bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation of Clinical Outcomes with β-Glucan Levels in Patients with Invasive Candidiasis
Authors: Sims Charles R. , Jaijakul Siraya , Mohr John , Rodriguez Jose , Finkelman Malcolm , Ostrosky-Zeichner Luis 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACT
The correlation of β-glucan (BG) levels with clinical outcomes in invasive candidiasis (IC) remains unknown. Patients with proven IC were followed prospectively from diagnosis to outcome with twice-weekly serum BG sampling. Correlation of BG with clinical outcome was assessed in each patient. BG levels tend to decrease in successfully treated patients and increase in treatment failures. BG levels may be useful as surrogates for outcome evaluation of IC.
A Molecular Approach to Identification and Profiling of First-Line-Drug-Resistant Mycobacteria from Sputum of Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients
Authors: Chowdhury Imran Hussain , Sen Aditi , Bahar Bojlul , Hazra Avijit , Chakraborty Urmita , Choudhuri Subhadip , Goswami Avranil , Pal Nishith Kumar , Bhattacharya Basudev 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACT
Conventional and molecular techniques were applied to detect and characterize drug resistance of mycobacteria in the sputum samples of clinically confirmed tuberculosis. The sensitivities of mycobacterium detection by ZN staining, culture, multiplex PCR, and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) were 27.7%, 19.9%, 92.9%, and 95.7%, respectively, but all were 100% specific. The conventional and multiple-allele-specific PCR (MAS-PCR) methods enabled establishment of the drug resistance in 19.3% and 86.9% cases, respectively. We demonstrated that molecular techniques have potential in the accurate diagnosis of tuberculosis.
Effects of Electroacupuncture on Stress-Related Symptoms in Medical Students: A Randomised Controlled Pilot Study
Authors: Dias Marcio , Pagnin Daniel , de Queiroz Pagnin Valéria , Reis Regina Lucia Ribeiro , Olej Beni 
Published: March 2012

Objective To assess the effects of electroacupuncture on stress-related symptoms—sleep disorders, anxiety, depression and burnout—in medical students, and provide data to inform a power analysis to determinate numbers for future trials. Methods Twenty-five students were randomly assigned to an electroacupuncture (n=12) group or control group (n=13) that did not receive treatment. Electroacupuncture was applied at a continuous frequency 2 Hz for 20 min once a week for 8 weeks at sites on the extremities, face, ear and scalp. The outcomes of the students treated with electroacupuncture were compared with those of the control group at the endpoint, controlling the influence of baseline scores. The instruments used were self-administered questionnaires that comprised the validated Portuguese version of the mini-sleep questionnaire (MSQ), the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), the Beck depression inventory (BDI), the Beck anxiety inventory, the Maslach burnout inventory–student survey (MBI–SS), and World Health Organization quality of life assessment – abbreviated version (WHOQOL–bref). Results The medical students treated with electroacupuncture showed a significant decrease compared with the control group for MSQ scores (p=0.04) and PSQI (p=0.006). After treatment, 75% students in the electroacupuncture group presented a good sleep quality, compared with 23.1% of the students in the control group. No significant difference on daytime sleepiness was shown by the ESS. The electroacupuncture group showed significant improvement on depressive symptoms (BDI), the emotional exhaustion and cynicism dimensions of burnout (MBI–SS) and physical health (WHOQOL–bref). Conclusions Electroacupuncture was associated with a significant reduction of stress-related symptoms, but because of the study design the authors cannot say what proportion of the reduction was due to needle stimulation.
First case of Hb Fontainebleau with sickle haemoglobin and other non-deletional α gene variants identified in neonates during newborn screening for sickle cell disorders
Authors: Upadhye Dipti S , Jain Dipty , Nair Sona B , Nadkarni Anita H , Ghosh Kanjaksha , Colah Roshan B 
Published: March 2012

