bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictors of nonunion and reoperation in patients with fractures of the tibia: an observational study
Authors: Fong Katie , Truong Victoria , Foote Clary J , Petrisor Brad , Williams Dale , Ristevski Bill , Sprague Sheila , Bhandari Mohit 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Tibial shaft fractures are the most common long bone fracture and are prone to complications such as nonunion requiring reoperations to promote fracture healing. We aimed to determine the fracture characteristics associated with tibial fracture nonunion, and their predictive value on the need for reoperation. We further aimed to evaluate the predictive value of a previously-developed prognostic index of three fracture characteristics on nonunion and reoperation rate.

Methods
We conducted an observational study and developed a risk factor list from previous literature and key informants in the field of orthopaedic surgery, as well as via a sample-to-redundancy strategy. We evaluated 22 potential risk factors for the development of tibial fracture nonunion in 200 tibial fractures. We also evaluated the predictive value of a previously-identified prognostic risk index on secondary intervention and/or reoperation rate. Two individuals independently extracted the data from 200 patient electronic medical records. An independent reviewer assessed the initial x-ray, the post-operative x-ray, and all available sequential x-rays. Regression and chi-square analysis was used to evaluate potential associations.

Results
In our cohort of patients, 37 (18.5%) had a nonunion and 27 (13.5%) underwent a reoperation. Patients with a nonunion were 97 times (95% CI 25.8-366.5) more likely to have a reoperation. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that fractures with less than 25% cortical continuity were predictive of nonunion (odds ratio = 4.72; p = 0.02). Such fractures also accounted for all of the reoperations identified in our sample. Furthermore, our data provided preliminary validation of a previous risk index predictive of reoperation that includes the presence of a fracture gap post-fixation, open fracture, and transverse fracture type as variables, with an aggregate of fracture gap and an open fracture yielding patients with the highest risk of developing a nonunion.

Conclusions
We identified a significant association between degree of cortical continuity and the development of a nonunion and risk for reoperation in tibial shaft fractures. In addition, our study supports the predictive value of a previous prognostic index, which inform discussion of prognosis following operative management of tibial fractures.
Ankle dorsi- and plantar-flexion torques measured by dynamometry in healthy subjects from 5 to 80 years
Authors: Moraux Amélie , Canal Aurélie , Ollivier Gwenn , Ledoux Isabelle , Doppler Valérie , Payan Christine , Hogrel Jean-Yves 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Ankle strength is often impaired in some of the most common neuromuscular disorders. Consequently, strength generated around this joint is important to assess, because it has a great impact on balance and gait. The objectives of this study were to establish normative data and predictive equations for both ankle dorsi- and plantar-flexion strength from a population of healthy subjects (children and adults), to assess the reliability of the measurements and to study the feasibility of using a novel dynamometer on a group of patients with a neuromuscular disorder.

Methods
Measurements of maximal isometric torque for dorsi- and plantar-flexion were performed on 345 healthy subjects from 5 to 80 years of age. The feasibility of the method was tested on nine patients diagnosed with type 2A limb girdle muscular dystrophy.

Results
The results documented normal strength values depending on gender and age on ankle dorsi- and plantar-flexion. The reliability of the technique was good with no evaluator effect and a small learning effect. The dynamometer was found suitable in the group of patients, even very weak.

