bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aspergillus Infection and Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support
Authors: Garcia Xiomara , Mian A. , Mendiratta P. , Gupta Punkaj , Rycus P. , Prodhan P. 
Published: February 2012

Background: The clinical characteristics of patients with Aspergillus isolation while supported on extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (ECMO) remain unclear. Objectives: We present a case report of angioinvasive Aspergillus infection on an infant supported on ECMO and also investigate outcomes among patients with Aspergillus infection reported to the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) registry. Design: Case report and retrospective analysis of ELSO registry data set from 1985 to 2009. Setting: One hundred and seventy ECMO centers contributing data to the ELSO registry. Patients: Single case report and patients 0 to 90 years of age with Aspergillus infection requiring ECMO support as reported to the ELSO registry. Methods: Besides presenting details of our institutional case, we compared clinical characteristics and outcomes between pediatric and adult patients with Aspergillus isolation. Risk factors for in-hospital mortality were investigated. Kaplan-Meier estimates for freedom from death on ECMO for pediatric and adult patients were investigated. Measurements and Main Results: ( a) we report a case with Aspergillus supported on ECMO, ( b) the ELSO registry yielded 46 patients with 59% (n = 27) in the pediatric data set (≤20 years of age) and 41% (n = 19) in the adult data set (>20 years of age) with Aspergillus infection requiring ECMO support. Overall survival to hospital discharge was 30% (14/46) with 22% (6/27) in children as compared to 42% (8/18) in adults ( P = .19). Table 1 shows a comparison of clinical characteristics between children and adults. The comparison between adults and pediatric groups differed significantly in age ( P = .0001), more use of venoarterial ECMO in children ( P = .028). The median age of pediatric group was 1.95 years (range 0-17.3 years) versus 30.2 years (range 22-60 years) among adults. Conclusions: Aspergillus infection/colonization is associated with a 70% overall mortality among patients supported on ECMO. The ELSO registry data confirms that Aspergillus infection among ECMO supported patients occurs often in hosts who do not have known immunodeficiencies. The case stresses the need for a high level of suspicion for Aspergillus infection in nonimproving lung disease in patients on ECMO support.
Shaping Identity Through Choral Activity: Singers' And Conductors' Perceptions
Authors: Durrant Colin 
Published: February 2012

This article reports on a research project carried out in 2002, with funding from the United Kingdom's Arts and Humanities Research Board,i on choral activity and its relationship to singers' identity. Using a model of effective choral conducting (Durrant 1996; 2003) as a starting point, a connection is sought between perceptions of the conducting role and of singing in the shaping of singers' identity. The project focused on the choral music traditions of Finland and Sweden, where choirs are noted for their fine-quality singing, imaginative use of folk music and extensive involvement. A qualitative methodology was adopted; specifically a descriptive and interpretive case study, using interviews with conductors and singers, extensive observation of choral rehearsals and, on occasions, concerts. Issues arising from the research are reported, including: the role of choral repertoire and national folk song, singers' reasons for engaging in choral activity and the role of conductors. The research confirmed (i) that the musical and interpersonal skills of the conductor are vital in the motivation of the singers, (ii) that singers identify themselves socially as well as musically with a group, (iii) that choral activity enhanced these singers' sense of national and cultural identity through use of folk traditions and a creative approach to musical practice.
Osteopontin Deficiency Suppresses Tumor Necrosis Factor-α–Induced Apoptosis in Chondrocytes
Authors: Yumoto K. , Nifuji A. , Rittling S.R. , Tsuchiya Y. , Kon S. , Uede T. , Denhardt D.T. , Hemmi H. , Notomi T. , Hayata T. , Ezura Y. , Nakamoto T. , Noda M. 
Published: February 2012

