bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Haemophilia Experiences, Results and Opportunities (HERO) Study: survey methodology and population demographics
Authors: Forsyth A. L. , Gregory M. , Nugent D. , Garrido C. , Pilgaard T. , Cooper D. L. , Iorio A. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryPsychosocial factors have a significant impact on the quality of life of persons with haemophilia (PWH). The Haemophilia Experiences, Results and Opportunities (HERO) initiative was developed to provide a greater understanding of the psychological components which influence the lives of PWH. This article describes the HERO methodology and the characteristics of respondents. Two online surveys (one for adult PWH ≥18 years and one for parents of children <18 years with haemophilia) were developed by an international advisory board and conducted in 10 countries. The surveys included demographic and treatment characteristics, relationships, sexual intimacy, quality of life, barriers to treatment and sources of information. A total of 675 PWH [age, median (range) 36 (18–86 years)] and 561 parents [39 (23–68 years)] completed the survey. PWH/parents reported haemophilia A (74%/76%), B (13%/16%) or with inhibitors (13%/8%). Spontaneous joint bleeding was reported in 76%/52% of PWH/children with haemophilia A, 67%/47% with haemophilia B and 93%/76% with inhibitors. Median number of bleeds (interquartile range) was 7 (2–20) for PWH and 4 (2–10) for children in the past year. Most PWH and children were treated with factor concentrate. PWH reported arthritis (49%) and HIV/HCV infections (18%/43%) related to haemophilia. Most PWH and parent respondents had received formal education (85%/89%) and were employed full‐ or part‐time (60%/72%). HERO is one of the largest multinational studies focused on psychosocial issues in haemophilia, including historical and treatment information that will allow for multivariate analyses of determinants of health in haemophilia.
Therapeutic and prophylactic ethanol lock therapy in patients with bleeding disorders
Authors: Rajpurkar M. , McGrath E. , Joyce J. , Boldt‐MacDonald K. , Chitlur M. , Lusher J. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryObtaining a reliable venous access is a limiting factor for early initiation of clotting factor prophylaxis and immune tolerance induction. To circumvent this issue, central venous access devices (CVADs) are increasingly being used. Catheter‐related infections (CRIs) remain the primary complication of insertion of CVAD. Thus, newer strategies for treatment and prevention of CRI are needed. Ethanol lock therapy (ELT) has been used to treat and prevent CRI in non‐bleeding disorder patients. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of ELT in treating and preventing CRI in bleeding disorder patients. The medical charts of patients with bleeding disorders who underwent ELT for antimicrobial resistant CRIs were reviewed and data were analysed. ELT was effective in catheter salvage in 87% of patients with antimicrobial resistant CRI by a wide variety of pathogens. Prophylactic therapy with ethanol lock was associated with catheter dysfunction especially in mediports. ELT should be considered prior to removal of catheters in bleeding disorder patients with resistant CRIs. Further studies are needed for using prophylactic ethanol lock in prevention of CRIs in bleeding disorder patients.
Efficacy and safety using autotransfusion system with postoperative shed blood following total knee arthroplasty in haemophilia
Authors: Kang D. G. , Khurana S. , Baek J. H. , Park Y. S. , Lee S. H. , Kim K. I. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of postoperative wound drain salvage and autotransfusion system in haemophilic patients undergoing elective total knee arthroplasty (TKA). No literature exists on reinfusing drained blood in patient with haemophilia undergoing TKA. Eighty‐eight knees of 66 patients received cemented TKA due to end‐stage haemophilic arthropathy (group I; with autotransfusion in 59 knees, group II; without autotransfusion in 29 knees). In group I, the postoperative shed blood was transfused within 6 h after surgery. The amount of blood drainage and reinfused blood, rate and amount of allogenic transfusion, postoperative change of haemoglobin level, prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time were analysed. The mean postoperative blood drainage was 932 ± 479 mL in group I and 830 ± 492 mL in group II (P > 0.05). The mean volume of blood reinfused was 530 ± 265 mL in group I. Allogenic transfusion was needed in six knees (10.2%) of group I and eight knees (27.6%) of group II (P = 0.036). The mean volume of allogenic transfusion was 480 ± 49 mL in group I and 1041 ± 691 mL in group II (P > 0.05). Changes of all the laboratory results before and after TKA showed no statistically significant difference except PT was prolonged in group I (P = 0.008) at postoperative day 1. Moreover, there was no significant complication related to either reinfusion or allogenic transfusion in both groups. This study showed that reinfusion of drained blood is a simple, safe and efficacious method in patients with haemophilia undergoing TKA.
Microbial quality of hemodialysis water, a survey of six centers in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Braimoh Rotimi Williams , Mabayoje Monica Omolara , Amira Christiana Oluwatoyin , Bello Babawale Taslim 
Published: August 2013

