bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vascular pedicle width in acute lung injury: correlation with intravascular pressures and ability to discriminate fluid status
Authors: Rice Todd W , Ware Lorraine B , Haponik Edward F , Chiles Caroline , Wheeler Arthur P , Bernard Gordon R , Steingrub Jay S , Hite Duncan R , Matthay Michael A , Wright Patrick , Ely Wesley E ,   the NIH NHLBI ARDS Network
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Conservative fluid management in patients with acute lung injury (ALI) increases time alive and free from mechanical ventilation. Vascular pedicle width (VPW) is a non-invasive measurement of intravascular volume status. The VPW was studied in ALI patients to determine the correlation between VPW and intravascular pressure measurements and whether VPW could predict fluid status.

Methods
This retrospective cohort study involved 152 patients with ALI enrolled in the Fluid and Catheter Treatment Trial (FACTT) from five NHLBI ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) Network sites. VPW and central venous pressure (CVP) or pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP) from the first four study days were correlated. The relationships between VPW, positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), cumulative fluid balance, and PAOP were also evaluated. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine the ability of VPW to detect PAOP <8 mmHg and PAOP ≥18 mm Hg.

Results
A total of 71 and 152 patients provided 118 and 276 paired VPW/PAOP and VPW/CVP measurements, respectively. VPW correlated with PAOP (r = 0.41; P < 0.001) and less well with CVP (r = 0.21; P = 0.001). In linear regression, VPW correlated with PAOP 1.5-fold better than cumulative fluid balance and 2.5-fold better than PEEP. VPW discriminated achievement of PAOP <8 mm Hg (AUC = 0.73; P = 0.04) with VPW ≤67 mm demonstrating 71% sensitivity (95% CI 30 to 95%) and 68% specificity (95% CI 59 to 75%). For discriminating a hydrostatic component of the edema (that is, PAOP ≥18 mm Hg), VPW ≥72 mm demonstrated 61.4% sensitivity (95% CI 47 to 74%) and 61% specificity (49 to 71%) (area under the curve (AUC) 0.69; P = 0.001).

Conclusions
VPW correlates with PAOP better than CVP in patients with ALI. Due to its only moderate sensitivity and specificity, the ability of VPW to discriminate fluid status in patients with acute lung injury is limited and should only be considered when intravascular pressures are unavailable.
Lentiviral vector mediated modification of mesenchymal stem cells & enhanced survival in an in vitro model of ischaemia
Authors: McGinley Lisa , McMahon Jill , Strappe Padraig , Barry Frank , Murphy Mary , O'Toole Daniel , O'Brien Timothy 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Introduction
A combination of gene and cell therapies has the potential to significantly enhance the therapeutic value of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The development of efficient gene delivery methods is essential if MSCs are to be of benefit using such an approach. Achieving high levels of transgene expression for the required period of time, without adversely affecting cell viability and differentiation capacity, is crucial. In the present study, we investigate lentiviral vector-mediated genetic modification of rat bone-marrow derived MSCs and examine any functional effect of such genetic modification in an in vitro model of ischaemia.

Methods
Transduction efficiency and transgene persistence of second and third generation rHIV-1 based lentiviral vectors were tested using reporter gene constructs. Use of the rHIV-pWPT-EF1-α-GFP-W vector was optimised in terms of dose, toxicity, cell species, and storage. The in vivo condition of ischaemia was modelled in vitro by separation into its associated constituent parts i.e. hypoxia, serum and glucose deprivation, in which the effect of therapeutic gene over-expression on MSC survival was investigated.

Results
The second generation lentiviral vector rHIV-pWPT-EF1-α-GFP-W, was the most efficient and provided the most durable transgene expression of the vectors tested. Transduction with this vector did not adversely affect MSC morphology, viability or differentiation potential, and transgene expression levels were unaffected by cryopreservation of transduced cells. Over-expression of HSP70 resulted in enhanced MSC survival and increased resistance to apoptosis in conditions of hypoxia and ischaemia. MSC differentiation capacity was significantly reduced after oxygen deprivation, but was preserved with HSP70 over-expression.

