bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Text Messaging Intervention for Teens and Young Adults With Diabetes
Authors: Markowitz Jessica T. , Cousineau Tara , Franko Debra L. , Schultz Alan T. , Trant Meredith , Rodgers Rachel , Laffel Lori M. B.
Published: June 2014

Background:

Adolescents and young adults use text messaging as their primary mode of communication, thus providing an opportunity to use this mode of communication for mobile health (mHealth) interventions. Youth with diabetes are an important group for these mHealth initiatives, as diabetes management requires an enormous amount of daily effort and this population has difficulty achieving optimal diabetes management. Goal setting and self-efficacy are 2 factors in the management of diabetes. We examined the feasibility of a healthy lifestyle text messaging program targeting self-efficacy and goal setting among adolescents and young adults with diabetes.

Methods:

Participants, ages 16-21, were assigned to either a text messaging group, which received daily motivational messages about nutrition and physical activity, or a control group, which received paper-based information about healthy lifestyle. Both groups set goals for nutrition and physical activity and completed a measure of self-efficacy.

Results:

Participants’ mean age was 18.7 ± 1.6 years old, with diabetes duration of 10.0 ± 4.6 years, and A1c of 8.7 ± 1.7%. The text messaging intervention was rated highly and proved to be acceptable to participants. Self-efficacy, glycemic control, and body mass index did not change over the course of the short, 1-month pilot study.

Conclusions:

Positive, daily, motivational text messages may be effective in increasing motivation for small goal changes in the areas of nutrition and physical activity. These interventions may be used in the future in youth with diabetes to improve diabetes care. Utilizing more targeted text messages is an area for future research.
The Student Health Collaboration
Authors: Guilday Patricia
Published: June 2014

Students, families, school staff, and school nurses all benefit from successful community partnerships. School nurses requested improved communication with local clinicians and access to the health information of their students. School nurses were not routinely recognized as part of the care team and therefore were not able to access protected health information found in the medical record, which would improve health outcomes for their students. With a goal of improving student health outcomes, a local pediatric health care delivery system partnered with school nurses to share student health information. School nurses were included as part of the health care team, with access to electronic health records. This is an innovative coordinated care team approach with parents, nurses, and community clinicians able to communicate, plan, intervene, and evaluate student health.
Staged Left Ventricular Recruitment and Biventricular Conversion in Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
Authors: Hammel James M. , House Aswathy Vaikom , Danford David A. , Kutty Shelby
Published: June 2014

We describe a relatively long left ventricular recruitment pathway consisting of early and serial aortic valvuloplasties and multiple endocardial fibroelastosis resections resulting in successful biventricular conversion of hypoplastic left heart syndrome.
A Rare Anomaly of a Single Coronary Artery Arising From the Right Pulmonary Artery in a Neonate
Authors: Vitanova Keti , Cleuziou Julie , Deutsch Marcus-André , Ackermann Kilian , Schreiber Christian
Published: June 2014

An anomalous origin of the entire coronary circulation from the right pulmonary artery is a very rare congenital malformation. We report on a male newborn presenting with hypoplastic aortic arch and coarctation of the aorta in whom a previously undetected single coronary artery originating from the right pulmonary artery was detected at the time of corrective surgery. The patient underwent a resection of the coarctation with a patch enlargement of the aortic arch and a successful reimplantation of the coronary artery into the aorta.
Apical Aortic Conduit Infection 27 Years After Repaired Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction
Authors: Carpenter Dustin J. , Fiore Andrew C. , Huddleston Charles B.
Published: June 2014

Left ventricle to aortic conduits were used for the treatment of complex left ventricular outflow tract obstruction in the pediatric population in the mid-1970s. Although this technique has been largely replaced by the Ross-Konno procedure, many patients still have functioning apicoaortic conduits in place today. Few clinical reports or case series exist in pediatric cohorts documenting the natural history or potential long-term complications of this prosthesis. In this report, we describe our experience managing a patient with Shone’s syndrome and an apical aortic porcine-valved conduit remnant that became infected 17 years postconduit valve excision for valvular insufficiency.
Fontan Circulation in Adult Patients
Authors: Melero-Ferrer Josep Lluís , Osa-Sáez Ana , Buendía-Fuentes Francisco , Ballesta-Cuñat Antonio , Flors Lucía , Rodríguez-Serrano María , Calvillo-Batllés Pilar , Arnau-Vives Miguel-Ángel , Palencia-Pérez Miguel A. , Rueda-Soriano Joaquín
Published: June 2014

Objective:

The development of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis due to long-standing liver congestion is known to occur in adult patients with Fontan circulation. Hepatic elastography has shown to be a useful tool for the noninvasive assessment and staging of liver fibrosis in chronic liver diseases, although the utility of this technique in Fontan patients remains to be adequately studied.

Methods:

Twenty-one patients with Fontan circulation underwent an abdominal ultrasound and an acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography. In order to compare the results from this group, a cohort of 14 healthy controls and another group containing 17 patients with cirrhosis were included. The association between the velocity values measured with elastography and clinical and analytical parameters were also studied.

