bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact on Patient Outcome Following Transfusion of Bacterially Contaminated Platelets
Authors: Martínez Fernando , Tarrand Jeffrey , Lichtiger Benjamin 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
This study examined the clinical outcome of every patient who received a bacterially contaminated unit of platelets at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, during 2007.
Samples of platelets were aerobically cultured and read for 1 day at 35°C. Positive bottles were subcultured in the appropriate media. The effect of independent variables in the clinical outcome of patients infused with bacterially contaminated platelet units was analyzed.
A total of 23,199 platelet units were transfused, 71 of which were bacterially contaminated units; 8 were apheresis platelets and 63 were whole blood platelets. Of the 71 units, 70 were contaminated with gram-positive bacteria and 1 with gram-negative bacteria. Only 1 patient developed fever, and coagulase-negative staphylococci were isolated from the transfused unit.
Transfusion of fresh units and antibiotic therapy possibly explain the lack of clinical consequences in our patients.
Hepatotoxicity Associated with Metformin Therapy in Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Cone Catherine J , Bachyrycz Amy M , Murata Glen H 
Published: July 2010

Objective: To report a case of idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity associated with metformin in the treatment of type 2 diabetes with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Case Summary: A 61-year-old obese man presented with jaundice, nausea, fatigue, and an unintentional weight loss 2 weeks following initiation of metformin. Laboratory findings revealed aminotransferase values 10–15 times the upper limit of normal. Potential causative agents, including metformin, simvastatin, and Niaspan (extended-release niacin), were discontinued. Two months later, the patient's signs and symptoms had resolved and aminotransferase values returned to normal. An objective causality assessment revealed that the adverse reaction was probably associated with metformin. Discussion: Since numerous medications and disease states can cause abnormalities in liver enzymes, it is important for providers to be able to distinguish the cause(s) and take appropriate actions. This can take a great deal of time and effort in patients with multiple medications and comorbidities. In this patient's case, viral hepatitis, worsening NAFLD, and the concomitant drugs were highly suspected. As hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors offer substantial cardiovascular benefits and as metformin is a first-line agent in helping to lower blood glucose concentrations and to normalize the metabolic profile in type 2 diabetes, reintroduction of metformin and simvastatin would likely be beneficial. Conclusions: This is a case report of metformin-induced hepatotoxicity. As the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and subsequent metabolic effects increases in the US, metformin use will likewise increase. As potential for increased idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity associated with metformin use is likely to occur, clinicians should be vigilant.
A Multiplex Immunoassay Using the Guthrie Specimen to Detect T-Cell Deficiencies Including Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Disease
Authors: Janik David K , Lindau-Shepard Barbara , Comeau Anne Marie , Pass Kenneth A 
Published: July 2010

BACKGROUND
Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) fulfills many of the requirements for addition to a newborn screening panel. Two newborn screening SCID pilot studies are now underway using the T-cell receptor excision circle (TREC) assay, a molecular technique. Here we describe an immunoassay with CD3 as a marker for T cells and CD45 as a marker for total leukocytes that can be used with the Guthrie specimen.

METHODS
The multiplexing capabilities of the Luminex platform were used. Antibody pairs were used to capture and detect CD3 and CD45 from a single 3-mm punch of the Guthrie specimen. The assay for each biomarker was developed separately in identical buffers and then combined to create a multiplex assay.

RESULTS
Using calibrators made from known amounts of leukocytes, a detection limit of 0.25 × 106 cells/mL for CD3 and 0.125 × 106 cells/mL for CD45 was obtained. Affinity tests showed no cross-reactivity between the antibodies to CD3 and CD45. The multiplex assay was validated against 8 coded specimens of known clinical status and linked to results from the TREC assay that had identified them. All were correctly identified by the CD345 assay.

