bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Left atrial giant thrombus infected by Escherichia Coli. Case report
Authors: Dedeilias Panagiotis , Roussakis Antonios , Koletsis Efstratios N , Zervakis Dimitrios , Hountis Panagiotis , Prokakis Christos , Balaka Christina , Bolos Konstantinos 
Published: April 2008

Abstract

Background
Left atrial thrombi are mostly related to mitral valve disease. The differential diagnosis of clots and myxomas in the left atrium is mostly based on echocardiography. Infection of intracardiac thrombi is extremely rare and mostly reported in ventricular clots or aneurysms following myocardial infarction.

Case presentation
We present the case of a 65 year old female with a history of mitral valve disease and chronic atrial fibrillation who suffered repeated embolic strokes and a giant infected clot in the left atrium. Although the patient underwent prompt surgery with removal of the clot and valve replacement the complication of septic emboli to the CNS led her to death. To the best of our knowledge this is the second report of an infected left atrial thrombus.

Conclusion
The case is a representative example of a neglected and undertreated patient with catastrophic consequences. Anticoagulant therapy in patients with mitral valve disease and atrial fibrillation should be applied according the currently available guidelines and standards in order to avoid analogous paradigms in the future. Mitral valve substitution should be considered in patients with mitral valve disease presenting thromboembolic complications. Surgery should be considered as the treatment of choice in cases of organized left atrial thrombus and suspected tumor or infected mass.
A logic-based diagram of signalling pathways central to macrophage activation
Authors: Raza Sobia , Robertson Kevin A , Lacaze Paul A , Page David , Enright Anton J , Ghazal Peter , Freeman Tom C 
Published: April 2008

Abstract

Background
The complex yet flexible cellular response to pathogens is orchestrated by the interaction of multiple signalling and metabolic pathways. The molecular regulation of this response has been studied in great detail but comprehensive and unambiguous diagrams describing these events are generally unavailable. Four key signalling cascades triggered early-on in the innate immune response are the toll-like receptor, interferon, NF-κB and apoptotic pathways, which co-operate to defend cells against a given pathogen. However, these pathways are commonly viewed as separate entities rather than an integrated network of molecular interactions.

Results
Here we describe the construction of a logically represented pathway diagram which attempts to integrate these four pathways central to innate immunity using a modified version of the Edinburgh Pathway Notation. The pathway map is available in a number of electronic formats and editing is supported by yEd graph editor software.

Conclusion
The map presents a powerful visual aid for interpreting the available pathway interaction knowledge and underscores the valuable contribution well constructed pathway diagrams make to communicating large amounts of molecular interaction data. Furthermore, we discuss issues with the limitations and scalability of pathways presented in this fashion, explore options for automated layout of large pathway networks and demonstrate how such maps can aid the interpretation of functional studies.
Eosinopenia is a reliable marker of sepsis on admission to medical intensive care units
Authors: Abidi Khalid , Khoudri Ibtissam , Belayachi Jihane , Madani Naoufel , Zekraoui Aicha , Zeggwagh Amine Ali , Abouqal Redouane 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Introduction
Eosinopenia is a cheap and forgotten marker of acute infection that has not been evaluated previously in intensive care units (ICUs). The aim of the present study was to test the value of eosinopenia in the diagnosis of sepsis in patients admitted to ICUs.

Methods
A prospective study of consecutive adult patients admitted to a 12-bed medical ICU was performed. Eosinophils were measured at ICU admission. Two intensivists blinded to the eosinophils classified patients as negative or with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), sepsis, severe sepsis, or septic shock.

Results
A total of 177 patients were enrolled. In discriminating noninfected (negative + SIRS) and infected (sepsis + severe sepsis + septic shock) groups, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.89 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.83 to 0.94). Eosinophils at <50 cells/mm3 yielded a sensitivity of 80% (95% CI, 71% to 86%), a specificity of 91% (95% CI, 79% to 96%), a positive likelihood ratio of 9.12 (95% CI, 3.9 to 21), and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.21(95% CI, 0.15 to 0.31). In discriminating SIRS and infected groups, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.84 (95% CI, 0.74 to 0.94). Eosinophils at <40 cells/mm3 yielded a sensitivity of 80% (95% CI, 71% to 86%), a specificity of 80% (95% CI, 55% to 93%), a positive likelihood ratio of 4 (95% CI, 1.65 to 9.65), and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.25 (95% CI, 0.17 to 0.36).

