bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The contribution of switchgrass in reducingGHGemissions
Authors: Monti Andrea , Barbanti Lorenzo , Zatta Alessandro , Zegada‐Lizarazu Walter 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe contribution of switchgrass (Panicum virgatumL.), a perennial C4grass, in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions was reviewed under three main areas; the impact on carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), and methane emissions (CH4), whilst also taking into account the effects of land conversion to switchgrass. Switchgrass is able to enhance biomass accumulation in a wide range of environmental conditions, which is the premise for considerable carbon assimilation and storage in the belowground organs. The progress in some areas of crop husbandry (e.g., tillage and fertilization) has fostered benefits for carbon storage, while restrainingGHGemissions. As root biomass is the main indicator of soil carbon sequestration, switchgrass's dense and deep rooting is a relevant advantage, although uncertainty still exists about the crop's belowground biomass accumulation. In agreement with this, mostLCAstudies addressingCO2emissions report significant benefits from switchgrass cultivation and processing. BesideCO2, switchgrass performed better than most other biomass crops also in terms of N2O emission. In the case ofCH4emission, it may be argued that switchgrass should act as a moderate sink, i.e., contributing to mitigateCH4atmospheric concentration, but a substantial lack of information indicates the need for specific research on the topic. Land conversion to switchgrass is the latest issue which needs to be addressed inLCAstudies: not surprisingly, the netCO2abatement appears remarkable if switchgrass is grown in former arable lands, although it is slightly negative to positive if switchgrass replaces permanent grassland. In conclusion, switchgrass could significantly contribute to mitigateGHGemissions, although areas of uncertainty still exist in the assessment of soil carbon storage, N2O andCH4emissions, and the effects of converting lands to switchgrass. Further improvements must, therefore, be achieved to strengthen the crop's remarkable sustainability.
Anti-apoptotic effects of tamarind leaves against ethanol-induced rat liver injury
Authors: Ghoneim Asser I , Eldahshan Omayma A 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Objectives
The leaf decoctions of Tamarindus indica (TI) have long been traditionally used in liver ailments. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-apoptotic activity of TI leaf extract against acute ethanol (EtOH)-induced liver injury. The major constituents of the extract were also examined for standardization purposes.

Methods
Rats (n = 5–7) were orally pretreated with TI leaf extract (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) for seven days. Silymarin was used as a positive control. Liver tissue biochemical assays included key markers of apoptosis and its redox signalling. Serum enzyme levels were also determined.

Key findings
All graded doses of TI leaf extract mitigated the EtOH-induced liver caspase-3 activation (42, 57 and 64%) as well as DNA fragmentation (32, 47 and 50%), respectively. The highest dose of the extract demonstrated membrane-stabilizing (38%) in addition to glutathione-replenishing (88%) effects. Also, the leaves improved the liver histopathological alterations. Moreover, major plant bioactive polyphenolics, that might be responsible for the extract's observed effects, were isolated and identified.

Conclusions
TI leaf extract demonstrated promising anti-apoptotic hepatoprotective effects in rats. The use of TI leaves in different liver diseases, having apoptosis as the underlying pathology, hence warrants further clinical investigation.
Quantitative crystallinity determination for E1010, a novel carbapenem antibiotic, using differential scanning calorimetry
Authors: Kushida Ikuo 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Objectives
The objective of this study was to develop a quantitative crystallinity analysis method for the bulk drug of E1010 ((+)-(4R,5S,6S)-6-[(R)-1-hydroxyethyl]-3-[(2S,4S)-2-[(R)-1-hydroxy-1-[(R)-pyrrolidin-3 -yl]methyl]pyrrolidin-4-yl]thio-4-methyl-7-oxo-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-ene-2-carboxylic acid monohydrochloride), a novel carbapenem antibiotic.

Methods
X-ray analyses, thermal analyses and hygroscopicity measurements were used to elucidate the crystal structure and the solid state properties. To develop a quantitative method for the crystallinity of E1010 bulk drug, the relationship between enthalpy change obtained by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and crystalline form ratio was investigated.

Key findings
E1010 bulk drug was found to exist in a crystalline trihydrate formed in two layers, i.e. a layer of E1010 free form, and a layer consisting of chloride ions and water molecules. The thermal analysis showed an endothermic peak derived from dehydration with the loss of crystal lattices at around 100°C as an onset. The enthalpy change value for the endothermic peak correlated well with crystalline content in binary physical mixtures of the crystalline trihydrate and the amorphous form. In addition, for nine lots of the bulk drug, a positive correlation between the enthalpy change and chemical stability in the solid state was observed.

