bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunmodulatorische Wirkung der Bluttransfusion und Einfluß auf Infektionsrate und Tumorrezidiv
Authors: Heiss M.M. , Delanoff C.
Published: June 2009

Ziel: In dieser Übersichtsarbeit sollen die gegenwärtig vorliegenden Literaturdaten zur Frage des immunmodulatorischen Effektes von Blut-transfusionen zusammengetragen und diskutiert werden. Hierzu ist es notwendig, zunächst sowohl eine Analyse der verschiedenen potentiell immunmodulatorisch wirkenden Blutbestandteile als auch der verschiedenen immunologischen Mechanismen vorzunehmen. Des weiteren sollen die vorliegenden Studien über die klinischen Auswirkungen der Bluttrans-fusions-assoziierten Immunmodulation sowohl im Hinblick auf die postoperative Infektionsrate als auch auf die Beeinflussung des Tumorwachstums dargestellt und diskutiert werden. Quellen und Auswahlkriterien: Für diese Zusammenstellung wurden sowohl grundlegende wissenschaftliche Arbeiten zur Darstellung der verschiedenen immunologischen Mechanismen und Effekte als auch alle relevanten klinischen Studien, welche über Medline-Suche zwischen 1982 und 1995 zusammengetragen wurden, bezüglich dieser Fragestellung berücksichtigt. Auch die Ergebnisse der eigenen Arbeitsgruppe wurden im Kontext mit der vorliegenden Literatur diskutiert. Ergebnisse: Eine Vielzahl verschiedener immunologischer Effekte, welche experimentell in unterschiedlichen Modellen reproduzierbar dargestellt werden konnten, belegen das immunsuppressive Potential allogener Bluttransfusionen, wobei Erythrozyten, Leukozyten sowie Plasma jeweils unterschiedliche Stellenwerte zukommen. Die klinische Auswirkung dieses Effektes ist allerdings weniger eindeutig. Während bei fast alien Studien die allogene Bluttransfusion im Vergleich zu den übrigen klinischen Kovariablen die stärkste Assoziation mit der postoperativen Infektionsrate aufwies, ist die Situation hinsichtlich des tumorfreien Über-lebens nicht so eindeutig. Die Ergebnisse verschiedener Meta-Analysen, die alle bis 1995 vorliegenden Studien bei kolorektalen Karzinompatienten zusammenfaßten, zeigten übereinstimmend ein signifikant erhöhtes Tumorrezidivrisiko. Allerdings konnten die Ergebnisse zweier randomisierter multizentrischer Studien aus Holland keinen eigenständigen Transfusionseffekt aufweisen. Dem stehen die Ergebnisse zweier monozentrisch randomisierter Studien aus Dänemark und unserer Arbeitsgruppe entgegen. Schlußfolgerung: Der immunsuppressive Effekt allogener Bluttransfusionen kann durch die Vielzahl der experimentellen Befunde als belegt gelten. In der klinischen Situation zeigt sich dieser Effekt in einer erhöhten postoperativen Infektionsrate. Unklar ist, inwieweit dieser Effekt auch das Langzeitergebnis in der Tumorchirurgie beeinflußt.
Operationen bei Patienten mit angeborenen Gerinnungsstörungen
Authors: Muntean W.
Published: June 2009

Die Entwicklung von Blutgerinnungsfaktorenkonzentraten hat die Durchführung auch großer Operationen bei Patienten mit angeborenen Gerinnungsstörungen ermöglicht. Trotzdem kann die Operation bei Patienten mit angeborenen Gerinnungsstörungen nur nach Erfüllen einer Reihe von Voraussetzungen erfolgen: Nur eine exakte Diagnose ermöglicht eine spezifische Substitutionstherapie. Unbedingt müssen alle Patienten vor der Operation auf das Vorliegen eines Hemmkörpers getestet werden, da das Vorliegen eines Hemmkörpers die Substitutionstherapie mit dem spezifischen Faktorenkonzentrat unmöglich machen kann. Eine etwaige Hepatopathie muß bekannt sein, da sie ein zusätzliches Thromboserisiko darstellt, insbesondere bei Hämophilie-B-Patienten. Die entsprechenden Blutkomponenten müssen in ausreichender Menge bereit sein. Ebenfalls bereit muß das Labor für die anfallenden Kontrolluntersuchungen sein. Schließlich vermindert ein entsprechendes chirurgisches Verfahren bei gerinnungsgestörten Patienten das Blutungsrisiko. Die Substitution erfolgt anhand der Diagnose und dem Schweregrad mit spezifischen Gerinnungsfaktorenkonzentraten, entweder intermittierend durch Bolusgabe oder durch kontinuierliche Infusion, wobei bei den meisten Eingriffen die Substitution bis zum Abschluß der Wundheilung durchzuführen ist.
Determination of Red-Cell Volume with a Nonradioactive Marker (Sodium Fluorescein) in Humans Using Flow Cytometry
Authors: Haller M. , Dressel H. , Thiel M. , Orth V. , Brechtelsbauer H. , Pfeiffer M. , Finsterer U.
Published: June 2009