AbstractPatients with end‐stage kidney disease (ESRD) on maintenance hemodialysis (HD) are usually exposed to large volumes of dialysate, which is separated from patients' blood only by thin membrane of dialyzer. It is therefore essential to frequently monitor the quality of HD water to ensure that it meets the recommended standards. The objective of this study was to evaluate the microbial quality of HD water in Lagos, Nigeria. Four sets of pre‐ and post‐treatment water samples, 20 mL each, were collected from six HD centers in Lagos and tested for microbial contamination using the molten Tryptic soy agar in accordance with Association for Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) and European Best Practice Guidelines (EBPG). Pyrogen tests were also conducted on pre‐ and post‐treatment samples using standard technique. Information on water treatment modalities, maintenance practices and quality control measures in each center were obtained using a questionnaire. All centers use treated water for HD purpose. None of the HD centers met EBPG/AAMI guidelines for microbial contaminants as the mean levels of Escherichia coli in both feed and treated water were 441.7 ± 87.90 and 168.5 ± 64.03, respectively. E. coli was the commonest organism isolated in both feed and treated water in all the centers. HD water quality is still a neglected problem in our environment and more efforts are required to ensure good water quality for HD purpose.
Safety analysis of intermittent hemodialysis in patients with continuous flow left ventricular assist devices
Authors: Quader Mohammed A. , Kumar Dhiren , Shah Keyur B. , Fatani Yahya I. , Katlaps Gundars , Kasirajan Vigneshwar 
Published: August 2013

AbstractDialysis centers adopt a cautious approach when it comes to performing intermittent hemodialysis (HD) on patients with continuous flow (CF) left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) because of the potential for volume flux‐related complications and absence of pulsatile blood pressure for monitoring. Many patients have to remain hospitalized because of the inability of the dialysis centers to accept them for outpatient dialysis. In this study, the effect of HD was observed in such patients. Between June 2009 and October 2012, 139 patients received LVADs, of which 10 patients (7%) required intermittent HD postoperatively. The mean age of the patients was 53 ± 14 years and 90% were men. A total of 281 dialysis sessions were administered amounting to 1025 hours of dialysis. The mean systolic blood pressure monitored with Doppler device was 97 ± 18 mmHg. Dialysis durations averaged 218 ± 18 minutes. Mean blood flow rate was 334 ± 38 cc/min, and 2.6 ± 1.1 L was ultrafiltrated during each session. Only 15 (5.3%) sessions were interrupted or terminated in six patients. The reasons for termination were symptomatic hypotension—6 (2.1%), asymptomatic hypotension—3 (1%), ventricular tachycardia—1 (0.36%), dialysis machine malfunction—2 (0.7%), low phosphorus—2 (0.7%), and abdominal cramps—1 (0.36%). Volume expansion was necessary on three occasions. Low‐flow device alarms were registered during two (0.71%) sessions. The results showed no serious adverse effects or deaths.
Interleukin‐21 mediates hepatitis B virus‐associated liver cirrhosis by activating hepatic stellate cells
Authors: Feng Guohua , Zhang Ji‐Yuan , Zeng Qing‐Lei , Yu Xi , Zhang Zheng , Lv Sa , Xu Xiangsheng , Wang Fu‐Sheng 
Published: August 2013

