bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A mechanistic look at the effects of adversity early in life on cardiovascular disease risk during adulthood
Authors: Loria A. S. , Ho D. H. , Pollock J. S. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractEarly origins of adult disease may be defined as adversity or challenges during early life that alter physiological responses and prime the organism to chronic disease in adult life. Adverse childhood experiences or early life stress (ELS) may be considered a silent independent risk factor capable of predicting future cardiovascular disease risk. Maternal separation (MatSep) provides a suitable model to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms by which ELS increases the risk to develop cardiovascular disease in adulthood. The aim of this review is to describe the links between behavioural stress early in life and chronic cardiovascular disease risk in adulthood. We will discuss the following: (i) adult cardiovascular outcomes in humans subjected to ELS, (ii) MatSep as an animal model of ELS as well as the limitations and advantages of this model in rodents and (iii) possible ELS‐induced mechanisms that predispose individuals to greater cardiovascular risk. Overall, exposure to a behavioural stressor early in life sensitizes the response to a second stressor later in life, thus unmasking an exaggerated cardiovascular dysfunction that may influence quality of life and life expectancy in adulthood.
Epidemiology and potential risk factors of drug‐related problems in Hong Kong paediatric wards
Authors: Rashed Asia N. , Wilton Lynda , Lo Charles C. H. , Kwong Benjamin Y. S. , Leung Suzanne , Wong Ian C. K. 
Published: October 2013

AimsA drug‐related problem (DRP) is ‘an event or circumstance involving drug therapy that actually or potentially interferes with the desired health outcome’. The extent and characteristics of DRPs in children in Hong Kong are unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiology of and identify risk factors for DRPs in hospitalized children in Hong Kong.MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study in children aged 0–18 years who were admitted to a medical ward, paediatric intensive care unit or neonatal intensive care unit of seven Hong Kong hospitals, during a 3 month period. Patients' charts, medical records and laboratory data were reviewed daily to identify DRPs; their preventability and severity were assessed. Logistic regression was used to analyse potential risk factors associated with the incidence of DRPs.ResultsThree hundred and twenty‐nine children (median age, 2 years; interquartile range, 0 months to 9 years) were included. In total, 82 DRPs were experienced by 69 patients. The overall incidence of DRPs was 21.0% (95% confidence interval, 16.7–25.8%). The incidence was higher in neonatal and paediatric intensive care units than medical wards. Dosing problems were the most frequently reported DRPs (n = 35; 42.7%), followed by drug choice problems (n = 19; 23.2%) and adverse drug reactions (n = 11; 13.4%). Sixty‐seven (81.7%) DRP cases were assessed as preventable, 42 (51.2%) as minor and 40 (48.8%) as moderate. The number of prescribed drugs and ‘certain infectious and parasitic diseases’ were potential risk factors for occurrence of DRPs.ConclusionsDrug‐related problems were common in hospitalized children in this study in Hong Kong; the most frequent were dosing and drug choice problems, and the majority of them were preventable. Polypharmacy and ‘certain infectious and parasitic diseases’ were potential risk factors.
Rise of intraocular pressure in a caffeine test versus the water drinking test in patients with glaucoma
Authors: Tran Tuan , Niyadurupola Nuwan , O'Connor Jeremy , Ang Ghee Soon , Crowston Jonathan , Nguyen Dan 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundThere is increasing emphasis on the importance of intraocular pressure peaks and fluctuations as risk factors for glaucoma progression. It is well recognized that the water drinking test raises intraocular pressure and there is reasonable evidence that caffeine can also raise intraocular pressure. The aim of this study is to directly compare the effect of a caffeine test to that of the water drinking test on intraocular pressure, in patients with glaucoma.DesignProspective, observer‐masked, cross‐over study.ParticipantsFourteen eyes of 14 patients with primary open‐angle glaucoma.MethodsPatients were initially randomized to either caffeine test or water drinking test. Intraocular pressure was measured in both eyes with a Goldmann applanation tonometer at baseline and every 15 min for 1 h, by a masked examiner. This was repeated the following week at the same time of day for the other test (the cross‐over). Peak intraocular pressure and maximum fluctuation from baseline were compared between groups using paired t‐tests.Main Outcome MeasuresPeak and fluctuation of intraocular pressure, time of maximum frequency of peak intraocular pressure.ResultsThe maximum intraocular pressure from the water drinking test (19.7 ± 4.1) was greater than the caffeine test (16.7 ± 4.1) and showed greater fluctuation in intraocular pressure (4.3 ± 2.7 mmHg [27.7%]; P < 0.0001) compared with the caffeine test (1.8 ± 1.9 mmHg [11.7%]); P = 0.004).ConclusionThe rise in intraocular pressure was greater with water drinking test than the caffeine test. Caffeine does not appear to provide an alternative for patients unable to tolerate the water drinking test.
