bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Revisiting intradural spinal cord stimulation: an introduction to a novel intradural spinal cord stimulation device
Authors: Dalm Brian D. , Viljoen Sephanus V. , Dahdaleh Nader S. , Reddy Chandan G. , Brennan Timothy J. , Oya Hiroyuki , Wilson Saul , Safayi Sina , Jeffery Nicholas D. , Gilles George T. , Howard Matthew A. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract

Background: Spinal cord stimulation has been in use for decades and is growing as a therapeutic treatment option. A significant problem arising from the epidural location of the lead is electrical shunting through the cerebrospinal fluid, providing sub-optimal delivery of the electrical current specifically to the Aβ fibers of the dorsal column.

Objective: Our goal is to design a safe and effective intradural spinal cord stimulator (SCS) that places the stimulating electrodes directly against the pia similar to what is currently employed with the auditory brainstem implant.

Methods: We have reviewed the literature on the early original intradural SCSs and designed, built, and tested an improved device that seeks to overcome the limitations the existing epidural stimulators.

Results: In particular, we have shown that the present design of our device allows for motion of the spinal cord without the device being displaced itself, exerts a surface pressure on the spinal cord surface that is below what would cause ischemia or vessel injury, activates somato-sensory evoked potentials at a lower threshold than epidural stimulation, and (iv) does not cause deleterious neurological deficits in a chronic ovine model of intradural stimulator implantation.

Conclusion: While further studies to prove long-term safety and durability of the device are underway, we believe that revisiting an intradural approach to spinal cord stimulation may continue to improve our ability to treat certain chronic pain states and possibly the spasticity associated with spinal cord injuries.
Yen-BSR: A New Approach for the Choice of Routes in WDM Networks
Authors: Santos A. F. , Almeida R. C. , Assis K. D. R. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIn this paper we propose to use an iterative algorithm for optimizing the fixed-alternate shortest path routing in the dynamic routing and wavelength assignment (RWA) problem in wavelength routing optical networks. The algorithm performance is compared, in terms of blocking probability, with the Dijkstra and Yen traditional algorithms, as well as with the recently proposed best among the shortest routes (BSR) algorithm. The results suggest that it is feasible to choose an appropriate set of routes for each pair of nodes (source, destination), among the shortest paths and efficiently balance the network load. For all studied scenarios, the proposed heuristic achieved superior performance.
Here Comes Everybody: Anthropological Hyperbole in Some Recent Novels
Authors: Kläger Florian 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
In a number of recent British novels, readers encounter startlingly hyperbolic representations of characters and settings, indicative of an ambition to represent the human condition comprehensively. This essay reads this phenomenon in the context of recent critical commentary on the novel that has engaged with various kinds of universalisms (‘hysterical realism,’ ‘cosmopolitan’ and ‘cosmodernist’ novels, and ‘traumatological’ fiction). It suggests that the texts discussed here, Winterson’s The Stone Gods (2007), Crumey’s Sputnik Caledonia (2008), and McEwan’s Solar (2010), do not (only) aim at negotiating the place of individuals in globalized society and the dread of impersonal catastrophes, but at spelling out an anthropology: by way of autopoetological self-valorization, literature is presented as a prime medium of human relations to the world, answering to an essential anthropological deficiency.
Cytosolic RNA:DNA hybrids activate the cGAS–STING axis
Authors: Mankan Arun K , Schmidt Tobias , Chauhan Dhruv , Goldeck Marion , Höning Klara , Gaidt Moritz , Kubarenko Andrew V , Andreeva Liudmila , Hopfner Karl‐Peter , Hornung Veit 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIntracellular recognition of non‐self and also self‐nucleic acids can result in the initiation of potent pro‐inflammatory and antiviral cytokine responses. Most recently, cGAS was shown to be critical for the recognition of cytoplasmic dsDNA. Binding of dsDNA to cGAS results in the synthesis of cGAMP(2′–5′), which then binds to the endoplasmic reticulum resident protein STING. This initiates a signaling cascade that triggers the induction of an antiviral immune response. While most studies on intracellular nucleic acids have focused on dsRNA or dsDNA, it has remained unexplored whether cytosolic RNA:DNA hybrids are also sensed by the innate immune system. Studying synthetic RNA:DNA hybrids, we indeed observed a strong type I interferon response upon cytosolic delivery of this class of molecule. Studies in THP‐1 knockout cells revealed that the recognition of RNA:DNA hybrids is completely attributable to the cGAS–STING pathway. Moreover, in vitro studies showed that recombinant cGAS produced cGAMP upon RNA:DNA hybrid recognition. Altogether, our results introduce RNA:DNA hybrids as a novel class of intracellular PAMP molecules and describe an alternative cGAS ligand next to dsDNA.
