bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comprehensive program to minimize platelet outdating
Authors: Fuller Alice K. , Uglik Kristin M. , Braine Hayden G. , King Karen E. 
Published: February 2011

BACKGROUND: Platelet (PLT) transfusions are essential for patients who are bleeding or have an increased risk of bleeding due to a decreased number or abnormal function of circulating PLTs. A shelf life of 5 days for PLT products presents an inventory management challenge. In 2006, greater than 10% of apheresis PLTs made in the United States outdated. It is imperative to have a sufficient number of products for patients requiring transfusion, but outdating PLTs is a financial burden and a waste of a resource.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We present the approach used in our institution to anticipate inventory needs based on current patient census and usage. Strategies to predict usage and to identify changes in anticipated usage are examined. Annual outdating is reviewed for a 10‐year period from 2000 through 2009.RESULTS: From January 1, 2000, through December 2009, there were 128,207 PLT transfusions given to 15,265 patients. The methods used to anticipate usage and adjust inventory resulted in an annual outdate rate of approximately 1% for the 10‐year period reviewed. In addition we have not faced situations where inventory was inadequate to meet the needs of the patients requiring transfusions.CONCLUSION: We have identified three elements of our transfusion service that can minimize outdate: a knowledgeable proactive staff dedicated to PLT management, a comprehensive computer‐based transfusion history for each patient, and a strong two‐way relationship with the primary product supplier. Through our comprehensive program, based on the principles of providing optimal patient care, we have minimized PLT outdating for more than 10 years.
Fukuoka‐1 strain of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy agent infects murine bone marrow–derived cells with features of mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Cervenakova Larisa , Akimov Sergey , Vasilyeva Irina , Yakovleva Oksana , McKenzie Carroll , Cervenak Juraj , Piccardo Pedro , Asher David M. 
Published: February 2011

BACKGROUND: The possible risk of iatrogenic transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs, prion diseases) from transplantation of marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is uncertain. While most cell lines resist infection, a few propagate TSE agents.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We generated MSC‐like (MSC‐L) cell cultures from bone marrow (BM) of mice inoculated with the human‐derived Fukuoka‐1 (Fu) strain of TSE agent. Cultured cells were characterized for various markers and cellular prion protein (PrPC) by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting and for PrPC and its pathologic TSE‐associated form (PrPTSE) by Western blotting (WB). Cell cultures were tested for their susceptibility to infection with Fu in vitro. The infectivity of one Fu‐infected cell culture was assayed in mice.RESULTS: BM cells from Fu‐infected mice expressed neither PrPC nor PrPTSE after 3 days in culture as demonstrated by WB. Cells adherent to plastic and maintained under two different culture conditions became spontaneously immortalized and began to express PrPC at about the same time. One culture became transformed shortly after exposure to Fu in vitro and remained persistently infected, continuously generating PrPTSE through multiple passages; the infectivity of cultured cells was confirmed by intracerebral inoculation of lysates into mice. Both persistently TSE‐infected and uninfected cells expressed a number of typical MSC markers.CONCLUSION: BM‐derived MSC‐L cells of mice became persistently infected with the Fu agent under certain conditions in culture—conditions that differ substantially from those currently used to develop investigational human stem cell therapies.
Ajmaline Challenge in Young Individuals with Suspected Brugada Syndrome
Authors: SORGENTE ANTONIO , SARKOZY ANDREA , DE ASMUNDIS CARLO , CHIERCHIA GIAN‐BATTISTA , CAPULZINI LUCIO , PAPARELLA GAETANO , HENKENS STEFAN , BRUGADA PEDRO 
Published: February 2011

