bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dosing algorithm for concomitant administration of sirolimus, tacrolimus, and an azole after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Peksa Gary D , Schultz Kathryn , Fung Henry C 
Published: June 2014

Background Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients are at risk of invasive fungal infections and prophylaxis with azole agents is common practice. The concomitant use of these agents with sirolimus and tacrolimus for the prevention of graft-versus-host disease may result in excessive immunosuppression or toxicity. Methods This retrospective study identified hospitalized patients who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation between August 2009 and April 2011 at Rush University Medical Center. From this group, patients who underwent concomitant tacrolimus, sirolimus, and azole therapy were included for evaluation. The immunosuppression dosing in conjunction with azole use at discharge was analyzed to develop a dosing algorithm dependent on whether fluconazole, posaconazole, or voriconazole was used. Results A total of 36 patients were screened for inclusion, of which 8 were excluded due to acute renal failure and/or hemolysis. The remaining patients were stratified by the azole they were concomitantly taking with tacrolimus and sirolimus. The fluconazole arm required the lowest magnitude of dose reductions, while voriconazole required the greatest. Conclusion Dose reductions of 50–75% for both sirolimus and tacrolimus, in combination with standard dosing of azole antifungal agents, were necessary to achieve therapeutic drug concentrations for immunosuppressants and potentially avoid toxicities.
Expression of MMP-2, MT1-MMP, and TIMP-2 by cultured rabbit corneal fibroblasts under mechanical stretch
Authors: Liu Chengxing , Feng Pengfei , Li Xiaona , Song Jie , Chen Weiyi 
Published: June 2014

Refractive surgery not only leads to tissue injury but also evokes mechanical stress increase of the cornea. How the mechanical stress affects the corneal matrix remodeling, specifically, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases; TIMPs) is not well understood. In this study, cultured rabbit corneal fibroblasts in vitro were subjected to regimen of 5%, 10%, or 15% equibiaxial stretch at 0.1 Hz for 3 or 24 h. MMP-2 protein level was measured by gelatin zymography and Western blotting. MMP-2, membrane type 1 MMP (MT1-MMP), and TIMP-2 mRNA levels were quantified by real-time quantitative PCR. Extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK) phosphorylation protein levels were assessed by Western blotting. Our results showed that a 15% stretch resulted in increases in MMP-2 protein, MMP-2 mRNA, and MT1-MMP mRNA levels, but a decrease in TIMP-2 mRNA level. However, a 5% stretch caused decreases in MMP-2 protein and mRNA level, but an increase in TIMP-2 mRNA level, and no change in MT1-MMP mRNA level. A 15% stretch also caused a significant increase in ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Inhibition of the mitogenactivated protein kinase (MEK) pathway with PD98059 attenuated stretch-induced increase in MMP-2 production and ERK activity. These results suggest that small-magnitude stretching may promote corneal matrix synthetic events, whereas large-magnitude stretching promotes corneal matrix degradation by changing the balance between MMPs and TIMPs in corneal fibroblasts. Large-magnitude stretch-induced increase in pro-MMP-2 production was in an ERK-dependent manner.
Practical application of bedside diagnostics in determining limb viability
Authors: Dua Anahita , Desai Sapan S , Coogan Sheila 
Published: June 2014

Introduction This study aimed to determine the practical application of vascular lab studies in determining limb salvage outcomes in injured patients with concerning clinical examinations. Methods A retrospective review of the trauma registry at a level I center was conducted from January 2009 to June 2013. All patients >16 years of age who sustained a lower limb arterial injury had a concerning clinical exam (mottled skin, decreased skin warmth, diminished pulses) and had vascular lab studies to determine management were included. Data-points included demographics, type and location of injury, procedure type, vascular lab study results, and limb outcome. Results Over a five-year period, 11 trauma patients met inclusion criteria. Five of these patients had concerning clinical exams after revascularization, and six observed patients had a concerning clinical examination during the course of their hospitalization. All 11 patients had vascular lab studies that were within normal limits. As a result of normal vascular lab studies, none of these patients underwent further imaging or intervention. None of these patients underwent amputation. Conclusion Vascular lab studies may be utilized to determine the need for intervention and/or lower limb bypass sufficiency in patients with questionable clinical examinations post injury.
Analyse qualitative de l’intégration de l’éducation sexuelle des jeunes dans les médias audio-visuels à Kinshasa en République Démocratique du Congo
Authors: Nsakala Gabriel V. , Coppieters Yves , Kayembe Patrick K. 
Published: June 2014

