bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antithrombin Levels Are Unaffected by Warfarin Use
Authors: Sanfelippo Michael J. , Engel Jessica M. , Onitilo Adedayo A. 
Published: June 2014

Context.—The results of studies among patients with antithrombin deficiency have suggested that the use of warfarin will increase the level of antithrombin.
Objective.—To reevaluate the effect of warfarin on antithrombin levels using an automated amidolytic method in current use.
Design.—Antithrombin levels were measured in patients who were receiving warfarin for atrial fibrillation and were compared with antithrombin levels in preoperative patients who had not received warfarin.
Results.—Patients receiving warfarin had a mean antithrombin level of 100.40% (range, 81%–153%). Patients not receiving warfarin had a mean antithrombin level of 99.97% (range, 79%–120%). The Student t test was not significant for a difference between the mean antithrombin levels of the 2 populations.
Conclusions.—The use of warfarin does not increase the level of antithrombin in patients receiving the drug.
A Newly Developed Uroplakin II Antibody With Increased Sensitivity in Urothelial Carcinoma of the Bladder
Authors: Hoang Laura L. , Tacha David E. , Qi Weimin , Yu Charlie , Bremer Ryan E. , Chu Joseph , Haas Thomas S. , Cheng Liang 
Published: June 2014

Context.—Uroplakin II is a 15-kDa protein component of the urothelial plaques that enhance the permeability barrier and strength of the urothelium. Studies have shown uroplakin II messenger RNA to be expressed in bladder cancer tissues and peripheral blood of patients with urothelial carcinoma. Little is known about the protein expression of uroplakin II in urothelial carcinoma, possibly because of the absence of a commercially available uroplakin II antibody. Pathologists have used the uroplakin III antibody (AU1) to identify tumors of urothelial origin; however, the use of AU1 is limited because of its poor sensitivity.
Objectives.—To evaluate a newly developed mouse monoclonal uroplakin II antibody (BC21) in urothelial carcinoma and to compare it with previously developed mouse monoclonal uroplakin III (BC17 and AU1).
Design.—Uroplakin II and III antibodies were optimized for staining using a horseradish peroxidase-polymer detection system and were visualized with 3,3′-diaminobenzidine.
Results.—BC21, BC17, and AU1 demonstrated sensitivities in urothelial carcinoma of the bladder of 79% (44 of 56), 55% (31 of 56) (P = .002), and 34% (19 of 56) (P &lt; .001), respectively. Subsequently, the increased staining sensitivity and intensity of BC21, compared with BC17, was validated in a larger study (134 of 174; 77% and 94 of 174; 54%, respectively) (P &lt; .001). BC21 was found to be highly specific when evaluated in various normal and neoplastic tissues, including prostatic and renal carcinomas.
Conclusions.—The mouse monoclonal uroplakin II antibody (BC21) demonstrated superior sensitivity and specificity in urothelial carcinoma, compared with uroplakin III (BC17 and AU1), suggesting its advantages in the differential diagnosis of urothelial carcinoma and in the detection of tumors of unknown origin.
Utility of Quantitative Flow Cytometry Immunophenotypic Analysis of CD5 Expression in Small B-Cell Neoplasms
Authors: Challagundla Pramoda , Jorgensen Jeffrey L. , Kanagal-Shamanna Rashmi , Gurevich Inga , Pierson Diane M. , Ferrajoli Alessandra , Reyes Steven R. , Medeiros L. Jeffrey , Miranda Roberto N. 
Published: June 2014

Context.—The value of assessing CD5 expression in the differential diagnosis of small B-cell neoplasms is well established. Assessment is usually done qualitatively.
Objectives.—To assess CD5 expression levels by quantitative flow cytometry immunophenotyping and to determine possible differences among various small B-cell neoplasms.
Design.—We performed 4-color flow cytometry analysis on specimens of peripheral blood and bone marrow aspirate and quantified CD5 expression in various small B-cell lymphomas and leukemias. We also assessed CD5 levels in peripheral blood samples of healthy blood donors.