ObjectiveTo evaluate the significance of non-deletional α gene variants identified in neonates during newborn screening for sickle cell disorders.Methods1534 newborn babies were screened in the last 2 years for sickle cell disease using a targeted screening approach. Investigations included a complete blood count, high performance liquid chromatography analysis, cellulose acetate electrophoresis (pH 8.9), heat stability test, restriction digestion and Amplified Refractory Mutation System for confirmation of sickle haemoglobin (Hb S), α genotyping by multiplex PCR and DNA sequencing.ResultsThree non-deletional α gene variants, Hb Fontainebleau, Hb O Indonesia and Hb Koya Dora, were identified in heterozygous condition in newborns. This is the first report of Hb Fontainebleau in association with Hb S. The baby had anaemia at birth (Hb 11.4 g/dl) with no cyanosis, icterus or need for transfusion. She had occipital encephalocoele and was operated on day 24 to remove the mass. The baby diagnosed with Hb O Indonesia in combination with Hb S also had a low haemoglobin level of 12.7 g/dl.ConclusionNewborn screening for sickle cell disorders also enabled us to identify three α globin chain variants. Two babies who inherited Hb Fontainebleau and Hb O Indonesia along with Hb S had reduced Hb levels at birth and need to be followed up.
Upregulation of platelet L-arginine – nitric oxide pathway after exercise training in hypertension
Authors: Matsuura Cristiane , Brunini Tatiana M.C. , Mury Wanda V. , Garcia-Pinto Angelica B. , Carvalho Jorge J. , Mendes-Ribeiro Antonio Cláudio 
Published: March 2012

We investigated whether physical exercise can affect platelet L-arginine – nitric oxide pathway in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Sixteen male SHR and 16 Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) were divided among exercise (EX) and sedentary (SED) groups. After 20 weeks of treadmill training, systolic blood pressure (mm Hg) was significantly lower in exercised spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR/EX; 138 ± 8) than in sedentary spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR/SED; 214 ± 9). Exercise significantly increased platelet L-arginine transport (pmol L-arginine·(109 cells)–1·min–1), assessed by incubation with L-[3H]-arginine, in both WKY (SED, 0.196 ± 0.054 compared with EX, 0.531 ± 0.052) and SHR (SED, 0.346 ± 0.076 compared with EX, 0.600 ± 0.049). Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity (pmol L-citrulline·(108 cells)–1), measured by the conversion of L-[3H]-arginine to L-[3H]-citrulline, was significantly increased in SHR/EX (0.072 ± 0.007) compared with SHR/SED (0.038 ± 0.007), but no changes were observed in WKY. The iNOS and eNOS protein levels assessed by Western blot were not affected by exercise. This upregulation of the platelet L-arginine–NO pathway may attenuate the risk of thromboembolic events, supporting the role of exercise in hypertension management.
Coxsackievirus B3 Is an Oncolytic Virus with Immunostimulatory Properties That Is Active against Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Miyamoto Shohei , Inoue Hiroyuki , Nakamura Takafumi , Yamada Meiko , Sakamoto Chika , Urata Yasuo , Okazaki Toshihiko , Marumoto Tomotoshi , Takahashi Atsushi , Takayama Koichi , Nakanishi Yoichi , Shimizu Hiroyuki , Tani Kenzaburo 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Although oncolytic virotherapy is a promising anticancer therapy, antitumor efficacy is hampered by low tumor selectivity. To identify a potent and selective oncolytic virotherapy, we carried out large-scale two-step screening of 28 enteroviral strains and found that coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) possessed specific oncolytic activity against nine human non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines. CVB3-mediated cytotoxicity was positively correlated with the expression of the viral receptors, coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor, and decay-accelerating factor, on NSCLC cells. In vitro assays revealed that the CVB3 induced apoptosis and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt and mitogen-activated protein (MAP)/extracellular signal-regulated (ERK) kinase (MEK) survival signaling pathways, leading to cytotoxicity and regulation of CVB3 replication. Intratumoral injections of CVB3 elicited remarkable regression of preestablished NSCLC tumors in vivo. Furthermore, administrations of CVB3 into xenografts on the right flank resulted in significantly durable regression of uninjected xenografts on the left flank, where replication-competent CVB3 was detected. All treatments with CVB3 were well tolerated without treatment-related deaths. In addition, after CVB3 infection, NSCLC cells expressed abundant cell surface calreticulin and secreted ATP as well as translocated extranuclear high-mobility group box 1, which are required for immunogenic cell death. Moreover, intratumoral CVB3 administration markedly recruited natural killer cells and granulocytes, both of which contributed to the antitumor effects as shown by depletion assays, macrophages, and mature dendritic cells into tumor tissues. Together, our findings suggest that CVB3 is a potent and well-tolerated oncolytic agent with immunostimulatory properties active against both localized and metastatic NSCLC. Cancer Res; 72(10); 2609–21. ©2012 AACR.
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 Contributes to Sex Differences in the Development of Obesity Hypertension in C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: Gupte Manisha , Thatcher Sean E. , Boustany-Kari Carine M. , Shoemaker Robin , Yiannikouris Frederique , Zhang Xuan , Karounos Michael , Cassis Lisa A. 
Published: March 2012

