bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accessing Hepatitis C patients who are difficult to reach: it is time to overcome barriers
Authors: Bruggmann P. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryWith the arrival of simple, efficient and safe interferon‐free treatment regimens, hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy will have the potential to be successfully used for the majority of infected patients and prevent the associated morbidity and mortality. With the current treatment uptake rates, only a very small proportion of HCV‐infected patients are reached. Paradoxically, treatment rates are lowest in the most affected at‐risk group – people who inject drugs (PWID) – which is the major driving force behind the spread of HCV infection. To conquer the increasing problem of HCV‐related liver disease, many existing but modifiable obstacles, which prevent detection, assessment and treatment uptake, have to be overcome in this population. This review article summarizes the existing literature on the most relevant barriers preventing HCV care and describes measures to overcome these obstacles.
Malakoplakia after renal transplantation in the current era of immunosuppressive therapy: case report and literature review
Authors: Leão C.A. , Duarte M.I.S. , Gamba C. , Ramos J.F. , Rossi F. , Galvão M.M. , David‐Neto E. , Nahas W. , Shikanai‐Yasuda M.A. , Pierrotti L.C. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractMalakoplakia is a rare chronic granulomatous disease of unknown cause. It is thought to be caused by an acquired bactericidal defect of macrophages. Malakoplakia is associated with chronic infections and immunosuppression. Although it occurs mainly in the urinary tract, it has already been reported in almost every organ system. The isolation of bacteria, especially Escherichia coli, is common in malakoplakia patients. Here, we present a case of primary cutaneous malakoplakia in a kidney transplant recipient who had been taking prednisone, tacrolimus, and mycophenolate. Culture of a lesion grew Burkholderia cepacia complex. Treatment with high doses of trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole was successful. We also present a systematic review of the literature, identifying 4 previously reported cases of malakoplakia after renal transplantation under similar immunosuppressive therapy, most occurring in the urinary tract or perineum and following benign courses to cure. Data in the literature suggest that malakoplakia has become even rarer since changes were made in the immunosuppressive therapy employed after kidney transplantation.
Pharmacokinetics of low‐dose cidofovir in kidney transplant recipients with BK virus infection
Authors: Momper J.D. , Zhao Y. , Shapiro R. , Schonder K.S. , Gao Y. , Randhawa P.S. , Venkataramanan R. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundBK virus (BKV) infection in kidney transplant recipients is associated with progressive graft dysfunction and graft loss. Cidofovir, an antiviral agent with known nephrotoxicity, has been used in low doses to treat BKV infections. However, the systemic exposure and disposition of the low‐dose cidofovir regimen are not known in kidney transplant recipients.MethodsWe investigated the pharmacokinetics (PK) of low‐dose cidofovir (0.24 – 0.62 mg/kg) both without and with oral probenecid in 9 transplant patients with persistent BK viremia without nephropathy in a crossover design.ResultsThe mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of the study participants was 46.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 (range: 17–75 mL/min/1.73 m2). The contribution of active renal secretion to cidofovir total body clearance was assessed by evaluating the effect of probenecid on cidofovir PK. Maximum cidofovir plasma concentrations, which averaged approximately 1 μg/mL, were significantly below the 36 μg/mL 50% effective concentration in vitro for cidofovir against BKV. The plasma concentration of cidofovir declined with an overall disposition half‐life of 5.1 ± 3.5 and 5.3 ± 2.9 h in the absence and in the presence of probenecid, respectively (P > 0.05).ConclusionsCidofovir clearance and eGFR were linearly related irrespective of probenecid administration (r2 = 0.8 without probenecid; r2 = 0.7 with probenecid). This relationship allows for the prediction of systemic cidofovir exposure in individual patients and may be utilized to evaluate exposure‐response relationships to optimize the cidofovir dosing regimen for BKV infection.
Clinical significance of quantitative cytomegalovirus detection in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in lung transplant recipients
Authors: Schlischewsky E. , Fuehner T. , Warnecke G. , Welte T. , Haverich A. , Ganzenmueller T. , Heim A. , Gottlieb J. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjectivesCytomegalovirus (CMV) is an important pathogen after lung transplant (LTx) and may be associated with bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS). We assessed the outcome of LTx patients with CMV DNA‐positive bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) during surveillance.MethodsA single‐center retrospective study was performed. Outpatients transplanted between September 2007 and February 2010, who had undergone at least 3 BALs, were included. CMV DNA load in BAL was measured by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Monitoring of peripheral blood antigenemia was performed simultaneously.ResultsIn total, 103 LTx patients underwent 1118 BALs. During median follow‐up of 639 days (interquartile range, 495–780), 53 (51%) patients exhibited at least 1 positive CMV PCR in BAL. The incidence of positive CMV PCR varied post transplantation, with 6%, 30%, and 25% of BALs testing positive at <6 months, 6–24 months, and >24 months, respectively. Neither CMV BAL positivity, positive CMV antigenemia, nor dual positivity were significantly associated with BOS‐free survival during follow‐up. Patients with CMV‐positive BAL more frequently developed CMV antigenemia in the first year (44% vs. 5%, respectively, log‐rank P < 0.001).ConclusionsDetection of CMV‐positive BAL after the sixth month appears common, but did not correlate with BOS‐free survival after LTx in this study. An increased risk of developing blood antigenemia was observed in patients with positive CMV PCR in BAL, warranting close follow‐up.
Altered neurovascular control of the resting circulation in human metabolic syndrome
Authors: Limberg Jacqueline K. , Morgan Barbara J. , Sebranek Joshua J. , Proctor Lester T. , Walker Benjamin J. , Eldridge Marlowe W. , Schrage William G. 
Published: October 2012

