bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of an Internet-Based Intervention for Improving Diabetes Outcomes Among Low-Income Patients With a High Risk for Poor Diabetes Outcomes Followed in a Community Clinic
Authors: Ryan John G. , Schwartz Robert , Jennings Terri , Fedders Mark , Vittoria Isabel 
Published: April 2013

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of an Internet-based intervention, targeting very low-income minority patients with a high risk for not engaging in diabetes self-management, to increase diabetes self-management and improve diabetes outcomes. Methods Patients with diabetes followed in a community clinic were enrolled in the 13-month trial. Participants were requested to test blood sugar and upload glucometer data every day and login to the program at least once every second day. Feasibility data included process measures; diabetes outcomes consisted of changes from baseline to follow-up for levels of glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C), LDL, HDL, triglyceride and total cholesterol, and health-related quality of life using the SF-36. Results Only 22% of participants had health insurance. Participants had an average of 4.39 comorbidities and 7.06 prescriptions. Participants uploaded glucometer data at least twice each week and logged into the application at least once each week. Participants demonstrated reductions statistically or clinically important changes in A1C, LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Participants engaging in more frequent chat messages and interactive activities demonstrated greater reductions in LDL cholesterol levels; however, engaging in more frequent chat messages also was associated with increased triglyceride levels. Participants rated fewer role limitations from physical health problems at follow-up. Conclusions The intervention produced good outcomes; however, an alternative platform may be a less expensive approach.
Multicriteria design of a rotary table with a hybrid constant flow and constant pressure supply system
Authors: Feng Huihui , Jiang Shuyun 
Published: April 2013

The rotary table of the heavy machine tools demands higher stiffness to provide substantial load capacity as well as a lower cost. The hydrostatic rotary table supplied with constant flow rate pump is not often used due to its high cost; meanwhile, the system with constant pressure pump suffers from a relatively lower stiffness problem. In this study, an alternative type of rotary table supplied by a constant flow pump and a constant pressure one is proposed to satisfy the requirements. The mathematical model is presented on the basis of hydrostatic theory to predict the axial static performance of the table. A comparison of the performances between constant pressure supply table, constant flow supply table and constant flow and constant pressure supply table has been conducted; the results show that constant flow and constant pressure supply table is the best in static behavior. A multicriteria optimization technique based on the weighted ideal point method is better than the single criteria optimization in achieving the comprehensive property of the table. A variation rate method is used to calculate the weighted factors. The optimization problem is formulated with the maximum stiffness, the minimum power dissipation and the minimum supply pressure.
Cochrane corner: bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) for fracture healing in adults
Authors: Glass G. E. , Jain A. 
Published: April 2013

Background: Delay in fracture healing is a complex clinical and economic issue for patients and health services. Objectives: To assess the incremental effectiveness and costs of bone morphogenetic protein on fracture healing in fractures and nonunions compared with standards of care. Search strategy: We searched The Cochrane Library (2008, Issue 4), MEDLINE, and other major health and health economics databases (to October 2008). Selection criteria: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and full or partial economic evaluations of bone morphogenetic protein for fracture healing in skeletally mature adults. Data collection and analysis: All clinical and economic data were extracted by one author and checked by another.
Genomic meta-analysis of growth factor and integrin pathways in chronic kidney transplant injury
Authors: Dosanjh Amrita , Robison Elizabeth , Mondala Tony , Head Steven R , Salomon Daniel R , Kurian Sunil M 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Chronic Allograft Nephropathy (CAN) is a clinical entity of progressive kidney transplant injury. The defining histology is tubular atrophy with interstitial fibrosis (IFTA). Using a meta-analysis of microarrays from 84 kidney transplant biopsies, we revealed growth factor and integrin adhesion molecule pathways differentially expressed and correlated with histological progression. A bioinformatics approach mining independent datasets leverages new and existing data to identify correlative changes in integrin and growth factor signaling pathways.