Objectives—
Obesity promotes hypertension, but it is unclear if sex differences exist in obesity-related hypertension. Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) converts angiotensin II (AngII) to angiotensin-(1–7) (Ang-[1–7]), controlling peptide balance. We hypothesized that tissue-specific regulation of ACE2 by high-fat (HF) feeding and sex hormones contributes to sex differences in obesity-hypertension.

Methods and Results—
HF-fed females gained more body weight and fat mass than males. HF-fed males exhibiting reduced kidney ACE2 activity had increased plasma angiotensin II levels and decreased plasma Ang-(1–7) levels. In contrast, HF-fed females exhibiting elevated adipose ACE2 activity had increased plasma Ang-(1–7) levels. HF-fed males had elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure that were abolished by losartan. In contrast, HF-fed females did not exhibit increased systolic blood pressure until females were administered the Ang-(1–7) receptor antagonist, D-Ala-Ang-(1–7). Deficiency of ACE2 increased systolic blood pressure in HF-fed males and females, which was abolished by losartan. Ovariectomy of HF-fed female mice reduced adipose ACE2 activity and plasma Ang-(1–7) levels, and promoted obesity-hypertension. Finally, estrogen, but not other sex hormones, increased adipocyte ACE2 mRNA abundance.

Conclusions—
These results demonstrate that tissue-specific regulation of ACE2 by diet and sex hormones contributes to sex differences in obesity-hypertension.
Deletion of the Angiotensin II Type 1a Receptor Prevents Atherosclerotic Plaque Rupture in Apolipoprotein E
−/−
Mice
Authors: Aono Jun , Suzuki Jun , Iwai Masaru , Horiuchi Masatsugu , Nagai Takayuki , Nishimura Kazuhisa , Inoue Katsuji , Ogimoto Akiyoshi , Okayama Hideki , Higaki Jitsuo 
Published: March 2012

Objective—

Angiotensin II is involved in the genesis of atherosclerosis. As the role of the angiotensin II type 1a (AT
1a
) receptor in plaque rupture is poorly understood, we assessed the hypothesis that the AT
1a
receptor contributes to atherosclerotic plaque rupture.

Methods and Results—

Atherosclerotic plaque rupture was induced by carotid artery ligation for 4 weeks followed by polyethylene cuff placement around the carotid in apolipoprotein E (ApoE)
−/−
and ApoE
−/−
AT
1a
−/−
mice. The incidence of plaque rupture at 4 days after cuff placement was 72% in ApoE
−/−
mice compared with 24% in ApoE
−/−
AT
1a
−/−
mice (
P
<0.01). Lipid accumulation, macrophage infiltration, expression of inflammatory cytokines, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-oxidase activity, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity in atherosclerotic plaque were markedly attenuated in ApoE
−/−
AT
1a
−/−
compared with ApoE
−/−
mice. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein inhibited macrophage migration in ApoE
−/−
macrophages. In contrast, oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced macrophage trapping was abolished in ApoE
−/−
AT
1a
−/−
macrophages, and this was associated with decreased CD36 expression and focal adhesion kinase activity.