Effects of TiO2nanotube layers onRAW264.7 macrophage behaviour and bone morphogenetic protein‐2 expression
Authors: Sun S. J. , Yu W. Q. , Zhang Y. L. , Jiang X. Q. , Zhang F. Q. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate behaviour and osteogenic cytokine expression ofRAW264.7 macrophages grown on TiO2nanotube layers.Materials and methodsThe murine macrophage cell lineRAW264.7 was cultured on TiO2nanotubes of varying diameter; macrophage morphology was examined using scanning electron microscopy. Cell adhesion and viability were assessed with the aid of theMTTmethod andBMP‐2andTGF‐βgene expression were examined byRT‐PCRanalysis. Levels of BMP‐2, TGF‐β1 and ICAM‐1 proteins secreted into the supernatant were measured byELISAassay.ResultsMacrophages cultured on nanotube layers had spread out morphology, the largest (120 nm) nanotube layer eliciting an elongation by 24 h. Macrophages adhered significantly less to 120 nm TiO2nanotubes than to control discs at 4 h after application; after 24 h incubation, macrophages were sufficiently viable (P < 0.05) on 30 and 70 nm nanotube layers. Increasing nanotube diameter led to increased BMP‐2 protein secretion and increased BMP‐2 mRNA expression.ConclusionThese results demonstrate that nanoscale topography of TiO2nanotube layers can affect macrophage morphology, adhesion, viability and BMP‐2 expression. Macrophages grown on layers of large nanotubes had the highest potential to enhance bone formation during bone healing.
Efficacy of intrapleural instillation of fibrinolytics for treating pleural empyema and parapneumonic effusion: a meta‐analysis of randomized control trials
Authors: Nie Wencheng , Liu Yanru , Ye Jian , Shi Liuhong , Shao Fangchun , Ying Kejing , Zhang Ruifeng 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIntroductionThe effects of intrapleural fibrinolysis for treating pleural empyema and parapneumonic effusion remain uncertain.ObjectivesWe conducted a meta‐analysis of published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the efficacy of intrapleural instillation of fibrinolytics for treating pleural empyema and parapneumonic effusion.MethodsMedline, Web of Science, Ovid and regulatory documents up to June 10, 2012 were searched. We selected RCTs on intrapleural fibrinolysis vs placebo control treatment for pleural empyema and parapneumonic effusion. The meta‐analysis was used to determine the odds ratios (OR) for death, surgical intervention and severe side effects, and weighted mean differences were used to estimate lengths of hospital stays.ResultsTen trials with a total of 977 patients were included. Compared with a placebo, intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy decreased the OR for surgical intervention [OR = 0.24; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.10–0.60] and the length of hospital stays (weighted mean difference = −6.47; 95% CI: −8.87, −4.08). Intrapleural fibrinolysis was associated with a non‐significant reduction in mortality rate (OR = 1.16; 95% CI: 0.71–1.89) and a non‐significant increase in severe side effects (OR = 1.92; 95% CI: 0.87–4.21). Subgroup analyses indicated that urokinase agents had marked positive effects on reducing surgical intervention (OR = 0.33; 95% CI: 0.14–0.78), but neither streptokinase nor tissue plasminogen activator did.ConclusionsThe present results show that intrapleural fibrinolysis with urokinase may be potentially effective for reducing the need for surgery. Intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy is effective for shortening the lengths of hospital stays without increasing the incidence of severe side effects.
