bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamic lactate indices as predictors of outcome in critically ill patients
Authors: Nichol Alistair , Bailey Michael , Egi Moritoki , Pettila Ville , French Craig , Stachowski Edward , Reade Michael C , Cooper David James , Bellomo Rinaldo 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Dynamic changes in lactate concentrations in the critically ill may predict patient outcome more accurately than static indices. We aimed to compare the predictive value of dynamic indices of lactatemia in the first 24 hours of intensive care unit (ICU) admission with the value of more commonly used static indices.

Methods
This was a retrospective observational study of a prospectively obtained intensive care database of 5,041 consecutive critically ill patients from four Australian university hospitals. We assessed the relationship between dynamic lactate values collected in the first 24 hours of ICU admission and both ICU and hospital mortality.

Results
We obtained 36,673 lactate measurements in 5,041 patients in the first 24 hours of ICU admission. Both the time weighted average lactate (LACTW24) and the change in lactate (LACΔ24) over the first 24 hours were independently predictive of hospital mortality with both relationships appearing to be linear in nature. For every one unit increase in LACTW24 and LACΔ24 the risk of hospital death increased by 37% (OR 1.37, 1.29 to 1.45; P < 0.0001) and by 15% (OR 1.15, 1.10 to 1.20; P < 0.0001) respectively. Such dynamic indices, when combined with Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scores, improved overall outcome prediction (P < 0.0001) achieving almost 90% accuracy. When all lactate measures in the first 24 hours were considered, the combination of LACTW24 and LACΔ24 significantly outperformed (P < 0.0001) static indices of lactate concentration, such as admission lactate, maximum lactate and minimum lactate.

Conclusions
In the first 24 hours following ICU admission, dynamic indices of hyperlactatemia have significant independent predictive value, improve the performance of illness severity score-based outcome predictions and are superior to simple static indices of lactate concentration.
Filmed v. live social contact interventions to reduce stigma: randomised controlled trial
Authors: Clement Sarah , van Nieuwenhuizen Adrienne , Kassam Aliya , Flach Clare , Lazarus Anisha , De Castro Melanie , McCrone Paul , Norman Ian , Thornicroft Graham 
Published: December 2011

BackgroundDirect social contact interventions are known to reduce mental health stigma. Filmed social contact may be equally effective and have practical and cost advantages.AimsTo compare the effectiveness of a DVD, a live intervention and a lecture control, in reducing stigma, testing the hypotheses that: (a) DVD and live interventions will be equally effective; and (b) the interventions with social contact (DVD/live) will be more effective than the lecture. Cost-effectiveness, process and acceptability are also assessed.MethodStudent nurses were randomised to: (a) watch a DVD of service users/informal carers talking about their experiences, (b) watch a similar live presentation, or (c) attend a lecture. Primary outcomes were changes in attitudes (using the Mental Illness: Clinicians Attitudes Scale, MICA), emotional reactions (using the Emotional Reactions to Mental Illness Scale, ERMIS), intended proximity (using the Reported and Intended Behaviour Scale, RIBS), and knowledge (using the Social Contact Intended Learning Outcomes, SCILO), immediately after the intervention and at 4-month follow-up.ResultsFor the 216 participants, there were no differences between the DVD and live groups on MICA, ERMIS or RIBS scores. The DVD group had higher SCILO (knowledge) scores. The combined social contact group (DVD/live) had better MICA and RIBS scores than the lecture group, the latter difference maintained at 4 months. The DVD was the most cost-effective of the interventions, and the live session the most popular.ConclusionsOur hypotheses were confirmed. This study supports the wider use of filmed social contact interventions to reduce stigma about mental illness.
Evaluation of 25-hydroxy vitamin D assay on the immunodiagnostic systems iSYS analyser
Authors: Cluse Zee N , Fudge Andrew N , Whiting Malcolm J , McWhinney Brett , Parkinson Ian , O'Loughlin Peter D 
Published: December 2011

