bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abnormal Cervical Cancer Screening in Pregnancy and Preterm Delivery
Authors: Hong Jennifer N. , Berggren Erica K. , Campbell Sara L. , Smith Jennifer S. , Rahangdale Lisa 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundPreterm delivery is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is common in reproductive‐aged women. We hypothesised that abnormal cervical cancer screening tests, as a proxy for HPV infection, would be associated with preterm delivery.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study of women delivering liveborn singletons beyond 20 weeks gestation, who had a Papanicolaou (Pap) test within 1 year prior to delivery. Women with abnormal Pap or positive high‐risk HPV tests, classified as having ‘abnormal screening’, were compared with women classified as having ‘normal screening’ in bivariate analysis for overall preterm delivery at less than 37 weeks gestation. Using Poisson regression, we report unadjusted (RR) and adjusted (aRR) risk ratios for spontaneous preterm delivery due to preterm labour and preterm premature rupture of membranes.ResultsAmong 2686 women meeting criteria for analysis, 213 (8%) had abnormal screening. Women with abnormal screening, compared with normal screening, were not more likely to deliver preterm (12.2% vs. 9.8%, RR 1.3 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.9, 1.8], aRR 1.2 [95% CI 0.8, 1.7]). Women with abnormal screening, however, were at greater risk for spontaneous preterm delivery in unadjusted and adjusted analysis (8.9% vs. 4.5%; RR 2.0 [95% CI 1.2, 3.2], aRR 1.8 [95% CI 1.1, 2.9]).ConclusionsThere was no difference in risk of overall preterm delivery in women with abnormal compared with normal cervical cancer screening tests. Our data suggest, however, that abnormal screening in pregnancy may be associated with spontaneous preterm delivery.
Guidelines for Reporting Case Studies on Extracorporeal Treatments in Poisonings: Methodology
Authors: Lavergne Valéry , Ouellet Georges , Bouchard Josée , Galvao Tais , Kielstein Jan T. , Roberts Darren M. , Kanji Salmaan , Mowry James B. , Calello Diane P. , Hoffman Robert S. , Gosselin Sophie , Nolin Thomas D. , Goldfarb David S. , Burdmann Emmanuel A. , Dargan Paul I. , Decker Brian Scott , Hoegberg Lotte C. , Maclaren Robert , Megarbane Bruno , Sowinski Kevin M. , Yates Christopher , Mactier Robert , Wiegand Timothy , Ghannoum Marc 
Published: May 2014

AbstractA literature review performed by the EXtracorporeal TReatments In Poisoning (EXTRIP) workgroup highlighted deficiencies in the existing literature, especially the reporting of case studies. Although general reporting guidelines exist for case studies, there are none in the specific field of extracorporeal treatments in toxicology. Our goal was to construct and propose a checklist that systematically outlines the minimum essential items to be reported in a case study of poisoned patients undergoing extracorporeal treatments. Through a modified two‐round Delphi technique, panelists (mostly chosen from the EXTRIP workgroup) were asked to vote on the pertinence of a set of items to identify those considered minimally essential for reporting complete and accurate case reports. Furthermore, independent raters validated the clarity of each selected items between each round of voting. All case reports containing data on extracorporeal treatments in poisoning published in Medline in 2011 were reviewed during the external validation rounds. Twenty‐one panelists (20 from the EXTRIP workgroup and an invited expert on pharmacology reporting guidelines) participated in the modified Delphi technique. This group included journal editors and experts in nephrology, clinical toxicology, critical care medicine, emergency medicine, and clinical pharmacology. Three independent raters participated in the validation rounds. Panelists voted on a total of 144 items in the first round and 137 items in the second round, with response rates of 96.3% and 98.3%, respectively. Twenty case reports were evaluated at each validation round and the independent raters' response rate was 99.6% and 98.8% per validation round. The final checklist consists of 114 items considered essential for case study reporting. This methodology of alternate voting and external validation rounds was useful in developing the first reporting guideline for case studies in the field of extracorporeal treatments in poisoning. We believe that this guideline will improve the completeness and transparency of published case reports and that the systematic aggregation of information from case reports may provide early signals of effectiveness and/or harm, thereby improving healthcare decision‐making.
