bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of red blood cell transfusions during the first week of life on acid‐base, glucose, and electrolytes in preterm neonates
Authors: Dani Carlo , Perugi Silvia , Benuzzi Alessandra , Corsini Iuri , Bertini Giovanna , Pratesi Simone , Rubaltelli Firmino F. 
Published: July 2008

BACKGROUND: More than 90 percent of extremely low‐birth‐weight infants receive one or more transfusions of red blood cells (RBCs). The objective was to assess if RBC transfusions may induce significant changes of plasma acid‐base, electrolyte, and glucose status in extremely preterm infants.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Records of infants with gestational age of less than 31 weeks who were transfused with RBCs during the first week of life were reviewed (n = 61). Blood samples were collected from infants before and after transfusions to evaluate hemoglobin (Hb) level, hematocrit, acid‐base, electrolyte, and glucose status. Then infants were stratified into four groups that received a RBC volume of less than 15, 15 to 20, more than 20 to 25, or more than 25 mL per kg.RESULTS: Infants received 20.7 (±1.5) mL per kg RBCs. After transfusions, a significant increase of pO2 (p < 0.0001) and decrease of Ca2+ (p = 0.047) and glycemia (p < 0.0001) were observed. Infants who were transfused with more than 25 mL per kg were significantly less immature, heavier, and more anemic than infants in other groups. A positive relationship was found between changes of patients' potassium plasma level and K+ intake through RBC transfusion (r = 0.442, p = 0.008). Three (4.9%) infants developed hyperkalemia, one (1.6%) had an exacerbation of his hypocalcemia, and another (1.6%) of his hypoglycemia.CONCLUSIONS: RBC transfusions were effective in correcting anemia in our patients and induced a slight increase of pH and pO2 and decrease of Ca2+ and glycemia, which were not clinically relevant. A linear direct correlation was observed between potassium intake by RBC transfusions and changes of kalemia in our infants, but there was not an increase of K+ plasma level after transfusions.
Performance of an algorithm for the reentry of volunteer blood donors deferred due to false‐positive test results for antibody to hepatitis B core antigen
Authors: Katz Louis , Strong D. Michael , Tegtmeier Gary , Stramer Susan 
Published: July 2008

BACKGROUND: Blood donor testing for antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti‐HBc) has been used in the United States for more than 20 years as a surrogate to prevent transmission by transfusion of non‐A,non‐B hepatitis, as a human immunodeficiency virus surrogate, and to reduce transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV). Nonspecific anti‐HBc assays have caused deferral of hundreds of thousands of otherwise qualified donors. A more specific anti‐HBc test and a sensitive HBV DNA test should permit donor reentry after false‐positive anti‐HBc.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 1324 otherwise eligible volunteer donors, deferred for anti‐HBc reactivity on more than one occasion, were recruited from four collection facilities. They were tested using a licensed, more specific anti‐HBc test, a licensed hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) test, and a licensed HBV DNA assay with a 95 percent limit of detection of not more than 10 copies per mL.RESULTS: From 11 to 32 percent of donors contacted by participating sites entered the study. Overall, 488 (37%) of the donors were negative on the more specific anti‐HBc test. The proportion of putative false‐positive samples varied according to the test responsible for the original deferral. A single donor, negative for the presence of anti‐HBc and HBsAg, was positive for the presence of HBV DNA in one of three replicates. Repeat testing of this donor 10 months later was negative for the presence of all markers of HBV infection, and the donor had a history of HBV vaccination with documented postimmunization anti‐HBs seroconversion 10 years before her anti‐HBc deferral, and was considered HBV DNA false positive.CONCLUSION: These data support reentry of donors with false‐positive anti‐HBc results on the relatively nonspecific assays that have been in use in the United States for more than 20 years.
Platelet capacity of various platelet pooling systems for buffy coat–derived platelet concentrates
Authors: Dijkstra‐Tiekstra Margriet J. , Kuipers Willeke , Setroikromo Airies C. , De Wildt‐Eggen Janny 
Published: July 2008

