bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of levosimendan on organ dysfunction in patients with severely reduced left ventricular function undergoing cardiac surgery
Authors: Erb Joachim , Beutlhauser Torsten , Feldheiser Aarne , Schuster Birgit , Treskatsch Sascha , Grubitzsch Herko , Spies Claudia 
Published: April 2014

Objectives Levosimendan is an inotropic drug with organ-protective properties due to its activation of mitochondrial KATP channels. This prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigated whether administration of levosimendan prior to cardiopulmonary bypass could reduce organ dysfunction and influence subsequent secondary endpoints. Patients and methods Patients with left ventricular ejection fraction <30% scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass surgery (with or without valve surgery) received either levosimendan (12.5 mg, 0.1 µg kg−1 per min; n = 17) or placebo ( n = 16) central venous infusion, immediately after anaesthesia induction, as add-on medication to a goal-orientated treatment algorithm. Results A total of 33 patients completed the study. There were no statistically significant differences in Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores, survival, haemodynamic parameters, time to extubation, time in intensive care unit, need for haemodialysis or health-related quality-of-life at 6 months post operation. The levosimendan group compared with the placebo group had significantly lower use of epinephrine (35% versus 81%) and nitroglycerine (6% versus 44%) 24 h postoperation, and significantly less frequent serious adverse events (13% versus 47%). Conclusions These preliminary results show that timely perioperative levosimendan treatment is feasible, has a favourable safety profile safe and may help to prevent low cardiac output syndrome. However, organ function was not preserved. Further studies, using larger sample sizes, are required.
Relationship between lysophosphatidic acid and matrix metalloproteinase-9 plasma concentrations and carotid atheromatous plaque stability in patients with cerebral infarction
Authors: Zhou Zhibin , Li Xiaohao , Yang Bo , Jiang Dan 
Published: April 2014

Objective: To investigate the correlation between plasma lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and carotid atheromatous plaque stability in patients with cerebral infarction. Method: Patients with cerebral infarction underwent carotid artery duplex ultrasonography and transcranial Doppler monitoring for detection of microemboli. Patients were stratified by plaque type (no plaque, intima thickening, unstable plaque, stable plaque) and presence or absence of micoremboli. Plasma LPA and MMP-9 were quantified. Result: LPA and MMP-9 concentrations were significantly higher and microemboli positivity was significantly more common in patients with unstable plaque ( n = 21) than the other three groups (intima thickening, n = 16; stable plaque n = 41; no plaque; n = 12). There was a significant positive correlation between LPA and MMP-9 concentrations. Conclusion: Plasma LPA and MMP-9 concentrations may be useful biomarkers in the clinical identification and prediction of unstable plaque, and in guiding treatment.
Safety of inadvertent administration of overdose of intrathecal Cytarabine in a pediatric patient
Authors: Omar Suha Al , Amayiri Nisreen , Madanat Faris 
Published: April 2014

Purpose To describe a medication error of intrathecal Cytarabine overdose that was managed conservatively with no apparent toxicities. Summary An 11-year-old girl was diagnosed with bone marrow relapsed precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. According to her chemotherapy protocol, she was started on triple intrathecal chemotherapy consisting of Methotrexate, Cytarabine and Hydrocortisone on day 1 of the protocol. After the intrathecal therapy being administered to the patient, the pharmacist who checked the medication realized that the wrong formulation of Cytarabine was used to prepare the intrathecal therapy; this error resulted in five times overdose of Cytarabine. The patient was then managed conservatively without cerebrospinal fluid exchange. Our patient remained clinically and neurologically stable without apparent toxicities and was discharged safely from hospital. Conclusion Supportive care without the need for invasive procedures such as cerebrospinal fluid exchange may be adequate for managing intrathecal Cytarabine overdose.
miR-150 influences B-cell receptor signaling in chronic lymphocytic leukemia by regulating expression of GAB1 and FOXP1
Authors: Mraz Marek , Chen Liguang , Rassenti Laura Z. , Ghia Emanuela M. , Li Hongying , Jepsen Kristen , Smith Erin N. , Messer Karen , Frazer Kelly A. , Kipps Thomas J. 
Published: May 2014

