bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Blood pressure cuffs as a vector for transmission of multi‐resistant organisms: Colonisation rates and effects of disinfection
Authors: Grewal Harjeet , Varshney Kavita , Thomas Lee C , Kok Jen , Shetty Amith 
Published: May 2013

AbstractObjectiveBlood pressure (BP) cuffs are potential vectors for transmission of multi‐resistant organisms (MROs). The present study aims to determine MRO colonisation rates in BP cuffs from areas of high patient flow as an assessment of the quality of disinfection and infection control practices.MethodsBP cuffs in the ED, high dependency unit (HDU) and operating theatres (OT) were prospectively examined after routine disinfection procedures. Swabs collected from the inner and outer surfaces of BP cuffs during inter‐patient intervals were plated onto replicate organism detection and counting, methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin‐resistant Enterococcus (VRE) chromogenic agar plates to detect rates of bacterial, MRSA and VRE colonisation, respectively.ResultsHigh bacterial colonisation rates were detected in BP cuffs from all three areas. BP cuffs from OT were significantly less colonised compared with cuffs from HDU and ED; 76% versus 96% and 100% (P < 0.0001) for inner surfaces and 86% versus 98% and 100% (P < 0.0001) for outer surfaces, respectively. Equivalent or higher bacterial growth was observed on the inner surface compared with outer surface in 54%, 84% and 86% of BP cuffs from OT, HDU and ED, respectively. MRSA was detected in 3 of 150 (2%) swabs collected, but no VRE was detected.ConclusionAlthough MRSA and VRE were infrequently isolated, current disinfection and infection control protocols need to be improved given the greater recovery of organisms from the inner compared with outer surfaces of BP cuffs.
APACHE II score is superior to SOFA, CTP and MELD in predicting the short‐term mortality in patients with acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF)
Authors: Duseja Ajay , Choudhary Narendra S , Gupta Sachin , Dhiman Radha Krishan , Chawla Yogesh 
Published: May 2013

ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to assess the performance of various prognostic scores including the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE II), sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA), Child–Turcotte–Pugh (CTP) and model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) scores in predicting short‐term mortality in patients with acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF).MethodsAltogether 100 consecutive patients with ACLF were evaluated prospectively. The diagnosis of ACLF was based on the Asian–Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver criteria except for the inclusion of non‐hepatic insults as acute events. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and diagnostic accuracy for predicting short‐term mortality was calculated for APACHE II, SOFA, CTP and MELD in all patients and Maddrey's discriminant function (DF) and Glasgow alcoholic hepatitis scores (GAHS) for patients with alcoholic hepatitis only.ResultsMost patients had alcohol‐related cirrhosis and alcoholic hepatitis as acute insults for ACLF. A total of 53 patients either died or left hospital in very sick status and were confirmed to have died the same day after leaving hospital. Overall, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of APACHE II was higher than those of MELD, SOFA and CTP scores for predicting short‐term mortality. Even for patients with alcoholic hepatitis, APACHE II performed better than DF and GAHS.ConclusionsShort‐term mortality is high in patients with ACLF. APACHE II scoring system is superior to other prognostic scores in predicting its short‐term mortality.
Concentrated Ascites Reinfusion Therapy for Sinusoidal Obstructive Syndrome After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Takahashi Hiroyuki , Sakai Rika , Fujita Atsuko , Kuwabara Hideyuki , Hattori Yukako , Matsuura Shiro , Ohshima Rika , Hagihara Maki , Tomita Naoto , Ishigatsubo Yoshiaki , Fujisawa Shin 
Published: May 2013

AbstractSinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) is one of the severe complications of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Systemic management including respiratory and circulatory support is necessary. In addition, abdominal paracentesis is often needed for pain relief and to reduce the pressure of tense ascites. Concentrated ascites reinfusion therapy (CART) involves the filtration, concentration, and reinfusion of drained ascites, which contributes to reuse of autologous proteins. CART has been reported as supportive therapy for patients with liver cirrhosis and cancer. We retrospectively reviewed the efficacy and safety of CART in three patients (two with acute myelogenous leukemia and one with chronic myeloid leukemia) who developed SOS after allo‐HSCT. They all had symptomatic, tense, and diuretic‐refractory ascites with right costal pain and marked weight gain. Two patients showed immediate improvement after CART. However, one patient experienced four CARTs with slow recovery. All patients are now alive and are being monitored as outpatients over 2 years with remission. No severe adverse event was observed related to CART, and 25.2–98.0 (median 30.2) grams of albumin was collected and reinfused. CART after paracentesis reduces protein loss in ascites by reinfusion of autologous protein instead of exogenous albumin preparations. Although transient fever is reported as a frequent adverse event, no events like severe bleeding or infection were observed. While its safety has not been fully established in patients with hematological disease after HSCT, CART may be a considerable supportive therapy for SOS with tense ascites.
Hypoxia‐inducible factor signalling mechanisms in the central nervous system
Authors: Corcoran A. , O'Connor J. J. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIn the CNS, neurones are highly sensitive to the availability of oxygen. In conditions where oxygen availability is decreased, neuronal function can be altered, leading to injury and cell death. Hypoxia has been implicated in a number of central nervous system pathologies including stroke, head trauma and neurodegenerative diseases. Cellular responses to oxygen deprivation are complex and result in activation of short‐ and long‐term mechanisms to conserve energy and protect cells. Failure of synaptic transmission can be observed within minutes following this hypoxia. The acute effects of hypoxia on synaptic transmission are primarily mediated by altering ion fluxes across membranes, pre‐synaptic effects of adenosine and other actions at glutamatergic receptors. A more long‐term feature of the response of neurones to hypoxia is the activation of transcription factors such as hypoxia‐inducible factor. The activation of hypoxia‐inducible factor is governed by a family of dioxygenases called hypoxia‐inducible factor prolyl 4 hydroxylases (PHDs). Under hypoxic conditions, PHD activity is inhibited, thereby allowing hypoxia‐inducible factor to accumulate and translocate to the nucleus, where it binds to the hypoxia‐responsive element sequences of target gene promoters. Inhibition of PHD activity stabilizes hypoxia‐inducible factor and other proteins thus acting as a neuroprotective agent. This review will focus on the response of neuronal cells to hypoxia‐inducible factor and its targets, including the prolyl hydroxylases. We also present evidence for acute effects of PHD inhibition on synaptic transmission and plasticity in the hippocampus.
Increased high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein levels in Taiwanese schizophrenic patients
Authors: Lin Chin‐Chuen , Chang Chia‐Ming , Liu Chia‐Yih , Huang Tiao‐Lai 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIntroductionSchizophrenia is associated with the activation of the immune/inflammatory system. C‐reactive protein (CRP), a positive acute phase protein, may be associated with schizophrenia and antipsychotic treatment.MethodsThe serum high‐sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) levels of 36 schizophrenic patients undergoing clozapine, olanzapine or risperidone treatment and 36 sex‐matched healthy subjects were collected. The difference in hsCRP levels between the schizophrenic and the control groups was estimated using ancova. anova was performed to examine the differences in the hsCRP levels between three antipsychotic groups (clozapine, olanzapine and risperidone).Resultsancova adjusted for age and body mass index (BMI) revealed a significant increase in the hsCRP levels in the schizophrenic group (1.4 mg/L, SD =1.5 mg/L) in comparison with the control group (0.9 mg/L, SD = 1.4 mg/L) (P = 0.013). anova revealed no statistical difference of age, BMI and hsCRP in three antipsychotic groups (P = 0.83, 0.90 and 0.71, respectively).DiscussionThe elevation of CRP level is seen in chronic schizophrenia under antipsychotic treatment; however, studies with a larger sample size are required to confirm these results.
Savanna woody vegetation classification – now in 3‐D
Authors: Fisher Jolene T. , Erasmus Barend F.N. , Witkowski Ed T.F. , van Aardt Jan , Wessels Konrad J. , Asner Gregory P. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractQuestionThe co‐existence of woody plants and grasses characterize savannas, with the horizontal and vertical spatial arrangement of trees creating a heterogeneous biotic environment. To understand the influence of biogeophysical drivers on the spatial patterns of 3‐D structure of woody vegetation, these patterns need to be explained over large areas to capture the context. Is there a spatially explicit, ecologically meaningful way to capture the patterns and context of 3‐D woody vegetation structure?LocationClassification development and testing sites: landscapes in Bushbuckridge Municipality, Sabi Sand Wildtuin and Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga province, north‐east South Africa.MethodsThe aforementioned structural classification approach requires appropriate 3‐D and spatially explicit remote sensing data. A LiDAR‐based canopy height model (CHM) and volumetric pixel (voxel) data from the Carnegie Airborne Observatory Alpha system were used to create the structural classification. First, we segmented theCHMimages using multi‐threshold and multi‐resolution image segmentation techniques, and classified the image segments into four height classes, namely shrub (1–3 m), low tree (3–6 m), high tree (6–10 m) or tall tree (>10 m). A hierarchicala prioriapproach was used to develop classification criteria. The following metrics were calculated for 0.25‐ha grid cells based on the cover and spatial arrangement of the four height classes: canopy cover, sub‐canopy cover, canopy layers, Simpson's diversity index and cohesion. Top of canopy vegetation was classified using each metric at the 0.25‐ha scale, with canopy cover being the primary classification metric. Subsequently, individual layers identified within the canopy were classified using the voxel data. We use a code system for describing classes to ensure standardization between different regions; a more traditional naming system may be used in addition for interpretation.ConclusionThis system provides a more comprehensive classification of the horizontal and vertical structural diversity of savannas compared to the traditional vegetation classification systems. The description of multi‐layers within the canopy should allow for a sensitive change detection method. The classification can be used in many current focus areas, including habitat suitability mapping for biodiversity conservation, strategic adaptive management and monitoring land‐cover change.
Activity of Dexrazoxane and Amifostine Against Late Cardiotoxicity Induced by the Combination of Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide In Vivo
Authors: Bjelogrlic Snezana K. , Lukic Silvana T. , Djuricic Slavisa M. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractCardiotoxicity is one of the main limiting side effects of doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (DC) treatment, and this study was organized to identify cardioprotective activity of amifostine and dexrazoxane against DC combination. BalbC/NIH mice underwent DC treatment (DC group), were pre‐treated with amifostine (ADC group) or dexrazoxane (IDC group) and were killed at 1.5 and 3 months after treatments when the grade of myocardial damage was analysed by light microscopy using the Billingham scoring method. DC treatment induced severe myocardial damage with one lethal event before evaluation at 3 months. Main characteristics of DC cardiotoxicity were polymorphic myocyte degeneration and alterations in blood vessels followed by ecchymoses, haemorrhage and thromboses. Polymorphism was also found in the IDC and ADC groups, but its morphological patterns were different. In animals subject to IDC treatment, the blood vessels were better preserved than in the ADC group, whereas thrombosis was not seen in either of these two groups. Quantitatively, grade of myocardial injury in the ADC and IDC groups was significantly higher compared with the non‐treated group at both times of estimation and significantly lower compared with the DC group at 1.5 months. At 3 months, significance against DC treatment was lost in the ADC group, while preserved in the IDC‐treated animals. Also, there was significant progression in the ADC group comparing scores between 1.5 and 3 months. These results revealed that the cardiotoxicity of DC combination displays specific morphological hallmark and evolution in time, different to those described after doxorubicin single treatment. Neither amifostine nor dexrazoxane prevented development of cardiomyopathy induced by DC treatment.
The developmental trajectory of perceived self‐regulation, personal interest, and general achievement throughout high school: A longitudinal study
Authors: Helle Laura , Laakkonen Eero , Tuijula Tiina , Vermunt Jan D. 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundOur interest in perceived self‐regulation of learning arose in the context of educational reform. After decades of stability, the Finnish high school system underwent reform in the 1990s, with a significant emphasis being placed on promoting student self‐regulation of learning.AimsThe purposes of the study were (1) to evaluate changes in the mean level of perceived self‐regulation throughout high school and (2) to evaluate the nature of the developmental relations between achievement, perceived self‐regulation, and personal interest.SampleThe participants consisted of 245 systematically sampled high school students from a mid‐sized Finnish city.MethodsT tests for paired samples were employed to assess changes in the level of personal interest and perceived self‐regulation. Analysis of the developmental relations was carried out within a structural equations modelling framework.ResultsThe main result was that perceived self‐regulation at the beginning of high school predicted not only scholastic achievement at the end of high school over and above prior achievement, but also subsequent personal interest. Additionally, following an international trend, the level of perceived self‐regulation decreased from the first to third year of study.ConclusionsThe study has important theoretical and practical implications. First, the results suggest that perceived self‐regulation and personal interest are only partially explained by achievement. Second, it appears that perceived self‐regulation drives personal interest, not the other way around. Finally, ways for teachers and schools to sustain perceived self‐regulation throughout the high school years are discussed.
Lenalidomide, bendamustine and prednisolone exhibits a favourable safety and efficacy profile in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma: final results of a phase 1 clinical trial OSHO – #077
Authors: Pönisch Wolfram , Heyn Simone , Beck Juliane , Wagner Ina , Mohren Martin , Hoffmann Franz A. , Lange Thoralf , Schmalfeld Marion , Zehrfeld Thomas , Schwarzer Andreas , Winkelmann Cornelia , Edelmann Thomas , Röhrborn Ramona , Hebenstreit Karin , Al‐Ali Haifa K. , Jäkel Nadja , Niederwieser Dietger 
Published: May 2013

