bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of perioperative strategies in ICD patients: The perioperative ICD management study (PIM study)
Authors: Neubauer Horst , Wellmann Malte , Herzog‐Niescery Jennifer , Wutzler Alexander , Weber Thomas Peter , Mügge Andreas , Vogelsang Heike 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe prevalence of patients with implanted cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and the frequency of surgery on these patients are steadily on the rise. Guidelines recommend preoperative ICD reprogramming, although this is sometimes difficult in clinical practice. Placing a magnet on the ICD is a practical alternative and even no inactivation is possible in selected cases.MethodsIn this prospective observational study, we compared different perioperative ICD management strategies depending on the location of the surgery and the type of electrocautery used. Patients undergoing surgery above the umbilicus with monopolar electrocautery had their ICD therapy inactivated by reprogramming. When surgery below the navel or surgery above the navel with bipolar electrocautery was completed, ICD inactivation was performed using a magnet. No inactivation was performed on patients undergoing lower extremity surgery with bipolar electrocautery. Only ICD patients who were not pacemaker dependent were enrolled. After surgery, the ICDs were assessed regarding documented arrhythmias and parameters.ResultsOut of 101 patients included in this study, the ICD was preoperatively reprogrammed in 42 patients (41.6%), a magnet was used on 45 patients (44.5%), and ICDs were not deactivated at all in 14 patients (13.9%). No intraoperative electromagnetic interference was detected. Postoperative ICD analysis demonstrated no changes of preset parameters.ConclusionsAll three tested ICD management strategies were proved safe in this study. Keeping the location of surgery and the type of electrocautery in mind, an intraoperative magnet or even no ICD deactivation at all could be feasible alternatives in surgery on patients with ICDs.
Weaving nets: Housing and leadership in two Italian cities
Authors: Galanti Maria Tullia 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAs part of local welfare in Italy, housing policies underwent reforms that emphasized the role of local governments—and cities in particular—in the definition of the problem and in the elaboration of possible solutions. Housing is quite neglected in the political debate, but it is increasingly important for responding to citizens' demands in times of economic crisis. This paper reconstructs the policy process in two Italian cities, Turin (1997–2011) and Florence (1995–2011). The paper argues that policy change in housing can be fostered by a local political leadership that invests ideational, relational, and positional resources in policy making to spread new ideas, build networks of public and private actors at the local level, and attract fiscal resources while taking advantage of windows of opportunity at different institutional levels. Moreover, collaboration with local bureaucratic leadership proves fundamental to promoting innovative policies.
Probability puppets
Authors: Groth Randall E. , Austin Jathan W. , Naumann Madeline , Rickards Megan 
Published: September 2018

SummaryWe describe how we used puppets as tools to draw 9 to 10‐year‐old students into conversations about probability. Puppets supported classroom discourse by putting forth probabilistic arguments for critique, introducing extreme and unusual examples of concepts, and introducing an element of surprise.
Immunoglobulin (Ig)G antibodies against IgE identified by basophil activation test as the putative causative agent of a serious allergic transfusion reaction: potential utility of the test as a new safety measure for allergic transfusion reactions
Authors: Yasui Kazuta , Matsuyama Nobuki , Kimura Takafumi , Fujimura Yoshihiro , Hirayama Fumiya 
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUNDIn most cases of allergic transfusion reactions (ATRs), the causative agents have not been identified and the mechanisms are largely unknown, with a few exceptions. The basophil activation test (BAT) was recently introduced in the field of transfusion to investigate the causal relationships between ATRs and transfusion, as well as the mechanisms behind them.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSThe BAT was used to screen the residual supernatants (SNs) of 43 blood components associated with serious ATRs for those that can activate basophils of many healthy volunteers. The SNs were then fractionated by centrifugal ultrafiltration and protein G column chromatography and each separated fraction was reexamined by the BAT.RESULTSOf the 43 such blood components, one activated basophils from 19 of 21 healthy volunteers. In the blood component, the IgG antibody against IgE was identified as a putative causative agent.CONCLUSIONBlood donors who possessed the IgG antibody against IgE may be dangerous to transfusion recipients. The BAT would be useful in identifying such high‐risk blood donors, when it is used to screen the blood components associated with serious ATRs for residual SNs that can activate the basophils of many healthy volunteers.
