bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-term ECMO treatment in Jehovah’s Witness patient without transfusions
Authors: Lindholm J , Palmér K , Frenckner B 
Published: April 2012

A previously healthy 60-year-old male presented with fever, general pain and a C-reactive protein (CRP) of 160 mg/L. He was prescribed doxycycline. In the emergency room three days later, he was intubated and had a saturation of 70% on 100% oxygen. The chest X-ray showed bilateral lobar pneumonia. Streptococcus pneumonia was later verified. As a Jehovah’s Witness, he had refused blood transfusions, but accepted albumin. Two days after admission, veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-V ECMO) was started and the patient was then transported on ECMO to Stockholm. After two days, echocardiography showed right cardiac failure and the patient had to be converted to veno-arterial ECMO (VV-A ECMO) by cannulation of the left femoral artery. The haemoglobin decreased from 10.0 to 6.0 g/dL. Iron, folic acid, and erythropoietin were administered to stimulate erythropoesis. Romiplostim, to stimulate the production of platelets, was also started immediately. Blood samples were reduced to a minimum. The ECMO circuit was changed twice, using saline for priming, and the blood in the old circuit was then given back to the patient. The haemoglobin concentration varied between 4.5 and 6.0 g/dL during the ECMO treatment and the platelets between 80 and 140 x109/L. After 44 days on ECMO, the patient was weaned off ECMO with 50% oxygen and nitric oxide (NO) at 20ppm in the ventilator. Four days after decannulation, he was transferred to a nearby intensive care unit. Long-term ECMO treatment without transfusion of blood products is possible. Being a Jehovah’s Witness should not automatically be a contraindication for ECMO.
The January effect, does options trading matter?
Authors: Truong Cameron 
Published: April 2012

This study examines the effect of options trading on the January effect in the period 1996–2009. The options market offers investors an alternative trading venue that circumvents several trading limitations in the equity market and hence enables a higher level of arbitrage activities. In a cross-sectional setting, we find that optioned stocks exhibit significantly lower risk-adjusted returns in January than non-optioned stocks. This effect is not attributed to firm size, illiquidity, or transaction costs. We also find that the January effect is not only smaller but also considerably more short-lived for optioned stocks than for non-optioned stocks. In a firm-specific setting, January risk-adjusted returns are found to be significantly lower in the post-options-listing period than in the pre-options-listing period. These findings support the proposition that options trading enhances information-based trading activities and hence improves the informational efficiency of the equity market. JEL classifications: G10, G11, G12, G14
The Effect of Platelet-Rich Fibrin Matrix on Rotator Cuff Tendon Healing
Authors: Rodeo Scott A. , Delos Demetris , Williams Riley J. , Adler Ronald S. , Pearle Andrew , Warren Russell F. 
Published: April 2012

