bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Noninvasive pH monitoring for bacterial detection in platelet concentrates
Authors: Loza‐Correa Maria , Perkins Heather , Kumaran Dilini , Kou Yuntong , Qaisar Ramie , Geelhood Steven , Ramirez‐Arcos Sandra 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUNDBacterial contamination of platelet concentrates (PCs) remains the prevalent posttransfusion infectious risk. The pH SAFE system, a noninvasive method used to measure pH of PC for quality control, was evaluated herein as a rapid method to detect bacterial contamination in PCs.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSPairs of ABO‐D–matched apheresis and buffy coat PCs were pooled and split into two pH SAFE platelet bags. One of the bags served as the control unit, while the other was inoculated with one of nine clinically relevant bacteria (target concentration approx. 1 colony‐forming units [CFUs]/mL). The pH of both PCs was measured over 7 days of storage at approximately 4‐hour intervals during daytime. One‐milliliter samples were taken at the testing points to determine bacterial concentration.RESULTSPCs with pH values of less than 6.6 or with a pH change over time (ΔpH/Δtime) greater or equal than 0.046 pH units/hr are suspected of being contaminated. pH decreased significantly during storage in all bacterially inoculated PC at concentrations of more than 107 CFUs/mL (p < 0.0001). A significant decrease in pH (p < 0.0001) was noticed as early as 28 hours in units with Bacillus cereus and as late as 125 hours in units containing Staphylococcus epidermidis. Interestingly, PCs containing Gram‐negative species showed a decline in pH followed by a rebound.CONCLUSIONSThe pH SAFE system allows for repeated, noninvasive pH screening during PC storage. A significant decrease in pH could serve as an indicator of clinically significant levels of bacterial contamination. Since differences in pH decline were observed among bacterial species, continuous pH monitoring in PCs is recommended.
Donor variation effect on red blood cell storage lesion: a multivariable, yet consistent, story
Authors: Tzounakas Vassilis L. , Georgatzakou Hara T. , Kriebardis Anastasios G. , Voulgaridou Artemis I. , Stamoulis Konstantinos E. , Foudoulaki‐Paparizos Leontini E. , Antonelou Marianna H. , Papassideri Issidora S. 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUNDPrevious studies have shown that baseline hematologic characteristics concerning or influencing red blood cell (RBC) properties might affect storage lesion development in individual donors. This study was conducted to evaluate whether variation in hemolysis, microparticle accumulation, phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure, and other storage lesion–associated variables might be a function of the prestorage hematologic and biologic profiles of the donor.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSTen eligible, regular blood donors were paired and studied before donation (fresh blood) and during storage of RBCs in standard blood banking conditions. Plasma and cellular characteristics and modifications were evaluated by standard laboratory and biochemical or biologic analyses as well as by statistical and network analysis tools.RESULTSNitrate/nitrite and other bioactive factors exhibited high interdonor variability, which further increased during storage in a donor‐specific manner. Storage lesion evaluators, including RBC fragility and PS exposure, fluctuated throughout the storage period in proportion to their values in fresh blood. Donors’ levels of phosphatidylserine exposure and hemoglobin F correlated with stored cells’ mean cell (RBC) Hb concentration, oxidative stress markers, and cellular fragility.DISCUSSIONStorage lesion indicators change in an orderly fashion, namely, by following donor‐related prestorage attributes. These correlations are illustrated for the first time in “prestorage versus storage” biologic networks, which might help determine the best candidates for in vivo biomarkers of storage quality and provide deeper insight into the apparently complex donor variation effect on the RBC storage lesion.
Zika Virus
Authors: Musso Didier , Gubler Duane J. 
Published: March 2016

