bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Internet Addiction and Psychiatric Symptoms Among Korean Adolescents
Authors: Jang Keum Seong , Hwang Seon Young , Choi Ja Yun 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACTBackground:  The aims of this study were to identify the independent factors associated with intermittent addiction and addiction to the Internet and to examine the psychiatric symptoms in Korean adolescents when the demographic and Internet‐related factors were controlled.Methods:  Male and female students (N = 912) in the 7th‐12th grades were recruited from 2 junior high schools and 2 academic senior high schools located in Seoul, South Korea. Data were collected from November to December 2004 using the Internet‐Related Addiction Scale and the Symptom Checklist‐90‐Revision. A total of 851 subjects were analyzed after excluding the subjects who provided incomplete data.Results:  Approximately 30% (n = 258) and 4.3% (n = 37) of subjects showed intermittent Internet addiction and Internet addiction, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that junior high school students and students having a longer period of Internet use were significantly associated with intermittent addiction. In addition, male gender, chatting, and longer Internet use per day were significantly associated with Internet addiction. When the demographic and Internet‐related factors were controlled, obsessive‐compulsive and depressive symptoms were found to be independently associated factors for intermittent addiction and addiction to the Internet, respectively.Conclusions:  Staff working in junior or senior high schools should pay closer attention to those students who have the risk factors for intermittent addiction and addiction to the Internet. Early preventive intervention programs are needed that consider the individual severity level of Internet addiction.
Sodium hyaluronate gels as a drug‐release system for corticosteroids: release kinetics and antiproliferative potential for glaucoma surgery
Authors: Spitzer Martin S. , Yoeruek Efdal , Kaczmarek Radoslaw T. , Sierra Ana , Aisenbrey Sabine , Grisanti Salvatore , Bartz‐Schmidt Karl U. , Szurman Peter 
Published: February 2008

Abstract.Purpose:  To evaluate the release kinetics, biocompatibility and antiproliferative potential of a concentrated hydrophilic steroid formulation from commercially available sodium hyaluronate gels as a potential adjunct in glaucoma surgery.Methods:  Dexamethasone and sodium hyaluronate 1% (Healon) and sodium hyaluronate 2.3% (Healon 5) were mixed to yield sodium hyaluronate formulations containing dexamethasone in concentrations of 4–20 mg/ml (7.7–38 mm). Non‐cumulative and cumulative release into balanced salt solution (BSS) or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) was measured spectrophotometrically over 2–6 days. For cytotoxicity assays, human tenon fibroblasts (HTFB) and human retinal pigment epithelium cells (ARPE19) were cultured in a serum‐deficient medium to ensure a static milieu; 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2, 5‐diphenyltetrazoliumbromide (MTT) assay and Live/Dead™ cell‐mediated cytotoxicity assay were used to exclude cytotoxicity. Cellular proliferative activity was monitored by 5′‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU)‐incorporation into cellular DNA.Results:  The release kinetics from sodium hyaluronate 1% and 2.3% were almost identical. Steady state was achieved after approximately 44 hrs in non‐cumulative measurements. The release plotted as a function of the square root of time was consistent with a largely diffusion‐controlled release system. No cytotoxicity could be observed. Dexamethasone‐loaded sodium hyaluronate showed a significant antiproliferative effect on HTFB and ARPE19 cells.Conclusion:  Dexamethasone‐loaded sodium hyaluronate shows extended release of steroid over almost 2 days in concentrations high enough to inhibit the proliferation of HTFB and RPE cells without evoking cytotoxic effects. Thus, this formulation may be an easy‐to‐prepare adjunct in glaucoma surgery or other procedures in which cellular growth inhibition is desired.
Does the United States of America Have a System for Reporting Serious Hazards of Transfusion?
