bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developing a multidisciplinary Young Women's Blood Disorders Program: a single‐centre approach with guidance for other centres
Authors: Zia A. , Lau M. , Journeycake J. , Sarode R. , Marshall J. , De Simone N. , Wilson E. , Winborn A. , Kouides P. 
Published: January 2016

IntroductionBleeding from the reproductive tract in women is a natural event, generally occurring with menstruation and childbirth. Women with an underlying bleeding disorder may experience heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) and thereby, unacceptable blood loss. Up to 20% of US women with abnormal uterine bleeding and a normal gynaecological exam may have an underlying bleeding disorder corresponding to almost 2–3 million American women. These females face many obstacles in achieving optimum medical care for their problems. A haematologist may not evaluate these women as they are treated symptomatically. Recognition of an underlying bleeding disorder is not straightforward and many come to attention after serious bleeding events. Although mortality from HMB is uncommon, the true burden of HMB is its impact on health‐related quality of life. To address these issues, women with HMB require a comprehensive approach to their care.MethodsThese reasons compelled us to institute a multidisciplinary Young Women's Blood Disorders (YWBD) Program at our institution.ResultsHerein, we describe the process of developing this program involving paediatric haematology, adolescent medicine and paediatric/adolescent gynaecology, and the expertise of a laboratory coagulationist, a nutritionist and nursing professionals. We also describe our experience with patient selection, the role of each specialty in the program, our approach to testing, the coordination of care and overall management of this patient population. Lastly, we propose metrics that could be followed in justifying the support of such a program.ConclusionsThere is a growing need to offer comprehensive care to women with HMB and blood disorders. The YWBD program at our institution appears to be successful in delivering optimal care to young women affected with HMB.
Once‐weekly prophylactic treatment vs. on‐demand treatment with nonacog alfa in patients with moderately severe to severe haemophilia B
Authors: Kavakli K. , Smith L. , Kuliczkowski K. , Korth‐Bradley J. , You C. W. , Fuiman J. , Zupančić‐Šalek S. , Abdul Karim F. , Rendo P. 
Published: January 2016

IntroductionLimited data are available on optimal prophylaxis regimens of factor IX (FIX) replacements for patients with haemophilia B.AimThis multicentre, open‐label study evaluated the efficacy and safety of once‐weekly prophylaxis with nonacog alfa compared with on‐demand treatment in adolescent and adult patients.MethodsMales aged 12–65 years with moderately severe to severe haemophilia B (FIX:C ≤ 2%) were eligible for enrolment. Patients received on‐demand treatment for 26 weeks, followed by once‐weekly prophylaxis of 100 IU kg−1 for 52 weeks. The primary efficacy end point was the annualized bleeding rate (ABR). Secondary end points included response to on‐demand treatment, the number of infusions used to treat bleeding events, and the incidence of less‐than‐expected therapeutic effect (LETE). FIX:C was measured on day 1 and at weeks 26 and 78.ResultsMean (±SD) ABR was lower during prophylaxis vs. on‐demand treatment [3.6 (±4.6) vs. 32.9 (±17.4) events, respectively; P < 0.0001]. The majority (88.4%) of bleeding events had excellent or good responses upon the first infusion; 82.1% of events responded to the first infusion. No incident of LETE occurred. No thrombotic events or FIX inhibitors were reported. Eight of 17 FIX:C approximately 1 week after dosing were >2 IU dL−1 (min–max of 2.13–10.39 IU dL−1).ConclusionsOnce‐weekly prophylaxis of 100 IU kg−1 was associated with lower ABR compared with on‐demand treatment in adolescents and adults with moderately severe to severe haemophilia B. Once‐weekly prophylaxis was well tolerated, with a similar safety profile as that reported during the on‐demand treatment period. Residual FIX:C may be supportive of effectiveness.
Helicobacter pylori and Antibiotic Resistance, A Continuing and Intractable Problem
Authors: Hu Yue , Zhang Meng , Lu Bin , Dai Jinfeng 
Published: January 2016

