bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE CONCEPT OF CREATIVITY AND ITS PSYCHOLOGICAL CONTENT
Authors: Isaeva Zabita
Published: June 2024

The article analyzes modern approaches to determining the psychological nature and content of creativity development. Creativity is characterized as the ability to create and its characteristic feature of each person is revealed. The article substantiates the starting points of the interaction of various concepts that define the concept of creativity with the problem of creative personal development.
Clinical features of coronavirus disease 2019 in Korean pediatric patients: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Jeong Ji Eun , Chung Hai Lee , Kim Young Hwan , Lee Nawon , Kim Younghyun , Jang Yoon Young
Published: June 2024

Background: To address the public’s fear of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), understanding the clinical features of the disease is essential. However, research on the clinical features of COVID-19, including illness duration and post-acute COVID-19, in Korean pediatric patients has been limited. Therefore, this study investigated the clinical features of COVID-19 based on the medical records of pediatric patients with a history of COVID-19 who visited a single center. Methods: In total, 311 patients were included in this study. The presence and duration of 19 symptoms were examined. Additionally, clinical features were investigated by dividing the patients into different age ranges. Patients aged 6 and above were further categorized according to the presence of asthma, while adolescent patients were divided into vaccinated and unvaccinated groups.Results: Fever and cough were the most common symptoms. The mean illness duration was 2–4 days. Only 3.5% of the patients were asymptomatic. Post-acute COVID-19 was observed in 13.2% of the patients. The incidence of most symptoms tended to increase with age. Post-acute COVID-19 was observed more frequently in patients with asthma than in those without asthma. Vaccinated patients experienced less fever, vomiting, and fatigue than unvaccinated patients.Conclusions: Our data suggest that most patients had mild disease lasting less than a week, and the clinical course may differ depending on the presence of asthma. The findings also indicate that vaccination may alleviate the symptoms of COVID-19 in breakthrough infections.
On the Paradoxical Structure of the Concept of Style. A Theoretical Framework
Authors: Steinbach Tim-Florian
Published: June 2024

In addition to his famous concept of the style of life or lifestyle, Simmel develops a more general concept of style in his writings on art and aesthetics. He makes clear in this context that the concept of style has a paradoxical structure that mediates between the general and the particular and that it always stands for the general. This concept of style allows Simmel to apply it in different research fields: sociology and social philosophy, ethics, art and aesthetics or intellectual history. In developing a theoretical framework for understanding Simmel’s concept of style, we will need to cross these disciplinary boundaries. We will examine the fields of arts and aesthetics as well as intellectual history so as to illustrate how Simmel applies the concept of style. This will also make the paradoxical structure of this concept clear
Love and Migration: A Simmelian approach
Authors: Sabugal Paulina
Published: June 2024

This text proposes a reflection on relationships of love in today's society from a Simmelian perspective, with a focus on a specific phenomenon: migration for love. Since the 1990s love-motivated migration has emerged in the discussion of the growing importance of social networks and new technologies. Using this social phenomenon that links love and migration as a strating point, the aim is to discuss its relation to some Simmelian concepts such as bonding, cohesion and sociability. This work highlights that migration for love is a typical example of a modern society in which individuals have had to seek new ways to relate and to love, which in turn affect living as a couple and building sentimental projects.
Architecture of a three-dimensional convolutional neural network for detecting the fact of falsification of a video sequence
Authors: Alpatov Aleksey Nikolaevich , Terloev Emil' Ziyaudinovich , Matchin Vasilii Timofeevich
Published: June 2024

The article reflects the use of neural network technologies to determine the facts of falsification of the contents of video sequences. In the modern world, new technologies have become an integral part of the multimedia environment, but their proliferation has also created a new threat – the possibility of misuse to falsify the contents of video sequences. This leads to serious problems, such as the spread of fake news and misinformation of society. The scientific article examines this problem and determines the need to use neural networks to solve it. In comparison with other existing models and approaches, neural networks have high efficiency and accuracy in detecting video data falsification due to their ability to extract complex features and learn from large amounts of source data, which is especially important when reducing the resolution of the analyzed video sequence. Within the framework of this work, a mathematical model for identifying the falsification of audio and video sequences in video recordings is presented, as well as a model based on a three-dimensional convolutional neural network to determine the fact of falsification of a video sequence by analyzing the contents of individual frames. Within the framework of this work, it was proposed to consider the problem of identifying falsifications in video recordings as a joint solution to two problems: identification of falsification of audio and video sequences, and the resulting problem itself was transformed into a classical classification problem. Any video recording can be assigned to one of the four groups described in the work. Only the videos belonging to the first group are considered authentic, and all the others are fabricated. To increase the flexibility of the model, probabilistic classifiers have been added, which allows to take into account the degree of confidence in the predictions. The peculiarity of the resulting solution is the ability to adjust the threshold values, which allows to adapt the model to different levels of rigor depending on the task. The architecture of a three-dimensional convolutional neural network, including a preprocessing layer and a neural network layer, is proposed to determine fabricated photoreceads. The resulting model has a sufficient degree of accuracy in determining falsified video sequences, taking into account a significant decrease in frame resolution. Testing of the model on a training dataset showed the proportion of correct detection of video sequence falsification above 70%, which is noticeably better than guessing. Despite the sufficient accuracy, the model can be refined to more significantly increase the proportion of correct predictions.
Basic Structure of the Pharmacophore Virtual Screening Protein 7kg7 for Candidate Therapeutic Options COVID-19
Authors:   Magister’s Programme in Biomedical, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia, Ridha Al Fiqri Ahmad
Published: June 2024

