bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
N‐Terminal Pro‐B‐Type Natriuretic Peptide is Associated with Severity of the Coronary Lesions in Unstable Angina Patients with Preserved Left Ventricular Function
Authors: WEI GAO , NINGFU WANG , XIANHUA YE , LIANG ZHOU , JIANMIN YANG , GUOXIN TONG , PENG XU 
Published: December 2011

Objectives:
To evaluate the association between N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) values and the severity of coronary lesions at angiography in unstable angina patients with preserved left ventricular function.
Methods:
A total of 133 patients with primary diagnosis of unstable angina were enrolled into this study. NT‐proBNP level was determined before the angiography and Gensini score, a measurement of extent of myocardial ischemia, was calculated after the angiography by experienced cardiologists. Patients with >50% stenosis of the left main or 75% stenosis of one or more coronary branches with diameter >2 mm were defined as “angiography positive” and turned to percutaneous coronary intervention.
Results:
There was a significant difference of circulating NT‐proBNP level between the angiography positive and negative groups and the median NT‐proBNP values were 367.5 pg/mL and 112 pg/mL, respectively (P < 0.001). A significant correlation was observed between log NT‐proBNP and log Gensini score (P < 0.001). NT‐proBNP level was a predictor of angiography positive result and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.776 (95% CI 0.693–0.858).
Conclusions:
NT‐proBNP level was found to be higher with the severity of myocardial ischemia. However, the ability of NT‐proBNP to identify clinically significant angiographic lesions was moderate. (J Interven Cardiol 2012;25:126–131)
Familial multiple pilomatrixomas as a presentation of attenuated adenomatosis polyposis coli
Authors: Trufant Joshua , Kurz Wayne , Frankel Amylynne , Muthusamy Viswanathan , McKinnon Wendy , Greenblatt Marc , Lazar Alex , Cook Deborah , Bosenberg Marcus 
Published: December 2011

Pilomatrixomas are benign follicular tumors that occur most commonly in children. Rare multiple or familial pilomatrixomas have been associated with myotonic dystrophy and other disorders. Although sporadic pilomatrixomas and hybrid cutaneous cysts with pilomatrixoma‐like features have been observed in some kindreds with Gardner syndrome, an autosomal dominant form of familial adenomatous polyposis, no definitive association has been made with multiple or familial pilomatrixomas. Here we describe two siblings with multiple pilomatrixomas who were also found to have a family history of colonic adenocarcinoma. Genetic testing revealed a mutation in the 5′ portion of the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene, in a region associated with an attenuated APC phenotype. These findings show that multiple pilomatrixomas may be the presenting symptom of patients with APC gene mutations.Trufant J, Kurz W, Frankel A, Muthusamy V, McKinnon W, Greenblatt M, Lazar A, Cook D, Bosenberg M. Familial multiple pilomatrixomas as a presentation of attenuated adenomatosis polyposis coli.
Influence of oral conditions on colonization by highly toxigenic Staphylococcus aureus strains
Authors: Passariello C , Puttini M , Iebba V , Pera P , Gigola P 
Published: December 2011

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 402–409Objectives:  As the oral cavity is regarded as a relevant site for Staphylococcus aureus colonization and interhuman transmission, this study aimed to investigate whether different oral conditions influence the rates of S. aureus oral carriage and genetic characters of S. aureus isolates.Subjects and methods:  Staphylococcus aureus was searched in samples collected from cheek, gingival margin, and anterior nares of 45 healthy subjects, 27 periodontitis affected subjects, and 29 subjects with fixed prosthetic restorations. Isolates were screened for 17 genetic determinants, and Partial Least Square Discriminant Analysis was performed to evaluate whether specific characters correlated with oral condition or site of isolation.Results:  The three subject groups showed comparable nasal carriage rates but, both the periodontitis and prosthetic restoration groups showed significantly higher oral carriage rates, as compared to healthy subjects (P = 0.01 and 0.02, respectively). Moreover, periodontitis affected subjects hosted strains possessing a distinct genotypic and phenotypic background, characterized by the presence of a larger number of exotoxins encoding genes.Conclusions:  These data confirm that the oral cavity is an important site of S. aureus colonization and demonstrate that conditions modifying the oral environment, as the presence of periodontitis and of fixed prosthetic restorations, promote S. aureus carriage and may favor the spread of more pathogenic strains.
