bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical characteristics and outcomes of hospitalized heart failure patients with systolic dysfunction and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: findings from OPTIMIZE‐HF
Authors: Mentz Robert J. , Fiuzat Mona , Wojdyla Daniel M. , Chiswell Karen , Gheorghiade Mihai , Fonarow Gregg C. , O'Connor Christopher M. 
Published: February 2012

AimsChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is common in heart failure (HF) patients, yet the population is poorly characterized and associated with conflicting outcomes data. We aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of HF patients with systolic dysfunction and COPD in a large acute HF registry.Methods and resultsOPTIMIZE‐HF (Organized Program to Initiate Lifesaving Treatment in Hospitalized Patients with Heart Failure) was a performance‐improvement registry of patients hospitalized with HF (n =48 612), which included a pre‐specified subgroup of patients (n =5,701) with 60‐ to 90‐day follow‐up. We performed a retrospective analysis of the clinical characteristics and outcomes (length of stay, and in‐hospital and 60‐day mortality) of patients with systolic dysfunction according to baseline COPD status. COPD was present in 25% of the patients. These patients had more co‐morbidities compared with patients without COPD. They were less likely to receive a beta‐blocker or angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor during hospitalization and at discharge (P < 0.001). COPD was associated with an increased median length of stay [5 days (interquartile range 3–8) vs. 4 days (interquartile range 3–7), P < 0.0001] and increased in‐hospital all‐cause and non‐cardiovascular (CV) mortality, with rates of 4.5% vs. 3.7% (P =0.01) and 1.0% vs. 0.6% (P =0.01), respectively, for the two endpoints, but similar 60‐day mortality (6.2% vs. 6.0%, P =0.28). After risk adjustment, the in‐hospital non‐CV mortality remained increased (odds ratio 1.65, 95% confidence interval 1.12–2.41; P =0.01).ConclusionThe presence of COPD in HF patients with systolic dysfunction is associated with an increased burden of co‐morbidities, lower use of evidence‐based HF medications, longer hospitalizations, and increased in‐hospital non‐CV mortality, but similar post‐discharge mortality.
Constitutive Activation of Transcription Factor OsbZIP46 Improves Drought Tolerance in Rice
Authors: Tang Ning , Zhang Hua , Li Xianghua , Xiao Jinghua , Xiong Lizhong 
Published: February 2012