Standardization of prophylactic platelet transfusion dosing in a pediatric oncology population: a quality improvement project
Authors: Leibowitz Michael , Wolfe Heather , Flynn Andrea , Waanders Angela , Burlingame Caroline , Aumaier Brenna , Friedman David , Lambert Michele P. 
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUNDOncology patients are frequent recipients of prophylactic platelet transfusions. Recent studies have demonstrated that lower prophylactic doses of platelets were not associated with a higher incidence of bleeding. At our institution, we found wide variation in platelet dosing due to lack of guidance and support for standardized dosing.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSA collaborative process improvement project between oncology, hematology, intensivists, and the transfusion service established guidelines for dosing of prophylactic platelet transfusions in nonbleeding oncology patients: 10 mL/kg or less of apheresis platelets for patients weighing up to 20 kg and 1 unit of apheresis platelets patients weighing 20 kg or more, with our stated goal of standardizing transfusion practice. A graphic data display tool that draws on the electronic medical record to monitor platelet ordering was created, with a target goal of greater than 80% compliance with the dosing guidelines. We implemented decision support for dosing consistent with the guideline, and provided educational materials to prescribers at various levels of training within oncology over multiple plan‐do‐study‐act cycles.RESULTSWe were able to consistently achieve between 85 and 90% compliance of prophylactic platelet transfusion orders without an increase in the number of emergency department visits for bleeding or platelet transfusions or changing the time between platelet transfusions after guideline implementation.CONCLUSIONThis project demonstrates that reducing the volume of prophylactic platelet transfusions to doses consistent with published studies was safe and that a process of guideline consensus based on published studies, well‐designed decision support for computerized physician order entry, and targeted educational efforts, were effective in changing practice at a large academic hospital.
Kidd blood group system: outwardly simple with hidden complexity
Authors: Hamilton Janis R. 
Published: September 2018

The basics of the Kidd blood group system have been well described. Two of the three antigens, Jka and Jkb, are polymorphic. The third, Jk3, is of very high prevalence in all populations except in individuals of Polynesian and Finnish extraction. Jk (a−b−) red cells do not express Jk3. The antigens are encoded by SLC14A1 gene on chromosome 18. JK*01 allele differs from JK*02 at nt 838 (G/A) and in the protein, at amino acid 280, Jka expression is associated with aspartate and asparagine is associated with Jkb. The genetic background of the dominantly inherited In(Jk) Jk(a−b−) is due to an 84 bp deletion in ZFN850 on chromosome 19. Antibodies against all three antigens are clinically important. They can cause immediate haemolytic transfusion reactions and are a frequent cause of delayed transfusion reactions. Haemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn due to JK antibodies is generally much less severe than the response to incompatible transfusion. The JK protein on red cells functions as a urea transporter. Complexity in the system is due to the number of alternate alleles described. ISBT recognizes 24 alleles that silence Jka/Jkb expression and 7 alleles causing weak or partial expression of Jka or Jkb. These alleles can result in serological typing discrepancies, discordant serological/molecular results and production of an apparent Kidd alloantibody by an antigen‐positive individual. JK antigens may serve as minor histocompatibility antigens. The antibodies may play a role in renal graft survival when a JK‐incompatible donor kidney is transplanted.
