bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic determinants of haemolysis in sickle cell anaemia
Authors: Milton Jacqueline N. , Rooks Helen , Drasar Emma , McCabe Elizabeth L. , Baldwin Clinton T. , Melista Efi , Gordeuk Victor R. , Nouraie Mehdi , Kato Gregory R. , Minniti Caterina , Taylor James , Campbell Andrew , Luchtman‐Jones Lori , Rana Sohail , Castro Oswaldo , Zhang Yingze , Thein Swee Lay , Sebastiani Paola , Gladwin Mark T. ,   the Walk‐PHAAST Investigators, Steinberg Martin H. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryHaemolytic anaemia is variable among patients with sickle cell anaemia and can be estimated by reticulocyte count, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase and bilirubin levels. Using principal component analysis of these measurements we computed a haemolytic score that we used as a subphenotype in a genome‐wide association study. We identified in one cohort and replicated in two additional cohorts the association of a single nucleotide polymorphism in NPRL3 (rs7203560; chr16p13·3) (P = 6·04 × 10−07). This association was validated by targeted genotyping in a fourth independent cohort. The HBA1/HBA2 regulatory elements, hypersensitive sites (HS)‐33, HS‐40 and HS‐48 are located in introns of NPRL3. Rs7203560 was in perfect linkage disequilibrium (LD) with rs9926112 (r2 = 1) and in strong LD with rs7197554 (r2 = 0·75) and rs13336641 (r2 = 0·77); the latter is located between HS‐33 and HS‐40 sites and next to a CTCF binding site. The minor allele for rs7203560 was associated with the −∝3·7thalassaemia gene deletion. When adjusting for HbF and ∝ thalassaemia, the association of NPRL3 with the haemolytic score was significant (P = 0·00375) and remained significant when examining only cases without gene deletion∝ thalassaemia (P = 0·02463). Perhaps by independently down‐regulating expression of the HBA1/HBA2 genes, variants of the HBA1/HBA2 gene regulatory loci, tagged by rs7203560, reduce haemolysis in sickle cell anaemia.
Allergological in vitro and in vivo evaluation of patients with hypersensitivity reactions to infliximab
Authors: Matucci A. , Pratesi S. , Petroni G. , Nencini F. , Virgili G. , Milla M. , Maggi E. , Vultaggio A. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryBackgroundThe administration of biological agents is potentially affected by IgE‐mediated infusion reactions.ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to evaluate the utility of skin testing in patients who have experienced infliximab (IFX)‐related reactions.MethodsThirty patients with previous immediate hypersensitivity reaction to IFX, 20 disease‐matched non exposed subjects, 15 IFX‐treated disease‐matched tolerant patients and 15 IFX non‐responder patients were enrolled. Non‐isotype‐specific and IgE anti‐drug antibodies (ADAs) were measured by a double‐capture ELISA kit and ImmunoCAP assay, respectively. Prick and intra‐dermal tests were carried out with the commercial IFX preparation serially diluted.ResultsSkin testing, performed in 23 of 30 reactive patients, resulted positive in 7 of them (30.4%), whereas no positivity was found in other groups of patients. The majority of reactive patients displayed non‐isotype‐specific ADAs (23/30, 76.6%) and the presence of anti‐IFX IgE antibodies was detected in 6 of them (26%). All 6 IgE‐positive reactive patients showed skin testing positivity. One reactive ADAs‐positive patient who resulted skin test positive, with no detectable serum IFX‐specific IgE ADAs, was also found. Skin testing positivity was associated with severe and early reactions (within the 3rd dose). No unexpected adverse reactions to skin testing were recorded.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceThis study shows that about 30% of reactive patients display skin testing positivity. They usually develop severe reactions, mainly during the first administrations of IFX. The specificity and the safety of skin testing procedure for this biological agent are also confirmed.