AbstractOsbZIP46 is one member of the third subfamily of bZIP transcription factors in rice (Oryza sativa). It has high sequence similarity to ABA-responsive element binding factor (ABF/AREB) transcription factors ABI5 and OsbZIP23, two transcriptional activators positively regulating stress tolerance in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and rice, respectively. Expression of OsbZIP46 was strongly induced by drought, heat, hydrogen peroxide, and abscisic acid (ABA) treatment; however, it was not induced by salt and cold stresses. Overexpression of the native OsbZIP46 gene increased ABA sensitivity but had no positive effect on drought resistance. The activation domain of OsbZIP46 was defined by a series of deletions, and a region (domain D) was identified as having a negative effect on the activation. We produced a constitutive active form of OsbZIP46 (OsbZIP46CA1) with a deletion of domain D. Overexpression of OsbZIP46CA1 in rice significantly increased tolerance to drought and osmotic stresses. Gene chip analysis of the two overexpressors (native OsbZIP46 and the constitutive active form OsbZIP46CA1) revealed that a large number of stress-related genes, many of them predicted to be downstream genes of ABF/AREBs, were activated in the OsbZIP46CA1 overexpressor but not (even down-regulated) in the OsbZIP46 overexpressor. OsbZIP46 can interact with homologs of SnRK2 protein kinases that phosphorylate ABFs in Arabidopsis. These results suggest that OsbZIP46 is a positive regulator of ABA signaling and drought stress tolerance of rice depending on its activation. The stress-related genes activated by OsbZIP46CA1 are largely different from those activated by the other rice ABF/AREB homologs (such as OsbZIP23), further implying the value of OsbZIP46CA1 in genetic engineering of drought tolerance.
The co‐occurring use and misuse of cannabis and tobacco: a review
Authors: Agrawal Arpana , Budney Alan J. , Lynskey Michael T. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTAims  Cannabis and tobacco use and misuse frequently co‐occur. This review examines the epidemiological evidence supporting the life‐time co‐occurrence of cannabis and tobacco use and outlines the mechanisms that link these drugs to each other. Mechanisms include (i) shared genetic factors; (ii) shared environmental influences, including (iii) route of administration (via smoking), (iv) co‐administration and (v) models of co‐use. We also discuss respiratory harms associated with co‐use of cannabis and tobacco, overlapping withdrawal syndromes and outline treatment implications for co‐occurring use.Methods  Selective review of published studies.Results  Both cannabis and tobacco use and misuse are influenced by genetic factors, and a proportion of these genetic factors influence both cannabis and tobacco use and misuse. Environmental factors such as availability play an important role, with economic models suggesting a complementary relationship where increases in price of one drug decrease the use of the other. Route of administration and smoking cues may contribute to their sustained use. Similar withdrawal syndromes, with many symptoms in common, may have important treatment implications. Emerging evidence suggests that dual abstinence may predict better cessation outcomes, yet empirically researched treatments tailored for co‐occurring use are lacking.Conclusions  There is accumulating evidence that some mechanisms linking cannabis and tobacco use are distinct from those contributing to co‐occurring use of drugs in general. There is an urgent need for research to identify the underlying mechanisms and harness their potential etiological implications to tailor treatment options for this serious public health challenge.
The pharmacokinetics of oxypurinol in people with gout
Authors: Stocker Sophie L. , McLachlan Andrew J. , Savic Radojka M. , Kirkpatrick Carl M. , Graham Garry G. , Williams Kenneth M. , Day Richard O. 
Published: February 2012

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT• Response to allopurinol in patients with gout is often suboptimal due to large variability in pharmacokinetics.• The sources of the variability in oxypurinol pharmacokinetics have not been systematically identified and quantified.• A therapeutic target 15–23 mg l−1 for oxypurinol concentrations has recently been established.WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS• Renal function and concomitant diuretic/probenecid use significantly influence oxypurinol pharmacokinetics.• This model provides a tool to achieve target oxypurinol plasma concentrations, thereby optimizing the effectiveness and safety of allopurinol therapy in gouty patients with various degrees of renal impairment.• Model predictions show a failure to reach target oxypurinol concentrations using suggested allopurinol dosing guidelines.AIMS Our aim was to identify and quantify the sources of variability in oxypurinol pharmacokinetics and explore relationships with plasma urate concentrations.METHODS Non‐linear mixed effects modelling was applied to concentration–time data from 155 gouty patients with demographic, medical history and renal transporter genotype information.RESULTS A one compartment pharmacokinetic model with first order absorption best described the oxypurinol concentration–time data. Renal function and concomitant medicines (diuretics and probenecid), but not transporter genotype, significantly influenced oxypurinol pharmacokinetics and reduced the between subject variability in the apparent clearance of oxypurinol (CL/Fm) from 65% to 29%. CL/Fm for patients with normal, mild, moderate and severe renal impairment was 1.8, 0.6, 0.3 and 0.18 l h−1, respectively. Model predictions showed a relationship between plasma oxypurinol and urate concentrations and failure to reach target oxypurinol concentrations using suggested allopurinol dosing guidelines.CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, this first established pharmacokinetic model provides a tool to achieve target oxypurinol plasma concentrations, thereby optimizing the effectiveness and safety of allopurinol therapy in gouty patients with various degrees of renal impairment.
Salivary levels of Bifidobacteria in caries‐free and caries‐active children
Authors: KAUR RAVINDER , GILBERT STEVEN C. , SHEEHY EVELYN C. , BEIGHTON DAVID 
Published: February 2012