AbstractHelicobacter pylori, a human pathogen with a high global prevalence, is the causative pathogen for multiple gastrointestinal diseases, especially chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, gastric mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, and gastric malignancies. Antibiotic therapies remain the mainstay for H. pylori eradication; however, this strategy is hampered by the emergence and spread of H. pylori antibiotic resistance. Exploring the mechanistic basis of this resistance is becoming one of the major research questions in contemporary biomedical research, as such knowledge could be exploited to devise novel rational avenues for counteracting the existing resistance and devising strategies to avoid the development of a novel anti‐H. pylori medication. Encouragingly, important progress in this field has been made recently. Here, we attempt to review the current state and progress with respect to the molecular mechanism of antibiotic resistance for H. pylori. A picture is emerging in which mutations of various genes in H. pylori, resulting in decreased membrane permeability, altered oxidation–reduction potential, and a more efficient efflux pump system. The increased knowledge on these mechanisms produces hope that antibiotic resistance in H. pylori can ultimately be countered.
Serotype and genetic diversity of human rhinovirus strains that circulated in Kenya in 2008
Authors: Milanoi Sylvia , Ongus Juliette R. , Gachara George , Coldren Rodney , Bulimo Wallace 
Published: January 2016

BackgroundHuman rhinoviruses (HRVs) are a well‐established cause of the common cold and recent studies indicated that they may be associated with severe acute respiratory illnesses (SARIs) like pneumonia, asthma, and bronchiolitis. Despite global studies on the genetic diversity of the virus, the serotype diversity of these viruses across diverse geographic regions in Kenya has not been characterized.ObjectivesThis study sought to characterize the serotype diversity of HRV strains that circulated in Kenya in 2008.MethodsA total of 517 archived nasopharyngeal samples collected in a previous respiratory virus surveillance program across Kenya in 2008 were selected. Participants enrolled were outpatients who presented with influenza‐like (ILI) symptoms. Real‐time RT‐PCR was employed for preliminary HRV detection. HRV‐positive samples were amplified using RT‐PCR and thereafter the nucleotide sequences of the amplicons were determined followed by phylogenetic analysis.ResultsTwenty‐five percent of the samples tested positive for HRV. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Kenyan HRVs clustered into three main species comprising HRV‐A (54%), HRV‐B (12%), and HRV‐C (35%). Overall, 20 different serotypes were identified. Intrastrain sequence homology among the Kenyan strains ranged from 58% to 100% at the nucleotide level and 55% to 100% at the amino acid level.ConclusionThese results show that a wide range of HRV serotypes with different levels of nucleotide variation were present in Kenya. Furthermore, our data show that HRVs contributed substantially to influenza‐like illness in Kenya in 2008.
Developing Great Lakes Literacy and Stewardship through a Nonformal Science Education Camp
Authors: Dann Shari L. , Schroeder Brandon 
Published: January 2016

AbstractInformal science education has received great attention nationally in recent years, however little has been included in the research or policy literature regarding camps as contexts for informal learning. This article first describes how a Great Lakes water resource education camp is based upon professional definitions of informal, nonformal and formal education. Next, we describe specific details of our long‐running Michigan 4‐H Great Lakes and Natural Resources Camp designed to foster teen leadership and watershed stewardship. The Camp utilizes research‐based best practices in nonformal science education, Place Based Education, Great Lakes Literacy education, and environmental education, as we demonstrate through detailed literature review. We also provide details of quantitative impact evaluation conducted between 1999 and 2012 and involving over 700 youth participants. Youth received pre‐Camp and immediate post‐Camp surveys. The Camp had a positive impact on teens' Great Lakes literacy, place attachment, and stewardship intentions. We conclude with recommendations for designing nonformal water literacy education, based on guidelines from the National Research Council and from our experiences, to enhance whole‐person development and deep learning through nonformal camp‐based programs.
Issues Associated with the Use of Untreated Roadside Springs as a Source of Drinking Water
Authors: Swistock Bryan , Clark James , Boser Susan , Oleson Diane , Galford Amy , Micsky Gary , Madden Mark 
Published: January 2016