BACKGROUND: Platelet (PLT) storage lesions might depend on the total PLT count in the storage container and also on the PLT pooling system, especially the storage container, that is used for preparation of PLT concentrates (PCs). In this study, the PLT capacity of four commercially available PLT pooling systems was studied.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four PCs were prepared in pooling systems of Baxter, Fresenius, Terumo, or Pall. The PCs were pooled and divided with various total PLT counts over the four storage containers (<225 × 109, 225 × 109‐324 × 109, 325 × 109‐424 × 109, and >424 × 109 PLTs). Volumes were kept equal by adding plasma to PCs with less than 425 × 109 PLTs until a same volume as for PCs with more than 424 × 109 PLTs was reached. PCs were stored at room temperature and tested for various in vitro variables on Days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9. Paired experiments were repeated for each system five times.RESULTS: In vitro variables remained good for 9 days, that is, swirling score of 2 or more, pH value of 6.8 or more, glucose level of 10 mmol per L or more, lactate level of less than 25 mmol per L, and CD62p expression of less than 50 percent, for PCs in Baxter systems with more than 225 × 109 PLTs, for PCs in Fresenius and Terumo systems with 225 × 109 to 424 × 109 PLTs, and for PCs in Pall systems with fewer than 425 × 109 PLTs.CONCLUSION: PLT capacity depended on the PLT pooling systems used. All systems provide acceptable storage conditions. The Baxter system was the only system with capacity for more than 424 × 109 PLTs per PC.
Adults with Learning Disabilities in the Workforce: Lessons for Secondary Transition Programs
Authors: Madaus Joseph W. , Gerber Paul J. , Price Lynda A. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract Now almost 15 years after the implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) data are emerging in the literature related to job entry and employment outcomes of adults with learning disabilities (LD). Although these data are derived from varying methodologies, they converge in three critical areas: Knowledge of the ADA, realities of workplace self‐disclosure, and the importance of self‐determination. This review presents findings in each of these areas. The messages obtained from adults with LD who experience the realities of the workplace can provide significant information for secondary programs that assist students with hidden disabilities preparing to transition to college or to employment.
Facing a Post‐American World
Authors: ZAKARIA FAREED 
Published: July 2008

American‐led globalization has enabled the third great powershift of the last five hundred years—the “rise of the rest” following on the rise of the West and then the rise of the US as the dominant power in the West.When China, India, Brazil, Turkey and the rest sit at the table of global power with the West what will the world order look like? Will it be post‐American? Will it be culturally non‐Western, but play by the same rules of an open international order laid down by the American's after World War II?In the following pages, leading American and Asian intellectuals ponder these questions.
The Trickle‐Down Olympics
Authors: TONG BAO 
Published: July 2008

Will China's authoritarian leaders succeed in building a future by erasing the past? Can the ideology of “nationalist consumerism” obliterate memory altogether? Will the Olympic applause drown out the weak and exiled witnesses of the Tiananmen crackdown?In this section we listen to a key Tiananmen student leader two decades on as well as check in with today's young elites in Beijing. A political leader from the reformist regime in 1989 calls for justice from house arrest and a young Chinese novelist wonders what kind of identity is possible without memory.
Residential Patterns of Black Immigrants and Native‐Born Blacks in the United States*
Authors: Scopilliti Melissa , Iceland John 
Published: July 2008

Objective. Although high levels of black‐white residential segregation have long been observed, relatively little is known about the residential patterns of black immigrants. This analysis examines the role of nativity and Hispanic ethnicity for the residential patterns of blacks in the United States.Methods. This article uses data from the 2000 Census to calculate dissimilarity indexes and conduct regression analyses.Results. We find differences in the extent of segregation of blacks from whites, with Hispanic blacks and non‐Hispanic black immigrants exhibiting higher levels of segregation from whites than U.S.‐born non‐Hispanic blacks.Conclusions. The strength of nativity and socioeconomic status provides some support for spatial assimilation theory. Metropolitan context also plays a role in explaining residential patterns: one reason foreign and Hispanic blacks are very segregated from whites is that they tend to reside in metropolitan areas where black‐white segregation has generally been high. Despite the role of these factors, race itself remains of great importance in explaining residential patterns, as segregation from whites is high among all black subgroups.
Optimism in the Face of Despair: Black‐White Differences in Beliefs About School as a Means for Upward Social Mobility*
Authors: Harris Angel L. 
Published: July 2008

