bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evidence-based guidelines for use of probiotics in preterm neonates
Authors: Deshpande Girish C , Rao Shripada C , Keil Anthony D , Patole Sanjay K 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
Current evidence indicates that probiotic supplementation significantly reduces all-cause mortality and definite necrotising enterocolitis without significant adverse effects in preterm neonates. As the debate about the pros and cons of routine probiotic supplementation continues, many institutions are satisfied with the current evidence and wish to use probiotics routinely. Because of the lack of detail on many practical aspects of probiotic supplementation, clinician-friendly guidelines are urgently needed to optimise use of probiotics in preterm neonates.

Aim
To develop evidence-based guidelines for probiotic supplementation in preterm neonates.

Methods
To develop core guidelines on use of probiotics, including strain selection, dose and duration of supplementation, we primarily used the data from our recent updated systematic review of randomised controlled trials. For equally important issues including strain identification, monitoring for adverse effects, product format, storage and transport, and regulatory hurdles, a comprehensive literature search, covering the period 1966-2010 without restriction on the study design, was conducted, using the databases PubMed and EMBASE, and the proceedings of scientific conferences; these data were used in our updated systematic review.

Results
In this review, we present guidelines, including level of evidence, for the practical aspects (for example, strain selection, dose, duration, clinical and laboratory surveillance) of probiotic supplementation, and for dealing with non-clinical but important issues (for example, regulatory requirements, product format). Evidence was inadequate in some areas, and these should be a target for further research.

Conclusion
We hope that these evidence-based guidelines will help to optimise the use of probiotics in preterm neonates. Continued research is essential to provide answers to the current gaps in knowledge about probiotics.
Classic yin and yang tonic formula for osteopenia: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yang Feng , Tang De-Zhi , Cui Xue-Jun , Holz Jonathan D , Bian Qin , Shi Qi , Wang Yong-Jun 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
Osteoporosis is a growing worldwide problem, with the greatest burden resulting from fractures. Nevertheless, the majority of fractures in adults occur in those with "osteopenia" (bone mineral density (BMD) only moderately lower than young normal individuals). Since long-term drug therapy is an expensive option with uncertain consequences and side effects, natural herbal therapy offers an attractive alternative. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect on BMD and safety of the Classic Yin and Yang Tonic Formula for treatment of osteopenia and to investigate the mechanism by which this efficacy is achieved.

Methods/design
We propose a multicenter double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Classic Yin and Yang Tonic Formula for the treatment of osteopenia. Participants aged 55 to 75 with low bone mineral density (T-score between -1 and -2.5) and kidney deficiency in TCM will be included and randomly allocated into two groups: treatment group and control group. Participants in the treatment group will be treated with Classic Yin and Yang Tonic Granule, while the controlled group will receive placebo. Primary outcome measure will be BMD of the lumbar spine and proximal femur using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Secondary outcomes will include pain intensity measured with visual analogue scales, quality of life, serum markers of bone metabolism, indices of Neuro-endocrino-immune network and safety.

Discussion
If the Classic Yin and Yang Tonic Formula can increase bone mass without adverse effects, it may be a novel strategy for the treatment of osteoporosis. Furthermore, the mechanism of the Chinese medical formula for osteoporosis will be partially elucidated.

