bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PETROPHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MESSINIAN ABU MADI FORMATION IN THE BALTIM EAST AND NORTH FIELDS, OFFSHORE NILE DELTA, EGYPT
Authors: Abdel‐Fattah M. I. 
Published: March 2014

Baltim East and North fields in the offshore Nile Delta produce gas‐condensate from accumulations located in the northern portion of the Abu Madi palaeovalley. The hydrocarbons in the Abu Madi Formation are present in sandstone reservoir units referred to as the Level III Main and Level III Lower. In this paper, the petrophysical characteristics of these reservoir units in the Baltim area are described using data from wireline logs (gamma‐ray, density, neutron, sonic and resistivity) from fourteen wells and core data from one well. Results of wireline log and core analyses indicate that the Level III Main can subdivided into two sandstone‐dominated intervals (both interpreted as sandbar deposits) separated by a shale‐rich interval which is a partial barrier to fluid flow. Effective porosity is 9–18.5% and permeability 40–100 mD. Sandstones in the Level III Lower are interpreted as braided channel facies and have effective porosity of 12.5–22% and permeability of 100–500 mD.Isoparametric maps for the Abu Madi Formation sandstone reservoirs based on log and core interpretations show the influence of depositional facies on petrophysical characteristics and can be used to assess possible targets for future exploration and development.
Intravenous infusion of electrolyte solution changes pharmacokinetics of drugs: pharmacokinetics of ampicillin
Authors: Britzi M. , Mazon Y. , Lavy E. , Soback S. 
Published: March 2014

The pharmacokinetics of ampicillin in dogs was determined after intravenous (i.v.) bolus and constant rate infusion. Ampicillin was administered to six beagle dogs as an i.v. bolus at 20 mg/kg and as a constant rate i.v. infusion (CRI) at 20 mg/kg during 8 h (0.042 mL/min/kg) in Ringer's lactate (Hartmann's) solution. The concentrations were determined by an LC/MS/MS method. After i.v. bolus, ampicillin total body clearance, apparent volume of distribution at steady‐state, mean residence time (MRT), and half‐life were 4.53 ± 0.70 mL/min/kg, 0.275 ± 0.044 L/kg, 61 ± 13 min, and 111 (85–169) min, respectively. The corresponding parameters calculated after CRI were 13.5 ± 1.06 mL/min/kg, 0.993 ± 0.415 L/kg, 73 ± 27 min, and 49 (31–69) min. Ampicillin concentration decreased by 30% in the Ringer's lactate infusion solution mostly during the first hour after preparation of the solution. Constant rate infusion of Ringer's lactate solution during 8 h caused significant changes in ampicillin pharmacokinetics. The results suggested that special attention should be given to drug pharmacokinetics when co‐administered intravenously with electrolyte solutions.
Oral probiotic VSL#3 attenuates the circulatory disturbances of patients with cirrhosis and ascites
Authors: Rincón Diego , Vaquero Javier , Hernando Ana , Galindo Evelyn , Ripoll Cristina , Puerto Marta , Salcedo Magdalena , Francés Rubén , Matilla Ana , Catalina María V. , Clemente Gerardo , Such José , Bañares Rafael 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsThe modulation of gut flora constitutes a therapeutic tool in patients with liver disease, but some of its modalities require further investigation. Here, we evaluated the effects of probiotics on the hepatic and systemic haemodynamic alterations of advanced liver disease.MethodsSeventeen patients with cirrhosis and ascites were prospectively included, five of whom abandoned this study prematurely. Hepatic and systemic haemodynamic evaluations were performed at baseline and after 6 weeks of receiving an oral VSL#3 probiotic preparation. Peripheral blood analyses included the evaluation of cytokines (TNF‐alpha, IL‐1beta, IL‐6), bacterial translocation [bacterial DNA and lipopolysaccharide‐binding protein (LBP)] and nitric oxide end‐products (NOx).ResultsIn 12 patients completing this study, the oral administration of VSL#3 resulted in reductions of the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG, P < 0.001), cardiac index and heart rate (both P < 0.01) and in increases of the systemic vascular resistance (P < 0.05) and mean arterial pressure (P = 0.06). HVPG decreased at least 10% from baseline in eight patients (67%). Serum sodium increased in most patients (P < 0.01). All these changes were unrelated to the detection of bacterial DNA or to the levels of LBP, pro‐inflammatory cytokines or NOx. No significant adverse effects were observed.ConclusionAdministration of the probiotic mixture VSL#3 improved the hepatic and systemic haemodynamics and serum sodium levels in patients with cirrhosis. Our results identify major effects of probiotics in liver disease and provide the rationale for assessing their therapeutic potential against the progression of portal hypertension and its complications in future clinical trials.
