bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hypertension Prevalence and Prescribing Trends in Older US Adults: 1999–2004
Authors: Aslam Farhan , Haque Attiya , Agostini Joseph V. , Wang Yun , Foody JoAnne M. 
Published: December 2009

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2010;12:75–81. ©2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.To describe hypertension trends in US adults aged 65 years and older using Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS) data, a cross‐sectional, nationally representative health examination survey from MCBS files between 1999 and 2004 was investigated. Overall, 62% of beneficiaries, or an estimated 20 million US adults aged 65 years and older, were hypertensive as extrapolated from MCBS data. From 1999 to 2004, the prevalence rate of hypertension increased from 59% to 65% (P<.001). Nonwhite persons and women had a higher prevalence of hypertension than whites and men. A history of diabetes mellitus, prior myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, or stroke was significantly associated with hypertension treatment. In addition, significant geographic variation in treatment was noted. There was a significant increase in hypertension prevalence in older Medicare beneficiaries from 1999 to 2004. Women, patients 85 years and older, and nonwhite patients were less likely to be treated with antihypertensive medications, and significant geographic variation existed in treatment.
Association of Increased QTc Interval With the Cardiometabolic Syndrome
Authors: Grandinetti Andrew , Chow Dominic C. , Miyasaki Marc , Low Phillip 
Published: December 2009

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich).Recent studies indicate a high prevalence of increased QTc interval length in patients affected by the metabolic syndrome, but there is no data available to demonstrate the correlation of the QTc interval with severity of the cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS). The objective of this study was to estimate the association between increasing number of cardiometabolic abnormalities and increasing QTc interval length. Electrocardiograms were collected from 1420 participants in a cross‐sectional study. The QTc interval lengths were corrected for heart rate using Bazett’s formula. CMS was determined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP‐ATP III) guidelines. Multiple linear regression models were used examining associations between increasing number of individual components of syndrome with QTc interval length. Participants with CMS had significantly longer QTc interval length, controlling for age, body mass index (BMI), sex, and ethnic group. Increasing number of CMS components was significantly associated with increased QTc interval length, even after adjusting for age, BMI, total cholesterol, fasting C peptide, and history of heart disease. These findings suggest that QTc interval length is increased in the presence of CMS and is linearly related to an increase in number of metabolic abnormalities.
Los programas de prestaciones de invalidez y enfermedad: ¿cuáles son las causas de la convergencia en las políticas?
Authors: Prinz Christopher , Tompson William 
Published: December 2009

