bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reproducibility of Histologic Assessment in Porto-sinusoidal Vascular Disease Liver Biopsies
Authors: Kmeid M , Lee H , Lagana S M , Lin J , Affolter K , Choi W , Liu X , Choi K E , Westerhoff M , Yang Z , Fiel M 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Introduction/Objective
Variable histologic findings that may be seen in porto-sinusoidal vascular disease (PSVD) liver biopsies are subject to high interobserver variability, requiring correlation with clinical history of portal hypertension (traditionally interpreted as non-cirrhotic portal hypertension NCPH). We investigated which histologic features are reproducible in PSVD biopsies.

Methods
Archived liver biopsies (n=38) from patients with NCPH (n=14) and without NCPH (n=21) were reviewed. Static H&E images of lobules (L, x100, NCPH=27, non-NCPH=23) and portal tracts (P, x200, NCPH=23, non- NCPH=27) were distributed among 9 gastrointestinal pathologists blinded to clinical history. Each pathologist answered multiple choice questions based on the presence (Q2) or absence (Q1) of portal hypertension clinically. The choice selected by 6 pathologists or more was considered consensus answer for the image. The interpretation of the image was considered reproducible when consensus was reached on both Q1 and Q2.

Results
The interpretations of 27 (54%; 17L, 10P) images from NCPH and 21 (42%; 10L, 11P) from non-NCPH were reproducible. In NCPH, the interpretations of normal (n=10, 4L, 6P), sinusoidal dilatation (n=7), and increased parenchymal draining vessels (n=3) were reproducible, while there was no consensus on the diagnoses of nodular regeneration and increased number of portal vessels. In non-NCPH, the interpretations of normal (n=8, 2L, 6P), sinusoidal dilatation (n=6), and paraportal shunting vessel(s) (n=4) were reproducible, whereas no consensus was reached on the diagnoses of nodular regeneration, incomplete fibrous septa, and increased number of portal vessels.

Conclusion
Histologic assessment of normal L and P as well as sinusoidal dilatation appears to be reproducible independent of clinical history. The findings of increased parenchymal draining vessels in NCPH group and paraportal shunting vessels in non-NCPH group may be consistently diagnosed to a certain extent. The assessment for nodular regeneration without reticulin stain, incomplete fibrous septa, or increased number of portal vessels appears to be unreliable.
Passive Transfer Of Allo-Antibodies Following Rhig Administration Given For Rh-Mismatched Platelets Prophylaxis
Authors: Sostin N , Hendrickson J , Balbuena-Merle R , Tormey C 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Introduction/Objective
Human platelets (PLTs) do not express any Rh system antigens; however, PLT concentrates can be contaminated with small amounts of red blood cells (RBCs), which may induce alloimmunization when transfused to Rh(D)-negative individuals. RhIG has been utilized to prevent Rh(D) alloantibody development following transfusion of Rh mismatched PLTs.
RhIG is manufactured using pooled plasma of healthy Rh(D)-negative donors, with the most common Rh haplotype being ce; treated subjects are exposed to Rh (D)-positive RBCs, with the most common Rh haplotype of donors being DCe. In this report, we detail our experiences with recipients of Rh mismatched apheresis PLTs who were noted to develop anti-D + anti-C post-RhIG administration.

Methods
Retrospective review was conducted of all Rh mismatched PLTs between December, 2018 and May, 2019 at our facility (Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT). Inclusion in the study required: Rh(D)-negative donor receiving one or more Rh(D)-positive apheresis PLTs, Receiving RhIG, &gt;1 antibody screen following RhIG administration demonstrating antibodies other than anti-D

Results
Our retrospective review identified 8 unique recipients of Rh mismatched apheresis PLTs who acquired anti- C, in addition to the expected anti-D, following administration of RhIG. The product (Rhophylac) was administered in all cases intravenously at a dose of 1500 IU (300 mcg) within 72 hours following Rh mismatched PLTs. In all patients, routine screening following RhIG simultaneously detected anti-D and anti-C 1-3 days after administration of Rh mismatched PLTs/RhIG, the antibody screen remained positive for a range of 27-167 days for both antibodies.

