bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neurological assessment of preterm infants for predicting neuromotor status at 2 years: results from the LIFT cohort
Authors: Leroux Bénédicte Gaillard , N'Guyen The Tich Sylvie , Branger Bernard , Gascoin Géraldine , Rouger Valérie , Berlie Isabelle , Montcho Yannis , Ancel Pierre-Yves , Rozé Jean-Christophe , Flamant Cyril 
Published: February 2013

ObjectiveTo develop a predictive risk stratification model for the identification of preterm infants at risk of 2-year suboptimal neuromotor status.DesignPopulation-based observational study.SettingRegional preterm infant follow-up programme (Loire Infant Follow-up Team (LIFT) cohort) implemented in 2003.Participants4030 preterm infants were enrolled in the LIFT cohort, and examined by neonatologists using a modified version of the Amiel-Tison neurological assessment tool.Main outcome criteria2 year neuromotor status based on clinical examinations was conducted by trained paediatricians and parents’ responses to the Ages and Stages Questionnaire were reported.ResultsAt 2 years of corrected age, 3321 preterm infants were examined, and suboptimal neuromotor status was found in 355 (10.7%). The study population was divided into training and validation sets. In the training set, 13 neonatal neurological items were associated with a 2-year suboptimal neuromotor status. Having at least one abnormal item was defined as an abnormal neurological status at term. In the validation set, these data predicted a 2-year suboptimal neuromotor status with a sensitivity of 0.55 (95% CI 0.47 to 0.62) and a specificity of 0.65 (95% CI 0.62 to 0.67). Two predictive risk stratification trees were built using the training set, which were based on the neurological assessment at term along with either gestational age or severe cranial lesions or birth weight. Using the validation set, the first tree identified a subgroup with a relatively low risk of suboptimal neuromotor status (3%), representing 32% of infants, and the second tree identified a subgroup with a risk of 5%, representing 42% of infants.ConclusionA normal neurological assessment at term allows the identification of a subgroup of preterm infants with a lower risk of non-optimal neuromotor development at 2 years.
A theory-driven, longitudinal evaluation of the impact of team training on safety culture in 24 hospitals
Authors: Jones Katherine J , Skinner Anne M , High Robin , Reiter-Palmon Roni 
Published: February 2013

BackgroundEffective teamwork facilitates collective learning, which is integral to safety culture. There are no rigorous evaluations of the impact of team training on the four components of safety culture—reporting, just, flexible and learning cultures. We evaluated the impact of a year-long team training programme on safety culture in 24 hospitals using two theoretical frameworks.MethodsWe used two quasi-experimental designs: a cross-sectional comparison of hospital survey on patient safety culture (HSOPS) results from an intervention group of 24 hospitals to a static group of 13 hospitals and a pre-post comparison of HSOPS results within intervention hospitals. Dependent variables were HSOPS items representing the four components of safety culture; independent variables were derived from items added to the HSOPS that measured the extent of team training, learning and transfer. We used a generalised linear mixed model approach to account for the correlated nature of the data.Results59% of 2137 respondents from the intervention group reported receiving team training. Intervention group HSOPS scores were significantly higher than static group scores in three dimensions assessing the flexible and learning components of safety culture. The distribution of the adoption of team behaviours (transfer) varied in the intervention group from 2.8% to 31.0%. Adoption of team behaviours was significantly associated with odds of an individual reacting more positively at reassessment than baseline to nine items reflecting all four components of safety culture.ConclusionsTeam training can result in transformational change in safety culture when the work environment supports the transfer of learning to new behaviour.
Sexual and reproductive health in a UK cohort of young adults perinatally infected with HIV
Authors: Croucher Adam P , Jose Sophie , McDonald Susan , Foster Caroline , Fidler Sarah 
Published: February 2013

