bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Red Cell Distribution Width and Outcome in Patients With Septic Shock
Authors: Sadaka Farid , O’Brien Jacklyn , Prakash Sumi 
Published: July 2012

Introduction: Red cell distribution width (RDW) is reflective of systemic inflammation. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between RDW (on day 1 of development of septic shock) and mortality. Methods: A total of 279 patients with septic shock were included. We categorized the patients into quintiles based on RDW as follows: <13.5%, 13.5% to 15.5%, 15.6% to 17.5%, 17.5% to 19.4%, and >19.4%. Results: Red cell distribution width was a strong predictor of hospital mortality with a significant risk gradient across RDW quintiles after multivariable adjustment: RDW 13.5% to 15.5% (odds ratio [OR], 4.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0-23.4; P = .06); RDW 15.6% to 17.5% (OR, 8.0; 95% CI, 1.5-41.6; P = .01); RDW 17.6% to 19.4% (OR, 25.3; 95% CI, 4.3-149.2; P < .001); and RDW >19.4% (OR, 12.3; 95% CI, 2.1-73.3; P = .006), all relative to patients with RDW <13.5%. Similar significant robust associations were present for intensive care unit mortality. Estimating the receiver–operating characteristic area under the curve (AUC) showed that RDW has very good discriminative power for hospital mortality (AUC = 0.74). The AUC was 0.69 for Acute Physiologic and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) and 0.69 for sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA). When adding RDW to APACHE II, the AUC increased from 0.69 to 0.77. Conclusions: Red cell distribution width on day 1 of septic shock is a robust predictor of mortality. The RDW is inexpensive and commonly measured. The RDW fared better than either APACHE II or SOFA, and the sum of RDW and APACHE II was a stronger predictor of mortality than either one alone.
The use of Enhancing Quality Use of Medication Self-Reported Questionniare (EQUIM-SRQ) among mental health consumers: a pilot study
Authors: Ashoorian Deena , Salter Sandra , Denton Tatiana , Nguyen Flavia , Crisp Lucinda , Boase Lauren , Roberts Malcolm , O’Hara Peter , Davidson Rowan , Clifford Rhonda 
Published: July 2012

Objective: To assess the applicability, interpretability and potential limitations of an adverse event screening questionnaire (the Enhancing Quality Use of Medication Self-Reported Questionnaire [EQUIM-SRQ]) in an Australian mental health outpatient population. Method: Questionnaires were distributed amongst two Australian adult mental health clinics for completion either at the clinic (onsite), or externally (postal option), during March – May 2011. Assistance was offered to participants completing the questionnaire onsite. Clients who were visited in their homes by clinic staff were invited to participate as external participants. Results: Of 160 questionnaires distributed, 29 (18%) were completed. Of those, 22 were completed onsite, and seven were completed externally. Of the questionnaires completed onsite, 11 were fully completed, with 4 participants requiring assistance. A further 11 questionnaires were partially completed, with 2 participants requiring assistance. Of the questionnaires completed externally, 5 were fully completed. Conclusion: Although the response rate was low, the EQUIM-SRQ was applicable, interpretable and acceptable when completed or partially completed questionnaires were assessed. The potential exists to apply the EQUIM-SRQ in further research, and thereafter, clinical practice.
atBioNet– an integrated network analysis tool for genomics and biomarker discovery
Authors: Ding Yijun , Chen Minjun , Liu Zhichao , Ding Don , Ye Yanbin , Zhang Min , Kelly Reagan , Guo Li , Su Zhenqiang , Harris Stephen C , Qian Feng , Ge Weigong , Fang Hong , Xu Xiaowei , Tong Weida 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
Large amounts of mammalian protein-protein interaction (PPI) data have been generated and are available for public use. From a systems biology perspective, Proteins/genes interactions encode the key mechanisms distinguishing disease and health, and such mechanisms can be uncovered through network analysis. An effective network analysis tool should integrate different content-specific PPI databases into a comprehensive network format with a user-friendly platform to identify key functional modules/pathways and the underlying mechanisms of disease and toxicity.

