bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Justification of 150 mg clopidogrel in patients with high on‐clopidogrel platelet reactivity
Authors: Aradi Dániel , Rideg Orsolya , Vorobcsuk András , Magyarlaki Tamás , Magyari Balázs , Kónyi Attila , Pintér Tünde , Horváth Iván G. , Komócsi András 
Published: September 2011

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (4): 384–392AbstractBackground  The GRAVITAS trial showed that 150 mg clopidogrel did not improve outcome in patients with high on‐clopidogrel platelet reactivity (HPR) screened by the VerifyNow assay. We aimed to determine the impact of 150 mg clopidogrel in stable angina patients with HPR identified with conventional aggregometry (LTA).Materials and methods  Clopidogrel‐naive stable angina patients before ad hoc percutaneous coronary intervention were recruited into a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial (NCT00638326). Twelve to 24 h after the 600‐mg loading dose of clopidogrel, ADP5μM‐stimulated maximal (AGGmax), late platelet aggregation (AGGlate) and vasodilator‐stimulated phosphoprotein phosphorylation (VASP‐PRI) were evaluated. Patients with HPR (AGGmax ≥ 34%) were randomly allocated to 75 or 150 mg clopidogrel after 4 weeks. After control platelet function measurements at day 28, 75 mg clopidogrel was administered to all patients until 1 year.Results  The study was prematurely terminated at the stage of 200 enroled patients. Administration of 150 mg clopidogrel significantly reduced platelet aggregation (AGGmax: 45·0 ± 6·8 vs. 33·8 ± 15·1, P < 0·01; AGGlate: 27·1 ± 14·7 vs. 13·8 ± 18·0, P < 0·01) and VASP‐PRI (57·5 ± 15·2 vs. 37·2 ± 17·1; P < 0·01), while platelet reactivity remained unchanged in patients with HPR receiving 75 mg clopidogrel. The higher maintenance dose of clopidogrel was associated with a significant reduction in cardiovascular (CV) death and myocardial infarction (MI) (0% vs. 11·4%, P = 0·04) and in CV death, MI or target vessel revascularization (24·6% vs. 3·1%; P = 0·01) during 1 year.Conclusions  One‐month administration of 150 mg maintenance dose of clopidogrel reduces platelet reactivity and might decrease the risk of thrombo‐ischaemic complications in stable angina patients with HPR identified by LTA.
Effect of a Bacterial Lipopolysaccharide Treatment on Rabbit Testis and Ejaculated Sperm
Authors: Collodel G , Castellini C , del Vecchio MT , Cardinali R , Geminiani M , Rossi B , Spreafico A , Moretti E 
Published: September 2011

ContentsIn a previous study, we reported the short‐ and long‐term effects of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced inflammation on rabbit sperm quality. This study was aimed at exploring the spermatogenesis of the rabbit model focussing on the possible damages occurring to the testis and ejaculated sperm. Twenty New Zealand White rabbit bucks were divided into two groups. One group was inoculated intra‐peritoneally with LPS, the other group, considered as control, was treated under the same conditions with saline only. Semen samples were collected before LPS injection, the 7th, 14th, 21st, 30th, 45th, 60th and 90th day after LPS treatment. Semen parameters were evaluated following international guidelines. The kinetic characteristics of ejaculated sperm were analysed using a computer‐assisted sperm analyzer and the ultrastructural characteristics were explored by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). On the 7th, 14th and 30th day, testis from treated rabbits and controls were obtained. Testis samples were analysed by light microscopy and TEM. The induced LPS lesions in the testis became evident the 7th day after treatment, with a decrease in germinal cells and with an increase in structurally altered Sertoli cells; normal spermatogenesis was restored on the 30th day. The testicular damages observed on day 7 were probably responsible for the reduction in sperm concentration and motility and the ultrastructural alterations that were detected in the ejaculated sperm on the 14th through the 30th days after treatment. In conclusion, rabbit buck treated with LPS could be a useful model for studying the effect of an induced systemic inflammation on spermatogenesis.
Challenging Ronald: McDonald versus McDonald's
Authors: McDonald David 
Published: September 2011