Conclusion
Based on this case series, which represented entirely men and older women, and coupled with emerging evidence about the extremely low likelihood of D-alloimmunization following Rh mismatched apheresis PLTs,2,3,6 we have changed our practice, limiting immunoprophylaxis for Rh mismatched platelets exclusively to women of reproductive age.
The blood bank and apheresis communities should be aware that passive transfer of non-D antibodies is possible when RhIG is dosed and could account for newly-detected non-D alloimmunization events. This phenomenon is another compelling reason to limit RhIG exposure to cases where it is only absolutely clinically necessary.7
Trends in Acute Appendicitis Among Pregnant Women, the Risk for Cardiac Arrest and Maternal-fetal Mortality
Authors: Oluwatoba A D 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Introduction/Objective
Acute appendicitis is the most common extra-uterine surgical emergency requiring immediate surgical intervention during pregnancy. However, risks for mortality and near-miss conditions (e.g., cardiac arrest) remain poorly understood. This study was conducted to determine the temporary changes in rate of acute appendicitis in pregnant women over time compared to their non-pregnant peers in relation to cardiac arrest, maternal mortality and stillbirth.

Methods
My analysis covered the period from January 1, 2002 through December 31, 2014 using cross-sectional data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS). The NIS, made available by the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP), currently constitutes the largest all-payer, publicly available inpatient database in the US.

Results
I identified a total of 64,799 cases of acute appendicitis during pregnancy, yielding a prevalence of 11/10,000. There was a significant increase in the prevalence of appendicitis over time. While the risk for cardiac arrest was not elevated, that of maternal mortality was five times (OR = 5.16, 95% CI = 2.57-10.38) as high among mothers diagnosed with appendicitis during pregnancy. The combined risk for fetal loss or stillbirth was twice as high among individuals diagnosed with appendicitis (OR = 2.05, 95% CI = 1.85-2.28).

Conclusion
Appendicitis during pregnancy increases the risk for cardiac arrest, and maternal mortality by about five- fold. We also found that the risk for fetal loss or stillbirth was doubled.
Novel Approach to Disseminate Educational Materials Using Technology
Authors: Kitchen K D , Moore M , Nance S , Mair D 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Introduction/Objective
Our facility initiated a modification to an existing on-site Specialist in Blood Bank Technology and Transfusion Medicine (SBB) Program, in July 2018. The modification changed a local program to a hybrid on-site and distance learning program. The curriculum was established using a dynamic repository of recorded presentations (video/audio recordings and PowerPoint/audio presentations) as part of the self-paced, didactic educational portion of the program. The challenge was to provide a primary method for accessing the didactic portion of the program that would be flexible and available through a variety of venues. Our SBB Program was awarded $2,500 by the ASCP Foundation Laboratory Science Program Director Educational Grant in 2018 in support of modifying the current SBB program to a modified, hybrid on-site plus on-line program.

Methods
The grant provided the necessary seed money to purchase iPads, seen as the method for delivery of the educational materials. The Apple iPad® (Apple, Inc., One Apple Park Way, Cupertino, CA 95014) was purchased to enable student access to on-line lecture materials through the company’s secure web portal. The SBB Program Director prepared the iPad for the students to ensure the on-line links were usable. The Directors demonstrated the use of the iPad to the students for accessing educational content during the orientation week.