Conclusions
Collectively, these data validate the use of lentiviral vectors for efficient in vitro gene delivery to MSCs and suggest that lentiviral vector transduction can facilitate sustained therapeutic gene expression, providing an efficient tool for ex vivo MSC modification. Furthermore, lentiviral mediated over-expression of therapeutic genes in MSCs may provide protection in an ischaemic environment and enable MSCs to function in a regenerative manner, in part through maintaining the ability to differentiate. This finding may have considerable significance in improving the efficacy of MSC-based therapies.
Elevated Serum Free Light Chains Are Associated With Event-Free and Overall Survival in Two Independent Cohorts of Patients With Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Maurer Matthew J. , Micallef Ivana N.M. , Cerhan James R. , Katzmann Jerry A. , Link Brian K. , Colgan Joseph P. , Habermann Thomas M. , Inwards David J. , Markovic Svetomir N. , Ansell Stephen M. , Porrata Luis F. , Johnston Patrick B. , Nowakowski Grzegorz S. , Thompson Carrie A. , Gupta Mamta , Syrbu Sergei I. , Kurtin Paul J. , Macon William R. , Nikcevich Daniel A. , Witzig Thomas E. 
Published: March 2011

Purpose The serum free light chain (FLC) assay quantitates free kappa (κ) and free lambda (λ) immunoglobulin light chains. This assay has prognostic value in plasma cell proliferative disorders. There are limited data on serum FLC in B-cell malignancies. Patients and Methods The association of pretreatment FLC with event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) was evaluated in 76 patients from the North Central Cancer Treatment Group trial N0489 (NCT00301821) and 219 patients from the University of Iowa/Mayo Clinic Specialized Program of Research Excellence Molecular Epidemiology Resource (MER). Published reference ranges were used to define an elevated FLC or an abnormal κ:λ FLC ratio. Results Elevated FLC or abnormal κ:λ FLC ratio was present in 32% and 14% of patients, respectively. Patients with elevated FLC had an inferior OS and EFS in both cohorts compared with patients with normal FLC (N0489: EFS hazard ratio [HR], 3.06; OS HR, 3.16; both P < .02; MER: EFS HR, 2.42; OS HR, 3.40; both P < .001; combined EFS HR, 2.57; OS HR, 3.74; both P < .001). All associations remained significant for EFS and OS after adjusting for the International Prognostic Index (IPI). Abnormal κ:λ FLC ratio was modestly associated with outcome in the combined group (EFS HR, 1.61; OS HR, 1.67; both P = .07), but not in patients without corresponding elevated κ or λ. Elevated FLC was the strongest predictor of outcome in multivariable models with the IPI components. Conclusion Increased serum FLC is an independent, adverse prognostic factor for EFS and OS in DLBCL and warrants further evaluation as a biomarker in DLBCL.
Lymphatic Mapping and Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Patients With Melanoma: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Valsecchi Matias E. , Silbermins Damian , de Rosa Nicole , Wong Sandra L. , Lyman Gary H. 
Published: March 2011

Purpose To perform a meta-analysis of all published studies of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy for staging patients with melanoma. Methods Published literature in all languages between 1990 and 2009 was critically appraised. Primary outcomes evaluated included the proportion successfully mapped (PSM) and test performance including false-negative rate (FNR), post-test probability negative (PTPN), and positive predictive value in the same nodal basin recurrence. Results A total of 71 studies including 25,240 patients met full eligibility criteria. The average PSM was 98.1% (95% CI, 97.3% to 98.6%) and increased with the year of publication, female sex, ulceration, age, and the quality score of the studies. The FNR ranged from 0.0% to 34.0%, averaging 12.5% overall (95% CI, 11% to 14.2%). FNR increased with the length of follow-up (P = .002) but decreased with greater PSM (P = .001). PTPN averaged 3.4% (95% CI, 3.0% to 3.8%), which also increased in studies with longer follow-up, younger age, female sex, deeper Breslow thickness, and with tumor ulceration while decreasing with greater PSM (P < .001). Approximately 20% of the patients with a positive SLN had additional lymph nodes in the complete lymph node dissection and 7.5% of the patients with positive SLN developed recurrence in the same nodal basin which was greater in studies that also reported higher FNR (P = .01). Conclusion The estimated risk of nodal recurrence after a negative SLN biopsy was ≤ 5% supporting the use of this technology for staging patients with melanoma.
Tarsal decancellation in the residual resistant arthrogrypotic clubfoot
Authors: Iskandar Hany N , Bishay Sherif NG , Sharaf-El-Deen Hatem Abdel-Rahman , El-Sayed Mohsen Mohammad 
Published: March 2011

