bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preadmission beta-blocker use and 30-day mortality among patients in intensive care: a cohort study
Authors: Christensen Steffen , Johansen Martin Berg , Tønnesen Else , Larsson Anders , Pedersen Lars , Lemeshow Stanley , Sørensen Henrik Toft
Published: March 2011

Introduction

Beta-blockers have cardioprotective, metabolic and immunomodulating effects that may be beneficial to patients in intensive care. We examined the association between preadmission beta-blocker use and 30-day mortality following intensive care.

Methods

We identified 8,087 patients over age 45 admitted to one of three multidisciplinary intensive care units (ICUs) between 1999 and 2005. Data on the use of beta-blockers and medications, diagnosis, comorbidities, surgery, markers of socioeconomic status, laboratory tests upon ICU admission, and complete follow-up for mortality were obtained from medical databases. We computed probability of death within 30 days following ICU admission for beta-blocker users and non-users, and the odds ratio (OR) of death as a measure of relative risk using conditional logistic regression and also did a propensity score-matched analysis.

Results

Inclusion of all 8,087 ICU patients in a logistic regression analysis yielded an adjusted OR of 0.82 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.71 to 0.94) for beta-blocker users compared with non-users. In the propensity score-matched analysis we matched all 1,556 beta-blocker users (19.2% of the entire cohort) with 1,556 non-users; the 30-day mortality was 25.7% among beta-blocker users and 31.4% among non-users (OR 0.74 (95% CI: 0.63 to 0.87)]. The OR was 0.69 (95% CI: 0.54 to 0.88) for surgical ICU patients and 0.71 (95% CI: 0.51 to 0.98) for medical ICU patients. The OR was 0.99 (95% CI: 0.67 to 1.47) among users of non-selective beta-blockers, and 0.70 (95% CI: 0.58 to 0.83) among users of cardioselective beta-blockers.

Conclusions

Preadmission beta-blocker use is associated with reduced mortality following ICU admission.
Multinational, observational study of procalcitonin in ICU patients with pneumonia requiring mechanical ventilation: a multicenter observational study
Authors: Bloos Frank , Marshall John C , Dellinger Richard P , Vincent Jean-Louis , Gutierrez Guillermo , Rivers Emanuel , Balk Robert A , Laterre Pierre-Francois , Angus Derek C , Reinhart Konrad , Brunkhorst Frank M
Published: March 2011

Introduction

The intent of this study was to determine whether serum procalcitonin (PCT) levels are associated with prognosis, measured as organ dysfunctions and 28-day mortality, in patients with severe pneumonia.

Methods

This was a multicenter, observational study of critically ill adult patients with pneumonia requiring mechanical ventilation conducted in 10 academic hospitals in Canada, the United States, and Central Europe. PCT was measured daily for 14 days using an immuno-luminometric assay.

Results

We included 175 patients, 57 with community acquired pneumonia (CAP), 61 with ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) and 57 with hospital acquired pneumonia (HAP). Initial PCT levels were higher in CAP than VAP patients (median (interquartile range: IQR); 2.4 (0.95 to 15.8) vs. 0.7 (0.3 to 2.15), ng/ml, P < 0.001) but not significantly different to HAP (2.2 (0.4 to 8.0) ng/ml). The 28-day ICU mortality rate for all patients was 18.3% with a median ICU length of stay of 16 days (range 1 to 142 days). PCT levels were higher in non-survivors than in survivors. Initial and maximum PCT levels correlated with maximum Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score r2 = 0.50 (95% CI: 0.38 to 0.61) and r2 = 0.57 (0.46 to 0.66), respectively. Receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis on discrimination of 28-day mortality showed areas under the curve (AUC) of 0.74, 0.70, and 0.69 for maximum PCT, initial PCT, and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, respectively. The optimal cut-off to predict mortality for initial PCT was 1.1 ng/ml (odds ratio: OD 7.0 (95% CI 2.6 to 25.2)) and that for maximum PCT was 7.8 ng/ml (odds ratio 5.7 (95% CI 2.5 to 13.1)).

Conclusions

PCT is associated with the severity of illness in patients with severe pneumonia and appears to be a prognostic marker of morbidity and mortality comparable to the APACHE II score.
RIBBON-1: Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Phase III Trial of Chemotherapy With or Without Bevacizumab for First-Line Treatment of Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2–Negative, Locally Recurrent or Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Robert Nicholas J. , Diéras Véronique , Glaspy John , Brufsky Adam M. , Bondarenko Igor , Lipatov Oleg N. , Perez Edith A. , Yardley Denise A. , Chan Stephen Y.T. , Zhou Xian , Phan See-Chun , O'Shaughnessy Joyce
Published: March 2011

Purpose

This phase III study compared the efficacy and safety of bevacizumab (BV) when combined with several standard chemotherapy regimens versus those regimens alone for first-line treatment of patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative metastatic breast cancer.

Patients and Methods

Patients were randomly assigned in 2:1 ratio to chemotherapy plus BV or chemotherapy plus placebo. Before random assignment, investigators chose capecitabine (Cape; 2,000 mg/m2 for 14 days), taxane (Tax) -based (nab-paclitaxel 260 mg/m2, docetaxel 75 or 100 mg/m2), or anthracycline (Anthra) -based (doxorubicin or epirubicin combinations [doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide, epirubicin/cyclophosphamide, fluorouracil/epirubicin/cyclophosphamide, or fluorouracil/doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide]) chemotherapy administered every 3 weeks. BV or placebo was administered at 15 mg/kg every 3 weeks. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary end points included overall survival (OS), 1-year survival rate, objective response rate, duration of objective response, and safety. Two independently powered cohorts defined by the choice of chemotherapy (Cape patients or pooled Tax/Anthra patients) were analyzed in parallel.