Hypersensitivity reactions to fluoroquinolones: analysis of the factors involved
Authors: Blanca‐López N. , Ariza A. , Doña I. , Mayorga C. , Montañez M. I. , Garcia‐Campos J. , Gomez F. , Rondón C. , Blanca M. , Torres M. J. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryBackgroundHypersensitivity reactions to fluoroquinolones seem to be on the increase, especially immediate type reactions.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine whether several conditions, including gender, age, type of reaction, time interval between the reaction and the study, type of symptoms, the specific fluoroquinolone involved in the reaction and previous confirmed hypersensitivity to betalactams or to other drugs were factors contributing to the development of hypersensitivity to fluoroquinolones.MethodWe analysed retrospectively all patients attending our allergy department between January 2005 and December 2010 because of a reaction associated with fluoroquinolone administration. The diagnosis was confirmed by basophil activation test or drug provocation tests. In accordance with the results, patients were then classified as having hypersensitivity or non‐hypersensitivity to fluoroquinolones.ResultsA group of 218 patients was evaluated; 69 were confirmed as having hypersensitivity, 146 as non‐hypersensitivity and 3 were excluded. Comparisons between groups showed that the allergic patients more often had a previous confirmed hypersensitivity to betalactams (P = 0.029), immediate reactions (P = 0.001) and anaphylaxis (P = 0.000), and moxifloxacin was the fluoroquinolone most frequently involved (P = 0.027). The logistic regression analysis showed three factors associated with the diagnosis of hypersensitivity reactions to fluoroquinolones: previous hypersensitivity to betalactams (OR: 4.571; 95% CI: 0.987–21.171; adjusted OR: 23.654; 95% CI: 1.529–365.853), immediate reactions (OR: 17.333; 95% CI: 4.374–68.691; adjusted OR: 52.493; 95% CI: 6.621–416.200) and reactions induced by moxifloxacin (OR: 3.091; 95% CI: 1.160–8.239; adjusted OR: 13.610; 95% CI: 2.419–76.565).ConclusionIn patients who develop reactions to fluoroquinolones, hypersensitivity is more often confirmed in those with immediate reactions and when moxifloxacin is involved. Moreover, patients with hypersensitivity to betalactams are more prone to develop hypersensitivity reactions to fluoroquinolones.
Peri‐implant bone formation of non‐thermal atmospheric pressure plasma–treated zirconia implants with different surface roughness in rabbit tibiae
Authors: Shon Won‐Jun , Chung Shin Hye , Kim Hong‐Kyun , Han Geum‐Jun , Cho Byeong‐Hoon , Park Young‐Seok 
Published: February 2013

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the osseointegration of powder–injection molded (PIM) zirconia implants in rabbit tibiae with or without He plasma treatment.Material and methodsTwenty‐five rabbits received 4 types of external hex implants with identical geometry in the tibiae: PIM zirconia implants, roughened PIM zirconia implants, plasma‐treated PIM zirconia implants, and plasma‐treated roughened PIM zirconia implants. The contact angles of the four types of implants were evaluated. Removal torque tests and histomorphometric analyses were performed.ResultsThe plasma treatment markedly enhanced the hydrophilicity, but did not seem to change the surface topography of the PIM zirconia implants. There were statistically significant differences in the bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC) ratios, bone volume (BV/TV), and removal torque values (RTQ) among the tested implant types (P < 0.001). The plasma‐treated implants exhibited significantly higher BIC and BV/TV values than the untreated implants. However, the removal torque values favored the rough surface.ConclusionsThe He plasma treatments on PIM zirconia implants made the surface more hydrophilic and enhanced the osseointegration of the implants without changing the micro‐topography.
Removal of reactive dyes from wastewater by acrylate polymer beads bearing amino groups: isotherm and kinetic studies
Authors: Bayramoglu Gulay , Arica Mehmet Yakup 
Published: February 2013

The aim of this study was to prepare a novel resin for the removal of reactive dyes from aqueous media. To prepare the resin, poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate/ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) beads were grafted with poly(glycidyl methacrylate) by surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerisation. Epoxy groups of the grafted polymer were modified with tris(2‐aminoethyl)amine ligand. The modified resin was characterised by swelling studies, FT‐IR and SEM. Three different reactive dyes were selected (CI Reactive Brown 10, CI Reactive Red 120 and CI Reactive Green 5) and used in the removal studies. The effects of pH, temperature, ionic strength and initial dye concentration on the adsorption capacity of the resin were investigated. The adsorption capacity of the resin for Reactive Brown 10, Reactive Red 120 and Reactive Green 5 was 0.029 ± 0.010, 0.032 ± 0.0019 and 0.042 ± 0.0013 mmol/g resin (34.1 ± 1.2, 47.6 ± 2.3 and 69.3 ± 1.7 mg/g resin) respectively. The equilibrium adsorption data were analysed by Langmuir, Dubinin–Radushkevich, Freundlich and Temkin isotherm models. A good fit was found between the Langmuir isotherm and data for the three dyes on resin. The adsorption kinetic data were modelled using pseudo‐first‐order, pseudo‐second‐order and intraparticle diffusion kinetic equations. It was found that the pseudo‐second‐order equation could describe the adsorption kinetics. The results indicated that the modified resin is an attractive alternative for removing reactive dyes from wastewater.