INTRODUCTIONConservatism is well recognised after Ponseti's method in the treatment of congenital clubfoot; however, this is not applicable to the complex and resistant arthrogrypotic type which challenges the orthopaedic surgeon. In such a type, soft tissue releases as fasciotomies, tenotomies, and capsulotomies, as well as osteotomies are insufficient, and joint fusions are not suitable in early childhood before skeletal maturity.PATIENTS AND METHODSTwelve children (15 feet) with residual resistant arthrogrypotic clubfeet between 2-4 years of age were analysed clinically and radiographically. All of the cases received previous conservative Ponseti's method of treatment in their first year of life followed by soft tissue releases (plantar fasciotomy, posteromedial tenotomies, capsulotomies, and abductor hallucis release) before treatment by decancellation of the cuboid, the calcaneus, and the talus to correct the complex adduction, supination, varus, and equinus deformities. Pre-operative measurements of certain foot angles were compared with their corresponding postoperative values.RESULTSA grading scheme for evaluation of the results using a point scoring system was suggested to evaluate accurately both clinical and radiographic results after a follow-up period of an average of 3.3 years. Six feet (40%) had excellent, six (40%) good, three (20%) fair, and no poor (0%) outcome. There was no major complication. There was significant improvement in the result (P > 0.035).CONCLUSIONSTarsal decancellation is particularly applicable to residual resistant clubfoot such as the arthrogrypotic type at an early age. It shortens the period of disability, improves the range of foot motion, and does not interfere with the foot bone growth.
New insight on a possible mechanism of progestogens in terms of breast cancer risk
Authors: Neubauer Hans , Chen Rong , Schneck Helen , Knorrp Thomas , Templin Markus F. , Fehm Tanja , Cahill Michael A. , Seeger Harald , Yu Qi , Mueck Alfred O. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract

Objectives: Progestogens influence mammary gland development and probably breast cancer tumorigenesis by regulating a broad spectrum of physiological processes. We investigated receptor membrane-initiated actions of progestogens in MCF-7 breast cancer cells overexpressing progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1).

Design: MCF-7 cells were stably transfected with PGRMC1 expression plasmid (MCF-7/PGRMC1-3HA) and overexpression of PGRMC1 was verified by immune fluorescent analysis and Western blot. To test the effects of progestogens on cell proliferation, MCF-7 and MCF-7/PGRMC1-3HA cells were stimulated with a membrane-impermeable progesterone: BSA-fluorescein-isothiocyanate conjugate (P4-BSA-FITC), unconjugated progesterone (P4), medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), norethisterone (NET) and drospirenone (DRSP). Furthermore, reverse phase protein technology was applied to identify modified downstream signaling.

Results: Progesterone did not elicit any proliferative effect on MCF-7/PGRMC1-3HA cells. By contrast, P4-BSA-FITC, DRSP, MPA and NET significantly triggered proliferation of MCF-7/PGRMC1-3HA cells, the effect being more pronounced for NET. Almost no effect of progestogens on proliferation was observed in MCF-7 cells. In MCF-7/PGRMC1-3HA cells, expression of Erk1/2 was significantly reduced by 40% compared to MCF-7 cells.

Conclusions: Our data indicate that PGRMC1 mediates a progestogen-dependent proliferative signal in MCF-7 cells. Of significant interest is that progesterone and synthetic progestins that are used for hormone therapy are different in their proliferative effects on MCF-7 and MCF-7/PGRMC1-3HA cells. Progesterone appears to act neutrally, whereas MPA, NET and DRSP trigger proliferation and thus might increase breast cancer risk. The data presented are very important in terms of the positive results of progestogens and breast cancer risk in clinical studies so far.
Self-directed Versus Traditional Classroom Training for Neonatal Resuscitation
Authors: Weiner Gary M. , Menghini Karin , Zaichkin Jeanette , Caid Ann E. , Jacoby Carrie J. , Simon Wendy M. 
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVE:
Neonatal Resuscitation Program instructors spend most of their classroom time giving lectures and demonstrating basic skills. We hypothesized that a self-directed education program could shift acquisition of these skills outside the classroom, shorten the duration of the class, and allow instructors to use their time to facilitate low-fidelity simulation and debriefing.

METHODS:
Novice providers were randomly allocated to self-directed education or a traditional class. Self-directed participants received a textbook, instructional video, and portable equipment kit and attended a 90-minute simulation session with an instructor. The traditional class included 6 hours of lectures and instructor-directed skill stations. Outcome measures included resuscitation skill (megacode assessment score), content knowledge, participant satisfaction, and self-confidence.

