bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Successful venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for prolonged hepatopulmonary syndrome following pediatric liver transplantation: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Khan Hamza Hassan , Schroeder Laura , Fitzpatrick Megha S. , Kaufman Stuart S. , Yazigi Nada A. , Yurasek Gregory K. , Steinhorn David M. , Fishbein Thomas M. , Khan Khalid M. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractHPS is a major complicating feature of end‐stage liver disease. Diagnosis is clinical, and LT is the only definitive treatment. While the general impression is that HPS improves quickly after transplantation, it may not always be the case. We describe the smallest reported child with HPS prior to LT and requiring prolonged venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after LT; especially as it is a rare occurrence, physician managing such cases should be aware of the circumstances under which HPS may require specific treatment.
Fatal graft‐versus‐host disease after living‐donor liver transplantation from an HLA‐DR‐mismatched donor
Authors: Shimata Keita , Sakamoto Rieko , Anan Tadashi , Uchida Koushi , Honda Masaki , Kouroki Masahiko , Urabe Tomonari , Hayashida Shintaro , Yamamoto Hidekazu , Sugawara Yasuhiko , Inomata Yukihiro 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAcute GVHD is a rare complication after liver transplantation that has a high mortality rate. We experienced an infant case complicated with acute GVHD. An 8‐month‐old infant with biliary atresia underwent LDLT with a graft obtained from his mother. Their HLAs showed a donor‐dominant one‐way match, not at HLA‐DR but at HLA‐A, HLA‐B, and HLA‐C (recipient; A 31/33, B 51/54, C 1/14, DR 9/11, donor; A 31/‐, B 51/‐, C 14/‐, DR 8/11). The patient exhibited a high fever, skin rash, and diarrhea, and was diagnosed with acute GVHD based on the blood chimerism test. Despite immunosuppression treatment with prednisolone and tacrolimus, plasma exchange, blood transfusion including cord blood transplantation, and antibiotics, the child died on postoperative day 126. Donor‐dominant one‐way matching at HLA class 1 can be a high‐risk factor for acute GVHD despite HLA class 2 mismatching.
Lipoteichoic acid upregulates plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 expression in parapneumonic effusions
Authors: Lee Kai‐Ling , Chen Wei‐Lin , Chen Ray‐Jade , Lai Kevin S. , Chung Chi‐Li 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACTBackground and objectiveParapneumonic effusion (PPE) is commonly caused by Gram‐positive bacteria (GPB) and often presents with pleural loculation, which is characterized by overproduction of plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)‐1. Lipoteichoic acid (LTA), a surface adhesion molecule of GPB, binds to the pleural mesothelium and triggers inflammation. However, the effects of LTA on PAI‐1 expression in PPE and underlying mechanisms remain unclear.MethodsThirty consecutive patients with PPE were enrolled, including uncomplicated culture negative (CN, n = 11), Gram‐negative bacteria (GNB, n = 7) and GPB (n = 12) groups stratified by pleural fluid characteristics and bacteriology, and the effusion PAI‐1 levels were measured. In addition, human pleural mesothelial cells (PMC) were treated with LTA and the expression of PAI‐1 and activation of signalling pathways were assayed.ResultsThe median levels of PAI‐1 were significantly higher in GPB (160.5 ng/mL) and GNB (117.0 ng/mL) groups than in the uncomplicated CN (58.0 ng/mL) group. In human PMC, LTA markedly upregulated PAI‐1 mRNA and protein expression and enhanced elaboration of Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2). Furthermore, LTA increased c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation, induced activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2)/c‐Jun nuclear translocation and activated PAI‐1 promoter activity. Pretreatment with TLR2 siRNA significantly inhibited LTA‐induced JNK phosphorylation and PAI‐1 protein expression.ConclusionCulture‐positive PPE, especially that caused by GPB, has a significantly higher level of PAI‐1 than uncomplicated CN PPE. LTA upregulates PAI‐1 expression through activation of TLR2/JNK/activator protein 1 (AP‐1) pathway in human PMC. Better understanding of the modulation of PAI‐1 synthesis by LTA in PPE may provide potential therapies for infected pleural effusions.
A Block Model for Node Popularity in Networks with Community Structure
Authors: Sengupta Srijan , Chen Yuguo 
Published: August 2017

