bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A STAT3-inhibitory hairpin decoy oligodeoxynucleotide discriminates between STAT1 and STAT3 and induces death in a human colon carcinoma cell line
Authors: Souissi Inès , Ladam Patrick , Cognet Jean AH , Le Coquil Stéphanie , Varin-Blank Nadine , Baran-Marszak Fanny , Metelev Valeri , Fagard Remi
Published: March 2012

Background

The Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) is activated in tumor cells, and STAT3-inhibitors are able to induce the death of those cells. Decoy oligodeoxynucleotides (dODNs), which bind to the DNA Binding Domain (DBD) of STAT3, are efficient inhibitors. However, they also inhibit STAT1, whose activity is essential not only to resistance to pathogens, but also to cell growth inhibition and programmed cell death processes. The aim of this study was to design STAT3-specific dODNs which do not affect STAT1-mediated processes.

Results

New dODNs with a hairpin (hpdODNs) were designed. Modifications were introduced, based on the comparison of STAT3- and STAT1-DBD interactions with DNA using 3D structural analyses. The designed hpdODNs were tested for their ability to inhibit STAT3 but not STAT1 by determining: i) cell death in the active STAT3-dependent SW480 colon carcinoma cell line, ii) absence of inhibition of interferon (IFN) γ-dependent cell death, iii) expression of STAT1 targets, and iv) nuclear location of STAT3 and STAT1. One hpdODN was found to efficiently induce the death of SW480 cells without interfering with IFNγ-activated STAT1. This hpdODN was found in a complex with STAT3 but not with STAT1 using an original in-cell pull-down assay; this hpdODN also did not inhibit IFNγ-induced STAT1 phosphorylation, nor did it inhibit the expression of the STAT1-target IRF1. Furthermore, it prevented the nuclear transfer of STAT3 but not that of IFNγ-activated STAT1.

Conclusions

Comparative analyses at the atomic level revealed slight differences in STAT3 and STAT1 DBDs' interaction with their DNA target. These were sufficient to design a new discriminating hpdODN that inhibits STAT3 and not STAT1, thereby inducing tumor cell death without interfering with STAT1-dependent processes. Preferential interaction with STAT3 depends on oligodeoxynucleotide sequence modifications but might also result from DNA shape changes, known to modulate protein/DNA interactions. The finding of a STAT3-specific hpdODN establishes the first rational basis for designing STAT3 DBD-specific inhibitors.
A novel randomly textured phosphor structure for highly efficient white light-emitting diodes
Authors: Chen Hsin Chu , Chen Kuo Ju , Wang Chao Hsun , Lin Chien Chung , Yeh Chia Chi , Tsai Hsin Han , Shih Min Hsiung , Kuo Hao Chung , Lu Tien Chang
Published: March 2012

We have successfully demonstrated the enhanced luminous flux and lumen efficiency in white light-emitting diodes by the randomly textured phosphor structure. The textured phosphor structure was fabricated by a simple imprinting technique, which does not need an expensive dry-etching machine or a complex patterned definition. The textured phosphor structure increases luminous flux by 5.4% and 2.5% at a driving current of 120 mA, compared with the flat phosphor and half-spherical lens structures, respectively. The increment was due to the scattering of textured surface and also the phosphor particles, leading to the enhancement of utilization efficiency of blue light. Furthermore, the textured phosphor structure has a larger view angle at the full width at half maximum (87°) than the reference LEDs.
ER and HER2 expression are positively correlated in HER2 non-overexpressing breast cancer
Authors: Pinhel Isabel , Hills Margaret , Drury Suzanne , Salter Janine , Sumo Georges , A'Hern Roger , Bliss Judith M , Sestak Ivana , Cuzick Jack , Barrett-Lee Peter , Harris Adrian , Dowsett Mitch ,   the NCRI Adjuvant Breast Cancer Trial Management Group
Published: March 2012

Introduction

Estrogen receptor-α (ER) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positivity are inversely correlated by standard criteria. However, we investigated the quantitative relation between ER and HER2 expression at both RNA and protein levels in HER2+ve and HER2-ve breast carcinomas.

Methods

ER and HER2 levels were assessed with immunohistochemistry (IHC) and (for HER2) fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (q-RT-PCR) in formalin-fixed primary breast cancers from 448 patients in the National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) Adjuvant Breast Cancer Trial (ABC) tamoxifen-only arm. Relations at the RNA level were assessed in 1,139 TransATAC tumors.

Results

ER and HER2 RNA levels were negatively correlated as expected in HER2+ve (IHC 3+ and/or FISH-amplified) tumors (r = -0.45; P = 0.0028). However, in HER2-ve tumors (ER+ve and ER-ve combined), a significant positive correlation was found (r = 0.43; P < 0.0001), HER2 RNA levels being 1.74-fold higher in ER+ve versus ER-ve tumors. This correlation was maintained in the ER+veHER2-ve subgroup (r = 0.24; P = 0.0023) and confirmed in this subgroup in 1,139 TransATAC tumours (r = 0.25; P < 0.0001). The positive relation extended to IHC-detected ER in ABC: mean ± 95% confidence interval (CI) H-scores were 90 ± 19 and 134 ± 19 for 0 and 1+ HER2 IHC categories, respectively (P = 0.0013). A trend toward lower relapse-free survival (RFS) was observed in patients with the lowest levels of ER and HER2 RNA levels within the ER+veHER2-ve subgroup both for ABC and TransATAC cohorts.

