bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On symmetry of nonnegative solutions of elliptic equations
Authors: Poláčik P. 
Published: March 2011

We consider the Dirichlet problem for a class of fully nonlinear elliptic equations on a bounded domain

Ω

. We assume that

Ω

is symmetric about a hyperplane

H

and convex in the direction perpendicular to

H

. By a well-known result of Gidas, Ni and Nirenberg and its generalizations, all positive solutions are reflectionally symmetric about

H

and decreasing away from the hyperplane in the direction orthogonal to

H

. For nonnegative solutions, this result is not always true. We show that, nonetheless, the symmetry part of the result remains valid for nonnegative solutions: any nonnegative solution

u

is symmetric about

H

. Moreover, we prove that if

u≢0

, then the nodal set of

u

divides the domain

Ω

into a finite number of reflectionally symmetric subdomains in which

u

has the usual Gidas–Ni–Nirenberg symmetry and monotonicity properties. We also show several examples of nonnegative solutions with a nonempty interior nodal set.

Résumé

Nous considérons le problème de Dirichlet pour une classe dʼéquations elliptiques complètement non-linéaires sur un domaine borné

Ω

. Nous supposons que

Ω

est symétrique par rapport à un hyperplan

H

et convexe dans la direction perpendiculaire à

H

. Par un résultat bien connu de Gidas, Ni et Nirenberg ainsi que par ses généralisations, toutes les solutions positives sont symétriques par rapport à une réflextion de

H

et décroissent à partir de leur distance de lʼhyperplan dans la direction orthogonale à

H

. Pour les solutions non-négatives, ce résultat nʼest pas toujours vrai. Nous montrons que, néanmoins, le résultat sur la symétrie reste valable pour les solutions positives : toute solution non-négative

u

est symétrique par rapport à

H

. En outre, nous montrons que si

u≢0

, alors lʼensemble nodal de

u

divise le domaine

Ω

en un nombre fini de sous-domaines symétriques sous réflextion dans lesquels

u

possède la symétrie habituelle de Gidas–Ni–Nirenberg et des propriétés de monotonie. Nous montrons aussi plusieurs exemples de solutions positives avec un ensemble nodal intérieur non vide.
Paediatric coronary artery bypass grafting for coronary hypoperfusion late after arterial switch operation
Authors: Bakhtiary Farhad , Bellinghausen Wilfried , Kostelka Martin 
Published: March 2011

AbstractA case of left main coronary artery stenosis is presented in a boy late after an arterial switch operation, with significant ischaemia during exercise with good collateralisation through the right coronary artery. The problem was successfully managed with minimally invasive off-pump coronary artery bypass through median re-sternotomy.
Subjective Memory in Multiple Sclerosis is Associated with Initial-Trial Learning Performance
Authors: Krch Denise , Sumowski James F. , DeLuca John , Chiaravalloti Nancy 
Published: March 2011

AbstractSubjective reports of memory functioning are often included as part of neuropsychological evaluations. However, information from subjective measures often conflicts with formal testing results. The current study explored the relationships among self-reported memory functioning and objective learning and memory measures. Sixty-four multiple sclerosis (MS) patients completed a self-report memory questionnaire (Memory Functioning Questionnaire, MFQ) and objective measures of learning and memory (California Verbal Learning Test-II, CVLT-II; Open-Trial Selective Reminding Test, OT-SRT; and Prose Memory, PM). Significant positive correlations were found between self-reported memory functioning and recall following initial exposure to material: OT-SRT Trial 1 (r = .42; p = .001); CVLT-II Trial 1 (r = .39; p = .002): PM Immediate Recall (r = .28; p = .028). Subjective memory was unrelated to recall performance on subsequent learning trials, aggregate learning scores, or delayed free recall. Results suggest that self-reported memory functioning in MS patients may be specifically related to single-trial learning. (JINS, 2011, 17, 557–561)
The role of oxidized cytochrome c in regulating mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production and its perturbation in ischaemia
Authors: Pasdois Philippe , Parker Joanne E. , Griffiths Elinor J. , Halestrap Andrew P. 
Published: March 2011

