bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a rapid von Willebrand Factor Activity Latex Immuno Assay for monitoring of patients with von Willebrand disease (VWD) receiving DDAVP® or VWF replacement therapy
Authors: Vinayagam S. , Simons L. R. , Chowdary P. , Thurlow P. , Brooks S. V. , Riddell A. F. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryHaemostatic management of surgery in patients with von Willebrand disease (VWD) includes DDAVP® or von Willebrand factor (VWF)‐containing concentrates. Although the recommendations are for monitoring by VWF activity assays, it is quite common for clinicians to use factor VIII due usually to longer turnaround times required for VWF ristocetin cofactor assay (VWF:RCo) measurements. The aim of this study was to evaluate use of the rapid HaemosIL™ VWF activity (VWF:Act) latex immuno assay (LIA) on an automated coagulometer (ACL TOP™ 700; Instrumentation Laboratory, Bedford, MA, USA) compared to platelet‐based VWF:RCo assays in this setting. One hundred and sixty‐seven plasma samples from 42 patients [Type 1 (n = 22), Type 2A (n = 2), Type 2B (n = 3), Type 2M (n = 10), Type 3 (n = 3)] and acquired von Willebrand syndrome (n = 2) with VWD treated with DDAVP® or VWF‐containing concentrates were included in the study. Method comparison and method bias were evaluated by Bland–Altman analysis (BA) and Passing and Bablok regression modelling respectively. BA of baseline samples (n = 39) showed a mean difference of −3.0 (±1.96 SD −25.2 to +19.4). Post (treatment) samples (n = 120) were separated into two groups. Group 1 contained samples with VWF:RCo levels 10 to ≤175 IU dL−1 (n = 97) and group 2, samples with VWF:RCo levels >175 IU dL−1 (n = 23). BA of group 1 postsamples showed a mean difference of +3.4 (±1.96 SD −44.6 to +51.5), and the BA of Group 2 samples was −23.9 (±1.96 SD −136.1 to +88.3). In conclusion, use of HaemosIL VWF:Act LIA test on an automated coagulometer is a reproducible and rapid assay that can be used as an alternative test for monitoring VWF replacement therapy, facilitating dose adjustments on a real‐time basis.
High Exposure, Spontaneous Clearance, and Low Incidence of Active Helicobacter pylori Infection: The Sorbo San Basile Study
Authors: Luzza Francesco , Suraci Evelina , Larussa Tiziana , Leone Isabella , Imeneo Maria 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundA decreased incidence of Helicobacter pylori infection has been prospected to occur nowadays.AimTo evaluate the exposure to H. pylori, prevalence and incidence of active infection, and related risk factors in the general population.MethodsIn a small town of Southern Italy (932 inhabitants), 595 (3–97 years) and 157 (12–82 years) subjects among those with no evidence of active H. pylori infection participated at baseline and 10 years later, respectively. A questionnaire was administered. Active H. pylori infection was assessed by 13C‐urea breath test (UBT). Serum VacA and CagA antibodies were determined.ResultsOf 518 subjects who were evaluated by both UBT and serology, 310 (59.8%) were UBT positive, 479 (92.4%) VacA positive, and 369 (71.2%) CagA positive. Subjects UBT negative and serology positive were 169 (32%), ranging 1 (14.2%) to 29 (82.8%) from last to first decades of life. Age, female gender, and people per room were independent risk factors for subjects UBT positive compared to those UBT negative and serology positive. Ten years later, subjects who became UBT positive were four of 157 (0.25% per year) while those who became seropositive for VacA and/or CagA were 17 of 26 (6.5% per year).ConclusionsH. pylori infection is highly dynamic with wide range of spontaneous clearance. It is easily cleared in the first decades of life, more recent years, less crowded homes, and males. It disappears and recurs more often than it was previously thought, implying that the current decline in its prevalence is due to real clearance instead of a fall in infection rate.