Conclusions

ER and HER2 expression is positively correlated in HER2-ve tumors. The distinction between HER2+ve and HER2-ve is greater in ER-ve than in ER+ve tumors. These findings are important to consider in clinical trials of anti-HER2 and anti-endocrine therapy in HER2-ve disease.

Trial Registration

Clinical trial identifier: ISRCTN31514446.
Development by a Large Integrated Health Care System of an Objective Methodology for Evaluation of Medical Oncology Service Sites
Authors: Bjegovich-Weidman Marija , Kahabka Jill , Bock Amy , Frick Jacob , Kowalski Helga , Mirro Joseph
Published: March 2012

Purpose:

Aurora Health Care (AHC) is the largest health care system in Wisconsin, with 14 acute care hospitals. In early 2010, a group of 18 medical oncologists became affiliated with AHC. This affiliation added 13 medical oncology infusion clinics to our existing 12 sites. In the era of health care reform and declining reimbursement, we need an objective method and criteria to evaluate our 25 outpatient medical oncology sites. We developed financial, clinical, and strategic tools for the evaluation and management of our cancer subservice lines and outpatient sites. The key to our success has been the direct involvement of stakeholders with a vested interest in the services in the selection of the criteria and evaluation process.

Methods:

We developed our objective metrics for evaluation based on strategic, financial, operational, and patient experience criteria. Strategic criteria included: population trends, full-time equivalent (FTE) medical oncologists/primary care physicians, FTE radiation oncologists, FTE oncologic surgeons, new annual cases of patients with cancer, and market share trends. Financial criteria per site included: physician work relative value units, staff FTE by type, staff salaries, and profit and loss. Operational criteria included: facility by type (clinic v hospital based), hours of operation, and facility detail (eg, No. of chairs, No. of procedure and examination rooms, square footage). Patient experience criteria included: nursing model primary/nurse navigators, multidisciplinary support at site, Press Ganey (South Bend, IN; health care performance improvement company) results, and employee engagement score.

Results:

The outcome of our data analysis has resulted in the development of recommendations for AHC senior leadership and geographic market leadership to consider the consolidation of four sites (phase one, four sites; phase two, two sites) and priority strategic sites to address capacity issues that limit growth. The recommendations if implemented would result in significant cost savings, currently being quantified as a result of consolidation and improved efficiency. A reinvestment of these cost savings would be required to address facility expansion and program enhancement to maximize patient-centered expert care consistently across all of our remaining sites of service.
Palliative Care: A Lifeline to Quality of Life
Authors: Kirch Rebecca Anne , Brawley Otis
Published: March 2012

ASCO's Provisional Clinical Opinion offers the opportunity to bring clinicians a significant step forward in delivering truly patient-centered, family-focused care that can make a difference.
Maintaining a Language of Culture: Outcomes of Medieval Iberian Shift as a Predictor for Spanish in the American Southwest
Authors: Beale-Rivaya Yasmine
Published: March 2012

Geopolitical borderlands such as the moving frontier of the Christian reconquest in medieval Iberia and today's mexican-U.S. border call to mind complex cultural and linguistic dimensions that internal nonbordering areas do not. Peoples living in border or liminal cultural areas are often characterized as having hard-to-define and multiple identities, a situation often reflected in their linguistic performances. Although political borders may be well defined, linguistic borders are not. On either side of political borders we find an overlapping and intermixing of languages within a small geographical space, and the contact between two or more languages along border areas has produced widely different linguistic outcomes, such as continued development of each individual language, language mixing or shift, or language extinction of at least one of the languages. The linguistic circumstances of Spanish and english along the mexican-U.S. border today in many ways parallel those of the border areas of medieval Iberia and the Arabic and Romance languages. Given the many similarities between Al-Andalus (711–1492 c.e.) and the Southwest, a comparative analysis of the sociolinguistic developments within Al-Andalus and those of the American Southwest may further our understanding of underlying linguistic processes that may contribute to or hinder the successful maintenance of languages in border areas.
The “Alpha and Omega” Of Haitian Literature: Baron de Vastey and the U.s. Audience of Haitian Political Writing
Authors: Daut Marlene L.
Published: March 2012