Cooperation of DLC1 and CDK6 Affects Breast Cancer Clinical Outcome
Authors: Dai Xiaofeng , Li Lu , Liu Xiuxia , Hu Weiguo , Yang Yankun , Bai Zhonghu 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Low DLC1 expression is found to frequently co-occur with aberrant expression of cell cycle genes including CDK6 in human lung and colon cancer. Here, we explore the influence of the synergistic effect of DLC1 and CDK6 on human breast cancer survival at the genetic, transcriptional, and translational levels. We found that high DLC1 and low CDK6 expression are associated with good prognosis. The DLC1 intronic SNP rs561681 is found to fit a recessive model, complying with the tumor suppressive role of DLC1. The heterozygote of the DLC1 SNP is found to increase the hazard when the CDK6 intronic SNP rs3731343 is rare homozygous, and it becomes protective when rs3731343 is common homozygous. We propose that DLC1 expression is the lowest in patients harboring the rare homozygote of rs561681 and functional DLC1 is the lowest when rs561681 is heterozygous and rs3731343 is rare homozygous. We are the first to report such synergistic effects of DLC1 and CDK6 on breast cancer survival at the transcriptional level, the overdominant model fitted by the SNP pair, and the dominant negative effect at the translational level. These findings link the germline genetic polymorphisms and synergistic effect of DLC1 and CDK6 with breast cancer progression, which provide the basis for experimentally elucidating the mechanisms driving differential tumor progression and avail in tailoring the clinical treatments for such patients based on their genetic susceptibility.
The Effects of Different Storage Temperatures and Time on The Survival of Cpe (+) Clostridium Perfringens Type A in Çiğ Köfte (A Traditional Turkish Raw Meat Product)
Authors: Güran Hüsnü Şahan , İlhak Osman İrfan 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
This study was carried out to investigate the survival of cpe (+) Clostridium perfringens type A in çiğ köfte. For this purpose, çiğ köfte samples were artificially contaminated with the pathogen, and then the samples were stored at 4, 24 and 30ºC for 72 h. The numbers of cpe (+) Clostridium perfringens type A, total aerobic mesophilic bacteria (TAMB) and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in the samples were analysed at 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h of storage. The number of the pathogen in the samples stored at 30ºC significantly decreased during the storage and dropped below detection level (10 cfu/g) after 48 h while the reduction number of the pathogen in the samples stored at 4ºC was 1.60 log cfu/g at the end of the 72 h. The numbers of the TAMB and LAB in the samples stored at 24ºC and 30ºC rapidly increased compared to the samples stored at 4°C during the storage period (P<0.05). This study demonstrates that this pathogen can survive in çiğ köfte stored at refrigeration temperature for more than 3 days, but cannot survive at 30ºC for 3 days.