Background: There is a strong need for methods to improve the biological potential of rotator cuff tendon healing. Platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM) allows delivery of autologous cytokines to healing tissue, and limited evidence suggests a positive effect of platelet-rich plasma on tendon biology. Purpose: To evaluate the effect of platelet-rich fibrin matrix on rotator cuff tendon healing. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Seventy-nine patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff tendon repair were randomized intraoperatively to either receive PRFM at the tendon-bone interface (n = 40) or standard repair with no PRFM (n = 39). Standardized repair techniques were used for all patients. The postoperative rehabilitation protocol was the same in both groups. The primary outcome was tendon healing evaluated by ultrasound (intact vs defect at repair site) at 6 and 12 weeks. Power Doppler ultrasound was also used to evaluate vascularity in the peribursal, peritendinous, and musculotendinous and insertion site areas of the tendon and bone anchor site. Secondary outcomes included standardized shoulder outcome scales (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES] and L’Insalata) and strength measurements using a handheld dynamometer. Patients and the evaluator were blinded to treatment group. All patients were evaluated at minimum 1-year follow-up. A logistic regression model was used to predict outcome (healed vs defect) based on tear severity, repair type, treatment type (PRFM or control), and platelet count. Results: Overall, there were no differences in tendon-to-bone healing between the PRFM and control groups. Complete tendon-to-bone healing (intact repair) was found in 24 of 36 (67%) in the PRFM group and 25 of 31 (81%) in the control group ( P = .20). There were no significant differences in healing by ultrasound between 6 and 12 weeks. There were gradual increases in ASES and L’Insalata scores over time in both groups, but there were no differences in scores between the groups. We also found no difference in vascularity in the peribursal, peritendinous, and musculotendinous areas of the tendon between groups. There were no differences in strength between groups. Platelet count had no effect on healing. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that PRFM was a significant predictor ( P = .037) for a tendon defect at 12 weeks, with an odds ratio of 5.8. Conclusion: Platelet-rich fibrin matrix applied to the tendon-bone interface at the time of rotator cuff repair had no demonstrable effect on tendon healing, tendon vascularity, manual muscle strength, or clinical rating scales. In fact, the regression analysis suggests that PRFM may have a negative effect on healing. Further study is required to evaluate the role of PRFM in rotator cuff repair.
Inulinase production by Geotrichum candidum OC-7 using migratory locusts as a new substrate and optimization process with Taguchi DOE
Authors: Canli Ozden , Tasar Gani Erhan , Taskin Mesut 
Published: April 2012

Utilization of migratory locusts ( Locusta migratoria) as a main substrate due to its high protein content for inulinase (2,1-β-d-fructan fructanohydrolase) production by Geotrichum candidum OC-7 was investigated in this study. To optimize fermentation conditions, four influential factors (locust powder (LP) concentration, sucrose concentration, pH and fermentation time) at three levels were investigated using Taguchi orthogonal array (OA) design of experiment (DOE). Inulinase yield obtained from the designed experiments with regard to Taguchi L9 OA was processed with Minitab 15 software at ‘larger is better’ as quality character. The results showed that optimal fermentation conditions determined as LP 30 g/l, sucrose 20 g/l, pH 6.0 and time 48 h. Maximum inulinase activity was recorded as 30.12 U/ml, which was closer to the predicted value (30.56 U/ml). To verify the results, analysis of variance test was employed. LP had the greatest contribution (71.96%) among the other factors. Sucrose had lower contribution (13.96%) than LP. This result demonstrated that LP had a strong effect on inulinase activity and can be used for enzyme production. Taguchi DOE application enhanced enzyme activity to about 3.05-fold versus unoptimized condition and 2.34-fold versus control medium. Consequently, higher inulinase production can be achieved by the utilization of an edible insect material as an alternative substrate and Taguchi DOE presents suitable optimization method for biotechnological process.
Effects of N,N-dimethylformamide on behaviour and regeneration of planarian Dugesia japonica
Authors: Zhang Jianyong , Yuan Zuoqing , Zheng Mingyue , Sun Yuqian , Wang Youjun , Yang Shudong 
Published: April 2012

In this study, the toxicity, behavioural and regeneration effects of dimethylformamide (DMF) on planarian Dugesia japonica were investigated. One control and six different concentrations of DMF (10 ppm, 100 ppm, 500 ppm, 1000 ppm, 5000 ppm and 10,000 ppm) were used in triplicate. The results showed that the mortality was directly proportional to the DMF concentration and planarian locomotor velocity (pLMV) was significantly reduced by increasing the exposure time and DMF concentration. pLMV of D. japonica was significantly reduced at a lower concentration of 10 ppm after 7 days of continuous exposure to DMF. The recovery of the motility of planarians pretreated with DMF was found to be time- and dose dependent, all planarians had complete recovery in their motility after 48 h. The appearance of auricles in regenerating animals was easily affected by DMF exposure in comparison with the appearance of eyespot. The present results suggest that the intact adult mobility in the aquatic planarian D. japonica is a more sensitive biomarker than mortality, and the appearance of auricles in regenerating animals is a more sensitive biomarker than eyespot.
Study into the recyclability of a thermoplastic polyurethane powder for use in laser sintering
Authors: Plummer Katherine , Vasquez Michael , Majewski Candice , Hopkinson Neil 
Published: April 2012