SummaryThis phase 1 dose finding study tested a combination of lenalidomide, bendamustine and prednisolone (RBP) in 21 patients in five cohorts with advanced multiple relasped/refractory myeloma (MM) to determine the maximum tolerable dose (MTD) of the combination. The first cohort received a starting dose of lenalidomide 10 mg/d, days 1–21, bendamustine 60 mg/m2/d, days 1–2, and prednisolone 100 mg/d, days 1–4. Dose escalation was done in cohorts of three to six patients with lenalidomide dose increasing to 15, 20 and 25 mg, and after reaching 25 mg/d, bendamustine was increased to 75 mg/m2. A total of 21 patients were enrolled and all completed at least two cycles. Two patients developed dose‐limiting haemotoxicity: one patient on lenalidomide 25 mg/d and bendamustine 60 mg/m2 and another patient at the highest dose level (lenalidomide 25 mg/d and bendamustine 75 mg/m2). The MTD was not reached. Sixteen patients (76%) responded after at least two cycles of RBP with one stringent complete response (CR), one near CR, five very good partial response and nine partial response. After a median observation time of 16 months, progression‐free survival at 18 months was 48% and overall survival was 64%. In conclusion, RBP with lenalidomide 25 mg/d, days 1–21 and bendamustine 75 mg/m2 days 1–2 is well tolerated in patients with relapsed/refractory MM.
Prevention of acute graft‐versus‐host disease by humanized anti‐CD26 monoclonal antibody
Authors: Hatano Ryo , Ohnuma Kei , Yamamoto Junpei , Dang Nam H. , Yamada Taketo , Morimoto Chikao 
Published: May 2013