Objective: Apoptosis of chondrocytes in articular cartilage has been observed in rheumatoid arthritis patients. However, molecules involved in such chondrocyte apoptosis in arthritic joints have not been fully understood. We previously observed that apoptosis of chondrocytes is enhanced in a murine arthritis model induced by injection with anti–type II collagen antibodies and lipopolysaccharide (mAbs/LPS), and osteopontin (OPN) deficiency suppresses chondrocyte apoptosis in this arthritis model in vivo. To understand how OPN deficiency renders resistance against chondrocyte apoptosis, we examined the cellular basis for this protection. Design: Chondrocytes were prepared from wild-type and OPN-deficient mouse ribs, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)–α–induced cell death was examined based on lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay and TUNEL assay. Results: TNF-α treatment induced LDH release in wild-type chondrocytes, while OPN deficiency suppressed such LDH release in the cultures of these cells. TNF-α–induced increase in the number of TUNEL-positive cells was observed in wild-type chondrocytes, while OPN deficiency in chondrocytes suppressed the TNF-α induction of TUNEL-positive cells. OPN deficiency suppressed TNF-α–induced increase in caspase-3 activity in chondrocytes in culture. Furthermore, OPN overexpression in chondrocytes enhanced TNF-α–induced apoptosis. Conclusion: These results indicated that the presence of OPN in chondrocytes is involved in the susceptibility of these cells to TNF-α–induced apoptosis.
Diagnostic accuracy of the aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index for the prediction of hepatitis B-related fibrosis: a leading meta-analysis
Authors: Jin Wenwen , Lin Zhonghua , Xin Yongning , Jiang Xiangjun , Dong Quanjiang , Xuan Shiying 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
The aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), a tool with limited expense and widespread availability, is a promising noninvasive alternative to liver biopsy for detecting hepatic fibrosis. The objective of this study was to systematically review the performance of the APRI in predicting significant fibrosis and cirrhosis in hepatitis B-related fibrosis.

Methods
Areas under summary receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROC), sensitivity and specificity were used to examine the accuracy of the APRI for the diagnosis of hepatitis B-related significant fibrosis and cirrhosis. Heterogeneity was explored using meta-regression.

Results
Nine studies were included in this meta-analysis (n = 1,798). Prevalence of significant fibrosis and cirrhosis were 53.1% and 13.5%, respectively. The summary AUCs of the APRI for significant fibrosis and cirrhosis were 0.79 and 0.75, respectively. For significant fibrosis, an APRI threshold of 0.5 was 84% sensitive and 41% specific. At the cutoff of 1.5, the summary sensitivity and specificity were 49% and 84%, respectively. For cirrhosis, an APRI threshold of 1.0-1.5 was 54% sensitive and 78% specific. At the cutoff of 2.0, the summary sensitivity and specificity were 28% and 87%, respectively. Meta-regression analysis indicated that the APRI accuracy for both significant fibrosis and cirrhosis was affected by histological classification systems, but not influenced by the interval between Biopsy & APRI or blind biopsy.

Conclusion
Our meta-analysis suggests that APRI show limited value in identifying hepatitis B-related significant fibrosis and cirrhosis.
Beta blocker use in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus and systolic heart failure does not worsen glycaemic control
Authors: Wai Bryan , Kearney Leighton G , Hare David L , Ord Michelle , Burrell Louise M , Srivastava Piyush M 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
The prognostic benefits of beta-blockers (BB) in patients with systolic heart failure (SHF) are known but despite this, in patients with diabetes they are underutilized. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of beta-blockers (BB) on glycaemic control in patients with Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) and systolic heart failure (SHF) stratified to beta-1 selective (Bisoprolol) vs. nonselective BB (Carvedilol).

Methods
This observational, cohort study was conducted in patients with T2DM and SHF attending an Australian tertiary teaching hospital's heart failure services. The primary endpoint was glycaemic control measured by glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) at initiation and top dose of BB. Secondary endpoints included microalbuminuria, changes in lipid profile and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

Results
125 patients were assessed. Both groups were well matched for gender, NYHA class and use of guideline validated heart failure and diabetic medications. The mean treatment duration was 1.9 ± 1.1 years with carvedilol and 1.4 ± 1.0 years with bisoprolol (p = ns). The carvedilol group achieved a reduction in HbA1c (7.8 ± 0.21% to 7.3 ± 0.17%, p = 0.02) whereas the bisoprolol group showed no change in HbA1c (7.0 ± 0.20% to 6.9 ± 0.23%, p = 0.92). There was no significant difference in the change in HbA1c from baseline to peak BB dose in the carvedilol group compared to the bisoprolol group. There was a similar deterioration in eGFR, but no significant changes in lipid profile or microalbuminuria in both groups (p = ns).

