bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and Characterization of a Full‐Thickness Acellular Porcine Cornea Matrix for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Du Liqun , Wu Xinyi 
Published: April 2011

AbstractOur aim was to produce a natural, acellular matrix from porcine cornea for use as a scaffold in developing a tissue‐engineered cornea replacement. Full‐thickness, intact porcine corneas were decellularized by immersion in 0.5% (wt/vol) sodium dodecyl sulfate. The resulting acellular matrices were then characterized and examined specifically for completeness of the decellularization process. Histological analyses of decellularized corneal stromas showed that complete cell and α‐Gal removal was achieved, while the major structural proteins including collagen type I and IV, laminin, and fibronectin were retained. DAPI staining did not detect any residual DNA within the matrix, and the DNA contents, which reflect the presence of cellular materials, were significantly diminished in the decellularized cornea. The collagen content of the decellularized cornea was well maintained compared with native tissues. Uniaxial tensile testing indicated that decellularization did not significantly compromise the ultimate tensile strength of the tissue (P > 0.05). In vitro cytotoxicity assays using rabbit corneal fibroblast cultures excluded the presence of soluble toxins in the biomaterial. In vivo implantation to rabbit interlamellar stromal pockets showed good biocompability. In summary, a full‐thickness natural acellular matrix retaining the major structural components and strength of the cornea has been successfully developed. The matrix is biocompatible with cornea‐derived cells and has potential for use in corneal transplantation and tissue‐engineering applications.
Teicoplanin Pharmacokinetics During Albumin Dialysis
Authors: Weiler Stefan , Falkensammer Gerda , Seger Christoph , Joannidis Michael , Bellmann Romuald 
Published: April 2011

AbstractTeicoplanin (TP) pharmacokinetics was assessed in a critically ill patient during albumin dialysis (AD), which was performed with the molecular adsorbent recirculating system. After a 1200‐mg loading dose (24 mg/kg), doses of 1200 and 1000 mg (20 mg/kg) on day 2 and 3, respectively, were administered during two cycles of AD. The mean TP peak and trough concentrations amounted to 99.3 and 21.4 µg/mL, respectively, during AD. A mean half‐life of 5.5 h, an apparent volume of distribution of 0.302 L/kg, and a mean total TP clearance of 39 mL/h/kg were calculated. Ninety minutes after the start of AD, the extracorporeal clearance was 3560 mL/h. Within 8 h of AD therapy, the serum concentrations decreased by about 75%. Despite a considerable elimination of TP by AD, therapeutic serum levels could be maintained during the entire treatment by administration of high doses and close monitoring of TP serum concentrations.
Restless legs syndrome in pregnancy is a frequent disorder with a good prognosis
Authors: UGLANE MARIT T. , WESTAD STIAN , BACKE BJØRN 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThe aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of restless legs syndrome in pregnancy. We distributed a questionnaire to 541 consecutive postpartum patients and received answers from 251 (46%) women. Of the participants, 34% reported restless legs syndrome in pregnancy. In 97% of the women in whom restless legs syndrome had started during the pregnancy, the symptoms disappeared within two to three days after delivery. There was no correlation between pregnancy‐related restless legs syndrome and low hemoglobin levels in the first trimester, and the incidence of restless legs syndrome was not affected by use of iron supplementation. We conclude that in our population, restless legs syndrome in pregnancy is both frequent and transient, occurring in approximately one in three pregnancies and typically resolving within a few days after delivery.
Urban Growth Management in Christchurch
Authors: MEMON P A 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTThis article provides a critique of urban planning in the Christchurch metropolitan region. It is argued that pressure from land owners and developers in the urban fringe, self interest of constituent territorial local authorities, and inadequate national policy direction based on limited interpretation of the planning scope of the Resource Management Act 1991 have constrained a strategic approach to urban growth management in Christchurch. This situation stands in contrast to the apparent success of the Regional Growth Forum in Auckland.
Imaging characteristics following 90yttrium microsphere treatment for unresectable liver cancer
Authors: Bester Lourens , Hobbins Peter G , Wang Shih‐chang , Salem Riad 
Published: April 2011