Conclusion
Eosinopenia is a good diagnostic marker in distinguishing between noninfection and infection, but is a moderate marker in discriminating between SIRS and infection in newly admitted critically ill patients. Eosinopenia may become a helpful clinical tool in ICU practices.
Serum Retinol Binding Protein 4 Is Related to Insulin Resistance and Nonoxidative Glucose Metabolism in Lean and Obese Women with Normal Glucose Tolerance
Authors: Kowalska Irina , Strączkowski Marek , Adamska Agnieszka , Nikolajuk Agnieszka , Karczewska-Kupczewska Monika , Otziomek Elżbieta , Górska Maria 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Context: Retinol-binding protein (RBP) 4 is secreted by adipose tissue and is postulated to be a determinant of insulin sensitivity. The mechanisms of RBP4 insulin desensitizing action remain unclear.
Objective: The aim of the present study was to estimate the relationships between serum RBP4 concentration with insulin sensitivity and oxidative and nonoxidative glucose metabolism in lean and obese women.
Design and Participants: The study group consisted of 67 women with normal glucose tolerance, 27 lean and 40 overweight or obese. Insulin sensitivity was estimated with the euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp. Glucose and lipid oxidation was measured with indirect calorimetry in the basal state and during the last 30 min of the clamp. Nonoxidative glucose metabolism was calculated in insulin-stimulated conditions by subtracting glucose oxidation from total glucose metabolism.
Results: There was no difference in serum RBP4 concentration between lean and obese women. Serum RBP4 was inversely related to insulin sensitivity and nonoxidative glucose metabolism in the entire group (r = −0.36, P =0.003 in both cases) and within the subgroups of lean (r = −0.41, P =0.034 and r = −0.41, P =0.031) and obese women (r = −0.41, P =0.009 and r = −0.40, P =0.01, respectively). These relationships were independent of potential confounding factors. RBP4 levels were not associated with oxidative metabolism of glucose or lipid.
Conclusions: Our data indicate that serum RBP4 is related to decreased insulin sensitivity, mostly through its association with nonoxidative glucose metabolism.
Confirmed β16 Arg/Arg Polymorphism in a Patient with Uncontrolled Asthma
Authors: Metzger Nicole L , Kockler Denise R , Hylton Gravatt Leigh Anne 
Published: April 2008

Objective: To report a case of confirmed β16 Arg/Arg polymorphism (Arg/Arg) in a patient with uncontrolled asthma. Case Summary: A 49-year-old black female presented to the emergency department with acute shortness of breath with subsequent intubation. After extubation, she reported multiple hospitalizations for asthma with one prior intubation, adherence to asthma medications, and very frequent use of her short-acting β2-agonist (SABA). Because of her asthma history, self-reported adherence, and race, she was tested for β2-adrenoreceptor genotype, which revealed Arg/Arg. Based on these findings, β2-agonists were discontinued and tiotropium (maintenance) and ipratropium (primary rescue) were initiated as part of her asthma regimen. Application of the Naranjo probability scale revealed probable causality between uncontrolled asthma in our patient and SABA use. The patient is followed in our outpatient pulmonary clinic and, at time of writing, had not been admitted to our hospital for asthma-related events. Discussion: Approximately 15% of Americans with asthma are Arg/Arg, with an increased prevalence in black and Asian populations. It is hypothesized that changes in the degree of sensitivity or desensitization to the bronchodilator effect of β2-agonists may occur in these individuals. Data exist, although they are conflicting, suggesting that inhaled β2-agonists may worsen clinical outcomes. Trials have reported declines in peak expiratory flow rates plus increases in asthma symptoms and exacerbations when SABAs have been used regularly in patients with Arg/Arg. Studies evaluating long-acting β2-agonists (LABAs) have inconsistent results. Preliminary data suggest that anticholinergics may serve as a beneficial primary rescue medication instead of β2-agonists in patients with Arg/Arg. Conclusions: Clinicians should be aware of factors (eg, race and polymorphisms) that may predict unfavorable outcomes with regular SABA and possibly LABA use. Patients with poor asthma control despite adherence to asthma therapy may benefit from β2-adrenoreceptor genotyping and, possibly, from anticholinergics.
Insulinoma cell calcium-sensing receptor influences insulin secretion in a case with concurrent familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia and malignant metastatic insulinoma.
Authors: Ono Yasunaga , Oda Naohisa , Ishihara Shin , Shimomura Atsushi , Hayakawa Nobuki , Suzuki Atsushi , Horiguchi Akihiko , Senda Takao , Miyakawa Shuichi , Itoh Mitsuyasu 
Published: April 2008