Transformation and stabilization of pyrogenic organic matter in a temperate forest field experiment
Authors: Singh Nimisha , Abiven Samuel , Maestrini Bernardo , Bird Jeffrey A. , Torn Margaret S. , Schmidt Michael W. I. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPyrogenic organic matter (PyOM) decomposes on centennial timescale in soils, but the processes regulating its decay are poorly understood. We conducted one of the first studies of PyOM and wood decomposition in a temperate forest using isotopically labeled organic substrate, and quantified microbial incorporation and physico‐chemical transformations of PyOM in situ. Stable‐isotope (13C and 15N) enriched PyOM and its precursor wood were added to the soil at 2 cm depth at ambient (N0) and increased (N+) levels of nitrogen fertilization. The carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) of added PyOM or wood were tracked through soil to 15 cm depth, in physically separated soil density fractions and in benzene polycarboxylic acids (BPCA) molecular markers. After 10 months in situ, more PyOM‐derived C (>99% of initial 13C‐PyOM) and N (90% of initial 15N‐PyOM) was recovered than wood derived C (48% of 13C‐wood) and N (89% under N0 and 48% under N+). PyOM‐C and wood‐C migrated at the rate of 126 mm yr−1 with 3–4% of PyOM‐C and 4–8% of wood‐C recovered below the application depth. Most PyOM C was recovered in the free light fraction (fLF) (74%), with 20% in aggregate‐occluded and 6% in mineral associated fractions – fractions that typically have much slower turnover times. In contrast, wood C was recovered mainly in occluded (33%) or dense fraction (27%). PyOM addition induced loss of native C from soil (priming effect), particularly in fLF (13%). The total BPCA‐C content did not change but after 10 months the degree of aromatic condensation of PyOM decreased, as determined by relative contribution of benzene hexa‐carboxylic acid (B6CA) to the total BPCA C. Soil microbial biomass assimilated 6–10% of C from the wood, while PyOM contributions was negligible (0.14–0.18%). The addition of N had no effect on the dynamics of PyOM while limited effect on wood.
Capillary malformation–arteriovenous malformation: a clinical review of 45 patients
Authors: Larralde Margarita , Abad María Eugenia , Luna Paula Carolina , Hoffner Mariana Viktoria 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundCapillary malformation–arteriovenous malformation (CM‐AVM) is a recently described autosomal dominant disorder that results from mutations in RASA1. It has been initially described as multiple CMs affecting several members of the same family, associated with fast‐flow malformations in at least one family member.ObjectiveTo report and analyze clinical data on 45 patients with CM‐AVM assessed at the Department of Pediatric Dermatology, Ramos Mejía Hospital (Buenos Aires, Argentina).MethodRetrospective clinical review of all the patients clinically diagnosed as having CM‐AVM over a period of eight years.ResultsForty‐five patients were recorded (24 females and 21 males). The age ranged from one month to 44 years. In 36 patients, the stains were congenital; progressive acquired lesions were observed in 39. Family history was positive in 32 subjects. Well defined, round to oval, pink–purple or reddish‐brown macules were found in all the patients; pinpoint red lesions with a pale halo were found in nine cases. The macules were warmer than normal skin in 15 cases and surrounded by a white halo in 26 cases. Three subjects presented associated overgrowth, lymphatic malformation was present in one case, retinal vascular lesion in one patient, and isolated port wine stain in two cases. Three patients also had infantile hemangioma. We had no cases of fast‐flow vascular malformation or combined vascular syndromes.ConclusionsCM‐AVM is a heterogeneous disorder with phenotypic variability, from fast‐flow malformation, limb enlargement, or Parkes Weber syndrome to multiple CMs without internal involvement.
The application of virtual microscopy in a dermatopathology educational setting: assessment of attitudes among dermatopathologists
Authors: Brick Katherine E. , Comfere Nneka I. , Broeren Matthew D. , Gibson Lawrence E. , Wieland Carilyn N. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectivesWhole‐slide imaging with virtual microscopy is increasingly used as a tool in resident education and training, board certification and maintenance of certification examinations, and diagnostic evaluation. The objective of this study was to determine attitudes toward virtual microscopy compared with traditional glass slide microscopy during a continuing medical education dermatopathology workshop.MethodsTwenty‐three board‐certified, practicing or retired dermatopathologists were given 26 “advanced” cases to review using both virtual microscopy and traditional glass slides. Diagnostic accuracy was not assessed because of the complexity of the cases. Participants were surveyed on: (i) their previous experience with digital imaging; (ii) the quality, ease of use, and speed of slide review; and (iii) overall attitudes toward digital and traditional review.ResultsEqual proportions of participants did and did not have prior experience with digital imaging of histopathologic specimens. Most participants preferred to use both virtual microscopy and traditional microscopy together. The quality of glass slides was rated as better than that of digital images, but virtual microscopy achieved higher ratings for ease of navigation and overall satisfaction.ConclusionsVirtual microscopy is a useful tool for dermatopathology workshops. Specifically, dermatopathologists with and without prior digital slide review experience responded favorably to viewing slides on a computer monitor. Overall satisfaction was high, and the majority of participants indicated that they would use virtual microscopy in the future. These results show a trend toward the acceptance of digital slide review, which supports the inevitable expansion of this practice in an increasingly digitized world.
