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Kerkhof M, Ganeff I, Wiggenraad RGJ, Lycklama À Nijeholt GJ, Hammer S, Taphoorn MJB, Dirven L, Vos MJ. Clinical applicability of and changes in perfusion MR imaging in brain metastases after stereotactic radiotherapy. J Neurooncol 2018; 138:133-139. [PMID: 29392588 PMCID: PMC5928168 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-018-2779-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
To assess the applicability of perfusion-weighted (PWI) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in clinical practice, as well as to evaluate the changes in PWI in brain metastases before and after stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT), and to correlate these changes to tumor status on conventional MR imaging. Serial MR images at baseline and at least 3 and 6 months after SRT were retrospectively evaluated. Size of metastases and the relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV), assessed with subjective visual inspection in the contrast enhanced area, were evaluated at each time point. Tumor behavior of metastases was categorized into four groups based on predefined changes on MRI during follow-up, or on histologically confirmed diagnosis; progressive disease (PD), pseudoprogression (PsPD), non-progressive disease (non-PD) and progression unspecified (PU). Twenty-six patients with 42 metastases were included. Fifteen percent (26/168) of all PW images could not be evaluated due to localization near large vessels or the scalp, presence of hemorrhage artefacts, and in 31% (52/168) due to unmeasurable residual metastases. The most common pattern (52%, 13/25 metastases) showed a high rCBV at baseline and low rCBV during follow-up, occurring in metastases with non-PD (23%, 3/13), PsPD (38%, 5/13) and PU (38%, 5/13). Including only metastases with a definite outcome generally showed low rCBV in PsPD or non-PD, and high rCBV in PD. Although non-PD and PsPD may be distinguished from PD after SRT using the PW images, the large proportion of images that could not be assessed due to artefacts and size severely hampers value of PWI in predicting tumor response after SRT.
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Oda A, Messenger K, Carbajal L, Gardner B, Hammer S, Cerreta A, Lewbart G, Posner L, Bailey K. Plasma propofol concentrations and pharmacodynamic effects in koi carp (Cyprinus carpio) following exposure via immersion. Vet Anaesth Analg 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaa.2017.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Tahas SA, Martin Jurado O, Hammer S, Arif A, Reese S, Hatt JM, Clauss M. Gross Measurements of the Digestive Tract and Visceral Organs of Addax Antelope (Addax nasomaculatus
) Following a Concentrate or Forage Feeding Regime. Anat Histol Embryol 2017; 46:282-293. [DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Accepted: 02/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Kerkhof M, Ganeff I, Wiggenraad RG, Lycklama à Nijeholt GJ, Hammer S, Taphoorn MJ, Dirven L, Vos MJ. P13.16 Changes in perfusion MR imaging in brain metastases after stereotactic radiotherapy. Neuro Oncol 2016. [DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/now188.260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Hammer S, McDonald M, Ginader T, Stockman S, Bender D, Bosquet J, Stephan J, Goodheart M. Factors that influence gynecologic cancer patient participation in clinical trials. Gynecol Oncol 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2016.04.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Hammer S, Nager RG, Johnson PCD, Furness RW, Provencher JF. Plastic debris in great skua (Stercorarius skua) pellets corresponds to seabird prey species. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2016; 103:206-210. [PMID: 26763326 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Revised: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Plastic is a common item in marine environments. Studies assessing seabird ingestion of plastics have focused on species that ingest plastics mistaken for prey items. Few studies have examined a scavenger and predatory species that are likely to ingest plastics indirectly through their prey items, such as the great skua (Stercorarius skua). We examined 1034 regurgitated pellets from a great skua colony in the Faroe Islands for plastics and found approximately 6% contained plastics. Pellets containing remains of Northern fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis) had the highest prevalence of plastic. Our findings support previous work showing that Northern fulmars have higher loads of plastics than other sympatric species. This study demonstrates that marine plastic debris is transferred from surface feeding seabird species to predatory great skuas. Examination of plastic ingestion in species that do not ingest plastics directly can provide insights into how plastic particles transfer vertically within the food web.
