bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Evolutionary Spectrum Approach to Incorporate Large-Scale Geographical Descriptors on Global Processes
Authors: Castruccio Stefano , Guinness Joseph 
Published: July 2016

SummaryWe introduce a non-stationary spatiotemporal model for gridded data on the sphere. The model specifies a computationally convenient covariance structure that depends on heterogeneous geography. Widely used statistical models on a spherical domain are non-stationary for different latitudes, but stationary at the same latitude (axial symmetry). This assumption has been acknowledged to be too restrictive for quantities such as surface temperature, whose statistical behaviour is influenced by large-scale geographical descriptors such as land and ocean. We propose an evolutionary spectrum approach that can account for different regimes across the Earth's geography and results in a more general and flexible class of models that vastly outperforms axially symmetric models and captures longitudinal patterns that would otherwise be assumed constant. The model can be estimated with a multistep conditional likelihood approximation that preserves the non-stationary features while allowing for easily distributed computations: we show how the model can be fitted to more than 20 million data points in less than 1 day on a state of the art workstation. The resulting estimates from the statistical model can be regarded as a synthetic description (i.e. a compression) of the space–time characteristics of an entire initial condition ensemble.
Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Protect Endothelial Cells from Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte‐Induced Lysis
Authors: Cahill E. F. , Sax T. , Hartmann I. , Haffner S. , Holler E. , Holler B. , Huss R. , Günther C. , Parolini O. , Kolch W. , Eissner G. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe integrity of the vasculature plays an important role in the success of allogeneic organ and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Endothelial cells (EC) have previously been shown to be the target of activated cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) resulting in extensive cell lysis. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are multipotent cells which can be isolated from multiple sites, each demonstrating immunomodulatory capabilities. They are explored herein for their potential to protect EC from CTL‐targeted lysis. CD8+ T cells isolated from human PBMC were stimulated with mitotically inactive cells of a human microvascular endothelial cell line (CDC/EU.HMEC‐1, further referred to as HMEC) for 7 days. Target HMEC were cultured in the presence or absence of MSC for 24 h before exposure to activated allogeneic CTL for 4 h. EC were then analysed for cytotoxic lysis by flow cytometry. Culture of HMEC with MSC in the efferent immune phase (24 h before the assay) led to a decrease in HMEC lysis. This lysis was determined to be MHC Class I restricted linked and further analysis suggested that MSC contact is important in abrogation of lysis, as protection is reduced where MSC are separated in transwell experiments. The efficacy of multiple sources of MSC was also confirmed, and the collaborative effect of MSC and the endothelium protective drug defibrotide were determined, with defibrotide enhancing the protection provided by MSC. These results support the use of MSC as an adjuvant cellular therapeutic in transplant medicine, alone or in conjunction with EC protective agents such as defibrotide.
Serum Proteomics Analysis in Rats of Immunosuppression Induced by Chronic Stress
Authors: Hou D. D. , Zhu R. Z. , Sun Z. , Ma X. D. , Wang D. C. , Timothy H. , Chen W. N. , Yan F. , Lei P. , Han X. W. , Chen D. X. , Cai L. P. , Guan H. Q. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe immune system can be damaged by chronic stress. However, for this process, the involved molecular alterations and their regulatory roles played in immunosuppression still remain unclear. This study was aimed to identify the differences in serum protein expressions that are closely associated with the effect of chronic stress on immune function. Serum protein levels of rats in control group and chronic stress group were measured by iTRAQ analysis. Subsequently, among the 121 differentially expressed proteins screened between the two groups, 46 proteins were upregulated (>1.5‐fold, P < 0.05), while 75 proteins were downregulated (<0.67‐fold, P < 0.05). Bioinformatics analysis revealed that most of the differentially expressed proteins were in relation with the metabolic, cellular, response stimulus and immune system processes. The significantly differential expression of ceruloplasmin, haptoglobin, catalase and peroxiredoxin‐1 were picked out for reconfirmation by ELISA analysis. The results were consistent with those obtained by iTRAQ. What is more, the roles of above‐mentioned four proteins, apolipoprotein B‐100 and heat‐shock protein 90 in immunosuppression induced by chronic stress were discussed. Taken together, these findings may provide a new insight into better understanding the molecular mechanisms of immunosuppression induced by chronic stress.