L’éducation sexuelle par les médias de masse contribue positivement à la prévention des infections sexuellement transmissibles (IST)/VIH et des grossesses précoces auprès des jeunes. L’objectifs de cette étude sont d’appréhender le niveau d’intégration de l’éducation sexuelle dans les émissions de santé à Kinshasa en République Démocratique du Congo et d’identifier les facteurs facilitant et limitant l’éducation sexuelle des jeunes dans les programmes audio-visuels congolais. Une triangulation des données provenant de la revue documentaire, de l’observation directe de quatre émissions de santé et des entretiens semi-directifs auprès des 15 responsables de programme audiovisuels, a été exploitée. Une étude de cas d’une expérience réussie dans le domaine a été complétée. Bien qu’il soit observé une programmation de quelques émissions de santé dans les grands médias audiovisuels de Kinshasa, leur potentiel pour l’éducation sexuelle n’est que très faiblement exploité. Dans les quatre médias observés, les émissions de santé sont diffusées à des heures de faible audience, et effleurent superficiellement l’éducation sexuelle dans un contexte de prévention des IST/VIH. La participation d’experts n’est pas systématique ; le cas échéant, leur expression n’est pas souvent adaptée à la compréhension du grand public. De plus en plus, ces programmes offrent les possibilités d’interactivité avec la communauté via le téléphone mobile. Parmi les obstacles à l’éducation sexuelle dans les média audiovisuels, il a été identifié le manque de clarté de la loi relative à la liberté de la presse, associée à la peur de la répression ; les freins liés aux considérations socioculturelles, la faible disponibilité de l’expertise, les préjugés sur la non préférence de ces types d’émissions par le public et le manque de retombées financières de ces programmes. Au regard des bénéfices de l’éducation sexuelle sur la vie et le bien-être des jeunes, une meilleure interprétation de la loi, une fédération des acteurs techniques du gouvernement, des partenaires et des médias autour d’un plan conjoint et le focus sur l’éducation aux médias dans le cursus de formation scolaire et universitaire, s’avèrent nécessaires et appropriés pour la protection des générations à venir.
Can Integrated Technology Improve Self-Care Behavior in Youth With Type 1 Diabetes? A Randomized Crossover Trial of Automated Pump Function
Authors: Neylon Orla M. , O’Connell Michele A. , Donath Susan M. , Cameron Fergus J. 
Published: June 2014

Background: Automated blood glucose (BG) and insulin pump systems allow wireless transmission of all BG readings to a user’s pump. This study aimed to assess whether use of such a system, as compared with a manual BG entry insulin pump, resulted in higher mean daily frequency of BGs recorded after 6 months. Methods: A 12-month randomized crossover trial, comprising 2 phases, was conducted. All participants used insulin pump devices with automated vs manual BG entry for 6 months each; order of system use was randomly assigned. Device interactions were assessed from pump and glucometer downloads. Results: Thirty-five participants were enrolled; 9 withdrew during the study. Use of the automated insulin pump system resulted in higher mean daily BG recorded over 6 months of use when compared to a manual BG entry system (5.8 ± 1.7 vs 5.0 ± 1.9; P = .02 [95% confidence interval, 0.14 to 1.58]). Bolus frequency was similar between groups. No HbA1c difference was observed between groups at 6 months (8.0% [64 mmol/l] ± 1.3 automated vs 7.7% [61 mmol/l] ± 0.9 manual; P = .38). Post hoc analysis demonstrated improved ΔHbA1c with automated system use in an adolescent subgroup with suboptimal baseline BG frequency (–0.9% vs + 0.5%; P = .003). Conclusions: Use of an automated glucometer/insulin pump resulted in higher number of BGs recorded over 6 months when compared to an insulin pump with manual BG entry. This may be especially beneficial for adolescent manual system users who enter <5 BGs per day into their pump.
Medical apps in endocrine diseases – hide and seek
Authors: Albrecht Urs-Vito , von Jan Ute 
Published: June 2014

