bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of Minimized Extracorporeal Circulation System in Noncoronary and Valve Cardiac Surgical Procedures—A Case Series
Authors: Anastasiadis Kyriakos , Chalvatzoulis Omiros , Antonitsis Polychronis , Deliopoulos Apostolos , Argiriadou Helena , Karapanagiotidis Georgios , Kambouroglou Dimitrios , Papakonstantinou Christos 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThe aim of this report is to explore application of minimized cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuits in areas of cardiac surgery other than coronary bypass grafting and aortic valve surgery. We report three cases operated under minimal extracorporeal circulation support. Replacement of the descending thoracic aorta was performed in two patients; one with a descending aortic aneurysm and one with pseudoaneurysm formation after previous coarctation repair. We have also implanted a left ventricular assist device for destination therapy. The minimized extracorporeal circulation system provides optimal circulatory support, while it is associated with reduced postoperative morbidity, minimizing the side effects from the use of CPB. Moreover, when off‐pump technique is attempted, it can be used as a standby circuit connected to the patient so as to enhance safety of the procedure. Minimized extracorporeal circulation systems can be used with safety and efficacy in a wide range of cardiac surgeries including descending aorta pathology and assist device implantation.
Direct Democracy and Minority Rights: Same‐Sex Marriage Bans in the U.S. States*
Authors: Lewis Daniel C. 
Published: April 2011

Objectives.A common critique of direct democracy posits that minority rights are endangered by citizen legislative institutions. By allowing citizens to directly create public policy, these institutions avoid the filtering mechanisms of representative democracy that provide a check on the power of the majority. Empirical research, however, has produced conflicting results that leave the question of direct democracy's effect on minority rights open to debate. This article seeks to empirically test this critique using a comparative, dynamic approach.Methods.I examine the diffusion of same‐sex marriage bans in the United States using event‐history analysis, comparing direct‐democracy states to non‐direct‐democracy states.Results.The results show that direct‐democracy states are significantly more likely than other states to adopt same‐sex marriage bans.Conclusion.The findings support the majoritarian critique of direct democracy, suggesting that the rights of minority groups are at relatively higher risk under systems with direct democracy.
Immunological Approaches Against Human Chorionic Gonadotropin for Control of Fertility and Therapy of Advanced‐Stage Cancers Expressing hCG/Subunits
Authors: Talwar Gursaran P. , Gupta Jagdish C. , Shankar Neha V. 
Published: April 2011

Citation Talwar GP, Gupta JC, Shankar NV. Immunological approaches against human chorionic gonadotropin for control of fertility and therapy of advanced‐stage cancers expressing hCG/subunits. Am J Reprod Immunol 2011; 66: 26–39The year 2011 marks the 84th year of the discovery of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) by Ascheim and Zondek. Originally considered and employed as a reliable diagnostic index for pregnancy, the multiple roles of hCG as an initiator and sustainer of pregnancy are now recognized. Besides pregnancy, the expression of hCG or its subunits is observed in a number of cancers of diverse type, in particular at advanced stage. Cancers expressing hCG/subunits have poor prognosis and adverse survival. Thus, immunological approaches against hCG have applications for control of fertility and for treatment of terminal cancers. Various mechanisms by which hCG exercises its action are discussed. These include its role as autocrine growth promoter, inhibitor of apoptosis, promotor of angiogenesis, invasiveness, and protection against rejection by the immune system. The article reviews various vaccines developed for control of fertility and for therapy of advanced‐stage cancers expressing ectopically hCG/subunits. Also reviewed are the recombinant fully humanized and chimeric antibodies usable for emergency contraception, as vacation contraceptive, and as therapeutic antibodies for treatment of cancers.
Contraceptive Vaccines Based on the Zona Pellucida Glycoproteins for Dogs and Other Wildlife Population Management
Authors: Gupta Satish K. , Srinivasan Villuppanoor A. , Suman Pankaj , Rajan Sriraman , Nagendrakumar Singanallur B. , Gupta Neha , Shrestha Abhinav , Joshi Pooja , Panda Amulya K. 
Published: April 2011

