bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Myelodysplastic syndrome incidence, transfusion dependence, health care use, and complications: an Australian population‐based study 1998 to 2008
Authors: McQuilten Zoe K. , Polizzotto Mark N. , Wood Erica M. , Sundararajan Vijaya 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundWe investigated the incidence of myelodysplasia (MDS), its transfusion requirements, and complications of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion dependence (TD) using a hospitalization data set from a population of 5.3 million.Study Design and MethodsThis study was a retrospective cohort analysis of a population data set that captures diagnostic and procedure data on all hospitalizations from more than 300 hospitals within the Australian state of Victoria from 1998 to 2008.ResultsThere were 3149 incident cases of MDS. The age‐standardized incidence rate was higher than reported from local cancer registries (for 2007 9.6 per 100,000 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 9.2‐10.0] vs. 4.8). Median age was 79 years, 56.3% were males, and 34.6% were TD‐MDS. Overall number of hospitalizations with transfusion increased over the study period, but not median transfusion episodes per patient. TD‐MDS was associated with new diagnoses of congestive heart failure (CHF; incident rate ratio [IRR], 1.92; 95% CI, 1.41‐2.60), but not diabetes (IRR, 1.29; 95% CI, 0.54‐3.04) or liver disease (IRR, 1.91; 95% CI, 0.63‐5.78). TD‐MDS was associated with bacterial (IRR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.37‐2.24) and fungal infections (IRR, 3.13; 95% CI, 1.70‐5.75) and leukemia (relative risk [RR], 1.42; 95% CI, 1.07‐1.88) and sepsis as cause of death (RR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.03‐1.47) but not CHF (RR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.71‐1.32).ConclusionThere was a higher incidence of MDS compared with that reported by cancer registries. Overall hospitalizations increased over the study period with no change in transfusion episodes per patient. There were more incident cases of CHF and infections in TD‐MDS; however, CHF was not a more frequent cause of death.
Extracorporeal photopheresis for the treatment of acute and chronic graft‐versus‐host disease in adults and children: best practice recommendations from an Italian Society of Hemapheresis and Cell Manipulation (SIdEM) and Italian Group for Bone Marrow Transplantation (GITMO) consensus process
Authors: Pierelli Luca , Perseghin Paolo , Marchetti Monia , Messina Chiara , Perotti Cesare , Mazzoni Alessandro , Bacigalupo Andrea , Locatelli Franco , Carlier Paolo , Bosi Alberto ,   Società Italiana di Emaferesi and Manipolazione Cellulare (SIdEM) and Gruppo Italiano Trapianto Midollo Osseo (GITMO)
Published: January 2013

BackgroundExtracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is an effective treatment for both acute and chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) in children and adults. Despite the large use of this treatment, a large heterogeneity in current application of ECP has been reported so far and recent evidence brought novel issues into some specific topics. Consensus‐based recommendations ameliorate the appropriateness in daily clinical practice and, in turn, optimize the use of health care resources.Study Design and MethodsTwo Italian scientific societies, the Italian Society of Hemapheresis and Cell Manipulation (SIdEM) and the Italian Group for Bone Marrow Transplantation (GITMO), joined to develop and disseminate recommendations on appropriate application of ECP treatment in patients with GVHD. Accordingly, SIdEM and GITMO named an expert panel that first selected 16 questions that were considered relevant for clinical practice: the questions were subsequently addressed through a revision of the available literature and in consensus meetings. The whole group discussed the proposed recommendations according to the nominal group technique.ResultsThe above‐described approach in turn allowed the panel to agree on 47 practice recommendations. SIdEM and GITMO will disseminate such recommendations to the national transplant centers.ConclusionIn conclusion, SIdEM and GITMO have made a scientific effort to provide a useful tool to physicians involved in the field, thus supporting daily clinical practice, as well as strategic decisions in the setting of ECP treatment of GVHD.
Ascertainment of iron deficiency and depletion in blood donors through screening questions for pica and restless legs syndrome
Authors: Bryant Barbara J. , Yau Yu Ying , Arceo Sarah M. , Hopkins Julie A. , Leitman Susan F. 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundPica and restless legs syndrome (RLS) are associated with iron depletion and deficiency. The presence of pica and RLS was prospectively assessed in blood donors.Study Design and MethodsDuring a 39‐month period, 1236 donors deferred for fingerstick hemoglobin (Hb) level of less than 12.5 g/dL and 400 nondeferred “control” donors underwent health screening and laboratory testing (complete blood count, ferritin, iron, transferrin). Pica and RLS were assessed by direct questioning. Deferred donors and iron‐deficient control donors were given 325 mg of ferrous sulfate daily for 60 days. Reassessments were performed and additional iron tablets dispensed at subsequent visits.ResultsPica was reported in 11% of donors with iron depletion or deficiency, compared with 4% of iron‐replete donors (p < 0.0001). Pagophagia (ice pica) was most common and often of extraordinary intensity. Female sex, younger age, and lower mean cell volume and transferrin saturation values were strongly associated with pica. Donors with pica given iron reported a marked reduction in the desire to consume the nonnutritive substance by Days 5 to 8 of therapy, with disappearance of symptoms by Days 10 to 14. RLS was reported in 16% of subjects with iron depletion or deficiency compared with 11% of iron‐replete donors (p = 0.012). Iron replacement generally resulted in improvement of RLS symptoms; however, at least 4 to 6 weeks of iron therapy was necessary.ConclusionThe presence of pica is associated with a high probability of iron depletion or deficiency in blood donors; however, RLS lacks a strong correlation in this population. Screening questions for pagophagia may be useful in the ascertainment of iron deficiency in donors and may identify those who would benefit from oral iron.
An analysis of risk factors for human immunodeficiency virus infection among Chinese blood donors
Authors: Wang Jingxing , Liu Jing , Huang Yi , Yang Tonghan , Yao Fuzhu , Dong Xiangdong , Wen Guoxin , Bi Xinhong , Zhao Mingjiang , Wen Xiuqiong , Huang Mei , Lü Yunlai , Ma Hongli , Yu Qilu , Wright David , Guo Nan , Ness Paul , Shan Hua ,   National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study‐II (REDS‐II), International Component
Published: January 2013

BackgroundInformation regarding the risk factors for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among Chinese donors is important for understanding the trend of HIV transmission routes and for developing effective donor behavioral screening policies.Study Design and MethodsIn 2009 to 2011, a total of 77 HIV‐positive and 649 HIV‐negative consented donors who screened nonreactive for hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, syphilis, and alanine aminotransferase in four Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study‐II Chinese regions received and completed a questionnaire by mail regarding their recent and past medical procedures, drug use, and sexual behaviors, etc. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses grouped questions into three risk factors. Multivariable logistic regression analysis examined the relationship between risk factors and HIV status adjusting for center, age, sex, and education.ResultsThe three risk factors were test‐seeking tendency, medical‐related risks, and behavioral risks. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, greater test‐seeking tendency and behavioral risks were associated with HIV infection, with the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) being 2.2 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2‐4.1) and 3.8 (95% CI, 1.8‐7.9), respectively, but medical risks were not (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.6‐2.2). In comparison to less high school education, high school and more education was associated with lower risks for HIV infection, with the ORs being 0.35 (95% CI, 0.17‐0.70) and 0.17 (95% CI, 0.09‐0.33), respectively.ConclusionsTest‐seeking tendency and high‐risk sexual behaviors are important predictors of HIV infection in Chinese blood donors, suggesting that the health history inquiry used in donor selection process needs improvement to defer high‐risk donors more effectively.
Lot‐to‐lot variability in HLA antibody screening using a multiplexed bead‐based assay
Authors: Gandhi Manish J. , Carrick Danielle M. , Jenkins Sarah , De Goey Steven , Ploeger Nancy A. , Wilson Gregory A. , Lee Jar How , Winters Jeffrey L. , Stubbs James R. , Toy Pearl , Norris Philip J. ,   National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Specialized Center of Clinically Oriented Research (SCCOR) TRALI Study and Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study‐II (REDS‐II)
Published: January 2013