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2013; 23: 32–38
Background  Salivary levels of Bifidobacteria have been shown to be significantly correlated with caries experience in adults but not as yet in children.Hypothesis.  Salivary levels of Bifidobacteria are positively associated with caries experience in children.Aim.  To compare the salivary concentrations of Bifidobacteria of caries‐free and caries‐active children.Design.  Saliva was collected using the tongue‐loop method from 38 caries‐active children and from 22 clinically caries‐free children, and the numbers of Bifidobacteria, mutans streptococci, lactobacilli and yeasts were determined. Additionally, the age and gender of the children, a plaque index, sugar amount in diet, sugar frequency in diet, hygiene practice and fluoride toothpaste usage were recorded.Results.  Bifidobacteria were isolated from 95% of the caries‐active children and from only 9% of the caries‐free children (P < 0.001). Salivary levels of Bifidobacteria were significantly correlated with amount of sugar in the diet, frequency of sugar consumption and oral hygiene practice. The significant variables that discriminated between the caries‐free and caries‐active subjects were salivary levels of Bifidobacteria, salivary levels of mutans streptococci and oral hygiene practice (χ2 = 72.57, P < 0.001) and overall 90.0% of cases were correctly classified.Conclusions.  Salivary levels of Bifidobacteria are significantly associated with caries experience in children. The salivary levels of this genus may be a useful marker of caries risk.
Nursing contribution to the rehabilitation of older patients: patient and family perspectives
Authors: Tyrrell Elaine F. , Levack William M. , Ritchie Lorraine H. , Keeling Sally M. 
Published: February 2012

tyrrell e.f., levack w.m., ritchie l.h. & keeling s.m. (2012) Nursing contribution to the rehabilitation of older patients: patient and family perspectives. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(11), 2466–2476.AbstractAims.  This article reports a study of the perspective of older patients and their family members on the role of nurses in inpatient rehabilitation.Background.  Rehabilitation services are used increasingly by older patients as life expectancy increases. The role of rehabilitation nurses in the multidisciplinary team has, however, yet to be clearly articulated. Previous research has focussed on the views of health professionals about nursing involvement in rehabilitation, but none has sought family members’ perspectives. With the expectation of patient‐centred care, it is important to consider what older patients and their families expect and require from nurses.Design.  Grounded theory was used to collect and analyse data from interviews in an inpatient rehabilitation unit in New Zealand with seven patients, aged 72–89 years, and six family members, during 2009–2010.Findings.  A substantive theory was developed which recognizes that the older patient values the relationship they build with nurses more than any specific role nurses perform. Participants acknowledged that rehabilitation nurses’ roles included ‘looking after’, ‘stepping in’ and ‘coaching independence’ but ‘best fit’ nurses were identified by patients based on their ‘nature’, ‘being available’ and ‘being attuned’ to the patient’s individual needs. If a ‘connection’ was formed, then this ‘best fit relationship’ maximized the older person’s motivation to participate in his or her rehabilitation therapy.Conclusion.  Patients and family members appreciate ‘best fit relationships’ where nurses seek to enter into the older person’s world of disability to form a partnership which enhances their motivation to achieve independence.
Spatial variation in egg size and egg number reflects trade‐offs and bet‐hedging in a freshwater fish
Authors: Morrongiello John R. , Bond Nicholas R. , Crook David A. , Wong Bob B. M. 
Published: February 2012

