bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pasteurella multocida bacteremia in asymptomatic plateletpheresis donors: a tale of two cats
Authors: Bryant Barbara J. , Conry‐Cantilena Cathy , Ahlgren Alice , Felice Anthony , Stroncek David F. , Gibble Joan , Leitman Susan F. 
Published: August 2007

BACKGROUND: Bacterial contamination of platelet (PLT) concentrates occurs in 1 in 1000 to 1 in 3000 components and has been a leading cause of transfusion‐associated morbidity and mortality. Two cases of Pasteurella multocida bacteremia in asymptomatic plateletpheresis donors are reported. Clinical outcomes were profoundly different, emphasizing the importance of robust methods to detect bacterial contamination.CASE REPORTS: The first case occurred before the implementation of bacterial testing of PLTs. A plateletpheresis component was collected from a 70‐year‐old man and transfused to an 88‐year‐old man, who developed rigors, tachycardia, and hypotension within 15 minutes of the start of the transfusion. Cardiopulmonary arrest ensued and he expired 6 hours after transfusion. Blood cultures collected after transfusion and cultures of the PLT component were positive for the presence of P. multocida. Investigation revealed that a feral cat had bitten the donor 100 minutes before his donation. He had not reported the event to the donor room staff. The second case involved a 74‐year‐old woman who developed a flulike syndrome 2 days after plateletpheresis donation. P. multocida was isolated in routine bacterial culture of her PLT component. The donor had several feral cats, and although there was no history of bite or scratch, one cat liked to lick her hands, which were chapped from gardening.CONCLUSION: Occult bacteremia with P. multocida transmitted by feral cats was the source of PLT contamination in two cases over 3 years. Bacterial testing of PLTs is critical in the prevention of transfusion‐acquired sepsis and allows the identification and treatment of asymptomatic bacteremic donors.
Improving blood donor recruitment and retention: integrating theoretical advances from social and behavioral science research agendas
Authors: Ferguson Eamonn , France Christopher R. , Abraham Charles , Ditto Blaine , Sheeran Paschal 
Published: August 2007

BACKGROUND: Increasing blood donor recruitment and retention is of key importance to transfusion services. Research within the social and behavioral science traditions has adopted separate but complementary approaches to addressing these issues. This article aims to review both of these types of literature, examine theoretical developments, identify commonalities, and offer a means to integrate these within a single intervention approach.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The social and behavioral science literature on blood donor recruitment and retention focusing on theory, interventions, and integration is reviewed.RESULTS: The role of emotional regulation (anticipated anxiety and vasovagal reactions) is central to both the behavioral and the social science approaches to enhancing donor motivation, yet although intentions are the best predictor of donor behavior, interventions targeting enactment of intentions have not been used to increase donation. Implementation intentions (that is, if‐then plans formed in advance of acting) provide a useful technique to integrate findings from social and behavioral sciences to increase donor recruitment and retention.CONCLUSION: After reviewing the literature, implementation intention formation is proposed as a technique to integrate the key findings and theories from the behavioral and social science literature on blood donor recruitment and retention.
A multi–Chinese blood center study testing serologic‐negative donor samples for hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus with nucleic acid testing
Authors: Shan Hua , Ren Fu‐rong , Zhao Hai‐yan , Zhang Yuan‐zhi , Wen Guo‐xing , Yao Fu‐zhu , Gao Guo‐jing , Yan Li‐xing , Jiang Chao‐fu , Bai Xu‐hua , Tiemuer Mei‐hei‐li , Tu Yuan‐quan , Zhu Fa‐ming , Zheng You‐rong , Cui Li , Liu Chang‐li , Gong Xiao‐yan , Lv Qiu‐shuang , Zheng Peng , Ziermann Rainer , Ness Paul , Wang Jing‐xing 
Published: August 2007

