bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of the Combined Left Ventricular Systolic and Renal Dysfunction on One‐Year Outcomes after Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: SAVIC LIDIJA , MRDOVIC IGOR , PERUNICIC JOVAN , ASANIN MILIKA , LASICA RATKO , MARINKOVIC JELENA , VASILJEVIC ZORANA , OSTOJIC MIODRAG 
Published: November 2011

Background:

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of combined left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) and renal dysfunction (RD) on 1‐year overall mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) (comprising cardiovascular death, nonfatal renfarction, target vessel revascularization, and nonfatal stroke) in patients with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI).
Methods:

One thousand three hundred ninety eight patients with first myocardial infarction, undergoing pPCI were divided into four groups according to the presence of LVSD (ejection fraction [EF] <40%) and/or baseline RD (estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min per m2): Group I (no LVSD and no RD); Group II (LVSD, no RD); Group III (RD, no LVSD); Group IV (LVSD + RD).
Results:

One‐year mortality rates in Groups I, II, III, and IV were 2.6%, 15.2%, 10.6%, and 34.2% and 1‐year MACE rates were 5.7%, 19.5%, 17.1% and 35.7%, respectively. Patients in Groups II, III, and IV had an increased probability of 1‐year overall mortality and MACE as compared to Group I. Overall mortality: Group II HR 2.1 (95% CI 1.1–4.2); Group III HR 2.1 (95% CI 1.1–4.1); Group IV HR 4.8 (95% CI 2.4–9.4); MACE: Group II HR 2.2 (95% CI 1.1–4.2); Group III HR 2.2 (95% CI 1.1–4.3); Group IV HR 5.1 (95% CI 2.6–10.1). The LVSD‐RD combination was the strongest independent predictor for 1‐year outcomes.
Conclusions:

The LVSD‐RD combination is associated with an approximately five‐fold increase in 1‐year overall mortality and MACE after pPCI. The evaluation of the renal function in patients with LVSD represents a simple method which enables a more precise stratification of the risks related to the occurrence of adverse events in long‐term patient follow‐up. (J Interven Cardiol 2012;25:132–139)
Optical and Wetting Properties of CuAlO2 Films Prepared by Radio Frequency Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Li Junlei , Wang Xian , Shi Shiwei , Song Xueping , Lv Jianguo , Cui Jingbiao , Sun Zhaoqi 
Published: November 2011

The CuAlO2 films were prepared on glass and quartz substrates by radio frequency magnetron sputtering with a sintered target composed of Al(OH)3 and Cu2O powders. X‐ray diffraction analyses reveal that the as‐deposited films are amorphous structure and the as‐annealed films are predominated by the CuAlO2 phase along with the Al2O3 phase. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) measurements indicate that grains grow up and surface becomes rougher as a result of increasing temperature. The optical studies show that annealing leads to the reduction of the average transmittance of the films from 60% to 40% for the visible range and the decrease of the fitted refractive index from 2.0 to 1.5. Direct band gaps confirmed by the transmittance and reflectance measurements are estimated to be 3.86 and 3.50 eV for as‐deposited and as‐annealed films, respectively. As increasing exposure time, water contact angles of the as‐deposited films exposed under ultraviolet light source 365 nm or 254 nm decrease from 96.3° and 96.4° to 87.5° and 87.2°, respectively. The variation of contact angle can be attributed to the hydrophobic organic stains on the surface, surface roughness, the formation of Cu2+, and band gap variation of CuAlO2 film. The as‐annealed film becomes hydrophilic and its water contact angle is 31.1°. The wetting property of CuAlO2 films is very important for the wide spread application of this material.
Students’ perception of the prognosis for a single‐surface amalgam restoration
Authors: Devlin H. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThe aim of the study was to assess the self‐rated skill, clinical judgement and competency of final‐year pre‐doctoral dental students. The study was also designed to determine whether the students’ estimated durability of their single‐surface restorations was determined by their confidence. Students were given a questionnaire and completed it anonymously. One hundred and ninety‐six forms were returned from the 238 students (82% return rate). Complete analysis was possible on 169 questionnaires. The students’ self‐assessed skill and judgement were a significant factor in predicting how long they would tell a patient that their restoration would last. Those ranking themselves below average were more likely to state that their amalgam restorations would have a shorter life (odds increased by 2.82 for those ranking themselves lower than most others). There was a significant association between the students’ self‐assessed skill and judgement and their confidence in dealing with both the initial management of patients’ medical emergencies (ρ = 0.244, P = 0.001, n = 191) and their general confidence in dealing with medical emergencies (ρ = 0.187, P = 0.01, n = 188). Given a conversational scenario with a patient, the treatment prognosis given by final‐year pre‐doctoral students for a single‐surface amalgam restoration was dependent on their self‐assessed competence, skill and judgement.
Noninvasive estimation of chronological and photoinduced skin damage using Raman spectroscopy and principal component analysis
Authors: González Francisco J. , Castillo‐Martínez Claudio , Martínez‐Escanamé Marcela , Ramírez‐Elías Miguel G. , Gaitan‐Gaona Francisco I. , Oros‐Ovalle Cuauhtémoc , Moncada Benjamín 
Published: November 2011