Background: The clinical characteristics and the results of ajmaline challenge in young individuals with suspected Brugada syndrome (BS) have not been systematically investigated.
Methods: Among a larger series of patients included in the BS database of our Department, 179 patients undergoing ajmaline challenge were included in the study and categorized in two groups according to age: group 1 (<18 years old) and group 2 (≥18 years old). Clinical features and results of the ajmaline challenge of each group were compared.
Results: Young individuals were more often asymptomatic compared to adult patients (P = 0.002). They showed a higher number of normal ECGs (P = 0.023), a lower percentage of Brugada type II electrocardiographic pattern compared to the adult population (P = 0.011), and a comparable amount of spontaneous Brugada type III electrocardiographic pattern (P = 0.695). Ajmaline provoked a higher degree of intraventricular conduction delay (P = 0.002) and higher degree of prolongation of the ventricular repolarization phase (P = 0.013) in young individuals but its pro‐arrhythmic risk was comparable in the two groups (P = 0.684). Furthermore, inducibility of ventricular arrhythmias in young patients with a positive ajmaline test was comparable to that of the adults with a positive ajmaline test (P = 0.694).
Conclusions: The present study demonstrates the low‐risk profile of the ajmaline test in young patients when performed by experienced physicians and nurses in an appropriate environment. (PACE 2011; 736–741)
Incidence and Significance of Pacemaker and Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillator Lead Masses Discovered during Transesophageal Echocardiography
Authors: DOWNEY BRIAN C. , JUSELIUS WHITNEY E. , PANDIAN NATESA G. , ESTES N. A. MARK , LINK MARK S. 
Published: February 2011

Background: Pacemaker and implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator device infections are feared complications. The finding of a lead‐associated mass on transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) raises concern for endocarditis. However, the incidence and clinical importance of lead masses is not currently known.
Methods: Consecutive patients with transvenous leads undergoing TEE from July 1, 2003, to June 30, 2005, were identified and assessed for a clinical diagnosis of endocarditis. An echocardiographer blinded to clinical information reviewed all TEEs.
Results: Of 177 TEEs performed on 153 patients, a visible mass on a device lead was observed in 25 (14%), including 11 TEEs showing a lead vegetation, 13 TEEs showing lead strands, and one study showing both. Seventeen patients were adjudicated to have endocarditis, of which eight had a mass seen on a lead during TEE. Thus, 72% of patients (18 of 25) with a lead‐associated mass did not have evidence of an infection. In TEEs performed for indications other than to rule out endocarditis, lead masses were seen in 13 of 136 studies (10%), with only one patient adjudicated to clinically have an infected device.
Conclusion: During this 2‐year study of consecutive patients with a tranvenous lead undergoing TEE, lead‐associated masses were found in 14% of patients. In 72% of patients, the mass did not prove to be secondary to infectious causes. Thus, masses attached to a device lead should be interpreted in the overall clinical context and, in the absence of concomitant evidence of endocarditis, should not mandate device and lead removal. (PACE 2011; 679–683)
Moving Up in Rural America: Economic Attainment of Nonmetro Latino Immigrants
Authors: Kandel William , Henderson Jamila , Koball Heather , Capps Randy 
Published: February 2011

AbstractRapid Hispanic population growth represents a pronounced demographic transformation in many nonmetropolitan counties, particularly since 1990. Its considerable public policy implications stem largely from high proportions of new foreign‐born residents. Despite the pressing need for information on new immigrants in nonmetro counties and a bourgeoning scholarship on new rural destinations, few quantitative analyses have measured systematically the social and economic well‐being of Latino immigrants. This study analyzes the importance of place for economic well‐being, an important public policy issue related to rural Hispanic population growth. We consider four measures of economic mobility: full‐time, year‐round employment; home ownership; poverty status; and income exceeding the median national income. We conduct this analysis for 2000 and 2006–2007 to capture two salient periods of nonmetro Hispanic population growth, using a typology that distinguishes among nonmetropolitan areas by the categories of “traditional” immigrant destinations concentrated in the Southwest and Northwest, “new” immigrant destinations to capture recent and rapid Hispanic population growth in the Midwest and Southeast, and “all other” rural destinations as a reference category representing more typical nonmetro population trends. We also compare our results to those for metropolitan destinations. We find that place type matters little for stable employment but more so for wealth accumulation and income security and mobility. Compared with urban Latino immigrants, rural Latino immigrants exhibit higher rates of homeownership as well as greater likelihoods of falling into poverty and lower likelihoods of earning a measure of U.S. median income. From 2000 to 2006–2007, rural‐urban differences deteriorated slightly in favor of urban areas. We conclude by discussing implications of these findings and those of addressing rural immigrant economic well‐being more generally.
Rat Bite Fever, a Fatal Case of Streptobacillus moniliformis Infection in a 14‐Month‐Old Boy
Authors: Banerjee Priya , Ali Zabiullah , Fowler David R. 
Published: February 2011