Conclusions
This quantitative analysis of crystallinity using DSC could be applicable for the quality control of the bulk drug to detect variability among manufacturing batches and to estimate the chemical stability of partially amorphous samples.
Disruption of the M2 Gene of Murine Gammaherpesvirus 68 Alters Splenic Latency following Intranasal, but Not Intraperitoneal, Inoculation
Authors: Jacoby Meagan A. , Virgin Herbert W. , Speck Samuel H. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT
Infection of mice with murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (γHV68; also referred to as MHV68) provides a tractable small-animal model with which to address the requirements for the establishment and maintenance of gammaherpesvirus infection in vivo. The M2 gene of γHV68 is a latency-associated gene that encodes a protein lacking discernible homology to any known viral or cellular proteins. M2 gene transcripts have been detected in latently infected splenocytes (S. M. Husain, E. J. Usherwood, H. Dyson, C. Coleclough, M. A. Coppola, D. L. Woodland, M. A. Blackman, J. P. Stewart, and J. T. Sample, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 96:7508-7513, 1999; H. W. Virgin IV, R. M. Presti, X. Y. Li, C. Liu, and S. H. Speck, J. Virol. 73:2321-2332, 1999) and peritoneal exudate cells (H. W. Virgin IV, R. M. Presti, X. Y. Li, C. Liu, and S. H. Speck, J. Virol. 73:2321-2332, 1999), as well as in a latently γHV68-infected B-lymphoma cell line (S. M. Husain, E. J. Usherwood, H. Dyson, C. Coleclough, M. A. Coppola, D. L. Woodland, M. A. Blackman, J. P. Stewart, and J. T. Sample, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 96:7508-7513, 1999). Here we describe the generation of γHV68 mutants with disruptions in the M2 gene. Mutation of the M2 gene did not affect the ability of the virus to replicate in tissue culture, nor did it affect γHV68 virulence in B6.Rag1 deficient mice. However, we found that M2 was differentially required for acute replication in vivo. While mutation of M2 did not affect acute phase of virus replication in the lungs of mice following intranasal inoculation, acute-phase virus replication in the spleen was decreased compared to that of the wild-type and marker rescue viruses following intraperitoneal inoculation. Upon intranasal inoculation, M2 mutant viruses exhibited a significant decrease in the establishment of latency in the spleen on day 16 postinfection, as measured by the frequency of viral genome-positive cells. In addition, M2 mutant viral genome-positive cells reactivated from latency inefficiently compared to wild-type and marker rescue viruses. By day 42 after intranasal inoculation, the frequencies of M2 mutant and wild-type viral genome-positive cells were nearly equivalent and little reactivation was detected from either population. In sharp contrast to the results obtained following intranasal inoculation, after intraperitoneal inoculation, no significant defect was observed in the establishment or reactivation from latency with the M2 mutant viruses. These results indicate that the requirements for the establishment of latency are affected by the route of infection.
Dexmedetomidine in the emergency department: assessing safety and effectiveness in difficult-to-sedate acute behavioural disturbance
Authors: Calver Leonie , Isbister Geoffrey K 
Published: December 2011

ObjectivesTo investigate the safety and effectiveness of dexmedetomidine for sedating patients in whom previous attempts at sedation in the emergency department have failed.MethodsA study was carried out on dexmedetomidine for sedation of patients with acute behavioural disturbance for whom at least two previous attempts at sedation with other drugs had failed. Either a loading dose of dexmedetomidine was administered or a loading dose then an infusion. Administration was titrated to the sedative effect and vital signs. The sedation assessment tool was used to assess effectiveness, and adverse effects were recorded. Effective sedation was defined as a fall in the sedation assessment tool by two levels or more for an hour or more.ResultsA total of 13 patients were given dexmedetomidine. Five of the 13 had a loading dose only. Of these five, successful sedation was achieved in two, and the other three were only briefly sedated during the loading dose. One patient had hypotension. Eight patients received an infusion after the loading dose. Three were successfully sedated, but one developed hypotension. Four patients required a decrease in the infusion rate for hypotension, and in three of these the rate decrease compromised the sedation and one of these required intubation for sedation. The final patient had persistent acute behavioural disturbance, which required intubation for management. Five of the eight patients developed hypotension, and, of the five, one had bradycardia and one went into atrial fibrillation.ConclusionIntravenous dexmedetomidine for difficult-to-sedate patients with acute behavioural disturbance is not safe in the emergency department setting.
Trends in the incidence of HIV in Scotland, 1988–2009
Authors: McDonald Scott A , Hutchinson Sharon J , Wallace Lesley A , Cameron Sheila O , Templeton Kate , McIntyre Paul , Molyneaux Pamela , Weir Amanda , Codere Glenn , Goldberg David J 
Published: December 2011

