bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DKK1 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma cell migration and invasion through β-catenin/MMP7 signaling pathway
Authors: Chen Liang , Li Ming , Li Qian , Wang Chao-jie , Xie Song-qiang 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background
Recently several reports have indicated that elevated expression of DKK1 is tightly associated with the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the biological function of DKK1 in HCC has not yet been well documented.

Methods
In this study, the role of DKK1 in tumor cell proliferation, migration and invasion was investigated using MTT, colony formation, wound scratch, transwell assays, and also human HCC samples.

Results
Both gain- and loss-of-function studies showed that DKK1 did not influence the tumor cell proliferation and colony formation, while dramatically promoted HCC cell migration and invasion. Subsequent investigations revealed that β-catenin was an important target of DKK1. The blocking of β-catenin by pharmacological inhibitor antagonized the function of DKK1, whereas introduction of β-catenin by transfection with plasmids or treatment with GSK3β inhibitor phenocopied the pro-migration and pro-invasion effects of DKK1. We further disclosed that DKK1 exerted its pro-invasion function, at least in part, by promoting β-catenin expression, in turn, upregulating the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP7), which was independent of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway. Moreover, introduction of MMP7 significantly enhanced the ability of HCC cells to invade extracellular matrix gel in vitro. Consistently, in human HCC tissues, DKK1 level was positively correlated with β-catenin expression, as well as tumor metastasis.

Conclusion
Taken together, these results demonstrated that DKK1 is overexpressed in HCC; moreover, ectopic expression DKK1 promotes HCC cell migration and invasion at least partly through β-catenin/MMP7 signaling axis, suggesting that DKK1 may be a promising target for HCC therapy.
A comparative study of extraction techniques for maximum recovery of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) from Aspergillus oryzae NSK
Authors: Lee Ying Yeng Audrey , Kadir Mohd Safuan Ab , Ghazali Hasanah Mohd , Raja Abd Rahman Raja Noor Zaliha , Saari Nazamid 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background
γ-Amino butyric acid (GABA) is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter of the mammalian central nervous system that plays a vital role in regulating vital neurological functions. The enzyme responsible for producing GABA is glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), an intracellular enzyme that both food and pharmaceutical industries are currently using as the major catalyst in trial biotransformation process of GABA. We have successfully isolated a novel strain of Aspergillus oryzae NSK that possesses a relatively high GABA biosynthesizing capability compared to other reported GABA-producing fungal strains, indicating the presence of an active GAD. This finding has prompted us to explore an effective method to recover maximum amount of GAD for further studies on the GAD’s biochemical and kinetic properties. The extraction techniques examined were enzymatic lysis, chemical permeabilization, and mechanical disruption. Under the GAD activity assay used, one unit of GAD activity is expressed as 1 μmol of GABA produced per min per ml enzyme extract (U/ml) while the specific activity was expressed as U/mg protein.

Results
Mechanical disruption by sonication, which yielded 1.99 U/mg of GAD, was by far the most effective cell disintegration method compared with the other extraction procedures examined. In contrast, the second most effective method, freeze grinding followed by 10% v/v toluene permeabilization at 25°C for 120 min, yielded only 1.17 U/mg of GAD, which is 170% lower than the sonication method. Optimized enzymatic lysis with 3 mg/ml Yatalase® at 60°C for 30 min was the least effective. It yielded only 0.70 U/mg of GAD. Extraction using sonication was further optimized using a one-variable-at-a-time approach (OVAT). Results obtained show that the yield of GAD increased 176% from 1.99 U/mg to 3.50 U/mg.

