bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Bleeding Events Associated With Short-Duration Therapeutic Enoxaparin Use in the Morbidly Obese
Authors: Hagopian Jennifer C. , Riney Jennifer N. , Hollands James M. , Deal Eli N.
Published: January 2014

Background: Enoxaparin dosing for patients with morbid obesity is uncertain, and therefore, an elevated incidence of bleeding may exist in this group. Objective: To determine if increased bleeding events occur in patients with morbid obesity (body mass index ≥ 40 kg/m2) compared with lower-weight patients with treatment doses of enoxaparin. Methods: Patients at a single, academic medical center receiving enoxaparin for at least 24 hours from July to December 2009 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients with morbid obesity were randomly selected among the total cohort and were matched with lower-weight controls (1:2 ratio) based on the presence of renal dysfunction (serum creatinine >1.4 mg/dL). Bleeding events, defined on the basis of laboratory changes, administration of blood products, or clinical data, occurring up to 24 hours after enoxaparin administration were evaluated. Independent risk factors for bleeding were assessed via multivariate analysis. Results: The maximum single dose administered throughout the study was 150 mg, and the largest patient enrolled weighed 175 kg. Final enoxaparin doses in morbidly obese (0.98 mg/kg) patients were lower compared with that in controls (1.04 mg/kg, P < .01). The proportion of patients with bleeding events was 29% in the morbidly obese and 23.5% in the control group ( P = .30). Enoxaparin doses <0.9 mg/kg (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.35; 95% CI = 1.01-5.47; P = .04), durations of therapy beyond 48 hours (AOR = 2.42; 95% CI = 1.35-4.33; P < .01), and female gender (AOR = 2.05; 95% CI = 1.12-3.73; P = .02) were associated with bleeding, whereas warfarin use (AOR = 0.46; 95% CI = 0.26-0.81; P < .01) was associated with fewer bleeding events. Conclusions: Results suggest that dosing enoxaparin in morbidly obese patients (up to 175 kg in weight) with doses capped at 150 mg was not associated with increased bleeding incidence.
Impact of a Clinical Pharmacy Admission Medication Reconciliation Program on Medication Errors in “High-Risk” Patients
Authors: Buckley Mitchell S. , Harinstein Lisa M. , Clark Kimberly B. , Smithburger Pamela L. , Eckhardt Doug J. , Alexander Earnest , Devabhakthuni Sandeep , Westley Craig A. , David Butch , Kane-Gill Sandra L.
Published: January 2014

Background: Medication errors are common upon hospital admission. Clinical pharmacist involvement in medication reconciliation is effective in identifying and rectifying medication errors. However, data is lacking on the economic impact, time requirements, and severity of errors resolved by clinical pharmacists. Objective: To determine the incidence of unintended admission medication discrepancies resolved by clinical pharmacists. Secondary objectives were to determine the type of discrepancies, potential severity, proximal cause, and economic impact of this clinical pharmacy program. Methods: This was a single-center, prospective, observational study conducted at a major teaching medical institution. Following institutional review board approval, data collection was conducted over a 4-week period (August 22, 2011, to September 16, 2011). Descriptive statistical methods were performed for all data analyses. Results: A total of 517 patients involving 5006 medications were included in this study. More than 25% (n = 132) of patients had at least 1 error associated with a medication ordered on hospital admission. Pharmacists resolved a total of 467 admission medication errors (3.5 ± 2.3 errors/patient). The most common type of medication error resolved was medication omission (79.6%). In regard to severity, 46% of medication errors were considered significant or serious. Overall, the mean total time was 44.4 ± 21.8 minutes per medication reconciliation. This clinical pharmacy program was estimated to carry a net present value of $5.7 million over 5 years. Conclusion: Clinical pharmacist involvement within a multidisciplinary health care team during the admission medication reconciliation process demonstrated a significant improvement in patient safety and an economic benefit.
Booster and Higher Antigen Doses of Inactivated Influenza Vaccine in HIV-Infected Patients
Authors: Johnston Jessica A. , Tincher Lindsey B. , Lowe Denise K.
Published: January 2014

Objective: To review the literature regarding booster or higher doses of influenza antigen for increasing immunogenicity of inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) in HIV-infected patients. Data Sources: MEDLINE (1966 to September 2013) was searched using the terms immunize, influenza, vaccine, and HIV or AIDS in combination with two-dose, booster-dose, increased antigen, or high-dose. One trial of booster dosing with standard doses (SDs) of IIV, trivalent (IIV3); 2 trials of booster dosing with intermediate doses (ID) of H1N1 IIV or IIV3; and 1 trial of high-dose (HD) IIV3 were identified. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Trials administering 2-dose, booster-dose, or increased antigen of influenza vaccine to patients with HIV were reviewed. Because adjuvanted IIV is not available and IIV, quadrivalent was recently approved in the United States, studies evaluating these vaccines were excluded. Data Synthesis: HIV-infected individuals are at high risk for influenza-related complications; however, vaccination with SD IIV may not confer optimal protection. It has been postulated that booster or higher doses of influenza antigen may lead to increased immunogenicity. When ID and SD or ID with boosters were evaluated in HIV-infected patients, significant increases in surrogate markers for influenza protection were not achieved. However, HD IIV3 did result in significant increases in seroprotective antibody levels, though ‘clinical’ influenza was not evaluated. Conclusions: Currently, evidence is insufficient to reach conclusions about the efficacy of booster dosing, ID, or HD influenza vaccine in HIV-infected patients. Trials evaluating booster or higher-antigen doses of IIV for ‘clinical’ influenza are necessary before routinely recommending for HIV-infected patients.
Dosing of Enoxaparin for Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Obese Patients
Authors: Willett Kristine C. , Alsharhan Mohammad , Durand Cheryl , Cooper Maryann R.
Published: January 2014

