bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ABO genotyping with next‐generation sequencing to resolve heterogeneity in donors with serology discrepancies
Authors: Wu Ping Chun , Lin Yin‐Hung , Tsai Lei Fang , Chen Ming Hung , Chen Pei‐Lung , Pai Shun‐Chung 
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUNDABO subtypes are characterized by the alteration of antigens present and their expression levels on red blood cells and many are linked to genetic changes in the ABO gene. Weakened expression of antigens should be identified to prevent transfusion reactions or ABO‐incompatible transplantations. Genotyping can be applied to identify subtypes to complement serologic testing. Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) has shown to provide sensitive and accurate genotyping results as well as valuable cis/trans information. Here we took advantage of NGS and applied it to resolve serology discrepancies in ABO typing.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSIn this study, we customized capture probes targeting the entire ABO gene and sequenced on MiSeq Illumina. The subtype‐causing variants were identified, and cis/trans association to ABO alleles was determined. The results from NGS, serology, and Sanger sequencing were compared.RESULTSFour control samples typed A, B, O, and AB were correctly genotyped. Of 24 serologically discrepant samples, subtype‐causing variations were found in 20 cases, with two unresolved and two identified as weakening of ABO antibody in reverse. The types of variations include 17 known subtype alleles, one novel variant, one novel large deletion, and one microchimerism. Haplotypes encompassing Exons 6 and 7 of ABO were reconstructed in 17 of the 20 samples.CONCLUSIONThis study demonstrated a full coverage of ABO by capture‐based panel, phasing analysis with NGS in ABO genotyping resolved heterogeneity with novel allele and microchimerism findings. This approach provided a more precise method for subtyping and thereby leading to safer transfusion.
The effects of blood transfusion on red blood cell distribution width in critically ill patients: a pilot study
Authors: Spadaro Savino , Taccone Fabio Silvio , Fogagnolo Alberto , Franchi Federico , Scolletta Sabino , Ragazzi Riccardo , Fanni Alberto , Marangoni Elisabetta , Govoni Maurizio , Reverberi Roberto , Volta Carlo Alberto 
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUNDRed blood cell distribution width (RDW) is a measure of anisocytosis, generally used in the differential diagnosis of anemia. Recently, RDW was associated with increased mortality in critically ill patients. Red blood cell (RBC) transfusions are potential confounders on RDW values interpretation. The aim of this study was to analyze the changes in RDW after RBC transfusion in intensive care unit (ICU) patients.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSThis was a prospective, observational study including patients admitted to ICU requiring 1 RBC unit. We analyzed RDW values of the patients at four study points: before RBC transfusion (T1), immediately after transfusion (T2), 24 hours after transfusion (T3), and 48 hours after transfusion (T4). We also collected laboratory data from donors and RBC units. Changes of RDW (ΔRDW) were computed as the difference between baseline RDW value and RDW at each time point after transfusion.RESULTSWe enrolled 36 patients. RDW values increased after transfusion (p < 0.001 at all points vs. baseline), with the highest level at T3. At T3, 34 of 36 patients (94%) had an abnormal RDW value (vs. 26/36, 72%) at baseline (p = 0.023). The maximum ΔRDW for each patient was moderately correlated with the difference between mean corpuscular volume (MCV)donors and MCVpatient (r = 0.478, p = 0.005). Subgroups analysis showed that the maximum ΔRDW was greater in patients with baseline MCV lower than 80 fL or higher than 100 fL (n = 7) or baseline RDW of more than 14.5% (n = 19).CONCLUSIONRBC transfusion significantly increased RDW values. This intervention should be accurately reported in the studies evaluating the prognostic role of RDW.
Streamlining a blood center and hospital transfusion service supply chain with an informatics vendor‐managed inventory solution: development, implementation, and 3‐month follow‐up
Authors: Tsang Hamilton C. , Garcia Adam , Scott Robert , Lancaster David , Geary Dianne , Nguyen Anh‐Thu , Shankar Raina , Buchanan Leslie , Pham Tho D. 