Results:

Mean shear waves propagation velocity in liver tissue in the Fontan group was 1.86 ± 0.5 m/s, with 76% of patients over the cirrhosis threshold (1.55 m/s). The control group had a mean velocity of 1.09 ± 0.06 m/s, while the cirrhotic group obtained 2.71 ± 0.51 m/s. Seven patients with Fontan circulation had increased liver enzymes. Liver ultrasound showed evidence of chronic liver disease in six patients. Velocity values obtained in the presence or absence of analytical or liver ultrasound abnormalities showed significant differences in the univariate analysis ( P = .04 and P = .03 respectively).

Conclusion:

In conclusion, ARFI elastography showed increased wave propagation velocity values in the Fontan population suggesting increased liver stiffness which could be related to advanced fibrosis. A statistically significant association between ARFI values and the presence of analytical and ultrasound abnormalities has been demonstrated.
Completion of the Three-Stage Fontan Pathway Without Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Authors: Mainwaring Richard D. , Reddy V. Mohan , Hanley Frank L.
Published: June 2014

Background:

The three-stage surgical approach is now accepted as the standard for management of children born with functional single ventricle. However, there is little consensus on the cardiopulmonary bypass strategies employed for these procedures. We have attempted to avoid cardiopulmonary bypass in patients with single ventricle whenever possible to eliminate the adverse effects that are induced by this process. The purpose of this study was to review our experience in patients who underwent all three stages of the Fontan pathway without ever being exposed to bypass.

Methods:

A total of 52 patients with single ventricle underwent “off-pump” treatment at all three stages of their surgical management. The time period of the study was from 2002 to 2013. There were 31 males and 21 females. Anatomic diagnoses included double inlet left ventricle (n = 11), pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (n = 11), tricuspid atresia (n = 10), double outlet right ventricle (n = 9), and other (n = 11).

Results:

There was no operative mortality in the 52 patients undergoing Fontan completion. The patients have been followed for an average of 5.1 ± 2.5 years, with one late mortality. The median length of hospital stay for the three stages was 17, 5, and 9 days, respectively. Of the 52 patients, 42 were able to undergo all three stages without the need for a blood transfusion.

Conclusions:

This series demonstrates the feasibility of achieving a Fontan circulation without patients exposed to cardiopulmonary bypass. There was no operative mortality and low mid-term mortality. It is notable that 80% of patients never required a blood transfusion with this approach. The elimination of cardiopulmonary bypass provides several potential clinical benefits in this highly select subset of patients with single ventricle.
Peritoneal Drainage Versus Pleural Drainage After Pediatric Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Gowda Keshava Murty Narayana , Zidan Marwan , Walters Henry L. , Delius Ralph E. , Mastropietro Christopher W.
Published: June 2014

Background:

We aimed to determine whether infants undergoing cardiac surgery would more efficiently attain negative fluid balance postoperatively with passive peritoneal drainage as compared to traditional pleural drainage.

Methods:

A prospective, randomized study including children undergoing repair of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) or atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) was completed between September 2011 and June 2013. Patients were randomized to intraoperative placement of peritoneal catheter or right pleural tube in addition to the requisite mediastinal tube. The primary outcome measure was fluid balance at 48 hours postoperatively. Variables were compared using t tests or Fisher exact tests as appropriate.

Results:

A total of 24 patients were enrolled (14 TOF and 10 AVSD), with 12 patients in each study group. Mean fluid balance at 48 hours was not significantly different between study groups, −41 ± 53 mL/kg in patients with periteonal drainage and −9 ± 40 mL/kg in patients with pleural drainage ( P = .10). At 72 hours however, postoperative fluid balance was significantly more negative with peritoneal drainage, −52.4 ± 71.6 versus +2.0 ± 50.6 ( P = .04). On subset analysis, fluid balance at 48 hours in patients with AVSD was more negative with peritoneal drainage as compared to pleural, −82 ± 51 versus −1 ± 38 mL/kg, respectively ( P = .02). Fluid balance at 48 hours in patients with TOF was not significantly different between study groups.

Conclusion:

Passive peritoneal drainage may more effectively facilitate negative fluid balance when compared to pleural drainage after pediatric cardiac surgery, although this benefit is not likely universal but rather dependent on the patient’s underlying physiology.
The Ross Operation in Children and Young Adults
Authors: Zebele Carlo , Chivasso Pierpaolo , Sedmakov Christo , Angelini Gianni , Caputo Massimo , Parry Andrew , Stoica Serban
Published: June 2014

Objectives:

To determine UK national trends and results of the Ross operation in relation to all aortic valve interventions.

Methods:

Examination of the UK Congenital Central Cardiac Audit Database for all aortic valve procedures performed between 2000 and 2011 in children (0-16 years) and young adults (16-30 years).

Results:

A total of 2,206 aortic valve procedures were performed in children and 1,824 in young adults, the proportions in the two groups being: Ross operation (19% vs 15%, respectively), surgical valvoplasty (9.5% vs 4%), surgical valvotomy (9.5% vs 1%), aortic valve replacement (AVR; 11% vs 55%), aortic root replacement (4% vs 18%), and balloon valvoplasty (47% vs 7%). The 30-day and 1-year survival after Ross is 99.3% and 98.7%, respectively, in the last four years achieving 100%. In children, the proportion of balloon valvoplasty increased from an average of 43% in 2000 to 2006 to 53% in 2007 to 2011, whereas the Ross operation decreased from 22% to 16% ( P < .001). In young adults, the figures are an increase from 49% to 58% for AVR compared to a decrease from 23% to 9% for Ross ( P < .001). Our own single-center series of 91 patients also shows standard results for early- and long-term survival and freedom from reoperation, but gradually fewer Ross operations performed. The year-on-year changes show a significant decreasing trend locally and nationally.