Abstract:Obesity is the most prevalent health condition affecting first world children in 2011. This article recounts a campaign that opposed the construction of a fast food outlet in close proximity to a large school complex. The epidemiologic evidence that there is a negative health impact on children that attend schools close to fast food outlets is reiterated. There is an urgent need for planning laws to be modernised to reflect that evidence.
Host preference of a temperate mistletoe: Disproportional infection on three co‐occurring host species influenced by differential success
Authors: LEMAITRE ANDREA B. , TRONCOSO ALEJANDRA J. , NIEMEYER HERMANN M. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe mistletoe Tristerix verticillatus (Loranthaceae) parasitizes within a small area of the Yerba Loca Nature Sanctuary near Santiago, Chile, three co‐occurring hosts: Schinus montanus (Anacardiaceae), Fabiana imbricata (Solanaceae) and Berberis montana (Berberidaceae). Previous studies suggest that T. verticillatus may be favoured when parasitizing S. montanus relative to the other two host species. We hypothesize that infection of S. montanus is not proportional to its local abundance or appearance, that S. montanus is more intensively parasitized than other available hosts, and that host provenance is a determinant of the fate of the infecting seed. We compare the incidence of infection of T. verticillatus in relation to local availability and appearance variables, and the intensity of infection of T. verticillatus, on the three co‐occurring host species. We then test the effects of host provenance on mistletoe seed establishment success with a seed cross inoculation experiment varying the donor and receptor hosts. Finally, we test whether there are differences in establishment success between manually processed seeds and seeds defecated by the avian disperser Mimus thenca (Passeriformes: Mimidae). Our results show that the three hosts have an aggregated spatial distribution. Schinus montanus was parasitized at a higher rate than expected by its local availability and appearance, and inoculated seeds showed differential development depending on the origin of the seeds: seeds from T. verticillatus parasitizing S. montanus inoculated to S. montanus twigs showed higher germination and lower mortality than seeds from T. verticillatus parasitizing F. imbricata inoculated to S. montanus twigs. Furthermore, seeds defecated by the avian disperser, M. thenca, had higher adherence and reduced mortality when compared to manually processed seeds. The disproportional host infection found is discussed in terms of the differential establishment of mistletoe seeds, morphological characteristics of hosts and the behaviour of dispersing birds.
In planta production of the highly potent resveratrol analogue pterostilbene via stilbene synthase and O‐methyltransferase co‐expression
Authors: Rimando Agnes M. , Pan Zhiqiang , Polashock James J. , Dayan Franck E. , Mizuno Cassia S. , Snook Maurice E. , Liu Chang‐Jun , Baerson Scott R. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryResveratrol and related stilbenes are thought to play important roles in defence responses in several plant species and have also generated considerable interest as nutraceuticals owing to their diverse health‐promoting properties. Pterostilbene, a 3,5‐dimethylether derivative of resveratrol, possesses properties similar to its parent compound and, additionally, exhibits significantly higher fungicidal activity in vitro and superior pharmacokinetic properties in vivo. Recombinant enzyme studies carried out using a previously characterized O‐methyltransferase sequence from Sorghum bicolor (SbOMT3) demonstrated its ability to catalyse the A ring‐specific 3,5‐bis‐O‐methylation of resveratrol, yielding pterostilbene. A binary vector was constructed for the constitutive co‐expression of SbOMT3 with a stilbene synthase sequence from peanut (AhSTS3) and used for the generation of stably transformed tobacco and Arabidopsis plants, resulting in the accumulation of pterostilbene in both species. A reduced floral pigmentation phenotype observed in multiple tobacco transformants was further investigated by reversed‐phase HPLC analysis, revealing substantial decreases in both dihydroquercetin‐derived flavonoids and phenylpropanoid‐conjugated polyamines in pterostilbene‐producing SbOMT3/AhSTS3 events. These results demonstrate the potential utility of this strategy for the generation of pterostilbene‐producing crops and also underscore the need for the development of additional approaches for minimizing concomitant reductions in key phenylpropanoid‐derived metabolites.
Lord Killearn and British Diplomacy Regarding French Indo‐Chinese Rice Supplies, 1946–1948
Authors: SMITH T. O. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractUsing the private papers of Lord Killearn in conjunction with official government documents from the British national archives and the French colonial archives, this article builds upon previous historical scholarship to highlight the importance of Killearn's South‐East Asian diplomacy to the resolution of the international food crisis following the Second World War. As Britain's senior diplomat in South‐East Asia Killearn had little choice but to become entangled in various international disputes often centred upon French Indo‐China – Killearn's failure to do otherwise would not have preserved adequate international rice supplies. Therefore this article not only demonstrates the magnitude of Killearn's concern for South‐East Asian rice production during the immediate post‐war food crisis but it also reveals the depth of Killearn's frustration towards the chaotic priorities emanating from French Indo‐China, and thus it substantiates a more significant and complex understanding of Killearn's diplomatic mission to South‐East Asia than has been formerly stated.
Subjective Quality of Life of Women with Intellectual Disabilities: The Role of Perceived Control over their Own Life in Self‐determined Behaviour
Authors: Strnadová Iva , Evans David 
Published: September 2011

