bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
“Molecular analysis of the rare S–s– red blood cell phenotype in blood donors and patients in south‐east Brazil”
Authors: Santos Flávia Leite Souza , Cuter Talitha Baldin , Rodrigues Evandra Strazza , Bettarello Êmile Cristina , Ubiali Eugenia Maria Amorim , Castilho Lilian Maria , Kashima Simone , Covas Dimas Tadeu 
Published: February 2019

Background and objectivesThe rare S–s– phenotype has two main molecular backgrounds. GYPB deletions give rise to the S–s–U– phenotype, which loses the expression of the U antigen, while variant GYPB alleles usually lead to the S–s–U+var phenotype, which express a variant U antigen. The S–s– phenotype is typically found in people of African origin and represents a challenge in transfusion sets, especially when S–s– patients develop anti‐U. Molecular analysis is the most reliable method for determining U antigen status. We studied the molecular basis of the S–s– phenotype in donors and patients at Regional Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto.Material and MethodsFive patients and 25 donors with the S–s– phenotype were investigated through real‐time PCR for the GYPB*S/s polymorphism, followed by an allele‐specific/RFLP‐PCR for GYPB deletion (GYPB*Null) and for its main variants: GYPB*P2 and GYPB*NY. DNA sequencing was conducted in one sample.ResultsTwo samples were heterozygous GYPB*P2/GYPB*NY, eight were homozygous/hemizygous for GYPB*P2 and 19 samples were homozygous for GYPB*Null. A hybrid gene (GYPB‐E‐B.Ros) was found in one sample after discrepant results in the initial tests.ConclusionGYPB deletion is the main mechanism responsible for the S–s– phenotype in our donors and patients. It is essential to evaluate the main GYPB variant alleles when genotyping in order to obtain the correct prediction of the phenotype. Hybrid genes lead to discrepancies between genotype and phenotype and may not be detected by conventional molecular assays.
The pathogen‐reduced red blood cell suspension: single centre study of clinical safety and efficacy in children with oncological and haematological diseases
Authors: Trakhtman Pavel , Kumukova Irina , Starostin Nikolay , Borsakova Daria , Balashov Dmitry , Ignatova Anastasia , Kadaeva Leilya , Novichkova Galina , Rumiantcev Alexander 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundTransmission of pathogens through blood transfusion is still of great concern to clinicians, patients and blood providers. Pathogen reduction technologies (PRT) have been successfully applied for the treatment of labile blood components, such as plasma, platelets and whole blood (WB), which are now used in routine in many countries. We report the clinical evaluation of suspension of red blood cells (RBC‐S) derived from the WB treated with riboflavin and UV light (RF+UV).Study Design and MethodsSeventy paediatric patients (0·3–17·1 years old) suffering from different malignant disorders were recruited and assigned to two groups: the control group (C) received transfusions of γ‐irradiated RBC‐S. The experimental group (T) received RBC‐S derived from WB, treated with RF+UV. Clinical efficacy was evaluated during follow‐up periods by Hb and Ht increments, and needs for transfusion support. Safety was assessed through active surveillance, recording post‐transfusion reactions, anti‐erythrocyte's antibody formation, haptoglobin and serum potassium levels.ResultsThe clinical efficacy of RBC‐S in both groups was similar: mean post‐transfusion Hb concentration (101·6 ± 7·57 g/l vs. 100 ± 8·3 g/l; P = 0·43), and Ht level (28·5 ± 2·42% vs. 28·2 ± 2·7%; P = 0·66). Transfusion of pathogen‐reduced RBC‐S did not increase the frequency of transfusion reactions and did not induce an excessive immune response in the follow‐up period.ConclusionTransfusion of RBC‐S, obtained from pathogen‐reduced WB, is a promising method to increase the safety of blood component therapy for paediatric patients with malignant disorders without affecting clinical efficacy. A randomized clinical trial including more patients should follow this pilot study to confirm its results.
Prevalence of pulmonary nodules in dogs with malignant neoplasia as determined by CT
Authors: Lamb Christopher R. , Whitlock James , Foster‐Yeow Andrew T. L. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIn order to estimate the prevalence of pulmonary nodules in dogs with nonpulmonary malignant neoplasia, medical record descriptions of CT findings in dogs diagnosed with nonpulmonary malignant neoplasia were reviewed retrospectively. A total of 536 dogs were sampled from a single hospital. For malignant neoplasms with >10 affected individuals, prevalence of multiple pulmonary nodules at first CT was hemangiosarcoma 24 of 58 (41%), osteosarcoma 14 of 55 (26%), carcinoma 20 of 80 (25%), histiocytic sarcoma five of twenty‐one (24%), soft tissue sarcoma 13 of 57 (23%), adenocarcinoma 11 of 60 (18%), melanoma five of thirty‐seven (14%), lymphoma 10 of 76 (13%), mast cell tumor two of forty‐seven (4%), and squamous cell carcinoma zero of seventeen (0%). A solitary pulmonary nodule was identified at first CT in 33 (6%) dogs. Of these, nine had follow‐up CT, including two dogs in which the nodule disappeared, three dogs in which the size of the nodule did not change, and four dogs in which the nodule enlarged and additional pulmonary nodules appeared. Dogs with hemangiosarcoma were most likely to have signs of pulmonary metastasis at first CT, whereas dogs with mast cell tumor were infrequently affected, and no dog with squamous cell carcinoma had signs of pulmonary metastasis. A solitary pulmonary nodule at first CT was an indeterminate finding, potentially unassociated with neoplasia.
Outbreak of swimmer's itch in Central Italy: Description, causative agent and preventive measures
Authors: De Liberato Claudio , Berrilli Federica , Bossù Teresa , Magliano Adele , Montalbano Di Filippo Margherita , Di Cave David , Sigismondi Mariano , Cannavacciuolo Annunziata , Scaramozzino Paola 
Published: February 2019

