bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of the Metabolic Syndrome among rural original adults in NingXia, China
Authors: Yi Zhao , Jing Jin , Xiu-ying Liu , Hongxia Xu , Jianjun Yang , Yuhong Zhang 
Published: March 2010

Abstract

Background
Metabolic syndrome (MS) is combination of medical disorders that increase people's risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. Little data exists on the prevalence of MS of rural original adults in Ningxia of China.

Methods
A cross-sectional survey method was used and the participants were interviewed by trained health workers under a structured questionnaire in rural of Ningxia in 2008. The number of research subjects was 1612. MS was defined by International Diabetes Federation IDF (2005).

Results
The age-adjusted prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was 11.8%, whereas ethnic-specific prevalence was 10.3% in Han ethnic group and 13.7% in Hui ethnic group. Components of MS and MS were more common in Hui ethnic group than Han ethnic group. The mean levels and prevalence of abnormal value increased with increasing age in both ethnic groups (Cochran-Artimage test for trend, Hui ethnic group P < 0.05, Han ethnic group P < 0.01).

Conclusions
The prevalence of MS was high in rural residents' adults in Ningxia. Clustering of MS components and MS was increased with age. The components of MS have big differences among different ethnic groups.
The prevalence of anemia and its association with 90-day mortality in hospitalized community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Reade Michael C , Weissfeld Lisa , Angus Derek C , Kellum John A , Milbrandt Eric B 
Published: March 2010

Abstract

Background
The prevalence of anemia in the intensive care unit is well-described. Less is known, however, of the prevalence of anemia in hospitalized patients with lesser illness severity or without organ dysfunction. Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is one of the most frequent reasons for hospitalization in the United States (US), affecting both healthy patients and those with comorbid illness, and is typically not associated with acute blood loss. Our objective was to examine the development and progression of anemia and its association with 90d mortality in 1893 subjects with CAP presenting to the emergency departments of 28 US academic and community hospitals.

Methods
We utilized hemoglobin values obtained for clinical purposes, classifying subjects into categories consisting of no anemia (hemoglobin >13 g/dL), at least borderline (≤ 13 g/dL), at least mild (≤ 12 g/dL), at least moderate (≤ 10 g/dL), and severe (≤ 8 g/dL) anemia. We stratified our results by gender, comorbidity, ICU admission, and development of severe sepsis. We used multivariable logistic regression to determine factors independently associated with the development of moderate to severe anemia and to examine the relationship between anemia and 90d mortality.

Results
A total of 8240 daily hemoglobin values were measured in 1893 subjects. Mean (SD) number of hemoglobin values per patient was 4.4 (4.0). One in three subjects (33.9%) had at least mild anemia at presentation, 3 in 5 (62.1%) were anemic at some point during their hospital stay, and 1 in 2 (54.5%) survivors were discharged from the hospital anemic. Anemia increased with illness severity and was more common in those with comorbid illnesses, female gender, and poor outcomes. Yet, even among men and in those with no comorbidity or only mild illness, anemia during hospitalization was common (~55% of subjects). When anemia was moderate to severe (≤ 10 g/dL), its development was independently associated with increased 90d mortality, even among hospital survivors.

Conclusions
Anemia was common in hospitalized CAP and independently associated with 90d mortality when hemoglobin values were 10 g/dL or less. Whether prevention or treatment of CAP-associated anemia would improve clinical outcomes remains to be seen.
In vitro antifungal activity of hydroxychavicol isolated from Piper betle L
Authors: Ali Intzar , Khan Farrah G , Suri Krishan A , Gupta Bishan D , Satti Naresh K , Dutt Prabhu , Afrin Farhat , Qazi Ghulam N , Khan Inshad A 
Published: March 2010

Abstract

Background
Hydroxychavicol, isolated from the chloroform extraction of the aqueous leaf extract of Piper betle L., (Piperaceae) was investigated for its antifungal activity against 124 strains of selected fungi. The leaves of this plant have been long in use tropical countries for the preparation of traditional herbal remedies.

