bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implications of probability analysis for interpreting results of leukocyte esterase and nitrite test strips.
Authors: Bolann B J , Sandberg S , Digranes A 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We examined 288 urine samples, using test strips, sediment microscopy, and culture. The ability of the leukocyte esterase and nitrite test strips to detect or exclude urinary tract infection, as defined by a positive culture, was evaluated by probability analysis. We found that the diagnostic efficiency of the esterase-nitrite combination was similar to that of sediment microscopy. Moreover, once the strip test results had been obtained, little additional information was given by microscopy. The importance of estimating the prevalence, or pre-test probability, of infection before the test result is evaluated is emphasized. We conclude that, for detecting or excluding urinary-tract infection, microscopy can be replaced by the esterase and nitrite test strips. If the probability of infection predicted by the test strips is not high (or low) enough compared with medical decision limits, the samples should be cultured.
"Stat" measurements of L-lactate in whole blood and cerebrospinal fluid assessed.
Authors: Wandrup J , Tvede K , Grinsted J , Jordening H 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
A first-generation semi-automatic amperometric lactate analyzer (Yellow Springs Instrument Co.) was assessed for urgent ("stat"), rapid laboratory measurements in whole blood and cerebrospinal fluid. For whole blood, measured lactate concentration and hematocrit were linearly correlated. An improved equation is presented for estimating the concentration of lactate in plasma from measurements in whole blood. The 95% reference range for the concentration of lactate in paired samples of capillary and venous whole blood from 40 healthy laboratory adults was found to be 0.4-1.5 mmol/L and 0.3-1.5 mmol/L, respectively. The 95% ranges for lactate in whole blood from 24 uncomplicated vaginal deliveries at term were established for cord venous blood, 1.2-5.0 mmol/L; cord arterial blood, 1.6-5.5 mmol/L; and maternal venous blood, 1.7-6.6 mmol/L. The 95% paired ranges were established for 20 lumbar-anaesthetized urological patients without neurological disorders after induction of anaesthesia for venous whole blood and cerebrospinal fluid (venous blood, 0.5-1.3 mmol/L; cerebrospinal fluid, 1.1-2.4 mmol/L).
Beta-hCG vs intact hCG assays in the detection of trophoblastic disease.
Authors: Rinker A D , Tietz N W 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We describe a case of choriocarcinoma in which increased concentrations of beta-choriogonadotropin subunits in serum indicated recurrence of metastasis long before the tumor could be confirmed by visualization techniques, while intact choriogonadotropin remained normal (less than 5 int. units/L). Therefore, detection or monitoring of choriocarcinoma requires the assay of free beta-hCG subunit or an assay that measures both the free beta-subunit and intact choriogonadotropin.
Multilayer fluorescent immunoassay technique.
Authors: Grenner G , Inbar S , Meneghini F A , Long E W , Yamartino E J , Bowen M S , Blackwood J J , Padilla A J , Maretsky D , Staedter M 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We describe a new multilayer immunoassay element for the determination of haptens in undiluted serum and plasma. Polysaccharide layers are coated onto a plastic base. The signal layer contains an immobilized antibody and a fluorescent-labeled hapten. A second layer, containing a pigment, acts as an optical screen. Sample spreading is achieved by a molded grid in contact with the upper layer of the immunoassay element. After sample is added to the element, endogenous analyte competes with the labeled hapten for the binding sites of the immobilized antibody; equilibrium is reached in 4-12 min. Because of the relative liquid-holding capacities of the layers and the grid, only a small amount of the free components remains in the signal layer. The signal is measured by front-surface fluorimetry. This technology has been applied to theophylline and thyroxin assays. Within- and between-run CVs range from 3% to 6%. Comparisons with fluorescent polarization immunoassays (Abbott TDx) showed excellent correlation (theophylline: r = 0.98, slope = 1.07, intercept = 0.3; thyroxin: r = 0.97, slope = 0.91, intercept = 0.8). The new method requires only one pipetting step (sample delivery) and is potentially applicable to a wide range of analytes.
Isolation of the "cystic fibrosis protein" from serum.
Authors: Barthe C , Carrere J , Figarella C , Guy-Crotte O 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
"Cystic fibrosis protein" (CFP), a minor serum protein marker of the cystic fibrosis allele, was isolated from serum from patients with cystic fibrosis by use of the "FPLC" high-resolution chromatography system and preparative sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. CFP currently is characterized by its isoelectric point (8.4) on isoelectric focusing. However, after the first purification steps, we identified the protein, which was present in a very low concentration, by the immunosorbent assay of Hayward et al. (J Immunol Methods 1986;91:117-22), by virtue of its immunological relationship with the "CF antigen," a protein characterized in granulocytes by these same authors [Nature (London) 1985;315:513-5]. CFP, a protein of low molecular mass, about 14 kDa, appears to be strongly associated with IgG in serum. Using the same procedure with control serum permits us to assume that CFP normally is present in serum in trace amounts.
Lactate dehydrogenase and its isoenzymes in serum from patients with multiple myeloma.
Authors: Copur S , Kus S , Kars A , Renda N , Tekuzman G , Firat D 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Concentrations of total lactate dehydrogenase (LDH; EC 1.1.1.27) and LDH isoenzyme patterns were studied in serum of 19 patients with multiple myeloma and in 19 healthy controls. Patients were divided into three groups (pretreatment, nonresponders, and responders to treatment), based on their clinical status at the time of blood sampling for LDH. The LDH values were found to be significantly higher (P less than 0.05) in the pretreatment group and in the nonresponders than in the responders and the control group, the mean +/- SE values being 445 +/- 35 and 532 +/- 75 units/mL vs 349 +/- 75 and 190 +/- 7.1 units/mL, respectively. Compared with responders and healthy controls, newly diagnosed patients and nonresponders had slight diminutions in LDH-1 and LDH-2, but increased LDH-3. We conclude that determination of LDH and its isoenzymes in serum can be of value as prognostic factors in patients with multiple myeloma.
Test-strip method for measuring lactate in whole blood.
Authors: Shimojo N , Naka K , Nakajima C , Yoshikawa C , Okuda K , Okada K 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We have developed a dry reagent strip system for measuring lactate in whole blood. The test strip contains lactate oxidase (no EC number assigned), horseradish peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7), and N-ethyl-N-(2-hydroxy-3-sulfopropyl)-m-toluidine. The system is designed to measure with a reflectometer the color that developed in the test strip, although the lactate concentration can be estimated without the reflectometer. The between-run coefficients of variation for controls at three concentrations were 2.9-5.3%. The lactate concentrations in blood samples from healthy subjects before and after exercise correlated well (r = 0.97) with the results measured by the comparison method with the use of lactate oxidase. This dry reagent strip system provides a convenient and rapid test for measuring blood lactate in clinical and sports medicine.
The origins of the (cooperative) species: Raiffeisen banking in the Netherlands, 1898–1909 1
Authors: Colvin Christopher L , Henderson Stuart , Turner John D 
Published: January 2020

