bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improved blood utilization using real‐time clinical decision support
Authors: Goodnough Lawrence T. , Shieh Lisa , Hadhazy Eric , Cheng Nathalie , Khari Paul , Maggio Paul 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundWe analyzed blood utilization at Stanford Hospital and Clinics after implementing real‐time clinical decision support (CDS) and best practice alerts (BPAs) into physician order entry (POE) for blood transfusions.Study Design and MethodsA clinical effectiveness (CE) team developed consensus with a suggested transfusion threshold of a hemoglobin (Hb) level of 7 g/dL, or 8 g/dL for patients with acute coronary syndromes. The CDS was implemented in July 2010 and consisted of an interruptive BPA at POE, a link to relevant literature, and an “acknowledgment reason” for the blood order.ResultsThe percentage of blood ordered for patients whose most recent Hb level exceeded 8 g/dL ranged at baseline from 57% to 66%; from the education intervention by the CE team August 2009 to July 2010, the percentage decreased to a range of 52% to 56% (p = 0.01); and after implementation of CDS and BPA, by end of December 2010 the percentage of patients transfused outside the guidelines decreased to 35% (p = 0.02) and has subsequently remained below 30%. For the most recent interval, only 27% (767 of 2890) of transfusions occurred in patients outside guidelines. Comparing 2009 to 2012, despite an increase in annual case mix index from 1.952 to 2.026, total red blood cell (RBC) transfusions decreased by 7186 units, or 24%. The estimated net savings for RBC units (at $225/unit) in purchase costs for 2012 compared to 2009 was $1,616,750.ConclusionReal‐time CDS has significantly improved blood utilization. This system of concurrent review can be used by health care institutions, quality departments, and transfusion services to reduce blood transfusions.
Carboplatin versus alternating carboplatin and doxorubicin for the adjuvant treatment of canine appendicular osteosarcoma: a randomized, phaseIIItrial
Authors: Skorupski K. A. , Uhl J. M. , Szivek A. , Allstadt Frazier S. D. , Rebhun R. B. , Rodriguez C. O. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractDespite numerous published studies describing adjuvant chemotherapy for canine appendicular osteosarcoma, there is no consensus as to the optimal chemotherapy protocol. The purpose of this study was to determine whether either of two protocols would be associated with longer disease‐free interval (DFI) in dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma following amputation. Dogs with histologically confirmed appendicular osteosarcoma that were free of gross metastases and underwent amputation were eligible for enrollment. Dogs were randomized to receive either six doses of carboplatin or three doses each of carboplatin and doxorubicin on an alternating schedule. Fifty dogs were included. Dogs receiving carboplatin alone had a significantly longer DFI (425 versus 135 days) than dogs receiving alternating carboplatin and doxorubicin (P= 0.04). Toxicity was similar between groups. These results suggest that six doses of carboplatin may be associated superior DFI when compared to six total doses of carboplatin and doxorubicin.
Use of optimized aminotransferase methods in regulated preclinical studies
Authors: Tarrant Jacqueline , Meyer Denny , Katavolos Paula 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundThe serum activities of ALT and AST are key indicators of liver toxicity in the drug safety evaluation of laboratory animals and patients. To ensure that the full aminotransferase activity is measured, exogenous Pyridoxyl‐5‐Phosphate (P5P) cofactor is included in the assay reagent. Clinical pathology laboratories make a choice to use aminotransferase assays with or without the added P5P cofactor, and the impact of assay selection on safety assessment is not well understood.ObjectivesThe objective of this report was to investigate the effect of aminotransferase assay selection on the detection of liver toxicity based on a literature review.MethodsLiterature in public databases was searched using combinations of the search terms alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, pyridoxyl‐5‐phosphate, holoenzyme, apoenzyme, enzyme inhibition, artifact, clinical pathology, toxicology, and safety assessment. Regulations or guidance documents published by health authorities specifying clinical pathology evaluation in nonclinical and clinical safety studies of biopharmaceuticals, chemicals, and devices were also reviewed.ResultsAminotransferase testing is not standardized in safety assessment studies and consequently, laboratories use aminotransferase assays with or without P5P cofactor. Individual studies have demonstrated mean differences of approximately 10–20% in serum ALT activity in animal and human populations. The impact of aminotransferase testing without P5P on detection of toxicity and decision‐making in drug development has not been systematically evaluated.ConclusionsThe use of different assays for measuring aminotransferase activity contributes to the variability in data between laboratories and studies. Standardizing aminotransferase assays is an avenue for improving the diagnostic performance in drug safety evaluation.