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUNDThe ordering process at Stanford Health Care involved twice‐daily shipments predicated upon current stock levels from the blood center to the hospital transfusion service. Manual census determination is time consuming and error prone. We aimed to enhance inventory management by developing an informatics platform to streamline the ordering process and reallocate staff productivity.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSThe general inventory accounts for more than 50 product categories based on characteristics including component, blood type, irradiation status, and cytomegalovirus serology status. Over a 5‐month calibration period, inventory levels were determined algorithmically and electronically. An in‐house software program was created to determine inventory levels, optimize the electronic ordering process, and reduce labor time. A 3‐month pilot period was implemented using this program.RESULTSThis system showed noninferiority while saving labor time. The average weekly transfused:stocked ratios for cryoprecipitate, plasma, and red blood cells, respectively, were 1.03, 1.21, and 1.48 before the pilot period, compared with 0.88, 1.17, and 1.40 during (p = 0.28). There were 27 (before) and 31 (during) average STAT units ordered per week (p = 0.86). The number of monthly wasted products due to expiration was 226 (before) and 196 (during) units, respectively (p = 0.28). An estimated 7 hours per week of technologist time was reallocated to other tasks.CONCLUSIONAn in‐house electronic ordering system can enhance information fidelity, reallocate and optimize valuable staff productivity, and further standardize ordering. This system showed noninferiority to the labor‐intensive manual system while freeing up over 360 hours of staff time per year.
International remittances, migration and primary commodities
Authors: Snudden Stephen 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis paper documents the global crude oil market as a key driver of international migration and remittances. Structural estimation documents that crude oil supply and demand shocks induce sizeable remittances flows. The sign and magnitude of remitter outflows differ across countries and structural shocks. A multilateral global general equilibrium model is used to show how oil‐exporting remitters generate international remittance and migration spillovers from crude oil price movements. Remittees’ economic outcomes from remittances and migration channels are found to be dominated by terms of trade channels for shocks to the global market for crude oil. Due to this, studies of remittance flows need to account for the source of the commodity price movement if using the correlation between remittee realGDPand remittance inflows.
Business cycle synchronisation in East Asia: The role of value‐added trade
Authors: Jiang Wei , Li Yunong , Zhang Shajuan 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWe empirically investigate the relationship between business cycle synchronisation and the role of value‐added trade focusing on a panel of 12 Asian countries from 1995 to 2011. In addition, we propose the inclusion of two novel determinants, for example external value‐added trade intensity and exchange rate volatility and also saturate our empirical model with other common determinants found in the literature. Our findings first confirm that value‐added trade intensity, rather than gross trade intensity, has a sizable, positive and statistically significant impact on synchronisation among East Asian countries. Second, the exchange rate volatility has a significant negative effect on the business cycle synchronisation, which verifies that the exchange rate volatility is another important determinant of business cycle synchronisation. Our findings have important implications for the monetary cooperation in the region: strengthening trade linkage could reduce the costs of monetary cooperation by increasing the incidence of symmetric shocks.
Correlations between ultrasonography performed by the ENT specialist and pathologic findings in the management of three cases with thyroglossal duct cyst
Authors: Vrinceanu Daniela , Dumitru Mihai , Cergan Romica , Anghel Alina Georgiana , Costache Adrian , Patrascu Elena Tatiana , Sarafoleanu Codrut Caius 
Published: May 2018

