bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integration of clinical and imaging data to predict death in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Bellasi Antonio , Block Geoffrey A. , Ferramosca Emiliana , Ratti Carlo , Raggi Paolo 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIn a prior publication, we demonstrated that a model integrating clinical and simple imaging data predicted the presence and severity of coronary artery calcification in prevalent hemodialysis patients. Herein we report the ability of the same model to predict all‐cause death. We assessed all‐cause mortality in 141 consecutive maintenance hemodialysis patients from two dialysis centers followed for a median of 79 months from enrollment. Patients were risk stratified according to a simple cardiovascular calcification index (CCI) that included patient's age, dialysis vintage, calcification of the cardiac valves, and abdominal aorta. The mean patients’ age was 55 ± 14 years. Abdominal aorta calcification was present in 57% of the patients, and 44% and 38% had aortic and mitral valve calcification, respectively. During follow‐up, 75 deaths (93 deaths per 1000 person‐years) were recorded. The CCI was linearly associated with risk of death, such that the unadjusted hazard risk (HR) increased by 12% for each point increase in CCI (P < 0.001). Further adjustments for age, sex, study center, diabetes mellitus, history of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, congestive heart failure, left ventricular hypertrophy, systolic, and diastolic blood pressure did not substantially change the strength of this association (HR 1.10; 95%CI: 1.00–1.21; P = 0.03). The CCI is a simple clinical model that can be used to risk stratify maintenance hemodialysis patients.
Heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia in a hemodialysis patient treated with fondaparinux: Nephrologists between two fires
Authors: Solak Yalcin , Demircioglu Sinan , Polat Ilker , Biyik Zeynep , Gaipov Abduzhappar , Acar Kadir , Turk Suleyman 
Published: May 2012

AbstractHeparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is caused by heparin exposure and presents with reduced platelet count. Patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) treatment have increased risk of developing HIT due to prolonged exposure to unfractionated heparin or low‐molecular weight heparin. We report a 79‐year‐old male patient with end‐stage renal disease who developed type‐II HIT during maintenance HD. Platelet count of the patient decreased gradually and antiplatelet factor IV antibody was found to be positive. The patient was treated with fondaparinux and continued heparin‐free HD. Unfortunately, despite favorable initial response without any thrombotic episodes, the patient died due to severe sepsis complicated by gastrointestinal hemorrhage.
Cell–Cell Communication in the Resistance Vasculature: The Past, Present, and Future
Authors: WELSH DONALD G. , TAYLOR MARK S. 
Published: May 2012

Please cite this paper as: Welsh DG, Taylor MS. Cell–cell communication in the resistance vasculature: the past, present, and future. Microcirculation 19: 377–378, 2012.AbstractCell–cell communication among neighboring vascular cells plays an important role in blood flow control. In this overview, we highlight a series of expert opinion articles focused on key issues related to the foundational nature and functional importance of electrical and second messenger communication. These manuscripts are written in an opinionated manner to provoke thought and to illuminate new emerging areas of investigation.
The Effect of Cation Distribution on Magnetic and Infrared Emission Properties of RE3+, MnO2:CoZn (RE = La,Ce,Pr,Nd,Sm,Eu,Gd,Tb, and Dy) Ferrite Ceramics
Authors: Zhang Ying , Wen Dijiang 
Published: May 2012

The RE3+, MnO2:CoZn (RE = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, and Dy) ferrite ceramics were prepared by solid‐state reaction method. The change in the magnetic and infrared emission properties of the samples due to the co‐doping of RE3+ and Mn4+ ions have been studied. X‐ray diffraction studies show that the main phase of the system is the spinel phase and the secondary phase (REFeO3) is formed on co‐doping of RE3+ and Mn4+ ions. The distribution of cation in the tetrahedral and octahedral sites was analyzed using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Mössbauer spectroscopy. It was observed that larger RE3+ ions easily occupy the interstitial sites or grain boundary, but not the octahedral sites of the spinel. Magnetic and infrared emission measurements indicate that saturation magnetization decreases and infrared emissivity and coercivity exhibit the nonlinear variations with kinds of RE3+ ions. The magnetic and infrared emission properties of samples seem to be greatly influenced by the cation distribution caused by synergistic effect of RE3+ and Mn4+ ions, in which the rare earth elements of La, Nd, and Gd play a more important role to improve the infrared emissivity and coercivity than others.
Influences of Temperature and Oxygen Partial Pressure on Mechanical Properties of La0.6Sr0.4Co1−yFeyO3−δ
Authors: Kimura Yuta , Kushi Takuto , Hashimoto Shin‐ichi , Amezawa Koji , Kawada Tatsuya 
Published: May 2012