CONCLUSIONS
The performance parameters of the CD345 assay met the performance characteristics generally accepted for immunoassays. Our assay classifications of positive specimens concur with previous TREC results. This CD345 assay warrants evaluation as a viable alternative or complement to the TREC assay as a primary screening tool for detecting T-cell immunodeficiencies, including SCID, in Guthrie specimens.
High-Throughput Multiplexed T-Cell–Receptor Excision Circle Quantitative PCR Assay with Internal Controls for Detection of Severe Combined Immunodeficiency in Population-Based Newborn Screening
Authors: Gerstel-Thompson Jacalyn L , Wilkey Jonathan F , Baptiste Jennifer C , Navas Jennifer S , Pai Sung-Yun , Pass Kenneth A , Eaton Roger B , Comeau Anne Marie 
Published: July 2010

BACKGROUND
Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) targeting a specific marker of functional T cells, the T-cell–receptor excision circle (TREC), detects the absence of functional T cells and has a demonstrated clinical validity for detecting severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) in infants. There is need for a qPCR TREC assay with an internal control to monitor DNA quality and the relative cellular content of the particular dried blood spot punch sampled in each reaction. The utility of the qPCR TREC assay would also be far improved if more tests could be performed on the same newborn screening sample.

METHODS
We approached the multiplexing of qPCR for TREC by attenuating the reaction for the reference gene, with focus on maintaining tight quality assurance for reproducible slopes and for prevention of sample-to-sample cross contamination. Statewide newborn screening for SCID using the multiplexed assay was implemented, and quality-assurance data were recorded.

RESULTS
The multiplex qPCR TREC assay showed nearly 100% amplification efficiency for each of the TREC and reference sequences, clinical validity for multiple forms of SCID, and an analytic limit of detection consistent with prevention of contamination. The eluate and residual ghost from a 3.2-mm dried blood spot could be used as source material for multiplexed immunoassays and multiplexed DNA tests (Multiplex Plus), with no disruption to the multiplex TREC qPCR.

CONCLUSIONS
Population-based SCID newborn screening programs should consider multiplexing for quality assurance purposes. Potential benefits of using Multiplex Plus include the ability to perform multianalyte profiling.
Impact of laboratory testing for heparin-induced antibodies: using Bayes' rule to prevent overdiagnosis of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia/Bedeutung von Laboruntersuchungen von Heparin-induzierten Antikörpern: Einsatz des Bayes Wahrscheinlichkeitstheorems zur Prävention der Überdiagnose einer Heparin-induzierten Thrombozytopenie
Authors: Warkentin Theodore E. , Cook Richard J. 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a clinical-pathological syndrome, i.e., criteria for diagnosis include a compatible clinical picture and laboratory detectability of heparin-dependent, platelet-activating antibodies of IgG class (“HIT antibodies”), and the lack of a more compelling alternative diagnosis. Heparin administration frequently leads to formation of antibodies of one or several immunoglobulin classes (IgG, IgA, IgM) that recognize a “self” protein, platelet factor 4 (PF4), when PF4 forms multimolecular complexes with heparin. A practical problem is that only a small minority of patients who form heparin-dependent antibodies also develop clinically evident HIT; serum from such patients typically contains IgG antibodies that are strongly platelet-activating. In addition, poorly characterized patient-dependent factors also influence risk of HIT, and thus even a strong positive in vitro test for HIT antibodies does not necessarily mean that HIT will occur. Given the possibility of non-HIT thrombocytopenia among heparin-treated patients, a positive test for heparin-dependent antibodies in such a patient might well lead to a false diagnosis of HIT. One scenario with considerable potential for “overdiagnosis” of HIT is the post-cardiac surgery patient in whom early postoperative thrombocytopenia and/or thrombosis of non-HIT etiology triggers testing for heparin-dependent antibodies a few days later. In this situation, “incidental” seroconversion, rather than confirmation of HIT, is a frequent outcome. This review summarizes the utility of Bayes' rule in making or refuting a diagnosis of HIT. Here, we suggest a pre-test odds of HIT (based on the clinical context) should be revised using the HIT antibody test result – including the strength of any positive result – through an appropriate likelihood ratio. This post-test odds of HIT yields a more reliable assessment of HIT status, potentially minimizing HIT overdiagnosis.
Detection of a Gravitropism Phenotype inglutamate receptor-like 3.3Mutants ofArabidopsis thalianaUsing Machine Vision and Computation
Authors: Miller Nathan D , Durham Brooks Tessa L , Assadi Amir H , Spalding Edgar P 
Published: July 2010

