bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postpartum Contraception in Northern Tanzania: Patterns of Use, Relationship to Antenatal Intentions, and Impact of Antenatal Counseling
Authors: Keogh Sarah C. , Urassa Mark , Kumogola Yusufu , Kalongoji Samwel , Kimaro Daniel , Zaba Basia
Published: December 2015

In Tanzania, unmet need for contraception is high, particularly in the postpartum period. Contraceptive counseling during routine antenatal HIV testing could reach 97 percent of pregnant women with much‐needed information, but requires an understanding of postpartum contraceptive use and its relationship to antenatal intentions. We conducted a baseline survey of reproductive behavior among 5,284 antenatal clients in Northern Tanzania, followed by an intervention offering contraceptive counseling to half the respondents. A follow‐up survey at 6–15 months postpartum examined patterns and determinants of postpartum contraceptive use, assessed their correspondence with antenatal intentions, and evaluated the impact of the intervention. Despite high loss to follow‐up, our findings indicate that condoms and hormonal methods had particular and distinct roles in the postpartum period, based on understandings of postpartum fertility. Antenatal intentions were poor predictors of postpartum reproductive behavior. Antenatal counseling had an effect on postpartum contraceptive intentions, but not on use. Different antenatal/contraceptive service integration models should be tested to determine how and when antenatal counseling can be most effective.
Interventions to Improve Postpartum Family Planning in Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries: Program Implications and Research Priorities
Authors: Cleland John , Shah Iqbal H. , Daniele Marina
Published: December 2015

This article provides programmatic guidance and identifies future research priorities through a review of interventions to improve postpartum contraception. Thirty‐five interventions in low‐ and middle‐income countries were identified and classified according to timing and nature of administration: antenatal, postnatal, both ante‐ and postnatal, and integration with other services. With the exception of single, short antenatal interventions, the evidence of impact is positive but incomplete. A major gap in knowledge concerns demand for, and means of promoting, immediate postpartum family planning services in Asia and Africa. Counseling before discharge is likely to have an impact on subsequent contraceptive uptake. Integration of family planning into immunization and pediatric services is justified, but policy and program obstacles remain. A case for relaxing the strict conditions of the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) is strong, but qualitative evidence on the perspectives of women on pregnancy risks is required. Despite the gaps in knowledge, the evidence provides useful guidance for strategies to promote postpartum family planning, in ways that take different contexts into account.
Usefulness of albumin–bilirubin grade for evaluation of prognosis of 2584 Japanese patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Hiraoka Atsushi , Kumada Takashi , Michitaka Kojiro , Toyoda Hidenori , Tada Toshifumi , Ueki Hidetaro , Kaneto Miho , Aibiki Toshihiko , Okudaira Tomonari , Kawakami Takamasa , Kawamura Tomoe , Yamago Hiroka , Suga Yoshifumi , Miyamoto Yuji , Tomida Hideomi , Azemoto Nobuaki , Mori Kenichiro , Miyata Hideki , Ninomiya Tomoyuki , Kawasaki Hideki
Published: December 2015

Background and Aim:

The Child–Pugh classification has some non‐objective factors, with chronic hepatitis indistinguishable from early liver cirrhosis in Child–Pugh A. We retrospectively evaluated the efficacy of albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) grade, which has been proposed as a new classification for hepatic function, for grading hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients based on hepatic function and predicting their prognosis.

Method:

From 2000 to 2014, 2584 naïve HCC [69.0 ± 9.8 years old, 1850 men, 734 female, Child–Pugh class A:B:C = 1871:558:155] were enrolled. TNM staging was determined using the classification of the Liver Cancer Study Group of Japan and ALBI grade, instead of Child–Pugh classification (ALBI with TNM score: ALBI‐T score) (Table 1), and is similar to the Japan Integrated Staging (JIS) score. We retrospectively compared ALBI‐T and JIS scores in these patients.

Results:

Of patients classified as Child–Pugh A (n = 1871), 1285 with 5 points were divided into 858 with ALBI grade 1 and 427 with grade 2, while 586 with 6 points were divided into 53 with grade 1 and 533 with grade 2. The ratio of ALBI grade 2 patients with a Child–Pugh score of 6 points (91.0%) was similar to that of those with 7 points (91.8%). Patients with a lower ALBI‐T score (0–5 points) showed a better median survival time than those with a corresponding lower JIS score [137.7:83.2:53.4:27.4:5.0:1.4 vs 97.6:74.9:39.7:15.0:4.0:1.0 months].

Conclusion:

Albumin–bilirubin grade was found to be superior for distinguishing patients with better hepatic function. ALBI‐T scoring may be a better total prognostic scoring system for predicting survival of Japanese patients with HCC.
Decreased expression of TIPE2 contributes to the hyperreactivity of monocyte to Toll‐like receptor ligands in primary biliary cirrhosis
Authors: Qin Baodong , Wei Tingting , Wang Lili , Ma Ning , Tang Qingqin , Liang Yan , Yang Zaixing , Zhou Lin , Zhong Renqian
Published: December 2015

Background and Aim

Previous studies have shown differential TIPE2 expression in several autoimmune diseases. However, the expression levels of TIPE2 in primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) remained unclear. The purposes of this study were to evaluate TIPE2 expression levels in patients with PBC and further investigate its role in PBC pathogenesis.

