bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using mixed methods in health research
Authors: Tariq Shema , Woodman Jenny 
Published: June 2013

Summary Mixed methods research is the use of quantitative and qualitative methods in a single study or series of studies. It is an emergent methodology which is increasingly used by health researchers, especially within health services research. There is a growing literature on the theory, design and critical appraisal of mixed methods research. However, there are few papers that summarize this methodological approach for health practitioners who wish to conduct or critically engage with mixed methods studies. The objective of this paper is to provide an accessible introduction to mixed methods for clinicians and researchers unfamiliar with this approach. We present a synthesis of key methodological literature on mixed methods research, with examples from our own work and that of others, to illustrate the practical applications of this approach within health research. We summarize definitions of mixed methods research, the value of this approach, key aspects of study design and analysis, and discuss the potential challenges of combining quantitative and qualitative methods and data. One of the key challenges within mixed methods research is the successful integration of quantitative and qualitative data during analysis and interpretation. However, the integration of different types of data can generate insights into a research question, resulting in enriched understanding of complex health research problems.
Fine mapping of fatness QTL on porcine chromosome X and analyses of three positional candidate genes
Authors: Ma Junwu , Gilbert Hélène , Iannuccelli Nathalie , Duan Yanyu , Guo Beili , Huang Weibing , Ma Huanban , Riquet Juliette , Bidanel Jean-Pierre , Huang Lusheng , Milan Denis 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
Porcine chromosome X harbors four QTL strongly affecting backfat thickness (BFT), ham weight (HW), intramuscular fat content (IMF) and loin eye area (LEA). The confidence intervals (CI) of these QTL overlap and span more than 30 cM, or approximately 80 Mb. This study therefore attempts to fine map these QTL by joint analysis of two large-scale F2 populations (Large White × Meishan and White Duroc × Erhualian constructed by INRA and JXAU respectively) and furthermore, to determine whether these QTL are caused by mutations in three positional candidate genes (ACSL4, SERPINA7 and IRS4) involved in lipid biosynthesis.

Results
A female-specific linkage map with an average distance of 2 cM between markers in the initial QTL interval (SW2456-SW1943) was created and used here. The CI of QTL for BFT, HW and LEA were narrowed down to 6–7 cM, resulting from the joint analysis. For IMF, two linked QTL were revealed in the INRA population but not in the JXAU population, causing a wider CI (13 cM) for IMF QTL. Linkage analyses using two subsets of INRA F1 dam families demonstrate that the BFT and HW QTL were segregating in the Meishan pigs. Moreover, haplotype comparisons between these dams suggest that within the refined QTL region, the recombination coldspot (~34 Mb) flanked by markers MCSE3F14 and UMNP1218 is unlikely to contain QTL genes. Two SNPs in the ACSL4 gene were identified and showed significant association with BFT and HW, but they and the known polymorphisms in the other two genes are unlikely to be causal mutations.

Conclusion
The candidate QTL regions have been greatly reduced and the QTL are most likely located downstream of the recombination coldspot. The segregation of SSCX QTL for BFT and HW within Meishan breed provides an opportunity for us to make effective use of Meishan chromosome X in crossbreeding. Further studies should attempt to identify the impact of additional DNA sequence (e.g. CNV) and expression variation in the three genes or their surrounding genes on these traits.
Trends in incidence and costs of injuries to the shoulder, arm and wrist in The Netherlands between 1986 and 2008
Authors: Polinder Suzanne , Iordens Gijs IT , Panneman Martien JM , Eygendaal Denise , Patka Peter , Den Hartog Dennis , Van Lieshout Esther MM 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundUpper extremity injuries account for a large proportion of attendances to the Emergency Department. The aim of this study was to assess population-based trends in the incidence of upper extremity injuries in the Dutch population between 1986 and 2008, and to give a detailed overview of the associated health care costs.MethodsAge-standardized incidence rates of upper extremity injuries were calculated for each year between 1986 and 2008. The average number of people in each of the 5-year age classes for each year of the study was calculated and used as the standard (reference) population. Injury cases were extracted from the National Injury Surveillance System (non-hospitalized patients) and the National Medical Registration (hospitalized patients). An incidence-based cost model was applied in order to estimate associated direct health care costs in 2007.ResultsThe overall age-adjusted incidence of upper extremity injuries increased from 970 to 1,098 per 100,000 persons (13%). The highest incidence was seen in young persons and elderly women. Total annual costs for all injuries were 290 million euro, of which 190 million euro were paid for injuries sustained by women. Wrist fractures were the most expensive injuries (83 million euro) due to high incidence, whereas upper arm fractures were the most expensive injuries per case (4,440 euro). Major cost peaks were observed for fractures in elderly women due to high incidence and costs per patient.ConclusionsThe overall incidence of upper extremity injury in the Netherlands increased by 13% in the period 1986–2008. Females with upper extremity fractures and especially elderly women with wrist fractures accounted for a substantial share of total costs.
Modeling the spatial distribution of Chagas disease vectors using environmental variables and people´s knowledge
Authors: Hernández Jaime , Núñez Ignacia , Bacigalupo Antonella , Cattan Pedro E 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
Chagas disease is caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, which is transmitted to mammal hosts by triatomine insect vectors. The goal of this study was to model the spatial distribution of triatomine species in an endemic area.