Abstract:  Streptobacillus moniliformis is the primary cause of rat bite fever in North America. Children under 12 years of age are primarily infected, presenting with an acute syndrome of fever, rash, and polyarthritis. Common vectors include rats and mice. Transmission is predominantly from a bite or scratch, but contact with or ingestion of food contaminated with feces or saliva has also been reported. We report a fatal case of S. moniliformis infection in a 14‐month‐old‐boy. At home, the child was exposed to filthy living conditions and the family had pet ferrets. Autopsy revealed a red‐pink, mostly confluent rash and a circumscribed area suspicious for a possible bite mark. Cerebrospinal fluid cultures were positive for S. moniliformis. This case highlighted key features, such as the morbiliform rash, but lacked lymphadenopathy or joint manifestations. It is important to consider rat or rodent exposure as a source of infection.
An application of IDEA to wheat farming efficiency
Authors: Hadi‐Vencheh A. , Matin R. Kazemi 
Published: February 2011

AbstractData Envelopment Analysis (DEA) is a nonparametric approach to evaluating the relative efficiency of decision making units (DMUs) that use multiple inputs to produce multiple outputs. An assumption underlying DEA is that all the data assume the form of specific numerical values. In some applications, however, the data may be imprecise. That is, all the input and output data cannot be exactly obtained due to the existence of uncertainty. They are only known to lie within specified intervals. A DEA model with imprecise data or, more compactly, an Imprecise DEA (IDEA) model proposed in this article to evaluate efficiency for each DMU. The article is illustrated with an application to Iranian wheat producer provinces.
Enhancing bone formation by transplantation of a scaffold‐free tissue‐engineered periosteum in a rabbit model
Authors: Ma Dongyang , Yao Hong , Tian Wenyan , Chen Fulin , Liu Yanpu , Mao Tianqiu , Ren Liling 
Published: February 2011

AbstractObjectives: The periosteum plays an important role in bone regeneration. However, the harvesting of autogenous periosteum is associated with disadvantages such as donor site morbidity and limited donor sources. This study uses an osteogenic predifferentiated cell sheet to fabricate a scaffold‐free tissue‐engineered periosteum (TEP).Material and methods: We generated an osteogenic predifferentiated cell sheet from rabbit bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) using a continuous culture system and harvested it using a scraping technique. Then, the in vitro characterization of the sheet was investigated using microscopy investigation, quantitative analysis of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and RT‐PCR. Next, we demonstrated the in vivo osteogenic potential of the engineered sheet in ectopic sites together with a porous β‐tricalcium phosphate ceramic. Finally, we evaluated its efficiency in treating delayed fracture healing after wrapping the cell sheet around the mandible in a rabbit model.Results: The engineered periosteum showed sporadic mineralized nodules, elevated ALP activity, and up‐regulated gene expression of osteogenic markers. After implantation in the subcutaneous pockets of the donor rabbits, the in vivo bone‐forming capability of the engineered periosteum was confirmed by histological examinations. Additionally, when wrapping the engineered periosteum around a mandibular fracture gap, we observed improved bone healing and reduced amounts of fibrous tissue at the fracture site.Conclusion: The osteogenic predifferentiated BMSC sheet can act as a scaffold‐free TEP to facilitate bone regeneration. Hence, our study provides a promising strategy for enhancing bone regeneration in clinical settings.To cite this article:
Ma D, Yao H, Tian W, Chen F, Liu Y, Mao T, Ren L. Enhancing bone formation by transplantation of a scaffold‐free tissue‐engineered periosteum in a rabbit model. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 22, 2011; 1193–1199. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2010.02091.x
Students’ perceptions of the educational environment in a Greek Dental School, as measured by DREEM
Authors: Kossioni A. E. , Varela R. , Ekonomu I. , Lyrakos G. , Dimoliatis I. D. K. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractAim:  The aim of this study was to estimate the dental students’ perceptions of their educational environment and to identify any differences related both to their gender and semester of studies.Materials and methods:  The translated and validated in Greek Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) questionnaire was distributed to all 2nd‐ to 5th‐year students of the Athens Dental School. The questionnaire consisted of 50 statements organised in five subscales (perceptions of learning, teachers, atmosphere, academic self‐perceptions and social self‐perceptions). Internal validity was checked with Cronbach alpha. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed under the same conditions as the original inventory. Mean statement, subscale and overall scores were calculated and given as percentages.Results:  The response rate was 64%. Overall Cronbach alpha was 0.93 (excellent). CFA produced five meaningful subscales, not matching the original ones. The overall DREEM mean score was 56%. Gender did not influence the findings. The students’ perceptions of the educational environment with the exception of the academic self‐perceptions were more positive in the pre‐clinical years. Statistically significant differences were revealed only for the ‘learning’ subscale between the 3rd‐ and the 4th‐year students. Seventy‐eight percent of the statements were in the positive side. The lowest scores were related to students’ stress, tiredness and lack of appropriate feedback from the teachers, and the highest were related to accommodation, school friends and perceptions that they feel socially comfortable in class.Conclusions:  Students’ perceptions of the educational environment were reasonably positive, with no gender difference. However, some weaknesses were identified, particularly in the clinical years. Further research is needed to clarify appropriate interventions.
Radiosynovectomy in patients with chronic haemophilic synovitis: when is more than one injection necessary?
Authors: de la Corte‐Rodriguez Hortensia , Rodriguez‐Merchan Emerito‐Carlos , Jimenez‐Yuste Victor 
Published: February 2011

