bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transfusion transmitted infections in thalassaemics: need for reappraisal of blood screening strategy in India
Authors: Shyamala V. 
Published: March 2014

SUMMARYThe aim of the study was to assess the blood safety in India through prevalence in thalassaemic population. Safety of the blood supply is a subject of great concern for all recipients. This review attempts to assess the relevance and format of tests for viruses in the context of transfusion transmitted infection (TTI) prevalence in India. Serological marker testing for human immunodeficiency virus‐1/2 (HIV‐1/2), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) is mandatory in India. Numerous TTI incidents in the repeat recipients supported by results from nucleic acid technology (NAT) testing indicate the deficiencies in blood safety. The β‐thalassaemic population (3–17%) in India has been used to reflect on blood safety. The prevalence of HIV‐1/2, HCV and HBV in the Indian donor population, the limitations in accessing safe donors, quality of serological tests and the impact on repeat recipients is evaluated. The reports point to prevalence of ˜2% of viral diseases in the blood donor population, and the insufficiency of serology testing resulting in up to 45% TTIs in thalassaemics. The revelation by individual donation (ID) NAT testing, of 1 per 310 units being serology negative‐NAT reactive is alarming. Extrapolating the serology negative NAT reactive yields, for an annual blood supply of 7·9 million units, 23 700 units or nearly 100 000 blood components are likely to be infectious. Though the cost for ID‐NAT testing is considered unaffordable for a medium development country such as India, the enormity of TTIs will place an unmanageable cost burden on the society.
Donors deferred for self‐reported Chagas disease history: does it reduce risk?
Authors: Steele Whitney R. , Hewitt Elizabeth H. , Kaldun Anne M. , Krysztof David E. , Dodd Roger Y. , Stramer Susan L. 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundCurrent Food and Drug Administration guidance specifies that all blood donors must be asked about a history of Chagas disease.Study Design and MethodsWe identified all American Red Cross donors deferred for Chagas disease history from January 2000 to August 2011. Attempts were made to contact all deferred donors and invite them back for anti‐Trypanosoma cruzi testing. After January 2007, all accepted donors (no Chagas history) were anti‐T. cruzi tested.ResultsOver the 12‐year period (approx. 88 million donor presentations), 34 donors had a Chagas deferral. When contacted, seven reported risk (e.g., travel or residence in an endemic area, vector exposure) and six were anti‐T. cruzi tested with one radioimmunoprecipitation assay (RIPA) positive. Six others had answered the question incorrectly. The remaining 21 could not be contacted but from the donor record it could be determined that 13 were Hispanic ethnicity or Spanish speaking and/or provided specific details of Chagas risk or disease.ConclusionsIn 12 years, only 28 potentially infected donors were identified using the Chagas question. Limited testing data suggest that few of these would have had serologic evidence of prior infection. In contrast, nearly 5 years of anti‐T. cruzi screening identified 488 RIPA‐positive donors, none of whom answered “yes” to the Chagas question. According to estimates in this study, the value of retaining the questionnaire in addition to testing translates to preventing the collection of 0.4 infected donors per billion. Thus, the Chagas history question has no meaningful value.
Genome Sequence of a Bacillus anthracis Outbreak Strain from Zambia, 2011
Authors: Ohnishi Naomi , Maruyama Fumito , Ogawa Hirohito , Kachi Hirokazu , Yamada Shunsuke , Fujikura Daisuke , Nakagawa Ichiro , Hang'ombe Mudenda B. , Thomas Yuka , Mweene Aaron S. , Higashi Hideaki 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT

In August 2011, an anthrax outbreak occurred among
Hippopotamus amphibius
hippopotamuses and humans in Zambia. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of the
Bacillus anthracis
outbreak strain CZC5, isolated from tissues of
H. amphibius
hippopotamuses that had died in the outbreak area.
Draft Genome Sequence of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Strain 5BA-I-2, a Soil Isolate and a Member of a Phylogenetically Basal Lineage
Authors: Nunvar Jaroslav , Elhottova Dana , Chronakova Alica , Schneider Bohdan , Licha Irena 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
is an omnipresent environmental bacterium emerging as an opportunistic human pathogen and exhibiting multidrug resistance. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
S. maltophilia
strain 5BA-I-2, a soil isolate and a member of a phylogenetically basal lineage.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Agar-Degrading Bacterium
Catenovulum
sp. Strain DS-2, Isolated from Intestines of
Haliotis diversicolor
Authors: Shan Dapeng , Li Xu , Gu Zheng , Wei Guangshan , Gao Zheng , Shao Zongze 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT

Catenovulum
sp. strain DS-2, isolated from intestines of
Haliotis diversicolor
, is able to degrade agar and produce agaro-oligosaccharides. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Catenovulum
sp. strain DS-2.
Whole-Genome Sequencing and Annotation of a Clinical Isolate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from Mumbai, India
Authors: Al Rashdi Ahmed Salim Ahmed , Jadhav Bhaskar L. , Deshpande Tejaswini , Deshpande Uday 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT

We report here the annotated genome sequence of a clinical isolate of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
from Mumbai, India.
Whole-Genome Sequences of Six Salmonella enterica Serovar Bovismorbificans Isolates Associated with a 2011 Multistate Hummus-Borne Outbreak
Authors: Gopinath Gopal , Jean-Gilles Beaubrun Junia , Grim Chris , Blaylock Morris , Blackwell Reginald , Merid Sosina , Diallo Alpha , Hanes Darcy 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT

We present six draft genome sequences of
Salmonella enterica
serovar Bovismorbificans from isolates associated with the 2011 hummus-borne multistate outbreak. All six genome sequences indicate the presence of two plasmids, one of which demonstrates similarity to the 93-kb pSLT2 IncF-type plasmid of
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium.
Scrum injury risk in English professional rugby union
Authors: Taylor Aileen E , Kemp Simon , Trewartha Grant , Stokes Keith A 
Published: March 2014

ObjectiveTo assess and evaluate the injury risk associated with the scrum in English professional rugby union in the 2011–2012 season.DesignProspective, cohort.ParticipantsPlayers at English Premiership rugby union clubs.Outcome measuresFrequency of team scrum-events per match; incidence (injuries per 1000 player-hours; propensity (injuries/1000 events); risk (days absence per 1000 player-hours and days absence per 1000 events).Results31% of scrums in competitive matches resulted in collapse. Injury incidence associated with collapsed scrum-events (incidence: 8.6 injuries/1000 scrum-events) was significantly higher than those scrums that did not collapse (incidence: 4.1/1000 scrum-events).ConclusionsThe injury risk associated with collapsed scrum supports the continued focus on reducing scrum collapse through changes in, and strict application of, the laws surrounding the scrum.
What makes the hospitalisation system more efficient? An application of the decomposition method to Hong Kong morbidity data
Authors: Yip Paul S F , Lee Carmen K M , Chow Chun-Bong , Lo William T L 
Published: March 2014

ObjectiveTo examine the efficiency of the Hong Kong hospitalisation system based on hospitalisation days.DesignRetrospective study.SettingHospitalisation data (2000–2010) for all government-funded hospitals in Hong Kong.PopulationHospitalisation data for the entire Hong Kong population (7.0 million in 2011).MethodsA decomposition method was used to determine the effects on total hospitalisation days during the period 2000–2010 of the following three factors: (i) hospitalisation rate per person; (ii) the number of visits per patient; and (iii) the mean duration of stay per visit.Main outcome measuresThe decomposition method provides empirical measures of how the three factors contributed to the change in total hospitalisation days during the period 2000–2010 and identifies the most effective way to contain increases in hospitalisation days.ResultsThe results of decomposition analysis show that the decrease in mean duration of stay per visit (reducing from 6.83 to 4.58 days) is the most important factor in the reduction in the total number of hospitalisation days, despite increases in total population size (from 6.7 to 7.0 million), the number of individual hospital admissions (from 583 000 to 664 000) and the number of episodes (from 1.2 to 1.4 million) from 2000 to 2010. Hospitalisation days per person decreased from 1.18 in 2000 to 0.93 in 2010. The decline in the mean duration of stay per visit contributed 200.6% to this reduction but was offset by −51.1% due to a slight growth in the number of visits per patient and by −49.4% as a result of changed hospitalisation rates per person.ConclusionsBetter management of the duration of stay of per visit without compromising patient satisfaction levels or the quality of service is the most important factor for controlling increases in health expenditure in Hong Kong.
Control strategies to prevent total hip replacement-related infections: a systematic review and mixed treatment comparison
Authors: Zheng Henry , Barnett Adrian G , Merollini Katharina , Sutton Alex , Cooper Nicola , Berendt Tony , Wilson Jennie , Graves Nicholas 
Published: March 2014

