bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New Zealand nurses perceptions of caring for patients with influenza A (H1N1)
Authors: Honey Michelle , Wang Wendy YQ 
Published: June 2012

Aim: This study aimed to explore the perceptions of the highly specialized nurses who provided extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy for the mostly young and critically ill patients during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic.Background: The 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus caused a global pandemic and also affected New Zealand during that winter. Nine H1N1‐infected adult patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome were admitted into an intensive care unit of a large urban hospital for rescue extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy.Design: The study used a two‐phase mix methods study design.Methods: Phase 1 of the study involved five nurses attending a focus group interview to collect their views of the challenges and issues of caring for these patients. The results of the focus group were used to formulate the phase 2 survey. In total, 25 eligible nurses were invited to complete an anonymous survey; 18 completed and returned surveys giving a 72% response rate.Results: The survey identified issues including the acuity and high mortality rate of those affected, nurses working in an isolated environment because of infection control requirements, limited support and being asked to work extra shifts.Conclusion: Despite these challenges, the nurses felt positive about their experience of caring for the H1N1 patients, and felt the experience advanced their skills and improved job satisfaction.Relevance to Clinical Practice: For future pandemics, this study identified the need for all staff to have a basic understanding of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; strengthen inter‐professional collaboration and communication; provision for more support and recognition of these highly specialized nurses, along with providing regular pandemic updates and offering counselling services.
Narrative Transportation in Concept Tests for Really New Products: The Moderating Effect of Reader–Protagonist Similarity
Authors: van den Hende Ellis A. , Dahl Darren W. , Schoormans Jan P. L. , Snelders Dirk 
Published: June 2012

The authors investigate the benefits of using a narrative (i.e., a storyline featuring a protagonist) to convey product information in the evaluation of really new product concepts by consumers. In the context of early product evaluation, the imagination of consumers can be guided by a narrative about a protagonist who uses the new product in a series of actions and events. In this way, a narrative can present information about the new product concept in a way that is evocative and relevant.The authors build on narratives research and study the implications of different protagonist focal characters. Further, the role of a protagonist focal character in facilitating consumer evaluations is examined, and evaluation formats (narrative versus attribute/benefit listings) are compared. Utilizing three empirical studies, this research looks at the potential effects of protagonist (dis)similarity with the reader on transportation and new product evaluation both in narrative and bulleted list evaluation formats. Study 1 shows an interactive effect of reader–protagonist similarity and evaluation format on transportation and product evaluation. The results from this study show that reader–protagonist similarity is needed for a narrative to be effective.Studies 2 and 3 provide further understanding of the effects of reader–protagonist (dis)similarity. Study 2 shows that the negative impact of a dissimilar protagonist can be mitigated by explicitly instructing the readers to imagine themselves as the protagonist, thus enabling them to fully experience the storyline. Study 3 decomposes the reader–protagonist dissimilarity and shows that not all protagonists dissimilar to the reader deliver a negative outcome. A dissimilar protagonist that is not from a dissociative out‐group for the reader effectuates a positive result. Finally, the underlying process for the observed effects is demonstrated: narrative transportation is shown to mediate the observed effects in all three studies.With these studies, the authors advance narrative transportation and social identity theory. Furthermore, the research provides practical guidelines for how narratives should be constructed and utilized to obtain consumer evaluations of product concepts in the new product development process.
High Thermoelectric Performance of Nanostructured In2O3‐Based Ceramics
Authors: Lan Jinle , Lin Yuan‐Hua , Liu Yong , Xu Shaoliang , Nan Ce‐Wen 
Published: June 2012

