bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Guideline on the investigation and management of acute transfusion reactions Prepared by the BCSH Blood Transfusion Task Force
Authors: Tinegate Hazel , Birchall Janet , Gray Alexandra , Haggas Richard , Massey Edwin , Norfolk Derek , Pinchon Deborah , Sewell Carrock , Wells Angus , Allard Shubha 
Published: August 2012

SummaryAlthough acute non‐haemolytic febrile or allergic reactions (ATRs) are a common complication of transfusion and often result in little or no morbidity, prompt recognition and management are essential. The serious hazards of transfusion haemovigilance organisation (SHOT) receives 30–40 reports of anaphylactic reactions each year. Other serious complications of transfusion, such as acute haemolysis, bacterial contamination, transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI) or transfusion‐associated circulatory overload (TACO) may present with similar clinical features to ATR.This guideline describes the approach to a patient developing adverse symptoms and signs related to transfusion, including initial recognition, establishing a likely cause, treatment, investigations, planning future transfusion and reporting within the hospital and to haemovigilance organisations.Key recommendations are that adrenaline should be used as first line treatment of anaphylaxis, and that transfusions should only be carried out where patients can be directly observed and where staff are trained in manging complications of transfusion, particularly anaphylaxis. Management of ATRs is not dependent on classification but should be guided by symptoms and signs. Patients who have experienced an anaphylactic reaction should be discussed with an allergist or immunologist, in keeping with UK resuscitation council guidelines.
Melanoma ex blue nevus: two cases resembling large plaque‐type blue nevus with subcutaneous cellular nodules
Authors: North Jeffrey P. , Yeh Iwei , McCalmont Timothy H. , LeBoit Philip E. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractLarge plaque‐type blue nevi with subcutaneous cellular nodules are rare tumors occurring on the trunk with deep extension into underlying soft tissues. The histopathologic appearance consists of deep nodules resembling cellular blue nevi with interspersed foci of common blue nevus. Conservative management has been recommended, and metastases have not been observed. This report discusses two cases with microscopic features of large plaque‐type blue nevi with subcutaneous cellular nodules in which comparative genomic hybridization showed chromosomal aberrations typical of melanoma. In both cases, the nodules showed gains involving chromosome 6p and losses involving chromosome 6q, which are among the most commonly found aberrations in melanoma. These copy number changes were not present in the less cellular surrounding areas that appeared characteristic of blue nevus. These cases illustrate that large blue nevi with a deep, multi‐nodular configuration should be interpreted with caution, and that superficial biopsies of such lesions can be misleading. Molecular techniques can provide valuable insights in these types of difficult melanocytic neoplasms.
Ocean acidification reduces induction of coral settlement by crustose coralline algae
Authors: Webster Nicole S. , Uthicke Sven , Botté Emanuelle S. , Flores Florita , Negri Andrew P. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractCrustose coralline algae (CCA) are a critical component of coral reefs as they accrete carbonate for reef structure and act as settlement substrata for many invertebrates including corals. CCA host a diversity of microorganisms that can also play a role in coral settlement and metamorphosis processes. Although the sensitivity of CCA to ocean acidification (OA) is well established, the response of their associated microbial communities to reduced pH and increased CO2 was previously not known. Here we investigate the sensitivity of CCA‐associated microbial biofilms to OA and determine whether or not OA adversely affects the ability of CCA to induce coral larval metamorphosis. We experimentally exposed the CCA Hydrolithon onkodes to four pH/pCO2 conditions consistent with current IPCC predictions for the next few centuries (pH: 8.1, 7.9, 7.7, 7.5, pCO2: 464, 822, 1187, 1638 μatm). Settlement and metamorphosis of coral larvae was reduced on CCA pre‐exposed to pH 7.7 (pCO2 = 1187 μatm) and below over a 6‐week period. Additional experiments demonstrated that low pH treatments did not directly affect the ability of larvae to settle, but instead most likely altered the biochemistry of the CCA or its microbial associates. Detailed microbial community analysis of the CCA revealed diverse bacterial assemblages that altered significantly between pH 8.1 (pCO2 = 464 μatm) and pH 7.9 (pCO2 = 822 μatm) with this trend continuing at lower pH/higher pCO2 treatments. The shift in microbial community composition primarily comprised changes in the abundance of the dominant microbes between the different pH treatments and the appearance of new (but rare) microbes at pH 7.5. Microbial shifts and the concomitant reduced ability of CCA to induce coral settlement under OA conditions projected to occur by 2100 is a significant concern for the development, maintenance and recovery of reefs globally.
