bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Translational health research: perspectives from health education specialists
Authors: Mata Holly J , Davis Sharon 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe phrase “from bench to bedside to curbside” is a common definition of translational research among health disparities researchers. Health Education Specialists can make important contributions to the field of clinical translational medicine, particularly in light of U.S. health care reform and a renewed emphasis on medical home or health care home models.Health Education Specialists have the training and experience to engage in and facilitate translational research, as well as the opportunity to learn from the translational efforts of other professions and enhance our research, practice, and community partnerships through translational efforts. In this paper, a Translational Health Education Research framework for health education researchers is suggested to foster increased translational efforts within our profession as well as to promote interdisciplinary collaborations to translate a variety of health‐related research. A conceptual framework adapted from translational health disparities research that highlights the level and scope of translational research necessary for changes in practice and policy is also provided.
An open prospective study of amikacin pharmacokinetics in critically ill patients during treatment with continuous venovenous haemodiafiltration
Authors: D’Arcy Deirdre M , Casey Eoin , Gowing Caitriona M , Donnelly Maria B , Corrigan Owen I 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
The objectives of the current study were to determine amikacin pharmacokinetics in patients undergoing treatment with continuous venovenous haemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and to determine whether peak and trough concentration data could be used to predict pharmacokinetic parameters. An open prospective study was undertaken, comprising five critically ill patients with sepsis requiring CVVHDF.

Methods
Peak and trough plasma concentrations and multiple serum levels in a dosage interval were measured and the latter fitted to both a one- and two-compartment model. Blood and ultrafiltrate samples were collected and assayed for amikacin to calculate the pharmacokinetic parameters; total body clearance (TBC), elimination rate constant (k) and volume of distribution (Vd). The concentration of amikacin in ultrafiltrate was used to determine the clearance via CVVHDF. CVVHDF was performed at prescribed dialysate rates of 1-2l h-1 and ultrafiltration rate of 2l h-1. Blood was pumped at 200ml/min using a Gambro blood pump and Hospal AN69HF haemofilter. Amikacin dosing was according to routine clinical practice in the Intensive Care Unit.

Results
The multi serum level study indicated that the one compartment model was adequate to characterize the pharmacokinetics in these patients suggesting that peak and trough plasma level data may be used to estimate individual patient pharmacokinetic parameters and to optimise individual patient dosing during treatment with CVVHDF. CVVHDF resulted in an amikacin k of 0.109+/−0.025 h, t1/2 of 6.74 +/− 1.69h, TBC of 3.39+/−0.817 h-1, and Vd of 31.4 +/− 3.27. The mean clearance due to CVVHDF of 2.86 l h-1 is similar to the creatinine clearance of 2.74 +/−0.4 lh-1. Amikacin was significantly cleared by CVVHDF, and its half life in patients on CVVHDF was approximately 2–3 times that reported in subjects without renal impairment and not undergoing haemodiafiltration for any reason.

Conclusions
CVVHDF contributes significantly to total clearance of amikacin. The use of pharmacokinetic parameter estimates obtained from two steady state serum-drug concentrations (peak and trough) can be used to guide individualised dosing of critically ill patients treated with CVVHDF. This is considered a useful strategy in this patient cohort, particularly in avoiding the risk of underdosing.
Neurons and cardiomyocytes derived from induced pluripotent stem cells as a model for mitochondrial defects in Friedreich's ataxia
Authors: Hick Aurore , Wattenhofer-Donzé Marie , Chintawar Satyan , Tropel Philippe , Simard Jodie P. , Vaucamps Nadège , Gall David , Lambot Laurie , André Cécile , Reutenauer Laurence , Rai Myriam , Teletin Marius , Messaddeq Nadia , Schiffmann Serge N. , Viville Stéphane , Pearson Christopher E. , Pandolfo Massimo , Puccio Hélène 
Published: November 2012