Citation Gupta SK, Srinivasan VA, Suman P, Rajan S, Nagendrakumar SB, Gupta N, Shrestha A, Joshi P, Panda AK. Contraceptive vaccines based on the zona pellucida glycoproteins for dogs and other wildlife population management. Am J Reprod Immunol 2011; 66: 51–62Zona pellucida (ZP) glycoproteins, by virtue of their critical role in fertilization, have been proposed as candidate antigens for the development of contraceptive vaccines. In this review, the potential of a ZP‐based contraceptive vaccine for the management of wildlife population, with special reference to street dogs, is discussed. Immunization of various animal species, including female dogs, with native porcine ZP led to inhibition of fertility, which was associated with the ovarian dysfunction. Immunization of female dogs with Escherichia coli‐expressed recombinant dog ZP glycoprotein‐3 (ZP3) either coupled to diphtheria toxoid or expressed as fusion protein with ‘promiscuous’ T non‐B‐cell epitope of tetanus toxoid also led to inhibition of fertility. To improve the contraceptive efficacy of ZP‐based contraceptive vaccine, various groups are working on improving the immunogen, use of DNA vaccine as prime‐boost strategy, and delivering the zona proteins/peptides presented on either virus‐like particles or entrapped in microsphere. Host‐specific live vectors such as ectromelia virus and cytomegalovirus have also been used to deliver mouse ZP3 in mice. Various studies show the enormous potential of the ZP‐based vaccine for the management of wildlife population, where permanent sterilization may be desirable.
Contraceptive Vaccines for the Humane Control of Community Cat Populations
Authors: Levy Julie K. 
Published: April 2011

Citation Levy JK. Contraceptive vaccines for the humane control of community cat populations. Am J Reprod Immunol 2011; 66: 63–70Free‐roaming unowned stray and feral cats exist throughout the world, creating concerns regarding their welfare as well as their impact on the environment and on public health. Millions of healthy cats are culled each year in an attempt to control their numbers. Surgical sterilization followed by return to the environment is an effective non‐lethal population control method but is limited in scope because of expense and logistical impediments. Immunocontraception has the potential to be a more practical and cost‐effective method of control. This is a review of current research in immunocontraception in domestic cats. Functional characteristics of an ideal immunocontraceptive for community cats would include a wide margin of safety for target animals and the environment, rapid onset and long duration of activity following a single treatment in males and females of all ages, and sex hormone inhibition. In addition, product characteristics should include stability and ease of use under field conditions, efficient manufacturing process, and low cost to the user. Two reproductive antigens, zona pellucida and GnRH, have been identified as possible targets for fertility control in cats. Zona pellucida, which is used successfully in multiple wildlife species, has achieved little success in cats. In contrast, immunization against GnRH has resulted in long‐term contraception in both male and female cats following a single dose. GnRH is an ideal contraceptive target because it regulates pituitary and gonadal hormone responses in both males and females, thus suppressing nuisance behaviors associated with sex hormones in addition to preventing pregnancy. The responsiveness of cats to fertility control via GnRH suppression should encourage researchers and cat control stakeholders to continue efforts to optimize vaccines that induce multiyear contraception following a single dose in a high proportion of treated cats.
Ulceroglandular tularemia
Authors: Potz‐Biedermann Christiane , Schwendemann Lena , Schröppel Klaus , Sönnichsen Karsten , Schmidt Diethard , Schaller Martin 
Published: April 2011

SummaryAn increasing number of patients with the zoonosis tularemia have been reported in the last few years in Europe. Tularemia can be divided into different forms depending on its appearance. Tularemia must be considered in the differential diagnosis of diseases that present with an ulcer and regional lymphadenopathy. The diagnosis can be confirmed by culturing Francisella tularensis. With effective antibiotic intervention, the prognosis is favorable. Typically tularemia develops after outdoor activities; it is generally transferred by blood‐sucking arthropods from infected wild animals to humans.
Psoriasin: key molecule of the cutaneous barrier?
Authors: Gläser Regine , Köten Bente , Wittersheim Maike , Harder Jürgen 
Published: April 2011

