bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quadriceps strength and endurance in fibrotic idiopathic interstitial pneumonia
Authors: Mendoza Laura , Gogali Athena , Shrikrishna Dinesh , Cavada Gabriel , Kemp Samuel V. , Natanek Samantha A. , Jackson Abigail S. , Polkey Michael I. , Wells Athol U. , Hopkinson Nicholas S. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackground and objectiveQuadriceps muscle dysfunction is an important contributor to exercise limitation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but little is known about skeletal muscle function and its impact on exercise capacity in patients with fibrotic idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP). The aim of the study was to compare quadriceps strength and endurance in patients with fibrotic IIP and healthy controls, and relate it to exercise capacity.MethodsQuadriceps strength and endurance, as well as respiratory muscle strength, and 6‐min walk distance were compared among 25 patients with fibrotic IIP, forced vital capacity mean (standard deviation) 78.7 (14.0) %predicted, carbon monoxide transfer factor 40.3 (10.9) %predicted and 33 age‐matched healthy controls using non‐volitional measures. Quadriceps strength was assessed using magnetic femoral nerve stimulation (quadriceps twitch force), and endurance using the decay in force in response to repetitive magnetic stimulation of the quadriceps over 5 min.ResultsBoth groups had comparable anthropometrics, gender proportion and respiratory muscle strength. Patients were significantly weaker than controls; quadriceps twitch force 10.1 (3.0) kg versus 8.0 (2.4) kg (P = 0.013). Quadriceps force in response to repetitive magnetic stimulation declined significantly more rapidly in patients during the endurance protocol (P < 0.001). In controls, there was a significant relationship between 6‐min walk distance and quadriceps twitch force (r 0.40, P = 0.038), and quadriceps endurance (r 0.59, P = 0.016). In patients, only PaO2 and inspiratory muscle strength were retained as independent correlates of 6‐min walk distance (r2 = 0.3 P = 0.022).ConclusionsQuadriceps strength and endurance are reduced in patients with fibrotic IIP compared with healthy controls, but are less tightly correlated with exercise performance.
Evaluating adult patients’ sleep: an integrative literature review in critical care
Authors: Ritmala‐Castren Marita , Lakanmaa Riitta‐Liisa , Virtanen Irina , Leino‐Kilpi Helena 
Published: August 2013

BackgroundPatients in a critical care unit sleep quite poorly even when they appear to be sleeping. Sleep is light and fragmented. Acute lack of sleep causes patients suffering in the form of fatigue, irritability, disorientation and hallucinations. It may also affect their recovery and immune defence. To promote sleep, nurses must be able to evaluate patients’ sleep reliably.Aim and objectivesOur aim was to form a comprehensive overview of the sleep evaluation methods in critical care. Our objectives were to determine the content and the quality of the methods as reported by the researchers. This overview hopefully improves the use of the sleep evaluation methods as part of sleep promoting nursing interventions and practices.MethodThe literature search was performed from the Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, an ‘All EBM Reviews’, and PsycINFO databases. The search terms sleep, evaluating sleep and critical care were used. An integrative review method was used to analyse the data.ResultsAccording to the 52 articles of this review, there is a wide variety of methods to evaluate patients’ sleep in critical care by observation, by asking for patient's own perception and by objective measures. Most instruments evaluate only total sleep time or the quality of sleep in general. The validity and reliability of the instruments has been insufficiently reported. Some questionnaires for patients’ perception have been tested and used in several studies.ConclusionSleep evaluation instruments do not cover all dimensions of sleep since they mostly measure total sleep time or estimate the overall quality of sleep. The quality of the sleep evaluation instruments varies from scientifically tested tools to untested instruments. This review will allow nurses to recognise the strengths and limitations of sleep evaluation instruments when selecting one to be used in critical care. Valid information about patients’ sleep enables nurses to facilitate it.