BACKGROUND: A multi–blood center study was conducted to evaluate a human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) multiplex nucleic acid testing (NAT) donor screening test and to determine the residual risk for HIV‐1 and HCV infection.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A commercially available HIV‐1 and HCV assay (Procleix, Chiron Corp.) was used for simultaneous detection of HIV‐1 RNA and HCV RNA on 89,647 unlinked donor samples. NAT was performed with pools of 16 samples that had passed all routine screening tests. Single‐donor NAT was performed for samples that had been disqualified by any reactive screening test result(s). Anti‐HCV (Ortho third‐generation HCV enzyme immunoassay [EIA]), alanine aminotransferase, and HCV NAT (Roche COBAS Amplicor HCV test) confirmatory tests were used for HCV EIA–nonreactive, HCV NAT–reactive samples.RESULTS: Three HCV NAT yield cases and no HIV‐1 yield cases were detected. The yield rate for HCV NAT was 3.4 per 105 (95 percent confidence interval [CI], 0.7‐9.8). The estimated incidence rate for HCV is 24.2 per 100,000 person‐years (95% CI, 3.4‐88.0). If minipool NAT is added to routine donor screening, the residual risk for HCV is estimated to be reduced to 1 in 20.4 × 104 (95% CI, 1 in 5.2 × 104‐1 in 165.5 × 104).CONCLUSION: The residual risk for transfusion‐transmitted HCV infection is still relatively high in China. Incorporating NAT technology into blood donor screening would be estimated to reduce the residual risk of HCV infections eightfold over current EIA screening.
Modeling red cell procurement with both double‐red‐cell and whole‐blood collection and the impact of European travel deferral on units available for transfusion
Authors: Madden Erin , Murphy Edward L. , Custer Brian 
Published: August 2007

BACKGROUND: In 1997 the FDA approved the first double‐red‐blood‐cell (2RBC) collection device. Soon after, travel deferral for variant Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (vCJD) risk was adopted. To show the importance of including 2RBCs in predictive models of the blood supply, an existing whole‐blood (WB) model was updated to include 2RBC collection and then run to simulate the effect of vCJD deferral on total RBC availability.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The model simulates donation of allogeneic WB and 2RBCs, with donors stratified into eight age and sex groups. The model was updated with 2003 donation and economic data from 16 blood centers.RESULTS: The distribution of donations by demographic group differed both within and between WB and 2RBCs. Overall, 2RBC donation made up 24 percent of transfusable RBC units, at a lower per‐unit acquisition cost from both the blood bank and the societal perspectives. Component fees from hospitals would alter this interpretation. The model predicts that vCJD travel deferral led to a 3.3 percent (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.3‐4.1) decrease in the total number of RBC units, which was more than offset by 2RBC collection, resulting in a 10.4 percent (95% CI, 9.8%‐11.1%) net increase in RBC units. Modeled 2RBC results match operational records, whereas vCJD deferral is overestimated.CONCLUSION: Shifting to 2RBC collection led to a substantial gain in available RBCs: even with policies that adversely affect the quantity of RBCs in the supply, 2RBC collection results in a net gain. The economics of 2RBC collection are not as clear, however.
Efficacy and Safety of Absorbable Metallic Stents with Adjunct Intracoronary Beta Radiation in Porcine Coronary Arteries
Authors: WAKSMAN RON , PAKALA RAJBABU , OKABE TERUO , HELLINGA DAVID , CHAN ROSANNA , TIO MIN O. , WITTCHOW ERIC , HARTWIG SONJA , WALDMANN KARL‐HEINZ , HARDER CLAUS 
Published: August 2007