SummaryCD26 (DPP4) is a T cell costimulatory molecule as well as T cell activation marker, and CD26+ T cells are accumulated in inflamed tissues, such as rheumatoid synovitis and autoimmune thyroiditis. In the present study, we found accumulation of CD26+ T cells in graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) target organs. To expand our in vitro findings to an in vivo system, we examined CD26‐dependent organ injury in a xenogeneic GVHD (x‐GVHD) murine model. Following intraperitoneal injection of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells into non‐obese diabetic severe combined immunodeficiency/γc−/− mice (hu‐PBL‐NOG mice), the mice exhibited the onset of GVHD symptoms associated with the presence of CD26high human lymphocytes in the peripheral blood and GVHD target tissues. Administration of humanized anti‐human CD26 monoclonal antibody (mAb) decreased x‐GVHD severity and prolonged survival in hu‐PBL‐NOG mice without loss of engraftment of human T cells, while increasing doses of CTLA4‐ immunoglobulin fusion protein diminished engraftment of human lymphocytes. Importantly, anti‐CD26 mAb treatment preserved the graft‐versus‐leukaemia effects in studies using cotransplantation of P815 murine leukaemic cells. In addition, CD26+ lymphocytes infiltrated the GVHD patients' target tissues. Altogether, our data indicate a role for CD26 in the regulation of GVHD and point to CD26 as a novel target for therapeutic intervention in this disease.
Understanding donation experiences of unspecified (altruistic) kidney donors
Authors: Clarke Alexis , Mitchell Annie , Abraham Charles 
Published: May 2013