SummaryThe community structure that is observed in empirical networks has been of particular interest in the statistics literature, with a strong emphasis on the study of block models. We study an important network feature called node popularity, which is closely associated with community structure. Neither the classical stochastic block model nor its degree-corrected extension can satisfactorily capture the dynamics of node popularity as observed in empirical networks. We propose a popularity-adjusted block model for flexible and realistic modelling of node popularity. We establish consistency of likelihood modularity for community detection as well as estimation of node popularities and model parameters, and demonstrate the advantages of the new modularity over the degree-corrected block model modularity in simulations. By analysing the political blogs network, the British Members of Parliament network and the ‘Digital bibliography and library project’ bibliographical network, we illustrate that improved empirical insights can be gained through this methodology.
Optimization of hydroxyl radical production using electro‐Fenton method for chemical oxygen demand reduction in diluted palm oil mill effluent
Authors: Lim Chwen Haur , Ang Jing Jing , Lau Seng , Tay Meng Guan 
Published: August 2017

AbstractPalm oil mill effluent (POME) is a well‐known highly polluting wastewater due to its extremely high contents of organic matter, suspended solids and nutrients. In this study, we used electro‐Fenton method to treat POME by optimizing OH• generation from hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) under low voltage input (1.5–6.0 V). A set of electro‐Fenton system was set up using stainless steel as the anode and graphite as the cathode. Four parameters namely retention times, concentrations of H2O2 as well as FeSO4 catalyst and applied voltages were studied. The results were reflected in the form of removal efficiency of chemical oxygen demand (COD). The optimum conditions to degrade organic matter in POME were found to be in 4 h retention time with the respective H2O2 and FeSO4 catalyst concentrations of 0.05 and 0.10 M, and the power input of 1.5 V. Under such conditions, the maximum COD removal efficiency achieved 94%. The electro‐Fenton treatment was found to have higher efficiency than the conventional Fenton treatment. Without the electrolysis, the COD removal efficiency of the conventional Fenton treatment was only 48%.
Repeated phosphate removal from recirculating aquaculture system using cyanobacterium remediation and chitosan flocculation
Authors: Rojsitthisak Pranee , Burut‐Archanai Surachet , Pothipongsa Apiradee , Powtongsook Sorawit 
Published: August 2017

AbstractUnicellular cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. was used for phosphate removal in a recirculating aquaculture system. The cell harvesting was performed using chitosan solution in this study. The parameters (i.e. cell density, pH of cell suspension and chitosan concentration) affecting the flocculation efficiency of chitosan were investigated. With the optimal condition, the repeated flocculation for phosphate removal in a photobioreactor was demonstrated. The results show that the flocculation efficiency of chitosan depends on cell density, pH of cell suspension and chitosan concentration. The optimal flocculation process could be accomplished by adjusting the pH to 7.2 before adding 20 mg/L chitosan followed by pH adjustment to 7.5. With single inoculation, the sequential process of phosphate removal using cyanobacterial uptake followed by cell flocculation using chitosan with the optimal condition in the photobioreactor was successfully achieved for 12 cycles with water from a recirculating fish tank.
A highly reproducible cervical cuff technique for rat‐to‐mouse heterotopic heart xenotransplantation
Authors: Li Yaguang , Xie Baiyi , Zhu Maoshu , Li Xianguo , Du Feifei , Li Yanping , Li Minghui , Yuan Qian , Hua Jianyu , Xue Mengjiao , Wang Zhenzhen , Xia Junjie , Qi Zhongquan 
Published: August 2017