Effect of an Aloe Preparation and 5-Oxo-1,2,4-Triazine on the Redox Profile of the Blood of Turkey Hens Subjected to Stress
Authors: Ognik Katarzyna , Sembratowicz Iwona , Czech Anna , Kulak Ewelina , Merska Malwina 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine whether the introduction of stress affects corticosterone and malonyl dialdehyde levels and antioxidant indices of the blood of turkey hens, and whether additives used in conjunction with stress, such as aloe extract supplemented with trans-resveratrol and vitamin C or the amidrazone derivative 5-oxo-1,2,4-triazine, can mitigate adverse changes that may occur in these parameters. The experiment was carried out on 360 turkey hens allocated randomly to 6 groups of 60 birds each. Groups C and C(+)stress were the control groups and did not receive any additive. Birds from groups A and A(+)stress were administered aloe extract with the addition of trans-resveratrol and vitamin C in the amount of 0.70 ml/kg body weight (BW)/ day. The turkey hens from groups T and T(+)stress received 5-oxo-1,2,4-triazine in the amount of 30 μg/kg BW/day. Blood tests included determination of the content of corticosterone and malonyl dialdehyde (MDA), total plasma antioxidant potential (FRAP) and vitamin C, as well as activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT ) and glutathione peroxidase (PGx). The blood serum samples were also analysed for levels of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The stress factors applied resulted in a significant increase in the level of corticosterone and MDA and in SOD and CAT activity in the blood plasma of the turkey hens. A significant decrease in the level of vitamin C and total plasma antioxidant potential were also recorded in the birds treated with stress. The aloe preparation supplemented with trans-resveratrol and vitamin C caused a significant increase in vitamin C, FRAP, Fe and Cu, and a decrease in the corticosterone and MDA levels in the blood plasma of the turkey hens, while in the blood plasma of birds treated with 5-oxo-1,2,4-triazine a significant increase was noted in superoxide dismutase activity and a decrease in the malonyl dialdehyde level. In order to alleviate the negative effect of stress, supplementation of diets with aloe extract supplemented with resveratrol and vitamin C may be considered.
Effect of Variety and Plant Protection Method on Chemical Composition and in Vitro Digestibility of Faba Bean (Vicia Faba) Seeds
Authors: Micek Piotr , Kowalski Zygmunt M. , Kulig Bogdan , Kański Jarosław 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
The aim of the work was to determine the effect of faba bean varieties and plant protection method on their yield of seeds and protein, chemical composition, in vitro true digestibility (IVTD) and nutritive value for ruminant feeding. The study was carried out on four cultivars of faba beans grown in similar environmental conditions in a two-factorial field experiment. The variation between cultivars, modified by the plant protection method, in chemical composition and IVTD of seeds may suggest that there would be a need to estimate its real nutritive value used for diet formulation instead of one common value for faba bean species read from feed tables. It was shown that lowtannin varieties are characterized by slightly higher CP and lower NDF content and significantly (P<0.01) higher IVTD digestibility compared to traditional or terminal inflorescence varieties. Regardless of type of faba been variety, the highest seed and protein yields were found when insecticides were applied, with minor effect on chemical composition and the nutritive value of seeds.
C-Reactive Protein and Fibrinogen as Indicators of Systemic Inflammatory Response in Patients Undergoing VATS and Conventional Pulmonary Lobectomy
Authors: Silins Ints , Apsvalks Maris , Sirgeda Arta , Petersons Aigars , Krams Alvils 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Introduction. There is still ongoing discussion about superiority of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery or VATS approach for performing lobectomy over conventional pulmonary lobectomy performed by open thoracotomy for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer at an early stage.
Aim of the study. This encouraged us to conduct a prospective study for evaluation and comparison of the systemic inflammatory response by using these two approaches.
Materials and methods. We have conducted a prospective study for evaluation of C-reactive protein and Fibrinogen as indicators of systemic inflammatory response during early postoperative course. Surgery was prospectively randomised in two groups: 15 patients underwent VATS lobectomy and 15 patients underwent conventional open lobectomy. Blood samples were taken preoperatively, 24 and 72 hours after operation, on the day of drain removal, and 1 and 9 days after the drain removal.
Results. Surgery caused systemic inflammatory response in both groups. The increase in CRP was notably higher in OL group in all measurements except preoperative (p<0,05). The increase in Fibrinogen concentrations was also higher in OL group but statistical significance (p<0,05) was reached only in day of drain removal.
Conclusions. VATS approach caused reduced systemic inflammatory response compared with conventional open thoracotomy approach and was also associated with lesser postoperative pain as duration of chest drains and total amount of drained effusion is significantly smaller.
The Role of Oxidative Stress Markers in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Sarkele Marina , Sabelnikovs Olegs , Vanags Indulis , Ozolina Agnese , Skesters Andrejs , Silova Alise 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Introduction. Patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) are likely to suffer from acute respiratory failure (ARF) with a risk of developing acute lung injury (ALI) and its more severe condition, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with 30 - 50% mortality. Evidence shows, that important role in ARDS pathophysiology may play an imbalance between oxidant and antioxidant species. Oxidative stress is well established in adult critical illnesses characterized by systemic inflammatory response.
Aim of the study was to investigate the influence of oxidative stress species on developing of acute respiratory distress syndrome in patients at risk.