Summary
Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) is a recessive neurodegenerative disorder commonly associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. FRDA is due to expanded GAA repeats within the first intron of the gene encoding frataxin, a conserved mitochondrial protein involved in iron-sulphur cluster biosynthesis. This mutation leads to partial gene silencing and substantial reduction of the frataxin level. To overcome limitations of current cellular models of FRDA, we derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from two FRDA patients and successfully differentiated them into neurons and cardiomyocytes, two affected cell types in FRDA. All FRDA iPSC lines displayed expanded GAA alleles prone to high instability and decreased levels of frataxin, but no biochemical phenotype was observed. Interestingly, both FRDA iPSC-derived neurons and cardiomyocytes exhibited signs of impaired mitochondrial function, with decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and progressive mitochondrial degeneration, respectively. Our data show for the first time that FRDA iPSCs and their neuronal and cardiac derivatives represent promising models for the study of mitochondrial damage and GAA expansion instability in FRDA.
Pricing Games and Impact of Private Demand Information in Decentralized Assembly Systems
Authors: Kalkancı Başak , Erhun Feryal 
Published: November 2012

This paper analyzes decentralized assembly systems under asymmetric demand information and sequential contracting. We reveal new insights on the value of contract type (price-only versus complex), demand information (complete versus asymmetric), and contract sequence (first mover versus second mover) to different players. Our results for the basic model show the following: (1) Complex contracts increase the suppliers' aggregate profit; however, individual suppliers do not necessarily benefit from a complex contracting equilibrium. We identify the conditions under which each supplier benefits from such an equilibrium. (2) Eliminating information asymmetry is not always beneficial for the suppliers because obtaining information might bring only marginal value and hence might not be realistically justified. Furthermore, a downstream supplier might prefer information asymmetry to complete information, especially when demand variability is moderate. (3) Unless there is a high demand risk, the first-mover advantage is prevalent when the assembler is a price-taker.We extend our basic model to analyze two additional scenarios. First, we study cases where the suppliers may offer contracts of different complexity. Beyond enriching our understanding of contract choice in decentralized assembly systems, such variations enhance the analysis beyond the standard methodology of principal-agent models and utilize solution techniques from optimal control. Second, we analyze the situation where the suppliers may possess different levels of information on demand under complex contracts. We show that an upstream supplier always benefits from a downstream supplier's superior information. However, the additional information might decrease the downstream supplier's profit, especially when the forecast variability is low compared to the total demand variability in the system. Our results for the basic model and its extensions confirm that studying interactions between suppliers, specifically under different contract types and information structures, in assembly systems presents rich opportunities for future research.
Comparative Statics Analysis of Multiproduct Newsvendor Networks Under Responsive Pricing
Authors: Bish Ebru K. , Zeng Xin , Liu Juqi , Bish Douglas R. 
Published: November 2012

We propose a novel analytic approach for the comparative statics analysis of multiproduct multiresource newsvendor networks under responsive pricing. Our approach involves exploiting the properties of the primal mathematical programming formulation and of the dual variables and linking those properties to the concept of convex orders and to properties of the underlying demand function. The use of convex orders allows us to establish our main results without restriction to a specific demand distribution. A major strength of our approach is that it is “scalable,” i.e., it applies to newsvendor networks with any number of “nonindependent” (i.e., demand or resource sharing) products and resources, without an exponential increase in effort as problem size increases. This is unlike the current approaches commonly used in the operations management literature, which typically involve a parametric analysis of the recourse problem, followed by the use of Jacobians and the implicit function theorem. Providing a rigorous framework for comparative statics analysis, which can be applied to other problems that are not amenable to traditional parametric analysis, is our main contribution. We demonstrate this approach on the optimal capacity decision problem in multiproduct newsvendor networks under responsive pricing, formulated as a two-stage stochastic programming problem with recourse: The firm determines the resource capacities ex ante, in the first stage, when demand intercepts are uncertain, and makes the pricing and production decisions ex post, in the second stage, when demand intercepts (e.g., market conditions) are fully observed. This particular problem and its variants are well studied in the operations management literature. A comparative statics analysis is integral to the study of the capacity investment decision, as it allows answers to important questions such as the following: “Does the firm acquire more or less of the different resources available as demand uncertainty increases? Does the firm benefit from an increase in demand uncertainty?” Using our proposed approach, we establish comparative statics results on how the newsvendor's expected profit and optimal capacity decision change with demand risk in multiproduct multiresource newsvendor networks. We also extend our analysis to the study of demand dependence in two-product networks.
Elvitegravir/Cobicistat/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate Single Tablet for HIV-1 Infection Treatment
Authors: Olin Jacqueline L , Spooner Linda M , Klibanov Olga M 
Published: November 2012