AbstractSwimmer's itch is caused by the penetration of free‐swimming larvae of trematodes of the family Schistosomatidae in human skin. It is usually reported in people engaged in recreational water activities in freshwater bodies and in most of cases, it is provoked by bird schistosomes of the genus Trichobilharzia. In the summer 2017, many cases of dermatitis were recorded in people bathing in the waters of the Albano Lake (Rome, Italy) and a parasitological investigation was carried out in order to ascertain the causative agent of these cases. Snails of the family Lymnaeidae, natural intermediate hosts of bird schistosomes, were collected from lake shallow waters to detect the presence of trematodes of the genus Trichobilharzia. Pools of maximum 10 snails were placed in Petri dishes, and cercarial emergence was stimulated exposing snails to strong artificial light intensity at 25°C. Three hundred and thirty‐seven snails were collected and screened for the shedding of cercariae. Furcocercariae of the family Schistosomatidae, with a morphology overlapping that of the genus Trichobilharzia, were detected in seven Petri dishes. Assuming that in each positive Petri dish just one snail was shedding furcocercariae, the minimum infectious rate was 2.1%. Molecular analysis of furcocercariae allowed ascribing them to the species Trichobilharzia franki. Snails of the species Radix auricularia were identified as intermediate hosts of the parasite. This is the second record of T. franki causing cercarial dermatitis in Central Italy, the third in Italy. The 2017 was in Italy exceptionally warm and dry. Trematodes are sensitive to changes in temperature, being cercarial production and emission rates temperature dependent. Small increases in water temperature would speed up parasite development and transmission, leading to a manifold increase in cercarial emergence. Moreover, high temperatures raise chances to acquire the infection, due to increased time spent in water by people.
Utility of the number needed to treat in paediatric haematological cancer randomised controlled treatment trials: a systematic review
Authors: Hasan Haroon , Goddard Karen , Howard A Fuchsia 
Published: February 2019

