bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Probabilistic Risk Assessment of the Rice Cropping Schedule for Central Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Nemoto Manabu , Hamasaki Takahiro , Sameshima Ryoji , Kumagai Etsushi , Ohno Hiroyuki , Wakiyama Yasuyuki , Maruyama Atsushi , Goto Shinkichi , Ozawa Kiyoshi 
Published: March 2012

AbstractA framework for the probabilistic risk assessment of the rice (Oryza sativa L.) cropping schedule (PRARCS) is presented. The method accounts for interannual meteorological variation, as opposed to the traditional cultivation schedule planning method, which is based on the seasonal change in long-term average air temperature. PRARCS uses an arbitrary developmental index model to estimate the timing of the heading stage, which is required to assess the risks of cold or heat damage and productivity. All results of risk assessment and productivity are linked to transplanting date as the most important cultivation practice for irrigated rice paddies. The results of assessments using PRARCS at Iwamizawa, central Hokkaido, Japan, indicated that for the current climate the optimal transplanting period is the end of May, and this corresponds to the actual transplanting dates used and the increasing risks and decreasing productivity with earlier or later transplanting. Assessment using projected climatic data for the period 2031–50 showed that Akitakomachi and Hitomebore, present-day cultivars in the Tohoku region, could achieve satisfactory productivity in central Hokkaido. For the term 2081–2100, assessment using an extreme warming projection (4.7°C higher than at present) indicated that the probability of heat damage (white-based rice and heat sterility) is once every 2 yr for some transplanting dates and that cold risks (transplanting damage, cold injury, and immature ripening) are reduced. It was also found that the cultivar Koshihikari, at present suited to more southern regions, could be cultivated in central Hokkaido in 2081–2100 if transplanting is conducted in early May.
Are written instructions enough? Efficacy of male condom packaging leaflets among college students
Authors: Lindemann Dana F , Harbke Colin R 
Published: March 2012

Objective: To evaluate whether or not written condom use instructions successfully inform correct condom use skills. Design: Between-subjects, two-group design. Setting: Public university located in rural Midwestern region of the United States. Method: Participants were randomly assigned to either a control condition (read physical exercise instructions) or a treatment condition (read condom use instructions). Participants answered self-report questions related to condom use and performed a condom demonstration task. Participants: Participants were 106 male and 87 female college students, primarily in their freshmen (52%) or sophomore (22%) year. Results: On average, participants who read the condom instructions did not perform significantly better on the demonstration task. When the specific condom application and removal steps were considered, however, those who read the condom instructions had four times greater odds of successfully pinching the reservoir tip during condom application. Conclusions: These data suggest that the benefits of written instructions are limited and do not fully inform correct condom use.
Shigella flexneriutilize the spectrin cytoskeleton during invasion and comet tail generation
Authors: Ruetz Tyson J , Lin Ann E , Guttman Julian A 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background
The spectrin cytoskeleton is emerging as an important host cell target of enteric bacterial pathogens. Recent studies have identified a crucial role for spectrin and its associated proteins during key pathogenic processes of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella Typhimurium infections. Here we investigate the involvement of spectrin cytoskeletal components during the pathogenesis of the invasive pathogen Shigella flexneri.

Results
Immunofluorescent microscopy reveals that protein 4.1 (p4.1), but not adducin or spectrin, is robustly recruited to sites of S. flexneri membrane ruffling during epithelial cell invasion. Through siRNA-mediated knockdowns, we identify an important role for spectrin and the associated proteins adducin and p4.1 during S. flexneri invasion. Following internalization, all three proteins are recruited to the internalized bacteria, however upon generation of actin-rich comet tails, we observed spectrin recruitment to those structures in the absence of adducin or p4.1.

