bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation Between Water Vapor and Air Permeability of Building Materials: Experimental Observations
Authors: Mukhopadhyaya Phalguni , Batcheller Devin , Kumaran Kumar , Lackey John , van Reenen David , Normandin Nicole 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Two fundamental properties of building materials that influence the hygrothermal performance of building envelope systems are water vapor permeability and air permeability. The driving forces for water vapor and air transmission through building materials are, respectively, partial water vapor pressure and total air pressure differentials. The theoretical similarity of the driving forces would suggest the possibility of a relationship between water vapor and air permeability. During past two decades, researchers at the National Research Council of Canada—Institute for Research in Construction have compiled a database of measured air permeability and water vapor permeability properties of building materials commonly used in North America. This material properties database was examined to identify the degree to which air permeability and water vapor permeability of the building materials might be functionally related. The database was segregated into categories for different material types. An approximately linear relationship could, within some categories, be observed between water vapor permeability and air permeability. There were however approximately as many categories within which no relationship between the parameters was apparent as there were categories within which functional relationships between the parameters were apparent. Within categories where functional relationships were apparent, the form of the relationships generally depended on the mean relative humidity at which water vapor permeability was measured. In most cases, a definitive functional form of the relationship between water vapor permeability and air permeability could not be established.
Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Excessive Daytime Sleepiness in Chronic Kidney Disease and Hemodialysis
Authors: Roumelioti Maria-Eleni , Buysse Daniel J. , Sanders Mark H. , Strollo Patrick , Newman Anne B. , Unruh Mark L. 
Published: March 2011

Summary

Background and objectives
Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) are highly prevalent among hemodialysis (HD) patients. It is unclear to what extent SDB is associated with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD; stages 4 to 5). This paper describes and compares the prevalence, severity, and patterns of SDB and EDS among patients with advanced CKD, HD-dependent patients, and community individuals without known renal disease.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
Eighty-nine CKD and 75 HD patients were compared with 224 participants from the Sleep-Strategies Concentrating on Risk Evaluation Sleep-SCORE study of sleep and cardiovascular risk. Participants had in-home unattended polysomnography for quantifying SDB. EDS was defined by a score ≥10 on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale.

Results
The sample had a median age 58.1 years, was predominantly male (57.4%) and white (62.5%), and had a median body mass index of 28.1 kg/m2. Controls and Sleep-SCORE Study CKD patients had significantly higher median total sleep time and sleep efficiency compared with HD patients. The adjusted odds of severe SDB were higher for CKD and HD groups compared with the controls. Nocturnal hypoxemia was significantly elevated in the HD group compared with the CKD group. There were similar proportions of participants with EDS between the controls (33%), the CKD patients (29.3%), and the HD patients (40.6%).

Conclusions
Severe SDB (predominantly obstructive) and EDS are common among advanced CKD and HD patients. EDS correlated modestly with severe SDB and its obstructive and mixed patterns in the HD group.
Bedside Screening for Fistula Stenosis Should Be Tailored to the Site of the Arteriovenous Anastomosis
Authors: Tessitore Nicola , Bedogna Valeria , Lipari Giovanni , Melilli Edoardo , Mantovani William , Baggio Elda , Lupo Antonio , Mansueto Giancarlo , Poli Albino 
Published: March 2011

Summary

Background and objectives
Given different sites of stenosis and access blood flow rates (Qa), the criteria for diagnosing fistula stenosis might vary according to anastomotic site. To test this, we analyzed the database of a prospective blinded study seeking an optimal bedside screening program for fistula stenosis.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
Several methods used during dialysis (physical examination [PE], dynamic and derived static venous pressure [VAPR], dialysis blood pump flow/arterial pressure ratio, and Qa measurement) to diagnose angiographically-proven >50% stenosis were assessed in an unselected population of hemodialysis patients with mature fistulae (43 at the wrist [distal fistulae], 76 at mid-forearm or the elbow [proximal fistulae]).

