bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of restrictive platelet transfusion strategies on transfusion rates: A cohort study in very preterm infants
Authors: Heeger L. E. , Houben N. A. M. , Caram‐Deelder C. , Fustolo‐Gunnink S. F. , van der Bom J. G. , Lopriore E. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundEvidence supports a restrictive platelet transfusion threshold in preterm neonates. We aimed to describe the effect of implementing this threshold on transfusion rates.Study Design and MethodsThis retrospective observational cohort study included all very preterm infants (born <32 weeks' gestation) admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit between 2004 and 2022, divided into three epochs. Platelet transfusion thresholds changed from 30 × 109/L for stable neonates and 50 × 109/L for unstable neonates (January 2004 to December 2009) to 20 × 109/L for stable neonates and 50 × 109/L for unstable neonates (January 2010 to June 2019) to 25 × 109/L for non‐bleeding neonates and 50 × 109/L for neonates with major bleeding (July 2019 to July 2022). The primary outcome was the percentage of transfused neonates in each epoch. Secondary outcomes included the median number of transfusions per neonate, the percentage of transfusions given above 25 or 50 × 109/L, and major bleeding and mortality rates.ResultsThe percentage of neonates transfused was 12.2% (115/939), 5.8% (96/1660), and 4.8% (25/525) in Epoch I, II, and III, respectively (p < .001), a relative reduction of 61%. The median number of transfusions per transfused neonate was 2.0 (interquartile range [IQR]: 1.0–3.0) in Epoch I, and 1.0 (IQR: 1.0–2.0) in subsequent Epochs (p = .04). The percentage of infants receiving at least one transfusion above 50 × 109/L in Epoch I, II, and III was 51.3% (59/115), 17.7% (17/96), and 20.0% (5/25; p < .001). Mortality and bleeding rates did not significantly differ between epochs.DiscussionImplementation of restrictive platelet guidelines led to reduction of the rate and number of platelet transfusions.
Neighborhood ethnic density and disparities in proximal blood donation opportunities
Authors: Ruiz John M. , Hughes Shana D. , Flores Melissa , Custer Brian , Ingram Maia , Carvajal Scott , Rosales Cecilia , Kamel Hany , Vassallo Ralph , France Christopher R. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundDespite being the largest racial/ethnic minority group in the United States, Hispanic/Latinos (H/L) are significantly underrepresented among blood donors. A lack of proximal blood donation opportunities may be one factor contributing to these disparities. However, few studies have investigated this possibility.Study Design and MethodsProprietary data on mobile blood collections in Maricopa County, Arizona, were gathered for the period of January 01, 2022 to April 30, 2022 and paired with census tract information using ArcGIS. Maricopa County encompasses the city of Phoenix with a total population of approximately 4.5 million people, including 1.5 million H/L residents. Blood drive count was regressed on H/L ethnic density and total population, and model estimates were exponentiated to obtain odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsDuring the specified period, approximately 27,000 red blood cell units were collected through mobile drives. Consistent with expectations, when controlling for total neighborhood population, each 10% increase in H/L ethnic density lowered the odds of having a blood drive in the corresponding neighborhood by 12% (OR = 0.88, 95% CI (0.83, 0.92), p < .001).DiscussionThese findings provide initial evidence of fewer proximal donation opportunities in areas with greater H/L population density which may contribute to H/L underrepresentation in blood donation and the need for more inclusive collection efforts. Improved access to blood collection is modifiable and could help to increase the overall blood supply, enhance the ability to successfully match specific blood antigen needs of an increasingly diverse population, and bring about a more resilient blood system.