SummaryPsoriasin (S100 A7) was discovered two decades ago as a protein abundantly expressed in psoriatic keratinocytes. Even though much scientific research has been carried out on the characterization of psoriasin, only recent studies point to an important role of psoriasin as an antimicrobial and immunomodulatory protein in skin and other epithelia. In this review, we provide an overview of the major findings in psoriasin research and discuss novel studies highlighting the role of psoriasin as an important effector molecule of the cutaneous barrier.
Heat tolerance and the effects of shade on the behavior of Simmental bulls on pasture
Authors: TITTO Cristiane Gonçalves , TITTO Evaldo Antonio Lencioni , TITTO Rafael Martins , MOURÃO Gerson Barreto 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTThe objectives were to assess the degree of thermolysis capacity as a characteristic of heat tolerance of the Simmental beef cattle and evaluate the effects of shade and shade type (artificial: AS, trees: TS, or no shade: NS) on daily behavior patterns during summer. Black globe temperature (BGT) was different under the two types of shade (P < 0.05) and was lower under the TS (P < 0.01) and under AS (P > 0.01) than average BGT in the sun. Animals when in AS used more intensely the shade (P = 0.002) mostly lying down under it (10.00–14.00 hours), while time standing was similar (P = 0.107) between TS and NS. Bulls without shade (NS) spent significantly more time at the water trough and most part of the day standing idle (72.4%, 10.1 h/14 h). TS bulls spent more time grazing/standing (P < 0.001). The Simmental bulls that were in TS and AS spent more time ruminating than bulls that stay without shade (NS). The availability of shade changes grazing, rumination and idling behavior of cattle in response to environmental conditions. Shade provided by trees can be more efficient than artificial shading as cattle spent more time grazing when tree shade was available. Thermolysis capacity can be used to select heat‐tolerant animals.
Structural basis for substrate recognition by Erwinia chrysanthemi GH30 glucuronoxylanase
Authors: Urbániková Ľubica , Vršanská Mária , Mørkeberg Krogh Kristian B. R. , Hoff Tine , Biely Peter 
Published: April 2011

Xylanase A from the phytopathogenic bacterium Erwinia chrysanthemi is classified as a glycoside hydrolase family 30 enzyme (previously in family 5) and is specialized for degradation of glucuronoxylan. The recombinant enzyme was crystallized with the aldotetraouronic acid β‐d‐xylopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐[4‐O‐methyl‐α‐d‐glucuronosyl‐(1→2)]‐β‐d‐xylopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐d‐xylose as a ligand. The crystal structure of the enzyme–ligand complex was solved at 1.39 Å resolution. The ligand xylotriose moiety occupies subsites −1, −2 and −3, whereas the methyl glucuronic acid residue attached to the middle xylopyranosyl residue of xylotriose is bound to the enzyme through hydrogen bonds to five amino acids and by the ionic interaction of the methyl glucuronic acid carboxylate with the positively charged guanidinium group of Arg293. The interaction of the enzyme with the methyl glucuronic acid residue appears to be indispensable for proper distortion of the xylan chain and its effective hydrolysis. Such a distortion does not occur with linear β‐1,4‐xylooligosaccharides, which are hydrolyzed by the enzyme at a negligible rate.Database
Structural and experimental data are available in the Protein Data Bank database under accession number 2y24 [45].
Rock Weathering Processes in Antarctica: A Comparison of Some Recent Studies with Those from the Northern Hemisphere
Authors: ELLIOTT CHRISTINE 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTA review of some recent studies on rock weathering in Antarctica has revealed that Antarctic weathering research has a significant contribution to make to the ongoing debate about rock weathering in cold climates. Largely conducted in the field rather than the laboratory as in the Northern Hemisphere, it demonstrates that whilst all weathering processes can occur in Antarctica this is highly localised and dependent on the particular micro‐environment. Freeze‐thaw, for example, is not the most dominant process in many parts of Antarctica. The right combination of rock temperature and moisture can mean that salt, insolation, hydration or even chemical weathering can predominate.
Stroke Unit Care: Does Ischemic Stroke Subtype Matter?
Authors: Saposnik Gustavo , Hassan Khalid A. , Selchen Daniel , Fang Jiming , Kapral Moira K. , Smith Eric E. ,   on behalf of the Investigators of the Registry of the Canadian Stroke Network for the Stroke Outcome Research Canada (SORCan - http://www.sorcan.ca) working group
Published: April 2011