AbstractRoadside springs are prevalent across Pennsylvania, but little information has been available about their public use or their suitability as a drinking water source. Penn State Extension conducted research to document roadside spring use and drinking water quality between 2013 and 2015. A survey of over 1,000 Pennsylvania residents found that 30% have consumed water from a roadside spring and 12% consume water every year, mostly because they perceive the water as natural with a good taste. A synoptic survey of 37 springs in 2013–2014 found that more than 90% failed one or more health‐based drinking water standards. A more intensive follow‐up study in 2014–2015 on ten of the 37 roadside springs found that they consistently failed drinking water standards throughout the year, including some presence of both Giardia and Cryptosporidium cysts. Total coliform bacteria were found to be a better indicator of the overall microbiological drinking water safety of these springs than Escherichia coli bacteria when only a single sample is collected. The frequent use of roadside springs along with poor drinking water quality represent a significant health risk that needs to be addressed in public health education programs.
Early Changes in QRS Frequency Following Cardiac Resynchronization Predict Hemodynamic Response in Left Bundle Branch Block Patients
Authors: NIEBAUER MARK J. , RICKARD JOHN , TCHOU PATRICK J. , VARMA NIRAJ 
Published: January 2016

QRS Frequency and CRTIntroductionQRS characteristics are the cornerstone of patient selection in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and the presence of left bundle branch block (LBBB) and baseline QRS ≥150 milliseconds portends a good outcome. We previously showed that baseline QRS frequency analysis adds predictive value to LBBB alone and have hypothesized that a change in frequency characteristics following CRT may produce additional predictive value.MethodsWe examined the QRS frequency characteristics of 182 LBBB patients before and soon after CRT. Patients were assigned to responder and nonresponder groups. Responders were defined by a decrease in left ventricular end‐systolic volume (LVESV) ≥15% following CRT. We analyzed the QRS in ECG leads I, AVF, and V3 before and soon after CRT using the discrete Fourier transform algorithm. The percentage of total QRS power within discrete frequency intervals before and after CRT was calculated. The reduction in lead V3 power <10 Hz was the best indicator of response.ResultsBaseline QRS width was similar between the responders and nonresponders (162.2 ± 17.2 milliseconds vs. 158 ± 22.1 milliseconds, respectively; P = 0.180). Responders exhibited a greater reduction in QRS power <10 Hz (–17.0 ± 11.9% vs. –6.6 ± 12.5%; P < 0.001) and a significant AUC (0.743; P < 0.001). A ≥8% decline in QRS power <10 Hz produced the best predictive values (PPV = 84%, NPV = 59%). Importantly, when patients with baseline QRS <150 milliseconds were compared, the AUC improved (0.892, P < 0.001).ConclusionsSuccessful CRT produces a significant reduction in QRS power below 10 Hz, particularly when baseline QRS <150 milliseconds. These results indicate that QRS frequency changes after CRT provide additional predictive value to QRS alone.
Antibody Detection and Molecular Characterization of Toxoplasma gondii from Bobcats (Lynx rufus), Domestic Cats (Felis catus), and Wildlife from Minnesota, USA
Authors: Verma Shiv K. , Minicucci Larissa , Murphy Darby , Carstensen Michelle , Humpal Carolin , Wolf Paul , Calero‐Bernal Rafael , Cerqueira‐Cézar Camila K. , Kwok Oliver C.H. , Su Chunlei , Hill Dolores , Dubey Jitender P. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractLittle is known of the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis in Minnesota. Here, we evaluated Toxoplasma gondii infection in 50 wild bobcats (Lynx rufus) and 75 other animals on/near 10 cattle farms. Antibodies to T. gondii were assayed in serum samples or tissue fluids by the modified agglutination test (MAT, cut‐off 1:25). Twenty nine of 50 bobcats and 15 of 41 wildlife trapped on the vicinity of 10 farms and nine of 16 adult domestic cats (Felis catus) and six of 14 domestic dogs resident on farms were seropositive. Toxoplasma gondii oocysts were not found in feces of any felid. Tissues of all seropositive wild animals trapped on the farm were bioassayed in mice and viable T. gondii was isolated from two badgers (Taxidea taxus), two raccoons (Procyon lotor), one coyote (Canis latrans), and one opossum (Didelphis virginiana). All six T. gondii isolates were further propagated in cell culture. Multi‐locus PCR‐RFLP genotyping using 10 markers (SAG1, SAG2 (5′‐3′SAG2, and alt.SAG2), SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22‐8, c29‐2, L358, PK1, and Apico), and DNA from cell culture derived tachyzoites revealed three genotypes; #5 ToxoDataBase (1 coyote, 1 raccoon), #1 (1 badger, 1 raccoon, 1 opossum), and #2 (1 badger). This is the first report of T. gondii prevalence in domestic cats and in bobcats from Minnesota, and the first isolation of viable T. gondii from badger.
Assessing the Global Operational Footprint of Higher Education with Environmentally Extended Global Multiregional Input‐Output Models
Authors: Lang Tim , Kennedy Christopher 
Published: January 2016

