bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oscillations in Cerebral Haemodynamics in Patients with Falciparum Malaria
Authors: Kolyva Christina , Kingston Hugh , Tachtsidis Ilias , Mohanty Sanjib , Mishra Saroj , Patnaik Rajya , Maude Richard J. , Dondorp Arjen M. , Elwell Clare E. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Spontaneous oscillations in cerebral haemodynamics studied with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), become impaired in several pathological conditions. We assessed the spectral characteristics of these oscillations in 20 patients with falciparum malaria admitted to Ispat General Hospital, Rourkela, India. Monitoring included continuous frontal lobe NIRS recordings within 24 h of admission (Day 0), together with single measurements of a number of clinical and chemical markers recorded on admission. Seven patients returned for follow-up measurements on recovery (FU). A 2,048 sampling-point segment of oxygenated haemoglobin concentration ([ΔHbO2]) data was subjected to Fourier analysis per patient, and power spectral density was derived over the very low frequency (VLF: 0.02–0.04 Hz), low frequency (LF: 0.04–0.15 Hz) and high frequency (HF: 0.15–0.4 Hz) bands. At Day 0, VLF spectral power was 21.1 ± 16.4, LF power 7.2 ± 4.6 and HF power 2.6 ± 5.0, with VLF power being statistically significantly higher than LF and HF (P < 0.005). VLF power tended to decrease in the severely ill patients and correlated negatively with heart rate (r = 0.57, P < 0.01), while LF power correlated positively with aural body temperature (r = 0.49, P < 0.05). In all but one of the patients who returned for FU measurements, VLF power increased after recovery. This may be related to autonomic dysfunction in severe malaria, a topic of little research to date. The present study demonstrated that application of NIRS in a resource-poor setting is feasible and has potential as a research tool.
Pancreatic cancer stem cells: regulatory networks in the tumor microenvironment and targeted therapy
Authors: Takao Sonshin , Ding Qiang , Matsubara Shyuichiro 
Published: August 2012

AbstractRecent evidence has demonstrated that the existence of a cancer stem cell (CSC) subset in a solid tumor is responsible for the progression and relapse of cancer as well as its resistance to current therapies. Over the past decade, CSC research on pancreatic cancer has progressed. A fundamental understanding of pancreatic CSCs may improve therapies and deepen insight into the role of cell—cell interactions within a tumor microenvironment in pancreatic cancer progression. This review focuses on the impact of pancreatic CSCs on the regulatory networks in the tumor microenvironment, and the implications of targeting CSCs to treat pancreatic cancer.
Co-fermentation of xylose and cellobiose by an engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Aeling Kimberly A , Salmon Kirsty A , Laplaza José M , Li Ling , Headman Jennifer R , Hutagalung Alex H , Picataggio Stephen 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
We have integrated and coordinately expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae a xylose isomerase and cellobiose phosphorylase from Ruminococcus flavefaciens that enables fermentation of glucose, xylose, and cellobiose under completely anaerobic conditions. The native xylose isomerase was active in cell-free extracts from yeast transformants containing a single integrated copy of the gene. We improved the activity of the enzyme and its affinity for xylose by modifications to the 5′-end of the gene, site-directed mutagenesis, and codon optimization. The improved enzyme, designated RfCO*, demonstrated a 4.8-fold increase in activity compared to the native xylose isomerase, with a Km for xylose of 66.7 mM and a specific activity of 1.41 μmol/min/mg. In comparison, the native xylose isomerase was found to have a Km for xylose of 117.1 mM and a specific activity of 0.29 μmol/min/mg. The coordinate over-expression of RfCO* along with cellobiose phosphorylase, cellobiose transporters, the endogenous genes GAL2 and XKS1, and disruption of the native PHO13 and GRE3 genes allowed the fermentation of glucose, xylose, and cellobiose under completely anaerobic conditions. Interestingly, this strain was unable to utilize xylose or cellobiose as a sole carbon source for growth under anaerobic conditions, thus minimizing yield loss to biomass formation and maximizing ethanol yield during their fermentation.