Nanostructured Zn and Ce co‐doped In2O3‐based ceramics were fabricated using co‐precipitation and Spark plasma sintering. It is shown that the nanograins in Zn and Ce co‐doped In2O3‐based ceramics can lead to 50% reduction in the thermal conductivity of the sample with a 50 nm grain size and meanwhile keep good electric conductivity. As a result, a reported high ZT value of 0.4 at 1050 K was achieved for n‐type oxide thermoelectrics. It is expected that the ZT value could reach 0.7 when the grain size is smaller than 20 nm. Our results indicate that nanosized grain is highly desired for reducing thermal conductivity and hence a higher ZT value in oxide thermoelectrics.
Comparative evaluation of the role of the adhesion molecule CD177 in neutrophil interactions with platelets and endothelium
Authors: Pliyev Boris K. , Menshikov Mikhail 
Published: June 2012

AbstractNeutrophil‐specific glycoprotein CD177 is expressed on a subset of human neutrophils and has been shown to be a counter‐receptor for platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule‐1 (PECAM‐1, CD31). Previous studies have demonstrated that the interaction of CD177 with endothelial PECAM‐1 supports neutrophil transendothelial migration resulting in preferential transmigration of the CD177‐expressing neutrophil subset. As PECAM‐1 is also abundantly expressed on platelets, we addressed a follow‐up suggestion that CD177/PECAM‐1 adhesive interaction may mediate platelet–neutrophil interactions and CD177‐positive neutrophils may have a competitive advantage over CD177‐negative neutrophils in binding platelets. Here, we report that CD177‐positive and CD177‐negative neutrophils do not differ significantly in their capacity to form platelet–neutrophil conjugates as assayed in whole blood and in mixed preparations of isolated platelets and neutrophils. Under flow conditions, neither platelet nor neutrophil activation resulted in preferential binding of platelets to CD177‐expressing neutrophils. Furthermore, no significant difference was found in the ability of both neutrophil subsets to adhere to and migrate across surface‐adherent activated platelets, whereas predominantly CD177‐positive neutrophils migrated across HUVEC monolayers. In addition, we demonstrated that S536N dimorphism of PECAM‐1, which affects CD177/PECAM‐1 interaction, did not influence the equal capacity of the two neutrophil subsets to interact with platelets but influenced significantly the transendothelial migration of CD177‐expressing neutrophils. Thus, CD177/PECAM‐1 adhesive interaction, while contributing to neutrophil‐endothelial cell interaction in neutrophil transendothelial migration, does not contribute to or is redundant in platelet–neutrophil interactions.
Assessing facial wrinkles: automatic detection and quantification
Authors: Cula G. O. , Bargo P. R. , Nkengne A. , Kollias N. 
Published: June 2012

BackgroundAs people mature, their skin gradually presents lines, wrinkles, and folds that become more pronounced with time. Skin wrinkles are perceived as important cues in communicating information about the age of the person. Nowadays, documenting the facial appearance through imaging is prevalent in skin research, therefore detection and quantitative assessment of the degree of facial wrinkling can be a useful tool for establishing an objective baseline and for assessing benefits to facial appearance due to various dermatological treatments. However, few image‐based algorithms for computationally assessing facial wrinkles are present in the literature, and those that exist have limited reliability.MethodsIn this work, an algorithm for automatic detection of facial wrinkles is developed, based on estimating the orientation and the frequency of elongated spatial features, captured via digital image filtering.ResultsThe algorithm is tested against one set of clinically validated 11‐point wrinkle scales present on the face. The algorithm is employed for assessing the presence of forehead furrows on a set of 100 clinically graded facial images. The proposed computational assessment correlates well with the corresponding clinical scores.ConclusionWe find that the results are in better agreement with clinical scoring when the wrinkle depth information, approximated via filter responses, is combined with the wrinkle length information as opposed to the case when the two measures are considered separately.
Human–carnivore conflict in China: a review of current approaches with recommendations for improved management
Authors: PETTIGREW Melissa , XIE Yan , KANG Aili , RAO Madhu , GOODRICH John , LIU Tong , BERGER Joshua 
Published: June 2012