Duodenal switch versus Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity: systematic review and meta‐analysis of weight results, diabetes resolution and early complications in single‐centre comparisons
Authors: Hedberg J. , Sundström J. , Sundbom M. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryLong‐term weight loss after Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in super‐obese patients has not been ideal. Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (DS) is argued to be better; however, additional side effects are feared. The aim of the present study was to determine differences in results after DS and RYGB in publications from single‐centre comparisons. A systematic review of studies containing DS and RYGB performed at the same centre was performed. Outcome data were weight results, resolution of comorbid conditions, perioperative results and complications. Main outcome was difference in weight loss after DS and RYGB. Secondary outcomes were difference in resolution of comorbidities, perioperative results and complications. The final analysis included 16 studies with in total 874 DS and 1,149 RYGB operations. When comparing weight results at the longest follow‐up of each study, DS yielded 6.2 (95% confidence interval 5.0–7.5) body mass index units additional weight loss compared with RYGB, P < 0.001. Operative time and length of stay were significantly longer after DS, as well as the risk for post‐operative leaks, P < 0.05. DS is more effective than RYGB as a weight‐reducing procedure. However, this comes at the price of more early complications and might also yield slightly higher perioperative mortality.
Immunolocalization of AQP5 in resting and stimulated normal labial glands and in Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Gresz V , Horvath A , Gera I , Nielsen S , Zelles T 
Published: March 2014

ObjectiveIn our current work, in vivo examination of AQP5 distribution in labial salivary glands following stimulation of secretion has been carried out in normal individuals and in patients with Sjögren's syndrome.Subjects and MethodsFor this study, we selected five patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (mean age 62.4 ± 10.6 s.d. years) diagnosed in accordance with the European Cooperative Community classification criteria. There were five patients (mean age 27 ± 2.5 s.d. years) in the control group. The subcellular distribution of AQP5 in human labial gland biopsies was determined with light and immunoelectron microscopy before and 30 min after administration of oral pilocarpine.ResultsIn unstimulated control and Sjögren's labial glands, AQP5 is about 90% localized in the apical plasma membrane, with only rarely associated gold particles with intracellular membrane structures. We have found no evidence of pilocarpine‐induced changes in localization of AQP5 in either healthy individuals or patients with Sjögren's syndrome.ConclusionsOur studies indicate that neither Sjögren's syndrome itself, nor muscarinic cholinergic stimulation in vivo caused any significant changes in the distribution of AQP5 in the labial salivary gland cells.
Korean versions of thePerceivedStressScale (PSS‐14, 10 and 4): psychometric evaluation in patients with chronic disease
Authors: Lee Eun‐Hyun , Chung Bok Yae , Suh Chang‐Hee , Jung Ju‐Yang 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundThePerceivedStressScale (PSS) is a representative instrument used to measure stress. The originalPSScomprises 14 items (PSS‐14) in two subscales, but 10‐ and 4‐item versions are also available (PSS‐10 and 4, respectively). The target populations of psychometric studies using thePSShave far mainly comprised college students, and the underlying constructs of thePSSversions are controversial: one factor vs. two factors and first order vs. second order.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of theKorean versions of thePSS‐14, 10 and 4 (designatedKPSS‐14, 10 and ‐4, respectively) in patients with chronic disease.MethodsThePSS‐14, 10 and 4 were translated intoKorean using forward and backward translation. Factorial construct validity was tested using both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Item convergent validity and item discriminant validity were tested. Concurrent validity was examined using theCenter forEpidemiologicStudies–Depression scale. Known‐groups validity was analysed usingt‐test and effect size. Reliability was tested usingCronbach's alpha and the intraclass correlation coefficient.ResultsExploratory factor analysis supported a two‐factor model for allKorean versions of thePSS, and confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the model fit theKPSS‐10 well and theKPSS‐4 only marginally. The testing of item convergent and discriminant validity revealed a 100% scaling success. As expected, all scores in theKPSS‐14, 10 and 4 were moderately correlated with depression scores and differed significantly according to gender. TheCronbach's alpha for theKPSS‐14 and 10 exceeded the criterion of 0.70. The intraclass correlation coefficient values of all threeKorean versions were satisfied.ConclusionsTheKPSS‐10 exhibited a first‐order, two‐factor construct, and excellent reliability and validity were established forKorean patients with chronic disease. The psychometric properties of the shortest version,KPSS‐4, were only marginally acceptable.