Novel image cytometric method for detection of physiological and metabolic changes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Chan Leo L , Kury Alexandria , Wilkinson Alisha , Berkes Charlotte , Pirani Alnoor 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
The studying and monitoring of physiological and metabolic changes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) has been a key research area for the brewing, baking, and biofuels industries, which rely on these economically important yeasts to produce their products. Specifically for breweries, physiological and metabolic parameters such as viability, vitality, glycogen, neutral lipid, and trehalose content can be measured to better understand the status of S. cerevisiae during fermentation. Traditionally, these physiological and metabolic changes can be qualitatively observed using fluorescence microscopy or flow cytometry for quantitative fluorescence analysis of fluorescently labeled cellular components associated with each parameter. However, both methods pose known challenges to the end-users. Specifically, conventional fluorescent microscopes lack automation and fluorescence analysis capabilities to quantitatively analyze large numbers of cells. Although flow cytometry is suitable for quantitative analysis of tens of thousands of fluorescently labeled cells, the instruments require a considerable amount of maintenance, highly trained technicians, and the system is relatively expensive to both purchase and maintain. In this work, we demonstrate the first use of Cellometer Vision for the kinetic detection and analysis of vitality, glycogen, neutral lipid, and trehalose content of S. cerevisiae. This method provides an important research tool for large and small breweries to study and monitor these physiological behaviors during production, which can improve fermentation conditions to produce consistent and higher-quality products.
Is there a role for routine pelvic magnetic resonance imaging in intermediate risk prostate cancer?
Authors: Pal Raj P , Wild Benn , Mayer Nick J , Khan Masood A 
Published: August 2012

Objectives To determine the role of staging pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in men with intermediate risk prostate cancer. Patients and methods We identified all patients diagnosed with intermediate risk (NICE definition: PSA 10-20 ng/ml, or Gleason score 7, or clinical stage T2b/T2c) prostate cancer between 1st January 2007 and 31st December 2008. Through retrospective case note review, we determined the number of patients who had undergone a pelvic MRI and whether such an investigation had altered the patient's management by increasing tumour stage. Results A total of 222 men (mean age 66 years; range: 48-88) were diagnosed with intermediate risk prostate cancer during our study period. The mean PSA was 11.8 ng/ml (range: 3-20 ng/ml). Of these, 112 (50.5%) underwent an MRI. Overall, in 25/112 (22.3%) patients, pelvic MRI findings impacted significantly upon patient treatment by demonstrating either extra-prostatic extension of cancer, lymph node involvement or bone metastases. Conclusions Our retrospective study has demonstrated that a pelvic MRI in men diagnosed with intermediate risk prostate cancer may influence treatment decision in approximately a quarter of patients. Routine pelvic MRI is indicated in men with intermediate risk prostate cancer where radical treatment is contemplated.
Bilberry ingestion improves disease activity in mild to moderate ulcerative colitis — An open pilot study
Authors: Biedermann Luc , Mwinyi Jessica , Scharl Michael , Frei Pascal , Zeitz Jonas , Kullak-Ublick Gerd A. , Vavricka Stephan R. , Fried Michael , Weber Achim , Humpf Hans-Ulrich , Peschke Simone , Jetter Alexander , Krammer Gerhard , Rogler Gerhard 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Background and aims: A significant fraction of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) is not sufficiently controlled with conventional therapy or suffers from therapy related side effects. Anthocyanins, highly abundant in bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus), were shown to have antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. We aimed to explore the therapeutic potential of bilberries in active UC.
Methods: In an open pilot trial with a total follow-up of 9 weeks the effect of a daily standardized anthocyanin-rich bilberry preparation was tested in 13 patients with mild to moderate UC. Clinical, biochemical, endoscopic and histologic parameters were assessed.
Results: At the end of the 6 week treatment interval 63.4% of patients achieved remission, the primary endpoint, while 90.9% of patients showed a response. In all patients a decrease in total Mayo score was detected (mean: 6.5 and 3.6 at screening and week 7, respectively; p &lt; 0.001). Fecal calprotectin levels significantly decreased during the treatment phase (baseline: mean 778 μg/g, range 192–1790 μg/g; end of treatment: mean 305 μg/g, range &lt; 30–1586 μg/g; p = 0.049), including 4 patients achieving undetectable levels at end of treatment. A decrease in endoscopic Mayo score and histologic Riley index confirmed the beneficial effect. However, an increase of calprotectin levels and disease activity was observed after cessation of bilberry intake. No serious adverse events were observed.