Summary1. Maternal reproductive investment is thought to reflect a trade‐off between offspring size and fecundity, and models generally predict that mothers inhabiting adverse environments will produce fewer, larger offspring. More recently, the importance of environmental unpredictability in influencing maternal investment has been considered, with some models predicting that mothers should adopt a diversified bet‐hedging strategy whilst others a conservative bet‐hedging strategy.2. We explore spatial egg size and fecundity patterns in the freshwater fish southern pygmy perch (Nannoperca australis) that inhabits a diversity of streams along gradients of environmental quality, variability and predictability.3. Contrary to some predictions, N. australis populations inhabiting increasingly harsh streams produced more numerous and smaller eggs. Furthermore, within‐female egg size variability increased as environments became more unpredictable.4. We argue that in harsh environments or those prone to physical disturbance, sources of mortality are size independent with offspring size having only a minor influence on offspring fitness. Instead, maternal fitness is maximized by producing many small eggs, increasing the likelihood that some offspring will disperse to permanent water. We also provide empirical support for diversified bet‐hedging as an adaptive strategy when future environmental quality is uncertain and suggest egg size may be a more appropriate fitness measure in stable environments characterized by size‐dependent fitness. These results likely reflect spatial patterns of adaptive plasticity and bet‐hedging in response to both predictable and unpredictable environmental variance and highlight the importance of considering both trait averages and variance.5. Reproductive life‐history traits can vary predictably along environmental gradients. Human activity, such as the hydrological modification of natural flow regimes, alters the form and magnitude of these gradients, and this can have both ecological and evolutionary implications for biota adapted to now non‐existent natural environmental heterogeneity.
Key factors and related principles in the conservation of largeAfrican carnivores
Authors: Winterbach H. E. K. , Winterbach C. W. , Somers M. J. , Hayward M. W. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractLarge carnivores are a critical component ofAfrica's biodiversity, and their conservation requires a clear understanding of interactions between large carnivores and people.By reviewing existing literature, we identify 14 key factors that influence largeAfrican carnivore conservation, including ecological (biodiversity conservation, interspecific competition, ranging behaviour, ecological resilience, prey availability, livestock predation, disease and population viability), socio‐economic (people's attitudes and behaviours and human costs and benefits of coexistence with large carnivores) and political (conservation policy development and implementation, conservation strategies and land use zoning) factors.We present these key factors in a model illustrating the levels of impact on largeAfrican carnivore conservation.We identify the key principle that underpins each factor and its implications for both large carnivore conservation and human–carnivore conflict.We provide a synthesis of the key factors and related principles in largeAfrican carnivore conservation and highlight the importance of the site‐specific and species‐specific context in conservation policy and implementation, formulated through an interdisciplinary and adaptive approach.
A turning point for natural product discovery – ESF‐EMBO research conference: synthetic biology of antibiotic production
Authors: Takano Eriko , Bovenberg Roel A. L. , Breitling Rainer 
Published: February 2012

SummarySynthetic Biology is in a critical phase of its development: it has finally reached the point where it can move from proof‐of‐principle studies to real‐world applications. Secondary metabolite biosynthesis, especially the discovery and production of antibiotics, is a particularly relevant target area for such applications of synthetic biology. The first international conference to explore this subject was held in Spain in October 2011. In four sessions on General Synthetic Biology, Filamentous Fungal Systems, Actinomyces Systems, and Tools and Host Structures, scientists presented the most recent technological and scientific advances, and a final‐day Forward Look Plenary Discussion identified future trends in the field.
Neck compartmentalization as the molecular basis for the different endocytic behaviour of Chs3 during budding or hyperpolarized growth in yeast cells
Authors: Sacristan Carlos , Reyes Abigail , Roncero Cesar 
Published: February 2012