Conclusion
Of the techniques used to extract GAD from A. oryzae NSK, sonication was found to be the best. Under optimized conditions, about 176% of GAD was recovered compared to recovery under non optimized conditions. The high production level of GAD in this strain offers an opportunity to conduct further studies on GABA production at a larger scale.
Nutritional behavior and attitudes in food allergic children and their mothers
Authors: Polloni Laura , Toniolo Alice , Lazzarotto Francesca , Baldi Ileana , Foltran Francesca , Gregori Dario , Muraro Antonella 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundAvoidance of food allergens requires adapting dietetic habits, changing nutritional approach. A restriction of food choice can result in a monotonous diet and impact social life. This study investigated the impact of food allergy on nutritional behavior and attitudes of patients and their families.MethodsA survey involving mothers of food allergic children aged 0–16 years was carried out. We primarily studied the variables related to the child (age, gender, clinical history, food and social events attitudes). In addition, Spielberg Trait‐Anxiety Inventory (STAI‐T) test was applied to the mothers. We assessed separately the associations between characteristics of child‐mother pairs and diet monotony, and attendance to social events, by means of proportional odds regression models.ResultsNearly 10% of the 124 participants completely banned allergenic foods at home and 15.3% consumed their meals separately. More than one fourth attended parties rarely or never. Most of the participants reported a “monotonous diet”. Model results suggested significant associations between child age (p = 0.05), mother age (p = 0.05), number of excluded foods (p = 0.003) and monotony of the diet. The attendance of social events was inversely associated with the number of excluded foods (p = 0.04) and the mother's STAI‐T T‐score (p = 0.04).ConclusionsThe results highlighted the impact of food allergy in reducing interest about food and influencing patients’ approach to social life. It is important to support families in managing allergens avoidance.
The effect of excess fluid balance on the mortality rate of surgical patients: a multicenter prospective study
Authors: Silva João M , de Oliveira Amanda Maria RibasRosa , Nogueira Fernando Augusto Mendes , Vianna Pedro Monferrari Monteiro , Pereira Filho Marcos Cruz , Dias Leandro Ferreira , Maia Vivian Paz Leão , Neucamp Cesar de Souza , Amendola Cristina Prata , Carmona Maria Jose Carvalho , Malbouisson Luiz M Sá 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Introduction
In some studies including small populations of patients undergoing specific surgery, an intraoperative liberal infusion of fluids was associated with increasing morbidity when compared to restrictive strategies. Therefore, to evaluate the role of excessive fluid infusion in a general population with high-risk surgery is very important. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of intraoperative fluid balance on the postoperative organ dysfunction, infection and mortality rate.

Methods
We conducted a prospective cohort study during one year in four ICUs from three tertiary hospitals, which included patients aged 18 years or more who required postoperative ICU after undergoing major surgery. Patients who underwent palliative surgery and whose fluid balance could change in outcome were excluded. The calculation of fluid balance was based on preoperative fasting, insensible losses from surgeries and urine output minus fluid replacement intraoperatively.

Results
The study included 479 patients. Mean age was 61.2 ± 17.0 years and 8.8% of patients died at the hospital during the study. The median duration of surgery was 4.0 (3.2 to 5.5) h and the value of the Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) 3 score was 41.8 ± 14.5. Comparing survivors and non-survivors, the intraoperative fluid balance from non-survivors was higher (1,950 (1,400 to 3,400) mL vs. 1,400 (1,000 to 1,600) mL, P <0.001). Patients with fluid balance above 2,000 mL intraoperatively had a longer ICU stay (4.0 (3.0 to 8.0) vs. 3.0 (2.0 to 6.0), P <0.001) and higher incidence of infectious (41.9% vs. 25.9%, P = 0.001), neurological (46.2% vs. 13.2%, P <0.001), cardiovascular (63.2% vs. 39.6%, P <0.001) and respiratory complications (34.3% vs. 11.6%, P <0.001). In multivariate analysis, the fluid balance was an independent factor for death (OR per 100 mL = 1.024; P = 0.006; 95% CI 1.007 to 1.041).

Conclusions
Patients with excessive intraoperative fluid balance have more ICU complications and higher hospital mortality.
Diagnosis and management of temperature abnormality in ICUs: a EUROBACT investigators' survey
Authors: Niven Daniel J , Laupland Kevin B , Tabah Alexis , Vesin Aurélien , Rello Jordi , Koulenti Despoina , Dimopoulos George , de Waele Jan , Timsit Jean-Francois ,   the EUROBACT Investigators
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Although fever and hypothermia are common abnormal physical signs observed in patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU), little data exist on their optimal management. The objective of this study was to describe contemporary practices and determinants of management of temperature abnormalities among patients admitted to ICUs.