A Central Limit Theorem in Non‐parametric Regression with Truncated, Censored and Dependent Data
Authors: Liang Han‐Ying , de Uña‐álvarez Jacobo , del carmen Iglesias‐pérez María 
Published: May 2014

AbstractOn the basis of the idea of the Nadaraya–Watson (NW) kernel smoother and the technique of the local linear (LL) smoother, we construct the NW and LL estimators of conditional mean functions and their derivatives for a left‐truncated and right‐censored model. The target function includes the regression function, the conditional moment and the conditional distribution function as special cases. It is assumed that the lifetime observations with covariates form a stationary α‐mixing sequence. Asymptotic normality of the estimators is established. Finite sample behaviour of the estimators is investigated via simulations. A real data illustration is included too.
Community‐supported models of care for people on HIV treatment in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Bemelmans Marielle , Baert Saar , Goemaere Eric , Wilkinson Lynne , Vandendyck Martin , van Cutsem Gilles , Silva Carlota , Perry Sharon , Szumilin Elisabeth , Gerstenhaber Rodd , Kalenga Lucien , Biot Marc , Ford Nathan 
Published: May 2014

AbstractObjectivesFurther scale‐up of antiretroviral therapy (ART) to those in need while supporting the growing patient cohort on ART requires continuous adaptation of healthcare delivery models. We describe several approaches to manage stable patients on ART developed by Médecins Sans Frontières together with Ministries of Health in four countries in sub‐Saharan Africa.MethodsUsing routine programme data, four approaches to simplify ART delivery for stable patients on ART were assessed from a patient and health system perspective: appointment spacing for clinical and drug refill visits in Malawi, peer educator‐led ART refill groups in South Africa, community ART distribution points in DRC and patient‐led community ART groups in Mozambique.ResultsAll four approaches lightened the burden for both patients (reduced travel and lost income) and health system (reduced clinic attendance). Retention in care is high: 94% at 36 months in Malawi, 89% at 12 months in DRC, 97% at 40 months in South Africa and 92% at 48 months in Mozambique. Where evaluable, service provider costs are reported to be lower.ConclusionSeparating ART delivery from clinical assessments was found to benefit patients and programmes in a range of settings. The success of community ART models depends on sufficient and reliable support and resources, including a flexible and reliable drug supply, access to quality clinical management, a reliable monitoring system and a supported lay workers cadre. Such models require ongoing evaluation and further adaptation to be able to reach out to more patients, including specific groups who may be challenged to meet the demands of frequent clinic visits and the integrated delivery of other essential chronic disease interventions.
Biofilm‐forming skin microflora bacteria are resistant to the bactericidal action of disinfectants used during blood donation
Authors: Taha Mariam , Kalab Miloslav , Yi Qi‐Long , Landry Carey , Greco‐Stewart Valerie , Brassinga Ann Karen , Sifri Costi D. , Ramirez‐Arcos Sandra 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundA one‐step skin disinfection method containing 2% chlorhexidine‐gluconate (CHG) and 70% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) is currently used by blood suppliers worldwide. Reports of bacterially contaminated platelet concentrates (PCs) indicate that skin disinfection is not fully effective. Approximately 20% of skin microflora exist as surface‐attached aggregates (biofilms), known for displaying increased resistance to disinfectants. This study was aimed at determining whether skin microflora biofilm‐positive Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus capitis are resistant to CHG and/or IPA.Study Design and MethodsFree‐floating cells and mono or dual (1 : 1 ratio) biofilms of S. epidermidis and S. capitis were exposed to CHG, IPA, or CHG/IPA for 30 seconds, simulating skin disinfection practices. Residual viable cells were quantified by colony counting. Morphology of disinfectant‐treated S. epidermidis biofilms was examined by scanning electron microscopy. Treated S. epidermidis and S. capitis biofilms were inoculated into PCs and bacterial concentrations were determined on Days 0 and 5 of storage.ResultsTreatment of staphylococcal biofilm cells with all disinfectants caused cell damage and significant reduction in viability, with CHG/IPA being the most effective. However, biofilms were significantly more resistant to treatment than free‐floating cells. Disinfectant‐treated S. epidermidis proliferated better in PCs than S. capitis, especially when grown as monospecies biofilms.ConclusionAlthough CHG/IPA is effective in reducing the viability of S. epidermidis and S. capitis biofilms, these organisms are not completely eliminated. Furthermore, disinfectant‐treated staphylococcal biofilms multiply well in PCs. These results demonstrate that the biofilm‐forming capability of the skin microflora reduces the bactericidal efficiency of blood donor skin disinfectants.