AbstractHuman–wildlife conflict (HWC) is a conservation concern that increasingly threatens the continued existence of some of the world's most endangered species. With an increase in human population, urban sprawl and subsequent encroachment on wild land, human and wildlife interaction has become inevitable. In the majority of cases, this interaction results in a negative outcome for humans, wildlife or both. In China, these key elements, along with a decrease in wild prey species, have resulted in the expansion of HWC encounters, and the need for alleviating this conflict has become a conservation priority. Loss of human life, livestock and/or crops is most often the catalysts that fuel HWC. Techniques to alleviate conflict around the world have included preventative measures and mitigation techniques, such as financial compensation and other incentive programs. Both types of measures have had variable success. We review the current status of human–carnivore conflict management in China, and, drawing lessons from around the globe, we make recommendations for improving conservation management in China. For example, an increase in law enforcement in nature reserves is vital to reducing human disturbance in prime carnivore habitat, thereby reducing conflict encounters. Also, modifications to current wildlife compensation programs, so that they are linked with preventative measures, will ensure that moral hazards are avoided. Furthermore, investigating the potential for a community self‐financed insurance scheme to fund compensation and increasing efforts to restore wild prey populations will improve the outcome for wildlife conservation. Ultimately, HWC management in China will greatly benefit from an integrative approach.
A primer on evidence‐based plasma therapy
Authors: Yazer M. H. 
Published: June 2012

Background and Objectives Although traditionally fresh‐frozen plasma (FFP) has been the product of choice for reversing a significant coagulopathy, the modern blood bank will have several different plasma preparations for use in reversing a significant coagulopathy or arresting coagulopathic bleeding. These products include the aforementioned FFP which is frozen within 8 h of collection, plasma frozen within 24 h after phlebotomy (FP24), and thawed plasma (TP) prepared from either FFP or FP24. Based on their factor levels, these products should all be equally efficacious in reversing a significant coagulopathy although a head‐to‐head comparison between these products has not been performed. Evidence from two systematic literature reviews and numerous observational studies suggest that for a stable patient with a mild coagulopathy, transfusing plasma for an INR ≤ 1·5 does not confer a hemostatic benefit. This lack of benefit is due to the exponential relationship that exists between factor levels and a mildly elevated INR, that is, a large quantity of plasma would be required to produce a reduction in the INR when its pre‐transfusion value is <1·6. By contrast, the relationship becomes more linear when the INR is more significantly prolonged. Thus, even if a reduction in a mildly elevated INR could be achieved with plasma transfusion, the clinical significance of the decrease is dubious and the transfusion itself exposes the recipient to a variety of adverse events such as allergic reactions and transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI). Furthermore, emerging evidence indicates that transfusion‐associated circulatory overload (TACO) following plasma transfusion is an important and under reported adverse event. This review will discuss the various plasma products that are available, describe why the commonly used markers of hemostasis (such as the PT/INR) are not effective markers of perioperative hemostasis, and present some of the current literature on the clinical uses of plasma. Strategies to reduce non‐evidence‐based plasma transfusion, ranging from automated interventions at the time plasma is ordered to more labour‐intensive manual attempts to dissuade providers from ordering plasma unnecessarily, will also be addressed.
Extracorporeal lessons from sheep
Authors: Fung Y. L. , Diab S. , Dunster K. , Foley S. R. , McDonald C. I. , Passmore M. , Platts D. , Simonova G. , Shekar K. , Stewart D. , Fraser J. F. 
Published: June 2012