Methods
Site leaders of the multi-national EUROBACT study were surveyed regarding diagnosis and management of temperature abnormalities among patients admitted to their ICUs.

Results
Of the 162 ICUs originally included in EUROBACT, responses were received from 139 (86%) centers in 23 countries in Europe (117), South America (8), Asia (5), North America (4), Australia (3) and Africa (2). A total of 117 (84%) respondents reported use of a specific temperature threshold in their ICU to define fever. A total of 14 different discrete levels were reported with a median of 38.2°C (inter-quartile range, IQR, 38.0°C to 38.5°C). The use of thermometers was protocolized in 91 (65%) ICUs and a wide range of methods were reportedly used, with axillary, tympanic and urinary bladder sites as the most common as primary modalities. Only 31 (22%) of respondents indicated that there was a formal written protocol for temperature control among febrile patients in their ICUs. In most or all cases practice was to control temperature, to use acetaminophen, and to perform a full septic workup in febrile patients and that this was usually directed by physician order. While reported practice was to treat nearly all patients with neurological impairment and most patients with acute coronary syndromes and infections, severe sepsis and septic shock, this was not the case for most patients with liver failure and fever.

Conclusions
A wide range of definitions and management practices were reported regarding temperature abnormalities in the critically ill. Documenting temperature abnormality management practices, including variability in clinical care, is important to inform planning of future studies designed to optimize infection and temperature management strategies in the critically ill.
Tumor Mismatch Repair Immunohistochemistry and DNA MLH1 Methylation Testing of Patients With Endometrial Cancer Diagnosed at Age Younger Than 60 Years Optimizes Triage for Population-Level Germline Mismatch Repair Gene Mutation Testing
Authors: Buchanan Daniel D. , Tan Yen Y. , Walsh Michael D. , Clendenning Mark , Metcalf Alexander M. , Ferguson Kaltin , Arnold Sven T. , Thompson Bryony A. , Lose Felicity A. , Parsons Michael T. , Walters Rhiannon J. , Pearson Sally-Ann , Cummings Margaret , Oehler Martin K. , Blomfield Penelope B. , Quinn Michael A. , Kirk Judy A. , Stewart Colin J. , Obermair Andreas , Young Joanne P. , Webb Penelope M. , Spurdle Amanda B. 
Published: December 2013

Purpose Clinicopathologic data from a population-based endometrial cancer cohort, unselected for age or family history, were analyzed to determine the optimal scheme for identification of patients with germline mismatch repair (MMR) gene mutations. Patients and Methods Endometrial cancers from 702 patients recruited into the Australian National Endometrial Cancer Study (ANECS) were tested for MMR protein expression using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and for MLH1 gene promoter methylation in MLH1-deficient cases. MMR mutation testing was performed on germline DNA of patients with MMR-protein deficient tumors. Prediction of germline mutation status was compared for combinations of tumor characteristics, age at diagnosis, and various clinical criteria (Amsterdam, Bethesda, Society of Gynecologic Oncology, ANECS). Results Tumor MMR-protein deficiency was detected in 170 (24%) of 702 cases. Germline testing of 158 MMR-deficient cases identified 22 truncating mutations (3% of all cases) and four unclassified variants. Tumor MLH1 methylation was detected in 99 (89%) of 111 cases demonstrating MLH1/PMS2 IHC loss; all were germline MLH1 mutation negative. A combination of MMR IHC plus MLH1 methylation testing in women younger than 60 years of age at diagnosis provided the highest positive predictive value for the identification of mutation carriers at 46% versus ≤ 41% for any other criteria considered. Conclusion Population-level identification of patients with MMR mutation-positive endometrial cancer is optimized by stepwise testing for tumor MMR IHC loss in patients younger than 60 years, tumor MLH1 methylation in individuals with MLH1 IHC loss, and germline mutations in patients exhibiting loss of MSH6, MSH2, or PMS2 or loss of MLH1/PMS2 with absence of MLH1 methylation.
End Hepatitis B; Confusion with PCC Orders; Help to Prevent Catheter Misconnections; GlycoTrol or Glucotrol? Heparin Label Placed on Wrong Bag
Authors: Cohen Michael R. , Smetzer Judy L. 
Published: December 2013