SUMMARYZika virus (ZIKV) is an arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) in the genusFlavivirusand the familyFlaviviridae. ZIKV was first isolated from a nonhuman primate in 1947 and from mosquitoes in 1948 in Africa, and ZIKV infections in humans were sporadic for half a century before emerging in the Pacific and the Americas. ZIKV is usually transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes. The clinical presentation of Zika fever is nonspecific and can be misdiagnosed as other infectious diseases, especially those due to arboviruses such as dengue and chikungunya. ZIKV infection was associated with only mild illness prior to the large French Polynesian outbreak in 2013 and 2014, when severe neurological complications were reported, and the emergence in Brazil of a dramatic increase in severe congenital malformations (microcephaly) suspected to be associated with ZIKV. Laboratory diagnosis of Zika fever relies on virus isolation or detection of ZIKV-specific RNA. Serological diagnosis is complicated by cross-reactivity among members of theFlavivirusgenus. The adaptation of ZIKV to an urban cycle involving humans and domestic mosquito vectors in tropical areas where dengue is endemic suggests that the incidence of ZIKV infections may be underestimated. There is a high potential for ZIKV emergence in urban centers in the tropics that are infested with competent mosquito vectors such asAedes aegyptiandAedes albopictus.
Opsonophagocytic Assay To Evaluate Immunogenicity of Nontyphoidal Salmonella Vaccines
Authors: Ramachandran Girish , Boyd Mary Adetinuke , MacSwords Jennifer , Higginson Ellen E. , Simon Raphael , Galen James E. , Pasetti Marcela F. , Levine Myron M. , Tennant Sharon M. 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT

Nontyphoidal
Salmonella
(NTS) invasive infections are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. Several vaccines are in development to prevent these infections. We describe an NTS opsonophagocytic killing assay that uses HL-60 cells and baby rabbit complement to quantify functional antibodies elicited by candidate NTS vaccines.
Association of socioeconomic status change between infancy and adolescence, and blood pressure, in South African young adults: Birth to Twenty Cohort
Authors: Kagura Juliana , Adair Linda S , Pisa Pedro T , Griffiths Paula L , Pettifor John M , Norris Shane A 
Published: March 2016

ObjectiveSocial epidemiology models suggest that socioeconomic status (SES) mobility across the life course affects blood pressure. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between SES change between infancy and adolescence, and blood pressure, in young adults, and the impact of early growth on this relationship.SettingData for this study were obtained from a ‘Birth to Twenty’ cohort in Soweto, Johannesburg, in South Africa.ParticipantsThe study included 838 Black participants aged 18 years who had household SES measures in infancy and at adolescence, anthropometry at 0, 2, 4 and 18 years of age and blood pressure at the age of 18 years.MethodsWe computed SES change using asset-based household SES in infancy and during adolescence as an exposure variable, and blood pressure and hypertension status as outcomes. Multivariate linear and logistic regressions were used to investigate the associations between SES change from infancy to adolescence, and age, height and sex-specific blood pressure and hypertension prevalence after adjusting for confounders.ResultsCompared to a persistent low SES, an upward SES change from low to high SES tertile between infancy and adolescence was significantly associated with lower systolic blood pressure (SBP) at the age of 18 years (β=−4.85; 95% CI −8.22 to −1.48; p<0.01; r2=0.1804) after adjusting for SES in infancy, small-for-gestational-age (SGA) and weight gain. Associations between SES change and SBP were partly explained by weight gain between birth and the age of 18 years. There was no association between SES mobility and diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure or hypertension status.ConclusionsOur study confirms that upward SES change has a protective effect on SBP by the time participants reach young adulthood. Socioeconomic policies and interventions that address inequality may have the potential to reduce cardiovascular disease burden related to BP in later life.
‘He said, she said’: assessing dyadic agreement of reported sexual behaviour and decision-making among an HIV sero-discordant couples cohort in Uganda
Authors: Muldoon Katherine A , Kanters Steve , Birungi Josephine , King Rachel L , Nyonyintono Maureen , Khanakwa Sarah , Moore David M 
Published: March 2016