Oxidized cytochrome c is a powerful superoxide scavenger within the mitochondrial IMS (intermembrane space), but the importance of this role in situ has not been well explored. In the present study, we investigated this with particular emphasis on whether loss of cytochrome c from mitochondria during heart ischaemia may mediate the increased production of ROS (reactive oxygen species) during subsequent reperfusion that induces mPTP (mitochondrial permeability transition pore) opening. Mitochondrial cytochrome c depletion was induced in vitro with digitonin or by 30 min ischaemia of the perfused rat heart. Control and cytochrome c-deficient mitochondria were incubated with mixed respiratory substrates and an ADP-regenerating system (State 3.5) to mimic physiological conditions. This contrasts with most published studies performed with a single substrate and without significant ATP turnover. Cytochrome c-deficient mitochondria produced more H2O2 than control mitochondria, and exogenous cytochrome c addition reversed this increase. In the presence of increasing [KCN] rates of H2O2 production by both pre-ischaemic and end-ischaemic mitochondria correlated with the oxidized cytochrome c content, but not with rates of respiration or NAD(P)H autofluorescence. Cytochrome c loss during ischaemia was not mediated by mPTP opening (cyclosporine-A insensitive), neither was it associated with changes in mitochondrial Bax, Bad, Bak or Bid. However, bound HK2 (hexokinase 2) and Bcl-xL were decreased in end-ischaemic mitochondria. We conclude that cytochrome c loss during ischaemia, caused by outer membrane permeabilization, is a major determinant of H2O2 production by mitochondria under pathophysiological conditions. We further suggest that in hypoxia, production of H2O2 to activate signalling pathways may be also mediated by decreased oxidized cytochrome c and less superoxide scavenging.
Anti-ischaemic effects of bilobalide on neonatal rat cardiomyocytes and the involvement of the platelet-activating factor receptor
Authors: Maerz Stefanie , Liu Chun-Hua , Guo Wei , Zhu Yi-Zhun 
Published: March 2011

Terpene trilactones from Ginkgo biloba have been investigated extensively for their antioxidant and anti-ischaemic activities on the brain and the heart, but the mechanisms of these effects remain unclear. For the present study, a terpenoid constituent from G. biloba, bilobalide, was screened for protective effects on the ischaemic heart and the involvement of the PAFR [PAF (platelet-activating factor) receptor] and the enzyme that degrades PAF, PAF-AH (PAF acetylhydrolase) during hypoxia. The PAF pathway is supposed to play a role in hypoxia and its regulation may prevent or alleviate MI (myocardial infarction). Cardiomyocytes from neonatal rat hearts were cultured and treated with different concentrations of bilobalide (500–0.5 ng/ml). After being subjected to a hypoxic environment, the cells' viability was evaluated and proteins as well as RNA were extracted for analysis by Western blotting and RT–PCR (reverse transcription PCR) respectively. With the MI model we tested for bilobalide's cardioprotective effects and the involvement of PAFR and PAF-AH. Bilobalide (5 ng/ml) significantly decreased the mortality of cells in a concentration-dependent way. mRNA expression of PAFR was up-regulated in hypoxic cells but in the groups treated with bilobalide, its expression was down-regulated to the level of the normal control. In hypoxic tissue, PAFR protein expression was also up-regulated, but was reduced in the bilobalide (10 mg/kg of body weight) treated group. Our results indicate that PAF and its receptor may be involved in the cellular response of cardiomyocytes to hypoxia and that bilobalide may interact with this receptor to exert its cardioprotective effects.
Disturbance in function and expression of condensin affects chromosome compaction in HeLa cells
Authors: Zhai Lei , Wang Hongzhen , Tang Wen , Liu Wenguang , Hao Shui , Zeng Xianlu 
Published: March 2011

