bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nanostructured copper/porous silicon hybrid systems as efficient sound-emitting devices
Authors: Recio-Sánchez Gonzalo , Namura Kyoko , Suzuki Motofumi , Martín-Palma Raúl J 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
In the present work, the photo-acoustic emission from nanostructured copper/porous silicon hybrid systems was studied. Copper nanoparticles were grown by photo-assisted electroless deposition on crystalline silicon and nanostructured porous silicon (nanoPS). Both the optical and photo-acoustic responses from these systems were determined. The experimental results show a remarkable increase in the photo-acoustic intensity when copper nanoparticles are incorporated to the porous structure. The results thus suggest that the Cu/nanoPS hybrid systems are suitable candidates for several applications in the field of thermoplasmonics, including the development of sound-emitting devices of great efficiency.
The role of transcavitary ultrasonography in diagnosis and staging of nonmuscle-ınvasive bladder cancer: a prospective non-randomized clinical study
Authors: Oktem Gultekin Cagri , Kocaaslan Ramazan , Karadag Mert Ali , Bagcioglu Murat , Demir Aslan , Cecen Kursat , Unluer Erdinc 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
To evaluate the efficacy of cystoscopy, computed tomography (CT), transcavitary ultrasound (TCUS) and cytology, separately and in combination, for the diagnosis and evaluation of superficial bladder cancer.
Initial cystoscopy and wash-out cytology were performed for 1548 patients. Of these, 206 with proven bladder tumors were included in this prospective study. CT and TCUS were performed for patients with bladder tumors without knowledge of their cystoscopy results. The lesions were classified as low- (pTa) and high- (pT1) risk superficial tumors according to multiplicity and size.
Patients were divided into three categories according to their cystoscopically evaluated tumor size: ≤1 cm (88 patients, 42.7%), 1–3 cm (51 patients, 24.8%) and ≥3 cm (67 patients, 32.5%). TCUS identified 46 (22.3%) high-risk patients with/without invasion and 160 (77.7%) low-risk patients with no invasion. Overall, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of TCUS for tumor detection were 77.4%, 60%, 94.7% and 22.2%, respectively.
Cystoscopy remains the most widely used technique for the diagnosis of bladder cancer. The combined use of CT, TCUS and cytology detected 72% of cystoscopically proven tumors. Among the three, TCUS findings exhibited the strongest correlation with cystoscopy findings.
Transcriptomic analysis of rice in response to iron deficiency and excess
Authors: Bashir Khurram , Hanada Kousuke , Shimizu Minami , Seki Motoaki , Nakanishi Hiromi , Nishizawa Naoko K 
Published: September 2014

Background
Iron (Fe) is essential micronutrient for plants and its deficiency as well as toxicity is a serious agricultural problem. The mechanisms of Fe deficiency are reasonably understood, however our knowledge about plants response to excess Fe is limited. Moreover, the regulation of small open reading frames (sORFs) in response to abiotic stress has not been reported in rice. Understanding the regulation of rice transcriptome in response to Fe deficiency and excess could provide bases for developing strategies to breed plants tolerant to Fe deficiency as well as excess Fe.

Results

We used a novel rice 110 K microarray harbouring ~48,620 sORFs to understand the transcriptomic changes that occur in response to Fe deficiency and excess. In roots, 36 genes were upregulated by excess Fe, of which three were sORFs. In contrast, 1509 genes were upregulated by Fe deficiency, of which 90 (6%) were sORFs. Co-expression analysis revealed that the expression of some sORFs was positively correlated with the genes upregulated by Fe deficiency. In shoots, 50 (19%) of the genes upregulated by Fe deficiency and 1076 out of 2480 (43%) genes upregulated by excess Fe were sORFs. These results suggest that excess Fe may significantly alter metabolism, particularly in shoots.