Conclusion
BB use did not worsen glycaemic control, lipid profile or albuminuria status in subjects with SHF and T2DM. Carvedilol significantly improved glycemic control in subjects with SHF and T2DM and this improvement was non significantly better than that obtained with bisoprolol. BB's should not be withheld from patients with T2DM and SHF.
Human stem cell neuronal differentiation on silk-carbon nanotube composite
Authors: Chen Chi-Shuo , Soni Sushant , Le Catherine , Biasca Matthew , Farr Erik , Chen Eric Y-T , Chin Wei-Chun 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Human embryonic stem cells [hESCs] are able to differentiate into specific lineages corresponding to regulated spatial and temporal signals. This unique attribute holds great promise for regenerative medicine and cell-based therapy for many human diseases such as spinal cord injury [SCI] and multiple sclerosis [MS]. Carbon nanotubes [CNTs] have been successfully used to promote neuronal differentiation, and silk has been widely applied in tissue engineering. This study aims to build silk-CNT composite scaffolds for improved neuron differentiation efficiency from hESCs.
Two neuronal markers (β-III tubulin and nestin) were utilized to determine the hESC neuronal lineage differentiation. In addition, axonal lengths were measured to evaluate the progress of neuronal development. The results demonstrated that cells on silk-CNT scaffolds have a higher β-III tubulin and nestin expression, suggesting augmented neuronal differentiation. In addition, longer axons with higher density were found to associate with silk-CNT scaffolds.
Our silk-CNT-based composite scaffolds can promote neuronal differentiation of hESCs. The silk-CNT composite scaffolds developed here can serve as efficient supporting matrices for stem cell-derived neuronal transplants, offering a promising opportunity for nerve repair treatments for SCI and MS patients.
Effect of self-assembled InAs islands on the interfacial roughness of optical-switched resonant tunneling diode
Authors: Tian Haitao , Wang Lu , Shi Zhenwu , Gao Huaiju , Zhang Shuhui , Wang Wenxin , Chen Hong 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Embedding a quantum dot [QD] layer between the double barriers of resonant tunneling diode [RTD] is proved to be an effective method to increase the sensitivity of QD-RTD single-photon detector. However, the interfacial flatness of this device would be worsened due to the introduction of quantum dots. In this paper, we demonstrate that the interfacial quality of this device can be optimized through increasing the growth temperature of AlAs up barrier. The glancing incidence X-ray reflectivity and the high-resolution transmission electron microscopy measurements show that the interfacial smoothness has been greatly improved, and the photo-luminescence test indicated that the InAs QDs were maintained at the same time. The smoother interface was attributed to the evaporation of segregated indium atoms at InGaAs surface layer.

PACS

73.40.GK, 73.23._b, 73.21.La, 74.62.Dh
Effects of human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 oncoproteins on the expression of involucrin in human keratinocytes
Authors: Gyöngyösi Eszter , Szalmás Anita , Ferenczi Annamária , Kónya József , Gergely Lajos , Veress György 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
The human papillomavirus (HPV) life cycle is closely linked to keratinocyte differentiation. Oncogenic HPV infection has been shown to hamper the normal differentiation of keratinocytes; however, the underlying mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon are yet to be clarified. Here, we aimed to study the effects of HPV16 E6 and E7 oncogenes on the expression of involucrin (IVL), an established marker of keratinocyte differentiation, in human foreskin keratinocyte (HFK) cells.

Results
The differentiation of HFK cells by serum and high calcium significantly increased both the mRNA and the protein levels of IVL. The E6 and E7 oncoproteins of HPV16 together caused strong down-regulation of IVL mRNA and protein both in proliferating and in differentiating HFK cells. To study the effects of HPV oncogenes on the IVL promoter, we made transient transfection assays and luciferase tests and found that HPV 16 E6 but not E7 repressed IVL promoter activity in proliferating HFK cells. The inhibitory effect of HPV 16 E6 on the human IVL promoter could be localised to the proximal regulatory region (PRR) of the gene.

Conclusions
These results suggest that the down-regulation of IVL promoter activity by HPV 16 E6 significantly contribute to the inhibition of endogenous IVL expression by the HPV 16 oncoproteins. In contrast, the down-regulation of endogenous IVL expression by HPV16 E7 is probably not caused by a direct and specific effect of E7 on the IVL promoter.
Interleukin-1β and transforming growth factor-β cooperate to induce neurosphere formation and increase tumorigenicity of adherent LN-229 glioma cells
Authors: Wang Lei , Liu Ziyan , Balivada Sivasai , Shrestha Tej , Bossmann Stefan , Pyle Marla , Pappan Loretta , Shi Jishu , Troyer Deryl 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Glioma stem cells (GSCs) have the property of self-renewal and appear to be a driving force for the initiation and recurrence of gliomas. We recently found that the human tumorigenic LN-229 glioma cell line failed to form neurospheres in serum-free conditions and generated mostly small tumors in vivo, suggesting that either LN-229 GSCs are not active in these conditions or GSCs are absent in the LN-229 cell line.