Methods

A total of 40 PBC patients and 44 healthy controls were included in the present study. Quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were used to determine the differences in mRNA and protein expression levels of TIPE2. The correlations of TIPE2 expression levels and clinical characteristics, inflammatory cytokines, and ursodeoxycholic acid treatment were also assessed. Besides, the influence of TIPE2 on the reactivity of monocyte to Toll‐like receptor ligands was further analyzed.

Results

The expression levels of TIPE2 were significantly decreased in PBC patients compared with normal controls (P < 0.01). The expression levels of TIPE2 were negatively correlated with alanine aminotransferase (r = −0.40, P = 0.01), alkaline phosphatase (r = −0.36, P = 0.02), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (r = −0.53, P < 0.01), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α (r = −0.332, P = 0.03), interleukin (IL)‐1β (r = −0.386, P = 0.01), and IL‐8 (r = −0.366, P = 0.02) levels in sera from PBC patients. TIPE2 expression level could be significantly increased after ursodeoxycholic acid treatment (P < 0.01). The production of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐8 by monocytes from PBC patients after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide and lipoteichoic acid was significantly increased when TIPE2 was knocked down. Furthermore, TIPE2 knockdown could promote activation of nuclear factor‐κB pathways through increasing phosphorylation and degradation of IκB in peripheral blood monocytes from PBC patients.

Conclusion

The present study reported that insufficient expression of TIPE2 might be involved in the hyperreactivity of monocyte to Toll‐like receptor ligands in PBC.
Aspiration Thrombectomy in Patients Undergoing Primary Angioplasty for ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction: An Updated Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Ghatak Abhijit , Singh Vikas , Shantha Ghanshyam Palamaner Subash , Badheka Apurva , Patel Nilesh , Alfonso Carlos E. , Biswas Monodeep , Pancholy Samir Bipin , Grines Cindy , O'Neill William W. , de Marchena Eduardo , Cohen Mauricio G.
Published: December 2015

Background

The Trial of Routine Aspiration Thrombectomy with PCI versus PCI alone in patients with STEMI (TOTAL trial) refuted the salutary effect of routine aspiration thrombectomy (AT) in PPCI for patients with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Objectives

We performed an updated meta‐analysis to assess clinical outcomes with AT prior to PPCI compared with conventional PPCI alone including the additional trial data.

Methods and Results

Clinical trials (n = 20) that randomized patients (n = 21,281) with STEMI between Routine AT (n = 10,619) and PPCI (n = 10,662) were pooled. There was no difference in all‐cause mortality between the 2 groups (RR: 0.89, 95%CI: 0.78–1.01, P = 0.08). Stratifying by follow up at 1‐month (RR: 0.87, 95%CI: 0.69–1.10, P = 0.25), up to 6 months (RR: 0.91, 95%CI: 0.74–1.13, P = 0.39 and beyond 6 months (RR: 0.88, 95%CI: 0.74–1.05, P = 0.16) yielded similar results. There was a statistically significant increase risk of stoke rate in the AT arm (RR: 1.51, 95%CI: 1.01–2.25, P = 0.04). The 2 groups were similar with regards to target vessel revascularization (0.94, 95%CI: 0.83–1.06, P = 0.28) recurrent MI (RR: 0.96, 95%CI: 0.80–1.16, P = 0.68, MACE events (RR: 0.91 95%CI: 0.81–1.02, P = 0.11), early (0.59, 95%CI: 0.23–1.50, P = 0.27) and late (RR: 0.91, 95%CI: 0.69–1.18, P = 0.47) stent thrombosis and net clinical benefit (RR 0.99, 95%CI: 0.91–1.07, P = 0.76).

Conclusion

Routine AT prior to PPCI in STEMI is associated with higher risk of stroke. There is no statistical difference in clinical outcome parameters of mortality, major adverse cardiac events, target vessel revascularization, stent thrombosis, and net clinical benefit between AT and PCI alone. (J Interven Cardiol 2015;28:503–513)
Comparative Analysis of Tunical Plication vs. Intralesional Injection Therapy for Ventral Peyronie’s Disease
Authors: Yafi Faysal A. , Hatzichristodoulou Georgios , Knoedler Christopher J. , Trost Landon W. , Sikka Suresh C. , Hellstrom Wayne J.G.
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Approximately 10% of Peyronie’s disease (PD) patients present with ventral curvatures and, as such, there is a paucity of data describing the optimal approach for treatment.

Aim

This study aims to compare the outcomes of surgery (tunical plication [TP]) and intralesional injection (ILI) therapy (interferon-α2b) in men with ventral PD.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective data were collected from two centers: Tulane University (ILI) and Technical University of Munich (TP). Collected variables included patient demographics, pre- and post-treatment sexual function, rigorous penile measurements (curvature, length, and penile vascular findings), and post-treatment outcomes.

Results

A total of 35 patients with ventral PD (21 ILI and 14 TP) were included in the study. There were no significant differences between the two groups prior to the interventions. There was a significantly better improvement in mean curvature with TP (46.4 degrees) as compared with ILI (9.3), P < 0.0001. TP was also associated with a significantly higher rate of ≥20% improvement in curvature as compared with ILI (100% vs. 67%, P = 0.027). Although there was no significant difference in post-treatment change in Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) scores between the groups, 36% of the ILI patients noted an improved SHIM score as compared with none in the TP group. Erect penile length was preserved or improved in 67% of the ILI group vs. 14% of the TP group, P = 0.005.