BackgroundSkin aging can be attributed to endogenous and exogenous factors which modify the hydration and protein structure of the skin which can be measured using Raman spectroscopy.MethodThis study included 21 healthy adult volunteers, aged 32–81 years, Raman spectra were obtained from sun‐protected and sun‐exposed skin, also three millimeter punch biopsies of sun‐exposed skin were collected and analyzed. The Raman spectra were analyzed using principal component analysis and the results were correlated with clinical and histological findings.ResultsThe principal component analysis of the Raman spectra shows that the first principal component (PC1) obtained from the sun‐protected skin is related to the age of the subject, which can be taken as a measure of chronological aging, the second (PC2) and fourth (PC4) principal components obtained from Raman spectra of sun‐exposed skin are related to the amount of solar elastosis and collagen, respectively.ConclusionIn this work a relationship was found between histological properties of photoaged skin and noninvasive measurements based on Raman and principal components analysis (PCA). These relationships can be used to assess noninvasively the photoinduced damage and chronological characteristics of skin.
Hereditary Thrombophilia, Anti‐Beta2 Glycoprotein 1 IgM, and Anti‐Annexin V Antibodies in Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Authors: Karata Suat , Aydin Yavuz , Ocer Fahri , Buyru Aysenur , Balci Huriye 
Published: November 2011

Citation Karata S, Aydin Y, Ocer F, Buyru A, Balci H. Hereditary Thrombophilia, anti‐beta2 glycoprotein 1 IgM, and anti‐annexin V antibodies in recurrent pregnancy loss. Am J Reprod Immunol 2012; 67: 251–255Problem We investigated the beta2‐glycoprotein I and anti‐annexin V antibodies as anti‐phospholipid–cofactor antibodies; and factor V G1691A Leiden, prothrombin G20210A, and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T mutations as hereditary thrombophilia in recurrent pregnancy losses (RPL).Method of study Study group consisted of 84 women with recurrent pregnancy loss and control group consisted of 84 women having at least one live birth.Results Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T homozygous mutation was detected in 28.5% of the study group and in 14.2% of the controls, and the difference was highly significant (P < 0.001). Heterozygous mutation of this gene was found in 64.3% of the study population and in 38.1% of the controls, and difference in heterozygous mutation frequency was also significant (P < 0.001). Both homozygous and heterozygous mutations of PT G20210A and factor V G1691A were not different between the groups. There was no significant difference in anti‐annexin V levels and anti‐beta2‐gp 1 levels of the groups.Conclusion We concluded that both homozygous and heterozygous mutations of MTHFR C677T were related with RPL in Caucasian women.
Effects of fire, grazing and topographic variation on vegetation structure in tallgrass prairie
Authors: Collins Scott L. , Calabrese Laura B. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractQuestionsHow do fire and grazing by bison affect the composition and structure of tallgrass prairie plant communities and their temporal stability? Are these responses modulated by topographic location?LocationKonzaPrairie Biological Station,Kansas,USA.MethodsPlant community composition was monitored in permanent plots in native grassland sites receiving different long‐term prescribed burning and bison grazing regimes across a topographic gradient (lowlands, slopes, uplands) following 20 yr of variable burning treatments and 13 yr of grazing by bison. A combination of multivariate analyses was used to determine how community structure, life forms and individual species responded to the accumulated effects of long‐term fire and grazing by native bison in upland, slope and lowland soils.ResultsSpecies diversity was maximized in sites that were infrequently burned and grazed by bison with the strongest response on infrequently burned slope sites, while diversity was lowest on frequently burned ungrazed sites and on frequently burned slope sites. In general, grass cover was highest in infrequently burned ungrazed sites and lowest on frequently burned grazed sites, while forb richness was highest in infrequently burned and grazed sites. Community response to fire and grazing differed across the topographic gradient. In general, frequent burning favouredC4grasses, which reduced the abundance ofC3forbs, especially in lowland sites. Responses of dominant grasses and forbs to fire and grazing varied depending on topographic position. Community stability was positively correlated with species richness.ConclusionsOverall, we found that fire and grazing are the main determinants of plant community composition and structure in this grassland system, but that topography mediates these effects. A combination of bison grazing and periodic fire is necessary to maximize diversity and community stability across this native grassland landscape.
Rectal single dose immunization of mice with Escherichia coli O157:H7 bacterial ghosts induces efficient humoral and cellular immune responses and protects against the lethal heterologous challenge
Authors: Mayr Ulrike Beate , Kudela Pavol , Atrasheuskaya Alena , Bukin Eugenij , Ignatyev Georgy , Lubitz Werner 
Published: November 2011

SummaryBacterial ghosts (BGs) have been applied through oral, aerogenic, intraocular or intranasal routes for mucosal immunization using a wide range of experimental animals. All these applications required a booster after primary immunization to achieve protective immunity against the lethal challenge. Here we report for the first time that a single rectal dose of BGs produced from enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7 fully protects mice against a 50% lethal challenge with a heterologous EHEC strain given at day 55. BGs from EHEC O157:H7 were prepared by a combination of protein E‐mediated cell lysis and expression of staphylococcal nuclease A guaranteeing the complete degradation of pathogen residual DNA. The lack of genetic material in the EHEC BGs vaccine abolished any potential hazard for horizontal gene transfer of plasmid encoded antibiotic resistance genes or pathogenic islands to the recipient's gut flora. Single rectal immunization using EHEC O157:H7 BGs without any addition of adjuvant significantly stimulated efficient humoral and cellular immune responses, and was equally protective as two immunizations, which indicates the possibility to develop a novel efficacious single dose mucosal EHEC O157:H7 BGs vaccine using a simplified immunization regimen.
Transcriptional profiling of vaccine‐induced immune responses in humans and non‐human primates
Authors: Wang I‐Ming , Bett Andrew J. , Cristescu Razvan , Loboda Andrey , ter Meulen Jan 
Published: November 2011

SummaryThere is an urgent need for pre‐clinical and clinical biomarkers predictive of vaccine immunogenicity, efficacy and safety to reduce the risks and costs associated with vaccine development. Results emerging from immunoprofiling studies in non‐human primates and humans demonstrate clearly that (i) type and duration of immune memory are largely determined by the magnitude and complexity of the innate immune signals and (ii) genetic signatures highly predictive of B‐cell and T‐cell responses can be identified for specific vaccines. For vaccines with similar composition, e.g. live attenuated viral vaccines, these signatures share common patterns. Signatures predictive of vaccine efficacy have been identified in a few experimental challenge studies. This review aims to give an overview of the current literature on immunoprofiling studies in humans and also presents some of our own data on profiling of licensed and experimental vaccines in non‐human primates.
A Capacity Building Program to Promote CBPR Partnerships between Academic Researchers and Community Members
Authors: Allen Michele L. , Culhane‐Pera Kathleen A. , Pergament Shannon , Call Kathleen Thiede 
Published: November 2011