Objectives: Quantitative review and categorization of available endocrinology related mobile apps for the iOS platform (Apple®) and outline of search strategies to identify appropriate mobile apps for this field. Methods: A total of 80 endocrinology related search terms were collected and grouped into 8 main categories covering different areas of endocrinology. These terms were then used to perform comprehensive searches in three categories of Apple’s app store, namely ‘Medicine’, ‘Health and Fitness’, and ‘Reference’. Results: Altogether, matches were found for only 33 of the 80 collected endocrinology related search terms; the majority of matches were found in the medical category, followed by matches for the health and fitness (27/33), and reference (16/33) categories. Restricting the search to these categories significantly helped in discriminating between health related apps and those having another purpose. The distribution of apps per category roughly matches what one can expect considering available data for incidence and prevalence of corresponding endocrinological conditions. Apps matching terms belonging to the spectrum of glucose homeostasis disorders are the most common. For conditions where patients do not have to constantly monitor their condition, apps tend to have a reference or educational character, while for conditions that require a high level of involvement from patients, there are proportionally more apps for self-management. With a single exception, the identified apps had not undergone regulation, and information about the data sources, professional backgrounds, and reliability of the content and integrated information sources was rare. Conclusions: While applying a good search strategy is important for finding apps for endocrinology related problems, users also need to consider whether the app they have found respects all necessary criteria regarding reliability, privacy and data protection before they place their trust in it.
Time and the Nation: Conceptualizing the Temporal Effects of a Global Media System
Authors: Saranovitz Eric 
Published: June 2014

The vast expansion of the electronic media—and especially the rapid growth of digital media—in the last decades have brought about vast changes in the ways people interact and the spaces they inhabit. However, this article argues that in a mediated world, where technology has for all practicality conquered space, the temporal dimension, that is, communication across time, is all too often overlooked. As more and more scholarship on globalization looks at ways in which digital media are blurring the local and the distant, the public and the private, the ‘here’ and the ‘there’ of social interaction, I make a case for the importance of investigating the temporal dimension of communication in the construction, development and maintenance of societies. As this article argues, despite the importance an understanding of time has played in theories about cultural and social development, little work has been undertaken by media and communication scholars to investigate ways that the electronic and digital media articulate a community’s relation to the past. Hence, this article brings together a varied body of literature from diverse fields of inquiry that have focused on different aspects of these issues. While many of these works have often been cited, the article does a rereading in order to excavate some of their central, yet overlooked, ideas in an attempt to construct a framework for understanding the temporal arrangement of communication in society and the nature of the media’s role in these arrangements.
Astragalus membranaceus up-regulate Cosmc expression and reverse IgA dys-glycosylation in IgA nephropathy
Authors: Ji Ling , Chen XiaoLei , Zhong Xiang , Li Zi , Yang Lichuan , Fan Junming , Tang Wanxing , Qin Wei 
Published: June 2014

Abstract

Background
Decreased Core I β3-Gal-T-specific molecular chaperone (Cosmc) expression induced IgA1 aberrant glycosylation is the main characteristic of IgA nephropathy (IgAN). This study tried to elucidate the effect of Astragalus membranaceus on Cosmc expression and IgA O-glycosylation of peripheral B lymphocytes in IgAN patients.

Methods
Peripheral B lymphocytes of 21 IgAN patients and 10 normal controls were isolated and cultured with or without lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and Astragalus membranaceus injection (AMI). Cosmc mRNA and protein expression levels were measured by real-time RT-PCR and Western blot. IgA1 and glycosylation level were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and VV lectin-binding method.