Self‐Management Abilities of Diabetes in People With an Intellectual Disability Living in New Zealand
Authors: Hale Leigh A. , Trip Henrietta T. , Whitehead Lisa , Conder Jenny 
Published: December 2011

AbstractSelf‐management of diabetes is encouraged; however, it is not an easy task and requires a good understanding of the disease. To determine how to improve the self‐management abilities of diabetes in people with an intellectual disability (ID), this study explored the knowledge and understanding of diabetes held by a select group of adults with diabetes. The group was made up of 14 adult New Zealanders (eight males and six females; age range 23–69 years) with type 1 diabetes (n = 6) and type 2 diabetes (n = 8). They and their nominated key informants were interviewed. Blood sugar levels (gained from using hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) tests) were obtained on all participants. HbA1c levels ranged from 5.4% to 12.3%. The participants fell into three categories of understanding diabetes: (1) those who had a good understanding of the disease; (2) those who had some knowledge but their actual understanding was limited; and (3) those who demonstrated only a very basic knowledge. It was found that all of the adults were actively engaged in the self‐management process, and all appeared to have some understanding of the role of diet, blood sugar levels, and exercise in the management of their disease. Support from others was important in this process, even for those adults who had a good understanding of the disease. Diabetes significantly impacted the adults' lives, and in some cases, prevented them from living independently. When interviewed, the adults suggested strategies to assist with self‐management such as the use of a “buddy” system to encourage exercise. Authors concluded that adults with ID can be engaged in self‐management of their diabetes. However, it is important that they continue to receive education and support throughout their lives and that time be spent with each individual to identify how to provide the best education and support. Peer‐led education and user‐friendly resources are recommended to achieve lifelong education and support.
Qualitative Study of Malnutrition in People With Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Franssen Janine J. L. , Maaskant Marian A. , van Schrojenstein Lantman‐de Valk Henny M. J. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe prevalence of underweight status is relatively high in persons with intellectual disabilities. However, it is not clear whether this is due to malnourishment. The authors sought to examine the awareness and knowledge of physicians, dieticians, and direct care staff regarding malnutrition in people with intellectual disabilities. They also sought to obtain information about their experience with problems and possible solutions. Semi‐structured interviews were held with a cross‐section of physicians, dieticians, and direct care staff working with people with intellectual disabilities at six different service providers in the Netherlands. Dieticians and physicians noted that malnutrition is prevalent in persons with intellectual disabilities that they see, but they were uncertain about why this is the case. On the contrary, direct care staff were convinced that malnutrition was not present. Screening of high‐risk persons for the presence of malnutrition is advised. In addition, the authors recommended education of direct care staff about healthy nutrition and weight and the development of a screening instrument for malnutrition specifically for people with intellectual disabilities.
FLAVOR OF COOKED CATFISH (PANGASIUS HYPOPHTHALMUS) FILLETS AS PREDICTION FROM RAW FRESH AND FROZEN‐TO‐THAWED
Authors: PHAN UYEN T.X. , NGUYEN DZUNG H. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to develop a lexicon of sensory descriptors for Vietnamese catfish (Pangasius hypophthalmus) fillet products, and to investigate the use of sensory characteristics of raw and frozen fillets to predict the flavor of cooked catfish fillets. Descriptive Analysis (DA) was applied by a panel of 11 trained panelists to samples of raw fresh fillets and frozen fillets at three stages: frozen, thawing and thawed. Samples were also cooked at 200C for 25 min to evaluate their flavor. A lexicon of sensory attributes was generated for three types of samples: raw fresh, frozen‐to‐thawed and cooked. The validity of this lexicon has been discussed. Raw fresh and frozen‐to‐thawed samples were shown to be predictors for sensory characteristics of cooked samples. Sensory quality of catfish fillets was indicated by textural properties and flavors more than appearances and colors.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThis study provides Pangasius processors with sensory lexicons of Pangasius fillets to support the development of their quality control plans. The study also provides producers and purchasers with methodological guidelines for making prediction of flavor of Pangasius products at different phases of the processing: raw fresh, frozen, thawed and cooked.
