bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Confirmatory factor analysis of the interpersonal support evaluation list
Authors: Brookings Jeffrey B. , Bolton Brian 
Published: December 2004

Summary and ConclusionsCohen and Syme (1985) suggested that the most methodologically sound way of assessing the stress‐buffering properties of different functional support dimensions is through the introduction of experimental manipulations designed to elicit needs for specific support resources, and we agree. Of course, such tests are feasible only to the extent that it is possible to separate the support dimensions empirically. The results reported here indicate that despite considerable covariation among the latent variables corresponding to the four ISEL subscales, covariation that most likely represents the influence of a general second‐order support factor, there is also evidence that the four subscales provide sufficient unique information to warrant their retention in the ISEL.From a practical standpoint, this means that researchers using the college version of the ISEL should follow Cohen and Hoberman's (1983) precedent of analyzing both individual subscale scoresand the total support score. In the meantime, improvements in the distributional properties of the individual ISEL items, perhaps through the four‐point item response format adopted recently by Cohen and his colleagues, should lead to more refined measurement of the functional support dimensions represented in the ISEL subscales and, subsequently, to more sensitive analyses of the stress‐buffering mechanisms associated with different support resources.
Donor‐transmitted parvovirus infection in a kidney transplant recipient presenting as pancytopenia and allograft dysfunction
Authors: Yango A. , Morrissey P. , Gohh R. , Wahbeh A. , A. Monaco  
Published: December 2004

Abstract:Parvovirus B19 is a nonenveloped single‐stranded DNA virus that commonly causes a benign childhood infection typically manifesting as a ‘slapped‐cheek’ rash. In immunodeficient hosts, this infection can cause persistent anemia and occasionally pancytopenia. Recently, direct renal involvement has been reported in renal transplant recipients leading to various forms of glomerulopathy and allograft dysfunction. Most cases are primary infections and are donor transmitted through the transplanted organ. Clinical and virological response to intravenous immunoglobulin (Ig) is usually excellent.We describe a case of donor‐transmitted parvovirus infection in a 23‐year‐old male who received his first cadaver renal transplant. The patient had an uncomplicated postoperative course with immediate graft function. Eight weeks after transplantation, he presented with fever, polyarthralgia, pancytopenia, and allograft dysfunction. Serological studies revealed elevated IgM titers against parvovirus B19. A renal biopsy was performed, which showed no evidence of acute rejection but with moderate degree of tubular damage. Parvovirus B19 viral DNA was detected in the renal tissue via polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The patient received a 10‐day course of intravenous Ig (400 mg/kg/day) with excellent response. His blood count normalized and the allograft improved to baseline function.The incidence of parvovirus infection in renal transplant patients is probably underestimated, because patients are not routinely screened for it and anemia and/or pancytopenia in these patients are often ascribed to immunosuppressive drugs. Because this infection is treatable, we conclude that parvovirus B19 infection should be actively considered in transplant patients presenting with pancytopenia and allograft dysfunction.
Transfusion‐associated GVHD: 10 years’ experience at the American University of Beirut—Medical Center
Authors: Aoun Elie , Shamseddine Ali , Chehal Aref , Obeid Maya , Taher Ali 
Published: December 2004

BACKGROUND: Although rare, transfusion‐associated GVHD (TA‐GVHD) is a fatal complication of blood transfusion in which active lymphocytes from the donor attack and destroy recipient organs and tissues.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A search of patient records was carried out at the American University of Beirut—Medical Center, looking for patients who developed TA‐GVHD over a 10‐year period extending from 1991 to 2001. Relevant information was collected and analyzed.RESULTS: A total of 10 records were found as a result of this search. All were immunocompetent and received fresh nonleukoreduced, nonirradiated blood. The majority received the transfusion at outside periphery hospitals. They received different treatment modalities. The mortality rate was 100 percent.CONCLUSION: TA‐GVHD is a serious complication with very high mortality. Effective prevention guidelines should be established in Lebanon including irradiation and the creation of a central blood bank.
Reduction of febrile but not allergic reactions to RBCs and platelets after conversion to universal prestorage leukoreduction
Authors: Paglino Justin C. , Pomper Gregory J. , Fisch Gene S. , Champion Melanie H. , Snyder Edward L. 
