bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors Interfering With the Accuracy of Five Blood Glucose Meters Used in Chinese Hospitals
Authors: Lv Hong , Zhang Guo‐jun , Kang Xi‐xiong , Yuan Hui , Lv Yan‐wei , Wang Wen‐wen , Randall Rollins 
Published: September 2013

BackgroundThe prevalence of diabetes is increasing in China. Glucose control is very important in diabetic patients. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of five glucose meters used in Chinese hospitals with a reference method, in the absence and presence of various factors that may interfere with the meters.MethodsWithin‐run precision of the meters was evaluated include Roche Accu‐Chek Inform®, Abbott Precision PCx FreeStyle®, Bayer Contour®, J&J LifeScan SureStep Flexx®, and Nova Biomedical StatStrip®. The interference of hematocrit level, maltose, ascorbic acid, acetaminophen, galactose, dopamine, and uric acid were tested in three levels of blood glucose, namely low, medium, and high concentrations. Accuracy (bias) of the meters and analytical interference by various factors were evaluated by comparing results obtained in whole blood specimens with those in plasma samples of the whole blood specimens run on the reference method. Impact of oxygen tension on above five blood glucose meters was detected.ResultsPrecision was acceptable and slightly different between meters. There were no significant differences in the measurements between the meters and the reference method. The hematocrit level significantly interfered with all meters, except StatStrip. Measurements were affected to varying degrees by different substances at different glucose levels, e.g. acetaminophen and ascorbic acid (Freestyle), maltose and galactose (FreeStyle, Accu‐Chek), uric acid (FreeStyle, Bayer Contour), and dopamine (Bayer Contour).ConclusionsThe measurements with the five meters showed a good correlation with the plasma hexokinase reference method, but most were affected by the hematocrit level. Some meters also showed marked interference by other substances.
Development of UV/HPLC Methods for Quantitative Analysis of Benznidazole in Human Plasma and Urine for Application in Pediatric Clinical Studies
Authors: Marsón María Elena , Dana Diego Dante , Altcheh Jaime , García‐Bournissen Facundo , Mastrantonio Guido 
Published: September 2013

ObjectiveChagas disease constitutes a major public health problem in Latin America. Correctly designed pharmacokinetic, safety, and bioequivalence studies are desirable in order to fill the knowledge gaps that presently exist on available drugs. It is necessary to develop accurate, simple, reproducible, and sensitive high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)/UV methods for the quantization of benznidazole (BNZ) in human plasma and urine for clinical applications, specially in pediatric patients.MethodsQuantization of BNZ in human plasma involved freeze‐drying and re‐suspension in organic solvent followed by reverse phase HPLC with UV detection. Analysis of BNZ in urine involved liquid/liquid extraction followed by reverse phase HPLC with UV detection.ResultsLimits of quantization (LOQ) were 0.32 μg/ml for plasma and 5.2 μg/ml for urine. No metabolite interferences were showed in both methods.ConclusionThe LOQ of methods seems appropriate in pediatric clinical contexts. Both procedures were applied with good results, to the quantization of BNZ in plasma and urine of patients treated for Chagas disease.
Combination of White Blood Cell Count and Left Shift Level Real‐Timely Reflects a Course of Bacterial Infection
Authors: Ishimine Nau , Honda Takayuki , Yoshizawa Akihiko , Kawasaki Kenji , Sugano Mitsutoshi , Kobayashi Yukihiro , Matsumoto Takehisa 
Published: September 2013

BackgroundThe efficacy of white blood cell (WBC) count and left shift in predicting bacterial infections has been controversial. The aim of this study was to prove that WBC count and left shift reflect a course of bacterial infection.MaterialsSix patients in whom the onset of bacterial infection had been determined and successful treatment had been done were selected. Manual 100‐cell differential counts were repeated at least every 24 hr.ResultsWBC count and left shift divided a course of bacterial infection into five phases. In the first phase of bacterial infection (0–10 hr after the onset), WBC count decreased to fewer than reference range without left shift. In the second phase (about 10–20 hr), low WBC count continued and left shift appeared. In the third phase (one to some days), WBC count increased above reference range with left shift. In the fourth phase (some to several days), high WBC count continued without left shift. In the fifth phase, WBC count went down into reference range without left shift.ConclusionsA combination of WBC count and left shift real‐timely reflected a course of bacterial infection from the onset to healing. And we could judge which bacterial infection is adequately treated or not only by the above two routine laboratory tests.
Risk Factors for Intensive Care Unit Acquired Nasal Colonization of MRSA and Its Impact on MRSA Infection
Authors: Altınbas Akif , Shorbagi Ali , Ascıoglu Sibel , Zarakolu Pınar , Cetinkaya‐Sardan Yesim 
Published: September 2013