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Hoffstetter P, Hammer S, Dornia C, Stroszczynski C, Schreyer A. Wie die Zeit vergeht – lohnt sich eine Intensivierung der Wartezeitbetreuung in der Radiologie? ROFO-FORTSCHR RONTG 2015. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1550832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Hammer S, Weltin A, Kaminski Y, Noor F, Kieninger J, Urban G. Lactate Monitoring in Organotypic 3D Cell Cultures. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.proeng.2015.08.825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Liao L(H, Trama A, Williams W, Moody M, Vandergrift N, Tomaras G, Marshall D, Gurley T, Whitesides J, Eudailey J, Foulger A, Parks R, Stolarchuk C, Lloyd K, Soderberg K, Mascola J, Koup R, Corey L, Nabel G, Gilber P, Morgan C, Maenza J, Keefer M, Hammer S, Churchyard G, Montefior D, Graham B, Baden L, Kepler T, Haynes B. Role of Intestinal Microbiota in Shaping the B Cell Repertoire in HIV Infection and Env Vaccination. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2014. [DOI: 10.1089/aid.2014.5023a.abstract] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Uller W, Wohlgemuth W, Hammer S, Knoppke B, Goessmann H, Loss M, Schlitt H, Stroszczynski C, Zorger N, Heiss P. Percutaneous Treatment of Biliary Complications in Pediatric Patients After Liver Transplantation. ROFO-FORTSCHR RONTG 2014; 186:1127-33. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1366656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Greeven APA, Hammer S, Deruiter MC, Schipper IB. Accuracy of fluoroscopy in the treatment of intra-articular thumb metacarpal fractures. J Hand Surg Eur Vol 2013. [PMID: 23186860 DOI: 10.1177/1753193412468565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of fluoroscopic imaging during closed reduction and percutaneous fixation of intra-articular thumb metacarpal fractures. Closed reduction and percutaneous fixation was assessed in eight simulated intra-articular thumb metacarpal fractures, using fluoroscopy and digital radiographs. Displacement and fracture step-off were measured during fluoroscopy, on plain radiographs, and by direct visualization after careful dissection. Displacement on fluoroscopy was 0.8 (SD 1.0) mm and 1.2 (SD 1.4) with radiographic imaging. Direct visualization showed displacement of 0.9 (SD 1.2) mm. Intra-articular step-off on fluoroscopy was 0.8 (SD 1.0) mm and 0.8 (SD 0.8) with radiographic imaging. Direct visualization showed an intra-articular step-off of 0.8 (SD 1.2) mm. Statistical analysis showed excellent compatibility between fluoroscopy and direct visualization. Fluoroscopic visualization during surgery provides an adequate assessment of articular step-off and displacement in comparison with radiographs and direct visualization.
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Uller W, Müller-Wille R, Loss M, Hammer S, Schleder S, Goessmann H, Wiggermann P, Stroszczynski C, Wohlgemuth W. Percutaneous Management of Postoperative Bile Leaks with an Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer (Onyx). ROFO-FORTSCHR RONTG 2013; 185:1182-7. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1350153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Jordan MR, Bennett DE, Wainberg MA, Havlir D, Hammer S, Yang C, Morris L, Peeters M, Wensing AM, Parkin N, Nachega JB, Phillips A, De Luca A, Geng E, Calmy A, Raizes E, Sandstrom P, Archibald CP, Perriëns J, McClure CM, Hong SY, McMahon JH, Dedes N, Sutherland D, Bertagnolio S. Update on World Health Organization HIV drug resistance prevention and assessment strategy: 2004-2011. Clin Infect Dis 2012; 54 Suppl 4:S245-9. [PMID: 22544182 DOI: 10.1093/cid/cis206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) prevention and assessment strategy, developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) in partnership with HIVResNet, includes monitoring of HIVDR early warning indicators, surveys to assess acquired and transmitted HIVDR, and development of an accredited HIVDR genotyping laboratory network to support survey implementation in resource-limited settings. As of June 2011, 52 countries had implemented at least 1 element of the strategy, and 27 laboratories had been accredited. As access to antiretrovirals expands under the WHO/Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS Treatment 2.0 initiative, it is essential to strengthen HIVDR surveillance efforts in the face of increasing concern about HIVDR emergence and transmission.
