bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
K time & maximum amplitude of thromboelastogram predict post-central venous cannulation bleeding in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Pandey Chandra K. , Saluja Vandana , Gaurav Kumar , Tandon Manish , Pandey Vijay K. , Bhadoria Ajeet S. 
Published: May 2017

Background & objectives:
Coagulation and haemostasis are dynamic processes. The haemostatic changes in liver disease affect all aspects of coagulation. The prothrombin time (PT)/international normalized ratio (INR) was developed to monitor oral anticoagulant therapy and the activated partial thromboplastin time to investigate inheritable single factor deficiencies. Viscoelastic tests such as thromboelastogram (TEG) give information about dynamics of clot formation (coagulation factor and anticoagulant activity), clot strength (platelets and fibrinogen) and clot stability (finbrinolysis and factor XIII). Administration of blood products before invasive procedures is still guided by INR and platelet count in patients of liver disease. This study was aimed to evaluate the validity of TEG to predict post-procedural bleed after central venous cannulation in patients with cirrhosis.

Methods:
Ninety patients aged 20-70 yr diagnosed with liver cirrhosis requiring elective central venous catheter (CVC) insertion were studied. Platelet count, INR, serum creatinine, TEG and Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score were recorded before the procedure. Right-sided internal jugular vein was cannulated. On the basis of presence or absence of post-procedural bleed, patients were divided into bleeding and non-bleeding groups. The CTP score, component of TEG (R - reaction time, K - coagulation time, MA - maximum amplitude and α - angle) and laboratory parameters of both the groups were compared.

Results:
Bleeding was seen more when CTP scores were ≥10 (P=0.05). The K time of 3.05 min or more on thromboelastograph was a significant predictor of bleeding [area under the curve (AUC) 0.694, P=0.047]. MA of 48.8 mm or more was a significant predictor of non-bleeding. INR ≥2.6 was a significant predictor of bleeding (AUC 0.765, P=0.005). K time had a low-positive predictive value of 20 per cent and the positive and negative likelihood ratios of 1.87 and 0.48, respectively.

Interpretation & conclusions:
Our results show that the cut-off value for INR ≥2.6 and K time ≥3.05 min predict bleeding and MA ≥48.8 mm predicts non-bleeding in patients with cirrhosis undergoing central venous pressure catheter cannulation.
Line probe assay for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex
Authors: Desikan Prabha , Panwalkar Nikita , Mirza Shaina Beg , Chaturvedi Aparna , Ansari Kudsia , Varathe Reeta , Chourey Manju , Kumar Pradeep , Pandey Manoj 
Published: May 2017

Background & objectives:

Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex may sometimes not be detected in sputum samples of suspected multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) patients by line probe assay (LPA) even though they are smear positive for acid-fast bacilli (AFB). This retrospective analysis was attempted to understand and document our experience with LPA for detection of M. tuberculosis complex and diagnosis of MDR-TB under programmatic conditions.

Methods:
One thousand two hundred and ninety four sputum samples of MDR-TB suspects that were smear positive for AFB, and received from February to November 2013, were tested by LPA for the presence of M. tuberculosis complex and resistance to isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin as per the diagnostic mandate of an accredited reference laboratory. As per the mandate, those samples that were negative for M. tuberculosis complex were cultured, and the growth again tested by LPA. A retrospective analysis of the results was carried out.

Results:

M. tuberculosis complex could be detected in 1217 (94.04%) but not in 77 (5.9%) of smear-positive sputum samples. Of the 1217 positive samples, 232 (19.1%) were MDR, 130 (10.6%) were rifampicin monoresistant and 101 (8.3%) were INH monoresistant. Seven hundred and fifty four (61.9%) strains were found to be pansensitive. Overall, 5.1 per cent of the sputum samples were negative for M. tuberculosis complex by LPA and culture. In at least 10 (0.77%) sputum samples smear positive for AFB, M. tuberculosis complex could not be identified by LPA though M. tuberculosis was present, as evidenced by culture positivity.

