bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Metformin on Burn-Induced Hepatic Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Male Rats
Authors: Hiyama Yaeko , Marshall Alexandra H. , Kraft Robert , Qa’aty Nour , Arno Anna , Herndon David N. , Jeschke Marc G. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractSevere burn injury causes hepatic dysfunction that results in major metabolic derangements including insulin resistance and hyperglycemia and is associated with hepatic endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. We have recently shown that insulin reduces ER stress and improves liver function and morphology; however, it is not clear whether these changes are directly insulin mediated or are due to glucose alterations. Metformin is an antidiabetic agent that decreases hyperglycemia by different pathways than insulin; therefore, we asked whether metformin affects postburn ER stress and hepatic metabolism. The aim of the present study is to determine the effects of metformin on postburn hepatic ER stress and metabolic markers. Male rats were randomized to sham, burn injury and burn injury plus metformin and were sacrificed at various time points. Outcomes measured were hepatic damage, function, metabolism and ER stress. Burn-induced decrease in albumin mRNA and increase in alanine transaminase (p < 0.01 versus sham) were not normalized by metformin treatment. In addition, ER stress markers were similarly increased in burn injury with or without metformin compared with sham (p < 0.05). We also found that gluconeogenesis and fatty acid metabolism gene expressions were upregulated with or without metformin compared with sham (p < 0.05). Our results indicate that, whereas thermal injury results in hepatic ER stress, metformin does not ameliorate postburn stress responses by correcting hepatic ER stress.
Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) and Thyroid Hormone Alterations in Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (ANCA)-Associated Vasculitis (AAV)
Authors: Wendt Mårten , Börjesson Ola , Avik Aune , Bratt Johan , Anderstam Björn , Qureshi Abdul R. , Miller Edmund J. , Gunnarsson Iva , Bruchfeld Annette 
Published: July 2013

AbstractMacrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a proinflammatory cytokine known to be released from lymphocytes, macrophages and endothelial cells and also in animal models shown to be inducible with glucocorticoids (GC). In contrast, thyroxine seems to antagonize MIF activity. To investigate whether MIF is increased in active antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) and possible correlations with GC dosing and thyroid hormone levels, 27 consecutive patients with active AAV were studied and followed prospectively. Disease activity was assessed using Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score 2003 (BVAS) at baseline and at follow-up at 3 and 6 months, along with MIF, thyroid hormones free triiodothyronine (fT3) and free thyroxine (fT4), C-reactive protein (CRP) and creatinine. MIF was elevated significantly at baseline compared with follow-up at 3 and 6 months (8,618 pg/mL versus 5,696 and 6,212 respectively; P < 0.002) but did not correlate to CRP GC dose, creatinine or organ involvement. fT3 was depressed significantly at baseline compared with follow-up (1.99 pg/mL versus 2.31 and 2.67 respectively; P = 0.01) and correlated inversely to the BVAS score at baseline. We found a significant correlation between the MIF/fT4 ratio at baseline versus MIF/fT4 ratio at 6 months (p = 0.52, P < 0.005) and a trend between the baseline MIF/fT3 ratio versus MIF/fT3 ratio at 6 months (ρ = 0.39, P = 0.05). These results suggest a possible role for MIF and thyroid status in AAV. Further studies could reveal whether the association between AAV and thyroid hormone levels in the context of elevated MIF may present a link as well as a target of treatment.
Water Regime of Playa Lakes from Southern Spain: Conditioning Factors and Hydrological Modeling
Authors: Moral Francisco , Rodriguez‐Rodriguez Miguel , Beltrán Manuel , Benavente José , Cifuentes Victor Juan 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACT: Andalusia's lowland countryside has a network of small geographically isolated playa lakes scattered across an area of 9000 km2 whose watersheds are mostly occupied by clayey rocks. The hydrological model proposed by the authors seeks to find equilibrium among usefulness, simplicity, and applicability to isolated playas in a semiarid context elsewhere. Based in such model, the authors have used monthly climatic data, water stage measurements, and the basin morphometry of a particular case (Los Jarales playa lake) to calibrate the soil water budget in the catchment and the water inputs from the watershed (runoff plus groundwater flow) at different scales, from monthly to daily. After the hydrologic model was calibrated, the authors implemented simulations with the goal of reproducing the past hydrological dynamics and forecasting water regime changes that would be caused by a modification of the wetland morphometry.
Clinical bond failure rates of adhesive precoated self-ligating brackets using a self-etching primer
Authors: Ozer Mete , Bayram Mehmet , Dincyurek Cagri , Tokalak Fuat 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACT

Objective:
To comparatively assess the failure rate of adhesive precoated (APC) self-ligating metal brackets bonded with two different enamel surface preparation techniques: self-etching primer (SEP) and conventional two-step etch and primer method (CM).

Materials and Methods:
Fifty-seven patients with complete permanent dentition were included in this study. A total of 1140 APC self-ligating brackets (3M Unitek, Monrovia, Calif) were bonded using a split-mouth design. For each patient, SEP (Transbond Plus SEP, 3M Unitek) and CM (37% phosphoric acid) were used in alternate quadrants. All brackets were bonded by the same investigator after pumicing and rinsing of all of the teeth. The number, site, and date of first-time bracket failures were monitored throughout orthodontic treatment (mean, 22 months). The survival rates of the brackets were estimated by Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests (P &lt; .05). The adhesive remnant index was used to determine the bond failure interface.

Results:
The bond failure rates were 2.97% and 2.18% for the CM and SEP, respectively. No statistically significant difference in failure rates was found between the groups. The bond failure sites were predominantly at the enamel-adhesive interface in both groups.

Conclusion:
This long-term in vivo study showed that the combined use of SEP and the APC bracket system can be used effectively for bonding brackets after pumicing the enamel surfaces in clinical orthodontics.
The Factors Associated with Anxiety and Depression in Slovenian Armed Forces Members on a Peacekeeping Mission in the Western Balkans / Dejavniki, Povezani Z Depresijo In Tesnobnostjo Pri Slovenskih Vojakih Na Mirovni Misiji Na Zahodnem Balkanu
Authors: Selič Polona , Dzanic Unger Jasna , Pesjak Katja , Kersnik Janko 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Objective: To identify the factors associated with the onset of depression and anxiety in professional soldiers on a peacekeeping mission in Kosovo in 2009.
Methods: A cross-sectional study of 244 members of the Slovenian Armed Forces on a peace-keeping mission, using the Depression Self Rating Scale, the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale and a background questionnaire, was performed.
Results: A 6.9% prevalence of depression and a 7.9% prevalence of anxiety were identified. The presence of a chronic pain condition and the recent termination of an intimate relationship were independently associated with the onset of either anxiety or depression or with a co-morbidity of anxiety and depression.
Conclusions: In spite of medical and psychological examinations prior to peacekeeping operations, the onset of anxiety and depression calls for special attention and empowerment by teaching peacekeepers how to use their social support and personal mastery resources.
Porazdelitev Telesnega Maščevja Študentk V Povezavi S Telesno Aktivnostjo In Tveganjem Za Obolevnost Kot Posledico Trebušne Debelosti / Body Fat Distribution of Female Students Related to Physical Activity and to Risk of Morbidity Due to Abdominal Obesity
Authors: Zerbo Sporin Dorjana 
Published: July 2013

