bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Scientific problems in the regulation of red blood cell products
Authors: Hess John R. ,   for the Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion (BEST) Collaborative
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: For the past 30 years, red blood cell (RBC) storage systems have been licensed in the United States based on the demonstration that 24‐hour in vivo recovery was greater than 75% and hemolysis was less than 1%. Now additional requirements for storage system licensure have being added. The meaning and value of these new requirements have been questioned.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The literature regarding the performance of present and suggested new tests for RBC licensure was reviewed.RESULTS: 51Cr 24‐hr in vivo recovery has an intrinsic 4% error of measurement whereas the error in measures of hemolysis is less than 0.1%. Both measures have large donor‐dependent end‐of‐storage variability; nevertheless, they have successfully guided RBC storage system development for six decades. Adenosine 5′‐triphosphate and 2,3‐diphosphoglycerate are difficult to measure accurately and international shared‐sample studies suggest 6 and 11% coefficients of variation across laboratories. There is no readily available way to measure the oxygen equilibrium curve accurately. The new failure criteria provide no useful information and randomly fail good products.CONCLUSIONS: Attempts to expand the useful regulatory requirements for RBC storage system licensure are limited by poor understanding of the storage lesion and its effect of RBC performance. Measures of 51Cr 24‐hour in vivo recovery remain critical and resources for this measure are limiting. The interaction between limited testing resources and large donor variability remains a major limit on RBC storage system development. It is important that new required tests contribute meaningful information and not make development and licensure of better products more difficult.
Comparison of red blood cell survival in sheep determined using red blood cells labeled with either biotin at multiple densities or [14C]cyanate: validation of a model to study human physiology and disease
Authors: Mock Donald M. , Matthews Nell I. , Zhu Shan , Strauss Ronald G. , Schmidt Robert L. , Zimmerman M. Bridget , Nalbant Demet , Freise Kevin J. , Saleh Mohammad , Veng‐Pedersen Peter , Widness John A. 
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: Measurement of red blood cell (RBC) survival (RCS) is important for investigating pathophysiology and treatment of anemia. Our objective was to validate the multidensity biotin method for RCS determination in sheep, a commonly used model of RBC physiology. [14C]Cyanate served as the reference method for long‐term RCS because the 51Cr method (the reference method for humans) is not reliable in sheep.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Aliquots of autologous RBCs from eight adult sheep were labeled with [14C]cyanate and four separate densities of biotin (BioRBCs) and reinfused. Short‐term RCS was assessed by posttransfusion recovery at 24 hours (PTR24); long‐term RCS was assessed by the time to 50% survival (T50) and mean potential life span (MPL).RESULTS: Values for PTR24 of the four BioRBC densities were not different. Values for RCS as reflected by T50 and MPL were nearly identical for [14C]cyanate and the two intermediate‐density BioRBC populations. In contrast, the lowest‐density BioRBC population survived slightly longer (p < 0.01), but with a difference of no clinical significance. The highest‐density BioRBC population importantly shortened RCS (p < 0.01 compared to the two intermediate densities).CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence that BioRBCs labeled at four biotin densities can be used to independently and simultaneously measure short‐term RCS and that BioRBCs labeled at the three lowest biotin densities can be used to accurately and simultaneously measure long‐term RCS. Because the sheep RBC model is comparable to humans, this nonradioactive method has promise for use in RBC kinetic studies in neonates and pregnant women.
Evaluation of particle gel immunoassays for the detection of severe immunoglobulin A deficiency and anti‐human immunoglobulin A antibodies
Authors: Palmer Douglas S. , O'Toole Joan , Montreuil Therese , Scalia Vito , Goldman Mindy 
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: Immunoglobulin A (IgA)‐deficient patients with anti‐IgA (Ab) require transfusions using blood components with less than 0.05 mg IgA/dL as they are known to be safe for these patients. Identification of severely IgA‐deficient (IgA SD) donors involved preliminary screening by the Ouchterlony double immunodiffusion assay followed by confirmatory testing at the required level of sensitivity for IgA and Ab at an external reference laboratory. Two in vitro particle gel immunoassays (ID‐PaGIA IgA deficiency test and anti‐IgA test) were also evaluated for their suitability in identifying IgA SD individuals and determining their Ab status.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Samples from 198 donors and 36 patients, subjected to confirmatory testing for IgA SD and Ab over a 2‐year period, were also evaluated using the ID‐PaGIA kits.RESULTS: DiaMed test sensitivity and specificity for detection of IgA SD in donors was 98% whereas for Ab, test sensitivity was 91% at a specificity of 94%. In patients, sensitivity was 94% for IgA SD and 67% for Ab, both tests at a specificity of 100%.CONCLUSIONS: The ID‐PaGIA IgA deficiency test was a sensitive and specific tool for identifying IgA SD donors or patients. Sensitivity of the Ab test was high for donors but reduced for patients and of high specificity in both groups. Further studies with patients are needed to confirm this latter observation. Implementation of these tests would make it possible to supply appropriate products from IgA SD donors to prevent anaphylactic transfusion reactions in patients.
Detection of Fusobacterium nucleatum in chorionic tissues of high‐risk pregnant women
Authors: Tateishi Fumi , Hasegawa‐Nakamura Kozue , Nakamura Toshiaki , Oogai Yuichi , Komatsuzawa Hitoshi , Kawamata Kazuya , Douchi Tsutomu , Hatae Masayuki , Noguchi Kazuyuki 
Published: January 2012