Conclusions:

Despite an excellent track record, the Ross operation is performed less frequently in the United Kingdom. This report is a first step in comparing treatment modalities at national level.
Framing the Emerging Talent Crisis in India and China
Authors: Chatterjee Samir , Nankervis Alan , Connell Julia
Published: June 2014

China and India have undergone significant transformation in recent years as they emerge as the drivers of the so-called “Asian Century”. Although the catalyst for this remarkable growth has been the ability of both countries to harness talent, the next two decades will require a very different dispersion of skills. India will increase its working age population by an additional 200 million, while the workforce in China will reduce by 100 million. In the next three decades, China will have more than doubled its population of those aged 65 and over resulting in a weaker dependency ratio. This article examines the multifaceted challenges that are emerging due to significant skills shortages in China and India. Through the lens of human capital theory, two new frameworks are introduced in order to analyze these factors and to suggest potential solutions.
Evolution and Evaluation of Human Resources Function in India
Authors: Rao T.V.
Published: June 2014

This article attempts to trace the development of human resources (HR) in the last four decades in India since the first dedicated Human Resources Development Department was conceptualized and initiated at Larsen & Toubro. The article traces the development of this function and presents results from periodic audits of the function. The article highlights that significant development in the HR function has come about in the last two decades and the function and its leaders are growing in numbers to make a positive impact in terms of achieving organizational objectives. The article concludes with recent trends and studies as indicators of this maturity. The article recommends five levels of HR with the need to focus on the higher levels of work, including intellectual capital formation to make a transformational impact on firm’s success.
The Arg98Trp mutation in human VKORC1 causing VKCFD2 disrupts a di-arginine–based ER retention motif
Authors: Czogalla Katrin J. , Biswas Arijit , Rost Simone , Watzka Matthias , Oldenburg Johannes
Published: June 2014

Key Points

VKORC1:p.Arg98Trp disrupts a di-arginine ER retention motif, resulting in mislocalization and degradation of the mutant VKORC1 protein. A second low-efficiency di-lysine ER localization and retention motif contributes to the partially deficient phenotype of VKCFD2 patients.
A novel integrated cytogenetic and genomic classification refines risk stratification in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Moorman Anthony V. , Enshaei Amir , Schwab Claire , Wade Rachel , Chilton Lucy , Elliott Alannah , Richardson Stacey , Hancock Jeremy , Kinsey Sally E. , Mitchell Christopher D. , Goulden Nicholas , Vora Ajay , Harrison Christine J.
Published: June 2014

Key Points

Integrating cytogenetic and genomic data in pediatric ALL reveals 2 subgroups with different outcomes independent of other risk factors. A total of 75% of children on UKALL2003 had a good-risk genetic profile, which predicted an EFS and OS of 94% and 97% at 5 years.
First-episode psychosis and migration in Italy (PEP-Ita migration): a study in the Italian mental health services
Authors: Tarricone Ilaria , Braca Mauro , Allegri Fabio , Barrasso Giuseppe , Bellomo Antonello , Berlincioni Vanna , Carpiniello Bernardo , Ceregato Alessio , Conforti Donati Marco , Defilippi Samuele , Del Vecchio Valeria , De Rosa Corrado , Ferrannini Luigi , Ferrari Silvia , Furio Maria Antonietta , Gramaglia Carla , La Cascia Caterina , Luciano Mario , Mulè Alice , Nardini Marcello , Podavini Francesca , Primavera Diego , Reggianini Corinna , Rigatelli Marco , Todarello Orlando , Turella Elena , Ventriglio Antonio , Zeppegno Patrizia , Fiorillo Andrea , Berardi Domenico
Published: June 2014

Background

It has been frequently reported a higher incidence of psychotic disorders in immigrants than in native populations. There is, however, a lack of knowledge about risk factors which may explain this phenomenon. A better understanding of the causes of psychosis among first-generation migrants is highly needed, particularly in Italy, a country with a recent massive migration.

Methods/Design

The “Italian study on first-episode psychosis and migration (PEP-Ita)” is a prospective observational study over a two-year period (1 January 2012–31 December 2013) which will be carried out in 11 Italian mental health centres. All participating centres will collect data about all new cases of migrants with first-episode psychosis. The general purpose (“core”) of the PEP-Ita study is to explore the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, and the pathways to care of a population of first-episode psychosis migrants in Italy. Secondary aims of the study will be: 1) to understand risk and protective factors for the development of psychotic disorders in migrants; 2) to evaluate the correlations between psychopathology of psychotic disorders in migrants and socio-demographic characteristics, migration history, life experiences; 3) to evaluate the clinical and social outcomes of first-episode psychoses in migrants.

