bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surveillance of risk profiles among new and repeat blood donors with transfusion‐transmissible infections from 1995 through 2003 in the Netherlands
Authors: Van der Bij Akke K. , Coutinho Roel A. , Van der Poel Cees L. 
Published: August 2006

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effectiveness of blood donor selection, this study reports risk profiles of donors with transfusion‐transmissible infections as obtained by ongoing surveillance, 1995 through 2003, in the Netherlands.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A surveillance program was installed to monitor risk profiles among new and repeat donors infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), or human T‐lymphotropic virus (HTLV), or positive for the presence of syphilis antibodies. At posttest counseling, a physician interviewed donors to clarify possible sources of infection.RESULTS: A total of 167 repeat donors and 404 new donors were interviewed: 33 with HIV, 123 with HCV, 279 with HBV, 21 with HTLV, and 112 with syphilis antibodies. Most HBV, HCV, and HTLV infections were among new donors (80, 85, and 67%), whereas most HIV infections were among repeat donors (79%). Nearly 25 percent of the donors did not report factors at screening that would have deferred them from donating blood. At posttest interviews, new donors with HCV often reported injecting drug use (19%). Repeat donors with HIV often reported male‐to‐male sex (8/26, 31%).CONCLUSION: A significant level of deferrable behavioral risks was found among donors with confirmed transfusion‐transmissible infections that persist despite current donor selection. Reporting such behavior at initial donor selection would have eliminated a substantial part of the infections found. This study argues against relaxing the existing donor deferral of persons practicing male‐to‐male sex, given their significant proportion of HIV infections among repeat donors. Systematic surveillance of risk factors among infected blood donors provides ongoing information about the effectivity of donor selection and is recommended to evaluate and optimize blood policies.
Molecular basis of the LOCR (Rh55) antigen
Authors: Coghlan Gail , Moulds Marilyn , Nylen Edward , Zelinski Teresa 
Published: August 2006

BACKGROUND: In 1994 during the investigation of a case of hemolytic disease of the newborn, a new low‐incidence red cell (RBC) antigen, LOCR, was described. Although the presence of LOCR was associated with altered expression of Rh antigens, its formal assignment to the Rh blood group system did not occur until haplotype and linkage analysis conducted in 2003 provided the necessary proof. The current study was undertaken in an attempt to define the underlying RH mutation in LOCR+ individuals.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Genomic DNA from five unrelated LOCR+ individuals and three Rh‐matched control individuals was amplified by polymerase chain reaction with intronic primers flanking all 10 exons of RH. Amplified products were separated on 1 percent agarose gels and isolated for DNA sequence analysis in both the forward and the reverse directions.RESULTS: DNA sequence analysis of the three LOCR+ D– individuals revealed a single heterozygous 286G>A nucleotide substitution resulting in a predicted Gly>Ser substitution at amino acid 96. DNA sequence analysis from the two LOCR+ D+ individuals revealed the identical mutation, as well as all of the changes associated with the common RHD gene.CONCLUSIONS: Based on our results, a Gly96Ser substitution in the Rhce polypeptide defines the low‐incidence RBC antigen known as LOCR. This same amino acid change has previously been shown to be involved in the Rh:‐26 phenotype, which suggests that LOCR and Rh26 are antithetical. Serologic investigations with various Rh:‐26 cells and serum samples, however, reveal that only some c+ Rh:‐26 phenotypes are LOCR+.
Viability and function of 8‐day‐stored apheresis platelets
Authors: Slichter Sherrill J. , Bolgiano Doug , Jones Mary Kay , Christoffel Todd , Corson Jill , Rose Leslie , Foley Jim , Popovsky Mark , Baril Laurene L. , Corda Tammy , Dincecco Dorothy M. , Snyder Edward L. 