Thyroglossal duct cyst (TDC) has an increasing incidence. We present a series of three cases that benefited from the use of ultrasonography performed first hand by the ENT specialist. All cases underwent Sistrunk procedure and the diagnosis was confirmed by pathology results: one uncomplicated TDC, a thyroglossal duct carcinoma, and an infected TDC with the risk of becoming a diffuse cervical suppuration. Ultrasonography performed first hand by the ENT specialist enables a quick and thorough planning of the surgical procedure and management of the case.
Protocol for the validation of sensitivity and specificity of the Cow’s Milk-related Symptom Score (CoMiSS) against open food challenge in a single-blinded, prospective, multicentre trial in infants
Authors: Vandenplas Yvan , Mukherjee Rajat , Dupont Christophe , Eigenmann Philippe , Høst Arne , Kuitunen Mikael , Ribes-Koninkx Carmen , Shah Neil , Szajewska Hania , von Berg Andrea , Heine Ralf G , Zhao Zheng-Yan 
Published: May 2018

IntroductionThe symptoms of cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) in infancy can be non-specific which may delay a correct diagnosis and cause adverse clinical outcomes. The diagnosis of non-IgE-mediated CMPA is particularly complex as it involves a 2 to 4 week elimination diet followed by oral food challenge (OFC). The Cow’s Milk-related Symptom Score (CoMiSS) is a clinical resource for primary healthcare providers which aims to increase awareness of CMPA symptoms to facilitate an earlier diagnosis. The aim of the present study is to assess if the CoMiSS can be used as a potential diagnostic tool in infants with suspected CMPA.Methods and analysisExclusively formula-fed infants aged 0–6 months presenting with symptoms suggestive of CMPA will be included in this prospective, multicentre trial which will be conducted in 10 centres in China. All infants will commence a 2-week trial of an amino acid-based formula (AAF) while eliminating all cow milk protein from their diets. After the AAF treatment period, infants will undergo an open OFC in hospital with standard cow’s milk formula, followed by an open home challenge for another 2 weeks. Clinical symptoms will be documented on standardised symptom scorecards. The CoMiSS will be determined at study entry (CoMiSS 1, before the start of the AAF), after 2 weeks (CoMiSS 2, before the OFC) and after a further period of 2 weeks or when symptoms suggestive of CMPA reappear (CoMiSS 3). Weight and length will be measured at each visit. The difference between CoMiSS 1 and 2 as a predictor of the OFC outcome will also be assessed. The diagnostic accuracy of the baseline CoMiSS will be calculated.Ethics and disseminationThe study was approved by the Hunan Children’s Hospital Medical Ethics Committee, Hunan, China. The findings of this trial will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal in paediatric nutrition or gastroenterology. Abstracts will be submitted to the relevant national and international conferences.Trial registration numberNCT03004729; Pre-results.
Effect of dietary omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on frailty-related phenotypes in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Stocks Joanne , Valdes Ana M 
Published: May 2018

IntroductionThe beneficial effect of dietary omega-3 supplementation in younger adults or older people with acute or chronic disease is established. Knowledge is now needed about the effect in medically stable older people. The objective of this study is to examine and assess the evidence for a role of dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation in older adults on (1) muscle mass and muscle strength, (2) inflammatory biomarkers and (3) physical activity.Methods and analysisA systematic review and data synthesis will be conducted of randomised controlled trials in older people not recruited for any given disease diagnosis. Placebo-controlled studies reporting interventions involving dietary supplementation of omega-3 PUFAs, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid will be included. Outcomes must include changes from baseline to last available follow-up for one or more of the following: muscle mass, inflammatory biomarkers, physical activity, walking speed, weight change, hand grip strength or muscle strength. Once the search strategy has been carried out, two independent researchers will assess relevant papers for eligibility. Articles up until 31 December 2017 in any language will be included. We will provide a narrative synthesis of the findings from the included studies. Studies will be grouped for meta-analysis according to the outcome(s) provided. Where studies have used the same type of intervention, with the same outcome measure, we will pool the results using a random effects meta-analysis, with standardised mean differences for continuous outcomes and risk ratios for binary outcomes, and calculate 95% CI and two-sided p values for each outcome.Ethics and disseminationNo research ethics approval is required for this systematic review as no confidential patient data will be used. The results of this systematic review will be disseminated through publication in an open-access peer-reviewed journal and through conference presentations.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42017080240.
Embolus Retriever with Interlinked Cages versus other stent retrievers in acute ischemic stroke: an observational comparative study
Authors: Gruber Philipp , Zeller Salome , Garcia-Esperon Carlos , Berberat Jatta , Anon Javier , Diepers Michael , Nedeltchev Krassen , Flottmann Fabian , Fiehler Jens , Remonda Luca , Kahles Timo 
Published: May 2018

