bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preoperative Steroid Use and the Risk of Infectious Complications After Neurosurgery
Authors: Merkler Alexander E. , Saini Vaishali , Kamel Hooman , Stieg Philip E. 
Published: November 2013

Background and Purpose: The association between preoperative corticosteroid use and infectious complications after neurosurgical procedures is unclear. We aim to determine whether corticosteroids increase the risk of infectious complications after neurosurgery. Methods: We examined the association between preoperative corticosteroid use and postoperative infectious complications in a cohort of adults who underwent a neurosurgical procedure between 2005 and 2010 at centers participating in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Corticosteroid use was defined as at least 10 days of oral or parental therapy in the 30 days prior to surgery. Our primary outcome was a composite of any infectious complications occurring within 30 days of surgery. We used propensity score analysis to examine the independent association between preoperative corticosteroid use and postoperative infections. Results: Among 26 634 neurosurgical procedures, 1228 (4.61%, 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.36-4.86) were preceded by preoperative corticosteroid use and 1469 (5.52%; 95% CI, 5.24-5.79) were followed by postoperative infections. In a propensity score analysis controlling for comorbidities, illness severity, and preexisting preoperative infections, corticosteroid use was independently associated with subsequent postoperative infections (odds ratio, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.11-1.70). Our results were unchanged in sensitivity analyses controlling for central nervous system tumors or active treatment with chemotherapy. Conclusion: Our results suggest that preoperative corticosteroid use is associated with an increased risk of infectious complications after neurosurgery. These findings may aid physicians with preoperative treatment decisions and risk stratification. Future randomized trials are needed to guide preoperative use of corticosteroids in this population.
Comparative incidence of pregnancy outcomes in thrombophilia-positive women from the NOH-APS observational study
Authors: Bouvier Sylvie , Cochery-Nouvellon Éva , Lavigne-Lissalde Géraldine , Mercier Érick , Fabbro-Peray Pascale , Balducchi Jean-Pierre , Marès Pierre , Gris Jean-Christophe 
Published: November 2013

Key Points
Fetal death is more frequent in women with prior abortions carrying F5 rs6025 or F2 rs1799963 polymorphisms vs nonthrombophilic women. Pregnancy complications are less frequent in LMWH-treated thrombophilic women with fetal loss vs untreated nonthrombophilic women.
Asymptotic behavior of second-order nonlinear neutral dynamic equations
Authors: Jing Yefei , Zhang Chenghui , Li Tongxing 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
This paper is concerned with oscillation and asymptotic behavior of a second-order neutral delay dynamic equation on an arbitrary time scale. We obtain two theorems which guarantee that every solution of the studied equation oscillates or converges to zero. These results improve and complement some known results given in the literature.

MSC:34K11, 34N05, 39A10, 39A12, 39A13, 39A21.
Low contrast visual acuity testing is associated with cognitive performance in multiple sclerosis: a cross-sectional pilot study
Authors: Wieder Laura , Gäde Gunnar , Pech Luisa M , Zimmermann Hanna , Wernecke Klaus-Dieter , Dörr Jan-Markus , Bellmann-Strobl Judith , Paul Friedemann , Brandt Alexander U 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Cognitive impairment and visual deterioration are two key clinical symptoms in MS and affect 50 to 80% of patients. Little is known about the influence of cognitive impairment on visual tests recommended for MS such as low contrast sensitivity testing. Our objective was to investigate whether low contrast sensitivity testing is influenced by cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.

Methods
Cross-sectional study including 89 patients with relapsing-remitting MS. All patients received cognitive evaluation using Rao’s Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Testing (BRB-N). Visual assessments included low contrast sensitivity (CS) by functional acuity contrast testing and high contrast visual acuity (VA) using ETDRS charts. Retinal morphology as visual impairment correlate was measured using retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness by optical coherence tomography.

