bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnosis and inflammatory response of patients with candiduria
Authors: Helbig S. , Achkar J. M. , Jain N. , Wang X. , Gialanella P. , Levi M. , Fries B. C. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryCandiduria is common in hospitalised patients, but the clinical relevance is still unclear. This study was done to further our knowledge on detection of and host responses to candiduria. Urines and clinical data from 136 patients in whom presence of yeast was diagnosed by microscopic urinalysis were collected. Diagnosis by standard urine culture methods on blood and MacConkey agar as well as on fungal culture medium (Sabouraud dextrose agar) was compared. Inflammatory parameters (IL‐6 and IL‐17, Ig) were quantified in the urine and compared with levels in control patients without candiduria. Standard urine culture methods detected only 37% of Candida spp. in urine. Sensitivity was especially low (23%) for C. glabrata and was independent of fungal burden. Candida specific IgG but not IgA was significantly elevated when compared with control patients (P < 0.0001 and 0.07 respectively). In addition, urine levels of IL‐6 and IL‐17 were significantly higher in candiduric patients when compared with control patients (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis documented an independent association between an increased IgG (odds ratio (OR) 136.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 25.7–719.2; P < 0.0001), an increased IL‐17 (OR 17.4, 95% CI 5.3–57.0; P < 0.0001) and an increased IL‐6 level (OR 4.9, 95% CI 1.9–12.4; P = 0.001) and candiduria. In summary, our data indicate that clinical studies on candiduria should include fungal urine culture and that inflammatory parameters may be helpful to identify patients with clinically relevant candiduria.
Phosphate in early chronic kidney disease: Associations with clinical outcomes and a target to reduce cardiovascular risk
Authors: TOUSSAINT NIGEL D , PEDAGOGOS EUGENIE , TAN SVEN‐JEAN , BADVE SUNIL V , HAWLEY CARMEL M , PERKOVIC VLADO , ELDER GRAHAME J 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTThere is an intimate association between mineral and bone disorders in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the extensive burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in this population. High phosphate levels in CKD have been associated with increased all‐cause mortality and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Observational studies have also shown a consistent relationship between serum phosphate in the normal range and all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and decline in renal function. Furthermore, fibroblast growth factor‐23 (FGF‐23), a phosphaturic hormone, increases very early in the course of CKD and is strongly associated with death and CVD, including LVH and vascular calcification. Few studies have addressed outcomes using interventions to reduce serum phosphate in a randomized controlled fashion; however, strategies to address cardiovascular risk in early CKD are imperative and phosphate is a potential therapeutic target. This review outlines the epidemiological and experimental evidence highlighting the relationship between excess phosphate and adverse outcomes, and discusses clinical studies required to address this problem.
Effect of cyclic hydrodynamic pressure‐induced proliferation of human bladder smooth muscle through Ras‐related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1, mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase 1/2 and extracellular regulated protein kinases 1/2
Authors: Wu Tao , Chen Lin , Wei Tangqiang , Wang Yan , Xu Feng , Wang Kunjie 
Published: May 2012

Objectives:  To examine the role of Ras‐related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1, mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase 1/2 and extracellular regulated protein kinases 1/2 in the cyclic hydrodynamic pressure‐induced proliferation of human bladder smooth muscle cells.Methods:  Human bladder smooth muscle cells were exposed to cyclic hydrodynamic pressures in vitro with defined parameters (static, 100 cmH2O, 200 cmH2O and 300 cmH2O pressure) for 24 h. The proliferation of cells was assessed by flow cytometry. Ras‐related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1, mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase 1/2 and extracellular regulated protein kinases 1/2 messenger ribonucleic acid, and protein expression was analyzed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. Specificity of the Rac1 was determined with real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot technique with small interfering ribonucleic acid transfection and Rac1 inhibitor (NSC23766).Results:  The proliferation of human bladder smooth muscle cells was increased. Ras‐related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1, mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase 1/2 and extracellular regulated protein kinases 1/2 were activated by 200 and 300 cmH2O cyclic hydrodynamic pressure compared with static and 100 cmH2O pressure. The “knockdown” of activation of Rac1 using target small interfering ribonucleic acid transfection and Rac1 inhibitor (NSC23766) decreased proliferation of human bladder smooth muscle cells, and downregulated mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase 1/2, extracellular regulated protein kinases 1/2.Conclusion:  The Rac1 pathway is activated in mechanotransduction and regulation of human bladder smooth muscle cell proliferation in response to cyclic hydrodynamic pressure.
