Jagiellonian University

About: Jagiellonian University is a education organization based out in Krakow, Poland. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Catalysis. The organization has 17438 authors who have published 44092 publications receiving 862633 citations. The organization is also known as: Academia Cracoviensis & Akademia Krakowska.

Randomized clinical trial of visualization versus neuromonitoring of recurrent laryngeal nerves during thyroidectomy

Abstract: Background: The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that identification of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) during thyroid surgery reduces injury, and that intraoperative nerve monitoring may be of additional benefit. Methods: One thousand consenting patients scheduled to have bilateral thyroid surgery were randomized to standard protection or additional nerve monitoring. The primary outcome measure was prevalence of RLN injury. Results: Of 1000 nerves at risk in each group, transient and permanent RLN injuries were found respectively in 38 and 12 nerves without RLN monitoring (P = 0·011) and 19 and eight nerves with RLN monitoring (P = 0·368). The prevalence of transient RLN paresis was lower in patients who had RLN monitoring by 2·9 per cent in high-risk patients (P = 0·011) and 0·9 per cent in low-risk patients (P = 0·249). The negative and positive predictive values of RLN monitoring in predicting postoperative vocal cord function were 98·9 and 37-8 per cent respectively. Conclusion: Nerve monitoring decreased the incidence of transient but not permanent RLN paresis compared with visualization alone, particularly in high-risk patients. Registration number: NCT00661024 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

NADPH oxidases in vascular pathology

Abstract: Significance: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a critical role in vascular disease. While there are many possible sources of ROS, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases play a central role. They are a source of “kindling radicals,” which affect other enzymes, such as nitric oxide synthase endothelial nitric oxide synthase or xanthine oxidase. This is important, as risk factors for atherosclerosis (hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and smoking) regulate the expression and activity of NADPH oxidases in the vessel wall. Recent Advances: There are seven isoforms in mammals: Nox1, Nox2, Nox3, Nox4, Nox5, Duox1 and Duox2. Nox1, Nox2, Nox4, and Nox5 are expressed in endothelium, vascular smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, or perivascular adipocytes. Other homologues have not been found or are expressed at very low levels; their roles have not been established. Nox1/Nox2 promote the development of endothelial dysfunction, hypertension, and inflammation. Nox4 may have a role in protecting the vasculature during stress; however, when its activity is increased, it may be detrimental. Calcium-dependent Nox5 has been implicated in oxidative damage in human atherosclerosis. Critical Issues: NADPH oxidase-derived ROS play a role in vascular pathology as well as in the maintenance of normal physiological vascular function. We also discuss recently elucidated mechanisms such as the role of NADPH oxidases in vascular protection, vascular inflammation, pulmonary hypertension, tumor angiogenesis, and central nervous system regulation of vascular function and hypertension. Future Directions: Understanding the role of individual oxidases and interactions between homologues in vascular disease is critical for efficient pharmacological regulation of vascular NADPH oxidases in both the laboratory and clinical practice. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 20, 2794–2814.

Direct measurement of the 7Be solar neutrino flux with 192 days of Borexino data

Abstract: We report the direct measurement of the 7Be solar neutrino signal rate performed with the Borexino detector at the Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso. The interaction rate of the 0.862 MeV 7Be neutrinos is 49+/-3stat+/-4syst counts/(day.100 ton). The hypothesis of no oscillation for 7Be solar neutrinos is inconsistent with our measurement at the 4sigma C.L. Our result is the first direct measurement of the survival probability for solar nu(e) in the transition region between matter-enhanced and vacuum-driven oscillations. The measurement improves the experimental determination of the flux of 7Be, pp, and CNO solar nu(e), and the limit on the effective neutrino magnetic moment using solar neutrinos.

Physiological limits to sustainable energy budgets in birds and mammals: Ecological implications

Abstract: fie physiological limitation of individual energy budgets has been suggested as one determinant of animal reproductive performance and survival, independent of extrinsic environmental factors. 7Iis postulate helps to explicate the evolutionary optimization of life histories, foraging behaviours, and geographical distributions of species. Models of optimal resource allocution and of optimal foraging have been proposed within this framework. New empirical data help to identify the physiological mechanisms constraining energy budgets and allow quantification of otherwise vague arguments. Nevertheless, many questions remain unanswered or clouded.