ResumenEn este artículo examinamos los motivos de la aparente convergencia en las políticas en materia de discapacidad y enfermedad que está teniendo lugar en la OCDE y planteamos la pregunta de si esta convergencia debe considerarse, y en qué medida, el resultado de un aprendizaje en materia de políticas. Concluimos que la convergencia es más el resultado de la imitación que del aprendizaje en materia de políticas y que el aprendizaje (a partir de los errores del pasado) tiene más probabilidades de producirse a nivel nacional que a nivel transfronterizo. Dada la escasez de datos que demuestren qué es lo que verdaderamente «funciona», a la hora de diseñar políticas que ofrezcan una seguridad de los ingresos suficiente al tiempo que fomentan la participación en la mano de obra, los gobiernos llevan la mirada al extranjero o a organismos como la OCDE en busca de posibles ideas y modelos en los que basar una reforma. Sin embargo, para poder convertir estas ideas en políticas viables es necesaria una gran sensibilidad al contexto institucional y político‐económico, especialmente al papel de los interlocutores sociales y a la naturaleza de las políticas existentes. A la hora de aplicar las políticas, este aprendizaje sobre el contexto puede ser crucial.
Use and exchange of salmonid genetic resources relevant for food and aquaculture
Authors: Solar Igor I. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThis review describes the global use and exchange of salmonid genetic resources for human food from fisheries and aquaculture. Trends in population abundance, variations in the harvest of wild stocks, historic transfers and worldwide translocations of stocks for fisheries and aquaculture are briefly described for seven species of Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus), for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and for Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus). Also considered are the tools currently used to assist in the conservation of endangered wild populations (e.g. captive breeding programmes and gene banks) and the major techniques developed to enhance the production of cultured stocks (selective breeding, hybridization, sex control, chromosome set manipulation and gene transfer). The review briefly discusses the significance of salmon production to the economy of selected countries and the complexity of allocating economic value to long‐range migratory fisheries resources that also hold direct and indirect value for aboriginal/native communities and recreational users.
Patterns of use and exchange of genetic resources of the striped catfish Pangasianodon hypophthalmus (Sauvage 1878)
Authors: Nguyen Thuy T. T. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe present paper reviews the use and exchange of genetic resources of the migratory freshwater fish Pangasianodon hypophthalmus (Sauvage 1878) (the striped or sutchi catfish). This species is naturally distributed in the Mekong River and Chao Phraya River basins, and is cultured in several countries, but current production occurs predominantly in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Catfish aquaculture in Vietnam has evolved from extensive systems using wild‐caught seed to an intensified farming system that is entirely dependent on hatchery‐produced seed. Genetic improvement programmes on catfish have started in Vietnam, but are still in their infancy. Genetic studies have revealed several subpopulations of the species. Apart from selective breeding and the production of hybrids with closely related species, no other technologies have been applied to improve the performance of catfish. The use and exchange of P. hypophthalmus genetic resources have brought benefits to rural communities. Aquaculture development of catfish has evolved from being seen as an exploitation of natural resources to an activity that can reduce pressure on wild fish populations. Management of aquaculture stocks need to be rationalised to minimise the potential impacts it might cause to wild populations.
Identification of Risk Factors of Coxiella burnetii (Q fever) Infection in Veterinary‐Associated Populations in Southern Taiwan
Authors: Chang C.‐C. , Lin P.‐S. , Hou M.‐Y. , Lin C.‐C. , Hung M.‐N. , Wu T.‐M. , Shu P.‐Y. , Shih W.‐Y. , Lin J. H.‐Y. , Chen W.‐C. , Wu H.‐S. , Lin L.‐J. 
Published: December 2009

SummaryThe first case of Q fever in Taiwan was reported in 1993. The disease is considered to be emerging in Taiwan, but the route of transmission has remained unclear. The annual number of confirmed Q fever cases has been increasing up to more than 100 cases since 2005, comparing with less than 30 before 2003. The purpose of this study was to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors of Coxiella burnetii infection in veterinary‐associated populations in southern Taiwan. A total of 228 serum samples of high risk individuals engaging in veterinary‐related work or animal‐farm work, were collected between March and June in 2007. The study individuals were interviewed by a structured questionnaire designed for Q fever investigation. Serum samples from different animal species were also obtained for Q fever analysis in the same study areas. Serological test was conducted by indirect immunofluorescence antibody assay (IFA). The result demonstrated the overall seroprevalence of Q fever was 26.3% in individuals engaging in veterinary and animal‐related work in southern Taiwan. After multiple logistic regression analysis, goat exposure was significantly associated with seropositivity of Q fever in the study population in southern Taiwan (adjusted odds ratio: 2.62; 95% CI: 1.06–6.46). In addition, the highest seroprevalence (43.8%) of Q fever was identified in goats (P < 0.05). Finally, this study documented that people with prior knowledge of Q fever were less likely to be seropositive for C. burnetii. It was concluded that goat exposure was the most important risk factor associated with C. burnetii infection and appropriate health education could be useful to prevent high risk individuals from the infection in southern Taiwan.
A Study to Demonstrate Freedom fromTrichinellaspp. in Domestic Pigs in Switzerland
Authors: Schuppers M. E. , Rosenberg G. , Graf R. , Eidam V. , Wittwer C. , Zimmermann W. , Gottstein B. , Frey C. F. 
Published: December 2009