A replicated comparison of breeding‐container suitability for the dengue vector Aedes aegypti in tropical and temperate Australia
Authors: RICHARDSON KELLY M. , HOFFMANN ARY A. , JOHNSON PETRINA , RITCHIE SCOTT R. , KEARNEY MICHAEL R. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIn Australia, the dengue vector Aedes aegypti is presently restricted to Queensland but was historically more widespread. Future spread may be facilitated by changes in the availability of suitable ovipositing sites (artificial containers) in response to climate change. We undertook a replicated comparison of thermal and hydric conditions in a selection of water containers commonly used by Ae. aegypti under sun and shade conditions in a tropical (Cairns) and temperate (Melbourne) location. We assessed the implications of thermal and hydric regimes for development rates and thermal stress. Container type had no effect on potential development rate in Cairns but mosquitoes in tyres were predicted to have consistently slower development than those in other containers in Melbourne. Our dataset included the hottest day on record for Melbourne (46.4°C) yet few containers exhibited lethal water temperatures in this location. Similarly high water temperatures were reached in Cairns at more benign air temperatures due to high solar radiation loads. The tyres had unique thermal profiles that exhibited a plateau at shaded air temperature even when in full sun. Overall, our results suggest that chronic cold stress would prevent development in Melbourne during spring, drying of containers would be limiting in Melbourne in summer, and heat stress in unshaded small containers would be limiting in Cairns. Tyres could be an important and unappreciated buffered habitat in open areas in the tropics. These results are of value for directing water storage and waste policy to prevent the further spread of Ae. aegypti and dengue fever as well as other mosquitoes. The methodology can be applied to identify priority containers for surveillance in other parts of the world.
Effect of fatigue damage on static and dynamic tensile behaviour of electro‐discharge machined Ti‐6Al‐4V
Authors: LÓPEZ J. G. , VERLEYSEN P. , DEGRIECK J. 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTThe fatigue performance of electro‐discharge machined Ti‐6Al‐4V and, more specifically, the effect of cyclic damage on the static and dynamic tensile properties of the material have been investigated. In a first step, fatigue failure was studied. Afterwards, tensile tests were performed on specimens that had been previously subjected to cyclic loading during predefined fractions of the fatigue life. In addition to conventional experiments at quasi‐static strain rate, dynamic tests were performed using a split Hopkinson tensile bar setup. The edges of some of the specimens were removed after cyclic loading to discriminate between the effects of damage at the edges and in the bulk of the material. Results revealed that early fatigue failure is due to the growth of cracks on the machined edges of the specimens. Edge cracks can randomly reduce fracture strain and energy absorbing capacity. However, cyclic damage does not affect the tensile properties of the bulk material.
The effects of ambient temperature, humidity and season of year on urine composition in patients with nephrolithiasis
Authors: Eisner Brian H. , Sheth Sonali , Herrick Benjamin , Pais Jr Vernon M. , Sawyer Mark , Miller Nicole , Hurd Kimberly J. , Humphreys Mitchell R. 
Published: May 2012

Study Type – Prognosis (cohort series)Level of Evidence 2bWhat's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Epidemiologic studies have shown that warmer climates are associated with increased incidence of nephrolithiasis. Many hypothesize that this is due to dehydration and lower urine volumes. The current study of stone formers reports that greater temperatures are associated with significant increases in urine calcium which may shed light on the mechanism underlying the increased stone incidence associated with increased ambient temperature.OBJECTIVE
To understand the effects of temperature, humidity and season of year on 24‐h urine composition in patients with nephrolithiasis.