Results
Analysis of CAN/IFTA Banff grades showed that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and epidermal growth factor (EGF) pathways are significantly differentially expressed in all classes of CAN/IFTA. MAPK-dependent pathways were also significant. However, the TGFβ pathways, albeit present, failed to differentiate CAN/IFTA progression. The integrin subunits β8, αv, αμ and β5 are differentially expressed, but β1, β6 and α6 specifically correlate with progression of chronic injury. Results were validated using our published proteomic profiling of CAN/IFTA.

Conclusions
CAN/IFTA with chronic kidney injury is characterized by expression of distinct growth factors and specific integrin adhesion molecules as well as their canonical signaling pathways. Drug target mapping suggests several novel candidates for the next generation of therapeutics to prevent or treat progressive transplant dysfunction with interstitial fibrosis.
Influence of internalin a murinisation on host resistance to orally acquired listeriosis in mice
Authors: Bergmann Silke , Beard Philippa M , Pasche Bastian , Lienenklaus Stefan , Weiss Siegfried , Gahan Cormac G M , Schughart Klaus , Lengeling Andreas 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe bacterial surface protein internalin (InlA) is a major virulence factor of the food-born pathogenListeria monocytogenes. It plays a critical role in the bacteria crossing the host intestinal barrier by a species-specific interaction with the cell adhesion molecule E-cadherin. In mice, the interaction of InlA with murine E-cadherin is impaired due to sequence-specific binding incompatibilities. We have previously used the approach of ‘murinisation’ to establish an oral listeriosis infection model in mice by exchanging two amino acid residues in InlA. This dramatically increases binding to mouse E-cadherin. In the present study, we have used bioluminescent murinised and non-murinisedListeriastrains to examine the spatiotemporal dissemination ofListeriain four diverse mouse genetic backgrounds after oral inoculation.ResultsThe murinisedListeria monocytogenesstrain showed enhanced invasiveness and induced more severe infections in all four investigated mouse inbred strains compared to the non-murinisedListeriastrain. We identified C57BL/6J mice as being most resistant to orally acquired listeriosis whereas C3HeB/FeJ, A/J and BALB/cJ mice were found to be most susceptible to infection. This was reflected in faster kinetics ofListeriadissemination, higher bacterial loads in internal organs, and elevated serum levels of IL-6, IFN-γ, TNF-α and CCL2 in the susceptible strains as compared to the resistant C57BL/6J strain. Importantly, murinisation of InlA did not cause enhanced invasion ofListeria monocytogenesinto the brain.ConclusionMurinisedListeriaare able to efficiently cross the intestinal barrier in mice from diverse genetic backgrounds. However, expression of murinized InlA does not enhance listerial brain invasion suggesting that crossing of the blood brain barrier and crossing of the intestinal epithelium are achieved byListeria monocytogenesthrough different molecular mechanisms.
An international longitudinal registry of patients with atrial fibrillation at risk of stroke (GARFIELD): the UK protocol
Authors: Apenteng Patricia N , Murray Ellen T , Holder Roger , Hobbs F D Richard , Fitzmaurice David A ,   UK GARFIELD Investigators and GARFIELD Steering Committee
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an independent risk factor for stroke and a significant predictor of mortality. Evidence-based guidelines for stroke prevention in AF recommend antithrombotic therapy corresponding to the risk of stroke. In practice, many patients with AF do not receive the appropriate antithrombotic therapy and are left either unprotected or inadequately protected against stroke. The purpose of the Global Anticoagulant Registry in the FIELD (GARFIELD) is to determine the real-life management and outcomes of patients newly diagnosed with non-valvular AF.

Methods/design
GARFIELD is an observational, international registry of newly diagnosed AF patients with at least one additional investigator-defined risk factor for stroke. The aim is to enrol 55,000 patients at more than 1000 centres in 50 countries worldwide. Enrolment will take place in five independent, sequential, prospective cohorts; the first cohort includes a retrospective validation cohort. Each cohort will be followed up for 2 years. The UK stands to be a significant contributor to GARFIELD, aiming to enrol 4,582 patients, and reflecting the care environment in which patients with AF are managed. The UK protocol will also focus on better understanding the validity of the two main stroke risk scores (CHADS2 and CHA2DS2VASC) and the HAS-BLED bleeding risk score, in the context of a diverse patient population.