An integrated literature review on sexuality of elderly nursing home residents with dementia
Authors: Makimoto Kiyoko , Kang Hee Sun , Yamakawa Miyae , Konno Rie 
Published: April 2014

This study presents an integrative literature review on sexuality among elderly people with dementia living in nursing homes. Original research studies published from 1980 to 2012 were included in the review. Sexual expressions ranged from holding hands to sexual intercourse. These behaviours were sometimes directed towards caregivers while the latter were providing daily care. Sexual expressions were sometimes assessed and reported subjectively without context. Responses to sexual expressions varied from positive to negative. Some sexual expressions were dealt with inconsistently, and some were considered to be problematic due to a lack of policy or privacy.It is important to assess and report sexual expressions objectively, preferably with a standardized form, and to consider context in doing so. Effort is required to provide privacy for residents' sexual expressions and a safe environment for all residents and caregivers. It is important that a policy and guidelines for care be established regarding issues related to sexuality among elderly people with dementia.
Cardiovascular disease: the effect of erectile dysfunction on adherence to cardiovascular disease medication
Authors: Williams Paul , McBain Hayley , Mulligan Kathleen , Steggall Martin J 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTDue to their similar aetiologies, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and erectile dysfunction (ED) are closely linked, with the prevalence of ED being approximately 75% for individuals at high risk of CVD. ED can have a detrimental effect on quality of life not only for the individual but also his sexual partner which in turn impacts upon their intimate relationship. Some CVD medications have been found to have a negative effect on erectile function and therefore act as an influential factor for the cessation of important CVD medication. Low adherence to CVD medication has been linked to increased health costs, hospitalizations and importantly, a higher risk of mortality. Research has shown that men find it difficult to seek medical help in relation to ED which is also compounded by the notion that health care providers do not address sexual issues adequately. Patients' beliefs about CVD medication are modifiable and therefore an opportunity exists not only for health care providers to facilitate discussions in relation to ED and medication adherence but also encompass an opportunity to increase adherence to CVD medication through intervention.
A system dynamics model to support the management of artisanal dredge fisheries in the south coast of Portugal
Authors: Martins J.H. , Camanho A.S. , Oliveira M.M. , Gaspar M.B. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThis paper presents a management model developed to promote the sustainability of artisanal fisheries, considering socioeconomic and environmental dimensions. The management of artisanal fisheries faces many challenges, including the lack of appropriate tools to support policy makers and stakeholders in the decision‐making process. The model presented in this study is based on system dynamics and allows the simulation of the behavior of the artisanal dredge fishery on the south coast of Portugal, including four main species and two fleets. Two scenarios were simulated to assess the impact of regulatory measures on the system sustainability: scenario 1 simulated a permanent reduction of fishing effort, returning an improvement of biologic and economic sustainability; scenario 2 simulated the closure of one species for a period of one year to allow its recovery. It was found that although the revenue of fisheries decreases in that year, the system is able to return to the average levels of revenue three years after the closure. The study aimed to guide decision makers in the selection of the most appropriate measures toward the preservation of marine ecosystems and socioeconomic stability of fishing communities. The developed system dynamics model, combining available data with knowledge of fisheries experts, proved to be a useful scientific tool to identify management policies and organizational structures leading to greater success. This technique can be applied to the study of other fishery systems worldwide.
DEA models with a constant input for SRI mutual funds with an application to European and Swedish funds
Authors: Basso Antonella , Funari Stefania 
Published: April 2014

AbstractData envelopment analysis (DEA) allows one to take into account the degree of social responsibility of mutual funds, together with financial risk and return. This contribution proposes some DEA models in which the input and output variables are focused on the main determinants of investments in socially responsible investing (SRI) mutual funds. Unlike other DEA models, a constant initial capital and the final value of the investment are considered; this ensures the positivity of all variables, even during financial crises. The initial capital deposited by an investor is assumed to be equal for all funds, so that we have a constant input. The implications of the presence of a constant input in DEA models are studied, which have important consequences for the analysis of the performance of mutual funds, in particular with regard to the type of returns to scale. The models proposed are applied to the European data to evaluate the performance of SRI mutual funds in the period June 2006 to June 2009. Moreover, a specific analysis compares the performance of SRI and non‐SRI mutual funds, in order to determine if SRIs require a sacrifice in terms of financial rewards. Finally, a more detailed investigation is carried out for the Swedish SRI mutual funds.
