bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetics of Certoparin During In Vitro and In Vivo Dialysis
Authors: Krieter Detlef H. , Fink Susanne , Dorsch Oliver , Harenberg Job , Melzer Nima , Wanner Christoph , Lemke Horst‐Dieter 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe efficacy and safety of certoparin in the prophylaxis of clotting during hemodialysis have recently been proven. Different to other low‐molecular weight heparins (LMWHs), certoparin does not accumulate in maintenance dialysis patients for unknown reasons. The purpose of the present study was to examine the impact of the dialysis procedure on the removal of certoparin. In a subgroup of the MEMBRANE study consisting of 12 patients, the pharmacokinetics of certoparin during hemodialysis was determined by means of the anti‐Xa activity. In addition, the elimination of certoparin into continuously collected dialysate was assessed. Further, in vitro experiments with human blood‐simulating high‐flux hemodialysis and hemofiltration were performed to quantify the elimination and the sieving coefficients SK of the two LMWHs certoparin and enoxaparin compared with unfractionated heparin (UFH). The surrogate marker middle molecules inulin and myoglobin served as reference solutes during the experiments. Finally, the adsorption of 125iodine‐radiolabeled certoparin onto the synthetic dialysis membrane was quantified. The clinical study reconfirmed the absence of bioaccumulation of certoparin with anti‐Xa activities between <0.01 and 0.02 IU/mL after 24 h. A short plasma half‐life time of 2.0 ± 0.7 h was determined during hemodialysis. Of the total certoparin dose injected intravenously prior to hemodialysis, only 2.7% was eliminated into dialysate. The in vitro experiments further revealed only 6% of certoparin to be adsorbed onto the dialysis membrane. The anti‐Xa activities of certoparin and enoxaparin slowly declined during in vitro hemofiltration to 87.3 ± 5.5 and 82.5 ± 9.4% of baseline, respectively, while inulin and myoglobin concentrations rapidly decreased. The anti‐Xa activity of UFH remained unchanged. The SK of both LMWH and UFH was very low in hemofiltration and particularly in hemodialysis with values ≤0.1. The elimination kinetics during hemodialysis suggests strong protein‐binding of certoparin. Different from LMWH significantly cleared by the kidneys, the relatively short half‐life time of certoparin of only 2 h during hemodialysis allows a more reliable control of the anti‐coagulatory effects and decreases the risk of bleeding complications. Dialytic removal does not significantly contribute to the clearance of certoparin in maintenance dialysis patients.
Red blood cell transfusions are associated with HLA class I but not H‐Y alloantibodies in children with sickle cell disease
Authors: Nickel Robert S. , Hendrickson Jeanne E. , Yee Marianne M. , Bray Robert A. , Gebel Howard M. , Kean Leslie S. , Miklos David B. , Horan John T. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryBlood transfusions can induce alloantibodies to antigens on red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells and platelets, with these alloantibodies affecting transfusion and transplantation. While transfusion‐related alloimmunization against RBC antigens and human leucocyte antigens (HLA) have been studied, transfusion‐related alloimmunization to minor histocompatibility antigens (mHA), such as H‐Y antigens, has not been clinically characterized. We conducted a cross‐sectional study of 114 children with sickle cell disease (SCD) and tested for antibodies to 5 H‐Y antigens and to HLA class I and class II. Few patients had H‐Y antibodies, with no significant differences in the prevalence of any H‐Y antibody observed among transfused females (7%), transfused males (6%) and never transfused females (4%). In contrast, HLA class I, but not HLA class II, antibodies were more prevalent among transfused than never transfused patients (class I: 33% vs. 13%, P = 0·046; class II: 7% vs. 8%, P = 0·67). Among transfused patients, RBC alloantibody history but not amount of transfusion exposure was associated with a high (>25%) HLA class I panel reactive antibody (Odds ratio 6·8, 95% confidence interval 2·1–22·3). These results are consistent with immunological responder and non‐responder phenotypes, wherein a subset of patients with SCD may be at higher risk for transfusion‐related alloimmunization.