ObjectiveTo synthesise the available evidence and estimate the comparative efficacy of control strategies to prevent total hip replacement (THR)-related surgical site infections (SSIs) using a mixed treatment comparison.DesignSystematic review and mixed treatment comparison.SettingHospital and other healthcare settings.ParticipantsPatients undergoing THR.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe number of THR-related SSIs occurring following the surgical operation.Results12 studies involving 123 788 THRs and 9 infection control strategies were identified. The strategy of ‘systemic antibiotics+antibiotic-impregnated cement+conventional ventilation’ significantly reduced the risk of THR-related SSI compared with the referent strategy (no systemic antibiotics+plain cement+conventional ventilation), OR 0.13 (95% credible interval (CrI) 0.03–0.35), and had the highest probability (47–64%) and highest median rank of being the most effective strategy. There was some evidence to suggest that ‘systemic antibiotics+antibiotic-impregnated cement+laminar airflow’ could potentially increase infection risk compared with ‘systemic antibiotics+antibiotic-impregnated cement+conventional ventilation’, 1.96 (95% CrI 0.52–5.37). There was no high-quality evidence that antibiotic-impregnated cement without systemic antibiotic prophylaxis was effective in reducing infection compared with plain cement with systemic antibiotics, 1.28 (95% CrI 0.38–3.38).ConclusionsWe found no convincing evidence in favour of the use of laminar airflow over conventional ventilation for prevention of THR-related SSIs, yet laminar airflow is costly and widely used. Antibiotic-impregnated cement without systemic antibiotics may not be effective in reducing THR-related SSIs. The combination with the highest confidence for reducing SSIs was ‘systemic antibiotics+antibiotic-impregnated cement+conventional ventilation’. Our evidence synthesis underscores the need to review current guidelines based on the available evidence, and to conduct further high-quality double-blind randomised controlled trials to better inform the current clinical guidelines and practice for prevention of THR-related SSIs.
The cross-sectional association of sitting time with carotid artery stiffness in young adults
Authors: Huynh Quan L , Blizzard Christopher L , Sharman James E , Magnussen Costan G , Dwyer Terence , Venn Alison J 
Published: March 2014

ObjectivesPhysical activity is negatively associated with arterial stiffness. However, the relationship between sedentary behaviour and arterial stiffness is poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association of sedentary behaviour with arterial stiffness among young adults.DesignCross-sectional.Setting34 study clinics across Australia during 2004–2006.Participants2328 participants (49.4% male) aged 26–36 years who were followed up from a nationally representative sample of Australian schoolchildren in 1985.MeasurementsArterial stiffness was measured by carotid ultrasound. Sitting time per weekday and weekend day, and physical activity were self-reported by questionnaire. Cardiorespiratory fitness was estimated as physical work capacity at a heart rate of 170 bpm. Anthropometry, blood pressure, resting heart rate and blood biochemistry were measured. Potential confounders, including strength training, education, smoking, diet, alcohol consumption and parity, were self-reported. Rank correlation was used for analysis.ResultsSitting time per weekend day, but not per weekday, was correlated with arterial stiffness (males r=0.11 p<0.01, females r=0.08, p<0.05) and cardiorespiratory fitness (males r = −0.14, females r = −0.08, p<0.05), and also with fatness and resting heart rate. One additional hour of sitting per weekend day was associated with 5.6% (males p=0.046) and 8.6% (females p=0.05) higher risk of having metabolic syndrome. These associations were independent of physical activity and other potential confounders. The association of sitting time per weekend day with arterial stiffness was not mediated by resting heart rate, fatness or metabolic syndrome.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates a positive association of sitting time with arterial stiffness. The greater role of sitting time per weekend day in prediction of arterial stiffness and cardiometabolic risk than that of sitting time per weekday may be due to better reflection of discretionary sitting behaviour.
Annual FEV1changes and numbers of circulating endothelial microparticles in patients with COPD: a prospective study
Authors: Takahashi Toru , Kobayashi Seiichi , Fujino Naoya , Suzuki Takaya , Ota Chiharu , Tando Yukiko , Yamada Mitsuhiro , Yanai Masaru , Yamaya Mutsuo , Kurosawa Shin , Yamauchi Masanori , Kubo Hiroshi 
Published: March 2014

