bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impaired renal function impacts negatively on vascular stiffness in patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Rossi Sabrina H , McQuarrie Emily P , Miller William H , Mackenzie Ruth M , Dymott Jane A , Moreno María U , Taurino Chiara , Miller Ashley M , Neisius Ulf , Berg Geoffrey A , Valuckiene Zivile , Hannay Jonathan A , Dominiczak Anna F , Delles Christian 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and coronary artery disease (CAD) are independently associated with increased vascular stiffness. We examined whether renal function contributes to vascular stiffness independently of CAD status.

Methods
We studied 160 patients with CAD and 169 subjects without CAD. The 4-variable MDRD formula was used to estimate glomerular filtration rate (eGFR); impaired renal function was defined as eGFR <60 mL/min. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured with the SphygmoCor® device. Circulating biomarkers were assessed in plasma using xMAP® multiplexing technology.

Results
Patients with CAD and impaired renal function had greater PWV compared to those with CAD and normal renal function (10.2 [9.1;11.2] vs 7.3 [6.9;7.7] m/s; P < 0.001). In all patients, PWV was a function of eGFR (β = −0.293; P < 0.001) even after adjustment for age, sex, systolic blood pressure, body mass index and presence or absence of CAD. Patients with CAD and impaired renal function had higher levels of adhesion and inflammatory molecules including E-selectin and osteopontin (all P < 0.05) compared to those with CAD alone, but had similar levels of markers of oxidative stress.

Conclusions
Renal function is a determinant of vascular stiffness even in patients with severe atherosclerotic disease. This was paralleled by differences in markers of cell adhesion and inflammation. Increased vascular stiffness may therefore be linked to inflammatory remodeling of the vasculature in people with impaired renal function, irrespective of concomitant atherosclerotic disease.
Short and long-term career plans of final year dental students in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Rashid Hazim H , Ghotane Swapnil G , Abufanas Salem H , Gallagher Jennifer E 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundNew dental schools have been established to train dentists in many parts of the world. This study examines the future dental workforce from the first dental school in the United Arab Emirates [UAE]; the aim of this study was to explore the short and long-term career aspirations of the final year dental students in the UAE in relation to their demography.MethodFinal year dental students of the Ajman University’s College of Dentistry (n=87) were invited to participate in a self-completion questionnaire survey. Descriptive analysis, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression analysis were carried out on career aspirations using SPSS v20.ResultsEighty-two percent of students (n=71) responded, the majority of whom were female (65%; n=46). Ethnicity was reported as: ‘other Arab’ (61%; n=43), ‘Emirati’ (17%, n=12), and ‘Other’ (21%, n=15). In the short-term, 41% (n=29) expressed a desire to work in government training centres, with Emirati students significantly more likely to do so (p=0.002). ‘Financial stability’ (80%; n=57) and ‘gaining professional experience’ (76%; n=54) emerged as the most important influences on their short-term career plans. The vast majority of students wished to specialise in dentistry (92%; n=65) in the longer term; logistic regression analysis revealed that the odds of specialising in the most popular specialties of Orthodontics and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery were less for the ‘Other’ ethnic group when compared with ‘Emirati’ students (0.26; 95% CI 0.068-0.989; p=0.04). Almost three-quarters of the students overall (72%; n=51) intended to work full-time. ‘High income/financial security’ (97%; n=69), ‘standard of living’ (97%; n=69), ‘work/life balance’ (94%; n=67), and ‘professional fulfilment’ (87%; n=62) were reported by the students as the most influential items affecting their long-term professional career choices.ConclusionThe findings suggest that students aspire to make a long-term contribution to the profession and there is a high level of interest in specialisation with a desire to achieve financial stability and quality of life.
Application of loop analysis for the qualitative assessment of surveillance and control in veterinary epidemiology
Authors: Collineau Lucie , Duboz Raphaël , Paul Mathilde , Peyre Marisa , Goutard Flavie , Holl Sinel , Roger François 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Background
Systems for animal disease mitigation involve both surveillance activities and interventions to control the disease. They are complex organizations that are described by partial or imprecise data, making it difficult to evaluate them or make decisions to improve them. A mathematical method, called loop analysis, can be used to model qualitatively the structure and the behavior of dynamic systems; it relies on the study of the sign of the interactions between the components of the system. This method, currently widely used by ecologists, has to our knowledge never been applied in the context of animal disease mitigation systems. The objective of the study was to assess whether loop analysis could be applied to this new context. We first developed a generic model that restricted the applicability of the method to event-based surveillance systems of endemic diseases, excluding the emergence and eradication phases. Then we chose the mitigation system of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in Cambodia as an example of such system to study the application of loop analysis to a real disease mitigation system.