Le changement climatique et les pratiques en matière d'investissement
Authors: Sørensen Ole Beier , Pfeifer Stephanie 
Published: December 2011

RésuméLa prise en compte des questions environnementales, sociales et de gouvernance (ESG) dans les pratiques des investisseurs institutionnels a beaucoup évolué. Pour les investisseurs publics et privés, ces questions font désormais partie intégrante des pratiques d'investissement classiques. On note donc une plus grande prise de conscience puisque ces pratiques représentent des risques et des opportunités majeurs qui doivent être gérés dans le cadre de la responsabilité fiduciaire. Certaines de ces questions exigent d'ailleurs des méthodes beaucoup plus sophistiquées que les approches traditionnelles fondées sur le filtrage auxquelles les investisseurs de niche avaient autrefois recours. Cette réalité est illustrée à travers une réflexion approfondie sur les pratiques des investisseurs dans le domaine du changement climatique, lesquelles doivent comporter une évaluation des risques et des opportunités à long terme et des stratégies mises en place pour les gérer. L'article constate également que les politiques et réglementations sont déterminantes pour que les mécanismes de l'économie deviennent favorables aux investissements à faible émission de carbone. Partant de là, il affirme la nécessité d'un dialogue structuré entre les investisseurs et les décideurs afin de garantir la mobilisation d'un capital institutionnel suffisant pour réaliser l'objectif de politique publique qu'est la limitation du changement climatique. Ce dialogue doit cependant permettre aux investisseurs d'agir dans le respect de leur responsabilité fiduciaire.
Recouvrement des cotisations et respect des obligations: améliorer la gouvernance pour élargir la couverture sociale
Authors: Enoff Louis D. , McKinnon Roddy 
Published: December 2011

RésuméEn se fondant sur les données rassemblées auprès des organisations de sécurité sociale et des agences de recouvrement des cotisations, le présent article vise essentiellement à contribuer à la diffusion des connaissances et des bonnes pratiques sur le recouvrement des cotisations et des moyens de faire respecter les obligations. Si le recouvrement des cotisations et le respect des obligations ont des implications non négligeables dans les domaines de la protection sociale, politique et budgétaire, ils sont abordés ici sous l'aspect de la bonne gouvernance administrative. D'après les données étudiées, sept facteurs fondamentaux doivent généralement se conjuguer pour que le recouvrement des cotisations et le respect des obligations fonctionnent correctement. Outre le fait de renforcer l'adéquation des prestations et la santé financière ainsi que la réputation auprès du public des programmes, ce bon fonctionnement peut également encourager les efforts nationaux et internationaux entrepris pour étendre la couverture sociale. Enfin, le degré de réussite de ces activités peut être déterminé et défini par les conditions politiques nationales au sens large, sur lesquelles les organisations de sécurité sociale n'ont peu ou pas d'influence.
Breakfast consumption and meal frequency interaction with childhood obesity
Authors: Antonogeorgos G. , Panagiotakos D. B. , Papadimitriou A. , Priftis K. N. , Anthracopoulos M. , Nicolaidou P. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryObjectivesIncreased meal frequency and daily breakfast consumption have been inversely associated with childhood obesity. The purpose of the study was to examine the possible interaction effect between meal frequency and breakfast consumption on childhood obesity.MethodsSeven hundred children (323 boys) aged 10–12 years were enrolled in this cross‐sectional study. Several lifestyle, dietary and physical activity characteristics were recorded with food frequency and physical activity questionnaires. Body height and weight were measured and body mass index was calculated in order to classify children as overweight or obese (International Obesity Task Force classification). Multiple logistic regression analysis was used in order to evaluate the interaction between daily breakfast intake and more than three meals per day consumption with overweight or obesity.ReusltsOf the children, 27.6% and 9.0% were overweight and obese, respectively. Moreover, 60.2% consumed three or more meals per day and 62.7% consumed breakfast in a regular daily basis. Children who consumed more than three meals per day and also consumed breakfast daily, were two times less likely to be overweight or obese (adjusted odds ratio: 0.49, 95% confidence interval: 0.27–0.88).ConclusionA combined higher meal frequency and daily breakfast consumption dietary pattern may prevent overweight and obesity in children.