AbstractGene disruption frequently produces no phenotype in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, complicating studies of gene function. Functional redundancy between gene family members is one common explanation but inadequate detection methods could also be responsible. Here, newly developed methods for automated capture and processing of time series of images, followed by computational analysis employing modified linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and wavelet-based differentiation, were employed in a study of mutants lacking the Glutamate Receptor-Like 3.3 gene. Root gravitropism was selected as the process to study with high spatiotemporal resolution because the ligand-gated Ca2+-permeable channel encoded by GLR3.3 may contribute to the ion fluxes associated with gravity signal transduction in roots. Time series of root tip angles were collected from wild type and two different glr3.3 mutants across a grid of seed-size and seedling-age conditions previously found to be important to gravitropism. Statistical tests of average responses detected no significant difference between populations, but LDA separated both mutant alleles from the wild type. After projecting the data onto LDA solution vectors, glr3.3 mutants displayed greater population variance than the wild type in all four conditions. In three conditions the projection means also differed significantly between mutant and wild type. Wavelet analysis of the raw response curves showed that the LDA-detected phenotypes related to an early deceleration and subsequent slower-bending phase in glr3.3 mutants. These statistically significant, heritable, computation-based phenotypes generated insight into functions of GLR3.3 in gravitropism. The methods could be generally applicable to the study of phenotypes and therefore gene function.
RecG Protein and Single-Strand DNA Exonucleases Avoid Cell Lethality Associated With PriA Helicase Activity inEscherichia coli
Authors: Rudolph Christian J , Mahdi Akeel A , Upton Amy L , Lloyd Robert G 
Published: July 2010

AbstractReplication of the Escherichia coli chromosome usually initiates at a single origin (oriC) under control of DnaA. Two forks are established and move away in opposite directions. Replication is completed when these meet in a broadly defined terminus area half way around the circular chromosome. RecG appears to consolidate this arrangement by unwinding D-loops and R-loops that PriA might otherwise exploit to initiate replication at other sites. It has been suggested that without RecG such replication generates 3′ flaps as the additional forks collide and displace nascent leading strands, providing yet more potential targets for PriA. Here we show that, to stay alive, cells must have either RecG or a 3′ single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) exonuclease, which can be exonuclease I, exonuclease VII, or SbcCD. Cells lacking all three nucleases are inviable without RecG. They also need RecA recombinase and a Holliday junction resolvase to survive rapid growth, but SOS induction, although elevated, is not required. Additional requirements for Rep and UvrD are identified and linked with defects in DNA mismatch repair and with the ability to cope with conflicts between replication and transcription, respectively. Eliminating PriA helicase activity removes the requirement for RecG. The data are consistent with RecG and ssDNA exonucleases acting to limit PriA-mediated re-replication of the chromosome and the consequent generation of linear DNA branches that provoke recombination and delay chromosome segregation.
A Quality-of-Life Comparison Between Self-Aligning and Ball Attachment Systems for 2-Implant–Retained Mandibular Overdentures
Authors: Bilhan Hakan , Geckili Onur , Sulun Tonguc , Bilgin Tayfun 
Published: July 2010

The aim of this study was to evaluate the self-aligning overdenture attachment system by comparing its oral health–related quality of life (OHRQL) with a traditionally used ball attachment system. In this randomized, within-subject crossover trial, 25 edentulous subjects each received 2 mandibular implants, and were then assigned to receive either self-aligning or traditional ball attachments. After 3 months, all subjects were switched to the second attachment type. The OHRQL was evaluated for both of the treatments using the short form of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). A subanalysis among subjects with below-average space available for attachment placement was also performed. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare differences between groups. Scores on the OHIP-14 physical disability domain were significantly better for the self-aligning attachment system (P  =  .049). Among subjects with below-average attachment space, functional limitation, psychological discomfort, physical disability, psychological disability, and total OHIP-14, scores were significantly better for the self-aligning attachment system (P  =  .041, P  =  .047, P  =  .048, P  =  .026, and P  =  .005, respectively). The self-aligning attachment system for 2-implant–retained mandibular overdentures is equal or superior to traditional ball attachments in all domains of the OHIP-14.
The Influence of Flower Structures on the Seeds Productivity of the Carrot Breeding Lines
Authors: Dyki Barbara , Nowak Renata , Stępowska Anna 
Published: July 2010