The influence of hematological profiles on the transfusion management and mortality risk of mothers presenting to the obstetric unit of a South African tertiary medical facility
Authors: Linström Michael , Musekwa Ernest , Nell Erica‐Mari , de Waard Liesl , Chapanduka Zivanai 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundLaboratory results are frequently abnormal in pregnant mothers. Abnormalities usually relate to pregnancy or associated complications. Hematological abnormalities and age in pregnancy may increase the likelihood for transfusion and mortality.Study Design and MethodsHematological profiles and transfusion history of pregnant mothers presenting to a tertiary hospital, were evaluated over 2 years. Age, anemia, leukocytosis and thrombocytopenia were assessed for transfusion likelihood. Iron deficiency and coagulation were assessed in transfused patients. Anemia, leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and transfusion were assessed for mortality likelihood.ResultsThere were 12,889 pregnant mothers included. Mothers <19‐years‐old had the highest prevalence of anemia (31.5%) and proportion of transfusions (19%). The transfusion likelihood was increased in mothers with anemia (odds ratios [OR] = 6.41; confidence intervals at 95% [95% CI] 5.46–7.71), leukocytosis (OR = 2.35; 95% CI 2.00–2.76) or thrombocytopenia (OR = 2.71; 95% CI 2.21–3.33). Mothers with prolonged prothrombin times received twice as many blood products as their normal counterparts (p = .03) and those with iron deficiency anemia five times more blood products (p < .001). Increased likelihood for mortality was seen in patients with anemia (OR = 4.15, 95% CI 2.03–8.49), leukocytosis (OR = 2.68; 95% CI 1.19–6.04) and those receiving blood transfusion (OR = 3.6, 95% CI 1.75–7.47).DiscussionAdolescence, anemia, leukocytosis and thrombocytopenia expose mothers to a high risk for transfusion and/or mortality. These risk factors should promptly trigger management and referral of patients. Presenting hematological profiles are strong predictors of maternal outcome and transfusion risk.
Changes in transfusion‐transmissible infection prevalence and demographics among US blood donors during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Conti Galen , Notari Edward P. , Dodd Roger Y. , Kessler Debra , Custer Brian , Bruhn Roberta , Reik Rita , Yang Hong , Whitaker Barbee I , Stramer Susan L. ,   for the U.S. Transfusion‐Transmissible Infections Monitoring System (TTIMS)
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe COVID‐19 pandemic impacted the US blood supply. We compared blood donor demography and infectious disease prevalence before and during the pandemic using a large multicenter database.MethodsData were categorized as “Before COVID‐19” (March 2018–February 2020) or “During COVID‐19” (March 2020–February 2022). Donor demographics, donation frequency, and infectious marker prevalence of HIV, HBV, and HCV were compared for the two time periods. The odds of a donor testing positive for these infections among the two time periods were calculated using multivariable logistic regression.ResultsOur study assessed a total of 26,672,213 donations including 13,430,380 before and 13,241,833 during COVID‐19. There were significantly more donations from donors who were female, aged 40 and older, white, and repeat, during COVID‐19. Donation frequency comparison quantified the increase in donations from donors who were white, female, older, and repeat during the pandemic. The prevalence of HIV and HCV decreased significantly during COVID‐19 compared to before, but not for HBV. For HIV, the adjusted odds of infection during the pandemic did not differ but for HBV, the odds were significantly more likely during the pandemic and were significantly lower for HCV.DiscussionDemographics and infectious disease marker prevalence changed during the COVID‐19 pandemic in the United States. Prevalence of each infection in the donor population will continue to be monitored to determine if changes were specific to the pandemic period.
Multimodal imaging device to comprehensively assess infection, oxygenation, and wound analytics—A pilot study
Authors: Kesavan Rajesh , Sasikumar Changam Sheela 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWound analytics, infection detection, and oxygenation measurement are the three critical prerequisites for appropriate wound care. Although devices that rapidly detect the above‐mentioned parameters independently exist, there is no single point‐of‐care device that is enabled with all the three functionalities. Through this study, we are introducing and evaluating the performance of Illuminate Pro Max—a novel, rapid, hand‐held non‐contact, point‐of‐care multimodal imaging device that is equipped to measure the three wound assessment parameters. Here, a total of 60 diabetic foot ulcer patients were imaged using Illuminate Pro Max to detect bioburden and measure StO2 levels and wound dimensions (size and depth). The results were further evaluated against the current gold standard technique for each parameter, that is, culture test to detect bioburden, a transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO2) measuring device—Perimed Periflux 5000 to measure oxygenation, and paper ruler to measure wound size. Culture tests reported 42 samples as infection‐positive and 18 samples as infection‐negative. On comparing with the culture report, the device showed 88% sensitivity and 86% PPV in detecting the bioburden. Wound dimensions (length and width) were comparable with the paper scale measurements. Wound depth was also reported by the device. The StO2 map generated by the device depicted the tissue oxygenation levels in various regions of the wound. In conclusion, this novel, comprehensive point‐of‐care multispectral imaging device can be an effective tool for rapid wound assessment which can help in prompt treatment.