Right for knowledge – the perspective of significant others of persons with memory disorders
Authors: Suhonen Riitta , Stolt Minna , Koskenniemi Jaana , Leino‐Kilpi Helena 
Published: March 2014

RationalePeople have a fundamental right to know about care and services within health care. This right is also important for persons with memory disorders (PwMD) and their significant others (SO) for empowering them to manage with difficult situations at home and in institution.AimThis study explores the self‐assessed level of received knowledge about care and services of the SOs of PwMDs and the understandability of that knowledge.MethodsThis study employed an exploratory and correlational survey design in multisite settings for older people. Data were collected in Finland in 2010–2011 from the SOs of PwMDs (N = 304, n = 264, response rate 87%) using questionnaires, including the Knowledge of Care and Services for Persons with Memory Disorders; the level of knowledge and the understandability of the knowledge were assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS 0‐100). Data were analysed statistically using descriptive statistics, independent samples t‐test, one‐way analysis of variance and Pearson's correlations coefficients.ResultsThe self‐assessed level of received knowledge of SOs about care and services was low (mean 47.7 ± 25.3 out of 100), with the highest level seen in medication (54.5 ± 31.1) and memory disorder as a disease (54.3 ± 30.3) and the lowest level in the services provided at home for PwMDs (45 ± 30.6) and generally for SOs (38.5 ± 31.7). SOs assessed the received knowledge as being understandable to a moderate degree (53.7 ± 25.5).ConclusionMore knowledge could be delivered to PwMDs to manage in their homes and especially to SOs to take care of PwMDs. New educational solutions could be created aimed at improving the understandability of the knowledge.
A unique Ni2+ ‐dependent and methylglyoxal‐inducible rice glyoxalase I possesses a single active site and functions in abiotic stress response
Authors: Mustafiz Ananda , Ghosh Ajit , Tripathi Amit K. , Kaur Charanpreet , Ganguly Akshay K. , Bhavesh Neel S. , Tripathi Jayant K. , Pareek Ashwani , Sopory Sudhir K. , Singla‐Pareek Sneh L. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryThe glyoxalase system constitutes the major pathway for the detoxification of metabolically produced cytotoxin methylglyoxal (MG) into a non‐toxic metabolite d‐lactate. Glyoxalase I (GLY I) is an evolutionarily conserved metalloenzyme requiring divalent metal ions for its activity: Zn2+ in the case of eukaryotes or Ni2+ for enzymes of prokaryotic origin. Plant GLY I proteins are part of a multimember family; however, not much is known about their physiological function, structure and metal dependency. In this study, we report a unique GLY I (OsGLYI‐11.2) from Oryza sativa (rice) that requires Ni2+ for its activity. Its biochemical, structural and functional characterization revealed it to be a monomeric enzyme, possessing a single Ni2+ coordination site despite containing two GLY I domains. The requirement of Ni2+ as a cofactor by an enzyme involved in cellular detoxification suggests an essential role for this otherwise toxic heavy metal in the stress response. Intriguingly, the expression of OsGLYI‐11.2 was found to be highly substrate inducible, suggesting an important mode of regulation for its cellular levels. Heterologous expression of OsGLYI‐11.2 in Escherichia coli and model plant Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco) resulted in improved adaptation to various abiotic stresses caused by increased scavenging of MG, lower Na+/K+ ratio and maintenance of reduced glutathione levels. Together, our results suggest interesting links between MG cellular levels, its detoxification by GLY I, and Ni2+ – the heavy metal cofactor of OsGLYI‐11.2, in relation to stress response and adaptation in plants.