Objective: To evaluate a method to measure red-cell volume (RCV) using a nonradioactive marker (sodium fluorescein) and flow cytometry. Design: Study of reproducibility and feasibility of the method in healthy volunteers. Setting: Laboratory of an intensive care unit at a university hospital. Participants: Five healthy male and 10 healthy female subjects. Interventions: A total of 28 RCV determinations was carried out in the 5 male subjects to establish the reproducibility of the method. Twenty of the RCV determinations were performed as duplicate measurements (interval: 1 h). The longest period between two subsequent measurements was 112 days. In the 10 female subjects a total of 20 RCV determinations was carried out (two measurements per subject with a 1-hour interval. Results: The variation coefficient (mean ± standard deviation) in male subjects was 3.1 + 1.4%. The mean differences ( ± SD) between the measurements carried out on different days and those carried out as duplicate measurements on the same day did not differ (0.0 + 3.8% versus 0.6 + 4.7%). RCV in relation to body weight and body surface area, respectively, was 29.1 ± 2.7 ml/kg and 1,108 ± 90 ml/m2 in males and 24.0 ± 1.5 ml/kg and 848 ± 56 ml/m2 in females. Conclusions: We conclude that sodium fluorescein is a suitable nonradioactive marker for RCV determination and that RCV is constant over long periods of time.
Äquivalenzen zwischen Normen und Regelwerken (Teil II)
Authors: Markowetz D. , Grunenberg R. , Krüger J.
Published: June 2009

Nachdem in Teil I das vorhandene Qualitätsmanagement (QM)- System des Instituts für Transfusionsmedizin der Universität zu Köln auf die international anerkannte Norm ISO 9001 abgebildet wurde, werden in diesem Teil II die Normen und Regelwerke GMP, EN 45001, GLP auf diese Norm abgebildet. Der Begriff «Regelkreisklasse» wurde geprägt und als Sammelbegriff für bestimmte Typen von Regelkreisen verstanden. Die Überschriften der 20 Qualitätssicherungs-Elemente aus DIN EN ISO 9001 werden als Unterscheidungsmerkmale für 20 Regelkreisklassen eines QM-Systems verwendet. Durch die konsequente Anwendung des Begriffs «Regelkreisklasse» können sehr viele Aquivalenzen zwischen den einzelnen Dokumenten nachgewiesen werden. Aus den erzielten Ergebnissen resultiert die Frage: Wie viele Normen und Regelwerke sind für medizinische und transfusionsmedizinische Einheiten erforderlich, wenn sich letztere nicht nur der Patientenversorgung widmen, sondern durch Kooperationen mit industriellen Auftraggebern die Existenz dieser Einrichtungen, bei gleichbleibend hohem Leistungsniveau, sichern wollen?
Abschwächung des A- und H-Antigens bei einer Patientin mit akuter Leukämie
Authors: Strobel E. , Graf T.
Published: June 2009

Hintergrund: Bei einer 39jährigen Patientin, die wegen einer akuten myeloischen Leukämie erstmalig zur Behandlung kam, fiel bei der Bestimmung der ABO-Blutgruppe eine Diskrepanz zwischen dem Nachweis der erythrozytären Merkmale (keine Reaktion mit Anti-A, Anti-B und Anti-AB) und der Serum-gegenprobe (keine Reaktion mit 0-, A1 und A2-Erythrozyten, starke Reaktion mit B-Erythrozyten) auf. Material und Methoden: Je 5 monoklonale und 5 polyklonale Anti-A-, Anti-B- und Anti-AB-Reagenzien verschiedener Hersteller wurden zur Bestimmung der ABO-Merkmale verwendet (Röhrchen-Zentrifugationsmethode, 5 min Inkubation bei Raumtemperatur). Ergebnisse: Mit keinem polyklonalen und nur 1 monoklonalen Anti-A-Reagenz, mit 3 polyklonalen und 2 monoklonalen Anti-AB-Reagenzien war das A-Antigen nachweisbar. Darüber hinaus war das H-Antigen weder mit monoklonalen noch mit Lektin-Reagenzien nachzuweisen. Anläßlich einer Folgeuntersuchung nach 7 Monaten (nach zwischenzeitlicher Chemotherapie) konnten das A- und das H-Antigen mit starken Agglutinationsreaktionen nachgewiesen werden. Schlußfolgerung: Trotz hochwertiger monoklonaler wie polyklonaler Reagenzien zur Bestimmung der erythrozytären Antigene müssen bei der Untersuchung der ABO-Blutgruppe (von Neugeborenen und Säuglingen abgesehen) die komplementären Reaktionen der Serumgegenprobe genau beachtet werden.
Comparison of Bare Metal Stenting and Percutaneous Pulmonary Valve Implantation for Treatment of Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction
Authors: Lurz Philipp , Nordmeyer Johannes , Muthurangu Vivek , Khambadkone Sachin , Derrick Graham , Yates Robert , Sury Michael , Bonhoeffer Philipp , Taylor Andrew M.
Published: June 2009

Background—

Treatment of right ventricular outflow tract obstruction is possible with a bare metal stent (BMS), although this treatment causes pulmonary regurgitation. In this study, we assessed the acute physiological effects of BMS versus percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI) using an x-ray/magnetic resonance hybrid laboratory.