ObjectivesTo assess sexual health and behaviour outcomes of young adults with perinatally acquired HIV-1 (PaHIV), and audit sexual health interventions against published standards of care.MethodsRetrospective case note audit of 16–25-year-olds with PaHIV attending a dedicated transition clinic from January 2005 to 2011.ResultsFifty-two young adults, 31 women, median age 20 years. 41 were sexually active; median age of coitarche 16 years. Median number of lifetime partners was 3.5, and five reported non-consensual sex. All had a sexually transmitted infection (STI) screen; 6 were diagnosed with an STI, genital warts (human papilloma virus) most frequently. The median interval from coitarche to first STI screen was 2 years. The pregnancy incidence was 103 per 1000 person years. 18/25 (72%) sexually active women had a cervical smear, four had colposcopy. All patients had hepatitis B virus (HBV) serology. 47 had not been vaccinated against HBV prior to transition. 23 completed HBV vaccination of which 11 had surface antibody >100 IU/ml at 1 year.ConclusionsThe majority of our cohort was sexually active while still under the care of paediatric health services. Cervical screening and hepatitis B vaccination rates fell short of audit standards. Vaccination for hepatitis B should be considered prior to transfer of care to adult HIV services.
HIV surveillance in MENA: recent developments and results
Authors: Bozicevic Ivana , Riedner Gabriele , Calleja Jesus Maria Garcia 
Published: February 2013

ObjectivesTo provide an overview of the current level of development and results from the national HIV surveillance systems of the 23 countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and to assess the quality of HIV surveillance systems in the period 2007–2011.MethodsA questionnaire was used to collect the information about the structure, activities and the results of HIV surveillance systems from the National AIDS Programmes. Assessment of the quality was based on four indicators: timeliness of data collection, appropriateness of populations under surveillance, consistency of the surveillance sites and groups measured over time, and coverage of the surveillance system.ResultsOnly in four countries did surveillance systems enable assessment of epidemic trends in the same populations and locations over time, such as in pregnant women (Morocco, Iran), injecting drug users (Iran, Pakistan), female sex workers (Djibouti, Morocco) and male sex workers (Pakistan). There is increasing evidence of HIV infection being firmly established in at least one of the populations most at risk of HIV in nine MENA countries, while lower risk populations show elevated HIV prevalence in South Sudan, Djibouti and some parts of Somalia.ConclusionsThe performance of HIV surveillance systems in several of the MENA countries has improved in recent years. The extent of HIV epidemics in the populations most at risk of HIV is still largely unknown in 10 countries. Multiple data sources that most of the countries still lack would enable indirectly estimation not only of the patterns of HIV epidemics but also the effectiveness of HIV responses.
The Immunities of the International Monetary Fund’s Executive Head: The Quest for Legal Certainty in the “Strauss-Kahn Affair”
Authors: Gallo Daniele 
Published: February 2013

By looking closely at the New York State (County of Bronx) Supreme Court’s decision on the “Strauss-Kahn affair”, I have discussed the nature and scope of the immunities of top international officials, in particular the executive heads of specialized agencies of the U.N., with specific reference to the I.M.F.’s Managing Director.
One of the major shortcomings of the decision is its superficial approach to the (international and U.S.) law applicable to the case. That approach prevents the Court from discerning the significant lacuna in the I.M.F. Articles of Agreement, that is to say the lack of a specific rule conferring immunity on the higher official of such organization.
Based on a systematic interpretation of that Agreement, as well as of all other relevant international and U.S. norms, I have shown how that lacuna cannot be filled and interpreted in the sense of either excluding or asserting, with certainty, the application of personal – in addition to functional – immunity to the Managing Director.
The Court has therefore lost an opportunity to reveal a gap in the law that I.M.F. Member States or the Fund itself should fill as soon as possible in order to provide legal certainty and strike a fine and clear balance between the victims of international organizations high officials’ conduct and the independence and autonomy of international organizations
The Role of Mobility as a Protective Factor of Cognitive Functioning in Aging Adults
Authors: Zhao Emily , Tranovich Michael J. , Wright Vonda J. 
Published: February 2013