ObjectivesTo estimate temporal trends in HIV incidence and prevalence in Scotland, according to three main risk groups for infection: men who have sex with men (MSM), injecting drug users (IDUs) and heterosexuals.MethodsThe authors extracted data for all single- and multiple-tested individuals from the national HIV test database covering the period 1980–2009 and calculated the incidence of HIV infection in each risk group and estimated RRs by fitting Poisson regression models.Results620 of 59 807 individuals tested positive following an initial negative HIV test, generating an overall incidence rate of 3.7/1000 person-years (95% CI 3.4 to 4.0); 60%, 20% and 37% of the 620 were associated with the risk behaviour categories MSM, IDU and heterosexual, respectively. The incidence rate among MSM in Scotland remained relatively stable between the periods <1995 and 2005–2009 (overall: 15.3/1000 person-years, 95% CI 13.8 to 17.0), whereas the incidence among IDUs decreased between the periods <1995 and 2005–2009, from 5.1/1000 to 1.7/1000 person-years, and also decreased among heterosexuals, from 2.9/1000 to 1.4/1000 person-years.ConclusionsThe reduction in the incidence rate among IDUs suggests that harm reduction measures initiated from the late 1980s were effective in reducing HIV transmission in this risk group; however, the absence of a reduction in HIV incidence rates among MSM is disappointing and highlights the need for renewed efforts in the prevention of HIV in this major risk group.
The future of HIV care in the USA
Authors: Sherer Renslow 
Published: December 2011

BackgroundThe number of people living with HIV in the USA increased by 50% to 1.115 million persons from 1996 to 2006 and may exceed 1.5 million by 2015. The rising caseloads are straining the HIV care system, while recession and the unknown fate of health reforms are sources of uncertainty. HIV care in the USA evolved within a fragmented healthcare system. Unique community-based support and education linked to diverse multidisciplinary HIV care teams contributed to ‘AIDS exceptionalism’.ObjectiveTo describe HIV care in the USA in 2011 and to consider future trends.MethodsLiterature review.ResultsThough evidence for effectiveness of HIV care teams is increasing, HIV care in the USA in 2011 is severely challenged. Low reimbursements, rising caseloads and increasing care complexity are leading to clinician shortages. Access to antiretrovirals through Medicare and Medicaid is worsening, and deficiencies in AIDS Drug Assistance Programs are increasing. Durable health insurance will become available for most Americans in 2014 through new health reforms, but the likelihood of incomplete coverage, fierce political opposition and the uncertain details are reasons for concern. At the same time, recent trends in HIV epidemiology, pathogenesis and care services have reinforced the need for multidisciplinary teams with strong community linkages.ConclusionsHIV advocates have their greatest challenge to date to ensure that the gains and lessons in HIV care learnt from the past are not lost in the transition to national health reform in the next turbulent 5 years in the USA.
Untested and undiagnosed: barriers to HIV testing among men who have sex with men, Beijing, China
Authors: Li Xuefeng , Lu Hongyan , Raymond H F , Sun Yanming , Jia Yujiang , He Xiong , Fan Song , Shao Yiming , McFarland Willi , Xiao Yan , Ruan Yuhua 
Published: December 2011