Given the increasingly fractured interactions between Haiti and the United States in the twentieth century that recently culminated in what one critic has called the “alleged kidnapping of Aristide,” it would be more than tempting to conclude that Haitians have always been the victims of an unequivocally “bad press” which they were powerless to influence. However, an examination of the complicated interactions between early Haitian political writers and the northern U.S. newspaper press in the first two decades of Haitian independence suggests that the idea of Haiti as a powerless “apparent state” with an unimportant literary tradition is a concept of more recent date. Based on literary reviews and advertisements in nineteenth-century U.S. newspapers, as well as the holdings of U.S. libraries during that time, U.S. readers living in the northern states were well acquainted with Haitian authors generally and with the works of the Baron de Vastey (1781–1820) in particular. Vastey composed at least ten prose works, all of which circulated either in the original or in English translation in the Atlantic World. U.S. newspapers in the north that printed or reviewed Vastey's works tended to view Haiti favorably and argued for formal recognition of Haitian independence, as well as continued trade with the country. Vastey's ideas were thus crucial to the development of northern U.S. American attitudes towards Haitian independence in the early nineteenth century, and one reviewer of his works called him “the ‘Alpha and Omega’ of Haitian intellect and literature.” I argue therefore that, contrary to popular belief, Haiti was not isolated by non-recognition in the first two decades of independence, if by isolation we mean cut off from the rest of the world either economically or culturally.
Introduction
Authors: Arnesen Eric
Published: March 2012

In this issue's Up for Debate, Tony Judt's posthumous book, Ill Fares the Land, serves as a provocative vehicle to discuss the simultaneous rise of neoliberalism, growing inequality, and collapse of the Euro-American Left across recent decades. In the spirit of Judt's own unapologetic, clear-eyed argument, four iconoclastic historians go after the big ideas here. According to neoconservative critic Fred Siegel, it is the Left itself that has undermined the “social solidarity” required for social democracy—first in a 1960s-1970s cult of individual expressionism and identity politics, then in a failure to discipline government spending in an era of limits. Alternatively, Alice O'Connor sees the 2008 financial collapse not only as a moment, like Judt, to “think the state again” but also to re-think the larger political economy. The slowly sinking possibilities for doing so at the national level, she concludes, will require a major act of political as well as intellectual will. In Judith Stein's view, the collapse of social democratic politics stemmed less from cultural or political causes cited by Judt than economic ones. Likewise, only close attention to the role of manufacturing (and state support for same) in undergirding economic prosperity can re-kindle majoritarian support for a politics of social provisioning. Geoff Eley points to a still-larger tableau, the changing global economy of the postwar world, to account for the drastic transformation of “political common sense” in the West. Moreover, he argues, any new politics of solidarity will need to transcend a Keynesian bubble built on subjugation of Third World workers and resources as well as reckon with revolutions of sexuality and women's empowerment, the decline of the mass political party, and environmental crisis.
Work House Blues: Black Musicians in Chicago and the Labor of Culture During the Jazz Age
Authors: House Roger
Published: March 2012

This article examines the laboring culture of African American jazz and blues musicians in Chicago in the 1920s. It explores the musicians' efforts to forge an occupational identity in the context of race and class tensions in the Chicago job market as well as their experiences in both the day jobs needed to pay the bills and the performance jobs in clubs, theaters, and recording studios. The author draws from the memoirs and songs of Earl Hines, Mahalia Jackson, Willie “the Lion” Smith, and Big Bill Broonzy, among others, to uncover the impressions of musicians' working conditions in Chicago during the “golden age” of jazz.
β-Catenin–SOX2 signaling regulates the fate of developing airway epithelium
Authors: Hashimoto Shuichi , Chen Huaiyong , Que Jianwen , Brockway Brian L. , Drake Jeffrey A. , Snyder Joshua C. , Randell Scott H. , Stripp Barry R.
Published: March 2012

Wnt–β-catenin signaling regulates cell fate during organ development and postnatal tissue maintenance, but its contribution to specification of distinct lung epithelial lineages is still unclear. To address this question, we used a Cre recombinase (Cre)-LoxP approach to activate canonical Wnt signaling ectopically in developing lung endoderm. We found that persistent activation of canonical Wnt signaling within distal lung endoderm was permissive for normal development of alveolar epithelium, yet led to the loss of developing bronchiolar epithelium and ectasis of distal conducting airways. Activation of canonical Wnt led to ectopic expression of a lymphoid-enhancing factor and a T-cell factor (LEF and TCF, respectively) and absence of SRY (sex-determining region Y)-box 2 (SOX2) and tumor protein p63 (p63) expression in proximal derivatives. Conditional loss of SOX2 in airways phenocopied epithelial differentiation defects observed with ectopic activation of canonical Wnt. Our data suggest that Wnt negatively regulates a SOX2-dependent signaling program required for developmental progression of the bronchiolar lineage.
Forced binding of the origin of replication complex to chromosomal sites inDrosophilaS2 cells creates an origin of replication
Authors: Crevel Gilles , Cotterill Sue
Published: March 2012

Origins of replication in higher eukaryotes appear to lack specific sequence characteristics and those mapped often appear to be spread over several kilobases. This has complicated the study of site-specific events at origins of replication in vivo. Here we show that fusion of a Gal4-binding domain to proteins of the origin of replication complex (Orc) is sufficient to direct initiation to Gal4-binding sites inserted in the Drosophila S2 cell chromosome. The activation appears to go via an authentic route, taking place only in the S phase of the cell cycle and involving the formation of a prereplication complex. We have also shown that the origin-associated acetylation of histone H4 at K12 can be directed to the region of Orc binding by the presence of Orc. We expect that this system can provide a useful tool for the study of site-specific events at origins of replication in higher eukaryotes and a means to dissect Orc-dependent and Orc-independent events at origins.
Dealing with Complexity: Integrated vs. Chunky Search Processes
Authors: Baumann Oliver , Siggelkow Nicolaj
Published: March 2012