Muscle Torque–Velocity Relationships and Fatigue With Reduced Knee Joint Range of Motion in Young and Older Adults
Authors: Smith Zoe H. , Martin R. Anthony , Casto Erica , Bigelow Carol , Busa Michael A. , Kent Jane A. 
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of knee joint range of motion (RoM) on the torque–velocity relationship and fatigue in the knee extensor muscles of 7 young (median = 26 y) and 7 older (68 y) adults. Each leg was assigned a RoM (35° or 75°) over which to perform a torque–velocity protocol (maximal isokinetic contractions, 60–300°·s−1) and a fatigue protocol (120 maximal contractions at 120°·s−1, 0.5 Hz). Six older participants were unable to reach 300°·s−1 over 35°. Therefore, the velocity eliciting 75% of peak torque at 60°·s−1 (V75, °·s−1) was calculated for each RoM from a fit of individual torque–velocity curves (60–240°·s−1), and ΔV75 (35°–75°) was determined. Fatigue (final torque/initial torque) was used to calculate Δfatigue (35°–75°). ΔV75 was not different from 0 in young (−28.3°·s−1 [−158.6 to 55.7], median [range], P = .091) or older (−18.5°·s−1 [−95.0 to 23.9], P = .128), with no difference by age (P = .710). In contrast, fatigue was greater for 75° in young (Δfatigue = 25.9% [17.5–30.3], P = .018) and older (17.2% [11.9–52.9], P = .018), with no effect of age (P = .710). These data indicate that, regardless of age, RoM did not alter the torque–velocity relationship between 60 and 240°·s−1, and fatigue was greater with a larger RoM.
Physical Activity at Different Life Stages and Its Consequence on the Initial Immunization and Inflammatory Response Against COVID-19
Authors: Rossi Priscila Almeida Queiroz , Gomes Regis , Nascimento Salazar Teresa Cristina do , Lustosa Barros Esmeralda Maria , Vasconcelos Silvia , da Silva Adalberto Socorro , Pereira Ester Miranda , Melo Vitoria Braga , Fonseca Marcela Helena Gambin , Teixeira Clarissa Romero , Furtado Gilvan Pessoa , Pontes Larissa Queiroz , Khouri Ricardo , Vasconcelos Beatriz , Almeida Sandro Soares de , Werneck Guilherme Loureiro , Rossi Fabrício Eduardo , Santos Marcos Antonio Pereira dos 
Published: April 2024

Background: To evaluate the influence of previous physical activity (PA) during childhood, adolescence, and current PA practice on the production of antibodies and inflammatory response between the first and second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Methods: Fifty-nine men and 56 women were evaluated before the first vaccine, and 12 weeks later, blood samples were taken to quantify production of anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 immunoglobulin G antibodies and cytokines. Previous PA during childhood and adolescence was self-referred, and current PA was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results: A positive and significant association was observed only between PA practice during adolescence and an increase in antibody production in adulthood (β = 2012.077, 95% confidence interval, 257.7953–3766.358, P = .025). Individuals who practiced PA during adolescence showed higher production of antibodies between the first and second vaccine dose compared to nonpractitioners (P = .025) and those that accumulated ≥150 minutes per week of current moderate–vigorous PA (MVPA), and presented higher antibody production in relation to who did <150 minutes per week of MVPA (P = .046). Individuals that were practitioners during childhood produced higher G-CSF (P = .047), and those that accumulated ≥150 minutes per week of current MVPA demonstrated lower IP-10 levels (P = .033). However, PA practitioners during adolescence presented higher G-CSF (P = .025), IL-17 (P = .038), IL-1RA (P = .005), IL-1β (P = .020), and IL-2 (P = .026) levels. Conclusion: Our results suggest that adults that accumulated at least 150 minutes of MVPA per week or practiced PA during adolescence developed an improved immune and inflammatory response against COVID-19 vaccination.
