bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surveillance of HIV Exposure and Postexposure Prophylaxis Among Health Care Workers in Greece
Authors: Konte Vasileia , Nikolopoulos Georgios , Raftopoulos Vasilios , Pylli Magda , Tsiara Chrissa , Makri Efraxia , Paraskeva Dimitra 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACT
Objective: Many developed countries have implemented surveillance systems for monitoring occupational exposure to HIV. The aim of the present study was to analyze surveillance data on HIV postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) for health care workers (HCWs) in Greece.Design: All data reported to the Hellenic Centre for Disease Control and Prevention between January 1996 and June 2005 were analyzed.Sample and measurement: 188 reported occupational exposures to HIV were analyzed, retrospectively.Results: Most exposures were in the physicians (37.8%), followed by the nursing personnel (18.6%). Nearly 38% of the HCWs were males and the predominant type of biological material involved in the exposure was blood (74.5%). Two drugs were used for PEP in 23.4% of the HCWs, and 3 drugs in 66.5% of the reported cases.Conclusions: Greek guidelines provide guidance for treating HCWs after occupational exposure to HIV. In our study, antiretroviral treatment, a three‐drug regimen in the majority of the cases, was prescribed after evaluation of specially appointed physicians. The surveillance system of occupational exposure to HIV in HCWs should be further developed and enhanced in order to monitor and evaluate the risk factors surrounding the incidents.
Radiation of the Rat Brain Suppresses Seizure‐Induced Neurogenesis and Transiently Enhances Excitability during Kindling Acquisition
Authors: Raedt Robrecht , Boon Paul , Persson Asa , Alborn Ann‐Marie , Boterberg Tom , Van Dycke Annelies , Linder Birgit , De Smedt Tim , Wadman Wytse J. , Ben‐Menachem Elinor , Eriksson Peter S. 
Published: June 2007

Summary:  Purpose: Adult hippocampal neurogenesis is enhanced in several models for temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). In this study, we used low‐dose whole brain radiation to suppress hippocampal neurogenesis and then studied the effect of this treatment on epileptogenesis in a kindling model for TLE. Methods: Half of the rats were exposed to a radiation dose of 8 Gy one day before the initiation of a rapid kindling protocol. Afterdischarge threshold (ADT), afterdischarge duration (ADD), clinical seizure severity, and inflammation were compared between groups. On the first and third day after radiation, rats were injected with 5′‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) to evaluate neurogenesis. Seven and 21 days after radiation, numbers of doublecortin (DCX) positive neuroblasts in subgranular zone and granule cell layer were compared between groups. Results: We showed that radiation significantly suppressed neurogenesis and neuroblast production during kindling acquisition. Radiation prevented an increase in ADT that became significantly lower in radiated rats. On the third and fourth kindling acquisition day radiated rats developed more severe seizures more rapidly, which resulted in a significantly higher mean severity score on these days. Differences in ADD could not be demonstrated. Discussion: Our results demonstrate that brain radiation with a relatively low dose effectively suppressed the generation of new granule cells and transiently enhanced excitability during kindling acquisition. Although seizure‐induced neurogenesis was lower in the radiated rats we could not detect a strong effect on the final establishment of the permanent fully kindled state, which argues against a prominent role of seizure‐induced neurogenesis in epileptogenesis.
Complete Recovery From Intractable Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, CRPS‐Type I, Following Anesthetic Ketamine and Midazolam
Authors: Kiefer Ralph‐Thomas , Rohr Peter , Ploppa Annette , Altemeyer Karl‐Heinz , Schwartzman Robert Jay 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjective: To describe the treatment of an intractable complex regional pain syndrome I (CRPS‐I) patient with anesthetic doses of ketamine supplemented with midazolam.Methods: A patient presented with a rapidly progressing contiguous spread of CRPS from a severe ligamentous wrist injury. Standard pharmacological and interventional therapy successively failed to halt the spread of CRPS from the wrist to the entire right arm. Her pain was unmanageable with all standard therapy. As a last treatment option, the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit and treated on a compassionate care basis with anesthetic doses of ketamine in gradually increasing (3–5 mg/kg/h) doses in conjunction with midazolam over a period of 5 days.Results: On the second day of the ketamine and midazolam infusion, edema, and discoloration began to resolve and increased spontaneous movement was noted. On day 6, symptoms completely resolved and infusions were tapered. The patient emerged from anesthesia completely free of pain and associated CRPS signs and symptoms. The patient has maintained this complete remission from CRPS for 8 years now.Conclusions: In a patient with severe spreading and refractory CRPS, a complete and long‐term remission from CRPS has been obtained utilizing ketamine and midazolam in anesthetic doses. This intensive care procedure has very serious risks but no severe complications occurred. The psychiatric side effects of ketamine were successfully managed with the concomitant use of midazolam and resolved within 1 month of treatment.This case report illustrates the effectiveness and safety of high‐dose ketamine in a patient with generalized, refractory CRPS.
Investigation of an isolate of Staphylococcus lugdunensis implicated in a platelet fatality: a possible advantage of the use of an anaerobic bottle
Authors: Brecher Mark E. , Hay Shauna N. 
Published: June 2007