Organizations are frequently faced with high levels of complexity. While the importance of search for dealing with complex systems is widely acknowledged, how organizations should structure their search processes remains largely unexplored. This paper starts to address basic questions: How much of the entire system, and thus complexity, should be taken into consideration at any given time during a search process? Should a problem solver pursue an integrated search and be concerned with the whole system right from the start, or should a problem solver incrementally expand the “search domain,” i.e., the subset of system elements and interdependencies that are included in the search efforts? If the latter, how “chunky” should these steps be? Our analysis of a simulation model yields four insights: (1) expanding the search domain in smaller steps can yield a distinct advantage in final system performance, (2) following a completely incremental expansion pattern is not necessary as long as larger chunks are added early on in the process, (3) the value of chunky search is particularly high if highly influential system elements are considered first and highly dependent elements are added later, and (4) under time pressure, chunky search can lose its performance advantage over more integrated search processes. We discuss the implications of our findings for managing organizational search and complex systems more broadly.
Development of a Novel Combined Scanning Electrochemical Microscope (SECM) and Scanning Ion-Conductance Microscope (SICM) Probe for Soft Sample Imaging
Authors: Pollard Andrew J. , Faruqui Nilofar , Shaw Michael , Clifford Charles A. , Takahashi Yasufumi , Korchev Yuri E. , Ebejer Neil , Macpherson Julie V. , Unwin Patrick R. , Roy Debdulal
Published: March 2012

By incorporating a localized heating system within a scanning ion-conductance microscopy (SICM) system, we have performed stable ‘hopping-mode’ (HPICM) imaging for live cells maintained at temperatures ranging up to human body temperature. This allows the accurate study of cell volume and morphology variation versus temperature over extended periods of time. The integration of SICM with scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) provides the simultaneous mapping of electrochemical and topographic information for soft samples, such as live cells. This combined technique overcomes the limitations of resolution and topographical artifacts typically associated with SECM. However, previously reported SECM-SICM probe production required expensive and time-consuming focused ion beam (FIB) methods and produced pipettes that are typically hundreds of nanometers in diameter. We report a simple and rapid production method for SECM-SICM double-barrel probes with apertures down to 20 nm in diameter. The characterization of these SECM-SICM probes using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and Raman spectroscopy is also detailed. These SECM-SICM probes were subsequently used to study the morphology and electrochemical activity of several samples, ranging from hard metallic/insulating samples to live cells.
Cost performance trade-off in thermoelectric modules with low fractional area coverage
Authors: Yazawa Kazuaki , Shakouri Ali
Published: March 2012

We report a comprehensive study of the cost of materials used in the thermoelectric module as the elements, substrate, and metal interconnect are optimized for maximum output power. The power conversion cost [$/W] is analyzed. The maximum power output is found by matching both thermal and electrical impedances to the external load and heat sink. The fractional area coverage or fill factor of the thermoelement (leg) in the module is a key factor which affects the overall cost of the waste heat recovery system. Thermal spreading resistance is a function of the thermal conductivity and the thickness of the substrates. Also the air gap between the legs contributes to parasitic heat loss from the hot to the cold substrate through heat conduction and radiative heat transfer. The optimum fill factor under atmospheric air-pressure is found to be on the order of a few percent. We also take into account the three-dimensional current flow and the effect of the metallization thickness on the series resistance in the module. Calculations identify the minimum metal trace thickness needed to have a minimum impact on output power generation.
Serum and salivary cortisol in the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency and as a predictor of the outcome in patients with severe sepsis
Authors: Mello Rômulo Carvalho Vaz de , Sad Eduardo F. , Andrade Bertha Coelho , Neves Suzane Pretti Figueiredo , Santos Silvana Maria Elói , Sarquis Marta Maria S. , Marik Paul E. , Dias Eduardo Pimentel
Published: March 2012

OBJECTIVES: To compare salivary with serum total cortisol in patients with severe sepsis, postoperative patients and healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Serum total cortisol was determined by chemiluminescence immunoassay; salivary cortisol was determined by enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: In patients with severe sepsis, median concentration of salivary cortisol was 14.0 and 2.6 higher than that of postoperative patients and healthy subjects. In postoperative patients, salivary cortisol was 5.4 times higher than in control patients. Serum total cortisol was also higher in patients with severe sepsis than in controls and postoperative patients. This increment, however, was much lower (2.33 and 1.64, respectively). Patients with a salivary cortisol greater than 7.2 µg/dL had a mortality rate of 80%, a statistically significant result when compared with the group with lower cortisol levels (Z = 2.38 and p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Salivary cortisol in critically ill patients may be a better laboratory indicator of cortisol levels than serum total cortisol.
Subclinical hypothyroidism and risk to carotid atherosclerosis
Authors: Valentina Velkoska Nakova , Marijan Bosevski , Chedo Dimitrovski , Branka Krstevska
Published: March 2012