Conclusion

These data not only reveal the genes regulated by excess Fe, but also suggest that sORFs might play an important role in the response of plants to Fe deficiency and excess.
Insulin treatment guided by subcutaneous continuous glucose monitoring compared to frequent point-of-care measurement in critically ill patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Boom Daphne T , Sechterberger Marjolein K , Rijkenberg Saskia , Kreder Susanne , Bosman Rob J , Wester Jos PJ , van Stijn Ilse , DeVries J Hans , van der Voort Peter HJ 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Glucose measurement in intensive care medicine is performed intermittently with the risk of undetected hypoglycemia. The workload for the ICU nursing staff is substantial. Subcutaneous continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems are available and may be able to solve some of these issues in critically ill patients.

Methods
In a randomized controlled design in a mixed ICU in a teaching hospital we compared the use of subcutaneous CGM with frequent point of care (POC) to guide insulin treatment. Adult critically ill patients with an expected stay of more than 24 hours and in need of insulin therapy were included. All patients received subcutaneous CGM. CGM data were blinded in the control group, whereas in the intervention group these data were used to feed a computerized glucose regulation algorithm. The same algorithm was used in the control group fed by intermittent POC glucose measurements. Safety was assessed with the incidence of severe hypoglycemia (<2.2 mmol/L), efficacy with the percentage time in target range (5.0 to 9.0 mmol/L). In addition, we assessed nursing workload and costs.

Results
In this study, 87 patients were randomized to the intervention and 90 to the control group. CGM device failure resulted in 78 and 78 patients for analysis. The incidence of severe glycemia and percentage of time within target range was similar in both groups. A significant reduction in daily nursing workload for glucose control was found in the intervention group (17 versus 36 minutes; P <0.001). Mean daily costs per patient were significantly reduced with EUR 12 (95% CI −32 to −18, P = 0.02) in the intervention group.

Conclusions
Subcutaneous CGM to guide insulin treatment in critically ill patients is as safe and effective as intermittent point-of-care measurements and reduces nursing workload and daily costs. A new algorithm designed for frequent measurements may lead to improved performance and should precede clinical implementation.

Trial registration
Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01526044. Registered 1 February 2012.
Efficacy and bleeding risk of antithrombin supplementation in septic disseminated intravascular coagulation: a secondary survey
Authors: Iba Toshiaki , Saitoh Daizoh , Wada Hideo , Asakura Hidesaku 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Introduction
In a previous report, we demonstrated a favorable trend for supplementation with antithrombin (AT) concentrate at a dosage of 3,000 IU/day over 1,500 IU/day for the treatment of sepsis-associated disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in patients with an AT activity of 70% or less. Since the survival difference did not reach statistical significance, we planned to examine the effects in a larger number of cases with severer disease.

Methods
We performed a non-randomized multi-institutional survey. In total, 307 septic DIC patients who had AT activity less than 40% and who had undergone AT substitution at a dose of either 1,500 IU/day or 3,000 IU/day for three consecutive days were analyzed. Of these, 259 patients received 1,500 IU/day (AT1500 group) and 48 patients received 3,000 IU/day (AT3000 group). The primary efficacy endpoints were recovery from DIC by day 7 and an all-cause mortality on day 28. Adverse bleeding events were also examined. A logistic regression analysis was conducted by using age, sex, body weight, initial AT activity, DIC score, platelet count, coadministration of heparin, recombinant thrombomodulin, suspected source of infection, surgery, and supplemented AT dose.

Results
Supplementation significantly decreased the DIC score in the AT3000 group, leading to the superior resolution of DIC, compared with the results in the AT1500 group (66.7% versus 45.2%, P = 0.007). In addition, the AT3000 group exhibited a better survival than the AT1500 group (77.1% versus 56.4%, P = 0.010). Bleeding events were observed in 6.96% (severe bleeding: 3.04%) in the AT1500 group and 6.52% (severe bleeding, 4.35%) in the AT3000 group (P = 1.000; severe bleeding, P = 0.648). A logistic regression analysis revealed that the use of AT3000 (odds ratio (OR), 2.419; P = 0.025), a higher initial platelet count (OR, 1.054; P = 0.027), and patient age (OR, 0.977; P = 0.045) were significantly correlated with an improved survival.