BACKGROUND: Cases have been reported in which detection with an early culture failed to interdict the transfusion of a bacterially contaminated platelet. One fatal case involved Staphylococcus lugdunensis, missed with a 4‐mL aerobic (BPA) bottle (BacT/ALERT, bioMérieux). This report noted “deviation from culture methods that meet manufacturer's recommendations (e.g., decreased blood volume) can result in reduced sensitivity and produce false negatives.” The manufacturer's package insert “strongly” recommends that more than one type of culture bottle be utilized. The utility of an anaerobic (BPN) bottle compared to a BPA bottle was investigated for the detection of S. lugdunensis.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This isolate was subjected to a series of spiking experiments designed to assess the effect of sample volume and recovery of BPA and/or BPN bottles over a range of concentrations (0.1‐6 colony‐forming units/mL).RESULTS: With low levels of contamination, larger volumes cultured were associated with higher recovery. With the lowest inoculation, such that only one to two organisms were present in a bottle, reactivity was accelerated in the BPN bottle compared to the BPA bottle. At higher concentrations, 10 mL in the BPA bottle yielded equivalent time to reactivity as 4 mL in the BPN bottles.CONCLUSION: These data support the use of larger inocula; however, when only one to two organisms were present in a bottle, time to reactivity was accelerated in a BPN bottle compared to a BPA bottle. The accelerated growth was not observable with higher inoculum (e.g., more than six organisms per bottle). Quicker time to reactivity might make the difference between interdiction or transfusion of the product.
Assessment of cord blood hematopoietic cell parameters before and after cryopreservation
Authors: Kurtz James , Seetharaman Shalini , Greco Nicholas , Moroff Gary 
Published: June 2007

BACKGROUND: The testing of cord blood (CB) progenitor and stem cell units for transplantation suitability involves enumeration of total nucleated cells before freezing. CD34+ cell counts may also be a means of determining suitability. Studies have been conducted to evaluate how specific storage conditions influence cell counts.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: CB units were processed by hydroxyethyl starch volume reduction. Cryopreserved‐thawed samples were diluted 1:3 without washing. CD34+ cells were measured with three commercially available assay methods. In specific studies, apoptosis‐indicating reagents were included. CB units were analyzed for nucleated cells, aldehyde dehydrogenase–containing cells, and progenitor colonies.RESULTS: CD34+ cell levels and nucleated cells were retained during storage in test tubes at 1 to 6°C for 3 days. Cryopreserved‐thawed samples showed a reduction in CD34+ cells relative to prefreeze levels with the largest decrease with the Stem‐Kit (Beckman Coulter) restricted gating procedure. Prefreeze samples contained minimal numbers of presumed apoptotic cells detected with 7‐aminoactinomycin D or SYTO16, but after cryopreservation‐thawing there was an increase. Nucleated cell levels determined with a hematology analyzer or flow cytometry were reduced after thawing. Cryopreservation‐thawing reduced the percentage of CD34+ cells positive for the presence of aldehyde dehydrogenase and the number of progenitor colonies. These differences were significant.CONCLUSION: These studies indicate that CD34+ cell counts were maintained when CB samples were stored at 1 to 6°C in test tubes for 3 days. Cryopreservation‐thawing resulted in changes in a number of parameters including the percentage of CD34+ cells that were aldehyde dehydrogenase+ and the number of 7‐aminoactinomycin D+ cells and SYTO16low cells.
The donor health assessment questionnaire: potential for format change and computer‐assisted self‐interviews to improve donor attention
Authors: Goldman Mindy , Ram Shefali S. , Yi Qi‐Long , Mazerall John , O'Brien Sheila F. 
Published: June 2007