Methods
Vector’s locations were obtained with a rural householders’ survey. This information was combined with environmental data obtained from remote sensors, land use maps and topographic SRTM data, using the machine learning algorithm Random Forests to model species distribution. We analysed the combination of variables on three scales: 10 km, 5 km and 2.5 km cell size grids.

Results
The best estimation, explaining 46.2% of the triatomines spatial distribution, was obtained for 5 km of spatial resolution. Presence probability distribution increases from central Chile towards the north, tending to cover the central-coastal region and avoiding areas of the Andes range.

Conclusions
The methodology presented here was useful to model the distribution of triatomines in an endemic area; it is best explained using 5 km of spatial resolution, and their presence increases in the northern part of the study area. This study’s methodology can be replicated in other countries with Chagas disease or other vectorial transmitted diseases, and be used to locate high risk areas and to optimize resource allocation, for prevention and control of vectorial diseases.
Mediastinal mature teratoma with complex rupture into the lung, bronchus and skin: a case report
Authors: Serraj Mounia , Lakranbi Marouane , Ghalimi Jamal , Ouadnouni Yassine , Smahi Mohamed 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Mature teratoma is the most common primary germ cell tumor in the mediastinum. On rare occasions, cystic teratomas rupture in adjacent structures, such as pleural space, pericardium, lung or tracheobronchial tree. We present a case of a mediastinal mature cystic teratoma in 16-year-old female with complex rupture into the lung, bronchus and skin. Mature mediastinal teratoma fistulized to the skin has not been previously described.
Differential Modulation of Nociceptive versus Non-Nociceptive Synapses by Endocannabinoids
Authors: Higgins Alexandra , Yuan Sharleen , Wang Yanqing , Burrell Brian D 
Published: June 2013

Background Although a number of clinical and preclinical studies have demonstrated analgesic effects of cannabinoid treatments, there are also instances when cannabinoids have had no effect or even exacerbated pain. The observed pro-nociceptive effects appear to be due to cannabinoid-induced disinhibition of afferent synaptic input to nociceptive circuits. To better understand how cannabinoid-mediated plasticity can have both pro- and anti-nociceptive effects, we examined the possibility that cannabinoids differentially modulate nociceptive vs. non-nociceptive synapses onto a shared postsynaptic target. These experiments were carried out in the central nervous system (CNS) of the medicinal leech, in which it is possible to intracellularly record from presynaptic nociceptive (N-cell) or pressure-sensitive (P-cell) neurons and their shared postsynaptic targets. Results The endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2AG) elicited significant long-lasting depression in nociceptive (N-cell) synapses. However, non-nociceptive (P-cell) synapses were potentiated following 2AG treatment. 2AG-induced potentiation of non-nociceptive synapses was blocked by the TRPV antagonist SB366791, suggesting involvement of the same TRPV-like receptor that has already been shown to mediate endocannabinoid-dependent depression in nociceptive inputs. Treatment with the GABA receptor antagonist bicuculline also blocked 2AG-induced potentiation, consistent with the idea that increased synaptic signaling was the result of endocannabinoid-mediated disinhibition. Interestingly, while bicuculline by itself increased non-nociceptive synaptic transmission, nociceptive synapses were depressed by this GABA receptor antagonist indicating that nociceptive synapses were actually excited by GABAergic input. Consistent with these observations, GABA application depolarized the nociceptive afferent and hyperpolarized the non-nociceptive afferent. Conclusions These findings show that endocannabinoids can differentially modulate nociceptive vs. non-nociceptive synapses and that GABAergic regulation of these synapses plays an important role in determining whether endocannabinoids have a potentiating or depressing effect.
The clinical application of array CGH for the detection of chromosomal defects in 20,126 unselected newborns
Authors: Park Sang-Jin , Jung Eun Hye , Ryu Ran-Suk , Kang Hyun Woong , Chung He Doo , Kang Ho-Young 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
Array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) is a powerful tool for detecting unbalanced chromosomal alterations. To validate the usefulness of array CGH in newborn screening, we examined 20,126 unselected infants. In addition, the number of newborns analyzed with array CGH is the largest one ever reported.