Successful use of miniphotopheresis for the treatment of graft‐versus‐host disease
Authors: Hackstein Holger , Amoros Jose Jaime Verdu , Bein Gregor , Woessmann Wilhelm 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundExtracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is an important cell‐based therapy for graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD); however, the blood volume required per treatment to achieve a clinical response is unknown.Study Design and MethodsWe developed a mini‐ECP technique (mini‐ECP) using only 100 to 200 mL of whole blood for patients with contraindications for apheresis or low body weight. Sixteen patients (n = 13 acute, n = 3 chronic GVHD) with a median body weight of 19 kg (range, 7‐48 kg) received 460 mini‐ECP treatments with a median duration of 115 days (range, 49‐973 days).ResultsMini‐ECP was well tolerated, and acute GVHD resolved completely in nine of 13 patients and partially in two patients but not in two patients. Cutaneous chronic GVHD exhibited a mixed response (one complete, one partial, and one no response).ConclusionThese results indicate mini‐ECP as a novel and less invasive therapy for patients with GVHD and contraindications for apheresis.
The Positive Effects of the Schengen Agreement on European Trade
Authors: Davis Dane , Gift Thomas 
Published: March 2014

AbstractEnacted in 1985, the Schengen Agreement is widely heralded as both a symbol and major institutional advancement of the European project. By eliminating passport requirements for workers, the compact ostensibly produces gains from travel, ease of market access and economies of scale. Yet despite these optimistic predictions, scholars know little about the actual effects of Schengen on trade. We fill this void by identifying why labour mobility should expand the cross‐country exchange of goods and services and then test our theory with data from Europe spanning the period 1980 to 2011. We argue that labour mobility resulting from Schengen yields positive effects on trade by increasing demand for foreign goods, improving awareness of low‐cost producers abroad and lowering the risks associated with buying and selling outside the country. Using the gravity model of trade, we show empirically that Schengen membership makes European states more robust trading partners.
Diode laser photoablation to correct distal nasolacrimal duct atresia in an adult horse
Authors: Stoppini Riccardo , Tassan Stefano , Barachetti Laura 
Published: March 2014

AbstractCase descriptionAn 8‐year‐old Hanoverian mare was presented for chronic mucopurulent discharge in the left eye, which was responsive to topical antibiotic therapy.Clinical findingsThe nasolacrimal orifice was absent in the left nasal meatum, and anterograde irrigation of left nasolacrimal duct was not possible. Dacryocystorhinography was performed and revealed about 4‐6 cm of distal nasolacrimal duct atresia.Surgical treatment and outcomeA novel technique was attempted with the horse under standing sedation using an urinary catheter and a 980 nm diode laser with a 600 μm diameter flexible bare quartz fiber. A nasolacrimal orifice was successfully created by ablating the nasal mucosa directly over the tip of the urinary catheter, and patency was maintained with a soft catheter sutured in place for 4 weeks. At 3 months re‐evaluation, the left nasolacrimal duct was patent and functional.ConclusionThis case report describes a successful novel surgical technique used to correct congenital distal nasolacrimal duct atresia in an adult horse under standing sedation. Advantages over conventional surgical techniques are shorter operating time and limited hemorrhage.
Novel roles of gastrin
Authors: Dimaline Rod , Varro Andrea 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe existence of the hormone gastrin in the distal stomach (antrum) has been known for almost 110 years, and the physiological function of this amidated peptide in regulating gastric acid secretion via the CCK2 receptor is now well established. In this brief review we consider important additional roles of gastrin, including regulation of genes encoding proteins such as plasminogen activator inhibitors and matrix metalloproteinases that have important actions on extracellular matrix remodelling. These actions are, at least in part, effected by paracrine signalling pathways and make important contributions to maintaining functional integrity of the gastric epithelium. Recent studies also provide support for the idea that gastrin, in concert with other hormones, could potentially contribute a post‐prandial incretin effect. We also review recent developments in the biology of other gastrin gene products, including the precursor progastrin, which causes proliferation of the colonic epithelium and in certain circumstances may induce cancer formation. Glycine‐extended biosynthetic processing intermediates also have proliferative effects in colonic mucosa and in some oesophageal cancer cell lines. Whether these additional gene products exert their effects through the CCK2 receptor or a separate entity is currently a matter of debate.