Published: August 2006

BACKGROUND:Methods of bacterial detection and pathogen inactivation of platelets (PLTs) may allow extended storage of PLTs as long as PLT quality is maintained.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:Twenty normal volunteers had their PLTs collected with an apheresis machine (Haemonetics Corp.). A variety of in vitro PLT function and metabolic assays were performed both on Day 0 and after 8 days of storage. On Day 8, a small blood sample was drawn from each donor to obtain fresh PLTs. The fresh and stored autologous PLTs were labeled with either51Cr or111In, and the radiolabeled PLTs were transfused. Posttransfusion serial blood samples were drawn to determine the relative posttransfusion recoveries and survivals of the fresh versus the stored PLTs.RESULTS:Although the in vitro assays showed some differences between the two trial sites, the results were generally within the ranges expected for fresh and stored PLTs. Overall, PLT recoveries averaged 66 ± 16 percent versus 53 ± 20 percent and survivals averaged 8.5 ± 1.6 days versus 5.6 ± 1.6 days, respectively, for fresh compared to 8‐day‐stored PLTs. There were no significant differences in the in vivo PLT data between the trial sites or based on the radiolabel used for the measurements.CONCLUSION:After 8 days of storage, the in vivo posttransfusion recovery and survival of autologous Haemonetics apheresis PLTs meet the proposed standards for poststorage PLT quality.
Predictors of long‐term work disability in Major Depressive Disorder: a prospective study
Authors: Rytsälä H. J. , Melartin T. K. , Leskelä U. S. , Sokero T. P. , Lestelä‐Mielonen P. S. , Isometsä E. T. 
Published: August 2006

Objective:  Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a major cause of long‐term work disability. However, factors predicting this are not well known.Method:  In the Vantaa Depression Study, predictors for being granted a disability pension during an 18‐month follow‐up were examined among the 186 psychiatric MDD in‐ and out‐patients belonging to the labour force at baseline.Results:  The 21 patients (11.3%) granted a disability pension were significantly older, more hopeless, had worse social and occupational functioning, and spent more time depressed during follow‐up. After adjusting for these predictors, being on sick leave at baseline still strongly predicted disability pension during follow‐up.Conclusion:  Disability pension is predicted by multiple sociodemographic and clinical factors. Baseline level of functioning and duration of depressive episodes are key clinical predictors. The positive and negative consequences of sick leave warrant closer attention.
Relapse rates in an early psychosis treatment service
Authors: Addington D. , Jean Addington M. D. , Patten S. 
Published: August 2006

Objective:  To examine the relapse rate achievable in a real‐life early psychosis treatment service.Method:  A 2‐year longitudinal cohort study of consecutive admissions to an early psychosis programme which served the entire population in a catchment area. The primary outcome measure was relapse.Results:  One hundred and forty‐eight consecutive consenting admissions were recruited, 124 (83.8%) of whom were followed for 1 year and 116 (78.4%) for 2 years. Relapse was assessed by clinicians using structured criteria. The 2‐year relapse rate among subjects with complete data collection was 34/95 (35.7%, 95% CI 26.2–46.3). A Kaplan–Meier life table censoring subjects lost to follow‐up yielded a comparable estimate of the proportion not relapsing: 68% (95% CI 58–76%).Conclusion:  These estimates compare favourably with a published range of 2‐year relapse from 55% to 70% in the older literature and are comparable with the results in recent clinical trials.
Birds as Biodiversity Indicators for Europe
Authors: Gregory Richard 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
It is a truism that biodiversity is vital. It is, after all, a measure of life on earth. It is of more pressing concern that biodiversity is being lost at a rate unprecedented in the recent era, and will continue to be lost unless action is taken. There is species loss and habitat loss across ecosystems from the Arctic icecap to tropical rainforest: the so-called Fifth Great Extinction of species really does seem to be happening. Richard Gregory looks at the role birds can play in measuring biodiversity.
Safety Cameras: Stealth Tax or Life-Savers?
Authors: Mountain Linda 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
There cannot be a road user in the UK who does not have an opinion on speed cameras—in most cases a rather strongly held opinion. Indeed many of us will hold them responsible for the first blemish on an otherwise clean license. Their proper name is not speed but safety cameras—but do they really save lives, or are they just one more way of extracting money from the hapless motorist? Linda Mountain knows the answers.
A Case of Mistaken Identity
Authors: Davies Simon 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
The UK government has embarked on the world's most ambitious national identity project. During its 3-year progress towards Royal Assent the scheme has variously been proclaimed as a key solution to identity theft, illegal immigration, administrative inefficiency, benefit fraud, VAT fraud, illegal working, terrorism, healthcare tourism, national security, telecommunications fraud and organized crime. Can it actually work? Simon Davies has his doubts.