Background  Quality of life for people with intellectual disabilities has been reported in the research literature across differing demographics. There has been, however, little research that has examined in‐depth the experiences of women with intellectual disabilities aged 40 years or older.Materials and methods  Fifty‐five women from Sydney, Australia, and Prague, Czech Republic, were recruited to the study. Participants were recruited through agencies known to the researchers, ensuring ethical conduct of all procedures.Results  Each participant completed a semi‐structured interview, and using a grounded theory approach, a series of themes were identified common across all women. The strongest theme identified throughout the interviews was the lack of control participants perceived they had over their lives.Conclusions  The results of this study further the call for people with intellectual disabilities to be provided the opportunity to participate in decisions about their life choices.
Factors motivating and influencing clothing disposal behaviours
Authors: Joung Hyun‐Mee , Park‐Poaps Haesun 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThis study of 232 college students was framed by Ajzen and Fishbein's theory of reasoned action and examined factors that motivate and influence college students' clothing disposal behaviours. Using survey questionnaires, we investigated four different clothing disposal options (resale, donation, reusing and discarding) and examined five motivational factors (environmental, economic, charity and convenience concerns and information unavailability). The influences of attitudes towards the environment and subjective norms of family and friends on clothing disposal behaviours also were examined. Results indicated that resale and donation behaviours were explained by environmental concerns and that reuse and resale behaviours were explained by economic concerns. Charity concerns motivated donation behaviours and convenience motivated discarding behaviours. Further, findings indicated that family subjective norms influenced environmentally motivated resale and donation behaviours.
Growth hormone, dehydroepiandrosterone and adiponectin levels in non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis: an endocrine signature for advanced fibrosis in obese patients
Authors: Koehler Edith , Swain James , Sanderson Schuyler , Krishnan Anuradha , Watt Kymberly , Charlton Michael 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackground and AimsLiver‐related clinical consequences of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are seen only in the minority of patients with advanced fibrosis. The aim of our study was to generate insight into a potential endocrine basis of steatohepatitis with advanced fibrosis in NAFLD.MethodsBiopsy and blood samples were prospectively collected from patients with medically complicated obesity. Patients were categorized, according to liver histology, into: (i) normal, (ii) simple steatosis (SS), (iii) non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with fibrosis stage (FS) 0–1 and (iv) NASH with FS ≥ 2. A broad panel of potential biomarkers included DHEA‐S, growth hormone (GH), homeostasis model assessment‐insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), leptin, resistin, adiponectin and cytokeratin 18 (CK‐18) fragments.ResultsWe studied 160 patients (mean BMI 46.8 ± 8.2 kg/m2). Liver biopsies demonstrated normal histology in 10%, SS in 45%, NASH with FS 0–1 in 37.5% and NASH with FS ≥ 2 in 7.5%. C‐reactive protein, IL‐6, GH, CK‐18, adiponectin, HOMA‐IR and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) were significantly associated with NASH in univariate analysis, but overall predictivity of these parameters was low (AUC ROC = 0.62–0.68). In contrast, all patients with NASH with FS ≥ 2 had insulin resistance, as measured by QUICKI, and GH levels <0.45 ng/ml and all but one patient with NASH FS 2–3 had low DHEA levels (<123 μg/dl).ConclusionsLow serum levels of GH and DHEA are very common in patients with NASH with more advanced fibrosis. Other biomarkers, including CK‐18 fragment levels, have predictivity characteristics that would be of low clinical utility for distinguishing patients with normal histology or SS from those with NASH. These findings demonstrate an endocrine profile associated with advanced fibrosis.
Selection of proangiogenic ascorbate derivatives and their exploitation in a novel drug‐releasing system for wound healing
Authors: Stumpf Ulla , Michaelis Martin , Klassert Denise , Cinatl Jindrich , Altrichter Jens , Windolf Joachim , Hergenröther Julian , Scholz Martin 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe pathophysiology leading to delayed wound healing is complex and efficient therapeutic approaches for accelerated wound healing currently do not exist. We developed a novel drug‐eluting platform for the potential use in wound dressings. Here, we report on the potential of eluting ascorbic acid‐2‐phosphate (ASC‐2P), a highly stable variant of ascorbic acid, to induce angiogenesis and to promote collagen synthesis by fibroblasts. The drug‐eluting platform device (DEPD) consists of biocompatible polymeric layers comprising polyethylene terephtalate, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and polyurethane with PVA as the solvent for ASC‐2P. The angiogenic potential of ASC‐2P was evaluated in the endothelial cell tube formation assay (TFA) and in the chorion allantoic membrane (CAM) model. Collagen synthesis by ASC‐2P‐stimulated fibroblasts was determined by Sirius Red staining. ASC‐2P significantly induced angiogenesis in five independent TFA and CAM assays and induced collagen synthesis in two different fibroblast cell lines. The eluting kinetics of ASC‐2P was determined by the ultraviolet NanoDrop method and the functional 2,2′‐Azinobis‐(3‐ethylbenzthiazolin‐6‐sulfonic acid) method. Eluting profiles showed a continuous release in the range of biologically effective concentrations >10 days. This is the first report showing the proangiogenic‐ and collagen‐promoting features of ASC‐2P. DEPD loaded with ASC‐2P ought to be further evaluated as wound dressings or as supplementary pads for topical treatment of delayed wound healing in preclinical studies.
Acceleration of diabetic‐wound healing with PEGylated rhaFGF in healing‐impaired streptozocin diabetic rats
Authors: Huang Zhifeng , Lu Meifei , Zhu Guanghui , Gao Hongchang , Xie Liyun , Zhang Xiaoqin , Ye Chaohui , Wang Yan , Sun Chuanchuan , Li Xiaokun 
Published: September 2011