Background Stroke unit care improves outcomes following ischemic stroke. However, it is not known whether all ischemic stroke subtypes benefit equally from stroke unit admission. Objective To determine whether the benefit of stroke unit admission is similar among all ischemic stroke subtypes. Design, setting and patients Prospective cohort study including patients admitted with an acute ischemic stroke between July 2003 and September 2007 to stroke centers participating institutions in the Registry of the Canadian Stroke Network. Ischemic stroke subtype information was determined according to the modified Trial of Org 10 172 in Acute Stroke Treatment criteria and categorized as small vessel disease (lacunar), large artery atherosclerotic disease, cardioembolic, or other (including both other determined and undetermined causes). Main outcome measures The primary outcome measure was all-cause mortality at 30 days after stroke. Secondary outcomes were seven-day mortality and death or institutionalization at discharge. Results Among 6223 eligible patients with ischemic stroke admitted to regional stroke centers in Ontario, the mean age was 72 years and 52·4% were male. Overall 30-day mortality was 12·2%. The 30-day risk-adjusted mortality was lower for stroke unit care across all stroke subtypes (for lacunar stroke 3·0% vs. 5·3%; for large artery disease 7·5% vs. 14·5%; for cardioembolic 15·3% vs. 23·3%; and for other causes 8·9% vs. 15·9%). In multivariable analysis, after controlling for age, gender, medical comorbidities, and stroke severity, there was a significant reduction in stroke mortality associated with stroke unit admission in all stroke subtypes (odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for lacunar stroke 0·48 (0·27–0·88), for large artery atherosclerotic disease 0·39 (0·27–0·56), for cardioembolic 0·46 (0·36–0·59), and for other causes 0·45 (0·29–0·70)). The results remained similar after a sensitivity analysis excluding patients receiving palliative care, and a secondary analysis including 3215 patients with missing Trial of Org 10 172 in Acute Stroke Treatment classification. Conclusion This study provides ‘real-world’ evidence that all ischemic stroke subtypes do benefit from a stroke unit admission regardless of the etiology. There is no justification for withholding access to stroke unit care based on stroke subtype.
Older adults’ knowledge of pressure ulcer prevention: a prospective quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Hartigan Irene , Murphy Siobhan , Hickey Mary 
Published: April 2011

hartigan i., murphy s. & hickey m. (2011) Older adults’ knowledge of pressure ulcer prevention: a prospective quasi‐experimental study. International Journal of Older People Nursing7, 208–218  doi: 10.1111/j.1748‐3743.2011.00274.xAim.  To test an evidence base patient education leaflet to evaluate older adults’ knowledge of pressure ulcers and prevention strategies.Background.  The increasing population of older adults living in the community managing chronic health conditions are at risk of pressure ulcer development. Education leaflets are a useful adjunct to reinforce healthcare professional’s verbal information to promote healthy lifestyles choices. However, little is known of the effectives of pressure ulcer prevention educational leaflets for older adults.Methods.  A quasi‐experimental uncontrolled pre‐test, post‐test study of participants’ knowledge of pressure ulcer and preventative strategies was conducted. Community dwelling older adults (n = 75) were recruited to this study. Older adult’s knowledge was measured pre‐ and postdistribution of an education intervention. A risk assessment scale was recorded to identify whether this cohort of older adults were actually at risk of developing pressure ulcers.Conclusion.  The results indicate that an education leaflet enhanced patients’ knowledge relating to pressure ulceration. Printed education materials increase knowledge and understanding which may lend to older adults adopting healthy behaviours.Implications for practice.  An education leaflet can help older adults and their carers to be more empowered as active participants in reducing the incidence of pressure ulceration.
Identifying and handling abused older clients in community care: the perspectives of nurse managers
Authors: Sandmoe Astrid , Kirkevold Marit 
Published: April 2011

