bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The CD4:CD8 ratio is associated with markers of age‐associated disease in virally suppressed HIV‐infected patients with immunological recovery
Authors: Serrano‐Villar S , Moreno S , Fuentes‐Ferrer M , Sánchez‐Marcos C , Ávila M , Sainz T , de Villar NGP , Fernández‐Cruz A , Estrada V 
Published: September 2013

ObjectivesInversion of the CD4:CD8 ratio (< 1) has been identified as a hallmark of inmmunosenescence and an independent predictor of mortality in the general population. We aimed to assess the association between the CD4:CD8 ratio and markers of age‐associated disease in treated HIV‐infected patients with good immunovirological response.MethodsA cross‐sectional analysis was conducted in 132 HIV‐infected adults on antiretroviral therapy (ART), with plasma HIV RNA < 50 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL for at least 1 year, CD4 count > 350 cells/μL and age < 65 years. We analysed the associations between the CD4:CD8 ratio and subclinical atherosclerosis [assessed using carotid intima‐media thickness (IMT)], arterial stiffness [assessed using the augmentation index (AIx)], the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), muscle wasting and sarcopenia [assessed using appendicular lean mass/height2 (ALM) measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA)].ResultsCD4:CD8 ratio inversion was associated with higher IMT, lower eGFR and lower ALM (all values P < 0.05), but not with AIx. In multivariate analyses adjusted for age, sex, hypertriglyceridaemia, tobacco use and cumulative ART exposure, inversion of the CD4:CD8 ratio was independently associated with higher IMT [odds ratio (OR) 2.9; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2–7.1], arterial stiffness (OR 4.8; 95% CI 1.0–23.5) and lower eGFR (OR 5.2; 95% CI 1.0–64.4), but not sarcopenia (OR 0.7; 95% CI 0.2–2.7). These associations persisted when models were applied to subjects with nadir CD4 counts > 200 cells/μL and those with CD4 counts > 500 cells/μL.ConclusionsThe CD4:CD8 ratio in treated HIV‐infected subjects with good immunovirological response is independently associated with markers of age‐associated disease. Hence, it might be a clinically useful predictor of non‐AIDS‐defining conditions.
Evaluation of Mechanical Properties Variations for Kr Ion‐Irradiated 6H‐SiC by Nanoindentation Methods
Authors: Yang Tao , Zang, Hang , He Chaohui , Guo Daxi , Zhang Peng , Xi Jianqi , Ma Li , Wang Zhiguang , Shen Tielong , Pang Lilong , Yao Cunfeng 
Published: September 2013

Nanoindentation experiments were performed to investigate the irradiation effects on the mechanical properties of 6H‐SiC irradiated by 4 MeV Kr ions at high fluences from room temperature (RT) to 550°C. The irradiation temperature is the primary factor that affects modifications of the comprehensive mechanical properties, while the effect of the fluence is less significant. Elastic modulus and hardness decrease drastically for RT‐irradiated samples, but they almost recover for elevated temperature samples, with hardness slightly higher than its original value. The hardness increases first and then decreases with increasing temperature, and the elastic modulus decreases linearly as the swelling increases. Meyer's index is related to the indentation size effect of hardness and the magnitude of the lattice damage. The ratio of irreversible work is associated with the degree of elastic recovery and the ratio of hardness to elastic modulus of SiC. Compared with the unirradiated value, fracture toughness changes slightly for RT irradiation, while increasing significantly for elevated temperature irradiation and has the same variation tendency of hardness. Results indicate that mechanical properties change with the variations of interatomic bond strength, dislocation mobility, and the behavior of crack propagation, which is strongly affected by the defects induced by heavy‐ion irradiation.
Frequent False‐positive results of lupus anticoagulant tests in plasmas of patients receiving the new oral anticoagulants and enoxaparin
Authors: Martinuzzo M. E. , Barrera L. H. , D 'Adamo M. A. , Otaso J. C. , Gimenez M. I. , Oyhamburu J. 
Published: September 2013

