bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incidence, risk factors and causes of death in an HIV care programme with a large proportion of injecting drug users
Authors: Spillane Heidi , Nicholas Sarala , Tang Zhirong , Szumilin Elisabeth , Balkan Suna , Pujades‐Rodriguez Mar 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjectives  To identify factors influencing mortality in an HIV programme providing care to large numbers of injecting drug users (IDUs) and patients co‐infected with hepatitis C (HCV).Methods  A longitudinal analysis of monitoring data from HIV‐infected adults who started antiretroviral therapy (ART) between 2003 and 2009 was performed. Mortality and programme attrition rates within 2 years of ART initiation were estimated. Associations with individual‐level factors were assessed with multivariable Cox and piece‐wise Cox regression.Results  A total of 1671 person‐years of follow‐up from 1014 individuals was analysed. Thirty‐four percent of patients were women and 33% were current or ex‐IDUs. 36.2% of patients (90.8% of IDUs) were co‐infected with HCV. Two‐year all‐cause mortality rate was 5.4 per 100 person‐years (95% CI, 4.4–6.7). Most HIV‐related deaths occurred within 6 months of ART start (36, 67.9%), but only 5 (25.0%) non‐HIV‐related deaths were recorded during this period. Mortality was higher in older patients (HR = 2.50; 95% CI, 1.42–4.40 for ≥40 compared to 15–29 years), and in those with initial BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 (HR = 3.38; 95% CI, 1.82–5.32), poor adherence to treatment (HR = 5.13; 95% CI, 2.47–10.65 during the second year of therapy), or low initial CD4 cell count (HR = 4.55; 95% CI, 1.54–13.41 for <100 compared to ≥100 cells/μl). Risk of death was not associated with IDU status (P = 0.38).Conclusion  Increased mortality was associated with late presentation of patients. In this programme, death rates were similar regardless of injection drug exposure, supporting the notion that satisfactory treatment outcomes can be achieved when comprehensive care is provided to these patients.
Association of fluoride in water for consumption and chronic pain of body parts in residents of San Kamphaeng district, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Authors: Namkaew Montakarn , Wiwatanadate Phongtape 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjective  To assess the dose response of fluoride exposure from water and chronic pain.Methods  Using a retrospective cohort design, the study was conducted in two sub‐districts of San Kamphaeng district, Poo‐kha and On‐tai. Five hundred and thirty‐four residents aged ≥50 years of age were interviewed about their sources of drinking water and assessed for chronic pain. Each water source was sampled for fluoride measurement, from which the average daily fluoride dose was estimated. Binary logistic regression with forward stepwise (likelihood ratio) model selection technique was used to examine the association between the average daily fluoride dose and chronic pain.Results  We found associations between the average daily fluoride dose and lower back pain [odds ratio (OR) = 5.12; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.59–16.98], and between the high fluoride area vs. the low fluoride area (OR = 1.58; 95% CI, 1.10–2.28; relative risk = 1.22 with 95% CI, 1.14–1.31) to lower back pain. Other risk factors, such as family history of body pain and a history of injury of the lower body, were also associated with lower back pain. However, there were no relationships between the average daily fluoride dose and leg and knee pains.Conclusion  To prevent further lower back pain, we recommend that the water in this area be treated to reduce its fluoride content.
Scanning Electron Microscopic Study for Pore Formation of the Greater Omentum of Cats
Authors: Owaki M. , Oono H. , Nakajima N. , Ohta G. , Okano S. , Kakizaki T. , Yoshioka K. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryThe greater omentum of the cats is said to have a lace‐like structure. However, there are only a few descriptions on whether pores exist, and there are not many morphological studies on this meshwork. In this study, the greater omentum of the cats was observed at each age of development using a scanning electron microscope. The greater omentum of the cats immediately after birth was found to be continuous, and no pores were observed. Also, development of microvilli was observed in the mesothelial cells on the surface of the greater omentum. In young cats at 3 months of age, small pores were sporadically observed, and at the ages of 6–12 months, there were more and larger pores. It was estimated that the pores on the greater omentum are formed in the process of moving from the movement of organs, such as the stomach, intestines and diaphragm, and the presence of these pores enables the passage of ascites between the omental bursa, the greater omentum and the serosal cavity of the wall without flowing through the omental foramen.
