bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Senior Center–Based Pilot Trial of the Effect of Lifestyle Intervention on Blood Pressure in Minority Elderly People with Hypertension
Authors: Fernandez Senaida , Scales Kasandra L. , Pineiro Johanna M. , Schoenthaler Antoinette M. , Ogedegbe Gbenga 
Published: August 2008

OBJECTIVES: To test the feasibility, acceptability, and effect of a senior center–based behavioral counseling lifestyle intervention on systolic blood pressure (BP).DESIGN: A pre‐post design pilot trial of behavioral counseling for therapeutic lifestyle changes in minority elderly people with hypertension. Participants completed baseline visit, Visit 1 (approximately 6 weeks postbaseline), and a final study Visit 2 (approximately 14 weeks postbaseline) within 4 months.SETTING: The study took place in six community‐based senior centers in New York City with 65 seniors (mean age 72.29±6.92; 53.8% female; 84.6% African American).PARTICIPANTS: Sixty‐five minority elderly people.INTERVENTION: Six weekly and two monthly “booster” group sessions on lifestyle changes to improve BP (e.g., diet, exercise, adherence to prescribed antihypertensive medications).MEASUREMENTS: Primary outcome was systolic BP (SBP) measured using an automated BP monitor. Secondary outcomes were diastolic BP (DBP), physical activity, diet, and adherence to prescribed antihypertensive medications.RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in average SBP of 13.0±21.1 mmHg for the intervention group (t(25)=3.14, P=.004) and a nonsignificant reduction in mean SBP of 10.6±30.0 mmHg for the waitlist control group (t(29)=1.95, P=.06). For the intervention group, adherence improved 26% (t(23)=2.31, P=.03), and vegetable intake improved 23% (t(25)=2.29, P=.03).CONCLUSION: This senior center–based lifestyle intervention was associated with a significant reduction in SBP and adherence to prescribed antihypertensive medications and diet in the intervention group. Participant retention and group attendance rates suggest that implementing a group‐counseling intervention in senior centers is feasible.
Subsequent Fracture in Nursing Home Residents with a Hip Fracture: A Competing Risks Approach
Authors: Berry Sarah D. , Samelson Elizabeth J. , Ngo Long , Bordes Malynda , Broe Kerry E. , Kiel Douglas P. 
Published: August 2008

OBJECTIVES:To determine the incidence and predictors of subsequent fracture in nursing home residents with a hip fracture, accounting for the competing risk of death.DESIGN:Dynamic cohort study.SETTING:Hebrew Rehabilitation Center, a 725‐bed, long‐term care facility in Boston, Massachusetts.PARTICIPANTS:Long‐term care residents with a surgically repaired hip fracture (1999–2006) followed through June 30, 2007, for the occurrence of subsequent fracture at any skeletal site.MEASUREMENTS:Information on age, sex, anatomic location, type of repair, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, functional status, cognitive status, and medication use were evaluated as potential risk factors for subsequent fracture.RESULTS:The study included 184 residents with a baseline hip fracture. Thirty‐nine residents (7 men, 32 women) experienced a subsequent fracture over a median follow‐up of 1.1 years. After the baseline hip fracture, 6% of residents experienced a subsequent fracture within 6 months, 12% within 1 year, and 21% within 5 years. In addition, 23% of residents died within 6 months, 31% within 1 year, and 60% within 5 years. High functional status was associated with a five times greater risk of subsequent fracture (high vs low functional status, hazard ratio=5.10,P<.005). Age, sex, BMI, comorbidities, cognitive status, and medication use were not associated with subsequent fracture.CONCLUSION:Hip fractures are a sentinel event in nursing home residents, with a high incidence of subsequent fracture and death occurring within 1 year. Identification of prefracture characteristics and postfracture complications associated with mortality should help guide secondary prevention efforts in nursing home residents.
Antimicrobial and mechanical properties of acrylic resins with incorporated silver–zinc zeolite – part I
Authors: Casemiro Luciana Assirati , Martins Carlos Henrique Gomes , Pires‐de‐Souza Fernanda de Carvalho Panzeri , Panzeri Heitor 
Published: August 2008