Methods
The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of hydroxychavicol were determined by using broth microdilution method following CLSI guidelines. Time kill curve studies, post-antifungal effects and mutation prevention concentrations were determined against Candida species and Aspergillus species "respectively". Hydroxychavicol was also tested for its potential to inhibit and reduce the formation of Candida albicans biofilms. The membrane permeability was measured by the uptake of propidium iodide.

Results
Hydroxychavicol exhibited inhibitory effect on fungal species of clinical significance, with the MICs ranging from 15.62 to 500 μg/ml for yeasts, 125 to 500 μg/ml for Aspergillus species, and 7.81 to 62.5 μg/ml for dermatophytes where as the MFCs were found to be similar or two fold greater than the MICs. There was concentration-dependent killing of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata up to 8 × MIC. Hydroxychavicol also exhibited an extended post antifungal effect of 6.25 to 8.70 h at 4 × MIC for Candida species and suppressed the emergence of mutants of the fungal species tested at 2 × to 8 × MIC concentration. Furthermore, it also inhibited the growth of biofilm generated by C. albicans and reduced the preformed biofilms. There was increased uptake of propidium iodide by C. albicans cells when exposed to hydroxychavicol thus indicating that the membrane disruption could be the probable mode of action of hydroxychavicol.

Conclusions
The antifungal activity exhibited by this compound warrants its use as an antifungal agent particularly for treating topical infections, as well as gargle mouthwash against oral Candida infections.
MFSD2A is a novel lung tumor suppressor gene modulating cell cycle and matrix attachment
Authors: Spinola Monica , Falvella Felicia S. , Colombo Francesca , Sullivan James P. , Shames David S. , Girard Luc , Spessotto Paola , Minna John D. , Dragani Tommaso A. 
Published: March 2010

Abstract

Background
MFSD2A (major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2) gene maps on chromosome 1p34 within a linkage disequilibrium block containing genetic elements associated with progression of lung cancer.

Results
Here we show that MFSD2A expression is strongly downregulated in non-small cell lung cancer cell lines of different histotypes and in primary lung adenocarcinomas. Experimental modulation of MFSD2A in lung cancer cells is associated with alteration of mRNA levels of genes involved in cell cycle control and interaction with the extracellular matrix. Exogenous expression of MFSD2A in lung cancer cells induced a G1 block, impaired adhesion and migration in vitro, and significantly reduced tumor colony number in vitro (4- to 27-fold, P < 0.0001) and tumor volume in vivo (~3-fold, P < 0.0001). siRNA knockdown studies in normal human bronchial epithelial cells confirmed the role of MFSD2A in G1 regulation.

Conclusion
Together these data suggest that MFSD2A is a novel lung cancer tumor suppressor gene that regulates cell cycle progression and matrix attachment.
Comparison of heterologous xylose transporters in recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Runquist David , Hahn-Hägerdal Bärbel , Rådström Peter 
Published: March 2010

Abstract

Background
Baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) has been engineered for xylose utilization to enable production of fuel ethanol from lignocellulose raw material. One unresolved challenge is that S. cerevisiae lacks a dedicated transport system for pentose sugars, which means that xylose is transported by non-specific Hxt transporters with comparatively low transport rate and affinity for xylose.

Results
In this study, we compared three heterologous xylose transporters that have recently been shown to improve xylose uptake under different experimental conditions. The transporters Gxf1, Sut1 and At5g59250 from Candida intermedia, Pichia stipitis and Arabidopsis thaliana, respectively, were expressed in isogenic strains of S. cerevisiae and the transport kinetics and utilization of xylose was evaluated. Expression of the Gxf1 and Sut1 transporters led to significantly increased affinity and transport rates of xylose. In batch cultivation at 4 g/L xylose concentration, improved transport kinetics led to a corresponding increase in xylose utilization, whereas no correlation could be demonstrated at xylose concentrations greater than 15 g/L. The relative contribution of native sugar transporters to the overall xylose transport capacity was also estimated during growth on glucose and xylose.

