bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-Term Peritoneal Dialysis Experience: Quality Control Supports the use of Fluconazole to Prevent Fungal Peritonitis
Authors: Lopes Karina , Rocha Ana , Rodrigues Anabela , Carvalho Maria João , Cabrita António 
Published: May 2013

Background Fungal peritonitis (FP) is rare, but it is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Patients and Methods A prospective study was conducted based on the peritonitis episodes registry to evaluate FP rate, possible risk factors, and outcomes. The impact of prophylactic intervention with oral fluconazole was evaluated. Results Over 24 years of experience, 417 patients underwent peritoneal dialysis (PD), followed for 956 patient-years. By the end of the study, the peritonitis rate reached 0.47 episodes per patient-year of treatment (ep/pt-y). FP was detected in 24 patients. The global rate of FP was 0.03 ep/pt-y (4.8%). Candida species accounted for 92% of the FP. Risk factors identified: recent use of antibiotics in 63% (13 episodes of bacterial peritonitis and 2 exit-site infections (ESI)) and immunosuppressive therapy in 8%. While rare, the FP proportion was still observed to increase from the beginning of the program, reaching 7.8% (0.05 ep/pt-y). A strategy of antifungal prophylaxis with oral fluconazole during peritonitis or ESI antibiotic therapy was adopted, which allowed thereafter a 4.0% falling FP proportion (by study end, rate of 0.01 ep/pt-y). Catheter removal occurred in all patients. The mortality rate was 12.5%. Reinsertion of dialysis catheter was attempted in 4 patients and PD was successfully resumed in 3 patients. Conclusions FP was associated with high mortality and required early removal of the catheter in all patients. Recent use of antibiotics was a predisposing factor to PF The quality control process determined a prophylactic strategy and reduction of PF after introduction of oral fluconazole was implemented.
Extended Characterization of a New Class of Membranes for Blood Purification: The High Cut-off Membranes
Authors: Boschetti-de-Fierro Adriana , Voigt Manuel , Storr Markus , Krause Bernd 
Published: May 2013

High cut-off membranes are a new class of blood purification membranes whose particular characteristics present challenges for commonly-used characterization methods. Dextran sieving curves for representative blood purification membranes of the high-flux and high cut-off types were measured and compared to curves for the glomerular filtration barrier (GFB). The performance was also determined after blood exposure for the most permeable synthetic membranes. High cut-off membranes were observed to be more open than the GFB before blood exposure, but become tighter and more selective after the exposure, keeping the permeation for low and middle molecules while restraining the filtration of large species. Based on dextran sieving experiments for a variety of commercially available blood purification membranes, we present a novel method for classifying blood purification membranes. By using a well-established technique and introducing a new characteristic parameter for the sieving curve – the molecular weight retention onset (MWRO) – a graph of molecular weight cut-off versus molecular weight retention onset provides the landscape of dialysis membrane types. This meaningful representation is based on only one in vitro method, and allows the membrane classification by indirectly considering two structural parameters: pore size and pore size distribution. In this way, the families of low-flux, high-flux, protein leaking, and high cut-off membranes are clearly differentiated. The differentiation allows for the definition of MWCO/MWRO regions for the different types, so that further classification of newly developed membranes can be easily achieved.
Effects of Hemoperfusion in the Treatment of Childhood Henoch-Schönlein Purpura Nephritis
Authors: Chen Lina , Wang Zheng , Zhai Songhui , Zhang Hui , Lu Jing , Chen Xiuying 
Published: May 2013

Purpose Immune mediators play a role in the pathogenesis of Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) nephritis. Since hemoperfusion (HP) is able to eliminate the immune mediators in many diseases, we investigated the effects of HP in the treatment of HSP nephritis. Methods 90 children with HSP nephritis were enrolled and followed up for 12 months. They were assigned to the HP group or the control group, respectively. Both groups were treated with corticosteroids and other supportive therapy. Patients in the HP group received HP for 3 consecutive days. The major outcomes included the percentage of patients with HSP nephritis, extrarenal symptoms, and recurrences and changes in serum levels of immune mediators. Results The percentage of patients with nephritis in the HP group was less than that in the control group at each visit; the differences for prortions at 1, 3, 6, 12 months were 16.7% (p = 0.133), 31.3% (p = 0.004), 10.8% (p = 0.283), and 20.6% (p = 0.003), respectively. The severity and duration of abdominal and joint pains in the acute phase were significantly improved in the HP group compared to those in the control group. Hemoperfusion also significantly reduced patients’ serum levels of immune mediators including IgA, TNF-α, IL-6, and LTB4. However, recurrences between the two groups were not significantly different. Conclusions Hemoperfusion in combination with corticosteroid was more effective than corticosteroid alone in treating HSP nephritis. The effects may be achieved by eliminating immune mediators.