Microbiology of the infected recurrent sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus
Authors: Ardelt Michael , Dittmar Yves , Kocijan Roland , Rödel Jürgen , Schulz Birte , Scheuerlein Hubert , Settmacher Utz 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe aim of the present retrospective single centre study was to define the changes in the microbiological flora of the recurring sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus (PS). Microbiological findings of swab samples of abscess‐forming PS from 2000 to 2010 were evaluated. Within this time span, 73 swab samples were taken from primary sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus (pPS) and 23 swab samples of patients with recurring sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus (rPS). Our results show a statistically significant shift of the bacterial flora towards the gram‐positive range (P = 0·029) and a shift with tendency towards the aerobic range (P = 0·090). Pathogens of pPS are not always solely anaerobic or gram‐negative, and those of rPS not always aerobic or gram‐positive. Therefore, antibiosis preceding microbiological examination should cover both the aerobic and anaerobic bacteria as well as the gram‐positive and the gram‐negative spectrum.
Expression of Epstein–Barr virus in children with sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus determined by immunohistochemical methods
Authors: Karakuş Esra , Kaçar Ayper , Karakuş Resul , Mambet Ervin , Şenaylı Atilla 
Published: April 2014

AbstractIn this study, we probed whether chronic infections of skin such as pilonidal sinus could be a potential site of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) replication. Pilonidal sinus is associated with a high recurrence rate. Therefore, we decided to determine the role of EBV's presence to explain whether it is correlated with the recurrence of pilonidal sinuses. This study was conducted on 36 patient samples with sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus. Samples were immunohistochemically stained for EBV, CD3 and CD20 expression. Thirty‐six adolescents with pilonidal disease were evaluated. EBV‐positive cells were located in dermis with high inflammatory activity. EBV‐positive cells stained positive for the B‐cell antigen CD20 and were detected in 10 of 36 (27%) pilonidal sinus specimens. Among those who had experienced a relapse, three were positive for EBV expression. In addition, EBV expression was detected in eight cases with severe inflammation, and in two with minimal or moderate inflammation. Our study advances the field by demonstrating that similar to gastrointestinal mucosa, skin could be a reservoir for EBV. EBV was found to be restricted to B cells in skin lesions, and it was found that skin lesions with severe inflammation showed higher frequency of EBV expression in comparison to minimal or moderately inflammed skin lesions. Additionally, recurrence was more frequently observed among EBV‐positive cases. These findings point out for a role of EBV infection in the recurrence of pilonidal sinuses.
Lockup Agreements and Survival of UK IPOs
Authors: Ahmad Wasim , Jelic Ranko 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThis paper examines the role of lockup agreements on the survival of 580 UK Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) during the period of 1990–2011. Our accelerated failure time (AFT) survival model shows a statistically and economically significant effect of lockup length on the post‐IPO survival. A 12 month increase in median lockup period increases the (median) survival time by 27%. Furthermore, the failure rates for IPOs with longer lockups are consistently lower than the failure rates for IPOs with shorter lockups regardless of delisting reasons. The results are robust to choice of different survival estimation models, heterogeneity, clustering, and alternative specification of variables. Our results highlight the importance of lockup characteristics on the subsequent survival of newly listed firms and inform recent debate regarding alleged short‐termism in the UK equity market.
What Drives Executive Stock Option Backdating?
Authors: Veld Chris , Wu Betty H.T. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractWe study motives for executive stock option backdating, the practice of changing the grant dates of current options to dates in the past using hindsight. We find that smaller, younger and less profitable firms tend to be more heavily involved in backdating. These results are consistent with the retention hypothesis. In line with the incentive hypothesis, we find that backdating occurs more for options that are out‐of‐the‐money. We derive some evidence for the agency hypothesis, in the sense that backdating companies have a larger percentage of inside directors. However, contrary to this hypothesis, we conclude that backdating firms have better protection for minority shareholders compared to firms that do not backdate.
Compatibility of Electroanatomical Mapping Systems with a Concurrent Percutaneous Axial Flow Ventricular Assist Device
Authors: VAIDYA VAIBHAV R. , DESIMONE CHRISTOPHER V. , MADHAVAN MALINI , NOHERIA AMIT , SHAHID MOHAMMED , WALTERS JACOB , LADEWIG DOROTHY J. , MIKELL SUSAN B. , JOHNSON SUSAN B. , SUDDENDORF SCOTT H. , ASIRVATHAM SAMUEL J. 
