bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Understanding the risk of hyperkalaemia in heart failure: role of aldosterone antagonism
Authors: Poggio Rosana , Grancelli Hugo O , Miriuka Santiago G 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
The risk of hyperkalaemia in patients with heart failure has increased in the past few years together with the evolution of pharmacological treatment for these patients. This significant change has been associated with the introduction of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), and aldosterone antagonists. High potassium concentrations in heart failure could lead to life threatening events, and therefore should be taken seriously. In this review we summarise the information about potassium homeostasis in heart failure and the current risk of developing potentially serious hyperkalaemia, particularly in association with the use of aldosterone antagonists.
Liver disease in pregnancy
Authors: Mackillop Lucy , Williamson Catherine 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Pregnancy is a time of great maternal physiological and metabolic changes. This affects the biochemical and haematological parameters used in the assessment of liver disease, and it is important to appreciate the different reference ranges in pregnancy to facilitate recognition of liver disorders in pregnancy. Due to the increased physiological and metabolic stress of pregnancy, liver disorders that have previously been subclinical may become symptomatic—for example, primary biliary cirrhosis. Gallstone disease is a common problem in women of childbearing age, and pregnancy promotes their formation. The viral hepatidides constitute a huge disease burden worldwide and the pregnant state confers particular concerns for the mother and her baby. In particular, hepatitis E has a predilection for the pregnant population and confers a particularly poor prognosis. In addition certain pregnancy specific disorders—for example, haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets syndrome, acute fatty liver of pregnancy, and obstetric cholestasis—affect primarily the liver. It is important to know how to diagnose and manage these conditions and distinguish them from non-pregnancy specific conditions as this will change the timing and management of affected women and their babies, some of whom can be seriously ill. We propose an approach to the investigation and management of the pregnant patient with abnormal liver function tests.
Teaching cause-of-death certification: lessons from international experience
Authors: Aung Eindra , Rao Chalapati , Walker Sue 
Published: March 2010

Abstract

Background and objective
The accuracy of cause-of-death statistics substantially depends on the quality of cause-of-death information in death certificates, primarily completed by medical doctors. Deficiencies in cause-of-death certification have been observed across the world, and over time. Despite educational interventions targeted at improving the quality of death certification, their intended impacts are rarely evaluated. This review aims to provide empirical evidence that could guide the modification of existing educational programmes, or the development of new interventions, which are necessary to improve the capacity of certifiers as well as the quality of cause-of-death certification, and thereby, the quality of mortality statistics.

Design
A literature review using keywords: death; certification; education/training.

Data sources
The primary search through PubMed. Reference lists in individual articles from the primary search and also manual searching of other databases such as Google Scholar and OpenDOAR.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies
Evaluation studies which assessed educational interventions for medical students and doctors on correct completion of death certificates.

Results
All educational interventions identified in this review improved certain aspects of death certification although the statistical significance of evaluation results varies with the type of intervention: printed educational material alone being the intervention with the least educational impact and interactive workshops being the most effective intervention.