Objective: The purpose of thisin vitrostudy was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of acrylic resins containing different percentages of silver and zinc zeolite, and to assess whether the addition of zeolite alters the flexural and impact strength of the resins.Background: The characteristics of acrylic resins support microorganism development that can threaten the health of the dentures user.Material and methods: A microwave‐polymerised (Onda‐Cryl) and two heat‐polymerised (QC20 and Lucitone 550) acrylic resins were used. The materials were handled according to the manufacturers’ instructions. Fifty rectangular‐shaped specimens (8 × 10 × 4mm) were fabricated from each resin and assigned to 5 groups (n = 10) according to their percentage of Irgaguard B5000 silver–zinc zeolite (0%– control, 2.5%, 5.0%, 7.5% and 10%). Flexural strength and Izod impact strength were evaluated. The antimicrobial activity against two strains ofCandida albicansand two strains ofStreptococcus mutanswas assessed by agar diffusion method. Data were analysed statistically by one‐wayanovaand Tukey’s test at 5% significance level.Results: The addition of 2.5% of Irgaguard B5000 to the materials resulted in antimicrobial activity against all strains. Flexural strength decreased significantly with the addition of 2.5% (QC20 and Lucitone 550) and 5.0% (Onda‐Cryl) of Irgaguard B5000. The impact strength decreased significantly with the addition of 2.5% (Lucitone 550) and 5.0% (QC20 and Onda‐Cryl) of zeolite.Conclusion: The addition of silver–zinc zeolite to acrylic resins yields antimicrobial activity, but may affect negatively the mechanical properties, depending on the percentage of zeolite.
Retention of telescopic denture in elderly patients with maximum partially edentulous arch
Authors: Stančić Ivica , Jelenković Aleksandra 
Published: August 2008

The telescopic denture is one possible solution for prosthetic rehabilitation for a partially dentate arch with few remaining teeth, which is the reason why it is usually considered in elderly patients. The system of double crowns consists of the male component of attachment or patrix, which is cemented to the abutment tooth, and the female component of attachment or matrix, which is the removable part of the restoration.Retention force represents resistance to those forces which tend to separate the partial denture and supporting tissue in the occlusal direction. Its optimal value is 5–9 N per each patrix and it should strictly be between these limits as a stronger or weaker force will endanger the functionality of the denture or damage the supporting tissue of the abutment teeth.Objective:  The goal of this study was to establish the exact value of the individual and total retention force of the completed telescopic system.Method:  The Bredent dynamometer was used for measuring these values. The study involved measuring the individual force of separation of 50 patrix–matrix components, and total force of 20 partial dentures of various designs retained by double crowns made in the Dental Laboratory of the Clinic for Prosthetic Dentistry, Faculty of Stomatology, Belgrade University. The research was carried out in the period from January 2006 to October 2006.Results and conclusion:  The results showed different values of separation force – from very low values to those exceeding optimal limits. A reduction in the force of separation is necessary in the case of excessive tightness. If there was looseness between patrix and matrix, the cylindrical components of double crowns need to be lined by a suitable composite material.
Estuarine capacity in removal of trace metals from contaminated river water, Southern Caspian Sea
Authors: Saeedi Mohsen , Karbassi Abdulreza 
Published: August 2008

AbstractIn the present investigation, the flocculation of dissolved Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Mn and Zn with initial concentrations of 1, 2.5 and 5 mg/L in Tadjan River water during mixing with the Caspian Sea water has been studied in order to determine estuarine capacity to remove dissolved metals in the accidental contamination of the river. The flocculation process was investigated on a series of mixtures with salinities ranging from 0.1 to 11 p.p.t. The flocculation rates were indicative of the nonconservative behaviour of Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Mn and Zn during estuarine mixing. The order of the final flocculation rate of dissolved metals at 1, 2.5 and 5 mg/L of initial metal concentrations in the river water is as follows:Cu (99%)>Cd (95%)>Zn (88%)>Mn (85%)>Pb (83%)>Ni (73%), Cu(95.6%)>Pb(92.4%)>Cd (90%)>Zn(88.4%)>Mn (81.6%)>Ni(78.8%) and Cd (100%)>Cu(88%)>Ni (85.2%)>Pb (84%)>Zn (83.2%)>Mn (81.2%), respectively. The results also revealed that removal of dissolved metals is not influenced by pH changes and precipitation processes. The flocculation rates revealed that the overall dissolved metal pollution loads may be reduced to about 70% up to about more than 90% during estuarine mixing of Tadjan River with the Caspian Sea water.
Isolation and characterization of 10 microsatellite loci in Callicarpa subpubescens (Verbenaceae), an endemic species of the Bonin Islands
Authors: MORI K. , KANEKO S. , ISAGI Y. , MURAKAMI N. , KATO H. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractTen microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized for Callicarpa subpubescens (Verbenaceae), an endemic tree species of the Bonin Islands. The observed number of alleles at each locus ranged from two to eight with an average of 4.9, and the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.238 to 0.690 with an average of 0.483. All 10 loci were screened in cross‐amplification tests for two other endemic Callicarpa species that also inhabit the Bonin Islands. All loci were successfully amplified in these species.
Isolation and characterization of 100 polymorphic microsatellite loci for the Siberian jay (Perisoreus infaustus)
Authors: JAARI SONJA , VÄLIMÄKI KAISA , MERILÄ JUHA 
Published: August 2008