Published: April 2014

Electromagnetic Interference with Ventricular Assist DeviceBackgroundHemodynamic instability hinders activation and entrainment mapping during ventricular tachycardia ablation. The Impella 2.5 microaxial flow device (MFD; Abiomed Inc., Danvers, MA, USA) is used to prevent hemodynamic instability during electrophysiologic study. However, electromagnetic interference (EMI) generated by this device can preclude accurate electroanatomic mapping.MethodsImpella was placed in the left ventricle of 7 canines for circulatory support. Electroanatomic mapping during sinus rhythm, ventricular pacing, and ventricular fibrillation (VF) was performed using magnet‐ (CARTO3, Biosense Webster Inc., Diamond Bar, CA, USA) and impedance‐ (EnSite Velocity System/EnSite NavX, St. Jude Medical Inc., St. Paul, MN, USA) based systems. Distance from device to points with severe EMI precluding acquisition was compared to points with mild/no EMI. Two methods were used to reduce EMI: (1) titration of MFD performance, and (2) impedance‐only mapping combined with manual annotation of activation.ResultsSevere EMI did not occur during impedance‐based mapping. Severe EMI was observed using CARTO3 at 9.4% of all points attempted at maximum performance level (P8) of device. Severe EMI occurred at points closer to device (40.1 ± 16.8 mm) versus (55.5 ± 20.0 mm) for mild/no EMI, P < 0.0001. Severe EMI using CARTO3 was resolved by either (1) reduction of performance from P8 to P6 or (2) impedance‐only mapping with manual annotation.ConclusionConcurrent use of MFD caused EMI to prevent acquisition of points with magnet‐based mapping. Predictors for EMI were distance from device and performance level. Temporary reductions to P6 or impedance‐only mapping are 2 methods to resolve EMI.
Early Procedure‐Related Adverse Events by Gender in MADIT‐CRT
Authors: JAMERSON DEANDRA , MCNITT SCOTT , POLONSKY SLAVA , ZAREBA WOJCIECH , MOSS ARTHUR , TOMPKINS CHRISTINE 
Published: April 2014

Adverse Events by Gender in MADIT‐CRTBackgroundWhether gender differences exist in procedure‐related adverse events following cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT‐D) implantation is unknown. We investigated the type and frequency of procedure‐related adverse events among those enrolled in MADIT‐CRT and identified clinical predictors for gender‐specific events.MethodsWe compared differences in the rate of procedure‐related adverse events by gender (444 females and 1,346 males) that occurred ≤30 days after the index procedure in the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and CRT‐D groups. Eight types of major adverse events were identified, defined as procedure‐related complications deemed potentially life‐threatening. Best subset regression analysis (P < 0.10) was performed to identify baseline clinical factors associated with procedure‐related adverse events that differed by gender.ResultsWomen randomized to CRT‐D received a greater reduction in the risk of heart failure or death versus men (P < 0.001). Women were twice as likely as men to experience a major procedure‐related adverse event (6.3% vs. 2.7%; P < 0.001), including pneumothorax/hemothorax (3% vs. 1%; P < 0.001). Women were more likely to experience a major adverse event related to CRT‐D than ICD implantation (7.7% vs. 2.9%; P = 0.018). Clinical predictors of major adverse events in females were smaller body mass index (BMI), elevated blood urea nitrogen, and elevated creatinine. The main predictor for pneumothorax/hemothorax was reduced BMI for women and men.
ConclusionWomen demonstrate greater clinical benefit from CRT than men but are more likely to experience adverse procedure‐related events within the first 30 days after device implantation. A smaller BMI seems to be a major factor associated with pneumothorax/hemothorax in both females and males.