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome, namely coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-2) has been a pandemic to date and is contagious with relatively high mortality rates. Various efforts have been made to control the pandemic to finding the best solution to reduce the spread such as rapid detection based on molecular and serological, as well as efforts to find the best medicine for COVID-19 patients continue to be carried out. We analyzed and concluded that the presatovir compound is capable of being a substitute for the native protein ligand 7KG7, this is proved with a ΔG value of -13.22 kcal/mol and a constant inhibition value of 202.12 pM smaller than the native ligand. Other compounds such as tipranavir and montelukast with ΔG values of -10.99 and -10.81 kcal/mol as well as constant inhibition values at 11.95 and 8.77 nM also indicate that the three test ligands are better than the native ligands. Another supporting factor of this finding was the fact that test ligands were discovered to possess hydrogen bonds that were either greater than or equivalent to those of the initial ligand. The third test ligand exhibited a promising affinity as a possible substitute for native ligand, however, it is imperative to carefully evaluate and take into account the ADMETOX (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicology) elements before to proceeding with the in-vitro or in-vivo phase.
Innovation in Bioinformatics: Recent tools, Database and Involvement of Artificial Intelligence
Authors:   Professor, Jaipur College of Pharmacy, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, Pin 302022, Ahmed Aziz , Shuaib Mohd ,   Professor and Researcher at Department of Pharmacy, Kalka Institute for Research & Advanced Studies, Meerut, Pin 250002, U.P, India, Banga Abdulbasid ,   Assistant Professor and Researcher at College of Computing and Informatics, Saudi Electronic University, Riyadh 11673, Saudi Arabia, Ahmad Rizwan ,   Assistant Professor and Researcher at Department of Biotechnology, Mewar University, Gangrar, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, India
Published: June 2024

Bioinformatics has evolved in recent years into a crucial subject and a well-liked research area that is interconnected with many approaches and disciplines. The capacity of bioinformatics and its approaches to tackle challenging biological problems and promote research and development. There are various tools and database which are used in bioinformatics. AI is the capacity of a computational system to carry out various activities associated with intellectual beings and as a computer system's imitation of human intelligence processes. The bioinformatics applications with artificial intelligence have the capacity to annotate the data in the direction of logical conclusions. By combining AI and bioinformatics molecular dynamic simulations, molecular docking studies, annotations of biological sequences, computational drug design, and gene prediction can be analyzed effectively. The structural bioinformatics tools with artificial intelligence (AI) are effective approaches for designing novel active chemicals to treat neurological diseases and cancer. Immunoinformatics, vaccinology, health informatics, medical informatics, medical science, and pharmaceutical sciences are just a few of the health sciences that have benefited greatly from advances in AI and bioinformatics. Future developments in omics and other fields are predicted to generate large amounts of data quickly, and bioinformatics will be essential in managing, analyzing, and discovering new uses for this data. Bioinformatics will be crucial in saving time and costs by applying AI to examine the massive data sets. Additionally, it will hasten biological discoveries, particularly those related to health, biomedical research, and robotic surgery.
Secreted antigen A peptidoglycan hydrolase is essential for Enterococcus faecium cell separation and priming of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy
Authors: Klupt Steven , Fam Kyong Tkhe , Zhang Xing , Chodisetti Pavan Kumar , Mehmood Abeera , Boyd Tumara , Grotjahn Danielle , Park Donghyun , Hang Howard C
Published: June 2024

Enterococcus faecium is a microbiota species in humans that can modulate host immunity (Griffin and Hang, 2022), but has also acquired antibiotic resistance and is a major cause of hospital-associated infections (Van Tyne and Gilmore, 2014). Notably, diverse strains of E. faecium produce SagA, a highly conserved peptidoglycan hydrolase that is sufficient to promote intestinal immunity (Rangan et al., 2016; Pedicord et al., 2016; Kim et al., 2019) and immune checkpoint inhibitor antitumor activity (Griffin et al., 2021). However, the functions of SagA in E. faecium were unknown. Here, we report that deletion of sagA impaired E. faecium growth and resulted in bulged and clustered enterococci due to defective peptidoglycan cleavage and cell separation. Moreover, ΔsagA showed increased antibiotic sensitivity, yielded lower levels of active muropeptides, displayed reduced activation of the peptidoglycan pattern-recognition receptor NOD2, and failed to promote cancer immunotherapy. Importantly, the plasmid-based expression of SagA, but not its catalytically inactive mutant, restored ΔsagA growth, production of active muropeptides, and NOD2 activation. SagA is, therefore, essential for E. faecium growth, stress resistance, and activation of host immunity.
Molecular basis of neurodegeneration in a mouse model of Polr3-related disease
Authors: Moir Robyn D , Merheb Emilio , Chitu Violeta , Stanley E Richard , Willis Ian M
Published: June 2024