Background:
Absorbable metallic stents (AMS) utilizing Mg alloy carry advantages over permanent metallic stents because of their potential to eliminate stent thrombosis, chronic inflammation, or artifacts with noninvasive imaging. These stents, however, are associated with a modest degree of late recoil and intimal hyperplasia. The aim of the study was to test whether adjunct vascular brachytherapy (VBT) compared to AMS alone can overcome these limitations.
Methods:
Juvenile domestic pig coronary arteries underwent implantation of either AMS (n = 11) with prior adjunct VBT utilizing Sr/Y‐90 β source seeds, with a dose of 24 Gy at 2 mm from the source, or AMS alone (n = 11). At 28 days following intravascular ultrasound, vessels were harvested and analyzed by histomorphometry.
Results:
Intravascular ultrasound analysis indicated that at follow‐up, though statistically not significant, lumen and stent areas in the segments deployed with AMS following radiation were larger than those deployed with AMS alone (3.94 ± 1.38 and 3.53 ± 1.75 vs. 2.99 ± 1.05 and 3.58 ± 1.48). Extrastent plaque and intrastent plaque areas in the same segments were smaller (2.76 ± 0.82 and 0.24 ± 0.47 vs. 3.25 ± 1.94 and 0.58 ± 0.81). Morphometric data indicate that vessels in the VBT + AMS group showed characteristics of delayed healing and re‐endothelialization. Neointimal area was significantly lower in the VBT + AMS group (0.49 ± 0.34) compared to AMS (1.3 ± 0.62, P = 0.001). Lumen area of the VBT + AMS was larger when compared with AMS alone (2.49 ± 0.82 vs. 1.75 ± 0.51, P = 0.02).
Conclusion:
VBT as an adjunct to AMS further reduces the intimal hyperplasia and improves the lumen area when compared to AMS alone but does not have any impact on late recoil.
Vascular mania: an old concept in danger of sclerosing? A clinical overview
Authors: Wijeratne C. , Malhi G. S. 
Published: August 2007

Objective:  To review the evidence for an association between vascular disease and mania, and in this context, to assess the suitability of previously proposed diagnostic criteria.Method:  Relevant articles were retrieved and reviewed with the aid of search engines [MEDLINE, PsychInfo and EMBASE from 1996 to 2006] using pertinent search terms. Because of the paucity of data, systematic criteria for levels of evidence could not be applied.Results:  The literature is limited by the preponderance of case reports or case series, the use of overlapping terms, such as secondary mania, disinhibition syndrome and poststroke mania, and variable definitions of mania per se. There is general support for a tentative association between mania and vascular risk factors, and also between mania and cerebrovascular disease. Such associations seem best described by the term vascular mania for the sake of clinical utility, although it erroneously conveys causality. Proposed diagnostic criteria have defined a late‐age at onset (50 years +) sub‐type of mania, with associated neuroimaging and neuropsychological changes which are not specific to this age group.Conclusion:  Further studies are needed to determine whether mania associated with vascular disease is a specific and separate sub‐type with a late‐age at onset. An alternative framework for considering vascular mania is proposed.
A 6‐month randomized open‐label comparison of continuation of oral atypical antipsychotic therapy or switch to long acting injectable risperidone in patients with bipolar disorder
Authors: Yatham L. N. , Fallu A. , Binder C. E. 
Published: August 2007

