bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soil organic carbon as affected by land use in young and old reclaimed regions of a coastal estuary wetland, China
Authors: Bai J. , Xiao R. , Zhang K. , Gao H. , Cui B. , Liu X. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractSoil organic carbon (SOC) and selected soil properties were measured in fringe and ditch marshes and cropland of old and young reclaimed areas in a subtropical estuary in China in order to investigate the effects of land use and reclamation history on SOC. The results show that after the conversion of wetlands to cropland, a longer reclamation history (>20 yr) resulted in greater soil bulk density, salinity, clay and silt, and lower soil moisture, SOC and sand content, whereas a shorter reclamation history (<20 yr) induced smaller values for soil pH, moisture and sand. Ditch marshes had greater average SOC in the top 50 cm than fringe marshes and cropland. SOC decreased generally down soil profiles from 0 to 50 cm in depth, except for the obvious accumulation of SOC in deeper soils from old fringe and young ditch marshes. Ditch marshes had the greatest SOC densities in the top 50 cm in both regions compared to the other land uses. SOC densities in the top 50 cm were less in croplands than in fringe marshes in the young region, while there were no significant differences between them in the older one. Except for cropland, SOC densities in the top 50 cm of the fringe or ditch marshes in the old region were not significantly different from those in the young region. SOC in both regions was reduced by 13.53 × 104 t (12.98%) in the top 50 cm of the marshes after conversion to cropland, whereas the regional SOC storage increased by 29.25 t when ditch marshes were included. The results from regression analysis show that bulk density and soil moisture significantly influenced SOC. The total SOC stored in both ditch marshes and croplands was higher compared to fringe marshes. The regional SOC storage in the top 50 cm was not reduced after reclamation due to C accumulation in the ditch marshes. The regional effects of cultural practices should be taken into account in devising strategies for managing soils in coastal wetlands, particularly in the developing world.
Blood transfusions and the subsequent risk of cancers in the United States elderly
Authors: Riedl Regina , Engels Eric A. , Warren Joan L. , Berghold Andrea , Ricker Winnie , Pfeiffer Ruth M. 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundBlood transfusions are common in older adults and also may modulate the immune system. However, the impact of transfusion on cancer risk in the elderly has not been studied.Study Design and MethodsCancer risk after blood transfusion was evaluated in a US population‐based case–control study using 552,951 elderly cases identified from cancer registries and 100,000 frequency‐matched controls. Transfusions received 0 to 12, 13 to 30, and 31 to 48 months before cancer diagnosis or selection date were identified using Medicare claims. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using logistic regression models. A Bonferroni correction adjusted for multiple testing.ResultsTransfusions received 0 to 12 months before cancer diagnosis and/or selection were associated with significantly elevated risk of cancer overall (OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.95‐2.16) and cancer of the stomach; cancer of the colon; cancer of the liver, kidney, renal pelvis, and/or ureter; lymphoma; myeloma; and leukemia. No significant associations for cancer overall were observed for the two earlier intervals. No site was associated with transfusions received 13 to 30 or 31 to 48 months before diagnosis and/or selection. Nonetheless, overall cancer risk increased with the number of transfused periods (p‐trend < 0.0001).ConclusionRisk of overall cancer and specific sites was elevated 0 to 12 months after blood transfusion and associated with multiple transfusions, possibly due to reverse causation, that is, incipient cancers or cancer precursors causing anemia.