Conclusions—
Conclusion—

These results suggest that blocking the AT
1
receptor may reduce atherosclerotic plaque rupture and that AT
1a
receptor-mediated macrophage trapping, inflammation, oxidative stress, and matrix metalloproteinase activation may play crucial roles in plaque vulnerability.
Sensitivity of Tropical Cyclone Intensity to Ventilation in an Axisymmetric Model
Authors: Tang Brian , Emanuel Kerry 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
The sensitivity of tropical cyclone intensity to ventilation of cooler, drier air into the inner core is examined using an axisymmetric tropical cyclone model with parameterized ventilation. Sufficiently strong ventilation induces cooling of the upper-level warm core, a shift in the secondary circulation radially outward, and a decrease in the simulated intensity. Increasing the strength of the ventilation and placing the ventilation at middle to lower levels results in a greater decrease in the quasi-steady intensity, whereas upper-level ventilation has little effect on the intensity. For strong ventilation, an oscillatory intensity regime materializes and is tied to transient convective bursts and strong downdrafts into the boundary layer.
The sensitivity of tropical cyclone intensity to ventilation can be viewed in the context of the mechanical efficiency of the inner core or a modified thermal wind relation. In the former, ventilation decreases the mechanical efficiency, as the generation of available potential energy is wasted by entropy mixing above the boundary layer. In the latter, ventilation weakens the eyewall entropy front, resulting in a decrease in the intensity by thermal wind arguments.
The experiments also support the existence of a threshold ventilation beyond which a tropical cyclone cannot be maintained. Downdrafts overwhelm surface fluxes, leading to a precipitous drop in intensity and a severe degradation of structure in such a scenario. For a given amount of ventilation below the threshold, there exists a minimum initial intensity necessary for intensification to the quasi-steady intensity.
Mechanisms of Arctic Surface Air Temperature Change in Response to the Madden–Julian Oscillation
Authors: Yoo Changhyun , Lee Sukyoung , Feldstein Steven B. 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Using lagged composites and projections with the thermodynamic energy equation, in this study the mechanisms that drive the boreal winter Arctic surface air temperature (SAT) change associated with the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) are investigated. The Wheeler and Hendon MJO index, which divides the MJO into 8 phases, where phase 1 (phase 5) corresponds to reduced (enhanced) convection over the Maritime Continent and western Pacific Ocean, is used. It is shown that the more zonally localized (uniform) tropical convective heating associated with MJO phase 5 (phase 1) leads to enhanced (reduced) excitation of poleward-propagating Rossby waves, which contribute to Arctic warming (cooling). Adiabatic warming/cooling, eddy heat flux, and the subsequent change in downward infrared radiation (IR) flux are found to be important for the Arctic SAT change. The adiabatic warming/cooling initiates the Arctic SAT change, however, subsequent eddy heat flux makes a greater contribution. The resulting SAT change is further amplified by alteration in downward IR. It is shown that changes in surface sensible and latent heat fluxes oppose the contribution by the above processes.
Friction and Diapycnal Mixing at a Slope: Boundary Control of Potential Vorticity
Authors: Benthuysen Jessica , Thomas Leif N. 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Although atmospheric forcing by wind stress or buoyancy flux is known to change the ocean’s potential vorticity (PV) at the surface, less is understood about PV modification in the bottom boundary layer. The adjustment of a geostrophic current over a sloped bottom in a stratified ocean generates PV sources and sinks through friction and diapycnal mixing. The time-dependent problem is solved analytically for a no-slip boundary condition, and scalings are identified for the change in PV that arises during the adjustment to steady state. Numerical experiments are run to test the scalings with different turbulent closure schemes. The key parameters that control whether PV is injected into or extracted from the fluid are the direction of the geostrophic current and the ratio of its initial speed to its steady-state speed. When the current is in the direction of Kelvin wave propagation, downslope Ekman flow advects lighter water under denser water, driving diabatic mixing and extracting PV. For a current in the opposite direction, Ekman advection tends to restratify the bottom boundary layer and increase the PV. Mixing near the bottom counteracts this restratification, however, and an increase in PV will only occur for current speeds exceeding a critical value. Consequently, the change in PV is asymmetric for currents of the opposite sign but the same speed, with a bias toward PV removal. In the limit of a large speed ratio, the change in PV is independent of diapycnal mixing.
Statistical Quality of Spectral Polarimetric Variables for Weather Radar
Authors: Yu Tian-You , Xiao Xiao , Wang Yadong 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Spectral polarimetry for weather radar capitalizes on both Doppler and polarimetric measurements to reveal polarimetric variables as a function of radial velocity through spectral analysis. For example, spectral differential reflectivity at a velocity represents the differential reflectivity from all the scatterers that have the same radial velocity of interest within the radar resolution volume. Spectral polarimetry has been applied to suppress both ground and biological clutter, retrieve individual drop size distributions from a mixture of different types of hydrometeors, and estimate turbulence intensity, for example. Although spectral polarimetry has gained increasing attention, statistical quality of the estimation of spectral polarimetric variables has not been investigated. In this work, the bias and standard deviation (SD) of spectral differential reflectivity and spectral copolar correlation coefficient estimated from averaged spectra were derived using perturbation method. The results show that the bias and SD of the two estimators depend on the spectral signal-to-noise ratio, spectral copolar correlation coefficient, the number of spectrum average, and spectral differential reflectivity. A simulation to generate time series signals for spectral polarimetry was developed and used to verify the theoretical bias and SD of the two estimators.
Meta‐analysis of Treatment Outcomes for Sinonasal Undifferentiated Carcinoma
Authors: Reiersen David A. , Pahilan M. Elaine , Devaiah Anand K. 
Published: March 2012