Background We evaluated the recently released chemiluminescence assay for 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OHD) on the Immunodiagnostic Systems iSYS (IDS-iSYS) automated analyser. Methods The IDS-iSYS comparison was performed using patient samples previously measured for 25-OHD by a validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method (n = 119) and an IDS enzyme immunoassy (IDS-EIA) method ( n = 64). Limit of detection and limit of quantification were determined from a precision profile. Imprecision was assessed using quality control material and pooled serum. External QAP material (Vitamin D External Quality Assessment Scheme, UK) was analysed to establish inaccuracy. Linearity was assessed by two dilution studies. Cross-reactivity was determined by three serial dilution studies of patient samples with known 25-OHD2 concentrations. Results The IDS-iSYS correlated well with both established methods (iSYS = 1.03LC-MS/MS − 6.53, R2 = 0.82 and iSYS = 1.07IDS-EIA − 1.61, R2 = 0.86). Imprecision of the iSYS assay for IDS control material was 13.4% at 32 nmol/L, 10% at 78 nmol/L, 9.4% at 161 nmol/L, and for the pooled material 9.3% at 72 nmol/L and 5.6% at 158 nmol/L. The evaluation found the assay to be highly accurate (IDS-iSYS = 0.93ALTM + 3.79, R2 = 0.94) and linear (obs1 = 0.93exp1 − 5.05, R2 = 0.99 ( P = 0.256); and obs2 = 0.97exp2 + 6.07, R2 = 0.97 ( P = 0.654); ALTM, all-laboratory trimmed mean). Cross-reactivity studies demonstrated no significant difference to the calculated total 25-OHD as measured by LC-MS/MS. Conclusions Even though the imprecision of the iSYS was found to be greater than that of the LC-MS/MS and EIA methods, the performance characteristics of the IDS-iSYS 25-OHD assay are suitable for routine diagnostic purposes on a high throughput automated analyser.
Locally applied platelet-derived growth factor accelerates fracture healing
Authors: Bordei P. 
Published: December 2011

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is known to stimulate osteoblast or osteoprogenitor cell activity. We investigated the effect of locally applied PDGF from poly-d,l-lactide (PDLLA)-coated implants on fracture healing in a rat model. A closed fracture of the right tibia of four-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 40) was stabilised with implants coated with a biodegradable PDLLA versus implants coated with PDLLA and PDGF. Radiographs were taken throughout the study, and a marker of DNA activity, bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), was injected before the rats were killed at three, seven and ten days. The radiographs showed consolidation of the callus in the PDGF-treated group compared with the control group at all three time points. In the PDGF-treated group, immunohistochemical staining of BrdU showed that the distribution of proliferating cells in all cellular events was higher after ten days compared with that at three and seven days. These results indicate that local application of PDGF from biodegradable PDLLA-coated implants significantly accelerates fracture healing in experimental animals. Further development may help fracture healing in the clinical situation.
Identifying orthopaedic surgeons of the future
Authors: Alvand A. , Auplish S. , Khan T. , Gill H. S. , Rees J. L. 
Published: December 2011

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of training on the arthroscopic performance of a group of medical students and to determine whether all students could be trained to competence. Thirty-three medical students with no previous experience of arthroscopy were randomised to a ‘Trained’ or an ‘Untrained’ cohort. They were required to carry out 30 episodes of two simulated arthroscopic tasks (one shoulder and one knee). The primary outcome variable was task success at each episode. Individuals achieved competence when their learning curve stabilised. The secondary outcome was technical dexterity, assessed objectively using a validated motion analysis system. Six subjects in the ‘Untrained’ cohort failed to achieve competence in the shoulder task, compared with one in the ‘Trained’ cohort. During the knee task, two subjects in each cohort failed to achieve competence. Based on the objective motion analysis parameters, the ‘Trained’ cohort performed better on the shoulder task (p < 0.05) but there was no significant difference for the knee task (p > 0.05). Although specific training improved the arthroscopic performance of novices, there were individuals who could not achieve competence despite focused training.These findings may have an impact on the selection process for trainees and influence individual career choices.
Exhaled Endogenous Particles Contain Lung Proteins
Authors: Bredberg Anna , Gobom Johan , Almstrand Ann-Charlotte , Larsson Per , Blennow Kaj , Olin Anna-Carin , Mirgorodskaya Ekaterina 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

BACKGROUND
We recently developed a novel, noninvasive method for sampling nonvolatile material from the distal airways. The method is based on the collection of endogenous particles in exhaled air (PEx). The aim of this study was to characterize the protein composition of PEx and to verify that the origin of PEx is respiratory tract lining fluid (RTLF).