Background and purposeGiven the promising performance of the new Embolus Retriever with Interlinked Cages (ERIC) in smaller case series, we sought to assess the efficacy and safety of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) with ERIC compared with other stent retrievers (SRs) in acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (LVO).MethodsWe reviewed the databases of two comprehensive stroke centers in in Germany and Switzerland for MT due to LVO in the anterior circulation with either ERIC or another SR as a first device. Co-primary outcome was defined as successful recanalization (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2b/3) after the first device and favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0–2) at 90 days' follow-up. Multiple logistic regression analysis was applied to adjust for potential confounders.Results183 consecutive patients with stroke were treated with either ERIC (49%) or a SR (51%) as the first device and successful recanalization was seen in 82% and 57%, respectively (P<0.001). Adding SR to futile ERIC recanalization or vice versa increased final recanalization rates (ERIC: 87%, SR: 79%). The use of ERIC as a first device resulted in favorable clinical outcome in 50% compared with 35% when a SR was used (P=0.038), an effect driven by age, stroke severity, presence of carotid-T-occlusion, and general anesthesia and not by the device deployed.ConclusionThe use of ERIC as a first device appeared to be associated with higher rates of successful recanalization and resulted in better functional outcome. However, favorable outcome was not attributable to ERIC. Most importantly, both device types complemented one another and improved final recanalization rates when used successively.
Tracheal acid or surfactant instillation raises alveolar surface tension
Authors: Nguyen Tam L. , Perlman Carrie E. 
Published: May 2018

Whether alveolar liquid surface tension, T, is elevated in the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has not been demonstrated in situ in the lungs. Neither is it known how exogenous surfactant, which has failed to treat ARDS, affects in situ T. We aim to determine T in an acid-aspiration ARDS model before and after exogenous surfactant administration. In isolated rat lungs, we combine servo-nulling pressure measurement and confocal microscopy to determine alveolar liquid T according to the Laplace relation. Administering 0.01 N (pH 1.9) HCl solution by alveolar injection or tracheal instillation, to model gastric liquid aspiration, raises T. Subsequent surfactant administration fails to normalize T. Furthermore, in normal lungs, tracheal instillation of control saline or exogenous surfactant raises T. Lavaging the trachea with saline and injecting the lavage solution into the alveolus raises T, suggesting that tracheal instillation may wash T-raising airway contents to the alveolus. Adding 0.01 N HCl or 5 mM CaCl2—either of which aggregates mucins—to tracheal lavage solution reduces or eliminates the effect of lavage solution on alveolar T. Following tracheal saline instillation, liquid suctioned directly out of alveoli through a micropipette contains mucins. Additionally, alveolar injection of gastric mucin solution raises T. We conclude that 1) tracheal liquid instillation likely washes T-raising mucins to the alveolus and 2) even exogenous surfactant that could be delivered mucin-free to the alveolus might not normalize T in acid-aspiration ARDS. NEW & NOTEWORTHY We demonstrate in situ in isolated lungs that surface tension is elevated in an acid-aspiration acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) model. Following tracheal liquid instillation, also in isolated lungs, we directly sample alveolar liquid. We find that liquid instillation into normal lungs washes mucins to the alveolus, thereby raising alveolar surface tension. Furthermore, even if exogenous surfactant could be delivered mucin-free to the alveolus, exogenous surfactant might fail to normalize alveolar surface tension in acid-aspiration ARDS.
Mechanistic insights into the modulatory role of the mechanoreflex on central hemodynamics using passive leg movement in humans
Authors: Kruse Nicholas T. , Hughes William E. , Casey Darren P. 
Published: May 2018