Conclusions

TP confers a better overall improvement in penile curvature as compared with ILI in patients with ventral PD. Preserved or improved erect penile length and SHIM scores may be observed in patients undergoing ILI.
Steroid Receptors and Aromatase Gene Expression in Different Brain Areas of Copulating and Sexually Sluggish Male Rats
Authors: Antaramian Anaid , González-Gallardo Adriana , García-Ugalde Carlos , Portillo Wendy , Paredes Raúl G.
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Sexually sluggish (SS) males have been identified in several species of mammals including rats. These animals take more than 30 minutes to ejaculate; they do not ejaculate or do so inconsistently despite being tested repeatedly with sexually receptive females. Different brain areas and hormones play an important role in the control of male sexual behavior.

Aims

Determine gene expression for the androgen receptor (AR), the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), the progesterone receptor (PR), and the aromatase enzyme (ARO), in brain regions important in the control of male sexual behavior including the medial preoptic area (MPOA), the amygdala (AMG), the olfactory bulb (OB), and, as a control, the cortex (CTX) of copulating (C) and SS male rats.

Methods

Males that ejaculated within 30 minutes in three tests with receptive females were included in the C group, while those males that ejaculated in one or none of the four tests were included in the SS group. RNA was isolated 1 week after the last test of sexual behavior, and cDNA was synthesized from the brain areas listed above.

Main Outcomes Measures

Expression of the AR, ERα, PR, and ARO genes was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Cyclophilin A (CycA) and tyrosine 3-monooxygenase-tryptophan activation protein zeta (Ywhaz) were housekeeping genes used to determine relative gene expression with the 2−ΔΔCt method.

Results

The expression of mRNA for AR and ARO increased in the MPOA of SS males. ARO mRNA was increased in the AMG of SS males. In the OB, ERα mRNA was increased and AR mRNA reduced in SS males.

Conclusion

These results indicate SS and C males show differences in gene expression within brain regions controlling sexual behavior.
Serum β‐lactam concentrations in critically ill patients with cirrhosis: a matched case–control study
Authors: Lheureux Olivier , Trepo Eric , Hites Maya , Cotton Frederic , Wolff Fleur , Surin Rudy , Creteur Jacques , Vincent Jean‐Louis , Gustot Thierry , Jacobs Frederique , Taccone Fabio S.
Published: December 2015

Background & Aims

The pharmacokinetics of β‐lactam antibiotics have not been well defined in critically ill patients with cirrhosis.

Methods

We reviewed data from critically ill patients with cirrhosis and matched controls in whom routine therapeutic drug monitoring of two broad‐spectrum β‐lactam antibiotics (piperacillin/tazobactam and meropenem) had been performed. Serum drug concentrations were measured twice by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Antibiotic pharmacokinetics were calculated using a one‐compartment model. We considered that therapy was adequate when serum drug concentrations were between 4 and 8 times the minimal inhibitory concentration of Pseudomonas aeruginosa during optimal periods of time for each drug (≥ 50% for piperacillin/tazobactam; ≥ 40% for meropenem).

Results

We studied 38 patients with cirrhosis (16 for piperacillin/tazobactam and 22 for meropenem) and 38 matched controls. Drug dosing was similar in the two groups. The pharmacokinetics analysis showed a lower volume of distribution of meropenem (P = 0.05) and a lower antibiotic clearance of piperacillin/tazobactam (P = 0.009) in patients with cirrhosis than in the matched controls. Patients with cirrhosis were more likely than those without cirrhosis to have excessive serum β‐lactam concentrations (P = 0.015), in particular for piperacillin/tazobactam.

Conclusions

Standard β‐lactam antibiotics regimens resulted in excessive serum concentrations in two thirds of the patients with cirrhosis. This was particularly true for piperacillin/tazobactam, probably because of reduced drug clearance.
Grounding Distributional Semantics in the Visual World
Authors: Baroni Marco
Published: December 2015

Distributional semantic models build vector‐based word meaning representations on top of contextual information extracted from large collections of text. Object recognition methods from computer vision derive vector‐based representations of visual content from natural images. This article reviews how methods from computer vision are exploited to tackle the fundamental problem of grounding distributional semantic models, bringing them closer to providing a full‐fledged computational account of meaning.
Methods in renal research: kidney transplantation in the rat
Authors: Tillou Xavier , Howden Brian O. , Kanellis John , Nikolic‐Paterson David J. , Ma Frank Y.
Published: December 2015

Kidney transplantation in small animals has been crucial in the development of anti‐rejection therapies. While there is no substitute for a skilled microsurgeon, there are many aspects of the transplant procedure that can be modified to optimize the reproducibility and utility of the technique. This article provides a detailed description, including video recording, of orthotopic kidney transplantation in the rat. The key variables in the technique are also discussed.
Food cue reactivity and craving predict eating and weight gain: a meta‐analytic review
Authors: Boswell Rebecca G. , Kober Hedy
Published: December 2015

