bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association Between Glycemic Control and Hip Fracture
Authors: Puar Troy H. , Khoo Joan J. , Cho Li W. , Xu Ying , Chen Yuan T. , Chuo Adeline M. , Poh Cheng B. , Ng Jen M. 
Published: August 2012

ObjectivesTo determine whether tight glycemic control is associated with greater risk of hip fractures in individuals being treated for type 2 diabetes mellitus.DesignCase–control study.SettingTertiary hospital.ParticipantsCases were selected from all individuals with diabetes mellitus admitted between 2005 and 2010 to Changi General Hospital for hip fracture (N = 932). Cases were included if their glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) had been measured within 3 months of the fracture and they were undergoing treatment with oral hypoglycemic medications or insulin. Each case was matched with one control for sex, age, race, duration of diabetes mellitus, and comorbidities.MeasurementsInformation on baseline characteristics, HbA1c, and use of diabetic medications was obtained. The likelihood of hip fracture was determined comparing four different values of HbA1c [<6%, 6.1–7.0%, 7.1–8.0%, >8% (reference group)] and use of diabetic medications.ResultsThe mean age of cases was 77.3 ± 7.7, and 73.3% were female. After adjusting for age, sex, race, comorbidities, and other covariates, participants with tighter glycemic control (HbA1c < 6% and 6.1–7.0%) were more likely to have a hip fracture than those with HbA1c >8% (odds ratio (OR) = 3.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.01–4.51, P < .001; and OR = 2.34, 95% CI=1.71–3.22, P < .001, respectively). The use of insulin and sulfonylurea was similar between cases and controls.ConclusionThe present study found an association between tight glycemic control (when HbA1c < 7%) and greater risk of hip fracture in individuals being treated for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Greater caution needs to be exercised in treating older patients with diabetes mellitus.
Comparison of Frailty Indicators Based on Clinical Phenotype and the Multiple Deficit Approach in Predicting Mortality and Physical Limitation
Authors: Woo Jean , Leung Jason , Morley John E. 
Published: August 2012

ObjectivesTo compare three simple bedside tools based on frailty phenotypes with a Frailty Index using the multiple deficit approach in the prediction of mortality and physical limitation after 4 years.DesignCohort study.SettingHong Kong, China.PariticipantsFour thousand men and women aged 65 and older living in the community who were ambulatory enough to attend the study center.MethodsInterviewers obtained information regarding physical, psychological, and functional health; body mass index (BMI), grip strength, blood pressure, and ankle brachial index were determined. Three clinical frailty scales based on the Fried phenotype (Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS); Fatigue, Resistance, Ambulation, Illness, and Loss (FRAIL); and Hubbard) and a frailty index (FI) were constructed from these variables, and their ability to predict incident mortality and physical function limitations was compared using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.ResultsAll tools predicted adverse outcomes. More participants were categorized into frail and prefrail categories using the CHS than with the other two clinical scales. For all frailty measures, with increasing levels of frailty, the sensitivity fell and the specificity increased to greater than 90%; the area under the ROC curve values were approximately 0.6.ConclusionSimple frailty scores are comparable with a multidimensional deficit accumulation FI in predicting mortality and physical limitations. The newer FRAIL, proposed for use in a clinical setting, is comparable with other existing short screening tools, as well as tools based on the multiple‐deficits model used for research settings. Addition of a physical performance measure to screening tools may increase predictive accuracy.
Cardiac Venous Left Ventricular Lead Removal and Reimplantation Following Device Infection: A Large Single‐Center Experience
Authors: RICKARD JOHN , TARAKJI KHALDOUN , CRONIN EDMOND , BRUNNER MICHAEL P. , JACKSON GREGORY , BARANOWSKI BRYAN , BOREK PETER P. , MARTIN DAVID O. , WAZNI OUSSAMA , WILKOFF BRUCE L. 
Published: August 2012