Statistics and The Bayesian Mind
Authors: Griffiths Thomas L. 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
Did German flying bombs really target the poorer areas of London—or did the poor people underneath them just think that they did? How many millions of dollars will the current re-make of King Kong really gross? Oh, and how many taxis are there in London? The human mind can make very good guesses, it seems—and it uses Bayesian analysis to do so. Tom Griffiths and Joshua Tenenbaum explain.
Trading Coupons: Completing the World Cup Football Sticker Album
Authors: Hayes Kevin , Hannigan Ailish 
Published: August 2006

AbstractThe agonies and the ecstasies of the World Cup are over for another four years. England supporters may not wish to be reminded of Ronaldo's spot-kick, and we are loath to add to pain. But one set of players who probably did very well from the competition was Panini, the company which produced the official 2006 World Cup football sticker album—and, more importantly, the collectable stickers which go inside it. Kevin Hayes and Ailish Hannigan tried to fill up their albums.
Gene expression patterns in isolated keloid fibroblasts
Authors: Satish Latha , Lyons‐Weiler James , Hebda Patricia A. , Wells Alan 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTKeloid scars after skin trauma are a significant clinical problem, especially in black populations, in which the incidence of keloids has been estimated at 4–16%. Keloids are abnormal dermal proliferative scars secondary to dysregulated wound healing. Despite several biochemical studies on the role of extracellular matrix proteins and growth factors during keloid formation, we still do not know what molecules and signals induce this change. Fibroblasts are thought to be the major inductive cell for keloid scar formation. The aim of this study was to identify gene expression patterns that characterize keloid fibroblasts; identifying such genetic disequilibrium may shed light on the molecular signaling events responsible for keloid formation. In this study, we performed gene expression analysis of fibroblasts isolated from keloid lesions from three individuals in comparison with the fibroblasts isolated from normal skin using the Affymetrix U133a chip (22,284 genes and expression sequence tags). We found through J5 test score expression analysis that among 22,284 genes, there were 43 genes that were overexpressed and five genes were underexpressed in keloid fibroblasts when compared with dermal fibroblasts from persons without keloids. The overexpression of three genes not previously reported as being up‐regulated in keloids (annexin A2, Transgelin, and RPS18) was confirmed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Certain overexpressed genes were similar to previous biochemical observations on the protein levels of these overexpressed genes during keloid formation. We also report for the first time that a few tumor‐related genes are overexpressed in keloid fibroblasts.
Efficacy and cost‐effectiveness of a high‐powered parallel waterjet for wound debridement
Authors: Granick Mark S. , Posnett John , Jacoby, BS Michael , Noruthun Shyam , Ganchi Parham A. , Datiashvili Ramazi O. 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTCurrent concepts of wound healing acknowledge the essential role of wound bed preparation in achieving a wound with good healing potential. Critical to wound bed preparation is the removal of necrosis, unhealthy tissue, foreign matter, and infection. One of the accepted methods of wound bed preparation is surgery. The high‐power parallel waterjet is a new surgical device, which allows the operator to remove very precisely undesirable tissue and debris with maximal preservation of viable tissue. A retrospective study was performed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and economic impact of using this technique of surgical debridement. Forty patients who had waterjet debridements were compared with 22 patients with matched wounds who had conventional surgical debridement. The waterjet group had significantly fewer procedures (p<0.002) than the conventional group. Based on these outcomes, the use of the new device in appropriate patients is expected to lead to cost savings of approximately $1,900 per patient.