Objective. This study aims to provide a better understanding of how beliefs about the system of social mobility affect students' schooling outcomes. Previous studies reach conflicting conclusions because they conflate two forms of beliefs about social mobility (i.e., perceived value of school and perceived barriers despite schooling).Methods. The Maryland Adolescence Development In Context Study (MADICS) is used to examine black‐white differences in beliefs about the value of school and barriers to upward mobility despite schooling and how these beliefs predict academic achievement and educational attainment.Results. The analyses show that relative to whites, blacks hold stronger beliefs in both the value of school and barriers to social mobility, and have greater affective attitudes toward schooling. However, belief in barriers to social mobility is not consequential for academic outcomes.Conclusions. Beliefs about upward mobility are mechanisms by which the opportunity structure influences individuals' schooling behaviors and making clear distinctions between various beliefs about the system of social mobility can refine the understanding of this link. This study suggests that individuals make nuanced distinctions about the role of schooling for upward mobility, each with separate effects on academic outcomes.
Biology, Social Environment, and Health: How Family History and Social Conditions Affect Adult Asthma*
Authors: Gorman Bridget K. , Asaithambi Rathi 
Published: July 2008

Objective. We examine how multiple measures of both biological (family history of asthma) and social risk factors (home environment quality, socioeconomic status, and demographic characteristics) influence asthma risk among U.S. adults.Method. Using logistic regression models, we analyze data from a sample of 6,337 adults from the 2003–2004 National Asthma Survey.Results. Prevalence rates of current asthma are four times higher among adults with a family history of asthma, and the odds of having asthma are influenced most strongly by having asthmatic parents or grandparents (and, to a lesser extent, asthmatic siblings). We also find that social factors, especially characteristics of the home environment, significantly increase the odds of suffering from asthma as an adult.Conclusion. Our results show that all measures of family history are strongly linked to adult asthma prevalence, even when social factors are controlled. Social factors are also important, but very little of this is as a mediating influence that links family history and adult asthma; rather, family and social conditions have mostly independent effects.
Political Tolerance in Taiwan: Democratic Elitism in a Polity Under Threat*
Authors: Wang T. Y. , Chen Lu‐huei 
Published: July 2008

Objectives. This study employs the theory of threats to assess the claim of democratic elitism that elites are more tolerant, politically, than the general public.Methods. Utilizing survey data collected from social elites and the masses in Taiwan, a logit model with binary outcomes is employed.Results. The statistical results show that Taiwanese elites generally exhibit a higher level of political tolerance than the masses but that they become less tolerant when the stakes are perceived to be high.Conclusions. The empirical evidence confirms the theory of democratic elitism but with important qualifications. This finding suggests that ordinary voters in democratic polities need to continually exercise their power as the final arbitrators of state policies.
Major League Baseball Players' Life Expectancies*
Authors: Onge Jarron M. Saint , Rogers Richard G. , Krueger Patrick M. 
Published: July 2008

Objective. We examine the importance of anthropometric and performance measures, and age, period, and cohort effects in explaining life expectancies among major league baseball (MLB) players over the past century.Methods. We use discrete time hazard models to calculate life tables with covariates with data from Total Baseball, a rich source of information on all players who played in the major league.Results. Compared to 20‐year‐old U.S. males, MLB players can expect almost five additional years of life. Height, weight, handedness, and player ratings are unassociated with the risk of death in this population of highly active and successful adults. Career length is inversely associated with the risk of death, likely because those who play longer gain additional incomes, physical fitness, and training.Conclusions. Our results indicate improvements in life expectancies with time for all age groups and indicate possible improvements in longevity in the general U.S. population.
Evidence that the Two‐Way Communication Checklist identifies patient–doctor needs discordance resulting in better 6‐month outcome
Authors: Van Os J. , Triffaux J.‐M. 
Published: July 2008