Green neutrophil and monocyte inclusions – time to acknowledge and report
Authors: Hodgson Timothy O. , Ruskova Anna , Shugg Clare J. , McCallum Vivian J. , Morison Ian M. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryBright green inclusions in neutrophils have been reported as a sign of impending patient death. Here we report a series of 20 patients in whom green inclusions were identified in neutrophils or monocytes. Thirteen (65%) of the patients died within days of the detection of the inclusions. A common feature to almost all patients was ischaemic or hypoxic hepatitis which, in fatal cases, was associated with lactic acidosis. Light and electron microscopy indicated that the inclusions were lipid‐rich, probably derived from lipofuscin‐like material released from necrotic liver parenchymal cells. The majority of patients were known to be seriously ill at the time of detection of neutrophil inclusions. We recommend that the detection of green inclusions, which we refer to as ‘critical green inclusions’, is acknowledged and reported by laboratories and correlated with clinical findings.
Neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) in patients with spinal cord injury: long‐term urodynamic findings
Authors: Schöps Tim‐Friedjof , Schneider Marc P. , Steffen Frank , Ineichen Benjamin V. , Mehnert Ulrich , Kessler Thomas M. 
Published: April 2015

ObjectivesTo investigate long‐term urodynamic findings in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD).Patients and MethodsA consecutive series of 246 patients with SCI (≥5 years since injury) and NLUTD were prospectively evaluated at a single university SCI centre. Data of the latest and earliest available urodynamic investigation were compared.ResultsMost of the patients had a thoracic SCI and American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale of A. The mean (sd) duration of SCI to the latest available urodynamic investigation was 17 (10) years and the mean patient age was 51 (14) years. At the earliest and latest available urodynamic investigation, more than half of the patients relied on intermittent self‐catheterisation. During the course of disease, there was a relevant increase of patients undergoing onabotulinumtoxinA injections into the detrusor from 12% to 33%. Urodynamic findings at the earliest and latest available urodynamic investigation were within the safe limits and there were significant differences between both groups for maximum cystometric capacity (P < 0.001), compliance (P < 0.001) and maximum detrusor pressure during storage phase (P = 0.008). Vesico‐uretero‐renal reflux was detected in ≈5% and it was generally low grade.ConclusionsMost of our regularly followed patients with NLUTD due to SCI for a mean of 17 years had urodynamic findings within the safe limits. Vesico‐uretero‐renal reflux was quite rare and generally low grade. Thus, regular follow‐up with urodynamic investigation allowing for a patient‐tailored management seems beneficial warranting randomised controlled longitudinal studies.
L'appréciation de la performance du système de santé et des services sociaux du Québec : L'approche du Commissaire à la santé et au bien‐être
Authors: Sossa Olivier , Ganache Isabelle 
Published: April 2015

SommaireLe Québec s'est doté d'un Commissaire à la santé et au bien‐être pour apporter un éclairage pertinent au débat public et à la prise de décision gouvernementale dans le but de contribuer à l'amélioration de l'état de santé et de bien‐être des citoyens. Au fil des années, le Commissaire a développé une expertise dans le domaine de l'évaluation de la performance fondée sur le croisement de différentes connaissances et sources d'information, et qui intègre l'éthique et la participation citoyenne. Dans cet article, nous présentons la méthode du Commissaire, ses résultats, ainsi que les enjeux et les défis qui y sont associés.
Les enjeux de l'évaluation de la performance : Dépasser les mythes
Authors: Thiebaut Georges‐Charles , Champagne François , Contandriopoulos André‐Pierre 
Published: April 2015

SommaireDepuis les années 90, la plupart des pays occidentaux se sont dotés de cadres et d'outils d'évaluation de la performance des organisations et des systèmes de santé. Paradoxalement, malgré l'abondance de ces instruments, ce champ reste face à plusieurs enjeux théoriques, méthodologiques et d'utilisation qui sont irrésolus. Conceptuellement, la notion de performance et les éléments qui la composent sont flous et peu ancrés théoriquement. Méthodologiquement, on assiste à une multiplication de mesures ne répondant pas toujours aux critères de fiabilité, de validité et d'utilité, et ne permettant pas de saisir la complexité de ce concept. Enfin en termes d'utilisation, les résultats de l'évaluation ne sont pas utilisés à leur plein potentiel afin de permettre une amélioration continue de la performance. Cet article a pour objectif d'analyser ces enjeux en déconstruisant les mythes qui freinent le développement de cadres innovants et mieux adaptés aux besoins des décideurs. Il vise également, afin de répondre à ces enjeux, à proposer des innovations sur la base du modèle d'évaluation globale et intégrée des systèmes de santé.