Results

RIBBON-1 (Regimens in Bevacizumab for Breast Oncology) enrolled 1,237 patients (Cape cohort, n = 615; Tax/Anthra cohort, n = 622). Median PFS was longer for each BV combination (Cape cohort: increased from 5.7 months to 8.6 months; hazard ratio [HR], 0.69; 95% CI, 0.56 to 0.84; log-rank P < .001; and Tax/Anthra cohort: increased from 8.0 months to 9.2 months; HR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.52 to 0.80; log-rank P < .001). No statistically significant differences in OS between the placebo- and BV-containing arms were observed. Safety was consistent with results of prior BV trials.

Conclusion

The combination of BV with Cape, Tax, or Anthra improves clinical benefit in terms of increased PFS in first-line treatment of metastatic breast cancer, with a safety profile comparable to prior phase III studies.
Value of Mismatch Repair, KRAS, and BRAF Mutations in Predicting Recurrence and Benefits From Chemotherapy in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Hutchins Gordon , Southward Katie , Handley Kelly , Magill Laura , Beaumont Claire , Stahlschmidt Jens , Richman Susan , Chambers Philip , Seymour Matthew , Kerr David , Gray Richard , Quirke Philip
Published: March 2011

Purpose

It is uncertain whether modest benefits from adjuvant chemotherapy in stage II colorectal cancer justify the toxicity, cost, and inconvenience. We investigated the usefulness of defective mismatch repair (dMMR), BRAF, and KRAS mutations in predicting tumor recurrence and sensitivity to chemotherapy.

Patients and Methods

Immunohistochemistry for dMMR and pyrosequencing for KRAS/BRAF were performed for 1,913 patients randomly assigned between fluorouracil and folinic acid chemotherapy and no chemotherapy in the Quick and Simple and Reliable (QUASAR) trial.

Results

Twenty-six percent of 695 right-sided colon, 3% of 685 left-sided colon, and 1% of 407 rectal tumors were dMMR. Similarly, 17% of right colon, 2% of left colon, and 2% of rectal tumors were BRAF mutant. KRAS mutant tumors were more evenly distributed: 40% right colon, 28% left colon, and 36% rectal tumors. Recurrence rate for dMMR tumors was half that for MMR-proficient tumors (11% [25 of 218] v 26% [438 of 1,695] recurred; risk ratio [RR], 0.53; 95% CI, 0.40 to 0.70; P < .001). Risk of recurrence was also significantly higher for KRAS mutant than KRAS wild-type tumors (28% [150 of 542] v 21% [219 of 1,041]; RR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.12 to 1.74; P = .002) but did not differ significantly between BRAF mutant and wild-type tumors (P = .36). No marker predicted benefit from chemotherapy with efficacy not differing significantly by MMR, KRAS, or BRAF status. The prognostic value of MMR and KRAS was similar in the presence and absence of chemotherapy.

Conclusion

MMR assays identify patients with a low risk of recurrence. KRAS mutational analysis provides useful additional risk stratification to guide use of chemotherapy.
Primary Follicular Lymphoma of the Duodenum Is a Distinct Mucosal/Submucosal Variant of Follicular Lymphoma: A Retrospective Study of 63 Cases
Authors: Schmatz Ana-Iris , Streubel Berthold , Kretschmer-Chott Elisabeth , Püspök Andreas , Jäger Ulrich , Mannhalter Christine , Tiemann Markus , Ott German , Fischbach Wolfgang , Herzog Peter , Seitz Gerhard , Stolte Manfred , Raderer Markus , Chott Andreas
Published: March 2011

Purpose

Small series with limited follow-up have suggested primary follicular lymphoma of the duodenum (FL-D) to be an indolent disease. We report our experience on a large series of patients followed for a median time period of longer than 6 years.

Patients and Methods

The study comprised 63 patients with primary FL-D defined as stage I disease. Endoscopy and detailed pathologic work-up was performed at diagnosis and at restaging to monitor the behavior of the neoplastic process.

Results

Histologically, all 63 patients had FL, low grade (1 to 2). Duodenal endosonography demonstrated lesions confined to mucosa/submucosa in 19 of 20 patients. At an overall median follow-up of 77 months (range, 12 to 177 months), only two untreated patients had developed nodal disease, the remaining 61 patients never experienced extrasmall intestinal disease and large cell transformation did not occur at all. Among 24 patients followed by watch and wait strategy, seven showed spontaneous complete regression and 17 had stable disease; radiotherapy resulted in complete regression in all 19 patients; anti-CD20 antibody monotherapy achieved complete regression in four patients and stable disease in one patient. Various chemotherapy protocols in eight patients caused complete regression in all of them, but local relapses occurred in three. No patients required surgery or died of disease.

Conclusion

These findings characterize primary FL-D as a remarkably indolent FL variant, which, even left untreated, does not develop tumorous growth, very rarely disseminates (two of 63 patients) and does not transform to high grade disease. A watch and wait approach appears to be the most sensible strategy.
Natural History of Paclitaxel-Associated Acute Pain Syndrome: Prospective Cohort Study NCCTG N08C1
Authors: Loprinzi Charles L. , Reeves Brandi N. , Dakhil Shaker R. , Sloan Jeff A. , Wolf Sherry L. , Burger Kelli N. , Kamal Arif , Le-Lindqwister Nguyet A. , Soori Gamini S. , Jaslowski Anthony J. , Novotny Paul J. , Lachance Daniel H.
Published: March 2011

Purpose

The characteristics and natural history of the paclitaxel–acute pain syndrome (P-APS) and paclitaxel's more chronic neuropathy have not been well delineated.