ObjectivesThe primary objective was to assess the utility of the number needed to treat (NNT) to inform decision-making in the context of paediatric oncology and to calculate the NNT in all superiority, parallel, paediatric haematological cancer, randomised controlled trials (RCTs), with a comparison to the threshold NNT as a measure of clinical significance.DesignSystematic reviewData sourcesMEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Childhood Cancer Group Specialized Register through CENTRAL from inception to August 2018.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesSuperiority, parallel RCTs of haematological malignancy treatments in paediatric patients that assessed an outcome related to survival, relapse or remission; reported a sample size calculation with a delta value to allow for calculation of the threshold NNT, and that included parameters required to calculate the NNT and associated CI.ResultsA total of 43 RCTs were included, representing 45 randomised questions, of which none reported the NNT. Among acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) RCTs, 29.2% (7/24) of randomised questions were found to have a NNT corresponding to benefit, in comparison to acute myeloid leukaemia (ALM) RCTs with 50% (3/6), and none in lymphoma RCTs (0/13). Only 28.6% (2/7) and 33.3% (1/3) had a NNT that was less than the threshold NNT for ALL and AML, respectively. Of these, 100% (2/2 ALL and 1/1 AML) were determined to be possibly clinically significant.ConclusionsWe recommend that decision-makers in paediatric oncology use the NNT and associated confidence limits as a supportive tool to evaluate evidence from RCTs while placing careful attention to the inherent limitations of this measure.
Playing football on artificial turf as a risk factor for fifth metatarsal stress fracture: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Miyamori Takayuki , Nagao Masashi , Sawa Ryuichi , Tumilty Steve , Yoshimura Masafumi , Saita Yoshitomo , Ikeda Hiroshi , Kaneko Kazuo 
Published: February 2019

ObjectiveThe fifth metatarsal stress fracture is a common injury among football players. Although several risk factors have been proposed, the association between the playing surface and development of fifth metatarsal stress fractures (MT-5) has not been evaluated. We conducted an epidemiological study using a computer-based survey to investigate the association between the playing surface and development of MT-5.MethodsThis study included 1854 football players, of which 41 experienced MT-5 within the past 24 months. Baseline demographic data and the percentage of time spent playing on artificial turf and clay fields were compared between the non-MT-5 and MT-5 player groups, and the risks for development of MT-5 associated with the playing surfaces were estimated by univariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsThere were significant differences in body mass index, years of play, playing categories and playing time on artificial turf between non-MT-5 and MT-5 groups (p<0.05). Generalised estimating equations analyses adjusted for multiple confounders demonstrated that relative to the risk of playing <20% of the time on each surface, the OR (OR: 95% CI) for MT-5 for playing on artificial turf >80% of the time increased (3.44: 1.65 to 7.18), and for playing on a clay field 61%–80% of the time, the OR decreased (0.25: 0.11 to 0.59).ConclusionsA higher percentage of playing time on an artificial turf was a risk factor for developing MT-5 in football players. This finding could be beneficial for creating strategies to prevent MT-5.
Non-inferiority double-blind randomised controlled trial comparing gabapentin versus tramadol for the treatment of chronic neuropathic or mixed pain in children and adolescents: the GABA-1 trial—a study protocol
Authors: Kaguelidou Florentia , Le Roux Enora , Mangiarini Laura , Lundin Rebecca , de Leeuw Thomas G , Della Pasqua Oscar , Felisi Mariagrazia , Bonifazi Donato , Tibboel Dick , Ceci Adriana , de Wildt Saskia N , Alberti Corinne 
Published: February 2019

IntroductionGabapentin is currently used ‘off-label’ in children and adolescents with chronic neuropathic pain, and reliable evidence of its effects and optimal dosing are lacking.ObjectivesThe GABA-1 trial aims to compare the efficacy and safety of gabapentin liquid formulation relative to tramadol and to explore the pharmacokinetics of both drugs in the treatment of chronic, neuropathic or mixed pain in the paediatric population.Methods and analysisThe trial is a multicentre, double-blind, double-dummy, randomised, active-controlled, non-inferiority trial. Participants aged from 3 months to <18 years of age with moderate to severe (≥4/10 in age-appropriate pain scales) chronic neuropathic or mixed pain will be recruited in 14 clinical sites in eight European countries. A total of 94 subjects will be randomised to receive gabapentin and tramadol placebo or tramadol and gabapentin placebo throughout 16–19 weeks (including 3 weeks of titration [optimisation period], 12 weeks of treatment at a stable dose [maintenance period] and 1–4 weeks of tapering [discontinuation period]). The primary objective is to assess the efficacy of gabapentin relative to tramadol for the treatment of moderate to severe chronic neuropathic or mixed pain by comparing the difference in average pain scores (assessed by age-appropriate pain scales) between intervention arms after 15 weeks of treatment. Secondary objectives include the assessment of the safety, quality of life and global satisfaction with treatment and the description of the pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic relationship of gabapentin liquid formulation and tramadol oral drops to validate the recommended paediatric doses. Only rescue pain medication by paracetamol and/or ibuprofen is allowed during the trial.Ethics and disseminationEthic approval was obtained in the eight participating countries. Results will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at one or more scientific conferences.Trial registration numbers2014-004851-30 andNCT02722603.Trial statusOngoing research study, currently recruiting.
Incidence and prognostic impact of post discharge bleeding post acute coronary syndrome within an outpatient setting: a systematic review
Authors: Ismail Nafiu , Jordan Kelvin P , Rao Sunil , Kinnaird Tim , Potts Jessica , Kadam Umesh T , Mamas Mamas A 
Published: February 2019