Results
Breaking down the generic model, we constructed a 6-variables model to represent the HPAI H5N1 mitigation system in Cambodia. This construction work improved our understanding of this system, highlighting the link between surveillance and control which is unclear in traditional representations of this system. Then we analyzed the effect of the perturbations to this HPAI H5N1 mitigation system that we interpreted in terms of investment in a given compartment. This study suggested that increasing intervention at a local level can optimize the system’s efficiency. Indeed, this perturbation both decreases surveillance and intervention costs and reduces the disease’s occurrence.

Conclusion
Loop analysis can be applied to disease mitigation systems. Its main strength is that it is easy to design, focusing on the signs of the interactions. It is a simple and flexible tool that could be used as a precursor to large-scale quantitative studies, to support reflection about disease mitigation systems structure and functioning.
Use of dexmedetomidine for prophylactic analgesia and sedation in delayed extubation patients after craniotomy: a study protocol and statistical analysis plan for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhao Li-Hong , Shi Zhong-Hua , Yin Ning-Ning , Zhou Jian-Xin 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundPain and agitation are common in patients after craniotomy. They can result in tachycardia, hypertension, immunosuppression, increased catecholamine production and increased oxygen consumption. Dexmedetomidine, an alpha-2 agonist, provides adequate sedation without respiratory depression, while facilitating frequent neurological evaluation.Methods/designThe study is a prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled, parallel-group design. Consecutive patients are randomly assigned to one of the two treatment study groups, labeled ‘Dex group’ or ‘Saline group.’ Dexmedetomidine group patients receive a continuous infusion of 0.6 μg/kg/h (10 ug/ml). Placebo group patients receive a maintenance infusion of 0.9% sodium chloride for injection at a volume and rate equal to that of dexmedetomidine. The mean percentages of time in optimal sedation, vital signs, various and adverse events, the percentage of patients requiring propofol for rescue to achieve/maintain targeted sedation (Sedation-Agitation Scale, SAS 3 to 4) and total dose of propofol required throughout the study drug infusion are collected. The percentage of patients requiring fentanyl for additional rescue to analgesia and total dose of fentanyl required are recorded. The effects of dexmedetomidine on hemodynamic and recovery responses during extubation are measured. Intensive care unit and hospital length of stay also are collected. Plasma levels of epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, cortisol, neuron-specific enolase and S100-B are measured before infusion (T1), at two hours (T2), four hours (T3) and eight hours (T4) after infusion and at the end of infusion (T5) in 20 patients in each group.DiscussionThe study has been initiated as planned in July 2012. One interim analysis advised continuation of the trial. The study will be completed in July 2013.Trial registrationClinicalTrials (NCT):ChiCTR-PRC-12002903.
Interspecies protein-protein interaction network construction for characterization of host-pathogen interactions: a Candida albicans-zebrafish interaction study
Authors: Wang Yu-Chao , Lin Che , Chuang Ming-Ta , Hsieh Wen-Ping , Lan Chung-Yu , Chuang Yung-Jen , Chen Bor-Sen 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Despite clinical research and development in the last decades, infectious diseases remain a top global problem in public health today, being responsible for millions of morbidities and mortalities each year. Therefore, many studies have sought to investigate host-pathogen interactions from various viewpoints in attempts to understand pathogenic and defensive mechanisms, which could help control pathogenic infections. However, most of these efforts have focused predominately on the host or the pathogen individually rather than on a simultaneous analysis of both interaction partners.

