bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isoconcentration mapping of particulate matter in Hamedan intercity bus stations
Authors: Hoseinzadeh Edris , Samarghandi Mohammad Reza , Ghorbani Shahna Farshid , Chavoshi Ebrahim 
Published: September 2012

AbstractTo accomplish this study, the total concentration of suspended particles, PM10 and PM2.5, was mapped at intercity bus stations in the central square of Hamedan. To measure the particulate matter (PM), portable air sampling systems that collect integrated filter samples were used. The PM concentration was collected at various time intervals and measured gravimetrically. The results were then analysed using the ArcView GIS 3.3 software to map the particulate dispersion patterns. The mean concentrations of the total suspended particles (TSP), PM10 and PM2.5 were 1220.94 ± 1418.5, 524.7 ± 217.5 and 386 ± 193.6 μg/m3, which were 16, 7.72 and 4.7 times greater than the World Health Organization (WHO) air quality standard, respectively. The PM concentration was not correlated with wind velocity or air temperature, but was correlated with humidity (P = 0.01). Overall, the results of this pilot study indicate that people at bus stations are exposed to respirable particulate matter (RPM) at levels high enough to pose a serious health risk.
Décomposition des effets redistributifs des transferts sociaux et de la fiscalité dans différents pays
Authors: Wang Chen , Caminada Koen , Goudswaard Kees 
Published: September 2012

RésuméDans le présent article, nous utilisons des données compilées à partir de la base de microdonnées de la Luxembourg Income Study pour fournir des informations détaillées sur l'impact redistributif des transferts sociaux et de la fiscalité dans 28 pays membres de l'Organisation de coopération et de développement économiques (OCDE). Nous constatons qu'en moyenne les Etats‐providence réduisent les inégalités de 35 pour cent et que les prestations sociales ont un impact redistributif beaucoup plus fort que la fiscalité. S'agissant des transferts sociaux, ce sont les pensions publiques qui contribuent le plus à réduire les inégalités de revenu, même si des disparités sont observées entre pays. Les prestations d'assistance sociale, d'invalidité et les allocations familiales participent aussi, quoique dans une moindre mesure, à la réduction des écarts de revenu.
Les risques d'invalidité: le cas de l’Argentine
Authors: Belliard Matías , Grushka Carlos , De Biase Marcelo 
Published: September 2012

RésuméLe présent article analyse les risques d'invalidité auxquels sont exposés les travailleurs qui cotisent au système argentin de sécurité sociale intégré (Sistema Integrado Previsional Argentino — SIPA). D'après nos données, issues des dossiers administratifs qui vont de 2000 à 2006, 1,46 travailleur sur 1000 est devenu invalide au cours de cette période. Le risque d'invalidité est plus élevé pour les hommes que pour les femmes, mais augmente avec l'âge dans les deux cas. Les chiffres ont également été ventilés en fonction des pathologies et du régime de sécurité sociale, en tenant compte de l'âge et du sexe des assurés concernés.
Application of umbilical cord serum eyedrops after laser epithelial keratomileusis
Authors: Yoon Kyung‐Chul , Oh Han‐Jin , Park Jung‐Won , Choi Jin 
Published: September 2012