Results
atBioNet integrates seven publicly available PPI databases into a network-specific knowledge base. Knowledge expansion is achieved by expanding a user supplied proteins/genes list with interactions from its integrated PPI network. The statistically significant functional modules are determined by applying a fast network-clustering algorithm (SCAN: a Structural Clustering Algorithm for Networks). The functional modules can be visualized either separately or together in the context of the whole network. Integration of pathway information enables enrichment analysis and assessment of the biological function of modules. Three case studies are presented using publicly available disease gene signatures as a basis to discover new biomarkers for acute leukemia, systemic lupus erythematosus, and breast cancer. The results demonstrated that atBioNet can not only identify functional modules and pathways related to the studied diseases, but this information can also be used to hypothesize novel biomarkers for future analysis.

Conclusion
atBioNet is a free web-based network analysis tool that provides a systematic insight into proteins/genes interactions through examining significant functional modules. The identified functional modules are useful for determining underlying mechanisms of disease and biomarker discovery. It can be accessed at: http://www.fda.gov/ScienceResearch/BioinformaticsTools/ucm285284.htm.
Transcript profiling reveals complex auxin signalling pathway and transcription regulation involved in dedifferentiation and redifferentiation during somatic embryogenesis in cotton
Authors: Yang Xiyan , Zhang Xianlong , Yuan Daojun , Jin Fangyan , Zhang Yunchao , Xu Jiao 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
Somatic embryogenesis (SE), by which somatic cells of higher plants can dedifferentiate and reorganize into new plants, is a notable illustration of cell totipotency. However, the precise molecular mechanisms regulating SE remain unclear. To characterize the molecular events of this unique process, transcriptome analysis, in combination with biochemical and histological approaches, were conducted in cotton, a typical plant species in SE. Genome-wide profiling of gene expression allowed the identification of novel molecular markers characteristic of this developmental process.

Results
RNA-Seq was used to identify 5,076 differentially expressed genes during cotton SE. Expression profile and functional assignments of these genes indicated significant transcriptional complexity during this process, associated with morphological, histological changes and endogenous indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) alteration. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the genes were enriched for basic processes such as metabolic pathways and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Unigenes were abundant for the functions of protein binding and hydrolase activity. Transcription factor–encoding genes were found to be differentially regulated during SE. The complex pathways of auxin abundance, transport and response with differentially regulated genes revealed that the auxin-related transcripts belonged to IAA biosynthesis, indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) metabolism, IAA conjugate metabolism, auxin transport, auxin-responsive protein/indoleacetic acid-induced protein (Aux/IAA), auxin response factor (ARF), small auxin-up RNA (SAUR), Aux/IAA degradation, and other auxin-related proteins, which allow an intricate system of auxin utilization to achieve multiple purposes in SE. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed on selected genes with different expression patterns and functional assignments were made to demonstrate the utility of RNA-Seq for gene expression profiles during cotton SE.

Conclusion
We report here the first comprehensive analysis of transcriptome dynamics that may serve as a gene expression profile blueprint in cotton SE. Our main goal was to adapt the RNA-Seq technology to this notable development process and to analyse the gene expression profile. Complex auxin signalling pathway and transcription regulation were highlighted. Together with biochemical and histological approaches, this study provides comprehensive gene expression data sets for cotton SE that serve as an important platform resource for further functional studies in plant embryogenesis.
Flow cytometric readout based on Mitotracker Red CMXRos staining of live asexual blood stage malarial parasites reliably assesses antibody dependent cellular inhibition
Authors: Jogdand Prajakta S , Singh Susheel K , Christiansen Michael , Dziegiel Morten H , Singh Subhash , Theisen Michael 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
Functional in vitro assays could provide insights into the efficacy of malaria vaccine candidates. For estimating the anti-parasite effect induced by a vaccine candidate, an accurate determination of live parasite count is an essential component of most in vitro bioassays. Although traditionally parasites are counted microscopically, a faster, more accurate and less subjective method for counting parasites is desirable. In this study mitochondrial dye (Mitotracker Red CMXRos) was used for obtaining reliable live parasite counts through flow cytometry.