Pathogenic variants in subunits of RNA polymerase (Pol) III cause a spectrum of Polr3-related neurodegenerative diseases including 4H leukodystrophy. Disease onset occurs from infancy to early adulthood and is associated with a variable range and severity of neurological and non-neurological features. The molecular basis of Polr3-related disease pathogenesis is unknown. We developed a postnatal whole-body mouse model expressing pathogenic Polr3a mutations to examine the molecular mechanisms by which reduced Pol III transcription results primarily in central nervous system phenotypes. Polr3a mutant mice exhibit behavioral deficits, cerebral pathology and exocrine pancreatic atrophy. Transcriptome and immunohistochemistry analyses of cerebra during disease progression show a reduction in most Pol III transcripts, induction of innate immune and integrated stress responses and cell-type-specific gene expression changes reflecting neuron and oligodendrocyte loss and microglial activation. Earlier in the disease when integrated stress and innate immune responses are minimally induced, mature tRNA sequencing revealed a global reduction in tRNA levels and an altered tRNA profile but no changes in other Pol III transcripts. Thus, changes in the size and/or composition of the tRNA pool have a causal role in disease initiation. Our findings reveal different tissue- and brain region-specific sensitivities to a defect in Pol III transcription.
Convergence of inputs from the basal ganglia with layer 5 of motor cortex and cerebellum in mouse motor thalamus
Authors: Koster Kevin P , Sherman S Murray
Published: June 2024

A key to motor control is the motor thalamus, where several inputs converge. One excitatory input originates from layer 5 of primary motor cortex (M1L5), while another arises from the deep cerebellar nuclei (Cb). M1L5 terminals distribute throughout the motor thalamus and overlap with GABAergic inputs from the basal ganglia output nuclei, the internal segment of the globus pallidus (GPi), and substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr). In contrast, it is thought that Cb and basal ganglia inputs are segregated. Therefore, we hypothesized that one potential function of the GABAergic inputs from basal ganglia is to selectively inhibit, or gate, excitatory signals from M1L5 in the motor thalamus. Here, we tested this possibility and determined the circuit organization of mouse (both sexes) motor thalamus using an optogenetic strategy in acute slices. First, we demonstrated the presence of a feedforward transthalamic pathway from M1L5 through motor thalamus. Importantly, we discovered that GABAergic inputs from the GPi and SNr converge onto single motor thalamic cells with excitatory synapses from M1L5. Separately, we also demonstrate that, perhaps unexpectedly, GABAergic GPi and SNr inputs converge with those from the Cb. We interpret these results to indicate that a role of the basal ganglia is to gate the thalamic transmission of M1L5 and Cb information to cortex.
Dynamic tracking of native precursors in adult mice
Authors: Liu Suying , Adams Sarah E , Zheng Haotian , Ehnot Juliana , Jung Seul K , Jeffrey Greer , Menna Theresa , Purton Louise , Lee Hongzhe , Kurre Peter
Published: June 2024

Hematopoietic dysfunction has been associated with a reduction in the number of active precursors. However, precursor quantification at homeostasis and under diseased conditions is constrained by the scarcity of available methods. To address this issue, we optimized a method for quantifying a wide range of hematopoietic precursors. Assuming the random induction of a stable label in precursors following a binomial distribution, estimates depend on the inverse correlation between precursor numbers and the variance of precursor labeling among independent samples. Experimentally validated to cover the full dynamic range of hematopoietic precursors in mice (1–105), we utilized this approach to demonstrate that thousands of precursors, which emerge after modest expansion during fetal-to-adult transition, contribute to native and perturbed hematopoiesis. We further estimated the number of precursors in a mouse model of Fanconi Anemia, showcasing how repopulation deficits can be classified as autologous (cell proliferation) and non-autologous (lack of precursor). Our results support an accessible and reliable approach for precursor quantification, emphasizing the contemporary perspective that native hematopoiesis is highly polyclonal.
Comparison of Tegoprazan- and Lansoprazole-Based Fourteen-Day Triple Therapies as First-Line Treatments for Helicobacter pylori Eradication
Authors: Kang Seokin , Kim Nam-Hoon , Jeong Seokhyeon , Kim Jong Wook , Moon Jung Rock , Lee Yoon Suk , Son Jun Hyuk
Published: June 2024