Objective:  To assess an intervention aimed at reducing patient–professional carer needs discordance.Method:  In a group of 460 patients with schizophrenia, the Two‐Way Communication Checklist (2‐COM), an instrument to rate needs, was completed at baseline, 2 months and 6 months by both the patient and the professional carer, allowing for the quantification of patient–carer needs discordance.Results:  Reduction in patient‐reported 2‐COM needs in the group with low baseline needs discordance was much greater at 2 and 6 months (2 months: β = −0.65, P < 0.001; 6 months: β = −1.00, P < 0.001) than in the group with high baseline discordance (2 months: β = −0.35, P < 0.001; 6 months: β = −0.49, P < 0.001). Reduction in needs discordance between baseline and 2 months (β = −0.07, P = 0.004) as well between 2 and 6 months (β = −0.05, P = 0.020) was associated with greater levels of CGI clinical improvement.Conclusion:  The fact that patient–carer needs discordance impacts negatively, and its reduction positively, on 6‐month outcome suggests that systematic inventory of patient–carer views on needs is necessary.
Effective photodynamic therapy of actinic keratoses on the head and face with a novel, self‐adhesive 5‐aminolaevulinic acid patch
Authors: Hauschild Axel , Popp Georg , Stockfleth Eggert , Meyer Karl‐Gustav , Imberger Dirk , Mohr Peter , Itschert Götz , Kaufmann Roland , Neuber Karsten , Frambach Yvonne , Gollnick Harald , Brunnert Marcus , Stocker Marcus , Ortland Christoph , Karrer Sigrid 
Published: July 2008

Background:  Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is increasingly used for the treatment of actinic keratosis (AK).Objectives:  To investigate both the efficacy of different application times and the safety of a novel patch (PD P 506 A) containing aminolaevulinic acid in the PDT of mild to moderate AK.Methods:  Applications of PD P 506 A for 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 h were compared in a multicentre, randomized, blinded‐observer, parallel‐group study. After patch removal, study lesions were illuminated with red light (λem ≈ 630 nm; 37 J/cm2). Study lesions were not pretreated (e.g. by curettage) prior to PDT. Efficacy was evaluated 4 and 8 weeks after treatment. Safety and tolerability were determined through laboratory analyses and documentation of both local reactions and adverse events.Results:  A total of 149 patients were initially enrolled. Of these, 140 patients (520 lesions) completed the study according to protocol. Eight weeks after treatment, 86% of the AK lesions (74% of the patients) treated with 4‐h patch application showed complete clearance. The complete clearance rates of lesions (patients) for the 2‐, 1‐ and 0.5‐h treatment arms were 73% (47%), 72% (50%) and 51% (24%), respectively. Statistically, the 4‐h application was identified as the ‘best treatment’. Patients with clearance seemed to experience local reactions to a greater extent than patients without clearance. Local reactions to study treatments did not exceed the expected range.Conclusions:  The results of this first clinical efficacy study suggest excellent therapeutic outcomes with a single PD P 506 A PDT with a 4‐h application.
Sequencing of 15 new BoLA‐DRB3 alleles
Authors: Wang K. , Sun D. , Zhang Y. 
Published: July 2008

SummaryThe class II DR of bovine major histocompatibility complex of cattle (BoLA) plays a central role in the regulation of the immune response through their ability to present those peptides to T‐cell receptors. In this work, we sequenced the exon2 of DRB3 to identify new alleles in Chinese yellow cattle, a total of 15 new BoLA‐DRB3 alleles were found.
Impacts of Riparian Forest Removal on Palauan Streams
Authors: MacKenzie Richard A. 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACTThe 2006 completion of the circum‐island Compact Road on the island of Babeldaob in the Republic of Palau resulted in several deforested stream reaches with modified stream channels. To determine the impacts of deforestation and road construction, various ecosystem parameters were compared between road‐impacted reaches, reforested savanna reaches, and forested reaches. Compared to adjacent forested reaches, road‐impacted reaches received significantly more light (0.4 ± 0.1 vs. 87.8 ± 4.1 % light transmittance, respectively), were significantly warmer (25.7 ± 0.1 vs. 26.1 ± 0.1°C, respectively), and received higher nutrient and sediment loads, all of which were attributed to the removal of riparian vegetation and increased surface runoff from the road. These differences were believed to have shifted the benthic algal community in road‐impacted reaches from diatoms to filamentous algae with significantly greater chl a biomass (10×) and benthic algal ash free dry mass AFDM (3×) compared to adjacent forested reaches. Savanna‐impacted and forested reaches had similar chl a, algal AFDM, and received similar amounts of light. Nutrient and sediment concentrations varied between the two reach types. Results from this study emphasize the need for the maintenance of riparian forests especially with predicted increases in population, development, and deforestation. Future studies are needed to determine effective riparian widths and riparian forest community structure to help resource managers and land owners protect and preserve the many ecosystem services that Palauan streams and watersheds provide.
G Protein Subtype Specificity of Rhodopsin Intermediates Metarhodopsin Ib and Metarhodopsin II
Authors: Morizumi Takefumi , Kimata Naoki , Terakita Akihisa , Imamoto Yasushi , Yamashita Takahiro , Shichida Yoshinori 
Published: July 2008