Discussion
The GARFIELD registry will describe how therapeutic strategies, patient care, and clinical outcomes evolve over time. This study will provide UK-specific comprehensive data that will allow a range of evaluations both at a national level and in relation to global data and contribute to a better understanding of AF management in the UK.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrial.gov: NCT01090362
Deterioration of filtering bleb morphology and function after phacoemulsification
Authors: Sałaga-Pylak Monika , Kowal Małgorzata , Żarnowski Tomasz 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Trabeculectomy remains the most efficient method of lowering he IOP applied for the treatment of glaucoma refractory to pharmacological treatment. Cataract is concerned as the most frequent late complication of trabeculectomy. The aim of the study was to analyse the effect of phacoemulsification with posterior chamber lens implantation on the morphology and function of filtering bleb in patients after previous successful trabeculectomy.

Methods
The retrospective study included 122 eyes treated for primary open angle glaucoma, 50 eyes (study group) in which, after a successful trabeculectomy with5-Fluorouracil, phacoemulsification with posterior chamber lens implantation was performed, and 72 eyes (control group), in which only a successful trabeculectomy was conducted. The surgical success of the trabeculectomy was expressed as IOP < 17 mmHg.

Results
In the group of patients subjected to both trabeculectomy and phacoemulsification, mean IOP was significantly higher than in the group of patients who underwent trabeculectomy after 6 months (p = 0.003), 12 months (p = 0.01) and 18 months (p = 0.007) of observation. The filtering blebs after phacoemulsification in the study group were characterized by a greater reduction, compared to those in the control group. Cox regression survival success was 75% (SE = 5.9; 95% CI: 63.4 – 86.6), 75% (SE = 5.9; 95% CI: 63.4 – 86.6), 71% (SE = 5.4; 95% CI: 60.4 – 81.6) in study group and 92% (SE = 1.8; 95% CI: 91.5 – 98.5), 92% (SE = 1.9; 95% CI: 88.3 – 95.7), 91% (SE = 2.0; 95% CI: 87.1 – 94.9) in control group after 6, 12 and 18 months, respectively.

Conclusions
Phacoemulsification causes a significant elevation of IOP in the eyes after previous successful trabeculectomy and deterioration of filtering bleb morphology.
Risk of musculoskeletal disorder among Taiwanese nurses cohort: a nationwide population-based study
Authors: Chung Yueh-Chin , Hung Chin-Tun , Li Shu-Fen , Lee Horng-Mo , Wang Shyang-Guang , Chang Shu-Chuan , Pai Lee-Wen , Huang Chien-Ning , Yang Jen-Hung 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) represent the leading causes of occupational injuries among nursing staff. This population-based study was designed to assess the incidence and age-specific incidence of MSDs among a Taiwanese nurse cohort compared with non-nurses.

Description
Data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database were used to identify MSDs in the study population. A total of 3914 nurses with a diagnosis of MSD were included, together with 11,744 non-nurses as a comparison group. The comparison subjects were randomly selected at a ratio of 3:1 relative to the nurse population and were matched by gender and age. The incidence of MSDs was calculated for the study group, with nurse-to-reference risk ratios presented as odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). During the period 2004–2010, 3004 MSDs occurred among the nurses (76.24%) and 7779 (65.79%) in the non-nurses. The annual incidence of MSDs for the nurses increased from 28.35% in 2006 to 33.65% in 2010. The nurse-to-reference risk ratio was 1.27 (95% CI 1.19–1.35) in 2004 and 1.46 (1.37–1.55) in 2010. Herniation of intervertebral disc, lumbago, rotator cuff syndrome, medial epicondylitis, trigger finger and carpal tunnel syndrome were the most common problems.