Results
NA-Educational Practice Abstract

Conclusion
The acquisition of iPads offered the flexibility needed by the students to access learner materials throughout their day where Wi-Fi is available (at work, home, café, etc.) without being dependent upon work or home computers. Further, use of the iPads has opened the opportunity to access assignments, download required texts where electronically available, and access the company learner management system for completing quizzes related to the student assignments.
Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Donor Recruitment Strategies Towards Improving Availability Of Blood Product In Nigerian Tertiary Health Institution
Authors: Bolarinwa A , Olatinwo A T 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Introduction/Objective
Over the years, many strategies has been put in place to improve blood donations and overcome socio-cultural myths and fear that has held groups of people from voluntary blood donation in Nigeria and other subsahara africa countries. Among these are adequate education, approaches through religious group leaders, non-monetary incentives like giving them special awards during world blood donor day. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and adequacy of our blood donor recruitment and retention strategies in improving availability of blood product in our institution

Methods
For this cross sectional retrospective study, Data including blood donation and break down of pattern of donations, request for blood products, monthly units of blood issued gotten from our 5 year Transfusion services records were searched, same entered into Microsoft Excel and the were analysed

Results
Our voluntary non-renumerated blood donation steadily increased from 4.55 in 2015 to 33.3% in 2019, this represent a five fold increase in our voluntary donor recruitment within the period under review. However overall blood donation rate remained steady at approximately 12000 units per annum over this period of time. There is an increase in request rate, on the average the rate of blood request was 1214 units per month in 2015, but in 2018 this has increased to an average of 1738 units per month and by 2019 average rate of request was 2300 units per month. Out of this huge request only 67.9% of them was met, implying a huge deficit in our blood availability despite increasing pool of voluntary blood donor.

Conclusion
Findings in this study revealed a steady increase in the pool of voluntary blood donor which did not reflect in our overall blood availability. This might be due to concurrent decrease in our family replacement donor. This finding also suggests that even though our current strategy used in donor recruitment and retention might seems effective, they are still not adequat, as there is no commensurate rise in blood donation to match the progressive increase in blood demand. In the face of this inadequacy it might be expedient to also audit the blood ordering pattern in our centre in order to reduce wastage while we continue to work towards increasing the voluntary blood donor base.
Transcription factor Sp1 is upregulated by PKCι to drive the expression of YAP1 during pancreatic carcinogenesis
Authors: Yang Jinhe , Wang Junli , Zhang Hongmei , Li Changlong , Chen Changyan , Zhu Tongbo 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Recently, we identified that the atypical protein kinase C isoform ι (PKCι) enhances the expression of Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) to promote the tumorigenesis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma harboring mutant KRAS (mu-KRAS). To advance our understanding about underlying mechanisms, we analyze the transcription of YAP1 in pancreatic cancer cells and reveal that transcription factor specificity protein 1 (Sp1) is upregulated by PKCι and subsequently binds to multiple sites in YAP1 promoter to drive the transactivation of YAP1 in pancreatic cancer cells carrying mu-KRAS. The bioinformatics analysis further substantiates that the expression of PKCι, Sp1 and YAP1 is correlated and associated with the stages and prognosis of pancreatic tumors. Moreover, our apoptotic detection data demonstrate that combination of PKCι and Sp1 inhibitors at subtoxic doses displays synergistic effects on inducing apoptosis and reversing the immunosuppression of pancreatic cancer cells, establishing the combination of PKCι and Sp1 inhibitors as a promising novel therapeutic approach, or an adjuvant strategy to potentiate the antitumor effects of other immunotherapeutic agents in pancreatic cancer treatment.
Sustained Activation of PV+ Interneurons in Core Auditory Cortex Enables Robust Divisive Gain Control for Complex and Naturalistic Stimuli
Authors: Gothner Tina , Gonçalves Pedro J , Sahani Maneesh , Linden Jennifer F , Hildebrandt K Jannis 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Sensory cortices must flexibly adapt their operations to internal states and external requirements. Sustained modulation of activity levels in different inhibitory interneuron populations may provide network-level mechanisms for adjustment of sensory cortical processing on behaviorally relevant timescales. However, understanding of the computational roles of inhibitory interneuron modulation has mostly been restricted to effects at short timescales, through the use of phasic optogenetic activation and transient stimuli. Here, we investigated how modulation of inhibitory interneurons affects cortical computation on longer timescales, by using sustained, network-wide optogenetic activation of parvalbumin-positive interneurons (the largest class of cortical inhibitory interneurons) to study modulation of auditory cortical responses to prolonged and naturalistic as well as transient stimuli. We found highly conserved spectral and temporal tuning in auditory cortical neurons, despite a profound reduction in overall network activity. This reduction was predominantly divisive, and consistent across simple, complex, and naturalistic stimuli. A recurrent network model with power-law input–output functions replicated our results. We conclude that modulation of parvalbumin-positive interneurons on timescales typical of sustained neuromodulation may provide a means for robust divisive gain control conserving stimulus representations.
Parasite Circulating Cell-free DNA in the Blood of Alveolar Echinococcosis Patients as a Diagnostic and Treatment-Status Indicator
Authors: Fan Haining , Gai Wei , Zhang Lingqiang , Ma Yanyan , Wang Haijiu , Chen Xiaoping , Dong Jiahong , Zhang Yan , Bao Haihua , Zhou Ying , Ren Li , Cairang Yangdan , Hou Lizhao , Ren Bin , Wang Zhan , Wang Zhixin , Song Cuidan 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a serious parasitic disease caused by the larvae of Echinococcus multilocularis. It is the less common but substantially more deadly of the 2 major echinococcosis diseases that can occur globally but are concentrated in central Asia.