Moving Beyond Self‐Report: Implicit Associations about Death/Life Prospectively Predict Suicidal Behavior among Veterans
Authors: Barnes Sean M. , Bahraini Nazanin H. , Forster Jeri E. , Stearns‐Yoder Kelly A. , Hostetter Trisha A. , Smith Geoffrey , Nagamoto Herbert T. , Nock Matthew K. 
Published: July 2016

Reliance on self‐report limits clinicians' ability to accurately predict suicidal behavior. In this study the predictive validity of an objective measure, the death/suicide Implicit Association Test (d/sIAT), was tested among psychiatrically hospitalized veterans. Following acute stabilization, 176 participants completed the d/sIAT and traditional suicide risk assessments. Participants had similar d/sIAT scores regardless of whether they had recently attempted suicide. However, d/sIAT scores significantly predicted suicide attempts during the 6‐month follow‐up above and beyond other known risk factors for suicidal behavior (OR = 1.89; 95% CI: 1.15–3.12; based on 1SD increase). The d/sIAT may augment the accuracy of suicide risk assessment.
Incidence and differential characteristics of culture‐negative fever following pancreas transplantation with anti‐thymocyte globulin induction
Authors: Shin S. , Kim Y.H. , Kim S.‐H. , Lee S.‐O. , Kwon H.W. , Choi J.Y. , Han D.J. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractBackgroundLimited data are available on the incidence and characteristics of culture‐negative fever following pancreas transplantation (PTx) with anti‐thymocyte globulin (ATG) induction. Our study aims to better define the features of culture‐negative fever, so it can be delineated from infectious fever, hopefully helping clinicians to guide antibiotic therapy in this high‐risk patient population.MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study of postoperative fever among 198 consecutive patients undergoing PTx at our center between August 1, 2004 and December 31, 2014. Fever was classified as culture‐negative if there was neither a positive culture nor a documented clinical diagnosis of infection.ResultsFever was identified in 113 patients; 66 were deemed to be infectious, 39 were culture‐negative, and 8 were indeterminate. High body mass index of recipient (odds ratio 1.87, 95% confidence interval: 1.15–3.03, P = 0.011) was a significant factor associated with culture‐negative fever in multivariate analysis. No patients with culture‐negative fever were diagnosed with infiltrates or effusion on chest radiography. In addition, an increase in white blood cell count, C‐reactive protein, and serum amylase was less prominent in culture‐negative fever. Culture‐negative fever developed most frequently at postoperative 7 or 14 days, showing a biphasic curve.ConclusionCulture‐negative fever develops in a substantial proportion of patients early after PTx. The awareness of the possibility and clinical features of post‐transplant culture‐negative fever might help clinicians to guide antibiotic therapy in this high‐risk patient population, especially following ATG induction and early steroid withdrawal.
Low transfusion transmission of hepatitis E among 25,637 single‐donation, nucleic acid‐tested blood donors
Authors: Harritshøj Lene H. , Holm Dorte K. , Sækmose Susanne G. , Jensen Bitten A. , Hogema Boris M. , Fischer Thea K. , Midgley Sofie E. , Krog Jesper S. , Erikstrup Christian , Ullum Henrik 
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUNDHepatitis E virus genotype‐3 (HEV‐gt‐3) causes autochthonous infections in western countries, with a primary reservoir in animals, especially pigs. HEV transfusion transmission has been reported, and HEV‐gt‐3 prevalence is high in some European countries. The prevalence of HEV RNA was investigated among Danish blood donors, and the prevalence of HEV transfusion‐transmitted infection (TTI) was investigated among recipients.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSSamples from 25,637 consenting donors collected during 1 month in 2015 were screened retrospectively using an individual‐donation HEV RNA nucleic acid test with a 95% detection probability of 7.9 IU/mL. HEV‐positive samples were quantified by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and genotyped. Transmission was evaluated among recipients of HEV RNA‐positive blood components. Phylogenetic analyses compared HEV sequences from blood donors, symptomatic patients, and swine.RESULTSEleven donations (0.04%) were confirmed as positive for HEV RNA (median HEV RNA level, 13 IU/mL). Two donations were successfully genotyped as HEV‐gt‐3. Only one donor had a travel history outside Europe. Nine of 11 donors were male, but the gender ratio was nonsignificant compared with the total donor population. Seven available recipients tested negative for HEV RNA and anti‐HEV immunoglobulin M in follow‐up samples. One recipient was HEV RNA‐negative but anti‐HEV immunoglobulin G‐positive. HEV TTI was considered unlikely, but a transfusion‐induced secondary immune response could not be excluded. Phylogenetic analysis showed relatively large sequence differences between HEV from donors, symptomatic patients, and swine.CONCLUSIONSDespite an HEV RNA prevalence of 0.04% in Danish blood donations, all HEV‐positive donations carried low viral loads, and no evidence of TTI was found.