TLR2 and TLR4 in Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Caused by Leishmania major
Authors: Tolouei S. , Hejazi S. H. , Ghaedi K. , Khamesipour A. , Hasheminia S. J. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractCutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a self‐healing skin disease which rarely for unknown reason(s) the lesion develops to a non‐healing form. It seems that the initial contact of Leishmania parasites with the host innate immune system is an important step in the outcome of the disease. Recent studies suggested that toll‐like receptors (TLRs) play a role in Leishmania recognition. In this study, the level of TLR2 and TLR4 was checked in patients with healing form of lesion and compared with that of patients with non‐healing form of lesion caused by Leishmania major. Gene expression of TLR2 and TLR4 in peripheral blood‐derived macrophages, before and after stimulation with live L. major promastigotes, was evaluated using quantitative real‐time reverse transcription PCR and flow cytometry. The results showed that the mean relative gene expression and difference membrane expression of TLR2 in macrophages of patients with healing form of lesion were significantly higher than patients with non‐healing form of lesion (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0034), respectively, and the mean relative gene expression and difference in protein expression of TLR4 in macrophages of patients with healing form of lesion were significantly higher than that of patients with non‐healing form of lesion (P = 0.021 and P = 0.002), respectively. The data suggested a possible role for TLR2 and TLR4 in the outcome of CL lesion. Further studies are needed to understand more about the detail role of the immune factors in leishmaniasis.
Novel facial cosmetic area ‘O zone’ shows unique characteristics in sebum excretion and acne lesion distribution
Authors: Youn Sung Hwan , Choi Chong Won , Choi Jae Woo , Kim Bo Ri , Byun Sang Young , Youn Sang Woong 
Published: August 2013

BackgroundWe usually divided cosmetic facial zone into the T zone and U zone by the level of sebum secretion. Our recent studies suggested that the perioral area showed different characteristics in the aspect of acne development.ObjectiveTo investigate the unique characteristics of the O zone (perioral area) among the three facial areas.MethodsA total of 102 patients clinically diagnosed as acne vulgaris were included. The acne lesions were counted from the clinical digital photographs by facial areas. The sebum level was measured using Sebumeter®. Area‐weighted (AW) sebum and AW density of three areas of face were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed according to age and gender.ResultsThere were no differences in the mean AW sebum level between the gender and age groups. Male has higher AW density of acne lesions than female at the O zone. The mean AW density of acne lesions on the NT zone, U zone, and whole face showed decrease by age, but at the O zone, 21–30 years group showed the highest mean AW density of acne.LimitationsAge‐ and gender‐matched patients do not represent the whole acne patients.ConclusionWe suggested that the O zone is an independent facial zone, which showed a moderate‐to‐high sebum secreting area, maintained the acne lesions development by age, and predominated acne lesions in the male acne patients than female acne patients. Therefore, the O zone should be separated from the usual cosmetic T zone, and NT zone should replace the old T zone.
Advancing allele group‐specific amplification of the complete HLA‐C gene—isolation of novel alleles from three allele groups (C*04, C*07 and C*08)
Authors: Cisneros E. , Martínez‐Pomar N. , Vilches M. , Martín P. , de Pablo R. , Nuñez del Prado N. , Nieto A. , Matamoros N. , Moraru M. , Vilches C. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractA variety of strategies have been designed for sequence‐based HLA typing (SBT) and for the isolation of new human leucocyte antigen (HLA) alleles, but unambiguous characterization of complete genomic sequences remains a challenge. We recently reported a simple method for the group‐specific amplification (GSA) and sequencing of a full‐length C*04 genomic sequence in isolation from the accompanying allele. Here we build on this strategy and present homologous methods that enable the isolation of HLA‐C alleles belonging to another two allele groups. Using this approach, which can be applied to sequence‐based typing in some clinical settings, we have successfully characterized three novel HLA‐C alleles (C*04:128, C*07:01:01:02, and C*08:62).
Epstein–Barr virus‐associated smooth muscle tumors in a composite tissue allograft and a pediatric liver transplant recipient
Authors: Conrad A. , Brunet A.‐S. , Hervieu V. , Chauvet C. , Buron F. , Collardeau‐Frachon S. , Rivet C. , Cassier P. , Testelin S. , Lachaux A. , Morelon E. , Thaunat O. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractEpstein–Barr virus (EBV) is known to establish latent infections in B‐lymphocytes that can cause lymphoproliferative disorders particularly in immunocompromised patients. More recently, the development of rare EBV‐associated smooth muscle tumors has been reported in transplant recipients. We herein describe 2 new cases of EBV‐associated post‐transplant smooth muscle tumors (EBV‐PTSMT), including the first in a facial composite tissue graft recipient. Among the striking features shared by these 2 patients were their young ages, the fact that they were naïve for EBV before the transplantation, that they developed a post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder before the diagnosis of EBV‐PTSMT, and that they responded favorably to reduction of immunosuppression. Radiological and histologic features of EBV‐PTSMT are shown. Finally, pathophysiology and therapeutic management of EBV‐PTSMT are discussed based on a comprehensive review of the literature.
Decontamination of prions in a plasma product manufacturing environment
Authors: Bellon Anne , Comoy Emmanuel , Simoneau Steve , Mornac Sandrine , Dehen Capucine , Perrin Audrey , Arzel Aude , Arrabal Samuel , Baron Henry , Laude Hubert , You Bruno , Deslys Jean‐Philippe , Flan Benoit 
Published: August 2013

BackgroundThe high resistance of prions to inactivating treatments requires the proper management of decontaminating procedures of equipment in contact with materials of human or animal origin destined for medical purposes. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is widely used today for this purpose as it inactivates a wide variety of pathogens including prions.Study Design and MethodsSeveral NaOH treatments were tested on prions bound to either stainless steel or chromatographic resins in industrial conditions with multiple prion strains.ResultsData show a strong correlation between inactivation results obtained by immunochemical detection of the prion protein and those obtained with infectivity assays and establish effective inactivation treatments for prions bound to stainless steel or chromatographic resins (ion exchange and affinity), including treatments with lower NaOH concentrations. Furthermore, no obvious strain‐specific behavior difference was observed between experimental models.ConclusionThe results generated by these investigations show that industrial NaOH decontamination regimens (in combination with the NaCl elution in the case of the chromatography process) attain substantial prion inactivation and/or removal between batches, thus providing added assurance to the biologic safety of the final plasma‐derived medicinal products.
Methylprednisolone fails to attenuate lung injury in a mouse model of transfusion related acute lung injury
Authors: Müller Marcella C.A. , Tuinman Pieter R. , van der Sluijs Koenraad F. , Boon Louis , Roelofs Joris J. , Vroom Margreeth B. , Juffermans Nicole P. 
Published: August 2013

BackgroundTransfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI) is the leading cause of transfusion‐related morbidity and mortality. Anecdotally, TRALI patients have been treated with corticosteroids. However, evidence for its therapeutic rationale in TRALI is lacking. We determined the effects of corticosteroids on lung injury in a “two‐hit” mouse model of antibody‐mediated TRALI.Study Design and MethodsBALB/c mice were primed with lipopolysaccharide, after which TRALI was induced by injecting major histocompatibility complex (MHC)‐I antibody against H2Kd. Mice infused with phosphate‐buffered saline served as controls. Simultaneously, one group of TRALI mice was infused with methylprednisolone (MPS; 2 mg/kg). Mice were supported by mechanical ventilation for 2 hours, after which bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung homogenate were obtained. Statistics were obtained by one‐way analysis of variance or Kruskal‐Wallis.ResultsInjection of MHC‐I antibodies resulted in TRALI, indicated by pulmonary edema and increased BALF levels of protein and the proinflammatory mediators macrophage inflammatory protein‐2, keratinocyte‐derived chemokine, and interleukin (IL)‐6. Administration of MPS did not affect the amount of edema nor pulmonary protein and chemokine levels. MPS reduced systemic inflammatory reaction as well as IL‐6 levels in the BALF.ConclusionIn a two‐hit model of antibody‐mediated TRALI, MPS attenuated the IL‐6 host response, but failed to prevent the development of lung injury.