LV Lead Extraction and Reimplantation. Background: Early series of biventricular device removal have contained mostly younger cardiac venous (CV) left ventricular leads and few have reported on rates of successful reimplantation.
Methods and Results:
We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients referred to the Cleveland Clinic between February 2, 2001 and July 27, 2011 for removal of a biventricular device with a CV pacing lead for an infectious indication. A total of 173 patients were included. The median age of the CV leads was 22.3 months (interquartile range: 5.2–46.3 months). The complete procedural success rate for all leads was 97.7%, with the remaining 2.3% clinical successes. A total of 76.9% of CV leads were removed using simple traction alone with the remaining leads requiring the use of a laser‐powered sheath. A total of 3.5% of leads required intervention (manual dissection or laser‐powered dissection) within the coronary sinus (CS). Major complications occurred in 1.2% of patients. Minor complications occurred in 7.5% of patients, the majority of which were hematomas requiring drainage (6.9%). CV lead reimplantation was attempted in 107 patients of which 88 (82.8%) were successful.
Conclusion:
CV lead removal in patients with an infected biventricular device is associated with an extremely high procedural success rate and a low incidence of major complications. The use of a laser‐powered sheath is necessary in roughly one‐quarter of cases with a very small percentage requiring intervention within the CS. Reimplantation of CV leads is achievable in roughly 83% of patients, a figure lower than nationally quoted estimates for de novo implantations. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 1213–1216, November 2012)
Relationship between Cutoff Values of Peak Aortic Valve Velocity and Those of Other Doppler Echocardiographic Parameters of Severity in Patients with Aortic Stenosis and Normal Flow
Authors: Castel Anne‐Laure , Maréchaux Sylvestre , Laaouaj Jamal , Rusinaru Dan , Levy Franck , Tribouilloy Christophe 
Published: August 2012

Background: Previous studies have reported inconsistencies between echocardiographic parameters of severity in aortic valve stenosis (AS). Peak aortic valve velocity (Vmax) strongly predicts outcome in AS patients. This study was therefore designed to identify the cutoff values of echocardiographic parameters of severity corresponding to a Vmax ≥ 3 m/sec, ≥4 m/sec, 5 m/sec, or 5.50 m/sec in a large cohort of patients with normal flow (NF) AS. Methods and Results: We retrospectively reviewed the echocardiograms of 528 consecutive patients with normal flow (NF) AS, left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction ≥0.50, and NF (stroke volume index > 35 mL/m²). The values of mean pressure gradient (MPG), aortic valve area (AVA), and indexed aortic valve area (IAVA) corresponding to Vmax ≥ 3 m/sec obtained from receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves analysis were 22 mmHg, 1.15 cm2, and 0.60 cm2/m2, respectively. While a cutoff of Vmax ≥ 4 m/sec to define severe AS was consistent with a value of 39 mmHg for MPG, corresponding values for AVA and IAVA of 0.90 cm² and 0.48 cm²/m², respectively, were substantially different from those recommended in current guidelines. MPG ≥60 and 65 mmHg, AVA ≤0.76 and ≤0.68 cm², and IAVA ≤0.41 and ≤0.35 cm2/m2 were related to a Vmax ≥5 and ≥5.5 m/sec (very severe AS), respectively. Conclusions: Guidelines recommended cutoff values for AVA and IAVA are not consistent with those of Vmax and MPG. The results of this study may serve as safeguard in case of apparent inconsistencies between echocardiographic parameters of severity in NF AS.
Titania‐Added Ce0.6La0.4O2−δ for the Buffer Layer of High‐Performance Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Using Doped Lanthanum Gallate Electrolyte Film
Authors: Hong Jong‐Eun , Inagaki Toru , Ida Shintaro , Ishihara Tatsumi 
Published: August 2012