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Williams WB, Jones K, Krambrink A, Grove D, Liu P, Yates NL, Moody MA, Ferrari G, Pollara J, Moodie Z, Morgan CA, Liao H, Montefiori DC, Ochsenbauer C, Kappes J, Hammer S, Mascola J, Koup R, Corey L, Nabel G, Gilbert P, Churchyard G, Keefer M, Graham BS, Haynes BF, Tomaras GD. Multiple antibody specificities (gp41, V1V2, and V3) elicited in the phase II multiclade (A, B, C) HIV-1 DNA prime, rAd5 boost vaccine trial. Retrovirology 2012. [PMCID: PMC3441791 DOI: 10.1186/1742-4690-9-s2-o55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Snel M, Jonker JT, Hammer S, Kerpershoek G, Lamb HJ, Meinders AE, Pijl H, de Roos A, Romijn JA, Smit JWA, Jazet IM. Long-term beneficial effect of a 16-week very low calorie diet on pericardial fat in obese type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2012; 20:1572-6. [PMID: 22282049 DOI: 10.1038/oby.2011.390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Pericardial fat accumulation has been associated with an increased cardiovascular risk. A very low calorie diet (VLCD) improves the cardiovascular risk profile in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), by improving the metabolic profile, heart function, and triglyceride (TG) stores in (non)adipose tissues. However, long-term effects of a VLCD on pericardial fat volume and tissue-specific TG accumulation have not been documented. The aim of this study was therefore to assess the effects of a 16-week VLCD and of subsequent 14 months follow-up on a regular diet on pericardial fat in relation to other TG stores in obese T2DM patients. We included 14 obese patients with insulin-treated T2DM (mean ± s.e.m.: age 53 ± 2 years; BMI 35 ± 1 kg/m(2)). Pericardial fat and other (non)adipose TG stores were measured using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and proton spectroscopy before and after a 16-week VLCD and after a 14-month follow-up without dietary interventions. A 16-week VLCD reduced body weight, pericardial fat, hepatic TG content, visceral and subcutaneous abdominal fat volumes to 78, 83, 16, 40, and 53% of baseline values respectively, (all P < 0.05). After an additional 14 months of follow-up on a regular diet, the reduction in pericardial fat volume sustained, despite a substantial regain in body weight, visceral abdominal fat, and hepatic TG content (respectively 90, 83 and 73% of baseline values). In conclusion, VLCD-induced weight loss in obese T2DM patients is accompanied by a substantial decrease in pericardial fat volume, which is sustained even after subsequent weight regain.
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Hoffstetter P, Hammer S, Röhrl S, Dendl LM, Dornia C, Rennert J, Müller-Wille R, Wiggermann P, Stroszczynski C, Schreyer AG. [As time goes by--is it worth intensifying patient care during the waiting period for radiological examinations?]. ROFO-FORTSCHR RONTG 2012; 184:1043-8. [PMID: 22851298 DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1313049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Service characteristics in hospital care in general have a high influence on patients' contentment. One of the key features of good service is waiting time. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of ambience and individual care while waiting for a radiological examination on patient satisfaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was conducted prospectively and included and total of 100 patients at a tertiary care center. All patients waiting for contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and were randomly divided into two groups. 50 patients waited under regular circumstances, i.e. the normal waiting ara of our radiological department, whilst the remaining 50 patients spent their waiting time in a separate small waiting area with intensified care and service. Both subjective and objective waiting time and the patients' contentment were raised with a standardized questionnaire. Quality criteria mentioned by the patients were then ranked according to their importance. RESULTS Of all included patients 76 % were ambulant with an average age of 60 years (range 22 - 83 years) and 69 % female. These characteristics were identical in both groups. With a mean waiting time of 90 minutes (Group intensified care 100 minutes, group regular care 81 minutes) most patients evaluated the overall service during waiting time as "good" to "ideal", only 2 % as of "low quality". No significant differences between the two study arms concerning the patient satisfaction could be detected. Patients with intensified care estimated their delay time significantly shorter by an average of 24 minutes (p < 0.02). For 40 % a detailed consent discussion was the main quality criterion, while a short waiting time only for 24 %. CONCLUSION An optimized, i.e. intensified care during the waiting time for a radiological examination results in a significant reduction of the subjective waiting time, but does not lead to a significantly higher patient contentment. The subjective judgement of examination quality seems to influence the acceptance of prolonged latency to a high degree.