Results
Cosmc mRNA expression and IgA1 O-glycosylation level in IgAN patients was significantly lower than normal controls at baseline. Treatment of LPS could obviously inhibit Cosmc expression and increase the IgA1 secretion in peripheral B lymphocytes of IgAN patients, which resulted in a significantly increase in IgA1 aberrant glycosylation level. Addition of AMI could remarkably up regulated Cosmc expression, decrease IgA1 secretion, and reverse glycosylation level in a dose related manner.

Conclusion
AMI can up-regulate Cosmc expression of peripheral B lymphocytes and reverse IgA1 aberrant O-glycosylation level, which might be the underlying mechanism of AMI therapy in treating IgAN.

Trial registration

TCTR20140515001 (Registration Date: 2014-05-15)
Identification of conserved, centrosome-targeting ASH domains in TRAPPII complex subunits and TRAPPC8
Authors: Schou Kenneth B , Morthorst Stine K , Christensen Søren T , Pedersen Lotte B 
Published: June 2014

Abstract

Background
Assembly of primary cilia relies on vesicular trafficking towards the cilium base and intraflagellar transport (IFT) between the base and distal tip of the cilium. Recent studies have identified several key regulators of these processes, including Rab GTPases such as Rab8 and Rab11, the Rab8 guanine nucleotide exchange factor Rabin8, and the transport protein particle (TRAPP) components TRAPPC3, -C9, and -C10, which physically interact with each other and function together with Bardet Biedl syndrome (BBS) proteins in ciliary membrane biogenesis. However, despite recent advances, the exact molecular mechanisms by which these proteins interact and target to the basal body to promote ciliogenesis are not fully understood.

Results
We surveyed the human proteome for novel ASPM, SPD-2, Hydin (ASH) domain-containing proteins. We identified the TRAPP complex subunits TRAPPC8, -9, -10, -11, and -13 as novel ASH domain-containing proteins. In addition to a C-terminal ASH domain region, we predict that the N-terminus of TRAPPC8, -9, -10, and -11, as well as their yeast counterparts, consists of an α-solenoid bearing stretches of multiple tetratricopeptide (TPR) repeats. Immunofluorescence microscopy analysis of cultured mammalian cells revealed that exogenously expressed ASH domains, as well as endogenous TRAPPC8, localize to the centrosome/basal body. Further, depletion of TRAPPC8 impaired ciliogenesis and GFP-Rabin8 centrosome targeting.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that ASH domains confer targeting to the centrosome and cilia, and that TRAPPC8 has cilia-related functions. Further, we propose that the yeast TRAPPII complex and its mammalian counterpart are evolutionarily related to the bacterial periplasmic trafficking chaperone PapD of the usher pili assembly machinery.
Breast-related effects of selective estrogen receptor modulators and tissue-selective estrogen complexes
Authors: Smith Carolyn L , Santen Richard J , Komm Barry , Mirkin Sebastian 
Published: June 2014

AbstractA number of available treatments provide relief of menopausal symptoms and prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis. However, as breast safety is a major concern, new options are needed, particularly agents with an improved mammary safety profile. Results from several large randomized and observational studies have shown an association between hormone therapy, particularly combined estrogen-progestin therapy, and a small increased risk of breast cancer and breast pain or tenderness. In addition, progestin-containing hormone therapy has been shown to increase mammographic breast density, which is an important risk factor for breast cancer. Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) provide bone protection, are generally well tolerated, and have demonstrated reductions in breast cancer risk, but do not relieve menopausal symptoms (that is, vasomotor symptoms). Tissue-selective estrogen complexes (TSECs) pair a SERM with one or more estrogens and aim to blend the positive effects of the components to provide relief of menopausal symptoms and prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis without stimulating the breast or endometrium. One TSEC combination pairing conjugated estrogens (CEs) with the SERM bazedoxifene (BZA) has completed clinical development and is now available as an alternative option for menopausal therapy. Preclinical evidence suggests that CE/BZA induces inhibitory effects on breast tissue, and phase 3 clinical studies suggest breast neutrality, with no increases seen in breast tenderness, breast density, or cancer. In non-hysterectomized postmenopausal women, CE/BZA was associated with increased bone mineral density and relief of menopausal symptoms, along with endometrial safety. Taken together, these results support the potential of CE/BZA for the relief of menopausal symptoms and prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis combined with breast and endometrial safety.
Breast cancer risk assessment using genetic variants and risk factors in a Singapore Chinese population
Authors: Lee Charmaine Pei Ling , Irwanto Astrid , Salim Agus , Yuan Jian-min , Liu Jianjun , Koh Woon Puay , Hartman Mikael 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Genetic variants for breast cancer risk identified in genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in Western populations require further testing in Asian populations. A risk assessment model incorporating both validated genetic variants and established risk factors may improve its performance in risk prediction of Asian women.