METHOD
Healthy individuals exhaled into the sampling device, which collected PEx onto a silicon plate inside a 3-stage impactor. After their extraction from the plates, PEx proteins were separated by SDS-PAGE and then analyzed by LC-MS. Proteins were identified by searching the International Protein Index human database with the Mascot search engine.

RESULTS
Analysis of the pooled samples identified 124 proteins. A comparison of the identified PEx proteins with published bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) proteomic data showed a high degree of overlap, with 103 (83%) of the PEx proteins having previously been detected in BAL. The relative abundances of the proteins were estimated according to the Mascot exponentially modified protein abundance index protocol and were in agreement with the expected protein composition of RTLF. No amylase was detected, indicating the absence of saliva protein contamination with our sampling technique.

CONCLUSIONS
Our data strongly support that PEx originate from RTLF and reflect the composition of undiluted RTLF.
Junction Site Analysis of Chimeric CYP21A1P/CYP21A2 Genes in 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency
Authors: Chen Wuyan , Xu Zhi , Sullivan Annie , Finkielstain Gabriela P , Van Ryzin Carol , Merke Deborah P , McDonnell Nazli B 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Chimeric CYP21A1P/CYP21A2 genes, caused by homologous recombination between CYP21A2 (cytochrome P450, family 21, subfamily A, polypeptide 2) and its highly homologous pseudogene CYP21A1P (cytochrome P450, family 21, subfamily A, polypeptide 1 pseudogene), are common in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD). A comprehensive junction site analysis of chimeric CYP21A1P/CYP21A2 genes is needed for optimizing genetic analysis strategy and determining clinical relevance.

METHODS
We conducted a comprehensive genetic analysis of chimeric CYP21A1P/CYP21A2 genes in a cohort of 202 unrelated 21-OHD patients. Targeted CYP21A2 mutation analysis was performed, and genotyping of chimeric CYP21A1P/CYP21A2 genes was cross-confirmed with Southern blot, RFLP, and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification analyses. Junction sites of chimera genes were determined by sequencing the long-PCR products amplified with primers CYP779f and Tena32F. An updated bioinformatics survey of Chi-like sequences was also performed.

RESULTS
Of 100 probands with a chimeric allele, 96 had a chimera associated with the severe classic salt-wasting form of CAH, and the remaining 4 carried an uncommon attenuated chimera with junction sites upstream of In2G (c.293–13A/C&gt;G), which is associated with a milder phenotype. In addition to 6 of 7 reported chimeras, we identified a novel classic chimera (CH-8) and a novel attenuated chimera (CH-9). Attenuated chimeras explained prior genotype–phenotype discrepancies in 3 of the patients. Sequencing the CYP779f/Tena32F amplicons accurately differentiated between classic and attenuated chimeras. The bioinformatics survey revealed enrichment of Chi-like sequences within or in the vicinity of intron 2.

CONCLUSIONS
Junction site analysis can explain some genotype–phenotype discrepancies. Sequencing the well-established CYP779f/Tena32F amplicons is an unequivocal strategy for detecting attenuated chimeric CYP21A1P/CYP21A2 genes, which are clinically relevant.
Psychiatric Hospitals and Workplace Smoking Bans: A Biological and Sociological Commentary
Authors: Edjoc Rojiemiahd 
Published: December 2011