Objectives: Tegoprazan, a novel potassium-competitive acid blocker with rapid and effective antisecretory activity, was approved for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infections in Korea in March 2020. However, real-world data regarding tegoprazan-based therapies are scarce. We compared the efficacies of tegoprazan- and lansoprazole-based triple therapies (TTs).Methods: Between March 2020 and February 2023, this study enrolled patients diagnosed with H. pylori infections who were prescribed either 14-day tegoprazan- or lansoprazole-based TTs as first-line treatments. Their medical records were retrospectively reviewed to compare H. pylori eradication rates and the rates of patient adherence to the recommended therapy.Results: A total of 670 patients diagnosed with H. pylori infections were prescribed 14-day TT regimens between March 2020 and February 2023 at Ilsan Paik Hospital (Goyang, Korea). Of those enrolled in the study, 64 received tegoprazan-based TT and 295 received lansoprazole-based TT as their first-line treatment. The H. pylori eradication rates for tegoprazan- and lansoprazole-based TTs were 76.6% and 75.6%, respectively, in the intent-to-treat population; the rates were 88.9% and 88.4%, respectively, in the per-protocol population (non-inferiority test, p=0.03 and p=0.01 in the respective populations). No significant differences were observed between the two groups with regards to treatment adherence rates (84.4% vs. 85.1%, p=0.78).Conclusions: As a first-line treatment for H. pylori eradication, 14-day tegoprazan-based TT demonstrated non-inferior efficacy compared with 14-day lansoprazole-based TT.
Rare Bacterial Infection of the Stomach
Authors: Cho Hyun Myung , Kim Su Jin , Jang Jin Ook , Lee Jung Wook
Published: June 2024

An acidic environment, gastric emptying, and abundant blood supply inhibit bacterial infection of the stomach. Helicobacter pylori can evade these defense mechanisms and is a well-known etiological contributor to chronic gastritis. Non-H. pylori bacterial infections such as acute phlegmonous gastritis, gastric syphilis, gastric tuberculosis, and gastric actinomycosis are uncommon and owing to their nonspecific findings, are diagnostically challenging in patients without a high index of clinical suspicion. Predisposition to bacterial infection is attributable to an increase in the prevalence of medical conditions and factors that precipitate immunosuppression, in addition to high rates of gastric mucosal injury associated with endoscopic procedures. Gastric bacterial infection negatively affects patients’ quality of life, increases the socioeconomic burden, and may occasionally be fatal. Therefore, physicians should be familiar with the endoscopic features and clinical manifestations of non-H. pylori bacterial infections of the stomach.
Biodiverse cities or green light for biological invasions?
Authors: Comte Sebastien
Published: June 2024

Considerable effort and money are spent to promulgate greener, more biodiverse cities with a fundamental push to increase the green connectivity between remnant urban bushlands and with their surrounding natural habitats (ecological reserves and National Parks).

Yet, cities are recognised as major point of entry for biological invasions and provide abundant shelter and food resources to sustain established populations of invasive species. An increased connectivity of green spaces across the cities could therefore create new hazards for the health and safety of native species and the human residents.

In Australia, most greening strategies designed for large urban centres only consider invasive species as a secondary nuisance that can be managed a posteriori. Established pest populations are very difficult and costly to control unless the effort is invested at the early stage of invasion and lethal control of wildlife is often controversial in urban landscapes. A novel approach that has yet to be further explored consists of manipulating the habitat within the urban green spaces and corridors so as to maintain their functionality for biodiversity and their benefits for human residents while slowing the spread of invasive species. The key to success involves cross-disciplinary research between urban design, conservation and biosecurity.
Development of a new examination for the Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board
Authors: Cane David J. , Bell Stefan , Beierback Gemma , Marini Anthony , Tibbles Anthony
Published: June 2024

Objective

Since 1963 the Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board has conducted competency examinations for individuals seeking licensure to practice chiropractic in Canada. To maintain currency with changes in practice, examination content and methodology have been regularly updated since that time. This paper describes the process used by the Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board to restructure the examination to ensure it was current and to align it with the 2018 Federation of Canadian Chiropractic’s Canadian Chiropractic Entry-to-Practice Competency Profile.

Methods

A subject-matter-expert committee developed proposed candidate outcomes (indicators) for a new examination, derived from the competency profile. A national survey of practice was undertaken to determine the importance and frequency-of-use of the profile’s enabling competencies. Survey results, together with other practice-based data and further subject-matter-expert input, were used to validate indicators and to create a new structure for the examination.

Results

The new examination is a combination of single-focus and case-based multiple-choice questions, and OSCE (objective, structured, clinical examination) methodology. Content mapping and item weighting were determined by a blueprinting committee and are provided.

Conclusion

Administration of the new examination commenced in early 2024.
Combating the Challenges of False Positives in AI-Driven Anomaly Detection Systems and Enhancing Data Security in the Cloud
Authors: Olateju Omobolaji Olufunmilayo , Okon Samuel Ufom , Igwenagu Udochukwu ThankGod Ikechukwu , Salami Abidemi Ayodotun , Oladoyinbo Tunbosun Oyewale , Olaniyi Oluwaseun Oladeji
Published: June 2024