Results.—Cases of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and mantle cell lymphoma had higher levels of CD5 compared with control B cells (P &lt; .001). Cases of marginal zone lymphoma and hairy cell leukemia had CD5 levels similar to control B cells (P = .35 and P = .14, respectively), whereas cases of follicular lymphoma and lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma had significantly lower CD5 levels than control B cells (P &lt; .001 and P = .04, respectively). In B-cell neoplasms, a high level of CD5 expression was correlated with a homogeneous pattern of positive events, whereas lower CD5 levels were correlated with heterogeneous patterns of positive events.
Conclusions.—Using flow cytometric immunophenotypic analysis to quantify CD5 levels can aid in diagnosis. CD5 expression levels are higher in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and mantle cell lymphoma, and expression is observed in a homogeneous pattern, as compared with other B-cell neoplasms that are either negative for CD5 or express CD5 at lower levels with a heterogeneous pattern. However, there is some overlap in CD5 expression levels between a subset of atypical chronic lymphocytic leukemia and marginal zone lymphoma cases.
Optimizing Outpatient Phlebotomy Staffing: Tools to Assess Staffing Needs and Monitor Effectiveness
Authors: Mijailovic Aleksandar S. , Tanasijevic Milenko J. , Goonan Ellen M. , Le Rachel D. , Baum Jonathan M. , Melanson Stacy E.F. 
Published: June 2014

Context.—Short patient wait times are critical for patient satisfaction with outpatient phlebotomy services. Although increasing phlebotomy staffing is a direct way to improve wait times, it may not be feasible or appropriate in many settings, particularly in the context of current economic pressures in health care.
Objective.—To effect sustainable reductions in patient wait times, we created a simple, data-driven tool to systematically optimize staffing across our 14 phlebotomy sites with varying patient populations, scope of service, capacity, and process workflows.
Design.—We used staffing levels and patient venipuncture volumes to derive the estimated capacity, a parameter that helps predict the number of patients a location can accommodate per unit of time. We then used this parameter to determine whether a particular phlebotomy site was overstaffed, adequately staffed, or understaffed. Patient wait-time and satisfaction data were collected to assess the efficacy and accuracy of the staffing tool after implementing the staffing changes.
Results.—In this article, we present the applications of our approach in 1 overstaffed and 2 understaffed phlebotomy sites. After staffing changes at previously understaffed sites, the percentage of patients waiting less than 10 minutes ranged from 88% to 100%. At our previously overstaffed site, we maintained our goal of 90% of patients waiting less than 10 minutes despite staffing reductions. All staffing changes were made using existing resources.
Conclusions.—Used in conjunction with patient wait-time and satisfaction data, our outpatient phlebotomy staffing tool is an accurate and flexible way to assess capacity and to improve patient wait times.
Reliability of Point-of-Care Capillary Blood Glucose Measurements in the Critical Value Range
Authors: Schifman Ron B. , Nguyen Tan T. , Page Susan T. 
Published: June 2014

Context.—Point-of-care glucose (POCG) testing on capillary blood specimens is central to maintaining glycemic control in patients with diabetes. Although there are known performance issues with POCG methods, especially for maintaining tight glucose control, there is little information about the accuracy of results in the critical ranges that may involve life-threatening conditions.Objectives.—To evaluate the reliability of POCG measurements in critical, high (&gt;600 mg/dL) and low (&lt;40 mg/dL) ranges.Design.—One-year retrospective analysis of POCG (ACCU-CHEK glucose meter, Roche Diagnostics Corporation, Indianapolis, Indiana) results for routine patient care were obtained. The frequency and accuracy of repeat testing after critical POCG results was analyzed. A convenience sample of noncritical capillary POCG measurements retested on venous blood specimens by another point-of-care device (RAPIDPoint 405 analyzer, Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Malvern, Pennsylvania) was also evaluated.Results.—Critical values were observed in 2.4 per 1000 POCG tests (256 of 105,928; 0.24%), with the highest rate (76 of 2289; 3.32%) from the emergency department. Twice as many critical high values as critical low values were seen. Nearly 80% of critical POCG tests (204 of 256) were repeated within 10 minutes. Of these 204 repeat measurements, 112 (54.9%) met accuracy criteria (±15 mg/dL of low and ±20% of high initial values). Accuracy was significantly higher when retesting was performed on the same meter or by the same operator (P ≤ .05). Comparison of capillary and venous POCG testing of noncritical results showed no significant difference (P = .95), with 89.8% (125 of 139) meeting accuracy criteria.Conclusions.—POCG measurements in the critical range are frequently erroneous, which is likely caused by preanalytic factors associated with sampling capillary blood. POCG testing practices should include retesting to confirm critical results.