Methods
We analyzed parasite circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in 149 plasma samples using a DNA sequencing–based method (105 AE, 16 cystic echinococcosis, 4 liver cancer, 4 gallstones, and 20 healthy volunteers). After identifying the Echinococcus-specific cfDNA (Em-cfDNA) sequences in the samples, we determined whether Em-cfDNA could be used for AE diagnosis and as a potential indicator of the effectiveness of surgical treatment. We also examined potential associations between Em-cfDNA levels and clinical features of AE patients.

Results
Our work demonstrates that varying reads of Em-cfDNA were detectable in the plasma of 100% of preoperative AE patients and that all of the non-AE patients and healthy volunteers were negative. Em-cfDNA has good sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of AE. We also found that Em-cfDNA levels apparently have reference value for evaluating the therapeutic efficacy of surgery interventions for AE lesions. Finally, our analysis revealed that Em-cfDNA levels can reflect meaningful information about lesion size in preoperative AE patients.

Conclusions
We demonstrate that sequencing-based monitoring of Em-cfDNA can be used in the clinic as a powerful diagnostic indicator for AE. We also note that there is a strong potential for use of this liquid-biopsy method to monitor ongoing disease status in postintervention AE patients.
Knee Muscle Force Estimating Model Using Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Sohane Anurag , Agarwal Ravinder 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Various simulation type tools and conventional algorithms are being used to determine knee muscle forces of human during dynamic movement. These all may be good for clinical uses, but have some drawbacks, such as higher computational times, muscle redundancy and less cost-effective solution. Recently, there has been an interest to develop supervised learning-based prediction model for the computationally demanding process. The present research work is used to develop a cost-effective and efficient machine learning (ML) based models to predict knee muscle force for clinical interventions for the given input parameter like height, mass and angle. A dataset of 500 human musculoskeletal, have been trained and tested using four different ML models to predict knee muscle force. This dataset has obtained from anybody modeling software using AnyPyTools, where human musculoskeletal has been utilized to perform squatting movement during inverse dynamic analysis. The result based on the datasets predicts that the random forest ML model outperforms than the other selected models: neural network, generalized linear model, decision tree in terms of mean square error (MSE), coefficient of determination (R2), and Correlation (r). The MSE of predicted vs actual muscle forces obtained from the random forest model for Biceps Femoris, Rectus Femoris, Vastus Medialis, Vastus Lateralis are 19.92, 9.06, 5.97, 5.46, Correlation are 0.94, 0.92, 0.92, 0.94 and R2 are 0.88, 0.84, 0.84 and 0.89 for the test dataset, respectively.
Institutions and literacy rates: the legacy of Napoleonic reforms in Italy
Authors: POSTIGLIOLA M , ROTA M 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe provincial gap in human capital at the time of Italy’s unification is a plausible explanation for the North–South divide of the following decades. We show that the roots of the literacy gap that existed in 1861 can be traced back to Napoleonic educational reforms enacted between 1801 and 1814. We use exogenous variation in provincial distance to Paris to quantify effects, linking the duration of Napoleonic control to human capital. If the south had experienced the same Napoleonic impact as the north, southern literacy rates would have been up to 70 percent higher than they were in 1861.
Using Mixture Modeling to Construct Subgroups of Cognitive Aging in the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study
Authors: Moorman Sara M , Greenfield Emily A , Carr Kyle 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Objectives
Longitudinal surveys of older adults increasingly incorporate assessments of cognitive performance. However, very few studies have used mixture modeling techniques to describe cognitive aging, identifying subgroups of people who display similar patterns of performance across discrete cognitive functions. We employ this approach to advance empirical evidence concerning interindividual variability and intraindividual change in patterns of cognitive aging.

