bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of viable vs. dead Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis using selective quantitative real‐time PCR with propidium monoazide
Authors: Sánchez M. C. , Marín M. J. , Figuero E. , Llama‐Palacios A. , Herrera D. , Sanz M. 
Published: September 2012

Background and ObjectivesOne of the major disadvantages of DNA‐based microbial diagnostics is their inability to differentiate DNA between viable and dead microorganisms, which could be important when studying etiologically relevant pathogens. The aim of this investigation was to optimize a method for the selective detection and quantification of only viable Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis cells by combining quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and propidium monoazide (PMA).Material and MethodsThree different concentrations of PMA (10, 50 or 100 μm) were added to suspensions of 106 (CFU)/mL of viable/dead A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis cells. After DNA isolation, qPCR was carried out using specific primers and probes for the tested bacteria. PMA was further tested with different mixtures containing varying ratios of viable and dead cells. The efficacy of PMA to detect viable/dead cells was tested by analysis of variance.ResultsFor these specific bacterial pathogens, 100 μm PMA resulted in a significant reduction of qPCR amplification with dead cells (106 CFU/mL), while with viable cells no significant inhibition was detected. PMA was also effective in detecting selectively viable cells by qPCR detection, when mixtures of varying ratios of viable and dead bacteria were used.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated the efficiency of PMA for differentiating viable and dead A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis cells. This method of PMA‐qPCR may be useful for monitoring new antimicrobial strategies and for assessing the pathogenic potential of A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis in different oral conditions when using molecular diagnostic methods.
Non‐invasive identification of melanoma with near‐infrared and skin impedance spectroscopy
Authors: Bodén Ida , Nyström Josefina , Lundskog Bertil , Zazo Virginia , Geladi Paul , Lindholm‐Sethson Britta , Naredi Peter 
Published: September 2012

Background/purposeAn early diagnosis of cutaneous malignant melanoma is of high importance for good prognosis. An objective, non‐invasive instrument could improve the diagnostic accuracy of melanoma and decrease unnecessary biopsies. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of Near‐infrared and skin impedance spectroscopy in combination as a tool to distinguish between malignant and benign skin tumours.MethodsNear‐infrared and skin impedance spectra were collected in vivo on 50 naevi or suspect melanomas prior to excision. Received data were analysed using multivariate techniques and the results were compared to histopathology analyses of the tumours. A total of 12 cutaneous malignant melanomas, 19 dysplastic naevi and 19 benign naevi were included in the study.ResultsThe observed sensitivity and specificity of the proposed method were 83% and 95%, respectively, for malignant melanoma.ConclusionThe results indicate that the combination of near‐infrared and skin impedance spectroscopy is a promising tool for non‐invasive diagnosis of suspect cutaneous malignant melanomas.
Diversity–stability relationships in plant communities of contrasting habitats
Authors: Kuiters A.T. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractQuestionsTo what extent are small‐scale (<200 m2) plant species dynamics related to biotic (species richness, proportion of short‐lived species) and abiotic (soil nitrogen and moisture) factors? Are species‐rich plant communities more stable in terms of their species composition? Do species‐rich communities exhibit more variation in the number of individuals at both the population and community level?LocationsCoastal dunes, peatlands and marshlands, western Netherlands.MethodsWe analysed small‐scale species dynamics in naturally assembled plant communities from dune grassland, dune scrubland, dune slack, moist oligotrophic grassland and marshland, differing in species richness, soil nutrient and hydrological conditions. The analysis was based on long‐term data sets comprising 61 permanent plots (scale: 2 x 2 m–14 x 14 m), monitored over a period of 14–52 yr, encompassing 992 relevés. Species dynamics was expressed using different measures, i.e. species turnover, species dissimilarity, cumulative species number and variation in species abundances, at the population and community level. Plot size and length of the monitoring period were included as explanatory variables to make clear that the results were not confounded by these factors.ResultsGeneralized linear modelling revealed that the variation in species dynamics among plots was largely explained by biotic factors, i.e. differences in species diversity (19–54%) and the proportion of short‐lived species in the vegetation (<3%), and to a small extent (<10%) by abiotic factors, i.e. differences in abiotic conditions. Species‐rich plots were more stable in terms of species composition and year‐to‐year variation in species abundances and total species abundances.ConclusionsThe naturally assembled communities, spanning a broad gradient of resource availability (dry to moist and nutrient‐poor to ‐rich soils), conformed to the same positive relationship between diversity and stability, both at the population and the community level. Although observational studies do not allow drawing of conclusions on mechanisms behind observed patterns, possible explanations are briefly discussed.