Conclusion
These findings highlight the importance of the spectrin cytoskeletal network during S. flexneri pathogenesis and further demonstrate that pathogenic events that were once thought to exclusively recruit the actin cytoskeletal system require additional cytoskeletal networks.
Detection of air trapping in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by low frequency ultrasound
Authors: Morenz Katrin , Biller Heike , Wolfram Frank , Leonhadt Steffen , Rüter Dirk , Glaab Thomas , Uhlig Stefan , Hohlfeld Jens M 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background
Spirometry is regarded as the gold standard for the diagnosis of COPD, yet the condition is widely underdiagnosed. Therefore, additional screening methods that are easy to perform and to interpret are needed. Recently, we demonstrated that low frequency ultrasound (LFU) may be helpful for monitoring lung diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether LFU can be used to detect air trapping in COPD. In addition, we evaluated the ability of LFU to detect the effects of short-acting bronchodilator medication.

Methods
Seventeen patients with COPD and 9 healthy subjects were examined by body plethysmography and LFU. Ultrasound frequencies ranging from 1 to 40 kHz were transmitted to the sternum and received at the back during inspiration and expiration. The high pass frequency was determined from the inspiratory and the expiratory signals and their difference termed ΔF. Measurements were repeated after inhalation of salbutamol.

Results
We found significant differences in ΔF between COPD subjects and healthy subjects. These differences were already significant at GOLD stage 1 and increased with the severity of COPD. Sensitivity for detection of GOLD stage 1 was 83% and for GOLD stages worse than 1 it was 91%. Bronchodilator effects could not be detected reliably.

Conclusions
We conclude that low frequency ultrasound is cost-effective, easy to perform and suitable for detecting air trapping. It might be useful in screening for COPD.

Trial Registration
ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01080924
Inhibition of HIV-1 replication with stable RNAi-mediated knockdown of autophagy factors
Authors: Eekels Julia JM , Sagnier Sophie , Geerts Dirk , Jeeninga Rienk E , Biard-Piechaczyk Martine , Berkhout Ben 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Autophagy is a cellular process leading to the degradation of cytoplasmic components such as organelles and intracellular pathogens. It has been shown that HIV-1 relies on several components of the autophagy pathway for its replication, but the virus also blocks late steps of autophagy to prevent its degradation. We generated stable knockdown T cell lines for 12 autophagy factors and analyzed the impact on HIV-1 replication. RNAi-mediated knockdown of 5 autophagy factors resulted in inhibition of HIV-1 replication. Autophagy analysis confirmed a specific defect in the autophagy pathway for 4 of these 5 factors. We also scored the impact on cell viability, but no gross effects were observed. Upon simultaneous knockdown of 2 autophagy factors (Atg16 and Atg5), an additive inhibitory effect was scored on HIV-1 replication. Stable knockdown of several autophagy factors inhibit HIV-1 replication without any apparent cytotoxicity. We therefore propose that targeting of the autophagy pathway can be a novel therapeutic approach against HIV-1
Glycyrrhizin and isoliquiritigenin suppress the LPS sensor Toll-like receptor 4/MD-2 complex signaling in a different manner
Authors: Honda Hiroe , Nagai Yoshinori , Matsunaga Takayuki , Saitoh Shin-ichiro , Akashi-Takamura Sachiko , Hayashi Hiroaki , Fujii Isao , Miyake Kensuke , Muraguchi Atsushi , Takatsu Kiyoshi 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTRecent evidences suggest that the extracts of plant products are able to modulate innate immune responses. A saponin GL and a chalcone ILG are representative components of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, which attenuate inflammatory responses mediated by TLRs. Here, we show that GL and ILG suppress different steps of the LPS sensor TLR4/MD-2 complex signaling at the receptor level. Extract of G. uralensis suppressed IL-6 and TNF-α production induced by lipid A moiety of LPS in RAW264.7 cells. Among various G. uralensis-related components of saponins and flavanones/chalcones, GL and ILG could suppress IL-6 production induced by lipid A in dose-dependent manners in RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, elevation of plasma TNF-α in LPS-injected mice was attenuated by passive administration of GL or ILG. GL and ILG inhibited lipid A-induced NF-κB activation in Ba/F3 cells expressing TLR4/MD-2 and CD14 and BMMs. These components also inhibited activation of MAPKs, including JNK, p38, and ERK in BMMs. In addition, GL and ILG inhibited NF-κB activation and IL-6 production induced by paclitaxel, a nonbacterial TLR4 ligand. Interestingly, GL attenuated the formation of the LPS-TLR4/MD-2 complexes, resulting in inhibition of homodimerization of TLR4. Although ILG did not affect LPS binding to TLR4/MD-2, it could inhibit LPS-induced TLR4 homodimerization. These results imply that GL and ILG modulate the TLR4/MD-2 complex at the receptor level, leading to suppress LPS-induced activation of signaling cascades and cytokine production, but their effects are exerted at different steps of TLR4/MD-2 signaling.
Quantitative Analysis of Operating Room Inventory Management Practices at a Tertiary Cancer Center
Authors: Quereshy Fayez A. , Milner Joseph 
Published: March 2012