Conclusions
Nurses are at higher risk of MSDs and the trend is increasing. Incorrect work-related posture/movement, psychological issues and the rolling shift system may be the major causes of MSDs among nurses in Taiwan.
Vestibular function in superficial siderosis
Authors: Miwa Toru , Minoda Ryosei , Matsuyoshi Hidetake 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Superficial siderosis (SS) is caused by repeated or continuous bleeding into the subarachnoid space that results in iron from hemoglobin (hemosiderin) being deposited on the surface of the brain. Clinically, the condition is characterized by sensorineural deafness, ataxia, and pyramidal signs. However the mechanism of peripheral vestibular disturbance was not revealed. We show the vestibular function of SS patients, and shed light on saccule-inferior vestibular nerve.

Methods
Over the past 9 years, 5 patients were definitively diagnosed with SS by MRI in our department. These patients were subjected to balance testing.

Results
Vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) was observed in patients who had suffered from SS for a short period but tended to be diminished or absent in patients who had suffered from the condition for a longer period.

Conclusions
These findings in SS patients suggest that saccule-inferior vestibular function is maintained at early stages of the disorder. Our study may help to clarify the mechanism of SS.
Semi-rational engineering of cellobiose dehydrogenase for improved hydrogen peroxide production
Authors: Sygmund Christoph , Santner Paul , Krondorfer Iris , Peterbauer Clemens K , Alcalde Miguel , Nyanhongo Gibson S , Guebitz Georg M , Ludwig Roland 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
The ability of fungal cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) to generate H2O2
in-situ is highly interesting for biotechnological applications like cotton bleaching, laundry detergents or antimicrobial functionalization of medical devices. CDH’s ability to directly use polysaccharide derived mono- and oligosaccharides as substrates is a considerable advantage compared to other oxidases such as glucose oxidase which are limited to monosaccharides. However CDH’s low activity with oxygen as electron acceptor hampers its industrial use for H2O2 production. A CDH variant with increased oxygen reactivity is therefore of high importance for biotechnological application. Uniform expression levels and an easy to use screening assay is a necessity to facilitate screening for CDH variants with increased oxygen turnover.

Results
A uniform production and secretion of active Myriococcum thermophilum CDH was obtained by using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as expression host. It was found that the native secretory leader sequence of the cdh gene gives a 3 times higher expression than the prepro leader of the yeast α-mating factor. The homogeneity of the expression in 96-well deep-well plates was good (variation coefficient <15%). A high-throughput screening assay was developed to explore saturation mutagenesis libraries of cdh for improved H2O2 production. A 4.5-fold increase for variant N700S over the parent enzyme was found. For production, N700S was expressed in P. pastoris and purified to homogeneity. Characterization revealed that not only the kcat for oxygen turnover was increased in N700S (4.5-fold), but also substrate turnover. A 3-fold increase of the kcat for cellobiose with alternative electron acceptors indicates that mutation N700S influences the oxidative- and reductive FAD half-reaction.