Objective:  To determine the safety and effectiveness of long‐acting injectable risperidone (LAI‐ris) add‐on in bipolar patients.Method:  A 6‐month, open‐label, randomized, pilot trial enrolled 49 bipolar out‐patients who were taking a mood stabilizer and an atypical antipsychotic (AAP). Patients were maintained on a mood stabilizer and were randomized to continuation of their current AAP or switched to LAI‐ris treatment. Safety outcomes included adverse events and changes in vital signs, laboratory tests and extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS). Effectiveness measures included Clinical Global Impression‐Severity, scales assessing mania, depression, anxiety, resource utilization, quality of life, subject satisfaction with treatment, and time to intervention.Results:  Twenty‐three subjects were randomized to LAI‐ris and 26 to oral AAP. There were no significant differences between the groups in adverse events, EPS change scores, weight or other safety measures. LAI‐ris group had significant reductions in symptoms as measured by changes in Clinical Global Impression‐Severity scores and Young Mania Rating Scale at endpoint relative to baseline and oral AAP group had reductions in Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale scores relative to baseline but no significant differences were noted between the groups on any of the efficacy measures.Conclusion:  LAI‐ris demonstrated similar effectiveness, safety and tolerability compared to oral AAP in this 6 month pilot trial.
Role for cAMP‐protein kinase A signalling in augmented neutrophil adhesion and chemotaxis in sickle cell disease
Authors: Canalli Andreia A. , Franco‐Penteado Carla F. , Traina Fabiola , Saad Sara T.O. , Costa Fernando F. , Conran Nicola 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe significance of the leukocyte in sickle cell disease (SCD) pathophysiology is becoming increasingly recognised; we sought to examine whether the chemotactic properties of neutrophils of SCD individuals may be altered and, further, to better understand the signalling events that mediate altered SCD neutrophil function. Adhesion to immobilised fibronectin (FN) and chemotaxis of control and SCD neutrophils were assessed using in vitro static adhesion assays and 96‐well chemotaxis chamber assays. Adhesion assays confirmed a significantly higher basal adhesion of SCD neutrophils to FN, compared with control neutrophils. Chemotaxis assays established, for the first time, that SCD neutrophils demonstrate greater spontaneous migration and, also, augmented migration in response to IL‐8, when compared with control neutrophils. Co‐incubation of SCD neutrophils with KT5720 (an inhibitor of PKA) abrogated increased basal SCD neutrophil adhesion, spontaneous chemotaxis and IL‐8‐stimulated chemotaxis. Stimulation of SCD neutrophils with IL‐8 also significantly augmented SCD neutrophil adhesion to FN with a concomitant increase in cAMP levels and this increase in adhesion was abolished by KT5720. Interestingly, the adhesive properties of neutrophils from SCD individuals on hydroxyurea therapy were not significantly altered and results indicate that a reduction in intracellular cAMP may contribute to lower the adhesive properties of these cells. Data indicate that up‐regulated cAMP signalling plays a significant role in the altered adhesive and migratory properties in SCD neutrophils. Such alterations may have important implications for the pathophysiology of the disease and the cAMP‐PKA pathway may represent a therapeutic target for the abrogation of altered leukocyte function.
Melanocyte–keratinocyte interaction induces calcium signalling and melanin transfer to keratinocytes
Authors: Joshi Preeti G. , Nair Nirmala , Begum Gulnaz , Joshi Nanda B. , Sinkar Vilas P. , Vora Shilpa 
Published: August 2007

SummaryPhysical contact between melanocytes and keratinocytes is a prerequisite for melanosome transfer to occur, but cellular signals induced during or after contact are not fully understood. Herein, it is shown that interactions between melanocyte and keratinocyte plasma membranes induced a transient intracellular calcium signal in keratinocytes that was required for pigment transfer. This intracellular calcium signal occurred due to release of calcium from intracellular stores. Pigment transfer observed in melanocyte–keratinocyte co‐cultures was inhibited when intracellular calcium in keratinocytes was chelated. We propose that a ‘ligand‐receptor’ type interaction exists between melanocytes and keratinocytes that triggers intracellular calcium signalling in keratinocytes and mediates melanin transfer.
Vitiligo puzzle: the pieces fall in place
Authors: Westerhof Wiete , D’Ischia Marco 
Published: August 2007

SummaryOver the years, the role of biochemical, immunological, genetic, and other biological aspects in the pathogenesis of vitiligo has been studied. So far, no convincing model describing the interplay of these contributing factors has been formulated. Based on existing research, we propose that vitiligo has a multi‐factorial etiology, characterized by multiple steps, but always involving an increase of external or internal phenol/catechol concentration, serving as a preferred surrogate substrate of tyrosinase, competing with its physiological substrate tyrosine. The conversion of these substrates into reactive quinones is reinforced by a disturbed redox balance (increasing hydrogen peroxide). Such reactive quinones can be covalently bound to the catalytic centre of tyrosinase (haptenation). This could give rise to a new antigen, carried by Langerhans cells to the regional lymph node, stimulating the proliferation of cytotoxic T cells. However, the activation of such cytotoxic cells is only a first step in skin melanocyte killing, which also depends on a shift in the balance between immune defence and tolerance, e.g. resulting from a decrease in properly functioning T‐regulatory cells. With this new model, based on a synthesis of several of the existing theories, in mind, the external and internal factors involved in the etiopathogenesis of vitiligo are reviewed, against the background of reported clinical data, experimental studies and existing and potential new therapies. A similar complex mechanism may also lead to some other autoimmune diseases.
Gene Expression Profiling of the Rat Endometriosis Model
Authors: Konno Ryo , Fujiwara Hiroyuki , Netsu Sachiho , Odagiri Kohei , Shimane Miyuki , Nomura Hitoshi , Suzuki Mitsuaki 
Published: August 2007