Conclusions
Kinetic characterization and aerobic batch cultivation of strains expressing the Gxf1, Sut1 and At5g59250 transporters showed a direct relationship between transport kinetics and xylose growth. The Gxf1 transporter had the highest transport capacity and the highest xylose growth rate, followed by the Sut1 transporter. The range in which transport controlled the growth rate was determined to between 0 and 15 g/L xylose. The role of catabolite repression in regulation of native transporters was also confirmed by the observation that xylose transport by native S. cerevisiae transporters increased significantly during cultivation in xylose and at low glucose concentration.
Effects of Inhaled Corticosteroids in Monotherapy or Combined with Long-Acting β2-Agonists on Mortality among Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Cyr Marie-Christyne , Beauchesne Marie-France , Lemière Catherine , Aaron Shawn D , Blais Lucie 
Published: March 2010

Background The benefits of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in reducing the mortality related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are controversial. Objective To estimate whether ICS in monotherapy or in combination with long-acting β2-agonists (LABA) reduces the mortality rate among COPD patients compared to those treated with LABA monotherapy. Methods Using data from the Canadian province of Quebec's health administrative databases, a nested case-control study was conducted. A cohort of COPD patients aged 50 years and over between 1996 and 2000 was initially formed. Patients were included if they filled at least 6 prescriptions of an inhaled branchodilator, received at least 1 medical service for COPD, and did not receive any diagnosis of asthma over a 12-month period. For each case of death identified in the cohort, up to 37 controls were time matched. For cases and controls, the exposure to ICS and LABA was assessed within the 3 months prior to the date of death for cases and date of selection for controls. Adjusted mortality rate ratios were estimated by conditional logistic regression comparing patients using ICS monotherapy or ICS/LABA combination therapy with patients using LABA monotherapy. Results This study included 5996 cases of death and 54,750 controls. The mortality rates were found to be lower among users of ICS monotherapy than users of LABA monotherapy (OR 0.69; 95% CI 0.53 to 0.88) and lower among users of an ICS/LABA combination than users of LABA monotherapy (OR 0.73; 95% Cl 0.56 to 0.96). No significant differences were observed between users of ICS/LABA combination therapy and users of ICS monotherapy (OR 1.07; 95% Cl 0.93 to 1.23). Conclusions ICS were found to be associated with a reduction in mortality rate when compared to LABA among patients with COPD, However, the ICS/LABA combination therapy did not provide any additional benefit on mortality when compared to ICS monotherapy.
Efficacy of Metformin and Topiramate in Prevention and Treatment of Second-Generation Antipsychotic–Induced Weight Gain
Authors: Ellinger Lara K , Ipema Heather J , Stachnik Joan M 
Published: March 2010

ObjectiveTo review the literature describing the efficacy of metformin and topiramate for the treatment of second-generation antipsychotio–induced weight gain.Data sourcesArticles were identified by searching the MEDLINE database (from 1949 through January 2010) using the key words metformin, topiramate, antipsychotic, weight, weight gain, and obesity.Study selection and data extractionAll randomized, place bo-controlled trials of metformin and topiramate were selected for review.Data synthesisWeight gain due to second-generation antipsychotic use is a concern due to the risk of long-term metabolic and cardiovascular effects with these agents. These effects include obesity, hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance, all of which may contribute to diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Second-generation antipsychotics vary in the degree to which they cause weight gain, and dietary and lifestyle changes may not be feasible or sufficient in counteracting this weight gain. Although other pharmacologic agents may be beneficial to prevent and treat antipsychotic-induced weight gain, metformin and topiramate have been the most extensively studied in this setting. Metformin acts peripherally to cause weight loss, while topiramate acts centrally. Review of 11 randomized, controlled trials demonstrates beneficial effects of metformin and topiramate in prevention and treatment of weight gain. Metformin is generally well tolerated and has been studied in pediatric patients, while topiramate is associated with more drug interactions and may possibly interfere with control of schizophrenia.ConclusionsData for the use of metformin and topiramate in the treatment and prevention of second-generation antipsychotio–induced weight gain are limited. Both may be effective in helping patients lose weight via mechanisms that have yet to be clearly defined. The use of metformin results in greater weight loss than topiramate, and topiramate is associated with more risks and may compromise the treatment of schizophrenia. Treatment of antipsychotic-induced weight gain with metformin may be an option after lifestyle and dietary changes have failed.
Toxicities of Gemcitabine in Patients with Severe Hepatic Dysfunction
Authors: Teusink Ashley C , Hall Philip D 
Published: March 2010