The world in Arab eyes: A reassessment of the climes in medieval Islamic scholarship
Authors: Olsson J.T. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractMany Arabic geographical texts from the medieval period portray the oecumene as comprising seven latitudinal climes. In general the middle clime, in which the majority of Muslim territories were located, was viewed as possessing the best environmental conditions, which progressively deteriorated the further one travelled north or south of this central territory. This theory of the climes was combined with ideas of humoral pathology in order to argue that those living in the central zones of the oecumene received numerous physiological and psychological benefits. Conversely, those like the Africans and the Turks, living at the peripheries of the oecumene, had neither rationality nor proportionate physiognomies because their humours were distorted by the harsh environmental conditions of these regions. This article, however, seeks to nuance the outline given above. While secondary studies have generally been happy to adopt uncritically this superficial understanding of the medieval Islamic worldview, which is gained from skimming the introductions to a few geographical works, few have questioned what (and where) is meant by the centre of the world, where did human habitation supposedly end, and was the medieval understanding of the seven climes uniform. These are some of the questions posed by the present investigation. I then go on to assess how far the notions derived from the theory of the climes were implemented in ethnological accounts of the inhabitants of the far north and south. In doing so I shall conclude that the standard conception of the medieval Islamic worldview masks numerous disagreements and debates in the writings of medieval scholars.
Development of hippocampal subfield volumes from 4 to 22 years
Authors: Krogsrud Stine K. , Tamnes Christian K. , Fjell Anders M. , Amlien Inge , Grydeland Håkon , Sulutvedt Unni , Due‐Tønnessen Paulina , Bjørnerud Atle , Sølsnes Anne E. , Håberg Asta K. , Skrane Jon , Walhovd Kristine B. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe hippocampus supports several important cognitive functions known to undergo substantial development during childhood and adolescence, for example, encoding and consolidation of vivid personal memories. However, diverging developmental effects on hippocampal volume have been observed across studies. It is possible that the inconsistent findings may attribute to varying developmental processes and functions related to different hippocampal subregions. Most studies to date have measured global hippocampal volume. We aimed to explore early hippocampal development both globally and regionally within subfields. Using cross‐sectional 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging data from 244 healthy participants aged 4–22 years, we performed automated hippocampal segmentation of seven subfield volumes; cornu ammonis (CA) 1, CA2/3, CA4/dentate gyrus (DG), presubiculum, subiculum, fimbria, and hippocampal fissure. For validation purposes, seven subjects were scanned at both 1.5 and 3 T, and all subfields except fimbria showed strong correlations across field strengths. Effects of age, left and right hemisphere, sex and their interactions were explored. Nonparametric local smoothing models (smoothing spline) were used to depict age‐trajectories. Results suggested nonlinear age functions for most subfields where volume increases until 13–15 years, followed by little age‐related changes during adolescence. Further, the results showed greater right than left hippocampal volumes that seemed to be augmenting in older age. Sex differences were also found for subfields; CA2/3, CA4/DG, presubiculum, subiculum, and CA1, mainly driven by participants under 13 years. These results provide a detailed characterization of hippocampal subfield development from early childhood. Hum Brain Mapp 35:5646–5657, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Making the Decision to Participate in Predictive Genetic Testing for Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Manuel April , Brunger Fern 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThis paper describes the experience of predictive genetic testing for Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy in the context of novel gene discovery. Two approaches to making the decision to engage in genetic testing were apparent: the decision to be tested either (a) develops gradually over time or (b) happens so quickly that it is felt as a “fait accompli.” Six key factors that influenced the particular approach taken by the participants were identified: (1) scientific process—available and relevant predictive genetic test; (2) numerous losses or deaths within the family; (3) physical signs and symptoms of disease; (4) gender; (5) sense of relational responsibility or moral obligation to other family members; and (6) family support. This study found that at risk individuals juxtapose scientific knowledge against their experiential knowledge and the six identified factors in order to make the decision to participate in genetic testing. Recommendations include the creation of a relational space within which to provide psychological counselling and assessment for the six identified factors that shape the decision to engage in predictive genetic testing.