Methods

Patients receiving weekly paclitaxel (70 to 90 mg/m2) completed daily questionnaires and weekly European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) –20 instruments during the entire course of therapy.

Results

P-APS symptoms peaked 3 days after chemotherapy. Twenty percent of patients had pain scores of 5 to 10 of 10 with the first dose of paclitaxel. Sensory neuropathy symptoms were more prominent than were motor or autonomic neuropathy symptoms. Of the sensory neuropathy symptoms, numbness and tingling were more prominent than was shooting or burning pain. Patients with higher P-APS pain scores with the first dose of paclitaxel appeared to have more chronic neuropathy.

Conclusion

These data support that the P-APS is related to nerve pathology as opposed to being arthralgias and/or myalgias. Numbness and tingling are more prominent chronic neuropathic symptoms than is shooting or burning pain.
Capecitabine Plus Oxaliplatin Compared With Fluorouracil and Folinic Acid As Adjuvant Therapy for Stage III Colon Cancer
Authors: Haller Daniel G. , Tabernero Josep , Maroun Jean , de Braud Filippo , Price Timothy , Van Cutsem Eric , Hill Mark , Gilberg Frank , Rittweger Karen , Schmoll Hans-Joachim
Published: March 2011

Purpose

This multicenter, randomized trial compared capecitabine plus oxaliplatin (XELOX) with bolus fluorouracil (FU) and folinic acid (FA) as adjuvant therapy for patients with stage III colon cancer.

Patients and Methods

Patients who had undergone curative resection were randomly assigned to XELOX (oxaliplatin 130 mg/m2 on day 1 plus capecitabine 1,000 mg/m2 twice daily on days 1 to 14 every 3 weeks for 24 weeks) or a standard bolus FU/FA adjuvant regimen (Mayo Clinic for 24 weeks or Roswell Park for 32 weeks). The primary study end point was disease-free survival (DFS).

Results

The intention-to-treat population comprised 1,886 patients; 944 patients were randomly assigned to XELOX and 942 to FU/FA (Mayo Clinic, n = 664; Roswell Park, n = 278). After 57 months of follow-up for the primary analysis, 295 patients (31.3%) in the XELOX group had relapsed, developed a new primary colon cancer, or died compared with 353 patients (37.5%) in the FU/FA group (hazard ratio [HR] for DFS, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.69 to 0.93; P = .0045). The 3-year DFS rate was 70.9% with XELOX and 66.5% with FU/FA. The HR for overall survival (OS) for XELOX compared to FU/FA was 0.87 (95% CI, 0.72 to 1.05; P = .1486). The 5-year OS for XELOX and FU/FA were 77.6% and 74.2%, respectively. Follow-up is ongoing. Preplanned multivariate and subgroup analyses supported the robustness of these findings.

Conclusion

The addition of oxaliplatin to capecitabine improves DFS in patients with stage III colon cancer. XELOX is an additional adjuvant treatment option for these patients.
Early pyrexia after endovascular aneurysm repair: are cultures needed?
Authors: Corfield L , Chan J , Chance T , Wilson N
Published: March 2011

INTRODUCTION

The post-implantation syndrome after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is increasingly recognised. However, when non-vascular trainees are responsible for the care of these patients out of hours, many are investigated if pyrexial. This study assesses the role of microbiological investigations in pyrexia after endovascular aneurysm repair.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The notes of 75 EVAR patients were reviewed retrospectively. The incidence of postoperative pyrexia and infective complications were calculated and the result of any cultures obtained.

RESULTS

Overall, 58 (77.3%) patients were pyrexial with 48 h of stent insertion. Twenty-four had blood cultures and 12 had urine cultures taken within 48 h of surgery. All of these cultures were negative. However, of those with a pyrexia after 48 h, one of nine blood cultures and two of 11 urine cultures grew organisms. Five pyrexial patients and one apyrexial patient developed a wound infection (a non-significant difference, P = 1.00).

CONCLUSIONS

Pyrexia within 48 h of EVAR is common. Microbiological investigation in the first 48 h in these patients is unrewarding. After 48 h, cultures are more likely to show growth. Although each patient must be assessed clinically for signs of sepsis, blood and urine cultures within 48 h of EVAR are generally unnecessary.
Face, content and construct validity of a virtual reality simulator for robotic surgery (SEP Robot)
Authors: Gavazzi Andrea , Bahsoun Ali N , Van Haute Wim , Ahmed Kamran , Elhage Oussama , Jaye Peter , Khan M Shamim , Dasgupta Prokar
Published: March 2011

INTRODUCTION

This study aims to establish face, content and construct validation of the SEP Robot (SimSurgery, Oslo, Norway) in order to determine its value as a training tool.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The tasks used in the validation of this simulator were arrow manipulation and performing a surgeon's knot. Thirty participants (18 novices, 12 experts) completed the procedures.

RESULTS

The simulator was able to differentiate between experts and novices in several respects. The novice group required more time to complete the tasks than the expert group, especially suturing. During the surgeon's knot exercise, experts significantly outperformed novices in maximum tightening stretch, instruments dropped, maximum winding stretch and tool collisions in addition to total task time. A trend was found towards the use of less force by the more experienced participants.