RESULTS:
Forty-six subjects completed the study. There was no significant difference between the study groups in either the megacode assessment score (23.8 [traditional] vs 24.5 [self-directed]; P = .46) or fraction that passed the “megacode” (final skills assessment) (56% [traditional] vs 65% [self-directed]; P = .76). There were no significant differences in content knowledge, course satisfaction, or postcourse self-confidence. Content knowledge, years of experience, and self-confidence did not predict resuscitation skill.

CONCLUSIONS:
Self-directed education improves the educational efficiency of the neonatal resuscitation course by shifting the acquisition of cognitive and basic procedural skills outside of the classroom, which allows the instructor to add low-fidelity simulation and debriefing while significantly decreasing the duration of the course.
The catalogue of the freshwater crayfish (Crustacea: Decapoda: Astacidae) from Romania preserved in "Grigore Antipa" National Museum of Natural History of Bucharest
Authors: Petrescu Iorgu , Petrescu Ana-Maria 
Published: March 2011

The catalogue of the freshwater crayfish (Crustacea: Decapoda: Astacidae) from Romania preserved in "Grigore Antipa" National Museum of Natural History of Bucharest
The largest collection of freshwater crayfish of Romania is preserved in "Grigore Antipa" National Museum of Natural History of Bucharest. The collection consists of 426 specimens of Astacus astacus, A. leptodactylus and Austropotamobius torrentium.
Critical evaluation of the specimens of Lithobius validus Meinert - species group (Chilopoda: Lithobiidae) from the "Z. Matic" and "Şt. Negrea" collections (Romania)
Authors: Negrea Ştefan 
Published: March 2011

Critical evaluation of the specimens of Lithobius validus Meinert - species group (Chilopoda: Lithobiidae) from the "Z. Matic" and "Şt. Negrea" collections (Romania)
Z. Matic's collection, preserved at the Zoological Museum of the "Babeş-Bolyai" University of Cluj-Napoca, and Şt. Negrea's collection, preserved at the "Emil Racovitza" Speleological Institute of Bucharest (the only chilopod collections existing in Romania) are containing three species of the Lithobius validus Meinert group: L. (L.) validus Meinert, 1872 (sensu Eason, 1974 a), L. (L.) moldavicus Prunesco, 1966 (sensu Negrea, in the present paper) and L. (L.) matici Prunesco, 1966. New synonymies are proposed: Lithobius punctulatus moldavicus Prunesco, 1966 = Lithobius moldavicus Negrea in this work = Lithobius validus Zapparoli, 1994 nov. syn.; Lithobius matici Prunesco, 1966 = Lithobius matici biharicus Prunesco, 1966 nov. syn. The subspecies Lithobius punctulatus moldavicus Prunesco, 1966 is elevated to the taxonomical rank of species, Lithobius moldavicus Prunesco, establishing its geographical area as it is currently known. The following species are redescribed: Lithobius validus Meinert, 1872, based on the Romanian Carpathians populations; Lithobius moldavicus Prunesco, 1966 based on the specimens of the Eastern Carpathians - including the type series, establishing a lectotypus and an allolectotypus; Lithobius matici Prunesco, 1966 based on populations from the Eastern Carpathians and the Western Carpathians.
Faunistic and ecological characterization of aquatic and semiaquatic Heteroptera (Insecta) communities in permanent swamps situated in Făgăraş Depression and Sibiu Depression (Romania)
Authors: Ilie Daniela , Ban-Calefariu Cristina 
Published: March 2011

Faunistic and ecological characterization of aquatic and semiaquatic Heteroptera (Insecta) communities in permanent swamps situated in Făgăraş Depression and Sibiu Depression (Romania)
This paper assesses the biodiversity of aquatic and semiaquatic Heteroptera in permanent swamps situated in two contact depressions between Făgăraş Mountains and the Transylvania Plateau, and performs a species association and a species monthly dynamics analysis. We have identified 30 species of Heteroptera, of which 18 species are aquatic (Infraorder Nepomorpha) and 12 are semiaquatic (Infraorder Gerromorpha). The α-biodiversity analysis reveales values between 0.379-3.475 for the investigated stations, which indicate a uniform distribution of individuals on species, both within stations and in each of the two depressions. The monthly sampling, in 2004, enabled us to analyze the species dynamics.
Remarks on some European Aleocharinae, with description of a new Rhopaletes species from Croatia (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae)
Authors: Ádám László 
Published: March 2011