Recovery, safety, and tolerability of a solvent/detergent‐treated and prion‐safeguarded transfusion plasma in a randomized, crossover, clinical trial in healthy volunteers
Authors: Jilma‐Stohlawetz Petra , Kursten Friedrich W. , Horvath Michaela , Leitner Gerda , List Jana , Marcek Jana , Quehenberger Peter , Schwameis Michael , Bartko Johann , Derhaschnig Ulla , Jilma Bernd 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundOctaplas LG is a prion‐depleted version of a previous generation product called Octaplas S/D. We compared the recovery, safety, and tolerability of these two pharmaceutical‐grade plasmas.Study Design and MethodsIn this comparative, block‐randomized, open‐label, active‐controlled, crossover Phase I trial, 60 healthy adult volunteers received single transfusions of 1200 mL of parent product (in Period 1) and of the LG plasma product (in Period 2) or vice versa. In both periods, plasmapheresis (600 mL) preceded the transfusion. Blood samples were drawn before and after apheresis and 15 minutes, 2 hours, 24 hours, and 7 days after end of plasma transfusion, to assess recovery, safety, and tolerability. The primary efficacy endpoints were the changes in coagulation factors and hemostatic variables compared to baseline; their relative recovery was computed in the per‐protocol analysis (n = 43). Safety and tolerability were assessed (n = 60).ResultsVariations in coagulation factors and hemostatic variables over time were similar between the two treatments and within normal range; 90% confidence intervals for the derived recovery data were within predefined limits of equivalence. Both products were well tolerated. The advanced manufacturing process also significantly increased plasmin inhibitor concentrations after transfusion in vivo.ConclusionThe LG plasma product was bioequivalent to its predecessor with respect to recovery of clotting factors and demonstrated comparable safety and tolerability in healthy volunteers. Both products compensated well for the loss of clotting factors after apheresis (NCT01063595).
Viability of umbilical cord blood mononuclear cell subsets until 96 hours after collection
Authors: Pereira‐Cunha Fernanda G. , Duarte Adriana S.S. , Costa Fernando F. , Saad Sara T.O. , Lorand‐Metze Irene , Luzo Angela C.M. 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundUmbilical cord blood (UCB) is a good source of hematopoietic stem cells for transplantation and cell therapy. In 2006, the Brazilian Public Network of Cord Blood Banks was founded; however, because our country is large, logistic problems could hamper the collection of numerous samples. Our aim was to evaluate the viability of several UCB cell subsets until 96 hours after collection, to examine whether this delay would be acceptable for processing and freezing the samples.Study Design and MethodsTwo experiments were performed: in the first one, volume reduction of the UCB units was carried out before analysis. In the second one, analysis was carried out with no previous manipulation. Samples were stored at room temperature and one aliquot was taken daily for analysis. We examined CD34+ cell, B‐cell precursor, mature B and T lymphocyte, monocyte, granulocyte, and mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs) concentrations.ResultsThirty‐six UCB units were analyzed. CD34+ cells and mature T lymphocytes increased (viability 99%). Mature B lymphocytes and MSCs decreased, maintaining viability. Granulocytes decreased with loss of viability. Monocytes and immature B lymphocytes remained stable. Clonogenic assays showed a decrease in colony‐forming unit (CFU) number in UCB units stored for 96 hours.ConclusionUCB manipulation did not influence cell viability. All cell subsets remained viable until 96 hours after collection. CD34+ cells and T lymphocytes increased, probably due to the loss of other subsets. CFU growth during the period analyzed and confirmed stem cell functionality, despite the decrease at 96 hours. Results demonstrated that UCB units could probably be processed up to 96 hours after collection.
Storage of red blood cells affects membrane composition, microvesiculation, and in vitro quality
Authors: Almizraq Ruqayyah , Tchir Jayme D.R. , Holovati Jelena L. , Acker Jason P. 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundDuring storage detrimental biochemical and biomechanical changes occur within a red blood cell (RBC). RBC microparticles (RMPs) produced during storage have been identified as biomarkers of RBC quality, being potentially immunogenic and inhibitory to nitric oxide regulation.Study Design and MethodsIn this study, microvesiculation and changes in the composition of the RBC membrane were investigated throughout 49 days of storage and were correlated with in vitro assays examining membrane quality. Leukoreduced RBC units produced using the buffy coat method were collected and stored at 1 to 6°C and were tested weekly for hemolysis, osmotic fragility, deformability, ATP, hematologic indices, and morphology. Microvesiculation was assessed using multicolor flow cytometry. High‐performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry were used to determine the composition and quantity of phospholipids (PLs) and cholesterol (C) on Days 2 and 43.ResultsThe assessment of RBCs throughout storage revealed significant increases in percent hemolysis, while significant decreases in ATP concentrations, and the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration were observed. Flow cytometry analysis revealed a significant increase in the mean number of microparticles per microliter during storage. Throughout storage, significant decreases were identified in the amount of PLs and total lipids within the RBC membrane. No significant change in the amount of C in the RBC membrane was identified.ConclusionSignificant changes to the RBC membrane occur during storage. The length of storage will influence RMP generation, osmotic fragility, hemolysis, and changes in deformability. These changes in RBC in vitro quality may contribute to transfusion reactions and negative posttransfusion outcomes.