Bedside sonographic measurement of the inferior vena cava caval index is a poor predictor of fluid responsiveness in emergency department patients
Authors: Corl Keith , Napoli Anthony M , Gardiner Fenwick 
Published: September 2012

AbstractObjectivesSonographic measurement of the inferior vena cava (IVC) caval index predicts central venous pressure in ED patients. Fluid responsiveness (FR) is a measure of preload dependence defined as an increase in cardiac output secondary to volume expansion. We sought to determine if the caval index is an accurate measurement of FR in ED patients.MethodsWe conducted a prospective, observational trial at an urban, academic, adult ED with an annual census >105 000. Included patients were clinically suspected of eu‐ and hypovolemia. Excluded patients were <18 years old, pregnant, incarcerated, sustained significant trauma or unable to consent. Supine IVC diameter was measured by bedside ultrasonography (M‐Turbo; Sonosite, Bothwell, WA, USA). Caval index = [(expiratory IVC diameter − inspiratory IVC diameter)/expiratory IVC diameter] × 100. FR was defined as an increase in the cardiac index by >10% by impedance cardiography (BioZ; Sonosite) following passive leg raise. The primary outcome was analysed using Spearman correlations for non‐parametric data and the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve by Wilcoxon method.ResultsThirty patients were enrolled; four were excluded because of incomplete data collection. Thirty‐one per cent (95% CI 13–48) of the patients were FR. The mean initial caval and cardiac index were 15.8% (95% CI 9.5–22) and 2.9 L/min/m2 (95% CI 2.6–3.2), respectively. Caval index did not predict FR (receiver operating curve = 0.46, 95% CI 0.21–0.71, P = 0.63).ConclusionBedside sonographic measurement of IVC caval index does not predict FR in a heterogeneous ED patient population. Further research using this technique in targeted patient subsets and a variety of shock etiologies is needed.
Capacity building in emergency care: An example from Madang, Papua New Guinea
Authors: Phillips Georgina A , Hendrie Jamie , Atua Vincent , Manineng Clement 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundDivine Word University (DWU) is an emerging national university of Papua New Guinea (PNG) based in the provincial capital of Madang, providing training for Health Extension Officers (HEOs). HEOs form the backbone of healthcare delivery in PNG as clinicians, public health officers and health centre managers. Both campus‐based and clinical teaching at the nearby Modilon Hospital is limited because of significant resource constraints.ObjectiveThis article describes a visiting clinical lecturer programme in which Australasian emergency physicians and emergency registrars deliver teaching to HEO students at DWU and Modilon Hospital.MethodsVolunteer doctors are briefed pre‐departure and given prepared educational tools. Visits are from 2 weeks to 3 months, and include the possibility of accredited training for emergency registrars through the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine. DWU provides secure accommodation and assistance with travel and visa logistics. Tasks for visiting lecturers include delivering campus‐based teaching on emergency medicine (EM) topics, structured and opportunistic bedside tutorials, and clinical teaching and assistance with ED care alongside local EM clinicians.DiscussionProgramme evaluation has relied on qualitative feedback, which has been positive from all stakeholders. Visiting lecturers gain teaching skills and insights into the challenges of emergency healthcare delivery in an international, resource‐constrained setting. Local staff receive assistance and support as well as learning new teaching skills. Students receive increased interactive learning opportunities.ConclusionThis programme provides positive models of both emergency care capacity building in a resource‐constrained setting and training in international EM for Australasian clinicians.