According to learning‐based models of behavior, food cue reactivity and craving are conditioned responses that lead to increased eating and subsequent weight gain. However, evidence supporting this relationship has been mixed. We conducted a quantitative meta‐analysis to assess the predictive effects of food cue reactivity and craving on eating and weight‐related outcomes. Across 69 reported statistics from 45 published reports representing 3,292 participants, we found an overall medium effect of food cue reactivity and craving on outcomes (r = 0.33, p < 0.001; approximately 11% of variance), suggesting that cue exposure and the experience of craving significantly influence and contribute to eating behavior and weight gain. Follow‐up tests revealed a medium effect size for the effect of both tonic and cue‐induced craving on eating behavior (r = 0.33). We did not find significant differences in effect sizes based on body mass index, age, or dietary restraint. However, we did find that visual food cues (e.g. pictures and videos) were associated with a similar effect size to real food exposure and a stronger effect size than olfactory cues. Overall, the present findings suggest that food cue reactivity, cue‐induced craving and tonic craving systematically and prospectively predict food‐related outcomes. These results have theoretical, methodological, public health and clinical implications.
Improvement of Atrial and Ventricular Remodeling with Low Atrial Fibrillation Burden after Hybrid Ablation of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: TOPLISEK JANEZ , PERNAT ANDREJ , RUZIC NADA , ROBIC BORIS , SINKOVEC MATJAZ , CVIJIC MARTA , GERSAK BORUT
Published: December 2015

Background

An endoscopic transdiaphragmatic epicardial radiofrequency ablation procedure combined with percutaneous endocardial radiofrequency ablation—a hybrid procedure—is a potentially curative treatment option for patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). Long‐term effects of arrhythmia elimination on atrial and ventricular remodeling are not completely understood. Therefore, the aim of our study was to quantify echocardiographic structural and functional changes of the left atrium (LA) and left ventricle (LV) following a hybrid procedure.

Methods and Results

Thirty‐seven consecutive patients with symptomatic drug refractory persistent AF underwent a hybrid procedure to achieve complete pulmonary vein and LA posterior wall electrical isolation. AF burden was measured using an insertable electrocardiographic (ECG) monitor. Patients were divided into responders to ablation and nonresponders according to postoperative AF burden at 12‐month follow‐up (responder < 0.5% vs nonresponder ≥0.5%). Median AF burden was 0.32 (0.04–27.5)% for all patients. In responders (19/37 patients), significant echocardiographic reduction of LA volume index from 47 to 41 mL/m2 (P < 0.05) and improvement of LA function parameters (LA stiffness from 73.3 to 41.3 [P < 0.05], LA emptying fraction from 21% to 45% [P < 0.05], LA global longitudinal strain from 11.2% to 18.8% [P < 0.5]) was documented. In addition, LV systolic function significantly improved in comparison with nonresponders.

Conclusion

Hybrid ablation of persistent AF achieved stable sinus rhythm in a significant proportion of patients, as evidenced by continuous ECG monitoring, resulting in important LA and LV reverse remodeling after 12 months.
Clinicopathological characteristics associated with BRAFK601E and BRAFL597 mutations in melanoma
Authors: Voskoboynik Mark , Mar Victoria , Mailer Sonia , Colebatch Andrew , Fennessy Anne , Logan Aleksandra , Hewitt Chelsee , Cebon Jonathon , Kelly John , McArthur Grant
Published: December 2015

BRAF mutations at codons L597 and K601 occur uncommonly in melanoma. Clinical and pathological associations of these mutations were investigated in a cohort of 1119 patients with known BRAF mutation status. A BRAF mutation was identified in 435 patients; Mutations at L597 and the K601E mutation were seen in 3.4 and 3.2% of these, respectively. K601E melanomas tended to occur in male patients, a median age of 58 yr, were generally found on the trunk (64%) and uncommonly associated with chronically sun‐damaged (CSD) skin. BRAF L597 melanomas occurred in older patients (median 66 yr), but were associated with CSD skin (extremities or head and neck location – 73.3%, P = 0.001). Twenty‐three percent of patients with V600E‐ and 43% of patients with K601E‐mutant melanomas presented with nodal disease at diagnosis compared to just 14% of patients with BRAF wild‐type tumors (P = 0.001 and 0.006, respectively). Overall, these mutations represent a significant minority of BRAF mutations, but have distinct clinicopathological phenotypes and clinical behaviors.
Gaucher Disease Type 2 Presenting with Collodion Membrane and Blueberry Muffin Lesions
Authors: Carr Patrick C. , Casamiquela Kathleen M. , Jacks Stephanie K.
Published: December 2015

Collodion membrane is most closely associated with forms of autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis, but the differential diagnosis includes many other less common etiologies. Herein we present a case of Gaucher disease (GD) type 2 in a neonate presenting with collodion membrane in addition to blueberry muffin lesions. The clinical presentation and etiology of GD and the differential diagnoses for collodion membrane and blueberry muffin lesions are briefly reviewed.
Eruptive Hypomelanosis in a Young Child as a “Paraviral Exanthem”
Authors: Chuh Antonio , Bharatia Pravin , Zawar Vijay
Published: December 2015

We recently reported a wave of nine children with a novel paraviral exanthem, which we have termed eruptive hypomelanosis. We subsequently witnessed a second wave of children with this exanthem and present a patient here to alert clinicians.
Acute myeloid leukemia in children: Current status and future directions
Authors: Taga Takashi , Tomizawa Daisuke , Takahashi Hiroyuki , Adachi Souichi
Published: December 2015