Objective: To evaluate the appropriate dosing of enoxaparin as a venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in hospitalized obese patients. Data Sources: Literature articles were accessed through MEDLINE (1946 to August week 1, 2013) and EMBASE (1980 to 2013 week 33) searches using the terms enoxaparin, obesity, and thromboprophylaxis. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All articles that involved human subjects and were published in the English language, evaluating the appropriate dose of enoxaparin for VTE prophylaxis in hospitalized, obese patients were included. Data Synthesis: Appropriate enoxaparin dosing for thromboprophylaxis in adult patients is 40 mg subcutaneously daily or 30 mg subcutaneously twice daily. Although obesity is considered one of the risk factors for thromboembolism, morbidly obese patients were excluded from most clinical trials; therefore, the appropriate enoxaparin preventive dose is not clear in this population. In recent years, the appropriate dose of enoxaparin for VTE prophylaxis in obese patients has been evaluated in 3 clinical studies. All studies enrolled patients with various risk factors for thromboembolism and evaluated different enoxaparin dosing regimens. End point analyses were all based on anti-Xa levels. Conclusions: Due to a lack of well-designed prospective, randomized control studies, varying doses of enoxaparin are used for VTE prophylaxis in hospitalized, obese patients. All doses studied were monitored using anti-Xa levels. Patient follow-up was of short duration in all studies and did not show long-term effectiveness of enoxaparin. Prospective, randomized controlled studies are warranted to show efficacy and safety of one dosage regimen over another.
Successful Alteplase Bolus Administration for a Presumed Massive Pulmonary Embolism During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Authors: Prom Rathasen , Dull Ryan , Delk Bethany
Published: January 2014

Objective: To describe the case of a patient successfully resuscitated with bolus alteplase for a presumed massive pulmonary embolism (PE) with associated cardiac arrest. Case Summary: A 54-year-old man presented to the emergency department for evaluation of syncope following recent open reduction and internal fixation of his ankle. On arrival, his condition rapidly deteriorated and progressed to cardiopulmonary arrest. Because of noncompliance with postoperative thromboprophylaxis, there was high suspicion for PE. Following 40 minutes of advanced cardiac life support, empirical alteplase 50 mg was administered intravenously over 2 minutes with return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) observed 6 minutes later. The diagnosis of PE using computed tomographic angiography was confirmed after fibrinolytic therapy. Although his hospital course was complicated by a gastrointestinal bleed requiring transfusion, he was discharged neurologically intact. Discussion: Clinical guidelines recommend fibrinolytic therapy for patients with PE and cardiac arrest. Data from retrospective analyses, case series, and case reports suggest that various fibrinolytic regimens may facilitate ROSC and improve neurologically intact survival without an increased risk of fatal hemorrhage. Conclusion: The choice of fibrinolytic therapy should be based on hospital availability, with prompt initiation of treatment and incorporation of an intravenous bolus. A reasonable treatment regimen is alteplase 0.6 mg/kg (maximum of 50 mg) or fixed dose of alteplase 50 mg given over 2 to 15 minutes. Resuscitation should be continued for at least 30 minutes, or until ROSC, after fibrinolytic initiation to allow time for the medication to work.
Treatment of Chryseobacterium indologenes Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in a Critically Ill Trauma Patient
Authors: Monteen Megan R. , Ponnapula Supriya , Wood G. Christopher , Croce Martin A. , Swanson Joseph M. , Boucher Bradley A. , Fabian Timothy C.
Published: January 2014

Objective: To report a case of Chryseobacterium indologenes ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in a critically ill trauma patient. Case Summary: This report describes a 66-year-old critically ill trauma patient who developed VAP, which was caused by C indologenes. The patient was injured in a riding lawn mower accident that trapped him underwater in a pond. The patient required surgery for intra-abdominal injuries and was mechanically ventilated in the trauma intensive care unit. On hospital day 5, the patient developed signs and symptoms of VAP. A diagnosis of C indologenes VAP was confirmed based on a quantitative culture from a bronchoscopic bronchoalveolar lavage. The patient’s infection was successfully treated with moxifloxacin for 2 days followed by cefepime for 7 days. Discussion: Formally known as Flavobacterium indologenes, C indologenes is a Gram-negative bacillus normally found in plants, soil, foodstuffs, and fresh and marine water sources. Recently, worldwide reports of C indologenes infections in humans have been increasing, though reports from the United States are still rare. Bacteremia and pneumonia are the most commonly reported infections, and most patients are immunocompromised. The current case differs from most previous reports because this patient was in the United States and did not have any traditional immunocompromised states (eg, transplant, cancer, HIV/AIDS, or corticosteroid use). Conclusion: This case report demonstrates that C indologenes can cause VAP in a trauma ICU patient.
Measuring Dabigatran Concentrations Using a Chromogenic Ecarin Clotting Time Assay
Authors: Gosselin Robert C. , Dwyre Denis M. , Dager William E.
Published: January 2014