Pharmacokinetics of Rifampin and Isoniazid in Tuberculosis-HIV-Coinfected Patients Receiving Nevirapine- or Efavirenz-Based Antiretroviral Treatment
Authors: Bhatt N. B. , Barau C. , Amin A. , Baudin E. , Meggi B. , Silva C. , Furlan V. , Grinsztejn B. , Barrail-Tran A. , Bonnet M. , Taburet A. M. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT

This is a substudy of the Agence Nationale de Recherches sur le Sida et les Hépatites Virales (ANRS) Comparison of Nevirapine and Efavirenz for the Treatment of HIV-TB Co-infected Patients (ANRS 12146-CARINEMO) trial, which assessed the pharmacokinetics of rifampin or isoniazid with or without the coadministration of nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-based HIV antiretroviral therapy in HIV-tuberculosis-coinfected patients in Mozambique. Thirty-eight patients on antituberculosis therapy based on rifampin and isoniazid participated in the substudy (57.9% males; median age, 33 years; median weight, 51.9 kg; median CD4
+
T cell count, 104 cells/μl; median HIV-1 RNA load, 5.5 log copies/ml). The daily doses of rifampin and isoniazid were 10 and 5 mg/kg of body weight, respectively. Twenty-one patients received 200 mg of nevirapine twice a day (b.i.d.), and 17 patients received 600 mg of efavirenz once a day (q.d.) in combination with lamivudine and stavudine from day 1 until the end of the study. Blood samples were collected at regular time-dosing intervals after morning administration of a fixed-dose combination of rifampin and isoniazid. When rifampin was administered alone, the median maximum concentration of drug in serum (
C
max
) and the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) at steady state were 6.59 mg/liter (range, 2.70 to 14.07 mg/liter) and 27.69 mg · h/liter (range, 11.41 to 109.75 mg · h/liter), respectively. Concentrations remained unchanged when rifampin was coadministered with nevirapine or efavirenz. When isoniazid was administered alone, the median isoniazid
C
max
and AUC at steady state were 5.08 mg/liter (range, 1.26 to 11.51 mg/liter) and 20.92 mg · h/liter (range, 7.73 to 56.95 mg · h/liter), respectively. Concentrations remained unchanged when isoniazid was coadministered with nevirapine; however, a 29% decrease in the isoniazid AUC was observed when isoniazid was combined with efavirenz. The pharmacokinetic parameters of rifampin and isoniazid when coadministered with nevirapine or efavirenz were not altered to a clinically significant extent in these severely immunosuppressed HIV-infected patients. Patients experienced favorable clinical outcomes. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT00495326.)
Pharmacokinetics of Cefuroxime in Porcine Cortical and Cancellous Bone Determined by Microdialysis
Authors: Tøttrup Mikkel , Hardlei Tore Forsingdal , Bendtsen Michael , Bue Mats , Brock Birgitte , Fuursted Kurt , Søballe Kjeld , Birke-Sørensen Hanne 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT

Traditionally, the pharmacokinetics of antimicrobials in bone have been investigated using bone biopsy specimens, but this approach suffers from considerable methodological limitations. Consequently, new methods are needed. The objectives of this study were to assess the feasibility of microdialysis (MD) for measuring cefuroxime in bone and to obtain pharmacokinetic profiles for the same drug in porcine cortical and cancellous bone. The measurements were conducted in bone wax sealed and unsealed drill holes in cortical bone and in drill holes in cancellous bone and in subcutaneous tissue. As a reference, the free and total plasma concentrations were also measured. The animals received a bolus of 1,500 mg cefuroxime over 30 min. No significant differences were found between the key pharmacokinetic parameters for sealed and unsealed drill holes in cortical bone. The mean ± standard error of the mean area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) values from 0 to 5 h were 6,013 ± 1,339, 3,222 ± 1086, 2,232 ± 635, and 952 ± 290 min · μg/ml for free plasma, subcutaneous tissue, cancellous bone, and cortical bone, respectively (
P
< 0.01, analysis of variance). The AUC for cortical bone was also significantly different from that for cancellous bone (
P
= 0.04). This heterogeneous tissue distribution was also reflected in other key pharmacokinetic parameters. This study validates MD as a suitable method for measuring cefuroxime in bone. Cefuroxime penetration was impaired for all tissues, and bone may not be considered one distinct compartment.