Method
We drew upon data from 3,713 participants in the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study (WLS). We used latent class analysis to generate subgroups of cognitive aging based on assessments of verbal fluency and episodic memory at ages 65 and 72. We also employed latent transition analysis to identify how individual participants moved between subgroups over the 7-year period.

Results
There were 4 subgroups at each point in time. Approximately 3 quarters of the sample demonstrated continuity in the qualitative type of profile between ages 65 and 72, with 17.9% of the sample in a profile with sustained overall low performance at both ages 65 and 72. An additional 18.7% of participants made subgroup transitions indicating marked decline in episodic memory.

Discussion
Results demonstrate the utility of using mixture modeling to identify qualitatively and quantitatively distinct subgroups of cognitive aging among older adults. We discuss the implications of these results for the continued use of population health data to advance research on cognitive aging.
Feeling and thinking: can theories of human motivation explain how EHR design impacts clinician burnout?
Authors: Weir Charlene R , Taber Peter , Taft Teresa , Reese Thomas J , Jones Barbara , Del Fiol Guilherme 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The psychology of motivation can help us understand the impact of electronic health records (EHRs) on clinician burnout both directly and indirectly. Informatics approaches to EHR usability tend to focus on the extrinsic motivation associated with successful completion of clearly defined tasks in clinical workflows. Intrinsic motivation, which includes the need for autonomy, sense-making, creativity, connectedness, and mastery is not well supported by current designs and workflows. This piece examines existing research on the importance of 3 psychological drives in relation to healthcare technology: goal-based decision-making, sense-making, and agency/autonomy. Because these motives are ubiquitous, foundational to human functioning, automatic, and unconscious, they may be overlooked in technological interventions. The results are increased cognitive load, emotional distress, and unfulfilling workplace environments. Ultimately, we hope to stimulate new research on EHR design focused on expanding functionality to support intrinsic motivation, which, in turn, would decrease burnout and improve care.
The θ–θ diagram: transforming pulsar scintillation spectra to coordinates on highly anisotropic interstellar scattering screens
Authors: Sprenger Tim , Wucknitz Olaf , Main Robert , Baker Daniel , Brisken Walter 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACT
We introduce a novel analysis technique for pulsar secondary spectra. The power spectrum of pulsar scintillation (referred to as the ‘secondary spectrum’) shows differential delays and Doppler shifts due to interference from multipath propagation through the interstellar medium. We develop a transformation that maps these observables to angular coordinates on a single thin screen of phase-changing material. This transformation is possible without degeneracies in the case of a one-dimensional distribution of images on this screen, which is often a successful description of the phenomenon. The double parabolic features of secondary spectra are transformed into parallel linear features, whose properties we describe in detail. Furthermore, we introduce methods to measure the curvature parameter and the field amplitude distribution of images by applying them to observations of PSR B0834+06. Finally, we extend this formalism to two-dimensional distributions of images on the interstellar screen.