AbstractCondensin, a major non‐histone protein complex on chromosomes, is responsible for the formation of rod‐shaped chromosome in mitosis. A heterodimer composed of SMC2 (structural maintenance of chromosomes) and SMC4 subunits constitutes the core part of condensin. Although extensive studies have been done in yeast, fruit fly and Xenopus to uncover the mechanisms and molecular nature of SMC proteins, little is known about the complex in mammalian cells. We have conducted a series of experiments to unveil the nature of condensin complex in human chromosome formation. The results show that overexpression of the C‐terminal domain of SMC subunits disturbs chromosome condensation, leading to formation of swollen chromosomes, while knockdown of SMC subunits severely disturbs mitotic chromosome formation, resulting in chromatin bridges between daughter cells and multiple nuclei in single cells. The salt extraction assay indicates that a fraction of the condensin complex is bound to chromatin in interphase, but most of the condensin bind to chromatin at the onset of mitosis. Thus, disturbance in condensin function or expression affects chromosome condensation and influences mitotic progression.
βig‐h3 regulates store‐operated Ca2+ entry and promotes the invasion of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Guo Yun‐Shan , Tang Juan , Chen Bo , Huang Wan , Li Yong , Cui Hong‐Yong , Zhang Xin , Wang Shi‐Jie , Chen Zhi‐Nan , Jiang Jian‐Li 
Published: March 2011