Results
In combined analyses using generalized estimating equation models, Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) and RNFL as well as and the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) and RNFL predicted CS. To further control for a potential influence of the anterior visual system we performed partial correlation analyses between visual function and cognitive function test results but controlling for RNFL. Even when controlling for RNFL, CS was associated with PASAT performance and SDMT performance.

Conclusion
Our data show that: a) cognitive impairment and performance in visual function tests such as low contrast sensitivity testing are associated; b) the main cognitive domains correlating with visual test performance are information processing speed and, to a lesser degree, memory; This preliminary data needs to be substantiated in further studies investigating patients with a higher cognitive burden, healthy controls and in longitudinal settings.
PPF dependent fixed point theorems for an "Equation missing" -admissible non-self mapping in the Razumikhin class
Authors: Agarwal Ravi P , Kumam Poom , Sintunavarat Wutiphol 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
In this paper, we introduce the concept of

α
c

-admissible non-self mappings and prove the existence and convergence of the past-present-future (briefly, PPF) dependent fixed point theorems for such mappings in the Razumikhin class. We use these results to prove the PPF dependent fixed point of Bernfeld et al. (Appl. Anal. 6:271-280, 1977) and also apply our results to PPF dependent coincidence point theorems.

MSC:47H09, 47H10.
Stability analysis of a schistosomiasis model with delays
Authors: Guiro Aboudramane , Ouaro Stanislas , Traore Ali 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIn this work, a nonlinear deterministic model for schistosomiasis transmission including delays with two general incidence functions is considered. Rigourous mathematical analysis is done. We show that the stability of the disease-free equilibrium and the existence of an endemic equilibrium for the model are stated in terms of key thresholds parameters known as basic reproduction numberR0. This study of the dynamic of the model is globally asymptotically stable ifR0≤1, and the unique endemic equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable whenR0>1. Some numerical simulations are provided to support the theoretical result with respect toR0in this paper.
Feynman-Kac formula for switching diffusions: connections of systems of partial differential equations and stochastic differential equations
Authors: Baran Nicholas A , Yin George , Zhu Chao 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
This work develops Feynman-Kac formulae for switching diffusion processes. It first recalls the basic notion of a switching diffusion. Then the desired stochastic representations are obtained for boundary value problems, initial boundary value problems, and the initial value problems, respectively. Some examples are also provided.
Lung progenitors from lambs can differentiate into specialized alveolar or bronchiolar epithelial cells
Authors: Archer Fabienne , Abi-Rizk Alain , Desloire Sophie , Dolmazon Christine , Gineys Barbara , Guiguen François , Cottin Vincent , Mornex Jean-François , Leroux Caroline 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Airways progenitors may be involved in embryogenesis and lung repair. The characterization of these important populations may enable development of new therapeutics to treat acute or chronic lung disease. In this study, we aimed to establish the presence of bronchioloalveolar progenitors in ovine lungs and to characterize their potential to differentiate into specialized cells.

Results
Lung cells were studied using immunohistochemistry on frozen sections of the lung. Immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry were conducted on ex-vivo derived pulmonary cells. The bronchioloalveolar progenitors were identified by their co-expression of CCSP, SP-C and CD34. A minor population of CD34pos/SP-Cpos/CCSPpos cells (0.33% ± 0.31) was present ex vivo in cell suspensions from dissociated lungs. Using CD34 magnetic positive-cell sorting, undifferentiated SP-Cpos/CCSPpos cells were purified (>80%) and maintained in culture. Using synthetic media and various extracellular matrices, SP-Cpos/CCSPpos cells differentiated into either club cells (formerly named Clara cells) or alveolar epithelial type-II cells. Furthermore, these ex vivo and in vitro derived bronchioloalveolar progenitors expressed NANOG, OCT4 and BMI1, specifically described in progenitors or stem cells, and during lung development.