These medication errors have occurred in health care facilities at least once. They will happen again—perhaps where you work. Through education and alertness of personnel and procedural safeguards, they can be avoided. You should consider publishing accounts of errors in your newsletters and/or presenting them at your inservice training programs. Your assistance is required to continue this feature. The reports described here were received through the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) Medication Errors Reporting Program. Any reports published by ISMP will be anonymous. Comments are also invited; the writers’ names will be published if desired. ISMP may be contacted at the address shown below. Errors, close calls, or hazardous conditions may be reported directly to ISMP through the ISMP Web site ( www.ismp.org ), by calling 800-FAIL-SAFE, or via e-mail at ismpinfo@ismp.org . ISMP guarantees the confidentiality and security of the information received and respects reporters’ wishes as to the level of detail included in publications.
Evaluation of a Dedicated Pharmacist Staffing Model in the Medical Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Kucukarslan Suzan N. , Corpus Kim , Mehta Nisha , Mlynarek Mark , Peters Mike , Stagner Lisa , Zimmerman Chris 
Published: December 2013

Purpose Published studies have shown that pharmacists on medical rounds reduce the incidence of preventable adverse drug events (ADEs). However, the impact of a dedicated pharmacist who provides consistent patient care in a critical care unit remains to be evaluated. Objective To determine the impact of a pharmacist who is permanently assigned to the medical intensive care unit (MICU) on the incidence of preventable ADEs, drug charges, and length of stay (LOS) in the MICU. Design A randomized, experimental versus historical control group design was used. Preventable ADEs were identified and validated by 2 pharmacists and a critical care physician. Information about MICU drug charges and LOS were obtained from the hospital administrative database. Results The intervention group had fewer occurrences of ADEs (10 ADEs/1,000 patient days) when compared to the control group (28 ADEs/1,000 patient days) at a significance level of .03. No significant differences were found between the 2 groups in MICU drug charges and LOS. The vast majority of the 596 documented recommended interventions (99%) were accepted by the medical team. Nutrition monitoring, medication indicated but not prescribed, and dosage modification were the top 3 problems identified by the pharmacist. Conclusion The addition of a dedicated critical care pharmacist to the MICU medical team improves the safe use of medication. The services of a dedicated critical care pharmacist should be expanded to include weekend hours to ensure the benefits of improved medication safety.
Using Smart Pumps to Understand and Evaluate Clinician Practice Patterns to Ensure Patient Safety
Authors: Mansfield Jennifer , Jarrett Steven 
Published: December 2013