A case in Europe of feline histoplasmosis apparently limited to the skin
Authors: Fischer Nina M. , Favrot Claude , Monod Michel , Grest Paula , Rech Katia , Wilhelm Sylvia 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundHistoplasma capsulatum has a worldwide distribution, but reports in Europe remain rare. We present the second report of histoplasmosis in a cat in Europe and, to the best of our knowledge, the first case of feline histoplasmosis infection apparently limited to the skin.Case reportA 6‐year‐old male castrated outdoor cat was presented to the dermatology service with a history of skin lesions evolving over 1 month and consisting of multiple papules and nodules on the head and neck. General examination was unremarkable. Cytological examination of the ulcerated nodules revealed a pyogranulomatous infiltrate, with numerous macrophages containing oval yeast‐like cells, 2–5 μm in size, with a central, lightly basophilic core surrounded by a clear halo. A tentative diagnosis of fungal infection was made, and skin biopsy specimens were taken. Histological examination confirmed the cytology findings, and Grocott staining showed numerous organisms suggestive of Histoplasma within macrophages. Thoracic radiographs, abdominal ultrasound and routine laboratory testing were unremarkable. Fungal culture of a nodule was negative. PCR of total DNA extracted from the infected tissue and subsequent sequencing confirmed the diagnosis of H. capsulatum var. capsulatum. Surgical excision of the other nodules was performed, and the cat was treated with oral itraconazole 5 mg/kg once daily; 12 weeks after initial consultation, no lesions were visible. No recurrence was observed during an 8 month follow‐up period.Conclusions and clinical importanceHistoplasmosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of nodular diseases of cats worldwide.
Evaluation of a New German blood donor questionnaire
Authors: Sümnig A. , Lembcke H. , Weber H. , Deitenbeck R. , Greffin K. , Bux J. , Greinacher A. 
Published: October 2013

Background and ObjectivesIn Germany, blood donors must complete a donor history questionnaire (DHQ). In 2011, a new standardized DHQ for Germany was proposed which included questions about sexual risk behaviour that raised concerns about acceptance by donors.Materials and MethodsWe assessed the acceptability and ease of use of the new DHQ in two German donor populations, by asking the donors to complete a paper survey evaluating the design and clarity of the questions of the new DHQ with a focus on the questions addressing sexual risk behaviour.ResultsIn Greifswald, 2000 donors (mean age 32 ± 12 years) participated, and in Hagen 2088 donors (mean age 48 ± 14 years). Ratings between the two populations showed only minor differences. Donors reported that the questions in the new DHQ were understandable and clearly structured. Perception of comfort level with questions addressing sexual risk behaviour differed significantly depending on donor characteristics such as age, gender and educational level. Overall, the new DHQ seems to deter approximately 5% of potential donors from blood donation.ConclusionThe new DHQ was acceptable to the vast majority of donors. Potential donors who were older, male gender and less educated were most at risk of refusing to donate and may benefit from educational interventions.
Blood donation by African migrants and refugees in Australia: the role of demographic and socio‐economic factors
Authors: McQuilten Z. , Waters N. , Polonsky M. , Renzaho A. 
Published: October 2013

Background and ObjectivesTo establish blood donation rates among African refugees and migrants and identify demographic and socio‐economic factors that are associated with their blood donation.Materials and MethodsA cross‐sectional survey of 425 migrants and refugees living in Victoria and South Australia was used to assess blood donation status. The association between blood donation and demographic and socio‐economic factors was assessed using multiple logistic regression analysis.ResultsOverall, 73 participants (17·2%; 95% CI: 13·6–20·8) reported having donated blood previously. Of the total sample, 2·4% (95% CI: 0·9–3·8) reported having given blood in Australia; 12·9% (95% CI: 9·7–16·1) had given blood prior to migration to Australia (i.e. country of birth or transition); and 1·9% (95% CI: 0·6–3·2) indicated they had given blood in an unspecified country. In the univariate model, age, country of birth, blood donation knowledge, religion, educational attainment, migration and employment status were all associated with blood donation status. However, in the multivariate model, only age >45 years (odds ratio [OR] 5·72; 95% CI 2·11–15·46), African region of origin (OR 15·89; 95% CI 3·89–65) and blood donation knowledge (OR 4·46; 95% CI 1·57–12·7) were associated with blood donation.ConclusionsIn order to increase the number of blood donors among African migrants, promoting knowledge and awareness of issues associated with blood donation in Australia should be emphasized. Consideration should be given to identifying these potential migrant donors to improve the availability of compatible blood for patients of African descent.
Longer storage of red blood cells is associated with increased in vitro erythrophagocytosis
Authors: Veale M. F. , Healey G. , Sparrow R. L. 