AbstractRhodopsin is one of the members of the G protein‐coupled receptor family that can catalyze a GDP–GTP exchange reaction on the retinal G protein transducin (Gt) upon photon absorption. There are at least two intermediate states, meta‐Ib and meta‐II, which exhibit direct interaction with Gt. Meta‐Ib binds to GDP‐bound Gt, while meta‐II forms a complex with Gt having no nucleotide, suggesting that meta‐Ib is a state that initially interacts with Gt. Here we investigated whether or not meta‐Ib exhibits specific interaction with G protein similar to meta‐II, by examining the binding efficiencies of meta‐Ib and meta‐II to Giα and its mutants whose C‐terminal 11 amino acids were replaced with those of Goα, Gqα and Gsα. The affinity of meta‐Ib to the C‐terminal 11 amino acids of Gtα was similar to those of Giα and its mutant with Goα’s C‐terminal 11 amino acids, whereas meta‐II exhibited affinity to the C‐terminal 11 amino acids of Giα mutant with Goα’s C‐terminal 11 amino acids about half of what was seen for Gtα and Giα. Both intermediates exhibited no affinity to the Giα mutants containing the C‐terminal 11 amino acids of Gqα and Gsα. These results suggested that meta‐Ib is the state that exhibits specific interaction with G protein as meta‐II does, although meta‐Ib exhibits a slightly lenient binding selectivity compared to that of meta‐II.
The Ability of Low Level Laser Therapy to Prevent Muscle Tissue Damage Induced by Snake Venom
Authors: Doin‐Silva Rosany , Baranauskas Vitor , Rodrigues‐Simioni Lea , Da Cruz‐Höfling Maria Alice 
Published: July 2008

AbstractAntivenom therapy has been ineffective in neutralizing the severe local fast developing tissue damage following snakebite envenoming. Herein, some effects of in situ helium neon (HeNe) laser irradiation on rat nerve‐muscle preparation injected with Bothrops jararacussu venom are described. The tibialis anterior muscle was injected with venom diluted in 0.9% saline solution (60 μg/0.02 mL) or saline solution alone. Sixty minutes after venom injection, laser (HeNe) treatment was administered at three incident energy densities: dose 1, a single exposure of 3.5 J cm−2; dose 2, three exposures of 3.5 J cm−2; dose 3, a single exposure of 10.5 J cm−2. Muscle function was assessed through twitch tension recordings whereas muscle damage was evaluated through histopathologic analysis, morphometry of area of tissue affected and creatine kinase (CK) serum levels, and compared to unirradiated muscles. Laser application at the dose of 3.5 J cm−2 reduced the area of injury by 64% (15.9 ± 1.5%vs 44.2 ± 5.7%), decreased the neuromuscular blockade (NMB) by 62% (11.5 ± 2.5%vs 30.4 ± 5.2%) and reduced CK levels by 58% (from 455 ± 4.5% to 190.3 ± 23.4%) when compared with unirradiated controls. Dose 2 showed a poorer benefit than dose 1, and dose 3 was ineffective in preventing the venom effects. Measurements of the absorbance of unirradiated and irradiated venom solution showed no difference in absorption spectra. In addition, no difference in the intensity of partial NMB in nerve‐muscle preparation was shown by unirradiated and irradiated venom. The results indicate that the laser light did not alter venom toxicity. We conclude that HeNe laser irradiation at a dosage of 3.5 J cm−2 effectively reduces myonecrosis and the neuromuscular transmission blocking effect caused by B. jararacussu snake venom. Thus, low level laser therapy may be a promising tool to minimize the severity of some of the local effects of snake envenoming.
Rapid Immunochromatographic Strip Test for Detection of Anti-K39 Immunoglobulin G Antibodies for Diagnosis of Visceral Leishmaniasis
Authors: Welch Ryan J. , Anderson Brian L. , Litwin Christine M. 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT
InBios International has developed an immunochromatographic rapid strip for the detection of visceral leishmaniasis that requires minimal equipment and only a small amount of blood to run a test. We compared the InBios rapid strip test with the CDC immunofluorescent antibody assay, and the agreement, sensitivity, and specificity were 98%, 90%, and 100%, respectively.