Context: Over 33 chronic disease states and health disorders, including obesity and type 2 diabetes, are grouped into what is known as sedentary death syndrome. All these conditions are positively affected by 30 minutes of brisk exercise daily. In addition, only 30% of aging is based on genetics, with 70% on lifestyle. Therefore, a large majority of aging is controlled by individual health behaviors. Exercise is a powerful tool for healthy aging of the body and the mind. Courses of short- and long-term exercise provide benefits to musculoskeletal and cardiovascular health and can prevent age-related brain structural and functional losses. This review examines the evidence in support of mobility as an inexpensive and effective protective factor in maintaining brain health and preventing cognitive decline in aging adults. Evidence Acquisition: A PubMed search was performed for articles in English from 1990 to 2012. Reference lists were also reviewed and relevant articles obtained. Level of Evidence: Level 4. Results: Evidence suggests that maintaining a high level of cardiopulmonary fitness and mobility exhibits protective effects on structural changes that occur with aging in areas of the brain associated with memory, attention, and task completion. Chronic exercise is also associated with preservation of overall cognitive functioning and prevention of dementia. Conclusion: In combination with other preventative measures, physical mobility can assist in preventing or slowing cognitive decline in aging adults.
H-RN, a peptide derived from hepatocyte growth factor, inhibits corneal neovascularization by inducing endothelial apoptosis and arresting the cell cycle
Authors: Sun Ye , Su Li , Wang Zhongxiao , Xu Yi , Xu Xun 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
The goal of this study was to investigate the anti-angiogenic activity of a novel peptide H-RN, derived from the hepatocyte growth factor kringle 1 domain (HGF K1), in a mouse model of corneal neovascularization. The anti-angiogenic effect of H-RN on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-stimulated cell proliferation, cell migration and endothelial cell tube formation was assessed in vitro using Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) and in vivo using a mouse cornea micropocket assay. Apoptosis and cell cycle arrest were assessed by flow cytometry. A scrambled peptide was used as a negative control.

Results
H-RN effectively inhibited VEGF-stimulated HUVEC proliferation, migration and tube formation on Matrigel, while a scrambled peptide exerted no effect. In the mouse model of corneal angiogenesis, VEGF-stimulated angiogenesis was significantly inhibited by H-RN compared to a scrambled peptide that had no such activity. VEGF protected HUVECs from apoptosis, while H-RN inhibited this protective effect of VEGF. VEGF significantly increased the proportion of cells in the S phase compared to control treated cells (p<0.05). Treatment with H-RN (1.5 mM) induced the accumulation of cells in G0/G1 phase, while the proportion of cells in the S phase and G2/M phase decreased significantly compared to control group (p<0.05).

Conclusions
H-RN has anti-angiogenic activity in HUVECs and in a mouse model of VEGF-induced corneal neovascularization. The anti-angiogenic activity of H-RN was related to apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, indicating a potential strategy for anti-angiogenic treatment in the cornea.
Comparative transcriptomics of early dipteran development
Authors: Jiménez-Guri Eva , Huerta-Cepas Jaime , Cozzuto Luca , Wotton Karl R , Kang Hui , Himmelbauer Heinz , Roma Guglielmo , Gabaldón Toni , Jaeger Johannes 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Modern sequencing technologies have massively increased the amount of data available for comparative genomics. Whole-transcriptome shotgun sequencing (RNA-seq) provides a powerful basis for comparative studies. In particular, this approach holds great promise for emerging model species in fields such as evolutionary developmental biology (evo-devo).

Results
We have sequenced early embryonic transcriptomes of two non-drosophilid dipteran species: the moth midge Clogmia albipunctata, and the scuttle fly Megaselia abdita. Our analysis includes a third, published, transcriptome for the hoverfly Episyrphus balteatus. These emerging models for comparative developmental studies close an important phylogenetic gap between Drosophila melanogaster and other insect model systems. In this paper, we provide a comparative analysis of early embryonic transcriptomes across species, and use our data for a phylogenomic re-evaluation of dipteran phylogenetic relationships.

Conclusions
We show how comparative transcriptomics can be used to create useful resources for evo-devo, and to investigate phylogenetic relationships. Our results demonstrate that de novo assembly of short (Illumina) reads yields high-quality, high-coverage transcriptomic data sets. We use these data to investigate deep dipteran phylogenetic relationships. Our results, based on a concatenation of 160 orthologous genes, provide support for the traditional view of Clogmia being the sister group of Brachycera (Megaselia, Episyrphus, Drosophila), rather than that of Culicomorpha (which includes mosquitoes and blackflies).
MiR-29c is downregulated in gastric carcinomas and regulates cell proliferation by targeting RCC2
Authors: Matsuo Mitsuhiro , Nakada Chisato , Tsukamoto Yoshiyuki , Noguchi Tsuyoshi , Uchida Tomohisa , Hijiya Naoki , Matsuura Keiko , Moriyama Masatsugu 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Previously, using miRNA microarray, we have found that miR-29c is significantly downregulated in advanced gastric carcinoma. In the present study, we investigated whether miR-29c functions as a tumor-suppressor miRNA in gastric carcinoma cells. For this purpose, we verified the downregulation of miR-29c in gastric carcinoma tissues, and assessed the biological effect of miR-29c on gastric carcinoma cells.