Previous studies into the use of polymer powders such as Nylon-12 for laser sintering have shown part property degradation caused by repeated heating and cooling. This research investigated the recyclability of a new thermoplastic polyurethane powder in the laser sintering process. The work has novel value as there has been no previous work on processing this material by laser sintering. A virgin powder sample was retained, along with a sample after each of four laser sintering builds. Each sample’s recyclability was investigated by particle size analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, hot stage microscopy of particle pairs, melt flow index, tensile test sample manufacture and tensile testing. Upon recycling, no significant trend in the elastomer particle size distribution was identified, and thermal properties were unchanged, as shown by differential scanning calorimetry analysis. Hot stage analysis showed that recycling had no clear effect on sintering time. Melt flow index results showed a small increase in flow rate upon recycling, corresponding to a slight drop in viscosity, suggesting reduced chain length. The outcome of tensile tests showed a minor decrease in strength while elongation at break and Young’s modulus showed a negligible decrease. The results have shown the possibility of recycling the thermoplastic polyurethane bed powder several times through the laser sintering process without any significant degradation or reduction in properties.
Public relations and organizational justice: More fairness or just more cooperation?
Authors: Simmons Peter , Walsh Barbara 
Published: April 2012

This article brings together two established fields of organizational study, organizational justice (OJ) and public relations (PR), in a search for potential benefits. The ‘fair process effect’ says that people tend to behave more cooperatively and prosocially when they perceive fairness in a situation, and less cooperatively when they perceive unfairness. Scholars have stressed the potential benefits of understanding perceptions of fairness in a range of contexts including policing, sport refereeing, management and teaching. Some have also challenged OJ scholars to use that field’s understanding of what people find to be fair to better help the victims of injustice. The article reports that PR and OJ have developed bodies of knowledge that enhance organizations’ capacity to influence change for greater fairness, but both fields have been criticized because their knowledge has more often been applied to increasing the perception of fairness (resulting in greater stakeholder cooperation with organizations and their decisions), than to increasing fair outcomes for a range of stakeholders. The article also shows that PR could benefit in several ways from a deeper understanding of OJ, and that OJ could be very usefully integrated in tertiary PR and professional inservice courses. First, OJ may provide a meta-language and evidence basis for planning, framing and evaluating organizational communication and processes that would help PR focus on the frames and drivers of fairness. Second, PR, like OJ, needs a better understanding of power if it is to recognize subtle forms of domination and exercise influence that advances fairness for the most vulnerable. Third, OJ highlights the importance of independence in decision making if those affected by decisions are to trust decision makers and perceive decisions to be fair. Stakeholder mistrust limits PR agency and capacity to advance fairness, but independence would represent a profound shift from the existing paradigm of relations that PR practitioners have with organizations, as employees or consultants. The article introduces PR to OJ’s impressive body of empirical evidence from organizations, and sophisticated theories and models to frame and clarify concepts for advancing practice and scholarship of fairness. Although it may be tempting to apply the power of procedural and interactional justice effects to influence perceptions of fairness and reactions to privately determined decisions, the article cautions that stakeholders will best be served where PR ensures that multiple voices are heard and acted on in matters of distribution.
Interpreting ethics: Public relations and strong hermeneutics
Authors: Fawkes Johanna 
Published: April 2012