SummaryIntroductionOral direct thrombin and Xa inhibitors are worldwide distributed for prevention and treatment of thrombosis. It is important to recognize their effects on lupus anticoagulant (LA) testing. The aim of the study is to describe the rate of false‐positive results of LA tests on plasmas of patients with previous negative LA tests results that receive dabigatran etexilate (DAB) 110 mg/twice a day, rivaroxaban (RIV) 10 mg/day or 15 mg/twice a day, or enoxaparin 40 mg/day.MethodsBlood was taken between 1.5 and 4 h post administration. Tests evaluated are as follows: prothrombin time, APTT, dilute Russell viper venom time (DRVVT) screen, APTT, and DRVVT mixing studies, index of circulating anticoagulant (ICA) with normal plasma, screen/confirm normalized ratio (NR) for DRVVT and silica clotting time (SCT).ResultsPlasmas from patients taking DAB (n = 22) presented 100% prolonged APTT and DRVVT with ICA above the cutoff point and 81.8% positive screen/confirm NR, 100% prolonged SCT screen, but 4.5% positive confirmatory NR. All patients receiving RIV at 15 mg/twice a day (n = 4) presented positive DRVVT screen, mixing, and confirmatory tests, 75% and 100% prolonged APTT and SCT screen, with negative screen/confirm NR. Those taking RIV 10 mg/day (n = 22) showed 81.8% prolonged DRVVT screen, 82.3% and 76.5% of them with positive mixing and confirmatory studies. Patients receiving enoxaparin also presented high prevalence of APTT and DRVVT false‐positive results.ConclusionDabigatran etexilate, RIV, and enoxaparin affect tests for LA not only in screening and mixing, but also in confirmatory studies. We considered that LA testing should not to be performed when patients are taken these drugs, particularly if blood is collected at peak, in order to avoid false‐positive results.
Use of Sysmex XE‐2100 and XE‐5000 hematology analyzers for the diagnosis of malaria in a nonendemic country (France)
Authors: Dubreuil P. , Pihet M. , Cau S. , Croquefer S. , Deguigne P. A. , Godon A. , Genevieve F. , De Gentile L. , Zandecki M. 
Published: September 2013

SummaryIntroductionMost studies dealing with automated hematology analyzers (HAs) and malaria diagnosis are conducted in endemic countries.MethodsWe retrospectively studied cell blood counts (CBCs) performed with Sysmex XE‐2100 and XE‐5000 HAs in our center (Angers, France) regarding 67 patients returning from endemic areas and infected with various Plasmodium species.ResultsIn 83% of infected samples with Plasmodium vivax (Pv), ovale (Po), or malariae (Pm), extra clouds of dots were present in neutrophil and/or eosinophil area(s) on routine differential (DIFF) scattergrams. In contrast, samples infected with Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) failed to show such DIFF scattergrams, or any other suggesting malaria infection (0/ 49 pts). Abnormal areas from DIFF scattergrams were related to the presence of mature schizonts and gametocytes, undestroyed by lysis agent, the latter not observed in Pf‐infected patients from our series. The internal parameter WBC[DIFF] − WBC[BASO] raised in parallel to parasitemia in Pv, Po, and Pm samples but could not be used as a surrogate for parasitemia. In Pf infection, reticulocyte/ immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF) ratio showed a significant correlation with parasitemia (P < 0.05). A diagnostic model developed for Pf in endemic countries showed sensitivity of 77%.ConclusionUsing SYSMEX analyzers, Pv, Po, and Pm infections are easy to ascertain as DIFF scattergrams are almost specific (specificity = 99.9%). Pf infection diagnosis by CBC may be a more promising tool.
Automated screening for tuberculosis by multiparametric analysis of data obtained during routine complete blood count
Authors: Park J. , Lee H. , Kim Y.‐K. , Kim K. H. , Lee W. , Lee K.‐Y. , Park Y.‐J. , Kahng J. , Kwon H. J. , Kim Y. , Oh E.‐J. , Lim J. , Kim M. , Han K. 
Published: September 2013

SummaryIntroductionThe main goal of this study was to develop a multiparametric cell population data (CPD) model that combines information from several morphologic parameters generated by DxH800, in addition to the traditional parameters regularly reported in the CBC‐diff, and to test the performance of this model in screening the general population for primary tuberculosis (TB).MethodsA total of 3741 study cases were divided into two groups, test and validation set at cut‐off value of 6000 WBCs/μL. We developed multiparametric model for primary TB screening (TB hemeprint), selected CPD, and calculated parameters which could discriminate primary TB from other non‐TB diseases and normal control in test set. We applied it to the validation set, which was a set of completely different samples, to test its reproducibility if applied to a routine laboratory test.ResultsAfter screening primary TB using TB hemeprint, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 85.4%, 89.6%, 31.1%, and 99.1%, respectively, in primary TB with lower than 6000 WBCs/μL of test set (test set‐L). In primary TB with higher than 6000 WBCs/μL of test set (test set‐H), those values were 83.1%, 85.6%, 29.7%, and 98.6%, respectively. There were only 0.4% (2/461) and 0.6% (2/326) of normal control samples included in test set‐L and ‐H, respectively. Diagnostic efficiencies except sensitivity in each validation set were very comparable with those in each test set.ConclusionTuberculosis hemeprint may allow us to screen primary TB with acceptable sensitivity and specificity using combination of TB‐specific CPD and calculated parameters.
Australian caregivers’ management of childhood ailments
Authors: Hietbrink Elsa , Bakshi Ruchi , Moles Rebekah J 
Published: September 2013