Methods
A nested case-control study of female breast cancer (411 cases and 1,212 controls) within the Singapore Chinese Health Study was conducted to investigate the effects of 51 genetic variants identified in previous GWAS on breast cancer risk. The independent effect of these genetic variants was assessed by creating a summed genetic risk score (GRS) after adjustment for body mass index and the Gail model risk factors for breast cancer.

Results
The GRS was an independent predictor of breast cancer risk in Chinese women. The multivariate-adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of breast cancer for the second, third, and fourth quartiles of the GRS were 1.26 (0.90 to 1.76), 1.47 (1.06 to 2.04) and 1.75 (1.27 to 2.41) respectively (P for trend <0.001). In addition to established risk factors, the GRS improved the classification of 6.2% of women for their absolute risk of breast cancer in the next five years.

Conclusions
Genetic variants on top of conventional risk factors can improve the risk prediction of breast cancer in Chinese women.
Inflammation biomarkers and delirium in critically ill patients: new insights?
Authors: Sobbi Shokoufeh Cheheili , van den Boogaard Mark 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe pathophysiological mechanism of the serious and frequently occurring disorder delirium is poorly understood. Inflammation and sepsis are known risk factors for ICU delirium and therefore these patients are highly susceptible to delirium. Several studies have been performed to determine which cytokines are most associated with delirium but the results are inconclusive. Also, new biomarkers associated with brain dysfunction and cognitive impairment are still recognized and need to be studied to determine their relation with delirium. In this commentary we address some limitations concerning an interesting new study that warrants directions for future studies.
Performance evaluation of WMN-GA system for different settings of population size and number of generations
Authors: Barolli Admir , Sakamoto Shinji , Oda Tetsuya , Spaho Evjola , Barolli Leonard , Xhafa Fatos 
Published: June 2014

AbstractWireless Mesh Networks (WMNs) distinguish for their low cost nature that makes them very attractive for providing wireless Internet connectivity. Such infrastructures can be used to deploy community networks, metropolitan area networks, municipal and corporative networks, and to support applications for urban areas, medical, transport and surveillance systems. The main issues in WMNs are achievement of network connectivity and stability as well as QoS in terms of user coverage. In this paper, we deal with the effect of changes in population size and number of generations for node placement problem in WMNs for Normal distribution of mesh clients. We consider two population sizes 8 and 512 and for every population size the number of generations are 200 and 20,000. As evaluation metrics we used size of giant component and number of covered users. The simulation results have shown that the increase of the population size results in better performance. Best results are obtained for the number of generation 20,000. However, when the number of generation is increased, the computation time is also increased.
Ultra-low voltage MEMS switch using a folded hinge structure
Authors: Kim Min-Wu , Song Yong-Ha , Ko Seung-Deok , Ahn Sang-Joon , Yoon Jun-Bo 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
An ultra-low voltage microelectromechanical system (MEMS) switch for low-power integrated circuit (IC) applications is proposed, fabricated and demonstrated. The folded hinge structure allows a large beam structure to be suspended with a designed air gap, effectively suppressing unwanted deflection. The actuation voltage of the switch was measured to be 1.7 V, the lowest among electrostatic switches. There was no variation in the actuation voltage until 106 cyclic actuations, showing the stability of a low actuation voltage in electrostatic actuation for the first time. The contact resistance was around 12 Ω, caused by a low contact force below 1 μN despite an Au–Au contact.