Abstract Introduction: Community‐based participatory research (CBPR) adds community perspectives to research and aids translational research aims. There is a need for increased capacity in CBPR but few models exist for how to support the development of community/university partnerships.Objective: Evaluate an approach to promote nascent CBPR partnerships.Methods: Design was a mixed–methods evaluation using interviews, process notes, and open‐ and close‐ended survey questions. We trained 10 community scholars, matched them with prepared researchers to form seven partnerships, and supported their developing partnerships. Sequential mixed–methods analysis assessed research and partnership processes and identified integrated themes.Results: Four of seven partnerships were funded within 15 months; all self‐reported their partnerships as successful. Themes were: (1) motivators contributed to partnership development and resiliency; (2) partners took on responsibilities that used individuals’ strengths; (3) partners grappled with communication, decision making, and power dynamics; and (4) community–university infrastructure was essential to partnership development.Conclusions: This program for developing nascent partnerships between academicians and community members may guide others in increasing capacity for CBPR. Clin Trans Sci 2011; Volume 4: 428–433
Topographic relationship between frequency‐doubling technology threshold values
Authors: Fuertes‐Lazaro Isabel , Sanchez‐Cano Ana , Ferreras Antonio , Larrosa Jose M. , Garcia‐Martin Elena , Pablo Luis E. 
Published: November 2011

Abstract.Purpose:  To study the topographic relationship of retinal sensitivity evaluated by frequency‐doubling perimetry (FDT) in healthy subjects and patients with glaucoma.Methods:  Hundred and thirty‐four eyes from 134 subjects (72 patients with glaucoma and 62 healthy controls) were prospectively and consecutively selected. Only one eye of each subject was randomly selected for evaluation. All subjects underwent a full ophthalmic examination and a reliable FDT (full‐threshold C‐20‐5 algorithm). Pearson correlation coefficients between threshold values within the same hemifield were calculated. Maps of related points were plotted according to these correlation coefficients.Results:  In the control group, each FDT location strongly to moderately correlated with the other FDT locations in the same hemifield. In glaucoma subjects, only a few locations significantly correlated with other threshold values in the same hemifield. The strongest correlations were observed between neighbouring locations. The pairs of points with the strongest correlation corresponded to the inferior retinal regions. In general, perimetric maps showed the retinotopic distribution of ganglion cell axons in the retinal nerve fibre layer.Conclusions:  The statistical correlations between the FDT threshold values in the same visual hemifield objectively highlight the structure–function relationship determined by the anatomic distribution of retinal nervous tissue. This structure is altered in patients with glaucoma.
Monitoring oxidative stress in acute‐on‐chronic liver failure by advanced oxidation protein products
Authors: Liu Hua , Han Tao , Tian Jie , Zhu Zheng‐Yan , Liu Ying , Li Yan , Xiao Shi‐Xiang , Li Ying , Feng Yu‐Ying 
Published: November 2011

Aim:  Increased oxidative stress is important in the pathogenesis of acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF). This study aimed to investigate whether advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) levels can monitor oxidative stress of ACLF patients. Furthermore, we aimed to study plasma exchange (PE) treatment and determine whether it can eliminate AOPP.Methods:  We measured AOPP levels in 50 ACLF patients, 30 patients with compensated liver cirrhosis (CR), 30 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and 50 healthy controls by spectrophotometric assay. AOPP concentrations were also measured before and after PE treatment in ACLF patients. As an apoptosis marker, serum cytokeratin 18 (CK18 M 30) levels were detected to investigate the relationship between AOPP and apoptosis in ACLF patients.Results:  Significantly higher AOPP levels at admission were found in patients with ACLF compared with CR, CHB and healthy controls (69.45 ± 29.04 µmol/L vs. 19.67 ± 7.02 µmol/L, 26.75 ± 5.21 µmol/L and 21.35 ± 6.15 µmol/L, respectively; P < 0.001). There was a positive relationship with total bilirubin, Child–Pugh, model for end‐stage liver disease scores and CK18 M 30. In ACLF patients, AOPP levels were higher in non‐survivors than survivors. An AOPP cut‐off of 74.21 µmol/L was used for predicting poor prognosis. Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that AOPP were independent risk factors for prognosis. Dynamic change of AOPP levels associated with prognosis appeared earlier than total bilirubin. Following PE treatment, AOPP levels reduced to 34.65 ± 18.14 µmol/L (P < 0.001).Conclusions:  Advanced oxidation protein products were suitable for monitoring the levels of oxidative stress in ACLF patients. Increased AOPP may serve as an important biological marker of worse outcome. In addition, PE therapy was effective in reducing AOPP.
Dose and dose averaged LET comparison of 1H, 4He, 6Li, 8Be, 10B, 12C, 14N, and 16O ion beams forming a spread‐out Bragg peak
Authors: Kantemiris I. , Karaiskos P. , Papagiannis P. , Angelopoulos A. 
Published: November 2011