Key PointsThe most abundant miRNA in CLL, miR-150, is expressed at lower levels in cases with unfavorable clinicobiological markers and worse prognosis. miR-150 regulates expression of genes encoding proteins that modulate BCR signaling in CLL.
Mutations in TLR/MYD88 pathway identify a subset of young chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients with favorable outcome
Authors: Martínez-Trillos Alejandra , Pinyol Magda , Navarro Alba , Aymerich Marta , Jares Pedro , Juan Manel , Rozman María , Colomer Dolors , Delgado Julio , Giné Eva , González-Díaz Marcos , Hernández-Rivas Jesús M. , Colado Enrique , Rayón Consolación , Payer Angel R. , Terol Maria José , Navarro Blanca , Quesada Victor , Puente Xosé S. , Rozman Ciril , López-Otín Carlos , Campo Elías , López-Guillermo Armando , Villamor Neus 
Published: April 2014

Key PointsMutations in the TLR/MYD88 pathway occur in 4% of patients with CLL, and they are the most frequent in young patients. TLR/MYD88 mutations in CLL patients confer a good outcome, which is similar to that of the age- and gender-matched healthy population.
Targeted mutagenesis of zebrafish antithrombin III triggers disseminated intravascular coagulation and thrombosis, revealing insight into function
Authors: Liu Yang , Kretz Colin A. , Maeder Morgan L. , Richter Catherine E. , Tsao Philip , Vo Andy H. , Huarng Michael C. , Rode Thomas , Hu Zhilian , Mehra Rohit , Olson Steven T. , Joung J. Keith , Shavit Jordan A. 
Published: April 2014

Key PointsJuvenile zebrafish tolerate widespread coagulopathy due to complete ablation of antithrombin III, but develop lethal thrombosis as adults. In vivo structure/function analysis of antithrombin III in zebrafish reveals limited roles for heparin-binding and anti-IXa/Xa activity.
Approximating fixed points for generalized nonexpansive mapping in "Equation missing" spaces
Authors: Uddin Izhar , Dalal Sumitra , Imdad Mohammad 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Takahashi and Kim (Math. Jpn. 48:1-9, 1998) used the Ishikawa iteration process to prove some convergence theorems for nonexpansive mappings in Banach spaces. The aim of this paper is to prove similar results in

CAT
(
0
)

spaces for generalized nonexpansive mappings, which, in turn, generalize the corresponding results of Takahashi and Kim (Math. Jpn. 48:1-9, 1998), Laokul and Panyanak (Int. J. Math. Anal. 3(25-28):1305-1315, 2009), Razani and Salahifard (Bull. Iran. Math. Soc. 37(1):235-246, 2011) and some others.

MSC:47H10, 54H25.
New case of trichorinophalangeal syndrome-like phenotype with a de novo t(2;8)(p16.1;q23.3) translocation which does not disrupt the TRPS1 gene
Authors: Crippa Milena , Bestetti Ilaria , Perotti Mario , Castronovo Chiara , Tabano Silvia , Picinelli Chiara , Grassi Guido , Larizza Lidia , Pincelli Angela Ida , Finelli Palma 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

Background
Trichorhinophalangeal syndrome (TRPS) is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterised by distinctive craniofacial and skeletal abnormalities. TRPS is generally associated with mutations in the TRPS1 gene at 8q23.3 or microdeletions of the 8q23.3-q24.11 region. However, three deletions affecting the same chromosome region and a familial translocation t(8;13) co-segregating with TRPS, which do not encompass or disrupt the TRPS1 gene, have been reported. A deregulated expression of TRPS1 has been hypothesised as cause of the TRPS phenotype of these patients.

Case presentation
We report the clinical and molecular characterisation of a 57-year-old Caucasian woman carrying the t(2;8)(p16.1;q23.3) de novo balanced translocation. The proband presented with peculiar clinical features (severe craniofacial dysmorphism, alopecia universalis, severe scoliosis, mitral valve prolapse, mild mental impairment and normal growth parameters) that partially overlap with TRPS I. Mutational and array CGH analyses ruled out any genetic defect affecting TRPS1 or genomic alteration at the translocation breakpoint or elsewhere in the genome. Breakpoint mapping excluded disruption of TRPS1, and revealed that the chromosome 8q23.3 breakpoint was located within the IVS10 of the long intergenic non-coding RNA LINC00536, at approximately 300 kb from the TRPS1 5’ end. Conversely, the 2p16.1 breakpoint mapped within a LINE sequence, in a region that lacks transcriptional regulatory elements. As a result of the translocation, nucleotide base pair additions and deletions were detected at both breakpoint junction fragments, and an evolutionarily conserved VISTA enhancer element from 2p16.1 was relocated at approximately 325 kb from the TRPS1 promoter.