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess whether subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is associated with carotid atherosclerosis, as well as dyslipidemia, and arterial hypertension. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study included 69 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed SCH, and 30 matched healthy controls. Body mass index (BMI), TSH, fT4, antibodies to thyroid peroxidase (TPOabs), lipids, blood pressure, mean and maximum carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) were determined in all participants. RESULTS: Mean values of CIMT, triglycerides, and total cholesterol/HDL-C ratio were significantly different in SCH patients versus matched controls. Linear multiple regression analysis demonstrated that TSH, diastolic blood pressure and triglycerides were independent predictors of mean CIMT, fT4 for maximum CIMT; and that TSH, fT4, age, and total cholesterol/HDL-C ratio were independent predictors of the presence of carotid plaques. CONCLUSION: Our data revealed that SCH is associated with increase in CIMT and presence of carotid plaques, independent of classical risk factors for atherosclerosis.
Maternal allocation in bison: co‐occurrence of senescence, cost of reproduction, and individual quality
Authors: Hamel Sandra , Craine Joseph M. , Towne E. Gene
Published: March 2012

Parental allocation strategies are of profound interest in life history because they directly impact offspring fitness and therefore are highly valuable for understanding population dynamics and informing management decisions. Yet, numerous questions about reproductive allocation patterns for wild populations of large mammals remain unanswered because of the challenges for measuring allocation in the wild. Using a nine‐year longitudinal data set on life‐history traits of mother–calf bison pairs, we identified sources of variation in relative maternal allocation (calf mass ratio on mother mass) and assessed the occurrence of reproductive costs associated with differential maternal allocation. We found that heavy mothers provided a lower allocation but still produced heavier calves than light mothers. Older females produced lighter calves and tended to decrease allocation as they aged, supporting the occurrence of reproductive senescence. Mothers that had produced a calf the previous year produced lighter calves and allocated less than mothers that did not lactate the previous year, revealing reproductive costs. However, greater maternal allocation did not reduce the probability of breeding in successive years, and the amount of allocation provided by a mother was positively correlated among the offspring she produced, illustrating individual heterogeneity. Although life‐history studies are usually classified as either supporting costs of reproduction or individual quality, our study demonstrates that these contrasting evolutionary forces can shape variation within a single trait. Our work illustrates that many processes can coevolve within a population, emphasizing the need to integrate multiple concepts to better understand the evolution of life‐history traits. With regard to management of bison herds, if the goal of culling programs is to select for animals with the best performance, this research suggests that managers should account for the condition and previous reproductive status of mothers when taking culling decisions on juvenile bison.
“The good, the bad, the weird”: Stone Age and Early Metal Period radiocarbon dates and chronology from the Karelian Isthmus, North-West Russia
Authors: Seitsonen Oula , Nordqvist Kerkko , Gerasimov Dmitrij , Lisitsyn Sergei
Published: March 2012

In this paper all the Stone Age and Early Metal Period (ca. 8600 cal BC — 300 AD) radiocarbon dates from the Karelian Isthmus, Russia, are compiled and their archaeological usability assessed using a set of evaluation principles. The quality of radiometric dates from such a large area has rarely been methodologically examined in Finnish or North-West Russian archaeology, and is applied here for the first time on the present material. Special attention is given to the discussion on the deficiencies and limitations of the current data. Based on the 81 dates evaluated as useful, a tentative radiocarbon chronology is presented for the study area. This is generally in sequence with the chronologies of the nearby areas, but suggests some differences especially towards the end of Stone Age, as well as the presence of biases caused by taphonomic and research-related factors.
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation for Intensive Care Unit–Acquired Weakness: Protocol and Methodological Implications for a Randomized, Sham-Controlled, Phase II Trial
Authors: Kho Michelle E. , Truong Alexander D. , Brower Roy G. , Palmer Jeffrey B. , Fan Eddy , Zanni Jennifer M. , Ciesla Nancy D. , Feldman Dorianne R. , Korupolu Radha , Needham Dale M.
Published: March 2012

Background

As the population ages and critical care advances, a growing number of survivors of critical illness will be at risk for intensive care unit (ICU)–acquired weakness. Bed rest, which is common in the ICU, causes adverse effects, including muscle weakness. Consequently, patients need ICU-based interventions focused on the muscular system. Although emerging evidence supports the benefits of early rehabilitation during mechanical ventilation, additional therapies may be beneficial. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), which can provide some muscular activity even very early during critical illness, is a promising modality for patients in the ICU.

Objective

The objectives of this article are to discuss the implications of bed rest for patients with critical illness, summarize recent studies of early rehabilitation and NMES in the ICU, and describe a protocol for a randomized, phase II pilot study of NMES in patients receiving mechanical ventilation.

Design

The study was a randomized, sham-controlled, concealed, phase II pilot study with caregivers and outcome assessors blinded to the treatment allocation.

Setting

The study setting will be a medical ICU.

Participants

The study participants will be patients who are receiving mechanical ventilation for 1 day or more, who are expected to stay in the ICU for an additional 2 days or more, and who meet no exclusion criteria.

Intervention

The intervention will be NMES (versus a sham [control] intervention) applied to the quadriceps, tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius muscles for 60 minutes per day.

Measurements

Lower-extremity muscle strength at hospital discharge will be the primary outcome measure.