Past and present of hepatitis E in the Netherlands
Authors: Hogema Boris M. , Molier Michel , Slot Ed , Zaaijer Hans L. 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundRecent studies show that endemic hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection occurs frequently in some developed countries. In the Netherlands in 2013, the routine screening of 35,220 plasma donations for HEV RNA showed 20 donors to be viremic (1:1761), which seems to contradict reports of declining HEV seroprevalence in the recent past.Study Design and MethodsTo asses HEV infection pressure changes over time, archived samples from Dutch blood donations collected in 1988 and 2000 were tested for anti‐HEV immunoglobulin (Ig)G. The findings were compared to the HEV seroprevalence among donors in 2011.ResultsThe age‐adjusted prevalence of anti‐HEV IgG for Dutch donors aged 18 to 64 declined from 46.6% in 1988 to 27.3% in 2000 and to 20.9% in 2011. The reduction of seroprevalence was apparent for all age groups between 1988 and 2000, and for donors older than 40 between 2000 and 2011, but the seroprevalence among donors aged 18 to 29 increased between 2000 and 2011. Recent changes in HEV infection pressure are more apparent in the youngest donors, who to a lesser extent reflect cumulative exposure to HEV in the past. Donors aged 18 to 21 showed decreasing HEV seroprevalence from 19.8% in 1988 to 7.0% in 1995 and to 4.3% in 2000, followed by an increase to 12.7% in 2011.ConclusionHEV antibody patterns in young and old Dutch donors, in 1988 to 2011, suggest that decades ago, HEV was ubiquitous and most persons acquired infection. Subsequently HEV incidence was low during a prolonged period, to increase again in recent years.
Cryptic diversity of Melanochlamys sea slugs (Gastropoda, Aglajidae) in the North Pacific
Authors: Cooke Samantha , Hanson Dieta , Hirano Yayoi , Ornelas‐Gatdula Elysse , Gosliner Terrence M. , Chernyshev Alexey V. , Valdés Ángel 
Published: May 2014

North Pacific specimens of Melanochlamys sea slugs were examined morphologically (including the male reproductive morphology, shell and external coloration) and were sequenced for three genes (mitochondrial COI and 16S and nuclear H3). Phylogenetic and species delimitation analyses were used to determine the evolutionary relationships and species diversity among the specimens examined. Both molecular and morphological data revealed an unexpected high level of cryptic diversity. At least four distinct species occur on the Northwestern Pacific. Melanochlamys ezoensis occurs in Russia and temperate and cold areas in Japan. Three additional undescribed species occur in Japan and/or South Korea. One of the undescribed species occurs both in South Korea and in Japan, but only in Tokyo Bay, suggesting that it could be non‐native in Japan. Two distinct species occur on the Northeastern Pacific coast; Melanochlamys diomedea is widespread from Southern California to Alaska, whereas M. ezoensis was found only in San Francisco Bay, suggesting a human‐mediated introduction. This is further supported by the absence of records of M. ezoensis in San Francisco prior to 2001. The species diversity of Melanochlamys in the Northwestern Pacific is much greater than in the Northeastern Pacific; it is hypothesized that differences in geographic and ocean current system complexity might account for different responses to glacial extinction and postglacial expansion.
Validity and Reliability of the Look Keo Power Pedal System for Measuring Power Output During Incremental and Repeated Sprint Cycling
Authors: Sparks S. Andy , Dove Benjamin , Bridge Craig A. , Midgley Adrian W. , McNaughton Lars R. 