Determination of Rust Resistance Gene Complex Lr34/Yr18 in Spring Wheat and its Effect on Components of Partial Resistance
Authors: Qamar Maqsood , Gardezi Dilnawaz Ahmed , Iqbal Muhammad 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe non‐durable nature of hypersensitive (race‐specific) resistance has stimulated scientists to search for other options such as race‐non‐specific resistance to provide long‐lasting protection against plant diseases. Adult plant resistance gene complex Lr34/Yr18 confers a dual race‐non‐specific type of resistance to wheat against stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici) and leaf rust (P. triticina Eriks). This study was conducted to evaluate 59 spring bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes for the presence of the Lr34/Yr18‐linked csLV34 allele using STS marker csLV34 and to determine the effect of this gene complex on the components of partial resistance in wheat to leaf/stripe rust. Lr34/Yr18‐linked csLV34 allele was detected only in 12 genotypes, namely Iqbal 2000, NR‐281, NR 354, NR 363, NR 364, NR 366, NR 367, NR 370, NR 376, 4thEBWYT 509, 4thEBWYT 510 and 4thEBWYT 518. Eleven genotypes showing the amplified Lr34/Yr18‐linked allele were further studied for the assessment of the effect of Lr34/Yr18 on components of partial resistance along with nine genotypes lacking this gene complex. Both stripe and leaf rusts were studied separately. The components of partial resistance including latency period (LP) and infection frequency (IF) were studied on primary leaf (seedling stage), fourth leaf and fully expanded young flag leaf (adult plant stage). Both the stripe and leaf rust fungi showed a prolonged LP and reduced IF on genotypes carrying Lr34/Yr18 gene complex. Generally, a longer LP was associated with a reduced IF at all growth stages. Although significant effect of Lr34/Yr18 gene complex on LP and IF was observed almost at all three growth stages, the effect was more pronounced at flag leaf. This suggested that Lr34/Yr18 gene complex is more effective at later stages of plant growth.
Impact of hyponatremia on survival of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with molecular targeted therapy
Authors: Kawashima Atsunari , Tsujimura Akira , Takayama Hitoshi , Arai Yasuyuki , Nin Mikio , Tanigawa Go , Uemura Motohide , Nakai Yasutomo , Nishimura Kazuo , Nonomura Norio ,   The Osaka Renal Cell Carcinoma Clinical Study Collaboration
Published: August 2012

Objectives:  Hyponatremia is reported to be associated with poor survival in localized renal cell carcinoma and metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with immunotherapy. However, there are no reports on the relationship between hyponatremia and prognosis of metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with molecular targeted therapy. We evaluated the prognostic significance of hyponatremia in metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with molecular targeted therapy as first‐line therapy.Methods:  We retrospectively analyzed a database comprising 87 patients treated from April 2008 to July 2011 with sorafenib or sunitinib as first‐line therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Patients were divided into three groups according to serum sodium level: severe hyponatremia (≤134 mEq/L), mild hyponatremia (135–137 mEq/L) and normal natremia (≥138 mEq/L).Results:  Median cancer‐specific survival time was 8.8 months in the patients with severe and mild hyponatremia, and 32.6 months in the patients with normal natremia (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed severe and mild hyponatremia to be significantly associated with cancer‐specific survival (hazard ratio 6.228; 95% confidence interval 2.161–17.947, P = 0.001; hazard ratio 3.374; 95% confidence interval 1.294–8.798, P = 0.013), respectively. Neutrophilia and high C‐reactive protein level (C‐reactive protein ≥1.0 mg/dL) were significant prognostic factors to predict inferior cancer‐specific survival. In Harrell's concordance index calculation, hyponatremia could significantly improve the predictive accuracy for estimation of survival probability (P = 0.028).Conclusions:  Hyponatremia (<138 mEq/L), neutrophilia and high C‐reactive protein levels seem to represent significant predictive factors for cancer‐specific survival in metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients treated with molecular targeted therapy as first line therapy. Furthermore, hyponatremia might be significantly associated with chronic inflammation and tumor aggressiveness.