AbstractMolecular modification with polyethylene glycol (PEGylation) is an effective approach to improve protein biostability, in vivo lifetime and therapeutic potency. In the present study, the recombinant human acid fibroblast growth factor (rhaFGF) was site‐selectively PEGylated with 20 kDa mPEG‐butyraldehyde. Mono‐PEGylated rhaFGF was purified to near homogeneity by Sephadex G 25‐gel filtration followed by a Heparin Sepharose TM CL‐6B affinity chromatography. PEGylated rhaFGF has less effect than the native rhaFGF on the stimulation of 3T3 cell proliferation in vitro; however, its relative thermal stability at normal physiological temperature and structural stability were significantly enhanced, and its half‐life time in vivo was significantly extended. Then, the physiological function of PEGylated rhaFGF on diabetic‐wound healing was evaluated in type 1 diabetic Sprague Dawley rats. The results showed that, compared with the group of animal treated with native rhaFGF, the group treated with PEGylated rhaFGF exhibited better therapeutic efficacy with shorter healing time, quicker tissue collagen generation, earlier and higher transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β expression, and dermal cell proliferation. In addition, in vivo analysis showed that both native and PEGylated rhaFGF were more effective in the wound healing in the diabetic group compared with the nondiabetic one. Taken together, these results suggest that PEGylation of rhaFGF could be a more effective approach to the pharmacological and therapeutic application of native rhaFGF.
Clinical efficacy of basic fibroblast growth factor on pressure ulcers: Case‐control pairing study using a new evaluation method
Authors: Ohura Takehiko , Nakajo Toshio , Moriguchi Takahiko , Oka Hiroaki , Tachi Masahiro , Ohura Norihiko , Nogami Reiko , Murayama Shizuko 
Published: September 2011

AbstractA basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) case and a control case whose total scores of Pressure Ulcer Healing Process‐Ohura (PUHP‐Ohura) and risk factors for pressure ulcers, and level of care for pressure ulcers were equivalent were paired. Twenty‐three such eligible pairs were enrolled in this study. Both cases in each pair were treated under conditions in which extrinsic factors such as the use of a pressure‐relief mattress and the frequency of postural change were equivalent. The efficacy of bFGF was assessed by analyzing the data obtained over time as the scores of PUHP‐Ohura for nine observation items using the SAS MIXED procedure. Treatment of pressure ulcers with bFGF accelerated wound healing over time more significantly than the control in six observation items (exudate volume, ulcer depth, granulation formation, wound edge, epithelialization, total score of the PUHP‐Ohura). These data suggest that it may be possible to evaluate drugs for the treatment of pressure ulcers using the PUHP‐Ohura wound‐assessment tool.
Conditionally Funded Field Evaluations—A Solution to the Economic Barriers Limiting Evidence Generation in Dialysis?
Authors: Mendelssohn David C. , McFarlane Phil 
Published: September 2011