Purpose: In Ontario, health care spending has grown to 45% of total government expenditures. In a public health care system, changes in demographics and the emergence of innovative technologies challenge our ability to adapt to evolving patient needs. To maintain a high standard of clinical effectiveness, there is a need to identify opportunities to improve health care delivery. This study was structured to meet the following objectives: to understand the operating room (OR) inventory practices at a tertiary academic hospital, to mathematically model this process to ascertain service levels based on changes in inventory and demand, and to define the appropriate level of reusable inventory for open and laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed OR throughput for all cases of colorectal cancer from January 1, 2010, to January 31, 2011. The process flow of OR instrumentation was studied to understand delays in the provision of inventory. Combining total surgeries performed with surgeon-specific instrument preferences generated daily instrument demand. We fitted parametric demand distributions for two instrument sets for major colon resections. Markovian models were used to estimate the distribution of available inventory and the likelihood of insufficient instruments on any given day. Results: We reviewed 1,458 cases, 39.5% of which involved major open surgery, whereas 26.2% involved laparoscopic surgery. Demand for open and laparoscopic instrument sets was observed to fit binomial (20, 0.15) and Poisson (1.41) distributions, respectively. On the basis of these curves, we estimated the probability distribution of the in-stock inventory and, subsequently, the probability that demand would exceed supply on any given day ( Table 1 ). In particular, with 10 open and six laparoscopic sets currently owned by the institution, the probabilities that there would be insufficient inventory were 3.02% and 2.17%, respectively. [Table: see text] Conclusion: This analysis will guide purchasing decisions based on desired service levels and forecasted changes in demand. Furthermore, by ensuring that demand is being serviced, this analysis will help to curb loss of revenue, decrease wait times, and limit potential patient morbidity. Strategic purchasing can also reduce excessive inventory and therefore minimize shrinkage and obsolescence and increase working capital and institutional flexibility.
Achieving Meaningful Use and Operational Efficiency
Authors: Govil Mithi , Wood Carla , Barr Thomas R. 
Published: March 2012