Heat‐washout – an objective method for diagnosing neuropathy and atherosclerosis in diabetic patients
Authors: Midttun M. , Snorgaard O. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryBackgroundThe heat‐washout method is an objective method that measures cutaneous blood flow rate (BFR) in ml (100 g. min)−1, previously found useful for measuring toe BFR in non‐diabetic patients with claudication.AimThe method is used for evaluating the presence of a veno‐arteriolar reflex (VAR) in the forefoot and signs of atherosclerosis in the first toe in type 2 diabetics.MethodsNine type 2 diabetics for +10 years, peripheral neuropathy, median age 62, and 9 healthy subjects without diabetes, median age 52 were examined for the presence of a VAR in the forefoot. A VAR was present when BFR decreased 25% or more with the foot 50 cm below heart level. Examinations for atherosclerosis were made in the pulp of the first toe. An increase in BFR of 50% or more with the foot 50 cm below heart level indicated the presence of atherosclerosis.ResultsThe VAR was significantly attenuated in type 2 diabetics with neuropathy compared to controls, (P<0·01). Only one patient with known neuropathy and diabetes showed a reflex compared to eight out of nine controls (P<0·01). The VAR was correlated to the vibration perception threshold measured with biothesiometry (r = −0·661, P = 0·0003). Two patients with type 2 diabetes and neuropathy without clinical sign of peripheral artery disease (PAD) had an abnormal response similar to that seen in subjects with intermittent claudication.ConclusionThe heat‐washout method seems useful as and objective method for evaluating as well the presence of a VAR as atherosclerosis in type 2 diabetics.
Assessment of Left Ventricular Size and Function during Cardiac Surgery. An Intraoperative Evaluation of Six Two‐Dimensional Echocardiographic Methods with Real Time Three‐Dimensional Echocardiography as a Reference
Authors: Grossgasteiger Manuel , Hien Maximilian D. , Graser Bastian , Rauch Helmut , Gondan Matthias , Motsch Johann , Rosendal Christian 
Published: February 2013

Transesophageal echocardiography is recommended to monitor left ventricular (LV) size and function in various operations. Generally, two‐dimensional (2D) methods are applied intraoperatively. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy and feasibility of 6 commonly used 2D methods to assess LV function during surgery. LV function in 120 consecutive patients was evaluated. Real time three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiograpy (3DTEE) served as reference. End‐diastolic and end‐systolic volumes and ejection fraction (EF) were analyzed with Simpson's method of discs (monoplane [MP] and biplane [BP]), eyeball method, Teichholz' method, and speckle tracking (ST) methods. Furthermore, fractional area change (FAC) and peak systolic pressure rise (dP/dt) were determined. Each 2D method was evaluated regarding correlation and agreement with 3DE, intra‐ and interobserver variability and the time required for evaluation. Simpson BP showed the strongest correlation and best agreement with 3DE for EF (limits of agreement 3.7 ± 11.6%) and volumes. Simpson MP showed similar agreement with 3DE compared to ST (2.8 ± 14.5% vs. 2.0 ± 15.3% and 3.8 ± 14.4% vs. 1.9 ± 15.6%, respectively). Both the eyeball method and Teichholz' method showed wide limits of agreement (−1.5 ± 18.2% and 5.2 ± 22.1%, respectively). DP/dt did not correlate with 3DE. FAC and ST FAC showed similar agreement. Application of 3DE (429 ± 108 seconds) took the longest time, and the eyeball method took the shortest time (8 ± 5 seconds) for analysis. Simpson BP is the most accurate intraoperative 2D method to evaluate LV function, followed by long‐axis MP evaluations. Short‐axis views were less accurate but may be suited for monitoring. We do not recommend using dP/dt.