AbstractAimTo profile medication dosing behaviour of caregivers of children aged 5 years and under in fever and cough/cold management.MethodsCaregivers (n = 97), recruited from childcare centres in Sydney, Australia, were presented two scenarios in a face to face consultation with the researcher, requiring them to make decisions about the management of a child, including medicine dosing. Accuracy of doses and appropriateness of management were documented. Focus groups explored factors surrounding caregivers’ skills.ResultsIn the fever scenario, 45% (44/97) chose to medicate when temperature was below 38°C. Many measured incorrect doses and stated inappropriate dosage intervals. Only 23% managed the scenario appropriately. In the cough/cold scenario, 43% (38/89) chose to medicate. Overall, only 35% (45/127) of dose measurements observed were accurate based on the child's weight. Focus groups revealed that caregivers are not aware of risks associated with children's medicines and when to medicate.ConclusionsThe ability of caregivers to accurately measure and administer doses is important. Determining the motivations to use medicines, as well as dosing behaviours is necessary to improve the quality use of medicines.
Intracluster Correlation Coefficients and Reliability of Randomized Multicenter Stroke Trials within VISTA
Authors: Frank Benedikt , Fulton Rachael L. , Goldie Fraser C. , Hacke Werner , Weimar Christian , Lees Kennedy R. ,   for the VISTA Collaborators
Published: September 2013

Background Reliable estimates of intracluster correlation coefficients (ICCs) for specific outcome measures are crucial for sample size calculations of future cluster randomized trials. ICCs indicate the proportion of data variability that is explained by defined levels of clustering. Aims In this manuscript, we present potentially valuable and reliable estimates of ICCs for specific baseline and follow-up data. Method ICCs were estimated from linear and generalized linear mixed models using maximum likelihood estimation for common measures used in stroke research, including modified Rankin Scale (mRS), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and Barthel Index (BI). Results Data were available for 11 841 patients with ischemic stroke from 11 randomized trials. After adjusting for age, thrombolysis, and baseline NIHSS, the median ICC for follow-up data, using center as the level of clustering, ranged from 0·007 to 0·041. The ICCs using trial, continent or year of enrollment as level of clustering were distinctly lower. Less than 1% of the variability of mRS, NIHSS, and BI was explained by any of these three cluster levels. Conclusion This compendium of relevant ICC estimates should assist trial planning. For example, the sample size for a cluster trial with 150 patients per center using ordinal analysis of mRS should be inflated by 2·0 due to the ICC of 0·007; whereas the ICC of 0·031 using mRS dichotomized above mRS 0–1, requires inflation by 5·6. The low contribution of trials, year or continent of enrollment to overall variation in outcome offers reassurance that analyses using pooled data from multiple trials in VISTA are unlikely to suffer from bias from these sources.
Volunteer unrelated donor experience after administration of filgrastim and apheresis for the collection of haemopoietic stem cells: the Australian perspective
Authors: Gordon S. V. , Nivison‐Smith I. , Szer J. , Chapman J. R. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackgroundVoluntary donations of peripheral blood stem cells after administration of filgrastim (granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor, G‐CSF) are undertaken throughout the world by healthy individuals, but the short‐, medium‐ and long‐term adverse events during and after donation are not fully understood.AimsWe document the experience of donors of peripheral blood stem cells mobilised by G‐CSF at Australian Bone Marrow Donor Registry collection centres.MethodsWhen the Australian Bone Marrow Donor Registry commenced collecting mobilised peripheral blood stem cells, based on data used for registration of G‐CSF, all adverse reactions in donors were documented prospectively to determine the rate and severity of events. A total of 512 consecutive first‐time donors assessed between July 2001 and March 2010 were included in this study.ResultsThe median age at work‐up was 40 years and 71% of donors were male. A large proportion of donors (91%) experienced bone pain during administration of G‐CSF, and in fewer numbers headache (61%) and fatigue (61%). Bone pain was associated with a body mass index of overweight/obese (P = 0.03). Headache (P = 0.03), muscle pain (P = 0.03) and fatigue (P = 0.001) were all significantly associated with female sex. More than a quarter (28%) of donations involved a range of complications at collection.ConclusionThe incidence of short‐ and medium‐term symptoms and events observed provide support for the information provided to unrelated donors at counselling. Follow up of the consequences of unrelated voluntary donation remains important to provide accurate and relevant information to prospective donors.
Inactivated influenza virus vaccine is efficient and reduces IL‐4 and IL‐6 in allergic asthma mice
Authors: Jian You‐Ru , Chang Sui‐Yuan , Lin Pin‐Yi , Yang Yao‐Hsu , Chuang Ya‐Hui 
Published: September 2013