AimInterleukin‐21 (IL‐21) is involved in effective primary hepatic immune response against hepatitis B virus (HBV) and profibrotic function. However, the role of IL‐21 in HBV‐associated liver cirrhosis is poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the role of IL‐21 in HBV‐associated liver cirrhosis and possible mechanisms.MethodsThe study subjects included 10 healthy controls and 30 patients with HBV‐associated liver cirrhosis that categorized into three subgroups based on Child–Pugh score (A, 13; B, 10; C, 7). The frequencies of IL‐21+CD4+ T cells were detected by flow cytometry, and the level of IL‐21 in plasma was measured by enzyme‐linked immunoassay. The distribution of IL‐21+ cells in situ in liver was observed by immunohistochemistry. In addition, the in vitro expression of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), apoptosis and proliferation markers of LX‐2 cells were examined by flow cytometry and Cell Counting Kit‐8 kit. Finally, the collagen levels in the supernatant were measured by chemiluminescence.ResultsIncreased peripheral number of IL‐21+CD4+ cells, elevated plasma level of IL‐21 and IL‐21+ cell accumulation in liver were observed in patients with HBV‐associated liver cirrhosis. In vitro administration of IL‐21 was accompanied with increased expression of α‐SMA, inhibited LX‐2 cells apoptosis and upregulated collagen production by LX‐2 cells.ConclusionIL‐21 may contribute to the fibrogenesis of HBV‐associated liver cirrhosis by activating the hepatic stellate cells. Therefore, neutralization of IL‐21 could be a favorable new therapeutic strategy for liver cirrhosis treatment.
Cooking quality characterisation of ‘spaghetti’ based on soft wheat flour enriched with oat flour
Authors: De Pilli Teresa , Derossi Antonio , Severini Carla 
Published: August 2013

SummaryThe cooking quality of pasta based on soft wheat flour and supplemented with three percentages of oat flour was studied. Results showed that oat flour modified deeply the cooking quality of spaghetti in comparison with samples based on only soft wheat flour. These effects were attributed to both starch‐lipid complex formation and presence of β‐glucans that weak gluten network. An increase in optimal cooking time with increase in oat percentages was observed (480 vs. 630 min). Samples enriched with oat flour showed a good‐quality cooking total organic matter (TOM values ranged from 1.4 to 2).
Comparative assessment of two extraction procedures for determination of bioactive compounds in some berries used for daily food consumption
Authors: Namiesnik Jacek , Vearasilp Kann , Leontowicz Hanna , Leontowicz Maria , Ham Kyung‐Sik , Kang Seong‐Gook , Park Yang‐Kyun , Arancibia‐Avila Patricia , Toledo Fernando , Gorinstein Shela 
Published: August 2013

SummaryTwo extractions with methanol and water were used to determine the antioxidant and binding properties of some berries as a supplement to food. Fluorometry, FTIR spectra and radical scavenging assays were used for characterisation of bioactive compounds (polyphenols, flavonoids, flavanols and tannins) and the levels of their antioxidant activities (AAs). The contents of bioactive compounds and AAs in water and methanol polyphenol extracts in gooseberries, blueberries and cranberries differed, but not always significantly. Water extracts of gooseberries showed the lowest amounts of polyphenols (mg GAE g−1), 6.24 ± 0.6, and flavonoids (mg CE g−1), 0.29 ± 0.01, and AAs (μMTE g−1) determined by DPPH, FRAP, ABTS and CUPRAC assays such as 6.05 ± 0.6, 8.07 ± 0.9, 18.70 ± 1.8 and 13.44 ± 1.2, respectively, in comparison with blueberries and cranberries. Polyphenol content highly correlated with antioxidant activity (R2 from 0.94 to 0.81). The quenching properties of berries were studied by the interaction of water and methanol polyphenol extracts with HSA by 3D fluorescence. In conclusion, the bioactivity of gooseberries was lower than in blueberries and cranberries. Gooseberries can be used as a new source for food consumption and supplementation based on their antioxidant and binding properties. 3D fluorescence spectroscopy and FTIR spectroscopy can be applied as additional analytical tools for rapid estimation of the quality of different food products.
Effects of light exposure on chlorophyll, sugars and vitamin C content of fresh‐cut celery (Apium graveolens var. dulce) petioles
Authors: Zhan Lijuan , Hu Jinqiang , Pang Lingyun , Li Yu , Shao Jianfeng 
Published: August 2013