SummaryTrichinellosis is a food‐borne zoonotic disease caused by the nematodeTrichinellaspp. Many omnivorous and carnivorous animal species can act as host for this parasite, including domestic pigs. To protect public health, it should be ensured that pork should not contain infectiveTrichinellalarvae. Surveillance forTrichinellaspp. can be done using direct (larval detection) and indirect (antibody detection) diagnostic techniques. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the absence of infection in Swiss domestic pigs. An ELISA was used as the initial screening test, and sera reacting in ELISA were further investigated using both a Western blot for serology and an artificial digestion test with 20 g of diaphragm tissue for larval detection. A total of 7412 adult pigs, 9973 finishing pigs and 2779 free‐ranging pigs were tested. Samples from 17 (0.23%) adult pigs, 16 (0.16%) finishing pigs and nine (0.32%) free‐ranging pigs were ELISA‐positive, but all of these sera were subsequently negative by Western blot and by the artificial digestion method. Based on these findings, an absence ofTrichinellainfections in adult pigs (target prevalence 0.04%) and finishing pigs (target prevalence 0.03%) can be concluded. The results also demonstrated that the prevalence ofTrichinellainfections does not exceed 0.11% in free‐ranging pigs, the group with the highest risk of exposure.
Measurement of platelet aggregation in ovine blood using a new impedance aggregometer
Authors: Baumgarten Andrea , Wilhelmi Mathias , Kalbantner Kerstin , Ganter Martin , Mischke Reinhard 
Published: December 2009

Background: Whole blood platelet aggregometry (impedance) is an important method to investigate platelet function disorders. Examination of hemostatic function in sheep is important with respect to their role as an animal model of human disease.Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate and optimize selected methodological aspects (anticoagulant, agonist concentration) of impedance aggregometry in ovine blood using the new Multiplate 5.0 analyzer.Methods: Blood samples were collected in hirudin anticoagulant from 40 clinically healthy sheep. Samples from selected sheep were collected in citrate, with or without the addition of calcium chloride. The agonists adenosine diphosphate (ADP), collagen, ristocetin, arachidonic acid, and thrombin receptor‐activating peptide (TRAP) were added in several concentrations to induce aggregation.Results: Based on maximum aggregation values and internal precision, no significant difference was found between ADP concentrations of 3–10 μmol/L and collagen concentrations of 3–5 μg/mL (P>.05). The lowest interindividual variation of approximately 3–4‐fold was seen with 4 and 5 μmol/L ADP and 4 and 5 μg/mL collagen. Ristocetin, arachidonic acid, and TRAP did not induce significant aggregation at any concentration. Aggregation results were significantly lower when measured in citrate‐ vs hirudin‐anticoagulated blood, regardless of the presence of calcium chloride.Conclusions: Our results indicate that the multiplate impedance aggregometer is suitable for the measurement of platelet aggregation in sheep using optimal agonist concentrations of 4–5 μmol/L ADP and 4–5 μg/mL collagen. Hirudin‐anticoagulated blood is the preferred sample material.
Urinary Markers in Healthy Young and Aged Dogs and Dogs with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Smets P.M.Y. , Meyer E. , Maddens B.E.J. , Duchateau L. , Daminet S. 
Published: December 2009