Predicting Accelerometer-Assessed Estimates of Adolescents’ Multidimensional Physical Activity: A Self-Determination Theory Approach
Authors: Emm-Collison Lydia G. , Standage Martyn , Gillison Fiona B. , Curran Thomas 
Published: April 2024

Based on the tenets in self-determination theory, a dual-process model of motivational processes was tested to predict accelerometer-assessed estimates of adolescents’ light physical activity (LPA), moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and sedentary time. Here, we hypothesized that (a) perceptions of psychological need support for exercise would be positively associated with LPA and MVPA and negatively associated with sedentary time via exercise-related psychological need satisfaction and autonomous exercise motivation and (b) perceptions of psychological need thwarting for exercise would be negatively associated with LPA and MVPA and positively associated with sedentary time via exercise-related psychological need frustration and controlled exercise motivation. Adolescents (N = 338; 234 female) age 11–15 years (M = 12.75, SD = .90) wore an ActiGraph accelerometer for 8 days and completed questionnaires pertaining to the self-determination-theory variables. Results showed psychological need support to indirectly and positively predict LPA and MVPA via psychological need satisfaction and autonomous exercise motivation. Although directly predictive of need frustration and indirectly predictive of controlled motivation and amotivation, the hypothesized effects from psychological need thwarting to the behavioral outcomes were nonsignificant. The current findings highlight the important role that need-supportive environments play in facilitating autonomous exercise motivation and behavior by being conducive to exercise-related psychological need satisfaction.
Pushing boundaries: mechanisms enabling bacterial pathogens to spread between cells
Authors: Raab Julie E. , Hamilton Desmond J. , Harju Tucker B. , Huynh Thao N. , Russo Brian C. 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

For multiple intracellular bacterial pathogens, the ability to spread directly into adjacent epithelial cells is an essential step for disease in humans. For pathogens such as
Shigella
,
Listeria
,
Rickettsia
, and
Burkholderia
, this intercellular movement frequently requires the pathogens to manipulate the host actin cytoskeleton and deform the plasma membrane into structures known as protrusions, which extend into neighboring cells. The protrusion is then typically resolved into a double-membrane vacuole (DMV) from which the pathogen quickly escapes into the cytosol, where additional rounds of intercellular spread occur. Significant progress over the last few years has begun to define the mechanisms by which intracellular bacterial pathogens spread. This review highlights the interactions of bacterial and host factors that drive mechanisms required for intercellular spread with a focus on how protrusion structures form and resolve.
Q3 lab-on-chip real-time PCR for the diagnosis of
Leishmania infantum
infection in dogs
Authors: Latrofa Maria Stefania , Cereda Marco , Louzada-Flores Viviane Noll , Dantas-Torres Filipe , Otranto Domenico 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease caused by many
Leishmania
spp. which infect humans and other mammalian hosts.
Leishmania infantum
is the main agent of canine leishmaniasis (CanL) whose diagnosis is usually confirmed by serological and molecular tests. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and analytical sensitivities of a lab-on-chip (LOC) real-time PCR applied on the portable Q3-Plus V2 platform (Q3 qPCR) in the detection of
L. infantum
. The Q3 qPCR performance was assessed by comparing the quantification cycle (Cq) values with those obtained using the qPCR run on a CFX96 Real-Time System (CFX96 qPCR). A total of 173 DNA samples (extracted from bone marrow, lymph node, blood, buffy coat, conjunctival swab, and skin) as well as 93 non-extracted samples (NES) (bone marrow, lymph node, blood, and buffy coat) collected from dogs were tested with both systems. Serial dilutions of each representative DNA and NES sample were used to assess the analytical sensitivity of the Q3 qPCR system. Overlapping Cq values were obtained with the Q3 qPCR and CFX96 qPCR, both using DNA extracted from
L. infantum
promastigotes (limit of detection, <1 promastigote per milliliter) and from biological samples as well as with NES. However, the Q3 qPCR system showed a higher sensitivity in detecting
L. infantum
in NES as compared with the CFX96 qPCR. Our data indicate that the Q3 qPCR system could be a reliable tool for detecting
L. infantum
DNA in biological samples, bypassing the DNA extraction step, which represents an advance in the point-of-care diagnostic of CanL.