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) accounts for 25% of pediatric leukemia and affects approximately 180 patients annually in Japan. The treatment outcome for pediatric AML has improved through advances in chemotherapy, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), supportive care, and optimal risk stratification. Currently, clinical pediatric AML studies are conducted separately according to the AML subtypes: de novo AML, acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), and myeloid leukemia with Down syndrome (ML‐DS). Children with de novo AML are treated mainly with anthracyclines and cytarabine, in some cases with HSCT, and the overall survival (OS) rate now approaches 70%. Children with APL are treated with an all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA)‐combined regimen with an 80–90% OS. Children with ML‐DS are treated with a less intensive regimen compared with non‐DS patients, and the OS is approximately 80%. HSCT in first remission is restricted to children with high‐risk de novo AML only. To further improve outcomes, it will be necessary to combine more accurate risk stratification strategies using molecular genetic analysis with assessment of minimum residual disease, and the introduction of new drugs in international collaborative clinical trials.
Efficacy and safety of pamidronate in children with vitamin D intoxication
Authors: Kara Cengiz , Çetinkaya Semra , Gündüz Suzan , Can Yılmaz Gülay , Aycan Zehra , Aydın Murat
Published: December 2015

Background

Bisphosphonates are used in the treatment of vitamin D intoxication (VDI) after failure of conventional therapy including prednisolone. Safety concerns restrict the use of bisphosphonates from being used as first‐line therapy for VDI in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pamidronate in comparison with prednisolone in children with VDI.

Methods

We reviewed the hospital records of children consecutively diagnosed with VDI at two medical centers in a 15 year period.

Results

The subjects consisted of 21 children (age, 0.3–4.2 years) who were treated with prednisolone and/or bisphosphonates. Pamidronate (n = 18) or alendronate (n = 3) was used in six patients after unsuccessful prednisolone treatment, and in 15 patients from baseline. Initial serum calcium and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D were 16.1 ± 1.9 mg/dL and 493 ± 219 ng/mL, respectively. The median time to reach normocalcemia in the pamidronate, alendronate and prednisolone groups was 3 days (range, 2–12 days), 4 days (range, 3–6 days) and 17 days (range, 12–26 days), respectively (P = 0.013). The pamidronate group had a fivefold shorter hospital stay than the prednisolone group. Three patients initially treated with prednisolone developed nephrocalcinosis but this did not occur in any patient treated with bisphosphonates from baseline. Apart from transient fever and moderate hypophosphatemia, no side‐effect of bisphosphonate treatment was observed.

Conclusions

Pamidronate is efficient and safe for the treatment of VDI in children. Pamidronate use significantly shortens the duration of treatment, and thereby may prevent the development of nephrocalcinosis. Instead of prednisolone, pamidronate should be used together with hydration and furosemide as the first‐line therapy for VDI.
Husserl and Rickert on the Nature of Judgment
Authors: Staiti Andrea
Published: December 2015

In this paper I present and assess a controversy between Edmund Husserl and Heinrich Rickert on the nature of judgment, in order to bring to light the originality of Husserl's proposal concerning this important issue. In the first section I provide some context for Rickert's theory of judgment by sketching a reconstruction of nineteenth century logical theory and then proceed to introduce Rickert's view. I suggest that nineteenth century logic is characterized by a criticism of the traditional view that sees categorial judgment (S is P) as the essential form of judgment and the uniting and separating of ideas as sufficient for the constitution of a judgment. Hume inaugurates this criticism, but it finds its most mature expression in the work of Lotze, Brentano, and Rickert. Rickert, in particular, sees simple affirmation and negation of the transcendent value of truth as the essence of judgment. In the second section I present Husserl's criticism of Rickert. Husserl's criticism revolves around the distinction between simple judgments and the higher‐order affirmative or negative stance we can adopt with respect to previously articulated simple judgments. Simple judgments register the mereological relation holding among something and one of its properties, and they do not entail an affirmative or negative stance. Their function is to constitute states of affairs drawing on concrete perceptual situations. Higher‐order affirmation or negation occurs when we set out to revisit a foregoing simple judgment in order to confirm or disconfirm the veridicality of its proposed state of affairs. In the third part I suggest a diagnosis of the origin of the mistake in earlier theories. Simple judgments are easy to conflate with non‐simple, higher‐order judgmental stances because (1) they have the same logical value and (2) they cannot be seen without the aid of genuinely phenomenological (as opposed to retrospective) reflection. In conclusion, I suggest that Husserl's analysis amounts to a vindication of categorial judgment in its traditional form ‘S is P’, which continues to maintain a phenomenological legitimacy even in the wake of Frege's canonical dismissal of subject and predicate.
Tumor islands and spread through air spaces: Distinct patterns of invasion in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Morales‐Oyarvide Vicente , Mino‐Kenudson Mari
Published: December 2015

Lung adenocarcinoma is a highly heterogeneous disease and the heterogeneity is associated with various patient outcomes even in early‐stage tumors. In order to improve prognostic and predictive values, the IASLC/ATS/ERS international multidisciplinary lung adenocarcinoma classification was put forth in 2011 and it has been adopted in the recently published World Health Organization (WHO) classification of Tumours of the Lung, Pleura, Thymus and Heart 4th edition 2015, and lung adenocarcinomas are classified based on the predominant pattern. The performance of the classification in stratifying patient outcomes after resection of Stage I tumors and predicting molecular alterations has been confirmed by several studies. It also includes the category of minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA) that predicts 100% 5‐year recurrence free survival after curative resection similar to adenocarcinoma in situ. The diagnosis of MIA is based on not only size of the invasive component but also the absence of aggressive morphologic features such as pleural and/or lymphovascular invasion. Importantly, the WHO 2015 classification has introduced the concept of air space invasion and includes it as the exclusion criteria for MIA. The air space invasion consists of tumor islands and spread through air spaces (STAS). In this review, we will discuss the two entities and their clinical implications.
Racial Attitudes Predicted Changes in Ostensibly Race‐Neutral Political Attitudes Under the Obama Administration
Authors: Lundberg Kristjen B. , Payne B. Keith , Pasek Josh , Krosnick Jon A.
Published: December 2015