ObjectivesThis study reviews the published outcomes regarding sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC) since the initial description in 1986. This article attempts to (1) understand and better describe the benefit and survival advantages associated with using radiation, chemotherapy, and surgical treatment and (2) support the recommendations of a treatment regimen with current available data in the literature.Data SourcesPublished English‐language literature.Review MethodsA PubMed search for articles related to SNUC, along with the bibliographies of those articles to avoid missing articles. All articles were examined for an independent patient data meta‐analysis. Thirty studies with 167 cases from 1986 to October 2009 were identified. Demographics, disease extent, treatment, follow‐up, and survival were analyzed. Patient cohorts mirroring Kadish staging were created. Kaplan‐Meier curves were constructed.ResultsFollow‐up range was 1 to 195 months (mean 23.4 months, median 15 months). At last follow‐up, 26.3% of patients were alive with no evidence of disease, 21.0% were alive with disease, and 52.7% were dead of disease. The use of surgery was found to be the best single modality, but chemotherapy and radiation were important as adjuncts in extensive and aggressive disease. The presence of neck metastases was a poor prognostic sign.ConclusionThis study, containing the largest pool of SNUC patients, confirms a poor overall prognosis. The data suggest that the optimal treatment should include surgery, with radiation and/or chemotherapy as adjunct treatments. Neck disease in advanced local disease is a poor prognostic sign and merits aggressive treatment with multimodality therapy.
Influenza immunisation status among nursing students
Authors: Koharchik Linda S. , Salman Khlood , Hardy Elaine , Mayle-Towns Kathy 
Published: March 2012

This four-phase evidence-based practice initiative was designed to determine preliminary contextual characteristics of collegian nursing students in receiving, or their lack of receiving, the flu vaccine. Subsequently, strategies were developed to improve and maintain the students’ participation in flu vaccines. This study relates to the welfare of student nurses and patients in their care. Students perform patient care in hospitals, clinics, and other settings where patients in compromised health are especially vulnerable to influenza. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the 2009 H1N1 pandemic resulted in more than 12,000 influenza-related deaths in the US. The Joint Commission requires hospitals and long-term care facilities to provide on-site access to influenza immunisation to staff and licensed independent practitioners; however, no provisions for student nurses are specified. Employer-mandated influenza immunisation as a term for employment was associated with a significant increase in healthcare employees receiving the flu vaccine, but, in the main, students are currently not mandated to receive the flu vaccine. A one-day reduction of influenza-like illness for every two college and university students vaccinated has been reported. Therefore, improving influenza immunisation rates may have academic and performance benefits for nursing students.