Findings
A total of 20,126 unselected newborns were investigated with array CGH and cytogenetic analyses. The analyses revealed 87 cases with chromosome abnormalities. Of these, 53 cases had significant chromosome aneuploidies, including trisomy 13, trisomy 21, 47,XXY or 45,X, and the other 34 cases presented partial chromosomal deletions or duplications.

Conclusions
In this study, we show that array CGH is an appropriate tool for the screening of chromosomal abnormalities in newborns, especially for the infants without distinct clinical features.
Noncanonical dendritic cell differentiation and survival driven by a bacteremic pathogen
Authors: Miles Brodie , Scisci Elizabeth , Carrion Julio , Sabino Gregory J , Genco Caroline A , Cutler Christopher W 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTMaintenance of blood DC homeostasis is essential to preventing autoimmunity while controlling chronic infection. However, the ability of bacteremic pathogens to directly regulate blood DC homeostasis has not been defined. One such bacteremic pathogen, Porphyromonas gingivalis, is shown by our group to survive within mDCs under aerobic conditions and therein, metastasize from its oral mucosal niche. This is accompanied by expansion of the blood mDC pool in vivo, independently of canonical DC poietins. We presently know little of how this bacteremic pathogen causes blood DC expansion and the pathophysiological significance. This work shows that optimum differentiation of MoDCs from primary human monocytes, with or without GM-CSF/IL-4, is dependent on infection with P. gingivalis strains expressing the DC-SIGN ligand mfa-1. DC differentiation is lost when DC-SIGN is blocked with its ligand HIV gp120 or knocked out by siRNA gene silencing. Thus, we have identified a novel, noncanonical pathway of DC differentiation. We term these PDDCs and show that PDDCs are bona fide DCs, based on phenotype and phagocytic activity when immature and the ability to up-regulate accessory molecules and stimulate allo-CD4+ T cell proliferation when matured. The latter is dependent on the P. gingivalis strain used to initially “educate” PDDCs. Moreover, we show that P. gingivalis-infected, conventional MoDCs become resistant to apoptosis and inflammatory pyroptosis, as determined by levels of Annexin V and caspase-8, -3/7, and -1. Taken together, we provide new insights into how a relatively asymptomatic bacteremia may influence immune homeostasis and promote chronic inflammation.
Controllable Synthesis of Porous α-Fe2O3 Microtube and Tube-in-tube by Non-coaxial Electrospinning
Authors: Lang Leiming , Xu Zheng 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
We present a facile non-coaxial electrospinning technique to synthesize the porous α-Fe2O3 microtube and tube-in-tube. The possible formation mechanism of different tubular-structure α-Fe2O3 has been proposed. Among the experimental parameters, the heating rate during calcination is a key factor for realizing different α-Fe2O3 structures. The slower heating rate is of benefit to form α-Fe2O3 fiber with tube-in-tube structure. This method is versatile and can be extended to construct other hollow and multitubular metal oxide nanofibers, such as ZrO2, SiO2, SnO2, and In2O3 tube-in-tubes.
Synthesis of Golf-ball-like Polystyrene Microspheres from a Pickering Emulsion Stabilized by Amphiphilic Janus Microspheres
Authors: Xu Yongfei , Ge Xueping , Ji Xiang , Wang Mozhen , Ge Xuewu 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Novel golf-ball-like polystyrene (PS) microspheres were obtained through γ-ray-radiation-initiated polymerization of styrene (St) monomers in a Pickering emulsion stabilized by amphiphilic snowman-like PS Janus microspheres, which were synthesized via seed emulsion polymerization of St swollen in poly(acrylic acid)-functionalized crosslinked PS (PA-CPS) seed microspheres. It was found that the stability of the Pickering emulsion and the hole size of the golf-ball-like PS microspheres depend on the geometry of the amphiphilic snowman-like PS Janus microspheres, which can be tuned by the weight ratio of the styrene monomer to PA-CPS seed microspheres (wS-CPS). This work provides a simple strategy to synthesize amphiphilic Janus microspheres and opens a new way to prepare polymer microspheres with holes on the surface.
Single-component Magnetic Molecular Conductor [Fe(dmdt)2] (dmdt: dimethyltetrathiafulvalenedithiolate)
Authors: Zhou Biao , Ogura Satomi , Kato Noriko , Idobata Yuki , Kobayashi Akiko , Kobayashi Hayao 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Molecular metal complexes with interactions between localized spins and conduction electrons are expected to show interesting electronic and magnetic properties. We prepared magnetic molecular conductors of iron complexes with extended TTF ligands and investigated their crystal structures and electronic and magnetic properties, from which we concluded that the single-component molecular iron complex has the dimeric form of [Fe(dmdt)2].
Selective Hydrogenation of Nitroaromatics by Colloidal Iridium Nanoparticles
Authors: Sharif Md J , Maity Prasenjit , Yamazoe Seiji , Tsukuda Tatsuya 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) (PVP)-stabilized iridium nanoparticles (Ir NPs) showed high chemoselectivity for hydrogenation of nitroaromatics having –CHO, &gt;C=O, –CN, and –Cl functional groups to afford the corresponding aniline compounds under atmospheric hydrogen at room temperature in aqueous–organic biphasic medium.
James Fitzjames Fraser West, FRCS (1833–83): his involvement in Birmingham's local medical societies and the role they played in his life
Authors: Goodman Geraldine M 
Published: June 2013