ProblemTo investigate the molecular mechanism of endometriosis, gene expression profiling was analyzed in a rat endometriosis model.Method of studyAn endometriosis model was induced by uterine autotransplantation in the peritoneal cavity on a female‐SD rat (8 weeks old). As control samples, the normal uterine tissues were used. The gene expression was compared between endometriotic lesions and normal uterine tissues by cDNA microarray analysis, quantitative real time RT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry.ResultsThe expression of 71 genes was upregulated and that of 45 genes was downregulated in the endometriotic lesions compared to normal uterine tissues. The upregulated genes included genes encoding cytokines, chemokines, growth factors and cell adhesion molecules. The levels of transcripts of osteopontin, Lyn, Vav1, Runx1, and l‐selectin in the endometriotic lesions were 130, 10, 10, 12 and 46‐fold higher than the respective levels in the eutopic endometrial samples.ConclusionThe results suggest that osteopontin, Lyn, Vav1, Runx1, and l‐selectin play important roles in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.
Perceptions of elder abuse among Australian older adults and general practitioners
Authors: Helmes Edward , Cuevas Marianela 
Published: August 2007

Objectives:  To examine the perceptions of elder abuse among older Australian adults and general practitioners, a topic that has not been explored to the same extent as elsewhere. Methods:  Forty‐eight general practitioners, 40 independent older adults, 38 older adult caregivers and 36 older care‐receivers completed a modified version of Moon and Williams’ (1993) questionnaire, which describes 10 potential elder abuse scenarios. Results:  Split‐plot analysis of variance showed significant differences in the perceptions of severity of elder abuse scenarios across groups and gender. General practitioners tended to view the scenarios as less severe than the older‐aged groups. Within the older adult groups, caregivers generally perceived the scenarios as less abusive. Females generally perceived sexual abuse scenarios as more severe compared to males. Conclusions:  With such differences in views evident, the development of effective assessment strategies will require more targeted efforts to increase the awareness of elder abuse in the community.
Ward‐based protocols can improve assessment and management of urinary tract infections in hospitalised patients
Authors: Henley David , Nguyen Huong , Inderjeeth Charles A 
Published: August 2007

Objective:  To assess the rate of urine culture (UC) ordering and the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTI) in elderly patients before and after the introduction of ward‐based protocols. Method:  Initial retrospective audit: 100 consecutive ward inpatients discharged from a Rehabilitation and Aged Care Ward. Intervention: ward‐based protocols for management of bacteriuria and UTI were developed. Reaudit: 100 inpatients to assess the effectiveness of this intervention. Results:  There was a net reduction in the total number of UCs ordered (111 vs 145), and a significant reduction in the number of patients where multiple UC were ordered (26 vs 41, P = 0.025). More patients with UTI were treated according to antibiotic sensitivity in the post‐protocol audit (65 vs 54%). Conclusion:  Ward‐based protocols can improve the management of UTI and potentially decrease the number of inappropriate UC ordered.
The introduction of electronic medication charts and prescribing in aged care facilities: An evaluation
Authors: Burns Pippa , Perkins David A , Larsen Karen , Dalley Andrew 
Published: August 2007

The objective was to test the feasibility of electronic medication charts in aged care facilities and the impact on general practitioner (GP) and staff work processes. The Illawarra Division of General Practice conducted a trial where GPs used a modified version of commercially available software to generate medication charts, in four residential aged care facilities. Semistructured, face‐to‐face interviews, log books and an issue register were used to evaluate the success of this trial. The system improved chart clarity, which was felt to have improved medication management accuracy. However, system usability was hindered by the location of the computer, the availability of prescription paper, and technical difficulties. The system is inexpensive and three facilities have continued to use it after the trial period. To show measurable improvements in medication management, a trial that includes all residents is needed. Aged care facilities need more computer equipment in order to adopt important innovations.