Limitations

Muscle strength is a surrogate measure, not a patient-centered outcome. The assessments will not include laboratory, genetic, or histological measures aimed at a mechanistic understanding of NMES. The optimal duration or dose of NMES is unclear.

Conclusions

If NMES is beneficial, the results of the study will help advance research aimed at reducing the burden of muscular weakness and physical disability in survivors of critical illness.
Early Complications and Recurrence Rates After Kirschner Wire Transfixion in Lesser Toe Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Study
Authors: Klammer Georg , Baumann Gregor , Moor Beat Kaspar , Farshad Mazda , Espinosa Norman
Published: March 2012

Background: Prolonged percutaneous Kirschner wire transfixion after correction of lesser toe deformities has been associated with an increased rate of complications such as infection, wire breakage or loosening. Currently, the duration of wire transfixion is based on the surgeons' opinion rather than on evidence. We hypothesized that a transfixion time of 3 weeks when compared to 6 weeks would decrease complication rates without an increase in the rate of recurrent deformity. Methods: We prospectively randomized 52 lesser toes corrected for a moderate hammer- or claw toe deformity by means of resectional arthroplasty of the proximal interphalangeal joint into two groups with 3 and 6 weeks of Kirschner wire transfixion, respectively. Kirschner wire-associated complication rates and incidence of early recurrence of malalignment in a short term followup of three months were assessed. Forty-six toes, 23 in each group, were available for final followup. Results: No statistically significant differences were found in pre- and postoperative total AOFAS scores between the groups. No Kirschner wire associated complications occurred. Recurrent malalignment was more often documented in the group with 3 weeks of transfixion (11 of 23 toes, 47.8%) when compared to 6 weeks (two of 23 toes, 8.7%) at 3 months followup. Interphalangeal joint motion was significantly reduced with prolonged Kirschner wire transfixion, indicating a more stable fibrous union ( p = 0.038). Conclusion: At short-term followup, Kirschner wire transfixion of 6 weeks as opposed to 3 weeks showed a lower rate of recurrent malalignment without an increase in Kirschner wire associated complications.

Level of Evidence: II, Prospective Comparative Study
Magnetic resonance imaging volumetric assessment of the extent of contrast enhancement and resection in oligodendroglial tumors
Authors: Sankar Tejas , Moore Nina Z. , Johnson Joshua , Ashby Lynn S. , Scheck Adrienne C. , Shapiro William R. , Smith Kris A. , Spetzler Robert F. , Preul Mark C.
Published: March 2012

Object

Oligodendrogliomas that enhance on MR images are associated with poor prognosis. However, the importance of the volume of enhancing tumor tissue, and the extent of its resection, is uncertain. The authors examined the prognostic significance of preoperative and residual postoperative enhancing tissue volumes in a large single-center series of patients with oligodendroglioma. They also examined the relationship between enhancement and characteristic genetic signatures in oligodendroglial tumors, specifically deletion of 1p and 19q (del 1p/19q).

Methods

The authors retrospectively analyzed 100 consecutive cases of oligodendroglioma involving patients who had undergone T1-weighted gadolinium-enhanced MRI at diagnosis and immediately after initial surgical intervention. The presence of preoperative enhancement was determined by consensus. Preoperative and residual postoperative volumes were measured using a quantitative, semiautomated method by a single blinded observer. Intrarater reliability for preoperative volumes was confirmed by remeasurement in a subset of patients 3 months later. Intrarater and interrater reliability for residual postoperative volumes was confirmed by remeasurement of these volumes by both the original and a second blinded observer. Multivariate analysis was used to assess the influence of contrast enhancement at diagnosis and the volume of pre- and postoperative contrast-enhancing tumor tissue on time to relapse (TTR) and overall survival (OS), while controlling for confounding clinical, pathological, and genetic factors.

Results

Sixty-three of 100 patients had enhancing tumors at initial presentation. Presence of contrast enhancement at diagnosis was related to reduced TTR and OS on univariate analysis but was not significantly related on multivariate analysis. In enhancing tumors, however, greater initial volume of enhancing tissue correlated with shortened TTR (p = 0.00070). Reduced postoperative residual enhancing volume and a relatively greater resection of enhancing tissue correlated with longer OS (p = 0.0012 and 0.0041, respectively). Interestingly, patients in whom 100% of enhancing tumor was resected had significantly longer TTR (174 vs 64 weeks) and OS (392 vs 135 weeks) than those with any residual enhancing tumor postoperatively. This prognostic benefit was not consistently maintained with greater than 90% or even greater than 95% resection of enhancing tissue. There was no relationship between presence or volume of enhancement and del 1p/19q.