AbstractAimThis study was undertaken to investigate the existence of a periodontopathic bacterium, Fusobacterium nucleatum, in chorionic tissues of pregnant women, and the effects of F. nucleatum on human chorion‐derived cells.Materials and MethodsOral and chorionic tissue samples were collected from 24 high‐risk pregnant women and 15 normal pregnant women. The presence of F. nucleatum in the samples was detected using polymerase chain reaction. Chorion‐derived cells and Toll‐like receptor (TLR)‐2 or TLR‐4 gene‐silenced chorion‐derived cells were stimulated with F. nucleatum lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Interleukin (IL)‐6 and corticotrophin‐releasing hormone (CRH) levels in the culture supernatants were measured using ELISA.ResultsF. nucleatum was detected in all oral samples and seven chorionic tissues from the high‐risk pregnant women, but was not detected in chorionic tissues from the normal pregnant women. F. nucleatum LPS significantly increased IL‐6 and CRH secretion by chorion‐derived cells. The F. nucleatum LPS‐induced IL‐6 and CRH levels were significantly reduced in TLR‐2 or TLR‐4 gene‐silenced chorion‐derived cells.ConclusionsWe suggest that F. nucleatum is detected in chorionic tissues of high‐risk pregnant women, but not in chorionic tissues of normal pregnant women, and that F. nucleatum induces IL‐6 and CRH production via both TLR‐2 and TLR‐4 in chorion‐derived cells.
Screening for elder mistreatment in dental and medical clinics
Authors: Fulmer Terry , Strauss Shiela , Russell Stefanie L , Singh Geetika , Blankenship Jamie , Vemula Roja , Caceres Billy , Valenti Michael , Sutin David 
Published: January 2012

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2010.00405.x

Screening for elder mistreatment in dental and medical clinicsObjective:  Elder mistreatment (EM) is a potentially fatal and largely unrecognised problem in the United States. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of EM in busy clinics and specifically, we report on the feasibility of screening for EM as well as the appropriate instrumentation for screening.Background:  Prevalence estimates for elder mistreatment vary, but recent data from a national sample of community‐residing adults over 60 years of age indicate that 11.4% of older adults report some form of elder mistreatment. There is a paucity of research related to screening in dental and medical clinics to understand the prevalence in such practice settings.Methods:  A cross‐sectional study was conducted from January 2008 to March 2009. We enrolled 241 patients at two clinics: a medical clinic (n = 102) and dental clinics (n = 139). A mini‐mental status exam was conducted with a minimum of 18 or better for inclusion. An elder mistreatment screen was next used [elder assessment instrument (EAI‐R) for medical and Hwalek–Sengstock elder abuse screening test (HS‐EAST) for dental].Results:  For the 241 patients, we were able to compare data from the EAI‐R with the HS‐EAST. This pilot work demonstrates the feasibility of screening for EM in busy clinics since we documented patient enrolment of 20% in the medical clinics and 66% in dental clinics. Patients are willing to answer extremely‐sensitive questions related to elder mistreatment and are also willing to use computer technology for interviewing.Conclusion:  Dental and medical clinics are important practice venues to screen for elder mistreatment.
Relationship between oral impacts on daily performance and chewing ability among independent elders residing in Daejeon City, Korea
Authors: Hwang Soo‐Jeong , Patton Lauren L. , Kim Jae‐Hong , Kim Hae‐Young 
Published: January 2012