Published: December 2004

BACKGROUND:  Between January 1995 and November 1998, at Yale‐New Haven Hospital, 25 percent of RBCs transfused were processed through prestorage or bedside leukoreduction filters, chosen on a per patient basis (selective leukoreduction [SLR]). Between January 1995 and July 1999, 30 percent of platelet concentrates (PCs) were infused through bedside leukoreduction filters. In an attempt to decrease febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions (FNHTR), a change was made from SLR to universal prestorage leukoreduction (UPL) for RBCs between November 1998 and December 1999 and for random donor PCs between July 1999 and January 2000. FNHTR and allergic transfusion reactions (ATR) reported from January 1995 through December 2002 were reviewed.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  For retrospective observational analysis, blood bank data were available on the number of RBCs and PCs transfused, percent products leukoreduced, and rate of FNHTR and ATR from 1995 through December 2002. After dividing this time period into three phases (SLR, transition, and UPL), these data were evaluated using odds ratio (ORs) and Student's t tests.RESULTS:  A total of 145,369 RBCs and 137,982 PCs (29,487 PC pools) transfused between January 1995 and December 2002 were evaluated. For RBCs, the relative FNHTR rate decreased 47.1 percent, from 0.34 percent (SLR) to 0.18 percent (UPL) (p < 0.0001). ATR rates for RBCs showed 0.09 percent for both SLR and UPL groups (p > 0.05, NS). For PCs, the FNHTR relative rate decreased 93.1 percent, from 2.18 percent for SLR to 0.15 percent for UPL (p < 0.0001). Rates for ATR were 0.49 percent (SLR) and 0.35 percent (UPL) (p > 0.05, NS).CONCLUSIONS:  A significant decrease in the frequency of posttransfusion FNHTR, but not ATR, for RBCs and PCs followed introduction of 100‐percent UPL. The data support the hypothesis that the practice of UPL of RBCs and PCs decreases the frequency of FNHTR and thus improves patient care over the practice of selective leukoreduction.
Immobility – a major risk factor for development of pressure ulcers among adult hospitalized patients: a prospective study
Authors: Lindgren Margareta , Unosson Mitra , Fredrikson Mats , Ek Anna‐Christina 
Published: December 2004

Objective : To identify risk factors associated with pressure ulcer development among adult hospitalized medical and surgical patients.Design : A prospective comparative study including 530 adult patients from medical and surgical wards. Registered Nurses made the data collection on admission and once a week for up to 12 weeks. The risk assessment scale used was the Risk Assessment Pressure Sore (RAPS) scale, including the following variables; general physical condition, activity, mobility, moisture, food intake, fluid intake, sensory perception, friction and shear, body temperature and serum albumin.Results : Sixty‐two (11.7%) patients developed 85 pressure ulcers. The most common pressure ulcer was that of nonblanchable erythema. Patients who developed pressure ulcers were significantly older, hospitalized for a longer time, had lower scores on the total RAPS scale, had lower weight and lower diastolic blood pressure than nonpressure ulcer patients did. In the multiple logistic regression analyses using variables included in the RAPS scale immobility emerged as a strong risk factor. When adding remaining significant variables in the analyses, mobility, time of hospitalization, age, surgical treatment and weight were found to be risk factors for pressure ulcer development.Conclusion : It is confirmed that immobility is a risk factor of major importance for pressure ulcer development among adult hospitalized patients. The results also indicate that the RAPS scale may be useful for prediction of pressure ulcer development in clinical practice.