Methods
Using self-renewal assay, soft-agar colony assay, cell proliferation assay, invasion assay, real time PCR analysis, ELISA and in vivo tumorigenic assay, we investigated the effects of interleukin (IL)-1β and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β on the development of GSCs from LN-229 cells.

Results
Here, we demonstrate that the combination of IL-1β and TGF-β can induce LN-229 cells to form neurospheres in serum-free medium. IL-1β/TGF-β-induced neurospheres display up-regulated expression of stemness factor genes (nestin, Bmi-1, Notch-2 and LIF), and increased invasiveness, drug resistance and tumor growth in vivo: hallmarks of GSCs. These results indicate that IL-1β and TGF-β cooperate to induce a GSC phenotype in the LN-229 cell line. Induction of nestin, LIF and Notch-2 by IL-1β/TGF-β can be reverted after cytokine withdrawal. Remarkably, however, up-regulated Bmi-1 levels remained unchanged after cytokine withdrawal; and the cytokine-withdrawn cells maintained strong clonogenicity, suggesting that Bmi-1 may play a crucial role in tumorigenesis.

Conclusions
Our finding indicates that glioma cells without self-renewal capability in standard conditions could also contribute to glioma malignancy when cytokines, such as IL-1β and TGF-β, are present in the tumor environment. Targeting GSC-promoting cytokines that are highly expressed in glioblastomas may contribute to the development of more effective glioma therapies.
Phase III Trial Evaluating Weekly Paclitaxel Versus Docetaxel in Combination With Capecitabine in Operable Breast Cancer
Authors: Kelly Catherine M. , Green Marjorie C. , Broglio Kristine , Thomas Eva S. , Brewster Abenaa M. , Valero Vicente , Ibrahim Nuhad K. , Gonzalez-Angulo Ana M. , Booser Daniel J. , Walters Ronald S. , Hunt Kelly K. , Hortobagyi Gabriel N. , Buzdar Aman U. 
Published: February 2012