PATIENTS AND METHOD
A retrospective review was performed of patients evaluated at four metabolic stone clinics.
Multivariate linear regression models examined the relationship between mean temperature, average humidity, season of year and 24‐h urine composition.
Multivariate models adjusted for known risk factors for stone disease.
Mean temperature and average humidity data were obtained from http://www.weatherunderground.com based on patient‐provided addresses.
RESULTS
A total of 599 patients were included in the study, comprising 239 women and 360 men with a mean age of 53.6 years (sd 15.0).
Mean temperature was 16.9 °C (sd 4.8, range −21.1 to 38.3 °C) and average humidity was 58.1% (sd 23.5, range 11–100%).
On multivariate linear regression, increasing temperature was associated with increasing urine calcium (β= 11.3, 95% CI 2.2–20.0), super‐saturation of calcium oxalate (β= 0.6, 95% CI 0.2–0.9), super‐saturation of calcium phosphate (β= 0.14, 95% CI 0.03–0.2), and decreasing urine sodium (β=−5.2, 95% CI −10.3 to −0.1).
As seasons become warmer (i.e. from winter to autumn to spring to summer), changes were increased urine volume (β= 0.09, 95% CI 0.01–0.2) and decreased super‐saturation of calcium phosphate (β=−0.2, 95% CI −0.3 to −0.03).
There were no associations between quintile of humidity and any 24‐h urine constituents.
CONCLUSIONS
Increasing temperature may increase stone risk by increasing urine excretion of calcium, and the super‐saturation of calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate.
These findings were independent of humidity and of season of year.
This appears to be related to a physiological impact of temperature itself, rather than to geographic location.
A single dose of a non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) prevents severe pain after ureteric stent removal: a prospective, randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Tadros Nicholas N. , Bland Lisa , Legg Edith , Olyaei Ali , Conlin Michael J. 
Published: May 2012

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?
The problem of severe pain after ureteric stent removal, its incidence and prevention, has not been previously described.
The present paper is the first to determine the incidence of severe pain after ureteric stent removal. It also shows that a single dose of NSAID before ureteric stent removal can prevent this pain in a significant number of patients.
Objectives
To determine the incidence of severe pain after ureteric stent removal.
To evaluate the efficacy of a single dose of a non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) in preventing this complication.
Patients and Methods
A prospective, randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial was performed at our institution.
Adults with an indwelling ureteric stent after ureteroscopy were randomised to receive either a single dose of placebo or an NSAID (rofecoxib 50 mg) before ureteric stent removal.
Pain was measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS) just before and 24 h after stent removal
Pain medication use after ureteric stent removal was measured using morphine equivalents.
Results
In all, 22 patients were enrolled and randomised into the study before ending the study after interim analysis showed significant decrease in pain level in the NSAID group.
The most common indication for ureteroscopy was urolithiasis (14 patients).
The proportion of patients with severe pain (VAS score of ≥7) during the 24 h after ureteric stent removal was six of 11 (55%) in the placebo group and it was zero of 10 in the NSAID group (P < 0.01).
There were no complications related to the use of rofecoxib.
Conclusions
We found a 55% incidence of severe pain after ureteric stent removal.
A single dose of a NSAID before stent removal prevents severe pain after ureteric stent removal.
Roots and Routes: The Partition of British India in Indian Social Memories
Authors: HARTNACK CHRISTIANE 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThis contribution focuses on the Indian experience of the Partition. The personal and shared (i.e., social) memories regarding the history of India and Pakistan will inform the examination of the temporal dimension of the Partition, i.e., its “roots”. Tracing the re‐established and new interconnections in terms of trade, travel, transportation, and communication between India and Pakistan along historical lines gives insight into the spatial dimension of the Partition's aftermath, i.e. its “routes”. The main argument of this analysis is that the traumata resulting from the Partition are still not overcome and contain the potential for explosive conflicts in the future.