Future expectations of young people leaving youth care in Flanders: the role of personal and social capital in coping with expected challenges
Authors: Van Audenhove Sharon , Vander Laenen Freya 
Published: April 2015

AbstractWhat do young people leaving youth care think about their future? How do they view their transition between youth care and adulthood? These questions were answered by 71 young people leaving youth care in Flanders. The analysis of the interviews showed that three groups of young people can be distinguished when it comes to their expectations regarding the transition: those with positive future expectations that do not expect any difficulties during their transition, those with positive future expectations expecting difficulties that will eventually pass, and those with negative future expectations, who do not expect their transition difficulties will pass. Most respondents think the future is looking bright, because they are about to graduate or have graduated, and/or because they are intrinsically motivated to deal with their anticipated transition difficulties. Young people with negative future expectations do not stress their intrinsic motivation. Some of them think a (future) partner and their parents will be able to support them through their difficulties; they do not consider professional support as helpful, however.
Prosthetic hygiene and functional efficacy in completely edentulous patients: satisfaction and quality of life during a 5‐year follow‐up
Authors: Martín‐Ares María , Barona‐Dorado Cristina , Guisado‐Moya Blanca , Martínez‐Rodríguez Natalia , Cortés‐Bretón‐Brinkmann Jorge , Martínez‐González José Mª 
Published: April 2015

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to compare satisfaction with function and hygiene maintenance in completely edentulous elderly patients rehabilitated with implant‐supported fixed prostheses, overdentures, and conventional prostheses.Materials and methodsA total of 150 geriatric patients were divided into three groups: Group 1 (CD) patients rehabilitated with complete dentures; Group 2 (FP) patients with implant‐supported fixed prostheses; Group 3 (OD) patients with overdentures. The patients responded to a questionnaire based on the Oral Health Impact Profile and the Dental Impact Profile to evaluate satisfaction with their prostheses. Data were analyzed using ANOVA F and the Kruskal–Wallis nonparametric test, with significance established as P < 0.05.ResultsSignificant differences were found between the three groups. For oral hygiene, the group with overdentures showed better results, and the group with fixed prostheses was more satisfied with function.ConclusionsSatisfaction among these completely edentulous patients varied in relation to prosthetic type. The level of general satisfaction among patients with implant‐supported prostheses was greater than the group using conventional dentures. Patients rehabilitated with fixed prostheses enjoyed a higher level of satisfaction than patients with overdentures.
The Video Interaction Guidance approach applied to teaching communication skills in dentistry
Authors: Quinn S. , Herron D. , Menzies R. , Scott L. , Black R. , Zhou Y. , Waller A. , Humphris G. , Freeman R. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractPurposeTo examine dentists' views of a novel video review technique to improve communication skills in complex clinical situations.Materials and MethodsDentists (n = 3) participated in a video review known as Video Interaction Guidance to encourage more attuned interactions with their patients (n = 4). Part of this process is to identify where dentists and patients reacted positively and effectively. Each dentist was presented with short segments of video footage taken during an appointment with a patient with intellectual disabilities and communication difficulties. Having observed their interactions with patients, dentists were asked to reflect on their communication strategies with the assistance of a trained VIG specialist.ResultsDentists reflected that their VIG session had been insightful and considered the review process as beneficial to communication skills training in dentistry. They believed that this technique could significantly improve the way dentists interact and communicate with patients. The VIG sessions increased their awareness of the communication strategies they use with their patients and were perceived as neither uncomfortable nor threatening.DiscussionThe VIG session was beneficial in this exploratory investigation because the dentists could identify when their interactions were most effective. Awareness of their non‐verbal communication strategies and the need to adopt these behaviours frequently were identified as key benefits of this training approach. One dentist suggested that the video review method was supportive because it was undertaken by a behavioural scientist rather than a professional counterpart.ConclusionSome evidence supports the VIG approach in this specialist area of communication skills and dental training.