AbstractCooperatively owned Raiffeisen banks first emerged in the Netherlands in the late 1890s and spread rapidly across the country. Using a new dataset, we investigate the determinants of their market entry and early performance. We find the cooperative organisational form, when allied to a change in the structure of Dutch agriculture and the socioreligious pillarisation of Dutch society, was an important factor explaining their entry into rural financial markets. While religious organisations provided a necessary impetus for the emergence of Raiffeisen banks, the economic advantages associated with cooperative enterprises ensured the subsequent survival and success of these banks.“We will now discuss in a little more detail the Struggle for Existence.”From Charles Darwin, The Origins of the Species (1859)
2019 HRS/EHRA/APHRS/LAHRS expert consensus statement on catheter ablation of ventricular arrhythmias: executive summary
Authors: Cronin Edmond M , Bogun Frank M , Maury Philippe , Peichl Petr , Chen Minglong , Namboodiri Narayanan , Aguinaga Luis , Leite Luiz Roberto , Al-Khatib Sana M , Anter Elad , Berruezo Antonio , Callans David J , Chung Mina K , Cuculich Phillip , d’Avila Andre , Deal Barbara J , Della Bella Paolo , Deneke Thomas , Dickfeld Timm-Michael , Hadid Claudio , Haqqani Haris M , Kay G Neal , Latchamsetty Rakesh , Marchlinski Francis , Miller John M , Nogami Akihiko , Patel Akash R , Pathak Rajeev Kumar , Saenz Morales Luis C , Santangeli Pasquale , Sapp John L , Sarkozy Andrea , Soejima Kyoko , Stevenson William G , Tedrow Usha B , Tzou Wendy S , Varma Niraj , Zeppenfeld Katja 
Published: January 2020