Objective: To review the clinical trials, pharmacologic characteristics, safety, and efficacy of the elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir single tablet formulation (Stribild). Data Sources: Literature searches were performed in MEDLINE (1948-September 2012) and PubMed (1966-September 2012) using the search terms GS-9137, elvitegravir, GS 9350, cobicistat, quad pill, Stribild, and integrase inhibitors. Abstracts from HIV/AIDS conferences were reviewed. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Phase 3 studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of Stribild were preferentially evaluated, as well as relevant references from the published studies. Data Synthesis: Stribild contains complete antiretroviral therapy for HIV-1 infection in a single tablet. It is the first once-daily therapy option available with an integrase inhibitor and a novel pharmacokinetic boosting agent. Stribild has shown non-inferiority in viral load suppression at 48 weeks when compared with dual nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor and either a ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitor or nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor regimen. Stribild was well tolerated, but some patients experienced increases in serum creatinine early in treatment that stabilized over time. Conclusions: Stribild is the first single-tablet regimen for HIV-1 infection treatment containing an integrase inhibitor. It is expected to have a prominent place in the formularies of health plans providing care for individuals with HIV-1 infection.
SOX17 Promoter Methylation in Circulating Tumor Cells and Matched Cell-Free DNA Isolated from Plasma of Patients with Breast Cancer
Authors: Chimonidou Maria , Strati Areti , Malamos Nikos , Georgoulias Vasilis , Lianidou Evi S 
Published: November 2012

INTRODUCTION
Detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in the peripheral blood of patients with solid tumors has been widely studied for the early detection of metastatic spread. We evaluated whether there was an association between the origin of cfDNA and CTCs. We investigated whether SRY (sex determining region Y)-box 17 (SOX17) promoter methylation in CTCs was associated with the methylation pattern of this gene in matched cfDNA isolated from plasma of patients with breast cancer.

METHODS
We examined SOX17 methylation in 79 primary breast tumors, in 114 paired samples of DNA isolated from CTCs and cfDNA, and in 60 healthy individuals. Isolated DNA was modified by sodium bisulfite and subjected to methylation specific PCR.

RESULTS
The SOX17 promoter was methylated in 68 (86.0%) of 79 of primary breast tumors. In CTCs, SOX17 was methylated in 19 (34.5%) of 55 patients with early breast cancer, 27 (45.8%) of 59 patients with metastatic cancer, and 1 (4.3%) of 23 healthy individuals, whereas in matched cfDNA SOX17 was methylated in 19 (34.5%) of 55, 24 (40.7%) of 59, and 1 (2.0%) of 49 of these same groups, respectively. There was a significant correlation between SOX17 methylation in cfDNA and CTCs in patients with early breast cancer (P = 0.008), but not in patients with verified metastasis (P = 0.283).