CONCLUSIONS

The SEP robotic simulator has demonstrated face, content and construct validity as a virtual reality simulator for robotic surgery. With steady increase in adoption of robotic surgery world-wide, this simulator may prove to be a valuable adjunct to clinical mentorship.
Psychophysical Assessment of Timing in Individuals With Autism
Authors: Allman Melissa J , DeLeon Iser G , Wearden John H
Published: March 2011

Perception of time, in the seconds to minutes range, is not well characterized in autism. The required interval timing system (ITS) develops at the same stages during infancy as communication, social reciprocity, and other cognitive and behavioral functions. The authors used two versions of a temporal bisection procedure to study the perception of duration in individuals with autism and observed quantifiable differences and characteristic patterns in participants' timing functions. Measures of timing performance correlated with certain autism diagnostic and intelligence scores, and parents described individuals with autism as having a poor sense of time. The authors modeled the data to provide a relative assessment of ITS function in these individuals. The implications of these results for the understanding of autism are discussed.
Increase of essential amino acids in the bovine uterine lumen during preimplantation development
Authors: Groebner Anna E , Rubio-Aliaga Isabel , Schulke Katy , Reichenbach Horst D , Daniel Hannelore , Wolf Eckhard , Meyer Heinrich H D , Ulbrich Susanne E
Published: March 2011

Amino acids (AAs) are crucial for the developing conceptus prior to implantation. To provide insights into the requirements of the bovine embryo, we determined the AA composition of the uterine fluid. At days 12, 15, and 18 post-estrus, the uteri of synchronized pregnant and non-pregnant Simmental heifers were flushed for the analysis of 41 AAs and their derivatives by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The ipsilateral endometrium was sampled for quantitative PCR. In addition to a pregnancy-dependent increase of the essential AAs (P<0.01), we detected elevated concentrations for most non-essential proteinogenic AAs. Histidine (His) and the expression of the His/peptide transporter solute carrier 15A3 (SLC15A3) were significantly increased at day 18 of pregnancyin vivo. In addition,SLC15A3was predominantly stimulated by trophoblast-derived interferon-τ in stroma cells of anin vitroco-culture model of endometrial cells. Our results show an increased concentration of AAs most likely to optimally provide the elongating pre-attachment conceptus with nutrients.
A Study of Burn Hospitalizations for Children Younger Than 5 Years of Age: 1983–2008
Authors: Duke Janine , Wood Fiona , Semmens James , Edgar Dale W. , Spilsbury Katrina , Hendrie Delia , Rea Suzanne
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVE:

Burn injury is a leading cause of emergency department visits and hospitalizations for young children. We aimed to use statewide linked health administrative data to evaluate the incidence, temporal trends, and cause of burn injuries for children younger than 5 years hospitalized for burn injuries in Western Australia for the period 1983–2008.

METHODS:

Epidemiologic analysis of linked hospital morbidity and death data of children younger than 5 years hospitalized with an index burn injury in Western Australia for the period 1983–2008. Poisson regression analyses were used to estimate temporal trends in hospital admissions and the external cause of the burn injury.

RESULTS:

From 1983 to 2008, there were 5398 hospitalizations for an index burn injury and 3 burn-related deaths. Hospital admission rates declined by an average annual rate of 2.3% (incidence rate ratio: 0.977 [95% confidence interval: 0.974–0.981]). More than half of the admissions were for scald burns. Hospitalizations declined for injury caused by scald, flame, contact, and electrical burns; however, the number of hospital admissions increased for chemical burns during the study period.

CONCLUSIONS:

The burn-injury hospitalizations reported in this study were preventable. Most burns occurred in the home and resulted from exposure to a household hazard. Further effort needs to be devoted to burn prevention and safety strategies, particularly in relation to scalds, to further reduce the incidence of burn injury in young children.
Office Allocation in the Czech Government and Chamber of Deputies in Light of Coalition Theory
Authors: Svačinová Petra , Chytilek Roman
Published: March 2011

The article presented is theoretically grounded in the office-seeking approach to the study of coalitions. It takes the most influential theories of portfolio distribution in the executive and legislature (voting weights, proportionality, formateur) and tests it on the data pertaining to coalition negotiations in the Czech Republic between 1992 and 2010. We follow the distribution of portfolios in the government, in the presidium of the Chamber of Deputies, as well as in the presidiums of permanent parliamentary committees. The approach based on voting weights seems best for studying portfolio distribution in the Czech Republic, although it is not entirely satisfactory. In the theoretical discussion of the results, we also point out that the voting weights approach is somewhat less rigorous than others. At the same time, we show that even ostensibly exact approaches to the study of coalitions can lead to arbitrariness on the part of the researcher, as theoretical assumptions about portfolio distribution operate with decimal numbers, whereas in reality one operates with natural numbers.
The Council of Europe's White Paper on Intercultural Dialogue: An Analysis Using the Ethic of Care
Authors: Zembylas Michalinos , Bozalek Vivienne
Published: March 2011