Authors: Haley N. Rebecca 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARyWhile health care providers, governmental agencies and public interest groups in the United States show concern about blood safety and transfusion reactions, there is no unified national reporting system. This lack of unity derives largely from the structure (or lack thereof) of the health care system in the U.S. The hazards of transfusion are described by a patchwork of regulations, reports and studies, many of them voluntary. Even without a unified system, the United States does have examples of reports that cover the usual elements of a national reporting or monitoring system. Most of the elements of a national system have been undertaken by cooperative groups, such as the BaCon Study Group, or by smaller but very informative public studies, such as the State of New york study of transfusion errors. The collection of very basic information‐how many units of blood are collected and where and what components are made‐is privately handled and incompletely funded.The current reporting practices lack pro‐active approaches in dealing with emerging infectious diseases capable of being spread by blood and tissue. The West Nile Virus infections from blood and tissue that occurred last summer are examples of full investigations that were triggered by patient deaths rather than early reports.
The Pyramid of Evidence‐Based Transfusion Medicine: Definitions and Concepts
Authors: Heddle Nancy M. 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARyEvidence‐based medicine can be illustrated as a three‐dimensional pyramid where the base is anchored by the elements of: research evidence; patient's preferences and actions; the clinical state and circumstances related to the patient; and, economic and societal considerations. Linking the four corners of the pyramid base is the clinical expertise of the health care provider. The foundation for this pyramid is a well‐constructed clinical question: the “question” is the key to evidence‐based clinical decision‐making.
Should Albumin Be Used to Correct Hypoalbuminemia in the Critically Ill? Yes
Authors: Vincent Jean‐Louis 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYHypoalbuminemia is frequent in critically ill patients and is associated with worse outcomes. From the limited clinical data available, it would seem that replenishing low albumin levels in hypoalbuminemic critically ill patients may be of benefit. Nevertheless, deciding exactly which patients to treat and what level of serum albumin to aim for remains uncertain. The results of prospective, randomized controlled trials are urgently needed to provide intensivists with sufficient, high‐grade evidence on which to base decisions regarding albumin use. In the meantime, however, there is no reason to ban the use of albumin in the critically ill patient.
Hydroxyethyl Starches and Pruritus: A Real Problem?
Authors: Dettori Nadia , Spahn Donat R. 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYHydroxyethyl starches (HES) are widely used as plasma substitutes. Serious side effects are rare, but several studies report clinically relevant pruritus 3–100 days after HES administration. The incidence of pruritus varies significantly between different studies (0–54%) and is linked to the total dose of HES administered. Although pathophysiology is not fully understood, deposition of HES in Schwann cells of cutaneous nerves appears a likely mechanism. While antihistaminic drugs are ineffective, oral naltrexon and topic capsacain are recommended for treatment.
Cell Salvage in the Presence of Malignancy
Authors: Hansen Ernil 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYIn cancer surgery there is high and ever increasing demand for blood. Transfusion‐related immunomodulation induced by the allogeneic barrier and by storage lesions with an increased risk of postoperative infections and tumor recurrence, is of particular bearing in this patient group. Intraoperative cell salvage is contraindicated as confirmed by the demonstration of vital tumor cells in the shed blood. Sensitive detection techniques have shown that leukocyte depletion filters are of limited capacity in reducing the number of tumor cells in. In contrast, a 12‐log reduction in proliferating cells is to be expected from a 50 Gy gamma irradiation, and has been experimentally confirmed. The safety of irradiation of fresh, unstored RBCs is demonstrated by minimal hemolysis, normal levels of 2,3‐DPG and ATP, and by a 24‐hour survival rate exceeding that of the venous control. Cell salvage with blood irradiation is a practical method allowing effective saving of blood in cancer surgery.