Conclusions
We suggest that the disruption of the genomic architecture of cis regulatory elements downstream the TRPS1 5′ region, combined with the translocation of a novel enhancer element nearby TRPS1, might be the pathogenetic mechanism underpinning the proband’s phenotype. The clinical and genetic characterisation of the present subject allowed us to make a genetic diagnosis in the context of a known syndrome, contributing to a better comprehension of the complex transcriptional regulation of TRPS1 and TRPS ethiopathogenesis.
Gastritis cystica profunda recurrence after surgical resection: 2-year follow-up
Authors: Wang Lei , Yan Hua , Cao Da-Chun , Huo Li , Huo Hai-Zhong , Wang Bing , Chen Ying , Liu Hai-Lin 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Background
Gastritis cystica profunda (GCP) is an uncommon disease characterized by multiple cystic gastric glands within the submucosa of the stomach.

Case description
Here, we present a case of a 63-year-old man with intermittent epigastric discomfort in whom gastroscopy revealed multiple irregular elevated nodular lesions with smooth surfaces at the anterior of the antrum. Surgical resection of the nodular lesions was performed, and the diagnosis of gastritis cystica profunda (GCP) was confirmed by histological examination. Another elevated nodular lesion approximately 10 mm in diameter with an ulcer was found on the gastric side of the remnant stomach near the resection side from 6 to 24 months after the surgical resection. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and repeated biopsies of the new elevated lesion were performed. Homogeneous, anechoic masses originating from the submucosa without gastric adenocarcinoma in histological examination showed GCP recurrence may occur.

Conclusions
We report a case of GCP recurrence within 6 months after surgical resection. GCP should be considered in the differential diagnosis of elevated lesions in the stomach.
The life cycle of a customized communication device for a child with cerebral palsy: contributions toward the PD4CAT method
Authors: de Faria Borges Luciana Correia Lima , Filgueiras Lucia Vilela Leite , Maciel Cristiano , Pereira Vinicius Carvalho 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundIn this paper, we report the results of an action research conducted to design a communication device to help a non-verbal child develop language skills. Participatory design (PD) is frequently regarded as a convenient approach for designing high assistive technology (HAT) for people with serious speech impairments. However, our literature survey has shown that PD is used in an ad hoc fashion, and so a methodological framework for the inception, construction, and evaluation of HATs is still missing.MethodsPD4CAT, a participatory design method for customized assistive technology, was used to direct this research.ResultsThis method led to the engagement of an impaired child (besides other participants) as a co-designer of a customized assistive technology for his own use. The system resulting from actions performed during this research has helped the child in his rehabilitation process by means of the customized assistive computational technology developed within PD4CAT.ConclusionThe contributions of this action research include the improvement of PD4CAT by means of guidelines to engage a non-verbal child in participatory design practices, in order to incept his assistive computational technology.
The ATRX cDNA is prone to bacterial IS10 element insertions that alter its structure
Authors: Valle-García David , Griffiths Lyra M , Dyer Michael A , Bernstein Emily , Recillas-Targa Félix 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
The SWI/SNF-like chromatin-remodeling protein ATRX has emerged as a key factor in the regulation of α-globin gene expression, incorporation of histone variants into the chromatin template and, more recently, as a frequently mutated gene across a wide spectrum of cancers. Therefore, the availability of a functional ATRX cDNA for expression studies is a valuable tool for the scientific community. We have identified two independent transposon insertions of a bacterial IS10 element into exon 8 of ATRX isoform 2 coding sequence in two different plasmids derived from a single source. We demonstrate that these insertion events are common and there is an insertion hotspot within the ATRX cDNA. Such IS10 insertions produce a truncated form of ATRX, which significantly compromises its nuclear localization. In turn, we describe ways to prevent IS10 insertion during propagation and cloning of ATRX-containing vectors, including optimal growth conditions, bacterial strains, and suggested sequencing strategies. Finally, we have generated an insertion-free plasmid that is available to the community for expression studies of ATRX.
Classifying leukemia types with chromatin conformation data
Authors: Rousseau Mathieu , Ferraiuolo Maria A , Crutchley Jennifer L , Wang Xue Qing David , Miura Hisashi , Blanchette Mathieu , Dostie Josée 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Background
Although genetic or epigenetic alterations have been shown to affect the three-dimensional organization of genomes, the utility of chromatin conformation in the classification of human disease has never been addressed.