Conclusions
Pragmatic education on best practice for cause-of-death certification is a basic step to ensure accurate information for each individual case, leading to the production of high quality mortality statistics for epidemiology, public health policy and research. Development of new educational interventions or modification of existing programmes should be based on evidence of the benefits from current and past interventions provided under varying circumstances.
Neuromyelitis optica: an overview
Authors: Nandhagopal R , Al-Asmi Abdullah , Gujjar Arunodaya R 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a relapsing inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system that closely resembles multiple sclerosis. This review discusses recent understanding of NMO with reference to epidemiology, clinical spectrum, immunopathology, diagnostic evaluation, clinical course and management. Within the clinical spectrum of NMO, the classical form (with relapsing opticomyelitis) and limited forms (either recurrent myelitis or optic neuritis), as well as its association with other autoimmune disorders, have been recognised in recent years. Further, symptomatic or asymptomatic cerebral lesions may be present, and such brain lesions do not necessarily exclude the diagnosis. In the appropriate clinical context, the diagnosis is supported by longitudinally extensive myelitis on spinal MRI. Overwhelming evidence strongly indicates that aquaporin 4 antibody has a pathogenetic role in the development of NMO and serves as a useful diagnostic and prognostic marker. Detection of this autoantibody has led to the categorisation of NMO as an autoimmune channelopathy. NMO can be distinguished from multiple sclerosis by a combination of clinical, radiological and laboratory studies. However, the nosological position of Asian opticospinal multiple sclerosis is not settled. In NMO, acute attacks usually result in moderate to severe functional impairment, and, in the absence of a secondary progressive course (unlike relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis), prevention of relapses is of crucial importance in the management of the disease. Indeed, relapse prevention with long-term immunosuppressive medication remains the cornerstone of therapy in this otherwise debilitating disease!
Nuclear DNA content variation associated with muscle fiber hypertrophic growth in decapod crustaceans
Authors: Jimenez Ana Gabriela , Kinsey Stephen T. , Dillaman Richard M. , Kapraun Donald F. 
Published: March 2010

We tested the hypothesis that hypertrophic muscle growth in decapod crustaceans is associated with increases in both the number of nuclei per fiber and nuclear DNA content. The DNA-localizing fluorochrome DAPI (4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) and chicken erythrocyte standards were used with static microspectrophotometry and image analysis to estimate nuclear DNA content in hemocytes and muscle fibers from eight decapod crustacean species: Farfantepenaeus aztecus , Palaemonetes pugio , Panulirus argus , Homarus americanus , Procambarus clarkii , Cambarus bartonii , Callinectes sapidus , and Menippe mercenaria . Mean diploid (2C) values in hemocytes ranged from 3.6 to 11.7 pg. Hemocyte 2C estimates were used to extrapolate ploidy level in the multinucleated skeletal muscle tissue of juvenile and adult animals. Across all species, mean muscle fiber diameters from adult animals were significantly larger than those in juveniles, and nuclear domains were greater in larger fibers. The number of nuclei per fiber increased with increasing fiber size, as hypothesized. Maximum nuclear DNA content per species in muscle ranged from 4C to 32C, consistent with endopolyploidy. Two patterns of body- and fiber-size-dependent shifts in ploidy were observed: four species had a significantly higher ploidy in the larger fibers of adults, while three species exhibited a significantly lower ploidy in adults than in juveniles. Thus, across species, there was no systematic relationship between nuclear domain size and nuclear DNA content.
Application of ARPS–CMAQ modeling system for urban air pollutant emission abatementA paper submitted to the Journal of Environmental Engineering and Science.
Authors: Zhao X. Y. , Cheng S. Y. , Li J. B. , Wang H. Y. , Guo X. R. 
Published: March 2010

A coupled advanced regional prediction system – community multi-scale air quality (ARPS–CMAQ) modeling system was applied to develop an abatement strategy for air pollutant emission in the Handan region of the northern China. The system was evaluated by comparing the simulated concentrations of particulate matter less than 10 µm (PM10) with the observed results in the study area during the four representative months in 2005. A process of planning emission abatement was applied by gradually reducing PM10 emissions from the original GIS-based emission inventory until a modeling emission scenario was obtained under which the simulated PM10 concentrations could satisfy the desired air quality objective. The air quality objective was represented by an air quality guideline satisfaction ratio of 80% to reach a daily PM10 concentration of 150 µg/m3 after the year 2010. The modeling system and results could provide sound basis for decision makers to develop an effective air quality management strategy.
Spring ammonium maximum in the mid-depth layer of Lake Biwa, JapanA paper submitted to the Journal of Environmental Engineering and Science.
Authors: Tanaka Lidia L. , Ban Syuhei , Kumagai Michio 
Published: March 2010

