bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low agreement between fresh and frozen‐thawed platelet‐rich plasma in the calibrated automated thrombogram assay
Authors: Ljungkvist M. , Lövdahl S. , Zetterberg E. , Berntorp E. 
Published: February 2017

IntroductionThrombin generation tests (TGTs) are considered to give more detailed information of the overall coagulation capability of a patient than clotting‐based routine assays. The TGT thrombin generation assay‐calibrated automated thrombogram (TGA‐CAT) uses both platelet‐poor plasma (PPP) and platelet‐rich plasma (PRP). Assessing PRP gives more physiological test conditions and is of great interest considering the important role platelets play in haemostasis. However, PRP needs to be assessed close after blood draw/preparation as freezing fragments the platelets. In several previous publications, the utility of frozen‐thawed PRP (ft‐PRP) has been promoted, and in one article, no significant difference between fresh PRP (f‐PRP) and ft‐PRP was reported.AimThe aim of our study was to investigate the level of agreement between f‐PRP and ft‐PRP to further validate these results.MethodsOur test population contained 41 persons with haemophilia and 45 healthy subjects. We used the TGA‐CAT method with a set‐up according to the manufacturer of the method.ResultsThe measurements showed a poor level of agreement between f‐PRP and ft‐PRP and differences were not systematic.ConclusionFresh and ft‐PRP cannot be assumed to show equal results in the TGA‐CAT assay.
Epidemiology of long‐stay patients in a university teaching hospital
Authors: O'Sullivan Kim , Martensson Johan , Robbins Raymond , Farley KJ , Johnson Doug , Jones Daryl 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundPatients admitted to acute care hospitals may have multiple comorbidities, and a small proportion may stay for a protracted period.AimsTo assess the proportion of hospital patients who are long stay (≥14 days) and evaluate associations with baseline variables and subsequent inpatient morbidity and mortality.MethodsThis is a retrospective observational study of patients aged ≥18 years staying in hospital for at least 24 h between 1 July 2013 and 30 June 2014.ResultsThere were 22 094 admissions in 15 623 patients. The median (interquartile range (IQR)) length of stay (LOS) was 4 (2–8) days, and 10% had a LOS >16 days. Long‐stay admissions comprised 13.1% of admissions but used 49.1% of bed days. Long‐stay admissions were more likely to be associated with intensive care unit admission (21.2 vs 6.0%), medical emergency team review (20.5 vs 4.3%) and a longer duration of mechanical ventilation (P < 0.0001 all comparisons). Long‐stay patients were more likely to develop in‐hospital complications, were more likely to die in hospital (8.2 vs 3.1%) and were less likely to be discharged home (P < 0.001 all comparisons). Multiple variable analysis revealed several associations with prolonged stay, including multiple admissions in the study period, the nature of the admitting unit, the Charlson comorbidity index at admission, admission from another hospital and any history of smoking.ConclusionsPatients staying at least 14 days comprised one seventh of hospital admissions but used half of bed days and suffered increased in‐hospital morbidity and mortality. Several pre‐admission associations with prolonged stay were identified.
Adalimumab is a safe option for psoriasis patients with concomitant hepatitis B or C infection: a multicentre cohort study of 37 patients and review of the literature
Authors: Piaserico S. , Dapavo P. , Conti A. , Gisondi P. , Russo F.P. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackgroundLittle data are available about the safety of TNF‐α inhibitors in patients with HCV and HBV infection. In particular, data concerning the use of adalimumab in patients with psoriasis and concomitant viral hepatitis are lacking and little is known about the drug's real safety in this context.ObjectiveTo assess the long‐term safety of adalimumab in a group of 17 consecutive psoriatic patients affected by chronic HBV infection and 20 consecutive psoriatic patients affected by chronic HCV infection.MethodsThirty‐seven consecutive patients with psoriasis and concomitant HBV or HCV infection being treated with adalimumab at four Italian referral centres (Modena, Padova, Verona and Turin) were assessed before the treatment and at the end of follow‐up. Viral load and radiological studies (echography, Fibroscan) were also carried out in some of the patients.ResultsThe patients responded well to treatment and did not show any HBV or HCV reactivation in a mean follow‐up period of 27 and 40 months, respectively. The fibrosis score in eight HCV patients showed a slight reduction: pretreatment mean value 5.83 and post‐treatment mean value 5.65.ConclusionThe use of adalimumab seems to be safe in patients with severe psoriasis and HBV or HCV infection. Nevertheless, large‐scale prospective studies will be able to provide vital information on the impact of anti‐TNF treatment on hepatic function in patients with psoriasis and concomitant chronic HCV or HBV infection and appropriate monitoring scheduling.