Objective To determine the relationship between doses of gemcitabine and absolute neutrophil count and thrombocytopenia in patients with severe hepatic dysfunction (total bilirubin ≥4.5 mg/dL), and the relationship between doses of gemcitabine in patients with severe hepatic dysfunction and nonhematologic toxicity. Case summary A retrospective chart review was conducted for patients receiving gemcitabine at the Medical University of South Carolina from October 2006 through October 2008. Seven patients were identified who had an elevated total bilirubin level (≥4.5 mg/dL) at the time they were receiving gemcitabine. All 7 patients received gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 throughout their treatment, regardless of liver function. Six patients did not experience significant hematologic toxicity warranting a dose reduction or a dose being held. One patient developed thrombocytopenia, warranting a dose being held. Discussion Gemcitabine is a chemotherapy agent frequently used for the treatment of pancreatic cancer as well as metastatic breast, lung, and ovarian cancer. To date there is limited information on dosing of gemcitabine in patients with an elevated total bilirubin. A previous study looking at lower grades of liver dysfunction suggested empiric dose reductions be made in these patients because of increased incidence of toxicity. Conclusions These results indicate the possibility that no initial dose reduction is necessary for patients with liver dysfunction receiving gemcitabine; however, close monitoring of these patients is required.
Intervention to Reduce Unnecessary Dispensing of Short-Acting β-Agonists in Patients with Asthma
Authors: Wong Mark D , Manley R Thomas , Stettin Glen , Chen William , Salmun Luis M 
Published: March 2010

Background Several clinical studies have suggested that the overuse of short-acting β-agonists (SABAs) and the underuse of inhaled corticosteroids are prevalent and may compromise patient health and increase the use of scarce health-care resources. Objective To examine the impact of an intervention designed to reduce SABA metered-dose inhaler (MDI) overdispensing on asthma-related drug and healthcare utilization endpoints in a mail order pharmacy benefit population. Methods Retrospective pre- and postintervention analysis was conducted on all new SABA prescriptions indicating a quantity more than 1 SABA MDI per month and on asthma patients who were continuously enrolled in the Medco Health Solutions prescription benefit program from July 1, 2006, to June, 30, 2007 (pre-intervention), and July 1, 2007, to June 30, 2008 (postintervention). The intervention involved a written or verbal request to the prescriber to reduce the quantity of SABA MDIs dispensed to less than 1 SABA MDI per month if determined appropriate by the prescriber. Effectiveness of the intervention on asthma-related drug and health-care utilization outcomes were measured in the overall Medco pharmacy population and in asthma patients receiving more than 1 SABA MDI per month. Results The percentage of new SABA prescriptions dispensed for more than 1 SABA MDI per month was significantly reduced during year 2 (22.9% vs 9.7%, p < 0.01). Of the 1835 asthma patients who received more than 1 SABA MDI per month in year t, 1230 (67%) received fewer than 1 SABA MDI per month during year 2. The incidence of asthma-related hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and oral corticosteroid use did not significantly change from year 1 to year 2. Conclusions This analysis shows that an intervention can succeed in reducing the overdispensing of quick-relief medication without compromising asthma control. Further investigation is warranted to better understand the interplay between reduction in excessive SABA use and improved clinical outcomes.
Membrane progestin receptors: beyond the controversy, can we move forward?
Authors: Salhi Amel , Lemale Julie , Paris Nicolas , Bloch-Faure May , Crambert Gilles 
Published: March 2010