Background: Clinicians managing patients receiving the direct thrombin inhibitor dabigatran may benefit in being able to determine the amount of drug present in selected situations. This may include assessment of accumulation, concurrent drug interactions, or adequate removal from circulation. The ability to estimate the amount of dabigatran present using the chromogenic ecarin assay (ECA) requires further clarification. Objective: To describe the reliability of dabigatran measurements using a chromogenic ECA. Methods: This was an evaluation of the ECA method that incorporated assessment of imprecision, linearity, accuracy, carryover, and lower limits of detection or blank. Pooled normal plasma enriched with dabigatran at concentrations of 0, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 200, 300, 400, and 500 ng/mL were sent blinded to 3 laboratories in the United States to compare our ECA results with those of laboratories reporting dilute thrombin time methods (HEMOCLOT thrombin inhibitor assay) for measuring dabigatran. Trough and peak levels from 35 patients were also compared with mass spectrophotometry for assessing ECA accuracy. Results: The within-run or day-to-day imprecision was less than 10%, with high linearity ( R2 = 0.989) and high degree of accuracy ( R2 = 0.985; slope = 0.908) for levels ranging between 18 and 470 ng/mL and no carryover at 0 ng/mL noted. The ECA approach appeared to be more reliable at lower dabigatran concentrations. Conclusions: The chromogenic ECA appears to be an effective approach to determine the amount of dabigatran present. Further insights are necessary to determine how it can be used to reduce thromboembolic or bleeding complications in patients receiving dabigatran
Salmon Calcitonin Use and Associated Cancer Risk
Authors: Overman Robert A. , Borse Mrudula , Gourlay Margaret L.
Published: January 2014

Objective: To evaluate the strength of evidence supporting a possible association between salmon calcitonin (SCT) use and cancer incidence. Data Sources: Searches of MEDLINE/PubMed, MEDLINE/OVID, and EMBASE (January 1973 to September 2013) were performed using the key search terms salmon calcitonin, humans, nasal calcitonin, and (for EMBASE only) randomized controlled trial. We also performed a manual review of data reviewed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) committee in 2013. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All articles identified from the data sources were evaluated and all information deemed relevant was included for this review. Data Synthesis: Intranasal and injectable SCT are FDA-approved for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. After a safety signal suggested a possible link between SCT use and prostate cancer, the European Medicines Agency and FDA regulatory agencies conducted analyses of SCT randomized controlled trial data to assess cancer-related adverse events and to readdress the approval status of SCT. Eighteen studies were found that compared nasal or oral SCT and placebo. In 15 of the 18 studies, the percentage of malignancy was greater in the SCT arm. The studies varied in quality, outcomes, and length. Most of the studies had poor-quality methods to assess new cancer cases. Conclusions: Current evidence may suggest an association between SCT use and cancer incidence based on studies with poor-quality cancer assessment methods. However, considering the lack of demonstrated efficacy of SCT to reduce fractures, clinicians should consider discontinuing its use for osteoporosis treatment regardless of the FDA’s final approval decision.
Dosing Considerations for Obese Patients Receiving Cancer Chemotherapeutic Agents
Authors: Hall Ronald G. , Jean Gary W. , Sigler Meredith , Shah Sachin
Published: January 2014

Objective: To examine the available trials evaluating the effect of obesity on the pharmacokinetic parameters of chemotherapy agents. Data Source: A PubMed search (January 1977-June 2013) was conducted for English-language articles evaluating obesity and its relationship to pharmacokinetic parameters of chemotherapy agents. Search terms included: chemotherapy, obesity, excess weight, overweight, neoplasm, pharmacokinetics, dosing, cancer, body mass index, toxicity, efficacy, body surface area. Data Selection and Data Extraction: All articles were critically evaluated, and all pertinent information was included. Studies were included if they addressed obesity and pharmacokinetic parameters. Data Synthesis: Obesity and cancer are preeminent health care challenges in the 21st century, with obese persons being at an increased risk of cancer. Given this background, it is troubling that limited information is available for dosing chemotherapy agents in obese patients. Pharmacokinetic parameters of other drug classes have been affected by increased weight. It is important to evaluate the effect on chemotherapy agents given their narrow therapeutic window. Dose capping has been used to limit excess toxicity in obese patients at the risk of providing a less-effective regimen. Data suggest an increased dose of carboplatin, cisplatin, ifosfamide, paclitaxel, and vincristine may be needed in obese patients. The literature also suggests that no dosing alteration may be necessary for obese patients receiving topoisomerase I and II inhibitors, 5-fluorouracil, methotrexate, and docetaxel. A dose decrease might be suitable for cyclophosphamide. Conclusion: Some cytotoxic agents used in practice have altered pharmacokinetics in obese patients. Studies prospectively validating dose individualization for obese patients are needed.
Regorafenib
Authors: Crona Daniel J. , Keisler Meredith D. , Walko Christine M.
Published: January 2014