Discussion

The results of the PEP-Ita study will allow a better understanding of risk factors for psychosis in first-generation migrants in Italy. Moreover, our results will contribute to the development of prevention programmes for psychosis and to the improvement of early intervention treatments for the migrant population in Italy.
An NSFD scheme for SIR epidemic models of childhood diseases with constant vaccination strategy
Authors: Cui Qianqian , Xu Jiabo , Zhang Qiang , Wang Kai
Published: June 2014

In this paper, we construct a nonstandard finite difference (NSFD) scheme for an SIR epidemic model of childhood disease with constant strategy. The dynamics of the obtained discrete model is investigated. First we show that the discrete model has equilibria which are exactly the same as those of the continuous model. Furthermore, we prove that the conditions for those equilibria to be globally asymptotically stable are consistent with the continuous model for any size of numerical time-step. The analytical results are confirmed by some numerical simulations.
Network biomarkers, interaction networks and dynamical network biomarkers in respiratory diseases
Authors: Wu Xiaodan , Chen Luonan , Wang Xiangdong
Published: June 2014

Identification and validation of interaction networks and network biomarkers have become more critical and important in the development of disease‐specific biomarkers, which are functionally changed during disease development, progression or treatment. The present review headlined the definition, significance, research and potential application for network biomarkers, interaction networks and dynamical network biomarkers (DNB). Disease‐specific interaction networks, network biomarkers, or DNB have great significance in the understanding of molecular pathogenesis, risk assessment, disease classification and monitoring, or evaluations of therapeutic responses and toxicities. Protein‐based DNB will provide more information to define the differences between the normal and pre‐disease stages, which might point to early diagnosis for patients. Clinical bioinformatics should be a key approach to the identification and validation of disease‐specific biomarkers.
A review of data mining using big data in health informatics
Authors: Herland Matthew , Khoshgoftaar Taghi M , Wald Randall
Published: June 2014

The amount of data produced within Health Informatics has grown to be quite vast, and analysis of this Big Data grants potentially limitless possibilities for knowledge to be gained. In addition, this information can improve the quality of healthcare offered to patients. However, there are a number of issues that arise when dealing with these vast quantities of data, especially how to analyze this data in a reliable manner. The basic goal of Health Informatics is to take in real world medical data from all levels of human existence to help advance our understanding of medicine and medical practice. This paper will present recent research using Big Data tools and approaches for the analysis of Health Informatics data gathered at multiple levels, including the molecular, tissue, patient, and population levels. In addition to gathering data at multiple levels, multiple levels of questions are addressed: human-scale biology, clinical-scale, and epidemic-scale. We will also analyze and examine possible future work for each of these areas, as well as how combining data from each level may provide the most promising approach to gain the most knowledge in Health Informatics.
Effect of menopause on the modified Rodnan skin score in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Vinet Évelyne , Bernatsky Sasha , Hudson Marie , Pineau Christian A , Baron Murray ,   the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group
Published: June 2014

Introduction

We aimed to evaluate the effect of menopause on skin thickening, as measured by the modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS), in women with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods

We identified women with either limited or diffuse SSc, aged ≥ 18 years, enrolled within the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group (CSRG) cohort, between 2004 and 2011. As part of the CSRG cohort, subjects undergo annual assessments with standardized questionnaires and physical examinations. We performed multivariate regression analyses using generalized estimating equation (GEE) to determine the effect of menopause on the mRSS, adjusting for relevant covariates including notably age, follow-up time, and disease duration.

Results

We identified 1070 women with SSc, contributing a total of 3546 observations over the study period. Of these women, at baseline, 65% had limited disease and 35% diffuse disease. In multivariate analyses, we observed a substantial effect of postmenopausal status on the mean mRSS in women with diffuse disease subtype [−2.62 units, 95% confidence interval (CI) -4.44, −0.80] and significant interaction between menopausal status and disease subtype (2.04 units, 95% CI 0.20, 3.88). The effect of postmenopausal status on the mean mRSS was smaller in women with limited SSc (−0.58, 95% CI −1.50, 0.34).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that menopause has a substantial effect on skin thickening in diffuse SSc, with postmenopausal status being associated with a lower mean mRSS compared to premenopausal status.
Drug repurposing screen identifies lestaurtinib amplifies the ability of the poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 inhibitor AG14361 to kill breast cancer associated gene-1 mutant and wild type breast cancer cells
Authors: Vazquez-Ortiz Guelaguetza , Chisholm Cristine , Xu Xiaoling , Lahusen Tyler J , Li Cuiling , Sakamuru Srilatha , Huang Ruili , Thomas Craig J , Xia Menghang , Deng Chuxia
Published: June 2014

Introduction

Breast cancer is a devastating disease that results in approximately 40,000 deaths each year in the USA. Current drug screening and chemopreventatitive methods are suboptimal, due in part to the poor specificity of compounds for cancer cells. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) inhibitor (PARPi)-mediated therapy is a promising approach for familial breast cancers caused by mutations of breast cancer-associated gene-1 and -2 (BRCA1/2), yet drug resistance frequently occurs during the treatment. Moreover, PARPis exhibit very little effect on cancers that are proficient for DNA repair and clinical efficacy for PARPis as single-agent therapies has yet to be illustrated.