Conclusions
The AT3000 group exhibited significantly improved rates of survival and recovery from DIC without an increased risk of bleeding, compared with the AT1500 group, among the patients with sepsis-associated DIC and an AT activity of less than 40%.
Heart–lung interactions during neurally adjusted ventilatory assist
Authors: Berger David , Bloechlinger Stefan , Takala Jukka , Sinderby Christer , Brander Lukas 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Assist in unison to the patient’s inspiratory neural effort and feedback-controlled limitation of lung distension with neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA) may reduce the negative effects of mechanical ventilation on right ventricular function.

Methods
Heart–lung interaction was evaluated in 10 intubated patients with impaired cardiac function using esophageal balloons, pulmonary artery catheters and echocardiography. Adequate NAVA level identified by a titration procedure to breathing pattern (NAVAal), 50% NAVAal, and 200% NAVAal and adequate pressure support (PSVal, defined clinically), 50% PSVal, and 150% PSVal were implemented at constant positive end-expiratory pressure for 20 minutes each.

Results
NAVAal was 3.1 ± 1.1cmH2O/μV and PSVal was 17 ± 2 cmH20. For all NAVA levels negative esophageal pressure deflections were observed during inspiration whereas this pattern was reversed during PSVal and PSVhigh. As compared to expiration, inspiratory right ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral (surrogating stroke volume) was 103 ± 4%, 109 ± 5%, and 100 ± 4% for NAVAlow, NAVAal, and NAVAhigh and 101 ± 3%, 89 ± 6%, and 83 ± 9% for PSVlow, PSVal, and PSVhigh, respectively (p < 0.001 level-mode interaction, ANOVA). Right ventricular systolic isovolumetric pressure increased from 11.0 ± 4.6 mmHg at PSVlow to 14.0 ± 4.6 mmHg at PSVhigh but remained unchanged (11.5 ± 4.7 mmHg (NAVAlow) and 10.8 ± 4.2 mmHg (NAVAhigh), level-mode interaction p = 0.005). Both indicate progressive right ventricular outflow impedance with increasing pressure support ventilation (PSV), but no change with increasing NAVA level.

Conclusions
Right ventricular performance is less impaired during NAVA compared to PSV as used in this study. Proposed mechanisms are preservation of cyclic intrathoracic pressure changes characteristic of spontaneous breathing and limitation of right-ventricular outflow impedance during inspiration, regardless of the NAVA level.

Trial registration
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00647361, registered 19 March 2008
Endothelial dysfunction is a potential contributor to multiple organ failure and mortality in aged mice subjected to septic shock: preclinical studies in a murine model of cecal ligation and puncture
Authors: Coletta Ciro , Módis Katalin , Oláh Gábor , Brunyánszki Attila , Herzig Daniela S , Sherwood Edward R , Ungvári Zoltán , Szabo Csaba 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Introduction
The goal of the current study was to investigate the effect of aging on the development of endothelial dysfunction in a murine model of sepsis, and to compare it with the effect of genetic deficiency of the endothelial isoform of nitric oxide synthase (eNOS).

Methods
Cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) was used to induce sepsis in mice. Survival rates were monitored and plasma indices of organ function were measured. Ex vivo studies included the measurement of vascular function in thoracic aortic rings, assessment of oxidative stress/cellular injury in various organs and the measurement of mitochondrial function in isolated liver mitochondria.

Results
eNOS deficiency and aging both exacerbated the mortality of sepsis. Both eNOS-deficient and aged mice exhibited a higher degree of sepsis-associated multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), infiltration of tissues with mononuclear cells and oxidative stress. A high degree of sepsis-induced vascular oxidative damage and endothelial dysfunction (evidenced by functional assays and multiple plasma markers of endothelial dysfunction) was detected in aortae isolated from both eNOS-/- and aged mice. There was a significant worsening of sepsis-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, both in eNOS-deficient mice and in aged mice. Comparison of the surviving and non-surviving groups of animals indicated that the severity of endothelial dysfunction may be a predictor of mortality of mice subjected to CLP-induced sepsis.