Purpose We investigated whether capecitabine and docetaxel followed by fluorouracil, epirubicin, and cyclophosphamide (FEC) or weekly paclitaxel (WP) followed by FEC would improve relapse-free survival (RFS) in operable breast cancer. Patients and Methods In this single-institution study, patients with clinical stages I to IIIC breast cancer were randomly assigned on a 1:1 basis to WP 80 mg/m2 for 12 weeks followed by fluorouracil 500 mg/m2, epirubicin 100 mg/m2, and cyclophosphamide 500 mg/m2 (FEC-100) every 3 weeks for four cycles or docetaxel 75 mg/m2 on day 1 and capecitabine (XT) 1,500 mg/m2 on days 1 through 14 every 3 weeks for four cycles followed by FEC for four cycles and stratified by timing of chemotherapy (preoperative v adjuvant). Accrual was stopped short of 930 patients on the basis of a Bayesian predictive calculation that additional accrual would be unlikely to change the qualitative comparison of the two regimens. Results After enrollment of 601 patients and a median follow-up of 50 months, we observed no improvement in RFS between XT (87.5%; 95% CI, 82.7% to 91.1%) and WP (90.7%; 95% CI, 86.4% to 93.7%; P = .51). In the preoperative group, the pathologic complete response rate was 19.8% and 16.4% in the XT and WP arms, respectively (P = .45). Rates of breast-conserving surgery were similar between the two groups (P = .48). The XT arm had a significantly higher incidence of stomatitis (P < .001), hand-foot syndrome (P < .001), and neutropenic infection (P < .001). Conclusion There was no difference in efficacy between WP and XT as used in this randomized phase III trial. XT was associated with higher GI, skin, and neutropenic-related toxicities.
p-Type Doping of Small-Molecule Organic Semiconductors using Organic Vapor Phase Deposition (OVPD)
Authors: Brast M. , Lindla F. , Boesing M. , Bertram D. , Keiper D. , Heuken M. , Kalisch H. , Vescan A. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTIn the past few years, organic vapor phase deposition (OVPD) has been demonstrated to be an effective deposition method for high-performance monochrome and white organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) [1-4]. OVPD provides good material utilization efficiency and large achievable deposition rates.An application of p-type doping is the improvement of hole injection either from the anode contact or from a charge generation layer in stacked OLEDs [5]. Nevertheless, no reports on p-type doping using OVPD can be found in literature, in part due to the thermal instability and high chemical sensitivity of organic dopants.In this work, p-type doping using an AIXTRON Gen-1 OVPD tool with two different show-erhead designs is examined. NDP-2 (NOVALED) and N,N‘-diphenyl-N,N‘-bis(1-naphthylphenyl)-1,1‘-biphenyl-4,4‘-diamine (NPB) were used as p-type dopant (guest) and hole-conducting host, respectively. p-Type doped hole-only devices were fabricated and compared with undoped ones.Two different showerhead designs (made either of aluminum or stainless steel) were investi-gated with respect to OLED performance to determine possible side reactions.Highly efficient monochrome red OLEDs including a p-type doped hole transport layer were demonstrated exhibiting a current efficiency of 31 cd/A, a power efficiency of 26 lm/W and a driving voltage of 3.7 V without improved light outcoupling (all values at 1000 cd/m2).
Matrix Modulus Affects Invasion Rate of Tumor Cells through Synthetic Hydrogels
Authors: Jabbari Esmaiel 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTUnderstanding factors affecting cell invasion influences the design of engineered constructs for tissue regeneration. The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of matrix stiffness on invasion of tumor cells through a synthetic hydrogel with well-defined properties. A novel star acrylate-functionalized polyethylene glycol-co-lactide (SPELA) macromer was synthesized to produce hydrogels with well-defined water content, elastic modulus, degree of crosslinking and hydrophilicity. The hydrogel was formed by photo-polymerization of the macromer with or without integrin-binding cell adhesive RGD peptide. Cell invasion experiments were carried out in a transwell with SPELA hydrogel as the invading matrix and 4T1 mouse breast cancer cells. The invading cells on the lower membrane side were counted with an inverted fluorescent microscope. The concentration of SPELA macromer ranged from 10-25 wt% and that of RGD ranged from 1x10-4 to 1x10-2 M. The shear modulus of the hydrogel varied from 200 Pa to 25 kPa as the SPELA concentration increased from 10 to 25 wt%. Cell invasion slightly increased with increasing RGD concentration. However, RGD concentration >1% resulted in a significant decrease in cell migration. As the matrix stiffness increased from 0.15 to 0.4, 3, 5, 6, 14, and 25 kPa the invasion rate decreased from 18.0 to 5.5, 6, 5.7, 5.2, 1.5, and 1.0 cells/mm2/h, respectively. There was a sharp decrease in invasion rate for matrix stiffness greater than 10 kPa. Results demonstrate that matrix stiffness plays a major role in invasion of tumor cell through a gelatinous matrix.
Evaluation of recipes for home-prepared diets for dogs and cats with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Larsen Jennifer A. , Parks Elizabeth M. , Heinze Cailin R. , Fascetti Andrea J. 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Objective—To evaluate recipes of diets recommended for animals with chronic kidney disease (CKD), compare nutritional profiles for those recipes to requirements for adult dogs and cats, and assess their appropriateness for the management of CKD.
Design—Evaluation study.
Sample—Recipes of 67 home-prepared diets promoted for use in dogs (n = 39 recipes) and cats (28) with CKD.
Procedures—Recipes were analyzed with computer software to determine calories, macronutrient calorie distribution, and micronutrient concentrations and were assessed for appropriateness for the management of CKD.
Results—Assumptions were required for the analysis of every recipe, and no recipe met all National Research Council nutrient recommended allowances (RA) for adult animals. Compared with RAs, concentrations of crude protein or at least 1 amino acid were low in 30 of 39 (76.9%) canine recipes and 12 of 28 (42.9%) feline recipes. Choline was most commonly below the RA in both canine (37/39 [94.9%]) and feline (23/28 [82.1%]) recipes; selenium (34/39 [87.2%] canine and 9/28 [32.1 %] feline recipes), zinc (24/39 [61.5%] canine and 19/28 [67.9%] feline recipes), and calcium (22/39 [56.4%] canine and 7/28 [25.0%] feline recipes) concentrations were also frequently below recommendations. The median phosphorus concentration in canine and feline recipes was 0.58 and 0.69 g/1,000 kcal, respectively.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Many problems with nutritional adequacy were detected, and use of the recipes could result in highly variable and often inappropriate diets. Many recipes would not meet nutritional and clinical needs of individual patients and should be used cautiously for long-term feeding.