The Influence of Flower Structures on the Seeds Productivity of the Carrot Breeding Lines
The aim of the study was to examine the morphological diversity of flowers of male-sterile (CMS) and male-fertile breeding lines of carrot and its influence on seed setting.
In examined male-sterile carrot population stamens are transformed into petal-like structures of different shapes. It was observed that in some anther-like structures sporogenic tissue degenerates. It is supposed that decrease of seeds productivity of carrot breeding lines could be caused by morphological abnormalities of mother and father-parental flowers. Degeneration of pollen, the absence of endothecium, which is responsible for opening the anthers and growth of pollen tubes on the external area of the pistil, decreasing the number of functional pollen influence negatively fertilization. Moreover, other specific traits of male-sterile mother plants, as reduction of nectaries size, pistils deformation, ovule and embryo degeneration also inhibit process of seed setting. The lowest amount of seeds produced plants with multiple stigma pistils and nectaries deformations. Male-sterile plants with white flower petals, big nectaries, exposed, doubled pistils and big ovaries produced more seeds than the other mother plants.
Humic Acid Decreased Hazardous of Cadmium Toxicity on Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)
Authors: Haghighi Maryam , Kafi M. , Fang P. , Gui-Xiao L. 
Published: July 2010

Humic Acid Decreased Hazardous of Cadmium Toxicity on Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)
The binding of Cd to humic acid was studied. The influence of a Cd-humic complex on enzyme activities (superoxide dismutases, peroxidases), availability of Cd, and biomass compared with the behavior of no treatment (control). It was examined through a hydroponics system in lettuce. Treatments were: control (no additions), humic acid (0, 100 and 1000 mg·L-1), and Cd (0, 2 and 4 mg·L-1). Enzyme activities increased significantly with increasing rates of cadmium. A significant increase (P<0.05) in cadmium content of leaves result in a considerable decrease in the biomass (P<0.05). It can be concluded that the humic acid applied in the media led to a decrease the metal adsorption by plant. This material can be used to reduce the availability and mobility of heavy metals in the soils, too.
Effect of Potassium Foliar Nutrition on Changes in the Content of Carotenoid Pigments and on Some Parameters of the Nutritional Value of Tomato Fruit
Authors: Jędrszczyk Elżbieta 
Published: July 2010

Effect of Potassium Foliar Nutrition on Changes in the Content of Carotenoid Pigments and on Some Parameters of the Nutritional Value of Tomato Fruit
The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of potassium foliar nutrition on changes in the content of carotenoid pigments and on some parameters of the nutritional value of tomato fruit. The experiments were conducted on three tomato cultivars: Faustine F1, Atut F1 and Magnus F1. All trial plots with plants were additionally fertilized with 0.3% Final K and 0.3% Kalisol whilst in the control plots no foliar nutrition with potassium was applied. The chemical composition of tomato fruit depended on two factors: tomato cultivar and fertilization method and differed from year to year of investigation. In 2005 neither the cultivar nor the foliar fertilization affected the level of β-carotene while the fertilization with Final K resulted in the increase of lycopene content compared with the control. In 2006 and 2007 the fruits from treatments fertilized with Kalisol had significantly higher content of β-carotene and lycopene in compareson with those treated with Final K. The obtained results do not clearly show the effect of potassium foliar fertilization on the increase of dry matter, sugars or acids contant in tomatoes. Foliar fertilization with Kalisol increased the content of L-ascorbic acid in tomatoes in 2005 and 2007. In 2006 the content of this acid in fruit treated with Kalisol was at the same level as untreated plants but higher in plants treated with Final K. The effect of foliar nutrition with potassium had a variable influence on the level of the investigated macroelements (K, P, Ca, Mg). The content of β-carotene was positively correlated with the content of phosphorus and negatively correlated with the acidity of fruit.
Changes of Physical and Chemical Traits of Roots of Different Carrot Cultivars Under Cold Store Conditions
Authors: Gajewski Marek , Szymczak Paweł , Danilcenko Honorata 
Published: July 2010