Objective: To review currently available literature on the oral multikinase inhibitor regorafenib and its role in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), and imatinib- and sunitinib-resistant gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). Data Sources: A comprehensive literature search was performed of PubMed/MEDLINE and American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) abstracts (through August 2013). Study Selection/Data Extraction: Preclinical pharmacological and phase I to III trials data analyzing regorafenib efficacy and safety in mCRC or imatinib- and sunitinib-resistant GIST patients were evaluated. All available English-language, peer-reviewed articles and ASCO abstracts with relevant information were reviewed. Data Synthesis: Regorafenib was approved for mCRC in September 2012 and for imatinib- and sunitinib-resistant GISTs in February 2013. Regorafenib is an inhibitor of stromal, angiogenic, and oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinases, as well as the RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway. Phase III CORRECT (Regorafenib Monotherapy for Previously Treated Metastatic Colorectal Cancer) trial data demonstrated an overall survival benefit for mCRC patients treated with regorafenib (6.4 vs 5.0 months; P = .0052). Phase III GRID (Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors After Failure of Imatinib and Sunitinib) trial data revealed a progression-free survival benefit in imatinib- and sunitinib-resistant GIST patients (4.8 vs 0.9 months; P < .0001). Its adverse event (AE) profile is comparable to that of other multikinase inhibitors. The most commonly observed grade ≥3 AEs included hypertension, hand-foot skin reaction, rash, diarrhea, and fatigue. Conclusions: Regorafenib is a novel oral multikinase inhibitor that has shown promising results for patients with advanced, unresectable or metastatic treatment-refractory CRCs or imatinib- and sunitinib-resistant GISTs.
Performance of a Divided-Load Intravenous Vancomycin Dosing Strategy for Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Denetclaw Tina Harrach , Dowling Thomas C. , Steinke Douglas
Published: January 2014

Background: Current guidelines recommend vancomycin trough concentrations 15 to 20 µg/mL in complicated infections and all trough concentrations above 10 µg/mL. Objective: We assessed the performance of a novel divided-load protocol designed to attain target trough concentrations within 24 hours of initiation and prevent doses given at concentrations above the target range, in critically ill patients. Methods: The protocol was evaluated in 79 critically ill patients through retrospective medical record review. Vancomycin serum concentrations were drawn before the third dose after initiation and after any dosing change. Steady-state concentrations were drawn before the fifth or sixth doses. Vancomycin concentrations before the second dose were predicted using a nonparametric expectation maximization algorithm. Results: Sixty-nine of 79 patients received scheduled doses, and 62 (90%) of the scheduled-dose patients attained therapeutic target concentrations 12 to 24 hours after therapy initiation. Eight scheduled-dose patients weighed > 150% of ideal body weight (IBW) and were significantly more likely to exhibit supratherapeutic trough concentrations before the fifth or sixth doses ( P = .0004) compared with patients weighing ≤150% of IBW. Ten of 79 patients (8 dialysis dependent and 2 experiencing acute kidney injury) were dosed in response to measured serum drug concentrations drawn according to the divided-load protocol. All the 8 dialysis-dependent patients (100%) attained therapeutic concentrations 12 hours after therapy initiation. Conclusion: The divided-load vancomycin dosing strategy achieved measured trough concentrations 15 to 20 µg/mL for most critically ill patients within 24 hours of initial dosing, without allowing doses given during supratherapeutic concentrations.
Characterization of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli isolated from healthy pigs in China
Authors: Meng Qiong , Bai Xiangning , Zhao Ailan , Lan Ruiting , Du Huamao , Wang Tao , Shi Changyou , Yuan Xuejiao , Bai Xuemei , Ji Shaobo , Jin Dong , Yu Bo , Wang Yan , Sun Hui , Liu Kai , Xu Jianguo , Xiong Yanwen
Published: January 2014

Background

Shiga toxin-producingEscherichia coli(STEC) is recognized as an important human diarrheal pathogen. Swine plays an important role as a carrier of this pathogen. In this study we determined the prevalence and characteristics of STEC from healthy swine collected between May 2011 and August 2012 from 3 cities/provinces in China.

Results

A total of 1003 samples, including 326 fecal, 351 small intestinal contents and 326 colon contents samples, was analyzed. Two hundred and fifty five samples werestx-positive by PCR and 93 STEC isolates were recovered from 62stx-positive samples. Twelve O serogroups and 19 O:H serotypes including 6 serotypes (O100:H20/[H20], O143:H38/[H38], O87:H10, O172:H30/[H30], O159:H16, O9:H30/[H30]) rarely found in swine and ruminants were identified. All 93 STEC isolates harboredstx2only, all of which werestx2esubtype including 1 isolate being a new variant ofstx2e. 53.76%, 15.05% and 2.15% STEC isolates carriedastA,hlyAandehxArespectively. Four STEC isolates harbored the high-pathogenicity island. Of the 15 adherence-associated genes tested, 13 (eae,efa1,iha,lpfAO113,lpfAO157/OI-154,lpfAO157/OI-141,toxB,saa, F4, F5, F6, F17 or F41) were all absent while 2 (paaand F18) were present in 7 and 4 STEC isolates respectively. The majority of the isolates were resistant to tetracycline (79.57%), nalidixic acid (78.49%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (73.12%) and kanamycin (55.91%). The STEC isolates were divided into 63 pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns and 21 sequence types (STs). Isolates of the same STs generally showed the same or similar drug resistance patterns. A higher proportion of STEC isolates from Chongqing showed multidrug resistance with one ST (ST3628) resistant to 14 antimicrobials.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that swine is a significant reservoir of STEC strains in China. Based on comparison by serotypes and sequence types with human strains and presence of virulence genes, the swine STEC may have a low potential to cause human disease.
Sulfotransferase 1A1 (SULT1A1) gene expression is regulated by members of the NFI transcription factors in human breast cancer cells
Authors: Yao-Borengasser Aiwei , Rogers Lora J , Edavana Vineetha K , Penney Rosalind B , Yu Xinfeng , Dhakal Ishwori B , Williams Suzanne , Kadlubar Susan A
Published: January 2014

Background

Sulfotransferase 1A1 (SULT1A1) gene expression is tissue specific, with little to no expression in normal breast epithelia. Expression in breast tumors has been documented, but the transcriptional regulation of SULT1A1 in human breast tissue is poorly understood. We identified Nuclear Factor I (NFI) as a transcription factor family involved in the regulation of SULT1A1 expression.