Interpretation & conclusions:
LPA is a robust technique for diagnosis of drug-resistant TB that has provided the basis for rapid and effective control of drug-resistant TB in India. While the reasons for concomitantly negative LPA and culture results of smear-positive sputum samples from MDR-TB suspects may be many, the possible presence of non-tubercular mycobacteria in these samples and the likelihood of inappropriate therapy in these patients cannot be ruled out. Addition of culture to the diagnostic algorithm may enhance the diagnostic yield.
Is Information Power? Comparing Anonymous and Open Egg Donation
Authors: Speier Amy 
Published: May 2017

Both the Czech Republic and the United States are destinations for cross-border reproductive travellers. For North Americans, including Canadians, who opt to travel to the Czech Republic for IVF using an egg donor, they are entering a fertility industry that is anonymous. This makes the Czech Republic different from other European countries that necessitate open gamete donation, as in Austria, Germany and the United Kingdom. For reproductive travellers coming to the United States for fertility treatment, there is a wider menu of choices regarding egg donation given the vastly unregulated nature of the industry. More recently, professionals in the industry are pushing for ‘open’ egg donation. For intended parents traveling to either location seeking in vitro fertilization using an egg donor, they must choose whether or not to pursue open or closed donation. As pre-conception parents, they navigate competing discourses of healthy parenting of donor-conceived offspring. They must be reflexive about their choices, and protective when weighing their options, always keeping their future child's mental, physical and genetic health in mind. Drawing from ethnographic data collected over the course of six years in the United States and the Czech Republic, this paper will explore both programs, paying special attention to the question of how gamete donation and global assisted reproductive technologies intersect with different notions about healthy pre-conception parenting.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Business Research, Vol. 10, No. 6
Authors: Duran Kevin 
Published: May 2017

International Business Research wishes to acknowledge the following individuals for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Their help and contributions in maintaining the quality of the journal are greatly appreciated.International Business Research is recruiting reviewers for the journal. If you are interested in becoming a reviewer, we welcome you to join us. Please find the application form and details at http://recruitment.ccsenet.org and e-mail the completed application form to ibr@ccsenet.org.Reviewers for Volume 10, Number 6 Ahmad Mahmoud Ahmad Zamil, King Saud University RCC, JordanAlina Badulescu, University of Oradea, RomaniaNasim Saadati, Panjab University, IndiaAmran Awang, Head of Entrepreneurship Center, MalaysiaAlireza Athari, Eastern Mediterranean University, IranSerhii Kozlovskiy, Donetsk National University, UkraineMaria Teresa Bianchi, University of Rome “LA SAPIENZA”, ItalyMongi Arfaoui, University of Monastir, TunisiaAurelija Burinskiene, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, LithuaniaHung-Che Wu, Nanfang College of Sun Yat-sen University, ChinaGiuseppe Granata, University of Cassino and Southen Lazio, ItalyVincent Grèzes, University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland (HES-SO Valais-Wallis), SwitzerlandGianluca Ginesti, University of Naples “FEDERICO II”, ItalyAbedalqader Rababah, Arab Open University, OmanMuath Eleswed, American University of Kuwait, USAFrancesco Ciampi, Florence University, ItalyGeorgeta Dragomir, “Danubius” University of Galati, RomaniaFabio De Felice, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, ItalyLadislav Mura, University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava, SlovakiaMalgorzata Koszewska, Lodz University of Technology, PolandManlio Del Giudice, University of Rome "Link Campus", ItalyManuela Rozalia Gabor, “Petru Maior” University of Tîrgu Mureş, RomaniaMaria do Céu Gaspar Alves, University of Beira Interior, PortugalMihaela Simionescu, Institute for Economic Forecasting of the Romanian Academy, RomaniaModar Abdullatif, Middle East University, JordanJorge Mongay-Hurtado, ESIC Business and Marketing School, SpainRadoslav Jankal, University of Zilina, SlovakiaRafiuddin Ahmed, James Cook University, AustraliaTerrill Frantz, Peking University HSBC Business School, USAVassili JOANNIDES de LAUTOUR, Grenoble École de Management (France) and Queensland University of Technology School of Accountancy (Australia), FranceMohsen Malekalketab Khiabani, University Technology Malaysia, MalaysiaMaria J. Sanchez-Bueno, Universidad Carlos III se Madrid, SpainCheng Jing, eBay, Inc. / University of Rochester, USAArash Riasi, University of Delaware, USASumathisri Bhoopalan, Sastra University, IndiaFevzi Esen, Istanbul Medeniyet University, TurkeyAshford C Chea, Benedict College, USA
Implications of differentiated care for successful ART scale‐up in a concentrated HIV epidemic in Yangon, Myanmar
Authors: Mesic Anita , Fontaine Julie , Aye Theingy , Greig Jane , Thwe Thin Thin , Moretó‐Planas Laura , Kliesckova Jarmila , Khin Khin , Zarkua Nana , Gonzalez Lucia , Guillergan Erwin Lloyd , O’Brien Daniel P. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIntroduction: National AIDS Programme in Myanmar has made significant progress in scaling up antiretroviral treatment (ART) services and recognizes the importance of differentiated care for people living with HIV. Indeed, long centred around the hospital and reliant on physicians, the country's HIV response is undergoing a process of successful decentralization with HIV care increasingly being integrated into other health services as part of a systematic effort to expand access to HIV treatment. This study describes implementation of differentiated care in Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)‐supported programmes and reports its outcomes.Methods: A descriptive cohort analysis of adult patients on antiretroviral treatment was performed. We assessed stability of patients as of 31 December 2014 and introduced an intervention of reduced frequency of physicians’ consultations for stable patients, and fast tract ART refills. We measured a number of saved physician's visits as the result of this intervention. Main outcomes, remained under care, death, lost to follow up, treatment failure, were assessed on 31 December 2015 and reported as rates for different stable groups.Results: On 31 December 2014, our programme counted 16, 272 adult patients enrolled in HIV care, of whom 80.34% were stable. The model allowed for an increase in the average number of patients one medical team could care for – from 745 patients in 2011 to 1, 627 in 2014 – and, thus, a reduction in the number of teams needed. An assessment of stable patients enrolled on ART one year after the implementation of the new model revealed excellent outcomes, aggregated for stable patients as 98.7% remaining in care, 0.4% dead, 0.8% lost to follow‐up, 0.8% clinical treatment failure and 5.8% with immunological treatment failure.Conclusions: Implementation of a differentiated model reduced the number of visits between stable clients and physicians, reduced the medical resources required for treatment and enabled integrated treatment of the main co‐morbidities. We hope that these findings will encourage other stakeholders to implement innovative models of HIV care in Myanmar, further expediting the scale up of ART services, the decentralization of treatment and the integration of care for the main HIV co‐morbidities in this context.
Characterizing transient radio‐frequency interference
Authors: Czech Daniel , Mishra Amit , Inggs Michael 
Published: May 2017