Methods and Results—

Fourteen consecutive children (median age, 12.9 years) with significant right ventricular outflow tract obstruction underwent BMS followed by PPVI. Magnetic resonance imaging (ventricular volumes and function and great vessel blood flow) and hemodynamic assessment (invasive pressure measurements) were performed before BMS, after BMS, and after PPVI; all were performed under general anesthesia in an x-ray/magnetic resonance hybrid laboratory. BMS significantly reduced the ratio of right ventricular to systemic pressure (0.75±0.17% versus 0.41±0.14%;
P
<0.001) with no further change after PPVI (0.42±0.11;
P
=1.0). However, BMS resulted in free pulmonary regurgitation (21.3±10.7% versus 41.4±7.5%;
P
<0.001), which was nearly abolished after PPVI (3.6±5.6%;
P
<0.001). Effective right ventricular stroke volume (right ventricular stroke volume minus pulmonary regurgitant volume) after BMS remained unchanged (33.8±7.3 versus 32.6±8.7 mL/m
2
;
P
=1.0) but was significantly increased after revalvulation with PPVI (41.0±8.0 mL/m
2
;
P
=0.004). These improvements after PPVI were accompanied by a significant heart rate reduction (75.5±17.7 bpm after BMS versus 69.0±16.9 bpm after PPVI;
P
=0.006) at maintained cardiac output (2.5±0.5 versus 2.4±0.5 versus 2.7±0.5 mL · min
−1
· m
−2
;
P
=0.14).

Conclusion—

Using an x-ray/magnetic resonance hybrid laboratory, we have demonstrated the superior acute hemodynamic effects of PPVI over BMS in patients with right ventricular outflow tract obstruction.
Blood Pressure Components and Changes in Relation to White Matter Lesions
Authors: Guo Xinxin , Pantoni Leonardo , Simoni Michela , Bengtsson Calle , Björkelund Cecilia , Lissner Lauren , Gustafson Deborah , Skoog Ingmar
Published: June 2009

This study aimed to examine the long-term effect of high blood pressure (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, and mean arterial pressure) on white matter lesions and to study changes in different blood pressure components in relation to white matter lesions. A representative population of women was examined in 1968 and re-examined in 1974, 1980, 1992, and 2000. The presence and severity of white matter lesions on computed tomography were rated by a visual rating scale in 1992 and 2000 in 539 women. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured at all of the examinations. We found that presence and severity of white matter lesions in 1992/2000 were associated with higher diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure at each examination but not with systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure. Odds ratios (95% CIs) for the presence of white matter lesions per 10-mm Hg increase in diastolic pressure were 1.4 (1.0 to 1.9) in 1968, 1.3 (1.0 to 1.8) in 1974, 1.4 (1.1 to 1.9) in 1980, and 1.3 (1.0 to 1.6) in 1992 after adjustment for confounders. The presence of white matter lesions was also associated with a 24-year increase in diastolic pressure (>10 mm Hg), systolic pressure (>40 mm Hg), pulse pressure (>24 mm Hg), and mean arterial pressure (>6 mm Hg; odds ratios [95% CIs]: 2.6 [1.3 to 5.1] for diastolic pressure; 2.0 [1.2 to 3.4] for systolic pressure; 1.8 [1.1 to 2.7] for pulse pressure; and 2.2 [1.4 to 3.4] for mean arterial pressure). Our findings suggest that lowering high diastolic blood pressure and preventing large increases in systolic and diastolic blood pressures may have a protective effect on white matter lesions.
Disregard for Outsiders
Authors: Tafarodi Romin W. , Shaughnessy Sarah C. , Lee Wincy W. S. , Leung Doris Y. P. , Ozaki Yuka , Morio Hiroaki , Yamaguchi Susumu
Published: June 2009

The place of outsiders—strangers and otherwise irrelevant others—in the cultural logic of a society holds likely consequences for social perception. The authors begin by describing how outsiders are viewed in Western, Japanese, and Chinese societies. Comparing the three groups, it is proposed that the Chinese are most strongly disposed to disregard or ignore those outside their networks of affiliation and practical involvement. To test this claim experimentally, we assessed the incidental memory of Canadians, Japanese, and Chinese students for social targets of differing situational relevance to the perceiver. As expected, the Chinese showed greater memory advantage than the other groups for primary over nonprimary targets, but only when provided with an explicit justification for exclusive attention.
Histological and Immunohistochemical Studies on Spontaneous Rat Astrocytomas and Malignant Reticulosis
Authors: Nagatani Mariko , Ando Ryo , Yamakawa Seiki , Saito Tsubasa , Tamura Kazutoshi
Published: June 2009

Among spontaneous neoplasms of the rat central nervous system, the discrimination between astrocytoma and malignant reticulosis (MR) is sometimes difficult because of their similar cell morphology and infiltration patterns. In the present study, we carried out histological and immunohistochemical analyses on a total of sixty-four cases in Sprague-Dawley and F344 rats. These cases were diagnosed as benign/malignant astrocytoma containing no neoplastic oligodendroglial elements or MR according to the diagnostic criteria of the World Health Organization International Classification of Rodent Tumors ( Mohr et al. 1994 ). Astrocytomas were divided into three types and MR into two types based on the number of lesions, cellularity and infiltration patterns, and so on. Although the neoplastic cells from all types showed various immunoreactivities for RM-4 (anti-rat macrophages and dendritic cells), ED-1, and/or vimentin, there were no distinctive differences among these types, and most cells that were positive for RM-4 were also positive for ED-1. None of the tumor types showed any reactivity for GFAP or S-100 protein. From the results of morphological and immunohistochemical examinations, it was indicated that there are no distinctive differences between spontaneous astrocytomas and MR in rats, and they are probably derived from the same cell lineage, that is, microglia, macrophage, or radial glia.
Sex differences and the effect of gaboxadol and zolpidem on EEG power spectra in NREM and REM sleep
Authors: Dijk DJ , James LM , Peters S , Walsh JK , Deacon S
Published: June 2009