Utility of cross‐matched platelet transfusions in patients with hypoproliferative thrombocytopenia: a systematic review
Authors: Vassallo Ralph R. , Fung Mark , Rebulla Paolo , Duquesnoy Rene , Saw Chee Loong , Slichter Sherrill J. , Tanael Susano , Shehata Nadine ,   International Collaboration for Guideline Development, Implementation and Evaluation for Transfusion Therapies. Collaborators (22)
Published: August 2013

BackgroundMultiply transfused hypoproliferative thrombocytopenic (HT) patients with alloimmune transfusion refractoriness require specially selected platelets (PLTs). Cross‐matching apheresis PLTs is a popular support option, avoiding requirements for large panels of typed donors for HLA‐based selection. We undertook a systematic review of the utility of various cross‐matching techniques on mortality reduction, prevention of hemorrhage, alloimmunization and refractoriness, and improvement in PLT utilization or count increments.Study Design and MethodsA systematic review to December 2012 was conducted of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases along with a bibliographic search of pertinent references.ResultsOf 146 retrieved citations, 20 met inclusion criteria. Eleven more were chosen from bibliographies, describing 29 unique cohorts. All but five enrolled transfusion‐refractory, predominantly alloimmunized patients. Cross‐match impact on mortality and hemorrhage could not be assessed from these studies. Two studies demonstrated durable corrected count increments and/or breadth of alloimmunization throughout cross‐match support; none addressed development or persistence of refractoriness. In alloimmunized refractory patients and nonrefractory cohorts with greater than 25% alloimmunization, higher increments were seen with cross‐match–compatible PLTs than incompatible or un–cross‐matched units. In two nonrefractory, nonalloimmunized cohorts, the lack of utility of cross‐match was reflected by test sensitivity of less than 20%. Comparison of cross‐matched PLT success with that of HLA‐identical units revealed inferior success rates for the former in one study and equivalent rates in another. No trend was observed regarding relative utility of the various commonly employed techniques.ConclusionCross‐matched PLTs are useful in increasing PLT counts in alloimmunized, transfusion‐refractory HT patients, but data about their impact on hemorrhage and mortality are lacking.
Determination of platinum surface contamination in veterinary and human oncology centres using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Janssens T. , Brouwers E. E. M. , de Vos J. P. , de Vries N. , Schellens J. H. M. , Beijnen J. H. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe objective of this study was to determine the surface contamination with platinum‐containing antineoplastic drugs in veterinary and human oncology centres. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to measure platinum levels in surface samples. In veterinary and human oncology centres, 46.3 and 68.9% of the sampled surfaces demonstrated platinum contamination, respectively. Highest platinum levels were found in the preparation rooms (44.6 pg cm−2) in veterinary centres, while maximal levels in human centres were found in oncology patient‐only toilets (725 pg cm−2). Transference of platinum by workers outside areas where antineoplastic drugs were handled was observed in veterinary and human oncology centres. In conclusion, only low levels of platinum contamination attributable to carboplatin were found in the sampled veterinary oncology centres. However, dispersion of platinum outside areas where antineoplastic drugs were handled was detected in veterinary and human oncology centres. Consequently, not only personnel, but also others may be exposed to platinum.
Intravital Förster resonance energy transfer imaging reveals elevated [Ca2+]i and enhanced sympathetic tone in femoral arteries of angiotensin II‐infused hypertensive biosensor mice
Authors: Wang Youhua , Chen Ling , Wier W. Gil , Zhang Jin 
Published: August 2013

Key points
It is desirable to study altered artery function in hypertension in living animals, where factors influencing artery function are intact.
We infused ‘biosensor’ mice chronically with angiotensin II to produce hypertension, and used intravital Förster resonance energy transfer microscopy to measure, simultaneously, [Ca2+]i and artery diameter in vivo.
Femoral arteries in hypertensive mice had increased basal (resting) [Ca2+]i and were more constricted than femoral arteries in saline‐infused mice. These differences were abolished by blocking (1) all peripheral sympathetic nerve activity (SNA), or (2) vascular α1‐adrenoceptors, but not by blocking vascular angiotensin II or arginine vasopressin receptors.
Neither contractility nor structural changes were found in femoral arteries of angiotensin II‐infused mice.
The results support previous suggestions that angiotensin II infusion raises blood pressure by acting on the CNS to increase SNA, which increases smooth muscle [Ca2+]i. Infused angiotensin II does not act directly on arterial angiotensin II receptors.