Methods

Using a quantitative high-throughput screening approach, we screened a library containing 2,816 drugs, most of which are approved for human or animal use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or other countries, to identify compounds that sensitize breast cancer cells to PARPi. After initial screening, we performed further cellular and molecular analysis on lestaurtinib, which is an orally bioavailable multikinase inhibitor and has been used in clinical trials for myeloproliferative disorders and acute myelogenous leukemia.

Results

Our study indicated that lestaurtinib is highly potent against breast cancers as a mono-treatment agent. It also strongly enhanced the activity of the potent PARPi AG14361 on breast cancer cell growth both in vitro and in vivo conditions. The inhibition of cancer growth is measured by increased apoptosis and reduced cell proliferation. Consistent with this, the treatment results in activation of caspase 3/7, and accumulation of cells in the G2 phase of the cell cycle, irrespective of their BRCA1 status. Finally, we demonstrated that AG14361 inhibits NF-κB signaling, which is further enhanced by lestaurtinib treatment.

Conclusions

Lestaurtinib amplifies the ability of the PARP1 inhibitor AG14361 to kill BRCA1 mutant and wild-type breast cancer cells, at least in part, by inhibiting NF-κB signaling. Each of these drugs has been approved for clinical trials for several different cancers, thus, their combination treatment should be applicable for a breast cancer trial in the future.
Impact of appropriate antimicrobial treatment on transition from ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis to ventilator-associated pneumonia
Authors: Nseir Saad , Martin-Loeches Ignacio , Makris Demosthenes , Jaillette Emmanuelle , Karvouniaris Marios , Valles Jordi , Zakynthinos Epaminondas , Artigas Antonio
Published: June 2014

Introduction

Two small randomized controlled trials have suggested beneficial effects of antibiotic treatment in patients with ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis (VAT). The primary aim of this study is to determine the impact of appropriate antibiotic treatment on transition from VAT to ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in critically ill patients. The secondary objective was to determine the incidence of VAP in patients with VAT.

Methods

This was a prospective observational multicenter study. All patients with a first episode of VAT were eligible. Patients with tracheostomy at intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and those with VAP prior to VAT were excluded. VAT was defined using all the following criteria: fever > 38°C with no other cause, purulent tracheal secretions, positive tracheal aspirate (≥105 cfu/mL), and absence of new infiltrate on chest X ray. Only VAP episodes diagnosed during the 96 h following VAT, and caused by the same bacteria, were taken into account. Antibiotic treatment was at the discretion of attending physicians. Risk factors for transition from VAT to VAP were determined using univariate and multivariate analysis. All variables from univariate analysis with P values <0.1 were incorporated in the multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

One thousand seven hundred and ten patients were screened for this study. Eighty-six, and 123 patients were excluded for tracheostomy at ICU admission, and VAP prior to VAT; respectively. One hundred and twenty two (7.1%) patients were included. 17 (13.9%) patients developed a subsequent VAP. The most common microorganisms in VAT patients were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (30%), Staphylococcus aureus (18%), and Acinetobacter baumannii (10%). Seventy-four (60%) patients received antimicrobial treatment, including 58 (47.5%) patients who received appropriate antimicrobial treatment. Appropriate antibiotic treatment was the only factor independently associated with reduced risk for transition from VAT to VAP (OR [95% CI] 0.12[0.02-0.59], P = 0.009). The number of patients with VAT needed to treat to prevent one episode of VAP, or one episode of VAP related to P. aeruginosa was 5, and 34; respectively.

Conclusions

Appropriate antibiotic treatment is independently associated with reduced risk for transition from VAT to VAP.
High dose of tigecycline for extremely resistant Gram-negative pneumonia: yes, we can
Authors: Garnacho-Montero José , Ferrándiz-Millón Carmen
Published: June 2014

Few antimicrobials are currently active to treat infections caused by extremely resistant Gram-negative bacilli (ERGNB), which represent a serious global public health concern. Tigecycline, which covers the majority of these ERGNB (with the exception of Pseudomonas aeruginosa), is not currently approved for hospital-acquired pneumonia, and several meta-analyses have suggested an increased risk of death in patients receiving this antibiotic. Other studies suggest that the use of high-dose tigecycline may represent an alternative in daily practice. De Pascale and colleagues report that the clinical cure rate in patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia is significantly higher with a high dose of tigecycline than with the conventional dose, although mortality was unaffected. This high dose is safe; no patients required discontinuation or dose reduction.
Sparse multichannel blind deconvolution
Authors: Kazemi Nasser , Sacchi Mauricio D.
Published: June 2014

We developed a sparse multichannel blind deconvolution (SMBD) method. The method is a modification of the multichannel blind deconvolution technique often called Euclid deconvolution, in which the multichannel impulse response of the earth is estimated by solving an homogeneous system of equations. Classical Euclid deconvolution is unstable in the presence of noise and requires the correct estimation of the length of the seismic wavelet. The proposed method, on the other hand, can tolerate moderate levels of noise and does not require a priori knowledge of the length of the wavelet. SMBD solves the homogeneous system of equations arising in Euclid deconvolution by imposing sparsity on the unknown multichannel impulse response. Trivial solutions to the aforementioned homogeneous system of equations are avoided by seeking sparse solutions on the unit sphere. We tested SMBD with synthetic and real data examples. Synthetic examples were used to judge the viability of the method in terms of noise. We found that SMBD gives reasonable estimates of the wavelet and reflectivity series for [Formula: see text]. The results clearly deteriorated when we tried to work on data that were severely contaminated by noise. A real marine data set was also used to test SMBD. In this case, the estimated wavelet was compared with a wavelet estimated by averaging first breaks. The estimated wavelet showed a noticeable resemblance to the average first break with normalized correlation coefficient of 0.92.
Disruption of Protein-Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B Expression in the Pancreas Affects β-Cell Function
Authors: Liu Siming , Xi Yannan , Bettaieb Ahmed , Matsuo Kosuke , Matsuo Izumi , Kulkarni Rohit N. , Haj Fawaz G.
Published: June 2014

Protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is a physiological regulator of glucose homeostasis and energy balance. However, the role of PTP1B in pancreatic endocrine function remains largely unknown. To investigate the metabolic role of pancreatic PTP1B, we generated mice with pancreas PTP1B deletion (panc-PTP1B KO). Mice were fed regular chow or a high-fat diet, and metabolic parameters, insulin secretion and glucose tolerance were determined. On regular chow, panc-PTP1B KO and control mice exhibited comparable glucose tolerance whereas aged panc-PTP1B KO exhibited mild glucose intolerance. Furthermore, high-fat feeding promoted earlier impairment of glucose tolerance and attenuated glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in panc-PTP1B KO mice. The secretory defect in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion was recapitulated in primary islets ex vivo, suggesting that the effects were likely cell-autonomous. At the molecular level, PTP1B deficiency in vivo enhanced basal and glucose-stimulated tyrosyl phosphorylation of EphA5 in islets. Consistently, PTP1B overexpression in the glucose-responsive MIN6 β-cell line attenuated EphA5 tyrosyl phosphorylation, and substrate trapping identified EphA5 as a PTP1B substrate. In summary, these studies identify a novel role for PTP1B in pancreatic endocrine function.
Radiofrequency Ablation, an Effective Modality of Treatment in Tumor-Induced Osteomalacia: A Case Series of Three Patients
Authors: Jadhav Swati , Kasaliwal Rajeev , Shetty Nitin S. , Kulkarni Suyash , Rathod Krantikumar , Popat Bhavesh , Kakade Harshal , Bukan Amol , Khare Shruti , Budyal Sweta , Jagtap Varsha S. , Lila Anurag R. , Bandgar Tushar , Shah Nalini S.
Published: June 2014

Context:

Tumor-induced osteomalacia is curable if the tumors can be totally excised. However, when the tumors are present in locations that make surgery disproportionately risky, the need for less invasive strategies like radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is realized.

Patients and Methods:

We describe three patients with suspected tumor-induced osteomalacia who were treated in our department between 2006 and 2013 with tumors in surgically difficult locations and were subjected to single or multiple sessions of RFA. The response was documented in terms of symptomatic improvement, phosphorus normalization, and follow-up 99mTechnitium-labelled hydrazinonicotinyl-Tyr3-octreotide (99mTc HYNIC TOC) scan.

Results:

Two of the three individuals, patient A (with a 1.5 × 1.2-cm lesion in the head of the right femur) and patient B (with a 1.3 × 1.2-cm lesion on the endosteal surface of the shaft of the left femur), achieved complete remission with single sessions of RFA. Three months after the procedure, 99mTc HYNIC TOC scans revealed the absence of uptake at the previous sites, corroborating with the clinical improvement and phosphorus normalization. Patient C had a large 5.6 × 6.5-cm complex lesion in the lower end of the left femur with irregular margins, loculations, and bone grafts placed in previous surgery. He failed to achieve remission after multiple sessions of RFA due to the complex nature of the lesion, although the tumor burden was reduced significantly as documented on serial 99mTc HYNIC TOC scans.

Conclusions:

Although surgery remains the treatment of choice, RFA could be an effective, less invasive, and safe modality of treatment in judiciously selected patients.
The roles and regulation of multicellular rosette structures during morphogenesis
Authors: Harding Molly J. , McGraw Hillary F. , Nechiporuk Alex
Published: June 2014

Multicellular rosettes have recently been appreciated as important cellular intermediates that are observed during the formation of diverse organ systems. These rosettes are polarized, transient epithelial structures that sometimes recapitulate the form of the adult organ. Rosette formation has been studied in various developmental contexts, such as in the zebrafish lateral line primordium, the vertebrate pancreas, the Drosophila epithelium and retina, as well as in the adult neural stem cell niche. These studies have revealed that the cytoskeletal rearrangements responsible for rosette formation appear to be conserved. By contrast, the extracellular cues that trigger these rearrangements in vivo are less well understood and are more diverse. Here, we review recent studies of the genetic regulation and cellular transitions involved in rosette formation. We discuss and compare specific models for rosette formation and highlight outstanding questions in the field.
A high-resolution gene expression map of theArabidopsisshoot meristem stem cell niche
Authors: Yadav Ram Kishor , Tavakkoli Montreh , Xie Mingtang , Girke Thomas , Reddy G. Venugopala
Published: June 2014