ObjectivesUndiagnosed HIV presents great potential for the spread of infection. The authors identify the prevalence and correlates of never testing and being unaware of HIV infection in Beijing men who have sex with men (MSM).MethodsCross-sectional biological and behavioural survey using respondent-driven sampling; 500 MSM were included.ResultsHIV prevalence was 7.2% with 86.1% unaware of their infection; 33.2% had never tested. Never testing was associated with lower educational (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.6, 95% CI (CI) 1.1 to 2.5), living in Beijing for ≤3 years (AOR 1.5, 95% CI 1.0 to 2.3), unprotected anal intercourse with most recent male partner (AOR 1.6, 95% CI 1.0 to 2.4), being unaware of the most recent male partner's HIV status (AOR 3.6, 95% CI 2.1 to 6.1) and holding stigmatised attitudes towards persons with HIV (AOR 1.1 per scale point, 95% CI 1.0 to 1.1). Predictors of having undiagnosed HIV infection were being married (AOR 2.4, 95% CI 1.0 to 5.4), living in Beijing for ≤3 years (AOR 3.6, 95% CI 1.5 to 8.4), being unaware of the most recent male partner's HIV status (AOR 6.8, 95% CI 0.9 to 51.6) and holding negative attitudes towards safe sex (AOR 1.1 per scale point, 95% CI 1.0 to 1.1).ConclusionsRecent attention has focused on HIV prevention interventions that depend upon knowing one's serostatus, including viral load suppression, prevention with positives, pre-exposure prophylaxis and seroadaptation. Until the low level of testing and resulting high level of undiagnosed HIV infection are addressed, these tools are not likely to be effective for MSM in China.
Haemostatic variables during normal menstrual cycle
Authors: Kemperman Ramses F. J. , Kluin-Nelemans Hanneke C. , Mulder André B. , Meijer Karina , Knol H. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryFor a number of haemostatic factors menstrual cycle variation has been studied. Such variation could have clinical implications for the timing of haemostatic testing in women. It was our objective to systematically review the literature about evidence for timing of haemostatic testing during menstrual cycle.We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane library to identify studies that measured haemostatic variables [platelet function, von Willebrand factor (VWF), factor VIII (FVIII), factor IX (FIX), factor XI (FXI), factor XIII (FXIII), D-dimer, plasminogen activator inhibitor-I (PAI-I), tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), α2-antiplasmin and fibrinogen] during normal menstrual cycle without hormonal contraceptives. Two investigators independently selected studies, and abstracted data in duplicate. We identified 1,046 studies of which we included 30 studies (25 longitudinal and 5 cross-sectional studies). All studies reported on haemostatic variables during menstrual cycle. Overall, most of the studies found no cyclic variation in VWF, FVIII, FXI, FXIII, fibrinolytic factors (PAI, t-PA, uPA, D-dimer and α2-antiplasmin) and fibrinogen. However, in studies where these variables showed any variation, they reached the lowest levels during menstrual and early follicular phase, especially for VWF, FVIII and platelet function tests. In conclusion, the optimal timing for haemostatic testing during menstrual cycle seems to be menstrual and early follicular phase.
Platelet Glycoprotein VI Dimerization, an Active Process Inducing Receptor Competence, Is an Indicator of Platelet Reactivity
Authors: Loyau Stéphane , Dumont Bénédicte , Ollivier Véronique , Boulaftali Yacine , Feldman Laurent , Ajzenberg Nadine , Jandrot-Perrus Martine 
Published: December 2011

Objective—
The immune receptor homologue glycoprotein VI (GPVI)/FcR receptor γ chain complex is primarily responsible for platelet activation by collagen. There is growing evidence that optimal binding of GPVI to collagen depends on the assembly of GPVI dimers. The valence of GPVI on resting platelets needs to be clearly established because platelet avidity for collagen would be greater if GPVI is constitutively expressed as a dimer than as a monomer.

Methods and Results—

Using a monoclonal antibody (9E18) that preferentially binds to GPVI dimers, we found that GPVI was maintained in a monomeric form on human resting platelets under the control of intraplatelet cAMP concentration. Activation by soluble agonists or von Willebrand factor induced a shift toward GPVI dimerization related to increased platelet adhesion to collagen. A correlation between platelet binding of 9E18 and P-selectin exposure was observed in patients experiencing coronary artery disease, and antagonists of the ADP receptor P2Y
12
limited ADP-induced GPVI dimerization.

Conclusion—
The rapid assembly of highly competent dimers of GPVI at sites of vascular lesion represents an important step in the sequence of events leading to platelet activation by collagen. GPVI dimers could represent a new marker to analyze platelet reactivity.
Atrial Fibrillation After Pulmonary Transplantation
Authors: Henri Christine , Giraldeau Geneviève , Dorais Marc , Cloutier Alexis-Simon , Girard François , Noiseux Nicolas , Ferraro Pasquale , Rinfret Stéphane 
Published: December 2011

Background—
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common after thoracic surgery. Limited data exist concerning the incidence of AF, its impact on mortality, the effectiveness of therapy, and the risk factors of AF after pulmonary transplantation.