BackgroundAllergic asthma is a globally respiratory inflammatory disease. Influenza virus is a respiratory pathogen that causes yearly epidemics and results in high rates of morbidity and mortality. Patients with allergic asthma had a more severe symptom and a higher mortality when they were infected with influenza virus. Hence, influenza vaccination is recommended for patients with asthma.ObjectivesWe evaluated the efficacy and effects of influenza vaccination on allergic asthma in a mouse model.MethodsOvalbumin‐immunized mice were inoculated with inactivated influenza virus A/Puerto Rico/8/34 (PR8) as vaccines and morbidity or mortality and allergic asthma features of these mice were analyzed.ResultsMice inoculated with inactivated PR8 induced high levels of anti‐PR8 IgG2a and upregulation of Toll‐like receptor (TLR) 7. Vaccinated allergic mice were healthy when they were challenged with live influenza virus while none of non‐vaccinated allergic mice survived. Furthermore, inactivated influenza virus vaccine induced neither extra airway inflammation nor asthma features such as IgE, airway hyper‐reactivity, and eosinophilia in allergic mice. Particularly, decreased frequency of immune cell infiltrated airways and Th2 cytokines IL‐4 and IL‐6 production in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were noted in vaccinated allergic mice. These results suggested that inactivated influenza virus vaccine is efficient to protect allergic mice from further influenza infection, and it does not exacerbate but reduces IL‐4 and IL‐6 of allergic asthma.ConclusionInfluenza vaccination is essential and efficient for allergic subjects to protect influenza virus infection.
The Impact of Budget Stabilization Funds on State Pension Contributions
Authors: ST.CLAIR TRAVIS 
Published: September 2013

AbstractDespite the shortfalls in public employee pension funds, there is little known about the effect of fiscal institutions on pension funding. This paper focuses attention on the link between pension contributions and budget stabilization funds (BSFs) over the period 1997–2008. It employs the Blundell–Bond (1998) estimator in order to address the concern that the deposit and withdrawal rules that drive the management of BSFs may be endogenous to state pension contributions. Empirical results suggest that BSFs with strict deposit rules are associated with higher pension contributions, while strict withdrawal rules are associated with lower contributions.
The Management of Defined Contribution Pension Plans in Local Government
Authors: CHEN GANG , EBDON CAROL , KRIZ KENNETH A. , LAFORGE OLIVIER MAISONDIEU 
Published: September 2013

AbstractDespite the growing importance of defined contribution pension plans in state and local governments, little research exists on how those plans are actually managed. Our study fills a gap in the literature through using a mixed‐methods approach on a sample of local governments in Nebraska. We employ a mail‐out survey to get broad‐based information on DC plan administration throughout the state, and use face‐to‐face interview techniques on a subsample of plans to investigate the details of plan management. We find several deviations from promulgated best practices, and substantial variation in administrators' knowledge of and role perception related to DC plans.
Assessing the Relationship Between Objective and Subjective Measures of Fiscal Condition Using Government‐Wide Statements
Authors: MAHER CRAIG S. , DELLER STEVEN C. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractGovernment Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statement 34 has been in effect for a decade yet there is limited research examining government‐wide financial reporting data. This study builds on our ability to delve into the fiscal condition of Wisconsin counties during the Great Recession. The principal aims of the research are: (1) expand on works utilizing GASB 34 reporting requirements; (2) report on county administrators perceptions of fiscal condition; and (3) examine the relationship between subjective and objective measures of fiscal condition. We find little evidence that objective fiscal condition indices are related to subjective administrative assessments of fiscal condition.
Exploitation, Justice, and Parity in International Clinical Research
Authors: Panitch Vida 
Published: September 2013