BackgroundThe intimate nature of sexuality makes it challenging to accurately measure sexual behaviour. To assess response reliability, we examined agreement between couples in heterosexual HIV sero-discordant partnership on survey questions regarding condom use and sexual decision-making.MethodsData for this analysis come from baseline data from a cohort study of HIV sero-discordant couples in Jinja, Uganda. We examined the degree of agreement between male and female partners on standard measures of sexual behaviour using the kappa (κ) statistic and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).ResultsAmong 409 couples, the median age for the male partner was 41 [interquartile range (IQR) 35–48] years and the female partner was 35 (IQR 30–40) years. Among 58.2% of the couples, the male was the HIV-positive partner. Questions with high or substantial couple agreement included condom use at last sex (κ=0.635, 95% CI 0.551–0.718) and frequency of condom use (κ=0.625, 95% CI 0.551–0.698). Questions with low or fair couple agreement included decision-making regarding condom use (κ=0.385, 95% CI 0.319–0.451), wanting more biological children (κ=0.375, 95% CI 0.301–0.449) and deciding when to have sex (κ=0.236, 95% CI 0.167–0.306).ConclusionsSurvey questions assessing condom use had the highest level of couple agreement and questions regarding sexual decision-making and fertility desire had low couple agreement. Questions with high agreement have increased reliability and reduced measurement bias; however, questions with low agreement between couples identify important areas for further investigation, particularly perceived relationship control and gender differences.
Consequences of Ontario P index recommendations for reduced manure and fertilizer phosphorus applications on corn yields and soil phosphorus
Authors: Ribey M.A. , O’Halloran I.P. 
Published: March 2016