sandmoe a. & kirkevold m. (2013) Identifying and handling abused older clients in community care: the perspectives of nurse managers.International Journal of Older People Nursing8, 83–92  doi: 10.1111/j.1748‐3743.2011.00279.xBackground. Abuse of older people can lead to an increased need for health care services, and early identification of and intervention with abused, older clients should be a priority.Objectives. To gain knowledge about how nurse managers and their staff identify and handle abused older clients.Design. Qualitative study.Methods. Fifty‐two participants were interviewed, the text transcribed and analysed using manifest qualitative content analysis.Findings and discussion. The identification and handling of older victims depended on individual nurses and the involvement of the participants and are based on clinical experience and less on knowledge through professional training and education. The participants emphasised the need for an individualised approach to older victims suspected of abuse. The important role of the nurse managers in the handling of abuse is discussed as well as the need for support of the nurse managers and the staff in community care by increased interdisciplinary collaboration to handle complex cases.Conclusion. The identification and handling of abused older clients are a challenging issue for community care, and more knowledge and support are needed.Implications for practice. The concept of elder abuse must be clarified, and strategies for its identification and intervention must be developed.
June 2001: 61 year old woman with confusion and obtundation
Authors: Barron J. , Lownie S. P. , Lee D. H. , Hammond R. R. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractCases of the Month, April–June, 2001The April Case of the Month (COM). The contributors report a case of a 70 year‐old woman with recurrent meningiomas, one of which showed rhabdoid and lipomatous differentiation. Histopathological study of the first and second previous resections showed only typical meningothelial meningioma. On the third craniotomy, a new tumor specimen showed an admixture of classic meningothelial meningioma with lipomatous and rhabdoid foci. Immunohisto‐chemical studies showed diffuse reactivity for epithelial membrane antigen and vimentin, as well as focal positivity for desmin and smooth muscle actin in the areas with rhabdoid features and S100 protein in the lipomatous foci. The presence of these three different and concomitant histological patterns only in the third surgical resection might support a meta‐plastic origin and, also, corroborates the concept that rhabdoid features are suggestive of an aggressive behavior.The May COM. A 32‐year‐old woman with a history of previous mastoid surgery presented with bilateral extremity weakness and ambulatory instability. MRI revealed a dural‐based mass completely encircling the upper cervical spinal cord. Workup was significant for an abnormally elevated c‐ANCA, positive at a dilution Of 1:128. A portion of the lesion was removed by a posterior surgical approach to decompress the cervical cord. Histologic examination of the dura showed a dense granulomatous infiltrate with vasculitis and giant cells; coupled with the positive c‐ANCA, the Process was felt to be most consistent with Wegener's granulomatosis. Wegener's granulomatosis infrequently involves the dura or meninges and has not previously been reported to affect dura of the cervical cord. Symptomatic improvement followed surgical decompression and high‐dose corticosteroid therapy, with resultant resolution of an elevated c‐ANCA titer.The June COM. A 61 year old female presents with a three week history of increasing confusion, lethargy and headache. A neurological exam revealed dis‐orientation, mild expressive aphasia, bilateral papilledema, and a right pronator drift. She had a craniotomy and resection of tumor. The tumor histologically was consistent with a solitary fibrous tumor displaying malignant features of hypercellularity, marked nuclear atypia, high mitotic activity, and a high proliferation index.This case is unique as the first malignant variant of solitary fibrous tumor to be reported intracranially.