Purpose:Modern clinical accelerators are capable of producing ion beams from protons up to neon. This work compares the depth dose distribution and corresponding dose averaged linear energy transfer (LET) distribution, which is related to the biological effectiveness, for different ion beams (1H, 4He, 6Li, 8Be, 10B, 12C, 14N, and 16O) using multi‐energetic spectra in order to configure spread‐out Bragg peaks (SOBP).Methods:Monte Carlo simulations were performed in order to configure a 5 cm SOBP at 8 cm depth in water for all the different ion beams. Physical dose and dose averaged LET distributions as a function of depth were then calculated and compared. The superposition of dose distribution of all ions is also presented for a two opposing fields configuration. Additional simulations were performed for12C beams to investigate the dependence of dose and dose averaged LET distributions on target depth and size, as well as beam configuration. These included simulations for a 3 cm SOBP at 7, 10, and 13 cm depth in water, a 6 cm SOBP at 7 depth in water, and two opposing fields of 6 cm SOBP.Results:Alpha particles and protons present superior physical depth dose distributions relative to the rest of the beams studied. Dose averaged LET distributions results suggest higher biological effectiveness in the target volume for carbon, nitrogen and oxygen ions. This is coupled, however, with relatively high LET values—especially for the last two ion species—outside the SOBP where healthy tissue would be located. Dose averaged LET distributions for8Be and 10B beams show that they could be attractive alternatives to 12C for the treatment of small, not deeply seated lesions. The potential therapeutic effect of different ion beams studied in this work depends on target volume and position, as well as the number of beams used.Conclusions:The optimization of beam modality for specific tumor cites remains an open question that warrants further investigation and clinically relevant results.
Pregnancy-Related Effects on Lamivudine Pharmacokinetics in a Population Study with 228 Women
Authors: Benaboud Sihem , Tréluyer Jean Marc , Urien Saik , Blanche Stéphane , Bouazza Naim , Chappuy Hélène , Rey Elisabeth , Pannier Emmanuelle , Firtion Ghislaine , Launay Odile , Hirt Déborah 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to describe lamivudine (3TC) pharmacokinetics (PK) in HIV-infected nonpregnant and pregnant women and their fetuses. Samples were collected according to therapeutic drug monitoring from 228 women treated with lamivudine and retrospectively analyzed by a population approach. The samples were also collected from cord blood and amniotic fluid at birth. Lamivudine pharmacokinetics were ascribed to an open two-compartment model with linear absorption and elimination. Mean population parameter estimates (intersubject variability) for women were an absorption rate constant of 1.04 h
−1
, an elimination clearance rate of 23.6 (0.266) liters · h
−1
, a central volume of distribution of 109 (0.897) liters, an intercompartmental clearance rate of 6.7 liters/h, and a peripheral volume of distribution of 129 liters. A fetal compartment was linked to maternal circulation by mother-to-cord (or fetus) and cord-to-mother rate constants of 0.463 h
−1
and 0.538 h
−1
, respectively. The amniotic fluid compartment was connected to the fetal compartment with an elimination rate constant of 0.163 h
−1
and a fixed-constant swallowing flow. The placental transfer expressed as fetal-to-maternal area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) ratio was 0.86, and the lamivudine amniotic fluid accumulation, expressed as the amniotic fluid-to-fetal AUC ratio, was 2.9. Pregnant women had a 22% higher apparent clearance than nonpregnant and parturient women; however, this increase did not lead to subexposure and should not require a dosage adjustment.