Results
Prevalence of inflow stenosis was uninfluenced by anastomotic site, whereas outflow stenoses were more prevalent in proximal fistulae. The best test for inflow stenosis was Qa <650 ml/min in distal fistulae and a combination of a positive PE and Qa <900 ml/m in proximal fistulae. In proximal fistulae, PE and VAPR >0.5 were both equally highly diagnostic of outflow stenosis. Tailoring choice of test to site of the anastomosis may also contain the screening-associated workload, by reducing the need to perform PE and measure VAPR, compared with a screening approach regardless of the access location.

Conclusions
Our study shows that an effective bedside screening program with ≥85% accuracy for fistula stenosis can be tailored to the site of the anastomosis, Qa being the tool of choice for the wrist, and PE alone or combined with Qa and VAPR measurements for more proximally-located accesses.
Fibrillary Glomerulonephritis
Authors: Nasr Samih H. , Valeri Anthony M. , Cornell Lynn D. , Fidler Mary E. , Sethi Sanjeev , Leung Nelson , Fervenza Fernando C. 
Published: March 2011

Summary

Background and objectives
Fibrillary glomerulonephritis (FGN) is a rare primary glomerular disease. Most previously reported cases were idiopathic. To better define the clinical-pathologic spectrum and prognosis, we report the largest single-center series with the longest follow-up.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
The characteristics of 66 FGN patients who were seen at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, between 1993 and 2010 are provided.

Results
The mean age at diagnosis was 53 years. Ninety-five percent of patients were white, and the female:male ratio was 1.2:1. Underlying malignancy (most commonly carcinoma), dysproteinemia, or autoimmune disease (most commonly Crohn's disease, SLE, Graves' disease, and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura), were present in 23, 17, and 15% of patients, respectively. Presentation included proteinuria (100%), nephrotic syndrome (38%), renal insufficiency (66%), hematuria (52%), and hypertension (71%). The most common histologic pattern was mesangial proliferative/sclerosing GN followed by membranoproliferative GN. During an average of 52.3 months of follow-up for 61 patients with available data, 13% had complete or partial remission, 43% had persistent renal dysfunction, and 44% progressed to ESRD. The disease recurred in 36% of 14 patients who received a kidney transplant. Independent predictors of ESRD by multivariate analysis were older age, higher creatinine and proteinuria at biopsy, and higher percentage of global glomerulosclerosis.

Conclusions
Underlying malignancy, dysproteinemia, or autoimmune diseases are not uncommon in patients with FGN. Prognosis is poor, although remission may occur in a minority of patients without immunosuppressive therapy. Age, degree of renal impairment at diagnosis, and degree of glomerular scarring are predictors of renal survival.
Simulation-Based Sodium Thiosulfate Dosing Strategies for the Treatment of Calciphylaxis
Authors: Singh Rajendra Pratap , Derendorf Hartmut , Ross Edward A. 
Published: March 2011

SummaryBackground and objectivesCalciphylaxis remains a poorly understood life-threatening disorder with limited therapeutic options. Sodium thiosulfate (STS) has reported efficacy, thought to be because solubilizing calcium deposits promote clearance by hemodialysis (HD). Lack of rigorous pharmacokinetic studies makes it problematic for determining proper STS dosing given the expanding range of dialysis prescriptions and intensities.Design, setting, participants, & measurementsThe purpose of this study was to determine the dosing strategies for STS during different dialysis regimens. Given reported successes using an empiric 25 g, intravenous, 3 times per week after HD, simulations were performed to predict dosing guidelines for alternative, more or less intense dialysis to produce equivalent area under the curve drug exposure. The modeled prescriptions varied HD time from 12 to 40 h/wk over three to six sessions (Qb200 to 400 ml/min, Qd500 to 800 ml/min), and continuous venovenous hemodialysis at low flow rates (Qb100 to 200 ml/min, Qd35 to 50 ml/min), using high-flux polysulfone hemofilters.ResultsSimulations showed a marked variation in STS doses depending on HD frequency and duration. Blood and dialysate flows have a less prominent effect. Assuming no residual renal function, HD prescription permutations caused the dose to vary from 72 to 245 g/wk (70-kg adult), and the simulations provide specific guidelines for clinicians.ConclusionsBased on the success reported for one STS dosing regimen and assuming area under the curve exposure of STS is proportional to its effect, pharmacokinetic simulations can be used to calculate the dose for alternative, higher or lower intensity dialysis regimens. These strategies are imperative to assure adequate treatment for this mortal disease, as well as to avoid toxicity from excess dosing.
Mortality and Serum Sodium
Authors: Chawla Arun , Sterns Richard H. , Nigwekar Sagar U. , Cappuccio Joseph D. 
Published: March 2011