This article examines what an ethic of care could offer to discussions about Europe's increasing cultural diversity by analyzing the important White Paper on Intercultural Dialogue published by the Council of Europe in 2008. The authors consider the White Paper from the perspective of the political ethic of care and thus examine its adequacy in dealing with issues of care. Their point of departure is that policy texts display normative ways of speaking about certain issues – in this case, issues of diversity, multiculturalism and citizenship in Europe. They first contextualize the discussions for promoting intercultural dialogue in the Council of Europe and analyze the normative framework of the White Paper. Then, they use the care perspective as a lens to comment on notions of diversity, multiculturalism and citizenship. Finally, they discuss how the notion of care as a citizenship issue could contribute towards further development of discussions on citizenship education and intercultural dialogue in Europe.
Intercultural versus Interreligious Dialogue in a Pluralist Europe
Authors: Arthur James
Published: March 2011

Intercultural dialogue, as currently theorized and practised by the Council of Europe, is limited in its capacity to contribute to social cohesion in and among religious communities who differ fundamentally from each other. Adherents of the major religions believe that their religion is uniquely true and consequently feel that their religious beliefs and values are misrepresented if public bodies in the name of ‘neutrality’ or secular principles imply or affirm the equal truth of all religions. They conclude from this approach that there is no real respect for religious difference. The Council of Europe's remit and practices harbour many explicit and implicit secular assumptions and commitments which, for now, decline to assess religious claims to truth and therefore refuse to decide between rival doctrinal positions. This article argues that only interreligious dialogue takes religions and religious difference seriously and is able to develop respect and lead potentially to ‘shared values' between rival ways of religious thinking.
Analysis of Trend: A Permutation Alternative to the F Test
Authors: Berry Kenneth J. , Johnston Janis E. , Mielke Paul W.
Published: March 2011

When the categories of the independent variable in an analysis of variance are quantitative, it is more informative to evaluate the trends in the treatment means than to simply compare differences among the treatment means. A permutation alternative to the conventional F test is shown to possess significant advantages when analyzing trend among quantitative treatments in a one-way analysis of variance. An example with and without an extreme data point illustrates the effectiveness of the permutation alternative for the analysis of trend when homogeneity of variance is compromised.
An Exploratory Study to Assess the Impact of Work Demands and the Anticipation of Work on Awakening Saliva Cortisol
Authors: Devereux Jason , Rydstedt Leif W. , Cropley Mark
Published: March 2011

The goal was to investigate whether cortisol on awakening is higher on Monday relative to Sunday morning, and to assess whether responses vary with job demands and the anticipation of work. 77 white collar workers gave a sample of saliva on awakening Sunday and Monday mornings, and then rated their anticipation for work. Data showed that salivary cortisol concentration was greater on Monday compared to Sunday morning. There were no main effects of job demands or anticipation of work on cortisol secretion. There was a significant interaction between job demands and anticipation of work on Monday, relative to Sunday morning. Cortisol secretion was higher in those reporting high job demands together with a greater anticipation of work. It was concluded that increased awakening saliva cortisol secretion is not necessarily a result of working in a highly demanding environment. Anticipating the impending working day appears to be an important influence on adrenal-cortical activity.
Psychological Profile of Polish Skydivers
Authors: Próchniak Piotr
Published: March 2011

To identify personality factors, personal values, time perspective, and attitude toward death of 53 Polish skydivers ( M age = 28.4 yr., SD = 9.8) and 59 low-risk sport athletes (controls, M age = 27.3 yr., SD = 5.3), several scales were used. These were the Zuckerman-Kuhlman Personality Questionnaire, Schwartz's Value Survey, the Present and Future Time Perspective Questionnaire, and Death Attitude Questionnaire. It was found that skydivers scored higher on Impulsive Sensation Seeking, Hedonism, Stimulation, and Self-direction values, concentration on the present, preferring a fast death, and belief about controlling death in comparison to the control group. Skydivers also scored lower on Tradition, Universalism, and Benevolence values in comparison to the control group.
Palaearctic longhorn beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) from "Dr. Karl Petri" collection of the Natural History Museum of Sibiu (Romania). Part I: Lepturinae subfamily
Authors: Tăuşan Ioan , Bucşa Corneliu
Published: March 2011

Palaearctic longhorn beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) from "Dr. Karl Petri" collection of the Natural History Museum of Sibiu (Romania). Part I: Lepturinae subfamily

The paper consists of data on 69 Palaearctic Cerambycidae species of the Lepturinae subfamily from the "Dr. Karl Petri" collection of the Natural History Museum from Sibiu. Dr. Karl Petri collected an important part of the material. Most of the specimens were collected from Romania, mainly from Transylvania.
Microevolutionary trends in Western Palaearctic bats. Case study: microevolutionary trends among bats of Rhinolophus "ferrumequinum" group (Mammalia: Chiroptera)
Authors: Wołoszyn Bronisław
Published: March 2011

Microevolutionary trends in Western Palaearctic bats. Case study: microevolutionary trends among bats of Rhinolophus "ferrumequinum" group (Mammalia: Chiroptera)

A frecuently recurring tendency in insectivorous bats is the cephalization of he skull. It has been shown that from the early Pliocene onwards, changes which appear to be microevolutionary trends have continued to take place in the skull structure. Some of these trends were analysed, and they were found to consist mainly in the reduction of splanchnocranium: shortening of the palate and of the premolar teethrow (both in the maxilla and the mandible). Postdental part of the mandible becomes shorter.
Long-term dynamics of zooplankton in the Matiţa and Merhei shallow lakes (the Danube Delta, Romania). 1. Diversity and abundance
Authors: Zinevici Victor , Parpală Laura , Petrişor Alexandru , Florescu Larisa
Published: March 2011

Long-term dynamics of zooplankton in the Matiţa and Merhei shallow lakes (the Danube Delta, Romania). 1. Diversity and abundance