BackgroundIdentifying antibodies to HLA (anti‐HLA) by solid‐phase assays is used to screen blood donors to mitigate transfusion‐related acute lung injury risk. Various cutoffs for detection assays have been proposed in the literature; however, these do not take into consideration lot‐to‐lot variability of commercially available assays.Study Design and MethodsSamples from 93 nontransfused males were tested using five different lots of a multiplex bead‐based anti‐HLA detection kit. A subset of 17 samples was tested on 5 days using a single lot. An additional 96 samples from donations with varied anti‐HLA levels were tested using kits from two different lots. Results were reported as a normalized background (NBG) ratio.ResultsFor the 93 nontransfused donors, NBG values generated using the reference lot were significantly higher than those obtained with three of the four comparator lots. However, for the 96 samples with low‐, moderate‐, and higher‐level anti‐HLA, Class I (CL‐I) values were 1.4 times lower and Class II (CL‐II) values were 1.2 times lower using the reference versus comparator lot. For CL‐I antibodies the between‐lot standard deviation (SD) was 1.36 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19‐1.60), while the between‐day SD was 1.27 (95% CI, 1.08‐1.52). Similarly, for CL‐II antibodies the between‐lot SD was 0.81 (95% CI, 0.70‐0.95), while the between‐day SD was 0.50 (95% CI, 0.43‐0.60).ConclusionsThere is interlot variability in the tested HLA detection assay as well as significant bias between lots. It may be reasonable to develop a new cutoff when a new lot is obtained.
Involvement of the dorsomedial hypothalamus and the nucleus tractus solitarii in chronic cardiovascular changes associated with anxiety in rats
Authors: Sévoz‐Couche Caroline , Brouillard Charly , Camus Françoise , Laude Dominique , De Boer Sietse F. , Becker Chrystel , Benoliel Jean‐Jacques 
Published: January 2013

Key pointsAnxiety disorders reduce both the heart rate variability (HRV) and the sensitivity of the cardiac baroreflex (BRS). This may lead to sudden cardiac death.To elucidate the mechanisms underlying these alterations, male rats were subjected to social defeat sessions that lead to an anxiety‐like state.In this model, HRV and BRS were reduced, reflex of a shift of the autonomic balance towards sympathetic predominance.Pharmacological blockade of the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH) reversed all cardiovascular alterations, whereas blockade of the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) 5‐HT3receptor by the local or systemic administration of granisetron restored only baroreflex gains and the parasympathetic component of HRV.In conclusion, repeated social defeat in the rat leads to an anxiety‐like state, in which the DMH and the NTS are chronically activated and are responsible for dysautonomia. These regions may constitute new targets against sudden cardiac death.Abstract Anxiety disorders in humans reduce both the heart rate variability (HRV) and the sensitivity of the cardiac baroreflex (BRS). Both may contribute to sudden death. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying these alterations, male rats were subjected to social defeat sessions on four consecutive days. Five days later, the rats were found to be in an anxiety‐like state. At this time point, we analysed HRV and BRS in the defeated rats, with or without treatment with the anxiolytic chlordiazepoxide (CDZ). HRV was reduced after social defeat, due to changes in the autonomic balance favouring the sympathetic over the parasympathetic component. Spontaneous and pharmacological baroreflex gains were also reduced. CDZ abolished anxiety‐like symptoms as well as HRV and BRS alterations. Inhibition of the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH) with muscimol reversed all cardiovascular alterations, whereas blockade of the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) 5‐HT3receptor by the local or systemic administration of granisetron restored only baroreflex gains and the parasympathetic component of HRV. In conclusion, repeated social defeat in the rat lead to an anxiety‐like state that was associated with lasting reduction in HRV and baroreflex gains. The DMH and the NTS were responsible for these chronic cardiovascular alterations. These regions may therefore constitute new therapeutic targets for reducing cardiac dysfunction and fibrillation in anxiety disorders.
Impact of Host Membrane Pore Formation by the Yersinia pseudotuberculosis Type III Secretion System on the Macrophage Innate Immune Response
Authors: Kwuan Laura , Adams Walter , Auerbuch Victoria 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT

Type III secretion systems (T3SSs) are used by Gram-negative pathogens to form pores in host membranes and deliver virulence-associated effector proteins inside host cells. In pathogenic
Yersinia
, the T3SS pore-forming proteins are YopB and YopD. Mammalian cells recognize the
Yersinia
T3SS, leading to a host response that includes secretion of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Toll-like receptor (TLR)-independent expression of the stress-associated transcription factor Egr1 and the inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and host cell death. The known
Yersinia
T3SS effector proteins are dispensable for eliciting these responses, but YopB is essential. Three models describe how the
Yersinia
T3SS might trigger inflammation: (i) mammalian cells sense YopBD-mediated pore formation, (ii) innate immune stimuli gain access to the host cytoplasm through the YopBD pore, and/or (iii) the YopB-YopD translocon itself or its membrane insertion is proinflammatory. To test these models, we constructed a
Yersinia pseudotuberculosis
mutant expressing YopD devoid of its predicted transmembrane domain (YopD
ΔTM
) and lacking the T3SS cargo proteins YopHEMOJTN. This mutant formed pores in macrophages, but it could not mediate translocation of effector proteins inside host cells. Importantly, this mutant did not elicit rapid host cell death, IL-1β secretion, or TLR-independent Egr1 and TNF-α expression. These data suggest that YopBD-mediated translocation of unknown T3SS cargo leads to activation of host pathways influencing inflammation, cell death, and response to stress. As the YopD
ΔTM
Y. pseudotuberculosis
mutant formed somewhat smaller pores with delayed kinetics, an alternative model is that the wild-type YopB-YopD translocon is specifically sensed by host cells.
Helicobacter pylori-Induced Disruption of Monolayer Permeability and Proinflammatory Cytokine Secretion in Polarized Human Gastric Epithelial Cells
Authors: Fiorentino Maria , Ding Hua , Blanchard Thomas G. , Czinn Steven J. , Sztein Marcelo B. , Fasano Alessio 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT

Helicobacter pylori
infection of the stomach is related to the development of diverse gastric pathologies. The ability of
H. pylori
to compromise epithelial junctional complexes and to induce proinflammatory cytokines is believed to contribute to pathogenesis. The purpose of this study was to use an
in vitro
human gastric epithelial model to investigate the ability of
H. pylori
to affect permeability and the extent and polarity of the host inflammatory response. NCI-N87 monolayers were cocultured with live or heat-killed
H. pylori
or culture supernatants. Epithelial barrier function was measured by transepithelial electric resistance (TEER) analysis, diffusion of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled markers, and immunostaining for tight junction proteins. Supernatants from both apical and basolateral chambers were tested for cytokine production by multiplex analysis.
H. pylori
caused a significant decrease in TEER, an increased passage of markers through the infected monolayer, and severe disruption and mislocalization of ZO-1 and claudin-1 proteins. Cell viability was not altered by
H. pylori
, indicating that loss of barrier function could be attributed to a breakdown of tight junction integrity. Significantly high levels of cytokine secretion were induced by either viable or heat-killed
H. pylori
.
H. pylori
affects monolayer permeability of polarized human gastric epithelial cells. Proinflammatory cytokines were secreted in a polarized manner, mostly basolaterally. Live bacteria are required for disruption of tight junctions but not for the induction of cytokine secretion. The NCI-N87 cell line provides an excellent model for the
in vitro
study of
H. pylori
pathogenesis and the epithelial cell host response to infection.
A pilot study of rapid whole-genome sequencing for the investigation of aLegionellaoutbreak
Authors: Reuter Sandra , Harrison Timothy G , Köser Claudio U , Ellington Matthew J , Smith Geoffrey P , Parkhill Julian , Peacock Sharon J , Bentley Stephen D , Török M Estée 
Published: January 2013