The aim of this study was to examine the independent contributions of joint range of motion (ROM), muscle fascicle length (MFL), and joint angular velocity on mechanoreceptor-mediated central cardiovascular dynamics using passive leg movement (PLM) in humans. Twelve healthy men (age: 23 ± 2 yr, body mass index: 23.7 kg/m2) performed continuous PLM at various randomized joint angle ROMs (0°–50° vs. 50°–100° vs. 0°–100°) and joint angular velocities (“fast”: 200°/s vs. “slow”: 100°/s). Measures of heart rate (HR), cardiac output (CO), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were recorded during baseline and during 60 s of PLM. MFL was calculated from muscle architectural measurements of fascicle pennation angle and tissue thickness (Doppler ultrasound). Percent change in MFL increased across the transition of PLM from 0° to 50° (15 ± 3%; P < 0.05) and from 0° to 100° knee flexion (27 ± 4%; P < 0.05). The average peak percent change in HR (increased, approx. +5 ± 2%; P < 0.05), CO (increased, approx. +5 ± 3%; P < 0.05), and MAP (decreased, approx. −2 ± 2%; P < 0.05) were similar between fast versus slow angular velocities when compared against shorter absolute joint ROMs (i.e., 0°–50° and 50°–100°). However, the condition that exhibited the greatest angular velocity in combination with ROM (0°–100° at 200°/s) elicited the greatest increases in HR (+13 ± 2%; P < 0.05) and CO (+12 ± 2%; P < 0.05) compared with all conditions. Additionally, there was a significant relationship between MFL and HR within 0°–100° at 200°/s condition ( r2 = 0.59; P < 0.05). These findings suggest that increasing MFL and joint ROM in combination with increased angular velocity via PLM are important components that activate mechanoreflex-mediated cardioacceleration and increased CO. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The mechanoreflex is an important autonomic feedback mechanism that serves to optimize skeletal muscle perfusion during exercise. The present study sought to explore the mechanistic contributions that initiate the mechanoreflex using passive leg movement (PLM). The novel findings show that progressively increasing joint angle range of motion and muscle fascicle length via PLM, in combination with increased angular velocity, are important components that activate mechanoreflex-mediated cardioacceleration and increase cardiac output in humans.
Determinants and Outcomes of Vasoplegia Following Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation
Authors: Tecson Kristen M. , Lima Brian , Lee Andy Y. , Raza Fayez S. , Ching Grace , Lee Cheng‐Han , Felius Joost , Baxter Ronald D. , Still Sasha , Collier Justin D. G. , Hall Shelley A. , Joseph Susan M. 
Published: May 2018

Background
Vasoplegia is associated with adverse outcomes following cardiac surgery; however, its impact following left ventricular assist device implantation is largely unexplored.

Methods and Results

In 252 consecutive patients receiving a left ventricular assist device, vasoplegia was defined as the occurrence of normal cardiac function and index but with the need for intravenous vasopressors within 48 hours following surgery for >24 hours to maintain a mean arterial pressure >70 mm Hg. We further categorized vasoplegia as
none
;
mild
, requiring 1 vasopressor (vasopressin, norepinephrine, or high‐dose epinephrine [>5 μg/min]); or
moderate to severe
, requiring ≥2 vasopressors. Predictors of vasoplegia severity were determined using a cumulative logit (ordinal logistic regression) model, and 1‐year mortality was evaluated using competing‐risks survival analysis. In total, 67 (26.6%) patients developed mild vasoplegia and 57 (22.6%) developed moderate to severe vasoplegia. The multivariable model for vasoplegia severity utilized preoperative Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) profile, central venous pressure, systolic blood pressure, and intraoperative cardiopulmonary bypass time, which yielded an area under the curve of 0.76. Although no significant differences were noted in stroke or pump thrombosis rates (
P
=0.87 and
P
=0.66, respectively), respiratory failure and major bleeding increased with vasoplegia severity (
P
<0.01). Those with moderate to severe vasoplegia had a significantly higher risk of mortality than those without vasoplegia (adjusted hazard ratio: 2.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.08–4.18;
P
=0.03).

Conclusions

Vasoplegia is predictive of unfavorable outcomes, including mortality. Risk factors for future research include preoperative
INTERMACS
profile, central venous pressure, systolic blood pressure, and intraoperative cardiopulmonary bypass time.