A comparative study on treatment of wastewaters with various biodegradability and various pH values using single‐chamber microbial fuel cells
Authors: Safwat Safwat M. , Rozaik Ehab , Abdel‐Halim Hisham 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThis work assessed the performance of a single‐chamber microbial fuel cell (MFC) with various substrates. Primary settled domestic wastewaters were used to simulate wastewaters of high biodegradability; while phenol‐based wastewaters and benzene‐based wastewaters were used to simulate wastewaters of low biodegradability. Experiments were performed at initial pH values of 6, 7 and 8. The maximum voltage production, power density and removal of substrate were obtained using primary settled domestic wastewater, whereas the lowest values were obtained using phenol‐based wastewater. The maximum chemical oxygen demand removal efficiency, phenol removal efficiency and benzene removal efficiency were 80.8, 63.3 and 77.8%, respectively. The performance of the MFC was enhanced by increasing the influent pH. The lowest coulombic efficiencies were obtained from phenol‐based wastewater and benzene‐based wastewater, which indicated that electrogenic bacteria were not the primary microorganisms responsible for the biodegradation of low biodegradable wastewater.
Topical nicotinic receptor activation improves wound bacterial infection outcomes and TLR2‐mediated inflammation in diabetic mouse wounds
Authors: Kishibe Mari , Griffin Tina M. , Goslawski Melissa , Sinacore James , Kristian Sascha A. , Radek Katherine A. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe cholinergic anti‐inflammatory pathway can directly affect skin antibacterial responses via nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). In particular, α7 nAChR (CHRNA7) present in the epidermis modulates the host response to wounding and/or wound bacterial infection. While physiologic inflammation is required to initiate normal wound repair and can be triggered by Toll‐like receptor (TLR) activation, chronic inflammation is frequently observed in diabetic wounds and can occur, in part, via excessive TLR2 activation or production. Consequently, this can delay physiologic wound healing responses and increase diabetic host susceptibility to bacterial infection. In this study, we demonstrate that topical nAChR activation diminishes bacterial survival and systemic dissemination in a mouse model of diabetic wound infection, while reducing wound TLR2 production, relative to control mice. We further determined that the antimicrobial peptide activity of diabetic mouse wounds is increased compared to control mice, but this effect is lost following topical nAChR activation. Finally, we observed that human diabetic wounds exhibit impaired α7 nAChR (CHRNA7) abundance and localization relative to human control (nondiabetic) skin. These findings suggest that topical administration of nAChR agonists may improve wound healing and infection outcomes in diabetic wounds by dampening TLR2‐mediated inflammation and antimicrobial peptide response, and that the diabetic microenvironment may promote aberrant CHRNA7 production/activation that likely contributes to diabetic wound pathogenesis.
Parental opinion of consent in neonatal research
Authors: McCarthy Karen Nora , Ryan Niamh C , O’Shea Darragh T , Doran Kieran , Greene Richard , Livingstone Vicki , Ryan C Anthony , Boylan Geraldine B , Dempsey Eugene M 
Published: September 2018

BackgroundNeonatal research, particularly neonatal emergency research is a challenging area, notably in relation to obtaining valid prospective informed consent. The aim of this study is to determine parental perceptions of the consent process involved in performing research in newborn care, to explore methods used to obtain consent and their acceptability to parents.MethodsA parental questionnaire was developed that examined attitudes towards research and hypothetical research studies, in which the acceptability of various methods of consent was examined (informed, waived, deferred). These research scenarios were of varying time sensitivity and perceived risk level. The study setting was an Irish maternity hospital.ResultsThere were 600 responses to the questionnaire. In 93% of cases, parents felt that their involvement in the consent process was essential. In emergency situations, 52% felt full prospective informed consent was necessary; however, almost 28% of parents would feel pressure to consent. Most (75%) parents would prefer to be approached to discuss neonatal research studies antenatally, irrespective of study type and 40% of parents felt that neonates involved in research studies received overall better care. Acceptability of deferred consent was greater than waived, and was highest for the more emergency-based scenarios presented.DiscussionParents feel that they should play a central role in research involving their children. There were differences in the acceptability of various consent methods with strongest agreement for informed consent and lowest agreement for waived consent. Parents were more willing to accede to deferred consent in the cardiopulmonary resuscitation scenario study. These findings provide useful insights to consent strategies in future newborn research studies.