Hypnotics that interact with the GABAA receptor have marked effects on the electroencephalogram (EEG) during sleep. It is not known whether the effects of hypnotics on EEG power spectra differ between the sexes. The effects of 5, 10 and 15 mg of gaboxadol (GBX) and 10 mg of zolpidem (ZOL) on EEG power spectra were assessed in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 5-way cross-over design study using a phase-advance model of transient insomnia. Sleep stage specific EEG power spectra were computed in 36 men and 45 women. GBX enhanced power density in delta and theta activity in non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, and suppressed sleep spindle activity in NREM sleep. The increase of delta and theta activity in NREM and REM sleep was significantly larger for women than for men but the suppression of spindle activity did not differ between the sexes. After ZOL administration, no sex differences were observed in the reduction of delta and theta activity in NREM sleep, but the increase in sleep spindle activity in NREM sleep was greater in women than in men. These sex dependent and differential effects of GBX and ZOL may be related to their differential affinity for GABA A receptor subtypes and their modulation by neurosteroids.
Incidence and persistence of tardive dyskinesia and extrapyramidal symptoms in schizophrenia
Authors: Tenback DE , van Harten PN , Slooff CJ , van Os J.
Published: June 2009

Although it has been suggested that second-generation antipsychotics (SGA) may reduce the rate of prevalent tardive dyskinesia (TD), little is known about the incidence and outcome of TD in those exposed exclusively to SGA. The incidence and subsequent persistence of TD and extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) was calculated in a cohort of patients with schizophrenia treated predominantly with SGA. This cohort of more than 10,000 patients with schizophrenia was seen six times over a period of two years. Dichotomous measures of EPS and TD were used to calculate the yearly incidence rates of TD and EPS as well as their subsequent cumulative persistence rate in a subset of 9104 and 6285 patients at risk for TD and EPS, respectively. Of 9104 individuals who did not present with TD at baseline, 138 developed TD, yielding a TD incidence rate of 0.74% (95% CI: 0.62, 0.87) and a subsequent cumulative persistence rate of 80%. Of 6285 individuals without EPS at baseline, 464 developed EPS yielding an incidence rate of 3.7% (95% CI: 3.4, 4.0) and a subsequent cumulative persistence rate of 82%. Incidence rates of TD and EPS may be low in the SGA era. However, once emerged, these disorders prove persistent, suggesting strong moderators effects of underlying predisposing factors.
A Situational Approach for Assessing and Teaching Acculturation
Authors: Molinsky Andrew
Published: June 2009

This article introduces a situational approach for assessing and teaching acculturation that captures how a person’s level of competence and authenticity in a foreign cultural setting varies across the various situations the person encounters. Whereas previous research, such as the U-curve and Berry’s dual identification model, portrays cultural adaptation at a broad, general level, the current approach provides a more nuanced perspective on acculturation by taking into account situational variability as well as variability in experienced competence and authenticity. The benefits of the framework for cross-cultural training and education are illustrated within the context of foreign MBA students in the United States.
Social Entrepreneurship and Community Leadership
Authors: Litzky Barrie E. , Godshalk Veronica M. , Walton-Bongers Cynthia
Published: June 2009

This article provides a “how to” guide for developing and teaching a service-learning course in social entrepreneurship and community leadership. As the framework of the course, service-learning operates through faculty to student, student to student, and student to client interactions. The discussion articulates the planning and faculty commitment necessary as well as the goals, objectives, project examples, and outcomes associated with the class. A unique aspect of the course, the pairing of graduate student mentors with high school student protégés within teams, is described. The service-learning activities required throughout the course are generalizable to several management education contexts that wish to enhance learning and leadership by creating partnerships between the university, its students, and its community.
Test—Retest Reliability of the Geriatric Institutional Assessment Profile
Authors: Boltz Marie , Capezuti Elizabeth , Kim Hongsoo , Fairchild Susan , Secic Michelle
Published: June 2009

The Geriatric Institutional Assessment Profile (GIAP) is a self-administered survey of hospital nurses designed to assess a hospital's readiness to implement geriatric programs. The GIAP measures nurses' knowledge and attitudes toward older adults as well as the organizational attributes that support or constrain geriatric best practices. Test—retest reliability estimates of the GIAP were conducted with a sample of 166 direct care nurses in three urban, university-affiliated hospitals over a 3-week time period. Intraclass correlation coefficients of GIAP scales and subscales ranged between .82 and .92, demonstrating good to very good reliability. The GIAP is a reliable measure of organizational attributes of the hospital relevant to geriatric care.
The National Context Effect
Authors: Straus Murray A.
Published: June 2009

The objective of this study was to investigate whether results from cross-national studies using convenience samples which are not representative of the nation can provide valid cross-national comparisons. Analysis of data from the International Dating Violence Study (IDVS) of university students in 32 nations ( n = 17,404) enabled 18 tests of concurrent validity and found an average correlation of .51 between variables measured by the IDVS measured and by nationally representative samples. Construct validity was also supported by 41 empirical tests. The concept of national context effects explains how samples that are not nationally representative can provide valid nation-to-nation differences. It was concluded that convenience samples that are not representative of the nation but are comparable across nations can provide valid tests of theories about differences between nations. Consequently, if a study can only be done using convenience samples, that should not deter proceeding.
An Improved System of Active Noise Isolation Using a Self-sensing Actuator and Neural Network
Authors: Ji Hongli , Qiu Jinhao , Zhu Kongjun , Matsuta Kazuya
Published: June 2009