AbstractSmoking is widely known as an architect of well-documented, negative health outcomes. The advent of legislated actions to ban work- and public-place smoking has reduced the overall smoking prevalence in Canada and around the world. However, what is often overlooked are patients with psychiatric illness who are confined in psychiatric institutions and are not able to take advantage of designated smoking areas. The aim of this commentary is to raise awareness of potential inequitable conditions that are inherent in workplace smoking restrictions particularly for psychiatric patients. A biological and social equity perspective will frame the discourse of the issue.
Compensatory lengthening in West Slavic
Authors: Sukač Roman 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
It is argued that “compensatory lengthening” of o-stems in West Slavic at the end of Proto-Slavic period is only a cover term for different processes. Former APb forms of *stolъ’ type undergo pretonic lengthening, resyllabification and yer loss in several cycles. Former APc forms *bogъ type are resyllabified, may obtain moraic coda and after the loss of yer and the transfer of mora they become lengthened. Former APa of the *klinъ type undergo Kortlandt’s lengthening rule, are resyllabified and the yer is lost. All processes are connected with the rise of rhythmicity and bisyllabic maximally bimoraic domain. Forms are later incorporated into newly created quantitative paradigms which are results of the prosodic transformation of Proto-Slavic accentual paradigms.
A Comparative Study of Root Defect Coverage Using an Acellular Dermal Matrix With and Without a Recombinant Human Platelet‐Derived Growth Factor
Authors: Carney Christopher M. , Rossmann Jeffrey A. , Kerns David G. , Cipher Daisha J. , Rees Terry D. , Solomon Eric S. , Rivera‐Hidalgo Francisco , Beach M. Miles 
Published: December 2011

Background: The objective of this case series is to compare root defect coverage results and healing responses of bilateral recession defects treated with acellular dermal matrix (ADM) with and without recombinant human platelet‐derived growth factor (rhPDGF).Methods: Seventeen patients with 40 bilateral gingival recession defects were compared. Each defect was ≥2 mm and treated with ADM and a coronally advanced flap. Using split‐mouth design, the control‐side ADM was hydrated in sterile saline, whereas the test‐side ADM was hydrated in rhPDGF. The patients were evaluated at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. Standardized measurements were taken preoperatively at 3 and 6 months. Healing was clinically assessed at 1 week and 1 month post‐surgically.Results: Both test and control groups showed significant gain in root defect coverage over the 6‐month period for all individuals, with the test group showing a 69.0% gain and the control group showing a 76.7% gain. Patients divided into Miller Class I and Class III defects were also found to have a significant gain in root defect coverage over 6 months. The test group showed 84.1% gain, and the control group showed 84.7% gain for Miller Class I defects. For Miller Class III defects, the test group showed 51.5% gain, and the control group showed a 60.8% gain. One week after surgery, 35% of the test group showed better healing, whereas 15% of the control group showed better healing. One month after surgery, 20% of the test group showed better healing, whereas 15% of the control group showed better healing.Conclusion: Based on the results of this case series, there were no statistically or clinically significant differences in root defect coverage, keratinized tissue, clinical attachment level, or clinical healing for treatment of root recession with a coronally advanced flap and ADM with and without rhPDGF.
The Effects of a Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) Based Lifestyle Intervention in Modifying the Progression of Depression in Clinically Depressed Adults
Authors: Tanyi Ruth A. , Berk Lee S. , Lee Jerry W. , Boyd Kendal , Arechiga Adam 
Published: December 2011

Objective: Uncontrolled stress can lead to poorly controlled upsurges of cortisol and deregulation of the hypothalamus pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA), thereby leading to major depression. Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is the area of medicine dealing with the bidirectional pathways connecting the influences of brain, neuroendocrine, and immune system. Individual PNI-based lifestyle interventions such as humor and guided imagery have been shown to modulate the stress response. However, researchers have not examined the composite effect of a PNI-based lifestyle intervention among clinically depressed adults. Method: This randomized interventional study examined the composite effect(s) of a PNI-based lifestyle intervention: progressive muscle relaxation, spiritual guided imagery, and humor as an adjunct therapy to modifying the progression of depression. Forty-one participants recruited from doctors' offices in San Bernardino and Riverside counties in Southern California, were randomized into two groups: treatment ( n = 20) and control ( n = 21). For a period of three weeks, participants in the treatment group listened to a 12-minute progressive muscle relaxation and spiritual guided imagery CD daily and watched 10 minutes of humorous DVDs. Participants in both groups were also receiving cognitive behavioral therapy and pharmacotherapy. Results: Depression, spirituality, humor, and stress were assessed at baseline and week 3. Depression significantly decreased from severe to mild from baseline to week 3 in the treatment group. Spirituality significantly increased in the treatment group but remained unchanged in the controls. Conclusions: These findings offer depressed patients alternative approaches to preventing complications and managing their illness in the context of whole-person lifestyle optimization and integration of mind-body-spirit.
Redescription of Lemuricola (Madoxyuris) vauceli (Nematoda, Oxyuridae) from Eulemur fulvus (Primates, Lemuridae)
Authors: Hugot Jean , Rosario Robles María 
Published: December 2011