AbstractConsensus is lacking among research ethicists on the question of how broadly to understand the requirements of non‐exploitation in international clinical research. Two types of principles have been proposed, minimalist and non‐minimalist, grounded in two opposing conceptions of exploitation, transactional and systemic. Transactionalists have offered principles, which, it has been argued, are satisfied by minimal gains to vulnerable subjects measured against an unjust status quo. Systemicists have advanced principles with decidedly non‐minimal mandates but only by conflating the obligations of clinical research with those of First World citizenship. My aim here is to break this deadlock by offering grounds for a non‐minimal requirement of international research ethics grounded in a transactional conception of exploitation. I do this by arguing that a subject's gains must be measured not only within the transaction, relative to her own starting point and to the share of gains enjoyed by her co‐transactor, but also across transactions, so as to ensure parity of benefit to trial participants whenever, and wherever, parity of burden is assumed.
One Year Incidence of Iatrogenic Atrial Septal Defect After Cryoballoon Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: SIEIRA JUAN , CHIERCHIA GIAN‐BATTISTA , DI GIOVANNI GIACOMO , CONTE GIULIO , DE ASMUNDIS CARLO , SARKOZY ANDREA , DROOGMANS STEVEN , BALTOGIANNIS GIANNIS , SAITOH YUKIO , CICONTE GIUSEPPE , LEVINSTEIN MOISES , BRUGADA PEDRO 
Published: September 2013

Atrial Septal Defect After AF Cryoballoon AblationIntroductionPulmonary vein (PV) isolation by means of cryoballoon (CB) technology is an effective treatment for symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) refractory to antiarrhythmic drug therapy. The CB requires a 15F transseptal sheath that may lead to the creation of a iatrogenic atrial septal defect (IASD).Methods and ResultsIndividuals having undergone PV isolation by the means of CB ablation and a subsequent transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) examination during postablation follow‐up were consecutively included. Thirty‐nine patients formed the study group (31 male, 76.9%; mean age 57.4 ± 13.7 years). IASD was present in 8 (20%) of them after a mean follow‐up time of 11.7 months. Mean diameter of the defect was 0.57 cm × 0.48 cm; only left to right shunt was observed. No adverse events were recorded in these patients during the follow‐up.ConclusionIASD after CB ablation of AF is present in up to 20% of patients after 1 year. Although no adverse clinical events were recorded in patients with persistence of IASD, this complication should not be underestimated and systematic echocardiographic examinations might be advised at regular intervals in the follow‐up period after CB. Further studies with larger population and follow‐up might be required to confirm our findings.
Value of Serial Heart Rate Variability Measurement for Prediction of Appropriate ICD Discharge in Patients with Heart Failure
Authors: TEN SANDE JUDITH N. , DAMMAN PETER , TIJSSEN JAN G.P. , DE GROOT JORIS R. , KNOPS REINOUD E. , WILDE ARTHUR A.M. , VAN DESSEL PASCAL F.H.M. 
Published: September 2013

HRV and Appropriate ICD Shock in Heart FailureIntroductionDecreased heart rate variability (HRV) is associated with adverse outcomes in patients with heart failure. Our objective was to examine whether decreased HRV predicts appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) shocks.Methods and ResultsIn 105 patients with a Boston Scientific Contak Renewal, Cognis or Energen device implanted for either primary (73.3%) or secondary prevention (26.7%), time domain HRV variables standard deviation of averages of normal beat‐to‐beat interval (SDANN) and footprint percentage (FPP) were collected at baseline and during follow‐up. In case of appropriate shock, HRV before shock was assessed. Using time‐dependent Cox regression models, the relation between median‐based dichotomized SDANN or FFP and appropriate shock was investigated.Baseline characteristics between patients with or without shocks were similar, with exception of secondary prevention patients using more often antiarrhythmic drugs. During follow‐up (median 451, IQR 202–1,460 days), appropriate shocks occurred in 20 (19%) patients. SDANN and FPP did not differ significantly at baseline between patients with or without shocks (respectively, P = 0.18 and P = 0.78). However, time‐dependent Cox regression analysis showed a trend that patients were at lower risk for appropriate shock (SDANN: HR 0.43, 95% CI [0.18–1.05], P = 0.06 and FPP: HR 0.49, 95% CI [0.20–1.20], P = 0.12) when HRV values were above median baseline value during follow‐up.ConclusionsThese results imply that HRV could be an independent predictor for appropriate shocks. Therefore, low HRV could be of additional use in predicting imminent appropriate shocks and could possibly guide concomitant medical therapy.