Conclusions: This is the first report on the promising therapeutic potential of a standardized anthocyanin-rich bilberry preparation in UC in humans. These results clearly indicate a therapeutic potential of bilberries in UC. Further studies on mechanisms and randomized clinical trials are warranted.
FIGO Saving Mothers and Newborns Initiative 2006–2011
Authors: Lalonde André B. , Grellier Rachel 
Published: August 2012

AbstractReduction in maternal mortality is a key Millennium Development Goal (MDG 5). In an effort to contribute toward achievement of MDG 5, FIGO's Safe Motherhood and Newborn Health Committee worked with associations of obstetricians, gynecologists, and midwives in 10 low‐ and middle‐income countries between 2006 and 2011. Contributions were made by professional associations in high‐income countries through a structured north–south mentoring program. Each project focused on identified needs within each country and resulted in varied approaches and targets, ranging from clinical training, protocol development, and implementation of clinical audit through to legislative and policy change. Significant and largely sustainable results were achieved, particularly in relation to the relatively small‐scale funding available. This resulted in direct improvements to maternal and newborn health outcomes. The capacity of both FIGO and national professional associations was also substantially strengthened in project design, management, and implementation, leading to opportunities to further support international development efforts in the future.
Meeting the emerging challenge of breast and cervical cancer in low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Knaul Felicia M. , Bhadelia Afsan , Gralow Julie , Arreola‐Ornelas Héctor , Langer Ana , Frenk Julio 
Published: August 2012

AbstractCancer, particularly when it affects women and reproductive health, epitomizes the complexities and inequities of the epidemiological challenge faced by low‐ and middle‐income countries. Women in resource‐poor settings face a double cancer burden: the backlog of preventable cancer, and the emerging challenge of cancers that cannot be prevented but whose impact could be dramatically reduced through early detection and treatment. Disparities in cancer incidence, mortality, and other health and non‐health outcomes are exacerbated by gender inequity and compounded by discrimination and stigma. The combination of these barriers implies a multiplicative challenge for women who face cancer, particularly when the disease is associated with reproduction. The horizons of maternal and reproductive health should extend to include the life cycle of healthy changes and illness that are embodied in longer life for women. Numerous opportunities exist to strengthen health systems through sexual and reproductive and women and health platforms and better meet the challenge of cancer.
Reducing maternal, newborn, and infant mortality globally: An integrated action agenda
Authors: Bhutta Zulfiqar A. , Cabral Sergio , Chan Chok‐wan , Keenan William J. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThere has been increasing awareness over recent years of the persisting burden of worldwide maternal, newborn, and child mortality. The majority of maternal deaths occur during labor, delivery, and the immediate postpartum period, with obstetric hemorrhage as the primary medical cause of death. Other causes of maternal mortality include hypertensive diseases, sepsis/infections, obstructed labor, and abortion‐related complications. Recent estimates indicate that in 2009 an estimated 3.3 million babies died in the first month of life and that overall, 7.3 million children under 5 die each year. Recent data also suggest that sufficient evidence‐ and consensus‐based interventions exist to address reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health globally, and if implemented at scale, these have the potential to reduce morbidity and mortality. There is an urgent need to put elements in place to promote integrated interventions among healthcare professionals and their associations. What is needed is the political will and partnerships to implement evidence‐based interventions at scale.