Blood Transfusion in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Allain Jean‐Pierre , Owusu‐Ofori Shirley , Bates Imelda 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYThe population of Sub‐Saharan Africa has an average annual income of $400–1000 and cannot afford blood produced according to the standards established by affluent countries. To prepare enough safe blood in a sustainable fashion, African countries need to optimize use of their own resources and develop ways to produce affordable safe blood appropriate to their own situations. Uncritical adoption of external advice and models, particularly those from more wealthy countries, may lead to problems of sustainability unless they are adapted for use in resource‐poor environments. Sub‐Saharan African countries have developed a variety of systems to achieve the objective of producing safe blood. These vary from centralized, high volume, modern blood centers to locally organized donor programs for isolated district health care facilities. The wide range of systems to recruit, select and retain blood donors and of availability of choice of reagents and equipment to screen blood allows flexibility so that the transfusion process can be adapted to local circumstances and resources. With variations in the prevalence rate of HIV, HBV and HCV, the cumulative prevalence is invariably high in Africa and therefore, test sensitivity is critical. Nucleic acid testing is highly sensitive but is not affordable. New inexpensive and effective testing technology as well as pathogen inactivation techniques directed towards the needs of developing countries should become a major target of external support.
Blood Transfusions and Postoperative Recovery in Orthopedic Surgery. The European Eprex Surgery Trial
Authors: Slappendel Robert , Weber Eric W. G. 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYThis trial compared the effect of preoperative administration of epoetin alfa (EPO) and best standard of care (BSC) on transfusion rate and its impact on postoperative recovery in a daily life setting. Hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations, transfusions, time to ambulation, hospitalization time, infections, and safety parameters were evaluated in orthopedic surgery patients with preoperative Hb values 10–13 g/dL from study entry until 4–6 weeks after surgery (on‐treatment: 460 patients EPO, 235 BSC). Mean Hb values (not different at baseline) were higher in the EPO group than in the BSC group (p < 0.05) from the day of surgery until the end of the observation period. Transfusion rate was 12% in the EPO group vs. 46% in the BSC group (p < 0.05). No significant relation was detected between treatment and postoperative recovery (hospitalization time, time to ambulation, infection rate), probably due to the small number of transfused patients in the EPO group. Hospitalization time and time to ambulation were, however, longer in transfused than in nontransfused patients (p < 0.05). Postoperative infections occurred in 12.9% and 8.9% of transfused and nontransfused patients, respectively (NS). Side effects in both groups were comparable. We conclude that epoetin alfa significantly increases Hb in the perioperative period in mildly to moderately anemic patients, with a significant reduction of allogeneic blood transfusions. Patients exposed to allogeneic blood transfusion require a longer hospitalization. The number of transfusions in this study was too limited to confirm former observations on reduction of postoperative infections.
Recombinant Human Erythropoietin to Treat the Anemia of Prematurity
Authors: Strauss Ronald G. 
Published: February 2008

SummaryBecause plasma levels of erythropoietin are low in infants with the anemia of prematurity, it is logical to hypothesize that treatment with recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) would increase erythropoiesis and markedly diminish need for transfusions. Despite a large number of controlled clinical trials, the role of rHuEPO in neonatology practice is controversial. Clearly, it increases erythropoiesis in neonates and infants, but its efficacy in diminishing transfusions has been inconsistent, particularly in sick premature infants sustaining large phlebotomy loss for laboratory testing. Moreover, the ability to limit transfusions and donor exposures via modern transfusion practices coupled with concerns that the complete potential for adverse effects of rHuEPO is undefined have dissuaded widespread acceptance of rHuEPO as standard therapy to prevent or treat the anemia of prematurity.
Applications of Aprotinin in Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Levy Jerrold H. 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYAprotinin has been studied extensively in cardiac surgery and is the only FDA approved pharmacological treatment to reduce blood transfusion in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) associated with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Aprotinin has been evaluated in multiple double blind, placebo‐controlled, multicenter studies in cardiac surgery. In US studies, aprotinin has not been associated with an increased risk of post‐CPB myocardial infarction, graft closure, or increased risk of renal dysfunction, and may in fact be associated with a decreased risk of stroke. The mechanism of action is complex, but aprotinin displays antiinflammatory properties due to its complex array of protease inhibition. As with any polypeptide, there is a risk of anaphylaxis that is influenced by prior exposure. Cardiac surgery can be associated with significant bleeding and the need for allogeneic blood products. Although multiple approaches have been reported to reduce bleeding and transfusions, aprotinin represents an important pharmacologic strategy to reduce bleeding.