In this paper we present an improved active noise isolation method, consisting of a self-sensing actuator, a neural network identifier and an adaptive feedback controller using a finite impulse response (FIR) filter and the Filtered-X LMS algorithm, in which no acoustical sensors were necessary to suppress the noise transmission through a plate structure. The structure is a composite plate with an embedded piezoelectric patch. Based on the self-sensing technique, the same piezoelectric element functions as both a sensor and an actuator. A bridge circuit was used to separate the sensor signal from the actuator signal on the piezoelectric patch and the obtained signal was used in the identification of the sound pressure of a point in the space. A neural network was used instead of the Rayleigh’s integral formula for the identification of the sound pressure as used in the former study. The results show that the proposed control approach using both a self-sensing actuator (SSA) and neural network identifier exhibited better noise control performance than using Rayleigh’s integral formula. It also exhibited similar noise control performance to the traditional control system using a microphone, although the new system used only one piezoelectric patch for both the sensor and actuator.
Visibility, settlement success and life satisfaction in three refugee communities in Australia
Authors: Colic-Peisker Val
Published: June 2009

This article explores settlement experiences of three refugee populations — ex-Yugoslavs, black Africans and people from the Middle East — who recently (1990s—2000s) arrived in Western Australia. Settlement success and life satisfaction are investigated in connection with the three groups' racial and cultural visibility in the host milieu and an endemic loss of occupational and social status. Data were collected through a survey of 150 refugees and the interpretation of statistical outputs was aided by follow-up in-depth interviews. The strongest predictors of life satisfaction were job satisfaction, financial satisfaction and social support, but their power varied between groups. Ex-Yugoslavs were more satisfied with their life in Australia than the other two groups, which is at least partly attributable to their whiteness and therefore reduced visibility in the general population. It is remarkable that `street discrimination' did not impact on the overall life satisfaction of refugees, while discrimination in the job market did. Refugee life satisfaction is compared to that of the general Australian population.
Immigrants' emotional identification with the host society
Authors: Becker Birgit
Published: June 2009

The naming practices of immigrants are studied as an example of their emotional identification with the host society and with the society of origin. Using data from the project `Preschool Education and Educational Careers among Migrant Children', the article analyses if the first name chosen for their child by Turkish parents in Germany is a name that is common only in Turkey (emotional separation), only in Germany (emotional assimilation) or in both countries (emotional integration). Most of the parents choose a Turkish name for their child, but girls are more frequently given names that are common in both cultures than are boys, while German names are only rarely chosen. Intermarriage strongly decreases the probability for separation in naming and especially increases the probability for the integration option, while the presence of a parent with German citizenship enhances assimilation more strongly than it does integration. Families who are more traditional and religious tend to choose a Turkish name. The results of the choice of first name are compared to those of analogous analyses of the respondents' identity.
Measure of synonymous codon usage diversity among genes in bacteria
Authors: Suzuki Haruo , Saito Rintaro , Tomita Masaru
Published: June 2009

Background

In many bacteria, intragenomic diversity in synonymous codon usage among genes has been reported. However, no quantitative attempt has been made to compare the diversity levels among different genomes. Here, we introduce a mean dissimilarity-based index (D mean) for quantifying the level of diversity in synonymous codon usage among all genes within a genome.

Results

The application of D mean to 268 bacterial genomes shows that in bacteria with extremely biased genomic G+C compositions there is little diversity in synonymous codon usage among genes. Furthermore, our findings contradict previous reports. For example, a low level of diversity in codon usage among genes has been reported for Helicobacter pylori, but based on D mean, the diversity level of this species is higher than those of more than half of bacteria tested here. The discrepancies between our findings and previous reports are probably due to differences in the methods used for measuring codon usage diversity.

Conclusion

We recommend that D mean be used to measure the diversity level of codon usage among genes. This measure can be applied to other compositional features such as amino acid usage and dinucleotide relative abundance as a genomic signature.
The role of phosphodiesterase 3 in endotoxin-induced acute kidney injury
Authors: Choi Won-Il , Kwon Kun Young , Seo Jeong Wook , Beagle John , Quinn Deborah A , Hales Charles A
Published: June 2009

Background

Acute kidney injury frequently accompanies sepsis. Endotoxin is known to reduce tissue levels of cAMP and low levels of cAMP have been associated with renal injury. We, therefore, hypothesized that endotoxin induced renal injury by activating phosphodiesterase 3 (PDE3) which metabolizes cAMP and that amrinone an inhibitor of PDE3 would prevent the renal injury.

Methods

Animals were divided into three groups (n = 7/group): 1) Control (0.9% NaCl infusion without LPS); 2) LPS (0.9% NaCl infusion with LPS); 3) Amrinone+LPS (Amrinone infusion with LPS). Either lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or vehicle was injected via the jugular vein and the rats followed for 3 hours. We explored the expression of PDE3 isoenzymes and the concentrations of cAMP in the tissue.

Results

The PDE3B gene but not PDE3A was upregulated in the kidney of LPS group. Immunohistochemistry also showed that PDE3B was expressed in the distal tubule in the controls and LPS caused PDE3B expression in the proximal as well. However, PDE3A was not expressed in the kidney either in the control or LPS treated groups. Tissue level of cAMP was decreased after LPS and was associated with an increase in blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, ultrastructural proximal tubular changes, and expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the endotoxemic kidney. In septic animals the phosphodiesterase 3 inhibitor, amrinone, preserved the tissue cAMP level, renal structural changes, and attenuated the increased blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and iNOS expression in the kidney.