Methods

Transcription Factor Activation Profiling Plate Array assay was used to identify the possible transcription factors that regulate the gene expression of SULT1A1 in normal breast MCF-10A cells and breast cancer ZR-75-1 cells. Expression levels of NFI-C and SULT1A1 were determined by real-time RT-PCR using total RNA isolated from 84 human liver samples. Expression levels of SULT1A1, NFI-A, NFI-B, NFI-C, and NFI-X were also determined in different human breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7, T-47D, ZR-75-1, and MDA-MB-231), in the transformed human epithelial cell line MCF-10A, and in ZR-75-1 cells that were transfected with siRNAs directed against NFI-A, NFI-B, NFI-C, or NFI-X for 48 h. The copy numbers of SULT1A1 in cell lines ZR-75-1, MCF-7, T-47D, MDA-MB-231, and MCF-10A were determined using a pre-designed Custom Plus TaqMan® Copy Number kit from Life Technologies.

Results

In normal human liver samples, SULT1A1 mRNA level was positively associated with NFI-C. In different human breast cancer and normal epithelial cell lines, SULT1A1 expression was positively correlated with NFI-B and NFI-C. SULT1A1 expression was decreased 41% and 61% in ZR-75-1 cells treated with siRNAs against NFI-A and NFI-C respectively. SULT1A1 gene expression was higher in cells containing more than one SULT1A1 copy numbers.

Conclusions

Our data suggests that SULT1A1 expression is regulated by NFI, as well as SULT1A1 copy number variation in human breast cancer cell lines. These data provide a mechanistic basis for the differential expression of SULT1A1 in different tissues and different physiological states of disease.
The antiproliferative effect of C2-ceramide on lung cancer cells through apoptosis by inhibiting Akt and NFκB
Authors: Lin I-Ling , Chou Han-Lin , Lee Jin-Ching , Chen Feng-Wei , Fong Yao , Chang Wei-Chiao , Huang Hurng Wern , Wu Chang-Yi , Chang Wen-Tsan , Wang Hui-Min David , Chiu Chien-Chih
Published: January 2014

The anticancer effects of ceramide have been reported in many types of cancers but less in lung cancer. In this study, we used C2-ceramide to further investigate its possible anticancer effects and mechanisms on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) H1299 cells. The result of cell proliferation in terms of trypan blue assay showed high dose of C2-ceramide inhibited cell survival after 24 h treatment. The flow cytometry-based assays indicated the effect of apoptosis, chromatin condensation, and G1 arrest in terms of Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI), DAPI, and PI stainings, respectively. Moreover, the decreased protein level of p-Akt, p-NFκB, survivin and cyclin A2 were detected by Western blot assay. Taken together, these results indicated the antiproliferative effect of C2-ceramide is majorly responsible for cell apoptosis in lung cancer H1299 cells.
The InN epitaxy via controlling In bilayer
Authors: Zhou Jin , Huang Qiangcan , Li Jinchai , Cai Duanjun , Kang Junyong
Published: January 2014

The method of In bilayer pre-deposition and penetrated nitridation had been proposed, which had been proven to have many advantages theoretically. To study the growth behavior of this method experimentally, various pulse times of trimethylindium supply were used to get the optimal indium bilayer controlling by metalorganic vapour phase epitaxy. The results revealed that the InN film quality became better as the thickness of the top indium atomic layers was close to bilayer. A following tuning of nitridation process enhanced the quality of InN film further, which means that a moderate, stable, and slow nitridation process by NH3 flow also plays the key role in growing better-quality InN film. Meanwhile, the biaxial strain of InN film was gradually relaxing when the flatness was increasingly improved.
Equivalence of semistability of Picard, Mann, Krasnoselskij and Ishikawa iterations
Authors: Yousefi Bahman , Yadegarnejad Ali , Azadi Kenary Hassan , Park Choonkil
Published: January 2014

In this paper, we show that convergence of Picard, Mann, Krasnoselskij and Ishikawa iterations is equivalent in cone normed spaces. Also, we prove that semistability of these iterations is equivalent.
Fixed point results for modified weak and rational α-ψ-contractions in ordered 2-metric spaces
Authors: Fathollahi Shahin , Hussain Nawab , Khan Liaqat A
Published: January 2014

We first introduce the concept of a triangular 2-α-η-admissible mapping which extends the notion of α-admissible mapping with respect to η to 2-metric spaces. Next, we introduce the concepts of modified weak and modified rational α-ψ-contractions and establish the existence and uniqueness of fixed points for such mappings in complete 2-metric spaces. As an application of the obtained results, we prove some fixed point results in partially ordered 2-metric spaces. The presented theorems generalize and improve certain existing results in the literature and provide main results in Dung and Hang (Fixed Point Theory Appl. 2013:161, 2013) as corollaries. Moreover, some examples and an application to integral equations are provided to illustrate the usability of the obtained results.