Large-Eddy
Simulation of Shallow Water Langmuir Turbulence Using Isogeometric Analysis and the Residual-Based
Variational Multiscale Method
Authors: Tejada-Martínez Andrés
E. , Akkerman Ido , Bazilevs Yuri 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
We develop a residual-based variational multiscale (RBVMS) method based on isogeometric analysis for large-eddy simulation (LES) of wind-driven shear flow with Langmuir circulation (LC). Isogeometric analysis refers to our use of NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational B-splines) basis functions which have been proven to be highly accurate in LES of turbulent flows (Bazilevs, Y., et al. 2007, Comput. Methods Appl. Mech. Eng., 197, pp. 173–201). LC consists of stream-wise vortices in the direction of the wind acting as a secondary flow structure to the primary, mean component of the flow driven by the wind. LC results from surface wave-current interaction and often occurs within the upper ocean mixed layer over deep water and in coastal shelf regions under wind speeds greater than 3 m s−1. Our LES of wind-driven shallow water flow with LC is representative of a coastal shelf flow where LC extends to the bottom and interacts with the sea bed boundary layer. The governing LES equations are the Craik-Leivobich equations (Tejada-Martínez, A. E., and Grosch, C. E., 2007, J. Fluid Mech., 576, pp. 63–108; Gargett, A. E., 2004, Science, 306, pp. 1925–1928), consisting of the time-filtered Navier-Stokes equations. These equations possess the same structure as the Navier-Stokes equations with an extra vortex force term accounting for wave-current interaction giving rise to LC. The RBVMS method with quadratic NURBS is shown to possess good convergence characteristics in wind-driven flow with LC. Furthermore, the method yields LC structures in good agreement with those computed with the spectral method in (Thorpe, S. A., 2004, Annu. Rev. Fluids Mech., 36, pp. 584 55–79) and measured during field observations in (D’Alessio, S. J., et al., 1998, J. Phys. Oceanogr., 28, pp. 1624–1641; Kantha, L., and Clayson, C. A., 2004, Ocean Modelling, 6, pp. 101–124).
A DEM-FEM
Coupling Approach for the Direct Numerical Simulation of 3D Particulate
Flows
Authors: Avci B. , Wriggers P. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
A computational approach is presented in this paper for the direct numerical simulation of 3D particulate flows. The given approach is based on the fictitious domain method, whereby the Discrete Element Method (DEM) and the Finite Element Method (FEM) are explicitly coupled for the numerical treatment of particle-fluid interactions. The particle properties are constitutively described by an adhesive viscoelastic model. To compute the hydrodynamic forces, a direct integration method is employed, where the fluid stresses are integrated over the particles’ surfaces. For the purpose of verifying the presented approach, computational results are shown and compared with those of the literature. Finally, the method is applied for the simulation of an agglomeration example.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of TMC207 and Its
N
-Desmethyl Metabolite in a Murine Model of Tuberculosis
Authors: Rouan Marie-Claude , Lounis Nacer , Gevers Tom , Dillen Lieve , Gilissen Ron , Raoof Araz , Andries Koen 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT

TMC207 is a first-in-class diarylquinoline with a new mode of action against mycobacteria targeting the ATP synthase. It is metabolized to an active derivative,
N
-desmethyl TMC207, and both compounds are eliminated with long terminal half-lives (50 to 60 h in mice) reflecting slow release from tissues such as lung and spleen.