Background  Extracorporeal circulation (ECC), the diversion of blood flow through a circuit located outside of the body, has been one of the major advances in modern medicine. Cardio‐pulmonary bypass (CPB), renal dialysis, apheresis and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are all different forms of ECC. Despite its major benefits, when blood comes into contact with foreign material, both the coagulation and inflammation cascades are activated simultaneously. Short periods of exposure to ECC e.g. CPB (∼2 h duration), are known to be associated with haemolysis, coagulopathies, bleeding and inflammation which demand blood product support. Therefore, it is not unexpected that these complications would be exaggerated with prolonged periods of ECC such as in ECMO (days to weeks duration). The variability and complexities of the underlying pathologies of patients requiring ECC makes it difficult to study the cause and effect of these complications. To overcome this problem we developed an ovine (sheep) model of ECC.Method  Healthy female sheep (1–3 y.o.) weighing 40–50 kg were fasted overnight, anaesthetised, intubated and ventilated [1]. Half the group received smoke induced acute lung injury (S‐ALI group) (n = 8) and the other half did not (healthy group) (n = 8). Sheep were subsequently cannulated (Medtronic Inc, Minneapolis, MN, USA) and veno‐venous ECMO commenced using PLS ECMO circuit and Quadrox D oxygenator (Maquet Cardiopulmonary AG, Hechinger Straße, Germany). There was continuous physiological monitoring and blood was collected at specified time intervals for full blood counts, platelet function analysis (by Multiplate®), routine coagulation and assessment of clot formation and lysis (by ROTEM®).Preliminary results  Full blood counts and routine coagulation results from normal healthy sheep were comparable to those of normal human adults. Within 15 min of initiating of ECMO, PT, PTT and EXTEM clot formation time increased, whilst EXTEM maximum clot firmness decreased in both cohorts.Discussion & Conclusions  Preliminary results of sheep from both 2 h ECMO cohorts showed that the anatomy, haematology and coagulation parameters of an adult sheep are comparable to that a human adult. Experiments are currently underway with healthy (n = 8) and S‐ALI (n = 8) sheep on ECMO for 24 h. In addition to characterising how ECMO alters haematology and coagulation parameters, we hope that it will also define which blood components will be most effective to correct bleeding or clotting complications during ECMO support.
Modeling transfusion reactions with kodecytes and enabling ABO‐incompatible transfusion with function‐spacer‐lipid constructs
Authors: Henry S. M. , Barr K. L. , Oliver C. A. 
Published: June 2012