Materials and methods. The study was conducted in Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital ICU during 6 months in 2013 and approved by ethics committee. There were included 15 ARDS risk patients over 18 years of age with mechanical lung ventilation (MLV) over 24 hours and massive blood component transfusions, acute severe pancreatitis, pneumonia or sepsis. Blood samples were taken three times during observational period- first sample were taken just exactly after inclusion, second sample- on 4th and the last sample- on 7th day after inclusion. The developing of ARDS were diagnosed using revised diagnostic criteria according to the Berlin definition. Reactive oxygen species were measured in plasma using manual or automatic spectrophotometry.
Results. Among included patients 82.4 % were males with the mean age 49.3 years, for female 67 years. The most popular diagnosis was acute severe pneumonia (n= 5; 33.3 %), followed by patients with sepsis (n= 4; 26.7%) and acute severe pancreatitis (n= 4; 26.7%). The most informative marker of oxidative stress among all ARDS risk patients is GPx, which correlates with PaO2/ FiO2 and oxidation index (R= -0.52; p= 0.045 and R= 0.57; p= 0.027) at the 1st day of observation. At the 4th day of observation GPx shows statistically significant relation with the level of PEEP (R= 0.57; p= 0.033). Among ARDS patients we have found correlation between PaO2/FiO2 ratio and MDA+ HNE plasma levels (R= 0.69; p= 0.026) at the 1st day of observation.
Conclusion. Reactive oxygen substances causing oxidative stress shows a dynamic changes in ARDS patients. The changes of some oxidative markers are related to the increased level of hypoxemia and PEEP used in treatment of ARDS patients.
Pre- and Postoperative Long-Term Assessment of Sinus Floor Augmentation Site Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography
Authors: Neimane Laura , Skagers Andrejs 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Introduction. Sinus lift operations are planned in atrophic maxillary residual alveolar bone. There is little evidence how the quality and quantity of residual bone influence the dimension of sinus lifts.
Aim of the Study. To evaluate relationship between amount of residual alveolar bone and sinus lift dimension.
Materials and Methods. 73 sinuses of 54 patients were included in to the study. Preoperative and postoperative cone beam computed tomography scan of sinus lift operation site was performed. The measurement of atrophic alveolar bone height, width and radiodensity in planned sinus lift area was done. Postoperatively sinus lift height, width and length were measured. The sinus volume difference from both scans was calculated. Amount of bone substitute materials used was registered.
Results. Residual alveolar bone mean height was 3.84 mm SD±2.28, width 7.15 mm SD±2.27, radiodensity 142.74 HU SD±155.38. Postoperatively mean sinus lift height was 15.81 mm SD±2.91, length 18.73 mm SD±5.21, width 12.70 mm SD±2.49. The mean sinus volume difference was 2422.70 mm3 SD± 3415.92. Mean amount of biomaterials used was 1.29 g SD±0.67.
Conclusions. The less bone radiodensity was found in alveolar bone with more dimensions. The less quantity of atrophic alveolar bone leads to increase size of sinus lift.
Open Heart Surgery Associated Acute Kidney Injury in Children
Authors: Krastins Jekabs , Straume Zane , Auzins Janis , Petersons Aigars , Petersons Aivars 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Introduction. Cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is commonly perceived as a risk factor for decline in renal function. Hypothermia, hypoxia, hypotension, non-pulsatile blood flow during CPB, use of ACE inhibitors, inotropic and (or) vasoactive support affects kidney and contributes to the acute kidney injury (AKI).
Aim of the study. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence, severity and outcome of CPB related AKI in children after open heart surgery.
Materials and methods. We conducted prospective, non-randomized observational study at the tertiary care University Children’s Hospital Pediatric ICU. We enrolled 30 patients, 12 boys and 18 girls with congenital heart disease (CHD). Their median body weight was 6,8 kg, (IQR 5,2<8,2 kg) and median age 7 months (IQR 5<10 months). SCr was determined and preoperative and postoperative creatinine clearance (ClCr) was estimated using Schwarz formula (eClCr). During surgical repair and till the end of the first 12 postoperative hours urine was collected to measure ClCr, using the difference in urine (UCr) and SCr concentrations (mClCr). Urine output, body temperature, duration of aortic cross clamping and cardiopulmonary bypass was recorded.