SummaryThis study used two recently developed environmentally extended global multiregional input‐output models (EE GMRIOs)—WIOD and EXIOBASE—to assess the global operational footprint of higher education for five impact categories: energy, water, material, and land use, and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The results of our analysis showed that, in 2009, the global environmental impacts attributable to education as a fraction of total global environmental impacts were not more than 2.5% of energy use and CO2 emissions, and not more than 1.5% of material, water, and land use—the vast majority of impacts generated upstream. These fractions have increased moderately since 1995, potentially driven by increased tertiary enrollment as a fraction of overall enrollment. Analysis of data from the year 2000 showed that, at most, an additional 0.15% for each impact category was attributable to research and development specifically. Inter‐regional and sectoral dynamics were also explored. Europe and the Organization for Economic and Cooperative Development (OECD) had lower total impacts than the rest of world, but their intensities per student were greater. Europe and the OECD also disproportionately shift their impacts to the rest of world. Purchases from energy and utility sectors contribute most to education‐driven energy usage and CO2 emissions, whereas purchases from food, hospitality, and agriculture sectors contribute most to water and land usage. Materials usage is driven more evenly by all sectors. The study concludes that higher education should place emphasis on addressing upstream impacts and recognize the importance of its role in global sustainability beyond its operational footprint.
Explaining Industrial Symbiosis Emergence, Development, and Disruption: A Multilevel Analytical Framework
Authors: Yap Nonita Tumulak , Devlin John Fredrick 
Published: January 2016

SummaryIndustrial symbiosis (IS) is the process by which by‐products are revalorized and exchanged among distinct business entities. The literature suggests that IS can bring financial, social, and environmental benefits to firms and society. Analytical tools have been developed for uncovering IS arrangements and guidelines suggested for designing IS arrangements where they do not yet exist. Despite these suggested benefits and in spite of these tools, few planned IS arrangements have successfully materialized, with notable exceptions in East Asia. Understanding why IS networks emerge and expand or falter requires both macro‐ and micro‐level analysis. Some explanatory factors have been extensively covered in the IS literature, such as the important role of coordinating organizations. But the analysis of enterprise‐level actions and strategies as well as the conditions in the external environment that act on the enterprises and the network are not as well examined. The article outlines an analytical framework that draws upon insights from research on cleaner production, corporate social responsibility, diffusion of innovation, and the role of the state in development. The framework is consistent with the view that the evolution of IS networks is characterized by “equifinality.” Different networks may achieve IS as a result of quite different combinations of factors. No general theory of IS success or decline is offered because no such theory can be expected. IS emergence, development, and disruption is approached as a problem of sociohistorical analysis. For such phenomena, analytical frameworks provide a common explanatory starting point, but no predictive power.
Expression of the inactive ZmMEK1 induces salicylic acid accumulation and salicylic acid‐dependent leaf senescence
Authors: Li Yuan , Chang Ying , Zhao Chongchong , Yang Hailian , Ren Dongtao 
Published: January 2016

AbstractLeaf senescence is the final leaf developmental process that is regulated by both intracellular factors and environmental conditions. The mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascades have been shown to play important roles in regulating leaf senescence; however, the component(s) downstream of the MAPK cascades in regulating leaf senescence are not fully understood. Here we showed that the transcriptions of ZmMEK1, ZmSIMK1, and ZmMPK3 were induced during dark‐induced maize leaf senescence. Furthermore, in‐gel kinase analysis revealed the 42 kDa MAPK was activated. ZmMEK1 interacted with ZmSIMK1 in yeast and maize mesophyll protoplasts and ZmSIMK1 was activated by ZmMEK1 in vitro. Expression of a dominant negative mutant of ZmMEK1 in Arabidopsis transgenic plants induced salicylic acid (SA) accumulation and SA‐dependent leaf senescence. ZmMEK1 interacted with Arabidopsis MPK4 in yeast and activated MPK4 in vitro. SA treatment accelerated dark‐induced maize leaf senescence. Moreover, blockage of MAPK signaling increased endogenous SA accumulation in maize leaves. These findings suggest that ZmMEK1‐ZmSIMK1 cascade and its modulating SA levels play important roles in regulating leaf senescence.
Evaluating the MESSAGE Communication Strategies in Dementia training for use with community‐based aged care staff working with people with dementia: a controlled pretest–post‐test study
Authors: Conway Erin R , Chenery Helen J 
Published: January 2016