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00504.x

Relationship between oral impacts on daily performance and chewing ability among independent elders residing in Daejeon City, KoreaObjective:  The aim of this study was to assess the association between oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) measured by the oral impacts on daily performances (OIDP) inventory and chewing ability.Methods:  The cluster sampling method was used to select a sample of 634 socially active independent community‐dwelling elders. An oral examination was conducted and a questionnaire was implemented. After bivariate comparisons, a multivariable two‐level logistic model was developed for the dichotomous OIDP indicator using the generalised linear mixed model.Results:  The mean age of the participants was 74 years and 56.6% were women. Eight percent were edentulous, and the mean number of teeth was 17.7. Overall, 39.3% of participants had one or more oral impacts on daily performance. Elders with chewing ability of 0–49, 50–74 and 75–99% were approximately 120, 20 and seven times more likely to have oral impacts compared with those with full chewing ability, respectively. Elders reporting their oral health as ‘fair’ or ‘better’ were 68% less likely to have oral impacts than those with poor or very poor self‐reported oral health.Conclusion:  Among independent elders, amelioration of chewing ability including delivery of appropriate prosthodontic care might independently contribute to improving OHRQoL of elders by improving their physical, psychological and social wellbeing.
Melatonin and the metabolic syndrome: a tool for effective therapy in obesity‐associated abnormalities?
Authors: Nduhirabandi F. , du Toit E. F. , Lochner A. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of metabolic abnormalities associated with increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. Apart from its powerful antioxidant properties, the pineal gland hormone melatonin has recently attracted the interest of various investigators as a multifunctional molecule. Melatonin has been shown to have beneficial effects in cardiovascular disorders including ischaemic heart disease and hypertension. However, its role in cardiovascular risk factors including obesity and other related metabolic abnormalities is not yet established, particularly in humans. New emerging data show that melatonin may play an important role in body weight regulation and energy metabolism. This review will address the role of melatonin in the MetS focusing on its effects in obesity, insulin resistance and leptin resistance. The overall findings suggest that melatonin should be exploited as a therapeutic tool to prevent or reverse the harmful effects of obesity and its related metabolic disorders.
Clinical prognostic variables in young patients (under 40 years) with hepatitis B virus‐associated hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: WANG Qin , LUAN Wei , VILLANUEVA Gerald A. , RAHBARI Nuh N. , YEE Herman T. , MANIZATE Fotini , HIOTIS Spiros P 
Published: January 2012

OBJECTIVE:  The aim of this study was to determine the impact of hepatocelluar carcinoma (HCC) screening in chronic hepatitis B patients who did not meet the current screening recommendations.METHODS:  Patients who were admitted to Bellevue Hospital Center with HCC were assessed for risk factors, cirrhosis and tumor‐specific factors. Eligibility for liver transplantation or resection with favorable outcome was determined by applying Milan criteria.RESULTS:  In all 93 patients were diagnosed with hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐associated HCC, 18 of whom were under 40 years. Cirrhosis was infrequently associated with HCC in this group, with most cancers occurring in non‐cirrhotic patients (12/18, 66.7%). No patient developed HCC outside the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) cancer screening recommendations (young age, non‐cirrhotic) were eligible for liver transplantation or resection with favorable outcomes (within Milan criteria). However, HCC patients who were diagnosed within AASLD screening recommendations did meet Milan criteria in 17.3% (14/81) patients.CONCLUSIONS:  Current guidelines for HCC screening in patients with HBV may lead to a delay in diagnosis in non‐cirrhotic patients under 40 years. Consideration should be given to modifying current recommendations to advocate entering HBV patients into a cancer‐screening program at young age.
Can a targeted psychological intervention be effective for young people following a first manic episode? Results from an 18‐month pilot study
Authors: Macneil Craig A. , Hasty Melissa , Cotton Sue , Berk Michael , Hallam Karen , Kader Linda , McGorry Patrick , Conus Philippe 
Published: January 2012