Methods
Both asynchronous and tightly synchronized asexual blood stage cultures of Plasmodium falciparum were stained with CMXRos and subjected to detection by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. The parasite counts obtained by flow cytometry were compared to standard microscopic counts obtained through examination of Giemsa-stained thin smears. A comparison of the ability of CMXRos to stain live and compromised parasites (induced by either medium starvation or by anti-malarial drug treatment) was carried out. Finally, parasite counts obtained by CMXRos staining through flow cytometry were used to determine specific growth inhibition index (SGI) in an antibody-dependent cellular inhibition (ADCI) assay.

Results
Mitotracker Red CMXRos can reliably detect live intra-erythrocytic stages of P. falciparum. Comparison between staining of live with compromised parasites shows that CMXRos predominantly stains live parasites with functional mitochondria. Parasite counts obtained by CMXRos staining and flow cytometry were highly reproducible and can reliably determine the ability of IgG from hyper-immune individuals to inhibit parasite growth in presence of monocytes in ADCI assay. Further, a dose-dependent parasite growth inhibitory effect could be detected for both total IgG purified from hyper-immune sera and affinity purified IgGs against the N-terminal non-repeat region of GLURP in ADCI assays coupled with determination of parasite counts through CMXRos staining and flow cytometry.

Conclusions
A flow cytometry method based on CMXRos staining for detection of live parasite populations has been optimized. This is a rapid and sensitive method with high inter-assay reproducibility which can reliably determine the anti-parasite effect mediated by antibodies in functional in vitro assays such as ADCI assay.
Strong and weak convergence theorems for an infinite family of nonexpansive mappings and applications
Authors: Ceng LC , Wong NC , Yao JC 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
In this paper, let E be a reflexive and strictly convex Banach space which either is uniformly smooth or has a weakly continuous duality map. We consider the hybrid viscosity approximation method for finding a common fixed point of an infinite family of nonexpansive mappings in E. We prove the strong convergence of this method to a common fixed point of the infinite family of nonexpansive mappings, which solves a variational inequality on their common fixed point set. We also give a weak convergence theorem for the hybrid viscosity approximation method involving an infinite family of nonexpansive mappings in a Hilbert space.

MSC:47H17, 47H09, 47H10, 47H05.
Non-Archimedean Hyers-Ulam-Rassias stability of m-variable functional equation
Authors: Azadi Kenary H , Rezaei H , Sharifzadeh M , Shin DY , Lee JR 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
The main goal of this paper is to study the Hyers-Ulam-Rassias stability of the following Euler-Lagrange type additive functional equation:

∑

j
=
1

m

f

(
−

r
j

x
j

+

∑

1
≤
i
≤
m
,
i
≠
j

r
i

x
i

)

+
2

∑

i
=
1

m

r
i

f
(

x
i

)
=
m
f

(

∑

i
=
1

m

r
i

x
i

)

,

where

r
1

,
…
,

r
m

∈
R

,

∑

i
=
k

m

r
k

≠
0

, and

r
i

,

r
j

≠
0

for some

1
≤
i
<
j
≤
m

, in non-Archimedean Banach spaces.