Inactivation of viruses during a new manufacturing process of α2‐macroglobulin from Cohn Fraction IV by dry‐heat treatment
Authors: Huangfu Chaoji , Zhao Xiong , Lv Maomin , Jia Junting , Zhu Fengxuan , Wang Rui , Ma Yuyuan , Zhang Jingang 
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUNDα2‐Macroglobulin (α2‐M) has a curative effect on radiation injury. Virus transmission through plasma derivatives is still not risk‐free. Effect of dry heat on α2‐M activity and virus inactivation by dry heat in a new manufacturing process of α2‐M were studied.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSEffects of 100°C for 30 minutes, 80°C for 72 hours, and lyophilization on α2‐M activity were detected, and stabilizing agents were optimized. Effect of a treatment at 100°C for 30 minutes has been tested on a range of viruses and characteristics change of α2‐M was investigated.RESULTSMore than 90 and 80% α2‐M activity recovery were reserved after treatment at 100°C for 30 minutes and 80°C for 72 hours, respectively. A concentration of 0.05 mol/L histidine presented a better protecting effect for α‐M activity. No substantial changes were observed in the characteristics of α2‐M compared with the untreated. By lyophilization and dry‐heat treatment at 100°C for 30 minutes, murine encephalomyocarditis virus and pseudorabies virus (PRV) were inactivated below detectable level within 5 minutes (virus titers reduction ≥ 5.75 log) and 30 minutes (virus titers reduction ≥ 6.00 log), respectively. Bovine viral diarrhea virus and porcine parvovirus were inactivated by 4.29 and 2.46 log reduction, respectively.CONCLUSIONTreatment at 100°C for 30 minutes could improve the virus safety of α2‐M with a slight activity loss.
Relative impact of a patient blood management program on utilization of all three major blood components
Authors: Thakkar Rajiv N. , Lee K.H. Ken , Ness Paul M. , Wintermeyer Tyler L. , Johnson Daniel J. , Liu Emily , Rajprasad Anjuli , Knight Amy M. , Wachter Pat A. , Demski Renee , Frank Steven M. 
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUNDAlthough patient blood management (PBM) programs clearly reduce transfusion overuse, the relative impact on red blood cell (RBC), plasma, and platelet (PLT) utilization is unclear.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSA retrospective analysis of electronic records was conducted at a medium‐sized academic hospital to assess blood utilization for all inpatients admitted during 1‐year periods before (n = 20,531) and after (n = 19,477) PBM efforts began in September 2014. Transfusion guideline compliance and overall utilization were assessed for RBCs, plasma, and PLTs. The primary PBM efforts included education on evidence‐based transfusion guidelines, decision support in the computerized provider order entry system, and distribution of provider‐specific reports showing comparison to peers for guideline compliance. Cost avoidance was determined by two methods (acquisition cost and activity‐based cost), and clinical outcomes were compared during the two periods.RESULTSFor RBCs, orders outside hospital guidelines decreased (from 23.9% to 17.1%, p < 0.001), and utilization decreased by 12% (p < 0.035). For plasma and PLTs, both orders outside guidelines and utilization changed minimally. Overall cost avoidance was $181,887/year by acquisition cost (and from $582,039 to $873,058/year by activity‐based cost), 93% of which was attributed to reduction in RBC utilization. Length of stay, morbidity, and mortality were unchanged.CONCLUSIONSOur findings demonstrate a greater opportunity for reducing RBC compared to plasma and PLT utilization. A properly implemented PBM program has potential to reduce unnecessary transfusions and their associated risk and costs, without compromising clinical outcomes.