Izvleček
Izhodišča: Pomanjkanje telesne aktivnosti in neustrezna prehrana lahko pripeljeta do prekomerne mase telesa in povečanega obsega pasu, ki je dejavnik tveganja za pojav bolezni, odvisnih od centralne porazdelitve telesnega maščevja. Namen raziskave je bil ugotoviti, ali je telesna aktivnost študentk povezana s količino in porazdelitvijo maščevja ter oceniti njihovo ogroženost zaradi prekomerne trebušne zamaščenosti.
Metode: Raziskava je bila izvedena na Oddelku za biologijo Biotehniške fakultete v Ljubljani. Spremljano je bilo število tedenskih ur telesne aktivnosti, ki je pomenila kakršnokoli telesno gibanje, ki ga ustvarjajo skeletne mišice in ima kot posledico porabo energije. Študentke Fakultete za šport so bile združene v skupino »športnice« in telesno aktivne večinoma 15 ur tedensko več kot študentke »rekreativke«. Med skupinama so bile primerjane antropometrične vrednosti in ocena porazdelitve telesnega maščevja. Z indeksom pas - boki je bilo ovrednoteno tveganje za pojav bolezni, povezanih s prekomerno količino maščevja v predelu trebuha. Višja stopnja telesne aktivnosti športnic ni bila povezana z vrednostmi telesnih mer in s porazdelitvijo maščevja.
Rezultati: Glavnina študentk izkazuje sorazmerno več maščevja v predelu bokov kot na trebuhu. 5% študentk sodi v skupino z visokim do zelo visokim tveganjem za pojav bolezni, povezanih s centralnim tipom porazdelitve maščevja. Težje študentke imajo tudi statistično pomembno večji obseg pasu. Z vidika ocenjene količine in porazdelitve telesnega maščevja, se stopnja telesne aktivnosti študentk rekreativk ne razlikuje od tiste, ki jo izvajajo študentke Fakultete za šport.
Zaključki: Večina študentk ima periferno porazdelitev maščevja in nizko do zmerno tveganje za pojav srčno-žilnih bolezni. Potrebno je ustrezno obravnavati posameznice s centralnim tipom porazdelitve maščevja.
Soil as the landscape balance indicator
Authors: Ostaszewska Katarzyna , Szumacher Iwona 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
The subordinated position of soil in the geosystem allows it to be used as an indicator of the landscape balance. Examples where soil plays such an indicative role are presented in this paper. The theory of the “geochemical landscape” has been used as the theoretical-methodological basis. Soil properties indicating direction, intensity and quality of matter migration in the landscape have been discussed (profile environment, pH, redox, quantitative and qualitative humus properties). The indicative role of soil in the monitoring of “sustainable landscape” has also been characterized. According to the authors, three models of this landscape can be created: natural, rural and urban sustainable landscapes.
Social and ethnic segregation in the Paris metropolitan area at the beginning of the 21st century
Authors: Grzegorczyk Anna 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Although the socio-spatial aspect of cities in the globalisation era has gained a new dimension, it cannot be explained by the globalisation process alone. The article presents the problem of social and ethnic segregation in Île-de-France between 1999 and 2009. Socio-economic and demographic data are used to measure indices of segregation and the description of characteristic chosen districts to show its spatial inertia. The analysis revealed a higher degree of social segregation in the entire Paris metropolitan region than in the city of Paris itself. The upper class is the most segregated group, followed by foreigners, immigrants and the lower class. The pattern emphasises the important role of autosegregation factors and functions. It is observed that a constant division into homogenous parts exists in the prestigious and affluent western districts and the impoverished immigrant north-eastern districts. Socio-spatial tendencies reveal the growing importance of the upper class.
The search for seismic signatures of movement at the glacier bed in a polythermal valley glacier
Authors: Pomeroy Joseph , Brisbourne Alex , Evans Jeffrey , Graham David 
Published: July 2013

AbstractA passive seismology experiment was conducted across the main overdeepening of Storglaciären in the Tarfala valley, northern Sweden, to investigate the spatial and temporal distribution of basal microseismic waveforms in relation to known dynamics of this small polythermal sub-arctic glacier. The high ablation rate made it difficult to keep geophones buried and well coupled to the glacier during the experiment and reduced the number of days of good-quality data collection. The characterization of typical and atypical waveforms showed that the dominant waveforms were from near-surface events such as crevassing. Waveforms resembling basal microseismic signals were very rare, and seldom observed on more than two seismic stations simultaneously. The analysis of waveforms, amplitudes and particle motions suggested a near-field origin for most events. Even though basal sliding is known to occur in the overdeepening, no convincing examples of basal waveforms were detected, suggesting basal microseismic signals are rare or difficult to detect beneath polythermal glaciers like Storglaciären. We discuss the reasons for failing to locate basal signals, consider the origin of common waveforms and make recommendations for setting up passive seismology experiments on glaciers with high ablation rates.
Levoglucosan concentrations in ice-core samples from the Tibetan Plateau determined by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry
Authors: Yao Ping , Schwab Valérie F. , Roth Vanessa-Nina , Xu Baiqing , Yao Tandong , Gleixner Gerd 
Published: July 2013