SUMMARYSelective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) with 90yttrium microspheres – also known as radioembolisation – is a relatively new interventional radiology technique offering symptomatic and survival advantages for patients with unresectable liver cancer. However, in delivering both beta‐particle brachytherapy and embolisation of tumour vasculature, SIRT produces biological sequelae and imaging characteristics distinct from other treatment modalities. Current CT interpretation criteria consistently under‐report pathological responses to radioembolisation, diminishing both the prognosis and subsequent treatment choices for responding patients. However, newer criteria incorporating both tumour dimensions and enhancement characteristics improve the correlation with histopathology and provide substantially earlier confirmation of response. CT following radioembolisation may also identify parenchymal features that are often benign but may be mistaken for tumour progression. This review outlines imaging criteria specific to SIRT, including assessment of tumour response and interpretation of both lesion and parenchymal characteristics. The adjunctive role of additional modalities such as positron emission tomography is also addressed.
An evaluation of a paediatric radiation oncology teaching programme incorporating a SCORPIO teaching model
Authors: Ahern Verity , Klein Linda , Bentvelzen Adam , Garlan Karen , Jeffery Heather 
Published: April 2011

AbstractIntroduction: Many radiation oncology registrars have no exposure to paediatrics during their training. To address this, the Paediatric Special Interest Group of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists has convened a biennial teaching course since 1997. The 2009 course incorporated the use of a Structured, Clinical, Objective‐Referenced, Problem‐orientated, Integrated and Organized (SCORPIO) teaching model for small group tutorials. This study evaluates whether the paediatric radiation oncology curriculum can be adapted to the SCORPIO teaching model and to evaluate the revised course from the registrars' perspective.Methods: Teaching and learning resources included a pre‐course reading list, a lecture series programme and a SCORPIO workshop. Three evaluation instruments were developed: an overall Course Evaluation Survey for all participants, a SCORPIO Workshop Survey for registrars and a Teacher's SCORPIO Workshop Survey.Results: Forty‐five radiation oncology registrars, 14 radiation therapists and five paediatric oncology registrars attended. Seventy‐three per cent (47/64) of all participants completed the Course Evaluation Survey and 95% (38/40) of registrars completed the SCORPIO Workshop Survey. All teachers completed the Teacher's SCORPIO Survey (10/10). The overall educational experience was rated as good or excellent by 93% (43/47) of respondents. Ratings of satisfaction with lecture sessions were predominantly good or excellent. Registrars gave the SCORPIO workshop high ratings on each of 10 aspects of quality, with 82% allocating an excellent rating overall for the SCORPIO activity. Both registrars and teachers recommended more time for the SCORPIO stations.Conclusions: The 2009 course met the educational needs of the radiation oncology registrars and the SCORPIO workshop was a highly valued educational component.
Ergonomic Considerations for Shoulder Surgery in Combat Helicopter Pilots
Authors: Page Piers R. J. , Granville-Chapman Jeremy , Sykes Anna , Rosell Phillip A. E. 
Published: April 2011

Background Military aircrew have very high demands on their musculoskeletal system, requiring a combination of fine motor co-ordination, strength and endurance to fly combat missions. In common with the rest of the military, they also are at risk of developing shoulder pathology as a result of personal training or sporting injuries in addition to their main occupational risks. Such pathologies include rotator cuff tear, impingement and instability. Methods An observational study was undertaken to assess the functional demands placed on the shoulder when flying as captain (P1) or co-pilot (P2), aiming to guide postoperative instructions issued to the aviators undergoing surgery for these pathologies. The range of movement required of the shoulder to fly as P1 or P2 was recorded. Further notes were made of specific controls that presented additional difficulty as a result of the required control pressure, and that of certain special roles, for which equipping the cabin would alter the accessibility of controls. Conclusion This information has allowed the shoulder surgery team to formulate specific guidance to issue to pilots, their chain of command and their unit medical officer after their operation to ensure the earliest possible return to flying, at the same time as maintaining the safety of the pilot, their crew and those who depend on them in conflict.
Epidermal growth factor receptor mutations and their correlation with epidermal growth factor receptor‐tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy and association with the characteristics of patients with non‐small‐cell lung cancer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Hang , Li Cheng , Dai Chen‐Fei , Zhou Bao‐Sen 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBackground:  Many studies have demonstrated that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation is associated with the response to therapy with single agent EGFR‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR‐TKI) in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, but the extent of the effect is varied. We carried out a meta‐analysis to assess the association between EGFR mutation and the efficacy of EGFR‐TKI therapy and the independent predictor of EGFR mutation in order to identify who would be likely to benefit from this kind of therapy.Methods:  All literature relating to EGFR mutation and EGFR‐TKI therapy was researched and carefully selected. Related variables were abstracted and the pooled odds ratio calculated after a heterogeneity test with the software, State 10. Publication bias was evaluated at the same time.Results:  Seventeen studies were included according to the selection criteria. We found a statistically significant higher probability of response in patients with an EGFR mutation versus wild‐type (19.33, 95% CI, 13.61–27.46, P < 0.0001). Furthermore, the pooled odds ration of susceptibility to EGFR mutation among female patients compared with male patients was 3.01 (95% confidence interval (CI), 2.34–3.88 P < 0.0001), adenocarcinoma patients compared with non‐adenocarcinoma patients was 5.40 (95% CI, 2.55–11.40 P < 0.0001), and non‐smoker patients compared smoker patients was 19.33 (95% CI:,13.61–27.46 P < 0.0001). The publication bias analysis had no statistically significant results.Conclusion:  Female, adenocarcinoma and non‐smoker are independent predictors for the EGFR mutation. Efficacy of EGFR‐TKI therapy favors patients with an EGFR mutation. Without the gene mutational analysis, patients selected for EGFR‐TKI therapy should be female non‐smokers with adenocarcinoma.
Data mining reveals complex interactions of risk factors and clinical feature profiling associated with the staging of non‐hepatitis B virus/non‐hepatitis C virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kawaguchi Takumi , Kakuma Tatsuyuki , Yatsuhashi Hiroshi , Watanabe Hiroshi , Saitsu Hideki , Nakao Kazuhiko , Taketomi Akinobu , Ohta Satoshi , Tabaru Akinari , Takenaka Kenji , Mizuta Toshihiko , Nagata Kenji , Komorizono Yasuji , Fukuizumi Kunitaka , Seike Masataka , Matsumoto Shuichi , Maeshiro Tatsuji , Tsubouchi Hirohito , Muro Toyokichi , Inoue Osami , Akahoshi Motoo , Sata Michio 
Published: April 2011

Aim:  Non‐hepatitis B virus/non‐hepatitis C virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma (NBNC‐HCC) is often detected at an advanced stage, and the pathology associated with the staging of NBNC‐HCC remains unclear. Data mining is a set of statistical techniques which uncovers interactions and meaningful patterns of factors from a large data collection. The aims of this study were to reveal complex interactions of the risk factors and clinical feature profiling associated with the staging of NBNC‐HCC using data mining techniques.Methods:  A database was created from 663 patients with NBNC‐HCC at 20 institutions. The Milan criteria were used as staging of HCC. Complex associations of variables and clinical feature profiling with the Milan criteria were analyzed by graphical modeling and decision tree algorithm methods, respectively.Results:  Graphical modeling identified six factors independently associated with the Milan criteria: diagnostic year of HCC; diagnosis of liver cirrhosis; serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST); alanine aminotransferase (ALT); α‐fetoprotein (AFP); and des‐γ‐carboxy prothrombin (DCP) levels. The decision trees were created with five variables to classify six groups of patients. Sixty‐nine percent of the patients were within the Milan criteria, when patients showed an AFP level of 200 ng/mL or less, diagnosis of liver cirrhosis and an AST level of less than 93 IU/mL. On the other hand, 18% of the patients were within the Milan criteria, when patients showed an AFP level of more than 200 ng/mL and ALT level of 20 IU/mL or more.Conclusion:  Data mining disclosed complex interactions of the risk factors and clinical feature profiling associated with the staging of NBNC‐HCC.
Genetic Basis for Daptomycin Resistance in Enterococci
Authors: Palmer Kelli L. , Daniel Anu , Hardy Crystal , Silverman Jared , Gilmore Michael S. 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACT

The emergence of multidrug-resistant enterococci as a leading cause of hospital-acquired infection is an important public health concern. Little is known about the genetic mechanisms by which enterococci adapt to strong selective pressures, including the use of antibiotics. The lipopeptide antibiotic daptomycin is approved to treat Gram-positive bacterial infections, including those caused by enterococci. Since its introduction, resistance to daptomycin by strains of
Enterococcus faecalis
and
Enterococcus faecium
has been reported but is still rare. We evolved daptomycin-resistant strains of the multidrug-resistant
E. faecalis
strain V583. Based on the availability of a fully closed genome sequence for V583, we used whole-genome resequencing to identify the mutations that became fixed over short time scales (∼2 weeks) upon serial passage in the presence of daptomycin. By comparison of the genome sequences of the three adapted strains to that of parental V583, we identified seven candidate daptomycin resistance genes and three different mutational paths to daptomycin resistance in
E. faecalis
. Mutations in one of the seven candidate genes (EF0631), encoding a putative cardiolipin synthase, were found in each of the adapted
E. faecalis
V583 strains as well as in daptomycin-resistant
E. faecalis
and
E. faecium
clinical isolates. Alleles of EF0631 from daptomycin-resistant strains are dominant in
trans
and confer daptomycin resistance upon a susceptible host. These results demonstrate a mechanism of enterococcal daptomycin resistance that is genetically distinct from that occurring in staphylococci and indicate that enterococci possessing alternate EF0631 alleles are selected for during daptomycin therapy. However, our analysis of
E. faecalis
clinical isolates indicates that resistance pathways independent from mutant forms of EF0631 also exist.
Pharmacological Properties of the Marine Natural Product Marinopyrrole A against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Haste Nina M. , Hughes Chambers C. , Tran Dan N. , Fenical William , Jensen Paul R. , Nizet Victor , Hensler Mary E. 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACT

The ongoing spread of methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) strains in hospital and community settings presents a great challenge to public health and illustrates the urgency of discovering new antibiotics. Marinopyrrole A is a member of a structurally novel class of compounds identified from a species of marine-derived streptomycetes with evidence of antistaphylococcal activity. We show that marinopyrrole A has potent concentration-dependent bactericidal activity against clinically relevant hospital- and community-acquired MRSA strains, a prolonged postantibiotic effect superior to that of the current first-line agents vancomycin and linezolid, and a favorable resistance profile. Marinopyrrole A showed limited toxicity to mammalian cell lines (at >20× MIC). However, its antibiotic activity against MRSA was effectively neutralized by 20% human serum. A variety of marinopyrrole analogs were isolated from culture or synthetically produced to try to overcome the inhibitory effect of serum. While many of these compounds retained potent bactericidal effect against MRSA, their activities were also inhibited by serum. Marinopyrrole A has significant affinity for plastic and may therefore have potential as a potent anti-MRSA agent in cutaneous, intracatheter, or antibiotic-lock applications.
β-Lactams Interfering with PBP1 Induce Panton-Valentine Leukocidin Expression by Triggering
sarA
and
rot
Global Regulators of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Dumitrescu Oana , Choudhury Priya , Boisset Sandrine , Badiou Cédric , Bes Michele , Benito Yvonne , Wolz Christiane , Vandenesch François , Etienne Jerome , Cheung Ambrose L. , Bowden Maria Gabriela , Lina Gerard 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACT

Previous articles reported that beta-lactam antibiotics increase the expression of
Staphylococcus aureus
Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) by activating its transcription. We investigated the mechanisms underlying the inductor effect of beta-lactams on PVL expression by determining targets and regulatory pathways possibly implicated in this process. We measured PVL production in the presence of oxacillin (nonselective), imipenem (penicillin-binding protein 1 [PBP1] selective), cefotaxime (PBP2 selective), cefaclore (PBP3 selective), and cefoxitin (PBP4 selective).
In vitro
, we observed increased PVL production consistent with
luk
-PV mRNA levels that were 20 to 25 times higher for community-acquired methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
(CA-MRSA) cultures treated with PBP1-binding oxacillin and imipenem than for cultures treated with other beta-lactams or no antibiotic at all. This effect was also observed
in vivo
, with increased PVL mRNA levels in lung tissues from CA-MRSA-infected mice treated with imipenem but not cefoxitin. To confirm the involvement of PBP1 inhibition in this pathway, PBP1 depletion by use of an inducible
pbp1
antisense RNA showed a dose-dependent relationship between the level of
pbp1
antisense RNA and the
luk
-PV mRNA level. Upon imipenem treatment of exponential-phase cultures, we observed an increased
sarA
mRNA level after 30 min of incubation followed by a decreased
rot
mRNA level after 1 to 4 h of incubation. Unlike the
agr
and
saeRS
positive regulators, which were nonessential for PVL induction by beta-lactams, the
sarA
(positive) and
rot
(negative) PVL regulators were necessary for PVL induction by imipenem. Our results suggest that antibiotics binding to PBP1 increase PVL expression by modulating
sarA
and
rot
, which are essential mediators of the inductor effect of beta-lactams on PVL expression.
Preferential Emergence of Reduced Vancomycin Susceptibility in Health Care-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolates during Continuous-Infusion Vancomycin Therapy in an
In Vitro
Dynamic Model
Authors: Zelenitsky Sheryl , Alkurdi Noha , Weber Zhanni , Ariano Robert , Zhanel George 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACT

Bacterial killing and the development of reduced vancomycin susceptibility during continuous-infusion vancomycin (CIV) therapy were dependent on the area under the concentration-time curve over 24 h divided by the MIC (ƒAUC
24
/MIC), with values of ≥240 (equivalent total serum AUC
24
/MICs of ≥480) being bactericidal and suppressing emerging resistance in methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA). Also, vancomycin therapy was less likely to be bactericidal and 4.4 times more likely to lead to reduced vancomycin susceptibility in health care-associated MRSA than in community-associated MRSA.
Failure of Posaconazole Therapy in a Renal Transplant Patient with Invasive Aspergillosis Due to Aspergillus fumigatus with Attenuated Susceptibility to Posaconazole
Authors: Kuipers Saskia , Brüggemann Roger J. M. , de Sévaux Ruud G. L. , Heesakkers John P. F. A. , Melchers Willem J. G. , Mouton Johan W. , Verweij Paul E. 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACT

We report the case of a kidney transplant recipient with invasive aspergillosis due to
Aspergillus fumigatus
resistant to voriconazole and intermediately susceptible to posaconazole who failed posaconazole therapy. Plasma posaconazole concentrations indicated an unfavorable ratio of the area under the concentration-time curve over the MIC. Posaconazole should be used with caution for invasive aspergillosis caused by strains with attenuated posaconazole susceptibility, as drug exposure may be inadequate, resulting in therapeutic failure.
In Vivo
Pharmacodynamics of Torezolid Phosphate (TR-701), a New Oxazolidinone Antibiotic, against Methicillin-Susceptible and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strains in a Mouse Thigh Infection Model
Authors: Louie Arnold , Liu Weiguo , Kulawy Robert , Drusano G. L. 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACT

Torezolid phosphate (TR-701) is the phosphate monoester prodrug of the oxazolidinone TR-700 which demonstrates potent
in vitro
activity against Gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-susceptible
Staphylococcus aureus
(MSSA) and methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
(MRSA). The pharmacodynamics of TR-701 or TR-700 (TR-701/700) against
S. aureus
is incompletely defined. Single-dose pharmacokinetic studies were conducted in mice for TR-701/700. Forty-eight-hour dose range and 24-hour dose fractionation studies were conducted in a neutropenic mouse thigh model of
S. aureus
infection using MRSA ATCC 33591 to identify the dose and schedule of administration of TR-701/700 that was linked with optimized antimicrobial effect. Additional dose range studies compared the efficacies of TR-701/700 and linezolid for one MSSA strain and one community-associated MRSA strain. In dose range studies, TR-701/700 was equally bactericidal against MSSA and MRSA. Mean doses of 37.6 and 66.9 mg/kg of body weight/day of TR-701/700 resulted in stasis and 1 log CFU/g decreases in bacterial densities, respectively, at 24 h, and mean doses of 35.3, 46.6, and 71.1 mg/kg/day resulted in stasis and 1 and 2 log CFU/g reductions, respectively, at 48 h. Linezolid administered at doses as high as 150 mg/kg/day did not achieve stasis at either time point. Dose fractionation studies demonstrated that the area under the concentration-time curve over 24 h in the steady state divided by the MIC (AUC/MIC ratio) was the pharmacodynamic index for TR-701/700 that was linked with efficacy. TR-701/700 was highly active against MSSA and MRSA,
in vivo
, and was substantially more efficacious than linezolid, although linezolid's top exposure has half the human exposure. Dose fractionation studies showed that AUC/MIC was the pharmacodynamic index linked with efficacy, indicating that once-daily dosing in humans is feasible.