Published: October 2013

Background and ObjectivesRefrigerated storage of red blood cells (RBCs) induces numerous changes that may target the cells for erythrophagocytosis following transfusion. The influence of storage upon the phagocytosis of unseparated and fractionated young and old stored RBCs was investigated using two in vitro quantitative phagocytosis assays.Materials and MethodsLeucocyte‐depleted RBC units were sampled at day 1 or 42 of storage. Young and old RBCs were fractionated at day 1 by density centrifugation and stored in paediatric packs for up to 42 days. RBCs were labelled with the fluorescent dye PKH26 and incubated with the human monocytic cell line THP‐1. Erythrophagocytosis was quantified by flow cytometry and plate fluorometric assays.ResultsA higher proportion of THP‐1 cells phagocytosed RBCs stored for 42 days compared with 1 day (41% and 24% respectively; P < 0·0001). This was associated with an increased mean number of RBCs phagocytosed per THP‐1 cell (5·2 ± 0·6 and 3·3 ± 0·2 respectively; P < 0·002). Erythrophagocytosis of fractionated young and old RBCs increased with longer storage duration up to 28 days (P < 0·05). However, no significant differences were observed between erythrophagocytosis of young and old RBCs.ConclusionThe susceptibility of stored RBCs to erythrophagocytosis significantly increased with longer storage time of the RBC units. Storage duration of RBCs had a greater influence on in vitro erythrophagocytosis than the chronological age of the RBCs at donation.
Comparison of river and canal water dissolved organic matter fluorescence within an urbanised catchment
Authors: Carstea Elfrida M. , Baker Andy , Savastru Roxana 
Published: October 2013

AbstractRecently, growing interest has been shown in the study of canal water quality, yet no research using continuous fluorescence monitoring to characterise dissolved organic matter (DOM) has been performed. This paper evaluated DOM characteristics at hourly resolution. A comparison was made between canal and nearby urban river fluorescence spectra, to emphasise the specific nature of canal water DOM. Results showed that canal water had a significant proportion of microbially derived DOM, while the urban river had a greater proportion of terrestrially derived fractions. The microbial character of canal water DOM originated from the low flow of water, the nutrients predominance and continuous DOM processing. Hence, DOM fluorescence is invariant over a timescale of days, and recreational navigation and precipitation events have no major influence on DOM characteristics. Our results are expected to be applicable to future research on highly regulated freshwater systems for DOM quantity estimation or for water quality models.
Distribution of herbicide‐resistant acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase alleles in Lolium rigidum across grain cropping areas of South Australia
Authors: Malone J M , Boutsalis P , Baker J , Preston C 
Published: October 2013

SummaryResistance to the acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase (ACCase)‐inhibiting herbicides in Lolium rigidum is widespread in grain cropping areas of South Australia. To better understand the occurrence and spread of resistance to these herbicides and how it has changed with time, the carboxyl transferase (CT) domain of the ACCase gene from resistant L. rigidum plants, collected from both random surveys of the mid‐north of Southern Australia over 10 years as well as stratified surveys in individual fields, was sequenced and target site mutations characterised. Amino acid substitutions occurring as a consequence of these target site mutations, at seven positions in the ACCase gene previously correlated with herbicide resistance, were identified in c. 80% of resistant individuals, indicating target site mutation is a common mechanism of resistance in L. rigidum to this herbicide mode of action. Individuals containing multiple amino acid substitutions (two, and in two cases, three substitutions) were also found. Substitutions at position 2041 occurred at the highest frequency in all years of the large area survey, while substitutions at position 2078 were most common in the single farm analysis. This study has shown that target site mutations leading to amino acid substitutions in ACCase of L. rigidum are widespread across South Australia and that these mutations have likely evolved independently in different locations. The results indicate that seed movement, both within and between fields, may contribute to the spread of resistance in a single field. However, over a large area, the independent appearance and selection of target site mutations conferring resistance through herbicide use is the most important factor.
A Systematic Review of Reviews of Behavioral Interventions to Promote Condom Use
Authors: von Sadovszky Victoria , Draudt Breana , Boch Samantha 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTBackgroundSexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major public health problem. Realistically, condom use is still the primary means to prevent STIs. Because many behavioral intervention studies have been performed to increase condom use across multiple populations and many reviews have been done, a review of all these reviews is warranted.AimsThe purpose of this paper is to examine Level I evidence of behavioral intervention studies to promote condom use. The purpose of this evidence‐based practice (EBP) review is to examine the evidence and determine: (a) if behavioral interventions are effective; and (b) if they are, what are the common characteristics of successful interventions that need to be implemented in practice.MethodsA systematic search for literature was conducted in the following databases: Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), MEDLINE, PubMed, and Psychological and Behavioral Sciences Collection. The following parameters were used for the search: (a) a meta‐analysis or level 1 synthesis of literature containing only intervention (randomized control trials or quasi‐experimental) studies; (b) peer‐reviewed journals; (c) published in the past 10 years (2002–2012); (d) had adolescents or adults as the sample (13–44 years of age); and (e) were published in English.ResultsBehavioral interventions were effective in promoting condom use and other safer sexual practices and reducing STIs. They were not effective in promoting abstinence. Tailoring to certain characteristics of the population and including skills building exercises were primary characteristics in the successful interventionsImplicationsThere is a preponderance of evidence that behavioral interventions do promote condom use and reduce STIs across diverse groups of individuals. Clinicians can use these interventions with confidence in practice.