Summary

Background and objectives
Severe hyponatremia (<120 mEq/L) in hospitalized patients has a high mortality rate. We hypothesized that underlying diseases causing hyponatremia attribute to mortality rather than hyponatremia itself.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
The relationship between mortality and serum sodium (sNa) was examined in 45,693 patients admitted to a single community teaching hospital between January 1996 and December 2007. We conducted a comprehensive retrospective review of the medical records of 53 patients who died after developing sNa <120 mEq/L before or after admission and of 32 patients who survived after developing sNa <110 mEq/L.

Results
Mortality rates tended to increase as the sNa fell from 134 to 120 mEq/L, rising above 10% for patients with sNa of 120 to 124 mEq/L. However, below sNa of 120 mEq/L, the trend reversed, such that the mortality rate progressively decreased as sNa fell. More than two thirds of patients who died after sNa <120mEq/L had at least two additional acute severe progressive illnesses, most commonly sepsis and multiorgan failure. Three deaths (5.6%) in 12 years could plausibly be related to adverse consequences of hyponatremia, and one (1.8% of the fatal cases and 0.15% of all patients with sNa <120 mEq/L) was from cerebral edema. Most patients who survived with sNa <110 mEq/L had medication-induced hyponatremia. Severe underlying illnesses were uncommon in this group.

Conclusions
The nature of underlying illness rather than the severity of hyponatremia best explains mortality associated with hyponatremia. Neurologic complications from hyponatremia are uncommon among patients who die with hyponatremia.
Determinants of Osteopenia in Male Renal-Stone–Disease Patients with Idiopathic Hypercalciuria
Authors: Letavernier Emmanuel , Traxer Olivier , Daudon Michel , Tligui Mohammed , Hubert-Brierre Jérôme , Guerrot Dominique , Sebag Aline , Baud Laurent , Haymann Jean-Philippe 
Published: March 2011

Summary

Background and objectives
Bone demineralization is frequent in renal-stone formers with hypercalciuria. Although this pathologic link has been recognized for decades, the underlying mechanisms and risk factors associated with osteopenia/osteoporosis in this population remain partially understood.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
This study retrospectively analyzed determinants of low bone mineral density (BMD) in 65 idiopathic hypercalciuric male renal-stone formers. Clinical and biologic evaluation included BMD measurement, bone-remodeling markers, analysis of calcium metabolism with oral calcium load test, and dietary inquiry.

Results
Patients with osteopenia (n = 23, 35% of the population) presented significantly higher fasting calciuria as compared with normal bone density patients (n = 42) (calcium/creatinine ratio was 0.32 versus 0.24 mmol/mmol; P = 0.006). Analysis of the whole population revealed a negative association between fasting hypercalciuria and BMD (P = 0.003), independent of confounding variables including body-mass index and tobacco consumption. The fasting calcium/creatinine ratio above 0.25 mmol/mmol was associated with a 3.8-fold increase in the risk of low BMD.