Abstract  Artery narrowing in hypertension can only result from structural remodelling of the artery, or increased smooth muscle contraction. The latter may occur with, or without, increases in [Ca2+]i. Here, we sought to measure, in living hypertensive mice, possible changes in artery dimensions and/or [Ca2+]i, and to determine some of the mechanisms involved. Ca2+/calmodulin biosensor (Förster resonance energy transfer‐based) mice were made hypertensive by s.c. infusion of angiotensin II (Ang II, 400 ng kg−1 min−1, 2–3 weeks). Intravital fluorescence microscopy was used to determine [Ca2+]i and outer diameter of surgically exposed, intact femoral artery (FA) of anaesthetized mice. Active contractile FA ‘tone’ was calculated from the basal‐state diameter and the passive (i.e. Ca2+‐free) diameter (PD). Compared to saline control, FAs of Ang II‐infused mice had (1) ∼21% higher active tone and (2) ∼78 nm higher smooth muscle [Ca2+]i, but (3) the same PDs. The local Ang II receptor (AT1R) blocker losartan had negligible effect on tone or [Ca2+]i in control FAs, but reduced the basal tone by ∼9% in Ang II FAs. Both i.v. hexamethonium and locally applied prazosin abolished the difference in FA tone and [Ca2+]i, suggesting a dominant role of sympathetic nerve activity (SNA). Changes in diameter and [Ca2+]i in response to locally applied phenylephrine, Ang II, arginine vasopressin, elevated [K+]o and acetylcholine were not altered. In summary, FAs of living Ang II hypertensive mice have higher [Ca2+]i, and are more constricted, due, primarily, to elevated SNA and some increased arterial AT1R activation. Evidence of altered artery reactivity or remodeling was not found.
Automated treatment planning for a dedicated multi‐source intra‐cranial radiosurgery treatment unit accounting for overlapping structures and dose homogeneity
Authors: Ghobadi Kimia , Ghaffari Hamid R. , Aleman Dionne M. , Jaffray David A. , Ruschin Mark 
Published: August 2013

Purpose:The purpose of this work is to advance the two‐step approach for Gamma Knife® Perfexion™ (PFX) optimization to account for dose homogeneity and overlap between the planning target volume (PTV) and organs‐at‐risk (OARs).Methods:In the first step, a geometry‐based algorithm is used to quickly select isocentre locations while explicitly accounting for PTV‐OARs overlaps. In this approach, the PTV is divided into subvolumes based on the PTV‐OARs overlaps and the distance of voxels to the overlaps. Only a few isocentres are selected in the overlap volume, and a higher number of isocentres are carefully selected among voxels that are immediately close to the overlap volume. In the second step, a convex optimization is solved to find the optimal combination of collimator sizes and their radiation duration for each isocentre location.Results:This two‐step approach is tested on seven clinical cases (comprising 11 targets) for which the authors assess coverage, OARs dose, and homogeneity index and relate these parameters to the overlap fraction for each case. In terms of coverage, the meanV99 for the gross target volume (GTV) was 99.8% while the V95 for the PTV averaged at 94.6%, thus satisfying the clinical objectives of 99% for GTV and 95% for PTV, respectively. The mean relative dose to the brainstem was 87.7% of the prescription dose (with maximum 108%), while on average, 11.3% of the PTV overlapped with the brainstem. The mean beam‐on time per fraction per dose was 8.6 min with calibration dose rate of 3.5 Gy/min, and the computational time averaged at 205 min. Compared with previous work involving single‐fraction radiosurgery, the resulting plans were more homogeneous with average homogeneity index of 1.18 compared to 1.47.Conclusions:PFX treatment plans with homogeneous dose distribution can be achieved by inverse planning using geometric isocentre selection and mathematical modeling and optimization techniques. The quality of the obtained treatment plans are clinically satisfactory while the homogeneity index is improved compared to conventional PFX plans.
Effect of Anthrax Immune Globulin on Response to BioThrax (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed) in New Zealand White Rabbits
Authors: Malkevich Nina V. , Basu Subhendu , Rudge Thomas L. , Clement Kristin H. , Chakrabarti Ajoy C. , Aimes Ronald T. , Nabors Gary S. , Skiadopoulos Mario H. , Ionin Boris 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACT
Development of anthrax countermeasures that may be used concomitantly in a postexposure setting requires an understanding of the interaction between these products. Anthrax immune globulin intravenous (AIGIV) is a candidate immunotherapeutic that contains neutralizing antibodies against protective antigen (PA), a component of anthrax toxins. We evaluated the interaction between AIGIV and BioThrax (anthrax vaccine adsorbed) in rabbits. While pharmacokinetics of AIGIV were not altered by vaccination, the vaccine-induced immune response was abrogated in AIGIV-treated animals.