AbstractWe describe primers and polymerase chain reaction conditions to amplify 100 microsatellite loci from the Siberian jay (Perisoreus infaustus). The primers were tested on two geographically separated Finnish populations. The developed primer pairs yielded an average of 4.72 alleles per locus (range one to 17) and an average observed heterozygosity of 0.55 (range 0.04 to 1).
Prophylactic administration of antibiotics unnecessary following ultrasound‐guided biopsy and ablation therapy for liver tumors: Open‐labeled randomized prospective study
Authors: Sato Shuichi , Mishiro Tomoko , Miyake Tatsuya , Okamoto Eisuke , Furuta Kohichiro , Azumi Takane , Oshima Naoki , Takahashi Yoshiko , Ishihara Shunnji , Adachi Kyoichi , Amano Yuji , Kinoshita Yoshikazu 
Published: August 2008

Aim:  To determine the prophylactic effect of antibiotics administration in the prevention of infection following an ultrasound‐guided percutaneous liver biopsy or treatment of liver tumors, we performed an open‐labeled randomized prospective study of patients who received prophylactic antibiotics after undergoing those procedures.Methods:  We studied 101 patients, with ultrasound‐guided percutaneous aspiration biopsies of the liver performed in 48 to diagnose diffuse liver diseases or liver tumors, while percutaneous ethanol‐injection therapy was performed in two patients with malignant liver tumors and percutaneous radiofrequency ablation was performed in 51 patients. An oral administration of levofloxacin at 400 mg/day was given to 50 of the enrolled patients from the morning of the treatment day for three days. Preventive antibiotics were not administered to the remaining 51 patients. Body temperature, peripheral blood leukocyte number, c‐reactive protein, alanine aminotransferase, and lactic dehydrogenase were measured daily for three days after treatment.Results:  Most parameters changed following percutaneous treatments of liver tumors, though no significant differences were seen between the patients treated with antibiotics and those untreated. Most significantly, there was no difference in the frequency of post‐procedure infection between the groups.Conclusion:  Our results suggest that prophylactic administration of antibiotics following a percutaneous liver biopsy and treatment of liver tumors does not have a significant impact on the post‐procedure results or incidence of infection.
Impact of Clinical Variables on
Borrelia burgdorferi
-Specific Antibody Seropositivity in Acute-Phase Sera from Patients in North America with Culture-Confirmed Early Lyme Disease
Authors: Wormser Gary P. , Nowakowski John , Nadelman Robert B. , Visintainer Paul , Levin Andrew , Aguero-Rosenfeld Maria E. 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT

Erythema migrans, the most common manifestation of Lyme disease, has been associated with highly variable rates of seropositivity for antibodies to
Borrelia burgdorferi
. Differences in the sensitivities of serologic assays for the detection of these antibodies, however, may not be the only or even the primary explanation for this observation. We investigated the impacts of four clinical variables on seropositivity—the duration of erythema migrans, the presence of single versus multiple skin lesions, and the gender and age of the patient. In this analysis, three different serologic tests were performed on acute-phase sera from 175 untreated patients with culture-confirmed erythema migrans: the C6 single-peptide enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), a commercially available ELISA in which a whole-cell sonicate of
B. burgdorferi
was the antigen, and a two-tier procedure. Irrespective of the serologic test performed, the results showed that seropositivity rates increased with the duration of the erythema migrans for patients with single lesions (
P
< 0.001) but not for those with multiple skin lesions. The variability in seropositivity rates was greatest for the two-tier testing strategy, with a >6-fold-higher rate of seropositivity among patients with a single lesion of 22- to 30-day duration than among those whose skin lesion was of 1- to 7-day duration (85.7 versus 14.1%;
P
< 0.001). Rates of seropositivity by each of the testing methods were also significantly higher for patients with multiple skin lesions than for those with single lesions (
P
< 0.001). In contrast, seropositivity rates were not affected by either the gender or the age of the patient. Thus, in patients with erythema migrans, certain clinical variables such as the duration and number of skin lesions had a profound impact on seropositivity rates, irrespective of the serologic assay performed.
Effects of Antibiotic Treatment on the Results of Nested PCRs for Scrub Typhus
Authors: Kim Dong-Min , Byun Joo Nam 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT
In order to determine the effects of antibiotic treatment on the results of nested PCRs for scrub typhus, we investigated the frequency of positive outcomes at various times after antibiotic administration in patients with scrub typhus. The rate of detection by nested PCR with blood buffy coat before antibiotic administration was 90.5%. However, this decreased to 60.5% within 3 days after administration of antibiotics such as doxycycline and rifampin and to 10% by the fourth day following antibiotic administration. Since the sensitivity of nested PCR can be affected by antibiotic administration, clinicians should perform this PCR before antibiotic administration and at the latest within 3 days after antibiotic administration.
Acne is Not Associated with Yet-Uncultured Bacteria
Authors: Bek-Thomsen M. , Lomholt H. B. , Kilian M. 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT

Current clinical and microbiological information on acne fails to demonstrate a clear association between particular species, including
Propionibacterium acnes
, and disease, and the disease continues to be a considerable problem. To test if acne is associated with hitherto uncultured bacteria residing in diseased skin follicles, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of approximately 5,700 amplified and cloned 16S rRNA genes were used to determine the microbial diversity in follicles from acne patients and healthy individuals and from the superficial skin of acne patients. Follicles from healthy skin were exclusively colonized by
P. acnes
, whereas the follicular microbiota of acne patients included, in addition,
Staphylococcus epidermidis
and minor proportions of other species. In comparison, samples from superficial skin showed a complex microbiota represented by 12 to 16 bacterial species. The findings of the study exclude the possibility that acne is associated with yet-uncultured bacteria and shows that healthy skin follicles constitute a remarkably exclusive habitat allowing colonization only by
P. acnes
.
Evaluation of a Multiplex PCR Assay (Bruce-ladder) for Molecular Typing of All
Brucella
Species, Including the Vaccine Strains
Authors: López-Goñi I. , García-Yoldi D. , Marín C. M. , de Miguel M. J. , Muñoz P. M. , Blasco J. M. , Jacques I. , Grayon M. , Cloeckaert A. , Ferreira A. C. , Cardoso R. , Corrêa de Sá M. I. , Walravens K. , Albert D. , Garin-Bastuji B. 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT

An evaluation of a multiplex PCR assay (Bruce-ladder) was performed in seven laboratories using 625
Brucella
strains from different animal and geographical origins. This robust test can differentiate in a single step all of the classical
Brucella
species, including those found in marine mammals and the S19, RB51, and Rev.1 vaccine strains.
Deployable Laboratory Response to Emergence of Melioidosis in Central Sri Lanka
Authors: Inglis Timothy J. J. , Merritt Adam , Montgomery Joanne , Jayasinghe Indika , Thevanesam Vasanthi , McInnes Russell 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT
A portable molecular diagnostic laboratory was used to provide molecular confirmation of suspected melioidosis cases seen at Peradeniya Hospital, central Sri Lanka. Soil supernatants from rice field and rubber plantation samples also produced PCR-positive results. These procedures could be used for melioidosis field work in other remote locations.
Resistance Mutations in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Integrase Selected with Elvitegravir Confer Reduced Susceptibility to a Wide Range of Integrase Inhibitors
Authors: Goethals Olivia , Clayton Reginald , Van Ginderen Marcia , Vereycken Inge , Wagemans Elisabeth , Geluykens Peggy , Dockx Koen , Strijbos Rudy , Smits Veerle , Vos Ann , Meersseman Geert , Jochmans Dirk , Vermeire Kurt , Schols Dominique , Hallenberger Sabine , Hertogs Kurt 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTIntegration of viral DNA into the host chromosome is an essential step in the life cycle of retroviruses and is facilitated by the viral integrase enzyme. The first generation of integrase inhibitors recently approved or currently in late-stage clinical trials shows great promise for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, but virus is expected to develop resistance to these drugs. Therefore, we used a novel resistance selection protocol to follow the emergence of resistant HIV in the presence of the integrase inhibitor elvitegravir (GS-9137). We find the primary resistance-conferring mutations to be Q148R, E92Q, and T66I and demonstrate that they confer a reduction in susceptibility not only to elvitegravir but also to raltegravir (MK-0518) and other integrase inhibitors. The locations of the mutations are highlighted in the catalytic sites of integrase, and we correlate the mutations with expected drug-protein contacts. In addition, mutations that do not confer reduced susceptibility when present alone (H114Y, L74M, R20K, A128T, E138K, and S230R) are also discussed in relation to their position in the catalytic core domain and their proximity to known structural features of integrase. These data broaden the understanding of antiviral resistance against integrase inhibitors and may give insight facilitating the discovery of second-generation compounds.
AKT1-Dependent Activation of NF-κB by the L Protein of Parainfluenza Virus 5
Authors: Luthra Priya , Sun Dengyun , Wolfgang Matthew , He Biao 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTInnate immunity plays a critical role in the control of viral infections. The induction of innate immune responses requires activation of transcription factors. In particular, NF-κB plays an essential role in activating the expression of cytokines involved in innate immunity such as beta interferon (IFN-β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). However, the mechanisms by which viruses activate NF-κB are poorly defined. Infection by parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5), a prototypical member of theParamyxoviridaefamily ofMononegavirales, has been shown to activate the expression of IFN-β and IL-6. To examine how PIV5 induces this expression, we have examined the activation of NF-κB by PIV5 proteins. We have found that expression of PIV5 L protein alone is sufficient to activate NF-κB. The L protein of PIV5, the catalytic component of the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, contains six domains that are conserved among all negative-stranded nonsegmented RNA viruses. We have mapped the region that activates NF-κB to the second domain, which is thought to be involved in RNA synthesis. The activation of NF-κB by L requires AKT1, a serine/threonine kinase, since AKT1 small interfering RNA, an AKT inhibitor as well as a dominant-negative mutant of AKT1, blocks this activation. Furthermore, we have found that L interacts with AKT1 and enhances its phosphorylation. We speculate that L may encode AKT1 kinase activity.
E6 Proteins from Multiple Human Betapapillomavirus Types Degrade Bak and Protect Keratinocytes from Apoptosis after UVB Irradiation
Authors: Underbrink Michael P. , Howie Heather L. , Bedard Kristin M. , Koop Jennifer I. , Galloway Denise A. 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT
Human papillomavirus (HPV) types from the beta genus (beta-HPVs) have been implicated in the development of skin cancer. A potentially important aspect of their carcinogenic role is the ability of the E6 protein to degrade the proapoptotic family member Bak, which gives cells the ability to survive UV damage. However, it is unknown if the ability to degrade Bak is limited to certain beta-HPV types or whether E6 expression in keratinocytes affects other proteins important for apoptosis signaling. We tested the abilities of E6 proteins from several representative members of the beta-HPVs to degrade Bak and protect UV-treated keratinocytes from apoptosis. The E6 proteins of the beta-HPV type 5 (HPV5), -8, -20, -22, -38, -76, -92, and -96, as well as the alpha genus HPV HPV16, all degraded Bak or prevented its accumulation following UV treatment but did not degrade Bak constitutively. In addition, when tested using HPV16 E6 (16E6) and 8E6 as representative E6 proteins from the alpha and beta genera, respectively, Bak degradation was dependent on the E3 ubiquitin ligase, E6AP. Other important regulators of apoptotic signaling were examined and found to be unperturbed by the expression of the beta-HPV E6 proteins. Importantly, the expression of beta-HPV E6 proteins protected keratinocytes from apoptosis to the same extent as 16E6-expressing cells. In conclusion, several of the beta-HPV types possess the ability to protect UV-treated keratinocytes from apoptosis by reducing levels of Bak in those cells, thus blocking the intrinsic apoptotic pathway.