P2Y12 receptors in primary microglia activate nuclear factor of activated T‐cell signaling to induce C–C chemokine 3 expression
Authors: Tozaki‐Saitoh Hidetoshi , Miyata Hiroyuki , Yamashita Tomohiro , Matsushita Katsuyuki , Tsuda Makoto , Inoue Kazuhide 
Published: February 2017

AbstractMicroglia are widely accepted as surveillants in the central nervous system that are continually searching the local environment for signs of injury. Following an inflammatory situation, microglia alter their morphology, extend ramified processes, and undergo cell body hypertrophy. Extracellular nucleotides are recognized as a danger signal by microglia. ADP acting on P2Y12 receptors induce process extension of microglia thereby attracting microglia to the site of adenosine tri‐phosphate/ADP leaking or release. However, the question whether ADP/P2Y12 receptor signaling directly stimulates the production or release of inducible factors such as cytokines remains unclear. In this study, we found that CC chemokine ligand 3 (CCL3) is induced by ADP‐treated primary microglia. Pharmacological characterization using pertussis toxin, a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor, and a calcium chelator revealed that CCL3 induction was caused by P2Y12 receptor‐mediated intracellular calcium elevation. Next, nuclear factor of activated T‐cell dephosphorylation and nuclear translocalization were observed. Calcineurin, an inhibitor for nuclear factor of activated T cell, suppressed CCL3 induction. These data indicate that microglial P2Y12 receptors are utilized to trigger an acute inflammatory response in microglia via rapid CCL3 induction after ADP stimulation.
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Women's and Healthcare Workers’ Beliefs and Experiences Surrounding Abortion: The Case of Haiti
Authors: Albuja Laura Dean , Cianelli Rosina , Anglade Debbie , Owusu Brenda , Joseph Laly , Sailsman Sonique , Ferrer Lilian 
Published: February 2017

AbstractPurposeWomen in developing countries usually encounter serious inequities in terms of women's health. To date, there is limited understanding of abortion from the perspective of Haitian women. As a limited‐resource country, Haiti faces complex social issues and healthcare challenges. With abortion being illegal, many adult and teenage women seek clandestine abortions. The aim of this study was to explore and gain a greater understanding of women's and healthcare workers’ beliefs and experiences about abortion in Haiti.MethodsDescriptive qualitative design was used to elicit information for the study. Eight focus groups were conducted with Haitian women and healthcare workers in five communities in the south of Haiti: Les Cayes, Aquin, St. Louis du Sud, Cavaillon, Maniche, and Ile a Vache. Participants were purposively selected and consented to participate and to be tape recorded. Content analysis followed using the verbatim transcripts, with triangulation of four researchers; saturation was reached with this number of focus groups.FindingsThe transcripts revealed six main themes regarding beliefs and experiences about abortion in Haiti: cultural aspects, consumers, perils of care, and legal concerns. Both women and healthcare workers discussed the repercussions of illegal abortion and the role of the government and hospitals. Participants identified similar perils and complications of unsafe abortions, such as postpartum hemorrhage and infection.ConclusionsResults showed an urgent need to create a public health response that addresses different dimensions of abortion by engaging women and healthcare providers in rapid and concrete actions that promote access and safe care of women. It is imperative to conduct more research related to abortion in order to examine other associated factors to better understand the links between abortion and sexual health disparities among Haitian women. These results highlight the need for a rapid response to the need of this vulnerable group, who are experiencing high rates of mortality. This can also serve as a directive to approach this issue in other developing countries in the Caribbean region, particularly from its clinical relevance.Clinical RelevanceUnsafe abortions are prevalent in developing countries; yet limited research exists on the topic. It is paramount to gain an understanding of the women's and healthcare workers’ beliefs and experiences surrounding abortion, in order to develop interventions that prevent abortion complications in Haitian women.