The efficacy of antimalarial monotherapies, sulphadoxine–pyrimethamine and amodiaquine in East Africa: implications for sub‐regional policy
Authors:   The East African Network for Monitoring Antimalarial Treatment (EANMAT)
Published: December 2004

SummaryBetween 1998 and 2001, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Rwanda and Burundi changed antimalarial drug policy, in the face of widespread chloroquine resistance. The new first‐line treatment is either sulphadoxine–pyrimethamine (SP) monotherapy, or a combination of SP with either chloroquine or amodiaquine. Two national malaria control programmes, Burundi and Zanzibar, have decided upon amodiaquine‐artesunate as their first‐line treatment, although SP will continue to fill this role until the new policy can be implemented. Given the broad uniformity of parasite chemoresistance in the six countries, The East African Network for Monitoring Antimalarial Treatment (EANMAT) has focused attention on, and worked towards, a sub‐regional antimalarial drug policy, where the evidence base would be the entire portfolio of network in vivo test results. Currently, there are several different antimalarial drug policies within the EANMAT area: the intention is to eventually replace this plethora of policies with a single, sub‐regional policy based upon combination therapy. Currently, successful malaria treatment depends primarily upon the efficacy of SP, and of amodiaquine, which is either a component of first‐line treatment, or the second line drug. This report addresses the results of WHO in vivo tests on these two monotherapies within the network. Results are analysed to assess the evidence for change in parasite susceptibility over time; the range of susceptibility to each drug within countries, and the implications of test results on policy.
Partial Restoration of Cytokine Profile Despite Reconstitution of Cytomegalovirus‐Specific Cell‐Mediated Immunity in Human Immunodeficiency Virus‐Infected Patients During Highly Active Antiretroviral Treatment
Authors: Alfonzo M. , Blanc D. , Troadec C. , Eliaszewicz M. , Gónzalez G. , Scott‐Algara D. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractWe reconstituted cytomegalovirus (CMV)‐specific T‐cell responses in human immunodeficiency virus‐1‐positive, CMV‐positive patients receiving highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART). We used several combinations of functionality parameters to determine the degree of T‐lymphocyte reconstitution obtained during 1 year of treatment. Untreated patients displayed CMV‐specific cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte (CTL) activity despite the absence of CMV‐specific lymphoproliferative responses (LPRs) and despite the fact that interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) were not secreted. The absence of LPRs, IFN‐γ and IL‐2 before antiretroviral treatment suggests that CMV‐specific immunity was deregulated despite the high CD4+ T‐cell counts presented by our cohort, which are critical to the reactivation of CMV disease. After 6 months of HAART, CTL activity had increased compared with the baseline, as had the levels of secreted IFN‐γ and LPR. However, the levels of specific IL‐2 produced did not change during therapy, and no specific IL‐2 was detected during the follow‐up period. Taken together, our findings suggest that 1 year of HAART led to the recovery of some, but not all, CMV‐specific responses in our cohort of patients.
Genetic Heterogeneity of Autoimmune Disorders in the Nonobese Diabetic Mouse
Authors: Johansson Å. C. M. , Lindqvist A.‐K. B. , Johannesson M. , Holmdahl R. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe nonobese diabetic mouse is highly susceptible not only to diabetes but to several autoimmune diseases, and one might suspect that these are controlled by a shared set of genes. However, based on various gene‐segregation experiments, it seems that only a few loci are shared and that each disorder is influenced also by a unique set of genes.
Analysis of Hepatitis B Virus‐Immunoglobulin Isotype Complexes by a Novel Immuno‐Capture Polymerase Chain Reaction Method
Authors: Zhou Y. L. , Wang S. Y. , Zhang J. Y. , Peng X. X. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractHepatitis B virus (HBV) can be present in the circulating blood either as free virus or as a virion‐immunoglobulin (Ig) complex. Presently, it remains unclear what specific role each Ig plays in the clearance of HBV. In this study, a novel method that combined immuno‐capture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification was used for detecting and distinguishing different HBV‐Ig complexes. Three isotypes of Ig (IgM, IgG and IgA) bound to HBV were detected in the four clinically defined stages of HBV infection in 108 patients. The results showed that all the three isotypes of Ig could bind to HBV, and the patterns of HBV‐Ig complexes varied according to disease categories. Interestingly, the frequency of HBV DNA‐Ig complexes in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐positive patients was significantly lower than that in HBeAg‐negative patients. All the data suggest that the three isotypes of HBV DNA‐Ig circulating immune complex (CIC) may have different biological meanings. In summary, HBV bound to an antibody is a common feature of hepatitis B, and immuno‐capture PCR is a valuable method for the analysis of the composition of the immune complexes. The detection of HBV‐Ig complexes may provide new and valuable insights into HBV pathogenesis.
Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I‐Restricted Presentation of Protein Antigens without Prior Intracellular Processing
Authors: Diegel M. L. , Chen F. , Laus R. , Graddis T. J. , Vidovic D. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractProteins in their native form are incapable of stimulating antigen (Ag)‐specific T cells, which can only recognize major histocompatibility complex (MHC)‐bound peptides that have been generated by intracellular processing within antigen‐presenting cells (APCs). Here, we show that APCs can trigger MHC class I‐restricted T‐cell responses after presenting proteins without conventional intracellular processing, provided the immunostimulatory MHC class I‐binding peptide sequence is incorporated at the carboxy‐terminal position. Such MHC‐bound proteins do not stimulate T cells directly, because the contact between MHC/peptide complex and its cognate ligand is sterically hindered by the amino‐terminal bulk of the protein. Removal of the latter via an extracellular Ag proteolysis by the T‐cell‐ and/or APC‐derived enzymes is required for effective T‐cell stimulation. Our data challenge the established concept that only small peptides can bind to the MHC class I molecules.
Morphology and internal structure of sand shoals and sandbanks off the Dorset coast, English Channel
Authors: Bastos Alex C. , Collins Michael , Kenyon Neil H. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe morphology and internal structure of sand shoals and sandbanks around a coastal headland (Portland Bill, southern UK) are described on the basis of sidescan sonar and high‐resolution seismic data sets. Morphological and architectural evidence, combined with the spatial distribution and nature of the bedrock surface, indicates that the evolution of these deposits, especially the sandbanks, may not only be hydrodynamically controlled but also morphologically controlled. The internal structure of the sand shoals reveals a simple pattern of clinoforms dipping in the same direction as their steeper profile. In contrast, the internal structure of the sandbanks reveals that their lower seismic units consist of a sedimentary core interpreted as the remains of a lowstand deposit or an early stage of the bank development under different prevailing hydrodynamic conditions. The present morphology of the sandbanks is represented by upper seismic units characterized by large‐scale sandwave foresets dipping at 6–8°. The nature and morphology of the bedrock surface may also influence the development of sandbanks in some cases. For example, to the west of Portland Bill, the morphology of the bedrock surface (basal reflector) restricts the development of the Portland Bank. This information may explain the asymmetric evolution of sandbanks around Portland Bill.
Migration and sedimentology of longshore sandwaves, Long Point, Lake Erie, Canada
Authors: Davidson‐Arnott Robin G. D. , Van Heyningen Anthony G. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThis paper describes the formation, migration and sedimentology of sandwaves along the distal end of Long Point, a 40 km long spit in Lake Erie. Some seven to nine sandwaves occur in a zone over the last 14 km of the spit. They are characteristically 50–100 m wide at the downdrift end, range in length from 350 m to > 1500 m and migrate alongshore at rates that are typically 100–300 m year−1. Measurements over a 7‐year period show two forms of alongshore sandwave migration: (1) a migratory jump; and (2) downdrift accretion. The migratory jump is commonly 200–500 m year−1 and results from the onshore migration and welding of an inner nearshore bar to the downdrift end of the sandwave. This in turn leads to emergence of the bar over a distance of several hundred metres downdrift of the sandwave and isolation of the trough landward of the bar. Infilling of the trough abstracts large volumes of sediment from the local sediment transport system and may affect movement of the sandwave in the following year or movement of the next sandwave downdrift. Downdrift accretion commonly results in migration of 50–150 m year−1 and results from the refraction of waves around the distal end of the sandwave and episodic accretion of small swash bars. This mechanism occurs less frequently and appears to reflect a local condition of lower sediment abundance, often triggered by a large migratory jump in the previous year. The process of bar emergence and infilling produces a distinct suite of sedimentary structures associated with the infilling of the landward trough and building of the sandwave berm. The initial shoreline perturbation that generates the sandwave results from onshore migration and welding of inner nearshore bars, and the development and growth of the sandwaves is promoted by refraction of highly oblique waves.