Trial registration
This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01271647.
N-Acylhomoserine lactones are potent neutrophil chemoattractants that act via calcium mobilization and actin remodeling
Authors: Karlsson Thommie , Musse Farah , Magnusson Karl-Eric , Vikström Elena 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACT
In gram-negative bacteria, cell-cell communication based on HSL QS molecules is known to coordinate the production of virulence factors and biofilms. These bacterial signals can also modulate human immune cell behavior. Using a Transwell migration assay, we found that human primary neutrophils are strongly stimulated by 3O-C12-HSL and -C10-HSL but not C4-HSL in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, 3O-C12-HSL and -C10-HSL activate PLCγ1 but not -γ2, mobilize intracellular calcium, and up-regulate IP3R. These changes were paralleled by F-actin accumulation, primarily in the leading edge of neutrophils, as evidenced by phalloidin staining and confocal microscopy. F- and G-actin isolation and quantification by immunoblotting revealed that the F/G-actin ratio was increased significantly after treatment with all three HSLs. Furthemore, 3O-C12-HSL- and 3O-C10-HSL treatment resulted in phosphorylation of Rac1 and Cdc42. In contrast, C4-HSL had negligible influence on the phosphorylation status of PLC and Rac1/Cdc42 and failed to attract neutrophils and induce calcium release. The calcium inhibitor thapsigargin, which blocks ER calcium uptake, strongly prevented neutrophil migration toward 3O-C12-HSL and -C10-HSL. These findings show that the bacterial QS molecules 3O-C12-HSL and -C10-HSL may attract human neutrophils to the sites of bacterial infection and developing biofilms. Indeed, recognition of HSL QS signals by neutrophils may play a critical role in their recruitment during infections.
Immunomodulatory and immunotoxic effects of bilirubin: molecular mechanisms
Authors: Khan Nazir M , Poduval T B 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACTThe immunomodulatory and immunotoxic effects of purified UCB have not been evaluated previously at clinically relevant UCB concentrations and UCB:BSA ratios. To delineate the molecular mechanism of UCB-induced immunomodulation, immune cells were exposed to clinically relevant concentrations of UCB. It inhibited LPS-induced B cell proliferation and cytokine production from splenic macrophages. UCB (≥25 μM) was toxic to unfractionated splenocytes, splenic T cells, B cells, macrophages, LPS-stimulated CD19+ B cells, human PBMCs, and RBCs. Purified UCB also was found to be toxic to splenocytes and human PBMCs. UCB induced necrosis and apoptosis in splenocytes. UCB activated the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways of apoptosis, as reflected by the markers, such as CD95, caspase-8, Bax, MMP, cytoplasmic Ca+2, caspase-3, and DNA fragmentation. UCB depleted GSH and activated p38MAPK. NAC, caspase inhibitors, and p38MAPK inhibitor attenuated the UCB-induced apoptosis. In vivo administration of ≥25 mg/kbw UCB induced atrophy of spleen, depletion of bone marrow cells, and leukopenia and decreased lymphocyte count and the T and B cell response to mitogens. UCB administration to mice led to induction of oxidative stress, activation of p38MAPK, and cell death in splenocytes. These parameters were attenuated by the injection of NAC and the p38MAPK inhibitor. Our results demonstrate for the first time that clinically relevant concentrations of UCB induce apoptosis and necrosis in immune cells by depleting cellular GSH. These findings should prove useful in understanding the immunosuppression associated with hyperbilirubinemia.
Activated factor XI inhibits chemotaxis of polymorphonuclear leukocytes
Authors: Itakura Asako , Verbout Norah G , Phillips Kevin G , Insall Robert H , Gailani David , Tucker Erik I , Gruber Andras , McCarty Owen J T 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACTPMN leukocytes are the most abundant leukocytes in the circulation and play an important role in host defense. PMN leukocyte recruitment and inflammatory responses at sites of infection are critical components in innate immunity. Although inflammation and coagulation are known to have bidirectional relationships, little is known about the interaction between PMN leukocytes and coagulation factors. Coagulation FXI participates in the intrinsic coagulation pathway upon its activation, contributing to hemostasis and thrombosis. We have shown previously that FXI-deficient mice have an increased survival and less leukocyte accumulation into the peritoneum in severe polymicrobial peritonitis. This result suggests a role for FXI in leukocyte trafficking and/or function. In this study, we characterized the functional consequences of FXIa binding to PMN leukocytes. FXIa reduced PMN leukocyte chemotaxis triggered by the chemokine, IL-8, or the bacterial-derived peptide, fMLP, perhaps as a result of the loss of directed migration. In summary, our data suggest that FXIa modulates the inflammatory response of PMN leukocytes by altering migration. These studies highlight the interplay between inflammation and coagulation and suggest that FXIa may play a role in innate immunity.
Reproductive Health Characteristics of Marijuana And Cocaine Users: Results from the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth
Authors: van Gelder Marleen M.H.J. , Reefhuis Jennita , Herron Anne M. , Williams Mark L. , Roeleveld Nel 
Published: August 2011