Background Safety software installed on intravenous (IV) infusion pumps has been shown to positively impact the quality of patient care through avoidance of medication errors. The data derived from the use of smart pumps are often overlooked, although these data provide helpful insight into the delivery of quality patient care. Objective The objectives of this report are to describe the value of implementing IV infusion safety software and analyzing the data and reports generated by this system. Case study Based on experience at the Carolinas HealthCare System (CHS), executive score cards provide an aggregate view of compliance rate, number of alerts, overrides, and edits. The report of serious errors averted (ie, critical catches) supplies the location, date, and time of the critical catch, thereby enabling management to pinpoint the end-user for educational purposes. By examining the number of critical catches, a return on investment may be calculated. Assuming 3,328 of these events each year, an estimated cost avoidance would be $29,120,000 per year for CHS. Other reports allow benchmarking between institutions. Conclusion A review of the data about medication safety across CHS has helped garner support for a medication safety officer position with the goal of ultimately creating a safer environment for the patient.
A Modified Variational Iteration Method for Nonlinear Oscillators
Authors: Yang Q. W. , Chen Y. M. , Liu J. K. , Zhao W. 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
A modified variational iteration method (MVIM) is proposed for nonlinear oscillators. Different from the existing VIM, the algebraic equation deduced at each iteration stage is always linear when the proposed approach is applied to conservative oscillators. Therefore, highly accurate approximations can be easily obtained. The Duffing and the van der Pol equations are presented to validate the MVIM. Numerical examples show that the presented method is valid for both weakly and strongly nonlinear oscillators. In addition, it reveals that the MVIM is equivalent to a modified Mickens iteration scheme. Furthermore, the MVIM is extended by means of an auxiliary parameter. This parameter provides us with a convenient way to control and adjust the convergence of VIM approximations when necessary.
A growth model with qualities, varieties, and human capital: stability and transitional dynamics
Authors: Sequeira Tiago Neves , Ferreira-Lopes Alexandra , Gomes Orlando 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThis article analyses the stability properties of the steady-state and the transitional dynamics of an endogenous growth model with human capital, increasing-varieties R&D, and quality-ladders R&D [Strulik, H. 2005. “The Role of Human Capital and Population Growth in R&D-Based Models of Economic Growth.”
What makes dependence modeling challenging? Pitfalls and ways to circumvent them
Authors: Mai Jan-Frederik , Scherer Matthias 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
We present a list of challenges one faces when given the task of modeling dependence between stochastic objects, with a special focus on financial applications. Our aim is to draw the readers' attention to common (and not so common) pitfalls and fallacies, and we particularly address readers who are new to dependence modeling. The presented list of challenges is clearly not complete, but it gives a flavor of how difficult and subtle the task of dependence modeling can be.
Moreover, the readers shall get some intuition about what challenges are structural and cannot be overcome, and what challenges allow for a better solution than common practice might suggest.
Risk management with high-dimensional vine copulas: An analysis of the Euro Stoxx 50
Authors: Brechmann Eike Christain , Czado Claudia 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
The demand for an accurate financial risk management involving larger numbers of assets is strong not only in view of the financial crisis of 2007–2009.
Especially dependencies among assets have not been captured adequately.
While standard multivariate copulas have added some flexibility, this flexibility is insufficient in higher dimensional applications.
Vine copulas can fill this gap by benefiting from the rich class of existing bivariate parametric copula families.
Exploiting this in combination with GARCH models for the margins, we develop
a regular vine copula based factor model for asset returns, the Regular Vine
Market Sector model, which is motivated by the classical CAPM and shown to be
superior to the CAVA model proposed by Heinen and Valdesogo (2009).
The model can also be used to separate the systematic and idiosyncratic risk of specific stocks, and we explicitly discuss how vine copula models can be employed for active and passive portfolio management.
In particular, Value-at-Risk forecasting and asset allocation are treated in detail.
All developed models and methods are used to analyze the Euro Stoxx 50 index, a major market indicator for the Eurozone.
Relevant benchmark models such as the popular DCC model and the common Student's t copula are taken into account.
Comparative study of GA & DE algorithm for the economic operation of a power system using FACTS devices
Authors: Bhattacharyya B. , Gupta Vikash Kumar , Kumar Sanjay 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
The problem of improving the voltage profile and reducing power loss in electrical networks must be solved in an optimal manner. This paper deals with comparative study of Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Differential Evolution (DE) based algorithm for the optimal allocation of multiple FACTS (Flexible AC Transmission System) devices in an interconnected power system for the economic operation as well as to enhance loadability of lines. Proper placement of FACTS devices like Static VAr Compensator (SVC), Thyristor Controlled Switched Capacitor (TCSC) and controlling reactive generations of the generators and transformer tap settings simultaneously improves the system performance greatly using the proposed approach. These GA & DE based methods are applied on standard IEEE 30 bus system. The system is reactively loaded starting from base to 200% of base load. FACTS devices are installed in the different locations of the power system and system performance is observed with and without FACTS devices. First, the locations, where the FACTS devices to be placed is determined by calculating active and reactive power flows in the lines. GA and DE based algorithm is then applied to find the amount of magnitudes of the FACTS devices. Finally the comparison between these two techniques for the placement of FACTS devices are presented.