AbstractXenotransplantation is an effective way to solve the problem of donor shortage in clinical transplantation. However, clinical use of xenotransplantation is currently limited due to immunological challenges such as acute vascular rejection and cell‐mediated rejection. To finally surpass this immunological barrier, more preclinical research is needed into the molecular mechanisms of rejection and the possible effects of new immunosuppressants. Our aim was to create a refined, highly reproducible protocol to establish the most suitable rat‐to‐mouse heterotopic heart transplantation model using the cuff technique.
A qualitative exploration of the unique challenges facing older men with haemophilia and the implications for social work practice
Authors: Elliott Sarah Eleanor , Deane Kelsey L , Staniforth Barbara 
Published: August 2017

INTRODUCTION: For the first time, people who have haemophilia are facing the same aging issues as the general population, adding further complexity to their care and treatment. Worldwide, there has been little research on the psychosocial effects of growing older with haemophilia. This study investigated the holistic experiences of older men with haemophilia in Aotearoa New Zealand. Support services, particularly the roles that social workers could play in facilitating wellbeing, have also been explored. METHODS: A focus group was conducted with a purposive sample of five older men living with haemophilia in Aotearoa New Zealand. Thematic analysis through Braun and Clarke’s six-phased model (2006) was used to provide insight into their experiences. FINDINGS: Substantial physical and new medical challenges existed for the participants and these had flow-on effects for their psychosocial wellbeing. Existing services were well regarded but the anticipated complexity of multi-specialists and continuing care provoked anxiety. Connection with others with similar challenges was seen as an important social resource. CONCLUSIONS: The complexities associated with an aging population of people with haemophilia has generated a need for a wide-range of services and supports. Social workers need to take new and different approaches to fill the roles of advocating for, educating and providing support to, older men with haemophilia.
Primary health care social work in Aotearoa New Zealand: An exploratory investigation
Authors: Dobl Stefanie , Beddoe Liz , Huggard Peter 
Published: August 2017

INTRODUCTION: The social work profession has a long-standing history of contributing to health care in Aotearoa New Zealand. Traditionally, hospitals have been the stronghold for the profession. However, both international and national evidence demonstrates that social workers have also been integrated in primary health care practices (PHCPs). Primary health care (PHC) provides care in the community and is recognised for its potential to achieve health equity across all population groups. This article reports on a small, qualitative research project which explored the perceptions of key stakeholders about social work integration into PHC and the experiences gained by social workers working within PHCPs regarding their contributions to the achievement of national aspirations for PHC.METHODS: Semi-structured, one-to-one interviews with 18 participants representing three groups (social workers, other PHC professionals and key informants) were undertaken in 2012. The interviews took place in various locations in Aotearoa New Zealand. A general inductive approach was used to identify key themes. FINDINGS: Three key themes were identified from the data: these are issues of context, namely social work professional factors, organisational factors in PHC and lastly, wider factors in the health care system. The integrated social workers enhanced the access of populations to coordinated care, increased engagement with communities, and strengthened the workforce, among other things. These unique contributions towards the PHC vision were well recognised by all groups, with participants calling for the establishment of integrated social work positions on a larger scale. CONCLUSION: The study evidences the successful integration of social workers into PHC practices in Aotearoa New Zealand. This viable model should be of special interest for key stakeholders regarding the design of local, holistic, PHC services which serve populations most affected by health and social inequalities. Importantly, “health for all”, as anticipated by the PHC vision needs long-term and real commitment especially by financial decision-makers.
Analysis of neonatal resuscitation using eye tracking: a pilot study
Authors: Law Brenda Hiu Yan , Cheung Po-Yin , Wagner Michael , van Os Sylvia , Zheng Bin , Schmölzer Georg 
Published: August 2017