Using the Short Physical Performance Battery to screen for frailty in young‐old adults with distinct socioeconomic conditions
Authors: da Câmara Saionara Maria Aires , Alvarado Beatriz Eugenia , Guralnik Jack M , Guerra Ricardo Oliveira , Maciel Álvaro Campos Cavalcanti 
Published: August 2012

Aim:  To analyze the Short Physical Performance Battery's (SPPB) ability in screening for frailty in community‐dwelling young elderly from cities with distinct socioeconomic conditions.Methods:  Elderly (65–74 years‐of‐age) from Canada (Saint Bruno; n = 60) and Brazil (Santa Cruz; n = 64) were evaluated with the SPPB to assess physical performance. Frailty was defined as the presence of ≥3 of the following criteria: weight loss, exhaustion, weakness, mobility limitation and low physical activity. Linear regression and receiver operating characteristics analyses were carried out.Results:  The SPPB correlated with frailty (R2 = 0.33), with better results for Saint Bruno. A cut‐off of 9 in the SPPB had good sensitivity (92%) and specificity (80%) in discriminating frail from non‐frail in Saint Bruno (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.81), but showed fair results in Santa Cruz (AUC = 0.61, sensitivity = 81% and specificity = 52%).Conclusions:  The SPPB better discriminated frailty in elderly with higher socioeconomic conditions (Saint Bruno). Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 421–428.
Landscape‐scale effects of herbivores on treefall in African savannas
Authors: Asner Gregory P. , Levick Shaun R. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractHerbivores cause treefalls in African savannas, but rates are unknown at large scales required to forecast changes in biodiversity and ecosystem processes. We combined landscape‐scale herbivore exclosures with repeat airborne Light Detection and Ranging of 58 429 trees in Kruger National Park, South Africa, to assess sources of savanna treefall across nested gradients of climate, topography, and soil fertility. Elephants were revealed as the primary agent of treefall across widely varying savanna conditions, and a large‐scale ‘elephant trap’ predominantly removes maturing savanna trees in the 5–9 m height range. Treefall rates averaged 6 times higher in areas accessible to elephants, but proportionally more treefall occurred on high‐nutrient basalts and in lowland catena areas. These patterns were superimposed on a climate‐mediated regime of increasing treefall with precipitation in the absence of herbivores. These landscape‐scale patterns reveal environmental controls underpinning herbivore‐mediated tree turnover, highlighting the need for context‐dependent science and management.
Viral vectors for targeting the canine retina: a review
Authors: Petersen‐Jones Simon M. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractClinical trials are currently underway using gene therapy to treat retinal disease such as Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA). Viral vectors that have been utilized to target retinal cells include adenoviruses, lentiviruses, and recombinant adeno‐associated viruses (rAAV). Of the three classes, rAAV vectors show the greatest promise for retinal gene therapy. Recent developments in virus technology such as the development of hybrid and capsid mutant rAAV vectors mean that specific retinal cells can be targeted and faster stronger transgene expression is now possible compared to that achieved with the first generation of vectors. Gene therapy trials in dogs have been very important in the development of therapy for RPE65 LCA which is currently in phase I/II clinical trials in humans. Recent successes in using gene therapy to treat canine achromatopsia, X‐linked progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and the more severe rapid degenerations such as rod‐cone dysplasia type 3 may lead also to the translation to human clinical trials. Dogs have played and continue to play an important role as animal models for proof‐of‐concept studies of retinal gene therapy. As modifications and improvements in gene therapy protocols are made from experience gathered from human clinical trials perhaps gene therapy for the treatment of canine clinical patients will become available to veterinary ophthalmologists.