Purpose: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), through the Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program, are providing incentive payments to eligible professionals as they demonstrate meaningful use of certified EHR technology. Eligible professionals can receive up to $44,000 over a 5-year period for Medicare participation if they successfully demonstrate the ability to automatically generate, transmit, and meet thresholds for specific reporting elements from the EHR. Meeting the meaningful use requirement involves a reorganization of workflow within the clinical setting so that the data elements necessary to produce the relevant measurements are documented in the electronic medical record (EMR) as they are delivered. A by-product of this is operational efficiency improvement in three areas: coordination of data input throughout the care team to reduce or remove bottlenecks, assignment of responsibility for specific activity, and real-time objective monitoring of the work process. Methods: Using the reporting system functionality of a certified EMR deployed in a two-physician medical oncology practice at the New London Cancer Center, the objective measurement of the ability of each of the eligible providers in the clinic to improve their individual MU scores was tracked. Analysis of the progress of each provider revealed gaps. Process issues were identified by work group: secretaries, laboratory preparation and phlebotomy staff, nurses, and clinicians. The designated physician leader met with each group to discuss the sections relevant to that particular group. Results: By discovering and addressing work processes that were not utilizing the ability of the EHR to capture and document (ie, meaningful use of the EHR), rapid progress that affected all of the eligible providers and all patients cared for was made. Changes resulted in increased clarity of clinical and administrative responsibilities during patient processing and clinical care provision. Meaningful use attestation was completed in 14 weeks. Conclusion: Completion of the documentation necessary to meet the requirements of the EHR Incentive Program led to the discovery of systemic inefficiencies in administrative and clinical workflows. Addressing these bottlenecks, along with using the reporting capability of the EHR to measure the impact of workflow changes, enabled the administrative and care teams to make changes quickly and effectively. The certified EHR provided guidance and status-reporting capabilities that allowed the practice to achieve the meaningful use requirement.
Wise Investment? Modeling Industry Profitability and Risk of Targeted Chemotherapy for Incurable Solid Cancers
Authors: Conter Henry J. , Chu Quincy S.C. 
Published: March 2012

Purpose: Pharmaceutical development involves substantial financial risk. This risk, rising development costs, and the promotion of continued research and development have been cited as major drivers in the progressive increase in drug prices. Currently, cost-effective analyses are being used to determine the value of treatment. However, cost-effective analyses practically function as a threshold for value and do not directly address the rationale for drug prices. We set out to create a functional model for industry price decisions and clarify the minimum acceptable profitability of new drugs. Methods: Assuming that industry should only invest in profitable ventures, we employed a linear cost-volume-profit breakeven analysis to equate initial capital investment and risk and post–drug-approval profits, where drug development represents the bulk of investment. A Markov decision analysis model was also used to define the relationships between investment events risk. A systematic literature search was performed to determine event probabilities, clinical trial costs, and total expenses as inputs into the model. Disease-specific inputs, current market size across regions, and lengths of treatment for cancer types were also included. Results: With development of single novel chemotherapies costing from $802 to $1,042 million (2002 US dollars), pharmaceutical profits should range from $4.3 to $5.2 billion, with an expected rate of return on investment of 11% annually. However, diversification across cancer types for chemotherapy can reduce the minimum required profit to less than $3 billion. For optimal diversification, industry should study four tumor types per drug; however, nonprofit organizations could tolerate eight parallel development tracks to minimize the risk of development failure. Assuming that pharmaceutical companies hold exclusive rights for drug sales for only 5 years after market approval, the minimum required profit per drug per month per patient ranges from $294 for end-stage lung cancer to $3,231 for end-stage renal cell carcinoma. Conclusion: Pharmaceutical development in oncology is costly, with substantial risk, but is also highly profitable. Minimum acceptable profits per drug per month of treatment per patient vary with prevalence of disease, but they should be less than $5,000 per month of treatment in the developed world. Minimum acceptable profits may be lower for treatments with additional efficacy in the earlier stages of a tumor type. However, this type of event could not be statistically modeled.
Down-Regulation of Type I Runx2 Mediated by Dexamethasone Is Required for 3T3-L1 Adipogenesis
Authors: Zhang You-you , Li Xi , Qian Shu-wen , Guo Liang , Huang Hai-yan , He Qun , Liu Yuan , Ma Chun-gu , Tang Qi-Qun 
Published: March 2012