ObjectivesEpidemiological investigations of Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks rely on the rapid identification and typing of clinical and environmentalLegionellaisolates in order to identify and control the source of infection. Rapid bacterial whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is an emerging technology that has the potential to rapidly discriminate outbreak from non-outbreak isolates in a clinically relevant time frame.MethodsWe performed a pilot study to determine the feasibility of using bacterial WGS to differentiate outbreak from non-outbreak isolates collected during an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease. SevenLegionellaisolates (three clinical and four environmental) were obtained from the reference laboratory and sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq platform at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge. Bioinformatic analysis was performed blinded to the epidemiological data at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute.ResultsWe were able to distinguish outbreak from non-outbreak isolates using bacterial WGS, and to confirm the probable environmental source. Our analysis also highlighted constraints, which were the small number ofLegionella pneumophilaisolates available for sequencing, and the limited number of published genomes for comparison.ConclusionsWe have demonstrated the feasibility of using rapid WGS to investigate an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease. Future work includes building larger genomic databases ofL pneumophilafrom both clinical and environmental sources, developing automated data interpretation software, and conducting a cost–benefit analysis of WGS versus current typing methods.
Spatial variation of salt intake in Britain and association with socioeconomic status
Authors: Ji Chen , Kandala Ngianga-Bakwin , Cappuccio Francesco P 
Published: January 2013

ObjectivesTo evaluate spatial effects of variation and social determinants of salt intake in Britain.DesignCross-sectional survey.SettingGreat Britain.Participants2105 white male and female participants, aged 19–64 years, from the British National Diet and Nutrition Survey 2000–2001.Primary outcomesParticipants’ sodium intake measured both with a 7-day dietary record and a 24-h urine collection. By accounting for important linear and non-linear risk factors and spatial effects, the geographical difference and spatial patterns of both dietary sodium intake and 24-h urinary sodium were investigated using Bayesian geo-additive models via Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulations.ResultsA significant north–south pattern of sodium intake was found from posterior probability maps after controlling for important sociodemographic factors. Participants living in Scotland had a significantly higher dietary sodium intake and 24-h urinary sodium levels. Significantly higher sodium intake was also found in people with the lowest educational attainment (dietary sodium: coeff. 0.157 (90% credible intervals 0.003, 0.319), urinary sodium: 0.149 (0.024, 0.281)) and in manual occupations (urinary sodium: 0.083 (0.004, 0.160)). These coefficients indicate approximately a 5%, 9% and 4% difference in average sodium intake between socioeconomic groups.ConclusionsPeople living in Scotland had higher salt intake than those in England and Wales. Measures of low socioeconomic position were associated with higher levels of sodium intake, after allowing for geographic location.
Cognitive appraisals, objectivity and coping in ambulance workers: a pilot study
Authors: Shepherd Laura , Wild Jennifer 
Published: January 2013

ObjectivesAmbulance workers are regularly exposed to call-outs, which are potentially psychologically traumatic. The ability to remain objective and make adaptive appraisals during call-outs may be beneficial to this at-risk population. This pilot study investigated the links between cognitive appraisals, objectivity and coping in ambulance workers.MethodsForty-five ambulance workers from the London Ambulance Service, UK, were studied. Trauma exposure, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression symptoms were assessed using self-report measures. Positive and negative appraisals were measured in relation to two previous call-outs: one during which they coped well and one during which they did not.ResultsEnhanced coping was associated with making more positive appraisals during the call-out. Better coping was also related to greater levels of objectivity during these call-outs. Coping less well was associated with the use of more negative appraisals during the call-out.ConclusionsAmbulance workers may benefit from psychological interventions, which focus on cognitive reappraisal and enhancing objectivity to improve coping and resilience.