ObjectiveGrowing evidence suggests that endothelial injury is involved in the pathophysiology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Circulating endothelial microparticles (EMPs) increase in patients with COPD because of the presence of endothelial injury. We examined the relationship between EMP number and changes in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) in patients with COPD.DesignProspective study.SettingOne hospital in Japan.ParticipantsA total 48 outpatients with stable COPD coming to the hospital from September 2010 to September 2011.Primary and secondary outcomes measuredBlood samples were collected and vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin EMPs (CD144+ EMPs), E-selectin EMPs (CD62E+ EMPs) and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule EMPs (CD31+/CD41− EMPs) were measured using fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Annual FEV1changes were evaluated using FEV1data acquired a year before and a year after sample collection.ResultsThe number of E-selectin and VE-cadherin EMPs showed significant negative correlations with annual FEV1changes (rs=−0.65, p<0.001, rs=−0.43, p=0.003, respectively). Leucocyte counts tended to be correlated with annual FEV1changes, but this correlation was not significant (rs=−0.28, p=0.057). There were significant differences in annual FEV1changes between with and without history of frequent exacerbation (p=0.006), and among Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stages (p=0.009). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed E-selectin EMP to be the only significant parameter associated with annual FEV1changes, independent of VE-cadherin EMP, GOLD stages, leucocyte counts, and history of frequent exacerbation. Receiver operating characteristic curves showed the optimum E-selectin EMP cut-off level for prediction of rapid FEV1decline (>66 mL/year) to be 153.0/µL (areas under curve 0.78 (95% CI 0.60 to 0.89); sensitivity, 67%; specificity, 81%).ConclusionsThe high E-selectin EMP levels in stable patients with COPD are predictive of rapid FEV1decline.Trial registration numberUMIN000005168.
Pancreatic stone protein (PSP) and pancreatitis-associated protein (PAP): a protocol of a cohort study on the diagnostic efficacy and prognostic value of PSP and PAP as postoperative markers of septic complications in patients undergoing abdominal surgery (PSP study)
Authors: Fisher Oliver Maximilian , Oberkofler Christian Eugen , Raptis Dimitri Aristotle , Soll Christopher , Béchir Markus , Schiesser Marc , Graf Rolf 
Published: March 2014

IntroductionMajor abdominal surgery leads to a postoperative systemic inflammatory response, making it difficult to discriminate patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome from those with a beginning postoperative infectious complication. At present, physicians have to rely on their clinical experience to differentiate between the two. Pancreatic stone protein (PSP) and pancreatitis-associated protein (PAP), both secretory proteins produced by the pancreas, are dramatically increased during pancreatic disease and have been shown to act as acute-phase proteins. Increased levels of PSP have been detected in polytrauma patients developing sepsis and PSP has shown a high diagnostic accuracy in discriminating the severity of peritonitis and in predicting death in intensive care unit patients. However, the prognostic value of PSP/PAP for infectious complications among patients undergoing major abdominal surgery is unknown.Methods and analysis160 patients undergoing major abdominal surgery will be recruited preoperatively. On the day before surgery, baseline blood values are attained. Following surgery, daily blood samples for measuring regular inflammatory markers (c-reactive protein, procalcitonin, interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor-α and leucocyte counts) and PSP/PAP will be acquired. PSP/PAP will be measured using a validated ELISA developed in our research laboratory. Patient's discharge marks the end of his/her trial participation. Complication grade including mortality and occurrence of infectious postoperative complications according to validated diagnostic criteria will be correlated with PSP/PAP values. Total intensive care unit days and total length of stay will be recorded as further outcome parameters.Ethics and disseminationThe PSP trial is a prospective monocentric cohort study evaluating the prognostic value of PSP and PAP for postoperative infectious complications. In addition, a comparison with established inflammatory markers in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery will be performed to help evaluate the role of these proteins in predicting and diagnosing infectious and other postoperative complications.Institution ethics board approval IDKEKZH-Nr. STV 11-2009.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov:NCT01258179.
Protocol for the ProCare Trial: a phase II randomised controlled trial of shared care for follow-up of men with prostate cancer
Authors: Emery Jon , Doorey Juanita , Jefford Michael , King Madeleine , Pirotta Marie , Hayne Dickon , Martin Andrew , Trevena Lyndal , Lim Tee , Constable Roger , Hawks Cynthia , Hyatt Amelia , Hamid Akhlil , Violet John , Gill Suki , Frydenberg Mark , Schofield Penelope 
Published: March 2014