Results. Median intraoperative urine output was 2,4 ml/kg/h (IQR 1,29<3,15 ml/kg/h). Median CPB time was 147 min., (IQR 116,75<205 min.), median aortic cross-clamping time was 95 min., (IQR 70,5<133 min.), cooling during CPB to 29,75°C. Postoperative SCr increased to 35 μmol/l (IQR 27,5<50,5 μmol/l) vs. preoperative SCr 29 μmol/l (IQR 24<32,9 μmol/l), P<0,0001. GFR declined from preoperative 98,4 ml/min./1,73 m2 (IQR 89,6<123,04) to postoperative 80,98 ml/min./1,73 m2, (IQR 60,73<97,97 ml/min./1,73 m2), P<0,0001. We find statistically significant difference (P=0,042) in measured 39,88 ml/min./1,73 m2 (IQR 21,96<67,82 ml/min./1,73 m2) versus estimated ClCr (eClCr) 80,98 ml/min./1,73 m2, (IQR 60,73<97,97 ml/min./1,73 m2). Observed prevalence of AKI was 46,6% (14/30 patients met KDIGO criteria for AKI). Conclusions.Open heart surgery in children has severe, but transient effect on expression of renal biomarkers. There was a marked difference between measured and estimated ClCr in our patients. Observed incidence of AKI was 46,6% (14 patients met KDIGO criteria of AKI from 30 of our patients). Before discharge from the hospital both biomarkers returned to normal values.
Levels of Inflammatory Cytokines and Chemokines in Hospitalized Children with Sepsis and Pneumonia
Authors: Rautiainen Linda , Ince Svetlana , Pavare Jana , Grope Ilze , Tretjakovs Peteris , Gardovska Dace 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Introduction. Pneumonia is a common childhood lower respiratory tract infection, which accounts for large number of hospitalization and death among children; its diagnosis is based mainly on clinical signs.
Aim of the study was to measure inflammatory cytokine panels in children with pneumonia, and their correlation with clinically used inflammatory markers. Materials and methods. We included 20 patients, hospitalized in Children’s Clinical University hospital, with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and radiologically confirmed pneumonia from October 2011 to January 2013. In all patients cytokine and chemokine panels and clinical inflammatory markers were measured at the time of admission, after 24 hours and on the time of discharge.
Results. 12 different inflammatory cytokines were measured. sFAS, sVCAM1, IL-8, IL-10, TNF alpha, Eotaxin, G-CSF, IL1ra, IP10 and MCP1 showed statistically significant changes between levels of inclusion in the study and levels after 24 hours. G-CSF, IL-8, IFN gamma, TNF alpha and IL-10 showed also medium strong correlation with clinically used inflammatory markers (PCT, CRO, and IL-6).
Conclusions. Inflammatory cytokines show statistically significant changes during course of treatment, thus they could be used in diagnostics in septic patients with pneumonia, and also could show patients response to therapy.
The General Overview and Molecular Pathogenesis of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Simtniece Zane , Vanags Andrejs , Strumfa Ilze , Gardovskis Janis 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive tumours. It is characterized by poor prognosis and short survival after potentially radically surgical treatment. The problem of pancreatic cancer is aggravated by mostly delayed diagnostics and a high number of metastatic cases of pancreatic cancer. The solution could be to find target molecules for early diagnostics and treatment or to find convincing aetiological factors or the most important risk factors. In this study we summarize recently published data of pancreatic cancer development, morphological changes, the pre-neoplastic lesions and the molecular pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer, which can help to find specific molecules for tumour detection, tumour progression and treatment.
Thyroid Metastasis as the First Manifestation of Renal Clear Cell Cancer
Authors: Ozolins Arturs , Abolins Arnis , Strumfa Ilze , Vaganovs Peteris , Narbuts Zenons , Gardovskis Janis 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Thyroid metastases from extra-thyroid primary tumours are reported to be rare, mostly originating from lung, breast or renal cancer. Renal clear cell cancer (RCCC) is a tumour with great metastatic potential, but solitary metastases, especially in the thyroid gland, are uncommon. Here we report an unusual clinical case. In our patient, metastatic thyroid lesion was diagnosed before the primary RCCC. Surgical treatment yielded cancer-free survival, at present lasting already for 1.5 years.