Identification of a novel FcγRIII receptor that is up‐regulated in fetal wound healing
Authors: Teusner Jacqueline T. , Goddard Chris , Belford David A. , Dunaiski Vera , Powell Barry C. 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTThe mid‐gestation fetus is able to heal skin wounds rapidly and without scarring, an ability that is lost as development proceeds. The aim of this study was to identify novel genes involved in this process. We established an ex vivo wound model from embryonic rats and showed that over 72 hours, embryonic day 17 wounds reepithelialized and closed whereas day 19 wounds did not. To investigate the molecular basis of this phenomenon we analyzed changes in gene expression using differential display polymerase chain reaction. We characterized one transcript that was strongly up‐regulated in the healing response of wounded, day 17 skin. It encodes a protein of 249 amino acids with striking similarity to the human low‐affinity receptor for the Fc portion of IgG (FcγRIII), suggesting that it is a novel member of the FcγR family, which we named FcγRIII‐X. A wound‐healing timecourse shows that FcγRIII‐X was up‐regulated in healing, wounded day 17 skin but not in nonhealing, wounded day 19 skin and that its up‐regulation was accelerated in skin with multiple wounds. We suggest that up‐regulation of FcγRIII‐X may contribute to scarless healing of fetal skin.
Characterization of an in vitro model for evaluating the interface between skin and percutaneous biomaterials
Authors: Fukano Yuko , Knowles Negar G. , Usui Marcia L. , Underwood Robert A. , Hauch Kip D. , Marshall Andrew J. , Ratner Buddy D. , Giachelli Cecilia , Carter William G. , Fleckman Philip , Olerud John E. 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTPercutaneous devices play an essential role in medicine; however, they are often associated with a significant risk of infection. One approach to circumvent infection would be to heal the wound around the devices by promoting skin cell attachment. We used two in vitro assay models to evaluate cutaneous response to poly(2‐hydoxyethyl methacrylate) (poly(HEMA)). One approach was to use a cell adhesion assay to test the effects of surface modification of poly(HEMA), and the second used an organ culture system of newborn foreskin biopsies implanted with porous poly(HEMA) rods (20 μm pores) to evaluate the skin/poly(HEMA) interface. Surface modification of poly(HEMA) using 1,1′‐carbonyldiimidazole (CDI) enhanced keratinocyte, fibroblast, and endothelial cell adhesion. Keratinocytes in the organ culture model not only remained functionally and structurally viable as observed by immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy, but migrated into the pores of CDI‐modified poly(HEMA) rods. No biointegration was seen in the non‐CDI‐modified poly(HEMA). Laminin 5 immunostaining was seen along the poly(HEMA)/skin interface in a pattern resembling the junctional epithelium of the tooth, the unique natural interface between the skin and tooth that serves as a barrier to bacteria. In vitro systematic evaluation of biomaterials for use in animal implant studies is both cost effective and time efficient.
Identification of differentially expressed genes in scarless wound healing utilizing polymerase chain reaction‐ suppression subtractive hybridization
Authors: Kathju Sandeep , Satish Latha , Rabik Cara , Rupert Terra , Oswald Duane , Johnson Sandra , Hu Fen Ze , Christopher Post J. , Ehrlich Garth D. 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTWound healing in fetal skin is well known to proceed without scarring, whereas adult (postnatal) skin wound healing is accompanied by scar formation. To identify differentially expressed genes during fetal wound (FW) healing, we have used polymerase chain reaction‐suppression subtractive hybridization. This technique allows for a comparative analysis across the entire transcriptome of FW vs. unwounded fetal control tissue, including even potentially novel sequences. Our subtractive hybridization protocol identified 15 clones that are overexpressed in healing FWs, and 20 clones that are underexpressed. These include genes with both known and unknown functions. We have confirmed the differential pattern of expression for four of these candidate genes: elongation factor 1 α, elongation initiation factor 4e, and two transcripts thus far known only as an expressed sequence tags. With this approach, we have also identified novel genes potentially involved in scarless wound healing.