ObjectiveWe aimed to determine the risk factors of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization, and the impact of colonization on MRSA infection to evaluate the necessity of MRSA survey program in intensive care units (ICUs) in Turkey.MethodsThe patients hospitalized in medical and neurosurgical ICUs longer than 24 hr were included into the study. To determine anterior nares MRSA colonization, swabs were taken from each patient in the first 48 hr, and followed by once a week till discharge from ICUs.ResultsDuring the one‐year follow‐up period, the number of the hospitalized patients who spent more than 24 hr in ICUs was 195 of 372 and 85 of 619 in medical and neurosurgical ICUs, respectively. Totally, 23 out of 280 patients (14 from medical ICU, 9 from neurosurgical ICU) were colonized with MRSA, and 11 out of 23 colonized patients were accepted as ICU‐acquired infection. The duration of ICU hospitalization in patients with ICU‐acquired MRSA colonization was found to be longer than the noncolonized patients (18 days vs. 8 days, P value < 0.001). The presence of gastrostomy and femoral catheter were determined as risk factors for ICU‐acquired MRSA colonization. The percentages of MRSA infection in patients with and without MRSA colonized were 8.6% and 1.1%, respectively (P value: 0.009).ConclusionThe presence of gastrostomy and femoral catheter, and the duration of ICU hospitalization were found to be related with ICU‐acquired MRSA colonization. Also, MRSA nares colonization increased the rates of both MRSA infection and ICU hospitalization.
Nervous systems in 3D: A comparison of Caridean, anomuran, and brachyuran zoea‐I (DECAPODA)
Authors: Geiselbrecht Hannes , Melzer Roland R. 
Published: September 2013

ABSTRACTUsing serial semi‐thin sections and digital 3D‐reconstructions we studied the nervous systems of zoea‐I larvae in three decapod species, Hippolyte inermis (Leach, 1815), Porcellana platycheles (Pennant, 1777), and Pachygrapsus marmoratus (Fabricius, 1787). These taxa represent three decapod lineages, that is, Caridea, Anomura, and Brachyura, each characterized by specific zoea‐I morphology. Special attention was paid to development of ganglia, neuropil composition, and segmental nerves. In all zoeae studied, the overall elements, for example, the segmental ganglia, their neuropils and most of the nerves of the adult decapod nervous system are present. Ongoing differentiation processes are observable as well, most obvious in segments with well‐developed limbs the ganglia are in a more advanced stage of differentiation and more voluminous compared to segments with only limb buds or without externally visible limb anlagen. Intra‐ and interspecific comparisons indicate that neuromere differentiation thus deviates from a simple anterior–posterior gradient as, for example, posterior thoracic neuromeres are less developed than those of the pleon. In addition, the differences in the progress of the development of ganglia between the studied taxa can best be attributed to heterochronic mechanisms. Taxon and stage‐specific morphologies indicate that neuronal architecture reflects both, morphogenesis to the adult stage and specific larval adaptions, and provides sets of characters relevant to understanding the corresponding phylogeny. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 320B: 511–524, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Isotopic composition of rainwater nitrate at Bermuda: The influence of air mass source and chemistry in the marine boundary layer
Authors: Altieri K. E. , Hastings M. G. , Gobel A. R. , Peters A. J. , Sigman D. M. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractEmissions of anthropogenic nitrogen (N) to the atmosphere have increased tenfold since preindustrial times, resulting in increased N deposition to terrestrial and coastal ecosystems. The current sources of N deposition to the ocean, however, are poorly understood. To investigate the sources of nitrate in rainwater deposited to the ocean, two years of daily rainwater samples were collected on the island of Bermuda in the western North Atlantic. Air mass back trajectories were computed for each sample and two dominant regimes were identified: slow moving events that originate over the ocean and occur all year, and fast moving events that originate over the continental USA and occur primarily during the cool season (October–March). Marine‐influenced air masses result in rainwater nitrate with lower concentrations, higher average δ15N, and lower average δ18O (4.4 μM, −1.1‰ versus N2 in air, and 69.0‰ versus Vienna SMOW, respectively) than those influenced by North American air masses (6.3 μM, −5.4‰, and 75.0‰). The δ15N decrease and concentration increase from marine to continental air masses are due to a change in NOx source, with increased anthropogenic inputs associated with continental air. We suggest that heterogeneous halogen chemistry in the marine boundary layer leads to isotopic fractionation. This causes higher δ15N‐NO3− to be deposited near the coast and lower δ15N‐NOx to be transported over the open ocean, yielding a low δ15N for anthropogenic NO3− deposition. It is possible that this process also contributes to variations in δ15N‐NO3− from marine air masses. There is a negative linear correlation (r2 = 0.58) between δ15N and δ18O which is driven by the seasonal change in trajectory influencing both the source NOx and the nitrate formation pathways.
T2 relaxation time measurements are limited in monitoring progression, once advanced cartilage defects at the knee occur: Longitudinal data from the osteoarthritis initiative
Authors: Jungmann Pia M. , Kraus Mareen S. , Nardo Lorenzo , Liebl Hans , Alizai Hamza , Joseph Gabby B. , Liu Felix , Lynch John , McCulloch Chuck E. , Nevitt Michael C. , Link Thomas M. 
Published: September 2013