AbstractVentricular arrhythmias are an important cause of morbidity and mortality and come in a variety of forms, from single premature ventricular complexes to sustained ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation. Rapid developments have taken place over the past decade in our understanding of these arrhythmias and in our ability to diagnose and treat them. The field of catheter ablation has progressed with the development of new methods and tools, and with the publication of large clinical trials. Therefore, global cardiac electrophysiology professional societies undertook to outline recommendations and best practices for these procedures in a document that will update and replace the 2009 EHRA/HRS Expert Consensus on Catheter Ablation of Ventricular Arrhythmias. An expert writing group, after reviewing and discussing the literature, including a systematic review and meta-analysis published in conjunction with this document, and drawing on their own experience, drafted and voted on recommendations and summarized current knowledge and practice in the field. Each recommendation is presented in knowledge byte format and is accompanied by supportive text and references. Further sections provide a practical synopsis of the various techniques and of the specific ventricular arrhythmia sites and substrates encountered in the electrophysiology lab. The purpose of this document is to help electrophysiologists around the world to appropriately select patients for catheter ablation, to perform procedures in a safe and efficacious manner, and to provide follow-up and adjunctive care in order to obtain the best possible outcomes for patients with ventricular arrhythmias.
Postponing vaccination in children with an infection: a qualitative study among general practitioners and pediatricians
Authors: Gonthier Damien , Basselin Pauline , Boivin Jean-Marc , Kivits Joelle , Pulcini Céline 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background
Vaccination postponement is an important contributing factor to low vaccination coverage. The causes of vaccine postponement are numerous, but the presence of viral infection, whether febrile or not, is the most frequent cause.

Objective
The objective was to explore the factors motivating the practice of vaccination postponement in a child with an infection by general practitioners (GPs) and paediatricians.

Methods
An exploratory qualitative study using semi-directive individual interviews was carried out among GPs and paediatricians in a French region between November 2015 and January 2018. After the interviews were fully transcribed, an analysis of the data was performed using an inductive method derived from the grounded theory.

Results
Fourteen GPs and four paediatricians participated in the study. Vaccination postponement during infection in children is rooted in doctors’ practices; it is considered a low-risk habit that is shared with parents, and vaccine hesitancy reinforces this practice. In children presenting with an infection, the presence of uncertainty about vaccine safety and effectiveness seems to justify postponing vaccination. The organization of a consultation dedicated to vaccination catch-up was cited as the best tool to limit the effects of vaccination delay on vaccination coverage.