Cell Salvage in Trauma
Authors: Thomas Dafydd 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYTreatment of massive hemorrhage requires restoration of circulating blood volume to maintain oxygen delivery to the tissues. The maintenance of adequate cardiac output and restoration of intravascular volume can be achieved with non‐oxygen‐carrying volume expanders which may help restore blood pressure and maintain organ perfusion. Aims of treatment also include the avoidance of hypothermia and attempts to minimize the development of acidosis. The prompt use of cell salvage during early surgical intervention can help contribute autologous red cells to the total volume of red cells eventually transfused, thus minimizing allogeneic use. The autologous red cells have a higher 2,3‐diphosphoglycerate content than stored red cells and oxygen carriage may be better maintained in these earlier stages of resuscitation by the use of cell salvage devices.
Efficacy of SPK-843, a Novel Polyene Antifungal, in a Murine Model of Systemic Cryptococcosis
Authors: Kakeya Hiroshi , Miyazaki Yoshitsugu , Senda Hisato , Kobayashi Tsutomu , Seki Masafumi , Izumikawa Koichi , Yamamoto Yoshihiro , Yanagihara Kazunori , Tashiro Takayoshi , Kohno Shigeru 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT

SPK-843, a new polyene antifungal, possessed efficacy in a murine model of systemic infection caused by
Cryptococcus neoformans
. The administration of 4.0 mg/kg SPK-843 led to better survival prolongation and fungal reduction than those observed with the administration of 0.7 mg/kg amphotericin B and 80 mg/kg fluconazole (
P
< 0.001), without histopathological renal changes.
Timing of Specimen Collection for Blood Cultures from Febrile Patients with Bacteremia
Authors: Riedel Stefan , Bourbeau Paul , Swartz Brandi , Brecher Steven , Carroll Karen C. , Stamper Paul D. , Dunne W. Michael , McCardle Timothy , Walk Nathan , Fiebelkorn Kristin , Sewell David , Richter Sandra S. , Beekmann Susan , Doern Gary V. 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT
Bloodstream infections are an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Physician orders for blood cultures often specify that blood specimens be collected at or around the time of a temperature elevation, presumably as a means of enhancing the likelihood of detecting significant bacteremia. In a multicenter study, which utilized retrospective patient chart reviews as a means of collecting data, we evaluated the timing of blood culture collection in relation to temperature elevations in 1,436 patients with bacteremia and fungemia. The likelihood of documenting bloodstream infections was not significantly enhanced by collecting blood specimens for culture at the time that patients experienced temperature spikes. A subset analysis based on patient age, gender, white blood cell count and specific cause of bacteremia generally also failed to reveal any associations.
RNase-Resistant Virus-Like Particles Containing Long Chimeric RNA Sequences Produced by Two-Plasmid Coexpression System
Authors: Wei Yuxiang , Yang Changmei , Wei Baojun , Huang Jie , Wang Lunan , Meng Shuang , Zhang Rui , Li Jinming 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT

RNase-resistant, noninfectious virus-like particles containing exogenous RNA sequences (armored RNA) are good candidates as RNA controls and standards in RNA virus detection. However, the length of RNA packaged in the virus-like particles with high efficiency is usually less than 500 bases. In this study, we describe a method for producing armored L-RNA. Armored L-RNA is a complex of MS2 bacteriophage coat protein and RNA produced in
Escherichia coli
by the induction of a two-plasmid coexpression system in which the coat protein and maturase are expressed from one plasmid and the target RNA sequence with modified MS2 stem-loop (pac site) is transcribed from another plasmid. A 3V armored L-RNA of 2,248 bases containing six gene fragments—hepatitis C virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV1, SARS-CoV2, and SARS-CoV3), avian influenza virus matrix gene (M300), and H5N1 avian influenza virus (HA300)—was successfully expressed by the two-plasmid coexpression system and was demonstrated to have all of the characteristics of armored RNA. We evaluated the 3V armored L-RNA as a calibrator for multiple virus assays. We used the WHO International Standard for HCV RNA (NIBSC 96/790) to calibrate the chimeric armored L-RNA, which was diluted by 10-fold serial dilutions to obtain samples containing 10
6
to 10
2
copies. In conclusion, the approach we used for armored L-RNA preparation is practical and could reduce the labor and cost of quality control in multiplex RNA virus assays. Furthermore, we can assign the chimeric armored RNA with an international unit for quantitative detection.