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Uller W, Huber T, Hammer S, Wohlgemuth W, Stroszczynski C, Schreyer AG. Stent-PTA der Vena Cava Inferior nach Lebertransplantation und -resektion. ROFO-FORTSCHR RONTG 2012. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1311145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Spitzer C, Hammer S, Löwe B, Grabe H, Barnow S, Rose M, Wingenfeld K, Freyberger H, Franke G. Die Kurzform des Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI -18): erste Befunde zu den psychometrischen Kennwerten der deutschen Version. FORTSCHRITTE DER NEUROLOGIE-PSYCHIATRIE 2011; 79:517-23. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1281602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Merk J, Hammer S, Rolff J, Becker M, Politz O, Sommer A, Klemm W, Hoffmann J, Fichtner I, Leschber G. Analyse von Stoffwechselwegen im primären Xenograftmodell unter Chemotherapie - Option zur Erforschung neuer antitumorigener Wirksubstanzen beim Lungenkarzinom? Pneumologie 2011. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1272221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Dubey JP, Pas A, Rajendran C, Kwok OCH, Ferreira LR, Martins J, Hebel C, Hammer S, Su C. Toxoplasmosis in Sand cats (Felis margarita) and other animals in the Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife in the United Arab Emirates and Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation, the State of Qatar. Vet Parasitol 2010; 172:195-203. [PMID: 20570441 PMCID: PMC7116901 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2010] [Revised: 05/10/2010] [Accepted: 05/11/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The Sand cat (Felis margarita) is a small-sized felid found in sand and stone deserts ranging from the north of Africa to Asia, with the Arabian Peninsula as its centre of distribution. The Sand cat captive breeding program at the Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife (BCEAW), Sharjah, UAE, has experienced high newborn mortality rates, and congenital toxoplasmosis was recently recognized as one of the causes of this mortality. In the present study, one 18-month-old Sand cat (FM019) died of acute toxoplasmosis-associated hepatitis and pneumonitis acquired after birth; Toxoplasma gondii was demonstrated in histological sections which reacted with T. gondii polyclonal antibodies by immunohistochemistry (IHC). T. gondii DNA was found by PCR of extracted DNA from liver and lung tissues of this cat. Antibodies to T. gondii were found in serum examined in 1:1600 dilution in the modified agglutination test (MAT); its 2-year-old cage mate seroconverted (MAT titer 1:3200) at the same time. Another Sand cat (FM017) was euthanized because of ill health when 3 years old; its MAT titer was >1:3200, and T. gondii tissue cysts were found in brain, heart, ocular muscles and skeletal muscle, confirmed by IHC. Viable T. gondii was isolated by bioassays in mice inoculated with tissues of another chronically infected Sand cat (FM002); T. gondii was not found in histological sections of this cat. T. gondii antibodies were found in several species of animals tested, notably in 49 of 57 wild felids at BCEAW. A 7-year-old Sand cat (3657) from Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation (AWWP), Doha, State of Qatar died of acute visceral toxoplasmosis with demonstrable T. gondii tachyzoites by IHC, and T. gondii DNA by PCR, and a MAT titer of >3200. T. gondii antibodies were found in 21 of 27 of wild felids at AWWP. PCR-RFLP genotyping at 10 genetic loci revealed that these T. gondii isolates from Sand cat (FM002 and FM019) at BCEAW have an atypical genotype, which was previously reported in T. gondii isolates of dogs from Sri Lanka. The genotype from the cat from AWWP (3657) is a genetic Type II strain with a Type I allele at locus Apico. This is the first report of genetic characterization of T. gondii isolates from Middle East.
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Luján L, Crespo T, Deb A, Arif A, Borjal R, Salazar E, Álvarez N, Pérez M, Dorrestein G, Hammer S. Aa Amyloidosis in Captive Beira Antelopes (Dorcatragus Megalotis) Linked to Mycoplasmal Pleuropneumonia. J Comp Pathol 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2009.08.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Hammer S, Meisner F, Dirschedl P, Fraunberger P, Meiser B, Reichart B, Hammer C. Procalcitonin for differential diagnosis of graft rejection and infection in patients with heart and/or lung grafts. Intensive Care Med 2009. [PMID: 18470717 PMCID: PMC7095472 DOI: 10.1007/s001340051141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Investigation of the reliability of Procalcitonin (PCT) for differential diagnosis of acute rejections and non-viral infections in heart and lung transplanted patients. DESIGN Retrospective study. SETTING Transplant intensive care unit (ICU) at a university hospital. PATIENTS 57 heart, 18 lung and 3 heart-lung transplant patients. MEASUREMENTS PCT was measured in plasma samples of heart and lung transplanted patients using a commercial immuno-luminescence assay and was compared with values of C-reactive protein (CRP) and leukocytes (WBC). RESULTS PCT was elevated in patients suffering from bacterial and fungal infections. The magnitude of values was clearly associated with the severity of the infection. Rejections and viral infections did not interfere with the PCT release. CONCLUSION PCT is a reliable predictor with discriminating power for non-viral systemic infections in patients after heart and/or lung transplantation. PCT allows an early differential diagnosis between rejection (AR) and bacterial/fungal infection (IF) and thus a rapid and focused therapeutic intervention. It avoids unnecessary antibiotic treatment which could be toxic for the graft itself in patients with rejection only. PCT provides vital information early to clinicians and allows them to improve the management of bacterial/fungal infections in immunocompromized transplant patients. PCT thus facilitates and improves the outcome of survival rate and the quality of life in the postoperative period of patients with heart and/or lung grafts.