Abstractβig‐h3 is a TGF‐β (transforming growth factor β)‐induced ECM (extracellular matrix) protein that induces the secretion of MMPs (matrix metalloproteinases). However, the mechanism of induction is yet to be established. In this study, siRNAs (small interfering RNAs) targeted against βig‐h3 were transfected into SMMC‐7721 cells [a HCC (human hepatocellular carcinoma) cell line] to knockdown the expression of βig‐h3. We found that NiCl2, a potent blocker of extracellular Ca2+ entry, reduced βig‐h3‐induced secretion of MMP‐2 and −9. Further investigation suggested that reduction in the levels of βig‐h3 decreased the secretion of MMP‐2 and −9 that was enhanced by an increase in the concentration of extracellular Ca2+. SNAP (S‐nitroso‐N‐acetylpenicillamine), a NO (nitric oxide) donor, and 8‐Br‐cGMP (8‐bromo‐cGMP) inhibited thapsigargin‐induced Ca2+ entry and MMP secretion in the invasive potential of human SMMC‐7721 cells. Further, the inhibitory effects of 8‐Br‐cGMP and SNAP could be significantly enhanced by down‐regulating βig‐h3. βig‐h3 attenuates the negative regulation of NO/cGMP‐sensitive store‐operated Ca2+ entry. Our findings suggest that the expression of βig‐h3 might play an important role in the regulation of store‐operated Ca2+ entry to increase the invasive potential of HCC cells.
Clostridium difficile Infection and Treatment in the Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Population
Authors: Mezoff Ethan , Mann Elizabeth A , Hart Kim Ward , Lindsell Christopher J , Cohen Mitchell B 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTObjective:Recent changes in the epidemiology of Clostridium difficile infection include an increase in the incidence of C difficile–associated disease (CDAD) and the identification of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as a group at risk. In addition, the effectiveness of antimicrobial therapies has been questioned. Our aim was to estimate the incidence of CDAD in a pediatric IBD population and review treatment efficacy.Patients and Methods:We identified patients ages 18 years or younger from our center's IBD database who tested positive for C difficile toxin A and/or B between August 1, 2007 and December 31, 2008. Demographic information and treatment details were recorded. Chi‐square and Fisher exact tests were used to compare categorical variables and the Student t test was used for continuous variables.Results:From 372 pediatric patients with IBD, we identified 29 patients who experienced a total of 40 cases of CDAD. The annualized incidence rate of CDAD was 7.2%. Initial treatment was successful in 17 cases (43%). Eventual success was documented with metronidazole in 15 cases (41%), with vancomycin in 16 cases (43%), and with other agents or a combination of agents in 6 cases (16%). Age, sex, and IBD type were not associated with initial treatment outcome or recurrence. The choice of initial antimicrobial treatment was not associated with treatment outcome. The type of IBD therapy medication was not associated with the likelihood of CDAD recurrence, although the use of anti‐inflammatory therapy was positively associated with initial antimicrobial treatment success.Conclusions:CDAD occurred frequently in our cohort of pediatric patients with IBD. Antimicrobial treatment success was achieved equally with either metronidazole or vancomycin. Initial treatment failed more than half of the time, regardless of medication choice. Apparent lack of antimicrobial efficacy in resolving symptoms may reflect resistant C difficile infection or increased IBD severity in a subset of patients who are C difficile carriers. Awareness of the potential for a high incidence of CDAD and frequent failure rate of initial therapy is important in the management of children with IBD.
New Effective Treatment Regimen for Children Infected With a Double‐resistant Helicobacter pylori Strain
Authors: Schwarzer A , Urruzuno P , Iwańczak B , Martínez‐Gómez MZ , Kalach N , Roma‐Giannikou E , Liptay S , Bontem P , Buderus S , Wenzl TG , Koletzko S ,   ESPGHAN Working Group on Helicobacter pylori Infection
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTBackground:The increasing number of pediatric patients infected with multiresistant Helicobacter pylori strains calls for evaluation of treatment regimens. Second‐line antibiotics such as tetracycline or quinolones are not licensed for children. Because in vivo resistance to metronidazole may be overcome in vivo by a high dose and prolonged intake, we evaluated the eradication rate and side effects of a high‐dose triple therapy in pediatric patients with culture‐proven double resistance.Patients and Methods:In this open multicentre trial, 62 children (<18 years, body weight >15 kg) infected with an H pylori strain resistant to metronidazole and clarithromycin were treated according to body weight classes with amoxicillin (∼75 mg/kg/day), metronidazole (∼25 mg/kg/day) and esomeprazole (∼1.5 mg/kg/day) for 2 weeks. Adherence and adverse events were assessed by a 2‐week diary and telephone interviews at days 7 and 14 of treatment. Primary outcome was a negative 13C‐urea breath test after 6 weeks.Results:Of 62 patients, 5 were lost to follow‐up, 12 were nonadherent, and 45 treated per protocol. Eradication rates were 66% (41/62) [confidence interval 54–78] (intention to treat) and 73% (33/45) [confidence interval 60–86] (per protocol). Success of treatment was not related to dose per kilogram body weight. Mild to moderate adverse events were reported by 21 patients, including nausea (10.8%), diarrhoea (8.9%), vomiting (7.1%), abdominal pain (5.4%), and headache (3.6%), and led to discontinuation in 1 child.Conclusion:High‐dose amoxicillin, metronidazole, and esomeprazole for 2 weeks is a good treatment option in children infected with a double resistant H pylori strain.
Adiponectin, AFABP, and Leptin in Human Breast Milk During 12 Months of Lactation
Authors: Bronsky Jiri , Mitrova Katarina , Karpisek Michal , Mazoch Jiri , Durilova Marianna , Fisarkova Barbora , Stechova Katerina , Prusa Richard , Nevoral Jiri 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTObjectives:Adiponectin, adipocyte fatty acid–binding protein (AFABP), and leptin have been shown to be present in human breast milk (BM). We determined intraindividual changes of BM levels of these proteins during 12 months of lactation.Subjects and Methods:Proteins were measured using a high‐sensitivity enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay method in 72 healthy mothers after delivery (day 0, D0) and after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months of lactation.Results:Adiponectin levels in BM on D0 were 22.8 ± 0.8 (mean ± standard error of the mean), in 1 month (M1) 22.0 ± 0.6, in 3 months (M3) 20.5 ± 0.6, in 6 months (M6) 21.4 ± 0.8, and in 12 months (M12) 25.7 ± 1.4 ng/mL. AFABP levels were 12.3 ± 2.0, 6.2 ± 1.3, 1.3 ± 0.2, 2.5 ± 1.0, and 4.6 ± 1.9 ng/mL, respectively. Leptin levels were 0.3 ± 0.04, 0.2 ± 0.03, 0.1 ± 0.01, 0.1 ± 0.02, and 0.2 ± 0.04 ng/mL, respectively. We found significantly higher levels of adiponectin in M12 in comparison to M3 and M6 (P = 0.0026), higher levels of AFABP in D0 and M1 when compared with M3, M6, and M12 (P < 0.0001), and higher levels of leptin on D0 than in M1, M3, M6, and M12 (P < 0.0001). AFABP levels correlated negatively with infants' body weight in M1, but there was no correlation throughout the lactation period between body weight and other proteins. We found positive correlation between adiponectin, AFABP, and leptin throughout the lactation.Conclusions:All of the hormones were detectable in BM up to 12 months of lactation, with decreasing trend until M3 and subsequent increase till M12. We speculate that higher levels in M6 and M12 may be caused by longer intervals between breast‐feeding due to the introduction of complementary food.
Prognostic Scoring Indices in Wilson Disease: A Case Series and Cautionary Tale
Authors: Fischer Ryan T , Soltys Kyle A , Squires Robert H , Jaffe Ronald , Mazariegos George V , Shneider Benjamin L 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTObjectives:In children with acute presentations of Wilson disease (WD), liver transplantation may be the only effective therapy. The Wilson Index is a prognostic index used to determine the risk of death without transplant in WD. We sought to determine the accuracy of this system in our own patient population.Patients and Methods:The clinical course of patients diagnosed as having acute WD seen at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center between 2003 and 2008 was reviewed.Results:Six patients were identified; their index scores ranged from 7 to 13, with 3 patients receiving a score predictive of death without transplantation (≥10). Of those 3, 1 underwent transplantation and 2 survived without transplant. The latter 2 have been removed from the transplant waitlist. In all, 5 patients were listed for transplantation, and 2 of the 5 received prioritized status 1A listing. Only 2 of the 5 patients went to transplantation, and neither was status 1A at the time of transplant.Conclusions:Prognostic scoring systems, although useful, may not be entirely accurate. Likewise, aggressive utilization of status 1 prioritization may result in unnecessary transplants and misallocation of a rare resource. However, deferring status 1 prioritization may yield an incomplete response to therapy and preclude lifesaving transplantation. Continued investigation of predictors of outcome in WD is necessary.
Implementation of innovative attitudes and behaviour in primary health care by means of strategic communication: a 7‐year follow‐up
Authors: Morténius Helena , Marklund Bertil , Palm Lars , Björkelund Cecilia , Baigi Amir 
Published: March 2011