The present paper presents significant changes occurred in the multi-annual dynamics of zooplankton diversity and abundance (1980-2007), under the pressure of human-induced eutrophication in two shallow lakes specific for the Danube Delta. Zooplankton community from lakes Matiţa and Merhei was characterized by high species richness but low abundance values until 1981, in ecological conditions unaffected by eutrophication. For the next ten years, due to obvious increases of human pressures, zooplankton species richness decreased with 52% and 63%, respectively, while abundance values increased with 39% and 16%, respectively. After 1991, the social and economic changes in the Danube countries from the Central Europe led to nutrient input decreases. As a result, lake ecosystems from the Danube Delta showed lower trophicity values and their ecological parameters tended to recover. Analyses on the dynamics of the Shannon-Wiener's informational entropy index, Pielou's evenness and Simpson's index of dominance offered additional information and reduced the heterogeneity of the data regarding the species richness and the numerical abundance dynamics. Moreover, correlation analyses suggested the influences of human-induced changes of nutrient inputs on the multi-annual zooplankton dynamics.
Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Phenolic Antioxidants from Potato Peels
Authors: Singh Ashutosh , Sabally Kebba , Kubow Stan , Donnelly Danielle J. , Gariepy Yvan , Orsat Valérie , Raghavan G.S.V.
Published: March 2011

A response surface method was used to optimize the microwave-assisted extraction parameters such as extraction time (t) (min), solvent (methanol) concentration (S) (v/v) and microwave power level (MP) for extraction of antioxidants from potato peels. Max. total phenolics content of 3.94 mg g−1 dry weight (dw) was obtained at S of 67.33%, t of 15 min and a MP of 14.67%. For ascorbic acid (1.44 mg g−1 dw), caffeic acid (1.33 mg g−1 dw), ferulic acid (0.50 mg g−1 dw) max contents were obtained at S of 100%, t of 15 min, and MP of 10%, while the max chlorogenic acid content (1.35 mg g−1 dw) was obtained at S of 100%, t of 5 min, and MP of 10%. The radical scavenging activity of the extract was evaluated by using the DPPH assay and optimum antioxidant activity was obtained at S of 100%, t of 5 min, and MP of 10%.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Ding Dah-Ching , Shyu Woei-Cherng , Lin Shinn-Zong
Published: March 2011

Stem cells have two features: the ability to differentiate along different lineages and the ability of self-renewal. Two major types of stem cells have been described, namely, embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells (ESC) are obtained from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst and are associated with tumorigenesis, and the use of human ESCs involves ethical and legal considerations. The use of adult mesenchymal stem cells is less problematic with regard to these issues. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are stromal cells that have the ability to self-renew and also exhibit multilineage differentiation. MSCs can be isolated from a variety of tissues, such as umbilical cord, endometrial polyps, menses blood, bone marrow, adipose tissue, etc. This is because the ease of harvest and quantity obtained make these sources most practical for experimental and possible clinical applications. Recently, MSCs have been found in new sources, such as menstrual blood and endometrium. There are likely more sources of MSCs waiting to be discovered, and MSCs may be a good candidate for future experimental or clinical applications. One of the major challenges is to elucidate the mechanisms of differentiation, mobilization, and homing of MSCs, which are highly complex. The multipotent properties of MSCs make them an attractive choice for possible development of clinical applications. Future studies should explore the role of MSCs in differentiation, transplantation, and immune response in various diseases.
B Cell and BAFF Dependence of IFN-α–Exaggerated Disease in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus-Prone NZM 2328 Mice
Authors: Jacob Noam , Guo Shunhua , Mathian Alexis , Koss Michael N. , Gindea Simona , Putterman Chaim , Jacob Chaim O. , Stohl William
Published: March 2011

IFN-α is a potent activator of innate and adaptive immunity, and its administration to preautoimmune (NZB×NZW)F1 mice promotes virulent systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disease. Given the known contributions of B cells and BAFF to SLE, we evaluated the ability of IFN-α administration to induce disease in wild-type (WT), B cell-deficient, and BAFF-deficient NZM 2328 mice. Whereas WT mice rapidly developed proliferative glomerulonephritis, marked proteinuria, and increased mortality in response to IFN-α administration, B cell-deficient mice developed neither renal pathology nor clinical disease. Moreover, BAFF-deficient mice, despite developing limited glomerular IgG and C3 deposition, also remained free of histological glomerulonephritis and clinical disease. Strikingly, similar T cell expansion and serum IgG responses were observed in adenovirus (Adv)-IFN–treated WT and BAFF-deficient mice despite their disparate pathological and clinical responses, whereas numbers of activated B cells increased in WT mice but not in BAFF-deficient mice. Nonetheless, B cell, plasma cell, and T cell infiltration of the kidneys in Adv-IFN–treated WT mice was similar to that in WT mice treated with Adv-control. Its ability to promote SLE disease in WT mice notwithstanding, IFN-α administration failed to drive the preferential expansion of CD4+ memory T cells that occurs during the natural course of disease, and glomerular infiltration of macrophages failed to associate with development of disease. These results collectively suggest that therapeutic targeting in SLE of BAFF and/or B cells in SLE could be successful even in states of IFN-α overexpression. Moreover, our results document important biological differences between IFN-α–driven and spontaneous natural SLE disease.
Phenotype, Function, and Gene Expression Profiles of Programmed Death-1hi CD8 T Cells in Healthy Human Adults
Authors: Duraiswamy Jaikumar , Ibegbu Chris C. , Masopust David , Miller Joseph D. , Araki Koichi , Doho Gregory H. , Tata Pramila , Gupta Satish , Zilliox Michael J. , Nakaya Helder I. , Pulendran Bali , Haining W. Nicholas , Freeman Gordon J. , Ahmed Rafi
Published: March 2011