Conclusions

In enhancing oligodendrogliomas, completely resecting enhancing tissue independently improves outcome, irrespective of histological grade or genetic status. This finding supports aggressive resection and may impact treatment planning for patients with these tumors.
Consumption of tomatoes reduces the cardiovascular disease
Authors: Duttaroy Asim K
Published: March 2012

Emerging epidemiological and intervention data support the connection between increased tomato consumption and reduced risk for cardiovascular disease. Tomato contains several antioxidants including lycopene, polyphenols,  trace elements, and vitamins those are known to inhibit atherosclerotic processes. Recent studies have demonstrated that tomato also contains several potent anti-platelet compounds. The ingestion of these tomato components significantly affects ex vivo platelet function when supplemented in human volunteers. Platelet aggregation is a central mechanism in the pathogenesis of acute coronary syndromes, including myocardial infarction and unstable angina. Since tomato can reduce both platelet hyperactivity and atherosclerosis process thus makes it an ideal food for the cardiovascular system. Additionally tomato has the lowest content of uric acid than any fruits and vegetables. Tomato extract , commercially known as Fruitflow,  is an absolutely unique dietary solution for cardiovascular support that works immediately after ingestion. Fruitflow works by helping to keep blood platelets smooth, thereby promoting healthy circulation and pressure within the cardiovascular system. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbayr.v1i2.10027
Access and usage of electronic journals in Dhaka University Library (DUL): an empirical study
Authors: Islam Md. Shiful , Alam Md. Saiful , Sultana Sajia
Published: March 2012

The purpose of this study is to investigate access and usage of scholarly electronic journals (e-journals) at Dhaka University Library (DUL). It reports the results from a questionnaire-based survey of e-journals access and usages at Dhaka University (DU) serving a variety of academic departments. The survey of the study covers two structured questionnaires comprising of both open- and close-ended questions, and the number of respondents was (N) = 50, 30 faculty members and 20 students. First one was designed for the students of DU in order to gather data and information regarding e-journals access and usage provided by DUL. Second one was structured for the faculty members of DU to explore their expectations, opinions and valuable suggestions with a view to improving e-journal services in DUL. The study identifies some major problems of e-journals access and usage in DUL, and finds out some suitable measures to overcome the problems. The results show a growing interest in e-journals usage among the users at DU. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbayr.v1i2.10029
Study on the irrigation water distribution system developed by Barind Multipurpose Development Authority
Authors: Rahman Md. Mosiur , Kamal A.H.M. , Al Mamun Abdullah , Miah Md. Shafi Uddin
Published: March 2012

Irrigated agriculture has been playing a vital role for the growth in crop production in Bangladesh. Minor irrigation comprising of shallow tubewells (STWs), deep tubewells (DTWs), hand tubewells (HTWs) and low-lift pumps (LLPs) is a major irrigation system in the country. Poor performance of irrigation is an issue for the expansion of irrigated area. The present study was carried out to examine the conveyance efficiency and rate of irrigation water loss in DTW schemes in Bogra, Thakurgaon and Godagari zones of Barind Management Development Authority. There were various types of water distribution identified in these schemes with including Poly Venyl Chloride (PVC) buried pipe, cement concrete (CC) rectangular, Ferro trapezoidal, Ferro semicircular and rectangular earth drain. The average conveyance efficiency of PVC buried pipe for Bogra, Thakurgaon and Godagari zones ranged from 94.46% to 95.37% and rate of water loss ranged from 5.45% to 9.55% in three study zones. Average conveyance efficiency of CC rectangular for Bogra and Godagari zone ranged from 91.20% and rate of water loss from 6.58% to 9.93%. Average conveyance efficiency of Ferro trapezoid for Bogra and Godagari zone ranged from 87.80% to 90.06% and rate of water loss ranged from 9.94% to 12.21%. Average conveyance efficiency of Ferro semicircle for Bogra and Godagari zone ranged between 88.13% and 86.82% and rate of water loss between 11.59% and 11.68%. Average conveyance efficiency and rate of water loss of rectangular earth drain Godagari zone was 58.66% and 42.29% respectively. About 80% farmers recommended buried pipe irrigation system and about 20% semi-circular channel. The study suggests that the improved water distribution system as developed by BMDA is sustainable to increase productivity of irrigation systems in Bangladesh. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbayr.v1i2.10032
Improvement of Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Acute Hepatic Failure by Transplantation of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells without Reprogramming Factor c-Myc
Authors: Chang Hua-Ming , Liao Yi-Wen , Chiang Chih-Hung , Chen Yi-Jen , Lai Ying-Hsiu , Chang Yuh-Lih , Chen Hen-Li , Jeng Shaw-Yeu , Hsieh Jung-Hung , Peng Chi-Hsien , Li Hsin-Yang , Chien Yueh , Chen Szu-Yu , Chen Liang-Kung , Huo Teh-Ia
Published: March 2012

