University of Cologne

About: University of Cologne is a education organization based out in Cologne, Germany. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Gene. The organization has 32050 authors who have published 66350 publications receiving 2210092 citations. The organization is also known as: Universität zu Köln & Universitatis Coloniensis.

Anti-Immigrant Attitudes in Europe: Outgroup Size and Perceived Ethnic Threat

Abstract: This study focuses on ethnic competition as a contextual explanation of cross-national differences in anti-immigrant prejudice. It contributes to the existing literature by refining the concept of ethnic competition into a socio-economic and a cultural aspect, which is reflected in two different measures of outgroup size. To improve cross-national comparability, the outgroup size measure is based on foreign country of birth instead of citizenship. Moreover, as outgroup size does not only measure competition, but also contact opportunities and familiarity with immigration, intergroup contact theory is taken into account and a non-linear relationship between outgroup size and perceived ethnic threat is tested. This study employs multi-level linear regression and uses the first round data set of the European Social Survey. The main conclusions of this analysis are that economic and social competition between groups might play a lesser role in the explanation of cross-national differences in anti-immigrant attitudes than often assumed, and that it might be rather lacking familiarity and fear of conflict over values and culture that drive the relationship between outgroup size and anti-immigrant attitudes.

Revised nomenclature and classification of inherited ichthyoses: Results of the First Ichthyosis Consensus Conference in Sorèze 2009

Abstract: Background Inherited ichthyoses belong to a large, clinically and etiologically heterogeneous group of mendelian disorders of cornification, typically involving the entire integument. Over the recent years, much progress has been made defining their molecular causes. However, there is no internationally accepted classification and terminology. Objective We sought to establish a consensus for the nomenclature and classification of inherited ichthyoses. Methods The classification project started at the First World Conference on Ichthyosis in 2007. A large international network of expert clinicians, skin pathologists, and geneticists entertained an interactive dialogue over 2 years, eventually leading to the First Ichthyosis Consensus Conference held in Soreze, France, on January 23 and 24, 2009, where subcommittees on different issues proposed terminology that was debated until consensus was reached. Results It was agreed that currently the nosology should remain clinically based. "Syndromic" versus "nonsyndromic" forms provide a useful major subdivision. Several clinical terms and controversial disease names have been redefined: eg, the group caused by keratin mutations is referred to by the umbrella term, "keratinopathic ichthyosis"–under which are included epidermolytic ichthyosis, superficial epidermolytic ichthyosis, and ichthyosis Curth-Macklin. "Autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis" is proposed as an umbrella term for the harlequin ichthyosis, lamellar ichthyosis, and the congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma group. Limitations As more becomes known about these diseases in the future, modifications will be needed. Conclusion We have achieved an international consensus for the classification of inherited ichthyosis that should be useful for all clinicians and can serve as reference point for future research.

Dynamics of Social Capital and Their Performance Implications: Lessons from Biotechnology Start-ups

Abstract: Based on comparative longitudinal case analyses of six new biotechnology firms, this paper explores how the configuration, management, and evolution of entrepreneurial firms' social capital affect

Venetoclax–Rituximab in Relapsed or Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Abstract: Background Venetoclax inhibits BCL2, an antiapoptotic protein that is pathologically overexpressed and that is central to the survival of chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells. We evaluated the efficacy of venetoclax in combination with rituximab in patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Methods In this randomized, open-label, phase 3 trial, we randomly assigned 389 patients to receive venetoclax for up to 2 years (from day 1 of cycle 1) plus rituximab for the first 6 months (venetoclax–rituximab group) or bendamustine plus rituximab for 6 months (bendamustine–rituximab group). The trial design did not include crossover to venetoclax plus rituximab for patients in the bendamustine–rituximab group in whom progression occurred. The primary end point was investigator-assessed progression-free survival. Results After a median follow-up period of 23.8 months, the rate of investigator-assessed progression-free survival was significantly higher in the venetoclax–rituximab group ...

Liposomal Amphotericin B as Initial Therapy for Invasive Mold Infection: A Randomized Trial Comparing a High–Loading Dose Regimen with Standard Dosing (AmBiLoad Trial)

Abstract: Background. Treatment of invasive mold infection in immunocompromised patients remains challenging. Voriconazole has been shown to have efficacy and survival benefits over amphotericin B deoxycholate, but its utility is limited by drug interactions. Liposomal amphotericin B achieves maximum plasma levels at a dosage of 10 mg/kg per day, but clinical efficacy data for higher doses are lacking. Methods. In a double-blind trial, patients with proven or probable invasive mold infection were randomized to receive liposomal amphotericin B at either 3 or 10 mg/kg per day for 14 days, followed by 3 mg/kg per day. The primary end point was favorable (i.e., complete or partial) response at the end of study drug treatment. Survival and safety outcomes were also evaluated. Results. Of 201 patients with confirmed invasive mold infection, 107 received the 3-mg/kg daily dose, and 94 received the 10-mg/kg daily dose. Invasive aspergillosis accounted for 97% of cases. Hematological malignancies were present in 93% of patients, and 73% of patients were neutropenic at baseline. A favorable response was achieved in 50% and 46% of patients in the 3- and 10-mg/kg groups, respectively (difference, 4%; 95% confidence interval, -10% to 18%; P>.05); the respective survival rates at 12 weeks were 72% and 59% (difference, 13%; 95% confidence interval, -0.2% to 26%; P> .05). Significantly higher rates of nephrotoxicity and hypokalemia were seen in the high-dose group. Conclusions. In highly immunocompromised patients, the effectiveness of 3 mg/kg of liposomal amphotericin B per day as first-line therapy for invasive aspergillosis is demonstrated, with a response rate of 50% and a 12-week survival rate of 72%. The regimen of 10 mg/kg per day demonstrated no additional benefit and higher rates of nephrotoxicity. © 2007 by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved.