bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acid sulphate soil characterization in Negara Brunei Darussalam: a case study to inform management decisions
Authors: Grealish G.J. , Fitzpatrick R.W. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractA diverse range of acid sulphate soils occur in Negara Brunei Darussalam on the inland flat areas that are important agricultural lands. Prior to this study, there was no information on their occurrence. Information about these soils is critical because they present significant management challenges for both agriculture and protection of the environment. Field surveys and laboratory analysis conducted in eight areas of the Brunei‐Muara district and four areas of the Belait district identified, characterized and classified using Soil Taxonomy, a wide range of 10 acid sulphate soil types in four soil orders: Histosols, Vertisols, Inceptisols and Entisols. A user‐friendly soil identification key using easily observed soil characteristics was developed to assist users with the recognition of the range of acid sulphate soils. Conceptual soil hydro‐toposequence models in the form of cross‐sections were constructed to explain the spatial heterogeneity of (i) acid sulphate soil properties comprising a range of features (e.g. organic‐rich materials/peats, clays, sands, cracks and jarosite‐rich mottles), sulphidic material and sulphuric horizons, (ii) pyrite shale outcrops and (iii) soil types using both the soil identification key and Soil Taxonomy. The soil hydro‐toposequence models together with the soil identification key helped to easily visualize and illustrate the complexities and importance of understanding specific sites to assess the detailed behaviour and implications of various soil, regolith and topographic features.
Altered expression of antimicrobial peptide genes in the skin of dogs with atopic dermatitis and other inflammatory skin conditions
Authors: Lancto Cheryl A. , Torres Sheila M. F. , Hendrickson Julie A. , Martins Kyra V. , Rutherford Mark S. 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundReports indicate that human and canine patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) have reduced production of several skin antimicrobial peptides, but more recent data have called those results into question.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo compare the mRNA expression of seven antimicrobial peptide genes in lesional and adjacent nonlesional skin biopsy specimens from dogs with AD with those from normal dogs and from dogs experiencing other inflammatory skin conditions.AnimalsNormal dogs and patients with AD or other inflammatory skin conditions were enrolled with owner permission and approval of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.MethodsTranscripts were measured by quantitative RT‐PCR using a standard curve assessment.ResultsNormal transcript levels for all seven antimicrobial peptides varied depending on the body site assessed. Transcripts for secretory leukocyte proteinase inhibitor (SLPI) and skin‐derived antileucoproteinase (SKALP; also known as elafin) were typically ~10‐fold greater in number than transcripts for the canine β‐defensins (CBD)‐1, ‐102, ‐103, ‐122 and ‐124. Transcripts for SKALP, SLPI, CBD‐1, CBD‐103 and CBD‐122 were lower in both lesional and adjacent nonlesional skin from dogs with AD in comparison to normal skin. Transcripts were reduced to a similar extent versus normal dogs in skin of dogs with inflammatory skin conditions from both lesional and nonlesional biopsies, except for CBD‐122, which was reduced only in lesional skin. Compared with normal dog skin, transcripts for CBD‐102 and CBD‐124 were unaffected in dogs with AD.Conclusions and clinical importanceBoth SKALP and SLPI may be important contributors to skin innate immunity, but their decreased expression in AD patients does not account for increased skin infections compared with other skin conditions.
The maximum likelihood degree of a very affine variety
Authors: Huh June 
Published: May 2013

AbstractWe show that the maximum likelihood degree of a smooth very affine variety is equal to the signed topological Euler characteristic. This generalizes Orlik and Terao’s solution to Varchenko’s conjecture on complements of hyperplane arrangements to smooth very affine varieties. For very affine varieties satisfying a genericity condition at infinity, the result is further strengthened to relate the variety of critical points to the Chern–Schwartz–MacPherson class. The strengthened version recovers the geometric deletion–restriction formula of Denhamet al. for arrangement complements, and generalizes Kouchnirenko’s theorem on the Newton polytope for nondegenerate hypersurfaces.
MR‐CT registration using a Ni‐Ti prostate stent in image‐guided radiotherapy of prostate cancer
Authors: Korsager Anne Sofie , Carl Jesper , Østergaard Lasse Riis 
Published: May 2013

Purpose:In image‐guided radiotherapy of prostate cancer defining the clinical target volume often relies on magnetic resonance (MR). The task of transferring the clinical target volume from MR to standard planning computed tomography (CT) is not trivial due to prostate mobility. In this paper, an automatic local registration approach is proposed based on a newly developed removable Ni‐Ti prostate stent.Methods:The registration uses the voxel similarity measure mutual information in a two‐step approach where the pelvic bones are used to establish an initial registration for the local registration.Results:In a phantom study, the accuracy was measured to 0.97 mm and visual inspection showed accurate registration of all 30 data sets. The consistency of the registration was examined where translation and rotation displacements yield a rotation error of 0.41° ± 0.45° and a translation error of 1.67 ± 2.24 mm.Conclusions:This study demonstrated the feasibility for an automatic local MR‐CT registration using the prostate stent.
Noncontiguous Finished Genome Sequence of Staphylococcus aureus KLT6, a Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B-Positive Strain Involved in a Food Poisoning Outbreak in Switzerland
Authors: Tobes Raquel , Manrique Marina , Brozynska Marta , Stephan Roger , Pareja Eduardo , Johler Sophia 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT

We present the first complete genome sequence of a
Staphylococcus aureus
strain assigned to clonal complex 12. The strain was isolated in a food poisoning outbreak due to contaminated potato salad in Switzerland in 2009, and it produces staphylococcal enterotoxin B.
Genome Sequences of the Guillain-Barré Syndrome Outbreak-Associated Campylobacter jejuni Strains ICDCCJ07002 and ICDCCJ07004
Authors: Zhang Maojun , Yang Xianwei , Liu Hongying , Liu Xiayang , Huang Yufen , He Lihua , Gu Yixin , Zhang Jianzhong 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT

The first world-known and largest outbreak of 36 cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome caused by a preceding
Campylobacter jejuni
infection was reported previously in China. During the outbreak,
Campylobacter jejuni
strain ICDCCJ07002 was isolated from a patient with persistent diarrhea for 21 days, and
C. jejuni
strain ICDCCJ07004 was from a healthy carrier without any clinical symptoms at the same time. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of strain ICDCCJ07002 (1,698,407 bp, with a G+C content of 30.45%) and the genome resequencing result of strain ICDCCJ07004 (1,701,584 bp, with a G+C content of 30.51%), and we compared these with the completed genome of
C. jejuni
strain ICDCCJ07001.
Complete Genome of a Methanosarcina mazei Strain Isolated from Sediment Samples from an Amazonian Flooded Area
Authors: Assis das Graças Diego , Thiago Jucá Ramos Rommel , Vieira Araújo Ana Carolina , Zahlouth Ramiro , Ribeiro Carneiro Adriana , Souza Lopes Thiago , Azevedo Baraúna Rafael , Azevedo Vasco , Cruz Schneider Maria Paula , Pellizari Vivian Helena , Silva Artur 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT

Methanosarcina mazei
is a strictly anaerobic methanogen from the
Methanosarcinales
order, which is known for its broad catabolic range among methanogens and is widespread throughout diverse environments. The draft genome of the strain presented here was cultivated from sediment samples collected from the Tucuruí hydroelectric power station reservoir.
Draft Genome Sequence of “
Candidatus
Liberibacter americanus” Bacterium Associated with Citrus Huanglongbing in Brazil
Authors: Lin Hong , Coletta-Filho Helvecio D. , Han Cliff S. , Lou Binghai , Civerolo Edwin L. , Machado Marcos A. , Gupta Goutam 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT

We report here the draft genome sequence of “
Candidatus
Liberibacter americanus” strain PW_SP. The 1,176,071-bp genome, with 31.6% G+C content, comprises 948 open reading frames, 38 tRNAs, and three complete rRNAs.
Injury situations in Freestyle Ski Cross (SX): a video analysis of 33 cases
Authors: Randjelovic Stefan , Heir Stig , Nordsletten Lars , Bere Tone , Bahr Roald 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundAlthough injury risk in Freestyle Ski Cross (SX) is high, little is known about the situations leading up to time-loss injuries.ObjectiveTo describe the situations leading up to time-loss injuries in elite Freestyle SX.Study designDescriptive video analysis.MethodsThirty-three video recordings of SX injuries reported through the International Ski Federation Injury Surveillance System for four World Cup seasons (2006/2007 through 2010) were obtained. Five experts in the fields of sport medicine and SX analysed each case to describe in detail the situation leading up to the injury (skiing situation and skier behaviour).ResultsInjuries occurred in four different skiing situations: jumping (n=16), turning (n=8), jumping and turning (n=7) and rollers (n=2). All injured skiers lost control before time of injury (n=33), due to skier–opponent contact (n=13), technical errors (n=8) or inappropriate strategy (n=8), which led to a fall (n=29). Contact occurred in 21 of 33 cases, usually unintentional at landing or take-off, caused by the opponent (n=11) or injured skier (n=8). The technical error cases (n=8) were dominated by bad jumping technique (n=6) and too much inside lean in turning situations (n=2), while inappropriate course line and bad timing at take off (n=7) dominated the inappropriate strategy cases (n=8).ConclusionsWe identified four main injury situations in elite SX, dominated by jumping situations. The primary cause of injury was unintentional skier–opponent contact in jumping, bank turning and roller situations. Another common cause of injury was personal errors (inappropriate technique and strategy) at take-off and in turning situations.
Practices to prevent venous thromboembolism: a brief review
Authors: Lau Brandyn D , Haut Elliott R 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundVenous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common cause of preventable harm for hospitalised patients. Over the past decade, numerous intervention types have been implemented in attempts to improve the prescription of VTE prophylaxis in hospitals, with varying degrees of success. We reviewed key articles to assess the efficacy of different types of interventions to improve prescription of VTE prophylaxis for hospitalised patients.MethodsWe conducted a search of MEDLINE for key studies published between 2001 and 2012 of interventions employing education, paper based tools, computerised tools, real time audit and feedback, or combinations of intervention types to improve prescription of VTE prophylaxis for patients in hospital settings. Process outcomes of interest were prescription of any VTE prophylaxis and best practice VTE prophylaxis. Clinical outcomes of interest were any VTE and potentially preventable VTE, defined as VTE occurring in patients not prescribed appropriate prophylaxis.Results16 articles were included in this review. Two studies employed education only, four implemented paper based tools, four used computerised tools, two evaluated audit and feedback strategies, and four studies used combinations of intervention types. Individual modalities result in improved prescription of VTE prophylaxis; however, the greatest and most sustained improvements were those that combined education with computerised tools.ConclusionsMany intervention types have proven effective to different degrees in improving VTE prevention. Provider education is likely a required additional component and should be combined with other intervention types. Active mandatory tools are likely more effective than passive ones. Information technology tools that are well integrated into provider workflow, such as alerts and computerised clinical decision support, can improve best practice prophylaxis use and prevent patient harm resulting from VTE.
The obstetric caseload of a physician-based helicopter emergency medical service: case review and recommendations for retrieval physician training
Authors: Kaye Richard , Shewry Elizabeth , Reid Cliff , Burns Brian 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundThe Greater Sydney Area Helicopter Emergency Medical Service provides physicians for undertaking prehospital and inter-hospital critical care. We quantified the obstetric caseload of our service with respect to primary diagnosis and interventions in order to provide targeted physician training.Materials and methodsRetrieval records over a 4-year period were searched to identify keywords associated with pregnancy or obstetric complications. The data collected related to gestation, diagnosis, nature of transfer and interventions.Results and discussionOf 66 pregnant or postpartum cases, 38 were transported by road and 28 by air. 33 had obstetric-related conditions, and 33 had non-obstetric medical conditions. 61 patients required mechanical ventilation, 23 of whom were intubated by the retrieval physicians prior to transport. 33 patients required vasoactive circulatory support, and arterial and/or central venous access was established in 48 and 30 patients, respectively. The only obstetric interventions provided by retrieval physicians were intravenous tocolytic therapy (two cases) and one case of resuscitative hysterotomy (peri-mortem caesarean section).ConclusionsA half of all peri-partum patients in our critical care transport service are retrieved for non-obstetric diagnoses. Obstetric interventions by retrieval physicians are rare, but resuscitative hysterotomy may be required. Most interventions are general critical care procedures. Exhaustive training in obstetric emergencies may not reflect the learning needs of retrieval physicians in services such as ours. Educational resources should prioritise general critical care of the pregnant woman rather than specific obstetric procedures. We have used these findings to construct a targeted obstetric module as part of our retrieval physician training programme.
Piloting a multidisciplinary clinic for the management of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: initial 5-year experience
Authors: Cobbold Jeremy F L , Raveendran Sarrah , Peake Christopher M , Anstee Quentin M , Yee Michael S , Thursz Mark R 
Published: May 2013

ObjectiveA multidisciplinary approach is advocated for the management of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), but few clinical data exist to support this. The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary NAFLD clinic using surrogate markers of liver injury and cardiovascular risk.DesignRetrospective survey of clinical practice.SettingThe multidisciplinary NAFLD clinic in a secondary/tertiary care setting with hepatology, diabetology, dietetic and exercise therapy input: initial 5-years’ experience (2007–2012).Patients180 patients with NAFLD but without hepatic comorbidities were followed up for a median of 19.5 (range 3–57) months. 52% had type 2 diabetes mellitus, 48% were Europoid Caucasian, 17% were South Asian.InterventionsMultiple clinical interventions were employed including lifestyle (diet and exercise) advice, pharmacological intervention for cardiovascular risk factors, weight loss and exercise therapy.Main outcome measuresChange in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), weight, HbA1c, lipid profile and blood pressure.ResultsMedian ALT fell from 61 (12–270) U/l to 50 (11–221) U/l, −18%, p<0.001, and weight fell from 90.5 (42.7–175.0) kg to 87.3 (45.9–175.3) kg, −3.5%, p<0.001. There were significant improvements in total cholesterol overall, triglycerides (among dyslipidaemic patients), HbA1c (among diabetic patients) and systolic blood pressure (among hypertensive patients). 24% of patients achieved ≥7% weight loss during follow-up and 17% maintained this weight loss throughout.ConclusionsImprovement in liver biochemistry and cardiovascular risk factors was seen in patients attending the multidisciplinary NAFLD clinic. Refinement of this approach is warranted in light of these data, novel therapies and a growing evidence base.
Contributing determinants of overall and wealth-related inequality in under-5 mortality in 13 African countries
Authors: Van Malderen Carine , Van Oyen Herman , Speybroeck Niko 
Published: May 2013

ObjectiveTo investigate and compare the main determinants of overall inequality and wealth-related inequality in under-5 mortality in 13 African countries.MethodsData from Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in 2007–2010 in African countries were used. The study assessed the contribution of determinants to (1) overall inequality in under-5 mortality measured by the Gini index and (2) wealth-related inequality in under-5 mortality measured by the concentration index. Techniques used were multivariate logistic regression and decomposition of Gini and concentration indexes.ResultsBirth order and interval and region contributed the most to overall inequality in under-5 mortality in a majority of countries. A significant wealth-related inequality was observed in five countries: DRCongo, Egypt, Madagascar, Nigeria and Sao Tome & Principe. Overall, household wealth, father's occupation and mother's education contributed the most to this inequality, though the ranking of the most important determinants differed across countries.ConclusionsAssessing the contribution of determinants to overall inequality and to wealth-related inequality in under-5 mortality help in prioritising interventions aiming at improving child survival and equity.
Abortion care services delivered from a community sexual and reproductive health setting: views of health care professionals
Authors: Michie Lucy , Cameron Sharon T , Glasier Anna 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundAbortion services should provide high-quality contraceptive care. The community sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services may be well placed to deliver more abortion care in the UK. We wished to determine the views of health professionals working in SRH regarding their attitudes towards providing more abortion services and also the views of staff within one community SRH centre in Scotland where a service providing early medical abortion (EMA) was due to commence.MethodsAn anonymous questionnaire distributed to attendees at a UK SRH scientific meeting collected data on demographics, current practice of and attitude to abortion, and views on delivery of abortion services. An internet questionnaire distributed by e-mail to staff at a community SRH clinic in Scotland sought demographics, views regarding the planned introduction of an EMA service and willingness to participate in it.Results165 questionnaires were completed out of 200 distributed at the scientific meeting (an 82% response rate). 128 (78%) respondents felt that abortion services were suited to community clinics and 115 (70%) stated that they would be willing to participate in them. 62/90 (69%) staff from the SRH clinic responded to the internet questionnaire. 44 (71%) felt the plan to introduce abortion services was a natural extension to services already offered and the same number would be willing to be involved in such a service.ConclusionThere is clear support amongst health professionals in community SRH in the UK towards greater participation in the provision of abortion care services.
Early carotid angioplasty and stenting may offer non-inferior treatment for symptomatic cases of carotid artery stenosis
Authors: Wach Michael M , Dumont Travis M , Mokin Maxim , Kass-Hout Tareq , Snyder Kenneth V , Hopkins L Nelson , Levy Elad I , Siddiqui Adnan H 
Published: May 2013

ObjectiveEarly intervention is desirable in patients presenting with stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) referable to carotid artery stenosis because of the high incidence of recurrent ischemic events within 48 h post-ictus. However, the optimal timing of performing carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) in these patients remains unclear amid concerns for an elevated risk of perioperative complications. The primary outcome of this study was the combined incidence of major perioperative complications (stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), death) based on timing of CAS relative to symptom onset.MethodsA prospectively maintained database of all neuroendovascular procedures at our hospital was searched for consecutive cases of extracranial internal CAS procedures performed for symptomatic atherosclerotic carotid stenosis between January 2009 and January 2012. Rates of perioperative complications including 30-day stroke, MI and death were assembled in a total of 221 patients.ResultsThe primary outcome was not statistically different among groups stratified based on intervention timing, with a combined incidence of stroke, MI or death of 7.1% in patients treated within 2 days, 4.5% in patients treated between days 3 and 7, 2.8% in patients treated between days 8 and 14 and 3.7% in patients treated between days 15 and 90 (p=0.749, Fisher exact test).ConclusionsOur results support the conclusion that early CAS (within 2 days) carries no additional risks compared with CAS after 2 days or any other timing of the intervention up to 90 days. Early CAS may represent a reasonable option for acute revascularization to minimize the risk of perioperative stroke and overall perioperative complications.
Thrombus length estimation in acute ischemic stroke: a potential role for delayed contrast enhanced CT
Authors: Mortimer Alex M , Little David H , Minhas Kishore S , Walton Edward RJ , Renowden Shelley A , Bradley Marcus D 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThrombus length has been shown to be an important determinant of recanalization using intravenous thrombolysis in hyperacute ischemic stroke. Various studies have attempted to quantify thrombus based on non-contrast CT (NCCT) or CT angiography (CTA). However, thrombus may not be seen on NCCT, and CTA may fail to delineate the distal extent of the thrombus. Contrast enhanced CT (CECT) following CTA can be used to estimate infarct core, but we investigated whether the angiographic data available on these images provided reliable information on thrombus length.Materials and methods15 consecutive patients, mean age 81 years (range 63–93), with terminal internal carotid artery or M1-middle cerebral artery occlusions underwent NCCT, CTA (bolus tracked technique), and CECT (acquired 80 s post initial CTA injection). Three radiologists assessed thrombus length on thin slice NCCT, and CTA and CECT.ResultsCTA overestimated thrombus length relative to NCCT (p<0.001) and CECT (p<0.001). There was less difference between CTA and CECT estimation in patients with good collateral scores (p<0.05). There was good correlation between NCCT and CECT (Pearson's correlation coefficient=0.90, 95% CI 0.81 to 0.95, p<0.001). Inter-rater reliability assessed using intraclass correlation was 0.95 (95% CI 0.87 to 0.98) for NCCT and 0.98 (95% CI 0.94 to 0.99) for CECT.ConclusionsCTA regularly overestimates thrombus length as the distal end of the thrombus is not delineated. This can be overcome through the use of a CECT acquisition which can reliably be used to estimate thrombus length.