Past research demonstrated that racial prejudice played a significant role in the 2008 presidential election, but relatively less is known about the relationship between prejudice and public opinion throughout the Obama administration. In the present research, we examined not only whether racial attitudes were associated with evaluations of Mr. Obama and his administration, but also whether they may have influenced the development of more general political attitudes during the early years of the Obama administration. We investigated this question using panel data from a nationally representative sample of Americans interviewed between September 2008 and July 2010. Racial attitudes measured prior to the election predicted early disapproval of President Obama's handling of important issues. Early disapproval of President Obama's performance, in turn, predicted later perceptions of whether the state of the nation was improving. Further, the divergence between high‐prejudice and low‐prejudice individuals in their perceptions of the state of the nation became greater over time, consistent with the idea that racial attitudes were more powerfully expressed in political judgments as time passed.
Gut microbiota in Malawian infants in a nutritional supplementation trial
Authors: Cheung Yin Bun , Xu Ying , Mangani Charles , Fan Yue‐Mei , Dewey Kathryn G. , Salminen Seppo Jaakko , Maleta Kenneth , Ashorn Per
Published: December 2015

Objectives

To examine whether two forms of lipid‐based nutrient supplements (LNS) or a micronutrient‐fortified corn–soya blend were associated with development of the gut microbiota in Malawian infants, to assess the microbiota profiles at the age of 6 and 18 months and to follow the changes during the 12‐month period.

Methods

This was a substudy of a 4‐arm randomised controlled trial conducted in rural Malawi. Infants at the age of 6 months were randomised to receive no supplement during the primary follow‐up period (control), 54 g/day of micronutrient‐fortified LNS with milk protein base (milk LNS), 54 g/day of micronutrient‐fortified LNS with soya protein base (soya LNS), or 71 g/day of micronutrient‐fortified corn–soya blend for 12 months. Stool samples were collected at baseline (6 months) and end of trial (18 months). The 16S rRNA gene was amplified and subjected to multiplex sequencing.

Results

A total of 213 infants had paired microbiota data at 6 and 18 months of age. The Dirichlet‐multinomial test showed no significant difference in microbiota profile between the four intervention groups at either age (each P > 0.10). Bifidobacterium longum was most abundant at both ages. Lactobacillus ruminis, Shigella and Salmonella were present. The abundance of Prevotella and Faecalibacterium increased with age (each P < 0.001), while Bifidobacteriaceae and Enterobacteriaceae exhibited significant decrease (each P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Nutritional supplementation by LNS or corn–soya blend for twelve months did not affect the gut microbiota profile in the rural Malawian context.
Analysis of COPII Vesicles Indicates a Role for the Emp47–Ssp120 Complex in Transport of Cell Surface Glycoproteins
Authors: Margulis Neil G. , Wilson Joshua D. , Bentivoglio Christine M. , Dhungel Nripesh , Gitler Aaron D. , Barlowe Charles
Published: December 2015

Coat protein complex II (COPII) vesicle formation at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) transports nascent secretory proteins forward to the Golgi complex. To further define the machinery that packages secretory cargo and targets vesicles to Golgi membranes, we performed a comprehensive proteomic analysis of purified COPII vesicles. In addition to previously known proteins, we identified new vesicle proteins including Coy1, Sly41 and Ssp120, which were efficiently packaged into COPII vesicles for trafficking between the ER and Golgi compartments. Further characterization of the putative calcium‐binding Ssp120 protein revealed a tight association with Emp47 and in emp47Δ cells Ssp120 was mislocalized and secreted. Genetic analyses demonstrated that EMP47 and SSP120 display identical synthetic positive interactions with IRE1 and synthetic negative interactions with genes involved in cell wall assembly. Our findings support a model in which the Emp47–Ssp120 complex functions in transport of plasma membrane glycoproteins through the early secretory pathway.
Application of mutant JAK2V617F for in vitro generation of red blood cells
Authors: Lee Sun Ah , Kim Ji Yeon , Choi Yongwook , Kim Yonggoo , Kim Hyun Ok
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND

In vitro generation of red blood cells (RBCs) from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) has been reported, but the collection of 1 × 105 to 1 × 106 CD34+ cells present in cord and peripheral blood is too small for expansion to 1 × 1012 cells in 1 unit of RBCs. We transduced JAK2V617F gene, the most common mutation with polycythemia vera (PV), into cord blood–derived CD34+ cells. This PV model was expected to increase cell proliferation without the addition of erythropoietin (EPO) in early phase of differentiation.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Empty vector (control), wild‐type JAK2 (wJAK2), and mutant JAK2V617F (mJAK2) were transduced into CD34+ cells using a lentivirus system. The CD34+ cells were then differentiated to the RBCs in a culture system. The cells were analyzed for cell number, differential count, and morphologic changes. Cultured RBCs were tested for oxygen equilibrium.