Anomaly detection is critical for network security, fraud detection, and system health monitoring applications. Traditional methods like statistical approaches and distance-based techniques often struggle with high-dimensional and complex data, leading to high false positive rates. This study addresses the challenge by investigating advanced AI-driven techniques to reduce false positives and enhance data security within cloud computing environments. This study employs deep learning models, integrates contextual data, and incorporates comprehensive security measures to enhance anomaly detection performance. Data from synthetic sources, such as the NSL-KDD dataset and real-world cloud environments, were utilized to capture user behavior logs, system states, and network traffic. Over 50 academic journals were reviewed, and 21 were selected based on inclusion criteria, such as relevance to AI-driven anomaly detection, empirical performance metrics, and the focus on cloud environments, and exclusion criteria that filtered out studies lacking empirical data or not specific to cloud-based systems. Methodologically, the research involves a comparative analysis of different AI techniques and their impact on false positive rates, accuracy, precision, and recall. The findings demonstrate that deep learning techniques significantly outperform traditional methods, achieving a lower false positive rate and higher accuracy. The results underscore the importance of contextual data and robust security protocols in reliable anomaly detection. This research fills a gap by thoroughly evaluating advanced AI techniques for reducing false positives in cloud environments. The study's significance lies in guiding the development of more effective anomaly detection systems, thereby enhancing security and reliability across various applications. Additionally, organizations should invest in continuously developing and integrating AI-driven anomaly detection systems with comprehensive security measures to improve their effectiveness the study suggests that further study be conducted with large datasets to evaluate the effectiveness of Hybrid anomaly detection systems in detecting and addressing false positives.
Self‐Powered Nanosensors and Nanosystems
Authors: Wang Zhong Lin
Published: November 2011

Sensor networks are a key technological and economic driver for global industries in the near future, with applications in health care, environmental monitoring, infrastructure monitoring, national security, and more. Developing technologies for self‐powered nanosensors is vitally important. This paper gives a brief summary about recent progress in the area, describing nanogenerators that are capable of providing sustainable self‐sufficient micro/nanopower sources for future sensor networks.
Experimental study on solid circulation in a multiple jet fluidized bed
Authors: Agarwal Gaurav , Lattimer Brian , Ekkad Srinath , Vandsburger Uri
Published: November 2011

Particle image velocimetry was used to investigate the evolution of multiple inlet gas jets located at the distributor base of a two‐dimensional fluidized bed setup. Results were used to estimate the solid circulation rate of the fluidized bed as well as particle‐entrainment into the individual jets. The effects of fluidization velocity, orifice diameter, orifice pitch, particle diameter, and particle density were studied. It was determined from this study that the solid circulation rate linearly increased with an increase in the fluidization velocity until the multiple jet system transitioned from isolated to an interacting system. In the interacting system of jets, the solid circulation increased with fluidization velocity but at a much lower rate. For multiple jet systems, this phenomenon may indicate the presence of an optimum operating condition with high circulation rate and low air input in the bed. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 58: 3003–3015, 2012
A solution of the non‐uniqueness problem of the Dirac Hamiltonian and energy operators
Authors: Arminjon M.
Published: November 2011

In a general spacetime, the possible choices for the field of orthonormal tetrads lead (in standard conditions) to equivalent Dirac equations. However, the Hamiltonian operator is got from rewriting the Dirac equation in a form adapted to a particular reference frame, or class of coordinate systems. That rewriting does not commute with changing the tetrad field (uα ). The data of a reference frame F fixes a four‐velocity field v, and also fixes a rotation‐rate field Ω. It is natural to impose that u0 = v. We show that then the spatial triad (up) can only be rotating w.r.t. F, and that the title problem is solved if one imposes that the corresponding rotation rate Ξ be equal to Ω – or also, if one imposes that Ξ = 0. We also analyze other proposals which were aimed at solving the problem of the non‐uniqueness of the Dirac Hamiltonian.
Similarities and Differences between the “Relativistic” Triad Gold, Platinum, and Mercury in Catalysis
Authors: Leyva‐Pérez Antonio , Corma Avelino
Published: November 2011

Relativistic effects in the valence shell of the elements reach a maximum in the triad Pt–Au–Hg and determine their catalytic activity in organic reactions. In this Review we examine the catalytic activity of Pt, Au, and Hg compounds for some representative reactions, and discuss the respective benefits and disadvantages along with other relevant properties, such as toxicity, price, and availability. For the reactions considered, gold catalysts are generally more active than mercury or platinum catalysts.
Hepatic resection for metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumors in the tyrosine kinase inhibitor era
Authors: Turley Ryan S. , Peng Peter D. , Reddy Srinevas K. , Barbas Andrew S. , Geller David A. , Marsh J. Wallis , Tsung Allan , Pawlik Timothy M. , Clary Bryan M.
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND:

Before the advent of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), surgical resection was the primary treatment for hepatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) metastases. Although TKIs have improved survival in the metastatic setting, outcomes after multimodal therapy comprised of hepatectomy and TKIs for GIST are unknown. The objective of this study was to determine whether combination therapy for hepatic GIST metastases is associated with improved overall survival compared with reported outcomes from surgery or TKI therapy alone.

METHODS:

Demographics, clinicopathologic tumor characteristics, treatments, and outcomes of patients who underwent hepatic resection at 3 high‐volume centers from 1995 to 2010 were reviewed.

RESULTS:

In total, 39 patients underwent hepatectomy for metastatic GISTs, and 27 patients received postoperative TKI therapy. At a median follow‐up of 39.7 months, 23 patients (59%) experienced recurrence at a median of 18 months. The 1‐year, 2‐year, and 3‐year overall survival rates were 96.7%, 76.8%, and 67.9%, respectively. Median survival was not reached at 5 years. The rates of severe complication and mortality were 10.2% (4 patients) and 2.5% (1 patient), respectively. When controlling for confounders, postoperative TKI therapy was associated with improved survival (hazard ratio, 0.04; 95% confidence interval, 0.01‐0.50; P = .006), and extrahepatic disease was associated with worse survival (hazard ratio, 9.51; 95% confidence interval, 1.63‐55.7; P = .012).