Abstract.Purpose:  To investigate the efficacy of umbilical cord serum eyedrops after laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK).Methods:  Sixty patients (120 eyes) with myopia who underwent LASEK were studied. Thirty‐two patients (64 eyes) were treated with 20% umbilical cord serum eyedrops in combination with conventional treatment (group A), and 28 patients (56 eyes) received conventional treatment only (group B). Epithelial healing time was analysed. Visual acuity, refraction, haze score (0–4) and tear film and ocular surface parameters were evaluated at 1, 2, 4 and 12 weeks after LASEK. The concentration of transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 in tears was measured with ELISA at 1 week after LASEK.Results:  No significant differences in visual acuity and refraction were found between groups. The mean time to epithelial healing was 3.53 ± 1.19 days in group A and 3.91 ± 1.41 days in group B (p = 0.18). The mean haze scores at 2 and 4 weeks were 0.59 ± 0.80 and 0.31 ± 0.54 in group A and 1.06 ± 0.91 (p = 0.02) and 0.69 ± 0.78 (p = 0.03) in group B. Four and 12 weeks after LASEK, tear film break‐up time was longer and keratoepitheliopathy score was lower in group A compared with group B. The mean concentration of TGF‐β1 was lower in group A compared with group B (p = 0.01).Conclusion:  Application of 20% umbilical cord serum eyedrops in addition to conventional treatment after LASEK can reduce early postoperative corneal haze and improve tear film and ocular surface parameters.
Antimicrobial prescribing practice in UK equine veterinary practice
Authors: HUGHES L. A. , PINCHBECK G. , CALLABY R. , DAWSON S. , CLEGG P. , WILLIAMS N. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryReasons for performing study: Antimicrobial use is known to select for the emergence of resistant strains of bacteria; therefore prudent use in both human and veterinary medicine is essential to preserve their efficacy.Objectives: To characterise antimicrobial prescribing patterns in UK equine practice and evaluate factors associated with prescribing.Methods: A postal questionnaire including 4 clinical scenarios was sent to 740 veterinary surgeons that treat horses. Data were collected on the clinician, their practice and sources of information regarding antimicrobials and their use. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to ascertain factors associated with 5 outcomes; prescribing off‐licence drugs; prescribing at incorrect doses; prescribing 3rd or 4th generation cephalosporins; prescribing fluoroquinolones and prescribing potentiated sulphonamides.Results: Questionnaires were completed by 38% of veterinary surgeons who were sent questionnaires. Less than 1% of practices had antimicrobial use guidelines. Trimethoprim‐sulphonamides were most commonly prescribed in each clinical scenario. Eleven percent of prescriptions were for antimicrobial drugs not licensed for use in horses in the UK. Five percent of prescriptions for licensed antimicrobials were under the recommended dose rate and 56% over the recommended dose rate. Fluoroquinolones and 3rd and 4th generation cephalosporins accounted for 1 and 3% of prescriptions, respectively. Veterinary surgeons working at referral practices were more likely to prescribe 3rd and 4th generation cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones and off‐licence antimicrobials whereas those working in first‐opinion practices were more likely to prescribe potentiated sulphonamides. Sources of information regarding antimicrobials also had an effect on prescribing.Conclusions and potential relevance: Prescription of antimicrobials at inappropriate doses was common even when provided with the weight of the animal. It is uncommon for UK equine veterinary practices to have guidelines for antimicrobial use. The introduction of such guidelines could lead to more prudent use of antimicrobials.
Diagnosis and Ablation of Multiform Fascicular Tachycardia
Authors: SUNG RAPHAEL K. , KIM ALBERT M. , TSENG ZIAN H. , HAN FREDERICK , INADA KEIICHI , TEDROW USHA B. , VISWANATHAN MOHAN N. , BADHWAR NITISH , VAROSY PAUL D. , TANEL RONN , OLGIN JEFFREY E. , STEPHENSON WILLIAM G. , SCHEINMAN MELVIN 
Published: September 2012

Ablation Multiform Fascicular Tachycardia. Introduction: Fascicular tachycardia (FT) is an uncommon cause of monomorphic sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT). We describe 6 cases of FT with multiform QRS morphologies.
Methods and Results

: Six of 823 consecutive VT cases were retrospectively analyzed and found attributable to FT with multiform QRS patterns, with 3 cases exhibiting narrow QRS VT as well. All underwent electrophysiology study including fascicular potential mapping, entrainment pacing, and electroanatomic mapping. The first 3 cases describe similar multiform VT patterns with successful ablation in the upper mid septum. Initially, a right bundle branch block (RBBB) VT with superior axis was induced. Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) targeting the left posterior fascicle (LPF) resulted in a second VT with RBBB inferior axis. RFCA in the upper septum just apical to the LBB potential abolished VT in all cases. Cases 4 and 5 showed RBBB VT with alternating fascicular block compatible with upper septal dependent VT, resulting in bundle branch reentrant VT (BBRT) after ablation of LPF and left anterior fascicle (LAF). Finally, Cases 5 and 6 demonstrated spontaneous shift in QRS morphology during VT, implicating participation of a third fascicle. In Case 6, successful ablation was achieved over the proximal LAF, likely representing insertion of the auxiliary fascicle near the proximal LAF.
Conclusions

: Multiform FTs show a reentrant mechanism using multiple fascicular branches. We hypothesize that retrograde conduction over the septal fascicle produces alternate fascicular patterns as well as narrow VT forms. Ablation of the respective fascicle was successful in abolishing FT but does not preclude development of BBRT unless septal fascicle is targeted and ablated. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 24, pp. 297‐304, March 2013)
Impact of Radiofrequency Characteristics on Acute Pulmonary Vein Reconnection and Clinical Outcome After PVAC Ablation
Authors: GREEF YVES DE , TAVERNIER RENE , SCHWAGTEN BRUNO , KEULENAER GILLES DE , STOCKMAN DIRK , DUYTSCHAEVER MATTIAS 
Published: September 2012