Decrease in sintering temperature of lanthanum‐doped ceria (Ce0.6La0.4O2−δ, LDC), which was used as a buffer layer, was investigated using sintering additives such as Ag2O, ZnO, BaO, CaO, Bi2O3, RuO2, and TiO2 for preventing NiO diffusion into Sr‐ and Mg‐doped LaGaO3 (LSGM) electrolyte film prepared by screen printing and co‐firing method. It was found that TiO2 was the most effective in decreasing the sintering temperature to 1473 K, which was 300 K lower than that of LDC, and increasing the electrical conductivity. Ti addition in LDC was attributed to increased mass transportation caused by compensation for lattice mismatch and defect dissociation resulted in improved sintering density and electrical conductivity. However, Ti–LDC buffer layer could not completely prevent NiO diffusion into the LSGM electrolyte, although it was effective in reducing the diffusion content—probably because of the low sintering temperature of Ti–LDC. The use of fast sintering (a heating/cooling rate of 600 K/h and a holding time of 3 h) further decreased NiO diffusion into the electrolyte. Accordingly, theoretical open‐circuit voltage and improved power density were attributed to reduced electron hole conduction and ohmic resistance that were assigned to suppressed NiO diffusion into the LSGM electrolyte.
Analysis of CYP2C9*2,CYP2C9*3 and VKORC1 ‐1639 G>A polymorphisms in a population from South‐Eastern Europe
Authors: Buzoianu Anca D. , Trifa Adrian P. , Mureşanu Dafin F. , Crişan Sorin 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe CYP2C9 enzyme metabolizes a wide range of relevant drugs, among which are oral anticoagulants. VKORC1 is the pharmacodynamic target of the oral anticoagulants. The genetic polymorphisms CYP2C9*2, CYP2C9*3 and VKORC1 ‐1639 G>A are the major determinants of the inter‐individual variability in the dosage requirements of oral anticoagulants. This study provides a first evaluation of these 3 polymorphisms in a Romanian population. A total of 332 Romanian individuals were genotyped for the CYP2C9*2, CYP2C9*3 and VKORC1 ‐1639 G>A polymorphisms using the PCR‐RFLP technique. Sixty‐two individuals (18.7%) were heterozygous for CYP2C9*2, whereas 47 individuals (14.1%) were heterozygous for CYP2C9*3. Fourteen individuals (4.2%) had a CYP2C9*2 homozygous, CYP2C9*3 homozygous or CYP2C9*2/CYP2C9*3 compound heterozygous genotype. These individuals are predicted to have the lowest CYP2C9 enzymatic activity. The allele frequencies of the CYP2C9*2 and CYP2C9*3 polymorphisms were 11.3% and 9.3% respectively. For the VKORC1 ‐1639 G>A polymorphism, there were 170 heterozygotes (51.2%) and 55 (16.6%) homozygotes for the A allele. The frequency of the A allele was 42.2%. Overall, the distribution of the CYP2C9*2, CYP2C9*3 and VKORC1 ‐1639 G>A polymorphisms observed in our cohort is in accordance with other Caucasian populations. A large number of Romanians are expected to harbour at least one CYP2C9 variant allele and/or one VKORC1 ‐1639 G>A allele. This frequency has major implications in the pharmacogenomics of oral anticoagulants in Romanians.
Conditioned mesenchymal stem cells attenuate progression of chronic kidney disease through inhibition of epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition and immune modulation
Authors: Chang Jei‐Wen , Tsai Hsin‐Lin , Chen Chang‐Wei , Yang Hui‐Wen , Yang An‐Hang , Yang Ling‐Yu , Wang Paulus S. , Ng Yee‐Yung , Lin Teng‐Lung , Lee Oscar K. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been shown to improve the outcome of acute renal injury models; but whether MSCs can delay renal failure in chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains unclear. In the present study, the were cultured in media containing various concentrations of basic fibroblast growth factor, epidermal growth factor and ascorbic acid 2‐phosphate to investigate whether hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) secretion could be increased by the stimulation of these growth factors. Then, TGF‐β1‐treated renal interstitial fibroblast (NRK‐49F), renal proximal tubular cells (NRK‐52E) and podocytes were co‐cultured with conditioned MSCs in the absence or presence of ascorbic acid 2‐phosphate to quantify the protective effects of conditioned MSCs on renal cells. Moreover, male Sprague‐Dawley rats were treated with 1 × 106 conditioned MSCs immediately after 5/6 nephrectomy and every other week through the tail vein for 14 weeks. It was found that basic fibroblast growth factor, epidermal growth factor and ascorbic acid 2‐phosphate promoted HGF secretion in MSCs. Besides, conditioned MSCs were found to be protective against TGF‐β1 induced epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition of NRK‐52E and activation of NRK‐49F cells. Furthermore, conditioned MSCs protected podocytes from TGF‐β1‐induced loss of synaptopodin, fibronectin induction, cell death and apoptosis. Rats transplanted with conditioned human MSCs had a significantly increase in creatinine clearance rate, decrease in glomerulosclerosis, interstitial fibrosis and increase in CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells counts in splenocytes. Together, our studies indicated that conditioned MSCs preserve renal function by their anti‐fibrotic and anti‐inflammatory effects. Transplantation of conditioned MSCs may be useful in treating CKD.
Tomato contact dermatitis
Authors: Paulsen Evy , Christensen Lars P. , Andersen Klaus E. 
Published: August 2012