AbstractRationale, aims and objectives  To bridge the gap between theory and practice, methods are needed that promote a positive attitude to change among health care professionals and facilitate the incorporation of new research findings. In this context, communication plays a significant role. The aim of this study was to analyse primary care staff members' readiness to adopt new ways of thinking and willingness to change their work practices by means of strategic communication.Method  An evaluative design was used to study a primary care staff cohort for 7 years. The study population comprised all primary care staff in a region of Sweden (n = 1206). The strategic communication encompassed managerial impact, planning and implementation of reflexive communication processes, in addition to activities in three established communication channels (oral, written and digital). A questionnaire was used, and bivariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed.Results  A total of 846 individuals participated in the evaluation (70%). Strategic communication had a significant effect on staff members' new way of thinking (61%) and willingness to change daily work practices (33%). The communication channels had a significant synergy effect on the adoption of new ideas and willingness to change attitudes. Oral and digital communication had a significant impact on staff members' readiness to change.Conclusions  Strategic communication plays an important role in the process of creating innovative attitudes and behaviour among primary care professionals. The willingness to change attitudes enhances primary care staff's readiness to change everyday practices, thus facilitating the implementation of evidence‐based care.
High‐value transitional care: translation of research into practice
Authors: Naylor Mary D. , Bowles Kathryn H. , McCauley Kathleen M. , Maccoy Maureen C. , Maislin Greg , Pauly Mark V. , Krakauer Randall 
Published: March 2011

AbstractObjective  To evaluate the impact of translating into a large US health plan, the Transitional Care Model (TCM), an evidence‐based approach to address the needs of chronically ill older adults throughout acute episodes of illness.Methods  A prospective, quasi‐experimental study of 172 at‐risk Aetna Medicare Advantage members in the mid‐Atlantic region who received the TCM. A baseline and post‐intervention (average of 2 months) comparison of enrolees' health status and quality of life was conducted. Member and physician satisfaction were assessed within 1 month post intervention. Health resource utilization and cost outcomes were compared to a matched control group of Aetna members at multiple intervals through 1 year.Results  Improvements in all health status and quality of life measures were observed post‐ intervention compared to pre‐intervention. Among 155 stringently matched pairs, a significant decrease in number of re‐hospitalizations (45 vs. 60, P < 0.041) and total hospital days (252 vs. 351, P < 0.032) were observed at 3 months. Reductions in other utilization outcomes or time points were not statistically significant. The TCM was associated with a short‐term decrease of $439 per member per month in total health care costs at 3 months and cumulative per member savings of $2170 at 1 year (P < 0.037).Conclusions  Findings demonstrate that a rigorously tested model of transitional care for chronically ill older adults can be successfully translated into a real‐world organization and achieve higher value.