AbstractTransient radio‐frequency interference (RFI) events can be generated as unintended by‐products of the normal operation of devices such as mechanical relays or electric motors. In the radio astronomy reserve in South Africa, several new radio telescopes such as MeerKAT, the Square Kilometre Array, and the Hydrogen Epoch of Reionization Array are planned or under construction. Some will begin observations before others are complete. The associated construction equipment and infrastructure could include transient RFI sources with the potential to degrade astronomical observations. In this paper we present an analysis of RFI events in the time domain, for which we have recorded a data set of nine common sources of transient RFI. We statistically characterize these RFI signals and investigate the effectiveness of analyzing them using components analysis methods such as principal components analysis (PCA) and kernel PCA. Several interesting insights are presented on the statistical properties of this type of RFI in the time domain. The procedure we propose for analyzing transient RFI is expected to be useful for real‐time analysis and identification of RFI events.
The Kühtai data set: 25 years of lysimetric, snow pillow, and meteorological measurements
Authors: Krajči P. , Kirnbauer R. , Parajka J. , Schöber J. , Blöschl G. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractSnow measurements at the Kühtai station in Tirol, Austria, (1920 m.a.s.l.) are described. The data set includes snow water equivalent from a 10 m2 snow pillow, snow melt outflow from a 10 m2 snow lysimeter placed at the same location as the pillow, meteorological data (precipitation, incoming shortwave radiation, reflected shortwave radiation, air temperature, relative air humidity, and wind speed), and other data (snow depths, snow temperatures at seven heights) from the period October 1990 to May 2015. All data have been quality checked, and gaps in the meteorological data have been filled in. The data set is unique in that all data are available at a temporal resolution of 15 min over a period of 25 years with minimal changes in the experimental setup. The data set can therefore be used to analyze snow pack processes over a long‐time period, including their extremes and long‐term changes, in an Alpine climate. Analyses may benefit from the combined measurement of snow water equivalent, lysimeter outflow, and precipitation at a wind‐sheltered alpine site. An example use of data shows the temporal variability of daily and 1 April snow water equivalent observed at the Kühtai site. The results indicate that the snow water equivalent maximum varies between 200 and more than 500 mm w.e., but there is no statistically significant temporal trend in the period 1990–2015.
Transketolase–Aldolase Symbiosis for the Stereoselective Preparation of Aldoses and Ketoses of Biological Interest
Authors: Guérard‐Hélaine Christine , De Sousa Lopes Moreira Maxime , Touisni Nadia , Hecquet Laurence , Lemaire Marielle , Hélaine Virgil 
Published: May 2017