AbstractAim: There is a scarce literature describing psychological interventions for a young, first‐episode cohort who have experienced psychotic mania. This study aimed to assess whether a manualized psychological intervention could be effective in reducing symptomatology and relapse, and improve functional outcome in this population.Methods: The study was an open‐label design, drawn from a larger pharmacotherapy trial. All participants in the pharmacotherapy trial were offered a manualized psychological intervention in addition to case management. Inclusion in the psychotherapy group was based on participant's choice, and on completion of four or more of the eight modules offered. All clinical files were audited to ensure accuracy of group allocation. Forty young people aged 15 to 25 years old who had experienced a manic episode with psychotic features were recruited into the study, with 20 people in the combined treatment as usual plus psychotherapy group (P+TAU), and an equal number of matched control participants who received treatment as usual (TAU) within the same service. All participants were prescribed antipsychotic and mood‐stabilizing medication. Symptomatic, functional and relapse measures were taken both at baseline and at 18‐month follow‐up.Results: Manic symptoms improved significantly for both groups, with no differences between groups. Depression scores and overall symptom severity were significantly lower in the P + TAU group. No differences were evident between groups with regard to numbers or type of relapse. The P + TAU group had significantly better social and occupational functioning after 18 months.Conclusion: This study suggests that a manualized psychological intervention targeted to a first‐episode population can be effective in reducing depression and overall symptom severity, and can improve functional outcome following a first episode of psychotic mania.
Can we understand modern humans without considering pathogens?
Authors: Thomas Frédéric , Daoust Simon P. , Raymond Michel 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThroughout our evolutionary history, humankind has always lived in contact with large numbers of pathogens. Some cultural traits, such as sedentarization and animal domestication, have considerably increased new parasitic contacts and epidemic transitions. Here, we review the various phenotypic traits that have been proposed to be affected by the highly parasitic human environment, including fertility, birth weight, fluctuating asymmetry, body odours, food recipes, sexual behaviour, pregnancy sickness, language, religion and intellectual quotient. We also discuss how such knowledge is important to understanding several aspects of the current problems faced by humanity in our changing world and to predicting the long‐term consequences of parasite eradication policies on our health and well‐being. The study of the evolutionary interactions between humans and parasites is a burgeoning and most promising field, as demonstrated by the recent increasing popularity of Darwinian medicine.
A review of the oro‐dento‐facial characteristics of hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type III (familial dysautonomia)
Authors: Mass Eliyahu 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTThe oro‐dento‐facial features and dysfunction of children with hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type III, known as familial dysautonomia or Riley–Day syndrome, was first described in the scientific literature in 1949. They include dental trauma; dental and soft tissue self‐mutilation; normal dental age; normal sequence and timing of eruption and exfoliation of teeth; smaller tooth size; different and disproportional tooth components; normal alveolar bone height; small jaws, mild crowding, and malocclusions. These persons have craniofacial morphology that is different from accepted norms but they resemble norms of their ethnic origin. The subjects can have gray, pale, shiny faces with an asymmetric suffering expression; frontal bossing, with eventual hypertelorism and narrow lips; a low‐caries rate; drooling, and hypersalivation. They can have changes in salivary composition and content, which influences plaque and calculus and increases the risk of gingival and periodontal diseases. They also have difficulty in controlling oral muscles; a progressive decrease in number of tongue fungiform papillae, accompanied by lack of taste buds; and specific dys‐geusia, but a normal sense of smell.
Polymicrobial Interactions: Impact on Pathogenesis and Human Disease
Authors: Peters Brian M. , Jabra-Rizk Mary Ann , O'May Graeme A. , Costerton J. William , Shirtliff Mark E. 
Published: January 2012