Obesity‐related eating behaviours in the adult population of Spain, 2008–2010
Authors: Mesas A. E. , León‐Muñoz L. M. , Guallar‐Castillón P. , Graciani A. , Gutiérrez‐Fisac J. L. , López‐García E. , Aguilera M. T. , Banegas J. R. , Rodríguez‐Artalejo F. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryKnowledge of the socio‐demographic distribution of eating behaviours can aid our understanding of their contribution to the obesity epidemic and help to address healthy eating interventions to those who can benefit most. This cross‐sectional study assessed the frequency of self‐reported eating behaviours among 11,603 individuals representative of the non‐institutionalized Spanish population aged ≥18 years in the period 2008–2010. In the adult population of Spain, 24.3% had lunch and 18.2% had dinner away from home >3 times per month. About three‐fourths of adults did not plan the amount of food to be eaten, and did not choose light foods and/or skim dairy products. Also, 26% did not trim visible fat from meat, and 74.7% usually ate while watching television. Compared with individuals with primary or less education, those with university studies were more likely to remove fat from meat (age‐ and sex‐adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08–1.44), and to choose light food and/or skim dairy (aOR 1.50; 95% CI 1.30–1.77), and less likely to eat while watching television (aOR 0.54; 95% CI 0.47–0.63). In conclusion, the prevalence of several obesity‐related eating behaviours is high in Spain, which indicates a deficient implementation of dietary guidelines. Socioeconomic inequalities in eating behaviours should also be addressed.
Foreign direct investment under a weak rule of law
Authors: Wang Xiaozu , Xu Lixin Colin , Zhu Tian 
Published: May 2012

AbstractWe have developed a self‐enforcing contract model to show that better economic fundamentals can help an area or a region under a weak rule of law – but with order – to attract foreign direct investments (FDIs), whereas lowering taxes does not necessarily help. Using a cross‐region Chinese dataset, we find evidence consistent with our theoretical analysis. Regional variations in tax rates and the perceived quality of formal contracting institutions are not correlated with regional FDI inflows, but leadership characteristics are. Most conventional economic factors have the predicted effects on FDIs. The finding that FDI is lower in locations where domestic private firms have better access to finance and where the air quality is poor is also new to the literature.
Vision and cricket
Authors: Regan David 
Published: May 2012

Citation information: Regan D. Vision and cricket. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2012, 32, 257–270. doi: 10.1111/j.1475‐1313.2012.00909.xAbstractThis review discusses the hypothesis that hitting a cricket ball depends on predicting the instant that the ball will be located in the volume of space within which it can be successfully hit, and that this prediction is based on retinal image correlates of the direction of motion in depth and the time to collision (or time to passage). The performance of top cricket players allows an estimation of their accuracy in this spatio‐temporal prediction. The bowler challenges the batsman’s skill by (1) causing the ball to change direction in flight and/or after bouncing and (2) causing linked variations in the speed and trajectory of the ball. I suggest that the linked variations of speed and trajectory exploit a visual inadequacy of the batsman, namely poor sensitivity to the instantaneous absolute distance and speed of the ball. Two alternative hypothese are also discussed, one based on eye movements, the other based on continuous coupling between perception and action.
Assisted Living Expansion and the Market for Nursing Home Care
Authors: Grabowski David C. , Stevenson David G. , Cornell Portia Y. 
Published: May 2012

ObjectiveTo analyze the effect of market‐level changes in assisted living supply on nursing home utilization and resident acuity.Data SourcesPrimary data on the supply of assisted living over time were collected from 13 states from 1993 through 2007 and merged with nursing home‐level data from theOnlineSurveyCertification andReportingSystem and market‐level information from theAreaResourceFile.Study DesignLeast squares regression specification incorporating market and time‐fixed effects.Principal FindingsA 10 percent increase in assisted living capacity led to a 1.4 percent decline in private‐pay nursing home occupancy and a 0.2–0.6 percent increase in patient acuity.ConclusionsAssisted living serves as a potential substitute for nursing home care for some healthier individuals with greater financial resources, suggesting implications for policy makers, providers, and consumers.