CONCLUSIONS:

Overall survival after combination therapy exceeded previous reports for the treatment of metastatic GIST with hepatic resection or TKI therapy alone and was significantly enhanced by postoperative TKI therapy. The results from this study support findings that combination therapy for GIST liver metastases comprised of surgical resection and TKI therapy is more effective than surgery or TKI therapy alone. Cancer 2012;3571–3578. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Commentary on ‘Interventions for treating scabies’
Authors: Le Cleach Laurence , Chosidow Olivier
Published: November 2011

This is a commentary of a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Strong M, Johnstone P. Interventions for treating scabies. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD000320. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000320.pub2.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying Summary article. Copyright © 2011 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Commentary on ‘Probiotics for treating persistent diarrhoea in children’
Authors: Kligler Benjamin
Published: November 2011

This is a commentary of a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Bernaola Aponte G, BadaMancilla CA, Carreazo Pariasca NY, Rojas Galarza RA. Probiotics for treating persistent diarrhoea in children. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2010, Issue 11. Art. No.: CD007401. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007401.pub2.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying Summary article. Copyright © 2011 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Commentary on ‘Probiotics for treating acute infectious diarrhoea’
Authors: Guandalini Stefano
Published: November 2011

This is a commentary of a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Allen SJ, Martinez EG, Gregorio GV, Dans LF. Probiotics for treating acute infectious diarrhoea. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews Commentary2010, Issue 11. Art. No.: CD003048. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003048.pub3.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying Summary article. Copyright © 2011 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Commentary on ‘Anti‐pseudomonal beta‐lactams for the initial, empirical, treatment of febrile neutropenia: comparison of beta‐lactams’ with a response from the review authors
Authors: Sung Lillian , Paul Mical , Yahav Dafna , Leibovici Leonard
Published: November 2011

These are commentaries of a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Paul M, Yahav D, Bivas A, Fraser A, Leibovici L. Anti‐pseudomonal beta‐lactams for the initial, empirical, treatment of febrile neutropenia: comparison of beta‐lactams. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews Commentaries2010, Issue 11. Art. No.: CD005197. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005197.pub3.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying Summary article. Copyright © 2011 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Summary of ‘Interactive computer‐based interventions for sexual health promotion’
Authors: Editorial Office Evidence‐Based Child Health
Published: November 2011

This is a summary of Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Bailey JV, Murray E, Rait G, Mercer CH, Morris RW, Peacock R, Cassell J, Nazareth I. Interactive computer‐based interventions for sexual health promotion. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2010, Issue 9. Art. No.: CD006483. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006483.pub2. Copyright © 2011 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Enzymatic and Organocatalyzed Asymmetric Aldolization Reactions for the Synthesis of Thiosugar Scaffolds
Authors: Fanton Johan , Camps Flora , Castillo José A. , Guérard‐Hélaine Christine , Lemaire Marielle , Charmantray Franck , Hecquet Laurence
Published: November 2011

We studied the synthesis of original thiosugar scaffolds by enantioselective aldolization. L‐Proline‐catalyzed C–C bond formation was the key step in the synthesis of L‐erythro‐thioketoses (3S,4R), whereas fructose‐6‐phosphate aldolase‐catalyzed reactions yielded the D‐threo‐thioketose series (3S,4S). By the organocatalytic approach, 5‐thio‐L‐ribulofuranose (1) and 5‐deoxy‐6‐thio‐L‐psicopyranose (2) were obtained in satisfactory overall yields from 2‐haloacetaldehydes, whereas 5‐thio‐D‐xylulofuranose (3) was synthesized in 50 % overall yield by an enzymatic aldolization reaction in only two steps from the same starting material.
Characteristics of waste catalyst reused as latent hydraulic materials
Authors: Lin Kae‐Long , Wu Hsiu‐Hsien , Chao Sao‐Jeng , Cheng An , Hwang Chao‐Lung
Published: November 2011

This study investigated the pozzolanic reactions and engineering properties of waste catalyst (WC)‐blended cements in relation to various replacement ratios (0–40%). The latent hydraulic characteristics were evaluated at various curing ages by examining the hydration products and compressive strength of the waste catalyst blended cement (WCBC) pastes. The results indicate that the WC contained Al2O3 (59 w/w %), SiO2 (39 w/w %), and CaO (0.1 w/w %) and the pozzolanic activity index of the WC was 117%. The heavy metal leaching concentrations all met the Taiwan EPA regulatory limits. The early compressive strength of the resultant blended cement pastes (1–28 days) was lower than that of the ordinary Portland cement (OPC); however, WCBC pastes with a replacement of cement by up to 20% showed a later compressive strength (60–90 days) similar to that of OPC paste. The hydrated WCBC pastes were similar to OPC pastes in terms of hydration product composition. The main hydration products in the WCBC pastes were Ca(OH)2 and C‐S‐H (Tobermorite). The results indicate that it is indeed feasible to use WC as one of the mineral components for cement. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 32: 94–98, 2013.
High levels of hsCRP are associated with carbohydrate metabolism disorder
Authors: Leiva Elba , Mujica Verónica , Brito Katherine , Palomo Ivan , Orrego Roxana , Moore‐Carrasco Rodrigo , Vásquez Marcela , Guzmán Luis , Nuñez Sergio , Díaz Nora , Icaza Gloria , Arredondo Miguel
Published: November 2011