Conclusion

These findings suggest a significant role for PDE3B as an important mediator of LPS-induced acute kidney injury.
The effect of Lipoxin A4 on the interaction between macrophage and osteoblast: possible role in the treatment of aseptic loosening
Authors: Li Gang , Wu Ping , Xu Yao , Yu Yan , Sun Li , Zhu Liang , Ye Duyun
Published: June 2009

Background

Aseptic loosening (AL) is the main problem of total joints replacement (TJR) by the implantation of permanently prosthetic components. In vitro and in vivo studies have clearly demonstrated that wear debris and its byproducts could trigger inflammation in the peri-implant tissue. Lipoxins (LXs) are endogenous eicosanoids synthesized locally from arachidonate acid (AA) at sites of inflammation and mediate pro-resolving activity. A number of studies have demonstrated the effect of LXA4 to counteract inflammation in different cell and animal models, but till now, no relative report about the role of LXs in progress or prevention of AL.

Methods

Murine RAW264.7 macrophage cell line and MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts (OB) cell line were purchased. Co-cultured model of these two cell lines was established. To explore the effect of exogenous Lipoxin A4 (LXA4) on polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) induced inflammation, pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-1β, PGE2 and GM-CSF were measured by ELISA kits and bone resorption was quantified by measuring calcium release from 5-day-old mice calvaria in vitro. To determine further the endogenous effect of LXA4, cells were co-cultured and with or without 15-lipoxygease (15-LO) blocking by 15-LO siRNA. Both real-time PCR and western blotting were applied to confirm the inhibitory efficiency of 15-LO by siRNA.

Results

0.1 mg/ml, 0.5 mg/ml and 1.0 mg/ml PMMA showed a time-dependent manner to trigger production of all the pro-inflammatory cytokines studied. Exogenous 0–100 nM LXA4 presented an inhibitory effect on both generation of above cytokines and PMMA stimulated calvarial bone resorption with a dose-dependent manner. LXA4 in supernatant from neither rest macrophages nor macrophages cultured alone exposing to PMMA was detectable. In co-cultured cells challenged by PMMA, LXA4 was increased significantly, while, this enhance could be partly inhibited by 15-LO siRNA. When LXA4 generation was blocked with 15-LO siRNA, the PMMA induced pro-inflammatory cytokines were elevated and bone resorption was accelerated.

Conclusion

In the present study, we demonstrated that LXA4 had a favorable inhibitory effect on PMMA-induced inflammation in a macrophage and OB co-culture system.
Comparative study on the effect of human BST-2/Tetherin on HIV-1 release in cells of various species
Authors: Sato Kei , Yamamoto Seiji P , Misawa Naoko , Yoshida Takeshi , Miyazawa Takayuki , Koyanagi Yoshio
Published: June 2009

In this study, we first demonstrate that endogenous hBST-2 is predominantly expressed on the plasma membrane of a human T cell line, MT-4 cells, and that Vpu-deficient HIV-1 was less efficiently released than wild-type HIV-1 from MT-4 cells. In addition, surface hBST-2 was rapidly down-regulated in wild-type but not Vpu-deficient HIV-1-infected cells. This is a direct insight showing that provirus-encoded Vpu has the potential to down-regulate endogenous hBST-2 from the surface of HIV-1-infected T cells. Corresponding to previous reports, the aforementioned findings suggested that hBST-2 has the potential to suppress the release of Vpu-deficient HIV-1. However, the molecular mechanism(s) for tethering HIV-1 particles by hBST-2 remains unclear, and we speculated about the requirement for cellular co-factor(s) to trigger or assist its tethering ability. To explore this possibility, we utilize several cell lines derived from various species including human, AGM, dog, cat, rabbit, pig, mink, potoroo, and quail. We found that ectopic hBST-2 was efficiently expressed on the surface of all analyzed cells, and its expression suppressed the release of viral particles in a dose-dependent manner. These findings suggest that hBST-2 can tether HIV-1 particles without the need of additional co-factor(s) that may be expressed exclusively in primates, and thus, hBST-2 can also exert its function in many cells derived from a broad range of species. Interestingly, the suppressive effect of hBST-2 on HIV-1 release in Vero cells was much less pronounced than in the other examined cells despite the augmented surface expression of ectopic hBST-2 on Vero cells. Taken together, our findings suggest the existence of certain cell types in which hBST-2 cannot efficiently exert its inhibitory effect on virus release. The cell type-specific effect of hBST-2 may be critical to elucidate the mechanism of BST-2-dependent suppression of virus release.
Use of nicotine substitute prescribed at hourly plus ad libitum intake or ad libitum for heavy smokers willing to quit: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Rey Laurent , Vaucher Paul , Secretan Françoise , Zellweger Jean-Pierre , Bodenmann Patrick
Published: June 2009

Objective

To assess the impact of instructional guidance in the regular use of use nicotine nasal spray (NNS) on the true use of NNS during the first three weeks of smoking cessation for heavy smokers who are willing to quit.

Methods

This randomized, open, controlled trial included 50 patients who were heavy smokers, were willing to quit, and attending an academic outpatient clinic in Western Switzerland. Patients were randomised to instruction on NNS use as "ad libitum" (administration whenever cravings appear; control group) or to use NNS when craving appears and at least every hour when awake (intervention group). Intakes were monitored using an electronic device fixed in the spray unit (MDILog™) during the first three weeks of use. Self reported abstinence from smoking at six months was confirmed by expired-air carbon monoxide. Using intention-to-treat analysis, random-effect GLS regression was used to calculate the mean difference of daily doses between groups controlling for lack of independence between measures from the same individual.