Differential effects of clinically used derivatives and metabolites of artemisinin in the activation of constitutive androstane receptor isoforms
Authors: Burk O , Piedade R , Ghebreghiorghis L , Fait JT , Nussler AK , Gil JP , Windshügel B , Schwab M 
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Widespread resistance to antimalarial drugs requires combination therapies with increasing risk of pharmacokinetic drug–drug interactions. Here, we explore the capacity of antimalarial drugs to induce drug metabolism via activation of constitutive androstane receptors (CAR) by ligand binding.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH A total of 21 selected antimalarials and 11 major metabolites were screened for binding to CAR isoforms using cellular and in vitro CAR‐coactivator interaction assays, combined with in silico molecular docking. Identified ligands were further characterized by cell‐based assays and primary human hepatocytes were used to elucidate induction of gene expression.KEY RESULTS Only two artemisinin derivatives arteether and artemether, the metabolite deoxyartemisinin and artemisinin itself demonstrated agonist binding to the major isoforms CAR1 and CAR3, while arteether and artemether were also inverse agonists of CAR2. Dihydroartemisinin and artesunate acted as weak inverse agonists of CAR1. While arteether showed the highest activities in vitro, it was less active than artemisinin in inducing hepatic CYP3A4 gene expression in hepatocytes.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Artemisinin derivatives and metabolites differentially affect the activities of CAR isoforms and of the pregnane X receptor (PXR). This negates a common effect of these drugs on CAR/PXR‐dependent induction of drug metabolism and further provides an explanation for artemisinin consistently inducing cytochrome P450 genes in vivo, whereas arteether and artemether do not. All these drugs are metabolized very rapidly, but only artemisinin is converted to an enzyme‐inducing metabolite. For better understanding of pharmacokinetic drug–drug interaction possibilities, the inducing properties of artemisinin metabolites should be considered.
Angiogenesis within the duodenum of patients with cirrhosis is modulated by mechanosensitive Kruppel‐like factor 2 and microRNA‐126
Authors: Kobus Karolina , Kopycinska Justyna , Kozlowska‐Wiechowska Anna , Urasinska Elzbieta , Kempinska‐Podhorodecka Agnieszka , Haas Tara L. , Milkiewicz Piotr , Milkiewicz Malgorzata 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe mechanism involved in neovascularization in splanchnic circulation and the main trigger that induces angiogenesis in patients with cirrhosis are not fully recognized.AimsTo explore the involvement of flow sensitive lung Kruppel‐like factor (KLF2), microRNA‐126 (miR‐126), angiopoietin‐2 (Ang‐2) and heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) in modulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signalling that have a critical effect on growth of new blood vessels.MethodsDuodenal biopsies from 22 patients with cirrhosis and 10 controls were obtained during routine endoscopy. The process of angiogenesis was evaluated by a measurement of CD31 concentration, immunodetection of CD34 protein and estimation of capillary densities. Messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expressions were analysed by real‐time PCR, Western blot or ELISA respectively.ResultsMarkers of angiogenesis (both, CD31 and CD34) were significantly enhanced in cirrhotic patients. In comparison to healthy controls, levels of Ang‐2 and KLF‐2 mRNAs as well as Ang‐2, KLF‐2, HO‐1, VEGF protein expressions were considerably increased. Levels of sCD163, a surrogate marker of portal hypertension, correlated with levels of Ang‐2, (P = 0.021) and VEGF (P = 0.009). The expression of miR‐126, a KLF2‐mediated regulator of the VEGF signalling was enhanced in cirrhotic patients.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate, for the first time in humans, that neovascularization is induced in duodenal tissue of patients with cirrhosis and proangiogenic factors such as KLF‐2, Ang‐2, miR‐126 and VEGF can contribute to the angiogenesis induced by hemodynamic forces. Thus, cirrhosis‐induced blood flow and pressure within splanchnic vessels may be important hemodynamic triggers that initiate the angiogenic signalling cascade.