Twisted homological stability for extensions and automorphism groups of free nilpotent groups
Authors: Szymik Markus 
Published: June 2014

AbstractWe prove twisted homological stability with polynomial coefficients for automorphism groups of free nilpotent groups of any given class. These groups interpolate between two extremes for which homological stability was known before, the general linear groups over the integers and the automorphism groups of free groups. The proof presented here uses a general result that applies to arbitrary extensions of groups, and that has other applications as well.
Cultural drivers of high performing knowledge-intensive service organisations
Authors: Edgar Fiona , Gray Brendan , Browning Victoria , Dwyer Kirsty 
Published: June 2014

AbstractOrganisational culture is considered an important influence on performance, particularly for service firms that rely on values-driven social controls to enhance human interactions. Using a qualitative approach, we show how the modified Organisational Culture Profile developed by Sarros, Gray, Densten, and Cooper to assess Australian organisations provides a framework for exploring the cultural drivers of high performing knowledge-intensive service firms in New Zealand. Our study provides rich insights into how six key cultural dimensions – competitiveness, innovation, performance orientation, emphasis on rewards, supportiveness and social responsibility – are translated into strategic human resource management practices.
Risk factors for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus skin and soft-tissue infections in outpatients in Taiwan
Authors: CHOU Y.-H. , LEE M.-S. , LIN R.-Y. , WU C.-Y. 
Published: June 2014

SUMMARYInformation on the risk factors for community-associated skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTIs) due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Asian populations is scarce. To this end we performed a case-control study of patients treated at two hospital-affiliated outpatient clinics in Taiwan to determine potential risk factors for MRSA SSTIs. S. aureus was isolated from 39 of 100 eligible patients, and 74% were MRSA. Apart from resistance to clindamycin and erythromycin, most MRSA isolates were susceptible to appropriate antimicrobials. The significant risk factors identified by multivariate analysis for MRSA SSTIs were male gender (P = 0·09), nasal carriage of MRSA (P = 0·02), exposure to an individual who had surgery within a year before infection (P = 0·02), and antibiotic treatment for SSTI in the year before infection (P = 0·04). The identification of such factors may assist provision of appropriate treatment to patients with suspected S. aureus SSTIs particularly in Taiwan.
Kingship, Parliament and the Court: the Emergence of ‘High Style’ in Petitions to the English Crown, c.1350–1405
Authors: Dodd Gwilym 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
In the second half of the fourteenth century, petitioners hoping to secure royal grace began addressing the king in an increasingly obsequious and ostentatious manner. A strong historiographical tradition is now established which regards this development in very narrow terms, as part of Richard II’s attempt to create a new type of authoritarian kingship in the late 1390s. Close analysis of the incidence of these new language forms shows, however, that they emerged much earlier in the fourteenth century. This discussion explores the reasons for this shift in language use, arguing that much broader political, cultural and institutional factors must be taken into account. The emergence of more elaborate ways of addressing the king is, in fact, of great consequence in revealing important developments in the nature of the fourteenth-century parliament, a dramatic shift in the culture of the royal court and, ultimately, a reconfiguration of the expectations of kingship itself. The discussion has at its heart an exploration of the way that language shaped and reflected political authority in the late Middle Ages.