Summary Professional institutions played an important role in the life of Birmingham surgeon James FF West and his colleagues. West held office in the Birmingham Medical Institute, the Midland Medical Society, the Birmingham Medical Benevolent Society and the local branch of the British Medical Association. He was an energetic and active participant who helped promote the principles and maintain the usefulness of the societies with which he was involved. Societies came into existence mostly thanks to the generosity and endeavours of those they served, and exclusivity was both jealously guarded and challenged. Spreading expertise through debate and fostering social intercourse was the raison d’être of most of Birmingham's societies but, when less fortunate colleagues needed support, the Birmingham Medical Benevolent Society was not the only society to provide it.
William Henry, Duke of Gloucester (1689–1700), son of Queen Anne (1665–1714), could have ruled Great Britain
Authors: Holmes G E F , Holmes F F 
Published: June 2013

Summary Hope for continuation of the Stuart dynasty in Britain ended with the death, from pneumonia in 1700, of the 11-year-old son of Princess Anne and Prince George, William Henry Duke of Gloucester. Considered by some to have been physically and mentally unfit to reign, careful examination of primary source materials shows him to have been a bright and interesting boy with mild hydrocephalus. Had he lived, he could have ruled.
Second Trimester Detection of Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita with Two-Dimensional Ultrasound
Authors: Holloway Sally 
Published: June 2013

Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (arthrogryposis) is a rare condition that describes multiple severe bony deformities and contractures in the newborn. Arthrogryposis has a prevalence of 1 in 3000, however, at least 1 in 200 neonates are born with some degree of joint contractures, the most common being talipes equinovarus (1 in 500) and congenital hip dislocation (1 in 200–500). In 2007 a case of arthrogryposis was diagnosed at a district general hospital at 17 weeks following a detailed scan due to a marginally raised maternal serum alphafetoprotein level. The pregnancy was terminated and a postmortem examination identified further underlying anomalies that may have been the cause of the arthrogryposis. This report assesses the value of prenatal ultrasound in the identification of arthrogryposis.
Formulation and evaluation of enteric coated tablet of Ilaprazole
Authors: Rathore Surya Bhan Singh , Sharma Anshu , Garg Ayush , Sisodiya Dharmendra Singh 
Published: June 2013