ObjectiveThe primary objective was to determine the incidence of bleeding events post acute coronary syndrome (ACS) following hospital discharge. The secondary objective was to determine the prognostic impact of bleeding on mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), myocardial re-infarction and rehospitalisation in the postdischarge setting.DesignA narrative systematic review.Data sourceMedline, Embase, Amed and Central (Cochrane) were searched up to August 2018.Study selectionFor the primary objective, randomised controlled trials (RCT) and observational studies reporting on the incidence of bleeding post hospital discharge were included. For the secondary objective, RCTs and observational studies that compared patients with bleeding versus those without bleeding post hospital discharge vis-à-vis mortality, MACE, myocardial re-infarction and rehospitalisation were included.Results53 studies (36 observational studies and 17 RCTs) with a combined cohort of 714 458 participants for the primary objectives and 187 317 for the secondary objectives were included. Follow-up ranged from 1 month to just over 4 years. The incidence of bleeding within 12 months post hospital discharge ranged from 0.20% to 37.5% in observational studies and between 0.96% and 39.4% in RCTs. The majority of bleeds occurred in the initial 3 months after hospital discharge with bruising the most commonly reported event. Major bleeding increased the risk of mortality by nearly threefold in two studies. One study showed an increased risk of MACE (HR 3.00,95% CI 2.75 to 3.27; p<0.0001) with bleeding and another study showed a non-significant association with rehospitalisation (HR 1.20,95% CI 0.95 to 1.52; p=0.13).ConclusionBleeding complications following ACS management are common and continue to occur in the long term after hospital discharge. These bleeding complications may increase the risk of mortality and MACE, but greater evidence is needed to assess their long-term effects.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42017062378.
Use of biologics during pregnancy and risk of serious infections in the mother and baby: a Canadian population-based cohort study
Authors: Tsao Nicole W , Lynd Larry D , Sayre Eric C , Sadatsafavi Mohsen , Hanley Gillian , De Vera Mary A 
Published: February 2019

ObjectivesTo investigate the association between exposure to biologics during pregnancy and serious infections in mothers and infants.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingPopulation-based.ParticipantsWomen with one or more autoimmune diseases identified by International Classification of Diseases 9th/10th revision codes in healthcare administrative databases in British Columbia, Canada, who had pregnancies ending in a live or stillbirth between 1 January 2002 and 31 December 2012. Women were defined as exposed if they had at least one biologic prescription during pregnancy, and infants born to these women were considered exposed in utero. Disease-matched women with no biologics prescriptions during pregnancy, and their infants, comprised the unexposed groups.Primary outcome measuresSerious infections requiring hospitalisation.ResultsOver the 10-year study period, there were 6218 women (8607 pregnancies) who had an autoimmune disease diagnosis, of which 90 women were exposed to biologics during pregnancy, with 100 babies born to these women. Among women exposed to biologics during pregnancy, occurrence of serious postpartum infections were low, ranging from 0% to 5%, depending on concomitant exposures to immunosuppressants. In multivariable models using logistic regression, the OR for the association of biologics exposure with serious maternal postpartum infections was 0.79 (95% CI 0.24 to 2.54). In infants exposed to biologics in utero, occurrence of serious infections during the first year of life ranged from 0% to 7%, depending on concomitant exposures to immunosuppressants in utero. Multivariable models showed no association between biologics exposure in utero and serious infant infections (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.17 to 1.81).ConclusionsThese population-based data suggest that the use of biologics by women with autoimmune diseases during pregnancy is not associated with an increased risk of serious infections in mothers, during post partum or in infants during the first year of life.
How do participant experiences and characteristics influence engagement in exercise referral? A qualitative longitudinal study of a scheme in Northumberland, UK
Authors: Hanson Coral L , Oliver Emily J , Dodd-Reynolds Caroline J , Allin Linda J 
Published: February 2019