PurposeTo study the natural evolution of cartilage T2 relaxation times in knees with various extents of morphological cartilage abnormalities, assessed with 3 Tesla MRI from the Osteoarthritis Initiative.Materials and MethodsRight knee MRIs of 245, 45‐ to 60‐year‐old individuals without radiographic osteoarthritis (OA) were included. Cartilage was segmented and T2 maps were generated in five compartments (patella, medial and lateral femoral condyle, medial, and lateral tibia) at baseline and 2‐year follow‐up. We examined the association of T2 values and 2‐year change of T2 values with various Whole‐Organ MR Imaging Scores (WORMS). Statistical analysis was performed with analysis of variance and Students t‐tests.ResultsHigher baseline T2 was associated with more severe cartilage defects at baseline and subsequent cartilage loss (P < 0.001). However, longitudinal T2 change was inversely associated with both baseline (P = 0.038) and follow‐up (P = 0.002) severity of cartilage defects. Knees that developed new cartilage defects had smaller increases in T2 than subjects without defects (P = 0.045). Individuals with higher baseline T2 showed smaller T2 increases over time (P < 0.001).ConclusionAn inverse correlation of longitudinal T2 changes versus baseline T2 values and morphological cartilage abnormalities suggests that once morphological cartilage defects occur, T2 values may be limited for evaluating further cartilage degradation. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;38:1415–1424. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Seroprevalence and risk factors of Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever in selected seven provinces in Turkey
Authors: Yagci‐Caglayik Dilek , Korukluoglu Gülay , Uyar Yavuz 
Published: September 2013

AbstractTurkey has been one of the most endemic regions since 2002, when Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever emerged worldwide. The aim of the present study was to estimate the seroprevelance of CCHF virus in humans who reside in rural and urban areas of known endemic and nonendemic selected provinces of Turkey by using commercial ELISA kit. CCHFV IgG antibodies were detected in 2.3% of the population. The most important risk factors for CCHF seropositivity, were older age, male gender, illiterate, farmer, animal husbandry, living in rural residence in adobe houses, and a previous tick bite history. J. Med. Virol. 86:306–314, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An investigation on the relationship between the occurrence of CMV DNAemia and the development of invasive aspergillosis in the allogeneic stem cell transplantation setting
Authors: Giménez Estela , Solano Carlos , Nieto José , Remigia María José , Clari María Ángeles , Costa Elisa , Muñoz‐Cobo Beatriz , Amat Paula , Bravo Dayana , Benet Isabel , Navarro David 
Published: September 2013