In vitro
, TMC207 is 5-fold more potent against
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
than
N
-desmethyl TMC207, and the effects of the two compounds are additive. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) response was investigated in the murine model of tuberculosis (TB) infection following oral administration of different doses of TMC207 or
N
-desmethyl TMC207 at 5 days per week for 4 weeks starting the day after intravenous infection with
M. tuberculosis
and following administration of different doses of TMC207 at various dosing frequencies for 6 weeks starting 2 weeks after infection. Upon administration of
N
-desmethyl TMC207, maximum plasma concentration (
C
max
), area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to 168 h postdose (AUC
168h
), and minimum plasma concentration (
C
min
) were approximately dose proportional between 8 and 64 mg/kg, and the lung CFU counts were strongly correlated with these pharmacokinetic parameters using an inhibitory sigmoid maximum effect (
E
max
) model. Administration of the highest dose (64 mg/kg) produced a 4.0-log
10
reduction of the bacillary load at an average exposure (average concentration [
C
avg
] or AUC
168h
divided by 168) of 2.7 μg/ml. Upon administration of the highest dose of TMC207 (50 mg/kg) 5 days per week for 4 weeks, the total reduction of the bacillary load was 4.7 log
10
. TMC207 was estimated to contribute to a 1.8-log
10
reduction and its corresponding exposure (
C
avg
) was 0.5 μg/ml. Optimal bactericidal activity with
N
-desmethyl TMC207 was reached at a high exposure compared to that achieved in humans, suggesting a minor contribution of the metabolite to the overall bactericidal activity in TB-infected patients treated with TMC207. Following administration of TMC207 at a total weekly dose of 15, 30, or 60 mg/kg fractionated for either 5 days per week, twice weekly, or once weekly, the bactericidal activity was correlated to the total weekly dose and was not influenced by the frequency of administration. Exposures (AUC
168h
) to TMC207 and
N
-desmethyl TMC207 mirrored this dose response, indicating that the bactericidal activity of TMC207 is concentration dependent and that AUC is the main PK-PD driver on which dose optimization should be based for dosing frequencies up to once weekly. The PK-PD profile supports intermittent administration of TMC207, in agreement with its slow release from tissues.
Impact of Spores on the Comparative Efficacies of Five Antibiotics for Treatment of Bacillus anthracis in an
In Vitro
Hollow Fiber Pharmacodynamic Model
Authors: Louie Arnold , VanScoy Brian D. , Brown David L. , Kulawy Robert W. , Heine Henry S. , Drusano George L. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT

Bacillus anthracis
, the bacterium that causes anthrax, is an agent of bioterrorism. The most effective antimicrobial therapy for
B. anthracis
infections is unknown. An
in vitro
pharmacodynamic model of
B. anthracis
was used to compare the efficacies of simulated clinically prescribed regimens of moxifloxacin, linezolid, and meropenem with the “gold standards,” doxycycline and ciprofloxacin. Treatment outcomes for isogenic spore-forming and non-spore-forming strains of
B. anthracis
were compared. Against spore-forming
B. anthracis
, ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin, linezolid, and meropenem reduced the
B. anthracis
population by 4 log
10
CFU/ml over 10 days. Doxycycline reduced the population of this
B. anthracis
strain by 5 log
10
CFU/ml (analysis of variance [ANOVA]
P
= 0.01 versus other drugs). Against an isogenic non-spore-forming strain, meropenem killed the vegetative
B. anthracis
the fastest, followed by moxifloxacin and ciprofloxacin and then doxycycline. Linezolid offered the lowest bacterial kill rate. Heat shock studies using the spore-producing
B. anthracis
strain showed that with moxifloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and meropenem therapies the total population was mostly spores, while the population was primarily vegetative bacteria with linezolid and doxycycline therapies. Spores have a profound impact on the rate and extent of killing of
B. anthracis
. Against spore-forming
B. anthracis
, the five antibiotics killed the total (spore and vegetative) bacterial population at similar rates (within 1 log
10
CFU/ml of each other). However, bactericidal antibiotics killed vegetative
B. anthracis
faster than bacteriostatic drugs. Since only vegetative-phase
B. anthracis
produces the toxins that may kill the infected host, the rate and mechanism of killing of an antibiotic may determine its overall
in vivo
efficacy. Further studies are needed to examine this important observation.