Background: Blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine concentrations only detect a decrease of >75% of renal functional mass. Therefore, there is a need for markers that allow early detection and localization of renal damage.Hypothesis: Urinary albumin (uALB), C‐reactive protein (uCRP), retinol binding protein (uRBP), and N‐acetyl‐β‐d‐glucosaminidase (uNAG) concentrations are increased in dogs with chronic kidney disease (CKD) compared with healthy controls and in healthy older dogs compared with young dogs.Animals: Ten dogs with CKD, 10 healthy young dogs (age 1–3 years), and 10 healthy older dogs (age > 7 years) without clinically relevant abnormalities on physical examination, hematology, biochemistry, and urinalysis.Methods: Urinary markers were determined using an ELISA (uALB, uCRP, and uRBP) or a colorimetric test (uNAG). Results were related to urinary creatinine (c). The fixed effects model or the Wilcoxon rank sum test were used to compare the different groups of dogs.Results: uALB/c, uRBP/c, and uNAG/c were significantly higher in CKD dogs than in healthy dogs. No significant difference was found for uCRP, which was not detectable in the healthy dogs and only in 3 of the CKD dogs. Between the healthy young and older dogs, no significant difference was detected for any of the markers.Conclusion: The urinary markers uALB/c, uRBP/c, and uNAG/c were significantly increased in dogs with CKD compared with healthy controls. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the ability of these markers to detect renal disease before the onset of azotemia.
Nonlinear Dynamics of Electrically Actuated Carbon Nanotube
Resonators
Authors: Ouakad Hassen M. , Younis Mohammad I. 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
This work presents an investigation of the nonlinear dynamics of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) when actuated by a dc load superimposed to an ac harmonic load. Cantilevered and clamped-clamped CNTs are studied. The carbon nanotube is described by an Euler–Bernoulli beam model that accounts for the geometric nonlinearity and the nonlinear electrostatic force. A reduced-order model based on the Galerkin method is developed and utilized to simulate the static and dynamic responses of the carbon nanotube. The free-vibration problem is solved using both the reduced-order model and by solving directly the coupled in-plane and out-of-plane boundary-value problems governing the motion of the nanotube. Comparison of the results generated by these two methods to published data of a more complicated molecular dynamics model shows good agreement. Dynamic analysis is conducted to explore the nonlinear oscillation of the carbon nanotube near its fundamental natural frequency (primary-resonance) and near one-half, twice, and three times its natural frequency (secondary-resonances). The nonlinear analysis is carried out using a shooting technique to capture periodic orbits combined with the Floquet theory to analyze their stability. The nonlinear resonance frequency of the CNTs is calculated as a function of the ac load. Subharmonic-resonances are found to be activated over a wide range of frequencies, which is a unique property of CNTs. The results show that these resonances can lead to complex nonlinear dynamics phenomena, such as hysteresis, dynamic pull-in, hardening and softening behaviors, and frequency bands with an inevitable escape from a potential well.
Defining Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index Cutoffs for Additive Interactions Based on Self-Drug Additive Combinations, Monte Carlo Simulation Analysis, andIn Vitro-In VivoCorrelation Data for Antifungal Drug Combinations againstAspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Meletiadis Joseph , Pournaras Spyros , Roilides Emmanuel , Walsh Thomas J. 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACTThe fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index range of 0.5 to 4 that is commonly used to define additivity results in no interactions in most combination studies of antifungal agents. These results may differ from those ofin vivostudies, where positive and negative interactions may be observed. We reassessed thisin vitroFIC index range based on (i) the experimental variation of the checkerboard technique using multiple replicates, (ii) the ability to correctly determine purely additive self-drug and two-drug antagonistic combinations of amphotericin B (AMB) and voriconazole (VRC), (iii) Monte Carlo simulation analysis, and (iv)in vitro-in vivocorrelation using experimental models of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis against the sameAspergillus fumigatusisolate based on visual, spectrophotometric, and colorimetric determinations of FICs after 24 and 48 h of incubation. FICs obtained after 24 h of incubation ranged from 0.5 to 1.25 for the self-drug additive combinations of AMB plus AMB and VRC plus VRC and from 2.25 to 4.25 for the antagonistic combination of AMB plus VRC. Monte Carlo simulation analysis showed that self-drug combinations were correctly classified as additive and that the combination of AMB plus VRC was correctly classified as antagonistic for >85% of the simulated FICs when deviation of the 95% confidence interval (CI) of replicate FICs from the additivity range of 1 to 1.25 was used to assess interactions after 24 h.In vitro-in vivocorrelation analysis showed that the 95% CIs of the FICs of thein vivosynergistic combination anidulafungin plus VRC determined after 24 h were lower than 1 and the 95% CIs of the FICs of thein vivoantagonistic combination AMB plus ravuconazole were higher than 1.25. Adequate insight into weak pharmacodynamic interactions within vivorelevance may be obtained by demonstrating that triplicate FICs at 24 h are outside an inclusive additivity range of 1 to 1.25.
Comparison of the Activity of a Human Simulated, High-Dose, Prolonged Infusion of Meropenem against
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Producing the KPC Carbapenemase versus That against
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
in an
In Vitro
Pharmacodynamic Model
Authors: Bulik Catharine C. , Christensen Henry , Li Peng , Sutherland Christina A. , Nicolau David P. , Kuti Joseph L. 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT

We have previously demonstrated that a high-dose, prolonged-infusion meropenem regimen (2 g every 8 h [q8h]; 3-hour infusion) can achieve 40% free drug concentration above the MIC against
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
with MICs of ≤16 μg/ml. The objective of this experiment was to compare the efficacy of this high-dose, prolonged-infusion regimen against carbapenemase-producing
Klebsiella pneumoniae
isolates with the efficacy against
P. aeruginosa
isolates having similar meropenem MICs. An
in vitro
pharmacodynamic model was used to simulate human serum concentrations. Eleven genotypically confirmed
K. pneumoniae
carbapenemase (KPC)-producing isolates and six clinical
P. aeruginosa
isolates were tested for 24 h, and time-kill curves were constructed. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to verify meropenem concentrations in each experiment. Meropenem achieved a rapid ≥3 log CFU reduction against all KPC isolates within 6 h, followed by regrowth in all but two isolates. The targeted %
f
T>MIC (percent time that free drug concentrations remain above the MIC) exposure was achieved against both of these KPC isolates (100%
f
T>MIC versus MIC = 2 μg/ml, 75%
f
T>MIC versus MIC = 8 μg/ml). Against KPC isolates with MICs of 8 and 16 μg/ml that did regrow, actual meropenem exposures were significantly lower than targeted due to rapid
in vitro
hydrolysis, whereby targeted %
f
T>MIC was reduced with each subsequent dosing. In contrast, a ≥3 log CFU reduction was maintained over 24 h for all
Pseudomonas
isolates with meropenem MICs of 8 and 16 μg/ml. Although KPC and
P. aeruginosa
isolates may share similar meropenem MICs, the differing resistance mechanisms produce discordant responses to a high-dose, prolonged infusion of meropenem. Thus, predicting the efficacy of an antimicrobial regimen based on MIC may not be a valid assumption for KPC-producing organisms.
Protection against LethalNeospora caninumInfection in Mice Induced by Heterologous Vaccination with amic1 mic3KnockoutToxoplasma gondiiStrain
Authors: Penarete-Vargas Diana Marcela , Mévélec Marie Noelle , Dion Sarah , Sèche Edouard , Dimier-Poisson Isabelle , Fandeur Thierry 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACTNeospora caninumandToxoplasma gondiiare closely related, obligate intracellular parasites infecting a wide range of vertebrate hosts and causing abortion and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Several lines of evidence suggest that cross immunity between these two pathogens could be exploited in the design of strategies for heterologous vaccination. We assessed the ability of an attenuated strain ofT. gondii(“mic1-3KO strain”) conferring strong protection against chronic and congenital toxoplasmosis to protect mice against lethalN. caninuminfection. Mice immunized withmic1-3KO tachyzoites by the oral and intraperitoneal routes developed a strong cellular Th1 response and displayed significant protection against lethal heterologousN. caninuminfection, with survival rates of 70% and 80%, respectively, whereas only 30% of the nonimmunized mice survived. We report here the acquisition of heterologous protective immunity againstN. caninumfollowing immunization with a live attenuatedmic1-3KO strain ofT. gondii.
Mycoplasma genitalium
Rapidly Disseminates to the Upper Reproductive Tracts and Knees of Female Mice following Vaginal Inoculation
Authors: McGowin Chris L. , Spagnuolo Rae Ann , Pyles Richard B. 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT

Mycoplasma genitalium
is an emerging sexually transmitted infection and in women is associated with notable reproductive tract syndromes such as cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and infertility. Investigations into the causal relationships of
M. genitalium
infections and clinical disease have been hindered largely by the lack of a well-established small-animal model of genital tract infection. To establish a murine model, female Swiss Webster mice were conditioned with either progesterone or estradiol and then inoculated intravaginally with
M. genitalium
type strain G37 or a contemporary Danish strain, M2300. Persistent lower tract infection was observed at up to 77 days postinoculation (d.p.i.). Upper reproductive tract colonization was observed as early as 3 d.p.i., with long-term infection observed in estradiol-treated (65%) and progesterone-treated (18%) animals. In the upper tract, more than 90% of
M. genitalium
PCR-positive samples were from the uterus and oviducts. Ultimately, gross hydrosalpinx was observed 21 days to 10 weeks p.i. in approximately 60% of infected animals, suggesting the presence of tubal occlusion. In addition, dissemination of
M. genitalium
to the knee tissues was observed as early as 7 d.p.i., with persistent infection detected at up to 28 d.p.i. Mice infected with
M. genitalium
also developed specific antibodies to the major antigenic outer membrane protein MgPa, elongation factor Tu, pyruvate dehydrogenase E1α, and DnaK (Hsp70), indicating persistent infection despite robust humoral responses to infection. These findings provide strong experimental evidence that
M. genitalium
can establish long-term infection of reproductive tract and joint tissues, with preliminary evidence of pathological reproductive tract outcomes.