AbstractEvaluation of new therapies after licensing is usually a binary decision by payers; to fund or not to fund. In the real world, many therapies fall into a gray zone of incomplete evaluation. Many clinical and economic issues in nephrology have combined to create a long list of such promising but incompletely evaluated therapies. This article focuses on the economic challenges that limit evidence generation in nephrology. Conditionally funded field evaluations such as coverage with evidence development can allow both earlier access to new treatments and rigorous evaluation. The authors propose that field evaluations will stimulate an environment that promotes pivotal renal care advances. Certainly, the evidence challenge faced by nephrology requires urgent discussions on creating conditions that catalyze and accelerate innovation, and improve patient outcomes.
Oral health of hemodialysis patients: A cross‐sectional study at two German dialysis centers
Authors: Ziebolz Dirk , Fischer Petra , Hornecker Else , Mausberg Rainer F. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe aim of the study was to investigate the oral hygiene behavior and state of oral health of hemodialysis (HD) patients in Germany. HD patients attending two dialysis centers were asked to participate in the study. Anamneses and oral hygiene behavior were recorded in a questionnaire. Dental examination included the dental status (DMF‐T) and the degree of gingival inflammation (PDI: Periodontol Disease Index). Of 129 patients contacted, 54 (42%), aged 63.9 ± 13.0 years (23 women and 31 men), took part in the study. At an average, dialysis was required for 4.1 years. The cause of terminal renal failure was glomerulonephritis in 30% of patients and diabetic nephropathy in 22% of patients. Since dialysis therapy, 63% of the patients (n = 34) only visited a dentist when they had complaints. In 46 cases (85%), the dentist had been informed about the patient's requirement for dialysis, and in most cases (70%), the dental treatment took place on the day after dialysis. The mean DMF‐T of the HD patients was 22.1 ± 6.5. The proportion of carious teeth was low (D‐T: 0.7 ± 1.2), of missing teeth (M‐T) high (16.2 ± 9.3). The median degree of gingival inflammation (PDI) was 1. Availing themselves of dental treatment after patients needed to have dialysis was mostly “complaint oriented.” In addition to a high proportion of missing teeth, a good level of restoration of caries was found. The gingiva showed only a low level of inflammatory changes.
Kinetics of Long‐Term Moisture Expansion in Fired‐Clay Brick
Authors: Hall Christopher , Wilson Moira A. , Hoff William D. 
Published: September 2011

Slow, progressive moisture expansion is a general feature of fired‐clay ceramics. In masonry structures, it may produce cracking and must be allowed for in design. Expansion continues indefinitely although at a diminishing rate. Using long‐term data from four sources and extending up to 58 years, we show that a (time)1/4 power law model describes accurately the rate of expansion. The model is remarkable in having only two adjustable parameters, and provides a firm basis for predicting expansion in structural masonry. The results support also the use of the (time)1/4 model to represent the kinetics of long‐term mass gain in archaeological ceramics.
Effect of Host Structure and Concentration on the Luminescence of Eu3+ and Tb3+ in Borate Phosphors
Authors: Thakur Jyotsna , Dutta Dimple P. , Bagla Hemlata , Tyagi Avesh Kumar 
Published: September 2011

Eu3+ and Tb3+ doped in nanocrystalline InBO3, GdBO3, and LaBO3 having three different morphs of calcite (CaCO3) such as Calcite, Vaterite, and Aragonite, respectively, were synthesized by glycine–nitrate combustion method. Luminescence due to Eu3+ and Tb3+ doped individually as well as simultaneously in these three different morphs of calcite were investigated and compared. Also the effect of concentration of dopant ions on the luminescence was studied. The highest photoluminescence emission intensity was observed for RE0.05M0.95BO3 (RE = Eu3+, Tb3+, M = In, Gd, La) samples. Further increase in doping led to concentration quenching of the luminescence. In case of the co‐doped borates, the energy transfer between the co‐doped rare earth ions was influenced by the host crystal structure. This study reveals that there is remarkable effect of the crystal structure of host and concentration of dopant ions on the luminescence.