MSC:46N40, 47H10, 54H25, 46T99.
"Equation missing" -contractive multivalued mappings
Authors: Ali Muhammad Usman , Kamran Tayyab , Karapınar Erdal
Published: January 2014

In this paper, we introduce the notion of

(
α
,
ψ
,
ξ
)

-contractive multivalued mappings to generalize and extend the notion of α-ψ-contractive mappings to closed valued multifunctions. We investigate the existence of fixed points for such mappings. We also construct an example to show that our result is more general than the results of α-ψ-contractive closed valued multifunctions.

MSC:47H10, 54H25.
Electroacupuncture for pressure ulcer: a study protocol for a randomized controlled pilot trial
Authors: Zhang Qin-hong , Yue Jin-huan , Sun Zhong-ren
Published: January 2014

Background

Pressure ulcers are one of the most common health complaints, which often take months or years to heal, and affect patients’ morbidity and quality of life. Medical options for pressure ulcers are limited. Electroacupuncture (EA) has been employed to relieve the symptoms for patients with pressure ulcers, but there is limited clinical evidence for its effectiveness.

Methods/Design

This study consists of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with two parallel arms: a control group and an EA group. Both groups will receive standard wound care (including changing position, using mattresses and cushions, and a good diet) of five sessions per week for a total of 40 sessions during the 8-week treatment period. In addition, the EA group will receive the EA intervention. The following outcome measurements will be used in examination of participants: wound surface area (WSA), visual analogue scale (VAS), and the proportion of ulcers healed within trial period (PUHTP). All the outcomes will be evaluated at the start of the study, at the end of the fourth week, at 8 weeks after randomization, and 1 month after treatment cessation.

Discussion

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of EA for the treatment of patients with pressure ulcers.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Register: ChiCTR-TRC-11001693
Development of biomarker panel to predict, prevent and create treatments tailored to the persons with human papillomavirus-induced cervical precancerous lesions
Authors: Lazarenko Liudmyla M , Nikitina Olena E , Nikitin Evgen V , Demchenko Olga M , Kovtonyuk Galyna V , Ganova Larysa O , Bubnov Rostyslav V , Shevchuk Veronika O , Nastradina Natalia M , Bila Viktoria V , Spivak Mykola Ya
Published: January 2014

Introduction

Human papillomavirus (HPV) induce many cancer conditions and cause cervical cancer, second in frequency of malignant disease in women.

The aim was to develop biomarker panel for HPV-induced cervical precancerous diseases in patients infected with herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Material and methods

The study involved 71 women with cervical precancerous diseases (mean age 26 ± 5 years) revealed by colposcopic, cytomorphological, and ultrasound signs which were assessed according to the following: first group, 44 patients infected with HPV; second group, 27 HPV-negative patients; and third group, 30 healthy patients (controls). In cervical specimen, we identified HPV DNA of different oncogenic risk types by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits (JSC SPC ‘DiaprofMed’) were used for detecting antibodies to HSV1 and/or HSV2 and for determining the avidity index. The production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), IFN-α, TNF-α, and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and anti-inflammatory cytokines, IL-4, IL-10, and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), were studied by ELISA.

Results

In HPV-induced cervix precancerous diseases, we identified low-avidity IgG antibodies to HSV serum of 20 patients; in the serum of 17 patients, we identified average-avidity antibodies, and high-avidity antibodies were found in 2 patients only. In 14 HPV-negative patients, we found low-avidity IgG antibodies to HSV; in 10 patients, medium avidity. Patients with low-avidity IgG antibodies to herpes virus showed high and medium oncogenic risk HPV types and a decrease of IFN-γ compared to patients with medium-avidity IgG antibodies. Production of IFN-γ was suppressed also in HPV-negative patients with cervical precancers, but we found low- and medium-avidity IgG antibodies to herpes virus. In patients with low-avidity antibodies, we observed increased level of IL-10. Level of IFN-α, IL-1β, IL-2, and IL-4 did not change in patients of all groups, but TGF-β1 increased.

Conclusions

In HPV-positive patients, those with low-avidity IgG antibodies to HSV had immunosuppression, confirmed by increased TGF-β1 and violation of IFN-γ production. Therefore, in pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and IgG antibodies to HSV, their avidity is an important diagnostic biomarker of HPV-induced precancerous cervical diseases. Low-avidity IgG antibodies may be an indication for treatment with immunomodulators and antiviral drugs.
Optimization of lead adsorption of mordenite by response surface methodology: characterization and modification
Authors: Turkyilmaz Havva , Kartal Tolga , Yigitarslan Yildiz Sibel
Published: January 2014

Background

In order to remove heavy metals, water treatment by adsorption of zeolite is gaining momentum due to low cost and good performance. In this research, the natural mordenite was used as an adsorbent to remove lead ions in an aqueous solution.

Methods

The effects of adsorption temperature, time and initial concentration of lead on the adsorption yield were investigated. Response surface methodology based on Box-Behnken design was applied for optimization. Adsorption data were analyzed by isotherm models. The process was investigated by batch experiments; kinetic and thermodynamic studies were carried out. Adsorption yields of natural and hexadecyltrimethylammonium-bromide-modified mordenite were compared.

Results

The optimum conditions of maximum adsorption (nearly 84 percent) were found as follows: adsorption time of 85-90 min, adsorption temperature of 50°C, and initial lead concentration of 10 mg/L. At the same optimum conditions, modification of mordenite produced 97 percent adsorption yield. The most appropriate isotherm for the process was the Freundlich. Adsorption rate was found as 4.4. Thermodynamic calculations showed that the adsorption was a spontaneous and an exothermic process.

Conclusions

Quadratic model and reduced cubic model were developed to correlate the variables with the adsorption yield of mordenite. From the analysis of variance, the most influential factor was identified as initial lead concentration. At the optimum conditions modification increased the adsorption yield up to nearly 100 percent. Mordenite was found an applicable adsorbent for lead ions especially in dilute solutions and may also be applicable in more concentrated ones with lower yields.
The association of fasting blood glucose (FBG) and waist circumference in northern adults in Iran: a population based study
Authors: Veghari Gholamreza , Sedaghat Mehdi , Joshaghani Hamidreza , Banihashem Samieh , Moharloei Pooneh , Angizeh Abdolhamid , Tazik Ebrahim , Moghaddami Abbas , Hajian-Tilaki Karimollah , ZahedPasha Yedolla
Published: January 2014

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG) level and Waist Circumference (WC) in men and women among 25–65 years old people in the north of Iran.

Material and methods

This was a cross-sectional and analytical research gender that carried out on the 1797 subjects (941 males and 856 females) between 25–65 years old using multistage cluster sampling technique. FBG was measured in the morning after a 12-hour fast and was determined by using laboratory kits (enzymatic methods) and spectrophotometry technique. Central obesity was defined based on World Health Organization criteria: waist circumference ≥102 cm and ≥88 cm in men and women, respectively. The SPSS.16 software was used for statistical analysis.

Results

As whole, the mean of FBG in women (98.3 ± 40.1 mg/dl) was higher than in men (94.6 ± 32.2 mg/dl). Also, the mean of WC in men 4.5 cm was lower than in women. In men, the mean of FBG statistically differs between normal and central obese subjects both in 35–45 year-age group (P = 0.001) and in 45–55 year-age group (P = 0.042). As whole, in men, the FBG level increased up 2.82 mg/dl in each 10 cm of WC with the highest rate in 35–45 year-age group. In totally, in women, the FBG level increased up 3.48 mg/dl in each 10 cm of WC and in 25–35 year-age group and it was higher than in other age groups. In men, the regression coefficients were constant with age increasing while in women it was decreased. Constant trend in men and decreasing trend in women with age was shown between FBG and WC. The cut-off point of WC for detecting of diabetes obtained 89 cm and 107 cm in men and women, respectively.

Conclusion

The positive correlation was seen between WC and FBG level and it was declined with age in women. Cut-off point for detecting of diabetes in men was less than in women. WC is useable as a predictor of type 2 diabetes mellitus risk among adults in the north of Iran.
Joint effects of mitochondrial DNA 5178 C/A polymorphism and coffee consumption or alcohol consumption on clustering of cardiovascular risk factors in middle-aged Japanese men: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ito Taku , Kokaze Akatsuki , Ishikawa Mamoru , Matsunaga Naomi , Karita Kanae , Yoshida Masao , Ohtsu Tadahiro , Ochiai Hirotaka , Shirasawa Takako , Nanri Hinako , Hoshino Hiromi , Takashima Yutaka
Published: January 2014

Background

Longevity-associated mitochondrial DNA 5178 (Mt5178) C/A reportedly modulates the effects of coffee consumption on the risk of hypertension, dyslipidemia and abnormal glucose tolerance, and those of alcohol consumption on the risk of hypertension, dyslipidemia and hyperuricemia in middle-aged Japanese men. However, there has been no research examining whether Mt5178 C/A polymorphism influences the effects of coffee consumption or alcohol consumption on the clustering of cardiovascular risk factors (CRFs).

Methods

A total of 332 male subjects (mean age ± SD, 52.8 ± 7.8 years) were selected from among individuals visiting the hospital for regular medical check-ups. After Mt5178 C/A genotyping, a cross-sectional study assessing the joint effects of Mt5178 C/A polymorphism and coffee consumption or alcohol consumption on the clustering of CRFs, namely hypertension, abnormal glucose tolerance, hyper-low-density lipoprotein cholesterolemia, hypo-high density lipoprotein cholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia and hyperuricemia, was then conducted.

Results

After adjustment for confounding factors, significant and negative associations were observed between coffee consumption and clustering of ≥2 CRFs in subjects with Mt5178C. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for the clustering of ≥2 or ≥3 CRFs was significantly lower in subjects who consumed 1–3 cups of coffee per day than in those who consumed <1 cup of coffee per day (OR = 0.496, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.249–0.989, and OR = 0.369, 95% CI: 0.165–0.826, respectively). On the other hand, after adjustment, positive associations between coffee consumption and clustering of ≥2 CRFs were observed in subjects with Mt5178A. However, these associations did not reach a significant level. For Mt5178C genotypic men, the adjusted OR for the clustering of ≥2 or ≥3 CRFs was significantly higher in daily drinkers than in occasional drinkers (OR = 2.737, 95% CI: 1.361–5.502, and OR = 3.024, 95% CI: 1.269–7.210, respectively). On the other hand, the association between Mt5178A genotype and the clustering of ≥2 or ≥3 CRFs did not appear to depend on alcohol consumption.