Endovesical Treatment as an Alternative to BCG for Intermediate or High-Risk NMI Bladder Cancer
Authors: Serretta Vincenzo , Colombo Renzo 
Published: May 2013

A shortage of BCG is foreseen till the end of 2013. Which will be the management of intermediate and high-risk NMI-BC if BCG will not be available? In patients harboring high-risk NMI tumors, particularly T1G3 and Tis, the first therapeutic choice is radical cystectomy. Device-assisted therapies, although showing promising results, should be considered only for selected patients. In intermediate risk patients, intravesical chemotherapy remains a legitimate option even if BCG is available. Thus, in a period of BCG shortage, intravesical chemotherapy should be offered, preferably preceded by early instillation, according to the EAU guidelines.
Rediscovering Liberal Education in China The Benefits of Dialogue and Inquiry
Authors: Rowe Stephen 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
I engage the comparative/dialogical approach to assess the prevalent process/virtue orientation to education in the United States, both its perils and the sense in which it is reflective of a deeper embodiment of liberal education. From encounter with Chinese colleagues, with their urge to adopt liberal education practices, I report a commonly shared awareness of the failure of modernity to cultivate mature humanity, and consequent recognition of the need to draw on the riches of the respective traditions. I discover that traditional resources—both Western and Chinese—become more vividly and effectively available when they are reappropriated in dialogue with those from different traditions who are undertaking the same task—something quite distinct from fundamentalism. The task/problem/inquiry orientation to education could lead to a worldwide revival of liberal education and even enable the university, as a now global institution, to contribute to addressing the other urgent problems and issues of our era.
Bait Preferences and Population Status of Small Mammals in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Authors: Kumar Alexander V. , Linzey Donald W. , Smith Charles R. 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Small mammal bait preferences and population status were studied in Great Smoky Mountains National Park during the summer of 2010. The possible occurrence of the least weasel (Mustela nivalis) in the Park was also assessed. Traps baited with peanut butter caught significantly more small mammals than empty traps or traps baited with potted meat. The overall number of small mammals caught was significantly less than in an extensive study in the Park during 1999–2003, although the effort (measured as trap-nights) for the two studies was similar. A drought that occurred between the two studies and/or the relatively recent appearances of the coyote (Canis latrans) and European wild boar (Sus scrofa) may have contributed to the significantly lower numbers of small mammals caught. Implications of climate change for small mammal populations are discussed. M. nivalis was not trapped during the study. Future, more intensive studies are recommended to explore thoroughly the possibility of M. nivalis inhabiting the Park and the effects of C. latrans and S. scrofa on small mammal populations within the park.