Environmental indices for soil P limit P applications when soil tests and risk of P losses exceed a given threshold. Producers’ reluctance to reduce P inputs often stem from concerns regarding reduced crop production and soil fertility. Our objectives were to identify changes in soil P fractions after 4 yr of repeated manure or fertilizer P applications at rates ≤ crop removal by corn (Zea mays L.), and the impact of these applications on yields. Olsen P and soil P fractions extracted using a modified Hedley P fractionation procedure were measured. Corn yields were nonresponsive to P applications. After 4 yr, Olsen P was 16.6 and 24.6 mg kg−1 at the application rates of 0 and 33 kg P ha−1 yr−1, respectively, for the inorganic fertilizer treatment indicating that soil P drawdown was occurring. Only the most labile forms of Pi (resin and bicarbonate extractable) were affected by treatment, with greater values at higher P application rates. Adherence to Ontario’s P index recommendations for P applications at or below crop removal should not be a crop production concern. Furthermore, given the rate of soil labile P drawdown, routine soil testing (every 3–5 yr) would identify agronomically significant changes in soil test P before the crop yield is impacted.
Trends in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Therapy: A Meta-Analytic Approach
Authors: Whiting Gregory W , Lau Joseph , Kupelnick Bruce , Chalmers Thomas C 
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE: To illustrate the current meta-analytic approach to extracting clinically useful information from the glut of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of the treatment of acute attacks of Crohn's disease.PROCEDURE: Acceptable RCTs were classified in a matrical format so that the feasibility of a meta-analysis of each treatment could be quickly determined. Each potential inclusion was then photocopied after blinding the source and outcome to minimize bias by the investigators.RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The search was started in 1990, when a previous meta-analysis was completed. Over 100 citations in MEDLINE contained 21 RCTs of the treatment of acute attacks of Crohn's disease, and 11 more were culled from the references of recent papers. The meta-analysis most indicated by the matrix was a comparison of several different immunosuppressive regimens with a placebo. The previously demonstrated statistical significance was confirmed and the point made that it is no longer justified to compare any new treatments with a placebo. Cumulative meta-analysis, the process of performing a new analysis every time a new trial is published, revealed the importance of employing both random and fixed effect models when heterogeneity of treatment results is appreciable, as in this case.
Distribution and Career Choices of Canadian Trainees in Gastroenterology
Authors: Adams Paul C , Murray Iain , Bierbrier Gordon 
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVES: To study the career choices, academic productivity and geographical distribution of trainees in gastroenterology from Canadian training programs from 1984-91.METHODS: The names and current locations of trainees in gastroenterology were requested from program directors. Data were obtained from CD-ROM on the publications of the trainees during their fellowship. Migration patterns and trends were analyzed over the study period.RESULTS: Data were obtained on 170 trainees. Forty-one per cent of trainees were working in a hospital affiliated with a university medical centre. Most Canadian trainees continue to practise gastroenterology in the province in which they trained. Trainees who pursued an academic career had an average of 1.1 peer-reviewed publication compared with community-based gastroenterologists who averaged 0.40 publications during their fellowship (P=0.02).CONCLUSIONS: Many Canadian gastroenterology trainees continue to be affiliated with an academic medical centre. Those trainees who published during their fellowship were associated with a career at an academic centre. Migration to other provinces or countries is uncommon and did not significantly change over the study period.
Kayexalate (Sodium Polystyrene Sulphonate) in Sorbitol Associated with Intestinal Necrosis in Uremic Patients
Authors: Gardiner Geoffrey W 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND:Kayexalate (sodium polystyrene sulphonate) in sorbitol is commonly used to treat hyperkalemia in patients with renal insufficiency. Isolated case reports and one recent large series have documented intestinal necrosis following administration of kayexalate in sorbitol.METHODS:Two patients with luminal kayexalate crystals associated with intestinal pathology were first identified in the pathology department, and clinicopathological correlation was carried out.RESULTS:Both patients were seriously ill, had prior cardiac surgery and were in renal failure (uremic). Examination of autopsy and colonic resection showed luminal kayexalate crystals associated with underlying mucosal necrosis, submucosal edema and transmural inflammation.CONCLUSION:Although occurring in complex clinical settings, the pathological findings provide additional evidence that kayexalate in sorbitol may be associated with intestinal necrosis and inflammation in uremic patients and that this may be a clinically and pathologically under-recognized iatrogenic bowel injury.
Utility of Serology in Determining Helicobacter pylori Eradication after Therapy
Authors: Fallone Carlo A , Loo Vivian G , Barkun Alan N 
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE: To determine the usefulness of four serological tests in confirming cure of H pylori infection before the previously reported six‐month post‐treatment delay.PATIENTS AND METHODS: As part of a prospective, blinded, controlled trial, in which patients with duodenal ulcers were randomized to receive different combinations of antibiotics, serum samples were obtained in 89 patients before treatment, as well as on several occasions after treatment. Antibody titres were determined by ELISA with Bio‐Rad immunoglobulin (Ig) A, Bio‐Rad IgG, Pyloriset EIA‐A for IgA and Pyloriset EIA‐G for IgG. Eradication was confirmed with antral biopsy three months after therapy.RESULTS: The percentage drop in titre following treatment was significantly larger for the group of patients who were treated successfully with all four kits. Optimal cut‐offs for identifying successful therapy were determined, and accuracy improved as the interval between testing and therapy was prolonged. Six months after therapy, the IgG test from Bio‐Rad achieved 100% sensitivity and 80% specificity, and that from Pyloriset achieved 88% sensitivity and 100% specificity. At three months, however, test performance was quite good, with 90% sensitivity and 80% specificity when using a Pyloriset IgA titre drop of 20% or greater to predict successful eradication.CONCLUSION: Serology is a simple, easily available, noninvasive method that exhibits good positive predictive value in the confirmation of successful cure ofH pylori infection three or six months after treatment.
Analysis of Legacy System in Software Application Development: A Comparative Survey
Authors: Srinivas M. , Ramakrishna G. , Rao K. Rajasekhara , Babu E. Suresh 
Published: March 2016

<p class="PreformattedText">Software evolution is one of the challenging issues in today’s business environment. It is necessary for the organizations, which make use of Information, and Communication Technologies will have to align their business processes to compete with global business. The existing large software systems (“legacy” systems) have never been built to cope with the current business requirement for their poor coding, design structures, logic and documentation. Moreover, Legacy applications have various problems such as lack of up to-date documentation, skilled man power, resources of the Legacy applications, and high maintenance costs. Even though the Legacy system is obsolete, it contains detailed business rules and in continuous use, because it satisfies the users' needs and forms the backbone of the information flow of organization. One of the possible solutions is to refactor or modernize those systems into a new platform. It is necessary to analyse the existing legacy system for better understanding the business logic and its functionalities. This paper analyses various techniques proposed for understanding Legacy systems in existence.</p>
Modelling and Design of Inverter Threshold Quantization based Current Comparator using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Bhatia Veepsa , Pandey Neeta , Bhattacharyya Asok 
Published: March 2016