The tomato plant (Solanum lycopersicum) is an important crop worldwide. Whereas immediate‐type reactions to tomato fruits are well known, contact dermatitis caused by tomatoes or tomato plants is rarely reported.The aims of this study were to present new data on contact sensitization to tomato plants and review the literature on contact dermatitis caused by both plants and fruits.An ether extract of tomato plants made as the original oleoresin plant extracts, was used in aimed patch testing, and between 2005 and 2011. 8 of 93 patients (9%) tested positive to the oleoresin extracts. This prevalence is in accordance with the older literature that reports tomato plants as occasional sensitizers. The same applies to tomato fruits, which, in addition, may cause protein contact dermatitis. The allergens of the plant are unknown, but both heat‐stable and heat‐labile constituents seem to be involved. The fruit contains fragrance compounds that are also present in Myroxylon pereirae (balsam of Peru), possibly accounting for cross‐reactivity. The proteins in pulp and peel may contribute to protein contact dermatitis. Until more is known about the allergens, the diagnosis of contact dermatitis caused by tomato plants and fruit may be established with the use of ether extracts and fresh fruits, respectively.
Differential expression of organic cation transporter OCT‐3 in oral premalignant and malignant lesions: potential implications in the antineoplastic effects of metformin
Authors: Patel Harsh , Younis Rania H. , Ord Robert A. , Basile John R. , Schneider Abraham 
Published: August 2012

BackgroundRecent evidence indicates that metformin, a biguanide used as first‐line treatment for type 2 diabetes, prevents the conversion of carcinogen‐induced oral dysplasias into head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), most likely by inhibiting mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) oncogenic signaling. Whether metformin acts directly at the primary tumor site or indirectly by modulating hormonal secretion from extratumoral organs remains unknown. As organic cation transporters (OCT) belonging to the solute carrier 22A gene family, including OCT‐1, OCT‐2, and OCT‐3, mediate metformin uptake and activity, it is critical to define what role they play in the antineoplastic activity of metformin.MethodsImmunohistochemical and immunoblotting techniques were used in normal, dysplastic and HNSCC tissues, and HNSCC cell lines, respectively, to determine OCTs expression levels.ResultsWe report that only OCT‐3 was highly expressed in a number of HNSCC cell lines, oral epithelial dysplasias, and well to moderately differentiated HNSCC. Indeed, inhibition of OCT‐3 expression and activity in HNSCC cells prevented metformin‐induced AMP‐activated protein kinase activation and mTORC1 pathway inhibition. Moreover, in oral dysplasias, high OCT‐3 expression localized to epithelial compartments where mTORC1 signaling was also upregulated suggestive of a potential local effect of metformin.ConclusionsThe concept of using metformin as a chemopreventive agent to control head and neck carcinogenesis is promising. Further work is warranted to elucidate largely unexplored mechanisms of metformin uptake and pharmacologic action that may ultimately influence the selection of the most suitable patients who can benefit from metformin in head and neck cancer chemoprevention.
Taste alteration and impact on quality of life after head and neck radiotherapy
Authors: Baharvand M. , ShoalehSaadi N. , Barakian R. , Jalali Moghaddam E. 
Published: August 2012