MSC:39B22, 39B52, 46S10.
ESPRIT with multiple-angle subarray beamforming
Authors: Xu Wen , Jiang Ying , Zhang Huiquan 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
This article presents a new approach of implementing signal direction-of-arrival estimation, in which subarray beamforming is applied prior to estimation of signal parameters via rotational invariance techniques (ESPRIT). Different from the previous approaches, the beam-domain data from multiple adjacent pointing angles are combined in a way that the displacement invariance structure required by ESPRIT is maintained. It is intended to further obtain a sub-beamwidth resolution for a conventional multi-beam system already having small beamwidths. Computer simulations show that for typical multi-beam system applications the new approach provides improved estimation mean-square errors over the original ESPRIT, on top of reduced requirements for signal-to-noise ratio, number of snapshots, and computational time.
Risk factors for contacts between wild boar and outdoor pigs in Switzerland and investigations on potential Brucella suis spill-over
Authors: Wu Natacha , Abril Carlos , Thomann Andreas , Grosclaude Eleonore , Doherr Marcus G , Boujon Patrick , Ryser-Degiorgis Marie-Pierre 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
Due to the parallel increase of the number of free-ranging wild boar and domestic pigs reared outdoor, the risk that they interact has become higher. Contacts with wild boar can be the origin of disease outbreaks in pigs, as it has been documented for brucellosis in some European countries. This study aimed at quantifying the occurrence of contacts between wild boar and outdoor domestic pigs in Switzerland, and identifying risk factors for these contacts. Furthermore, exposed pigs were tested for pathogen spill-over, taking Brucella suis as an example because B. suis is widespread in Swiss wild boar while domestic pigs are officially free of brucellosis.

Results
Thirty-one percent of the game-wardens and 25% of the pig owners participating to a country-wide questionnaire survey reported contacts, including approaches of wild boar outside the fence, intrusions, and mating. Seventeen piggeries (5%) reported the birth of cross-bred animals. Risk factors for contacts identified by a uni- and multivariable logistic regression approach were: distance between pigs enclosure and houses, proximity of a forest, electric fences, and fences ≤ 60 cm. Pigs of the Mangalitza breed were most at risk for mating with wild boar (births of cross-bred animals). Blood and tissues of 218 outdoor pigs from 13 piggeries were tested for an infection with Brucella suis, using rose bengal test, complement fixation test, and an IS711-based real-time PCR. One piggery with previous wild boar contacts was found infected with B. suis, however, epidemiological investigations failed to identify the direct source of infection.

Conclusions
Results show that interactions between wild boar and outdoor pigs are not uncommon, pointing at the existing risk of pathogen spill-over. Provided data on risk factors for these interactions could help the risk-based implementation of protection measures for piggeries. The documentation of a brucellosis outbreak in pigs despite the freedom-of-disease status underlines the importance of improving pathogen surveillance strategies and increasing disease awareness of farmers and veterinary practitioners.
Integrated analysis of hydrothermal flow through pretreatment
Authors: Archambault-Leger Veronique , Shao Xiongjun , Lynd Lee R 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
The impact of hydrothermal flowthrough (FT) pretreatment severity on pretreatment and solubilization performance metrics was evaluated for three milled feedstocks (corn stover, bagasse, and poplar) and two conversion systems (simultaneous saccharification and fermentation using yeast and fungal cellulase, and fermentation by Clostridium thermocellum).

Results
Compared to batch pretreatment, FT pretreatment consistently resulted in higher XMG recovery, higher removal of non-carbohydrate carbon and higher glucan solubilization by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF). XMG recovery was above 90% for FT pretreatment below 4.1 severity but decreased at higher severities, particularly for bagasse. Removal of non-carbohydrate carbon during FT pretreatment increased from 65% at low severity to 80% at high severity for corn stover, and from 40% to 70% for bagasse and poplar.
Solids obtained by FT pretreatment were amenable to high conversion for all of the feedstocks and conversion systems examined. The optimal time and temperature for FT pretreatment on poplar were found to be 16 min and 210°C. At these conditions, SSF glucan conversion was about 85%, 94% of the XMG was removed, and 62% of the non carbohydrate mass was solubilized. Solubilization of FT-pretreated poplar was compared for C. thermocellum fermentation (10% inoculum), and for yeast-fungal cellulase SSF (5% inoculum, cellulase loading of 5 and 10 FPU/g glucan supplemented with β-glucosidase at 15 and 30 U/g glucan). Under the conditions tested, which featured low solids concentration, C. thermocellum fermentation achieved faster rates and more complete conversion of FT-pretreated poplar than did SSF. Compared to SSF, solubilization by C. thermocellum was 30% higher after 4 days, and was over twice as fast on ball-milled FT-pretreated poplar.