AbstractLevoglucosan is a unique marker for biomass burning that can be transported in the atmosphere and preserved in archives such as ice cores. A new method to determine the concentrations of levoglucosan in Tibetan ice-core samples using high-performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI/MS) was developed. Levoglucosan was separated from coeluting water-soluble organic compounds using a C18column with a gradient program from 50% to 90% methanol in ultrapure water. An external standard calibration curve (R2= 0.9958) was established by plotting the ion m/z 163 [M+H]+peak area versus the amount of analyte. The repeatability ranges between 11% and 2% at a concentration around 10 and 150 ng mL−1. The limit of detection was 10 ng mL−1and the limit of quantification was 40 ng mL−1. Levoglucosan concentrations ranged from 10 to 718 ng mL−1in the Muztagh Ata ice core and from 10 to 93 ng mL−1in the Tanggula ice core. These concentrations, up to 1000 times higher than those measured in samples from Antarctic and Greenland, showed the higher vulnerability of the Tibetan Plateau glaciers to biomass burning events.
Non-Candidal Fungal Peritonitis in Far North Queensland: A Case Series
Authors: Baer Richard A. , Killen John P. , Cho Yeoungjee , Mantha Murty 
Published: July 2013

Background Fungal peritonitis is a recognized complication in patients with end-stage renal failure treated with peritoneal dialysis (PD). Most infections are attributable to Candida species. In approximately one third of cases, the causative fungus is a non- Candida species. Recent reports in the literature show a rising incidence of non-candidal fungal peritonitis (NCFP). We report a case series of NCFP, together with two hitherto unreported species of fungi causing peritonitis, from a tropical geographic area (Far North Queensland). Methods This series of 10 cases of NCFP was identified from the PD peritonitis database in Far North Queensland between 1998 and 2010. All 10 patients were from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ethnic group, 8 of whom lived in remote locations. All but 1 patient had type 2 diabetes mellitus. Of the 10 cases, 7 occurred while the patients received continuous ambulatory PD. Only 1 patient avoided catheter removal, and 5 patients were permanently transferred to hemodialysis. No patient died as a result of the fungal infection. All 10 fungi represented different species. Most (6 of 10) were saprophytic; only 2 were normal skin flora. Two of the causative species ( Chaetomium and Beauveria) have rarely been associated with any form of human infection. In 7 patients, the infection occurred during the wet season (November – April). All cases met clinical criteria for peritonitis. Discussion and Conclusions The NCFP cases described in this series involved a variety of previously known fungal species and also two new species that have not been reported to cause disease in humans. Indigenous patients from Far North Queensland are particularly predisposed to infection with these exotic fungi as a result of environmental and social factors. Further understanding is desirable to help devise preventive strategies to avoid the consequences of catheter failure.
Correlation between Glycemic Control and the Incidence of Peritoneal and Catheter Tunnel and Exit-Site Infections in Diabetic Patients Undergoing Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Rodríguez–Carmona Ana , Pérez–Fontán Miguel , López–Muñiz Andrés , Ferreiro–Hermida Tamara , García–Falcón Teresa 
Published: July 2013