The shoot apical meristem (SAM) acts as a reservoir for stem cells. The central zone (CZ) harbors stem cells. The stem cell progenitors differentiate in the adjacent peripheral zone and in the rib meristem located just beneath the CZ. The SAM is further divided into distinct clonal layers: the L1 epidermal, L2 sub-epidermal and L3 layers. Collectively, SAMs are complex structures that consist of cells of different clonal origins that are organized into functional domains. By employing fluorescence-activated cell sorting, we have generated gene expression profiles of ten cell populations that belong to different clonal layers as well as domains along the central and peripheral axis. Our work reveals that cells in distinct clonal layers exhibit greater diversity in gene expression and greater transcriptional complexity than clonally related cell types in the central and peripheral axis. Assessment of molecular functions and biological processes reveals that epidermal cells express genes involved in pathogen defense: the L2 layer cells express genes involved in DNA repair pathways and telomere maintenance, and the L3 layers express transcripts involved in ion balance and salt tolerance besides photosynthesis. Strikingly, the stem cell-enriched transcriptome comprises very few hormone-responsive transcripts. In addition to providing insights into the expression profiles of hundreds of transcripts, the data presented here will act as a resource for reverse genetic analysis and will be useful in deciphering molecular pathways involved in cell type specification and their functions.
Clathrin regulates centrosome positioning by promoting acto-myosin cortical tension in C. elegans embryos
Authors: Spiró Zoltán , Thyagarajan Kalyani , De Simone Alessandro , Träger Sylvain , Afshar Katayoun , Gönczy Pierre
Published: June 2014

Regulation of centrosome and spindle positioning is crucial for spatial cell division control. The one-cell Caenorhabditis elegans embryo has proven attractive for dissecting the mechanisms underlying centrosome and spindle positioning in a metazoan organism. Previous work revealed that these processes rely on an evolutionarily conserved force generator complex located at the cell cortex. This complex anchors the motor protein dynein, thus allowing cortical pulling forces to be exerted on astral microtubules emanating from microtubule organizing centers (MTOCs). Here, we report that the clathrin heavy chain CHC-1 negatively regulates pulling forces acting on centrosomes during interphase and on spindle poles during mitosis in one-cell C. elegans embryos. We establish a similar role for the cytokinesis/apoptosis/RNA-binding protein CAR-1 and uncover that CAR-1 is needed to maintain proper levels of CHC-1. We demonstrate that CHC-1 is necessary for normal organization of the cortical acto-myosin network and for full cortical tension. Furthermore, we establish that the centrosome positioning phenotype of embryos depleted of CHC-1 is alleviated by stabilizing the acto-myosin network. Conversely, we demonstrate that slight perturbations of the acto-myosin network in otherwise wild-type embryos results in excess centrosome movements resembling those in chc-1(RNAi) embryos. We developed a 2D computational model to simulate cortical rigidity-dependent pulling forces, which recapitulates the experimental data and further demonstrates that excess centrosome movements are produced at medium cortical rigidity values. Overall, our findings lead us to propose that clathrin plays a critical role in centrosome positioning by promoting acto-myosin cortical tension.
Obituary: Julian Hart Lewis (1946-2014)
Authors: Martin Paul , Ish-Horowicz David
Published: June 2014

Paul Martin and David Ish-Horowicz look back on the life and work of their long-time friend and colleague Julian Lewis, who passed away on April 30th 2014.
Synthesis of Pyrrolidinium Salts Using a Triazine-based Reagent under Mild Conditions
Authors: Kitamura Masanori , Yamamura Seina , Kobayashi Hiroko , Yamamoto Mariko , Tada Kayo , Hioki Kazuhito , Yamada Kohei , Kunishima Munetaka
Published: June 2014

Various pyrrolidinium salts were synthesized from N,N-dialkyl-N′,N′-dimethylbutane-1,4-diamine using 2-chloro-4,6-dimethoxy-1,3,5-triazine (CDMT) under mild conditions. Cyclization reaction for the pyrrolidinium salts proceeded in high yields in polar solvents such as methanol and acetonitrile.
Radiographic features of bone healing wounds of the lower jaw in patients with gastric ulcer and 12 duodental ulcer at the application of different methods of treatment
Authors: Кущенков  , Kushchenkov V.
Published: June 2014

In practice, dental surgeon often performs the operation on removal of impacted third lower molar. Oppression of general and local immunity and violation of regeneration are always observed in a patient with gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer. The purpose of this work was to determine by the use of X-ray method the efficiency of application of proposed combination of preventive and curative bandages, including silver osteoplastic material (BIOMIN Gtls) and platelet-rich plasma autologous blood (РRР) on the post-extraction wound in patients with peptic ulcer. The basic material of research is the data obtained during the examination and treatment of 55 patients of both sexes who were on treatment at the departments of dentistry and gastroenterology of Crimean Republican clinical hospital with the diagnosis of gastric and 12 duodenal ulcers associated with H. Pylori. These patients needed the extraction of low third impacted molars. Radiographic evaluation processes of the organization of the alveolus tooth and bone tissue restoration was carried out on the basis of the analysis of indicators: the timing of forming osteogenic structures in apical part and along the walls of the hole, the rate of creation of large alveolar spongy bone, time of resorption contours of the walls of the alveoli. The X-ray examination was performed before the operation of tooth extraction, and on the 1st, 3rd, 6th and 12th months after treatment procedure as well. In comparison with the traditional method of surgical wounds, the use of silver osteoplastic material (Biomin HTSA) and platelet-rich plasma autologous blood (РRР) allows to optimizing the conditions for the repair processes in the bone, reduce the time of formation of full-fledged regenerate.
The analysis of treatment results of chronic apical periodontitis
Authors: Шалаев  , Shalaev O. , Некрылов  , Nekrylov D. , Селина  , Selina Olesya
Published: June 2014