Aim: To determine risk parameters associated with high values of high sensitive C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) in subjects with different glucose fasting levels. Methods: Anthropometric parameters, arterial pressure, glycemia, lipid profile, uric acid, and hsCRP were studied in a population of 513 individuals between 40 and 65 years. Results: In total, 349 (68.0%) were normoglycemic (NG); 113 (22.0%) had impaired fasting glucose (IFG); and 51 (9.9%) were diabetic subjects. A multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the natural logarithm of hsCRP was associated significantly with glycemia levels (P = 0.009), uric acid (P = 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.011), smoking habit (P = 0.021), BMI (P<0.001), and sex (P<0.001). One‐third of the NG subjects had high hsCRP levels. A multiple logistic regression analysis showed that sex and BMI were variables related to high levels of hsCRP in subjects with IFG and NG. In NG subjects, uric acid levels were associated with risk of presenting high hsCRP levels and were higher in women than men. In NG women, ROC curves analysis identified a uric acid level of 3.9 mg/dl as a cut‐off point to predict a high value of hsCRP. Those individuals with uric acid values higher than 3.9 mg/dl and normal glycemia had 3.5‐fold more risk of having hsCRP levels over 3.0 mg/l. Conclusions: We sustain that high levels of hsCRP are associated with disturbance in carbohydrate metabolism. In addition, we believe that in low cardiovascular risk population, such as NG women, uric acid levels above 3.9 mg/dl might represent a signal of possible pro‐inflammatory state and cardiovascular risk. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 25:375–381, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Latent tuberculosis infection screening for laboratory personnel using interferon‐γ release assay and tuberculin skin test in Korea: an intermediate incidence setting
Authors: Moon Hee‐Won , Kim Hanah , Hur Mina , Yun Yeo‐Min , Lee Anna
Published: November 2011

Background: Though recent reports have indicated a higher prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in laboratory personnel than in other healthcare workers, these studies included only a limited number of laboratory personnel. Methods: We have thus focused on the laboratory personnel, who had a high level of exposure to specimens from patients with TB. We recruited 173 laboratory personnel and performed QuantiFERON‐TB Gold In‐Tube test (QFT‐G) and tuberculin skin test (TST). Results: QFT‐G was positive in 21.4% of the enrolled laboratory personnel, and TST was positive in 33.3%. The agreement between the two tests was fair (κ = 0.234). In multivariate analyses, household contactwith TBpatients (P = 0.013), the laboratory sections of microbiology (P = 0.045) and chemistry/immunology (P = 0.014) were shown to be significantly associated with positive QFT‐G results. Conclusion: Our data show a high prevalence of TST and QFT‐G positivity in laboratory personnel and emphasize the importance of LTBI screening for laboratory personnel. In BCG‐vaccinated populations with an intermediate incidence setting, QFT‐G seems to be superior to TST as a screening tool for the detection of LTBI. Further study, including results of follow‐up tests will be helpful for confirmation of our findings. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 25:382–388, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The serum profile of adipokines in naïve patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 and obesity
Authors: de Luis D.A. , Aller R. , Izaola O. , Ovalle H.F.
Published: November 2011

Background: The aim of this study was to explore the relationship of serum profile of adipokines with cardiovascular risk factors and anthropometric parameters in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2. Subjects: A population of 108 obese patients with DM2 was analyzed. A complete biochemical anthropometric and nutritional evaluation was performed. Results: In the analysis with leptin as a dependent variable, the IL‐6 and glucose levels remained in the model (F = 6.2; P<0.05), with an increase of 5.8 (CI 95%:2.7–7.6) ng/ml with each 1 pg/ml of IL‐6 and of 5.2 (CI95%:2.5–5.8) ng/ml with each 1 mg/dl of glucose. In a second model with adiponectin as a dependent variable, the BMI remained in the model (F = 3.77;P<0.05), with an decrease of −3.77 (CI 95%:0.53–7.1) ng/ml with each 1 point of BMI. In the third multivariate analysis with IL‐6 as a dependent variable, the glucose level remained in the model (F = 10.1; P<0.01), with an increase of 0.09 (CI95%:0.06–0.12) pg/ml with each 1 mg/dl of glucose. In the fourth multivariate analysis with resistin as a dependent variable, the CRP remained in the model (F = 2.51; P<0.05), with an increase of 0.28 (CI 95%:0.08–0.48) pg/ml with each 1 mg/dl of CRP. Conclusion: Serum profile of adipokines is associated with different risk factors in diabetic obese patients. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 25:409–413, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Glutathione S‐transferase gene polymorphisms are not major risks for susceptibility to posttransplantation diabetes mellitus in Taiwan renal transplant recipients
Authors: Tsai Jen‐Pi , Yang Shun‐Fa , Wu Sheng‐Wen , Hung Tung‐Wei , Tsai Hui‐Ching , Lian Jong‐Da , Chang Horng‐Rong
Published: November 2011