BackgroundVisual attention (VA) is important for situation awareness and decision-making. Eye tracking can be used to analyse the VA of healthcare providers. No study has examined eye tracking during neonatal resuscitation.ObjectiveTo test the use of eye tracking to examine VA during neonatal resuscitation.MethodsSix video recordings were obtained using eye tracking glasses worn by resuscitators during the first 5 min of neonatal resuscitation. Videos were analysed to obtain (i) areas of interest (AOIs), (ii) time spent on each AOI and (iii) frequency of saccades between AOIs.ResultsFive videos were of acceptable quality and analysed. Only 35% of VA was directed at the infant, with 33% at patient monitors and gauges. There were frequent saccades (0.45/s) and most involved patient monitors.ConclusionDuring neonatal resuscitation, VA is often directed away from the infant towards patient monitors. Eye tracking can be used to analyse human performance during neonatal resuscitation.
Evaluation of coronary artery disease as a risk factor for reticular pseudodrusen
Authors: McCarter Rachel V , McKay Gareth J , Quinn Nicola B , Chakravarthy Usha , MacGillivray Tom J , Robertson Gavin , Pellegrini Enrico , Trucco Emanuele , Williams Michelle C , Peto Tunde , Dhillon Baljean , van Beek Edwin JR , Newby David E , Kee Frank , Young Ian S , Hogg Ruth E 
Published: August 2017

PurposeReticular pseudodrusen (RPD) are a risk factor for late age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Associations between RPD and coronary artery disease (CAD) have been reported from small case–control studies. This study investigated the association of RPD within a predominantly CAD cohort.MethodsA subgroup of subjects from a multicentre randomised controlled trial of CT coronary angiography (CTCA) underwent ultrawide field (UWF) retinal imaging CAD determined by CTCA and was categorised as normal, non-obstructive or obstructive. Specific AMD features in UWF images were graded. Standardised grids were used to record the spatial location of AMD features, including RPD. Multivariate confounder adjusted regression models assessed the association between RPD and CAD.ResultsThe 534 participants were aged 27–75 years (mean 58±9 years; 425 (80%) ≥50 years) with a male preponderance (56%). Within the study sample, 178 (33%) had no CAD, 351 (66%) had CAD. RPD was detected in 30 participants (5.6%) and bilaterally in 23. Most participants with bilateral RPD had intermediate AMD 17 (74%). After adjustment for potential confounders (age, sex, drusen >125 µm, smoking status), multivariate analysis found no significant association between CAD and RPD (OR 1.31; 95% CI (0.57 to 3.01); p=0.52). A significant association was identified between RPD and intermediate AMD (OR 3.18; 95% CI (1.61 to 6.27); p=0.001).ConclusionWe found no evidence to support an association between CAD and RPD. RPD was strongly associated with intermediate AMD features.Trial registration numberNCT01149590, Post results.
Cost-effectiveness of diagnostic-therapeutic strategies for paediatric visceral leishmaniasis in Morocco
Authors: Alonso Sergi , Tachfouti Nabil , Najdi Adil , Sicuri Elisa , Picado Albert 
Published: August 2017

IntroductionVisceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected parasitic disease with a high fatality rate if left untreated. Endemic in Morocco, as well as in other countries in the Mediterranean basin, VL mainly affects children living in rural areas. In Morocco, the direct observation ofLeishmaniaparasites in bone marrow (BM) aspirates is used to diagnose VL and meglumine antimoniate (SB) is the first line of treatment. Less invasive, more efficacious and safer alternatives exist. In this study we estimate the cost-effectiveness of alternative diagnostic-therapeutic algorithms for paediatric VL in Morocco.MethodsA decision tree was used to estimate the cost-effectiveness of using BM or rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) as diagnostic tools and/or SB or two liposomal amphotericin B (L-AmB) regimens: 6-day and 2-day courses to treat VL. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios, expressed as cost per death averted, were estimated by comparing costs and effectiveness of the alternative algorithms. A threshold analysis evaluated at which price L-AmB became cost-effective compared with current practices.ResultsImplementing RDT and/or L-AmB treatments would be cost-effective in Morocco according to the WHO thresholds. Introducing the 6-day course L-AmB, current second-line treatment, would be highly cost-effective if L-AmB price was below US$100/phial. The 2-day L-AmB treatment, current standard treatment of paediatric VL in France, is highly cost-effective, with L-AmB at its market price (US$165/phial).ConclusionsThe results of this study should encourage the implementation of RDT and/or short-course L-AmB treatments for paediatric VL management in Morocco and other North African countries.
Systematic review of the clinical manifestations of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in the Greater Mekong Subregion: implications for malaria elimination and beyond
Authors: Ong Ken Ing Cherng , Kosugi Hodaka , Thoeun Sophea , Araki Hitomi , Thandar Moe Moe , Iwagami Moritoshi , Hongvanthong Bouasy , Brey Paul T , Kano Shigeyuki , Jimba Masamine 
Published: August 2017