School and Parent Factors Associated With Steroid Use Among Adolescents
Authors: Elkins Rebecca L. , King Keith , Nabors Laura , Vidourek Rebecca 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDSteroid use among adolescents is an increasing health concern. Literature examining factors related to steroid use is limited.METHODSWe investigated steroid use among 9th through 12th grade adolescents in the Greater Cincinnati area. A total of 38,414 adolescents completed the PRIDE Questionnaire. Associations between demographics, school factors, parent factors, sport participation, and steroid use were examined.RESULTSA total of 2.6% of adolescents reported using steroids in the past year. Most prevalent was steroid use among male, Junior/Senior, African‐American, and Hispanic adolescents. Rates of steroid use differed significantly based on school and parent factors, but not sport participation. Adolescents who reported attendance at schools that frequently set and enforced rules for drug use or whose parents frequently set rules for drug use were at decreased odds for steroid use. School communication about drug use was negatively associated with steroid use.CONCLUSIONSSchool administration and staff, as well as parents, are uniquely positioned to deter steroid use among adolescents. Findings suggest that limiting steroid screening to student athletes might miss a substantial proportion of the population at risk. Thus, broad‐based screening and prevention programs may be more effective than programs targeting student athletes alone.
Preschool Daily Patterns of Physical Activity Driven by Location and Social Context
Authors: Schlechter Chelsey R. , Rosenkranz Richard R. , Fees Bronwyn S. , Dzewaltowski David A. 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDPreschool children are recommended to spend at least 15 minutes/hour (25% time) in light‐to‐vigorous physical activity (total physical activity, TPA). Preschool provider practices, such as whether children are put in small group or whole‐group activities, are likely to affect children's TPA levels during preschool. The current study characterized the pattern of physical activity across the preschool day, and examined the relationship of location and social arrangement to TPA.METHODSFifteen days from 8 preschool classrooms in 2 preschool centers were video‐recorded, and children (N = 73, age = 3‐6 years, M = 4.36 ± 0.85, Boys = 47%) wore accelerometers for the duration of the preschool day. We observed contextual variables of time (ie, morning or afternoon), location (ie, indoor or outdoor), and for a subsample, social arrangement (ie, activity centers, small group, whole group).RESULTSAcross the whole day, children spent 69.5 ± 12.4% time sedentary/inactive and 30.5 ± 13.5% time in TPA. Children spent a significantly greater percentage of time in TPA outdoors, compared to indoors (t = 10.00, p < .001), and while in small groups compared to whole groups (t = 3.35, p = .009).CONCLUSIONChildren spent approximately 30% of the preschool day in TPA. Providing more time outdoors and restructuring preschool activities from whole group to small group could increase the amount of TPA that children accumulate during preschool.
Pasireotide Long‐Acting Release Treatment for Diabetic Cats with Underlying Hypersomatotropism
Authors: Gostelow R. , Scudder C. , Keyte S. , Forcada Y. , Fowkes R.C. , Schmid H.A. , Church D.B. , Niessen S.J.M. 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundLong‐term medical management of hypersomatotropism (HS) in cats has proved unrewarding. Pasireotide, a novel somatostatin analogue, decreases serum insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) and improves insulin sensitivity in cats with HS when administered as a short‐acting preparation.ObjectivesAssess once‐monthly administration of long‐acting pasireotide (pasireotide LAR) for treatment of cats with HS.AnimalsFourteen cats with HS, diagnosed based on diabetes mellitus, pituitary enlargement, and serum IGF‐1 > 1000 ng/mL.MethodsUncontrolled, prospective cohort study. Cats received pasireotide LAR (6–8 mg/kg SC) once monthly for 6 months. Fructosamine and IGF‐1 concentrations, and 12‐hour blood glucose curves (BGCs) were assessed at baseline and then monthly. Product of fructosamine concentration and insulin dose was calculated as an indicator of insulin resistance (Insulin Resistance Index). Linear mixed‐effects modeling assessed for significant change in fructosamine, IGF‐1, mean blood glucose (MBG) of BGCs, insulin dose (U/kg) and Insulin Resistance Index.ResultsEight cats completed the trial. Three cats entered diabetic remission. Median IGF‐1 (baseline: 1962 ng/mL [range 1051–2000 ng/mL]; month 6: 1253 ng/mL [524–1987 ng/mL]; P < .001) and median Insulin Resistance Index (baseline: 812 μmolU/L kg [173–3565 μmolU/L kg]; month 6: 135 μmolU/L kg [0–443 μmolU/L kg]; P = .001) decreased significantly. No significant change was found in mean fructosamine (baseline: 494 ± 127 μmol/L; month 6: 319 ± 113.3 μmol/L; P = .07) or MBG (baseline: 347.7 ± 111.0 mg/dL; month 6: 319.5 ± 113.3 mg/dL; P = .11), despite a significant decrease in median insulin dose (baseline: 1.5 [0.4–5.2] U/kg; 6 months: 0.3 [0.0–1.4] U/kg; P < .001). Adverse events included diarrhea (n = 11), hypoglycemia (n = 5), and worsening polyphagia (n = 2).Conclusions and Clinical ImportancePasireotide LAR is the first drug to show potential as a long‐term management option for cats with HS.