Background  KODE technology uses Function‐Spacer‐Lipid (FSL) constructs for artificial attachment of blood group antigens onto live cells (kodecytes) and visualisation, thus making it potentially suitable to model both transfusion reactions and determine in vivo cell survival. Additionally, as some FSL constructs are glycolipid‐like, the possibility exists that they may also neutralise circulating antibodies, in the same way Lewis glycolipids were historically used to allow Lewis incompatible transfusions.Aims  To determine if kodecytes can be used to both mimic and monitor transfusion reactions in an animal model, and also to determine if FSL construct infusions can neutralise circulating antibodies and allow for an incompatible transfusion.Methods  Naïve, anti‐A positive (immunised), and anti‐A positive/FSL‐A neutralised mice were given transfusions of murine kodecytes created with FSL‐biotin and FSL‐A. Levels of surviving kodecytes were determined at multiple time‐points via their biotin label. Analysis for anti‐A was performed with inkjet printed FSL‐A constructs in a micro immunoassay.Results  Normal kodecyte survival was observed in control animals. Mice with anti‐A predominantly cleared their incompatible A‐kodecyte transfusions within 6 min. Mice with anti‐A that had been neutralised with an FSL‐A infusion had normal survival of their incompatible A‐kodecyte transfusions. Re‐challenge transfusions of A‐kodecytes into mice previously given FSL‐A (once the FSL‐A had cleared from their circulation) gave two different results. One group cleared the incompatible A‐kodecytes within minutes while the other had normal survival, suggesting potential induction of tolerance.Conclusions  Kodecytes can be used to model blood group A incompatible transfusions in animals. FSL‐A can neutralise anti‐A and allow for incompatible A‐kodecyte transfusion. The potential exists to extend these research observations into clinical use to allow for transfusion and transplantation across the ABO barrier, or at least mitigate the consequences of accidental ABO incompatibilities.
A new approach to identify human red blood cell receptors for Plasmodium parasites
Authors: Wright G. J. , Rayner J. C. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractMalaria is one of the most significant public health burdens facing the developing world. While there are several Plasmodium species that can cause malaria in humans, the overwhelming majority of malaria mortality is caused by Plasmodium falciparum parasites. The P. falciparum life cycle is complex, but red blood cell invasion is essential for Plasmodium falciparum survival and pathogenesis, and is therefore a topic of particular interest for the development of novel control and intervention strategies. Invasion involves multiple interactions between parasite ligands and their receptors on human red blood cells, and most of these interactions are thought to have overlapping and redundant roles. However, although multiple P. falciparum invasion ligands are known, in very few cases have their red blood cell receptors been identified. This is in part due to the genetic inaccessibility of the erythrocyte, but also in part because cell surface protein‐protein interactions are often of very low affinity, making them hard to identify using standard biochemical approaches. To overcome this, we have used AVEXIS, a systematic protein interaction screening approach designed to detect low affinity extracellular interactions to identify novel red blood cell‐parasite interactions. As a first test of this approach, we produced a library of more than 40 recombinant red blood cell surface protein ectodomains, and screened them against the P. falciparum invasion ligand PfRH5. AVEXIS identified basigin/CD147 as the receptor for PfRH5. Basigin (the Oka blood group antigen) has not previously been implicated as playing a role during P. falciparum invasion. Critically, we showed that basigin was essential for parasite entry in every P. falciparum strain tested to date, as invasion in vitro is potently blocked in all parasite strains tested by soluble basigin receptor ectodomains and by receptor‐specific monoclonal antibodies. The PfRH5‐basigin interaction therefore appears to be an essential and universal entry route for P. falciparum parasites, and is therefore a high priority target for vaccine development. While this work focuses on pathogen‐red blood cell interactions, the AVEXIS approach could equally be applied to identify novel extracellular interactions between other cell types within the human blood system.
Blood supply system in Mexico
Authors: Rojo‐Medina J. 
Published: June 2012

Mexico with a population of 112 million in 32 federal states, has made great progresses in the lasts years in regulation, access and security of blood and components; actually the challenge is to reverse the reposition to voluntary blood donation system. The blood system counts with 555 blood banks and 4,342 transfusion services. 25% of the blood banks belong to the Ministry of Health, 15% to the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) and 10% to the Institute of Security and Social Services for State Workers (ISSSTE), the blood banks of the Ministry of Defense, Navy and “Petroleos Mexicanos” constitute only 3% and more than 40% are private. Only 31 of them collect more than 10,000 units/year, 64 have an annually average collection between 10,000 and 5,000 and 101 collect over 2,000 and less than 5,000; 70% of the blood banks participated in the external quality control program. In 2011 the total country collection was 1,698,124 blood units, with an average increase of 50,000/year. PAHO’s rate of blood donors for every 10,000 inhabitants in Mexico is 148, indicating self‐sufficiency, but only 2·38% is obtained from voluntary blood donors. The IMSS collects more than 40% of the blood in country; but 99·7% is obtained by replacement donors. The frequency of transfusion transmission infectious diseases in blood donors was for HIV 0·31%, HBV 0·20%, HCV 0·60%, syphilis 0·47%, Chagas’s disease 0·46% and brucellosis 0·39%. The analyzed results highlight the need to promote voluntary blood donation, regionalization of blood services and to increase the participation in external quality programs in order to reduce the risks associated to blood transfusions in Mexico. The Ministry of Health promotes voluntary blood donations through external collects in universities, enterprises and embassies obtaining good responds. The “National Policy of Use of Blood and Blood Components” from 1993, was reviewed and updated including a mandatory establishment of a quality system based in GMP′s, participation in external quality programs, voluntary blood donation promotion, evaluation of the performance services information and hemovigilance reports.