Young's and shear moduli and Poisson's ratio of La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3−δ (LSCF6428), La0.6Sr0.4CoO3−δ (LSC), and La0.6Sr0.4FeO3−δ (LSF) were investigated in the temperature range from room temperature to 1173 K and in the oxygen partial pressure, P(O2), range from 1 × 10−1 to 1 × 10−4 bar by the resonance method. The Young's and the shear moduli decreased with increasing temperature at low temperatures and drastically increased at intermediate temperatures. The drastic increase was associated with the second‐order phase transition. In contrast, the Poisson's ratios of LSCF6428, LSC, and LSF decreased around the phase transition temperature. The P(O2) dependence of the Young's and the shear moduli of LSCF6428 showed different tendencies depending on temperature. At 873 K, the Young's and the shear moduli were almost independent of P(O2), whereas they increased with decreasing P(O2) at 973 K. At 1073 K, they first increased with decreasing P(O2) under higher P(O2) and then gradually decreased under lower P(O2). At 1173 K, they monotonically decreased with decreasing P(O2). Such complicated P(O2) dependence were interpreted by complex influences of the phase transition, the chemical expansion and the variation of the oxygen nonstoichiometry and the cation mean valence.
In Situ Observations of Templated Grain Growth in (Na0.5K0.5)0.98Li0.02NbO3 Piezoceramics: Texture Development and Template–Matrix Interactions
Authors: Tutuncu Goknur , Chang Yunfei , Poterala Stephen , Messing Gary L. , Jones Jacob L. 
Published: May 2012

Nucleation, texture development, and phase equilibria were observed during templated grain growth (TGG) of (Na0.5K0.5)0.98Li0.02NbO3 (NKLN) via in situ X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Initially, NaNbO3 templates and NKLN matrix powder exist as distinct phases with unique lattice parameters. Above 850°C, the templates and matrix begin to react via interdiffusion as characterized by an increase in diffuse scattering between the NaNbO3 and NKLN peaks. This process intensifies immediately prior to template growth, leading to merging of diffraction peaks for these two phases. TGG in this system is thus homoepitaxial in nature as it occurs after the NKLN matrix and NaNbO3 templates form a solid solution. The degree of alignment in the matrix phase is quantified in situ using the March–Dollase parameters r and f. The degree of orientation of the textured NKLN mirrors the initial alignment of the template particles (r ≈ 0.3), while the texture fraction f increases from 0.04 to ~0.67 after 3 h at 1138°C. This increase in texture fraction follows n = 1/3 power law kinetics consistent with liquid‐phase‐assisted normal grain growth on plate‐like templates. As the observed template–matrix interdiffusion and the onset of texture development proceed extremely rapidly, this work demonstrates the utility of in situ XRD for observing details of TGG that cannot easily be seen via ex situ methods.
Synthesis of Pure YB4 Powder via the Reaction of Y2O3 with B4C
Authors: Li Junguo , Peng Aiyi , He Yong , Yuan Huiping , Guo Qilong , Shen Qiang , Zhang Liangmeng 
Published: May 2012

Pure YB4 powder was synthesized via the reaction of Y2O3 with B4C under a vacuum pressure within the range of 20–50 Pa using spark plasma sintering (SPS) route. The effect of temperature and the molar ratio of the starting materials was studied. The role of the YBO3, an intermediate product, in the synthesis of YB4 was investigated. For preparation of high purity YB4, the molar proportion of B4C to Y2O3 should not be higher than the stoichiometric ratio (15/7). YBO3 can be removed through decomposing to Y2O3 and B2O3 or reacting with B4C to form YB4 and B2O3 at a temperature above 1650°C. The little residual impurities, such as Y2O3 and YBO3, can be removed by hydrochloric acid washing. Thus, a high purity YB4 powder has been synthesized. The oxygen content of the obtained YB4 is about 0.007% and the particle size is in the range of 3–10 μm.
Nickel allergy in relation to piercing and orthodontic appliances – a population study
Authors: Fors Ronny , Stenberg Berndt , Stenlund Hans , Persson Maurits 
Published: May 2012