CONCLUSIONS
The SOX17 promoter is highly methylated in primary breast tumors, in CTCs isolated from patients with breast cancer, and in corresponding cfDNA samples. Our findings indicate a direct connection between the presence of CTCs and cfDNA in patients with operable breast cancer, after surgical removal of the primary tumor.
External Quality Assessment of Point-of-Care Methods: Model For Combined Assessment of Method Bias and Single-Participant Performance by the Use of Native Patient Samples and Noncommutable Control Materials
Authors: Stavelin Anne , Petersen Per Hyltoft , Sølvik Una Ø , Sandberg Sverre 
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND
An important objective in external quality assessment (EQA) is to evaluate systematic deviations between methods. However, this is not possible when noncommutable control materials are used. The aim of this study was to develop an EQA model that incorporates a method bias evaluation using native patient samples into EQA schemes in which noncommutable materials are used.

METHODS
The model was applied twice in a point-of-care (POC) international normalized ratio survey among 1341 and 1578 participants. To estimate bias, about 100 native patient samples for each POC method were analyzed by a selected group of “expert” primary healthcare centers and on a designated comparison method. In addition, the expert centers as well as all the other EQA participants analyzed 2 noncommutable control materials, and method-specific target values were established. Both method bias and the deviation of a single-participant result from the method target value were evaluated against analytical quality specifications, making combined assessment possible. The best-case scenario occurred when both results were within the quality specifications.

RESULTS
Two POC methods fulfilled the quality specification for bias, whereas one did not. The best-case scenario was achieved by more than 90% of the participants using the methods with no bias, whereas none of the participants using the method with unacceptable bias achieved this result.

CONCLUSIONS
We propose an EQA model for which the bias of POC methods can be evaluated in situations in which commutable control materials are not available.
A Practical Anti-bubble Prescription
Authors: Andrade Sandro C. , Bian Jiangze , Burch Timothy R. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
We argue that coordinated mass dissemination of information about asset fundamentals should make asset markets less prone to bubbles. The key idea is to establish a centralized and popular information source to make key information common knowledge across as many market participants as possible. This realistic, micro-level anti-bubble policy faces fewer challenges than monetary policy and macro-prudential tools.
Contributions of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor β/δ to skin health and disease
Authors: Montagner Alexandra , Wahli Walter 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAmong the three peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) transcription factors, PPARβ/δ is the isotype with the broadest expression pattern. In fact, the expression of PPARβ/δ is ubiquitous, albeit at levels that are tightly regulated. Herein, we reviewed its multiple functions in skin health and disease. PPARβ/δ has pro-differentiating effects in keratinocytes, regulates sebocyte differentiation, and promotes hair follicle growth in healthy skin. Furthermore, we reviewed novel insights into the roles of PPARβ/δ in skin wound healing, especially in inhibiting apoptosis and in modulating keratinocyte proliferation and migration. Therefore, PPARβ/δ represents a research target for the understanding and treatment of inflammatory skin diseases, such as psoriasis and acne vulgaris. In addition, PPARβ/δ is a tumor growth modifier. Epidemiological studies have established that tumor progression may be exacerbated by chronic low-grade inflammation, a condition promoting the production of the lipids that act as modulators of PPARβ/δ activity. The action of PPARβ/δ in skin cancer is ambivalent, which might be explained by this receptor’s putative highly context-specific behavior, which depends on a combination of factors ranging from receptor expression levels to co-regulator distribution, diversity and activity of the ligands produced, and other tissue-specific conditions. Given its diverse and crucial roles in many tissues and organs, PPARβ/δ will remain a major focus of future research.
Bioanalytical methods for quantitation of levamisole, a widespread cocaine adulterant
Authors: Shea Jennifer L. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Levamisole is an anthelminthic that was first used as a de-worming agent in humans and animals. It has also been used to treat inflammatory conditions as well as certain types of cancer. Levamisole was discontinued for human use in the early 21st century due to toxic side effects including agranulocytosis and vasculitis. Recently, levamisole was discovered as a cocaine adulterant after reports emerged of drug users with the above disorders. As the prevalence of cocaine usage has grown in the last 15 years, measurement of levamisole in human samples has become increasingly important. This review focuses on the various bioanalytical methods available for the determination of levamisole in human plasma and urine. Earlier methods employed gas chromatography coupled with nitrogen-selective thermionic specific detection and nitrogen-phosphorus detection, as well as high performance liquid chromatography coupled with ultraviolet detection. In addition, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) have also been described. Currently, GC-MS appears to be the method of choice however recent developments in the area of LC-MS/MS make this technology an attractive alternative. The merits of both GC-MS and LC-MS/MS for the determination of levamisole are evaluated on the basis of sample preparation, chromatographic separation conditions, run time, and analytical performance. In addition, emerging methods in this area are also reviewed.
Temperature Dependence of the Spontaneous Polarization Near the Ferroelectric-Paraelectric Transition in NaNO2
Authors: Kuşoğlu Sarıkaya C. , Yurtseven H. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe paraelectric-ferroelectric transition in NaNO2 is studied using the Levanyuk-Sannikov and the mean field models which we have developed here. From both models, the temperature dependence of the spontaneous polarization is derived and is fitted to the experimental data from the literature.Our results show that both mean field models are adequate to describe the observed behaviour of the spontaneous polarization close to the paraelectric-ferroelectric transition in NaNO2. The two models are compared in regard to the transition mechanism in this crystal.
Improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians’ well-being using participatory community singing approach
Authors: Sun Jing , Buys Nicholas Jan 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThere is increasing international interest in the idea that well-being and health are related to resilience. Participative community singing is beneficial for well-being not only in people who are free from health problems, but especially for those whose physical and mental health is compromised. This study examined the development of five Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander singing groups and the benefits relating to promoting resilience and ultimately preventing chronic disease in this population. Mixed methods, including both quantitative and qualitative approaches, were used. Questionnaires were administered to collect data on chronic life stresses, resilience, social support and social connectedness. Focus group interviews were conducted to obtain data on the participants’ and stakeholders’ perceptions of the impact of the singing groups. Multivariate analysis of variance was used to test the effectiveness of the intervention program on improving resilience at both the individual and the community levels. Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the pathways from the benefits gained from the singing program to the prevention of chronic disease. The results suggested that the singing groups served multiple functions, which are underpinned by social ecological resilience mechanisms to promote self-esteem, learning and education and confidence at the individual level, as well as community connectedness, reduction of loneliness and promoting social support from family, community and the social context such as support from community-controlled health services, and ultimately preventing chronic disease.
Age-gender feeding differences in dwarf blue sheep, Pseudois schaeferi (Cetartiodactyla, Bovidae) magnified by the expansion of an invasive plant species
Authors: De-Pin Li , Scott Matthew B. , Lin Xiao , Wen Xiao 
Published: November 2012