Aliskiren attenuates chronic carbon tetrachloride–induced liver injury in mice
Authors: Lee Kuei‐Chuan , Chan Che‐Chang , Yang Ying‐Ying , Hsieh Yun‐Cheng , Huang Yi‐Hsiang , Lin Han‐Chieh 
Published: August 2012

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (12): 1261–1271AbstractBackground  Increased angiotensin II (Ang II) plays an important role in liver inflammation and fibrogenesis. Chronic administration of aliskiren, a newly developed direct renin inhibitor, decreases Ang II in the hypertensive patients and animals.Aims  Our study aims to evaluate the possible protective effects of chronic administration of aliskiren in a chronic liver injury model.Methods  C57BL6 mice were injected intraperitoneally with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) to induce chronic liver injury. The injured mice were randomly assigned to aliskiren‐treated (25 mg/kg per day for 2 weeks, the CCl4 + Ali group) or untreated group (the CCl4 group). Mice without CCl4 and aliskiren administration served as the normal control.Results  In the CCl4‐injured mice, aliskiren attenuated liver inflammation and fibrosis. The levels of hepatocyte apoptosis, lipid peroxidation production, the activation of hepatic stellate cells and Kupffer cells, hepatic expression of p47 phox, inflammatory mediators and profibrotic markers were reduced in the CCl4 + Ali group. Furthermore, aliskiren decreased Ang II, activated the renal expression of renin, but down‐regulated the hepatic expression of renin and renin receptor in the CCl4‐injected mice.Conclusions  Aliskiren attenuates chronic liver injury in the CCl4‐treated mice by reducing Ang II. Direct renin inhibition may serve as a potential treatment for chronic liver injury.
Effect of ascorbic acid on seed germination of three halophytic grass species under saline conditions
Authors: Zehra A. , Shaikh F. , Ansari R. , Gul B. , Khan M. A. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractGrasses on the Pakistani coast are moderately to highly salt tolerant and have potential for utilization as a cash crop. This study was designed to determine whether seed germination of three halophytic grasses (Phragmites karka, Dichanthium annulatum and Eragrostis ciliaris) could be improved by exogenous application of ascorbic acid (AsA) under saline conditions. Seeds of P. karka were germinated in varying concentrations of NaCl and AsA under different temperature regimes, and seeds of Dichanthium annulatum and Eragrostis ciliaris were germinated at optimal temperatures only. In P. karka, concentrations of AsA (5 and 10 mM) alleviated the salinity effects better at cooler and moderate thermo‐periods, whereas higher concentrations (20 mM of AsA) failed to improve germination under all temperature regimes. AsA was ineffective at a warmer thermo‐period (25/35°C). The rate of germination also increased at all thermo‐periods with the application of AsA except at 25/35°C under saline conditions. Application of AsA improved the germination of E. ciliaris seeds under saline conditions but was inhibitory for D. annulatum in comparison with the untreated control. The rate of germination followed the similar pattern as that of seed germination. Results indicate that AsA has the ability to partially alleviate the effect of salinity on seed germination of some grass species under optimal temperature regime.
Effect of three different storage media on survival of periodontal ligament cells using collagenase–dispase assay
Authors: Mahal N. K. , Singh N. , Thomas A. M. , Kakkar N. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAimTo evaluate and compare the efficacy of propolis, egg albumen and Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS) in maintaining the viability of human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells using a collagenase–dispase assay.MethodologyFifty‐five freshly extracted human teeth were divided into three experimental (HBSS, egg albumen and propolis) and two control groups. Fifteen teeth per experimental group were stored dry for 30 min and then immersed for 45 min in one of the three experimental media. The positive and negative controls corresponded to 0‐min and 1‐h dry time, respectively, with five teeth per control group. The teeth were then treated with collagenase II and dispase II for 30 min and labelled with 0.4% trypan blue for determination of viability. The number of viable cells was counted with a haemocytometer and analysed statistically by anova and post hoc Tukey HSD test.ResultsStatistical analysis demonstrated there was no significant difference between HBSS, egg albumen and propolis in maintaining cell viability.ConclusionEgg albumen and propolis may be able to maintain PDL cell viability as well as HBSS.