AbstractTransketolase (TK) was used as biocatalyst to produce useful aldoses that serve as aldolase electrophiles to prepare monosaccharides of biological interest. Unconventionally, TK was implemented in a synthetic pathway, as in metabolism, i.e., without using a specially designed nucleophile such as hydroxypyruvate to shift the equilibrium. Unusually, formaldehyde was taken as the general TK acceptor substrate to generate aldehydes. Here it was demonstrated that this method can be generalized: the substrates and the aldolase were successfully varied, coupled with other enzymes in a one‐pot, one‐step green cascade reaction process involving four enzymes with atom economy. In addition, new assays were developed for both monitoring the progress of the reactions and assessing the purity of the synthesized products.magnified image
Regio‐ and Stereoselective Oxidation of Styrene Derivatives to Arylalkanoic Acids via One‐Pot Cascade Biotransformations
Authors: Wu Shuke , Zhou Yi , Seet Daniel , Li Zhi 
Published: May 2017

AbstractGreen and selective oxidation methods are highly desired in chemical synthesis and manufacturing. In this work, we have developed a biocatalytic method for the regio‐ and stereoselective oxidation of styrene derivatives into arylacetic and (S)‐2‐arylpropionic acids via a one‐pot epoxidation–isomerization–oxidation sequence. This was done via the engineering of Escherichia coli (StyABC‐EcALDH) coexpressing styrene monooxygenase (SMO), styrene oxide isomerase (SOI) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (EcALDH) as an active and easily available whole‐cell catalyst. Regioselective oxidation of styrene and 11 substituted styrenes using the E. coli cells was performed in a one‐pot set‐up, producing 12 phenylacetic acids in both high conversion and high yield. Engineering of E. coli (StyABC‐ADH9v1) coexpressing SMO, SOI and ADH9v1 (a mutated alcohol dehydrogenase) led to biocatalysts capable of regio‐ and stereoselective oxidation of α‐methylstyrene derivatives to the corresponding chiral acids. One‐pot asymmetric synthesis of 4 (S)‐2‐arylpropionic acids was achieved in good conversion and excellent ee with the E. coli cells. This is a new type of asymmetric alkene oxidation to give chiral acids with no chemical counterpart thus far. The cascade bio‐oxidation operates under mild conditions, uses molecular oxygen, exhibits very high regio‐ and enantioselectivity, and gives high conversion, thus providing a green and efficient method for the synthesis of arylacetic acids and (S)‐2‐arylpropionic acids directly from easily available styrenes.magnified image
Factors associated with risk of central nervous system relapse in patients with non‐core binding factor acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Jabbour Elias , Guastad Daver Naval , Short Nicholas James , Huang Xuelin , Chen Hsiang‐Chun , Maiti Abhishek , Ravandi Farhad , Cortes Jorge , Abi Aad Simon , Garcia‐Manero Guillermo , Estrov Zeev , Kadia Tapan , O'Brien Susan , Dabaja Bouthaina , Bueso‐Ramos Carlos , Strati Paolo , Bivins Carol , Pierce Sherry , Kantarjian Hagop 
Published: May 2017