BACKGROUND: The Canadian donor health assessment questionnaire (DHAQ) has developed gradually over many years. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the format and method of administration of the DHAQ influences donor attentiveness.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Between May 2004 and September 2005, a total of 1397 donors participated in the study by completing the DHAQ by one of three methods: the current Canadian Blood Services (CBS) format and method of administration, which is partly self‐administered and partly interviewer‐administered (Method 1); the DHAQ reformatted to the AABB Uniform Donor Health Questionnaire format and self‐administered (Method 2); and an audiovisual computer‐assisted self‐interview (CASI; Method 3). This was followed by a short, scripted interview assessing recall of 17 specific items queried on the DHAQ. Time to completion of the DHAQ and degree of familiarity with computer use were also assessed.RESULTS: The percentages of donors identifying all 17 items correctly were 9.4, 20.9, and 34.8 percent and the mean percentages recall of items were 53.9, 56.0, and 69.8 percent with DHAQ administration Methods 1, 2, and 3, respectively (p  < 0.0001). This difference was largely attributable to the poor recall of items queried as part of a list in Method 1. Mean times to complete the DHAQ were 3.1, 3.8, and 8.1 minutes for Methods 1, 2, and 3, respectively. More than 95 percent of donors had used a personal computer in the past year.CONCLUSION: The current format of the Canadian DHAQ is not optimal for donor attention to specific questions asked as part of a list. Attention was improved by use of AABB uniform donor history questionnaire format and was best with use of a CASI format.
Determinants of repeated blood donation among new and experienced blood donors
Authors: Godin Gaston , Conner Mark , Sheeran Paschal , Bélanger‐Gravel Ariane , Germain Marc 
Published: June 2007

BACKGROUND: The maintenance of a safe level of blood supply is provided by a small number of volunteers, and their retention is difficult. The aim of this study was to identify factors predicting repeated blood donation among experienced and new donors.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A random sample of 2231 donors (2070 experienced and 161 new) completed a questionnaire assessing psychosocial factors as defined by the most prominent social cognitive theories. Six months later, an objective measure of frequency of registrations to give blood was obtained from the database of the local official agency for blood donation.RESULTS: Logistic regression analysis indicated that for experienced donors, the predictors were intention, perceived control, anticipated regret, moral norm, age, and frequency of blood donation in the past. For new donors, intention and age were the only determinants of behavior. Important differences in the determinants of intention were also noted between experienced and new donors.CONCLUSION: In summary, the results of this study support the idea that distinct promotion strategies should be adopted to increase repeated blood donation among experienced versus new donors.
Prokaryotic versus eukaryotic recombinant Lutheran blood group protein for antibody identification
Authors: Seltsam Axel , Grüger Daniela , Blasczyk Rainer 
Published: June 2007

BACKGROUND: At present, identification of antibodies against high‐frequency antigens is limited to reference laboratories having panels of rare red blood cell (RBC) specimens in stock. Antibodies against Lub are among the most frequent clinically relevant antibody specificities directed against high‐frequency antigens.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Soluble recombinant Lub fusion proteins consisting of the first three N‐terminal immunoglobulin superfamily domains and a V5‐His tag were generated. Eukaryotic recombinant Lub proteins were isolated from cell culture supernatant of stably transfected HEK293 cells with anti‐V5 Sepharose. Prokaryotic Lub fusion proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli, purified by Ni‐NTA, and refolded by chromatographic procedures. Ten anti‐Lub serum samples, 6 anti‐Lua serum samples, 30 serum samples directed against other blood group antigens, 10 serum samples from patients with RBC autoantibodies, and 100 serum samples from randomly selected donors were used for antibody screening.RESULTS: Eukaryotic and prokaryotic recombinant Lub proteins proved to be equally suited for identification of anti‐Lub. Recombinant Lub protein–based enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay correctly identified samples containing anti‐Lub sera, and the titers were at least two times higher than those measured by the gel agglutination–based indirect antiglobulin test. In hemagglutination inhibition assays, recombinant Lub protein neutralized all anti‐Lub, but none of the other alloantibodies decreased in reactivity.CONCLUSION: Antibody detection systems based on soluble eukaryotic or prokaryotic recombinant blood group proteins have the potential to replace current systems with rare RBCs for identification of alloantibodies against high‐ or low‐frequency antigens. This innovation could bring routine laboratories one step closer to specialized antibody diagnostics.
Comparison of High Power, Medium Power, and Irrigated‐Tip Ablation Strategies for Pulmonary Vein Isolation in a Canine Model
Authors: GERSTENFELD EDWARD P. , JACOBSON JASON , BAZAN VICTOR , LAZAR SORIN , TOMASZEWSKI JOHN E. , MARCHLINSKI FRANCIS E. , MICHELE JOHN 
Published: June 2007