Key points
Young healthy adults exhibit a balance between muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) and α‐adrenergic‐mediated vasoconstriction such that those with higher MSNA exhibit lower vascular‐adrenergic responsiveness.
In contrast to healthy adults, the balance between MSNA and α1‐adrenergic‐mediated vasoconstriction is lost in adults with metabolic syndrome. In addition, adults with metabolic syndrome exhibit increased α2‐adrenergic responsiveness.
This study uncovered some of the earliest sympathetic–haemodynamic changes in the progression from metabolic syndrome to cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Considering metabolic syndrome subjects were relatively young and free of overt cardiovascular disease, it is reasonable to speculate as the disease progresses the observed uncoupling between MSNA and α‐adrenergic responsiveness may lead to reduced whole‐limb blood flow, altered blood flow distribution, reduced glucose delivery and/or increased hypertension severity.
Abstract  Young healthy adults exhibit an inverse linear relationship between muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) and α‐adrenergic responsiveness. This balance may be reversed in metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) as animal models exhibit increased sympathetic activity and α‐mediated vasoconstriction. We hypothesized humans with MetSyn would demonstrate increased α‐adrenergic vasoconstriction and the inverse relationship between MSNA and adrenergic responsiveness would be lost. We measured MSNA (microneurography of the peroneal nerve) and forearm blood flow (FBF, Doppler ultrasound) in 16 healthy control subjects (31 ± 3 years) and 14 adults with MetSyn (35 ± 3 years; P > 0.05) during local administration of α‐adrenergic agonists (phenylephrine (PE), α1; clonidine (CL), α2). MSNA was greater in MetSyn subjects than in healthy controls (P < 0.05). A group difference in vasoconstriction to PE was not detected (P= 0.08). The level of α1‐mediated vasoconstriction was inversely related to MSNA in control subjects (r= 0.5, P= 0.04); this balance between MSNA and α1 responsiveness was lost in adults with MetSyn. MetSyn subjects exhibited greater vasoconstriction to CL infusion as compared with healthy controls (P < 0.01). A relationship between MSNA and α2‐mediated vasoconstriction was not detected in either group. In summary, altered neurovascular control in human MetSyn is receptor specific. The observed uncoupling between MSNA and α1‐adrenergic responsiveness and increased α2 vasoconstriction may lead to reduced FBF, altered flow distribution, and/or severe hypertension with the progression toward diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Effect of Posaconazole on Cyclosporine Blood Levels and Dose Adjustment in Allogeneic Blood and Marrow Transplant Recipients
Authors: Sánchez-Ortega Isabel , Vázquez Lourdes , Montes Carmen , Patiño Beatriz , Arnan Montserrat , Bermúdez Arancha , Yáñez Lucrecia , Caballero Teresa , Duarte Rafael F. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT
The posaconazole prescribing information recommends an upfront cyclosporine dose reduction upon initiation of posaconazole prophylaxis. We examined this recommendation in the early phase of allogeneic transplantation, where cyclosporine levels potentially becoming subtherapeutic following upfront dose reduction would be deleterious to transplant outcome. Our data show that while posaconazole leads to an increase in cyclosporine levels, subsequent cyclosporine dose reduction can be safely guided by therapeutic drug monitoring and is not required upfront. Therefore, the current recommendation may be modified.
Insulin Treatment Directly Restores Neutrophil Phagocytosis and Bactericidal Activity in Diabetic Mice and Thereby Improves Surgical Site Staphylococcus aureus Infection
Authors: Yano Hidekazu , Kinoshita Manabu , Fujino Keiichi , Nakashima Masahiro , Yamamoto Yoritsuna , Miyazaki Hiromi , Hamada Koji , Ono Satoshi , Iwaya Keiichi , Saitoh Daizoh , Seki Shuhji , Tanaka Yuji 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT

Bacterial infections, including surgical site infections (SSI), are a common and serious complication of diabetes.
Staphylococcus aureus
, which is eliminated mainly by neutrophils, is a major cause of SSI in diabetic patients. However, the precise mechanisms by which diabetes predisposes to staphylococcal infection are not fully elucidated. The effect of insulin on this infection is also not well understood. We therefore investigated the effect of insulin treatment on SSI and neutrophil function in diabetic mice.
S. aureus
was inoculated into the abdominal muscle in diabetic
db
/
db
and high-fat-diet (HFD)-fed mice with or without insulin treatment. Although the diabetic
db
/
db
mice developed SSI, insulin treatment ameliorated the infection.
db
/
db
mice had neutrophil dysfunction, such as decreased phagocytosis, superoxide production, and killing activity of
S. aureus
; however, insulin treatment restored these functions.
Ex vivo
treatment (coincubation) of neutrophils with insulin and euglycemic control by phlorizin suggest that insulin may directly activate neutrophil phagocytic and bactericidal activity independently of its euglycemic effect. However, insulin may indirectly restore superoxide production by neutrophils through its euglycemic effect. HFD-fed mice with mild hyperglycemia also developed more severe SSI by
S. aureus
than control mice and had impaired neutrophil phagocytic and bactericidal activity, which was improved by insulin treatment. Unlike
db
/
db
mice, in HFD mice, superoxide production was increased in neutrophils and subsequently suppressed by insulin treatment. Glycemic control by insulin also normalized the neutrophil superoxide-producing capability in HFD mice. Thus, insulin may restore neutrophil phagocytosis and bactericidal activity, thereby ameliorating SSI.
A NOTE ON ERDŐS–STRAUS AND ERDŐS–GRAHAM DIVISIBILITY PROBLEMS (WITH AN APPENDIX BY ANDRZEJ SCHINZEL)
Authors: ULAS MACIEJ , SCHINZEL ANDRZEJ 
Published: October 2012

In this paper we are interested in two problems stated in the book of Erdős and Graham. The first problem was stated by Erdős and Straus in the following way: Let n ∈ ℕ+ be fixed. Does there exist a positive integer k such that [Formula: see text] The second problem is similar and was formulated by Erdős and Graham. It can be stated as follows: Can one show that for every nonnegative integer n there is an integer k such that [Formula: see text] The aim of this paper is to give some computational results related to these problems. In particular we show that the first problem has positive answer for each n ≤ 20. Similarly, we show the existence of desired n in the second problem for all n ≤ 9. We also note some interesting connections between these two problems.
Integrated biomagnetochronology for the Palaeogene of ODP Hole 647A: implications for correlating palaeoceanographic events from high to low latitudes
Authors: Firth J. V. , Eldrett J. S. , Harding I. C. , Coxall H. K. , Wade B. S. 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Lower Eocene to Oligocene microfossil-rich hemipelagic sediments in ODP Hole 647A, southern Labrador Sea, provide a strategic section for resolving the early history of high North Atlantic climates and ocean circulation, and for correlating with carbonate-poor lower Cenozoic sediments in the Arctic and Nordic seas. Our new, integrated palaeomagneto- and multigroup biostratigraphy (63 dinoflagellate cyst, calcareous nannofossil, planktonic foraminifer and diatom datums) significantly improves Site 647 chronostratigraphy and provides a framework for future studies. This new age model, coupled with provisional δ
18
O analyses, provides greater confidence in the location of significant ocean-climate events at this site, including the Eocene–Oligocene transition and the Middle Eocene Climatic Optimum. Early Eocene hyperthermals may also be present near the base of the section. Palaeomagnetic age control is significantly improved in the Eocene, but not in the Oligocene. Revised estimates of sedimentation and biogenic flux indicate changes in supply and preservation that may be climatically controlled. A Lower to Middle Eocene hiatus is more precisely constrained, with a
c.
4 million year duration. Age and depth errors quantify the age uncertainties throughout the section. Our revised age model will play an important role in stratigraphic correlation between very high latitude and lower latitude sites.