Surgical management in patients with pancreatic cancer: a Queensland perspective
Authors: Wylie Neil , Adib Reza , Barbour Andrew P. , Fawcett Jonathan , Hill Alexander , Lynch Stephen , Martin Ian , O'Rourke Thomas R. , Puhalla Harald , Rutherford Leigh , Slater Kellee , Whiteman David C. , Neale Rachel E. ,   Queensland Pancreatic Cancer Study Group
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundLittle has been published regarding presenting symptoms, investigations and outcomes for patients with pancreatic cancer in Australia. Data from a series of patients undergoing attempted resection in Queensland, Australia, are presented with the aim of assisting development of consistent strategies in disease management.MethodsWe reviewed the medical records of 121 patients who underwent attempted surgical resection and who took part in a case‐control study between 2007 and 2009. Information relating to symptoms, investigations, surgical procedures and outcomes was captured.ResultsThe mean age was 63 years and 60% were men. The most common presenting symptoms were jaundice (64%) and pain (63%). Over 80% of patients had multiple imaging investigations or laparoscopy prior to surgery. Seventy‐eight patients (64%) had a completed resection and 23% of these had involved margins. The presence of metastases and/or involvement of vessels or adjacent structures precluded resection in the remaining patients. The 1‐year survival for patients whose resections were completed was 77% compared with 51% for those whose tumours were not resectable (P = 0.004). There was no 30‐day mortality and 68% of patients were alive 1 year after diagnosis. Resections were performed in 11 different hospitals but over 90% of patients underwent their surgery in one of five high‐volume centres.ConclusionThe Queensland experience is consistent with that reported internationally. A significant proportion of attempted resections was not completed because preoperative staging underestimated disease extent. Most patients with potentially resectable disease are being treated in high‐volume centres.
VALIDATION OF A SCREENING INSTRUMENT FOR THE FEAR OF INJECTION IN DIALYSIS PATIENTS
Authors: Mulder Margo , Hoog Jeannie Op ‘t , Buytene Sylvia , De Vries Jolanda 
Published: October 2013

SUMMARYBackgroundVery little research has been conducted on the fear of injection (FOI) in patients on dialysis. However, feedback from hospital practice indicate that FOI is widespread.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to develop and validate a screening instrument to assess FOI in dialysis patients.Method and DesignA group of patients (n = 86) completed the Dialysis Fear of Injection Questionnaire (DFIQ) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). In semi‐structured interviews, these patients were also asked about their FOI, general anxiety and depressive symptoms. Various analyses were used to examine the factor structure, sensitivity, accuracy and cut‐off score.ResultsThe most optimal set of items consists of 9 items. These items have the sensitivity of 0.88, a specificity of 0.72 and a cut‐off value of 3.5. The Cronbach's α is 0.87.ConclusionThe DFIQ appears to be a good predictor for the presence of FOI.Application to PracticeNurses can use this validated screening instrument to detect FOI. The cut‐off score provides a good indication for psychological counselling.