Biological control of botrytis bunch rot in organic wine grapes with the yeast antagonist Candida sake CPA‐1
Authors: Calvo‐Garrido C. , Elmer P. A. G. , Viñas I. , Usall J. , Bartra E. , Teixidó N. 
Published: August 2012

The aim of this research was to confirm the efficacy of the yeast antagonist Candida sake CPA‐1 in suppressing botrytis bunch rot development, in an organic vineyard under Mediterranean conditions for two seasons, and compare its performance with that of two biologically based products currently registered for botrytis bunch rot control in New Zealand. In 2009, treatments applied were: commercial formulations of Ulocladium oudemansii (BOTRY‐Zen®) and chitosan (ARMOUR‐Zen®), C. sake CPA‐1 combined with the fatty acid‐based additive Fungicover® and combinations of these products. All treatments were applied six times between early flowering and harvest and compared with an unsprayed control. In 2010, the treatments focused on C. sake and Fungicover and the number of applications was reduced from six to four. The population dynamics of U. oudemansii and C. sake were measured and wine quality tests were carried out in both seasons. Disease control achieved by C. sake treatments in 2009 were comparable to those achieved by BOTRY‐Zen and ARMOUR‐Zen. Applications of C. sake plus Fungicover between flowering and harvest significantly (P < 0·05) reduced botrytis bunch rot incidence and severity by 64% and 90%, respectively, compared with the untreated control in 2009, and by 67% and 89%, respectively, in 2010. Treatments did not adversely affect wine quality parameters after treated grapes were processed. Candida sake consistently provided effective control of botrytis bunch rot in grapes under different meteorological and disease pressure conditions, thereby improving its potential for future commercial applications.
Tender cutaneous nodules of the legs: diagnosis and clinical clues to diagnosis
Authors: Eimpunth Sasima , Pattanaprichakul Penvadee , Sitthinamsuwa Panitta , Chularojanamontri Leena , Sethabutra Piyaroj , Mahaisavariya Punkae 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackground  “Tender cutaneous nodules of the legs” is a common manifestation in dermatology. Histopathological investigation is usually required for this condition, because clinical data are frequently insufficient to make a definite diagnosis.Objective  To identify and analyze the causes of patients presenting with tender leg nodules and to reveal clinical clues that could help to differentiate causes.Materials and methods  The medical records and histopathological slides of patients presenting with tender cutaneous nodules of the legs between January 2005 and December 2007 were retrospectively reviewed.Results Of the total of 154 patients, 122 (79.2%) were female. Definite diagnoses were categorized into four groups: inflammation (84.4%); infection (5.8%); tumor (6.5%); and nonspecific (3.2%). The most common cause in the inflammation group was erythema nodosum. The infections found were Acremonium spp., Penicillium sp., Mycobacterium abscessus, Mycobacterium fortuitum and Mycobacterium leprae. The tumors included leiomyoma, leukemia cutis, and lymphomas. Clinical data that correlated with and could be used as clues for the inflammation group were female sex (P = 0.03, OR 6.43) and lower leg involvement (P = 0.03, OR 7.14).Limitations  The retrospective manner of this study is a limitation.Conclusion  Various inflammatory conditions, infections, and tumors can present as tender cutaneous nodules of the legs. Female sex and lower leg involvement were clinical data that could be used as clues for the diagnoses in the inflammation group. However, histopathological investigation is still crucial to determine a definite diagnosis in patients presenting with tender cutaneous nodules of the legs.