AbstractUnderstanding feeding habits and responses to habitat changes can be a critical step toward the conservation of threatened species. Pressured by hunting, habitat loss, and competition from livestock, the dwarf blue sheep (
Nanoplasmonics: a frontier of photovoltaic solar cells
Authors: Gu Min , Ouyang Zi , Jia Baohua , Stokes Nicholas , Chen Xi , Fahim Narges , Li Xiangping , Ventura Michael James , Shi Zhengrong 
Published: November 2012

AbstractNanoplasmonics recently has emerged as a new frontier of photovoltaic research. Noble metal nanostructures that can concentrate and guide light have demonstrated great capability for dramatically improving the energy conversion efficiency of both laboratory and industrial solar cells, providing an innovative pathway potentially transforming the solar industry. However, to make the nanoplasmonic technology fully appreciated by the solar industry, key challenges need to be addressed; including the detrimental absorption of metals, broadband light trapping mechanisms, cost of plasmonic nanomaterials, simple and inexpensive fabrication and integration methods of the plasmonic nanostructures, which are scalable for full size manufacture. This article reviews the recent progress of plasmonic solar cells including the fundamental mechanisms, material fabrication, theoretical modelling and emerging directions with a distinct emphasis on solutions tackling the above-mentioned challenges for industrial relevant applications.