ABSTRACTCytomegalovirus (CMV) infection might increase the risk of fungal superinfection in allogeneic stem cell transplant patients. The potential association between the occurrence of CMV DNAemia and the development of invasive aspergillosis in this clinical setting was investigated. The current retrospective observational study included 167 patients undergoing T cell‐replete allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Virological monitoring of active CMV infection was performed by the pp65 antigenemia assay and/or by a plasma real‐time PCR assay. A total of 109 out of 167 patients developed CMV DNAemia. Twenty‐three patients had proven (n = 4) or probable (n = 19) invasive aspergillosis. The occurrence of CMV DNAemia was not significantly associated with the subsequent development of invasive aspergillosis (P = 0.38). Overall, the duration of the episodes of active CMV infection and the peak level of CMV DNAemia within the episodes were comparable, irrespective of whether invasive aspergillosis developed subsequently or not (P = 0.99; P = 0.70, respectively). Peak CMV DNA load in patients with proven or probable invasive aspergillosis who died was higher (median, 5,461 copies/ml) than that in those who survived (median 1,179 copies/ml) (P = 0.41). The data argue against the existence of an association between the occurrence of CMV DNAemia and the development of invasive aspergillosis, however, CMV replication, particularly at high levels, might aggravate the prognosis of this disease. J. Med. Virol. 86:568–575, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Elastic wave propagation in unsaturated porous media using hybrid‐Trefftz stress elements
Authors: Moldovan I.D. , Cao T.D. , Teixeira de Freitas J.A. 
Published: September 2013

SUMMARYThe stress model of the hybrid‐Trefftz finite element is formulated for the analysis of elastodynamic problems defined on unsaturated porous media. The supporting mathematical model is the theory of mixtures with interfaces and considers the full coupling between the solid, fluid and gas phases, including the effect of seepage acceleration. Hybrid‐Trefftz stress elements use the free‐field regular solutions of the homogeneous Navier (or Beltrami) equation to construct the approximation of the generalized stresses in the domain of the element. The influence of non‐homogeneous terms in the Navier equation is modelled using solutions of the corresponding static problem. The resulting elements are highly convergent under p‐refinement and robust to both low and high excitation frequencies, as the trial functions embody relevant physical information on the modelled phenomenon. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improvements of explicit crack surface representation and update within the generalized finite element method with application to three‐dimensional crack coalescence
Authors: Garzon J. , O'Hara P. , Duarte C. A. , Buttlar W. G. 
Published: September 2013

SUMMARYThis paper presents improvements to three‐dimensional crack propagation simulation capabilities of the generalized finite element method. In particular, it presents new update algorithms suitable for explicit crack surface representations and simulations in which the initial crack surfaces grow significantly in size (one order of magnitude or more). These simulations pose problems in regard to robust crack surface/front representation throughout the propagation analysis. The proposed techniques are appropriate for propagation of highly non‐convex crack fronts and simulations involving significantly different crack front speeds. Furthermore, the algorithms are able to handle computational difficulties arising from the coalescence of non‐planar crack surfaces and their interactions with domain boundaries. An approach based on moving least squares approximations is developed to handle highly non‐convex crack fronts after crack surface coalescence. Several numerical examples are provided, which illustrate the robustness and capabilities of the proposed approaches and some of its potential engineering applications. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coupling of non‐conforming meshes in a component mode synthesis method
Authors: Akçay Perdahcıoğlu D. , Doreille M. , de Boer A. , Ludwig T. 
Published: September 2013

SUMMARYA common mesh refinement‐based coupling technique is embedded into a component mode synthesis method, Craig–Bampton. More specifically, a common mesh is generated between the non‐conforming interfaces of the coupled structures, and the compatibility constraints are enforced on that mesh via L2‐minimization. This new integrated method is suitable for structural dynamic analysis problems where the substructures may have non‐conforming curvilinear and/or surface interface meshes. That is, coupled substructures may have different element types such as shell, solid, and/or beam elements. The proposed method is implemented into a commercial finite element software, B2000++, and its demonstration is carried out using an academic and industry oriented test problems. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
FROM DONORSHIP TO OWNERSHIP? BUDGET SUPPORT AND DONOR INFLUENCE IN RWANDA AND TANZANIA
Authors: Swedlund Haley J. 
Published: September 2013