Antibiogram testing of pediatric skin infections in the era of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococci aureus: an Egyptian University Hospital‐based study
Authors: Abdel Fattah Nermeen S.A. , Darwish Yasser W. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackground  Community‐associated methicillin‐resistant Staphylococci aureus (CA‐MRSA) pediatric skin infections have been reported worldwide. However, little is known about pathogens' implications in Egyptian children, and beta‐lactams are still the empiric antimicrobials prescribed. This warrants Egyptian studies on antibiogram testing of pediatric skin infections.Objectives  To determine antibiotic susceptibility patterns of bacterial isolates from Egyptian pediatric skin infections to find out if we need reconsideration of the empiric beta‐lactam antimicrobial therapy.Materials and methods  Throughout an eight‐month cross‐sectional study, antibiogram testing was conducted on bacterial isolates from pediatric skin infections. Determination of inducible resistance to clindamycin using D‐test was performed for isolates susceptible to clindamycin and resistant to erythromycin.Results  One‐hundred and 21 children (mean age 6.9 years ± 3 SD) presented with pyogenic skin infections. Methicillin‐sensitive Staphylococci aureus (MSSA) were isolated from 114 children, associated with group A Streptococci (GAS) in four of them, while GAS were the only isolates in three patients. A diagnosis of CA‐MRSA was fulfilled in four children. Antibiotic susceptibilities differed between isolated organisms but with no statistically significant differences between susceptibility patterns of isolates from primary skin infections and those from secondary infection of skin diseases. Positive D‐test was detected in five MSSA isolates.Conclusions  CA‐MRSA skin infections are not common among Egyptian children and, therefore, beta‐lactams are still effective empiric antimicrobial therapy for most infections. Antibiogram testing from suppurative skin lesions are, however, better to be recommended to guide individual therapy. Clindamycin should not be considered for susceptible isolates unless they are erythromycin susceptible or D‐test negative.
Successful treatment of monomorphic primary central nervous system post‐transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder 5 years after kidney transplantation
Authors: Yaginuma T. , Yamamoto H. , Mitome J. , Tanno Y. , Yamamoto I. , Kobayashi A. , Mafune A. , Hayakawa H. , Yokoyama K. , Mori R. , Ohashi H. , Kaito N. , Joki T. , Miki J. , Yamada H. , Furuta N. , Matsushima S. , Fukuda T. , Hosoya T. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractA 31‐year‐old man underwent living‐related kidney transplantation in 2004 as a consequence of primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Four years after the transplantation, we confirmed nephrotic syndrome caused by recurrent FSGS. We performed plasmapheresis and low‐density lipoprotein adsorption. We also combined steroid therapy with a reduction in the dose of tacrolimus and an increased dose of mycophenolate mofetil. The nephrotic syndrome improved dramatically with this combined therapeutic approach.However, 10 months after these treatments, he revisited our hospital because of altered consciousness. We detected multiple tumor masses in his brain that were ring enhanced on contrast magnetic resonance imaging. Consequently, we suspected primary central nervous system post‐transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder (CNS‐PTLD). We performed a craniotomy to biopsy the brain tumors. The biopsy specimen showed Epstein–Barr virus‐associated diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma. There is no definitive treatment for CNS‐PTLD. Therefore, we treated the primary CNS‐PTLD successfully with whole‐brain radiation and discontinuation of immunosuppression therapy.
Revisiting 1:1 and 2:1 clinical placement models: Student and clinical educator perspectives
Authors: O'Connor Anne , Cahill Mairead , McKay Elizabeth A. 
Published: August 2012

AimA recent systematic review suggests that more comparative research is required on the effectiveness of clinical placement models. This study explored perspectives of clinical educators and students who had participated in both the 1:1 (one student supervised by one clinical educator) and 2:1 (two students supervised by one clinical educator) models of clinical education across occupational therapy and physiotherapy programmes in Ireland.MethodsQualitative data using a descriptive approach were gathered through individual semi‐structured interviews with a convenience sample of 12 students and eight clinical educators. Transcripts were analysed using thematic content analysis.ResultsThree main themes emerged: learning opportunities and experiences; organisation and planning; relationships. Although clinical educators felt that the 2:1 model offered greater learning experiences than the 1:1 model, it presented organisational challenges. Students preferred the 2:1 model earlier in their clinical experience due to the benefits of peer learning, whereas the 1:1 model was favoured in the latter stages to demonstrate individual autonomy. Relationships forged during placement were significant, from the student's perspectives, but differed between models. Clinical educator and student perspectives indicated that learning from other members of the multidisciplinary team had a positive effect on learning within both models.ConclusionEach clinical placement model requires specific organisational and planning skills to be effective. An awareness of individual student learning is essential to avoid dissatisfaction with the learning and assessment process on a 2:1 model. Recently established clinical education teams in Ireland may have a role to play in developing effective clinical learning.