Coronavirus Infection Modulates the Unfolded Protein Response and Mediates Sustained Translational Repression
Authors: Bechill John , Chen Zhongbin , Brewer Joseph W. , Baker Susan C. 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT

During coronavirus replication, viral proteins induce the formation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-derived double-membrane vesicles for RNA synthesis, and viral structural proteins assemble virions at the ER-Golgi intermediate compartment. We hypothesized that the association and intense utilization of the ER during viral replication would induce the cellular unfolded protein response (UPR), a signal transduction cascade that acts to modulate translation, membrane biosynthesis, and the levels of ER chaperones. Here, we report that infection by the murine coronavirus mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) triggers the proximal UPR transducers, as revealed by monitoring the IRE1-mediated splicing of XBP-1 mRNA and the cleavage of ATF6α. However, we detected minimal downstream induction of UPR target genes, including ERdj4, ER degradation-enhancing α-mannosidase-like protein, and p58
IPK
, or expression of UPR reporter constructs. Translation initiation factor eIF2α is highly phosphorylated during MHV infection, and translation of cellular mRNAs is attenuated. Furthermore, we found that the critical homeostasis regulator GADD34, which recruits protein phosphatase 1 to dephosphorylate eIF2α during the recovery phase of the UPR, is not expressed during MHV infection. These results suggest that MHV modifies the UPR by impeding the induction of UPR-responsive genes, thereby favoring a sustained shutdown of the synthesis of host cell proteins while the translation of viral proteins escalates. The role of this modified response and its potential relevance to viral mechanisms for the evasion of innate defense signaling pathways during coronavirus replication are discussed.
Dominant Negative Inhibition of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Particle Production by the Nonmyristoylated Form of Gag
Authors: Kawada Shigeo , Goto Toshiyuki , Haraguchi Hiyori , Ono Akira , Morikawa Yuko 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT
Myristoylation of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Gag protein is essential for membrane targeting of Gag and production of viral particles. We show here that coexpression of wild-type and nonmyristoylated forms of HIV Gag resulted in severe inhibition of viral particle production, indicating that the nonmyristoylated counterpart had a dominant negative effect on particle release. When coexpressed, the nonmyristoylated Gag partially incorporated into membrane and lipid raft fractions, likely through coassembly with the wild-type Gag. The membrane and raft associations of the wild-type Gag appeared unaffected, and yet particle production was severely impaired. When viral particles produced from the coexpressing cells were analyzed, the wild-type Gag was more abundant than the nonmyristoylated Gag. Confocal microscopy showed that both forms of Gag were diffusely distributed in the cytoplasm of coexpressing cells but that a portion of the wild-type Gag population was accumulated in EEA1- and CD63-positive endosomes. The intracellular accumulation of Gag was more frequently observed at late time points. The Gag accumulation was also observed on the cell surface protrusion. Electron microscopy of the coexpressing cells revealed budding arrest phenotypes, including the occurrence of interconnected virions on the plasma membrane, and intracellular budding. We also show that the inhibition of particle production and the Gag accumulation to endosomes were suppressed when the nucleocapsid (NC) domain was deleted from the nonmyristoylated Gag, although the NC-deleted Gag was still capable of coassembly. Overall, our data indicate that coassembly with the nonmyristoylated Gag impairs HIV particle release, a phenomenon that may involve NC-mediated Gag-Gag interaction.