This article suggests that public relations’ inadequate engagement with the complexities of ethical theory has contributed to public loss of trust in its activities. Instead of blaming this on publics, communicators could take more responsibility for their professional ethics. The author suggests that a hermeneutic approach to ethics opens up a new area for debate in the field. Public relations ethics have traditionally drawn on the major approaches of deontology (Kant) and consequentialism (Bentham and Mill), with marginal reference to the more recent revival of Aristotelian virtue ethics (MacIntyre, 1984), an approach that shifts attention from ethical action to ethical agent. Thus discussion of ethics in public relations literature (Fitzpatrick and Bronstein, 2006; S. A. Bowen, 2007; McElreath, 1996) concentrates on rational approaches to ethical decision making, based (respectively) in marketplace theory, Kantian approaches or systems theory. In these and other writings, there is an emphasis, as is common in approaches to professional ethics, on external rule-based ethics rather than attempts to focus on inner processes to assess ethical implications of practice. This article argues that as concepts of professionalism shift and buckle under global economic and social pressures, it might be timely to look less to systems and more to human experience for ethical guidance. A hermeneutic approach, drawing on the philosophy of interpretation developed in recent decades by thinkers such as Gadamer, Habermas and Riceour, offers an alternative, inner, path to an ethics drawn from the search for shared meaning. The article starts with a brief overview of the current state of public relations ethics, suggesting a reliance on somewhat superficial codes for guidance and the absence of reflexivity in ethical debates; it then introduces concepts from hermeneutics and its main schools or approaches, with a particular focus on hermeneutic ethics. Finally, the article links the two topics to show how ‘strong’ hermeneutic ethics might contribute to greater reflexivity in public relations ethics. It aims to shift the ethical debate away from notional reliance on codes and external guidance towards a deeper ethic. The approach taken is broadly critical (Hall, 1980; Heath, 1992) and is itself interpretative, making the article doubly-hermeneutic (Giddens, 1984) in both form and content.
Cell-autonomous role of TGFβ and IL-2 receptors in CD4+ and CD8+ inducible regulatory T-cell generation during GVHD
Authors: Sawamukai Norifumi , Satake Atsushi , Schmidt Amanda M. , Lamborn Ian T. , Ojha Priti , Tanaka Yoshiya , Kambayashi Taku 
Published: April 2012

AbstractFoxP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) suppress GVHD while preserving graft-versus-tumor effects, making them an attractive target for GVHD therapy. The donor-derived Treg pool can potentially be derived from the expansion of preexisting natural Tregs (nTregs) or from de novo generation of inducible Tregs (iTregs) from donor Tconvs in the transplantation recipient. Using an MHC-mismatched model of acute GVHD, in the present study we found that the Treg pool was comprised equally of donor-derived nTregs and iTregs. Experiments using various combinations of T cells from wild-type and FoxP3-deficient mice suggested that both preexisting donor nTregs and the generation of iTregs in the recipient mice contribute to protection against GVHD. Surprisingly, CD8+FoxP3+ T cells represented approximately 70% of the iTreg pool. These CD8+FoxP3+ T cells shared phenotypic markers with their CD4+ counterparts and displayed suppressive activity, suggesting that they were bona fide iTregs. Both CD4+ and CD8+ Tregs appeared to be protective against GVHD-induced lethality and required IL-2 and TGFβ receptor expression for their generation. These data illustrate the complex makeup of the donor-derived FoxP3+ Treg pool in allogeneic recipients and their potential role in protection against GVHD.
Cord blood angiogenic progenitor cells are decreased in bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Baker Christopher D. , Balasubramaniam Vivek , Mourani Peter M. , Sontag Marci K. , Black Claudine P. , Ryan Sharon L. , Abman Steven H. 
Published: April 2012