Conclusions
We report for the first time in a large animal the existence of bronchioloalveolar progenitors with dual differentiation potential and the expression of specialized genes. These newly described cell population in sheep could be implicated in regeneration of the lung following lesions or in development of diseases such as cancers.
Re-evaluation of glycerol utilization in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: characterization of an isolate that grows on glycerol without supporting supplements
Authors: Swinnen Steve , Klein Mathias , Carrillo Martina , McInnes Joseph , Nguyen Huyen Thanh Thi , Nevoigt Elke 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Glycerol has attracted attention as a carbon source for microbial production processes due to the large amounts of crude glycerol waste resulting from biodiesel production. The current knowledge about the genetics and physiology of glycerol uptake and catabolism in the versatile industrial biotechnology production host Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been mainly based on auxotrophic laboratory strains, and carried out in the presence of growth-supporting supplements such as amino acids and nucleic bases. The latter may have resulted in ambiguous conclusions concerning glycerol growth in this species. The purpose of this study was to re-evaluate growth of S. cerevisiae in synthetic glycerol medium without the addition of supplements.

Results
Initial experiments showed that prototrophic versions of the laboratory strains CEN.PK, W303, and S288c did not exhibit any growth in synthetic glycerol medium without supporting supplements. However, a screening of 52 S. cerevisiae isolates for growth in the same medium revealed a high intraspecies diversity. Within this group significant variation with respect to the lag phase and maximum specific growth rate was observed. A haploid segregant of one good glycerol grower (CBS 6412-13A) was selected for detailed analysis. Single deletions of the genes encoding for the glycerol/H+ symporter (STL1), the glycerol kinase (GUT1), and the mitochondrial FAD+-dependent glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GUT2) abolished glycerol growth in this strain, implying that it uses the same glycerol utilization pathway as previously identified in auxotrophic laboratory strains. Segregant analysis of a cross between CBS 6412-13A and CEN.PK113-1A revealed that the glycerol growth phenotype is a quantitative trait. Genetic linkage and reciprocal hemizygosity analysis demonstrated that GUT1

CBS 6412-13A
is one of the multiple genetic loci contributing to the glycerol growth phenotype.

Conclusion
The S. cerevisiae intraspecies diversity with regard to glycerol growth is a valuable starting point to identify the genetic and molecular basis of this phenotype. This knowledge can be applied for further rational strain improvement with the goal of using glycerol as a carbon source in industrial biotechnology processes based on S. cerevisiae as a production organism.
Evaluation of the fermentation of high gravity thick sugar beet juice worts for efficient bioethanol production
Authors: Dziugan Piotr , Balcerek Maria , Pielech-Przybylska Katarzyna , Patelski Piotr 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Sugar beet and intermediates of sugar beet processing are considered to be very attractive feedstock for ethanol production due to their content of fermentable sugars. In particular, the processing of the intermediates into ethanol is considerably facilitated because it does not require pretreatment or enzymatic treatment in contrast to production from starch raw materials. Moreover, the advantage of thick juice is high solid substance and saccharose content which eliminates problems with the storability of this feedstock.

Results
The objective of this study were to investigate bioethanol production from thick juice worts and the effects of their concentration, the type of mineral supplement, as well as the dose of yeast inoculum on fermentation dynamics and ethanol yield.
The obtained results show that to ensure efficient ethanolic fermentation of high gravity thick juice worts, one needs to use a yeast strain with high ethanol tolerance and a large amount of inoculum. The highest ethanol yield (94.9 ± 2.8% of the theoretical yield) and sugars intake of 96.5 ± 2.9% were obtained after the fermentation of wort with an extract content of 250 g/kg supplemented with diammonium hydrogen phosphate (0.3 g/L of wort) and inoculated with 2 g of Ethanol Red dry yeast per L of wort. An increase in extract content in the fermentation medium from 250 g/L to 280 g/kg resulted in decreased efficiency of the process. Also the distillates originating from worts with an extract content of 250 g/kg were characterized by lower acetaldehyde concentration than those obtained from worts with an extract content of 280 g/kg.