Time‐Domain T‐Wave Alternans is Strongly Associated with a History of Ventricular Fibrillation in Patients with Brugada Syndrome
Authors: UCHIMURA‐MAKITA YUKO , NAKANO YUKIKO , TOKUYAMA TAKEHITO , FUJIWARA MAI , WATANABE YOSHIKAZU , SAIRAKU AKINORI , KAWAZOE HIROSHI , MATSUMURA HIROYA , ODA NOZOMU , IKANAGA HIROKI , MOTODA CHIKAAKI , KAJIHARA KENTA , ODA NOBORU , VERRIER RICHARD L. , KIHARA YASUKI 
Published: April 2014

Time‐Domain T‐Wave Alternans and Brugada SyndromeAimsT‐wave alternans (TWA) is an indicator of vulnerability to ventricular arrhythmias and is useful for predicting sudden cardiac death (SCD) in patients with various structural heart diseases. We evaluated whether high levels of time‐domain TWA on ambulatory ECG (AECG) are associated with a history of ventricular fibrillation (VF) in Brugada syndrome (BrS) patients.Methods and ResultsWe examined the associations among VF history, family history of SCD, spontaneous type 1 electrocardiogram (ECG), late potentials, VF induction by programmed electrical stimulation, and TWA in 45 BrS patients (44 males; mean age, 45 ± 15 years). TWA analyzed from 24‐h AECG recordings using the modified moving average method was positive in 13 of 43 patients (30%). Patients with a history of VF had a significantly higher incidence of a positive TWA test (82% vs. 13%; P < 0.001) and spontaneous type 1 ECG (92% vs. 38%; P = 0.007) than those without VF history. Multivariate analysis indicated that positive TWA (OR 7.217; 95% CI 2.503–35.504; P = 0.002) and spontaneous type 1 ECG (OR 5.530; 95% CI 1.651–34.337; P = 0.020) were closely associated with VF history. Spontaneous type 1 ECG had high sensitivity (92%) but low specificity (63%). Positive TWA was a reliable marker with high sensitivity and specificity (82% and 88%, respectively).ConclusionElevated time‐domain TWA on AECG confirms arrhythmia risk in symptomatic BrS patients without the need for provocative stimuli.
Renal telocytes contribute to the repair of ischemically injured renal tubules
Authors: Li Liping , Lin Miao , Li Long , Wang Rulin , Zhang Chao , Qi Guisheng , Xu Ming , Rong Ruiming , Zhu Tongyu 
Published: April 2014

AbstractTelocytes (TCs), a distinct type of interstitial cells, have been identified in many organs via electron microscopy. However, their precise function in organ regeneration remains unknown. This study investigated the paracrine effect of renal TCs on renal tubular epithelial cells (TECs) in vitro, the regenerative function of renal TCs in renal tubules after ischaemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) in vivo and the possible mechanisms involved. In a renal IRI model, transplantation of renal TCs was found to decrease serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, while renal fibroblasts exerted no such effect. The results of histological injury assessments and the expression levels of cleaved caspase‐3 were consistent with a change in kidney function. Our data suggest that the protective effect of TCs against IRI occurs via inflammation‐independent mechanisms in vivo. Furthermore, we found that renal TCs could not directly promote the proliferation and anti‐apoptosis properties of TECs in vitro. TCs did not display any advantage in paracrine growth factor secretion in vitro compared with renal fibroblasts. These data indicate that renal TCs protect against renal IRI via an inflammation‐independent pathway and that growth factors play a significant role in this mechanism. Renal TCs may protect TECs in certain microenvironments while interacting with other cells.
Improving health behaviours of Latina mothers of youths and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Authors: Magaña S. , Li H. , Miranda E. , Paradiso de Sayu R. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundLatina mothers who care for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) over the lifespan struggle to take care of their own health needs in the context of their caregiving experience. Services are typically aimed at the persons with IDD and not their family caregivers. Yet, attending to family caregiver needs may contribute to better long‐term care of persons with IDD who remain at home. To address this unmet need, we developed a culturally sensitive health education intervention for Latina mothers who care for youth and adults with IDD. The aim of the intervention is to improve maternal health‐related self‐efficacy and health behaviours, and to reduce stress.MethodA randomised control design was employed to determine preliminary efficacy of the intervention. Paired sample t‐tests were conducted to examine within‐group changes from baseline to 3‐month post‐test. Repeated‐measures analysis of covariance was used to examine the group‐by‐time interaction effects.ResultsIntervention participants showed greater increases between pre‐ and post‐test in health‐related self‐efficacy; self‐care, nutrition and overall health behaviours. Both groups reported decreases in depressive symptoms and caregiver burden.ConclusionsWhile additional research is needed to determine long‐term effects and to replicate findings, our results suggest that this culturally sensitive health intervention is a promising way to increase health behaviours which may lead to overall good health for Latina mothers who care for children with IDD across the lifespan.