Namaqua dwarf adders must breed frequently: the problem with being small
Authors: Maritz B. , Alexander G. J. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractReproductive frequency is a key component of reproductive output, and has important influences on organismal fitness and population persistence. Viperid snakes, like many other ectothermic vertebrates, generally exhibit a low frequency of reproduction (LFR), as females only reproduce every second year, or even less frequently. However, for small‐bodied species with constrained clutch/litter sizes, and low survival, reproductive frequency cannot be too infrequent if populations are to persist. We assessed whether Bitis schneideri, a small, arid‐adapted viperid snake from southern Africa has the LFR typical of many other viperids, despite having low survival and small litters. We calculated the reproductive frequency required to sustain a population using information gathered from recent studies of the ecology of the species. The small litter size imposed by being small‐bodied, and low annual survival, require B. schneideri to reproduce frequently, probably annually, for populations to persist. We also assessed the reproductive status of all available preserved adult females. A high proportion were reproductive (up to 80% during summer), with developing or mature follicles, or developing young. Such frequent reproduction is atypical, even among closely related species, and might be facilitated through the capacity of B. schneideri to feed year‐round in the aseasonal habitat in which it occurs. We predict that future studies of small‐bodied species from climates that allow for extended periods of feeding will continue to show that frequent reproduction is more widespread among vipers than is currently assumed.
Development and assessment of sensitive immuno‐PCR assays for the quantification of cerebrospinal fluid three‐ and four‐repeat tau isoforms in tauopathies
Authors: Luk Connie , Compta Yaroslau , Magdalinou Nadia , Martí Maria José , Hondhamuni Geshanthi , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Constantinescu Radu , Pijnenburg Yolande , Mollenhauer Brit , Trenkwalder Claudia , Van Swieten John , Chiu Wan Zheng , Borroni Barbara , Cámara Ana , Cheshire Perdita , Williams David R. , Lees Andrew J. , de Silva Rohan 
Published: August 2012

AbstractCharacteristic tau isoform composition of the insoluble fibrillar tau inclusions define tauopathies, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and frontotemporal dementia with parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17/frontotemporal lobar degeneration‐tau (FTDP‐17/FTLD‐tau). Exon 10 splicing mutations in the tau gene, MAPT, in familial FTDP‐17 cause elevation of tau isoforms with four microtubule‐binding repeat domains (4R‐tau) compared to those with three repeats (3R‐tau). On the basis of two well‐characterised monoclonal antibodies against 3R‐ and 4R‐tau, we developed novel, sensitive immuno‐PCR assays for measuring the trace amounts of these isoforms in CSF. This was with the aim of assessing if CSF tau isoform changes reflect the pathological changes in tau isoform homeostasis in the degenerative brain and if these would be relevant for differential clinical diagnosis. Initial analysis of clinical CSF samples of PSP (n = 46), corticobasal syndrome (CBS; n = 22), AD (n = 11), Parkinson's disease with dementia (PDD; n = 16) and 35 controls revealed selective decreases of immunoreactive 4R‐tau in CSF of PSP and AD patients compared with controls, and lower 4R‐tau levels in AD compared with PDD. These decreases could be related to the disease‐specific conformational masking of the RD4‐binding epitope because of abnormal folding and/or aggregation of the 4R‐tau isoforms in tauopathies or increased sequestration of the 4R‐tau isoforms in brain tau pathology.
Activation of the bile acid receptor GPBAR1 protects against gastrointestinal injury caused by non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and aspirin in mice
Authors: Cipriani Sabrina , Mencarelli Andrea , Bruno Angela , Renga Barbara , Distrutti Eleonora , Santucci Luca , Baldelli Franco , Fiorucci Stefano 
Published: August 2012

Background and PurposeLow doses of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid; ASA) and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. GPBAR1 is a bile acid receptor expressed in the gastrointestinal tract. Here, we have investigated whether GPBAR1 was required for mucosal protection in models of gastrointestinal injury caused by ASA and NSAIDs.Experimental ApprochGPBAR1+/+ and GPBAR1−/− mice were given ASA (10–50 mg.kg−1) or naproxen. Gastric and intestinal mucosal damage was assessed by measuring lesion scores.Key ResultsExpression of GPBAR1, mRNA and protein, was detected in mouse stomach. Mice lacking GPBAR1 were more sensitive to gastric and intestinal injury caused by ASA and NSAIDs and exhibited a markedly reduced expression of cystathionine‐γ‐liase (CSE), cystathionine‐β‐synthase (CBS) and endothelial NOS enzymes required for generation of H2S and NO, in the stomach. Treating GPBAR1+/+ mice with two GPBAR1 agonists, ciprofloxacin and betulinic acid, rescued mice from gastric injury caused by ASA and NSAIDs. The protective effect of these agents was lost in GPBAR1−/− mice. Inhibition of CSE by DL‐propargylglycine completely reversed protection afforded by ciprofloxacin in wild type mice, whereas treating mice with an H2S donor restored the protective effects of ciprofloxacin in GPBAR1−/− mice. Deletion of GPBAR1 altered the morphology of the small intestine and increased sensitivity to injury caused by naproxen.Conclusion and ImplicationsGPBAR1 is essential to maintain gastric and intestinal mucosal integrity. GPBAR1 agonists protect against gastrointestinal injury caused by ASA and NSAIDs by a COX‐independent mechanism.