Background Diabetes mellitus, especially if complicated by poor glycemic control, portends an increased risk of infection. The significance of this association in the case of diabetic patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) has not been assessed. Methods Using a retrospective observational design, we analyzed the association between glycemic control at the start of PD (estimated from glycosylated hemoglobin levels) and the risk of peritoneal and catheter tunnel and exit-site infections during follow-up in 183 incident patients on PD. We used the median value of glycosylated hemoglobin to classify patients into good (group A) or poor (group B) glycemic control groups. We applied multivariate strategies of analysis to control for other potential predictors of PD-related infection. Results Groups A and B differed significantly in age, dialysis vintage, use of insulin, and rate of Staphylococcus aureus carriage. Neither the incidence (0.60 episodes in group A vs 0.56 episodes in group B per patient–year) nor the time to a first peritoneal infection (median: 42 months vs 38 months) differed significantly between the study groups. In contrast, group B had a significantly higher incidence of catheter tunnel and exit-site infections (0.23 episodes vs 0.12 episodes per patient–year) and shorter time to a first infection episode (64 months vs 76 months, p = 0.004). The difference persisted in multivariate analysis (adjusted hazard ratio: 2.65; 95% confidence interval: 1.13 to 6.05; p = 0.013). We observed no differences between the study groups in the spectrum of causative organisms or in the outcomes of PD-related infections. Conclusions Poor glycemic control is a consistent predictor of subsequent risk of catheter tunnel and exit-site infection, but not of peritoneal infection, among diabetic patients starting PD therapy.
Clinical, Functional, and Radiographic Benefits of Longterm Adalimumab Plus Methotrexate: Final 10-year Data in Longstanding Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Keystone Edward C. , van der Heijde Désirée , Kavanaugh Arthur , Kupper Hartmut , Liu Shufang , Guérette Benoît , Mozaffarian Neelufar 
Published: July 2013

Objective.To examine the longterm effectiveness and safety of adalimumab in patients with longstanding rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and an inadequate response to methotrexate (MTX), and to assess the effect of a 1-year delay in initiation of combination therapy.Methods.DE019 was a 1-year randomized controlled trial (RCT) in which patients received adalimumab 20 mg weekly, adalimumab 40 mg every other week (eow), or placebo; all received concomitant MTX. Patients completing the RCT could receive open-label adalimumab 40 mg eow + MTX for an additional 9 years. Clinical, functional, and radiographic outcomes were assessed using composite measures of disease activity (e.g., American College of Rheumatology responses, 28-joint Disease Activity Score with C-reactive protein, Simplified Disease Activity Index), Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index, and the modified total Sharp score (mTSS), respectively.Results.Of the 619 patients randomized, 457 entered the open-label extension; 202 completed 10 years. At Year 10, patients demonstrated effective disease control and inhibition of radiographic progression. Differences in clinical and functional responses between adalimumab + MTX and placebo + MTX observed during the RCT became less apparent at Year 10. Still, patients who initially received adalimumab + MTX had significantly lower mean ΔmTSS at Year 10 compared with patients who initially received placebo + MTX. No new safety signals arose following up to 10 years of adalimumab + MTX exposure.Conclusion.During up to 10 years of treatment with adalimumab + MTX, patients with longstanding RA experienced effective disease control with no change to the expected safety profile. A 1-year delay in receipt of adalimumab + MTX was associated with reduced effectiveness, suggesting that a window of opportunity to prevent irreversible damage exists even in a population with established RA.
Decreased Cartilage Thickness in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Assessed by Ultrasonography
Authors: Pradsgaard Dan Østergaard , Spannow Anne Helene , Heuck Carsten , Herlin Troels 
Published: July 2013

Objective.Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) may result in disability, which is caused primarily by degeneration of the osteocartilaginous structures, due to the synovial inflammatory process. It is essential to closely monitor structural damage during the disease course. We aimed to compare ultrasound (US) measurements of joint cartilage thickness in 5 joints in children with JIA to our findings in an age- and sex-related healthy cohort regarding disease duration, joint activity, JIA subtype, age, and sex.Methods.We clinically examined joint activity in 95 patients with JIA and collected parent and physician global assessments. Joint cartilage thickness was assessed by greyscale US in knee, ankle, wrist, metacarpophalangeal, and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints. Measurements were compared to reference values of a healthy cohort from a previous study. Medical records were reviewed for JIA subtype, treatment, and disease duration.Results.Joint cartilage thickness was decreased in the knee, wrist, and second PIP joint in children with JIA compared with the healthy cohort (p < 0.001 for all). Patients with oligoarticular JIA had thicker cartilage than patients with polyarticular and systemic JIA. We also found decreased joint cartilage thickness in joints not previously affected by arthritis in children with JIA compared to the same joint in the healthy cohort. We found decreasing cartilage thickness with age and thicker cartilage in boys than in girls.Conclusion.Children with JIA have reduced cartilage thickness compared with children who do not have JIA, and children with polyarticular and systemic JIA have thinner cartilage than children with oligoarticular JIA.