Results
In this study, with the help of simultaneously quantified time-course Candida albicans-zebrafish interaction transcriptomics and other omics data, a computational framework was developed to construct the interspecies protein-protein interaction (PPI) network for C. albicans-zebrafish interactions based on the inference of ortholog-based PPIs and the dynamic modeling of regulatory responses. The identified C. albicans-zebrafish interspecies PPI network highlights the association between C. albicans pathogenesis and the zebrafish redox process, indicating that redox status is critical in the battle between the host and pathogen.

Conclusions
Advancing from the single-species network construction method, the interspecies network construction approach allows further characterization and elucidation of the host-pathogen interactions. With continued accumulation of interspecies transcriptomics data, the proposed method could be used to explore progressive network rewiring over time, which could benefit the development of network medicine for infectious diseases.
Project Connect Online: Randomized Trial of an Internet-Based Program to Chronicle the Cancer Experience and Facilitate Communication
Authors: Stanton Annette L. , Thompson Elizabeth H. , Crespi Catherine M. , Link John S. , Waisman James R. 
Published: August 2013

Purpose Evidence suggests that expressing emotions related to cancer and receiving interpersonal support can promote psychological and physical health in women diagnosed with breast cancer. However, adaptive expression of feelings and communication with one's social network can pose challenges for patients with cancer. We report on a randomized controlled trial of an intervention, Project Connect Online, for patients with breast cancer to create personal Web sites to chronicle their experience and communicate with their social network. Patients and Methods Women (N = 88) diagnosed with breast cancer (any stage, any interval since diagnosis) were randomly assigned to participate in a 3-hour workshop for hands-on creation of personal Web sites with a follow-up call to facilitate Web site use, or to a waiting-list control. Assessed before randomization and 6 months after the intervention, dependent variables included depressive symptoms, positive and negative mood, cancer-related intrusive thoughts, and perceived cancer-related benefits in life appreciation and strengthened relationships. Results Relative to control participants, women randomly assigned to Project Connect Online evidenced significant benefit 6 months later on depressive symptoms, positive mood, and life appreciation, but not negative mood, perceived strengthened relationships, or intrusive thoughts. Treatment status moderated the intervention effects, such that women currently undergoing medical treatment for cancer benefitted significantly more from the intervention on depressive symptoms and positive mood than did women not receiving treatment. Conclusion Findings suggest the promise of an intervention to facilitate the ability of women diagnosed with breast cancer to chronicle their experience and communicate with their social network via the Internet.
Definitive Results of a Phase III Adjuvant Trial Comparing Three Chemotherapy Regimens in Women With Operable, Node-Positive Breast Cancer: The NSABP B-38 Trial
Authors: Swain Sandra M. , Tang Gong , Geyer Charles E. , Rastogi Priya , Atkins James N. , Donnellan Paul P. , Fehrenbacher Louis , Azar Catherine A. , Robidoux André , Polikoff Jonathan A. , Brufsky Adam M. , Biggs David D. , Levine Edward A. , Zapas John L. , Provencher Louise , Northfelt Donald W. , Paik Soonmyung , Costantino Joseph P. , Mamounas Eleftherios P. , Wolmark Norman 
Published: August 2013