Discussion
In children presenting with an infection, vaccination postponement is widely used by GPs and paediatricians. Simplification of the vaccination catch-up process and clear and consistent recommendations on the indications and modalities for vaccination postponement would be useful.
Spatial Patterns in Baseflow Mean Response Time across a Watershed in the Loess Plateau: Linkage with Land-Use Types
Authors: Huang Xu-dong , Wang Dong , Han Pei-pei , Wang Wen-chuan , Li Qing-jie , Zhang Xiao-li , Ma Ming-wei , Li Bao-jian , Han Shi-jie 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Understanding the relation between land-use types and baseflow mean response time (BMRT) is important to explore the response mechanism of baseflow processes in watersheds. BMRT was determined using an instantaneous unit hydrograph. The instantaneous unit hydrograph parameters were estimated by autocorrelation functions. The relative importance of land-use types in determining BMRT dynamics was assessed by hydrological model and partial least-squares regression. Our study suggests greater effects of urban area on BMRT than the effects of forest and agricultural land. This may be because the urban interception impervious area may impede baseflow generation over a short timescale. The effects of agricultural land are greater than those of forest in areas with steeper hillslopes, but lower than those of the forest in areas with more plains, reflecting the varied ability of forest and agricultural lands with different topography to hinder overland flow. Variations of BMRT are strongly linked to land use in the watershed. Overall, our study provides insight into the BMRT and dominant factors of land-use types in watersheds, planning of sustainable water resource use, and ecological protection in watersheds.
High Levels of Physical Activity in Later Life Are Associated With Enhanced Markers of Mitochondrial Metabolism
Authors: Joanisse Sophie , Ashcroft Stephen , Wilkinson Daniel J , Pollock Ross D , O’Brien Katie A , Phillips Bethan E , Smith Ken , Lazarus Norman R , Harridge Stephen D R , Atherton Philip J , Philp Andrew 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The age-associated reduction in muscle mass is well characterized; however, less is known regarding the mechanisms responsible for the decline in oxidative capacity also observed with advancing age. The purpose of the current study was therefore to compare mitochondrial gene expression and protein content between young and old recreationally active, and older highly active individuals. Muscle biopsies were obtained from the vastus lateralis of young males (YG: 22 ± 3 years) and older (OG: 67 ± 2 years) males not previously engaged in formal exercise and older male master cyclists (OT: 65 ± 5 years) who had undertaken cycling exercise for 32 ± 17 years. Comparison of gene expression between YG, OG, and OT groups revealed greater expression of mitochondrial-related genes, namely, electron transport chain (ETC) complexes II, III, and IV (p &lt; .05) in OT compared with YG and OG. Gene expression of mitofusion (MFN)-1/2, mitochondrial fusion genes, was greater in OT compared with OG (p &lt; .05). Similarly, protein content of ETC complexes I, II, and IV was significantly greater in OT compared with both YG and OG (p &lt; .001). Protein content of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, coactivator 1 α (PGC-1α), was greater in OT compared with YG and OG (p &lt; .001). Our results suggest that the aging process per se is not associated with a decline in gene expression and protein content of ETC complexes. Mitochondrial-related gene expression and protein content are substantially greater in OT, suggesting that exercise-mediated increases in mitochondrial content can be maintained into later life.
Vitamin D Status of Adults in the Community, in Outpatient Clinics, in Hospital, and in Nursing Homes in the West of Ireland
Authors: Griffin Tomás Patrick , Wall Deirdre , Blake Liam , Griffin Damian Gerard , Robinson Stephaine M , Bell Marcia , Mulkerrin Eamon C , O’Shea Paula M 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background
Approximately 1 billion people worldwide have Vitamin D deficiency. The aim of this study was to compare Vitamin D status and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations among adults sampled in the community, in outpatient clinics, as hospital inpatients and in nursing homes in the West of Ireland. The secondary aim was to determine the associations between length of hospital stay (inpatients) at the time of serum 25(OH)D sampling and Vitamin D status.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was carried out. Patients who had serum 25(OH)D analysis carried out in Galway University Hospitals (January 2011–December 2015) were identified following interrogation of the electronic laboratory data system. Baseline demographics, location, and date of sample collection were recorded. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as a serum 25(OH)D concentration &lt;25 nmol/L.

Results
In total, 24,302 patient samples were eligible for inclusion: community 15,319; outpatient clinics 6,371; inpatients 2,339; and nursing home residents 273. Vitamin D deficiency was more common in nursing home residents than inpatients, or those sampled in outpatient clinics or in the community (42% vs 37% vs 17% vs 13%; p &lt; .001). Inpatients sampled further into their hospital stay (≥3 days) had greater Vitamin D deficiency than inpatients sampled on 0–2 days (p = .007). Season (p &lt; .001), sex (p &lt; .001), and age (p &lt; .001) were associated with 25(OH)D concentrations. Vitamin D deficiency was more common in Winter/Spring, in males, and in those aged ≥80 years.