Results
Here, we explore whether chromatin conformation can be used to classify human leukemia. We map the conformation of the HOXA gene cluster in a panel of cell lines with 5C chromosome conformation capture technology, and use the data to train and test a support vector machine classifier named 3D-SP. We show that 3D-SP is able to accurately distinguish leukemias expressing MLL-fusion proteins from those expressing only wild-type MLL, and that it can also classify leukemia subtypes according to MLL fusion partner, based solely on 5C data.

Conclusions
Our study provides the first proof-of-principle demonstration that chromatin conformation contains the information value necessary for classification of leukemia subtypes.
Response surface modeling for hot, humid air decontamination of materials contaminated with Bacillus anthracis ∆Sterne and Bacillus thuringiensis Al Hakam spores
Authors: Prokop Edward J , Crigler John R , Wells Claire M , Young Alice A , Buhr Tony L 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Response surface methodology using a face-centered cube design was used to describe and predict spore inactivation of Bacillus anthracis ∆Sterne and Bacillus thuringiensis Al Hakam spores after exposure of six spore-contaminated materials to hot, humid air. For each strain/material pair, an attempt was made to fit a first or second order model. All three independent predictor variables (temperature, relative humidity, and time) were significant in the models except that time was not significant for B. thuringiensis Al Hakam on nylon. Modeling was unsuccessful for wiring insulation and wet spores because there was complete spore inactivation in the majority of the experimental space. In cases where a predictive equation could be fit, response surface plots with time set to four days were generated. The survival of highly purified Bacillus spores can be predicted for most materials tested when given the settings for temperature, relative humidity, and time. These predictions were cross-checked with spore inactivation measurements.
B cells promote obesity-associated periodontitis and oral pathogen-associated inflammation
Authors: Zhu Min , Belkina Anna C , DeFuria Jason , Carr Jordan D , Van Dyke Thomas E , Gyurko Robert , Nikolajczyk Barbara S 
Published: April 2014

AbstractIndividuals with T2D and PD suffer significantly from the ability of one disease to intensify the other. Disease-associated inflammation is one mechanism thought to fuel this pathogenic feed-forward loop. Several lines of evidence indicate that proinflammatory B cells promote T2D and PD; thus, B cells are top candidates for a cell type that predisposes PD in T2D. To test directly the role of B cells in T2D-associated PD, we compared outcomes from oral Porphyromonas gingivalis challenge of lean WT or B cell-null mice with outcomes from mice that were obese and insulin-resistant before challenge. Obese WT mice responded to oral P. gingivalis challenge with significant periodontal bone loss, whereas obese B cell-null mice were protected completely from PD. By contrast, lean WT and B cell-null mice suffer similar periodontal bone loss in response to oral pathogen. B cells from obese/insulin-resistant hosts also support oral osteoclastogenesis and both oral and systemic production of inflammatory cytokines, including pro-osteoclastogenic TNF-α and MIP-2, an ortholog of human IL-8. B cells furthermore impact AT inflammation in obese, P. gingivalis-infected hosts. Taken together, these data show that fundamentally different mechanisms regulate PD in lean and obese hosts, with B cells able to promote PD only if the hosts are “primed” by obesity. These results justify more intense analysis of obesity-associated changes in B cells that predispose PD in human T2D.
Inversion of capacitively coupled resistivity (line-antenna) measurements
Authors: Niu Qifei , Wang Yu-Hsing 
Published: May 2014