Results

One patient was lost to follow-up. At baseline randomization, the group receiving instruction to use NNS hourly included more women, patients with previous desires to quit, and patients with more psychiatric comorbidities and less somatic complaints compared to the group instructed to use NNS with cravings (group imbalance). Both groups self-administered more than the daily recommended dosage of 8 uses. Mean daily usage was 13.6 dose/day and 11.1 dose/day for the group instructed to use NNS hourly and with cravings, respectively. Adjusting for baseline imbalance, the increased daily doses in the intervention group (hourly use) remained nonsignificant compared to ad libitum use (-0.5 dose/day; CI 95% -6.2; 5.3, from day 1 to day 7; and 2.3 dose/day; CI 95% -5.4; 10.0, from day 8 to day 21). Instructing patients to use the NNS daily had no effect on smoking cessation at six months (RR = 0.69; CI 95% 0.34; 1.39).

Conclusion

Heavy smokers willing to quit use NNS frequently, regardless of the instructions given. Recommending the use of NNS only when craving appears for heavy smokers willing to quit seems acceptable compared to prescribing hourly administration.

Trial registration-

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00861276
Communities of gastrointestinal helminths of fish in historically connected habitats: habitat fragmentation effect in a carnivorous catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco from seven lakes in flood plain of the Yangtze River, China
Authors: Li Wen X , Nie Pin , Wang Gui T , Yao Wei J
Published: June 2009

Background

Habitat fragmentation may result in the reduction of diversity of parasite communities by affecting population size and dispersal pattern of species. In the flood plain of the Yangtze River in China, many lakes, which were once connected with the river, have become isolated since the 1950s from the river by the construction of dams and sluices, with many larger lakes subdivided into smaller ones by road embankments. These artificial barriers have inevitably obstructed the migration of fish between the river and lakes and also among lakes. In this study, the gastrointestinal helminth communities were investigated in a carnivorous fish, the yellowhead catfishPelteobagrus fulvidraco, from two connected and five isolated lakes in the flood plain in order to detect the effect of lake fragmentation on the parasite communities.

Results

A total of 11 species of helminths were recorded in the stomach and intestine ofP. fulvidracofrom seven lakes, including two lakes connected with the Yangtze River, i.e. Poyang and Dongting lakes, and five isolated lakes, i.e. Honghu, Liangzi, Tangxun, Niushan and Baoan lakes. Mean helminth individuals and diversity of helminth communities in Honghu and Dongting lakes was lower than in the other five lakes. The nematodeProcamallanus fulvidraconiswas the dominant species of communities in all the seven lakes. No significant difference in the Shannon-Wiener index was detected between connected lakes (0.48) and isolated lakes (0.50). The similarity of helminth communities between Niushan and Baoan lakes was the highest (0.6708), and the lowest was between Tangxun and Dongting lakes (0.1807). The similarity was low between Dongting and the other lakes, and the similarity decreased with the geographic distance among these lakes. The helminth community in one connected lake, Poyang Lake was clustered with isolated lakes, but the community in Dongting Lake was separated in the tree.

Conclusion

The similarity in the helminth communities of this fish in the flood-plain lakes may be attributed to the historical connection of these habitats and to the completion of the life-cycles of this fish as well as the helminth species within the investigated habitats. The diversity and the digenean majority in the helminth communities can be related to the diet of this fish, and to the lacustrine and macrophytic characters of the habitats. The lake isolation from the river had little detectable effect on the helminth communities of the catfish in flood-plain lakes of the Yangtze River. The low similarities in helminth communities between the Dongting Lake and others may just be a reflection of its unique water environment and anthropogenic alterations or fragmentation in this lake.
Tandem and cryptic amino acid repeats accumulate in disordered regions of proteins
Authors: Simon Michelle , Hancock John M
Published: June 2009

Background

Amino acid repeats (AARs) are common features of protein sequences. They often evolve rapidly and are involved in a number of human diseases. They also show significant associations with particular Gene Ontology (GO) functional categories, particularly transcription, suggesting they play some role in protein function. It has been suggested recently that AARs play a significant role in the evolution of intrinsically unstructured regions (IURs) of proteins. We investigate the relationship between AAR frequency and evolution and their localization within proteins based on a set of 5,815 orthologous proteins from four mammalian (human, chimpanzee, mouse and rat) and a bird (chicken) genome. We consider two classes of AAR (tandem repeats and cryptic repeats: regions of proteins containing overrepresentations of short amino acid repeats).

Results

Mammals show very similar repeat frequencies but chicken shows lower frequencies of many of the cryptic repeats common in mammals. Regions flanking tandem AARs evolve more rapidly than the rest of the protein containing the repeat and this phenomenon is more pronounced for non-conserved repeats than for conserved ones. GO associations are similar to those previously described for the mammals, but chicken cryptic repeats show fewer significant associations. Comparing the overlaps of AARs with IURs and protein domains showed that up to 96% of some AAR types are associated preferentially with IURs. However, no more than 15% of IURs contained an AAR.

Conclusions

Their location within IURs explains many of the evolutionary properties of AARs. Further study is needed on the types of IURs containing AARs.
IL-17-producing CD8+ T lymphocytes from psoriasis skin plaques are cytotoxic effector cells that secrete Th17-related cytokines
Authors: Ortega Consuelo , Fernández-A Silvia , Carrillo Juan M , Romero Pilar , Molina Ignacio J , Moreno José C , Santamaría Manuel
Published: June 2009

Lytic CD8+ T cells at the psoriasis plaque’s epidermis secrete IL-17, IL-21 and IL-22 and depends on autocrine TNFalpha production.