Menstrual restriction prevalence and association with intimate partner violence among Nepali women
Authors: Cardoso Lauren F , Clark Cari Jo , Rivers Kelsey , Ferguson Gemma , Shrestha Binita , Gupta Jhumka 
Published: September 2018

IntroductionEmerging research has linked women’s sanitation and menstrual hygiene experiences with increased vulnerability to violence outside the home. Few studies, however, have investigated the relationship between menstruation and violence perpetrated by family members. This type of violence may be linked specifically to restrictions placed on women during menstruation, which are common in some regions of Nepal owing to shared power differentials that disfavour women, and societal norms that stigmatise menstruation.ObjectiveTo record the prevalence of menstrual restrictions experienced by married women and examine potential associations between intimate partner violence (IPV) in the past year and menstrual restrictions imposed by husbands and/or in-laws among women in three districts of Nepal: Nawalparasi, Kapilvastu and Chitwan.MethodsBaseline data from a larger randomised control trial aiming to reduce IPV in three districts of the Terai region of Nepal (n=1800) were used to assess the prevalence of menstrual restrictions and the association with IPV.ResultsNearlythree out of four women (72.3%) reported experiencing high menstrual restriction, or two or more types of menstrual restriction. When controlling for demographic variables and IPV, no type of IPV was associated with high menstrual restrictions.ConclusionThe experience of menstrual restriction was widespread in this sample of women in Nepal. Future research should seek to identify how best to capture menstrual stigma and deviations around such norms. The global health and development community should prioritise integration with existing water and sanitation programmes to reduce stigma and ensure the well-being of menstruating women and girls.Trial registration numberNCT02942433.
Common variants at 5q33.1 predispose to migraine in African-American children
Authors: Chang Xiao , Pellegrino Renata , Garifallou James , March Michael , Snyder James , Mentch Frank , Li Jin , Hou Cuiping , Liu Yichuan , Sleiman Patrick M A , Hakonarson Hakon 
Published: September 2018

BackgroundGenome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified multiple susceptibility loci for migraine in European adults. However, no large-scale genetic studies have been performed in children or African Americans with migraine.MethodsWe conducted a GWAS of 380 African-American children and 2129 ancestry-matched controls to identify variants associated with migraine. We then attempted to replicate our primary analysis in an independent cohort of 233 African-American patients and 4038 non-migraine control subjects.ResultsThe results of this study indicate that common variants at 5q33.1 associated with migraine risk in African-American children (rs72793414, p=1.94×10−9). The association was validated in an independent study (p=3.87×10−3) for an overall meta-analysis p value of 3.81×10−10. eQTL (Expression quantitative trait loci) analysis of the Genotype-Tissue Expression data also shows the genotypes of rs72793414 were strongly correlated with the mRNA expression levels of NMUR2 at 5q33.1. NMUR2 encodes a G protein-coupled receptor of neuromedin-U (NMU). NMU, a highly conserved neuropeptide, participates in diverse physiological processes of the central nervous system.ConclusionsThis study provides new insights into the genetic basis of childhood migraine and allow for precision therapeutic development strategies targeting migraine patients of African-American ancestry.