Antibiotic prescribing for chronic skin wounds in primary care
Authors: Howell‐Jones Rebecca S. , Price Patricia E. , Howard Anthony J. , Thomas David W. 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to describe and quantify systemic antibiotic prescribing for patients with chronic skin wounds presenting at the primary care, nonspecialist setting. Data for 1 year were extracted from a general practice morbidity database comprising approximately 185,000 patients attending family medical practitioners in Wales. Patients with chronic wounds (PCW) were identified using Read Codes and compared with nonwound patients who were randomly selected after matching for age‐band, sex, and general practice. PCW received a significantly greater number of antibiotic courses than nonwound patients (p<0.001). This increased level of prescribing was evident for flucloxacillin, co‐amoxiclav, cefaclor, cefalexin, erythromycin, trimethoprim, metronidazole, and ciprofloxacin (p<0.01 for all). While PCW also had a significantly higher prevalence of diabetes (16.5% compared with 6.6%, p<0.001), and attended at general practice significantly more frequently than nonwound patients (median (interquartile range) of 25 (17–40) visits per year compared with 12 (4–20), p<0.001), importantly, exclusion of diabetic patients and analysis of the proportion of visits on which patients received antibiotics did not affect the significance of the difference in antibiotic consumption. These data show a strong association between occurrence of chronic wounds and prescribing of antibiotics in primary health care, and wide variation in the type and duration of antibiotic therapy for chronic wounds. Further work is now indicated to rationalize this prescribing and determine the role that this exposure to antibiotics plays in the prevalence of antibiotic resistance in this at‐risk elderly population.
Use of photographs for the identification of pressure ulcers in elderly hospitalized patients: validity and reliability
Authors: Russell Localio A. , Margolis David J. , Kagan Sarah H. , Lowe Robert A. , Kinosian Bruce , Abbuhl Stephanie , Kavesh William , Holmes John H. , Ruffin Althea , Baumgarten Mona 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTTo evaluate the ability of research nurses to identify pressure ulcers, the authors assembled digital photographs of the skin of 160 consenting elderly patients (80% African American, 63% women). The series included 39 photos of pressure ulcers, 109 of normal skin, and 12 of other skin conditions, determined by consensus by two experts (D.J.M. and S.H.K.). Photos were packaged electronically into eight blocks of 20, with pressure ulcer prevalence ranging from 20% to 30% per block. The eight blocks were duplicated to create two sets of 160 photos each. Each of six raters (experienced clinical research nurses), working independently, evaluated the 320 photos as if each photo depicted a different patient. For analysis, the ratings were collapsed into binary determinations (any pressure ulcer vs. none). The overall sensitivity and specificity of the ratings were 0.97 (95% confidence interval: 0.94, 0.98) and 0.81 (95% confidence interval: 0.77, 0.86), respectively. Rater‐specific prevalence (range: 31.8–47.5%) exceeded the true prevalence (24.4%). Inter‐ and intrarater reliability coefficients were 0.69 and 0.84, respectively. Trained research nurses can accurately classify pressure ulcers from photographs, even when patients are largely non‐White and the photographs depict pressure ulcers spanning all pressure ulcer stages.
Evaluation of Apligraf® persistence and basement membrane restoration in donor site wounds: a pilot study
Authors: Hu Shasa , Kirsner Robert S. , Falanga Vincent , Phillips Tania , Eaglstein William H. 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTApligraf® is a bilayered tissue‐engineered product consisting of a bovine collagen matrix with neonatal fibroblasts, overlaid by a stratified epithelium containing living keratinocytes. The United States Food and Drug Administration has approved its use for venous leg ulcers and neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers. Apligraf® provides a dermal matrix and produces cytokines similar to the human skin. However, its mechanism of action and ultimate fate in host wounds are unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the persistence of Apligraf® fibroblasts and keratinocytes in human acute partial‐thickness wounds (split‐thickness donor sites) treated with Apligraf®. In an open‐label, within‐patient, three‐centered, controlled pilot study, 10 patients were treated with Apligraf®, Apligraf® dermis only (without epidermis), and a polyurethane film for donor site wounds of the same size, depth, and anatomical location. Apligraf® DNA persistence was the primary outcome measure. Basement membrane components, cosmetic outcome, time to wound healing, and safety parameters were secondary outcome measures. One week after the initial treatment, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis found that two Apligraf® and two Apligraf® dermis‐only‐treated sites had Apligraf® DNA present. Four weeks posttreatment, only one Apligraf® and one Apligraf® dermis‐only sites showed the presence of Apligraf® DNA. There was no difference between the three treatment modalities in establishing basement membrane in donor site wounds. No differences in other secondary outcomes were found. Apligraf® DNA persisted in a minority of patients at 4 weeks in acute partial‐thickness wounds. Apligraf®'s success in speeding healing of acute wounds appears to be related to factors other than the persistence of donor DNA or effect on basement membrane restoration.