Methods and Results—
We reviewed the medical files of 224 consecutive lung transplant recipients who underwent surgery over a 10-year period at a large Canadian center. We collected patient characteristics, in-hospital treatments, and outcomes. Time-to-event analysis was used to account for in-hospital follow-up and models generated to assess the impact of AF on mortality and independent risk factors of AF after transplantation. Postoperative AF occurred in 65 patients (29%). AF was more likely to occur with complications such as pneumonia, mediastinitis, and bronchial dehiscence and was not an independent risk factor of mortality (hazard ratio=1.56; 95% confidence interval, 0.52–4.63). Pharmacological or electric therapy for rhythm or rate control of AF was administered to 97% of patients. Intravenous amiodarone was used in 46%, electric cardioversion in 28%, and heparin in 26%. Only 1 patient remained in AF at discharge. Age (hazard ratio=1.08 by year; 95% confidence interval, 1.05–1.12), bilateral transplantation (hazard ratio=1.87; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–3.42), and a history of AF before the transplantation (hazard ratio=4.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.05–19.11) were found to be independently associated with an increased incidence of postoperative AF.

Conclusions—
AF is fairly common after pulmonary transplantation, transient, and relatively benign. It is not independently associated with increased in-hospital mortality. Most patients return to sinus rhythm before discharge. Age, prior AF, and bilateral transplantation increase the risk of postoperative AF.
Delay of Stroke Onset by Milk Proteins in Stroke-Prone Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Chiba Tsuyoshi , Itoh Tatsuki , Tabuchi Masaki , Ooshima Kana , Satou Takao , Ezaki Osamu 
Published: December 2011

Background and Purpose—
There is an inverse association between dairy food consumption and the incidence of stroke in observational studies. However, it is unknown whether the relationship is causal or, if so, what components in milk are responsible for reducing the incidence of stroke.

Methods—
Stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats were fed diets comprising amino acids, proteins from different sources (casein, whey, soybean, or egg white), or fats from different sources (butter, beef tallow, or cocoa butter) and the onset of stroke and lifespan were examined.

Results—
Increasing the amount of dietary casein (5% to 55% of caloric intake) markedly delayed the onset of stroke. However, when stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats were fed diets containing 55% of caloric intake as protein, rats fed casein or whey protein, a major component of milk, displayed a delayed onset of stroke compared with rats fed soybean or egg white protein. Rats fed an amino acids diet containing the same amino acids composition as casein did not have a delay in the onset of stroke. Increasing dietary fats, including butter as well as beef tallow and cocoa butter, did not affect the onset of stroke. All diets did not affect blood pressure in the early stage.

Conclusions—
These data suggest that the inverse association between dairy food consumption and incidence of stroke in epidemiological studies is causal and that peptides in milk protein, but not fat, might be responsible for this effect.
Vessel Wall MRI to Differentiate Between Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome and Central Nervous System Vasculitis
Authors: Mandell Daniel M. , Matouk Charles C. , Farb Richard I. , Krings Timo , Agid Ronit , terBrugge Karel , Willinsky Robert A. , Swartz Richard H. , Silver Frank L. , Mikulis David J. 
Published: December 2011

Background and Purpose—
Prospective differentiation between reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome and central nervous system vasculitis can be challenging. We hypothesized that high-resolution vessel wall MRI would demonstrate arterial wall enhancement in central nervous system vasculitis but not in reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome.

Methods—
We identified all patients with multifocal segmental narrowing of large intracranial arteries who had high-resolution vessel wall MRI and follow-up angiography at our institute over a 4-year period and performed a detailed chart review.

Results—
Three patients lacked arterial wall enhancement, and these all had reversal of arterial narrowing within 3 months. Four patients demonstrated arterial wall enhancement, and these had persistent or progressive arterial narrowing at a median follow-up of 17 months (range, 6–36 months) with final diagnoses of central nervous system vasculitis (3) and cocaine vasculopathy (1).

Conclusions—
Preliminary results suggest that high-resolution contrast-enhanced vessel wall MRI may enable differentiation between reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome and central nervous system vasculitis.