Background. Studies have shown conflicting results on the association between nickel exposure from orthodontic appliances and nickel sensitization.Objectives & Method. In a cross‐sectional study, we investigated the association between nickel sensitization and exposure to orthodontic appliances and piercings. 4376 adolescents were patch tested following a questionnaire asking for earlier piercing and orthodontic treatment. Exposure to orthodontic appliances was verified in dental records.Results. Questionnaire data demonstrated a reduced risk of nickel sensitization when orthodontic treatment preceded piercing (OR 0.46; CI 0.27–0.78). Data from dental records demonstrated similar results (OR 0.61, CI 0.36–1.02), but statistical significance was lost when adjusting for background factors. Exposure to full, fixed appliances with NiTi‐containing alloys (OR 0.31, CI 0.10–0.98) as well as a pooled ‘high nickel‐releasing’ appliance group (OR 0.56, CI 0.32–0.97) prior to piercing was associated with a significantly reduced risk of nickel sensitization.Conclusion. High nickel‐containing orthodontic appliances preceding piercing reduces the risk of nickel sensitization by a factor 1.5–2. The risk reduction is associated with estimated nickel release of the appliance and length of treatment. Sex, age at piercing and number of piercings are also important risk indicators. Research on the role of dental materials in the development of immunological tolerance is needed.
Rituximab‐induced thrombocytopenia: a cohort study
Authors: Giezen Thijs J. , Mantel‐Teeuwisse Aukje K. , ten Berg Maarten J. , Straus Sabine M. J. M. , Leufkens Hubert G. M. , van Solinge Wouter W. , Egberts Toine C. G. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe combined information of drug exposure and laboratory test results on an individual patient level obtained in daily clinical practice can add important information about the safety of a drug. Thrombocytopenia is a known adverse drug reaction of rituximab, which has already been identified during the preregistration trials, but knowledge on incidence and risk factors in clinical practice is limited. We, therefore, aimed to estimate the incidence and explore the risk factors for the development of rituximab‐induced thrombocytopenia (a platelet count, <100 × 109 platelets/L) in clinical practice. Ninety patients were eligible for inclusion of which 27 developed thrombocytopenia (cumulative incidence, 30%) within 30 days after administration of rituximab and 18 patients developed grade 3/4 thrombocytopenia (cumulative incidence, 20%). Patients with and without thrombocytopenia were compared to explore risk factors. Patients with a relatively low platelet count (217 vs. 324 × 109/L, P = 0.011) before administration of rituximab had a higher risk for the development of thrombocytopenia, and although not statistically significant, patients treated with rituximab within the oncology setting (OR, 4.7; 95% CI, 1.0–23.3), independent of concomitant use of cytostatics, as compared to the autoimmune diseases and patients with a high platelet distribution width (PDW) (16.1 vs. 15.8, P = 0.051). In conclusion, the incidence of rituximab‐induced thrombocytopenia was higher than that identified during the clinical trials. Healthcare professionals should consider thrombocytopenia as a relevant reaction during treatment with rituximab. More frequent monitoring of the platelet count is especially advised in patients treated in the oncology indication and/or with a low platelet count and high PDW.
Polypodium leucotomos decreases UV‐induced epidermal cell proliferation and enhances p53 expression and plasma antioxidant capacity in hairless mice
Authors: Rodríguez‐Yanes Esperanza , Juarranz Ángeles , Cuevas Jesús , Gonzalez Salvador , Mallol Jordi 
Published: May 2012