Conclusions
The device developed was both reliable and accurate in assessing both ankle dorsi-flexion and plantar-flexion torque measurements from weak patients and children to strong healthy adults. Norms and predictive equations are provided for these two muscle functions.
Anti-malarial IgG subclasses pattern and FcγRIIa (CD32) polymorphism among pregnancy-associated malaria in semi-immune Saudi women
Authors: Nasr Amre , Hamid Osama , Al-Ghamdi Abdelhamid , Allam Gamal 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundPregnant women remain are at an increased risk of malaria with primigravidae being at the highest risk. Genetic polymorphism of the Fc receptor IIa for immunologlobulin (Ig) G (FcγRIIa) determines IgG subclass binding. Protection against pregnancy-associated malaria (PAM) is associated with the production of IgG specific for apical membrane antigen-1 (AMA-1). The present study was undertaken to examine the relationship between specific IgG/IgG subclasses and malaria infection. The second aim of the study is to examine the association between FcγRIIa R/H131 polymorphism in correlation with specific anti-malarial IgG antibodies of AMA-1 distribution and asymptomatic malaria infection among Saudi women living in the southern part of Saudi Arabia.MethodsOne hundred and twenty pregnant women living in an area of meso-endemicPlasmodium falciparummalaria infection were consecutively enrolled onto the study. These pregnant women were asymptomatic and attending routine antenatal clinics. The levels of plasma antibodies (IgG and subclasses AMA-1) were measured using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Genotyping of FcγRIIa-R/H131 dimorphism was performed using gene-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification with allele-specific restriction enzyme digestion (BstU1) of the PCR product.ResultsA total of sixty-two (52%) pregnant women was diagnosed with asymptomatic malarial infection (ASM) compared with 58 (48%) malaria free controls (MFC). In the ASM group, there were high levels of anti-malarial IgG1 and IgG3, when compared to MFC (Pvalue <0.001, respectively). The FcγRIIa-R/R131 genotype and R131 were found to be statistically significantly more prevalent in the ASM group when compared to the MFC group [55% for ASMversus12% for MFC, odds ratio (OR) 5.62, 95% confidence interval (CI)= (2.03- 15.58),Pvalue= 0.001]. However, the H/H131 genotype showed statistically significant association with MFC [14% for ASMversus50% for MFC, OR(0.36), 95% CI= (0.14- 0.95),Pvalue= 0.03].ConclusionsThe study revealed that the ASM patients had higher anti-malarial IgG and IgG subclasses antibody levels when compared to the MFC. The FcγRIIa-R/R131 genotype and R131 allele were found to be statistically prevalent in the ASM when compared to the MFC group. The individuals carrying H/H131 were consistently associated with higher levels of anti-malarial IgG subclasses.
Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes: parental perceptions of child health and family functioning and their relationship to adolescent metabolic control
Authors: Moore Susan M , Hackworth Naomi J , Hamilton Victoria E , Northam Elisabeth P , Cameron Fergus J 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Adolescents with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) show less effective metabolic control than other age groups, partly because of biological changes beyond their control and partly because in this period of developmental transition, psychosocial factors can militate against young people upholding their lifestyle and medical regimens. Parents have an important role to play in supporting adolescents to self-manage their disease, but resultant family tensions can be high. In this study, we aimed to assess family functioning and adolescent behaviour/ adjustment and examine the relationships between these parent-reported variables and adolescent metabolic control (HbA1c), self-reported health and diabetes self-care.

Method
A sample of 76 parents of Australian adolescents with T1D completed the Child Health Questionnaire –Parent form. Their adolescent child with T1D provided their HbA1c level from their most recent clinic visit, their self-reported general health, and completed a measure of diabetes self-care.

Results
Parent-reported family conflict was high, as was disease impact on family dynamics and parental stress. Higher HbA1c (poorer metabolic control) and less adequate adolescent self-care were associated with lower levels of family functioning, more adolescent behavioural difficulties and poorer adolescent mental health.

Conclusions
The implication of these findings was discussed in relation to needs for information and support among Australian families with an adolescent with T1D, acknowledging the important dimension of family functioning and relationships in adolescent chronic disease management.
Breast cancer after kidney transplantation: a single institution review
Authors: Kwak Hee-Yong , Chae Byung-Joo , Bae Ja-Seong , Jung Sang-Seol , Song Byung-Joo 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Improvements in immunosuppression have resulted in long life expectancy of kidney transplants. Unfortunately, the incidence of post-transplant malignancy (PTM) is increasing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nature and stage-specific prognosis of post-transplant breast cancer (PTBC) compared with breast cancer in the general population, and to suggest optimal treatment strategies.

Methods
A database of 2,139 consecutive kidney transplant patients was reviewed;11 of the patients developed breast cancer. These 11 PTBC cases underwent operations between 1999 and 2011. Next, 2,554 breast cancer patients treated in the same period were reviewed. Kaplan–Meier curves and the log-rank test were used to assess stage-specific survival of breast cancer in our hospital.