SUMMARYIn this article, I analyze the relationship between budget support and ownership, or recipient‐country control over policy outcomes, by exploring how budget support donors in Rwanda and Tanzania attempt to exert influence over domestic policy processes. In contrast to the conventional rhetoric about budget support, my empirical analysis finds little evidence that budget support decreases the influence that donors try to exert over recipient‐country governments. Instead, semi‐structured interviews with donor and government representatives in each country suggest that the aid modality is often used as a tool by which donors attempt to increase their leverage over domestic decision‐making. In particular, I identify three mechanisms frequently used by budget support donors to influence domestic policy processes: voice amplification, a seat at the table, and a license to ask questions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A matrix approach to guide IHC‐based tissue biomarker development in oncology drug discovery
Authors: Smith Neil R , Womack Christopher 
Published: September 2013

AbstractImmunohistochemistry (IHC) is a core platform for the analysis of tissue samples, and there is an increasing demand for reliable and quantitative IHC‐based tissue biomarkers in oncology clinical research and development (R&D) environments. Biomarker assay and drug development proceed in parallel. Furthermore, biomarker assay requirements change with each phase of drug development. We have therefore developed a matrix tool to enable researchers to evaluate whether a particular IHC biomarker assay is fit for purpose. Experience gained from the development of 130 IHC biomarkers, supporting a large number of oncology drug projects, was used to formulate a practical approach to IHC assay development. The resultant matrix grid and accompanying work flow incorporates 16 core decision points that link antibody and assay specificity and sensitivity, and assay performance in preclinical and clinical samples, with stages of drug development. The matrix provides a means to ensure that relevant information on an IHC assay in development is recorded and communicated consistently and that minimum assay validation requirements are met. Copyright © 2013 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk factors for thromboembolism and pulmonary artery hypertension following splenectomy in children with hereditary spherocytosis
Authors: Das Anirban , Bansal Deepak , Ahluwalia Jasmina , Das Reena , Rohit Manoj K. , Attri Savita V. , Trehan Amita , Marwaha Ram K. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe aim was to study risk‐factors for vascular thrombosis and incidence of pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) in splenectomized children with hereditary spherocytosis (HS) at a single center.ProcedurePre‐ and post‐splenectomy hemoglobin and platelet counts were recorded. Post‐splenectomy lipid‐profile, fibrinogen, D‐dimer, CRP and anti‐coagulant‐protein levels were compared to established controls. Echo‐Doppler was performed for PAH.ResultsTwenty‐six children with HS had undergone splenectomy; the mean age at surgery was 7.9 ± 3.7 years. Nineteen of the 26 were prospectively investigated at a median duration of 4.5 years (range: 4 months to 19 years) following splenectomy. Thrombocytosis was observed in 19 (73%), whereas no patient had erythrocytosis at the last follow‐up visit. Total cholesterol, LDL‐C, HDL‐C, and triglyceride levels were not deranged (P ≥ 0.3). Mean CRP levels (males: 2.8 ± 0.5; females: 2.1 ± 0.5 mg/L) were significantly higher than described for normal children (P < 0.001). Six (23%) patients had a positive D‐dimer assay. Protein S, anti‐thrombin‐III and fibrinogen were in range. A single patient had a borderline low protein C activity. Lupus anticoagulant and anti‐cardiolipin antibody assays were negative. The mean tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity (TRJV) was 1.8 ± 0.55 meter per second (range: 0–2.4). None had a TRJV ≥2.5 meter per second to suggest PAH.ConclusionsThere was no evidence of PAH, dyslipidemia, elevation of fibrinogen or a reduction in anti‐coagulant proteins, at a median follow‐up duration of 4.5 years following splenectomy in children with HS. However, elevated CRP level (42%), persistent thrombocytosis (73%) and elevated D‐dimer levels (23%) were observed. These have been recognized as risk factors for cerebrovascular and coronary heart disease. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:29–33. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
How long can folinic acid rescue be delayed after high‐dose methotrexate without toxicity?
Authors: Cohen Ian Joseph , Wolff Johannes E. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractTo determine the optimal time of folinic acid rescue after methotrexate (MTX) treatment in patients with ALL, we selected and evaluated relevant studies that included doses, rescue delay, and side effects. Rescue at 42–48 hours resulted in considerable toxicity, except when low doses of MTX were used (1 g/m2) or serum MTX levels remained consistently low at 24, 30, and 36 hours. Rescue started at 30–36 hours was safe. In the absence of evidence that later rescue improves prognosis, we suggest that folinic acid rescue (105 mg/m2) be started no later than 36 hours from the start of MTX (5–6 g/m2). Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:7–10. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.