Conclusions
Under the favorable conditions determined in our experiments, 38.9 ± 1.2 L of 100% (v/v) ethyl alcohol can be produced from 100 kg of thick juice. The obtained results show that the selection of process conditions and the yeast for the fermentation of worts with a higher sugar content can improve the economic performance of the alcohol-distilling industry due to more efficient ethanol production, reduced consumption of cooling water, and energy for ethanol distillation, as well as a decreased volume of fermentation stillage.
ChIP-seq in steatohepatitis and normal liver tissue identifies candidate disease mechanisms related to progression to cancer
Authors: Bysani Madhusudhan , Wallerman Ola , Bornelöv Susanne , Zatloukal Kurt , Komorowski Jan , Wadelius Claes 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Steatohepatitis occurs in alcoholic liver disease and may progress to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Its molecular pathogenesis is to a large degree unknown. Histone modifications play a key role in transcriptional regulations as marks for silencing and activation of gene expression and as marks for functional elements. Many transcription factors (TFs) are crucial for the control of the genes involved in metabolism, and abnormality in their function may lead to disease.

Methods
We performed ChIP-seq of the histone modifications H3K4me1, H3K4me3 and H3K27ac and a candidate transcription factor (USF1) in liver tissue from patients with steatohepatitis and normal livers and correlated results to mRNA-expression and genotypes.

Results
We found several regions that are differentially enriched for histone modifications between disease and normal tissue, and qRT-PCR results indicated that the expression of the tested genes strongly correlated with differential enrichment of histone modifications but is independent of USF1 enrichment. By gene ontology analysis of differentially modified genes we found many disease associated genes, some of which had previously been implicated in the etiology of steatohepatitis. Importantly, the genes associated to the strongest histone peaks in the patient were over-represented in cancer specific pathways suggesting that the tissue was on a path to develop to cancer, a common complication to the disease. We also found several novel SNPs and GWAS catalogue SNPs that are candidates to be functional and therefore needs further study.

Conclusion
In summary we find that analysis of chromatin features in tissue samples provides insight into disease mechanisms.
Human development dynamics: an agent based simulation of macro social systems and individual heterogeneous evolutionary games
Authors: Abdollahian Mark , Yang Zining , Coan Travis , Yesilada Birol 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPurposeIn the context of modernization and development, a complex adaptive systems framework can help address the coupling of macro social constraint and opportunity with individual agency. Combining system dynamics and agent based modeling, we formalize a simulation approach of the Human Development (HD) perspective to explore the interactive effects of economics, culture, society and politics across multiple human scales.MethodsBased on a system of asymmetric, coupled nonlinear equations, we first capture the core qualitative logic of HD theory, empirically validated from World Values Survey (WVS) data. Using a simple evolutionary game approach, second we fuse endogenously derived individual socio-economic attribute changes with Prisoner’s Dilemma in an agent based model of the interactive political-cultural effects of heterogeneous, spatial intra-societal economic transactions. We then explore a new human development dynamics (HDD) model behavior via quasi-global simulation methods to identify paths and pitfalls towards economic development, cultural plasticity, social and political change behavior.ResultsOur preliminary results suggest strong nonlinear path dependence and complexity in three areas: adaptive development processes, co-evolutionary societal transactions and near equilibrium development trajectories, with significant implications for anticipating and managing positive development outcomes. Strong local epistatic interactions characterized by adaptive co-evolution, shape higher order global conditions and ultimately societal outcomes.ConclusionsTechno-social simulations such as this can provide scholars and policymakers alike insights into the nonlinear, complex adaptive effects of societal co-evolution. We believe complex adaptive or evolutionary systems approaches are necessary to understand both near and potentially catastrophic, far-from-equilibrium behavior and societal outcomes across all human scales of modernization.
Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) regulates the response to oxidative stress and migration of breast cancer cells
Authors: Leung Travis , Rajendran Ramkumar , Singh Subir , Garva Richa , Krstic-Demonacos Marija , Demonacos Constantinos 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Introduction
The cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes are a class of heme-containing enzymes involved in phase I metabolism of a large number of xenobiotics. The CYP family member CYP2E1 metabolises many xenobiotics and pro-carcinogens, it is not just expressed in the liver but also in many other tissues such as the kidney, the lung, the brain, the gastrointestinal tract and the breast tissue. It is induced in several pathological conditions including cancer, obesity, and type II diabetes implying that this enzyme is implicated in other biological processes beyond its role in phase I metabolism. Despite the detailed description of the role of CYP2E1 in the liver, its functions in other tissues have not been extensively studied. In this study, we investigated the functional significance of CYP2E1 in breast carcinogenesis.