Cultivable Microbial Diversity in An Acidic Temperate Lake, Lake Phelps, NC
Authors: Keovilayvong Vongvilay , Lancaster Jeremiah , Fightmaster Christopher , Kahan William , Frontera-Suau Roberto , Abebe Eyualem , Levin Keith , Weber Frank 
Published: May 2013

AbstractDespite the immense benefit of freshwater habitats to the day to day activities of humans, their biological diversity remains understudied. Microbial diversity and community structure is critical to the study of ecological processes in these habitats. The naturally acidic oligotrophic lake, Lake Phelps, NC, was studied within the context of understanding sediment dwelling meiofauna using the cultivable microbial communities at three sites in the water column and sediment. Twenty-six bacterial isolates were cultivated, biochemically tested and sequenced. DNA sequence analyses of the 16S ribosomal subunit revealed 26 taxa representing three phyla (12 Proteobacteria, 12 Firmicutes, and 2 Bacteroidetes), four classes (12 Bacilli, 6 β-proteobacteria, 4 γ-proteobacteria, and 2 Flavobacteria), and six bacterial orders (12 Bacillales, 6 Neisseriales, 2 Burkholderiales, 4 Enterobacteriales, and 2 Flavobacteriales). Bacterial communities at the three sampling sites were distinct and this may be because of site-specific features. The lake is believed to have been formed from the fusion of two Carolina bays with differing geochemical factors contributing to unique microenvironments. Current studies are in progress to examine associated meiofauna within each microbial community.
The Streptavidin/Biotinylated DNA/Protein Bound Complex Protocol for Determining the Association of c‐JUN Protein with NANOG Promoter
Authors: Ibrahim Elsayed E. , Babaei‐Jadidi Roya , Nateri Abdolrahman S. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractChromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) is a widely used and pre‐eminent technique for detecting the association of an individual protein or a particular protein complex with its specific DNA sequence(s) in vivo. Herein we introduce a novel and simple biotinylated‐oligonucleotide‐mediated ChIP method for testing specific binding of the c‐JUN protein to the M1‐DNA‐regulatory element in the NANOG promoter. We prepared a 260‐bp DNA PCR amplicon containing −300 bp to −59 bp, relative to the transcriptional start site of the human NANOG gene, which was transfected into mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) containing wild‐type (c‐jun+/+) or knockout c‐jun (c‐jun−/−) alleles. Whole cells that were cross‐linked using formaldehyde and protein‐DNA interactions were immunoprecipitated using streptavidin‐coupled Dynabeads. Protein‐DNA cross‐links were reversed during incubation at 95°C, and protein samples were visualized using SDS‐PAGE electrophoresis and western blotting. This streptavidin/biotinylated DNA/protein‐bound complex protocol can be used for detecting the interactions between multiple transcription factors and their DNA binding sites. Curr. Protoc. Stem Cell Biol. 25:1B.10.1‐1B.10.13. © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Revealing Neuronal Circuitry Using Stem Cell‐Derived Neurons
Authors: Garcia Isabella , Kim Cynthia , Arenkiel Benjamin R. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractMouse embryonic stem cell (mESC)‐derived neurons are a renewable cell source for investigation of neuronal circuits. Engineering circuit‐tracing components into stem cells facilitates studies on mechanisms of synaptic coupling and circuitogenesis. This unit details methods for the generation of mESC‐derived neurons harboring trans‐synaptic viral tracing elements, which are used for investigation of synaptic connections within circuits in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo. The first protocol describes procedures for feeder‐free passaging of mESCs, modified to carry reporter and rabies virus tracing elements. The second protocol describes in vitro generation of neurons from these ESCs. The last protocols describe the use of ESC‐derived neurons as “source cells” for rabies virus circuit‐tracing to identify inputs onto synaptically connected neurons. Given the broad applicability, these protocols can be applied to investigate the ability of in vitro‐derived neurons to establish/maintain synaptic connections in disease models, and/or with human‐induced pluripotent stem cells. Curr. Protoc. Stem Cell Biol. 25:2D.15.1‐2D.15.18. © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The effects of market integration on childhood growth and nutritional status: The dual burden of under‐ and over‐nutrition in the Northern Ecuadorian Amazon
Authors: Houck Kelly , Sorensen Mark V. , Lu Flora , Alban Dayuma , Alvarez Kati , Hidobro David , Doljanin Citlali , Ona Ana Isabel 
Published: May 2013