Western diet triggers Toll-like receptor 4 signaling-induced endothelial dysfunction in female Wistar rats
Authors: Kramer Benjamin , França Lucas Martins , Zhang Youhua , Paes Antonio Marcus de Andrade , Gerdes A. Martin , Carrillo-Sepulveda Maria Alicia 
Published: September 2018

Overconsumption of a diet rich in fat and carbohydrates, called the Western diet, is a major contributor to the global epidemic of cardiovascular disease. Despite previously documented cardiovascular protection exhibited in female rats, this safeguard may be lost under certain metabolic stressors. We hypothesized that female Wistar rats challenged by a Western diet composed of 21% fat and 50% carbohydrate (34.1% sucrose) for 17 wk would develop endothelial dysfunction via endothelial Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling. Western diet-fed female rats exhibited dysregulation of metabolism, revealing increased body weight and abdominal fat, decreased expression of adiponectin in white adipose tissue, glucose intolerance, and impaired insulin sensitivity. Western diet exposure increased hepatic triglycerides and cholesterol alongside hepatic steatosis, categorizing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Moreover, a Western diet negatively affected vascular function, revealing hypertension, impaired endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation, aortic remodeling, and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Aortic protein expression of TLR4 and its downstream proteins were markedly increased in the Western diet-fed group in association with elevated serum levels of free fatty acids. In vitro experiments were conducted to test whether free fatty acids contribute to vascular ROS overproduction via the TLR4 signaling pathway. Cultured endothelial cells were stimulated with palmitate in the presence of TAK-242, a TLR4 signaling inhibitor. Palmitate-induced overgeneration of ROS in endothelial cells was abolished in the presence of TAK-242. Our data show that a Western diet induced endothelial dysfunction in female rats and suggest that endothelial TLR4 signaling may play a key role in abolishing female cardiovascular protection. NEW & NOTEWORTHY A Western diet induced elevated levels of free fatty acids, produced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and provoked endothelial dysfunction in female rats in association with Toll-like receptor 4 signaling-mediated vascular reactive oxygen species production. Limited consumption of a Western diet in premenopausal women may decrease their risk of cardiovascular complications.
Altered biventricular hemodynamic forces in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot and right ventricular volume overload because of pulmonary regurgitation
Authors: Sjöberg Pia , Töger Johannes , Hedström Erik , Arvidsson Per , Heiberg Einar , Arheden Håkan , Gustafsson Ronny , Nozohoor Shahab , Carlsson Marcus 
Published: September 2018

Intracardiac hemodynamic forces have been proposed to influence remodeling and be a marker of ventricular dysfunction. We aimed to quantify the hemodynamic forces in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rToF) to further understand the pathophysiological mechanisms as this could be a potential marker for pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) in these patients. Patients with rToF and pulmonary regurgitation (PR) > 20% ( n = 18) and healthy control subjects ( n = 15) underwent MRI, including four-dimensional flow. A subset of patients ( n = 8) underwent PVR and MRI after surgery. Time-resolved hemodynamic forces were quantified using 4D-flow data and indexed to ventricular volume. Patients had higher systolic and diastolic left ventricular (LV) hemodynamic forces compared with control subjects in the lateral-septal/LV outflow tract ( P = 0.011 and P = 0.0031) and inferior-anterior ( P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0001) directions, which are forces not aligned with blood flow. Forces did not change after PVR. Patients had higher RV diastolic forces compared with control subjects in the diaphragm-right ventricular (RV) outflow tract (RVOT; P < 0.001) and apical-basal ( P = 0.0017) directions. After PVR, RV systolic forces in the diaphragm-RVOT direction decreased ( P = 0.039) to lower levels than in control subjects ( P = 0.0064). RV diastolic forces decreased in all directions ( P = 0.0078, P = 0.0078, and P = 0.039) but were still higher than in control subjects in the diaphragm-RVOT direction ( P = 0.046). In conclusion, patients with rToF and PR had LV hemodynamic forces less aligned with intraventricular blood flow compared with control subjects and higher diastolic RV forces along the regurgitant flow direction in the RVOT and that of tricuspid inflow. Remaining force differences in the LV and RV after PVR suggest that biventricular pumping does not normalize after surgery. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Biventricular hemodynamic forces in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot and pulmonary regurgitation were quantified for the first time. Left ventricular hemodynamic forces were less aligned to the main blood flow direction in patients compared with control subjects. Higher right ventricular forces were seen along the pulmonary regurgitant and tricuspid inflow directions. Differences in forces versus control subjects remain after pulmonary valve replacement, suggesting that altered biventricular pumping does not normalize after surgery.