Impact of Radiofrequency Characteristics. Objective: The objective was to study the impact of radiofrequency (RF) characteristics on acute pulmonary vein reconnection (PVR) and outcome after PVAC ablation. PVI with additional ablation of PVR (PVI + PVR) was compared to PVI‐only.
Methods:
In 40 consecutive patients, after PVAC‐guided PVI, adenosine and a 1‐hour waiting time were used to unmask and ablate acute PVR (PVI + PVR group). RF‐characteristics and 1‐year AF freedom were compared post hoc to 40 clinically matched patients undergoing PVI only (PVI‐only group). Custom‐made software was used to assess RF characteristics of the PVAC applications needed to obtain baseline PVI.
Results:
There was no difference in clinical characteristics or baseline RF‐profile between both groups. Acute PVR was observed and ablated in 38 of 160 veins (24%). AF‐freedom after PVI + PVR was higher than PVI (85% vs 65%, P < 0.05). Within the PVI group, comparing patients with and without AF‐recurrence, the percentage of PVAC applications with high T° (>48°) but low power (<3W) was higher (28 ± 18% vs 11 ± 11%, P < 0.0001). Within the PVI + PVR group, when comparing PVs with and without PVR, the percentage of low power/high T° PVAC applications was also higher (27 ± 13% vs 13 ± 15%, P < 0.0001).
Conclusions:
(1) After PVAC ablation, 24% of PVs exhibit acute reconnection. Additional ablation of reconnection improves clinical outcome. (2) Acute reconnection as well as clinical recurrence of AF are characterized by PVAC ablation with a considerable number of applications with high temperature but low power. (3) If PV isolation is obtained with low power applications, a consistent use of both adenosine and waiting time is required. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 24, pp. 290‐296, March 2013)
Dialysate Quality: New Standards Require a New Approach to Compliance
Authors: Fendley David A. , Ward Richard A. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractSubstances commonly found in drinking water can injure hemodialysis patients if they are not removed from the water during the preparation of dialysate. Standards have been developed that specify the maximum allowable levels of these substances in dialysate. Those standards have recently been revised. While the maximum allowable levels of chemical contaminants have not changed, a more sensitive method for bacterial cultures has been specified and the maximum allowable levels of bacteria and endotoxin in the new standards have been decreased. These decreases are a consequence of an increasing body of evidence that improving dialysate quality positively impacts patient outcomes. Meeting the new microbiological standards could require dialysis facilities to adopt new approaches to managing their water treatment and concentrate preparation systems. To address this need, the new standards present a framework for developing a facility‐specific quality management system for ensuring dialysate quality based on validation of system performance, coupled with routine monitoring and periodic revalidation of performance.
Bioinformatic Databases and Resources in the public domain to aid HLA research
Authors: Helmberg W. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractResearch in HLA as in any other field depends on information. Different groups have generated generic and specific resources and tools to support this research. The present review describes a qualified subset of these resources, which should cover the most important starting points for research in the HLA field. It discusses access to HLA allele sequences, allele frequencies, continues with general support to access to literature, DNA and protein sequence information, structural models, teaching books, databases with phenotypic datasets, alignment tools, peptide binding, statistical tools, guidelines and ambiguity coding. Following functionalities and databases have been included: IMGT/HLA, Immuno Polymorphism Database (IPD), allelefrequencies*.net, a detailed look into NCBI (National Center of Biotechnology Information) with a subset of databases and tools, focusing on literature research, sequences, user‐specific support tools and applications (PubMed, GenBank, MyNCBI, blast, Gene, MapViewer, Structure, CN3D, WorkBench, and dbMHC). This is followed by a brief survey of EBI‐EMBL/Ensemble, the sequence alignment tool Clustal, the peptide and ligand databases SYFPEITHI and Immune Epitope Database, and last but not least statistical packages and HLA allele coding resources PyPop, the Immuno‐genomics Data Analysis Working Group and the NMDP informatics section. All databases and tools can be freely accessed. Data linked to individuals, however, might require authorization by a data access committee.
Evaluation of Immunostimulatory Activities of Synthetic Mannose-Containing Structures Mimicking the β-(1→2)-Linked Cell Wall Mannans of Candida albicans
Authors: Ranta Kaarina , Nieminen Kaisa , Ekholm Filip S. , Poláková Moniká , Roslund Mattias U. , Saloranta Tiina , Leino Reko , Savolainen Johannes 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACTImmunostimulatory properties of synthetic structures mimicking the β-(1→2)-linked mannans ofCandida albicanswere evaluatedin vitro. Contrary to earlier observations, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production was not detected after stimulation with mannotetraose in mouse macrophages. Divalent disaccharide 1,4-bis(α-d-mannopyranosyloxy)butane induced TNF and some molecules induced low levels of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC).
Performance of the GeneXpert CT/NG Assay Compared to That of the Aptima AC2 Assay for Detection of Rectal Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae by Use of Residual Aptima Samples
Authors: Goldenberg S. D. , Finn J. , Sedudzi E. , White J. A , Tong C. Y. W. 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACT

There are currently no commercially available molecular assays for the detection of
Chlamydia trachomatis
and
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
in rectal swabs with regulatory approval. We compared the Cepheid GeneXpert CT/NG assay with the GenProbe Aptima Combo2 assay, using 409 rectal swabs. Using Aptima as the gold standard, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of GeneXpert for the detection of
C. trachomatis
and
N. gonorrhoeae
were 86%, 99.2%, 92.5%, and 98.4% and 91.1%, 100%, 100%, and 98.6%, respectively. Despite significant dilution of samples prior to GeneXpert testing, the assay performed well with excellent specificity.
Identification of Clinical Isolates of α-Hemolytic Streptococci by 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry Using MALDI Biotyper, and Conventional Phenotypic Methods: a Comparison
Authors: Davies Angharad Puw , Reid Michelle , Hadfield Stephen J. , Johnston Stuart , Mikhail Jane , Harris Llinos G. , Jenkinson Howard F. , Berry Nidhika , Lewis Ann M. , El-Bouri Khalid , Mack Dietrich 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACT
Fifty-six α-hemolytic streptococcal isolates were identified using MALDI Biotyper MS (Bruker Daltonics), API 20 Strep (bioMérieux), and BD Phoenix (Becton, Dickinson). The gold standard for identification was 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis with 16S-23S rRNA intergenic spacer sequencing. The following percentages of isolates were correctly identified to the species level: MALDI Biotyper, 46%; BD Phoenix, 35%; and API 20 Strep, 26%.
Insights into Avian Influenza Virus Pathogenicity: the Hemagglutinin Precursor HA0 of Subtype H16 Has an Alpha-Helix Structure in Its Cleavage Site with Inefficient HA1/HA2 Cleavage
Authors: Lu Xishan , Shi Yi , Gao Feng , Xiao Haixia , Wang Ming , Qi Jianxun , Gao George F. 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACT

With a new serotype (H17) of hemagglutinin (HA) recently being discovered, there are now 17 serotypes (H1 to H17) of influenza A viruses in total. It is believed that HA is initially expressed as a precursor of HA0 and then cleaved into HA1 and HA2, forming a disulfide bond-linked complex, for its full function. Structural data show that a loop structure exists in the cleavage site between HA1 and HA2, and this flexible loop is crucial for the efficient cleavage of HA0. Here, the crystal structures of H16 (a low-pathogenicity avian influenza virus) in their HA0 form (H16HA0) have been solved at 1.7-Å and 2.0-Å resolutions. To our surprise, an α-helix element in the cleavage site which inserts into the negatively charged cavity with the key residue R329 hidden behind the helix was observed.
In vitro
trypsin cleavage experiments demonstrated inefficient cleavage of H16HA0 under both neutral and low-pH conditions. The results provide new insights into influenza A virus pathogenicity; both the relatively stable α-helix structure in the flexible cleavage loop and inaccessibility of the cleavage site likely contribute to the low pathogenicity of avian influenza A virus. Furthermore, compared to all of the HAs whose structures have been solved, H16 is a good reference for assigning the HA subtypes into two groups on the basis of the three-dimensional structure, which is consistent with the phylogenetic grouping. We conclude that in light of the current H16HA0 structure, the natural α-helix element might provide a new opportunity for influenza virus inhibitor design.
Molecular Mechanism of Antagonism between the Y181C and E138K Mutations in HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase
Authors: Xu Hong-Tao , Oliveira Maureen , Asahchop Eugene L. , McCallum Matthew , Quashie Peter K. , Han Yingshan , Quan Yudong , Wainberg Mark A. 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACTEtravirine (ETR) is an expanded-spectrum nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) approved for use as an antiretroviral agent in treatment-experienced patients. Y181C and E138K in HIV-1 RT are among 20 different drug resistance mutations associated with ETR. However, E138K can be consistently selected by ETR when wild-type viruses but not viruses containing Y181C are grown in tissue culture. This study was carried out to evaluate any possible mechanisms that might explain antagonism between the Y181C and E138K mutations. Accordingly, we performed tissue culture studies to investigate the evolutionary dynamics of E138K in both a wild-type (WT) and a Y181C background. We also generated recombinant enzymes containing Y181C and E138K alone or in combination in order to study enzyme processivity, rates of processive DNA synthesis, enzyme kinetics, and susceptibility to ETR. We now show that the presence of the Y181C mutation prevented the emergence of E138K in cell culture and that the simultaneous presence of E138K and Y181C impaired each of enzyme activity, processivity, rate of processive DNA synthesis, and deoxynucleoside triphosphate (dNTP) affinity. The addition of E138K to Y181C also decreased the level of resistance to ETR compared to that obtained with Y181C alone.
Initial experience with Penumbra Coil 400 versus standard coils in embolization of cerebral aneurysms: a retrospective review
Authors: Mascitelli Justin R , Polykarpou Maritsa F , Patel Aanand A , Kamath Ashwin A , Moyle Henry , Patel Aman B 
Published: September 2012