Endosomal proteolysis regulates calcitonin gene‐related peptide responses in mesenteric arteries
Authors: McNeish AJ , Roux BT , Aylett S‐B , Van Den Brink AM , Cottrell GS 
Published: August 2012

Background and PurposeCalcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) is a potent vasodilator, implicated in the pathogenesis of migraine. CGRP activates a receptor complex comprising, calcitonin receptor‐like receptor (CLR) and receptor activity‐modifying protein 1 (RAMP1). In vitro studies indicate recycling of CLR●RAMP1 is regulated by degradation of CGRP in early endosomes by endothelin‐converting enzyme‐1 (ECE‐1). However, it is not known if ECE‐1 regulates the resensitization of CGRP‐induced responses in functional arterial tissue.Experimental ApproachCLR, ECE‐1a‐d and RAMP1 expression in rat mesenteric artery smooth muscle cells (RMA‐SMCs) and mesenteric arteries was analysed by RT‐PCR and by immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy. CGRP‐induced signalling in cells was examined by measuring cAMP production and ERK activation. CGRP‐induced relaxation of arteries was measured by isometric wire myography. ECE‐1 was inhibited using the specific inhibitor, SM‐19712.Key ResultsRMA‐SMCs and arteries contained mRNA for CLR, ECE‐1a‐d and RAMP1. ECE‐1 was present in early endosomes of RMA‐SMCs and in the smooth muscle layer of arteries. CGRP induced endothelium‐independent relaxation of arteries. ECE‐1 inhibition had no effect on initial CGRP‐induced responses but reduced cAMP generation in RMA‐SMCs and vasodilation in mesenteric arteries responses to subsequent CGRP challenges.Conclusions And ImplicationsECE‐1 regulated the resensitization of responses to CGRP in RMA‐SMCs and mesenteric arteries. CGRP‐induced relaxation did not involve endothelium‐derived pathways. This is the first report of ECE‐1 regulating CGRP responses in SMCs and arteries. ECE‐1 inhibitors may attenuate an important vasodilatory pathway, implicated in primary headaches and may represent a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of migraine.
Music during after‐death care: a focus group study
Authors: Holm Marianne S , Fålun Nina , Gjengedal Eva , Norekvål Tone M 
Published: August 2012

Background: The intensive care unit (ICU) is not only a place to recover from injuries incurred during accidents and from serious illness. For many patients, it is also a place where they might die. Nursing care does not stop when a patient dies; rather, it continues with the care of the deceased and with family support. The aims of this study were (1) to explore the experiences and attitudes of nurses towards the use of ambient music in the ICU during after‐death care and (2) to describe the feedback nurses received from relatives when music was used during the viewing.Method: A qualitative design employing focus group interviews was used. Three focus group interviews with 15 nurses were conducted. All the interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim and analysed using qualitative content analysis.Findings: Six main categories of attitudes emerged from the analysis: (1) different attitudes among nurses towards the use of music; (2) music affects the atmosphere; (3) music affects emotions; (4) use of music was situational; (5) special choice of music and (6) positive feedback from the bereaved.Conclusion: This study demonstrates that music might be helpful for nurses during after‐death care as well as for the care of the relatives.Relevance to clinical practice: Including ambient music in an after‐death care programme can help nurses show respect for the deceased as the body is being prepared. Music played during the viewing may be a way of helping relatives in their time of grieving. It may ease the situation by making that event special and memorable. However, standardizing this intervention does not seem appropriate. Rather, the individual nurse and the family must decide whether music is to be used in a particular situation.