Robotic weeding's false dawn? Ten requirements for fully autonomous mechanical weed management
Authors: Merfield C N 
Published: July 2016

SummaryWhile machines called weeding robots are now commercially available and many more designs are being actively researched, I contend that current machines are not truly robotic weeders, rather they are essentially self‐guiding vehicles carrying weeding tools. I consider true robotic weeders to be a far more difficult objective. While advances in robotics have been outstanding, the weeding component often appears to be an afterthought. I contend that the weeding is as complex as the robotics. A genuine weeding robot should be able to: (i) monitor the crop, weeds, weather and soil, (ii) decide when the crop should be weeded, (iii) choose the optimal weeder, (iv) take the weeder to the field, (v) adjust the weeder for optimal performance, (vi) continuously monitor the entire weeder for blockages and mechanical breakages and fix them in the field, (vii) continuously monitor and adjust the weeder's performance, (viii) return the weeder to the farmyard and (ix) clean, maintain and store the weeder, that is replace all human intervention. This ten‐point list both defines and is a guide to what is required for completely autonomous robotic weeding. Currently, this list is far beyond current technology and it may be decades before it is realisable. The aim of this study therefore was not to disparage the achievements of agricultural roboticists, rather it is to highlight the complexity and demands of mechanical weeding and therefore describe what is really required to create a true robotic weeder. I therefore hope it will guide and expedite research and lead to more rapid success for robotic weeding.
Performance of a Cartridge-Based Assay for Detection of Clinically Significant Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection: Lessons from VALGENT (Validation of HPV Genotyping Tests)
Authors: Cuschieri Kate , Geraets Daan , Cuzick Jack , Cadman Louise , Moore Catherine , Vanden Broeck Davy , Padalko Elisaveta , Quint Wim , Arbyn Marc 
Published: July 2016

ABSTRACT
The Validation of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Genotyping Tests (VALGENT) studies offer an opportunity to clinically validate HPV assays for use in primary screening for cervical cancer and also provide a framework for the comparison of analytical and type-specific performance. Through VALGENT, we assessed the performance of the cartridge-based Xpert HPV assay (Xpert HPV), which detects 14 high-risk (HR) types and resolves HPV16 and HPV18/45. Samples from women attending the United Kingdom cervical screening program enriched with cytologically abnormal samples were collated. All had been previously tested by a clinically validated standard comparator test (SCT), the GP5+/6+ enzyme immunoassay (EIA). The clinical sensitivity and specificity of the Xpert HPV for the detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or higher (CIN2+) and CIN3+ relative to those of the SCT were assessed as were the inter- and intralaboratory reproducibilities according to international criteria for test validation. Type concordance for HPV16 and HPV18/45 between the Xpert HPV and the SCT was also analyzed. The Xpert HPV detected 94% of CIN2+ and 98% of CIN3+ lesions among all screened women and 90% of CIN2+ and 96% of CIN3+ lesions in women 30 years and older. The specificity for CIN1 or less (≤CIN1) was 83% (95% confidence interval [CI], 80 to 85%) in all women and 88% (95% CI, 86 to 91%) in women 30 years and older. Inter- and intralaboratory agreements for the Xpert HPV were 98% and 97%, respectively. The kappa agreements for HPV16 and HPV18/45 between the clinically validated reference test (GP5+/6+ LMNX) and the Xpert HPV were 0.92 and 0.91, respectively. The clinical performance and reproducibility of the Xpert HPV are comparable to those of well-established HPV assays and fulfill the criteria for use in primary cervical cancer screening.