The spatio-temporal variation in ammonium-nitrogen (NH4-N) profiles was investigated in the North Basin of Lake Biwa in 2002, 2004, and 2005 and in the Uso River in 2004–2005. The in-lake concentration of NH4-N was low throughout the water column, except between late April and mid-June, when a distinct maximum developed between 10 and 25 m depth, in and below the thermocline. This layer extended offshore from both east and west boundaries to the center of the lake. By comparing water temperature estimates from the Uso River with water temperatures measured in the lake, we hypothesize that cooler water intrudes into the lake during the night at depths between 8 and 28 m. The intrusions are likely more pronounced from mid to late May when the NH4-N concentration in the Uso River is highest. This suggests that riverine input is an important factor in the formation of the mid-depth ammonium maximum in Lake Biwa. These findings underscore the importance of fluvial discharge and lateral transport of dissolved nutrients in temperate lakes.
Development of seismic force modification factors for cold-formed steel strap braced walls
Authors: Comeau G. , Velchev K. , Rogers C.A. 
Published: March 2010

Seismic force modification factors to be used in conjunction with the National building code of Canada are recommended for two cold-formed steel (CFS) concentrically braced frame categories; limited ductility (LD) (Rd = 2.0, Ro = 1.3, height limit 20 m) and conventional construction (CC) (Rd = 1.25, Ro = 1.3, height limit 15 m, not permitted in high seismic zones). Nonlinear time history dynamic analyses of multi-storey CFS framed structures were carried out following an approach adopted from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) P695 on the quantification of building seismic performance factors. Input earthquake records (both synthetic and recorded) were scaled to the site specific uniform hazard spectra for Vancouver, Calgary, Québec City, and Halifax. The calculated inelastic storey drifts and the failure probabilities from the FEMA P695 incremental dynamic analysis procedure showed that the Canadian seismic design procedures for type LD and CC strap braced walls in the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) S213 North American CFS lateral design standard are acceptable for the multi-storey buildings that were analysed.
Évaluation des effets d’une lampe à cathode creuse pulsée à courant variable sur les interférences spectrales de l’arsenic dans le dosage du cadmium par spectrophotométrie d’absorption atomiqueArticle envoyé à la Revue du génie et de la science de l'environnement.
Authors: Waterlot C. , Douay F. 
Published: March 2010

Les teneurs en cadmium de solutions aqueuses contaminées à des teneurs croissantes en arsenic ont été mesurées à l’aide d’un spectrophotomètre d’absorption atomique équipé d’une flamme et d’un four électrothermique. Pour chacune des techniques d’atomisation, a été évaluée une méthode de correction du bruit de fond basée sur le renversement de spectre et connue sous le nom de « high-speed self-reversal method », au regard d’une autre méthode plus couramment utilisée ne nécessitant qu’une lampe au deutérium et une lampe au cadmium. En comparaison avec cette méthode, les résultats ont montré que le mode de correction basé sur le renversement spectral via l’utilisation d’une lampe au cadmium à cathode creuse pulsée à courant variable était une méthode plus appropriée pour corriger les phénomènes d’interférences causés par l’arsenic (As) lors du dosage du cadmium (Cd). Il a été établi que cette méthode permettait de s’affranchir des interférences de l’arsenic pour des ratios [As]/[Cd] inférieurs à 50 000.
Effect of mineral admixture on resistance to sulphuric and hydrochloric acid attacks in self-compacting concrete
Authors: Siad H. , Mesbah H. A. , Khelafi H. , Kamali-Bernard S. , Mouli M. 
Published: March 2010

This paper presents a detailed experimental investigation of the acid resistance of economical self-compacting concrete (SCC) prepared with natural pozzolan, immersed for up to 12 weeks in sulphuric acid (H2SO4) and hydrochloric acid (HCl) solutions. The results are compared with those from a control concrete and other SCCs prepared with fly ash and limestone filler. The different factors considered in this study were the effect of mineral admixture type and the strength classes (30, 50, and 70 MPa) of the concrete specimens. In total, 12 formulations were tested. Mass and compressive strength losses are the main properties investigated. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses were used to better understand the kinetics of deterioration of each type of concrete. The results show the positive influence of natural pozzolan on the behaviour of SCC under both sulphuric and hydrochloric acid mediums.
Performance of horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland in the removal of tanninsA paper submitted to the Journal of Environmental Engineering and Science.
Authors: Njau K.N. , Renalda M. 
Published: March 2010

A horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland (HSSFCW) was employed to remove tannins from the effluent of a tannins extracting company. Two HSSFCW cells with hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 9 d and packed with limestone were used. One cell without macrophytes was used as a control, while the second cell was planted with Phragmites mauritianus . Results indicated that HSSFCW was capable of treating tannin wastewater that has been seeded with primary facultative pond sludge. Tannins and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency of 95.9% and 90.6% with outlet concentration of 27 mg/L and 86 mg/L, respectively, were obtained in the planted cell; while the tannins and COD removal efficiency of 91.1% and 89.5% with outlet concentration of 57 mg/L and 96 mg/L, respectively, were obtained in the control cell.
Effect of culture media and pH on the biomass production and biocontrol efficacy of aMetschnikowia pulcherrimastrain to be used as a biofungicide for postharvest disease control
Authors: Spadaro D. , Ciavorella A. , Dianpeng Z. , Garibaldi A. , Gullino M. L. 
Published: March 2010

Few strains of Metschnikowia pulcherrima (Pitt) M.W. Miller are under development for control of postharvest pathogens on fruit. A substrate was developed to optimize the biomass production of M. pulcherrima strain BIO126. Different complex nutrient sources, with or without pH control, were tested. Growth in yeast extract provided at concentrations ≥30 g·L–1yielded the highest biomass. The addition of two carbon sources, d-mannitol and l-sorbose, at 5 g·L–1each, significantly improved yeast growth. The greatest amount of yeast growth occurred when pH values of the medium ranged from 5.0 to 7.5. A combination of yeast extract, d-mannitol, and l-sorbose (YEMS), probably with diauxic utilization, showed a synergistic effect, widening the exponential phase (maximum specific growth rate of 0.45 h–1) and increasing the final cell number (1.5 × 109cells·mL–1) and dry biomass (6.0 g·L–1) in well-controlled batch fermentation. In efficacy trials on ‘Golden Delicious’ apples, M. pulcherrima grown in YEMS effectively reduced incidence and severity of Botrytis cinerea (51.1% and 70.8%, respectively) and Penicillium expansum (41.7% and 14.0%, respectively). Also on ‘Gala’ apples, the best reduction of grey and blue mould incidence was obtained with cells grown in YEMS (58.1% and 50.5%, respectively).
Nitric oxide and calcium signaling regulate myocardial tumor necrosis factor-α expression and cardiac function in sepsisThis article is one of a selection of papers published in this special issue on Calcium Signaling.
Authors: Zhang Ting , Feng Qingping 
Published: March 2010

Myocardial tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), a proinflammatory cytokine, is a critical inducer of myocardial dysfunction in sepsis. The purpose of this review is to summarize the mechanisms through which TNF-α production is regulated in cardiomyocytes in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a key pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) in sepsis. These mechanisms include Nox2-containing NAD(P)H oxidase, phospholipase C (PLC)γ1, and Ca2+signaling pathways. Activation of these pathways increases TNF-α expression via activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Conversely, activation of c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase 1 (JNK1) negatively regulates TNF-α production through inhibition of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK activity. Interestingly, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) promotes TNF-α expression by enhancing p38 MAPK activation, whereas neuronal NOS (nNOS) inhibits TNF-α production by reducing Ca2+-dependent ERK1/2 activity. Therefore, the JNK1 and nNOS inhibitory pathways represent a “brake” that limits myocardial TNF-α expression in sepsis. Further understanding of these signal transduction mechanisms may lead to novel pharmacological therapies in sepsis.
Diaphragm tension reduced in dystrophic mice by an oxidant, hypochlorous acid
Authors: Lafoux Aude , Divet Alexandra , Gervier Pascal , Huchet-Cadiou Corinne 
Published: March 2010