Background and purposeThe Penumbra Coil 400 System (PC 400) is the newly introduced platinum coil system designed specifically to enhance filling efficiency by increasing coil diameter. Our goal was to study the packing and treatment advantage of the PC 400's unique geometric configuration compared with conventional coils (controls).Materials and methods16 aneurysms embolized with the PC 400 in 2011 were compared with 79 equally matched aneurysms embolized with conventional coils from 2004 to 2011. Primary outcomes assessed were acute packing density, embolization time, and the number of coils required for aneurysm occlusion.ResultsAneurysm embolization with the PC 400 achieved a higher packing density (36.8% vs 28.1%; p<0.005) and with fewer coils (an average of 3.9 vs 6.1 coils per aneurysm; p<0.05). In addition, the total procedural time for the subjects treated with the PC 400 was significantly less (45.7 vs 64.1 min; p<0.05). There were no procedural complications associated with the PC 400.ConclusionsCompared with conventional coils, the PC 400 is more efficient in the embolization of cerebral aneurysms, achieving greater packing density with fewer coils and less time without compromising safety.
Dietary Nitrate Supplementation Improves Revascularization in Chronic Ischemia
Authors: Hendgen-Cotta Ulrike B. , Luedike Peter , Totzeck Matthias , Kropp Martina , Schicho Andreas , Stock Pia , Rammos Christos , Niessen Michael , Heiss Christian , Lundberg Jon O. , Weitzberg Eddie , Kelm Malte , Rassaf Tienush 
Published: September 2012

Background—
Revascularization is an adaptive repair mechanism that restores blood flow to undersupplied ischemic tissue. Nitric oxide plays an important role in this process. Whether dietary nitrate, serially reduced to nitrite by commensal bacteria in the oral cavity and subsequently to nitric oxide and other nitrogen oxides, enhances ischemia-induced remodeling of the vascular network is not known.

Methods and Results—

Mice were treated with either nitrate (1 g/L sodium nitrate in drinking water) or sodium chloride (control) for 14 days. At day 7, unilateral hind-limb surgery with excision of the left femoral artery was conducted. Blood flow was determined by laser Doppler. Capillary density, myoblast apoptosis, mobilization of CD34
+
/Flk-1
+
, migration of bone marrow–derived CD31
+
/CD45
−
, plasma S-nitrosothiols, nitrite, and skeletal tissue cGMP levels were assessed. Enhanced green fluorescence protein transgenic mice were used for bone marrow transplantation. Dietary nitrate increased plasma S-nitrosothiols and nitrite, enhanced revascularization, increased mobilization of CD34
+
/Flk-1
+
and migration of bone marrow–derived CD31
+
/CD45
−
cells to the site of ischemia, and attenuated apoptosis of potentially regenerative myoblasts in chronically ischemic tissue. The regenerative effects of nitrate treatment were abolished by eradication of the nitrate-reducing bacteria in the oral cavity through the use of an antiseptic mouthwash.

Conclusions—
Long-term dietary nitrate supplementation may represent a novel nutrition-based strategy to enhance ischemia-induced revascularization.