2max of adult subjects on the basis of the performance of the 20mMST. Forty eight (25 male and 23 female) physical education students performed, in random order, a laboratory based continuous horizontal treadmill test to determine VO2max, vVO 2 max and a 20mMST, with an interval of 3 days between each test. The results revealed significant correlations between the number of shuttles in the 20mMSFT and directly determined VO 2 max (r = 0.87, p<0.05) and vVO 2 max (r = 0.93, p<0.05). The equation for prediction of VO 2 max was y = 0.0276x + 27.504, whereas for vVO 2 max it was y = 0.0937x + 6.890. It can be concluded that the 20mMSFT can accurately predict VO 2 max and vVO 2 max and this field test can provide useful information regarding aerobic fitness of adults. The predicted vVO 2 max can be used in monitoring athletes, especially in determining optimal training intensity.
Effects of High-Intensity Blood Flow Restriction Exercise on Muscle Fatigue
Authors: Neto Gabriel R. , Santos Heleodório H. , Sousa Juliana B. C. , Júnior Adenilson T. A. , Araújo Joamira P. , Aniceto Rodrigo R. , Sousa Maria S. C. 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Strength training combined with blood flow restriction (BFR) have been used to improve the levels of muscle adaptation. The aim of this paper was to investigate the acute effect of high intensity squats with and without blood flow restriction on muscular fatigue levels. Twelve athletes (aged 25.95 ± 0.84 years) were randomized into two groups: without Blood Flow Restriction (NFR, n = 6) and With Blood Flow Restriction (WFR, n = 6) that performed a series of free weight squats with 80% 1-RM until concentric failure. The strength of the quadriceps extensors was assessed in a maximum voluntary isometric contraction integrated to signals from the surface electromyogram. The average frequency showed significant reductions in the WFR group for the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis muscles, and intergroup only for the vastus medialis. In conclusion, a set of squats at high intensity with BFR could compromise muscle strength immediately after exercise, however, differences were not significant between groups.
Transference of Traditional Versus Complex Strength and Power Training to Sprint Performance
Authors: Loturco Irineu , Tricoli Valmor , Roschel Hamilton , Nakamura Fabio Yuzo , Abad Cesar Cavinato Cal , Kobal Ronaldo , Gil Saulo , González-Badillo Juan José 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of two different strength-power training models on sprint performance. Forty-eight soldiers of the Brazilian brigade of special operations with at least one year of army training experience were divided into a control group (CG: n = 15, age: 20.2 ± 0.7 years, body height: 1.74 ± 0.06 m, and body mass: 66.7 ± 9.8 kg), a traditional training group (TT: n = 18, age: 20.1 ± 0.7 years, body height: 1.71 ± 0.05 m, and body mass: 64.2 ± 4.7 kg), and a complex training group (CT: n = 15, age: 20.3 ± 0.8 years, body height: 1.71 ± 0.07 m; and body mass: 64.0 ± 8.8 kg). Maximum strength (25% and 26%), CMJ height (36% and 39%), mean power (30% and 35%) and mean propulsive power (22% and 28%) in the loaded jump squat exercise, and 20-m sprint speed (16% and 14%) increased significantly (p<0.05) following the TT and CT, respectively. However, the transfer effect coefficients (TEC) of strength and power performances to 20-m sprint performance following the TT were greater than the CT throughout the 9-week training period. Our data suggest that TT is more effective than CT to improve sprint performance in moderately trained subjects.