SummaryEffects of light exposure (24 μmol m−2 s−1) on fresh‐cut celery nutritional quality were evaluated during 8‐day storage at 7 °C using darkness as control. Light exposure preserved 47% chlorophyll a and 48% chlorophyll b contents more than darkness at the end of storage. Sucrose, reducing sugar and glucose contents in light‐stored petioles were 17%, 25% and 67% higher than those in dark‐stored petioles after 8‐day storage, respectively, thus resulting in higher total soluble solids content in light condition. Moreover, l‐ascorbic acid content increased at 2‐day storage in light condition and was 46% more than in darkness at the end of storage. The fresh weight loss significantly increased in all petioles, and this increase was markedly accelerated by light exposure with a maximum of 1.43% at the end of storage. Dry matter content was induced more by light exposure than by darkness at 2‐day storage.
Standardized assessment of complications in a contemporary series of European patients undergoing radical cystectomy
Authors: Roghmann Florian , Trinh Quoc‐Dien , Braun Katharina , von Bodman Christian , Brock Marko , Noldus Joachim , Palisaar Jüri 
Published: August 2013

ObjectivesTo examine postoperative complications in a contemporary series of patients after radical cystectomy using a standardized reporting system, and to identify readily available preoperative risk factors.MethodsUsing the modified Clavien–Dindo classification, we assessed the 90‐day postoperative clinical course of 535 bladder cancer patients who underwent radical cystectomy and urinary diversion (ileal conduit n = 349, ileal neobladder n = 186) between June 2003 and February 2012 at a single institution. All Martin criteria for standardized reporting of complications were met. Uni‐ and multivariable analyses for prediction of complications were carried out; covariates included body mass index, Charlson Comorbidity Index, age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists Score, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, prior abdominal or pelvic surgery, localized tumor and urinary diversion type.ResultsThe 90‐day rates for overall (Clavien–Dindo classification I‐V) and high‐grade complications (Clavien–Dindo classification III‐V), as well as mortality (Clavien–Dindo classification V), were 56.4, 18.7 and 3.9%, respectively. Infections (16.4%), bleeding (14.2%) and gastrointestinal complications (10.7%) were the most common adverse outcomes. Independent risk factors for overall complications were body mass index (odds ratio 1.08) and Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥3 (odds ratio 1.93). Risk factors for high‐grade complications were Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥3 (odds ratio 1.86), American Society of Anesthesiologists Score ≥3 (odds ratio 1.92) and body mass index (odds ratio 1.07, all P < 0.03).ConclusionsRadical cystectomy is associated with significant morbidity; nevertheless, the majority of complications are minor. Charlson Comorbidity Index, American Society of Anesthesiologists Score and body mass index might help to identify patients at risk for high‐grade complications after radical cystectomy.
Sudanese and Somali Refugees in Canada: Social Support Needs and Preferences
Authors: Makwarimba Edward , Stewart Miriam , Simich Laura , Makumbe Knox , Shizha Edward , Anderson Sharon 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe aim of the study was to identify the unique support needs and preferences of African refugees in Canada. In‐depth interviews were conducted with Sudanese and Somali refugees (n=68) living in two cities in central and western Canada. Refugees were interviewed individually to identify their support needs, current sources of support, available support programmes, barriers to access to support resources, and preferred support interventions. These refugees reported major support needs, depleted social networks, and barriers to accessing services and supports. They identified distinct preferences for support from peers from the same country of origin and professionals. Participants wanted group‐level support supplemented by one‐to‐one support. Transportation, child care, meals, and peers matched by language and gender were recommended to enhance accessibility to support programmes. These findings can inform the design of support intervention research and enhance the relevance and supportiveness of services and programmes for recent refugees.
Environmental factors determine DAP12 deficiency to either enhance or suppress immunopathogenic processes
Authors: Montalvo Vanessa , Quigley Laura , Vistica Barbara P. , Boelte Kimberly C. , Nugent Lindsey F. , Takai Toshiyuki , McVicar Daniel W. , Gery Igal 
Published: August 2013