Iron and cardiac ischemia: a natural, quasi‐random experiment comparing eligible with disqualified blood donors (CME)
Authors: Germain Marc , Delage Gilles , Blais Claudia , Maunsell Elizabeth , Décary Francine , Grégoire Yves 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundThe theory that elevated iron stores can induce vascular injury and ischemia remains controversial. We conducted a cohort study of the effect of blood donation on the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) by taking advantage of the quasi‐random exclusion of donors who obtained a falsely reactive test for a transmissible disease (TD) marker.Study Design and MethodsWhole blood donors who were permanently disqualified because of a false‐reactive test between 1990 and 2007 in the province of Quebec were compared to donors who remained eligible, matched for baseline characteristics. The incidence of CHD after entry into the study was determined through hospitalization and death records. We compared eligible and disqualified donors using an “intention‐to‐treat” framework.ResultsOverall, 12,357 donors who were permanently disqualified were followed for 124,123 person‐years of observation, plus 50,889 donors who remained eligible (516,823 person‐years). On average, donors who remained eligible made 0.36 donation/year during follow‐up and had an incidence of hospitalizations or deaths attributable to CHD of 3.60/1000 person‐years, compared to 3.52 among permanently disqualified donors (rate ratio, 1.02; 95% confidence interval, 0.92‐1.13).ConclusionDonors who remained eligible did not have a lower risk of CHD, compared to donors who were permanently disqualified due to a false‐reactive TD marker. Because of the quasi‐random nature of false‐reactive screening tests, this natural experiment has a level of validity approaching that of a randomized trial evaluating the effect of regular blood donation on CHD risk. These results do not support the iron hypothesis.
Flavin Electron Shuttles Dominate Extracellular Electron Transfer by Shewanella oneidensis
Authors: Kotloski Nicholas J. , Gralnick Jeffrey A. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTShewanella oneidensisstrain MR-1 is widely studied for its ability to respire a diverse array of soluble and insoluble electron acceptors. The ability to breathe insoluble substrates is defined as extracellular electron transfer and can occur via direct contact or by electron shuttling inS. oneidensis. To determine the contribution of flavin electron shuttles in extracellular electron transfer, a transposon mutagenesis screen was performed withS. oneidensisto identify mutants unable to secrete flavins. A multidrug and toxin efflux transporter encoded by SO_0702 was identified and renamedbfe(bacterialflavin adenine dinucleotide [FAD]exporter) based on phenotypic characterization. Deletion ofbferesulted in a severe decrease in extracellular flavins, while overexpression ofbfeincreased the concentration of extracellular flavins. Strains lackingbfehad no defect in reduction of soluble Fe(III), but these strains were deficient in the rate of insoluble Fe(III) oxide reduction, which was alleviated by the addition of exogenous flavins. To test a different insoluble electron acceptor, graphite electrode bioreactors were set up to measure current produced by wild-typeS. oneidensisand the Δbfemutant. With the same concentration of supplemented flavins, the two strains produced similar amounts of current. However, when exogenous flavins were not supplemented to bioreactors,bfemutant strains produced significantly less current than the wild type. We have demonstrated that flavin electron shuttling accounts for ~75% of extracellular electron transfer to insoluble substrates byS. oneidensisand have identified the first FAD transporter in bacteria.IMPORTANCEExtracellular electron transfer by microbes is critical for the geochemical cycling of metals, bioremediation, and biocatalysis using electrodes. A controversy in the field was addressed by demonstrating that flavin electron shuttling, not direct electron transfer or nanowires, is the primary mechanism of extracellular electron transfer employed by the bacteriumShewanella oneidensis. We have identified a flavin adenine dinucleotide transporter conserved in all sequencedShewanellaspecies that facilitates export of flavin electron shuttles inS. oneidensis. Analysis of a strain that is unable to secrete flavins demonstrated that electron shuttling accounts for ~75% of the insoluble extracellular electron transfer capacity inS. oneidensis.