Reproductive biology and pollination ecology of Triplaris gardneriana (Polygonaceae): a case of ambophily in the Brazilian Chaco
Authors: Custodio T. , Comtois P. , Araujo A. C. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract

Triplaris gardneriana (Polygonaceae) is a dioecious pioneer tree reported as insect‐pollinated, despite possessing traits related to anemophily. Here, we analyse the possible roles of insects and wind on the pollination of this species to establish whether the species is ambophilous.

We carried out observations of floral biology, as well as on the frequency and behaviour of pollinators visiting flowers in a population of T. gardneriana in the Chaco vegetation of Brazil. We conducted experimental pollinations to determine the maternal fertility of female plants and whether they were pollen‐limited, and we also conducted aerobiological experiments to provide evidence of how environmental factors influence atmospheric pollen dispersal.

The population comprised an area of approximately 152.000 m2 and was composed of 603 female and 426 male plants (sex ratio = 0.59:0.41). We observed 48 species of insects visiting flowers of T. gardneriana, of which the bees Scaptotrigona depilis and Apis mellifera scutellata were the most effective pollinators. We recorded pollen grains dispersed by wind on 74% of the glass slides placed on females, located at different distances (1–10 m) from male plants.

Airborne pollen concentration was negatively correlated with relative humidity and positively correlated with temperature. Our observations and experimental results provide the first evidence that T. gardneriana is an ambophilous species, with pollen dispersal resulting from both animal and wind pollination. This mixed pollination strategy may be adaptive in T. gardneriana providing reproductive assurance during colonisation of sites with different biotic and abiotic conditions.
Typing and copy number determination for HLA‐DRB3, ‐DRB4 and ‐DRB5 from next‐generation sequencing data
Authors: Zhang Y. , Song Y. , Cao H. , Mo X. , Yang H. , Wang J. , Lu Z. , Zhang T. 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundHLA‐DRB3, DRB4 and DRB5 (DRB3/4/5) are paralogues of HLA‐DRB1. They have important roles in transplantation and have been reported to be related to many diseases. HLA typing methods for DRB3/4/5 based on NGS data have many limitations now, such as need of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or low accuracy.Materials and MethodsWe present a HLA typing method for DRB3/4/5 based on read mapping and haplotype assembly from NGS data. Also, copy number of DRB3/4/5 is determined by a k‐means clustering method according to ratio of sequencing depth between DRB3/4/5 and DRB1.ResultsWe achieved 100%, 100%, 100% accuracy on simulated data and 95.88%, 98.89%, 99.34% accuracy on MHC capture Illumina sequencing data at 4‐digit resolution with 30‐fold coverage for DRB3/4/5 separately. We also explored the DRB3/4/5 profiles in five continental populations through low coverage WGS data generated by the 1000 Genome Project. We found that frequency of DRB4 in African were significantly lower than that in all other populations.ConclusionOur method for DRB3/4/5 typing has high accuracy. It is a good supplement to regular HLA typing and could help in disease studies, medical applications and human population diversity studies.