Remarks on some European Aleocharinae, with description of a new Rhopaletes species from Croatia (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae)
Based on an examination of type and non-type material, ten species-group names are synonymised: Atheta mediterranea G. Benick, 1941, Aloconota carpathica Jeannel et Jarrige, 1949 and Atheta carpatensis Tichomirova, 1973 with Aloconota mihoki (Bernhauer, 1913); Amischa jugorum Scheerpeltz, 1956 with Amischa analis (Gravenhorst, 1802); Amischa strupii Scheerpeltz, 1967 with Amischa bifoveolata (Mannerheim, 1830); Atheta tricholomatobia V. B. Semenov, 2002 with Atheta boehmei Linke, 1934; Atheta palatina G. Benick, 1974 and Atheta palatina G. Benick, 1975 with Atheta dilaticornis (Kraatz, 1856); Atheta degenerata G. Benick, 1974 and Atheta degenerata G. Benick, 1975 with Atheta testaceipes (Heer, 1839). A new name, Atheta velebitica nom. nov. is proposed for Atheta serotina Ádám, 2008, a junior primary homonym of Atheta serotina Blackwelder, 1944. A revised key for the Central European species of the Aloconota sulcifrons group is provided. Comments on the separation of the males of Amischa bifoveolata and A. analis are given. A key for the identification of Amischa species occurring in Hungary and its close surroundings is presented. Remarks are presented about the relationships of Alevonota Thomson, 1858 and Enalodroma Thomson, 1859. The taxonomic status of Oxypodera Bernhauer, 1915 and Mycetota Ádám, 1987 is discussed. The specific status of Pella hampei (Kraatz, 1862) is debated. Remarks are presented about the relationships of Alevonota Thomson, 1858, as well as Mycetota Ádám, 1987, Oxypodera Bernhauer, 1915 and Rhopaletes Cameron, 1939. The publication date of several Atheta species described by G. Benick is discussed. Aloconota mihoki, Amischa forcipata, A. filum and Atheta boehmei are reported from Hungary, Croatia and Romania, respectively, for the first time. A new species, Rhopaletes slavoniae sp. n. is described from Croatia.
The population of Red Deer (Cervus elaphus L., 1758) in Tulcea county (Romania)
Authors: Geacu Sorin 
Published: March 2011

The population of Red Deer (Cervus elaphus L., 1758) in Tulcea county (Romania)
The presence of the Red Deer in the North-western parts of Tulcea County is an example of the natural expansion of a species spreading area. In North Dobrogea, this mammal first occurred only forty years ago. The first specimens were spotted on Cocoşul Hill (on the territory of Niculiţel area) in 1970. Peak numbers (68 individuals) were registered in the spring of 1987. The deer population (67 specimens in 2007) of this county extended along 10 km from West to East and 20 km from North to South over a total of 23,000 ha (55% of which was forest land) in the East of the Măcin Mountains and in the West of the Niculiţel Plateau.
Haemoglobin and Anaemia in the Smart Study
Authors:   the INSIGHT SMART Study Group, Mocroft Amanda , Lifson Alan R , Touloumi Giota , Neuhaus Jacqueline , Fox Zoe , Palfreeman Adrian , Vjecha Michael J , Hodder Sally , De Wit Stephane , Lundgren Jens D , Phillips Andrew N 
Published: March 2011

Background Data from randomized trials on the development of anaemia after interruption of therapy are not well-described. Methods A total of 2,248 patients from the SMART study were included. We used Cox proportional hazards models to investigate development of new (≤12 mg/dl for females and ≤14 mg/dl for males) or worsening (≤8 mg/dl if anaemic at randomization) anaemia and Poisson regression analyses to explore the relationship between anaemia and the development of AIDS, death or non-AIDS events. Results Overall, 759 patients developed new or worsening anaemia: 420/1,106 (38.0%) in the drug conservation (DC) arm and 339/1127 (30.1%) in the viral suppression (VS) arm ( P<0.0001). At 4 months after randomization, patients in the DC arm had a significantly increased risk of developing new or worsening anaemia (adjusted relative hazard 1.56, 95% CI 1.28–1.89). Currently anaemic patients had an increased incidence of AIDS (adjusted incidence rate ratio [IRR] 2.31, 95% CI 1.34–3.98), death (adjusted IRR 2.19, 95% CI 1.23–3.87) and non-AIDS events (adjusted IRR 2.98, 95% CI 2.01–4.40) compared to non-anaemic patients. Conclusions Patients who interrupted combination anti-retroviral therapy had a higher risk of new or worsening anaemia. Anaemic patients had a higher incidence of AIDS, non-AIDS defining events or deaths, possibly due to deteriorating health and subclinical disease.