Context and objectiveArterial stimulation and venous sampling (ASVS) is an important technique for localizing insulinoma. The principle behind ASVS is that insulin secretion is promoted from insulinoma cells by the injection of calcium into the insulinoma-feeding artery. However, the mechanism for ASVS-induced insulin secretion remains unclear. Both insulinoma and familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH) are rare diseases. This study reports on a case in which both of these diseases occur concurrently.Design and patientThe patient with FHH also suffered from insulinoma. We reasoned that insulin secretion for ASVS is dependent on the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR). ASVS was performed on this patient. The expression of the CaSR protein and corresponding mRNA were confirmed.ResultsNo significant changes in the plasma levels of insulin and C-peptide were observed during ASVS. The patient was clinically diagnosed as having FHH. We confirmed that a mutation in the CaSR gene was present in the genomic DNA of this patient and that there were no mutations in the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 gene. In addition, expression of both CaSR mRNA and CaSR protein was confirmed in the insulinoma samples.ConclusionThese results suggest that the CaSR gene is involved in ASVS-induced insulin secretion.
Dispersal of Tournament-Displaced Largemouth Bass and Spotted Bass in Lake Martin, Alabama
Authors: Hunter Ryan W. , Maceina Michael J. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Anglers fishing in tournaments for black basses Micropterus spp. often displace fish great distances from the site of capture. Accumulation of black bass, which may have negative effects on populations and the fishery, can occur when many tournaments displace large numbers of fish to a single tournament processing site. Thirty-nine largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides and spotted bass M. punctulatus were implanted with radio transmitters in spring 2005 and tracked for nearly 1 year. Twenty of these fish were transported to a popular tournament release site on Lake Martin (16,188 ha), Alabama, to observe the effect of simulated tournament displacement on movement and dispersal. The other fish were released after radio tag implantation at their capture site and served as control fish. In addition, 7 fish/species were collected from tournaments and implanted with transmitters in fall 2005 and tracked for 4.5 months to monitor postrelease behavior. In spring, displaced fish moved more than control fish after 3–4 weeks and dispersed from the release site over time. Movement and behavior of displaced fish was altered for up to 6 months after release compared with control fish. After 10 weeks, displaced fish moved an average of 7.4 km and control fish moved an average of 1.3 km; during the first 6 months, daily movement was about two to five times greater for displaced fish. Tournament-displaced fish tagged in fall 2005 moved less than the fish subjected to simulated displacement in spring 2005, and less movement in fall coincided with cooler and falling water temperatures. Some fish remained within 2 km of the release site for up to 3 months. In fall 2004 and spring 2005, anglers released at least 6,600 black bass at the site. We estimated that black bass biomass increased by 6–9 kg/ha within 2 km of the release site, translating to a probable 50–100% increase in resident black bass biomass. Fisheries managers should encourage or require the use of release boats, transport trailers equipped with live wells, and multiple release sites on reservoirs where tournament-related accumulation is suspected.
Temporal and Spatial Variability in Otolith Trace‐Element Signatures of Juvenile Striped Bass from Spawning Locations in Lake Texoma, Oklahoma‐Texas
Authors: Schaffler Jason J. , Winkelman Dana L. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractWe assessed the potential of trace‐element analysis for identifying spawning locations of striped bass Morone saxatilis in the two tributaries of Lake Texoma, Oklahoma‐Texas, during 2002‐2004. We also assessed the temporal stability of elemental signatures over 3 years. Elemental composition of juvenile striped bass otoliths varied considerably between the two tributary arms of Lake Texoma both within and among years. Overall reclassification rates within each collection year ranged between 81% and 93%. However, because of high interannual variability, classification functions could not reliably predict natal areas for individuals from other year‐classes (19‐62%). Although the mechanisms generating spatial and temporal differences in otolith chemistry are not well understood, spatial differences in otolith chemistry indicate that elemental fingerprints of striped bass from the two natal rivers in the Lake Texoma system provide natural tags of juvenile habitat. The temporal variability we observed in otolith elemental signatures complicates the use of these signatures for determining the natal river of an unknown individual from an unsampled year‐class. However, building a library of trace‐element signatures for yearly cohorts should make it possible to determine natal rivers for adult striped bass from known cohorts.
A Simple Model for Predicting Survival of Angler‐Caught and Released Largemouth Bass