AbstractCentral nervous system (CNS) relapse is uncommon in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with the use of high‐dose cytarabine containing chemotherapy regimens. The clinical and molecular features associated with a higher risk of CNS relapse are not well defined. We assessed the incidence and outcome of CNS relapses among 1245 patients with relapsed/refractory AML referred to our institution between 2000 and 2014. CNS leukemia relapse was observed in 51 patients (4.1%). Using a multivariate regression model and after adjusting for age, FLT3‐ITD mutation (OR = 2.33; P = .02) and elevated LDH (>1000 IU/L, OR = 1.99; P = .04) were independent predictive factors for CNS relapse. Patients under 64 years of age with 0, 1, or 2 baseline adverse features had a probability of 3.8%, 7.0%‐8.0%, and 13.9% for developing CNS disease, respectively. Our study identifies patients with AML at higher risk for CNS relapse in whom prophylactic CNS therapy may be warranted.
Metal‐Free C−C Bond Cleavage: One‐Pot Access to 1,4‐Benzoquinone‐linked N‐Formyl Amides/Sulfonamides/Carbamates using Oxone
Authors: Ramya P. V. Sri , Angapelly Srinivas , Babu Bathini Nagendra , Digwal Chander Singh , Nagarsenkar Atulya , Gannoju Srinivasulu , Prasanth B. , Arifuddin Mohammed , Kanneboina Kumar , Rangan Krishnan , Kamal Ahmed 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAn efficient and versatile protocol for the synthesis of 1,4‐benzoquinone‐linked N‐formyl amides/sulfonamides/carbamates using oxone has been described. The striking element of this protocol is the unprecedented one‐pot cascade involving oxidation, followed by dearomatization and C−C bond cleavage of N‐substituted 6,7‐dimethoxy tetrahydroisoquinoline to form various 1,4‐benzoquinone‐linked N‐formyl derivatives. Moreover, the antioxidant activity and fluorescent properties of some of the representative compounds have been studied.
Problematising Australia's Nanny Pilot Program as evidence‐based policy: A reconstruction of the problem of childcare
Authors: Fenech Marianne , Sweller Naomi 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIn a notable departure from long‐standing childcare policy in Australia, in January 2016 fee relief was extended to nannies providing in‐home care in a 2‐year pilot program. This policy is significant as fee relief is not tied to the meeting of regulatory requirements designed to ensure quality early learning and care for young children. Drawing on Carol Bacchi's approach to policy analysis, this paper extends previous problematising of evidence‐based policy by highlighting the value of first considering how a policy ‘problem’ has been constructed. We propose that the nanny pilot is an ideologically driven policy that has emanated from a construction of childcare that is adult (parent)‐centred and marginalises the needs and interests of young children. Accordingly, certain evidence is privileged while other evidence is ignored, with the ensuing policy focused on economic imperatives rather than quality early learning and care experiences for young children. We draw on an analysis of parent, peak body and researcher submissions to the Productivity Commission's 2013–2014 childcare inquiry, nanny‐focused research, and data from three national surveys to explore the limitations of such a policy approach. The utility of problem reconstruction as a means of disrupting policy‐informed evidence and the legitimisation of purported evidence‐based policy is considered.
Fabrication of elastomeric silk fibers
Authors: Bradner Sarah A. , Partlow Benjamin P. , Cebe Peggy , Omenetto Fiorenzo G. , Kaplan David L. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractMethods to generate fibers from hydrogels, with control over mechanical properties, fiber diameter, and crystallinity, while retaining cytocompatibility and degradability, would expand options for biomaterials. Here, we exploited features of silk fibroin protein for the formation of tunable silk hydrogel fibers. The biological, chemical, and morphological features inherent to silk were combined with elastomeric properties gained through enzymatic crosslinking of the protein. Postprocessing via methanol and autoclaving provided tunable control of fiber features. Mechanical, optical, and chemical analyses demonstrated control of fiber properties by exploiting the physical cross‐links, and generating double network hydrogels consisting of chemical and physical cross‐links. Structure and chemical analyses revealed crystallinity from 30 to 50%, modulus from 0.5 to 4 MPa, and ultimate strength 1–5 MPa depending on the processing method. Fabrication and postprocessing combined provided fibers with extensibility from 100 to 400% ultimate strain. Fibers strained to 100% exhibited fourth order birefringence, revealing macroscopic orientation driven by chain mobility. The physical cross‐links were influenced in part by the drying rate of fabricated materials, where bound water, packing density, and microstructural homogeneity influenced cross‐linking efficiency. The ability to generate robust and versatile hydrogel microfibers is desirable for bottom‐up assembly of biological tissues and for broader biomaterial applications.
Activity of synthetic peptides against Chlamydia
Authors: Donati Manuela , Cenacchi Giovanna , Biondi Roberta , Papa Valentina , Borel Nicole , Vecchio Nepita Edoardo , Magnino Simone , Pasquinelli Gianandrea , Levi Aurora , Franco Octavio L. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe in vitro activity of six synthetic peptides against 36 strains of Chlamydia from different origins was investigated. Clavanin MO (CMO) proved to be the most active peptide, reducing the inclusion number of all Chlamydia strains from eight different species tested by ≥50% at 10 µg mL−1. Mastoparan L showed an equal activity against C. trachomatis, C. pneumoniae, C. suis, and C. muridarum, but did not exert any inhibitory effect against C. psittaci, C. pecorum, C. abortus, and C. avium even at 80 µg mL−1. These data suggest that CMO could be a promising compound in the prevention and treatment of chlamydial infections.