Purpose Anthracycline- and taxane-based three-drug chemotherapy regimens have proven benefit as adjuvant therapy for early-stage breast cancer. This trial (NSABP B-38; Combination Chemotherapy in Treating Women Who Have Undergone Surgery for Node-Positive Breast Cancer) asked whether the incorporation of a fourth drug could improve outcomes relative to two standard regimens and provided a direct comparison of those two regimens. Patients and Methods We randomly assigned 4,894 women with node-positive early-stage breast cancer to six cycles of docetaxel, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (TAC), four cycles of dose-dense (DD) doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide followed by four cycles of DD paclitaxel (P; DD AC→P), or DD AC→P with four cycles of gemcitabine (G) added to the DD paclitaxel (DD AC→PG). Primary granulocyte colony-stimulating factor support was required; erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) were used at the investigator's discretion. Results There were no significant differences in 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) between DD AC→PG and DD AC→P (80.6% v 82.2%; HR, 1.07; P = .41), between DD AC→PG and TAC (80.6% v 80.1%; HR, 0.93; P = .39), in 5-year overall survival (OS) between DD AC→PG and DD AC→P (90.8% v 89.1%; HR, 0.85; P = .13), between DD AC→PG and TAC (90.8% v 89.6%; HR, 0.86; P = .17), or between DD AC→P versus TAC for DFS (HR, 0.87; P = .07) and OS (HR, 1.01; P = .96). Grade 3 to 4 toxicities for TAC, DD AC→P, and DD AC→PG, respectively, were febrile neutropenia (9%, 3%, 3%; P < .001), sensory neuropathy (< 1%, 7%, 6%; P < .001), and diarrhea (7%, 2%, 2%; P < .001). Exploratory analyses for ESAs showed no association with DFS events (HR, 1.02; P = .95). Conclusion Adding G to DD AC→P did not improve outcomes. No significant differences in efficacy were identified between DD AC→P and TAC, although toxicity profiles differed.
Risk-Directed Treatment Intensification Significantly Reduces the Risk of Relapse Among Children and Adolescents With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and Intrachromosomal Amplification of Chromosome 21: A Comparison of the MRC ALL97/99 and UKALL2003 Trials
Authors: Moorman Anthony V. , Robinson Hazel , Schwab Claire , Richards Sue M. , Hancock Jeremy , Mitchell Christopher D. , Goulden Nicholas , Vora Ajay , Harrison Christine J. 
Published: August 2013

Purpose To evaluate the effect on outcome of intensifying therapy for patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and an intrachromosomal amplification of chromosome 21 (iAMP21). Patients and Methods We report two cohorts of patients treated on Medical Research Council ALL97 or United Kingdom (UK) ALL2003. iAMP21 was identified retrospectively in ALL97 and was not used to guide therapy. However, in UKALL2003, iAMP21 was determined prospectively, and patients were allocated to the most intensive treatment arm (regimen C), which included augmented Berlin-Frankfurt-Munster consolidation, escalating Capizzi maintenance, double delayed intensification, and an option for first remission transplantation. The presence of iAMP21 was determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization using probes specific for the RUNX1 gene. Results iAMP21 was identified in 2% of patients with B-cell precursor ALL treated on UKALL2003 and ALL97. The event-free survival, relapse, and overall survival rates at 5 years for iAMP21 patients treated on ALL97 and UKALL2003 were 29% and 78%, 70% and 16%, and 67% and 89%, respectively (all P < .01). Patients treated on ALL97 had an increased risk of relapse compared with patients treated on UKALL2003 (hazard ratio, 7.2; 95% CI, 2.91 to 17.87; P < .001). Conclusion iAMP21 patients with ALL benefitted from receiving more intensive therapy in UKALL2003. In UKALL2011, they will continue to be treated as cytogenetic high risk, receive intensive chemotherapy (regimen C), and will only be recommended for transplantation if they do not achieve a complete remission by the end of induction therapy. This study illustrates how the discovery and characterization of disease-specific genetic aberrations can be used to tailor therapy more precisely.
Regulation of PDGFC signalling and extracellular matrix composition by FREM1 in mice
Authors: Wiradjaja Fenny , Cottle Denny L. , Jones Lynelle , Smyth Ian 
Published: August 2013

Summary
Fras1-related extracellular matrix protein 1 (FREM1) is required for epidermal adhesion during embryogenesis, and mice lacking the gene develop fetal skin blisters and a range of other developmental defects. Mutations in members of the FRAS/FREM gene family cause diseases of the Fraser syndrome spectrum. Embryonic epidermal blistering is also observed in mice lacking PdgfC and its receptor, PDGFRα. In this article, we show that FREM1 binds to PDGFC and that this interaction regulates signalling downstream of PDGFRα. Fibroblasts from Frem1-mutant mice respond to PDGFC stimulation, but with a shorter duration and amplitude than do wild-type cells. Significantly, PDGFC-stimulated expression of the metalloproteinase inhibitor Timp1 is reduced in cells with Frem1 mutations, leading to reduced basement membrane collagen I deposition. These results show that the physical interaction of FREM1 with PDGFC can regulate remodelling of the extracellular matrix downstream of PDGFRα. We propose that loss of FREM1 function promotes epidermal blistering in Fraser syndrome as a consequence of reduced PDGFC activity, in addition to its stabilising role in the basement membrane.
Visualization of symbols in branding communication
Authors: Кошлякова  , Koshlyakova Mariya 
Published: August 2013