Conclusions
Site-directed mutagenesis and directed evolution of CDH is simplified by the use of S. cerev isiae instead of the high-yield-host P. pastoris due to easier handling and higher transformation efficiencies with autonomous plasmids. Twelve clones which exhibited an increased H2O2 production in the subsequent screening were all found to carry the same amino acid exchange in the cdh gene (N700S). The sensitive location of the five targeted amino acid positions in the active site of CDH explains the high rate of variants with decreased or entirely abolished activity. The discovery of only one beneficial exchange indicates that a dehydrogenase’s oxygen turnover is a complex phenomenon and the increase therefore not an easy target for protein engineering.
The assessment of developmental status using the Ages and Stages questionnaire-3 in nutritional research in north Indian young children
Authors: Kvestad Ingrid , Taneja Sunita , Kumar Tivendra , Bhandari Nita , Strand Tor A , Hysing Mari 
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjective and backgroundFor large epidemiological studies in low and middle-income countries, inexpensive and easily administered developmental assessment tools are called for. This report evaluates the feasibility of the assessment tool Ages and Stages Questionnaire 3.edition (ASQ-3) “home procedure” in a field trial in 422 North Indian young children.MethodsASQ-3 was translated and adjusted for a North Indian Hindi setting. Three examiners were trained by a clinical psychologist to perform the assessments. During the main study, ten % of the assessments were done by two examiners to estimate inter-observer agreement. During all sessions, the examiners recorded whether the scoring was based on observation of the skill during the session, or on caregiver’s report of the child’s skill. Intra class correlation coefficient was calculated to estimate the agreement between the raters and between the raters and a gold standard. Pearson product moment correlation coefficient and standardized alphas were calculated to measure internal consistency.Principal findingsInter-observer agreement was strong both during training exercises and during the main study. In the Motor subscales and the Problem Solving subscale most items could be observed during the session. The standardized alphas for the total ASQ-3 scale across all ages were strong, while the alpha values for the different subscales and age levels varied. The correlations between the total score and the subscale scores were consistently strong, while the correlations between subscale scores were moderate.Conclusions/significanceWe found that the translated and adjusted ASQ-3 “home procedure” was a feasible procedure for the collection of reliable data on the developmental status in infants and young children. Examiners were effectively trained over a short period of time, and the total ASQ scores showed adequate variability. However, further adjustments are needed to obtain satisfying alpha values in all subscales, and to ensure variability in all items when transferred to a North Indian cultural context.
Slab thickness tuning approach for solid-state strong coupling between photonic crystal slab nanocavity and a quantum dot
Authors: Chen Gengyan , Liu Jing-Feng , Jiang Haoxiang , Zhuo Xiao-Lu , Yu Yi-Cong , Jin Chongjun , Wang Xue-Hua 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
The quality factor and mode volume of a nanocavity play pivotal roles in realizing the strong coupling interaction between the nanocavity mode and a quantum dot. We present an extremely simple method to obtain the mode volume and investigate the effect of the slab thickness on the quality factor and mode volume of photonic crystal slab nanocavities. We reveal that the mode volume is approximatively proportional to the slab thickness. As compared with the previous structure finely optimized by introducing displacement of the air holes, via tuning the slab thickness, the quality factor can be enhanced by about 22%, and the ratio between the coupling coefficient and the nanocavity decay rate can be enhanced by about 13%. This can remarkably enhance the capability of the photonic crystal slab nanocavity for realizing the strong coupling interaction. The slab thickness tuning approach is feasible and significant for the experimental fabrication of the solid-state nanocavities.
A self-powered UV photodetector based on TiO2 nanorod arrays
Authors: Xie Yanru , Wei Lin , Wei Guodong , Li Qinghao , Wang Dong , Chen Yanxue , Yan Shishen , Liu Guolei , Mei Liangmo , Jiao Jun 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Large-area vertical rutile TiO2 nanorod arrays (TNAs) were grown on F/SnO2 conductive glass using a hydrothermal method at low temperature. A self-powered ultraviolet (UV) photodetector based on TiO2 nanorod/water solid–liquid heterojunction is designed and fabricated. These nanorods offer an enlarged TiO2/water contact area and a direct pathway for electron transport simultaneously. By connecting this UV photodetector to an ammeter, the intensity of UV light can be quantified using the output short-circuit photocurrent without a power source. A photosensitivity of 0.025 A/W and a quick response time were observed. At the same time, a high photosensitivity in a wide range of wavelength was also demonstrated. This TNA/water UV detector can be a particularly suitable candidate for practical applications for its high photosensitivity, fast response, excellent spectral selectivity, uncomplicated low-cost fabrication process, and environment-friendly feature.
A bifurcation problem for a class of periodically perturbed autonomous parabolic equations
Authors: Kamenskii Mikhail , Mikhaylenko Boris , Nistri Paolo 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe paper deals with the problem of the existence of a branch ofT-periodic solutions originating from the isolated limit cycle of an autonomous parabolic equation in a Banach space when it is perturbed by a nonlinearT-periodic term of small amplitude.We solve this problem by first introducing a novel integral operator, whose fixed points areT-periodic solutions of the considered equation andvice versa. Then we compute the Malkin bifurcation function associated to this integral operator and we provide conditions under which the well-known assumption of the existence of a simple zero of the Malkin bifurcation function guarantees the existence of the branch.MSC:35K58, 35B10, 35B20, 35B32.