Conclusions
Nursing home residents and inpatients are at the highest risk for Vitamin D deficiency. Season, sex, age, and day of hospital stay on which serum 25(OH)D concentrations were sampled were associated with Vitamin D status.
Informal Caregiving, Chronic Physical Conditions, and Physical Multimorbidity in 48 Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Jacob Louis , Oh Hans , Shin Jae Il , Haro Josep Maria , Vancampfort Davy , Stubbs Brendon , Jackson Sarah E , Smith Lee , Koyanagi Ai 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background
The health of the caregivers is crucial to sustain informal care provision, while multimorbidity is an important health risk concept. However, studies on the association between informal caregiving and physical multimorbidity are currently lacking. Therefore, we investigated this association in adults from 48 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Method
Cross-sectional data from 242,952 adults (mean age 38.4 years) participating in the World Health Survey 2002–2004 were analyzed. Informal caregivers were considered those who provided help in the past year to a relative or friend (adult or child) who has a long-term physical or mental illness or disability, or is getting old and weak. Nine physical conditions were assessed. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess associations between informal caregiving and physical multimorbidity, while the between-country heterogeneity in this relationship was studied with country-wise analyses.

Results
The overall prevalence of informal caregiving and physical multimorbidity (ie, two or more physical conditions) was 19.2% and 13.2%, respectively. Overall, caregivers had 1.40 (95% confidence interval = 1.29–1.52) times higher odds for physical multimorbidity. This association was particularly pronounced in younger caregivers (eg, 18–44 years: odds ratio = 1.54; 95% confidence interval = 1.37–1.72), whereas this association was not statistically significant among those aged ≥65 and older (odds ratio = 1.19; 95% confidence interval = 0.98–1.44). Country-wise analyses corroborated these findings, and there was a negligible level of between-country heterogeneity (I2 = 24.0%).

Conclusions
In LMICs, informal caregivers (especially young caregivers) were more likely to have physical multimorbidity. This should be taken into account in policies that address the health and well-being of informal caregivers.
A systematic review of costing studies for implementing and scaling-up breastfeeding interventions: what do we know and what are the gaps?
Authors: Carroll Grace , Safon Cara , Buccini Gabriela , Vilar-Compte Mireya , Teruel Graciela , Pérez-Escamilla Rafael 
Published: January 2020

AbstractDespite the well-established evidence that breastfeeding improves maternal and child health outcomes, global rates of exclusive breastfeeding remain low. Cost estimates can inform stakeholders about the financial resources needed to scale up interventions to ultimately improve breastfeeding outcomes in low-, middle- and high-income countries. To inform the development of comprehensive costing frameworks, this systematic review aimed to (1) identify costing studies for implementing or scaling-up breastfeeding interventions, (2) assess the quality of identified costing studies and (3) examine the availability of cost data to identify gaps that need to be addressed through future research. Peer-reviewed and grey literature were systematically searched using a combination of index terms and relevant text words related to cost and the following breastfeeding interventions: breastfeeding counselling, maternity leave, the World Health Organization International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, media promotion, workplace support and pro-breastfeeding social policies. Data were extracted after having established inter-rater reliability among the first two authors. The quality of studies was assessed using an eight-item checklist for key costing study attributes. Forty-five studies met the inclusion criteria, with the majority including costs for breastfeeding counselling and paid maternity leave. Most cost analyses included key costing study attributes; however, major weaknesses among the studies were the lack of clarity on costing perspectives and not accounting for the uncertainty of reported cost estimates. Costing methodologies varied substantially, standardized costing frameworks are needed for reliably estimating the costs of implementing and scaling-up breastfeeding interventions at local-, national- or global-levels.