Background: We sought to compare the efficacy and collateral damage during pulmonary vein (PV) isolation in a canine model using three different ablation strategies. Methods: Normal dogs (three each) were randomized to high power (70 W, 20 seconds, 60°C, Hi), medium power (50 W, 60 seconds, 50°C; Med), or irrigated‐tip (35 W, 60 seconds, 45°C; Cool) ablation. Two transseptal punctures were performed and right and left superior PV electrical isolation was performed using the assigned ablation strategy. Animals survived for 30 days. Results: There was no difference in the number of lesions required to achieve PV isolation (Hi vs Med vs Cool; 43 vs 38 vs 44 lesions; P = NS). At sacrifice, Hi and Med lesions showed gross evidence of endocardial cratering and eschar formation. Corresponding histopathology showed transmural atrial necrosis with granulation tissue and fibrosis. Cool lesions demonstrated superficial endocardial white patches. The corresponding histopathology was subendocardial fibrosis with full and partial thickness necrosis of the atrial wall. One Hi animal had a large thrombus adherent to the left atrial wall above the left superior PV. PV stenosis was noted in one of three Hi and one of three Med, and none of three Cool. There were visible burns to the lung overlying the left atrial wall in one of three Hi, one of three Med, and none of three Cool. The esophagus demonstrated no evidence of serosal injury. Conclusions: The Hi and Med power 8‐mm‐tip ablation strategies for achieving PV isolation appear to result in excessive tissue destruction. Irrigated‐tip lesions resulted in less endocardial eschar formation, PV stenosis, and damage to collateral structures.
Determinants of Augmentation of ECG QRS Complexes and R Waves in Patients after Hemodialysis
Authors: Drighil Abdenasser , Madias John E. , Mosalami Hanane El , Badaoui Nadia El , Bennis Ahmed , Mouine Bahija , Fadili Wafae , Ramdani Beenyouness 
Published: June 2007

Background: Hemodialysis (HD) leads to an augmentation in the amplitude of QRS complexes (QRS‐c), and R waves (R‐w); some correlates of this phenomenon have been identified, but the exact mechanism for these ECG changes remains elusive. The objective of this study is to search for the underlying mechanism(s) of the post‐HD augmentation of QRS‐c and R‐w. Methods: The sum of the amplitudes of ECG QRS‐c and R‐w, along with a host of other parameters (body weight, fluid volumes, echocardiographically‐derived left ventricular dimensions and volumes, serum potassium, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and others) was measured, before and after HD, in 17 patients with end‐stage renal failure. Results: While there were many correlations noted between the changes in the QRS‐c and R‐w and some of the above variables in numerous univariate analyses carried out, multivariate analyses did not identify any of the examined variables as exerting an independent influence on the observed ECG changes after HD. Conclusion: Augmentation of QRS‐c and R‐w following HD is engendered by an interplay of a decrease in the LVEDD/LVEDV, and K+, loss of fluid volume, and a rise in Hb and Ht, without any of the above being an independent variable; also other factor(s) (e.g., increase in the body electrical impedance) exerting an influence in this ECG phenomenon cannot be excluded.
Expression of the focal adhesion protein PINCH in normal and alkali‐injured corneas and the role of PMNs
Authors: Bourghardt Peebo Beatrice , Gan Lisha , Sun Xiao Feng , Knutsen Annica , Rearden Ann , Fagerholm Per 
Published: June 2007