A Survey of U.S. Obstetrician‐Gynecologists' Clinical and Epidemiological Knowledge of Cryptosporidiosis in Pregnancy
Authors: Domjahn B. T. , Hlavsa M. C. , Anderson B. , Schulkin J. , Leon J. , Jones J. L. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryAlthough cryptosporidiosis is frequently diagnosed in the U.S., there has been very little assessment of obstetrician–gynaecologist knowledge about this disease. In 2010, we surveyed U.S. obstetricians about the diagnosis, treatment and epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis. Data were examined through univariable analysis and multivariable regression models. Of 1000 obstetrician–gynaecologists surveyed, 431 (43.1%) responded. Only 44.4% of respondents correctly identified that prolonged, intermittent diarrhoea would lead them to consider cryptosporidiosis in a differential diagnosis. Routine ova and parasites (O&P) testing was incorrectly chosen to identify Cryptosporidium in stool by 30.4% of respondents. Questions about nitazoxanide, the only drug approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of cryptosporidiosis, were the most frequently missed questions. Only 9.0% of respondents correctly classified nitazoxanide as an FDA pregnancy Category B drug, and only 5.6% of respondents correctly indicated that FDA approved nitazoxanide for immunocompetent patients aged ≥1 years. Regarding prevention‐ and control‐related knowledge, only 14.1% of respondents correctly indicated that alcohol‐based hand sanitizers were not effective at inactivating Cryptosporidium spp., and <10% correctly indicated that cryptosporidiosis is a reportable disease in their state of practice. Multivariable analysis found that ≥19 years in practice was positively associated with O&P diagnostic testing knowledge, while rural and urban non‐inner city practice location, compared with suburban practice location, was positively associated with nitazoxanide knowledge. The low level of knowledge among obstetrician–gynaecologists about cryptosporidiosis indicates a need to develop resources for physicians about all aspects of cryptosporidiosis, particularly on diagnosis, treatment and prevention strategies.
Oblique reconstructions in tomosynthesis. II. Super‐resolution
Authors: Acciavatti Raymond J. , Maidment Andrew D. A. 
Published: October 2013

Purpose:In tomosynthesis, super‐resolution has been demonstrated using reconstruction planes parallel to the detector. Super‐resolution allows for subpixel resolution relative to the detector. The purpose of this work is to develop an analytical model that generalizes super‐resolution to oblique reconstruction planes.Methods:In a digital tomosynthesis system, a sinusoidal test object is modeled along oblique angles (i.e., “pitches”) relative to the plane of the detector in a 3D divergent‐beam acquisition geometry. To investigate the potential for super‐resolution, the input frequency is specified to be greater than the alias frequency of the detector. Reconstructions are evaluated in an oblique plane along the extent of the object using simple backprojection (SBP) and filtered backprojection (FBP). By comparing the amplitude of the reconstruction against the attenuation coefficient of the object at various frequencies, the modulation transfer function (MTF) is calculated to determine whether modulation is within detectable limits for super‐resolution. For experimental validation of super‐resolution, a goniometry stand was used to orient a bar pattern phantom along various pitches relative to the breast support in a commercial digital breast tomosynthesis system.Results:Using theoretical modeling, it is shown that a single projection image cannot resolve a sine input whose frequency exceeds the detector alias frequency. The high frequency input is correctly visualized in SBP or FBP reconstruction using a slice along the pitch of the object. The Fourier transform of this reconstructed slice is maximized at the input frequency as proof that the object is resolved. Consistent with the theoretical results, experimental images of a bar pattern phantom showed super‐resolution in oblique reconstructions. At various pitches, the highest frequency with detectable modulation was determined by visual inspection of the bar patterns. The dependency of the highest detectable frequency on pitch followed the same trend as the analytical model. It was demonstrated that super‐resolution is not achievable if the pitch of the object approaches 90°, corresponding to the case in which the test frequency is perpendicular to the breast support. Only low frequency objects are detectable at pitches close to 90°.Conclusions:This work provides a platform for investigating super‐resolution in oblique reconstructions for tomosynthesis. In breast imaging, this study should have applications in visualizing microcalcifications and other subtle signs of cancer.