Results
In total, 142 cases experienced post-transplant malignancy (PTM; 6.6%) and 11 (0.5%) developed PTBC. No one required an adjusted dose of immunosuppressive agent. Two stage III patients died. For all breast cancer patients, 5-year survival by stage was 97.7% for stage I, 92.9% for stage II, 78.6% for stage III, and 49.9% for stage IV. The 5-year survival for expected stage III-specific survival was 66.7% and no significant statistical difference was seen compared to that of the total breast cancer patients (P = 0.213).

Conclusions
The prognosis of PTBC was comparable to that of the general population. These results suggest that the use of immunosuppressants per se does not adversely affect breast cancer.
On the iterated exponent of convergence of zeros of "Equation missing"
Authors: Tu Jin , Xuan Zu-Xing , Xu Hong-Yan 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
In this paper, the authors investigate the iterated exponent of convergence of zeros of

f

(
j
)

(
z
)
−
φ
(
z
)

(

j
=
0
,
1
,
2
,
…

), where f is a solution of some second-order linear differential equation,

φ
(
z
)
≢
0

is an entire function satisfying

σ

p
+
1

(
φ
)
<

σ

p
+
1

(
f
)

or

i
(
φ
)
<
i
(
f
)

(

p
∈
N

). We obtain some results which improve and generalize some previous results in (Chen in Acta Math. Sci. Ser. A 20(3):425-432, 2000; Chen and Shon in Chin. Ann. Math. Ser. A 27(4):431-442, 2006; Tu et al. in Electron. J. Qual. Theory Differ. Equ. 23:1-17, 2011) and provide us with a method to investigate the iterated exponent of convergence of zeros of

f

(
j
)

(
z
)
−
φ
(
z
)

(

j
=
0
,
1
,
2
,
…

).

MSC:34A20, 30D35.
Development of porcine rotavirus vp6 protein based ELISA for differentiation of this virus and other viruses
Authors: Zhu Jiayi , Yang Qing , Cao Liyan , Dou Xiujing , Zhao Jianguo , Zhu Weijuan , Ding Fan , Bu Ri-e , Suo Siqingaowa , Ren Yudong , Li Guangxing , Ren Xiaofeng 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
The context and purpose of the study included 1) bacterial expression of viral protein 6 (VP6) of porcine rotavirus (PRV) and generation of rabbit polyclonal antiserum to the VP6 protein; 3) establishment of a discrimination ELISA to distinguish PRV from a panel of other porcine viruses.

Results
The VP6 gene of PRV isolate DN30209 amplified by reverse transcription-PCR was 1356 bp containing a complete open reading frame (ORF) encoding 397 amino acids. Sequence comparison and phylogenetic analysis indicated that PRV DN30209 may belong to group A of rotavirus. Bacterially expressed VP6 was expressed in E.coli and anti-VP6 antibody was capable of distinguishing PRV from Porcine transmissible gastroenteritis virus, Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus, Porcine circovirus type II, Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, Porcine pseudorabies virus and Porcine parvovirus.

Conclusions
PRV VP6 expressed in E. coli can be used to generate antibodies in rabbit; anti-VP6 serum antibody can be used as good diagnostic reagents for detection of PRV.
Phosphorylation of histone H3 on Ser10 by auto-phosphorylated PAK1 is not essential for chromatin condensation and meiotic progression in porcine oocytes
Authors: Wang Bingyuan , Ma Wei , Xu Xiaoling , Wang Chao , Zhu Yubo , An Na , An Lei , Wu Zhonghong , Tian Jianhui 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
The p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1) is essential for mitosis and plays an important role in the regulation of microtubule assembly during oocyte meiotic maturation in mice; however, little is known about its role in porcine oocytes.

Result
Total p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1) and phosphorylated PAK1 at Thr423 (PAK1Thr423) were consistently expressed in porcine oocytes from the germinal vesicle (GV) to the second metaphase (MII) stages, but phosphorylation of histone H3 at Ser10 (H3Ser10) was only expressed after the GV stage. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that PAK1Thr423 and H3Ser10 colocalized on chromosomes after the GV stage. Blocking of endogenous PAK1Thr423 by injecting a specific antibody decreased the phosphorylation level of H3Ser10; however, it had no impact on chromatin condensation, meiotic progression, cleavage rate of blastomeres or the rate of blastocyst formation.