Results
In miR-29c-transfected cells, both proliferation and colony formation ability on soft agar were significantly decreased. Although apoptosis was not induced, BrdU incorporation and the proportion of cells positive for phospho-histone H3 (S10) were significantly decreased in miR-29c-transfected cells, indicating that miR-29c may be involved in the regulation of cell proliferation. To explain the mechanism of growth suppression by miR-29c, we explored differentially expressed genes (>2-fold) in miR-29c-transfected cells in comparison with negative control transfected cells using microarray. RCC2, PPIC and CDK6 were commonly downregulated in miR-29c-transfected MKN45, MKN7 and MKN74 cells, and all of the genes harbored miR-29c target sequences in the 3’-UTR of their mRNA. RCC2 and PPIC were actually upregulated in gastric carcinoma tissues, and therefore both were identified as possible targets of miR-29c in gastric carcinoma. To ascertain whether downregulation of RCC2 and/or PPIC is involved in the growth suppression by miR-29c, we transfected siRNAs against RCC2 and PPIC into MKN45 and determined cell viability, the rate of BrdU incorporation, and caspase activity. We found that RCC2-knockdown decreased both cell viability and BrdU incorporation without any increase of caspase activity, while PPIC-knockdown did not, indicating that downregulation of RCC2 may be at least partly responsible for the growth suppression by miR-29c.

Conclusions
Our findings indicate that miR-29c may have tumor-suppressive functions in gastric carcinoma cells, and that its decreased expression may confer a growth advantage on tumor cells via aberrant expression of RCC2.
Evaluation of airway management associated hands-off time during cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a randomised manikin follow-up study
Authors: Gruber Christina , Nabecker Sabine , Wohlfarth Philipp , Ruetzler Anita , Roth Dominik , Kimberger Oliver , Fischer Henrik , Frass Michael , Ruetzler Kurt 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Introduction
Airway management is an important component of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Recent guidelines recommend keeping any interruptions of chest compressions as short as possible and not lasting more than 10 seconds. Endotracheal intubation seems to be the ideal method for establishing a secure airway by experienced providers, but emergency medical technicians (EMT) often lack training and practice. For the EMTs supraglottic devices might serve as alternatives.

Methods
40 EMTs were trained in a 1-hour standardised audio-visual lesson to handle six different airway devices including endotracheal intubation, Combitube, EasyTube, I-Gel, Laryngeal Mask Airway and Laryngeal tube. EMTs performances were evaluated immediately after a brief practical demonstration, as well as after 1 and 3 months without any practice in between, in a randomised order. Hands-off time was pair-wise compared between airway devices using a repeated-measures mixed-effects model.

Results
Overall mean hands-off time was significantly (p<0.01) lower for Laryngeal tube (6.1s; confidence interval 5.2-6.9s), Combitube (7.9s; 95% CI 6.9-9.0s), EasyTube (8.8s; CI 7.3-10.3s), LMA (10.2s; CI 8.6-11.7s), and I-Gel (11.9s; CI 10.2-13.7s) compared to endotracheal intubation (39.4s; CI 34.0-44.9s). Hands-off time was within the recommended limit of 10s for Combitube, EasyTube and Laryngeal tube after 1 month and for all supraglottic devices after 3 months without any training, but far beyond recommended limits in all three evaluations for endotracheal intubation.

Conclusion
Using supraglottic airway devices, EMTs achieved a hands-off time within the recommended time limit of 10s, even after three months without any training or practice. Supraglottic airway devices are recommended tools for EMTs with lack of experience in advanced airway management.
Enzyme-modified indium tin oxide microelectrode array-based electrochemical uric acid biosensor
Authors: Puri Nidhi , Sharma Vikash , Tanwar Vinod K , Singh Nahar , Biradar Ashok M , Rajesh  
Published: February 2013