The Morphology of Three Loxophyllum Species (Ciliophora, Pleurostomatida) from Southern China, L. lembum sp. n., L. vesiculosum sp. n. and L. perihoplophorum Buddenbrock, 1920, with Notes on the Molecular Phylogeny of Loxophyllum
Authors: Wu Lei , Chen Ruimin , Yi Zhenzhen , Li Jiqiu , Warren Alan , Lin Xiaofeng 
Published: October 2013

AbstractTwo new pleurostomatid ciliates, Loxophyllum lembum sp. n., L. vesiculosum sp. n., and the poorly known L. perihoplophorum Buddenbrock, 1920, isolated from brackish waters in coastal regions of southern China, are described following observations of live cells and protargol‐impregnated specimens. Loxophyllum lembum sp. n. is distinguished by a combination of characters including two macronuclear nodules, 6–9 contractile vacuoles along the ventral margin, 11–14 right and 6–8 left kineties and the presence of cortical granules. Loxophyllum vesiculosum sp. n. differs from its congeners mainly by the unique distribution of contractile vacuoles, several of which lie along the dorsal margin and one on the ventral margin, and 15–21 right and 6–8 left kineties. Loxophyllum perihoplophorum is characterized by its large cell size (350–450 μm long in vivo), 3–5 contractile vacuoles along the dorsal margin in the posterior region of the body, and 19–23 right and 7–9 left kineties. An improved diagnosis of L. perihoplophorum is provided. The SSU rDNA sequence of L. perihoplophorum is reported for the first time and its molecular phylogeny is analyzed. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses of SSU rDNA sequence data recover the monophyly both of the order Pleurostomatida and of the genus Loxophyllum.
Dead branches on living trees constitute a large part of the dead wood in managed boreal forests, but are not important for wood‐dependent lichens
Authors: Svensson Måns , Dahlberg Anders , Ranius Thomas , Thor Göran 
Published: October 2013

AbstractQuestionsHow much dead wood in the form of dead branches attached to living trees, compared to other types of dead wood, is present in managed boreal forests? Which lichen species grow on this substrate?LocationTwo areas of managed coniferous forest in southern Sweden.MethodsWe surveyed the numbers and surface areas of attached dead branches and all other major types of dead wood in 80 stands of managed coniferous forests of various ages and wooded mires. In total, we recorded 5546 dead branches attached to 480 living trees. We also recorded the species of lichens growing on 812 of these dead branches.ResultsThe surface area of attached dead branches was generally of the same magnitude as that of all other wood types combined. Of the 46 lichen species identified growing on dead branches, 42 were generalist species characteristic of conifer bark and four were wood‐dependent specialists. We found no significant difference in lichen species composition between dead branches of Picea abies and Pinus sylvestris, and only small differences in species composition between different stand types and between study areas. There were no clear differences in species composition between the study areas.ConclusionsAlthough overlooked, attached dead branches constitute a significant proportion of all dead wood available in boreal forests. However, the lichen communities on these branches mainly consist of generalist species. Lichens on attached dead branches thus do not seem to contribute strongly to the species pool of wood‐dependent lichens in managed boreal forests.
Isolation and characterization of novel soilborne lytic bacteriophages infecting Dickeya spp. biovar 3 (‘D. solani’)
Authors: Czajkowski R. , Ozymko Z. , Lojkowska E. 
Published: October 2013

Nine bacteriophages infecting Dickeya spp. biovar 3 (‘Dickeya solani’) were isolated from soil samples collected in different regions in Poland. The phages have a typical morphology of the members of the order Caudovirales, family Myoviridae, with a head diameter of c. 90–100 nm and tail length of c. 120–140 nm. In host range experiments, phage ϕD5 expressed the broadest host range, infecting members of all Dickeya spp., and phage ϕD7 showed the narrowest host range, infecting isolates of Dickeya dadantii and ‘D. solani’ only. None of the phages was able to infect Pectobacterium spp. isolates. All phages were prone to inactivation by pH 2, temperature of 85°C and by UV illumination for 10 min (50 mJ cm−2). Additionally, phages ϕD1, ϕD10 and ϕD11 were inactivated by 5 m NaCl and phage ϕD2 was inactivated by chloroform. Phages ϕD1, ϕD5, ϕD7 and ϕD10 were characterized for optimal multiplicity of infection and the rate of adsorption to the bacterial cells. The latent period was 30 min for ϕD1, 40 min for ϕD5, 20–30 min for ϕD7 and 40 min for ϕD10. The estimated burst size was c. 100 plaque‐forming units per infected cell. The bacteriophages were able to completely stop the growth of ‘D. solani’ in vitro and to protect potato tuber tissue from maceration caused by the bacteria. The potential use of bacteriophages for the biocontrol of biovar 3 Dickeya spp. in potato is discussed.