BackgroundDysgeusia is a relatively common complication of head and neck radiotherapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate taste condition after head and neck radiotherapy and its impact on quality of life.MethodsIn this cohort study 22 patients with head and neck cancer in Tehran University of Medical Sciences Hospital, were interviewed and examined before and 3 weeks after radiotherapy. Patients were given three consecutive concentrations of sugar, salt, citric acid and quinine sulfate solutions to evaluate their taste sensation by Whole Mouth Technique. EORTC‐QLQ‐H&N35 questionnaire was used before and after radiotherapy to assess the quality of life. Statistical analysis was done using Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test, Spearman's Coefficient of Correlation, Paired t‐test, Multiple Ordinary and Multiple Linear Regressions.ResultsSignificant changes were observed in concentrations and intensities of different perceived tastes before and after radiotherapy. All patients had dysgeusia after radiotherapy and 72.2% had total taste loss. Impairment was observed mainly in salt and bitter tastes followed by sour and sweet. Subjective dysgeusia reported by 3/4 of the patients, which was correlated with objective taste disorder in terms of different tastes intensity. Age, sex, radiotherapy fractions, dosage and patients level of education had no significant effects on taste alteration. Quality of life was significantly deteriorated after the occurrence of dysgeusia in both total and partial taste losers. None of the aforementioned factors had significant effects on quality of life.ConclusionHead and neck radiotherapy causes impairment in taste perception, and life quality is influenced by dysgeusia.
Efficacy and safety of a new apple‐flavoured oral rehydration solution in children with acute gastroenteritis: a double‐blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Pieścik‐Lech Małgorzata , Szymański Henryk , Szajewska Hania 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAim:  To assess the efficacy and safety of a new oral rehydration solution (ORS) with improved flavour in the management of children with acute gastroenteritis (AGE).Methods:  Children 4 to 48 months of age with AGE (≥3 loose or watery stools per day for >1 but <5 days) with mild‐to‐moderate dehydration (3% to 9% loss of body weight) according to the World Health Organization criteria randomly received regular hypotonic ORS (Na 60 mmol/L, glucose 78 mmol/L) or the same hypotonic ORS with an apple taste.Results:  Of the 147 children randomized, 130 (88.4%) were available for intention‐to‐treat analysis. The proportion of children with the resolution of signs of dehydration in the experimental group compared with the control group was similar at 24 h (49/63 vs. 57/67, respectively, p = 0.28). There were also no significant differences in adequate weight gain (p = 0.48) and urine production at 24 h (p = 0.95) between groups. There were no differences between groups in any of the secondary outcome measures, including ORS intake. No adverse events were observed in the study groups.Conclusions:  In an outpatient setting, there was no difference in efficacy between the study products. Both ORSs were equally effective and may be used interchangeably.
Socioeconomic, psychological and demographic determinants of Australian baby boomers' financial planning for retirement
Authors: Noone Jack , O'Loughlin Kate , Kendig Hal 
Published: August 2012

Aim:  Research from around the Western World has shown that psychological, socioeconomic and demographic factors can influence levels of financial planning. This study aims to determine how these factors interrelate to predict planning outcomes.Method:  Data from the Ageing Baby Boomers in Australia Study were used to examine the effects of multiple factors on financial planning for 709 employed Australians nearing retirement.Results:  The results showed that higher income, future time perspective (FTP) and financial knowledge independently predicted levels of retirement planning. The effects of FTP and financial knowledge on financial planning were consistent across levels of socioeconomic status.Conclusions:  While similar issues in financial planning appeared across socioeconomic status, a ‘one size fits all’ approach to retirement policy may not be effective. Instead, policy should be targeted towards the diverse needs of different groups. Raising public awareness of FTP and financial knowledge may provide a useful starting point.
pH‐dependent structural conformations of B‐phycoerythrin from Porphyridium cruentum
Authors: Camara‐Artigas Ana , Bacarizo Julio , Andujar‐Sanchez Montserrat , Ortiz‐Salmeron Emilia , Mesa‐Valle Concepcion , Cuadri Celia , Martin‐Garcia Jose M. , Martinez‐Rodriguez Sergio , Mazzuca‐Sobczuk Tania , Ibañez Maria J. , Allen James P. 
Published: August 2012

B‐phycoerythrin from the red alga Porphyridium cruentum was crystallized using the technique of capillary counter‐diffusion. Crystals belonging to the space group R3 with almost identical unit cell constants and diffracting to 1.85 and 1.70 Å were obtained at pH values of 5 and 8, respectively. The most important difference between structures is the presence of the residue His88α in two different conformations at pH 8. This residue is placed next to the chromophore phycoerythrobilin PEB82α and the new conformation results in the relocation of the hydrogen‐bond network and hydration around PEB82α, which probably contributes to the observed pH dependence of the optical spectrum associated with this chromophore. Comparison with the structures of B‐phycoerythrin from other red algae shows differences in the conformation of the A‐ring of the chromophore PEB139α. This conformational difference in B‐phycoerythrin from P. cruentum enables the formation of several hydrogen bonds that connect PEB139α with the chromophore PEB158β at the (αβ)3 hexamer association interface. The possible influence of these structural differences on the optical spectrum and the ability of the protein to perform energy transfer are discussed, with the two pH‐dependent conformations of His88α and PEB82α being proposed as representing critical structural features that are correlated with the pH dependence of the optical spectrum and transient optical states during energy transfer.DatabaseStructural data have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank under accession numbers 3V58 and 3V57.Structured digital abstract
B‐phycoerythrin beta and B‐phycoerythrin alpha bind by x‐ray crystallography (View interaction)