Mitral Arcade in Adults – A Systematic Overview
Authors: Hakim Fayaz A. , Krishnaswamy Chandrasekaran , Mookadam Farouk 
Published: February 2013

Mitral arcade (MA) is a rare congenital anomaly of the mitral valve and its tensor apparatus. This condition has been reported primarily in children younger than 3 years of age. MA is characterized by elongated papillary muscles connected to each other and to the tip of anterior mitral leaflet by a bridge of fibrous tissue. Because of progressive mitral regurgitation and/or mitral stenosis, survival into adulthood is rare. Not much is known about MA in the adult population. In this review we address the demographic features, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of this congenital anomaly in adult patients.
The Effect of Age and Sex on Object Exploration and Manipulative Behavior in a Neotropical Raptor, the Chimango Caracara, Milvago chimango
Authors: Biondi Laura Marina , Guido Jorgelina , Madrid Enrique , Bó María Susana , Vassallo Aldo Iván 
Published: February 2013

AbstractWe studied object exploration and manipulative behavior in wild‐caught Chimango Caracaras (Milvago chimango), an opportunistic and generalist raptor species, in relation to age and sex differences. Each bird was presented with six objects. We then recorded the latencies to approach and first contact with the objects, the number of objects explored, and the number of exploration events performed on each object. Age influenced the tendency to explore in M. chimango. Compared with adults, juveniles were more likely to explore the objects, approaching and contacting them more quickly. The number of objects explored was also higher in young than adult birds. Both age classes used a variety of manipulative behaviors to explore the objects, some of which have been described as play in others studies. Sex did not affect an individual's likelihood to explore or the number and frequency of manipulative behaviors used during object exploration. The tendency for both young and adult birds to explore and manipulate objects that not resemble prey is likely to be a distinct advantage for a generalist species like M. chimango which must cope with a high diversity of modified environments.
Advertisement Call Variation in the Golden Rocket Frog (Anomaloglossus beebei): Evidence for Individual Distinctiveness
Authors: Pettitt Beth A. , Bourne Godfrey R. , Bee Mark A. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractIndividual distinctiveness in acoustic signals can allow receivers to respond appropriately to different individuals. The aim of this research was to examine signal variation and to investigate the relative importance of different acoustic properties for coding individual distinctiveness in the advertisement calls of male golden rocket frogs (Anomaloglossus beebei). We examined patterns of within‐individual and among‐individual variability in 760 advertisement calls of 40 males as well as repeatability in 16 additional males that were recorded on two different occasions. We examined eight call properties, and all properties exhibited significant among‐individual variation and moderate to high repeatability across days. We employed discriminant function analysis to examine individual distinctiveness statistically. These analyses assigned 79% of calls to the correct individual. Fine temporal properties, including pulse duration, pulse rate, and pulse interval, as well as the spectral property of dominant frequency, contributed most toward discrimination among individuals. These results indicate that individual male golden rocket frogs can be distinguished statistically by their advertisement calls. We use these findings to evaluate results of previous playback studies in A. beebei and to generate testable predictions regarding the potential for specific call properties to function in mate selection and social recognition.
Stream inflow and predation risk affect littoral habitat selection by benthic fish
Authors: POLIVKA KARL M. , FRIEDLI LISA M. , GREEN ELIZABETH C. 