Authors: Wilde Gene R. , Pope Kevin L. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractWe conducted a controlled experiment in the laboratory to assess the influence of anatomical hooking location and water temperature on survival of angler‐caught and released largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides. Survival was 98% (58 of 59 fish) among fish that were hand‐hooked within the oral cavity (including the gills), whereas survival was 66% (33 of 50 fish) among fish that were hand‐hooked in the esophagus. Survival of hooked fish was not significantly influenced by water temperature (7‐27°C) or the hooking location × water temperature interaction. We combined our results with prior research to develop a predictive model of largemouth bass survival, which was 98.3% (SD = 1.87%) for fish hooked in the oral cavity and 55.0% (SD = 9.70%) for fish hooked in the esophagus. The model is valid for water temperatures ranging from 7°C to 27°C and allows one to estimate, with known precision, the survival of angler‐caught and released largemouth bass without the need for controlled studies or for holding fish in pens or cages to assess delayed mortality.
Daily Survival Rates for Juveniles of Six Great Plains Cyprinid Species
Authors: Wilde Gene R. , Durham Bart W. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractWe collected age‐0 fish from the Canadian and Brazos rivers, Texas, and used otolith microstructure to estimate daily survival rates for juveniles of six cyprinid species during their first summer. Across all samples, daily survival rates averaged 0.944 and ranged from 0.920 to 0.964. Daily survival differed between fish from the Canadian River (mean = 0.948) and those from the Brazos River (mean = 0.936). For the four species collected from the Canadian River, daily survival differed among years. However, there was no difference between years in daily survival of two Brazos River species. Our study provides the first estimates of survival for larval and juvenile Great Plains cyprinids.
Selection of Response Criteria for Clinical Trials of Sarcoma Treatment
Authors: Schuetze Scott M. , Baker Laurence H. , Benjamin Robert S. , Canetta Renzo 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Soft tissue sarcomas are a heterogeneous group of malignancies arising from mesenchymal tissues. A large number of new therapies are being evaluated in patients with sarcomas, and consensus criteria defining treatment responses are essential for comparison of results from studies completed by different research groups. The 1979 World Health Organization (WHO) handbook set forth operationally defined criteria for response evaluation in solid tumors that were updated in 2000 with the publication of the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST). There have been significant advances in tumor imaging, however, that are not reflected in the RECIST. For example, computed tomography (CT) slice thickness has been reduced from 10 mm to ≤2.5 mm, allowing for more reproducible and accurate measurement of smaller lesions. Combination of imaging techniques, such as positron emission tomography with fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18FDG-PET) and CT can provide investigators and clinicians with both anatomical and functional information regarding tumors, and there is now a large body of evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of PET/CT and other newer imaging methods for the detection and staging of tumors as well as early determination of responses to therapy. The application of newer imaging methods has the potential to decrease both the sample sizes required for, and duration of, clinical trials by providing an early indication of therapeutic response that is well correlated with clinical outcomes, such as time to tumor progression or overall survival. The results summarized in this review support the conclusion that the RECIST and the WHO criteria for evaluation of response in solid tumors need to be modernized. In addition, there is a current need for prospective trials to compare new response criteria with established endpoints and to validate imaging-based response rates as surrogate endpoints for clinical trials of new agents for sarcoma and other solid tumors.
Toxicity of aqueous fullerene in adult and larval Fundulus heteroclitus
Authors: Blickley Twyla Michelle , McClellan-Green Patricia 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Aqueous suspensions of fullerene aggregates (aqua-nC60) were used to investigate the movement of carbon-based nanomaterials in a marine water column and to determine their effects on different life stages of a marine teleost. Fullerene aggregates formed precipitates as a result of mixing in natural seawater, and levels of aqua-nC60 were significantly increased in bottom waters after 24 h. Exposure of Fundulus heteroclitus embryos, larvae, and adults to increasing concentrations of aqua-nC60 resulted in very little mortality, and no median lethal concentrations could be calculated at ≤ 10 mg/L. Aggregates of aqua-nC60 did adhere to the chorion but did not affect development of the embryos or their hatching success. Movements of aqua-nC60 through the chorion and into the embryo tended to increase with higher exposure levels; however, the concentrations were extremely low and did not differ significantly. Larvae exposed to increasing concentrations of aqua-nC60 exhibited a significant dose-dependent increase in total glutathione (GSH). This was accompanied by a decreasing trend in lipid peroxidation (LPO), but LPO was not statistically different between treatments. Adult F. heteroclitus exposed to increasing concentrations of aqua-nC60 exhibited an increase in total GSH in liver tissue but not in the gill. No significant effects on LPO were observed in either tissue. Thus, we conclude that aqua-nC60 affects the oxidative stress response of F. heteroclitus and that increased antioxidant defenses provide some physiological tolerance for these materials. Environmental factors influencing uptake, metabolism, and physiological response following exposure, however, need further investigation.
Neogene crustal shear zone along the western Gulf of Mexico margin and its implications for gravity sliding processes. Evidences from 2D and 3D multichannel seismic data
Authors: Le Roy Charlotte , Rangin Claude , Le Pichon Xavier , Thi Ngoc Hai Nguyen , Andreani Louis , Aranda-Garcia Mario 
Published: April 2008