RESULTS

wJAK2‐ and mJAK2‐transduced cells showed higher proliferation capacity until Day 21 than control cells; interestingly, only mJAK2‐transduced cells were highly increased on Day 7 during EPO‐free culture. However, both wJAK2‐ and mJAK2‐tranduced cells had more delayed differentiation than control, but they had a higher portion of completely matured RBCs and orthochromatic erythroblasts. Furthermore, mJAK2‐tranduced cells showed more differentiation into RBCs than wJAK2‐transduced cells and they had a normal hemoglobin dissociation curve.

CONCLUSION

This is the first trial to use a PV erythropoiesis model for RBC differentiation from stem cells. The transduction of HSCs with mJAK2 increased their proliferation capacity in EPO‐free culture conditions. This model may also be useful for investigating the pathogenesis of PV.
Riboflavin‐ultraviolet light pathogen reduction treatment does not impact the immunogenicity of murine red blood cells
Authors: Tormey Christopher A. , Santhanakrishnan Manjula , Smith Nicole H. , Liu Jingchun , Marschner Susanne , Goodrich Raymond P. , Hendrickson Jeanne E.
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND

Ultraviolet (UV) illumination/pathogen reduction effectively inactivates white blood cells (WBCs) in whole blood. Given that cotransfused WBCs may impact recipient immune responses, we hypothesized that pathogen reduction of whole blood may alter responses to RBC antigens.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Transgenic mice expressing a model (HOD) antigen, authentic human (hGPA or KEL) antigens, or natural fluorescence (uGFP) on their RBCs were utilized as blood donors. Recipients were transfused with fresh whole blood to which riboflavin had been added or fresh whole blood treated by UV illumination/pathogen reduction treatment after the addition of riboflavin. Posttransfusion RBC recovery, survival, and alloimmunization were measured by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

UV illumination/pathogen reduction treatment did not alter RBC antigen expression, and recipients of treated syngeneic RBCs had persistently negative direct antiglobulin tests. Greater than 75% of treated and untreated syngeneic RBCs were recovered 24 hours posttransfusion in all experiments, although alterations in the long‐term posttransfusion survival of treated RBCs were observed. Treated and untreated KEL RBCs induced similar recipient alloimmune responses, with all recipients making anti‐KEL glycoprotein immunoglobulins (p > 0.05). Alloimmune responses to treated HOD or hGPA RBCs were no different from untreated RBCs (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Pathogen inactivation treatment of fresh whole murine blood with riboflavin and UV illumination does not impact the rate or magnitude of RBC alloimmunization to three distinct RBC antigens. Further, UV illumination/pathogen reduction appears safe from an immunohematologic standpoint, with no immunogenic neoantigens detected on treated murine RBCs. Future studies with fresh and stored human RBCs are warranted to confirm these findings.
Effect of blood transfusion on intestinal blood flow and oxygenation in extremely preterm infants during first week of life
Authors: Banerjee Jayanta , Leung Terence S. , Aladangady Narendra
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND

Extremely preterm infants receive frequent blood transfusions in the first week of life. The aim of this study was to measure the effect of blood transfusion on intestinal blood flow and oxygenation during the first week of life in extremely preterm infants.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) peak systolic velocity (PSV) and diastolic velocities were measured 30 to 60 minutes before and after transfusion. Splanchnic tissue hemoglobin index (sTHI), splanchnic tissue oxygenation index (sTOI), and splanchnic fractional tissue oxygen extraction (sFTOE) were measured continuously from 15 to 20 minutes before to after transfusion along with vital variables.

RESULTS

Twenty infants were studied (median gestational age, 26 weeks). Ten infants were partially fed (15‐68 mL/kg/day). Heart rate and SaO2 remained unaltered; blood pressure increased significantly (p < 0.01) after transfusion. Mean SMA PSV (p = 0.63) and diastolic velocity (p = 0.65) remained unaltered. Mean pretransfusion SMA PSV was similar in partially fed (0.78 m/sec) compared to unfed infants (0.52 m/sec; p = 0.06) and the response to transfusion was not dissimilar. There was a significant increase in sTHI (mean difference, 32.3%; p < 0.01) and sTOI (14.6%; p = 0.03) and decrease in sFTOE (22.1%; p < 0.01) after transfusion. There was no significant difference in sTHI or sTOI between fed and unfed infants and their response to transfusion.

CONCLUSIONS

Blood transfusion increased blood pressure and intestinal tissue oxygenation but did not alter blood flow velocities. Partial feeding had no impact on intestinal blood flow and tissue oxygenation changes.
Detection of emergent strains of West Nile virus with a blood screening assay
Authors: Faddy Helen M. , Flower Robert L.P. , Seed Clive R. , Ismay Susan , Ong Edgar , Linnen Jeffrey M. , Cory Robin , Holmberg Jerry A. , Hall Roy A. , Setoh Yin X. , Deerain Joshua M. , Prow Natalie A.
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND

West Nile virus (WNV) is a threat to transfusion safety. WNV Kunjin strain (WNVKUN) is endemic across parts of Australia; however, human infection is believed to be infrequent and is often associated with relatively minor symptoms. A virulent strain, closely related to WNVKUN (termed WNVNSW2011) was recently identified as the etiologic agent of encephalitis in Australian horses. The aim of this project was to investigate whether a commercially available WNV blood screening assay can detect different strains of WNVKUN, including the virulent WNVNSW2011, in human blood donor samples.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Plasma samples were spiked with four different strains of WNVKUN, as well as a prototype WNV strain, at high, medium, and low viral loads. Spiking was confirmed with real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), before testing with the Procleix WNV transcription‐mediated amplification (TMA) blood screening assay (Grifols).