CONTEXT: Illicit drug use is associated with risky sexual behaviors in adolescents and young adults. However, few studies have examined these associations among drug users of all reproductive ages, using a control group of nonusers.
METHODS: Associations between marijuana and cocaine use, and outcomes related to sexual behaviors and reproductive health, were assessed using data from the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth. Overall, 4,928 men and 7,643 women aged 15–44 were interviewed. Chi‐square tests, t tests and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used; in supplementary analyses, men and women were stratified by age‐group (25 or younger, and older than 25), to capture the understudied older adults who use drugs.
RESULTS: Twenty‐seven percent of men and 16% of women reported use of marijuana or cocaine in the last year. Drug users were younger than nonusers at first vaginal sex (mean, 15.2–16.1 vs. 17.3–17.5 years) and were more likely to have engaged in risky sexual behaviors in the last year, including having had sex with a nonmonogamous partner (odds ratios, 3.3–5.2 for men and 2.9–6.5 for women), while high on alcohol or drugs (10.1–18.0 and 8.1–24.2), or in exchange for money or drugs (2.7–2.8 and 2.3–9.2). They also were more likely to have undergone STD testing or treatment. Drug use was associated with risky sexual behaviors in both age‐groups.
CONCLUSION: Programs aimed at reducing sexual risks among drug users should address the behaviors of men and women of all reproductive ages.
Four Electrode Resistivity Probe for Porosity Evaluation
Authors: Kim Joon Han , Yoon Hyung-Koo , Cho Se-Hyun , Kim Young Su , Lee Jong-Sub 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
The objective of this study is to develop and verify a four electrode resistivity probe (4ERP) for the estimation of electrical properties of saturated soils without polarization at the electrodes. The 4ERP design is categorized by two types: wedge and plane. The wedge type is used for penetrating into the soil samples and the plane type is used for installing into experimental cells such as an oedometer cell. Consolidation tests are carried out on six different sized glass beads. The test results reveal that the shape factor, m, used in Archie’s law, is about 1.19 for glass beads. One-dimensional liquefaction tests show that the porosity obtained by the 4ERP is similar to the porosity determined by volume fraction. The porosity profile obtained by the penetration of the 4ERP into the large-scale calibration chamber in the clay-sand mixture is similar to the volume based porosity. Furthermore, the porosity profile estimated by the resistivity is almost the same as the volume based porosity in glass beads. This study demonstrates that the 4ERP may effectively estimate the porosity of saturated soils.
Thick-Walled Cylinder Testing of Clays for the Study of Wellbore Instability
Authors: Abdulhadi Naeem O. , Germaine John T. , Whittle Andrew J. 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
This paper describes two new automated, high pressure thick-walled cylinder (TWC) devices that have been designed and built in order to study wellbore instability in saturated hard clays. Both devices have the same internal diameter (Di = 2.5 cm) but different outer diameter (Do = 7.6 and 15.2 cm) and allow for independent control of the vertical stress and radial pressures acting on the inner and outer walls of the annular soil specimen, as well as pore water pressure. The apparatus design enables back-pressure saturated specimens to be re-consolidated under stress path control, and simulation of shearing due to de-pressuring of the model wellbore under a variety of drainage conditions. Test results for resedimented Boston blue clay (RBBC) show that there are minimal effects of specimen height on the model borehole response. A comparison of tests from the two TWC devices indicates that the outer diameter of the specimen has a significant effect on the cavity pressure-volume behavior and on the redistribution of pore pressures within the test specimen. The borehole response is influenced by drainage conditions, where drained tests attain lower minimum borehole pressure than undrained tests.
Predictive Control for Polynomial Systems Subject to State and Input Constraints
Authors: Maier Christoph , Böhm Christoph , Deroo Frederik , Allgöwer Frank 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
We present a nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) approach to design optimal feedback controllers for the class of continuous-time input affine polynomial systems subject to state and input constraints. The corresponding feedback law is obtained via the solution of an efficient to solve convex optimization problem subject to sum of squares (SOS) constraints. To serve the conflicting requirements of performance and computational costs in various applications, the approach comes in three different control schemes which differ in how many times the (updated) optimization problem has to be solved, and whether this is done on- or offline. Each of the proposed control schemes minimizes an upper bound on the cost functional while guaranteeing closed-loop stability and satisfaction of input and state constraints. Finally, simulations of an example system show the applicability and the effectiveness of the proposed controllers.
Suboptimale Regelung nichtlinearer Prozesse
Authors: Büskens Christof 
Published: August 2011

Zusammenfassung
Wir betrachten allgemeine gestörte optimale Steuerprozesse mit Steuer- und Zustandsbeschränkungen. Mittels einer speziellen Diskretisierungstechnik werden selbige in parametergestörte nichtlineare Optimierungsprobleme übertragen, die effizient z. B. mittels SQP-Verfahren gelöst werden können. Auf dieser Basis wird eine robuste Methode vorgestellt sogenannte Sensitivitätsdifferentiale einer optimalen Lösung im Hinblick auf die Störparameter zu berechnen. Diese numerische Sensitivitätsanalyse erlaubt es, verschiedene neue Regelungsstrategien für gestörte optimale Lösungen in Echtzeit zu entwickeln, indem Taylor-Entwicklungen bzgl. der Störparameter um die Nominallösung untersucht werden. Die vorgestellten numerischen Verfahren werden begleitet durch die Untersuchung eines komplexen Regelungsproblems aus der Luftfahrt. Das Beispiel belegt die Robustheit, Genauigkeit und Effizienz der vorgeschlagenen Methodik.
Pneumatische Bestimmung von Behältervolumina mit Hilfe kleiner Druckdifferenzen
Authors: Riedel Jörg , Neumann Jann 
Published: August 2011

Zusammenfassung
Das Innenvolumen eines Behälters lässt sich mit herkömmlichen Verfahren (geometrisches Vermessen, Messung äquivalenter Fluidmengen) bestimmen, wenn der Behälter dafür zugänglich ist. Problematisch wird es, wenn es sich um einen fest installierten oder geometrisch komplexen Behälter handelt. In diesem Beitrag wird ein alternatives und bekanntes Verfahren untersucht, das es mit Hilfe eines Referenzbehälters und über die Kenntnis der Gasdrücke in den Behältern ermöglicht, das Volumen zu bestimmen. Dabei steht die statistische Unsicherheit des Verfahrens bei geringen Druckdifferenzen im Fokus der Untersuchungen.
Bestimmung der Permeation durch gaspermeable Sensormembranen
Authors: Enseleit Ute , Decker Manfred , Berthold Frank , Zosel Jens , Vonau Winfried 
Published: August 2011

Zusammenfassung
Vorgestellt wird die Konstruktion eines Messplatzes zur Untersuchung der Gasdurchlässigkeit von verschiedenen permeablen Membranen am Beispiel von Siliconmaterialien für Kohlendioxidsensoren basierend auf dem SEVERINGHAUS-Prinzip. Ausgangspunkt ist der Bau einer temperierbaren Permeationsmesszelle, die es erlaubt, insbesondere die Permeation von Kohlendioxid durch modifizierte Membranen zu charakterisieren. Es erfolgt eine Berechnung der Permeationskoeffizienten, um Unterschiede der CO2-Permeabilität der einzelnen Membranen besser abschätzen zu können.
Prenatal Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation and Infant Morbidity: Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Imhoff-Kunsch Beth , Stein Aryeh D. , Martorell Reynaldo , Parra-Cabrera Socorro , Romieu Isabelle , Ramakrishnan Usha 
Published: August 2011

OBJECTIVE:
Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) influence immune function and inflammation; however, the influence of maternal DHA supplementation on infant morbidity is unknown. We investigated the effects of prenatal DHA supplementation on infant morbidity.

METHODS:
In a double-blind randomized controlled trial conducted in Mexico, pregnant women received daily supplementation with 400 mg of DHA or placebo from 18 to 22 weeks' gestation through parturition. In infants aged 1, 3, and 6 months, caregivers reported the occurrence of common illness symptoms in the preceding 15 days.