Methods
Cellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured by H2DCFDA (2 2.9.2 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate) staining and autophagy was assessed by tracing the cellular levels of autophagy markers using western blot assays. The endoplasmic reticulum stress and the unfolded protein response (UPR) were detected by luciferase assays reflecting the splicing of mRNA encoding the X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1) transcription factor and cell migration was evaluated using the scratch wound assay. Gene expression was recorded with standard transcription assays including luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation.

Results
Ectopic expression of CYP2E1 induced ROS generation, affected autophagy, stimulated endoplasmic reticulum stress and inhibited migration in breast cancer cells with different metastatic potential and p53 status. Furthermore, evidence is presented indicating that CYP2E1 gene expression is under the transcriptional control of the p53 tumor suppressor.

Conclusions
These results support the notion that CYP2E1 exerts an important role in mammary carcinogenesis, provide a potential link between ethanol metabolism and breast cancer and suggest that progression, and metastasis, of advanced stages of breast cancer can be modulated by induction of CYP2E1 activity.
Clinical stakeholders’ opinions on the use of selective decontamination of the digestive tract in critically ill patients in intensive care units: an international Delphi study
Authors: Cuthbertson Brian H , Campbell Marion K , MacLennan Graeme , Duncan Eilidh M , Marshall Andrea P , Wells Elisabeth C , Prior Maria E , Todd Laura , Rose Louise , Seppelt Ian M , Bellingan Geoff , Francis Jill J 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) is a prophylactic antibiotic regimen that is not widely used in practice. We aimed to describe the opinions of key ‘stakeholders’ about the validity of the existing evidence base, likely consequences of implementation, relative importance of their opinions in influencing overall practice, likely barriers to implementation and perceptions of the requirement for further research to inform the decision about whether to embark on a further large randomised controlled trial.

Methods
This was a Delphi study informed by comprehensive framework of possible determinants of health professionals’ behaviour to study Critical Care practice in four countries. There were four key stakeholder participant groups including ICU physicians, pharmacists, clinical leads, and clinical microbiologists/ infectious disease physicians. Round one comprised participant interviews and Rounds two and three were online questionnaires using Delphi method.

Results
In this study, 141 participants were recruited of whom 82% were retained. Participants rated themselves as knowledgeable about SDD. Antibiotic resistance was identified as the most important issue. SDD was seen as a low clinical priority but few participants reported strong opposition. There was moderate agreement that research to date has not adequately addressed concerns about antibiotic resistance and lacks generalizability. Participants indicated equipoise with regard to benefits and harms of SDD, and indicated strong support for a further randomised trial.

Conclusions
Clinicians have clinical equipoise about the effectiveness of SDD. Future research requires longer follow up to assess antibiotic resistance as well as greater validity/generalizability to provide definitive answers on the effectiveness of decontamination and effects on antibiotic resistance. SDD was regarded as not being a high clinical priority, which may limit future trial participation. These results have identified that further large randomised controlled trial of SDD in critical care is both warranted and appropriate.