Published: May 2014

Power meters have traditionally been integrated into the crank set, but several manufacturers have designed new systems located elsewhere on the bike, such as inside the pedals.Purpose:This study aimed to determine the validity and reliability of the Keo power pedals during several laboratory cycling tasks.Methods:Ten active male participants (mean ± SD age 34.0 ± 10.6 y, height 1.77 ± 0.04 m, body mass 76.5 ± 10.7 kg) familiar with laboratory cycling protocols completed this study. Each participant was required to complete 2 laboratory cycling trials on an SRM ergometer (SRM, Germany) that was also fitted with the Keo power pedals (Look, France). The trials consisted of an incremental test to exhaustion followed by 10 min rest and then three 10-s sprint tests separated by 3 min of cycling at 100 W.Results:Over power ranges of 75 to 1147 W, the Keo power-pedal system produced typical error values of 0.40, 0.21, and 0.21 for the incremental, sprint, and combined trials, respectively, compared with the SRM. Mean differences of 21.0 and 18.6 W were observed between trials 1 and 2 with the Keo system in the incremental and combined protocols, respectively. In contrast, the SRM produced differences of 1.3 and 0.6 W for the same protocols.Conclusions:The power data from the Keo power pedals should be treated with some caution given the presence of mean differences between them and the SRM. Furthermore, this is exacerbated by poorer reliability than that of the SRM power meter.
Metabolic Power Demands of Rugby League Match Play
Authors: Kempton Tom , Sirotic Anita Claire , Rampinini Ermanno , Coutts Aaron James 
Published: May 2014

Purpose:To describe the metabolic demands of rugby league match play for positional groups and compare match distances obtained from high-speed-running classifications with those derived from high metabolic power.Methods:Global positioning system (GPS) data were collected from 25 players from a team competing in the National Rugby League competition over 39 matches. Players were classified into positional groups (adjustables, outside backs, hit-up forwards, and wide-running forwards). The GPS devices provided instantaneous raw velocity data at 5 Hz, which were exported to a customized spreadsheet. The spreadsheet provided calculations for speed-based distances (eg, total distance; high-speed running, >14.4 km/h; and very-highspeed running, >18.1 km/h) and metabolic-power variables (eg, energy expenditure; average metabolic power; and high-power distance, >20 W/kg).Results:The data show that speed-based distances and metabolic power varied between positional groups, although this was largely related to differences in time spent on field. The distance covered at high running speed was lower than that obtained from high-power thresholds for all positional groups; however, the difference between the 2 methods was greatest for hit-up forwards and adjustables.Conclusions:Positional differences existed for all metabolic parameters, although these are at least partially related to time spent on the field. Higher-speed running may underestimate the demands of match play when compared with high-power distance—although the degree of difference between the measures varied by position. The analysis of metabolic power may complement traditional speed-based classifications and improve our understanding of the demands of rugby league match play.
IgM, IgG, and IgA Antibody Responses to Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 Hemagglutinin in Infected Persons during the First Wave of the 2009 Pandemic in the United States
Authors: Li Zhu-Nan , Lin Seh-Ching , Carney Paul J. , Li Ji , Liu Feng , Lu Xiuhua , Liu Merry , Stevens James , Levine Min , Katz Jacqueline M. , Hancock Kathy 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTThe novel influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus caused an influenza pandemic in 2009. IgM, IgG, and IgA antibody responses to A(H1N1)pdm09 hemagglutinin (HA) following A(H1N1)pdm09 virus infection were analyzed to understand antibody isotype responses. Age-matched control sera collected from U.S. residents in 2007 and 2008 were used to establish baseline levels of cross-reactive antibodies. IgM responses often used as indicators of primary virus infection were mainly detected in young patient groups (≤5 years and 6 to 15 years old), not in older age groups, despite the genetic and antigenic differences between the HA of A(H1N1)pdm09 virus and pre-2009 seasonal H1N1 viruses. IgG and IgA responses to A(H1N1)pdm09 HA were detected in all age groups of infected persons. In persons 17 to 80 years old, paired acute- and convalescent-phase serum samples demonstrated ≥4-fold increases in the IgG and IgA responses to A(H1N1)pdm09 HA in 80% and 67% of A(H1N1)pdm09 virus-infected persons, respectively. The IgG antibody response to A(H1N1)pdm09 HA was cross-reactive with HAs from H1, H3, H5, and H13 subtypes, suggesting that infections with subtypes other than A(H1N1)pdm09 might result in false positives by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Lower sensitivity compared to hemagglutination inhibition and microneutralization assays and the detection of cross-reactive antibodies against homologous and heterologous subtype are major drawbacks for the application of ELISA in influenza serologic studies.