IntroductionTo achieve malaria elimination in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) by 2030, proper case management is necessary. 8-aminoquinolines, such as primaquine, are the only available medicines effective in preventing relapse of the hypnozoite stage ofPlasmodium vivax, as well as the onward transmission ofPlasmodium falciparum. However, primaquine can cause haemolysis in individuals who have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PDd). We conducted a systematic review on the reported clinical manifestations of G6PDd to provide a comprehensive overview of the situation in the GMS.MethodsThe protocol for this systematic review was registered on PROSPERO: International prospective register of systematic reviews (CRD42016043146). We searched the PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases for published articles describing the clinical manifestations of G6PDd in the GMS. We included articles of all study designs from inception until 31 July 2016, reporting the clinical manifestations of G6PDd. We then performed a narrative synthesis of these articles.ResultsWe included 56 articles in this review, 45 of which were from Thailand. Haemolysis in G6PD-deficient individuals was caused not only by primaquine but also by other medicines and infections. Other clinical manifestations of G6PDd that were found were favism, neonatal jaundice and chronic non-spherocytic haemolytic anaemia. G6PDd also influenced the clinical presentations of genetic disorders and infections, such as thalassemia and typhoid fever.ConclusionAs G6PDd also affects the clinical presentations of other infections, the benefits of G6PD testing and proper record keeping transcend those of malaria case management. Therefore, healthcare workers at the community level should be made familiar with complications resulting from G6PDd as these complications extend beyond the scope of malaria.
Effectiveness of an Ambient Intelligent Geriatric Management system (AmbIGeM) to prevent falls in older people in hospitals: protocol for the AmbIGeM stepped wedge pragmatic trial
Authors: Visvanathan Renuka , Ranasinghe Damith C , Wilson Anne , Lange Kylie , Dollard Joanne , Boyle Eileen , Karnon Jonathan , Raygan Erfan , Maher Sean , Ingram Kate , Pazhvoor Shibu , Hoskins Stephen , Hill Keith 
Published: August 2017

BackgroundAlthough current best practice recommendations contribute to falls prevention in hospital, falls and injury rates remain high. There is a need to explore new interventions to reduce falls rates, especially in geriatric and general medical wards where older patients and those with cognitive impairment are managed.Design and methodsA three-cluster stepped wedge pragmatic trial, with an embedded qualitative process, of the Ambient Intelligent Geriatric Management (AmbIGeM) system (wearable sensor device to alert staff of patients undertaking at-risk activities), for preventing falls in older patients compared with standard care. The trial will occur on three acute/subacute wards in two hospitals in Adelaide and Perth, Australia.ParticipantsPatients aged>65 years admitted to study wards. A waiver (Perth) and opt-out of consent (Adelaide) was obtained for this study. Patients requiring palliative care will be excluded.OutcomesThe primary outcome is falls rate; secondary outcome measures are: (1) proportion of participants falling; (2) rate of injurious inpatient falls/1000 participant bed-days; (3) acceptability and safety of the interventions from patients and clinical staff perspectives; and (4) hospital costs, mortality and use of residential care to 3 months postdischarge.DiscussionThis study investigates a novel technological approach to preventing falls in hospitalised older people. We hypothesise that the AmbIGeM intervention will reduce falls and injury rates, with an economic benefit attributable to the intervention. If successful, the AmbIGeM system will be a useful addition to falls prevention in hospital wards with high proportions of older people and people with cognitive impairment.Trial registrationnumberAustralian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry: ACTRN 12617000981325; Pre-results.