IntroductionMen with prostate cancer require long-term follow-up to monitor disease progression and manage common adverse physical and psychosocial consequences of treatment. There is growing recognition of the potential role of primary care in cancer follow-up. This paper describes the protocol for a phase II multisite randomised controlled trial of a novel model of shared care for the follow-up of men after completing treatment for low-moderate risk prostate cancer.Methods and analysisThe intervention is a shared care model of follow-up visits in the first 12 months after completing treatment for prostate cancer with the following specific components: a survivorship care plan, general practitioner (GP) management guidelines, register and recall systems, screening for distress and unmet needs and patient information resources. Eligible men will have completed surgery and/or radiotherapy for low-moderate risk prostate cancer within the previous 8 weeks and have a GP who consents to participate. Ninety men will be randomised to the intervention or current hospital follow-up care. Study outcome measures will be collected at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months and include anxiety, depression, unmet needs, prostate cancer-specific quality of life and satisfaction with care. Clinical processes and healthcare resource usage will also be measured. The principal emphasis of the analysis will be on obtaining estimates of the treatment effect size and assessing feasibility in order to inform the design of a subsequent phase III trial.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval has been granted by the University of Western Australia and from all hospital recruitment sites in Western Australia and Victoria.Resultsof this phase II trial will be reported in peer-reviewed publications and in conference presentations.Trial RegistrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry ACTRN12610000938000
The impact of transforming healthcare delivery on cystic fibrosis outcomes: a decade of quality improvement at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital
Authors: Siracusa Christopher M , Weiland Jeanne L , Acton James D , Chima Amitra K , Chini Barbara A , Hoberman Andrea J , Wetzel J Denise , Amin Raouf S , McPhail Gary L 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundIn 2001, Cincinnati Children's Hospital embarked on a journey to improve healthcare delivery to patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Data from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation National Patient Registry revealed our below-average clinical outcomes, prompting us to initiate improvement interventions.ObjectiveTo improve clinical outcomes for patients with CF through a comprehensive quality-improvement approach directed at increasing patient centredness and improving healthcare delivery.InterventionsIn 2001, we shared our below-average outcomes with patients, families and care providers. We instituted a quality-improvement steering committee with parental and hospital leadership, and our data-management support was restructured to provide real-time clinical data to monitor our progress. In 2002, our weekly chart conference changed to a prospective planning session and individualised daily schedules were created for inpatients. In 2003, an influenza vaccination campaign was initiated and our infection-control practices were redesigned. In 2005, best-practice guidelines were developed for airway-clearance therapy. In 2007, evidence-based clinical algorithms were designed and implemented and key care-team members were added.MeasurementsPrimary outcome measures were median forced expiratory volume in 1 s per cent predicted (age range 6–17 years) and median body mass index percentile (age range 2–20 years).ResultsFrom 2000 to 2010, median forced expiratory volume in 1 s increased from 81.7% to 100.1% predicted and median body mass index increased from the 35th to the 55th centile.DiscussionBy focusing on specific outcomes, empowering families and patients, effectively using data, and standardising care processes, we transformed the culture and delivery of care for our patients with CF and learned valuable lessons potentially translatable to other chronic-care providers.