ObjectivesKidney donation from a living donor to an unknown recipient has been legal in the UK since 2006. Yet there is little research into the experiences of unspecified kidney donors (UKDs) in interaction with the health care systems.DesignThis article explores the experiences of 14 UKDs recruited through four regional transplant co‐ordinating centres in England. At interview, they were invited to share their donation stories and discuss the antecedents, social, and psychological processes involved. Interviews were audio‐taped and transcribed.MethodsTranscripts were analysed using a grounded theory approach employing a constant comparison methodology. Themes emerging from the data were named to form categories organized around the central focus of the research, forming an analytical story of UKDs' experiences.ResultsTwo major categories emerged: ‘connected to others’ and ‘uneasy negotiations with others’. ‘Connected to others’ encompasses the motivations and psychological and social consequences of UKD. ‘Uneasy negotiations with others’ refer to the concerns and conflicts that arose during the donation process.ConclusionsThis study highlights the importance of social relationships on the process and outcomes of UKD. These UKDs report both intra‐ and interpersonal benefits from donation. The donation process, however, also created interpersonal stress, and conflicting messages about the acceptability of their donation were experienced in UKDs' personal lives and in their interactions with health care services. Findings are discussed with reference to the wider literature on UKD and altruism and in relation to implications for clinical practice.Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Unspecified living kidney donation is an under‐researched area with only three research papers published worldwide that report on the motivations and experiences of donors. These studies indicate that donors endorse pro‐social values and receive positive interpersonal and intrapersonal benefits from donation.

What does this study add?

UKDs' experiences are made explicit and provide a framework for future research.

Social connections (capital) are an important precursor to and outcome from donation.

Assumptions of pathological motivations were encountered by donors in their personal life and within the NHS.
Patients with penile cancer and the risk of (pre)malignant cervical lesions in female partners: a retrospective cohort analysis
Authors: de Bruijn Roderick E. , Heideman Danielle A.M. , Kenter Gemma G. , van Beurden Marc , van Tinteren Harm , Horenblas Simon 
Published: May 2013

Objective
To determine if female partners of patients with penile cancer have more cervical lesions and neoplasia than would be expected from population‐based data.
Patients and Methods
We included all consecutive patients with primary penile carcinoma in the period 2004–2010.
Results of Dutch cervical cancer screening were used to consider (pre)malignant cervical lesions in female partners of patients with penile cancer.
Results
In all, 206 women were included.
Gynaecological information was available in 195 women: Papanicolaou test (PAP) smears were normal were in 129 partners, 10 smears were abnormal (5.1%, 95% confidence interval 2.5–9.2).
PAP2 was found in five, PAP3a in two, PAP3b in two women and PAP4 in one woman.
Colposcopy in two women with PAP3b showed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 in both.
This prevalence was not different from baseline results in the general Dutch population.
Conclusion
Female partners of patients with penile cancer did not show more premalignant cervical lesions than in the general population.
Bacille Calmette–Guérin/DNAhsp65 prime-boost is protective against diabetes in non-obese diabetic mice but not in the streptozotocin model of type 1 diabetes
Authors: da Rosa L C , Chiuso-Minicucci F , Zorzella-Pezavento S F G , França T G D , Ishikawa L L W , Colavite P M , Balbino B , Tavares L C B , Silva C L , Marques C , Ikoma M R V , Sartori A 
Published: May 2013

SummaryType I diabetes is a disease caused by autoimmune destruction of the beta cells in the pancreas that leads to a deficiency in insulin production. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prophylactic potential of a prime-boost strategy involving bacille Calmette–Guérin (BCG) and the pVAXhsp65 vaccine (BCG/DNAhsp65) in diabetes induced by streptozotocin (STZ) in C57BL/6 mice and also in spontaneous type 1 diabetes in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice. BCG/DNAhsp65 vaccination in NOD mice determined weight gain, protection against hyperglycaemia, decreased islet inflammation, higher levels of cytokine production by the spleen and a reduced number of regulatory T cells in the spleen compared with non-immunized NOD mice. In the STZ model, however, there was no significant difference in the clinical parameters. Although this vaccination strategy did not protect mice in the STZ model, it was very effective in NOD mice. This is the first report demonstrating that a prime-boost strategy could be explored as an immunomodulatory procedure in autoimmune diseases.