Gene doping: an overview and current implications for athletes
Authors: van der Gronde Toon , de Hon Olivier , Haisma Hidde J , Pieters Toine 
Published: January 2013

The possibility of gene doping, defined as the transfer of nucleic acid sequences and/or the use of normal or genetically modified cells to enhance sport performance, is a real concern in sports medicine. The abuse of knowledge and techniques gained in the area of gene therapy is a form of doping, and is prohibited for competitive athletes. As yet there is no conclusive evidence that that gene doping has been practiced in sport. However, given that gene therapy techniques improve continuously, the likelihood of abuse will increase.A literature search was conducted to identify the most relevant proteins based on their current gene doping potential using articles from Pubmed, Scopus and Embase published between 2006 and 2011. The final list of selected proteins were erythropoietin, insulin-like growth factor, growth hormone, myostatin, vascular endothelial growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, endorphin and enkephalin, α actinin 3, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-delta (PPARδ) and cytosolic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK-C). We discuss these proteins with respect to their potential benefits, existing gene therapy experience in humans, potential risks, and chances of detection in current and future anti-doping controls.We have identified PPARδ and PEPCK-C as having high potential for abuse. But we expect that for efficiency reasons, there will be a preference for inserting gene target combinations rather than single gene doping products. This will also further complicate detection.
Identifying optimal postmarket surveillance strategies for medical and surgical devices: implications for policy, practice and research
Authors: Gagliardi Anna R , Umoquit Muriah , Lehoux Pascale , Ross Sue , Ducey Ariel , Urbach David R 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundNon-drug technologies offer many benefits, but have been associated with adverse events, prompting calls for improved postmarket surveillance. There is little empirical research to guide the development of such a system. The purpose of this study was to identify optimal postmarket surveillance strategies for medical and surgical devices.MethodsQualitative methods were used for sampling, data collection and analysis. Stakeholders from Canada and the USA representing different roles and perspectives were first interviewed to identify examples and characteristics of different surveillance strategies. These stakeholders and others they recommended were then assembled at a 1-day nominal group meeting to discuss and prioritise the components of a postmarket device surveillance system, and research needed to achieve such a system.ResultsConsultations were held with 37 participants, and 47 participants attended the 1-day meeting. They recommended a multicomponent system including reporting by facilities, clinicians and patients, supported with some external surveillance for validation and real-time trials for high-risk devices. Many considerations were identified that constitute desirable characteristics of, and means by which to implement such a system. An overarching network was envisioned to broker linkages, establish a shared minimum dataset, and support communication and decision making. Numerous research questions were identified, which could be pursued in tandem with phased implementation of the system.DiscussionThese findings provide unique guidance for establishing a device safety network that is based on existing initiatives, and could be expanded and evaluated in a prospective, phased fashion as it was developed.