Comparison of methotrexate, actinomycin D, and etoposide for treating low‐risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia
Authors: Baptista Angela M. , Belfort Paulo 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the efficacy and toxicity of 3 single agent chemotherapeutic regimens in low‐risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (LRGTN).MethodsA prospective study was conducted at a referral center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Patients presenting with metastatic or non‐metastatic LRGTN (risk score ≤ 6) in non‐probabilistic sampling were assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: methotrexate with folinic acid rescue (MTX‐CF; n = 20); actinomycin D (n = 20); and etoposide (n = 20). Women with less than 1 year of disease‐free follow‐up after the first normal human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) value were excluded. Outcome measures included primary remission rate; resistance to primary and sequential chemotherapy; period between treatment initiation and remission (hCG response); and prevalence of toxic effects.ResultsPrimary remission was achieved by 48 patients (80.0%). The remission rate with etoposide was 100.0%, while the rates with actinomycin D and MTX‐CF were 90.0% and 50.0%, respectively. Efficacy of etoposide was significantly greater than the other 2 agents (P < 0.001). Alopecia was the most frequent adverse effect caused by etoposide. Common to all protocols were stomatitis, nausea, and vomiting. Mean time intervals between beginning treatment and remission were similar and all 60 participants survived.ConclusionEtoposide was the most effective regimen for treating metastatic and non‐metastatic LRGTN.
The burden of health associated with benign gynecological disorders in low‐resource settings
Authors: Black Kirsten I. , Fraser Ian S. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBenign gynecological conditions impact on women's lives in a myriad of ways. Many of these conditions exert their burden on women's health because they remain undiagnosed, unacknowledged, or unreported for many years. Some of these conditions cause debilitating primary symptoms, especially of heavy menstrual bleeding, the lethargy of iron deficiency, and of persistent pelvic pain, with substantial impact on quality of life and ability to function on a day‐to‐day basis. The distressing quality of life impact of pelvic floor prolapse or of local vulval lesions should not be overlooked. Many also have secondary health consequences with adverse effects on fertility and reproductive outcome.
Postpartum hemorrhage management in 2012: Predicting the future
Authors: Onwuemene Oluwatoyosi , Green David , Keith Louis 
Published: August 2012

AbstractTransfusion therapy in postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) traditionally has been modeled after precedents set in the Vietnam and Korean wars. However, data from recent military combat casualties suggest a different transfusion strategy. Transfusion of packed red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, and platelets in a ratio of 1:1:1 improves dilutional coagulopathy and survival. Women who present with low fibrinogen at the time of diagnosis of PPH have poorer outcomes and might benefit from early fibrinogen replacement. The antifibrinolytic agent, tranexamic acid, decreases bleeding and progression to severe PPH, but its role in PPH management is evolving. Observational data suggest that the use of recombinant factor VIIa should be limited to bleeding that has not responded to an optimal transfusion strategy. Point‐of‐care testing using thromboelastography is helpful in guiding the selection of blood products to be transfused. Additionally, massive transfusion protocols can decrease the overall number of products transfused and improve outcomes.
A problem of Chief and Indian—The role of the supervisory authority BaFin and the ministry of finance in German financial market policy
Authors: Handke Stefan 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
The financial market crisis put the spotlight on the performance of two main German government bodies in financial market policy, the German Ministry of Finance (BMF) and the German Supervisory Authority (BaFin). The problem of delegation between the BMF as the principal of the agent BaFin is the focus of this article. During the crisis a lack of personnel in the BMF and the structural asymmetry between BaFin and the ministry caused problems in the formulation of crisis policies and in the handling of the subordinate authority. However, the crisis showed only the tip of an iceberg, because the BMF suffers from fundamental deficits in coping with the daily business of financial market policy and the control of an agency which gained more autonomy than politically intended. The overarching question is whether the BMF or BaFin controls German financial market policy.
Paleoceanographic changes and calcium carbonate dissolution in the central Fram Strait during the last 20 ka
Authors: Zamelczyk Katarzyna , Rasmussen Tine L. , Husum Katrine , Haflidason Haflidi , de Vernal Anne , Ravna Erling Krogh , Hald Morten , Hillaire-Marcel Claude 
Published: August 2012

AbstractA deep-sea sediment core covering the last 20 ka and located between the Polar and the Arctic fronts in the marginal ice zone (MIZ) of the central Fram Strait has been investigated for changes in paleoceanography and calcium carbonate preservation. The reconstruction is based on the distribution patterns of planktic foraminifera, mean shell weight and the degree of fragmentation of their shells, stable isotopes and other geochemical and sedimentological data. The results show that the planktic foraminifera shells are poorly preserved throughout most of the record. Only the intervals comprising the early Holocene from 10.8 to ~ 8 cal ka BP and the last 800 yr show improved preservation of CaCO3. The dissolution correlated with the extent of Arctic water and the associated marginal ice zone (MIZ) and high organic productivity. Dissolution of planktic foraminifera is generally high during the late deglaciation, mid and late Holocene prior to ~ 800 cal yr BP. The abundance of small subpolar species increases in the surface sediments dating from the last century, which could be interpreted as a large and significant surface water warming. However, this apparent high-magnitude warming seems to be overestimated due to preservation changes in the youngest sediments.