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Hammer S, Meisner F, Dirschedl P, Fraunberger P, Meiser B, Reichart B, Hammer C. Procalcitonin for differential diagnosis of graft rejection and infection in patients with heart and/or lung grafts. Intensive Care Med 2009; 26 Suppl 2:S182-6. [PMID: 18470717 DOI: 10.1007/bf02900735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Investigation of the reliability of Procalcitonin (PCT) for differential diagnosis of acute rejections and non-viral infections in heart and lung transplanted patients. DESIGN Retrospective study. SETTING Transplant intensive care unit (ICU) at a university hospital. PATIENTS 57 heart, 18 lung and 3 heart-lung transplant patients. MEASUREMENTS PCT was measured in plasma samples of heart and lung transplanted patients using a commercial immuno-luminescence assay and was compared with values of C-reactive protein (CRP) and leukocytes (WBC). RESULTS PCT was elevated in patients suffering from bacterial and fungal infections. The magnitude of values was clearly associated with the severity of the infection. Rejections and viral infections did not interfere with the PCT release. CONCLUSION PCT is a reliable predictor with discriminating power for non-viral systemic infections in patients after heart and/or lung transplantation. PCT allows an early differential diagnosis between rejection (AR) and bacterial/fungal infection (IF) and thus a rapid and focused therapeutic intervention. It avoids unnecessary antibiotic treatment which could be toxic for the graft itself in patients with rejection only. PCT provides vital information early to clinicians and allows them to improve the management of bacterial/fungal infections in immunocompromized transplant patients. PCT thus facilitates and improves the outcome of survival rate and the quality of life in the postoperative period of patients with heart and/or lung grafts.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND In the Netherlands, bicycle helmet wearing rates are very low and perceived social barriers to helmet use are important. We aimed to determine why Dutch paediatricians do or do not wear helmets while bicycling and whether their personal behaviour is influencing their position about the promotion of helmet use. METHODS Attendants to the annual meeting of the Dutch Paediatric Society (7-9 November 2006) were surveyed about bicycle riding frequency, helmet use, reasons for not wearing a helmet, helmet use among their own children and personal position about the promotion and legislation of bicycle helmet use. RESULTS Of the 1110 paediatricians who are active in the Netherlands, 258 answered the survey. Ninety-six per cent of the respondents ride a bicycle (68% more than once a week). Bicycle was used as a mean of transport (32%), as a recreation/sport (11%) or with both purposes (57%). When cycling for transportation, 94% never wear a helmet and 2% always wear it. When cycling for recreation, 70% never wear a helmet and 18% always wear it. The most common reasons given for not wearing a helmet were: 'I never thought about that' (43%), 'Poor appearance' (31%), 'Nobody uses it in the Netherlands' (27%) and 'Uncomfortable' (25%). A majority (91%) of the respondents agreed that bicycle helmets are effective in reducing the rate of head injury to bicyclists and that they should be advised to children (82%) and adolescents (54%). CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that among Dutch paediatricians, cycling rate is high and helmet wearing rate is very low and that they experience numerous personal barriers to bicycle helmet use. This might explain why bicycle helmet promotion campaigns are scarcely supported by Dutch paediatricians.
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Hammer S, Tchoudakov R, Mechrez G, Cohen Y, Narkis M. Modification of porous PVC particles with PS and P(St-co
-MMA) using a surfactant-free aqueous dispersion polymerization technique. POLYM ADVAN TECHNOL 2008. [DOI: 10.1002/pat.1109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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