SummaryYeast cells normally grow by budding, but under certain specific conditions they are also able to grow in hyperpolarized forms reminiscent of hyphal growth. During vegetative growth, the synthesis of the septum that physically separates yeast cells during cytokinesis depends on the correct assembly of the septin ring. Septins and actin patches are assembled at the neck, forming two concentric rings where the actin patch ring occupies the external‐most part. This specific positioning defines a plasma membrane region at the neck from which other lateral membrane compartments are excluded. In this scenario, correct assembly of the chitin ring is dependent on the anchoring of Chs3 to the septin ring through Chs4. The anchoring of Chs3 to septins through Chs4 prevents the arrival of this protein at endocytic sites, thus reducing the endocytosis of Chs3. This allows an equilibrium to be set up between the antero‐ and retrograde transport of Chs3, facilitating the synthesis of the chitin ring at the neck. In contrast, hyperpolarized growth is characterized by a reduced endocytic turnover of Chs3, which in turn lead to the accumulation of Chs3 at the plasma membrane and a concomitant increase in chitin synthesis.
Effectiveness of chin‐down posture to prevent tracheal aspiration in dysphagia secondary to acquired brain injury. A videofluoroscopy study
Authors: Terré R. , Mearin F. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackground  The chin‐down posture is generally recommended in patients with neurogenic dysphagia to prevent tracheal aspiration; however, its effectiveness has not been demonstrated.Aim  To videofluoroscopically (VDF) assess the effectiveness of chin‐down posture to prevent aspiration in patients with neurogenic dysphagia secondary to acquired brain injury.Methods  Randomized, alternating, cross‐over study (with and without the chin‐down posture) in 47 patients with a VDF diagnosis of aspiration [31 stroke, 16 traumatic brain injury (TBI)] and 25 controls without aspiration (14 stroke, 11 TBI).Key Results  During the chin‐down posture, 55% of patients avoided aspiration (40% preswallow aspiration and 60% aspiration during swallow). The percentage was similar in both etiologies (58% stroke and 50% TBI). Fifty‐one percent of patients had silent aspiration; of these, 48% persisted with aspiration while in the chin‐down posture. A statistically significant relationship was found between the existence of pharyngeal residue, cricopharyngeal dysfunction, pharyngeal delay time and bolus volume with the persistence of aspiration. The chin‐down posture did not change swallow biomechanics in patients without aspiration.Conclusions & Inferences  Only half the patients with acquired brain injury avoided aspiration during cervical flexion; 48% of silent aspirators continued to aspire during the maneuver. Several videofluoroscopic parameters were related to inefficiency of the maneuver. Therefore, the indication for chin‐down posture should be evaluated by videofluoroscopic examination.
Transition from symmetry to asymmetry during continental rifting: an example from the Bight Basin–Terre Adélie (Australian and Antarctic conjugate margins)
Authors: Espurt Nicolas , Callot Jean‐Paul , Roure François , Totterdell Jennifer M. , Struckmeyer Heike I. M. , Vially Roland 
Published: February 2012

Terra Nova, 24, 167–180, 2012AbstractThe rifting history of the magma‐poor conjugate margins of Australia and Antarctica is still a controversial issue. In this article, we present a model for lithosphere‐scale rifting and deformation history from initial Jurassic rifting to Late Cretaceous breakup for the conjugate Bight Basin–Terre Adélie section of the margin, based on the interpretation of two regional conjugate seismic profiles of the margins, and the construction of a lithosphere‐scale, balanced cross‐section, sequentially restored through time. The model scenario highlights the symmetric pattern of initial stretching resulting from pure shear at lithospheric‐scale accompanied by the development of four conjugate detachments and crustal half‐graben systems. This system progressively evolves to completely asymmetric shearing along a single south‐dipping detachment at the scale of the lithosphere. Antarctica plays the role of the upper plate and Australia, the lower plate. The detachment accounts for the exhumation of the mantle part of the Australian lithosphere, and the isolation of a crustal klippe separated from the margin by a serpentinized peridotite ridge. The total elongation amount of the Australian–Antarctic conjugate system reaches ∼473 km (178%). Elongation was partitioned through time: ∼189 and ∼284 km during symmetric and asymmetric stages respectively. During the symmetric stage, both margins underwent approximately the same degree of crustal stretching [∼105 km (75%) and ∼84 km (67%) for Australia and Antarctica respectively]. Again, both margins accommodated relatively the same elongation during the asymmetric stage: the Antarctic upper plate records an elongation amount of ∼284 km (88%) as crustal/mantle stretching, above the inferred low‐angle south‐dipping detachment zone, whereas the Australian lower plate underwent ∼270 km (206%) of elongation through mantle exhumation. Although the restoration process does not allow reconstruction of the precise geometry before deformation, we propose that the Jurassic early geometric evolution of the margins may have been controlled by the inherited structure or rheological heterogeneities of the continental crust; its later evolution is thought to relate to the mechanical evolution of the crustal and mantle material during exhumation, with a strong increase in localization of shear in the lower crust and mantle part of the Australian margin. The geometry of the rifted margins is comparable to other magma‐poor rifted margin such as the Newfoundland–Iberia margins or the exhumed Alpine Tethys margin exposed in the Central Alps.