AbstractOne hundred and fifty‐six radiosynovectomies (RSs) were performed in 104 joints of 78 haemophilic patients diagnosed with chronic haemophilic synovitis. Mean patient age was 18 yr. Previous studies on the same group of patients indicated that RS is an effective procedure for treating chronic haemophilic synovitis, which may require the performance of 1–3 injections (RS‐1, RS‐2, RS‐3), with a 6‐month interval between them. Those studies also revealed that the parameters showing the greatest improvement after RS were pain and haemarthrosis, followed by the World Federation of Haemophilia (WFH) clinical score and muscle strength and range of motion. Such studies also demonstrated that the improvement achieved further to RS is independent of the patient’s age, the type and severity of haemophilia, the previous haematologic treatment regime administered (on demand or prophylactic), the presence or absence of a circulating inhibitor, the patients’ previous level or activity (or inactivity), the presence or absence of previous arthropathy (joint degeneration), of the isotope used (yttrium‐90 or rhenium‐186) and of the appearance or otherwise of RS‐derived complications. In this study, we looked into the potential relationship between the type of joint treated and the degree of synovitis present with the need of one or more further RSs, and we found that the knee requires more injections than the elbow or the ankle and that the more severe synovites require a higher number of RS procedures.
TGF‐β1 gene polymorphism in renal transplant patients with and without gingival overgrowth
Authors: Kozak M , Kurzawski M , Wajda A , Lapczuk J , Lipski M , Dziewanowski K , Drozdzik M 
Published: February 2011

Oral Diseases (2011) 17, 414–419Background:  The incidence of gingival overgrowth among renal transplant patients treated with cyclosporine A ranges from 13% to 84.6%, and the overgrowth is not only esthetic but also a medical problem. We studied the determination of association between TGF‐β1 (TGFB1) gene polymorphism and gingival overgrowth in kidney transplant patients medicated with cyclosporin A.Methods:  Eighty‐four kidney transplant patients with gingival overgrowth and 140 control transplant patients without overgrowth were enrolled into the case control study. TGFB1 polymorphism was determined using the PCR‐RFLP assay for +869T>C in codon 10 and +915G>C in codon 25 as well as TaqMan real‐time PCR assays for promoter −800G>A and −509C>T SNPs.Results:  In kidney transplant patients suffering from gingival overgrowth, mean score of gingival overgrowth was 1.38 ± 0.60, whereas in control subjects it was 0.0. The patients with gingival overgrowth were characterized by similar distribution of TGFB1 genotypes and allele in comparison to subjects without gingival overgrowth. Among 16 potentially possible haplotypes of TGFB1 gene, only four were observed in the studied sample of kidney transplant patients: G_C_T_G, G_T_C_G, G_C_C_C, and A_C_T_G, with similar frequency in patients with and without gingival overgrowth.Conclusion:  No association between the TGFB1 gene polymorphism and gingival overgrowth was revealed in kidney transplant patients administered cyclosporine A.
The mechanism of TGF‐β signaling during palate development
Authors: Iwata J , Parada C , Chai Y 
Published: February 2011