AbstractA single dose of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) induces significant changes in blood and skin of hairless mice. Oral administration of a hydrophilic extract of the fern Polypodium leucotomos (PL, 300 mg/kg during 5 days before UVR and for two additional days after irradiation) modulates some of the effects of UVR. Most significantly, PL administration reduced the number of proliferating cells by 13%, increased the number of p53+ cells by 63%, enhanced the antioxidant plasma capacity (ORAC) by 30% and reinforced the network of dermal elastic fibres. Western blot analysis of skin antioxidant‐related enzymes failed to demonstrate significant changes caused by PL. Thus, the beneficial effect of PL likely owes to its antioxidant and anti‐ROS properties rather than its modulation of the expression of endogenous antioxidant systems. These data provide mechanistic clues for its efficacy as a systemic photoprotective agent with antioxidant and anti‐photo‐ageing properties.
'NosingAround' the human skin:What information is concealed in skin odour?
Authors: Kippenberger Stefan , Havlíček Jan , Bernd August , Thaçi Diamant , Kaufmann Roland , Meissner Markus 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIn today′s world, natural body odour is mostly considered as being unpleasant and combated by intensive cleansing, deodorants and perfumes. However, there is evidence that volatile body compounds provide the recipient with important information. Here, we present the chemical identity of odorous compounds derived from odourless precursors within sweat and sebum. Moreover, distinct volatile markers may be relevant for the clinical diagnosis of disease. Interestingly, ageing seems to correlate with the appearance of specific compounds that convey the so‐called old man smell. Finally, it is discussed if human skin odour has the quality to act as pheromone transmitting information between individuals in terms of major histocompatibility complex type or reproductive status.
The bivariate distribution characteristics of spatial structure in natural Korean pine broad‐leaved forest
Authors: Li Yuanfa , Hui Gangying , Zhao Zhonghua , Hu Yanbo 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAimsSpatial structure is important in describing forest stand structure and change. We present a new method for the quantitative analysis of forest spatial structure based on the relationship of nearest neighbour tree groups.LocationSix hundred m a.s.l., Dongdapo Natural Reserve, Jiaohe, Jilin Province, ChinaMethodsSix plots in three common stand types of natural Korean pine broad‐leaved forest in northeast China were used to validate the method. Each plot measured 100 × 100 m, and all trees with DBH ≥5 cm were marked and located using a Total Station. We calculated bivariate distribution of the structural parameters, uniform angle index, mingling and dominance using Winkelmass and Excel software.ResultsMost trees in the forest were highly mixed by species and randomly distributed. Individuals with high DBH values were typically surrounded by other species; trees within stochastic distribution patterns were usually surrounded by different species; and medium‐sized trees were randomly distributed.ConclusionsThe bivariate distribution of structural parameters can provide more direct and useful information about the heterogeneity of spatial structure than can univariate distributions or other conventional stand descriptors. This could be helpful for selective thinning in continuous cover forest management and in modelling and restoring forests.
Short‐term succession of aquatic plant species richness along ecosystem productivity and dispersal gradients in shallow lakes
Authors: Arthaud F. , Vallod D. , Robin J. , Wezel A. , Bornette G. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractQuestionsThe highest species richness is usually expected at an intermediate stage of development since the last major disturbance event, but some studies have shown that ecosystem productivity and dispersal may modify this pattern, suggesting the need for further studies on the effects of productivity and dispersal on the dynamics of species richness through succession. In this study, we analysed aquatic plant species richness in relation to (1) succession stage, measured as numbers of years since the last disturbance that affected the ecosystems; (2) lake productivity, measured as the chlorophyll a concentration; and (3) connectivity to similar nearby ecosystems, a proxy for the potential input of diaspores.LocationShallow lakes of the Dombes region, France.MethodsEvery 5–7 yr these shallow lakes are emptied and left to dry out for 1 yr. These drought disturbances lead to complete destruction of the submerged aquatic plant communities. Sixty lakes arranged along a gradient of productivity were selected. The probability of diaspore input was considered to increase from upstream to downstream, as lakes are organized in hydrologically connected networks via ditches, through which the downstream lakes receive water from the upstream lakes. For each lake, the aquatic plant species richness (from systematic summer vegetation sampling), time since the last disturbance (last summer drying), productivity (estimated as chlorophyll a concentration) and probability of diaspore input (assessed from position in the network) were recorded.ResultsThe aquatic plant species richness decreased with the time since the last disturbance for all of the lakes, but there was a significant interaction with the chlorophyll a concentration and position of the lake in the network. At the lowest ecosystem productivities, the relationship between successional stage and species richness was hump‐shaped, whereas the species richness decreased with increasing time since the last disturbance when productivity increased. The lake's position in the network did not influence species richness during the first 2 yr after disturbance, but from year 3 and thereafter, lakes connected to high numbers of upstream lakes consistently exhibited decreased richness, contradicting the expected trend of increasing species richness with increasing diaspore inputs.ConclusionsThis study indicates that both ecosystem productivity and connectivity strongly affected the relationship between aquatic plant species richness and succession, and that these factors should be taken into account in further developments of the intermediate disturbance hypothesis.
The relationship between seven health practices and oral health status in community‐dwelling elderly Thai
Authors: Samnieng Patcharaphol , Ueno Masayuki , Zaitsu Takashi , Shinada Kayoko , Wright Fredrick A.C. , Kawaguchi Yoko 
Published: May 2012