Effect of K2SO4 concentration on extractability and isotope signature (δ13C and δ15N) of soil C and N fractions
Authors: Makarov M. I. , Malysheva T. I. , Menyailo O. V. , Soudzilovskaia N. A. , Van Logtestijn R. S. P. , Cornelissen J. H. C. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryDetermination of the labile soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) fractions and measurement of their isotopic signatures (δ13C and δ15N) has been used widely for characterizing soil C and N transformations. However, methodological questions and comparison of results of different authors have not been fully solved. We studied concentrations and δ13C and δ15N of salt‐extractable organic carbon (SEOC), inorganic (N–NH4+ and N–NO3−) and organic nitrogen (SEON) and salt‐extractable microbial C (SEMC) and N (SEMN) in 0.05 and 0.5 m K2SO4 extracts from a range of soils in Russia. Despite differences in acidity, organic matter and N content and C and N availability in the studied soils, we found consistent patterns of effects of K2SO4 concentration on C and N extractability. Organic C and N were extracted 1.6–5.5 times more effectively with 0.5 m K2SO4 than with 0.05 m K2SO4. Extra SEOC extractability with greater K2SO4 concentrations did not depend on soil properties within a wide range of pH and organic matter concentrations, but the effect was more pronounced in the most acidic and organic‐rich mountain Umbrisols. Extractable microbial C was not affected by K2SO4 concentrations, while SEMN was greater when extracted with 0.5 m K2SO4. We demonstrate that the δ13C and δ15N values of extractable non‐microbial and microbial C and N are not affected by K2SO4 concentrations, but use of a small concentration of extract (0.05 m K2SO4) gives more consistent isotopic results than a larger concentration (0.5 m).
Non‐classical polarization of cations increases the stability of clay aggregates: specific ion effects on the stability of aggregates
Authors: Xu C.‐Y. , Li H. , Hu F.‐N. , Li S. , Liu X.‐M. , Li Y. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryThe stability
of soil aggregates is closely connected with particle interaction determined by the combination of the van der Waals attractive force and electric repulsive force according to Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek (DVLO) theory. Recently, hydration force and dispersion force were put forward to explain the different behaviours of cations or anions of the same valence at the ion–surface interface, namely the specific ion effect, where the application of classical DLVO theory had failed. Here, we employed two cation species, potassium and sodium (K+ and Na+), to discover how the specific ion effect would influence clay aggregate stability. The stability of K+– and Na+–montmorillonite aggregates was determined under different electrolyte concentrations, indicated by the mass percentages of particles with diameters of < 10, < 5 and < 2 µm released after aggregate breakdown. There were large differences in the stability of the K+‐ and Na+‐ aggregates, and strong specific ion effects were shown. These effects could not be explained by the differences in ionic size, hydration and ion–surface dispersion forces between K+ and Na+. We have proved that the difference in polarization between the K+ and Na+ at the charged clay surface was responsible for the specific ion effects. The difference in polarization observed between the adsorbed K+ and Na+ was hundreds to thousands of times larger than classical values; these results were also verified independently with different methods. The strong non‐classical polarization of the adsorbed cation decreased the electric field and the electrostatic repulsion between adjacent particles in the aggregates, and thus strongly increased the aggregate stability.