Oral Diseases (2011) 17, 733–744Cleft palate, a malformation of the secondary palate development, is one of the most common human congenital birth defects. Palate formation is a complex process resulting in the separation of the oral and nasal cavities that involves multiple events, including palatal growth, elevation, and fusion. Recent findings show that transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) signaling plays crucial roles in regulating palate development in both the palatal epithelium and mesenchyme. Here, we highlight recent advances in our understanding of TGF‐β signaling during palate development.
Performance of a sensitive troponin assay in the early diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction in the emergency department
Authors: Kelly Anne‐Maree 
Published: February 2011

AbstractAim: Troponin assays have high diagnostic value for myocardial infarction (MI), but sensitivity has been weak early after chest pain onset. New, so‐called ‘sensitive’ troponin assays have recently been introduced. Two studies report high sensitivity for assays taken at ED presentation, but studied selected populations. Our aim was to evaluate the diagnostic performance for MI of a sensitive troponin assay measured at ED presentation in an unselected chest pain population without ECG evidence of ischaemia.Methods: This is a sub‐study of a prospective cohort study of adult patients with potentially cardiac chest pain who underwent evaluation for acute coronary syndrome. Patients with clear ECG evidence of acute ischaemia or an alternative diagnosis were excluded. Data collected included demographic, clinical, ECG, biomarker and outcome data. A ‘positive’ troponin was defined as >99th percentile of the assay used. MI diagnosis was as judged by the treating cardiologist. The outcomes of interest were sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratios (LR) for positive troponin assay taken at ED presentation. Data were analysed by clinical performance analysis.Results: Totally 952 were studied. Median age was 61 years; 56.4% were male and median TIMI score was 2. There were 129 MI (13.6, 95% CI 11.5–15.9). Sensitivity of TnI at ED presentation was 76.7% (95% CI 68.5–83.7%), specificity 93.6% (95% CI 91.7–95.1%), with LR positive 11.92 and LR negative 0.25.Conclusion: Sensitive TnI assay at ED presentation has insufficient diagnostic accuracy for detection of MI. Serial biomarker assays in patients with negative initial TnI are required.
Equivalency of two concentrations of fentanyl administered by the intranasal route for acute analgesia in children in a paediatric emergency department: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Borland Meredith , Milsom Samantha , Esson Amanda 
Published: February 2011

AbstractObjective: Intranasal fentanyl's (INF) effectiveness is established using highly concentrated INF (HINF). Standard concentration INF (SINF) is more widely available. We aimed to illustrate the equivalence of SINF to HINF.Methods: Double‐blinded randomized controlled trial was used within a children's hospital ED. Children aged 3–15 years with fractures were randomized to SINF or HINF. Outcome measures included pain scores at time zero and every 10 min until 30 min. Additional analgesic agents were noted.Results: Data in 189 children (91 HINF, 98 SINF) were obtained. Pre‐analgesia median VAS was 80.0 mm (interquartile range [IQR] 60.0–95.5) in SINF, 77.5 mm (IQR 60.0–100) in HINF. At 10 min median VAS was 49.5 mm (IQR 26.5–68.5) and 43.0 mm (IQR 15.2–66.0), respectively, at 20 min 27.5 mm (IQR 18.5–56.5) and 35.0 mm (IQR 9.0–57.0) and at 30 min 20.0 mm (IQR 10.0–46.0) and 21.5 mm (IQR 4.75–51.0). Each agent demonstrated significant decrease in pain scores (median decrease 40 mm, P = 0.000). Additional analgesia was given in 67 (42 SINF, 25 HINF) (P = 0.028). The decrease in pain scores between children < and ≥50 kg in SINF was significant both overall (P = 0.005) and between 10 and 20 min (P = 0.003). There was no difference in HINF at any time by weight.Conclusions: The two concentrations of INF were equivalent in reducing pain, with a trend to increased oral additional agents in the more dilute solution. The widespread use of this readily available analgesic in the standard concentration can be supported, particularly in patients <50 kg.