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), the chronic lung disease of prematurity, is associated with impaired vascular and alveolar growth. Antenatal factors contribute to the risk for developing BPD by unclear mechanisms. Endothelial progenitor cells, such as angiogenic circulating progenitor cells (CPCs) and late-outgrowth endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs), may contribute to angiogenesis in the developing lung. We hypothesise that cord blood angiogenic CPCs and ECFCs are decreased in preterm infants with moderate and severe BPD.We quantified ECFCs and the CPC/nonangiogenic-CPC ratio (CPC/non-CPC) in cord blood samples from 62 preterm infants and assessed their relationships to maternal and perinatal risk factors as well as BPD severity. The CPC/non-CPC ratio and ECFC number were compared between preterm infants with mild or no BPD and those with moderate or severe BPD.ECFC number (p<0.001) and CPC/non-CPC ratio (p<0.05) were significantly decreased in cord blood samples of preterm infants who subsequently developed moderate or severe BPD. Gestational age and birth weight were not associated with either angiogenic marker.Circulating vascular progenitor cells are decreased in the cord blood of preterm infants who develop moderate and severe BPD. These findings suggest that prenatal factors contribute to late respiratory outcomes in preterm infants.
Paediatric patients with a tracheostomy: a multicentre epidemiological study
Authors: Pérez-Ruiz Estela , Caro Pilar , Pérez-Frías Javier , Cols Maria , Barrio Isabel , Torrent Alba , García Maria Ángeles , Asensio Oscar , Pastor Maria Dolores , Luna Carmen , Torres Javier , Osona Borja , Salcedo Antonio , Escribano Amparo , Cortell Isidoro , Gaboli Mirella , Valenzuela Alfredo , Álvarez Elena , Velasco Rosa , García Enrique 
Published: April 2012

Changes in the indications for tracheostomy in children have led to the progressively greater involvement of the paediatric pulmonologist in the care of these patients. The aim of this study was to review the current profile of tracheostomised children in Spain.We undertook a longitudinal, multicentre study over 2 yrs (2008 and 2009) of all patients aged between 1 day and 18 yrs who had a tracheostomy.The study, involving 18 Spanish hospitals, included 249 patients, of whom 150 (60.2%) were <1 yr of age. The main indications for the procedure were prolonged ventilation (n=156, 62.6%), acquired subglottic stenosis (n=34, 13.6%), congenital or acquired craniofacial anomalies (n=25, 10%) and congenital airway anomalies (n=24, 9.6%). The most frequent underlying disorders were neurological diseases (n=126, 50.6%) and respiratory diseases (n=98, 39.3%). Over the 2-yr study period, 92 (36.9%) children required ventilatory support, and decannulation was achieved in 59 (23.7%). Complications arose in 117 patients (46.9%). Mortality attributed to the underlying condition was 12.5% and that related directly to the tracheostomy was 3.2%.Respiratory complexity of tracheostomised children necessitates prolonged, multidisciplinary follow-up, which can often extend to adulthood.
Host response to mechanical ventilation for viral respiratory tract infection
Authors: Hennus Marije P. , Janssen Riny , Pennings Jeroen L.A. , Hodemaekers Hennie M. , Kruijsen Debby , Jansen Nicolaas J. , Meyaard Linde , van Vught Adrianus J. , Bont Louis J. 
Published: April 2012

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis causes severe respiratory tract infection in infants, frequently necessitating mechanical ventilatory support. However, life-saving, mechanical ventilation aggravates lung inflammation. We set up a model to dissect the host molecular response to mechanical ventilation in RSV infection. Furthermore, the response to induced hypercapnic acidosis, reported to dampen the inflammatory response to mechanical ventilation in non-infectious models, was assessed.BALB/c mice were inoculated with RSV or mock-suspension and ventilated for 5 h on day 5 post inoculation.Mechanical ventilation of infected mice resulted in enhanced cellular influx and increased concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the bronchoalveolar space. Microarray analysis showed that enhanced inflammation was associated with a molecular signature of a stress response to mechanical ventilation with little effect on the virus-induced innate immune response. Hypercapnic acidosis during mechanical ventilation of infected mice did not change host transcript profiles.We conclude that mechanical ventilation during RSV infection adds a robust but distinct molecular stress response to virus-induced innate immunity activation, emphasising the importance of lung-protective mechanical ventilation strategies. Induced hypercapnic acidosis has no major effect on host transcription profiles during mechanical ventilation for RSV infection, suggesting that this is a safe approach to minimise ventilator-induced lung injury.