Forms of chronic periodontitis, treatment results and long-term results are traditionally defined on the basis of X-ray examination. Today, the most modern and reliable method for diagnostic X-ray examination opportunities in dentistry is dental cone-beam computed tomography. In comparison with other methods of X-ray examination in dentistry the method of dental cone-beam computed tomography has a number of advantages: the ability to make measurements of distances, the density of solid tissue, angles and areas in any part of the data at any angle, at any height, length, width up to 0,125 mm due to the fact that the area research scan 1 to 1; working image can be enlarged, moved, inverted, modified for clarity, brightness and contrast. dental cone-beam computed tomography method allows to detect the position, shape, sizes, construction of various structures to determine their topographic anatomic relations with other organs, and tissues. The analysis of the study results of treatment of apical periodontitis in this view doesn’t give a complete picture of the selected comparative method of treatment, which is the foundation for a thorough study of the density of tissue in the apex of the teeth in the long-term period (3-6-12 months). Experience in the use of dental computer tomography showed that it is possible to assess of the areas of destructive changes of the periapical region and periodontal tissues in most cases than traditional x-ray techniques.
Hypothesis: what mean quantative shifts of electrogenic metals in epidermal cells in the setting of oxidative/nitrosative stress?
Authors: Дмитриев  , Dmitriev E. , Баумане  , Baumane L. , Петухов  , Petukhov V. , Ванин  , Vanin A.
Published: June 2014

The article presents the results of the study of metal-ligand homeostasis (MLH) in the cells of the epidermis at 954 liquidators of accident at Chernobyl NPP and 947 practically healthy persons by means of atomic-emission spectrometry and EPR-analysis. Possible connection of redox status with the quantitative shifts in MLH is caused special interest. MLH can be used as discrimination of oxidation/nitrosative stress. Distinctive features of nitrosative stress concerned electrogenic metals (Ca, K, Na) and were found not only among the liquidators of the accident, but some of practically healthy persons. This may indicates the presence in these persons oxidation/nitrosative stress non-radiation nature. Revealed correlation of intracellular production of nitric oxide (NO) with quantitative shifts of electrogenic metals can testify to possible involvement of NO in the generation of electric potential (EP) of cell. Changes of EP on the background of oxidative/nitrosating stress were caused by the concentration shifts of electrogenic metals ions (primarily Ca2+), can, according to the authors, to wear an oscillatory character. The authors explain this by the fact that NO, Fe2+ ions and low-molecular thiols are able to form self-sustaining, self-regulating of chemical system, in which the S-nitrosothiols and dinitrosyl iron complexes with thiol-containing ligands appear continuously. Their mutual transformation provides vibrating level change of these compounds and is related to this process periodic oscillations of contents NO, NO+ (by type of reaction Belousov-Zhabotinsky).
Identity Orientation, Social Exchange, and Information Technology Use in Interorganizational Collaborations
Authors: Gal Uri , Blegind Jensen Tina , Lyytinen Kalle
Published: June 2014

Advances in information technologies (IT) are creating unprecedented opportunities for interorganizational collaboration, particularly in large-scale distributed projects. The use of advanced IT in such projects can foster new forms of social exchange among organizations and change the way organizations view themselves in the context of their relationships. Despite a wealth of research on IT use, social exchange, and organizational identity, little is known about how new IT and the enactment of related IT affordances within interorganizational contexts enable social exchanges and organizational identity orientations. To address this gap, we conduct multiple case studies that describe the changing use of two-dimensional computer-aided design technology and new three-dimensional modeling technologies by a leading metal fabrication company in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. The case studies demonstrate that changes in the company’s IT and the enactment of related IT affordances within variable interorganizational contexts enable new forms of social exchanges. These exchanges, in turn, provide the context for the rearticulation of the company’s identity orientation. Based on these insights, we formulate a theoretical model to delineate the relationships between IT use, IT affordances, social exchanges, and identity orientation. We conclude by outlining the implications of our study and suggesting possible avenues for future research.
Using larval therapy in the community setting
Authors: Rafter Linda
Published: June 2014

The NHS is driven by quality targets that permeate all specialties and care settings, and by the need for safety, efficiency and patient-centred care. Efficient care pathways need to be safe and indicated, and should offer measurable advantages and patient benefits as well as giving a treatment end point. Complex wounds require very careful management from the multidisciplinary team and present clinicians with intricate challenges to promote cost-effective wound healing. Wound bed preparation and debridement need to be as effective and as non-traumatic as possible. Larval therapy removes devitalised tissue effectively with minimal tissue trauma, and early intervention results in cost-effective wound care in the patient's own surroundings and can prevent admission to hospital for surgical debridement. This article discusses the history of, and evidence for, larval therapy, its cost effectiveness and the different presentations of larval therapy and their various benefits.