ObjectivesExercise referral schemes (ERSs) are internationally widespread. This study aimed to gain an insight into differential engagement through understanding participant experiences of patients referred by healthcare professionals to one such scheme in the UK.DesignThe study employed a qualitative longitudinal approach using semistructured interviews, with results reported using Consolidated criteria for Reporting Qualitative research guidelines.SettingTwo leisure centres providing an ‘emerging best-practice’ ERS in northeast England.ParticipantsReferred patients (n=11), who had not yet commenced the scheme, were recruited on a voluntary basis. Seven females and four males, with a range of non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, mental health issues, diabetes, overweight/obesity and musculoskeletal problems, participated.Intervention24-weeks, two times per week, of supervised exercise sessions and three one-to-one assessments (prescheme, 12 weeks and 24 weeks) for patients referred from primary and secondary care.Primary outcome measuresTwo longitudinal semistructured interviews, prior to commencement and 12–20 weeks later, were thematically analysed using the framework approach. Analysis comprised seven stages: transcription, familiarisation, coding, development and application of an analytical framework, charting data using a matrix and interpretation of data. Interpretation went beyond descriptions of individual cases to develop themes, which identified and offered possible explanations for differing participant experiences.ResultsThree overarching themes emerged. First, ‘success’, with engaged participants focused on health outcomes and reported increases in physical activity. Second, ‘struggle’, with short-term success but concerns regarding continued engagement. Participants reported scheme dependency and cyclical needs. Finally, ‘defeat’, where ill health, social anxiety and/or poor participation experience made engagement difficult.ConclusionSome success in engaging those with non-communicable diseases was reported, resulting in positive effects on health and well-being. The study highlights complexity within ERSs and inequality of access for those with challenging health and social circumstances. Improved, or different, behaviour change support is required for referrals finding engagement difficult.
Assessing the impact of artistic and cultural activities on the health and well-being of forcibly displaced people using participatory action research
Authors: Clini Clelia , Thomson Linda J M , Chatterjee Helen J 
Published: February 2019

ObjectiveDrawing on a growing body of research suggesting that taking part in artistic and cultural activities benefits health and well-being, the objective was to develop a participatory action research (PAR) method for assessing the impact of arts interventions on forcibly displaced people, and identify themes concerning perceived benefits of such programmes.DesignA collaborative study following PAR principles of observation, focus groups and in-depth semistructured interviews.SettingLondon-based charity working with asylum seekers and refugees.ParticipantsAn opportunity sample (n=31; 6 males) participated in focus groups comprising refugees/asylum seekers (n=12; 2 males), volunteers (n=4; 1 males) and charity staff (n=15; 3 males). A subset of these (n=17; 3 males) participated in interviews comprising refugees/asylum seekers (n=7; 1 males), volunteers (n=7; 1 males) and charity staff (n=3; 1 males).ResultsFocus group findings showed that participants articulated the impact of creative activities around three main themes: skills, social engagement and personal emotions that were explored during in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis of interviews was conducted in NVivo 11 and findings showed that artistic and cultural activities impacted positively by helping participants find a voice, create support networks and learn practical skills useful in the labour market.ConclusionsThe study expanded on arts and well-being research by exploring effects of cultural and creative activities on the psychosocial well-being of refugees and asylum seekers. By focusing on the relationship between arts, well-being and forced displacement, the study was instrumental in actively trying to change the narrative surrounding refugees and asylum seekers, often depicted in negative terms in the public sphere.