The article is devoted to the problem of creating effective branding message. The method of visualization suggested by us is based on the assumption that a human mind using some complicated signs created on one sensor modality will generate new analogue signs of another physical nature of expression plan. Visual instinctive images accumulate personal and collective cultural stereotypes which help revealing some key content meanings and create verbal signs with a more precise expression plan
corresponding with the characteristics of the target brand audience.
Applications of Feed-Forward Neural Network to Study Irregular-Shape Particle Effects on Hydrodynamics Behavior in a Liquid–Solid Circulating Fluidized Bed Riser
Authors: Razzak Shaikh Abdur 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Feed-forward neural network (FFNN) modeling techniques are applied to study the flow behavior of different-size irregular-shape particles in a pilot scale liquid–solid circulating fluidized bed (LSCFB) riser. The adequacy of the developed model is examined by comparing the model predictions with experimental data obtained from the LSCFB using lava rocks (dmean 500 and 920 µm) and water as solids and liquid phases, respectively. Axial and radial solid holdup profiles are measured in the riser at four axial locations (H 1, 2, 3 and 3.8 m above the distributor) above the liquid distributor for different operating liquids. In the model training, the effects of various auxiliary and primary liquid velocities, superficial liquid velocities and superficial solid velocities on radial phase distribution at different axial positions are considered. For model validation along with other experimental parameters, dimensionless normalized superficial liquid velocities and net superficial liquid velocities are also introduced. The correlation coefficient values of the predicted output and the experimental data are found to be 0.95 and 0.94 for LR-500 and LR-920 particles, respectively which reflects the competency of the developed FFNN model.
Lagunas léxicas en latín
Authors: Rodríguez Antonio M. Martín 
Published: August 2013

SummaryWithin the field of structural semantics, there has been a series of excellent contributions to the subject of lexical gaps (places in the lexical structure of a language where we would expect to find unity-but do not find it). The theoretical work of H. Geckeler and others, however, has not been applied systematically to the study of Latin. In this article we present a first approximation to this subject.
Mortality in Cushing's syndrome: data from 386 patients from a single tertiary referral center
Authors: Yaneva Maria , Kalinov Krassimir , Zacharieva Sabina 
Published: August 2013

ObjectiveData on the incidence, mortality, and causes of death in patients with Cushing's syndrome (CS) are scarce, due to the rarity of CS. The aim of the study was to analyze mortality in a large cohort of patients of all etiologies and to determine the cause of death.DesignThis was a retrospective study of patients with CS, treated over a period of 45 years in the main tertiary referral center in Bulgaria.MethodsThree hundred and eighty-six patients with CS of all etiologies were included. The main outcome measures were the standardized mortality ratio (SMR) and the cause of death.ResultsMean (±s.d.) age at diagnosis was 38±13 years; 84% of patients were women; mean follow-up was 85 months (range: 0–494 months). The SMR in the CS cohort was 4.05 (95% CI 2.50–5.80) (P<0.0001). The following subgroups did not have a significantly increased SMR: patients with Cushing's disease SMR – 1.88 (95% CI 0.69–4.08), adrenal adenomas 1.67 (95% CI 0.20–6.02), and ACTH-independent bilateral adrenal hyperplasia 1.14 (95% CI 0.21–6.34). Patients with adrenal carcinomas, ectopic CS, and those with CS of undetermined etiology had significantly increased SMR: 48.00 (95% CI 30.75–71.42), 13.33 (95% CI 0.00–24.59), and 4.00 (95% CI 0.48–14.45) respectively (P<0.0001). The significant predictors for mortality were active disease at death, age, male sex, etiology of the disease, and the overall duration of active disease. The major causes of death were vascular events (40%) – cardiovascular 29%, and cerebrovascular 11% – followed by infections (12%).ConclusionsPatients with CS have increased mortality due to vascular events and infections.