A prospective cohort study of early postpartum etonogestrel implant (Implanon®) use and its effect on duration of lochia
Authors: Dobromilsky Kim C , Allen Penny L , Raymond Stephen H , Maindiratta Bhavna 
Published: July 2016

BackgroundEtonogestrel (ENG) implants (Implanon®/Nexplanon®/Implanon NXT®) are employed as contraception in early postpartum patients. Follow-up is often not conducted by the hospital prescriber. Little is known about duration of lochia, in a modern setting, and even less is known about the effect of ENG implants on lochia.AimsTo determine if early postpartum (pre-discharge) insertion of Implanon for contraception was associated with a significant difference in duration of lochia. To record the number of patients who went on to have their Implanon removed during the study period and the reasons for removal.MethodsProspective cohort study of 152 postpartum patients from a tertiary maternity unit in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. The treatment group was women requesting Implanon prior to discharge. Controls were recruited from the same unit over the same time period, with the aim to match for birth weight and parity. Information was collected during face-to-face interviews or via telephone contact. Multivariate survival analysis was used to investigate lochia duration.ResultsThere were 73 controls and 79 women who had early postpartum Implanon inserted. Fourteen (17.7%) patients in the treatment group had their Implanon removed during the postpartum study period. In all of these cases the reason for removal was bleeding disturbance – prolonged or intermittent vaginal bleeding beyond 50 days postpartum. There was no significant difference in duration of lochia between the groups [median predicted duration 25 days (95% CI 22–27) in controls and 24 days (95% CI 21–26) in the treatment group].ConclusionsEarly postpartum insertion of Implanon for contraception was not associated with a statistically or clinically significant difference in duration of lochia.
The effect of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate on postnatal depression: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Singata-Madliki Mandisa , Hofmeyr G Justus , Lawrie Theresa A 
Published: July 2016

BackgroundDepot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) is the most commonly used hormonal contraceptive method in South Africa. It is frequently administered in the immediate postnatal period, yet it is unclear whether it affects the risk of postnatal depression (PND).AimTo determine whether DMPA increases the risk of PND compared with the copper-containing intrauterine device (IUD) when administered after delivery.Design and settingA single-blind randomised controlled trial conducted at two teaching hospitals in East London, South Africa.MethodsEligible, consenting women (N=242) requiring postnatal contraception were randomised to receive DMPA or an IUD within 48 hours of childbirth and interviewed at 1 and 3 months postpartum. Depression was measured using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Resumption of sexual intercourse, menstrual symptoms and breastfeeding rates were also assessed.ResultsOne-month EPDS depression scores were statistically significantly higher in the DMPA arm compared with IUD arm (p=0.04). Three-month BDI-II scores were significantly higher in the DMPA arm than in the IUD arm (p=0.002) and, according to the BDI-II but not the EPDS, more women in the DMPA arm had major depression at this time-point (8 vs 2;p=0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in other outcome measures except that fewer women had resumed sexual activity by 1 month postpartum in the DMPA arm (13% vs 26%;p=0.02).ConclusionsThe possibility that immediate postnatal DMPA use is associated with depression cannot be excluded. These findings justify further research with longer follow-up.Clinical trial numberPACTR201209000419241.
Young parents' views and experiences of interactions with health professionals
Authors: Norman Claire , Moffatt Suzanne , Rankin Judith 
Published: July 2016

BackgroundAlthough teenage pregnancy levels are declining, the North East of England still has the highest rate of young parenthood (age <18 years) in the UK. Young parents and their children often face many health and social problems, requiring interactions with a wide range of health professionals, such as midwives, doctors and health visitors.AimThis qualitative interview study aimed to explore young parents' views and experiences of interactions with health professionals.MethodsYoung mothers and fathers (n=10) were recruited from youth groups and Sure Start parenting classes in Newcastle upon Tyne during the period April–June 2013. They took part in one-to-one or small group semi-structured interviews regarding their experiences of interacting with health professionals about their own health and that of their child. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic content analysis.ResultsEmergent themes included: beliefs about children's health; proving oneself as a parent; and positives of parenting. All the participants distinguished between being a ‘first-time parent, not just a young parent’ and all, to varying degrees, challenged the authority and judgement of medical and nursing practitioners with regard to their children's health.ConclusionsThe findings of this study highlight the need for health professionals to be particularly aware of the sensitivities arising from the power imbalances perceived by young parents of ill children. This can be achieved by following communication skills frameworks (e.g. the Calgary-Cambridge framework) that emphasise the importance of techniques such as active listening and building rapport.