Changes of Physical and Chemical Traits of Roots of Different Carrot Cultivars Under Cold Store Conditions
The objective of this three-year study, performed in 2006-2008, was to determine the influence of long-term cold storage on some physical and chemical parameters influencing nutritive and biological value of carrots of different storage root colours and shapes. Eight carrot cultivars were chosen for the experiment: Perfekcja, Interceptor F1, Vita Longa, Nebula F1, Purple Haze F1, Deep Purple F1, Mello Yello F1 and White Satin F1. Quality parameters of the carrots, including CIE L*a*b* colour parameters of the whole roots and juice, root firmness (with HPE firmness tester), dry matter, soluble solids, sugars, total phenolics, total carotenoid, antioxidant activity of the whole roots and juice (with DPPH method), were determined directly after harvest and after 6-month storage of the roots at 0-1°C and 97% RH. The results showed significant influence of the storage on most of the quality traits of the roots, particularly colour, firmness, soluble solids and phenolics content. These changes were also related to the cultivars. Storage of the carrot roots caused a decrease in their firmness. Soluble solids and sugars content showed a tendency to increase during the storage period. Storage of the carrots resulted in decreasing nitrates content and increasing phenolics and carotenoid compounds content in the roots. Antioxidant activity of carrot juice showed small increasing tendency resulting from the storage of the roots, but antioxidant activity of the roots decreased.
Augmented Low Dye Taping Changes Muscle Activation Patterns and Plantar Pressure During Treadmill Running
Authors: Kelly Luke A. , Racinais Sebastien , Tanner Craig M. , Grantham Justin , Chalabi Hakim 
Published: July 2010

Study Design Randomized, crossover study. Objective To examine changes in muscle activity and plantar pressure during running with the application of augmented low Dye (ALD) taping. Background ALD taping is used clinically as part of management for lower limb injury. As of yet, no studies have examined the effect of this taping method on muscle activity and plantar pressure during running, simultaneously. Methods Thirteen healthy recreational runners (mean ± SD age, 31.7 ± 4.9 years; height, 181.7 ± 4.6 cm; body mass, 81.6 ± 5.9 kg) completed a 6-minute run on a treadmill at a speed of 10 km·h−1, with 3 different taping conditions (ALD, control tape, no tape), applied in randomized order. Peak and average EMG signal amplitude, onset time, and burst duration were calculated for the vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, and the gluteus medius. In-shoe plantar pressures were also recorded. All data were calculated based on an average of 20 steps collected after 5 minutes of treadmill running. Results ALD taping significantly altered muscle activity and plantar pressure during treadmill running by (1) delaying the onset of the EMG signal of the gluteus medius, vastus medialis, and vastus lateralis, and (2) increasing lateral midfoot plantar pressure. Conclusion ALD taping significantly alters plantar pressure and muscle activation patterns during treadmill running. These findings give insight into the neuromuscular effect of a taping procedure that is used commonly in a clinical setting. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2010;40(10):648–655. doi:10.2519/jospt.2010.3164
The Clinician's Dilemma: Borderline Personality Disorder or Bipolar Spectrum Disorder?
Authors: Little John , Richardson Kate 
Published: July 2010

Objectives: This paper aims to explore the use of science as a basis for introducing bipolar spectrum disorder to conceptualize people who may otherwise be described as having borderline personality disorder, and offer suggestions for the management of clinical dilemmas. Conclusions: Testable observations, thoughtfulness and humility are helpful in clinical practice.