The loss of the PDIM/PGL virulence lipids causes differential secretion of ESX-1 substrates in
Mycobacterium marinum
Authors: Jones Bradley S. , Hu Daniel D. , Nicholson Kathleen R. , Cronin Rachel M. , Weaver Simon D. , Champion Matthew M. , Champion Patricia A. 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

The mycobacterial cell envelope is a major virulence determinant in pathogenic mycobacteria. Specific outer lipids play roles in pathogenesis, modulating the immune system and promoting the secretion of virulence factors. ESX-1 (ESAT-6 system-1) is a conserved protein secretion system required for mycobacterial pathogenesis. Previous studies revealed that mycobacterial strains lacking the outer lipid PDIM have impaired ESX-1 function during laboratory growth and infection. The mechanisms underlying changes in ESX-1 function are unknown. We used a proteo-genetic approach to measure phthiocerol dimycocerosate (PDIM)- and phenolic glycolipid (PGL)-dependent protein secretion in
M. marinum,
a non-tubercular mycobacterial pathogen that causes tuberculosis-like disease in ectothermic animals. Importantly,
M. marinum
is a well-established model for mycobacterial pathogenesis. Our findings showed that
M. marinum
strains without PDIM and PGL showed specific, significant reductions in protein secretion compared to the WT and complemented strains. We recently established a hierarchy for the secretion of ESX-1 substrates in four (I–IV) groups. Loss of PDIM differentially impacted secretion of Group III and IV ESX-1 substrates, which are likely the effectors of pathogenesis. Our data suggest that the altered secretion of specific ESX-1 substrates is responsible for the observed ESX-1-related effects in PDIM-deficient strains.

IMPORTANCE

Mycobacterium tuberculosis,
the cause of human tuberculosis, killed an estimated 1.3 million people in 2022. Non-tubercular mycobacterial species cause acute and chronic human infections. Understanding how these bacteria cause disease is critical. Lipids in the cell envelope are essential for mycobacteria to interact with the host and promote disease. Strains lacking outer lipids are attenuated for infection, but the reasons are unclear. Our research aims to identify a mechanism for attenuation of mycobacterial strains without the PDIM and PGL outer lipids in
M. marinum
. These findings will enhance our understanding of the importance of lipids in pathogenesis and how these lipids contribute to other established virulence mechanisms.
Survival of medical treatment success in primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension
Authors: Fu Dun Jack , Ademisoye Ebenezer , Shih Vanessa , McNaught Andrew Ian , Khawaja Anthony 
Published: April 2024

Background/aimsTopical agents to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) are the most common initial therapeutic measure in glaucoma prevention. This study aims to assess treatment success duration among patients initiating or intensifying topical glaucoma medication.MethodsMedical records (2013‒2018) for adults initiating/intensifying topical glaucoma medication were extracted from five secondary-care and tertiary-care UK ophthalmology centres. Main study outcomes were time from treatment initiation/intensification to treatment failure (<20% IOP reduction or IOP >21 mm Hg at consecutive clinic visits, or intensification of glaucoma treatment) and time from treatment change to subsequent treatment intensification.ResultsStudy eyes (n=6587) underwent treatment intensification 0-to-1 glaucoma drop (5358 events), 1-to-2 drops (1469 events) and 2-to-3 drops (857 events) during the observation period. Median time to treatment failure was 1.60 (95% CI 1.57 to 1.65), 1.00 (95% CI 0.94 to 1.07) and 0.92 (95% CI 0.81 to 1.02) years following escalation 0-to-1, 1-to-2 and 2-to-3 drops, respectively. Median time to treatment intensification (non-IOP–based criterion) was 4.68 (95% CI 4.50 to 5.08) years for treatment initiators, 3.83 (95% CI 3.36 to 4.08) years on escalation 1-to-2 drops and 4.35 (95% CI 3.82 to 4.88) years on escalation 2-to-3 drops. On multivariable regression, significant risk factors for both treatment failure and intensification were lower baseline visual field mean deviation, primary open-angle glaucoma and lower eyedrop count in the fellow eye; lower baseline IOP was associated with treatment failure, higher baseline IOP with treatment intensification.ConclusionLarge-scale survival analyses provide the expected duration of treatment success from topical glaucoma medication.