SummaryDNAX‐activation protein 12 (DAP12), a transmembrane adapter, plays a major role in transducing activation signals in natural killer cells and various myeloid cells. Quantitative RT‐PCR detected in normal mouse eyes considerable levels of DAP12 and multiple DAP12‐coupled receptors, in particular TREM‐1, Clec5a and SIRPb1. The role of DAP12 and its receptors in experimental autoimmune diseases has been controversial. Here, we analysed the effect of DAP12 deficiency on the capacity of mice to mount immunopathogenic cellular responses to the uveitogenic ocular antigen and interphotoreceptor retinoid‐binding protein (IRBP), and to develop experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU). Surprisingly, sequential analysis of EAU in mice deficient in DAP12 in two different animal facilities at first revealed enhanced disease as compared with wild‐type mice, but when these mice were re‐derived into a second, cleaner, animal facility, the response of control mice was essentially unchanged, whereas the DAP12 null mice were markedly hyporesponsive relative to controls in the new facility. Accordingly, when stimulated in vitro with IRBP, lymphocytes from the DAP12‐deficient mice housed in the two facilities proliferated and produced opposite profiles of pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory cytokines, compared with their controls. These findings therefore demonstrate that the effects of DAP12 deficiency on development of autoimmune disease are dramatically affected by environmental factors.
Biological properties of dehydrated human amnion/chorion composite graft: implications for chronic wound healing
Authors: Koob Thomas J , Rennert Robert , Zabek Nicole , Massee Michelle , Lim Jeremy J , Temenoff Johnna S , Li William W , Gurtner Geoffrey 
Published: August 2013

AbstractHuman amnion/chorion tissue derived from the placenta is rich in cytokines and growth factors known to promote wound healing; however, preservation of the biological activities of therapeutic allografts during processing remains a challenge. In this study,PURION® (MiMedx, Marietta, GA) processed dehydrated human amnion/chorion tissue allografts (dHACM,EpiFix®, MiMedx) were evaluated for the presence of growth factors, interleukins (ILs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were performed on samples ofdHACMand showed quantifiable levels of the following growth factors: platelet‐derived growth factor‐AA (PDGF‐AA),PDGF‐BB, transforming growth factor α (TGFα),TGFβ1, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), placental growth factor (PLGF) and granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (GCSF). TheELISAassays also confirmed the presence ofIL‐4, 6, 8 and 10, andTIMP1, 2 and 4. Moreover, the relative elution of growth factors into saline from the allograft ranged from 4% to 62%, indicating that there are bound and unbound fractions of these compounds within the allograft.dHACMretained biological activities that cause human dermal fibroblast proliferation and migration of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in vitro. An in vivo mouse model showed thatdHACMwhen tested in a skin flap model caused mesenchymal progenitor cell recruitment to the site of implantation. The results from both the in vitro and in vivo experiments clearly established thatdHACMcontains one or more soluble factors capable of stimulatingMSCmigration and recruitment. In summary,PURION® processeddHACMretains its biological activities related to wound healing, including the potential to positively affect four distinct and pivotal physiological processes intimately involved in wound healing: cell proliferation, inflammation, metalloproteinase activity and recruitment of progenitor cells. This suggests a paracrine mechanism of action fordHACMwhen used for wound healing applications.
HRM effectiveness as a moderator of the relationships between abusive supervision and technology work overload and job outcomes for technology end users
Authors: Harris Kenneth J. , Lambert Alysa , Harris Ranida B. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBased on conservation of resources theory, this study examined the impact of two stressors: abusive supervision, an interpersonal stressor; and technology work overload, a contextual stressor, on job strain and perceived organizational support. These linkages have not been previously examined, but are of importance for managing employees who complete work on their computers. In a sample of 219 technology end users from a wide range of jobs and industries, we found that both of the stressors we examined had negative impacts on desired outcome variables. Additionally, we found that human resource management effectiveness moderated these relationships. These findings have important implications for theory and application which are discussed. Limitations and directions for future are also offered.
Importance of race, gender, and personality in predicting academic performance
Authors: Steele‐Johnson Debra , Leas Keith 
Published: August 2013

AbstractSubstantial research has demonstrated that African American students tend to perform more poorly than their White counterparts in terms of academic performance (e.g., Bali & Alvarez). However, this knowledge has proven insufficient in highlighting a clear path for countering this gap in academic achievement. The present study (n = 719) provides evidence that race (African Americans and Whites) interacts with personality in predicting academic performance (i.e., grade point average) in a college setting and that the pattern of effects differs for men and women. Agreeableness reduced race effects for women, and extraversion and openness reduced race effects for men. Our results suggest new avenues for educators and policymakers to consider when attempting to reduce this performance gap.