Conclusion
In our study, fasting hypercalciuria after a 2-day calcium-restricted diet appears as the only biologic factor associated with low BMD, suggesting a bone-calcium efflux. Our results support the view of a parathyroid-independent pathologic process that remains to be identified. Hypercalciuric patients with low BMD do not excrete more calcium in 24-hour urine samples than patients without low BMD.
Integral formulae for a Riemannian manifold with two orthogonal distributions
Authors: Rovenski Vladimir 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
We obtain a series of new integral formulae for a distribution of arbitrary codimension (and its orthogonal complement) given on a closed Riemannian manifold, which start from the formula by Walczak (1990) and generalize ones for foliations by several authors. For foliations on space forms our formulae reduce to the classical type formulae by Brito-Langevin-Rosenberg (1981) and Brito-Naveira (2000). The integral formulae involve the conullity tensor of a distribution, and certain components of the curvature tensor. The formulae also deal with a set of arbitrary functions depending on the scalar invariants of the co-nullity tensor. For a special choice of the functions our formulae involve the Newton transformations of the co-nullity tensor.
Epicardial adipose tissue and relationship with coronary artery disease
Authors: Silaghi Alina , Pais Raluca , Valea Ana , Mironiuc Aurel , Silaghi Horatiu 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is metabolically active tissue that accumulates around the coronary arteries. Epicardial fat is a rich source of free fatty acids and may contribute to local inflammatory load by increased synthesis of inflammatory cytokines. Direct passage of bioactive molecules into the coronary arteries due to close contact with the vascular wall and the lack of fascia may contribute to the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease. Direct correlation between visceral fat and EAT defines the latter as an indirect marker of intra-abdominal visceral adiposity. EAT is related to anthropometric and clinical features of the metabolic syndrome (MS) and to hepatic transaminases as markers of steatohepatitis. An increase in EAT thickness is related to an increase in left ventricular mass and is correlated with atrial enlargement and impairment in diastolic filling in obesity. Echocardiographic study of EAT is an easy and reliable imaging indicator of visceral adiposity and cardiovascular risk. EAT is an independent factor strongly correlated with significant coronary stenosis. A level of EAT above an established average value can be considered a predictive marker of cardiovascular risk. We review the most recent studies proving the specific active role of EAT in the development of cardiac disease.
Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the urinary bladder and concomitant abdominal aortic aneurysm: a case report and literature review
Authors: Francesco Simona , Magnasco Salvatore , Tenaglia Raffaele 
Published: March 2011

AbstractWe report the diagnostic evaluation, management, and intermediate-term outcomes of a rare variant of bladder cancer and concomitant Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. A 62 year old male with gross haematuria and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm was admitted to our hospital. Cystoscopy revealed a large bulky mass occupying the posterior bladder wall. The tumor was transurethrally resected and its histology showed a Sarcomatoid Carcinoma of the urinary bladder. Due to the aggressive behavior of the tumor and the risk of aneurysm rupture, concomitant endovascular exclusion of Aneurysm, total cystectomy with urinary diversion was performed. 12 months after radical surgery the patient was alive without any local recurrence, distant metastasis, and thrombosis of iliac axis. To our knowledge this study is the first report to describe data on the diagnostic evaluation, Management, and intermediate-term outcomes in Sarcomatoid carcinoma and Concomitant Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. Multi-institutional collaboration is important to perform clinical trials of adequate sample size to design more effective treatments for these aggressive cancers in the presence of Concomitant Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.
The role of P63 in cancer, stem cells and cancer stem cells
Authors: Nekulova Marta , Holcakova Jitka , Coates Philip , Vojtesek Borivoj 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe transcription factor p63 has important functions in tumorigenesis, epidermal differentiation and stem cell self-renewal. The TP63 gene encodes multiple protein isoforms that have different or even antagonistic roles in these processes. The balance of p63 isoforms, together with the presence or absence of the other p53 family members, p73 and p53, has a striking biological impact. There is increasing evidence that interactions between p53-family members, whether cooperative or antagonistic, are involved in various cell processes. This review summarizes the current understanding of the role of p63 in tumorigenesis, metastasis, cell migration and senescence. In particular, recent data indicate important roles in adult stem cell and cancer stem cell regulation and in the response of cancer cells to therapy.
Lipid retention of novel pressurized extraction vessels as a function of the number of static and flushing cycles, flush volume, and flow rate
Authors: Haskins Stacey , Kelly David , Weir Ron 
Published: March 2011