<p>Performance of a MOS based circuit is highly influenced by the transistor dimensions chosen for that circuit. Thus, proper dimensioning of the transistors plays a key role in determining its overall performance. While choosing the dimension is critical, it is equally difficult, primarily due to complex mathematical formulations that come into play when moving into the submicron level. The drain current is the most affected parameter which in turn affects all other parameters. Thus, there is a constant quest to come up with techniques and procedure to simplify the dimensioning process while still keeping the parameters under check. This study presents one such novel technique to estimate the transistor dimensions for a current comparator structure, using the artificial neural networks approach. The approach uses Multilayer perceptrons as the artificial neural network architectures. The technique involves a two step process. In the first step, training and test data are obtained by doing SPICE simulations of modelled circuit using 0.18μm TSMC CMOS technology parameters. In the second step, this training and test data is applied to the developed neural network architecture using MATLAB R2007b.</p>
High Power Density Multi-Mosfet-Based Series Resonant Inverter for Induction Heating Applications
Authors: Saravanan M. , Babu A. Ramesh 
Published: March 2016

Induction heating application uses uniquely high frequency series resonant inverter for achieving high conversion efficiency. The proposed work focus on improving the practical constraints in requiring the cooling arrangements necessary for switching devices used in resonant inverter due to higher switching and conduction losses. By introducing high frequency Multi- MOSFET based series resonant inverter for the application of induction heating with the following merits such as minimum switching and conduction losses using low voltage grade of automotive MOSFET’s and higher conversion efficiency with high frequency operation. By adding series combination of low voltage ratedMulti MOSFET switches, temperature variation according to the on-state resistance issues can be avoided by sharing the voltage across the switches depends on number switches connected in the bridge circuit without comprising existing system performance parameter such as THD, power factor, output power. Simulation results also presents to verify that the proposed system achieve higher converter efficiency.
Systematic Review of Defibrillation Threshold Testing at De Novo Implantation
Authors: Phan Kevin , Ha Hakeem , Kabunga Peter , Kilborn Michael J. , Toal Edward , Sy Raymond W. 
Published: March 2016

Background—
Recent results from the largest multicenter randomized trial (Shockless IMPLant Evaluation [SIMPLE]) on defibrillation threshold (DFT) testing suggest that while shock testing seems safe, it does not reduce the risk of failed shocks or prolong survival. A contemporary systematic review of DFT versus no-DFT testing at the time of implantable cardioverter–defibrillator implantation was performed to evaluate the current evidence and to assess the impact of the SIMPLE study.

Methods and Results—

Electronic searches were performed using 6 databases from their inception to March 2014. Relevant studies investigating implant DFT were identified. Data were extracted and analyzed according to predefined clinical end points. Predefined outcomes for interrogation were all-cause mortality, composite end point of implantable cardioverter–defibrillator efficacy (arrhythmic deaths and ineffective shocks), and composite safety end point (the sum of complications recorded at 30 days). Meta-analysis was performed including 13 studies and 9740 patients. No significant differences between DFT versus no-DFT cohorts were found in terms of all-cause mortality (risk ratio, 0.90; 95% confidence interval, 0.71–1.15;
P
=0.41), composite efficacy outcome (risk ratio, 1.24; 95% confidence interval, 0.65–3.37;
P
=0.51), and 30-day postimplant complications (risk ratio, 1.18; 95% confidence interval, 0.87–1.60;
P
=0.29). No significant difference was found in the trends observed when the results of the SIMPLE study were excluded or included.

Conclusions—
This systematic review of contemporary data suggests a modest average effect of DFT, if any, in terms of mortality, shock efficacy, or safety. Therefore, DFT testing should no longer be compulsory during de novo implantation. However, DFT testing may still be clinically relevant in specific patient populations.