RESULTS:
Data were available at 1, 3, and 6 months for 849, 834, and 834 infants, respectively. The occurrence of specific illness symptoms did not differ between groups; however, the occurrence of a combined measure of cold symptoms was lower in the DHA group at 1 month (OR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.58–1.00). At 1 month, the DHA group experienced 26%, 15%, and 30% shorter duration of cough, phlegm, and wheezing, respectively, but 22% longer duration of rash (all P ≤ .01). At 3 months, infants in the DHA group spent 14% less time ill (P &lt; .0001). At 6 months, infants in the DHA group experienced 20%, 13%, 54%, 23%, and 25% shorter duration of fever, nasal secretion, difficulty breathing, rash, and “other illness,” respectively, but 74% longer duration of vomiting (all P &lt; .05).

CONCLUSIONS:
DHA supplementation during pregnancy decreased the occurrence of colds in children at 1 month and influenced illness symptom duration at 1, 3, and 6 months.
Fasting Might Not Be Necessary Before Lipid Screening: A Nationally Representative Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Steiner Michael J. , Skinner Asheley Cockrell , Perrin Eliana M. 
Published: August 2011

BACKGROUND:
There are barriers to fasting lipid screening for at-risk children. Results of studies in adults have suggested that lipid testing might be reliably performed without fasting.

OBJECTIVE:
To examine population-level differences in pediatric lipid values based on length of fast before testing.

METHODS:
We used the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2008) to examine total cholesterol (TC), HDL (high-density lipoprotein), LDL (low-density lipoprotein), and triglyceride cholesterol components on the basis of the period of fasting. Young children fasted for varying times before being tested, and children older than 12 years were asked to fast; however, adherence was variable. We used ordinary least-squares regression to test for differences in lipid values that were based on fasting times, controlling for weight status, age, race, ethnicity, and gender.

RESULTS:
TC, HDL, LDL, or triglyceride values were available for 12 744 children. Forty-eight percent of the TC and HDL samples and 80% of the LDL and triglyceride samples were collected from children who had fasted ≥8 hours. Fasting had a small positive effect for TC, HDL, and LDL, resulting in a mean value for the sample that was 2 to 5 mg/dL higher with a 12-hour fast compared with a no-fast sample. Fasting time had a negative effect on triglycerides (β = −0.859; P = .02), which resulted in values in the fasting group that were 7 mg/dL lower.

DISCUSSION:
Comparison of cholesterol screening results for a nonfasting group of children compared with results for a similar fasting group resulted in small differences that are likely not clinically important. Physicians might be able to decrease the burden of childhood cholesterol screening by not requiring prescreening fasting for these components.
An Observational Study of Bevacizumab-Induced Hypertension as a Clinical Biomarker of Antitumor Activity
Authors: Mir Olivier , Coriat Romain , Cabanes Laure , Ropert Stanislas , Billemont Bertrand , Alexandre Jérôme , Durand Jean-Philippe , Treluyer Jean-Marc , Knebelmann Bertrand , Goldwasser François 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background.
Hypertension is a common toxicity of bevacizumab, but the frequency of assessment of blood pressure and standardized grading remain to be defined. This study aimed to describe the incidence of bevacizumab-induced hypertension and factors associated with its development, then to retrospectively assess its relation with activity.

Patients and methods.
One hundred nineteen patients with advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, colorectal cancer, or ovarian cancer receiving bevacizumab (2.5 mg/kg per week) and chemotherapy were eligible for this analysis. Blood pressure was measured at home twice daily according to international guidelines, and graded according to the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria (NCI-CTC), version 3.0, and the European Society of Hypertension (ESH) criteria.

Results.
Home-based measurements detected significantly more cases of hypertension than in-clinic measurements did, according to the ESH criteria (54.6% versus 24.4%; p &lt; .001) or the NCI-CTC (42.9% versus 22.7%; p = .0015). Very early hypertension (within 42 days, according to the ESH criteria) but not hypertension (occurring at any time during treatment period) was predictive of response (p = .0011 and p = .26, respectively).

Conclusions.
Our preliminary results indicate that home-based measurement and grading according to the ESH criteria represents a reliable method to detect bevacizumab-induced hypertension. Whether hypertension is a biomarker of bevacizumab activity remains to be determined in a prospective study.