The present study was an attempt to formulate and evaluate enteric coated tablets for Ilaprazole to reduce the gastrointestinal tract side effects. Four formulations of core tablets were prepared and one who shows rapid disintegration (near around three minutes) was selected for enteric coating. Ilaprazole which have an irritant effect on the stomach can be coated with a substance that will only dissolve in the small intestine. Enteric coat was optimized using two different polymers such as HPMCP 50 and Eudragit L 100 in different concentrations. The prepared tablets were evaluated in terms of their pre-compression parameters, physical characteristics and in-vitro release study. 2.5% seal coating on core tablets was optimized and 9% enteric coating on seal coated tablets was performed using HPMC P 50 (60%), triethyl citrate (10%) and IPA:DCM (60:40) which gives the highest dissolution release profile and f2 value.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v2i7.15156 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, June 2013, 2(7): 126-130
Antibody-Secreting Cells with a Phenotype of Ki-67low, CD138high, CD31high, and CD38high Secrete Nonspecific IgM during Primary Hepatitis A Virus Infection
Authors: Hong Seokchan , Lee Hyun Woong , Chang Dong-Yeop , You Sooseong , Kim Jihye , Park Jun Yong , Ahn Sang Hoon , Yong Dongeun , Han Kwang-Hyub , Yoo Ook Joon , Shin Eui-Cheol 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Although studies investigating the nature of Ab-secreting cells (ASCs) during acute infection with influenza or dengue virus found that the ASC response was dominated by virus-specific IgG secretion, the Ag specificity and phenotype of ASCs during primary acute viral infection were not identified. To this end, we investigated the nature of ASCs in direct ex vivo assays from patients with acute hepatitis A caused by primary infection with hepatitis A virus (HAV). We found that the frequency of CD27highCD38high ASCs was markedly increased in the peripheral blood during the acute phase of HAV infection. Moreover, substantial numbers of ASCs were non-HAV–specific and dominantly secreted IgM. We detected HAV-specific ASCs by staining with fluorochrome-tagged HAV-VP1 protein. As compared with HAV-specific ASCs, non-HAV–specific ASCs were Ki-67lowCD138highCD31highCD38high, demonstrating that non-HAV–specific ASCs had a bone marrow plasma cell–like phenotype whereas HAV-specific ASCs had a phenotype typical of circulating plasmablasts. These data suggest that non-HAV–specific ASCs might be mobilized plasma cells from the bone marrow or the spleen, whereas HAV-specific ASCs were newly generated plasmablasts. In this study, we provide evidence that pre-existing plasma cells are released into the circulation and contribute to Ag-nonspecific secretion of IgM during primary HAV infection.
Testing functional and morphological interpretations of enamel thickness along the deciduous tooth row in human children
Authors: Mahoney Patrick 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTThe significance of a gradient in enamel thickness along the human permanent molar row has been debated in the literature. Some attribute increased enamel thickness from first to third molars to greater bite force during chewing. Others argue that thicker third molar enamel relates to a smaller crown size facilitated by a reduced dentin component. Thus, differences in morphology, not function, explains enamel thickness. This study draws on these different interpretive models to assess enamel thickness along the entire human deciduous tooth row. Average enamel thickness (AET), the area and proportion of crown enamel and dentin, and a crown size proxy are calculated for incisors, canines, and molars. Allometric scaling relationships are assessed within each tooth class, and then comparisons are undertaken along the row. Generally, AET was correlated with crown size and scaled with isometry, except for second molars which scaled with positive allometry. Mean AET increased along the row and was greater on molars, where bite forces are reported to be higher. Second molars combined the largest crown size with the thickest enamel and the smallest proportion of dentin, which is consistent with a reduction in the potential for cusp fracture under high bite forces. Resistance to wear may also account for some enamel thickness variation between tooth classes. Dental reduction did not explain the trend in AET from central to lateral incisors, or from first to second molars. The gradient in AET along the deciduous tooth row is partly consistent with a functional interpretation of enamel thickness. Am J Phys Anthropol 151:518–525, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.