The only curative treatment for hepatic failure is liver transplantation. Unfortunately, this treatment has several major limitations, as for example donor organ shortage. A previous report demonstrated that transplantation of induced pluripotent stem cells without reprogramming factor c-Myc (3-genes iPSCs) attenuates thioacetamide-induced hepatic failure with minimal incidence of tumorigenicity. In this study, we investigated whether 3-genes iPSC transplantation is capable of rescuing carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced fulminant hepatic failure and hepatic encephalopathy in mice. Firstly, we demonstrated that 3-genes iPSCs possess the capacity to differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells (iPSC-Heps) that exhibit biological functions and express various hepatic specific markers. 3-genes iPSCs also exhibited several antioxidant enzymes that prevented CCl4-induced reactive oxygen species production and cell death. Intraperitoneal transplantation of either 3-genes iPSCs or 3-genes iPSC-Heps significantly reduced hepatic necrotic areas, improved hepatic functions, and survival rate in CCl4-treated mice. CCl4-induced hepatic encephalopathy was also improved by 3-genes iPSC transplantation. Hoechst staining confirmed the successful engraftment of both 3-genes iPSCs and 3-genes iPSC-Heps, indicating the homing properties of these cells. The most pronounced hepatoprotective effect of iPSCs appeared to originate from the highest antioxidant activity of 3-gene iPSCs among all transplanted cells. In summary, our findings demonstrated that 3-genes iPSCs serve as an available cell source for the treatment of an experimental model of acute liver diseases.
Simultaneous Analysis of Irbesartan and Hydrochlorothiazide: An Improved HPLC Method with the Aid of a Chemometric Protocol
Authors: Vujić Zorica , Mulavdić Nedžad , Smajić Miralem , Brborić Jasmina , Stankovic Predrag
Published: March 2012

Experimental design method was used for HPLC determination of irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide in combined dosage forms. The traditional approach for optimization of experiments is time-consuming, involves a large number of runs and does not allow establishing the multiple interacting parameters. The main advantages of the experimental design method include the simultaneous screening of a larger number of factors affecting response and the estimation of possible interactions. On the basis of preliminary experiments, three factors-independent variables were selected as inputs (methanol content, pH of the mobile phase and temperature) and as dependent variables, five responses (resolution, symmetry of irbesartan peak, symmetry of hydrochlorothiazide peak, retention factor of irbesartan and retention factor of hydrochlorothiazide) were chosen. A full 23 factorial design, where factors were examined at two different levels (“low” and “high”) was used to determine which factors had an effect on the studied response. Afterwards, experimental design was used to optimize these influent parameters in the previously selected experimental domain. The novelty of our method lies in the optimization step accomplished by Derringer¢s desirability function. After optimizing the experimental conditions a separation was conducted on a Supelcosil C18 (150 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 mm particle size) column with a mobile phase consisting of methanol-tetrahydrofuran-acetate buffer 47:10:43 v/v/v, pH 6.5 and a column temperature of 25 °C. The developed method was successfully applied to the simultaneous separation of these drug-active compounds in their commercial pharmaceutical dosage forms.
Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels Among Boston Trainee Doctors in Winter
Authors: Growdon Amanda S. , Camargo Jr. Carlos A. , Clark Sunday , Hannon Megan , Mansbach Jonathan M.
Published: March 2012

As indoor workers, trainee doctors may be at risk for inadequate vitamin D. All trainee doctors (residents) in a Boston pediatric training program (residency) were invited to complete a survey, and undergo testing for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], PTH, and calcium during a 3-week period in March 2010. We examined the association between resident characteristics and serum 25(OH)D using Chi2 and Kruskal-Wallis test and multivariable linear and logistic regression. Of the 119 residents, 102 (86%) participated. Although the mean serum 25(OH)D level was 67 nmol/L (±26), 25 (25%) had a level < 50 nmol/L and 3 (3%) residents had levels < 25 nmol/L. In the multivariable model, factors associated with 25(OH)D levels were: female sex (β 12.7, 95% CI 3.6, 21.7), white race (β 21.7, 95% CI 11.7, 31.7), travel to more equatorial latitudes during the past 3 months (β 6.3, 95% CI 2.0, 10.5) and higher daily intake of vitamin D (β 1.1, 95% CI 0.04, 2.1). Although one in four residents in our study had a serum 25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L, all of them would have been missed using current Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) screening guidelines. The use of traditional risk factors appears insufficient to identify low vitamin D in indoor workers at northern latitudes.
Comparison of the Characteristics of Small Commercial NDIR CO2 Sensor Models and Development of a Portable CO2 Measurement Device
Authors: Yasuda Tomomi , Yonemura Seiichiro , Tani Akira
Published: March 2012

Many sensors have to be used simultaneously for multipoint carbon dioxide (CO2) observation. All the sensors should be calibrated in advance, but this is a time-consuming process. To seek a simplified calibration method, we used four commercial CO2 sensor models and characterized their output tendencies against ambient temperature and length of use, in addition to offset characteristics. We used four samples of standard gas with different CO2 concentrations (0, 407, 1,110, and 1,810 ppm). The outputs of K30 and AN100 models showed linear relationships with temperature and length of use. Calibration coefficients for sensor models were determined using the data from three individual sensors of the same model to minimize the relative RMS error. When the correction was applied to the sensors, the accuracy of measurements improved significantly in the case of the K30 and AN100 units. In particular, in the case of K30 the relative RMS error decreased from 24% to 4%. Hence, we have chosen K30 for developing a portable CO2 measurement device (10 × 10 × 15 cm, 900 g). Data of CO2 concentration, measurement time and location, temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure can be recorded onto a Secure Digital (SD) memory card. The CO2 concentration in a high-school lecture room was monitored with this device. The CO2 data, when corrected for simultaneously measured temperature, water vapor partial pressure, and atmospheric pressure, showed a good agreement with the data measured by a highly accurate CO2 analyzer, LI-6262. This indicates that acceptable accuracy can be realized using the calibration method developed in this study.