T cell dysfunction is an important feature of many chronic viral infections. In particular, it was shown that programmed death-1 (PD-1) regulates T cell dysfunction during chronic lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection in mice, and PD-1hi cells exhibit an intense exhausted gene signature. These findings were extended to human chronic infections such as HIV, hepatitis C virus, and hepatitis B virus. However, it is not known if PD-1hi cells of healthy humans have the traits of exhausted cells. In this study, we provide a comprehensive description of phenotype, function, and gene expression profiles of PD-1hi versus PD-1lo CD8 T cells in the peripheral blood of healthy human adults as follows: 1) the percentage of naive and memory CD8 T cells varied widely in the peripheral blood cells of healthy humans, and PD-1 was expressed by the memory CD8 T cells; 2) PD-1hi CD8 T cells in healthy humans did not significantly correlate with the PD-1hi exhausted gene signature of HIV-specific human CD8 T cells or chronic lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus-specific CD8 T cells from mice; 3) PD-1 expression did not directly affect the ability of CD8 T cells to secrete cytokines in healthy adults; 4) PD-1 was expressed by the effector memory compared with terminally differentiated effector CD8 T cells; and 5) finally, an interesting inverse relationship between CD45RA and PD-1 expression was observed. In conclusion, our study shows that most PD-1hi CD8 T cells in healthy adult humans are effector memory cells rather than exhausted cells.
A Point Mutation in the Amino Terminus of TLR7 Abolishes Signaling without Affecting Ligand Binding
Authors: Iavarone Carlo , Ramsauer Katrin , Kubarenko Andriy V. , Debasitis Jason C. , Leykin Igor , Weber Alexander N. R. , Siggs Owen M. , Beutler Bruce , Zhang Pu , Otten Gillis , D’Oro Ugo , Valiante Nicholas M. , Mbow M. Lamine , Visintin Alberto
Published: March 2011

TLR7 is the mammalian receptor for ssRNA and some nucleotide-like small molecules. We have generated a mouse by N-nitrose-N′-ethyl urea mutagenesis in which threonine 68 of TLR7 was substituted with isoleucine. Cells bearing this mutant TLR7 lost the sensitivity to the small-molecule TLR7 agonist resiquimod, hence the name TLR7rsq1. In this work, we report the characterization of this mutant protein. Similar to the wild-type counterpart, TLR7rsq1 localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum and is expressed at normal levels in both primary cells and reconstituted 293T cells. In addition to small-molecule TLR7 agonists, TLR7rsq1 fails to be activated by ssRNA. Whole-transcriptome analysis demonstrates that TLR7 is the exclusive and indispensable receptor for both classes of ligands, consistent with the fact that both ligands induce highly similar transcriptional signatures in TLR7wt/wt splenocytes. Thus, TLR7rsq1 is a bona fide phenocopy of the TLR7 null mouse. Because TLR7rsq1 binds to ssRNA, our studies imply that the N-terminal portion of TLR7 triggers a yet to be identified event on TLR7. TLR7rsq1 mice might represent a valuable tool to help elucidate novel aspects of TLR7 biology.
Rapid and Transient Activation of γδ T Cells to IFN-γ Production, NK Cell-Like Killing, and Antigen Processing during Acute Virus Infection
Authors: Toka Felix N. , Kenney Mary A. , Golde William T.
Published: March 2011

γδ T cells are the majority peripheral blood T cells in young cattle. The role of γδ T cells in innate responses against infection with foot-and-mouth disease virus was analyzed on consecutive 5 d following infection. Before infection, bovine WC1+ γδ T cells expressed a nonactivated phenotype relative to CD62L, CD45RO, and CD25 expression and did not produce IFN-γ ex vivo. Additionally, CD335 expression was lacking and no spontaneous target cell lysis could be detected in vitro, although perforin was detectable at a very low level. MHC class II and CD13 expression were also lacking. Following infection with foot-and-mouth disease virus, expression of CD62L and CD45RO was greatly reduced on WC1+ γδ T cells, and unexpectedly, CD45RO expression did not recover. A transient increase in expression of CD25 correlated with production of IFN-γ. Expression of CD335 and production of perforin were detected on a subset of γδ T cells, and this correlated with an increased spontaneous killing of xenogeneic target cells. Furthermore, increased MHC class II expression was detected on WC1+ γδ T cells, and these cells processed protein Ags. These activities are rapidly induced, within 3 d, and wane by 5 d following infection. All of these functions, NK-like killing, Ag processing, and IFN-γ production, have been demonstrated for these cells in various species. However, these results are unique in that all these functions are detected in the same samples of WC1+ γδ T cells, suggesting a pivotal role of these cells in controlling virus infection.
Modulation of Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses by Tofacitinib (CP-690,550)
Authors: Ghoreschi Kamran , Jesson Michael I. , Li Xiong , Lee Jamie L. , Ghosh Sarbani , Alsup Jason W. , Warner James D. , Tanaka Masao , Steward-Tharp Scott M. , Gadina Massimo , Thomas Craig J. , Minnerly John C. , Storer Chad E. , LaBranche Timothy P. , Radi Zaher A. , Dowty Martin E. , Head Richard D. , Meyer Debra M. , Kishore Nandini , O’Shea John J.
Published: March 2011