“A journey around the world”: Parent narratives of the journey to pediatric resective epilepsy surgery and beyond
Authors: Baca Christine B. , Pieters Huibrie C. , Iwaki Tomoko J. , Mathern Gary W. , Vickrey Barbara G. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryObjectiveAlthough shorter time to pediatric resective epilepsy surgery is strongly associated with greater disease severity, other nonclinical diagnostic and sociodemographic factors also play a role. We aimed to examine parent‐reported barriers to timely receipt of pediatric epilepsy surgery.MethodsWe conducted 37 interviews of parents of children who previously had resective epilepsy surgery at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA; 2006–2011). Interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed, and systematically coded using thematic analysis by two independent coders, and subsequently checked for agreement. Clinical data, including “time to surgery” (age of epilepsy onset to surgery) were abstracted from medical records.ResultsThe mean time to surgery was 5.3 years (standard deviation [SD] 3.8); surgery types included 32% hemispherectomy, 43% lobar/focal, and 24% multilobar. At surgery, parents were on average 38.4 years (SD 6.6) and children were on average 8.2 years (SD 4.7). The more arduous and longer aspect of the journey to surgery was perceived by parents to be experienced prior to presurgical referral. The time from second antiepileptic drug failure to presurgical referral was ≥1 year in 64% of children. Thematic analysis revealed four themes (with subthemes) along the journey to surgery and beyond: (1) recognition—“something is wrong” (unfamiliarity with epilepsy, identification of medical emergency); (2) searching and finding—“a circuitous journey” (information seeking, finding the right doctors, multiple medications, insurance obstacles, parental stress); (3) surgery is a viable option—“the right spot” (surgery as last resort, surgery as best option, hoping for candidacy); and (4) life now—“we took the steps we needed to” (a new life, giving back).SignificanceMultipronged interventions targeting parent‐, provider‐, and system‐based barriers should focus on the critical presurgical referral period; such interventions are needed to remediate delays and improve access to subspecialty care for children with medically refractory epilepsy and potentially eligible for surgery.
Human brain proteins showing neuron‐specific interactions with γ‐secretase
Authors: Inoue Mitsuhiro , Hur Ji‐Yeun , Kihara Takahiro , Teranishi Yasuhiro , Yamamoto Natsuko G. , Ishikawa Taizo , Wiehager Birgitta , Winblad Bengt , Tjernberg Lars O. , Schedin‐Weiss Sophia 
Published: April 2015

The transmembrane protease complex γ‐secretase is a key enzyme in Alzheimer disease pathogenesis as it liberates the neurotoxic amyloid β‐peptide (Aβ); however, the mechanism of regulation of its activity in various cell types and subcellular compartments is largely unknown. Several γ‐secretase inhibitors have been developed, but none have been released due to side‐effects that appear to arise from reduced processing of Notch, one of many γ‐secretase substrates. Hence, it is desirable to specifically inhibit Aβ production. In our previous studies, we have identified several γ‐secretase‐associated proteins (GSAPs) from brain, which affect Aβ production without having any major effects on Notch processing. In the present study using detergent‐resistant membranes prepared from brain, we have identified four GSAPs that affect Aβ production to a greater extent than Notch processing. We evaluated the interaction between GSAPs and γ‐secretase in various cell types and their mRNA expression in various human organs. Using an in situ proximity ligation assay, we demonstrated that many GSAPs showed considerably greater interaction with γ‐secretase in neurons than in human embryonic kidney cells stably over‐expressing APP, and showed that several GSAPs are highly expressed in human brain. This study underscores the importance of studying protein‐protein interactions in relevant cell types, and suggests that reducing Aβ production by interfering with brain‐ or neuron‐specific γ‐secretase/GSAP interactions may reduce the risk of unwanted side‐effects associated with treatment of Alzheimer disease.
Regional Inequality and Internal Conflict
Authors: Lessmann Christian 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThis paper studies the influence of regional inequality within countries on internal conflicts. Regional inequalities are measured by the population-weighted coefficient of variation of regional GDP per capita. As the main innovation, I use a panel dataset of country-level regional inequalities, which covers 56 countries (835 subnational regions) between 1980 and 2009. I also consider a broader cross section dataset for the year 2005, which covers 110 countries (1569 subnational regions). Conflict is measured by the incidence of civil war (UCDP/PRIO data) and a risk measure of internal conflict (war, terrorism and riots) provided by the PRS Group’s International Country Risk Guide. Logit estimations are employed as well as OLS fixed effects panel regressions. I find that regional inequalities increase the risk of internal conflict.