AbstractLemuricola (Madoxyuris) vauceli Chabaud, Brygoo et Petter, 1965 is redescribed on the basis of a re-examination of type and voucher specimens. Using both light and SEM microscopy, structures such as the cephalic papillae, details of the lateral alae, area rugosa and tail cuticular ornamentation, are described or redescribed with more precision. The detailed measurements of several male and female specimens are given in a table. In the original description, using light microscopy only, the authors had described 3 pairs of pedunculated papillae in the male of L. vauceli. The present study establishes the precise number, shape and disposition of the end of the male tail to include only two pairs of pedunculated papillae, 2 pairs of sessile papillae, and 1 pair of phasmids. As the same pattern was observed in all descriptions and recent redescriptions of species classified in the Enterobiinae, the present work confirms that the number and disposition of the caudal papillae observed in the subfamily is constant.
Spermatophores in Dermopristis cairae Whittington et Kearn, 2011 (Monogenea, Microbothriidae)
Authors: Kearn Graham , Whittington Ian , Evans-Gowing Richard 
Published: December 2011

AbstractSpermatophores are described in the microbothriid monogenean Dermopristis cairae from the giant shovel-nosed ray, Glaucostegus typus (Elasmobranchii, Rhinobatidae). Each spermatophore consists of a fusiform capsule containing sperm and a hollow stalk. The proximal ends of the stalks of fully formed spermatophores were open and located in a recess on the ventral surface close to, but not inside, the vagina and the male reproductive opening. Three adult parasites carried spermatophores attached externally to the ventral surface. One individual carried 3 spermatophores and 2 others a single spermatophore. In addition, in 2 adults, short lengths of what appeared to be stalk remnants were observed attached near the reproductive openings. With regard to spermatophore exchange, the evidence in support of the following 2 possibilities is discussed. (1) Adult specimens of D. cairae carrying fully formed spermatophores ventrally are recipients not donors, having received their spermatophores singly during mating events. (2) Spermatophore carrying adults are donors, their spermatophores being freshly made and on offer to a potential mate. The evidence points to the first of these alternatives as the most likely but this is not conclusive and requires observations on mating between living parasites.
Influence of Arbuscular Mycorrhiza and Source of Phosphorus on Root Development and Nodulation of <i>Acacia mangium</i> Seedlings on Degraded Soils
Authors: Satter M Abdus , Hanafi M Musa , Mahmud Tenku MM , Azizah Hashim 
Published: December 2011

A pot study on the effect of arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) and phosphate rock (PR) on root development and nodulation of Acacia mangium seedlings on degraded (tin tailing) soils was conducted in the glasshouse of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Malaysia. Two arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) inoculation treatments, viz., (i) with AM and (ii) without AM in combination with three P sources like Gafsa phosphate rock (GPR), China phosphate rock (CPR) and triple superphosphate (TSP) including a control (without P) were studied in split plot design. Six sets of this treatment combination were established for destructive sampling at 60, 75, 90, 105, 120 and 135 days after planting (DAP). Root biomass yields and root volume of inoculated seedlings given TSP and GPR were identical and superior to that with other treatments throughout the study. The P sources were in the order of TSP>GPR>CPR for enhancing root development irrespective of AM inoculation. The uninoculated seedlings required 15 to 20 more days to produce an equivalent root biomass to that of inoculated seedlings. Number and weight of nodules of AM inoculated seedlings given TSP and GPR were also higher than those with other treatments. As a cheaper source GPR in combination with AM might be used for growing A. mangium seedlings on degraded tin tailings. Keywords: Acacia mangium, Arbuscular mycorrhiza, Phosphate rock, Root development, Nodulation, Degraded soil DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v23i2.871 Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 23, Number 2, December 2006, pp 102-106