In dystrophin-deficient skeletal muscle cells, in which Ca2+ homeostasis is disrupted and reactive oxygen species production is increased, we hypothesized that hypochlorous acid (HOCl), a strong H2O2-related free radical, damages contractile proteins and the sarcoplasmic reticulum. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of exposure to oxidative stress, generated by applying HOCl (100 µmol/L and 1 mmol/L), on the contractile function and sarcoplasmic reticulum properties of dystrophic mice. Experiments were performed on diaphragm muscle, which is severely affected in the mdx mouse, and the results were compared with those obtained in healthy (non-dystrophic) mice. In Triton-skinned fibres from C57BL/10 and mdx mice, 1 mmol/L HOCl increased myofibrillar Ca2+ sensitivity, but decreased maximal Ca2+-activated tension. In the presence of HOCl, higher concentrations of MgATP were required to produce rigor tensions. The interaction between HOCl and the Ca2+ uptake mechanisms was demonstrated using saponin-skinned fibres and sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles. The results showed that HOCl, at micromolar or millimolar concentrations, can modify sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ uptake and that this effect was more pronounced in diaphragm muscle from mdx mice. We conclude that in dystrophic diaphragm skeletal muscle cells, HOCl activates a cellular pathway that leads to an increase in the intracellular concentration of Ca2+.
Nongenomic inhibition of coronary constriction by 17β-estradiol, 2-hydroxyestradiol, and 2-methoxyestradiol
Authors: Hill Brent J.F. , Gebre Senetibeb , Schlicker Bonnie , Jordan Renée , Necessary Sean 
Published: March 2010

The cardioprotective effects of 17β-estradiol (E2) in women are hypothesized to be partially mediated by the E2 metabolites 2-hydroxyestradiol (2-HOE) and 2-methoxyestradiol (2-MeOH). Therefore, the purpose of our study was to determine the acute effects of E2, 2-HOE, and 2-MeOH on inhibition of coronary arterial constriction. Right coronary arteries obtained from breeding sows were cut into 4 mm rings and suspended in organ baths. Incubation of the rings with E2, 2-HOE, and 2-MeOH (10 µmol/L) for 60 min attenuated a subsequent KCl-induced contraction by approximately 50%. The protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide and the estrogen receptor antagonists ICI 182780 and tamoxifen did not affect the attenuation. Moreover, E2, 2-HOE, and 2-MeOH antagonized the contraction induced by the vasospasm agonist endothelin-1 (0.1 µmol/L) by approximately 36%. When the L-type Ca2+channel blocker nifedipine was added at the conclusion of the experiment, no additional contractile attenuation was present. Our results suggest that E2, 2-HOE, and 2-MeOH demonstrate a similar nongenomic inhibition of agonist-induced extracellular Ca2+-dependent contractions.
Antidiabetic activity of aqueous bark extract ofCassia glaucain streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Salahuddin Md. , Jalalpure Sunil S. , Gadge Navneet B. 
Published: March 2010

The leaves and bark of Cassia glauca Lam., a glabrous tree in the family Fabaceae, are used in folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes. The aim of this study was to investigate the antidiabetic activity of the aqueous extract of C. glauca bark. The various parameters that were studied in treated or untreated normoglycemic and STZ-induced diabetic rats included the effect of the aqueous extract on oral glucose tolerance, fasting blood glucose, body weight, serum lipids, liver glycogen, serum insulin, and glycosylated haemoglobin. Oral administration of the aqueous extract of C. glauca bark at a dose of 500 mg/kg significantly reduced the effect of external glucose load. In a chronic treatment model, aqueous extract and glibenclamide (0.25 mg/kg) were administered for 21 days. At the end of the treatment, there was a significant increase in liver glycogen, serum insulin, and HDL cholesterol for both treatments. A significant decrease in fasting blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin, total cholesterol, and serum triglycerides was also observed. The body weights of the animals were observed to be consistent throughout the study. The findings showed the significant antidiabetic potential of the extract in ameliorating the diabetic condition in the diabetic rats. No significant activity was found in the normoglycemic rats.