Glutathione S‐transferase (GST) M1 null genotype has been reported playing a significant role in the diabetes mellitus (DM) susceptibility in Turkish population. We investigated whether the GSTM1, GSTA1, and GSTP1 gene polymorphisms are associated with posttransplantation diabetes mellitus (PTDM) in Taiwan. There were 283 renal transplant recipients (RTRs) enrolled. Polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism was used for the measurement of GSTA1, M1, and P1 genetic polymorphisms. PTDM was diagnosed according to the American Diabetes Association guidelines. Eight‐five patients (30%) were diagnosed with PTDM. The averaged posttransplant follow‐up period was 77.9 ± 27.2 months. Duration from transplantat to diagnosis of PTDM ranged from 0.2 to 103.1 months (19.2 ± 26.3 months). There were significantly differences between non‐DM and PTDM groups in age (50.6 ± 11.0 vs. 54.6 ± 9.36 years, P = 0.005), BMI (22.4 ± 3.6 vs. 24.3 ± 3.8, P<0.001). The distributions of GSTA1, GSTP1, and GSTM1 genotypes alleles were not significantly different between PTDM and non‐DM group. Patients carrying the different GSTA1, GSTP1, and GSTM1 genetic and allelic polymorphisms had no differences for the development of PTDM. These overall results suggested a lack of strong association with GSTA1, GSTP1, and GSTM1 genetic polymorphisms to the susceptibility of PTDM in Taiwanese RTRs. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 25:432–435, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Post‐discharge intervention in vulnerable, chronically ill patients
Authors: Kansagara Devan , Ramsay Rebecca S. , Labby David , Saha Somnath
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND:

Studies suggest that the inpatient to outpatient transition of care is a vulnerable period for patients, and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations may be particularly susceptible.

OBJECTIVE:

In this prospective cohort study, clustered by hospital, we sought to determine the feasibility and utility of a simple, post‐discharge intervention in reducing hospital readmissions.

METHODS:

Chronically ill Medicaid managed care members were consecutively identified from the discharge records of 10 area hospitals. For patients from the 7 intervention hospitals, trained medical assistants performed a brief telephone needs assessment, within 1 week of discharge, in which issues requiring near‐term resolution were identified and addressed. Patients with more complicated care needs were identified according to a 4‐domain care needs framework and enrolled in more intensive care management. Patients discharged from the 3 control hospitals received usual care. We used a generalized estimating equation model, which adjusts for clustering by hospital, to evaluate the primary outcome of hospital readmission within 60 days.

RESULTS:

There were 97 intervention and 130 control patients. Intervention patients were slightly younger and had higher adjusted clinical group (ACG) scores. In unadjusted analysis, the intervention group had lower, but statistically similar, 60‐day rehospitalization rates (23.7% vs 29.2%, P = 0.35). This difference became significant after controlling for ACG score, prior inpatient utilization, and age: adjusted odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] 0.49 [0.24‐1.00].

CONCLUSIONS:

A simple post‐discharge intervention and needs assessment may be associated with reduced recurrent hospitalization rates in a cohort of chronically ill Medicaid managed care patients with diverse care needs. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2012;. © 2011 Society of Hospital Medicine
Incidence of hypoglycemia following insulin‐based acute stabilization of hyperkalemia treatment
Authors: Schafers Stephen , Naunheim Rosanne , Vijayan Anitha , Tobin Garry
Published: November 2011

PURPOSE:

The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of hypoglycemia in hospitalized patients following acute treatment of hyperkalemia with insulin. A characterization of the affected patients and the administered insulin/dextrose regimens was also performed.

METHODS:

A retrospective search of the electronic records of a large university‐based tertiary care hospital was conducted, from June 1, 2009 to December 1, 2009, to identify patients who developed hypoglycemia following acute stabilization of hyperkalemia treatment with regular insulin.

RESULTS:

Of 219 hyperkalemic patients who met the criteria of the study, 19 patients (8.7%) were identified as hypoglycemic (blood glucose <70 mg/dl), and 5 of these patients (2.3% of study patients) were classified as severely hypoglycemic (blood glucose <40 mg/dl). Fifteen (79%) of the hypoglycemic patients had acute kidney injury or were end‐stage renal disease patients on hemodialysis at the time of treatment. Fifty‐eight percent of the hypoglycemic events occurred following the commonly employed 10 units of regular insulin and 25 gm of dextrose 50% treatment regimen.

CONCLUSION:

Iatrogenic hypoglycemia, as a result of treatment for hyperkalemia, is a common occurrence. Hyperkalemia occurs disproportionately in patients with acute kidney injury or end‐stage renal disease, and these patients are predisposed to an increased risk of hypoglycemia. The risk of severe hypoglycemia escalates in patients with lower body weight and creatinine clearance. Hypoglycemia risk can be minimized by providing sufficient dextrose in the treatment regimen, however, patient variability in treatment response dictates careful blood glucose monitoring before and after treatment. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2011;. © 2011 Society of Hospital Medicine.