Sensitive and Specific Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Detecting Serum Antibodies against Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in Fallow Deer
Authors: Prieto José M. , Balseiro Ana , Casais Rosa , Abendaño Naiara , Fitzgerald Liam E. , Garrido Joseba M. , Juste Ramon A. , Alonso-Hearn Marta 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTThe enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is the diagnostic test most commonly used in efforts to control paratuberculosis in domestic ruminants. However, commercial ELISAs have not been validated for detecting antibodies againstMycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosisin wild animals. In this study, we compared the sensitivities and specificities of five ELISAs using individual serum samples collected from 41 fallow deer with or without histopathological lesions consistent with paratuberculosis. Two target antigenic preparations were selected, an ethanol-treated protoplasmic preparation obtained from a fallow deerM. aviumsubsp.paratuberculosisisolate (ELISAs A and B) and a paratuberculosis protoplasmic antigen (PPA3) (ELISAs C and D). Fallow deer antibodies bound to the immobilized antigens were detected by using a horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-conjugated anti-fallow deer IgG antibody (ELISAs A and C) or HRP-conjugated protein G (ELISAs B and D). A commercially available assay, ELISA-E, which was designed to detectM. aviumsubsp.paratuberculosisantibodies in cattle, sheep, and goats, was also tested. Although ELISAs A, C, and E had the same sensitivity (72%), ELISAs A and C were more specific (100%) for detecting fallow deer with lesions consistent with paratuberculosis at necropsy than was the ELISA-E (87.5%). In addition, the ELISA-A was particularly sensitive for detecting fallow deer in the latent stages of infection (62.5%). The antibody responses detected with the ELISA-A correlated with both the severity of enteric lesions and the presence of acid-fast bacteria in gut tissue samples. In summary, our study shows that the ELISA-A can be a cost-effective diagnostic tool for preventing the spread of paratuberculosis among fallow deer populations.
Complete Genome Sequence of Classical Swine Fever Virus Genotype 2.2 Strain Bergen
Authors: Fahnøe Ulrik , Lohse Louise , Becher Paul , Rasmussen Thomas Bruun 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
The complete genome sequence of the genotype 2.2 classical swine fever virus strain Bergen has been determined; this strain was originally isolated from persistently infected domestic pigs in the Netherlands and is characterized to be of low virulence.
Low Vancomycin MICs and Fecal Densities Reduce the Sensitivity of Screening Methods for Vancomycin Resistance in Enterococci
Authors: Wijesuriya Thamara M. , Perry Peta , Pryce Todd , Boehm John , Kay Ian , Flexman James , Coombs Geoffrey W. , Ingram Paul R. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT

Active surveillance is part of a multifaceted approach used to prevent the spread of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). The impact of fecal density, the vancomycin MIC of the isolate, and the vancomycin concentration in liquid medium on test performance are uncertain. Using fecal specimens spiked with a collection of 18 VRE (predominantly
vanB
) with a wide vancomycin MIC range, we compared the performances of commercial chromogenic agars (CHROMagar VRE, chromID VRE, Brilliance VRE, and VRE Select) and 1 liquid medium (Enterococcosel enrichment broth) for VRE detection. The specificity of solid media was excellent; however, the sensitivity at 48 h varied from 78 to 94%. Screening using liquid medium was less sensitive than screening with solid media, particularly as the vancomycin content increased. Sensitivity declined (i) as the fecal VRE density decreased, (ii) when the media were assessed at 24 h (versus 48 h), and (iii) for isolates with a low vancomycin MIC (sensitivity, 25 to 75% versus 100% for isolates with vancomycin MIC of <16 mg/liter versus >32 mg/liter on solid medium using 10
6
CFU/ml of feces). Depending on local epidemiology and in particular VRE vancomycin MICs, the sensitivity of culture-based methods for VRE screening of stool or rectal specimens may be suboptimal, potentially facilitating secondary transmission.