Abstract
We fabricated a miniaturized electrochemical uric acid biosensor with a 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES)-modified indium tin oxide (ITO) microelectrode array (μEA). The ITO-μEA on a glass plate was immobilized with the enzyme uricase, through a cross-linker, bis[sulfosuccinimidyl]suberate (BS3). The enzyme-immobilized electrode (uricase/BS3/APTES/ITO-μEA/glass) was characterized by atomic force microscopy and electrochemical techniques. The cyclic voltammetry and impedance studies show an effective binding of uricase at the μEA surface. The amperometric response of the modified electrode was measured towards uric acid concentration in aqueous solution (pH 7.4), under microfluidic channel made of polydimethylsiloxane. The μEA biosensor shows a linear response over a concentration range of 0.058 to 0.71 mM with a sensitivity of 46.26 μA mM−1 cm−2. A response time of 40 s reaching a 95% steady-state current value was obtained. The biosensor retains about 85% of enzyme activity for about 6 weeks. The biosensor using μEA instead of a large single band of electrode allows the entire core of the channel to be probed though keeping an improved sensitivity with a small volume of sample and reagents.
Rule out of acute aortic dissection with plasma matrix metalloproteinase 8 in the emergency department
Authors: Giachino Francesca , Loiacono Marilena , Lucchiari Manuela , Manzo Maria , Battista Stefania , Saglio Elisa , Lupia Enrico , Moiraghi Corrado , Hirsch Emilio , Mengozzi Giulio , Morello Fulvio 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in aortic pathophysiology. Preliminary studies have detected increased plasma levels of MMP8 and MMP9 in patients with acute aortic dissection (AAD). However, the performance of plasma MMP8 and MMP9 for the diagnosis of AAD in the emergency department is at present unknown.

Methods
The levels of MMP8 and MMP9 were measured by ELISA on plasma samples obtained from 126 consecutive patients evaluated in the emergency department for suspected AAD. All patients were subjected to urgent computed tomography (CT) scan for final diagnosis.

Results
In the study cohort (N = 126), AAD was diagnosed in 52 patients and ruled out in 74 patients. Median plasma MMP8 levels were 36.4 (interquartile range 24.8 to 69.3) ng/ml in patients with AAD and 13.2 (8.1 to 31.8) ng/ml in patients receiving an alternative final diagnosis (P <0.0001). Median plasma MMP9 levels were 169.2 (93.0 to 261.8) ng/ml in patients with AAD and 80.5 (41.8 to 140.6) ng/ml in patients receiving an alternative final diagnosis (P = 0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) on receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of MMP8 and MMP9 for the diagnosis of AAD was respectively 0.75 and 0.70, as compared to 0.87 of D-dimer. At the cutoff of 3.6 ng/ml, plasma MMP8 had a sensitivity of 100.0% (95% CI, 93.2% to 100.0%) and a specificity of 9.5% (95% CI, 3.9% to 18.5%) and ruled out AAD in 5.6% of patients. Combination of plasma MMP8 with D-dimer increased the AUC on ROC analysis to 0.89. Presence of MMP8 <11.0 ng/ml and D-dimer <1.0 or <2.0 µg/ml provided a negative predictive value of 100% and ruled out AAD in 13.6% and 21.4% of patients respectively.

Conclusions
Low levels of plasma MMP8 can rule out AAD in a minority of patients. Combination of plasma MMP8 and D-dimer at individually suboptimal cutoffs could safely rule out AAD in a substantial proportion of patients evaluated in the emergency department.
Wave‐driven porewater and solute circulation through rippled elastic sediment under highly transient forcing
Authors: Cardenas M. Bayani , Jiang Houshuo 
Published: February 2013

Lay AbstractWaves over permeable and porous sediment induce movement of water through the pores of the sediment. This leads to circulation of seawater infiltrating into the sediment and then eventually exfiltrated back into the sea. This porewater circulation is caused by pressure variations along the surface of the seabed due to the passing of waves. However, previous studies have considered pressure along the seabed as steadily varying. This is not the case when flow associated with waves is turbulent, which is practically all the time. Using advanced computational modeling tools that more explicitly represent pressure variations occurring at short time intervals and the physical response of sediment to these pressure fluctuations, this study shows that pressure variations occurring at short timescales not considered before enhances the circulation and exchange of water between the seabed and the ocean. This also leads to larger exchange fluxes of dissolved material in the water circulating through the sediment. Since the seabed host many chemical and ecological processes that depend on the delivery of fluids and their dissolved content, accurate estimation of the importance and the rate at which these chemical and ecological processes occur would require a closer inspection of the effects of short time pressure fluctuations induced by turbulence and waves.