Supplementary material:

All tables with ages and age-derived calculations based on the

Gradstein
et al.
(2004)

timescale used herein are reproduced as supplementary tables using both the

Gradstein
et al.
(2004)

and the
Cande & Kent (1995)
timescales (Tables DS1–DS6). Discrete sample and shipboard pass-through cryomagnetometer palaeomagnetic data, planktonic foraminifer and fine fraction (<20 µm) stable isotope data, raw and processed core GRA density data, and specifications and results of GRA density spectral analyses are also provided as supplementary tables (Tables DS7–DS11). These tables are available at
www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18546
.
Network-Level Power-Performance Trade-Off in Wearable Activity Recognition
Authors: Zappi Piero , Roggen Daniel , Farella Elisabetta , Tröster Gerhard , Benini Luca 
Published: October 2012

Wearable gesture recognition enables context aware applications and unobtrusive HCI. It is realized by applying machine learning techniques to data from on-body sensor nodes. We present an gesture recognition system minimizing power while maintaining a run-time application defined performance target through dynamic sensor selection.
Compared to the non managed approach optimized for recognition accuracy (95% accuracy), our technique can extend network lifetime by 4 times with accuracy >90% and by 9 times with accuracy >70%. We characterize the approach and outline its applicability to other scenarios.
Enabling content-aware traffic engineering
Authors: Poese Ingmar , Frank Benjamin , Smaragdakis Georgios , Uhlig Steve , Feldmann Anja , Maggs Bruce 
Published: October 2012

Today, a large fraction of Internet traffic is originated by Content Delivery Networks (CDNs). To cope with increasing demand for content, CDNs have deployed massively distributed infrastructures. These deployments pose challenges for CDNs as they have to dynamically map end-users to appropriate servers without being full+y aware of the network conditions within an Internet Service Provider (ISP) or the end-user location. On the other hand, ISPs struggle to cope with rapid traffic shifts caused by the dynamic server selection policies of the CDNs.
The challenges that CDNs and ISPs face separately can be turned into an opportunity for collaboration. We argue that it is sufficient for CDNs and ISPs to coordinate only in server selection, not routing, in order to perform traffic engineering. To this end, we propose Content-aware Traffic Engineering (CaTE), which dynamically adapts server selection for content hosted by CDNs using ISP recommendations on small time scales. CaTE relies on the observation that by selecting an appropriate server among those available to deliver the content, the path of the traffic in the network can be influenced in a desired way. We present the design and implementation of a prototype to realize CaTE, and show how CDNs and ISPs can jointly take advantage of the already deployed distributed hosting infrastructures and path diversity, as well as the ISP detailed view of the network status without revealing sensitive operational information. By relying on tier-1 ISP traces, we show that CaTE allows CDNs to enhance the end-user experience while enabling an ISP to achieve several traffic engineering goals.
E3 Ubiquitin Ligase RNF126 Promotes Cancer Cell Proliferation by Targeting the Tumor Suppressor p21 for Ubiquitin-Mediated Degradation
Authors: Zhi Xu , Zhao Dong , Wang Zehua , Zhou Zhongmei , Wang Chunyan , Chen Wenlin , Liu Rong , Chen Ceshi 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
To identify novel oncogenic E3 ubiquitin ligases as anticancer targets, we screened an E3 ubiquitin ligase siRNA library containing siRNA pools against 555 individual E3s using the sulphorhodamine B assay in the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line and the PC3 prostate cancer cell line. RNF126 was identified and validated as a candidate from this screening. Knockdown of RNF126 dramatically decreased cell viability in these cancer cell lines. Consistently, RNF126 knockdown delayed cell-cycle G1–S progression and decreased cell proliferation. Using protein array analysis we found that RNF126 silencing increased cell-cycle dependent kinase inhibitor p21cip protein levels in both MDA-MB-231 and PC3. Knockdown of RNF126 stabilized the p21 protein rather than increased p21 mRNA levels. We showed that RNF126 interacts with p21 and RNF126 overexpression increased p21 protein ubiquitination in an E3 ligase activity-dependent manner. RNF126 knockdown induced loss of cell viability in MDA-MB-231 and PC-3 can be partially rescued by depletion of p21. RNF126 stable knockdown in PC3 inhibited tumor growth in SCID mice. Finally, we found that RNF126 is highly expressed in a subset of breast cancer cell lines and negatively correlated with p21 expression levels. These findings suggest that RNF126 promotes cancer cell proliferation by targeting p21 for ubiquitin-mediated degradation. RNF126 could be a novel therapeutic target in breast and prostate cancers. Cancer Res; 73(1); 385–94. ©2012 AACR.
Long-term stability of acute and transient psychotic disorders
Authors: Castagnini Augusto , Foldager Leslie , Bertelsen Aksel 
Published: October 2012