IL-17-producing CD4+ T lymphocytes (Th17) are currently considered relevant participants in the pathogenesis of psoriasis skin lesions. However, little is known about the potential role of IL-17-producing CD8+ T cells, which are also present at the psoriatic plaque. We have addressed the functional characterization of this CD8+ subtype of T lymphocytes from psoriasis patients. Our results show that CD8+IL-17+ cells from psoriasis-inflamed skin tissue produce TNF-α and IFN-γ (Th1-related cytokines) as well as IL-17, IL-21, and IL-22 (Th17-related cytokines) efficiently. A significant up-regulation of the RORC transcription factor is also observed. These cells are refractory to Tregs but show a proliferative response to anti-CD3/CD28 stimulation that is enhanced by IL-12 and IL-15. Blocking of TNF-α activity inhibits TCR-mediated activation and IL-17 production. CD8+IL-17+ T cells are cytotoxic cells that display TCR/CD3-mediated cytotoxic abilities to kill target cells. Thus, CD8+IL-17+ T cells share some key features with Th17 cells and exhibit remarkable differential abilities attributable to the CD8+ lineage of T lymphocytes, adding new insights into the functional resources of IL-17-producing cells from human epidermis that could be of potential interest to our understanding of the pathogenesis of psoriasis.
Expression of ER-α36, a Novel Variant of Estrogen Receptor α, and Resistance to Tamoxifen Treatment in Breast Cancer
Authors: Shi Liang , Dong Bin , Li Zhongwu , Lu Yunwei , Ouyang Tao , Li Jinfeng , Wang Tianfeng , Fan Zhaoqing , Fan Tie , Lin Benyao , Wang Zhaoyi , Xie Yuntao
Published: June 2009

Purpose

Recently, a 36-kDa variant of estrogen receptor α (ER-α66), ER-α36, has been identified and cloned. ER-α36 predominantly localizes on the plasma membrane and in the cytoplasm and mediates a membrane-initiated “nongenomic” signaling pathway. Here, we investigate the association between ER-α36 expression and tamoxifen resistance in patients with breast cancer.

Patients and Methods

ER-α36 protein expression in tumors from 896 women (two independent cohorts, 1 and 2) with operable primary breast cancer was assessed using an immunohistochemistry assay.

Results

In the first cohort of 710 consecutive patients, overexpression of ER-α36 was associated with poorer disease-free survival (DFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) in patients with ER-α66–positive tumors who received tamoxifen treatment (chemotherapy plus tamoxifen or tamoxifen alone, n = 307). In contrast, ER-α36 was not associated with survival in patients with ER-α66–positive tumors who did not receive tamoxifen (chemotherapy alone, n = 129) and in patients with ER-α66–negative tumors whether they received tamoxifen (n = 73) or not (n = 149). In the second cohort of 186 patients who only received tamoxifen as adjuvant therapy, overexpression of ER-α36 was significantly associated with poorer DFS and DSS in 156 ER-α66–positive patients from this cohort, and ER-α36 remained an independent unfavorable factor for both DFS and DSS in these 156 patients by a multivariate analysis (DFS: hazard ratio [HR] = 5.47; 95% CI, 1.81 to 16.51; P =. 003; DSS: HR = 13.97; 95% CI, 1.58 to 123.53; P = .018).

Conclusion

Women with ER-α66–positive tumors that also express high levels of ER-α36 are less likely to benefit from tamoxifen treatment.
Significance of Increasing Levels of Minimal Residual Disease in Patients With Philadelphia Chromosome–Positive Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia in Complete Cytogenetic Response
Authors: Kantarjian Hagop M. , Shan Jianqin , Jones Daniel , O'Brien Susan , Rios Mary Beth , Jabbour Elias , Cortes Jorge
Published: June 2009

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical relevance of increases in quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) levels in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) who are in complete cytogenetic response (CGCR) on therapy. Patients with Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)–positive CML receiving tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are frequently monitored for response by QPCR studies for minimal molecular disease. The clinical significance of increasing levels of QPCR in patients in CGCR is uncertain.

Patients and Methods

One hundred sixteen patients in durable CGCR, and on imatinib therapy for at least 18 months, had increases in QPCR levels (documented at least twice consecutively) as defined by literature reports. These were further analyzed by the achievement of major molecular response (MMR) defined as QPCR ≤ 0.05%, as well as by the degree of increase in QPCR.

Results

Only 11 (9.5%) of 116 patients with increases in QPCR had CML progression; 10 of them were among 44 patients (23%) who either lost a MMR or never had a MMR, and had more than 1 log increase of QPCR.

Conclusion

Most patients with increases in QPCR remain in CGCR. Patients who lose a MMR or never achieve a MMR, and have more than 1 log increase of QPCR, should be monitored more closely, and may be evaluated for mutations of BCR-ABL kinase domain and considered for investigational therapeutic interventions.
Approaches to the Management of Invasive Fungal Infections in Hematologic Malignancy and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation
Authors: Michallet Mauricette , Ito James I.
Published: June 2009

Patients with hematologic malignancy and hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients are at increased risk for invasive fungal infection (IFI) as a result of immunosuppression or organ damage stemming from their underlying disease, its treatment, or both. Such IFIs can cause significant morbidity and mortality, and the diagnosis and treatment of infected patients frequently are clinically challenging. This article discusses the epidemiology and risk factors for IFI in patients with hematologic malignancy and HCT recipients. The pros and cons of available antifungal agents are discussed, and evolving treatment strategies and recent prophylaxis guidelines from various professional organizations are reviewed. Finally, recommendations are offered for antifungal prophylaxis according to risk group.