The capacitively coupled resistivity method using line antennas (or electrodes) has been widely applied for various kinds of applications. To solve the associated inversion problem, the general practice (i.e., the indirect inversion method) for 2D surface resistivity surveys is to approximate the line-electrode array by an equivalent point-electrode array, so that the existing direct current resistivity inversion programs can still be used. Based on the experimental evidence from this study that two resistivity arrays with a similar sensitivity (1D) curve offers comparable measurement, we optimized the equivalent point-electrode array by minimizing the sensitivity (1D) difference between the line- and point-electrode arrays in terms of the depth of investigation difference (DID). The dipole length of the optimal equivalent point-electrode array can be determined by considering only the array with the shortest dipole distance. For the line-electrode arrays with the dipole lengths of 2.5, 5, and 10 m, the suggested optimal dipole lengths are 74%, 73%, and 73% of the respective dipole lengths. The numerical examples carried out in this study prove the effectiveness of the indirect inversion method for 2D surface resistivity surveys when the appropriate equivalent point-electrode array with a low DID value is chosen, and vice versa. The direct inversion of the line electrode resistivity measurements from 3D resistivity surveys is achieved with a MATLAB-based, open-source resistivity inversion package called RESINVM3D incorporating line electrodes. The usefulness of this modified code was demonstrated with a numerical example that considered cross-borehole resistivity tomography using line electrode measurements. The location of the assigned resistivity anomaly and the boundary between two soil layers were well captured by the direction inversion.
CDC-42 and RAC-1 regulate opposite chemotropisms inNeurospora crassa
Authors: Lichius Alexander , Goryachev Andrew B. , Fricker Mark D. , Obara Boguslaw , Castro-Longoria Ernestina , Read Nick D. 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTCell polarization and fusion are crucial developmental processes that occur in response to intracellular and extracellular signals. Asexual spores (conidia) of the mold Neurospora crassa differentiate two types of polarized cell protrusions, germ tubes and conidial anastomosis tubes (CATs), which exhibit negative and positive chemotropism, respectively. We provide the first evidence that shared and separate functions of the Rho-type GTPases CDC-42 and RAC-1 regulate these opposite chemotropisms. We demonstrate that RAC-1 is essential for CAT formation and cell fusion, whereas CDC-42 is necessary and sufficient for normal germ tube development. Cdc42-Rac-interactive-binding (CRIB) reporters were constructed to exclusively label locally activated GTP-bound GTPases. Time course analyses showed that repositioning of these activated GTPase clusters within germ tube and CAT tip apices controls directional growth in the absence of a tip-localized vesicle supply center (Spitzenkörper). We propose a model in which the local assembly of a plasma-membrane-associated GTPase–PAK–MAPK signaling platform regulates chemoattractant perception and secretion in order to synchronize oscillatory cell–cell communication and directional CAT tip growth.
Access to and Experience of Later Abortion: Accounts from Women in Scotland
Authors: Purcell Carrie , Cameron Sharon , Caird Lucy , Flett Gillian , Laird George , Melville Catriona , McDaid Lisa M. 
Published: April 2014

ContextExcept in the presence of significant medical indications, the legal limit for abortion in Great Britain is 24 weeks’ gestation. Nevertheless, abortion for nonmedical reasons is not usually provided in Scotland after 18–20 weeks, meaning women have to travel to England for the procedure.MethodsIn‐depth interviews were conducted with 23 women presenting for “later” abortions (i.e., at 16 or more weeks’ gestation) in Scotland. Participants were women who sought an abortion at a participating National Health Service clinic between January and July 2013. Interviews addressed reasons for and consequences of later presentation, as well as women's experiences of abortion. Thematic analysis attended to emerging issues and employed the conceptual tool of candidacy.ResultsDelayed recognition of pregnancy, changed life circumstances and conflicting candidacies for motherhood and having an abortion were common reasons for women's presentation for later abortion. Women perceived that the resources required to travel to England for a later abortion were potential barriers to access, and felt that such travel was distressing and stigmatizing. Participants who continued their pregnancy did so after learning they were at a later gestational age than expected or after receiving assurances of support from partners, friends or family.ConclusionsReasons for seeking later abortion are complex and varied among women in Scotland, and suggest that reducing barriers to access and improving local provision of such abortions are a necessity. The candidacy framework allows for a fuller understanding of the difficulties involved in obtaining abortions.