Conclusions
XMG removal trends were similar between feedstocks whereas glucan conversion trends were significantly different, suggesting that factors in addition to XMG removal impact amenability of glucan to enzymatic attack. Corn stover exhibited higher hydrolysis yields than bagasse or poplar, which could be due to higher removal of non-carbohydrate carbon. XMG in bagasse is more easily degraded than XMG in corn stover and poplar. Conversion of FT-pretreated substrates at low concentration was faster and more complete for C. thermocellum than for SSF.
Clinical and laboratory characteristics of infectious mononucleosis by Epstein-Barr virus in Mexican children
Authors: González Saldaña Napoleón , Monroy Colín Victor Antonio , Piña Ruiz Georgina , Juárez Olguín Hugo 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
Infectious mononucleosis (IM) or Mononucleosis syndrome is caused by an acute infection of Epstein-Barr virus. In Latin American countries, there are little information pertaining to the clinical manifestations and complications of this disease. For this reason, the purpose of this work was to describe the clinical and laboratory characteristics of infection by Epstein-Barr virus in Mexican children with infectious mononucleosis.

Methods
A descriptive study was carried out by reviewing the clinical files of patients less than 18 years old with clinical and serological diagnosis of IM by Epstein-Barr virus from November, 1970 to July, 2011 in a third level pediatric hospital in Mexico City.

Results
One hundred and sixty three cases of IM were found. The most frequent clinical signs were lymphadenopathy (89.5%), fever (79.7%), general body pain (69.3%), pharyngitis (55.2%), hepatomegaly (47.2%). The laboratory findings were lymphocytosis (41.7%), atypic lymphocytes (24.5%), and increased transaminases (30.9%), there were no rupture of the spleen and no deaths among the 163 cases.

Conclusions
Our results revealed that IM appeared in earlier ages compared with that reported in industrialized countries, where adolescents are the most affected group. Also, the order and frequency of the clinical manifestations were different in our country than in industrialized ones.
5-Fluorouracil induces apoptosis in rat cardiocytes through intracellular oxidative stress
Authors: Lamberti Monica , Porto Stefania , Marra Monica , Zappavigna Silvia , Grimaldi Anna , Feola Daniela , Pesce Delia , Naviglio Silvio , Spina Annamaria , Sannolo Nicola , Caraglia Michele 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
Cardiotoxicity is a major complication of anticancer drugs, including anthracyclines and 5-fluorouracil(5-FU) and it can have detrimental effects both in patients and workers involved in the preparation of chemotherapy.

Methods
Specifically, we have assessed the effects of increasing concentrations of 5-FU and doxorubicin (DOXO) on proliferation of H9c2 rat cardiocytes and HT-29 human colon adenocarcinoma cells by MTT assay. Cells were treated for 24, 48 and 72 h with different concentrations of the two drugs alone or with 5-FU in combination with 10-4 M of levofolene (LF).

Results
5-FU induced a time- and dose-dependent growth inhibition in both cell lines. The 50% growth inhibition (IC:50) was reached at 72 h with concentrations of 4 μM and 400 μM on HT-29 and H9c2, respectively. The addition of LF to 5-FU enhanced this effect. On the other hand, the IC:50 of DOXO was reached at 72 h with concentrations of 0.118 μM on H9c2 and of 0.31 μM for HT-29. We have evaluated the cell death mechanism induced by 50% growth inhibitory concentrations of 5-FU or DOXO in cardiocytes and colon cancer cells. We have found that the treatment with 400 μM 5-FU induced apoptosis in 32% of H9c2 cells. This effect was increased by the addition of LF to 5-FU (38% of apoptotic cells). Apoptosis occurred in only about 10% of HT-29 cells treated with either 5-FU or 5-FU and LF in combination. DOXO induced poor effects on apoptosis of both H9c2 and HT-29 cells (5–7% apoptotic cells, respectively). The apoptosis induced by 5-FU and LF in cardiocytes was paralleled by the activation of caspases 3, 9 and 7 and by the intracellular increase of O2− levels.

Conclusions
These results suggest that cardiotoxic mechanism of chemotherapy agents are different and this disclose a new scenario for prevention of this complication.