Treatment of Hyperphosphatemia With Bixalomer in Japanese Patients on Long‐Term Hemodialysis With Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Authors: Ito Kae , Takeshima Akiko , Shishido Kanji , Wakasa Mikio , Kumata Chiaki , Matsuzaka Kantaro , Nakajima Yutaka , Ogata Hiroaki 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBixalomer (Bix) is an amine‐functional polymer, non‐calcium‐containing phosphate (P) binder, and has been clinically available in Japan recently. Bix is expected to cause fewer gastrointestinal (GI) side‐effects as compared with sevelamer hydrochloride (SH), because of less expansion of Bix in the GI tract. In this prospective observational study, we evaluated changes in GI symptoms by the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) score in long‐term hemodialysis (HD) outpatients with SH‐associated GI symptoms who switched to Bix from SH. A total of 114 patients (age 63.7 ± 10.8 year (mean ± SD), female 65.5%, HD vintage 11.2 ± 8.6 years, diabetes mellitus 27.4%) were enrolled. The GSRS score was checked at 0 and 12 weeks after the start of Bix. Bix was started at the initial dose of 750 mg/day, and then was titrated. Serum albumin, P and corrected calcium levels did not significantly change during Bix treatment. However, serum low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol and bicarbonate levels significantly increased during Bix treatment (P < 0.001). In GSRS scores, total and domain‐specific scores, including constipation, diarrhea, reflux and abdominal pain were significantly reduced at 0, 4, 12 and 24 weeks as compared with those at 0 weeks (P < 0.05). This study shows that Bix was well tolerated and managed hyperphosphatemia effectively after switching from SH in Japanese patients on long‐term HD. In addition, Bix might be less often associated with GI symptoms as compared with SH.
Bartering Globalization: China's Commodity‐backed Finance in Africa and Latin America
Authors: Bräutigam Deborah , Gallagher Kevin P. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractIn just over a decade, China has become a source of finance for emerging market and developing country governments. Recipient governments and the Chinese have been less than transparent with respect to the scale, terms and composition of this finance, engendering a great deal of speculation about its nature. This article provides preliminary estimates of Chinese finance to both Africa and Latin America since the turn of the century, with a specific focus on ‘commodity‐backed’ or ‘resource‐secured’ loans. We estimate that Chinese banks have provided approximately $132 billion in financing to African and Latin American governments and state‐owned firms since 2003. Just over half of these, or $75 billion, are in the form of resource‐secured finance. Contrary to many of the claims in the popular press, we found that Chinese finance is generally not out of line with interest rates found in global capital markets, does not bring windfall commodity profits to China, and does not mandate the use of Chinese workers.
Characteristics of childhood uveitis leading to visual impairment and blindness in the Netherlands
Authors: Hettinga Ymkje M. , Verhagen Fleurieke H. , van Genderen Maria , de Boer Joke H. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the clinical characteristics of childhood uveitis leading to visual impairment or blindness.MethodsIn this descriptive study, we reviewed data from the medical records of 58 children with visual impairment or blindness due to childhood uveitis, which were seen at an institute for visually impaired patients (Bartiméus) between January 1981 and December 2012, in a retrospective, cross‐sectional manner.ResultsThirty‐two of the 58 children (55%) were visually impaired and 26 (45%) were legally blind. Uveitis was posterior in 76% of all cases. Infectious uveitis represented 74% of all cases, of which 86% was congenital. Five patients (9%) had uveitis related to a systemic disease, and ten patients (17%) had idiopathic uveitis. There was a decrease in infectious causes over the last decades (p = 0.04) and an increase in idiopathic uveitis (p < 0.01), but the rate of children with posterior uveitis remained constant. There was an overall decrease in the number of children with uveitis referred to Bartiméus. The number of ocular complications at the time of intake was higher in children with acquired disease compared with congenital diseases (p < 0.01), as it was in children with non‐infectious uveitis compared with infectious uveitis (p = 0.04). Most comorbidities that were noted were seen in children with infectious uveitis.ConclusionMost patients suffering from visual impairment or blindness due to childhood uveitis had posterior and/or infectious uveitis, mostly congenital. There is a shift in causes which shows a decrease in infectious causes and an increase in idiopathic causes.