Conclusions
Based on the studies in eNOS mice, we conclude that the lack of endothelial nitric oxide production, on its own, may be sufficient to markedly exacerbate the severity of septic shock. Aging markedly worsens the degree of endothelial dysfunction in sepsis, yielding a significant worsening of the overall outcome. Thus, endothelial dysfunction may constitute an early predictor and independent contributor to sepsis-associated MODS and mortality in aged mice.
Traditional landmark versus ultrasound guided tracheal puncture during percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy in adult intensive care patients: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Rudas Máté , Seppelt Ian , Herkes Robert , Hislop Robert , Rajbhandari Dorrilyn , Weisbrodt Leonie 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Long-term ventilated intensive care patients frequently require tracheostomy. Although overall risks are low, serious immediate and late complications still arise. Real-time ultrasound guidance has been proposed to decrease complications and improve the accuracy of the tracheal puncture. We aimed to compare the procedural safety and efficacy of real-time ultrasound guidance with the traditional landmark approach during percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT).

Methods
A total of 50 patients undergoing PDT for clinical indications were randomly assigned, after obtaining informed consent, to have the tracheal puncture procedure carried out using either traditional anatomical landmarks or real-time ultrasound guidance. Puncture position was recorded via bronchoscopy. Blinded assessors determined in a standardised fashion the deviation of the puncture off midline and whether appropriate longitudinal position between the first and fourth tracheal rings was achieved. Procedural safety and efficacy data, including complications and number of puncture attempts required, were collected.

Results
In total, 47 data sets were evaluable. Real-time ultrasound guidance resulted in significantly more accurate tracheal puncture. Mean deviation from midline was 15 ± 3° versus 35 ± 5° (P = 0.001). The proportion of appropriate punctures, defined a priori as 0 ± 30° from midline, was significantly higher: 20 (87%) of 23 versus 12 (50%) of 24 (RR = 1.74; 95% CI = 1.13 to 2.67; P = 0.006). First-pass success rate was 20 (87%) of 23 in the ultrasound group and 14 (58%) of 24 in the landmark group (RR = 1.49; 95% CI = 1.03 to 2.17; P = 0.028). The observed decrease in procedural complications was not statistically significant: 5 (22%) of 23 in the ultrasound group versus 9 (37%) of 24 in the landmark group (RR = 0.58; 95% CI = 0.23 to 1.47; P = 0.24).

Conclusions
Ultrasound guidance significantly improved the rate of first-pass puncture and puncture accuracy. Fewer procedural complications were observed; however, this did not reach statistical significance. These results support wider general use of real-time ultrasound guidance as an additional tool to improve PDT.

Trial registration
Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ID: ACTRN12611000237987 (registered 4 March 2011)
Sodium bicarbonate in the prevention of cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tie Hong-Tao , Luo Ming-Zhu , Luo Ming-Jing , Zhang Min , Wu Qing-Chen , Wan Jing-Yuan 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Sodium bicarbonate (SBIC) was reported to be a promising approach to prevent cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI). However, the results remain controversial. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SBIC on the prevention of CSA-AKI in adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Methods
PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases were systematically searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of SBIC versus placebo on the prevention of CSA-AKI in adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery were included. Two investigators independently searched articles, extracted data, and assessed the quality of included studies. The primary outcome was the incidence of CSA-AKI. Meta-analysis was performed using random-effects models.

Results
Five RCTs involving 1079 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with placebo, SBIC was not associated with a reduced risk of CSA-AKI (relative risk [RR] 0.99; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.78 to 1.24; P = 0.911). SBIC failed to alter the clinical outcomes of hospital length of stay (weighted mean difference [WMD] 0.23 days; 95%CI -0.88 to 1.33 days; P = 0.688), renal replacement therapy (RR 0.94; 95%CI 0.49 to 1.82; P = 0.861), hospital mortality (RR 1.37; 95%CI 0.46 to 4.13; P = 0.572), postoperative atrial fibrillation (RR 1.02; 95%CI 0.65 to 1.61; P = 0.915). However, SBIC was associated with significant increased risks in longer duration of ventilation (WMD 0.64 hours; 95%CI 0.16 to 1.11 hours; P = 0.008), longer ICU length of stay (WMD 2.06 days; 95%CI 0.54 to 3.58 days; P = 0.008), and increased incidence of alkalemia (RR 2.21; 95%CI 1.42 to 3.42; P <0.001).