Shunt tube placement for amelioration of cerebrospinal fluid flow obstruction caused by spinal cord subarachnoid fibrosis in dogs
Authors: Meren Ilyssa L. , Chavera Jessica A. , Alcott Cody J. , Barker Andrew K. , Jeffery Nick D. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo describe a novel technique for ameliorating cerebrospinal fluid flow obstruction secondary to pia‐arachnoid fibrosis in dogs and report outcome.Study DesignDescriptive report and retrospective case series.AnimalsDogs with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow obstruction (n = 7).MethodsMedical records were searched for dogs that had a subarachnoid‐subarachnoid shunt placed for treatment of CSF flow obstruction. Data collected included age, sex, breed, clinical signs and duration of signs prior to examination, neurologic status and localization prior to surgery, pre‐surgical diagnostics, surgical technique, histopathology, postoperative neurologic examination, time to discharge from hospital, and outcome.ResultsAll dogs were diagnosed at surgery with a fibrotic adhesion between the arachnoid and pia mater. A subarachnoid shunting tube was implanted to allow CSF flow across the lesion site. Five dogs showed improvement of clinical signs, 3 of which showed complete recovery and 2 of which showed improvement without resolution of all clinical signs. Two dogs showed no change at 7 and 24 months postoperatively.ConclusionBridging a region of pia‐arachnoid fibrosis with a tube placed in the subarachnoid space can ameliorate or prevent progression of associated clinical signs.
Prebiopsy mp-MRI Can Help to Improve the Predictive Performance in Prostate Cancer: A Prospective Study in 1,478 Consecutive Patients
Authors: Wang Rui , Wang Jing , Gao Ge , Hu Juan , Jiang Yuanyuan , Zhao Zhenlong , Zhang Xiaodong , Zhang Yu-Dong , Wang Xiaoying 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Purpose: To investigate whether prebiopsy multi-parametric (mp) MRI can help to improve predictive performance in prostate cancer.
Experimental Design: Based on a support vector machine (SVM) analysis, we prospectively modeled clinical data (age, PSA, digital rectal examination, transrectal ultrasound, PSA density, and prostate volume) and mp-MRI findings [Prostate Imaging and Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) score and tumor–node–metastasis stage] in 985 men to predict the risk of prostate cancer. The new nomogram was validated in 493 patients treated at the same institution. Multivariable Cox regression analyses assessed the association between input variables and risk of prostate cancer, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (Az) analyzed the predictive ability.
Results: At 5-year follow-up period, 34.3% of patients had systemic progression of prostate cancer. Nomogram (SVM-MRI) predicting 5-year prostate cancer rate trained with clinical and mp-MRI data was accurate and discriminating with an externally validated Az of 0.938, positive predictive value (PPV) of 77.4%, and negative predictive value of 91.5%. The improvement was significant (P &lt; 0.001) compared with the nomogram trained with clinical data. When stratified by PSA, SVM-MRI nomogram had high PPV (93.6%) in patients with PSA &gt; 20 ng/mL, with intermediate to low PPV in PSA 10 to 20 ng/mL (64%), PSA 4 to 10 ng/mL (55.8%), and PSA 0 to 4 ng/mL (29%). PI-RADS score (Cox HR, 2.112; P &lt; 0.001), PSA level (HR, 1.435; P &lt; 0.001), and age (HR, 1.012; P = 0.043) were independent predictors of prostate cancer.
Conclusions: Featured with low false positive rate, mp-MRI could be the first investigation of a man with a raised PSA before prostate biopsy. Clin Cancer Res; 23(14); 3692–9. ©2017 AACR.
Distributive Justice and Distributed Obligations
Authors: Edmundson William A. 
Published: February 2017

Collectivities can have obligations beyond the aggregate of pre-existing obligations of their members. Certain such collective obligations distribute, i.e., become members’ obligations to do their fair share. In incremental good cases, i.e., those in which a member’s fair share would go part way toward fulfilling the collectivity’s obligation, each member has an unconditional obligation to contribute.
States are involuntary collectivities that bear moral obligations. Certain states, democratic legal states, are collectivities whose obligations can distribute. Many existing states are democratic legal states, but none satisfies more rigorous requirements of distributive justice. There, citizens who hold assets, in excess of what is just, bear a distributed duty to dedicate that excess toward correcting the injustice. It is an incremental good case not conditioned on the conformity of others who are also wealthier than justice allows, nor on the diligence of the state in meeting its obligations.