Abstract.Purpose:  To evaluate the role of particularly interesting new cysteine‐histidine‐rich protein (PINCH) in corneal wound healing and early neovascularization and to assess the influence of granulocytes.Methods:  A standardized corneal alkali wound was inflicted under general anaesthesia to the right eye of 14 New Zealand White rabbits. Seven of the rabbits received i.v. 5 mg/kg fucoidin every 2 hours to prevent granulocytes from entering the wound area. After 36 hours, the rabbits were killed, the corneas excised, fixed in 4% formaldehyde and embedded in paraffin. The sections were double‐stained with antibodies against PINCH and with haematoxylin.Results:  In the normal cornea and limbus, PINCH was weakly expressed in the corneal epithelium and in a wedge of the conjunctival stroma. In the wounded corneas, PINCH expression was seen in the frontline of repopulating endothelial and epithelial cells, and in active keratocytes. The vascular endothelium and the granulocytes expressed PINCH, as did the conjunctival epithelium. In the fucoidin‐treated rabbits, PINCH expression was markedly reduced. The vascular endothelial cells and the few granulocytes did not express PINCH in these rabbits.Conclusions:  PINCH is only slightly expressed in the normal cornea. A corneal wound induces PINCH expression in the repopulating cells, in the vascular endothelial cells of the limbus, in the limbal epithelium and in the granulocytes. Exclusion of granulocytes reduces expression of PINCH and there is no expression at all in the vascular endothelium.
The dynamics of symptomatic and non‐symptomatic coping with psychotic symptoms in the flow of daily life
Authors: Lardinois M. , Myin‐Germeys I. , Bak M. , Mengelers R. , Van Os J. , Delespaul P. A. E. G. 
Published: June 2007

Objective:  Previous research has suggested that going along with psychotic symptoms (symptomatic coping) is less effective than other coping strategies with psychotic symptoms. This pilot study aims to validate such findings using a momentary assessment strategy of coping with stress in daily life.Method:  Patients with psychosis (n = 35) were studied with the Experience Sampling Method (ESM; a structured diary technique) to assess coping with stress in daily life. This was analysed in relation to coping with psychotic symptoms using a previously validated interview (Maastricht Assessment of Coping Strategies).Results:  Symptomatic and non‐symptomatic coping were negatively associated with each other. Symptomatic coping was negatively associated with the level of coping in daily life, whereas a positive association was apparent for non‐symptomatic coping. Non‐symptomatic coping, but not symptomatic coping, predicted appraisals of distress associated with psychotic symptoms.Conclusion:  Effective coping may be associated with the tendency to develop conscious appraisals of distress associated with psychotic symptoms.
Effect of constant strain rate, composed of varying amplitude and frequency, of early loading on peri‐implant bone (re)modelling
Authors: De Smet E. , Jaecques S. V. N. , Jansen J. J. , Walboomers F. , Vander Sloten J. , Naert I. E. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAim: Examine the effect of varying components of strain rate – amplitude versus frequency – while maintaining a constant strain rate of early controlled mechanical loading on implant stability, peri‐implant bone mass and bone‐to‐implant contact.Material and Methods: Three groups of guinea‐pigs received TiO2‐blasted implants in both tibiae. One week after installation test implants were loaded 5 days/week during 4 weeks. The contra‐lateral implants were the unloaded controls. Strain rate was kept constant (1600 μɛ/s), while amplitude and frequency were varied per group. Implant stability was followed by resonance frequency analysis. Animals were sacrificed, and ground sections were prepared to rate bone‐to‐implant contact and bone mass.Results: All implants (n=78) integrated uneventfully. A significant positive effect (p=0.03) of early loading on bone mass was observed in the distal medullar cavity. A significant difference in bone mass between test and control implants was evidenced between the groups (p=0.03 and 0.04). A significant increase in implant stability and bone‐to‐implant contact could not be shown.Conclusions: Early controlled stimulation of peri‐implant bone is related to amplitude/frequency and not to strain rate as such, considering a constant stimulation time. An increase of bone mass around early‐loaded implants was shown. This cortical bone model is most sensitive to low‐frequency/high‐amplitude stimulation.