In vitro Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Extracts from Annatto (Bixa orellanaL.) Leaves and Seeds
Authors: Viuda‐Martos Manuel , Ciro‐Gómez Gelmy L. , Ruiz‐Navajas Yolanda , Zapata‐Montoya José E. , Sendra Esther , Pérez‐Álvarez José A. , Fernández‐López Juana 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe aim of this work was to determine (1) the total phenolic compound (TPC), total flavonoid compound (TFC) and bixin and norbixin content of polar extracts of leaves (ALE) and seed (ASE) from annatto (Bixa orellana L.); (2) the antioxidant activity, the ALE and ASE by means of different antioxidant tests, and (3) the effectiveness of ALE and ASE on the growth inhibition of several bacterial strains. Five different test systems were used to determine the antioxidant activity, while the microdilution method was used to test for antimicrobial activity. ALE presented higher (P < 0.05) TPC and TFC than ASE. As regards antioxidant activity, at all the concentrations tested and with all the methods, except the Rancimat test, the ALE samples showed higher (P < 0.05) antioxidant activity than ASE samples. As regards antibacterial activity, ASE was a stronger inhibitor (P < 0.05) of bacterial growth than ALE. Both ALE and ASE could be used as alternative natural preservatives in food matrices due to mainly their broad antioxidant activity and lesser extent of their antibacterial activity.Practical ApplicationsThe B. orellana seed and leaf extracts could be suitable for application in on the food industry because It is an important source phenolic, flavonoids and carotenoids compounds, the antioxidant properties of which could be very appreciated in a big number of food processing to avoid its oxidation not only during processing but also during storage period. However, their antimicrobial action is limited. Other important reason for their suitability is their natural origin, which consumers find comforting.
Use of SPARK to Promote After‐School Physical Activity
Authors: Herrick Heidi , Thompson Hannah , Kinder Jennifer , Madsen Kristine A. 
Published: September 2012

BACKGROUND: The after‐school period is potentially an important venue for increasing physical activity for youth. We sought to assess the effectiveness of the Sports, Play, and Recreation for Youth (SPARK) program to increase physical activity and improve cardiorespiratory fitness and weight status among elementary students after school.METHODS: This quasi‐experimental controlled study compared change in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), body mass index (BMI) z‐score, and cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2) over 5 months between students in after‐school programs exposed to SPARK versus controls. Participants were fifth grade students at 3 intervention schools (N = 48) and 3 control schools (N = 52).RESULTS: There was no difference between groups in mean change in MVPA, BMI z‐score, or cardiorespiratory fitness. After‐school time dedicated to physical activity did not increase with the implementation of SPARK. Intervention students' self‐assessment of their activity levels relative to their peers significantly increased compared to control students (p = .011).CONCLUSIONS: In this 5‐month study, the SPARK program did not increase MVPA in the after‐school setting. Increasing the amount of time dedicated to physical activity may be as important as the curriculum used to effectively increase physical activity after school.
Alliance for a Healthier Generation's Competitive Beverage and Food Guidelines: Do Elementary School Administrators Know About Them and Do They Report Implementing Them?
Authors: Ohri‐Vachaspati Punam , Turner Lindsey , Chaloupka Frank J. 
Published: September 2012

BACKGROUND: The availability of competitive foods in schools is a modifiable factor in efforts to prevent childhood obesity. The Alliance for a Healthier Generation launched the Healthy Schools Program in 2006 to encourage schools to create healthier food environments, including the adoption of nutritional guidelines for competitive beverages and foods. This study examines nationwide awareness and implementation of the guidelines in US public elementary schools.METHODS: Data were collected from a nationally representative sample of elementary schools using mail‐back surveys in 2006‐2007, 2007‐2008, 2008‐2009, and 2009‐2010.RESULTS: From 2006‐2007 to 2009‐2010, awareness of the Alliance's beverage guidelines increased from 35.0% to 51.8% among school administrators (p < .01); awareness of the food guidelines increased from 29.4% to 40.2% (p < .01). By 2009‐2010, almost one third of the schools that sold competitive beverages and foods reported having implemented or being in the process of implementing the guidelines. Implementation was higher among schools from Southern states. Schools with a majority of Black or Latino students were less likely to implement the guidelines.CONCLUSIONS: Awareness and implementation of the Alliance's beverage and food guidelines has significantly increased since the 2006‐2007 school year, indicating successful diffusion of the guidelines. However, many administrators at schools who sold competitive products were not aware of the guidelines, indicating a need for continued efforts. In addition, lower implementation among schools serving minority students suggests that the Alliance's targeted efforts to provide intensive technical assistance to such schools is warranted and necessary.
Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macfad) Phytochemicals Composition Is Modulated by Household Processing Techniques
Authors: Uckoo Ram M. , Jayaprakasha Guddadarangavvanahally K. , Balasubramaniam V. M. , Patil Bhimanagouda S. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract:  Grapefruits (Citrus paradisi Macfad) contain several phytochemicals known to have health maintaining properties. Due to the consumer's interest in obtaining high levels of these phytochemicals, it is important to understand the changes in their levels by common household processing techniques. Therefore, mature Texas "Rio Red" grapefruits were processed by some of the common household processing practices such as blending, juicing, and hand squeezing techniques and analyzed for their phytochemical content by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results suggest that grapefruit juice processed by blending had significantly (P < 0.05) higher levels of flavonoids (narirutin, naringin, hesperidin, neohesperidin, didymin, and poncirin) and limonin compared to juicing and hand squeezing. No significant variation in their content was noticed in the juice processed by juicing and hand squeezing. Ascorbic acid and citric acid were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in juice processed by juicing and blending, respectively. Furthermore, hand squeezed fruit juice had significantly higher contents of dihydroxybergamottin (DHB) than juice processed by juicing and blending. Bergamottin and 5‐methoxy‐7 gernoxycoumarin (5‐M‐7‐GC) were significantly higher in blended juice compared to juicing and hand squeezing. Therefore, consuming grapefruit juice processed by blending may provide higher levels of health beneficial phytochemicals such as naringin, narirutin, and poncirin. In contrast, juice processed by hand squeezing and juicing provides lower levels of limonin, bergamottin, and 5‐M‐7‐GC. These results suggest that, processing techniques significantly influence the levels of phytochemicals and blending is a better technique for obtaining higher levels of health beneficial phytochemicals from grapefruits.Practical Application:  Blending, squeezing, and juicing are common household processing techniques used for obtaining fresh grapefruit juice. Understanding the levels of health beneficial phytochemicals present in the juice processed by these techniques would enable the consumers to make a better choice to obtain high level of these compounds.
Single‐balloon enteroscopy for small bowel diseases: Results from an initial experience at a single Chinese center
Authors: Gong Wei , Zhi Fa Chao , Bai Yang , Xiao Bing , De Liu Si , Xu Zhi Min , Jiang Bo 
Published: September 2012

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the performance, diagnostic yield, and safety of single‐balloon enteroscopy (SBE) at a Chinese tertiary‐care center.MethodsA total of 67 patients with suspected small bowel diseases who underwent SBE via the oral and/or anal routes from January 2009 to August 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. Data were extracted from electronic clinical and endoscopy records. The indications, SBE procedure time, diagnostic yield and complications were summarized and evaluated.ResultsA total of 42 SBE procedures through the oral route and 38 via the anal route were performed in these 67 patients. Patients were referred mainly for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) (40.3%) and abdominal pain (29.8%). The mean procedure duration was 68.1 min from the oral cavity and 77.5 min from the anus. The estimated depth of insertion was 247.6 ± 80.3 cm from the oral cavity and 131.1 ± 68.7 cm from the anus. The overall significant diagnostic yield was 68.7%. In patients with OGIB and unexplained chronic abdominal pain, the diagnostic yield was 74.1% and 50.0%, respectively. There were no significant complications.ConclusionSBE appears to be a safe and effective method for the diagnosis and treatment of deep small bowel disease.