SUMMARY
Microorganisms coexist in a complex milieu of bacteria, fungi, archaea, and viruses on or within the human body, often as multifaceted polymicrobial biofilm communities at mucosal sites and on abiotic surfaces. Only recently have we begun to appreciate the complicated biofilm phenotype during infection; moreover, even less is known about the interactions that occur between microorganisms during polymicrobial growth and their implications in human disease. Therefore, this review focuses on polymicrobial biofilm-mediated infections and examines the contribution of bacterial-bacterial, bacterial-fungal, and bacterial-viral interactions during human infection and potential strategies for protection against such diseases.
Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Occult Hepatitis B Virus Infection
Authors: Samal Jasmine , Kandpal Manish , Vivekanandan Perumal 
Published: January 2012

SUMMARYChronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a complex clinical entity frequently associated with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The persistence of HBV genomes in the absence of detectable surface antigenemia is termed occult HBV infection. Mutations in the surface gene rendering HBsAg undetectable by commercial assays and inhibition of HBV by suppression of viral replication and viral proteins represent two fundamentally different mechanisms that lead to occult HBV infections. The molecular mechanisms underlying occult HBV infections, including recently identified mechanisms associated with the suppression of HBV replication and inhibition of HBV proteins, are reviewed in detail. The availability of highly sensitive molecular methods has led to increased detection of occult HBV infections in various clinical settings. The clinical relevance of occult HBV infection and the utility of appropriate diagnostic methods to detect occult HBV infection are discussed. The need for specific guidelines on the diagnosis and management of occult HBV infection is being increasingly recognized; the aspects of mechanistic studies that warrant further investigation are discussed in the final section.
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia: an Emerging Global Opportunistic Pathogen
Authors: Brooke Joanna S. 
Published: January 2012

SUMMARYStenotrophomonas maltophiliais an emerging multidrug-resistant global opportunistic pathogen. The increasing incidence of nosocomial and community-acquiredS. maltophiliainfections is of particular concern for immunocompromised individuals, as this bacterial pathogen is associated with a significant fatality/case ratio.S. maltophiliais an environmental bacterium found in aqueous habitats, including plant rhizospheres, animals, foods, and water sources. Infections ofS. maltophiliacan occur in a range of organs and tissues; the organism is commonly found in respiratory tract infections. This review summarizes the current literature and presentsS. maltophiliaas an organism with various molecular mechanisms used for colonization and infection.S. maltophiliacan be recovered from polymicrobial infections, most notably from the respiratory tract of cystic fibrosis patients, as a cocolonizer withPseudomonas aeruginosa. Recent evidence of cell-cell communication between these pathogens has implications for the development of novel pharmacological therapies. Animal models ofS. maltophiliainfection have provided useful information about the type of host immune response induced by this opportunistic pathogen. Current and emerging treatments for patients infected withS. maltophiliaare discussed.
The Malassezia Genus in Skin and Systemic Diseases
Authors: Gaitanis Georgios , Magiatis Prokopios , Hantschke Markus , Bassukas Ioannis D. , Velegraki Aristea 
Published: January 2012

SUMMARYIn the last 15 years, the genusMalasseziahas been a topic of intense basic research on taxonomy, physiology, biochemistry, ecology, immunology, and metabolomics. Currently, the genus encompasses 14 species. The 1996 revision of the genus resulted in seven accepted taxa:M. furfur,M. pachydermatis,M. sympodialis,M. globosa,M. obtusa,M. restricta, andM. slooffiae.In the last decade, seven new taxa isolated from healthy and lesional human and animal skin have been accepted:M. dermatis,M. japonica,M. yamatoensis,M. nana,M. caprae,M. equina, andM. cuniculi.However, forthcoming multidisciplinary research is expected to show the etiopathological relationships between these new species and skin diseases. Hitherto, basic and clinical research has established etiological links betweenMalasseziayeasts, pityriasis versicolor, and sepsis of neonates and immunocompromised individuals. Their role in aggravating seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, folliculitis, and onychomycosis, though often supported by histopathological evidence and favorable antifungal therapeutic outcomes, remains under investigation. A close association between skin andMalasseziaIgE binding allergens in atopic eczema has been shown, while laboratory data support a role in psoriasis exacerbations. Finally, metabolomic research resulted in the proposal of a hypothesis on the contribution ofMalassezia-synthesized aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligands to basal cell carcinoma through UV radiation-induced carcinogenesis.