Aims and ObjectivesThe study aims to evaluate the effects of a communication skills training programme on community aged care staff's knowledge of communication support in dementia and on staff's care experience.BackgroundDementia can lead to impairments in communication. Therefore, quality community‐based dementia care requires that staff be skilled communicators, equipped to facilitate interactions with people with dementia. The current investigation evaluated the effectiveness of the MESSAGE Communication Strategies in Dementia for Care Staff training programme with respect to knowledge of communication support and the staff/caregiver experience.DesignA multi‐centre controlled pretest/post‐test design with randomised cohort allocation was used. Outcome measures were completed at baseline, immediately after training (training group only), and at three‐month follow‐up.MethodsThirty‐eight care staff working in community aged care participated and completed all outcome measures (training = 22; control = 16).Training and control groups completed the following outcome measures: knowledge of communication support strategies, self‐efficacy, preparedness to provide care, strain in nursing care and attitude to dementia care. Staff in the training group provided written feedback on the training.ResultsA significant improvement in knowledge scores from baseline was found for the training group both immediately after training and at three‐month follow‐up. There was also a significant training effect for self‐efficacy and preparedness to provide care. No significant difference was found for the control group for any measure. No significant training effects were found for measures of strain or attitudes to dementia care. Feedback from staff suggests that the training was well received.ConclusionsThe MESSAGE training was positively received by staff and had a significant effect on care staff knowledge, and confidence to provide care for people with dementia.Relevance to clinical practiceThe easily accessible multimedia training programme is well received by staff and has the potential to improve quality of care.
The Index of Microcirculatory Resistance Postpercutaneous Coronary Intervention Predicts Left Ventricular Recovery in Patients With Thrombolyzed ST‐Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Palmer Sonny , Layland Jamie , Carrick David , Williams Paul D. , Judkins Christopher , Gong Fei Fei , Burns Andrew T. , Whitbourn Robert J. , MacIsaac Andrew I. , Wilson Andrew M. 
Published: January 2016

BackgroundThe index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR), an invasive measure of microvascular function, has been shown to correlate with clinical outcomes in patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The aim of this study is to evaluate the predictive value of IMR on left ventricular recovery in patients undergoing a pharmacoinvasive strategy for STEMI.MethodsThe index of microcirculatory resistance was assessed following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in 31 patients with STEMI who were initially managed with thrombolysis. Other markers of microvascular function such as coronary flow reserve (CFR), TIMI flow grade, corrected TIMI frame count (cTFC), and ST‐segment resolution were also recorded. All indices were evaluated against measures of left ventricular function and recovery 3 months postindex event.ResultsThe IMR correlated with left ventricular function, as assessed by wall motion score and ejection fraction at 3‐month follow‐up (r = 0.652, P = 0.005; r = −0.452, P = 0.011, respectively). The traditional methods of assessing microvascular function, such as CFR, TIMI flow grade, cTFC, and ST‐segment resolution did not correlate with wall motion score and ejection fraction at 3 months. Post‐PCI IMR was significantly lower in those patients with left ventricular recovery at 3 months (18 U vs 39 U, P < 0.001). The optimal cut‐off value for post‐PCI IMR and left ventricular recovery was 32 U. In patients in whom the IMR was greater than 32 U, the percent change in ejection fraction was significantly lower than in those patients in whom the IMR was less than 32 U (2 ± 11 vs 12 ± 8, P = 0.012).ConclusionsIn patients presenting with STEMI initially managed with thrombolysis and subsequently undergoing PCI, IMR correlates with measures of left ventricular function and has the potential to predict left ventricular recovery at 3 months. (J Interven Cardiol 2016;29:146–154)