Conclusion
Phosphorylation of PAK1Thr423 is a spontaneous activation process and the activated PAK1Thr423 can promote the phosphorylation of H3Ser10; however, this pathway is not required for meiotic maturation of porcine oocytes or early embryonic development.
Flood modelling for cities using Cloud computing
Authors: Glenis Vassilis , McGough Andrew Stephen , Kutija Vedrana , Kilsby Chris , Woodman Simon 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Urban flood risk modelling is a highly topical example of intensive computational processing. Such processing is increasingly required by a range of organisations including local government, engineering consultancies and the insurance industry to fulfil statutory requirements and provide professional services. As the demands for this type of work become more common, then ownership of high-end computational resources is warranted but if use is more sporadic and with tight deadlines then the use of Cloud computing could provide a cost-effective alternative. However, uptake of the Cloud by such organisations is often thwarted by the perceived technical barriers to entry. In this paper we present an architecture that helps to simplify the process of performing parameter sweep work on an Infrastructure as a Service Cloud. A parameter sweep version of the urban flood modelling, analysis and visualisation software “CityCat” was developed and deployed to estimate spatial and temporal flood risk at a whole city scale – far larger than had previously been possible. Performing this work on the Cloud allowed us access to more computing power than we would have been able to purchase locally for such a short time-frame (∼21 months of processing in a single calendar month). We go further to illustrate the considerations, both functional and non-functional, which need to be addressed if such an endeavour is to be successfully achieved.
Investigation of herb-drug interactions with ginkgo biloba in women receiving hormonal treatment for early breast cancer
Authors: Vardy Janette , Dhillon Haryana M , Clarke Stephen J , Olesen Inger , Leslie Felicity , Warby Anne , Beith Jane , Sullivan Anne , Hamilton Anne , Beale Philip , Rittau Anneliese , McLachlan Andrew J 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Women receiving treatment for breast cancer commonly ingest herbal medicines. Little is known about the potential for herb-drug interactions in this population. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of ginkgo biloba co-administration on the pharmacokinetics of tamoxifen, anastrozole and letrozole. This was a prospective open-label cross-over study in 60 women with early stage breast cancer taking either tamoxifen, anastrozole or letrozole (n=20/group). Participants received ginkgo biloba (EGb 761) for 3 weeks (120 mg twice daily). Trough concentrations of drugs were measured before and after ginkgo biloba treatment using LC-MS/MS. Toxicities were graded according to National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events. Trough concentrations before and after treatment with ginkgo biloba were not significantly different for tamoxifen (93.5 ± 29.0, 86.5 ± 25.3 ng/mL; p=0.16), letrozole (91.1 ± 50.4, 89.6 ± 52.14 ng/mL; p=0.60) or anastrozole (29.1 ± 8.6, 29.1 ± 7.6 ng/mL; p=0.97). Ginkgo biloba was well tolerated, with no difference in toxicity during ginkgo biloba. Co-administration of ginkgo biloba does not significantly affect the pharmacokinetics of tamoxifen, anastrozole or letrozole. There was no difference in the toxicity profile of hormone therapy with ginkgo biloba use in women with early stage breast cancer.
Postcards from the EDge: 5-year outcomes of a randomised controlled trial for hospital-treated self-poisoning
Authors: Carter Gregory L. , Clover Kerrie , Whyte Ian M. , Dawson Andrew H. , D'Este Catherine 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundRepetition of hospital-treated self-poisoning and admission to psychiatric hospital are both common in individuals who self-poison.AimsTo evaluate efficacy of postcard intervention after 5 years.MethodA randomised controlled trial of individuals who have self-poisoned: postcard intervention (eight in 12 months) plus treatment as usualv.treatment as usual. Our primary outcomes were self-poisoning admissions and psychiatric admissions (proportions and event rates).ResultsThere was no difference between groups for any repeat-episode self-poisoning admission (intervention group: 24.9%, 95% CI 20.6-29.5; control group: 27.2%, 95% CI 22.8-31.8) but there was a significant reduction in event rates (incidence risk ratio (IRR)=0.54, 95% CI 0.37-0.81), saving 306 bed days. There was no difference for any psychiatric admission (intervention group: 38.1%, 95% CI 33.1-43.2; control group: 35.5%, 95% CI 30.8-40.5) but there was a significant reduction in event rates (IRR=0.66, 95% CI 0.47-0.91), saving 2565 bed days.ConclusionsA postcard intervention halved self-poisoning events and reduced psychiatric admissions by a third after 5 years. Substantial savings occurred in general hospital and psychiatric hospital bed days.