Inhibitors of the JAK family of nonreceptor tyrosine kinases have demonstrated clinical efficacy in rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory disorders; however, the precise mechanisms by which JAK inhibition improves inflammatory immune responses remain unclear. In this study, we examined the mode of action of tofacitinib (CP-690,550) on JAK/STAT signaling pathways involved in adaptive and innate immune responses. To determine the extent of inhibition of specific JAK/STAT-dependent pathways, we analyzed cytokine stimulation of mouse and human T cells in vitro. We also investigated the consequences of CP-690,550 treatment on Th cell differentiation of naive murine CD4+ T cells. CP-690,550 inhibited IL-4–dependent Th2 cell differentiation and interestingly also interfered with Th17 cell differentiation. Expression of IL-23 receptor and the Th17 cytokines IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-22 were blocked when naive Th cells were stimulated with IL-6 and IL-23. In contrast, IL-17A production was enhanced when Th17 cells were differentiated in the presence of TGF-β. Moreover, CP-690,550 also prevented the activation of STAT1, induction of T-bet, and subsequent generation of Th1 cells. In a model of established arthritis, CP-690,550 rapidly improved disease by inhibiting the production of inflammatory mediators and suppressing STAT1-dependent genes in joint tissue. Furthermore, efficacy in this disease model correlated with the inhibition of both JAK1 and JAK3 signaling pathways. CP-690,550 also modulated innate responses to LPS in vivo through a mechanism likely involving the inhibition of STAT1 signaling. Thus, CP-690,550 may improve autoimmune diseases and prevent transplant rejection by suppressing the differentiation of pathogenic Th1 and Th17 cells as well as innate immune cell signaling.
The Psychology of Stroke in Young Adults: The Roles of Service Provision and Return to Work
Authors: Morris Reg
Published: March 2011

Literature about the psychological consequences of stroke in those under 65 is reviewed focussing on services and work. Despite similarities, young and old survivors have different experiences and needs. These are attributable to the effects of stroke on age-normative roles and activities, self-image, and the young person's stage in the life-cycle, especially family and work. “Hidden” cognitive impairments, a disrupted sense of self, and the incongruity of suffering an “older person's” disease are salient. Young survivors benefit from services, but experience lack of congruence between their needs and service philosophy, methods, and aims, and consequently have unmet needs. Employment is psychologically salient, and the evidence about return rates, factors that affect return, and the adequacy of employment-related service provision is reviewed. Specific and general recommendations are made for increasing congruence between young survivors' needs and service provision and also for facilitating their return to work.
Metabolic Syndrome, Chronic Kidney, and Cardiovascular Diseases: Role of Adipokines
Authors: Tesauro Manfredi , Canale Maria Paola , Rodia Giuseppe , Di Daniele Nicola , Lauro Davide , Scuteri Angelo , Cardillo Carmine
Published: March 2011

Obesity is a chronic disease, whose incidence is alarmingly growing. It is associated with metabolic abnormalities and cardiovascular complications. These complications are clustered in the metabolic syndrome (MetS) leading to high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Obesity predisposes to diabetic nephropathy, hypertensive nephrosclerosis, and focal and segmental glomerular sclerosis and represents an independent risk factor for the development and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Albuminuria is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Microalbuminuria has been described as early manifestation of MetS-associated kidney damage and diabetic nephropathy. Obesity and MetS affect renal physiology and metabolism through mechanisms which include altered levels of adipokines such as leptin and adiponectin, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Secretory products of adipose tissue also deeply and negatively influence endothelial function. A better understanding of these interactions will help in designing more effective treatments aimed to protect both renal and cardiovascular systems.
High-Temperature Electrochemical Hydrogen Pumps and Separators
Authors: Pasierb P. , Rekas M.
Published: March 2011

In this work different methods of hydrogen purification were presented and discussed. Special emphasis was given to electrochemical hydrogen pumps and membranes. The general principle of operation of such devices was shown, and the basic criteria for materials selection were formulated. The experimental part shows the example results concerning the pumping efficiency, demonstrating the possibility of application of high-temperature protonic conductors for the construction of pump or membrane for hydrogen purification.
Molecular Mechanisms in Exercise-Induced Cardioprotection
Authors: Golbidi Saeid , Laher Ismail
Published: March 2011

Physical inactivity is increasingly recognized as modifiable behavioral risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. A partial list of proposed mechanisms for exercise-induced cardioprotection include induction of heat shock proteins, increase in cardiac antioxidant capacity, expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress proteins, anatomical and physiological changes in the coronary arteries, changes in nitric oxide production, adaptational changes in cardiac mitochondria, increased autophagy, and improved function of sarcolemmal and/or mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channels. It is currently unclear which of these protective mechanisms are essential for exercise-induced cardioprotection. However, most investigations focus on sarcolemmal KATP channels, NO production, and mitochondrial changes although it is very likely that other mechanisms may also exist. This paper discusses current information about these aforementioned topics and does not consider potentially important adaptations within blood or the autonomic nervous system. A better understanding of the molecular basis of exercise-induced cardioprotection will help to develop better therapeutic strategies.
Symplectic Lie–Rinehart–Jacobi Algebras and Contact Manifolds
Authors: Okassa Eugène
Published: March 2011

We give a characterization of contact manifolds in terms of symplectic Lie–Rinehart–Jacobi algebras. We also give a sufficient condition for a Jacobi manifold to be a contact manifold.