Conclusions
SBIC could not reduce the incidence of CSA-AKI. Contrarily, SBIC prolongs the duration of ventilation and ICU length of stay, and increases the risk of alkalemia. Thus, SBIC should not be recommended for the prevention of CSA-AKI and perioperative SBIC infusion should be administrated with caution.
Therapeutic drug monitoring: linezolid too?
Authors: Richards Guy A , Brink Adrian J 
Published: September 2014

AbstractNumerous factors interfere with the ability to achieve optimal pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic targets and this has been associated with greater mortality and lower cure rates. The recent study by Zoller and colleagues examining linezolid levels in critically ill patients emphasises this point. Their study is unique in the description of the intra-patient and inter-patient variability that occurs and in the degree to which therapy is inadequate; 63% of patients had insufficient levels and only 17% maintained optimal trough values (between 2 and 10 mg/l) throughout the 4 study days. Precisely why this result occurred is uncertain because albumin levels, free linezolid pharmacokinetics and the presence of augmented renal clearance were not recorded in the current study. The extent of this variability makes the case for therapeutic drug monitoring since an area under the inhibitory curve greater than 80 to 120 and the time above the minimum inhibitory concentration over the entire dosing interval strongly correlate with linezolid treatment efficacy. Accordingly, therapeutic drug monitoring where available or, if not available, alternative approaches to drug delivery such as continuous infusion or a dose increase - but particularly the former - may be the answer.
Quantitative estimation of pesticide-likeness for agrochemical discovery
Authors: Avram Sorin , Funar-Timofei Simona , Borota Ana , Chennamaneni Sridhar Rao , Manchala Anil Kumar , Muresan Sorel 
Published: September 2014

Abstract

Background
The design of chemical libraries, an early step in agrochemical discovery programs, is frequently addressed by means of qualitative physicochemical and/or topological rule-based methods. The aim of this study is to develop quantitative estimates of herbicide- (QEH), insecticide- (QEI), fungicide- (QEF), and, finally, pesticide-likeness (QEP).
In the assessment of these definitions, we relied on the concept of desirability functions.

Results
We found a simple function, shared by the three classes of pesticides, parameterized particularly, for six, easy to compute, independent and interpretable, molecular properties: molecular weight, logP, number of hydrogen bond acceptors, number of hydrogen bond donors, number of rotatable bounds and number of aromatic rings. Subsequently, we describe the scoring of each pesticide class by the corresponding quantitative estimate. In a comparative study, we assessed the performance of the scoring functions using extensive datasets of patented pesticides.

Conclusions
The hereby-established quantitative assessment has the ability to rank compounds whether they fail well-established pesticide-likeness rules or not, and offer an efficient way to prioritize (class-specific) pesticides. These findings are valuable for the efficient estimation of pesticide-likeness of vast chemical libraries in the field of agrochemical discovery.
Self-adaptive moving mesh schemes for short pulse type equations and their Lax pairs
Authors: Feng Bao-Feng , Maruno Kenichi , Ohta Yasuhiro 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Integrable self-adaptive moving mesh schemes for short pulse type equations (the short pulse equation, the coupled short pulse equation, and the complex short pulse equation) are investigated. Two systematic methods, one is based on bilinear equations and another is based on Lax pairs, are shown. Self-adaptive moving mesh schemes consist of two semi-discrete equations in which the time is continuous and the space is discrete. In self-adaptive moving mesh schemes, one of two equations is an evolution equation of mesh intervals which is deeply related to a discrete analogue of a reciprocal (hodograph) transformation. An evolution equations of mesh intervals is a discrete analogue of a conservation law of an original equation, and a set of mesh intervals corresponds to a conserved density which play an important role in generation of adaptive moving mesh. Lax pairs of self-adaptive moving mesh schemes for short pulse type equations are obtained by discretization of Lax pairs of short pulse type equations, thus the existence of Lax pairs guarantees the integrability of self-adaptive moving mesh schemes for short pulse type equations. It is also shown that self-adaptive moving mesh schemes for short pulse type equations provide good numerical results by using standard time-marching methods such as the improved Euler’s method.