Dicer Deficiency Reveals MicroRNAs Predicted to Control Gene Expression in the Developing Adrenal Cortex
Authors: Krill Kenneth T. , Gurdziel Katherine , Heaton Joanne H. , Simon Derek P. , Hammer Gary D. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, endogenous, non-protein–coding RNAs that are an important means of posttranscriptional gene regulation. Deletion of Dicer, a key miRNA processing enzyme, is embryonic lethal in mice, and tissue-specific Dicer deletion results in developmental defects. Using a conditional knockout model, we generated mice lacking Dicer in the adrenal cortex. These Dicer-knockout (KO) mice exhibited perinatal mortality and failure of the adrenal cortex during late gestation between embryonic day 16.5 (E16.5) and E18.5. Further study of Dicer-KO adrenals demonstrated a significant loss of steroidogenic factor 1-expressing cortical cells that was histologically evident as early as E16.5 coincident with an increase in p21 and cleaved-caspase 3 staining in the cortex. However, peripheral cortical proliferation persisted in KO adrenals as assessed by staining of proliferating cell nuclear antigen. To further characterize the embryonic adrenals from Dicer-KO mice, we performed microarray analyses for both gene and miRNA expression on purified RNA isolated from control and KO adrenals of E15.5 and E16.5 embryos. Consistent with the absence of Dicer and the associated loss of miRNA-mediated mRNA degradation, we observed an up-regulation of a small subset of adrenal transcripts in Dicer-KO mice, most notably the transcripts coded by the genes Nr6a1 and Acvr1c. Indeed, several miRNAs, including let-7, miR-34c, and miR-21, that are predicted to target these genes for degradation, were also markedly down-regulated in Dicer-KO adrenals. Together these data suggest a role for miRNA-mediated regulation of a subset of genes that are essential for normal adrenal growth and homeostasis.
Specificity of Lucigenin Solubility, and Solvent and Base Effects on Lucigenin Chemiluminescence
Authors: Tahara Chiaki , Toyose Yasushi , Ogawa Hiroaki I , Yamaguchi Toshio , Yoshinaga Tetsutaro 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
The solubility of lucigenin was measured in alcohols and aqueous alcohol mixtures. The solubility of lucigenin in normal alcohols exponentially decreased with increasing molecular weight of primary normal alcohols, whereas in alcohol–water mixtures it showed a maximum at specific alcohol concentrations. Solvent and bases effects on chemiluminescence (CL) of lucigenin have been investigated for methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 1-butanol, and aqueous mixtures of methanol and ethanol, and for various amine and alkaline metal bases, respectively. The CL intensities of lucigenin decreased in two-step processes: the main one with a short apparent lifetime of 0.3 ± 0.1 s and another one due to subreactions with a relatively long lifetime dependent on base concentration. At lower concentration of bases, the apparent CL lifetime increased in the order LiOH &lt; NaOH &lt; KOH. Both solvent and base effects on the solubility and CL of lucigenin are discussed from a standpoint of the amphipathic nature of lucigenin and solvents.
Reaction of Binuclear Ruthenium–Fulvalene Intermediates Intramolecularly Bridged by Alkyl Disulfides
Authors: Yasuhara Hiroki , Koga Kazuki , Nakashima Satoru 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
[{Ru(MeCN)(PPh3)}2(µ-η5:η5-C10H8)(µ-MeSSMe)](BF4)2 (2A) and its analogues were isolated as the intermediates of an intramolecular bis(thiolato)-bridging reaction, and characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray structural analysis. The intermediates of the reaction had structures with an intramolecular alkyl disulfide bridge between a pair of Ru atoms, and the disulfide bond length was extended compared with the corresponding noncoordinated disulfide bond length. The intermediates reacted spontaneously in various solvents to produce bis(thiolato)-bridged complexes, and the reaction rate constant depended on the solvent. It was found that the reaction was stepwise and the rate-determining step was that in which RCN ligands were eliminated.