AbstractSteroids are well-known mediators of many different physiological functions. Their best characterized mechanism of action involves interaction with well-defined nuclear receptors and regulation of gene transcription. However, rapid effects of steroids have been reported which are incompatible with their classical long-term/slow effects. Although the concept of membrane-bound receptors for steroids which can transduce their rapid effects has been proposed many years ago, it is only recently that such proteins have been identified and characterized. In this review, we will discuss recent data regarding the rapid action of progesterone mediated by newly characterized membrane-bound receptors belonging to the progestin and adiponectin receptor family.
Advances in research on the accumulation, redox behavior, and function of vanadium in ascidians
Authors: Michibata Hitoshi , Ueki Tatsuya 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe discovery of high levels of vanadium-containing compounds in ascidian blood cells goes back to 1911. Ascidians, which are also known as tunicates or sea squirts, belong to a subphylum of the Chordata, between the vertebrates and invertebrates. This discovery attracted the attention of an interdisciplinary group of chemists, physiologists, and biochemists, in part because of interest in the possible role of vanadium in oxygen transport as a prosthetic group in respiratory pigments, which was later shown not to be such a role, and in part because of the fact that high levels of vanadium were unknown in other organisms. The intracellular concentration of vanadium in some ascidian species can be as high as 350 mm, which is 107times that in seawater. Vanadium ions, which are thought to be present in the +5 oxidation state in seawater, are reduced to the +3 oxidation state via the +4 oxidation state and are stored in the vacuoles of vanadium-containing cells called vanadocytes, where high levels of protons and sulfate ions are also found. Recently, many proteins and genes that might be involved in the accumulation and reduction of vanadium have been isolated. In this review, we not only trace the history of vanadium research but also describe recent advances in our understanding of the field from several viewpoints: (i) vanadium-accumulating blood cells, (ii) the energetics of vanadium accumulation, (iii) the redox mechanism of vanadium, (iv) the possible role of sulfate, and (v) the physiological roles of vanadium.
Integrating Herbicide Use and Perennial Grass Revegetation to Suppress Weeds in Noncrop Areas
Authors: Wilson Rob G. , Orloff Steve B. , Lancaster Donald L. , Kirby Donald W. , Carlson Harry L. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractNoncropland such as levees, roadsides, field borders, fencerows, and wildlife areas are vulnerable to weed invasion. Many sites have undergone frequent human disturbance, such as manipulation from surrounding land uses, and lack competitive, desirable vegetation. This study addressed the importance of revegetation in an integrated weed management program including revegetation for noncrop areas. The study evaluated 14 cool-season perennial grasses (seven native species and eight introduced species) for their establishment, vigor, and ability to suppress weeds. It also evaluated the impact of herbicides on weed control and grass establishment. Treatments were applied at three noncrop sites in Northeast California that were heavily infested with weeds. Chemical weed control during the year of seeding and the following year was critical for perennial grass establishment. Weed cover was greater than 50% whereas average seeded grass cover was less than 6% in untreated plots at all sites 2 yr after seeding. In contrast, average seeded grass cover at all sites was 22 to 31% 2 yr after seeding for treatments where herbicide use resulted in wide-spectrum weed control and grass safety. Increasing perennial grass cover decreased total weed cover across perennial grass species 1and 2 yr after seeding. Individual grass species' cover differed among sites. Two introduced grasses (tall wheatgrass and crested wheatgrass) and three native grasses (western wheatgrass, bluebunch wheatgrass, and thickspike wheatgrass) showed broad adaptation and had > 20% cover at all sites 2 yr after seeding. In herbicide-treated plots, these grasses reduced total weed cover by 43 to 98% compared to unseeded plots 2 yr after seeding.