ObjectivesMarket integration is an important source of cultural change exposing indigenous populations to epidemiologic and nutrition transitions. As children and adolescents are biologically sensitive to the health effects of market integration, we examine community variation of anthropometric indicators of nutritional status and growth among a cross‐cultural sample of Kichwa, Shuar, Huaorani, and Cofán indigenous groups in the northern Ecuadorian Amazon.MethodsWe measured height, weight, body mass index (BMI), upper arm circumference, and triceps skinfolds of 186 children and adolescents aged 2 to 18 years from seven communities. Anthropometric z‐scores were calculated based on the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey. Comparisons were made with this US reference group, along with between community differences to contextually explore the impacts of varying degrees of market integration.ResultsWe found a high prevalence of stunting in both boys (40%) and girls (34%). Adiposity increased with age and 40% of girls between 15 and 18 years old were overweight. There were large sex differences in body composition with higher BMI, arm circumference, and triceps skinfolds in adolescent girls. The Kichwa demonstrated the poorest growth outcomes and nutritional stress followed by the Huaorani and Shuar; yet distinctions in under‐ and over‐nutrition were evident within groups.ConclusionMarket integration is a major factor influencing the developmental and lifestyle mismatch associated with the epidemiologic and nutrition transition in general, and the dual burden pattern of high rates of stunting yet adequate to above average short‐term nutritional status indicators found among indigenous Amazonian populations. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 25:524–533, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The velocity of fetal growth is associated with the breadth of the placental surface, but not with the length
Authors: Alwasel Saleh H. , Harrath Abdul‐Halaim , Aljarallah Jamal S. , Abotalib Zeinab , Osmond Clive , Al Omar S.Y. , Thornburg Kent , Barker David J.P. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTObjectivesStudies of the placenta in pregnancies complicated by pre‐eclampsia have led to the suggestion that tissue along the length and breadth of its surface has different functions. A recent study in Saudi Arabia showed that the body size of newborn babies was related to the breadth of the surface at birth but not to its length. We have now examined whether the association between placental breadth and body size reflects large size of the baby from an early stage of gestation or rapid growth between early and late gestation.MethodsWe studied 230 women who gave birth to singleton babies in King Khalid Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In total, 176 had ultrasound measurements both before 28 weeks and at 28 weeks or later, which we define as early and late gestation. We used these to calculate growth velocities between early and late gestation, which we expressed as the change in standard deviation scores over a 10‐week period.ResultsThe breadth of the placental surface was correlated with fetal growth velocity. The correlation coefficients were 0.24 (P = 0.002) for the head circumference, 0.24 (P = 0.001) for the biparietal diameter and 0.34 (P < 0.001) for the abdominal circumference. The length of the surface was not related to fetal growth velocity.ConclusionsTissue along the breadth of the placental surface may be more important than tissue along the length in the transfer of nutrients from mother to baby. This may be part of a wider phenomenon of regional differences in function across the placental surface. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 25:534–537, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinoptilolite particles as a carrier for biocatalysts immobilization: invertase immobilization and characterization
Authors: Bahar Tahsin 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTClinoptilolite, a natural zeolite, was proposed as a carrier for immobilized biocatalyst systems by polyethyleneimine and glutaraldehyde activation. Invertase (EC 3.2.1.26, beta‐fructofuranosidase) as a model biocatalyst was covalently attached onto the particles by direct chemical reaction between aldehyde groups on the particles and amine groups of the enzyme. The effects of polyethyleneimine concentration, activation agent (glutaraldehyde) concentration, pH and invertase concentration on immobilization process were determined. Approximately 7 mg invertase was immobilized on a gram of clinoptilolite particles with 78% retained activity under optimum immobilization conditions. Immobilization did not affect optimum pH of the enzyme, but it brought out a wider pH–activity curve that was accepted as the indication of better pH stability. Immobilization resulted in an increase at the optimum temperature from 55 to 60 °C. The KM value of immobilized invertase biosystem was found as approximately 1.5 times higher than that of the free enzyme. Immobilization provided improvement on the thermal stability of invertase, and activity half‐life of the immobilized invertase was found as approximately four times longer than that of the free invertase. © 2013 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and characterization of phase‐change material nanocapsules with amphiphilic polyurethane synthesized by 3‐allyloxy‐1,2‐propanediol