Published: February 2013

Summary1. We examined small, fishless headwater streams to determine whether transport of macroinvertebrates into the littoral zone of an oligotrophic lake augmented food availability for Cottus asper, an abundant predatory fish in our study system. We sampled fish and macroinvertebrates during the recruitment and growth season of 2 years, either monthly (2004) or bi‐monthly (2005), to observe whether stream inputs increased prey availability and whether variation in total macroinvertebrate biomass was tracked by fish.2. Observations from eight headwater streams indicated that streams did not increase the total macroinvertebrate biomass in the shallow littoral zone at stream inflows, relative to adjacent plots without stream inputs (controls). The taxonomic composition of stream macroinvertebrates drifting toward the lake differed from that in the littoral lake benthos itself, although there was no evidence of any species change in the composition of the littoral benthos brought about by stream inputs.3. Although streams made no measurable contribution to the biomass or taxonomic composition of the littoral macroinvertebrate benthos, there was substantial temporal variation in biomass among the eight sites for each of the (n = 7) sample periods during which observations were made. Variation in total biomass was primarily a function of bottom slope and benthic substrata in the lake habitats. Dominant taxonomic groups were Baetidae, Ephemerellidae (two genera), Leptophlebiidae, Chironomidae (three subfamilies) and Perlodidae, although we did not determine the specific substratum affinities of each taxon.4. Mixed effects linear models identified a significant interaction between macroinvertebrate biomass and plot type (stream inflow vs. control) associated with fish abundance. Across the observed range of macroinvertebrate biomass, fish showed a significant preference for stream inflows, but more closely tracked food availability in the controls. For young‐of‐the‐year (YOY), a negative effect of temperature was also included in the model, and we observed lower temperatures at stream inflows. However, abundance of predatory adults affected habitat selection for YOY. Lake‐bottom slope also accounted for variation in abundance in both fish models.5. Our results suggest that the effect of fishless headwater streams on downstream fish may not always be through direct delivery of food. In this study system, fish preferred stream inflow plots, but this preference interacted with macroinvertebrate biomass in a manner that was difficult to explain. For YOY, predation risk was related to the preference for stream inflows, although the specific factor that mitigates predation risk remains poorly understood.
Characterization of Persistent Volatile Contaminant Sources in the Vadose Zone
Authors: Carroll Kenneth C. , Truex Michael J. , Brusseau Mark L. , Parker Kyle R. , Mackley Robert D. , Rohay Virginia J. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractEffective long‐term operation of soil vapor extraction (SVE) systems for cleanup of vadose‐zone sources requires consideration of the likelihood that remediation activities over time will alter the subsurface distribution and configuration of contaminants. A method is demonstrated for locating and characterizing the distribution and nature of persistent volatile organic contaminant (VOC) sources in the vadose zone. The method consists of three components: analysis of existing site and SVE‐operations data, vapor‐phase cyclic contaminant mass‐discharge testing, and short‐term vapor‐phase contaminant mass‐discharge tests conducted in series at multiple locations. Results obtained from the method were used to characterize overall source zone mass‐transfer limitations, source‐strength reductions, potential changes in source‐zone architecture, and the spatial variability and extent of the persistent source(s) for the Department of Energy's Hanford site. The results confirmed a heterogeneous distribution of contaminant mass discharge throughout the vadose zone. Analyses of the mass‐discharge profiles indicate that the remaining contaminant source is coincident with a lower‐permeability unit at the site. Such measurements of source strength and size as obtained herein are needed to determine the impacts of vadose‐zone sources on groundwater contamination and vapor intrusion, and can support evaluation and optimization of the performance of SVE operations.
Communication relating to family members' involvement and understandings about patients' medication management in hospital
Authors: Manias Elizabeth 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundMany patients with complex health‐care needs are prescribed several medications on a daily basis. With admission to hospital, patients are often placed in a vulnerable position. Family members can therefore play an important role in supporting patients in decision making about managing medications and negotiating communication exchange with health professionals.ObjectivesFrom the perspective of family members, to explore family members' involvement with health professionals and patients about how patients' medications are managed in hospital.DesignUsing an ethnographic design, interviews were conducted with family members of patients admitted to hospital who had at least five medications prescribed in hospital. A purposive sampling approach was used for recruitment. A thematic framework process was used for analysis.SettingInterviews took place in four surgical and four medical wards in each of two Australian hospitals.ResultsForty interviews were conducted with family members in relation to their respective relative's medications. Family members tended to participate in passive, rather than active or shared decision‐making activities. Those who demonstrated active or shared decision making were extensively involved in managing medications and in addressing problems relating to continuity of care. Communication with health professionals was generally insufficient, despite family members' keenness to speak with them.ConclusionsImproved communication is needed between family members, health professionals and patients in hospitals. Greater attention should be played by health professionals in initiating communication proactively. Family members possessed valuable, unique information about patients' medications that can be utilized to facilitate patient safety.