AbstractRunx2, a runt-related transcriptional factor family member, is involved in the regulation of osteoblast differentiation. Interestingly, it is abundant in growth-arrested 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and was dramatically down-regulated during adipocyte differentiation. Knockdown of Runx2 expression promoted 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation, whereas overexpression inhibited adipocyte differentiation and promoted the trans-differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes to bone cells. Runx2 was down-regulated specifically by dexamethasone (DEX). Only type I Runx2 was expressed in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Using luciferase assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation-quantitative PCR analysis, it was found that DEX repressed this type of Runx2 at the transcriptional level through direct binding of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) to a GR-binding element in the Runx2 P2 promoter. Further studies indicated that GR recruited histone deacetylase 1 to the Runx2 P2 promoter which then mediated the deacetylation of histone H4 and down-regulated Runx2 expression. Runx2 might play its repressive role through the induction of p27 expression, which blocked 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation by inhibiting mitotic clonal expansion. Taken together, we identified Runx2 as a new downstream target of DEX and explored a new pathway between DEX, Runx2, and p27 which contributed to the mechanism of the 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation.
Low radiation dose non-contrast cardiac CT: is it of value in the evaluation of mechanical aortic valve
Authors: Bazeed Mohamed Fayez , Moselhy Mohamed Saleh , Rezk Ahmad Ibrahim , Al-Murayeh Mushabab Ayedh 
Published: March 2012

Background Prosthetic bileaflet mechanical valve function has been traditionally evaluated using echocardiography and fluoroscopy. Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is a novel technique for cardiac evaluation. Purpose To evaluate bileaflet mechanical aortic valves using a low-milliampere (mA), non-contrast MDCT protocol with a limited scan range. Material and Methods Forty patients with a bileaflet mechanical aortic valve were evaluated using a non-contrast, low-mA, ECG-gated 64 MDCT protocol with a limited scan range. MDCT findings of opening and closing valve angles were correlated to fluoroscopy and echocardiography. Also, the valve visibility was evaluated on MDCT and fluoroscopy according to a 3-point grading scale. Results The visualization score with the MDCT was significantly superior to the fluoroscopy (3 vs. 2.7). A strong correlation was noted between the opening (r = 0.82) and closing (r = 0.96) valve angles with MDCT and fluoroscopy without a statistically significant difference ( P = 0.31 and 0.16, respectively). The mean effective radiation dose of the suggested protocol was 4 ± 0.5 mSv. Five valves were evaluated using transesophageal echocardiography because the valves were difficult to evaluate with transthoracic echocardiography, and all of these valves were evaluated optimally with MDCT. A high-pressure gradient was noted in nine valves, and the MDCT showed that seven of these valves inadequately opened, and two valves opened well, which resulted in patient valve mismatch. Incomplete valve closure was noted in five valves, and the echocardiography showed significant transvalvular regurgitation in all five valves. Conclusion MDCT can provide a precise measurement of valve function and can potentially evaluate high-pressure gradients and transvalvular regurgitation.
Efficacy of Subgingivally Delivered Simvastatin in the Treatment of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized Double‐Masked Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Pradeep A.R. , Rao Nishanth S. , Bajaj Pavan , Kumari Minal 
Published: March 2012

Background: Simvastatin (SMV) is a specific competitive inhibitor of 3‐hydroxy‐2‐methyl‐glutaryl coenzyme A reductase. Recently, it has been reported that statins promote bone formation. The present study is designed to investigate the effectiveness of 1.2% SMV in an indigenously prepared, biodegradable, controlled‐release gel as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic periodontitis (CP).Methods: Thirty‐eight patients were categorized into two treatment groups: SRP plus 1.2% SMV and SRP plus placebo. Clinical parameters were recorded at baseline before SRP and at 3, 6, and 9 months; they included modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL). At baseline and after 6 and 9 months, radiologic assessment of intrabony defect (IBD) fill was done using computer‐aided software.Results: Mean PD reduction and mean CAL gain were found to be greater in the SMV group than the placebo group at 3, 6, and 9 months. Furthermore, significantly greater mean percentage of bone fill was found in the SMV group (32.64% ± 12.90%) compared to the placebo group (4.22% ± 9.75%) after 9 months.Conclusion: There was a greater decrease in mSBI and PD and more CAL gain with significant IBD fill at sites treated with SRP plus locally delivered SMV in patients with type 2 diabetes and CP.