Authors: Cheng Fangli , Wei Yanyan , Zhang Yingying , Wang Fufang , Shen Tailong , Zong Chengzhong 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTAmphiphilic polyurethane was synthesized with 3‐allyloxy‐1,2‐propanediol as the chain extender, which had an unsaturated double bond for further reaction. It was proven that,with such a structure, the amphiphilic polyurethane not only had good ability for emulsifying phase change materials(PCM) but also was capable of forming a cross‐linked shell. With the amphiphilic polyurethane synthesized in this study, paraffin or methyl stearate nanocapsules in the range of 300–600 nm in size were obtained by a simple high‐speed dispersion and suspension polymerization. No extra emulsifier or dispersant was added during the preparation of the nanocapsules. Tripropylene glycol diacrylate (TPGDA) was used as a crosslinking agent for strengthening nanocapsules. The crosslinking reaction of the shell materials was investigated by the NMR technique. It was found that a network structure of shells was formed after suspension polymerization. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was applied to study the phase change properties of the phase‐change material nanocapsules (PCMNs). The paraffin nanocapsule was found to have a rather high encapsulation efficiency of nearly 100%, and its latent heat was able to reach 104 J/g. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to measure the thermal stability of the PCMNs. It was indicated that the weight loss rate of PCMN decreased after encapsulated by polyurethane shells and the weight loss above 200°C decreased after adding the crosslinking agent. All of the PCMN dispersions were found to have rather good dilution stability. Besides, the dried PCMN powder was able to be redispersed into water without any additional emulsifier. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 1879–1889, 2013
Functional Zeolitic‐Imidazolate‐Framework‐Templated Porous Carbon Materials for CO2 Capture and Enhanced Capacitors
Authors: Wang Qingfei , Xia Wei , Guo Wenhan , An Li , Xia Dingguo , Zou Ruqiang 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThree types of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) with different topological structures and functional imidazolate‐derived ligands, namely, ZIF‐8, ZIF‐68, and ZIF69, have been directly carbonized to prepare porous carbon materials at 1000 °C. These as‐synthesized porous carbon materials were activated with fused KOH to increase their surface areas and pore volumes for use in gas storage and supercapacitors. The relationship between the local structure of the products and the composition of the precursors has been investigated in detail. The BET surface areas of the resultant activated carbon materials are 2437 (CZIF8a), 1861 (CZIF68a), and 2264 m2 g−1 (CZIF69a). CZIF8a exhibits the highest H2‐storage capacities of 2.59 wt. % at 1 atm and 77 K, whereas CZIF69a has the highest CO2 uptake of 4.76 mmol g−1 at 1 atm and 273 K, owing to its local structure and pore chemical environment. The specific capacities are calculated from the CV curves. CZIF69a exhibits the highest supercapacitor performance of 168 F g−1 at a scan speed of 5 mV s−1. These results indicate that the functional chloride group on the benzimidazolate ligand plays a very important role in improving the surface area, pore volume, and, therefore, CO2‐capture and supercapacitor properties of the corresponding porous carbon materials.
Is Fear of Crime Mainly Social and Economic Insecurity in Disguise? A Multilevel Multinational Analysis
Authors: Vieno Alessio , Roccato Michele , Russo Silvia 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTUsing the 2006 Eurobarometer data (representative sample of the European population, N = 16 306, 27 countries), we performed a multilevel analysis aimed at predicting fear of crime. A significant proportion of the variation in fear of crime was at country level. Of the individual predictors included, being a woman, being poorly educated, being unemployed, and being an urban dweller showed positive relations with fear of crime. Fear was highest among people who considered themselves to be socially marginal, among people with negative expectations regarding themselves and their country's future, and among people who considered their nation's welfare system to be unsatisfactory. Among the ecological predictors we took into consideration, nations' degree of economic inequality and low expenditure on education and on social protection showed a positive association with fear of crime, whereas the crime, immigration, and employment rates did not. Implications and limitations of this research are discussed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.