Multiproxy approach to understanding the origin of Cretaceous pelagic limestone–marl alternations (DSDP site 391, Blake‐Bahama Basin)
Authors: Westphal Hildegard , Munnecke Axel , Pross Jörg , Herrle Jens Olaf 
Published: December 2004

AbstractLimestone–marl alternations are usually directly interpreted to reflect cyclic palaeoenvironmental signals. However, uncertainty in such interpretations stems from the differential diagenesis that most limestone–marl alternations have undergone. Differential diagenesis results in markedly different alterations between limestones and marls and in the loss of comparability of many measurable parameters. For an unequivocal interpretation of the origin of rhythmic alternations, diagenetically robust parameters or parameters that clearly indicate the degree of diagenetic bias are required. The present study uses a multiproxy approach (independent biotic, sedimentary and geochemical parameters) in order to unravel the palaeoenvironmental signal recorded in Valanginian (Early Cretaceous) limestone–marl alternations from the Blake‐Bahama Basin (DSDP site 391). Using this approach, terrestrial and marine influences can be distinguished, changes in nutrient levels estimated and prediagenetic differences in the non‐carbonate fraction constrained. Surprisingly, no systematic variations in any of these parameters were observed between limestone and marl layers, implying that none of these was directly responsible for the formation of the rhythmic alternation. Hence, none of the current models of sedimentary formation of limestone–marl rhythmites is applicable here. Calcareous nannofossils are equally well preserved in limestone and marl layers, ruling out their dissolution in marl layers as a source of the calcite cement in the limestone beds. Sr values of 700–900 p.p.m. indicate that aragonite may have been present in the original, pelagic sediment. The assumption of fine‐grained sedimentary aragonite imported from nearby carbonate platforms as the source of the cement would explain a number of otherwise enigmatic features in these rhythmites, including the source of the calcite cement observed in the limestones, the equally good preservation of calcareous nannofossils in limestones and marls and the higher concentration of calcareous nannofossils in marl layers. The study demonstrates that examination of diagenetically inert parameters or parameters in which diagenetic effects can be filtered can yield unexpected results. Clearly, careful analysis of such parameters needs to be undertaken in order to make reliable palaeoenvironmental interpretations from rhythmite successions.
Depositional facies and stratal geometry of an Upper Carboniferous prograding and aggrading high‐relief carbonate platform (Cantabrian Mountains, N Spain)
Authors: Della Porta Giovanna , Kenter Jeroen A. M. , Bahamonde Juan R. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractSeismic‐scale continuous exposures of an Upper Carboniferous (Bashkirian–Moscovian) carbonate platform (N Spain) provide detailed information about the lithofacies and stratal geometries (quantified with differential global positioning system measurements) of microbial boundstone‐dominated, steep prograding and aggrading platform margins. Progradational and aggradational platform‐to‐slope transects are characterized by distinct lithological features and stratal patterns that can be applied to the understanding of geometrically comparable, high‐relief depositional systems. The Bashkirian is characterized by rapid progradation at rates of 415–970 m My−1. Characteristic outer‐platform facies are high‐energy grainstones with coated intraclasts, ooids and pisoids, moderate‐energy algal‐skeletal grainstones to packstones and lower energy algal packstone and boundstone units. The Moscovian aggradational phase is characterized by aggradation rates of 108 m My−1. Coated‐grain shoals are less common, whereas crinoidal bars nucleated in well‐circulated settings below wave‐base. Boundstones form a belt (30–300 m wide) at the platform break and interfinger inwards with massive algal‐skeletal wackestones (mud‐rich banks). The progradational phase has divergent outer‐platform strata with basinward dips of 12° to 2°. Steep clinoforms with dips of 20–28° are 650–750 m in relief and possibly sigmoidal to concave in the lower part. The basinward‐dipping outer‐platform strata might be depositional for less than 6°, consistent with lithofacies deepening seaward. The basinward dip is attributed to the downward shift of upper‐slope boundstone, forced by late highstand and relative sea‐level fall, and to compaction‐induced differential subsidence during progradation. The aggradational phase is characterized by horizontally layered platform strata. Clinoforms steepen to 30–45° reaching heights of 850 m and are planar to concave. The evolution from progradation to aggradation, at the Bashkirian–Moscovian boundary, is attributed to increased foreland‐basin subsidence and decreased boundstone accumulation rates. Progradation was primarily controlled by boundstone growth rather than by highstand shedding from the platform top. Within the major phases, aggradational–progradational increments are produced by third‐ to fourth‐order relative sea‐level fluctuations.