RESULTS

All WNV strains used were detectable by RT‐PCR after being spiked into plasma. Additionally, all viral spiked samples were reactive by WNV TMA.

CONCLUSION

We experimentally demonstrate that a commercially available WNV blood screening assay can detect different strains of WNVKUN. Given that WNV can be transfusion transmissible, it is essential to confirm that emergent strains are detectable by existing blood screening methods.
Screening for transfusion transmissible infections using rapid diagnostic tests in Africa: a potential hazard to blood safety?
Authors: Prugger C. , Laperche S. , Murphy E. L. , Bloch E. M. , Kaidarova Z. , Tafflet M. , Lefrère J.‐J. , Jouven X.
Published: December 2015

Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are routinely used in African blood centres. We analysed data from two cross‐sectional studies representing 95 blood centres in 29 African countries. Standardized panels of sera containing varying concentrations of anti‐human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibodies (Ab), hepatitis B virus antigen (HBsAg) and antihepatitis C virus (HCV) Ab were screened using routine operational testing procedures at the centres. Sensitivity of detection using RDTs was high for HIV Ab‐positive samples, but low for intermediately HBsAg (51·5%) and HCV Ab (40·6%)‐positive samples. These findings suggest that current RDT use in Africa could pose a hazard to blood safety.
An investigation of red blood cell concentrate quality during storage in paediatric‐sized polyvinylchloride bags plasticized with alternatives to di‐2‐ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP)
Authors: Serrano K. , Levin E. , Chen D. , Hansen A. , Turner T. R. , Kurach J. , Reidel A. , Boecker W. F. , Acker J. P. , Devine D. V.
Published: December 2015

Background and Objectives

Di‐2‐ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is a blood bag plasticizer. It is also a toxin, raising concerns for vulnerable populations, for example, neonates and infants. Here, the in vitro quality of red cell concentrates (RCC) stored in paediatric bags formulated with alternative plasticizers to DEHP was compared.

Materials and Methods

RCC were pooled and split into polyvinylchloride (PVC)/DEHP, PVC/1,2‐cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester (DINCH) or PVC/butyryl trihexyl citrate (BTHC) bags. Quality was assessed on storage days 5, 21, 35 and 43.

Results

Metabolism differed among the bags: pCO2 levels were lowest and pO2 were highest in BTHC bags. Glucose consumption and lactate production suggested higher metabolic rates in BTHC bags. ATP levels were best maintained in DINCH bags (day 43 mean level: 2·86 ± 0·29 μmol/g Hb). RCC in BTHC bags had the greatest potassium release (54·6 ± 3·0 mm on day 43). From day 21, haemolysis was higher in BTHC bags (P < 0·01) and by day 43 had exceeded 0·8% (0·85 ± 0·10%). RCC in BTHC bags showed more microparticle formation than RCC in DEHP or DINCH bags.

Conclusion

The results suggest that the BTHC formulation used was detrimental to RBC quality. DINCH bags could be a viable alternative to DEHP: they outperformed DEHP bags energetically, with better maintenance of ATP levels.
Functional characteristics and clinical effectiveness of platelet concentrates treated with riboflavin and ultraviolet light in plasma and in platelet additive solution
Authors: Ignatova A. A. , Karpova O. V. , Trakhtman P. E. , Rumiantsev S. A. , Panteleev M. A.
Published: December 2015

Background and Objectives

Pathogen reduction technologies may affect platelet quality during storage. We studied functional characteristics and clinical effectiveness of platelet concentrates (PCs) treated with Mirasol in plasma and in platelet‐additive solution SSP+.

Materials and Methods

Mirasol‐treated, gamma‐irradiated and untreated apheresis PCs were examined on days 0, 1, 3 and 5 of storage. Phosphatidylserine, P‐selectin and active glycoprotein IIb/IIIa were analysed using flow cytometry before and after platelet stimulation. Platelet count increments, the numbers of inefficient transfusions and post‐transfusion reactions were analysed to estimate clinical effectiveness.

Results

A significant increase in all platelet activation markers occurred during storage in all PC groups. Activation markers in Mirasol‐treated samples were already significantly higher compared with the control ones on the day of harvesting, and continued to grow during the storage. Mirasol treatment increased the number of platelets with a mitochondrial membrane potential loss. On the 3rd day of storage, 50% of Mirasol‐treated platelets did not respond to activation; on the 5th day, none did. This agreed well with a decrease (approximately twofold) in the effectiveness of Mirasol‐treated PC transfusions. Transfusions of PCs stored in SSP+ were accompanied by fewer inefficient transfusions and post‐transfusion reactions than of PCs stored in plasma.

Conclusion

Treatment with Mirasol decreased platelet function, particularly profoundly on the 5th day of storage, and led to a decrease in the effectiveness of transfusions. SSP+ did not affect laboratory parameters significantly compared with plasma, but decreased the percentage of transfusion complications.