AbstractNo significant crustal deformation was registered along the western Gulf of Mexico margin since the late Jurassic except the well known Cenozoic gravity tectonics. This is marked by a major extension across the platform and the upper continental slope compensated downslope by shortening across the Mexican Ridges fold belt.Based on extensive offshore 2D and 3D industrial multichannel seismic reflection data provided to us by PEMEX, we have evidenced significant Neogene deep-rooted deformation below the main décollement level (5 to 7 s-twtt) related to these gravitational processes. The main crustal deformation is outlined by a N170° trending deep-seated reverse fault zone, which flattens downwards near the Moho and merges upwards near the main Oligo-Miocene décollement level, close to the Neogene Mexican Ridges fold belt. This deep seated fabric is interpreted as the result of a dextral strike slip fault zone rather steep and linear into the north and connecting southwards to a N150° trending dextral wrench zone east of the Trans-Mexican volcanic belt.We consider that this Neogene transpressive dextral motion could have triggered gravity sliding along the Mexican Gulf margin. It could be located at the continent-ocean boundary and is probably linked to conjugate dextral slip related to the late Neogene N140° trending left lateral slip along the Veracruz shear zone active since the Late Miocene. We discuss whether this deep thrust wrench zone is related with the eastward migrating Laramide orogeny front dated Paleocene-Eocene.