Caseload of general surgeons working in a rural hospital with outreach practice
Authors: Campbell Nicole A. , Franzi Stephen , Thomas Peter 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackgroundThere is little published data regarding the caseloads of general surgeons working in rural Australia conducting outreach services as part of their practice. It remains difficult to attract and retain surgeons in rural Australia. This study aims to describe the workload of surgeons working in a rural centre with outreach practices in order to determine the required skills mix for prospective surgeons.MethodsA retrospective review of surgical procedures carried out by two surgeons over 5 years working from a base in Wangaratta, Victoria, with outreach services to Benalla, Bright and Mansfield was undertaken. Data were extracted from surgeon records using Medicare Benefits Schedule item numbers.ResultsA total of 18 029 procedures were performed over 5 years, with 15% of these performed in peripheral hospitals as part of an outreach service. A full range of general surgical procedures were undertaken, with endoscopies accounting for 32% of procedures. In addition, vascular procedures and emergency craniotomies were also performed. The majority of procedures undertaken at peripheral centres were minor procedures, with only two laparotomies performed at these centres over 5 years.ConclusionGeneral surgeons working in rural centres are required to have broad skills and be able to undertake a large number of procedures. Trainees should be encouraged to consider rural practice, and those who are interested should consider the needs of the community in which they intend to practice. Outreach work to surrounding communities can be rewarding for both the surgeon and the community.
Surgical outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma originating from caudate lobe
Authors: Zhou Yanming , Zhang Xiaofeng , Wu Lupeng , Xu Donghui , Li Bin 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackgroundCaudate resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a challenging procedure. This study aimed to assess the surgical outcomes of HCC originating from caudate lobe.MethodsTwenty‐three patients with HCC in the caudate lobe who received surgical treatment were retrospectively reviewed.ResultsSurgical procedures included 13 isolated caudatectomy (56.5%) and 10 combined caudatectomy (43.5%). Eight patients (34.7%) experienced post‐operative complications. Mortality was nil. The 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year overall survival rates after surgery were 90.1%, 60% and 37%, respectively. Isolated caudatectomy was associated with less frequent tumours located in paracaval portion, longer operative time, longer vascular occlusion time and more blood loss than combined caudatectomy (P < 0.05).ConclusionSurgical resection is feasible and beneficial for patients with HCC in the caudate lobe. If liver functional reserve is sufficient, combined caudatectomy is preferred.
‘That was helpful … no one has talked to me about that before’: Research participation as a therapeutic activity
Authors: Lakeman Richard , McAndrew Sue , MacGabhann Liam , Warne Tony 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThere is considerable interest in the various ethical problems associated with undertaking health and social science research. Participants in such research are often considered vulnerable because of their health status, social position, or dependence on others for health and welfare services. Researchers and ethics committees pay scrupulous attention to the identification and amelioration of risks to participants. Rarely are the benefits to participants of engaging in research highlighted or drawn to the attention of potential participants. Such potential benefits need to be considered by researchers and reviewers when considering the balance of benefits and harms associated with research projects. In this paper, we particularly consider the psychotherapeutic benefits of participation in research.
Cumulative fatigue damage and life prediction of elastomeric components
Authors: ZARRIN‐GHALAMI T. , FATEMI A. 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTElastomeric components are widely used in many applications due to their good damping and energy absorption characteristics. The type of loading normally encountered by these components in service is variable amplitude cyclic loading. Therefore, fatigue failure is a major consideration in their design. In this work capabilities of Rainflow cycle counting procedure, maximum principal strain as a damage criterion, and Miner's linear cumulative damage rule are evaluated with both specimen and component tests. An automotive cradle mount is used as an illustrative component. Comparison of predicted and experimental fatigue lives in both specimen and cradle mount variable amplitude load tests indicate satisfactory predictions in both cases.