Disk Position Nonlinearity Effects on the Chaotic Behavior of Rotating Flexible Shaft-Disk Systems
Authors: Khanlo H. M. , Ghayour M. , Ziaei-Rad S. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThis study investigates the effects of disk position nonlinearities on the nonlinear dynamic behavior of a rotating flexible shaft-disk system. Displacement of the disk on the shaft causes certain nonlinear terms which appears in the equations of motion, which can in turn affect the dynamic behavior of the system. The system is modeled as a continuous shaft with a rigid disk in different locations. Also, the disk gyroscopic moment is considered. The partial differential equations of motion are extracted under the Rayleigh beam theory. The assumed modes method is used to discretize partial differential equations and the resulting equations are solved via numerical methods. The analytical methods used in this work are inclusive of time series, phase plane portrait, power spectrum, Poincaré map, bifurcation diagrams, and Lyapunov exponents. The effect of disk nonlinearities is studied for some disk positions. The results confirm that when the disk is located at mid-span of the shaft, only the regular motion (period one) is observed. However, periodic, sub-harmonic, quasi-periodic, and chaotic states can be observed for situations in which the disk is located at places other than the middle of the shaft. The results show nonlinear effects are negligible in some cases.
Polymorphic organization in a planktonic graptoloid (Hemichordata: Pterobranchia) colony of Late Ordovician age
Authors: ZALASIEWICZ JAN A. , PAGE ALEX , RICKARDS R. BARRIE , WILLIAMS MARK , WILBY PHILIP R. , HOWE MICHAEL P. A. , SNELLING ANDREA M. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractGraptolites are common fossils in Early Palaeozoic strata, but little is known of their soft-part anatomy. However, we report a long-overlooked specimen ofDicranograptusaff.ramosusfrom Late Ordovician strata of southern Scotland that preserves a strongly polymorphic, recalcitrant, organic-walled network hitherto unseen in graptoloid graptolites. This network displays three morphologies: proximally, a strap-like pattern, likely of flattened tubes; these transform distally into isolated, hourglass-shaped structures; then, yet more distally, revert to a (simpler) strap-like pattern. The network most likely represents a stolon-like system, hitherto unknown in graptoloids, that connected individual zooids. Its alternative interpretation, as colonial xenobionts that infested a graptoloid colony and mimicked its architecture, is considered less likely on taphonomic and palaeobiological grounds. Such polymorphism is not known in non-graptolite pterobranchs, which are less diverse and morphologically more conservative: a division of labour between graptoloid zooids for such functions as feeding, breeding and rhabdosome construction may have been the key to their remarkable evolutionary success.
Modulating reproduction of Penaeidae shrimps: ecological responses of two sympatric species (Decapoda: Dendrobranchiata) on south-eastern Brazilian coast
Authors: Gomes Ana Paula Pereira , Keunecke Karina Annes , da Silva Demarques Ribeiro , Vianna Marcelo 
Published: August 2012

The present study investigated the reproductive biology of the pink shrimp Farfantepenaeus brasiliensis and Farfantepenaeus paulensis captured offshore and at two important fishing grounds, Guanabara Bay and Araruama Lagoon both on the south-eastern Brazil coast. The females’ size at first maturation was 37.90 mm of carapace length (CL) for F. brasiliensis and 41.95 mm of CL for F. paulensis. Both species presented continuous reproduction with two spawning peaks. For F. brasiliensis these peaks occurred during summer and winter and for F. paulensis during summer and autumn. The sex-ratio of the pink shrimp was favourable to the number of females which can be a strategy to guarantee the reproduction.