Objective: To examine the temporal stability of the category ‘acute and transient psychotic disorders’ (ATPDs), ICD-10 Classification of Mental and Behavioural Disorders, including subtypes characterised by polymorphic, schizophrenic and predominantly delusional features. Method: We checked the readmission patterns of all patients aged 15–64 years ( n = 5426), whether admitted to hospital or treated as outpatients, who were enrolled for the first time in the Danish Psychiatric Register with a diagnosis of ATPDs between 1995 and 2008. Results: An increasing number of cases with ATPDs changed diagnosis in subsequent admissions after 1, 2 and 5 years, mainly either to schizophrenia and related disorders or affective disorders. In their last admission, on average after 7.3 years, there were 2429 patients listed with ATPDs, accounting for an overall stability of 44.8%. Females were less likely than males to develop another diagnosis. Among the ATPD subtypes, polymorphic psychotic disorder without schizophrenic symptoms had a higher stability than those featuring schizophrenic or predominantly delusional features. Conclusions: The low diagnostic stability of ATPDs reflects the lack of clearly defining features and argues against their validity as a distinct category.
Better Instructions for Use to Improve Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) Sterility
Authors: Jolly Jonathan D. , Hildebrand Emily A. , Branaghan Russell J. 
Published: October 2012

Objective: The objective was to evaluate human-factors-based instructional aids on endoscope reprocessing. Background: The project stems from recent failures in reprocessing (cleaning) endoscopes, contributing to the spread of harmful bacterial and viral agents between patients. A previous study discovered three themes that represent a majority of problems: (1) lack of visibility (parts and tools were difficult to identify), (2) high memory demands, and (3) insufficient feedback. Method: In an effort to improve completion rate and reduce error, the authors designed instructional aids utilizing human factors principles that would replace existing manufacturer-provided visual aids. Then, they conducted a usability test, which compared the endoscope reprocessing performance of novices using the standard manufacturer-provided visual aids and the new instructional aids. Results: Participants in the experimental group successfully completed 87.1% of the reprocessing procedure with the use of the instructional aids, compared to 44.7% in the control group using only existing support materials. Of 60 subtasks, 27 showed significant improvement in completion rates. Conclusion: When given an instructional aid designed with human factors principles, participants were able to more successfully complete the reprocessing task. This resulted in an endoscope that was more likely to be safe for use on patients. Application: The human factors design elements utilized to create the instructional aids could be transferred to a dynamic electronic-based system to improve patient safety.
Convolution operators in the geometric function theory
Authors: Shareef Zahid , Hussain Saqib , Darus Maslina 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
The study of operators plays a vital role in mathematics. To define an operator using the convolution theory, and then study its properties, is one of the hot areas of current ongoing research in the geometric function theory and its related fields. In this survey-type article, we discuss historic development and exploit the strengths and properties of some differential and integral convolution operators introduced and studied in the geometric function theory. It is hoped that this article will be beneficial for the graduate students and researchers who intend to start work in this field.

MSC:30C45, 30C50.