Prevalence of sleepiness while driving four-wheel motor vehicles in Fiji: a population-based survey (TRIP 9)
Authors: Herman Josephine , Ameratunga Shanthi N , Wainiqolo Iris , Kafoa Berlin , Robinson Elizabeth , McCaig Eddie , Jackson Rod 
Published: January 2013

IntroductionSleepiness has been shown to be a risk factor for road crashes in high-income countries, but has received little attention in low- and middle-income countries. We examined the prevalence of sleepiness and sleep-related disorders among drivers of four-wheel motor vehicles in Fiji.MethodUsing a two-stage cluster sampling roadside survey conducted over 12 months, we recruited a representative sample of people driving four-wheel motor vehicles on the island of Viti Levu, Fiji. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire sought self-report information on driver characteristics including sleep-related measures.ResultsThe 752 motor vehicle drivers recruited (84% response rate) were aged 17–75 years, with most driving in Viti Levu undertaken by male subjects (93%), and those identifying with Indian (70%) and Fijian (22%) ethnic groups. Drivers who reported that they were not fully alert accounted for 17% of driving, while a further 1% of driving was undertaken by those who reported having difficulty staying awake or feeling sleepy. A quarter of the driving time among 15–24-year-olds included driving while sleepy or not fully alert, with a similar proportion driving while chronically sleep deprived (ie, with less than five nights of adequate sleep in the previous week=27%). Driving while acutely or chronically sleep deprived was generally more common among Fijians compared with Indians.ConclusionsDriving while not fully alert is relatively common in Fiji. Sleepiness while driving may be an important contributor to road traffic injuries in this and other low- and middle-income countries.
Bathroom injuries in children less than 15 years old
Authors: Head Elizabeth Nicole , Stevens Judy A , Haileyesus Tadesse 
Published: January 2013

ObjectiveTo quantify and describe non-fatal, unintentional bathroom injuries among children less than 15 years of age treated in US hospital emergency departments (EDs).MethodsThis study used 2008 data from a nationally representative sample of EDs, available from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System-All Injury Program. We examined unintentional non-fatal bathroom injuries in any setting (eg, home, school or public place) among children less than 15 years of age and identified types of injuries, major locations within the bathroom and precipitating events.ResultsBased on 1099 cases, an estimated 51 132 non-fatal bathroom injuries in children less than 15 years of age were treated in US EDs in 2008. Most injuries (73.8%) were caused by falls. The highest rate was for injuries that occurred in or around the shower or bathtub (65.9 per 100 000). Children less than 15 years of age sustained the greatest number of injuries and had the highest injury rate (151 per 100 000 (95% CI 108.7 to 193.3)), while children 10–14 years of age had the lowest rate (28.7 (95% CI 20.6 to 36.8)). The rates differed significantly by age group (p<0.001). A majority of the patients (96.9%) were treated in the ED and released.ConclusionsMost bathroom injuries in children occurred while they were showering or bathing and were caused by falling or hitting an object. Such injuries might be reduced by improving caregiver supervision for younger children. For older children, a combination of bathroom safety education and environmental modifications, such as installing grab bars inside and outside the shower or tub, may reduce bathroom injuries.
Misclassification of suicide deaths: examining the psychiatric history of overdose decedents
Authors: Bohnert Amy S B , McCarthy John F , Ignacio Rosalinda V , Ilgen Mark A , Eisenberg Anna , Blow Frederic C 
Published: January 2013

ObjectivesThe intent of a death from overdose can be difficult to determine. The goal of this study was to examine the association of psychiatric diagnoses among overdose deaths ruled by a medical examiner as intentional, unintentional and indeterminate intent.MethodsAll Veterans Health Administration patients in Fiscal Year 1999 (n=3 291 891) were followed through Fiscal Year 2006. We tested the relative strength of association between psychiatric disorders among types of overdoses (categorised by intent) using multinomial models, adjusted for age, sex, Veterans Affairs priority status and Charlson comorbidity scores. Data were from National Death Index records and patient medical records.ResultsSubstance use disorders (SUD) had a stronger association with indeterminate intent overdoses than intentional overdoses (adjusted OR (AOR)=1.80, 95% CI 1.47 to 2.22). SUDs also had a stronger association with unintentional overdoses than intentional (AOR=1.48, 95% CI 1.27 to 1.72), but the reverse was true for all other psychiatric disorders (except post-traumatic stress disorder).ConclusionsOverdoses ruled indeterminate may be misclassified suicide deaths and are important to suicide surveillance and prevention efforts. Additionally, overdose deaths not classified as suicides may include some cases due to suicidal-like thinking without overt suicidal intent.