Gerodontology 2012; doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2012.00672.x

The relationship between seven health practices and oral health status in community‐dwelling elderly Thai
Objective:  This study aims to analyse the relationship between seven health practices, oral health behaviors, and oral health status in community dwelling elderly Thai.Materials and methods:  The subjects were 612 elderly people (mean age = 68.8 ± 5.9 years). Questionnaires survey about sociodemographics, self‐reported seven health practices and oral health behaviors were conducted by trained interviewers. Oral examinations investigated the number of teeth present, decayed teeth, periodontal status and functional tooth units (FTUs). Oral malodor was assessed by Organoleptic Test, and unstimulated saliva was collected for 5 min.Results:  Five health practices (smoking, drinking, physical activity, breakfast and weight maintenance) were significantly related with oral health behaviors. ancova analysis demonstrated the following significant associations: (i) smoking behavior with number of teeth present, number of FTUs, decayed teeth, periodontal disease, oral malodor and salivary flow rate, (ii) drinking alcohol behavior with number of teeth present, number of FTUs, periodontal disease, oral malodor and salivary flow rate, (iii) eating breakfast behavior with periodontal disease, oral malodor and salivary flow rate, (iv) eating between‐meal snack with number of teeth present, number of FTUs, decayed teeth and periodontal disease, (v) maintaining weight with number of teeth present, number of FTUs, periodontal disease and oral malodor, (vi) sleeping with number of teeth present, number of FTUs, periodontal disease, oral malodor and salivary flow rate, (vii) physical activity with periodontal disease and salivary flow rate.Conclusion:  Good health practices were related with good oral health behaviors. Moreover, general health practices were associated with the clinical oral health status such as number of teeth present, decayed teeth, FTUs, periodontal disease, oral malodor and salivary flow rate. The elderly with good general health practices were considered to have good oral health status. Improving general health habits are suggested to lead to better oral health for the elderly, and vice versa.
Oral lesions in elderly patients of a community in Brazilian Northeast
Authors: Saintrain Maria V.L. , Almeida Caroline B. , Naruse Tábata M.O. , Gonçalves Vanessa P. 
Published: May 2012

ObjectiveTo investigate the oral soft‐tissue injuries in people aged 60 or older.MethodsCross‐sectional research conducted with 262 elders aged 60–93 years (mean 69.84, SD ± 6.212) from the Dende community in Northeast, Brazil. Data were collected through an identification questionnaire and the Community Indicator in Oral Health. Data were computed by the Software SPSS, version 15.ResultsThere was a predominance of female gender (64.1%), retired, low schooling and income of up to one minimum wage. It was detected a prevalence of soft‐tissue injuries in 38.4% (n = 101) of the elders, distributed as follows: red spots 60(57.7%), blisters 20(19.2%), lesions and/or wound 16(15.4%), and white spot 8(7.7%). Among the elders, 40(15.3%) smoked and 20(7.6%) used alcohol. It was verified a statistical association between injuries and using prosthesis (p = 0.039), medicine (p = 0.023) and calculus (p = 0.016).ConclusionThe oral health of this population is precarious, and there is a high prevalence of oral lesions.