Conclusions

The present results suggest that Mt5178 C/A polymorphism modifies the effects of coffee consumption or alcohol consumption on the clustering of CRFs in middle-aged Japanese men.
Volume replacement with Ringer-lactate is detrimental in severe hemorrhagic shock but protective in moderate hemorrhagic shock: studies in a rat model
Authors: Hussmann Bjoern , Lendemans Sven , de Groot Herbert , Rohrig Ricarda
Published: January 2014

Introduction

To date, there are insufficient data demonstrating the benefits of preclinically administered Ringer-lactate (RL) for the treatment of hemorrhagic shock following trauma. Recent animal experiments have shown that lactate tends to have toxic effects in severe hemorrhagic shock. This study aimed to compare the effects of RL administered in a rat model of severe hemorrhagic shock (mean arterial blood pressure (MAP): 25 to 30 mmHg) and moderate hemorrhagic shock (MAP: 40 to 45 mmHg).

Methods

Four experimental groups of eight male Wistar rats each (moderate shock with Ringer-saline (RS), moderate shock with RL, severe shock with RS, severe shock with RL) were established. After achieving the specified depth of shock, animals were maintained under the shock conditions for 60 minutes. Subsequently, reperfusion with RS or RL was performed for 30 minutes, and the animals were observed for an additional 150 minutes.

Results

All animals with moderate shock that received RL survived the entire study period, while six animals with moderate shock that received RS died before the end of the experiment. Furthermore, animals with moderate shock that received RL exhibited considerable improvements in their acid-base parameters and reduced organ damage.

In contrast, in animals with severe shock, only two of the animals receiving RS survived but all of the animals receiving RL died early, before the end of the study period. Moreover, the severe shock animals that were treated with RL exhibited considerably worsened acid-base and metabolic parameters.

Conclusions

The preclinical use of RL for volume replacement has different effects depending on the severity of hemorrhagic shock. RL exhibits detrimental effects in cases of severe shock, whereas it has pronounced protective effects in cases of moderate shock.
Revisiting the International Exposition and 83rd Annual Meeting
Authors: Clark Dean
Published: January 2014

The key numbers were expected to hit multiyear highs at SEG's International Exposition and 83rd Annual Meeting, held 22–27 September at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, USA. Everything seemed in perfect alignment: first, the meeting was in Houston, where a significant fraction of the SEG membership is located; second, a vibrant business background buzz with major activity all around the world; and third, impressive advances in geophysical technology which have seen applications exploding in all directions.
Seismos
Authors: Liner Christopher L.
Published: January 2014

My last “Seismos” column showed that an interactive stratigraphic column could be made using Mathematica software (we will call it M from now on) Manipulate function. At the 2013 SEG meeting in Houston, I spoke for a minute with Jim Gaiser, who saw the vision and was discovering all the great things that Manipulate can do.

It made me think that a little discussion would be useful. Manipulate has the full power of M's analytical, numerical, and graphical resources behind it and allows you to set parameters via slider bars or other kinds of controllers. This may not sound like much, but it is immensely powerful.
Measuring the Performance of Large-Scale Combinatorial Auctions: A Structural Estimation Approach
Authors: Kim Sang Won , Olivares Marcelo , Weintraub Gabriel Y.
Published: January 2014

The main advantage of a procurement combinatorial auction (CA) is that it allows suppliers to express cost synergies through package bids. However, bidders can also strategically take advantage of this flexibility, by discounting package bids and “inflating” bid prices for single items, even in the absence of cost synergies; the latter behavior can hurt the performance of the auction. It is an empirical question whether allowing package bids and running a CA improves performance in a given setting. In this paper, we develop a structural estimation approach that estimates the firms' cost structure using bidding data and use these estimates to evaluate the performance of the auction. To overcome the computational difficulties arising from the large number of bids observed in large-scale CAs, we propose a novel simplified model of bidders' behavior based on pricing package characteristics. We apply our method to the Chilean school meals auction, in which the government procures half a billion dollars' worth of meal services every year and bidders submit thousands of package bids. Our estimates suggest that bidders' cost synergies are economically significant in this application (∼5%), and the current CA mechanism achieves high allocative efficiency (∼98%) and reasonable margins for the bidders (∼5%). Overall, this work develops the first practical tool to evaluate the performance of large-scale first-price CAs commonly used in procurement settings.

This paper was accepted by Serguei Netessine, operations management.
Medial submuscular plating of the femur in a series of paediatric patients
Authors: Nayagam S. , Davis B. , Thevendran G. , Roche A. J.
Published: January 2014

We describe the technique and results of medial submuscular plating of the femur in paediatric patients and discuss its indications and limitations. Specifically, the technique is used as part of a plate-after-lengthening strategy, where the period of external fixation is reduced and the plate introduced by avoiding direct contact with the lateral entry wounds of the external fixator pins. The technique emphasises that vastus medialis is interposed between the plate and the vascular structures.

A total of 16 patients (11 male and five female, mean age 9.6 years (5 to 17)), had medial submuscular plating of the femur. All underwent distraction osteogenesis of the femur with a mean lengthening of 4.99 cm (3.2 to 12) prior to plating. All patients achieved consolidation of the regenerate without deformity. The mean follow-up was 10.5 months (7 to 15) after plating for those with plates still in situ, and 16.3 months (1 to 39) for those who subsequently had their plates removed. None developed a deep infection. In two patients a proximal screw fractured without loss of alignment; one patient sustained a traumatic fracture six months after removal of the plate.

Placing the plate on the medial side is advantageous when the external fixator is present on the lateral side, and is biomechanically optimal in the presence of a femoral defect. We conclude that medial femoral submuscular plating is a useful technique for specific indications and can be performed safely with a prior understanding of the regional anatomy.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:137–42.