AbstractLipid retention in novel pressurized solvent extraction vessels was examined as a function of static and flushing cycles, flushing flow rate and flush volume in an effort to decrease lipid elution after extraction. Results indicate that none of these variables plays a pivotal role in lipid retention within this system. Regardless of which variable was altered, lipid elution remained virtually constant at (55 ± 7) %. Findings suggest that lipid elution has more to do with the high flow rate at which extracts are purged from the system at the end of the static cycle.
What causes iron-sulphur bonds in active sites of one-iron superoxide reductase and two-iron superoxide reductase to differ?
Authors: Silaghi-Dumitrescu Radu 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe electronic and vibrational properties of [Fe(NHis)4(SCys)] sites responsible for the catalysis of superoxide reduction in two types of superoxide reductase (SOR), one-iron superoxide reductase (1Fe-SOR) and two-iron superoxide reductase (2Fe-SOR), were compared previously (Clay et al., 2003); the differences between these two classes of SOR, examined by UV-VIS and NIR absorption, VTMCD, and vibrational spectroscopy techniques, were interpreted as being indicative of weaker Fe-S bonds in 2Fe-SOR in comparison with 1Fe-SOR. Here, we report on density functional (DFT) and semi-empirical (ZINDO/S-CI) calculations exploring the extent of this difference in bonding between the two classes of SOR. The differences observed experimentally between the electronic spectra of the two SORs are shown to probably arise either from different degrees of torsion between the Fe—ligand bonds or from differences in length of the Fe—carboxylate bond, but are shown to be incompatible with any significant differences in Fe—S bond lengths. The differences observed in the vibrational spectra between the two SORs are shown to correlate with differences in the Fe-S bond length of no more than 0.01 Å, which in turn arise from slight differences in the polarity of the medium surrounding the iron active site in the two proteins.
Ferric hydrogensulphate as a recyclable catalyst for the synthesis of fluorescein derivatives
Authors: Eshghi Hossein , Mirzaie Narges 
Published: March 2011

AbstractPolycondensation reactions of phenols with phthalic anhydride were carried out in the presence of ferric hydrogensulphate under melt conditions. The reactions proceeded in short reaction times by using a catalytic amount of Fe(HSO4)3 and the corresponding fluorescein derivatives were obtained in high yields. The simplicity, scale-up, along with the use of an inexpensive, non-toxic, recyclable catalyst of an environmentally benign nature, are other remarkable features of the procedure. The absorption and emission properties of these fluorescein derivatives were studied.
Voltage-gated calcium channels are not affected by the novel anti-epileptic drug lacosamide
Authors: Wang Yuying , Khanna Rajesh 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
The novel anti-epileptic drug lacosamide targets two proteins — voltage-gated sodium channels and collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP-2) — suggesting dual modes of action for lacosamide. We recently identified the neurite outgrowth and axonal guidance protein CRMP-2 as a novel partner and regulator of the presynaptic N-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channel (CaV2.2) [Brittain et al., J. Biol. Chem. 284: 31375–31390 (2009)]. Here we examined the effects of lacosamide on voltage-gated Ba2+ channels. Lacosamide did not affect Ba2+ currents via N- and P/Q- channels in rat hippocampal neurons or L-type Ca2+ channels in a mouse CNS neuronal cell line, respectively. N-type Ba2+ currents, augmented by CRMP-2 expression, were also unaffected by acute or chronic lacosamide exposure. These results establish that the anti-epileptic mode of action of lacosamide does not involve these voltage-gated Ca2+ channels.
Quest for new genomic and proteomic biomarkers in neurology
Authors: Gotovac Kristina , Pivac Nela , Hajnšek Sanja , Mück-Šeler Dorotea , Borovečki Fran 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
The possibility of identifying novel biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases has been greatly enhanced with recent advances in genomics and proteomics. Novel technologies have the potential to hasten the development of new biomarkers useful as predictors of disease etiology and outcome, as well as responsiveness to therapy. Disease-modifying new therapies are very much needed in modern approaches to treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Current progress in the field encounters a degree of skepticism about the reliability of genomic and proteomic data and its relevance for clinical applications. Standard operating procedures covering sample collection, methodology and statistical analysis need to be fully developed and strictly adhered to in order to assure reproducible and clinically relevant results. Previous studies involving patients with neurodegenerative diseases show promise in using genomic and proteomic approaches for development of new biomarkers. Confirmation of any novel biomarker in multiple independent patient cohorts and correlation of the improvement in biomarker endpoint with clinical improvement in longitudinal patient studies remains crucial for future successful application. We propose that a combination of approaches in biomarker discovery may in the end lead to identification of promising candidates at DNA, RNA, protein and small molecule level.