Pseudothrombocytopenia or platelet clumping as a possible cause of low platelet count in patients with viral infection: a case series from single institution focusing on hepatitis A virus infection
Authors: Choe W.‐H. , Cho Y.‐U. , Chae J.‐D. , Kim S.‐H. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryIntroductionPseudothrombocytopenia (PTCP) is the phenomenon of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid anticoagulant‐activated platelet clumping, which results in artificially low platelet counts. Other investigators have reported a few cases of PTCP associated with viral infections. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the association of viral infection with PTCP.MethodsMedical records of patients with thrombocytopenia who were tested for peripheral blood smear examination between March 2009 and February 2011 were reviewed for platelet clumping and viral infection.ResultsThrombocytopenic patients with viral infection had a higher frequency of platelet clumping than those with other diseases, which was statistically significant (13.8% vs. 6.5%, respectively: P = 0.003). Among the 18 cases where PTCP or platelet clumping was related to viral infection, hepatitis A virus infection (72.2%) was most common, followed by cytomegalovirus (11.1%) and influenza A H1N1 infections (5.6%). A third (33.3%) of the patients had platelet counts <100 × 109/L.ConclusionPseudothrombocytopenia or platelet clumping should be considered in patients with acute viral infection, particularly if the platelet count is unexpectedly low, because failure to recognize PTCP may lead to unnecessary diagnostic tests and patient mismanagement.
Inter‐ and intra‐fraction motion during radiation therapy to the whole breast in the supine position: A systematic review
Authors: Michalski Andrea , Atyeo John , Cox Jennifer , Rinks Marianne 
Published: September 2012

SummaryInter‐ and intra‐fraction motion during radiation therapy for breast cancer has been a widely researched topic. Recently, however, with the emergence of new technologies and techniques such as intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), field in field, volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), tomotherapy and partial breast irradiation (PBI), the magnitude of this movement has become more important. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive summary of the literature relating to the magnitude of motion during radiation therapy for a breast cancer patient. A systematic review of the literature was conducted using Medline, Cinhal, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science. Studies included were limited to women having radical radiation therapy to the whole breast in the supine position. Studies needed to report quantitatively on the magnitude of inter‐ and intra‐fraction motion using electronic portal imaging, port films or kilovoltage imaging techniques. Eighteen articles fitted the selection criteria. The averages of random and systematic error for inter‐ and intra‐fraction movement were reported using central lung distance, central irradiated width, central beam edge to skin distance and cranio‐caudal distance measurements, or isocentric matching techniques. Inter‐fraction motion was consistently larger than intra‐fraction motion but, on average, within a 5 mm tolerance. There were, though, large maximum inter‐ and intra‐fraction variations observed in the measurements of individual patients, which indicate the need for daily inter‐ and intra‐ fraction motion management before implementing IMRT, VMAT, tomotherapy or PBI techniques.
Comparative study on the level of B lymphocyte stimulator (BlyS) and frequency of lymphocytes between sero‐negative and sero‐positive rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Geng Yan , Zhang Zhuo‐li 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAimTo investigate the differences of B lymphocyte stimulator (BlyS) level and frequency of lymphocytes between sero‐negative and sero‐positive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.MethodsSixty‐nine RA patients were enrolled into this study and their clinical data were recorded. The BlyS levels in plasma, frequency of T and B lymphocytes, as well as T‐helper (Th) subgroups were compared between sero‐negative and sero‐positive RA patients. Furthermore, the correlations between clinical features and immunological features were analyzed.ResultsThe plasma BlyS level in sero‐negative RA was higher compared to the sero‐positive RA patients (1.73 ± 1.71 vs. 0.99 ± 0.59 ng/mL, P < 0.05) and osteoarthritis (OA) patients (1.73 ± 1.71 vs. 0.59 ± 0.12 ng/mL, P < 0.05). Plasma BlyS level was correlated with disease activity score (DAS‐28, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C‐reactive protein), but had no correlation with the titers of rheumatoid factor and anti‐cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti‐CCP) antibodies. The patients with more advanced changes in X‐rays had high plasma BlyS levels. No significant differences in the frequency of T lymphocytes, Th subpopulations and B lymphocytes in peripheral blood were observed between sero‐negative and sero‐positive RA patients.ConclusionsPlasma BlyS level was correlated with disease activity and radiological progress, which indicates that plasma BlyS level may become a useful biological marker to reflect DAS and to predict RA prognosis.