bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retrospective review of the use and costs of routine chest x rays in a trauma setting
Authors: Ziegler Kristina , Feeney James M , Desai Colleen , Sharpio David , Marshall Wiiliam T , Twohig Michael 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIntroductionChest x-rays (CXR) are routinely obtained on blunt trauma patients. Many patients also receive additional imaging with thoracic computed tomography scans for other indications. We hypothesized that in hemodynamically normal, awake and alert blunt trauma patients, CXR can be deferred in those who will also receive a TCT with significant cost savings.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the charts of trauma patients from 1/1/2010 to 12/31/2010 who received both a CXR and TCT in the trauma room. Billing and cost data were collected from various hospital sources.Results239 patients who met inclusion and exclusion criteria and received CXR and TCT between 1/1/2010 and 12/31/2010. The sensitivity of CXR was 19% (95% CI: 10.8% to 31%) and the specificity was 91.7% (95% CI: 86.7% to 95%). The false positive rate for CXR was 35.8% (95% CI: 21.7% to 52.8%) and the false negative rate was 24.5% (95% CI: 18.8% to 31.2%). The precision of CXR was 42.3% (95% CI: 25.5% to 61.1%) and the overall accuracy was 74.1% (95% CI: 68.1% to 79.2%). If routine chest xray were eliminated in these patients, the estimated cost savings ranged from $14,641 to $142,185, using three different methods of cost analysis.ConclusionsIn patients who are hemodynamically normal and who will be receiving a TCT, deferring a CXR would result in an estimated cost savings up to $142,185. Additionally, TCT is more sensitive and specific than CXR in identifying injuries in patients who have sustained blunt trauma to the thorax.
Inhibition of ADAM-17 more effectively down-regulates the Notch pathway than that of γ-secretase in renal carcinoma
Authors: Guo Zhen , Jin Xunbo , Jia Haiyan 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Our study is to research the effect of inhibited ADAM-17 expression through the Notch pathway in renal carcinoma.

Methods
Immunohistochemistry and western blot were used to examine the expression of ADAM-17 protein in renal cancer tissues. Proliferation and cell invasion of 786-o cells, as well as OS-RC-2 cells, after treatment with two different inhibitors of the Notch pathway, were examined by CCK-8 assay and Transwell assay, respectively. 786-o cell apoptosis was measured using the FCM test.

Results
ADAM-17 was highly expressed in RCC tissues. Compared with blocking γ-secretase, a known mechanism of impairing Notch, blockade of ADAM-17 more effectively down-regulated the expressions of Notch1 and HES-1 proteins. Similarly, we found that the ADAM-17 inhibitor, Marimastat, could more efficiently reduce renal cell proliferation and invasive capacity in comparison with the γ-secretase inhibitor DAPT when used at the same dose. Similar results were obtained when apoptosis of 786-o was measured.

Conclusion
Compared with γ-secretase, inhibition of ADAM-17 expression more effectively inhibits Notch pathway-mediated renal cancer cell proliferation and invasion. ADAM-17 may be a new target for future treatment of renal carcinoma.
Knowledge of specific HIV transmission modes in relation to HIV infection in Mozambique
Authors: Brewer Devon D 
Published: May 2013

Background: In prior research, Africans who knew about blood-borne risks were modestly less likely to be HIV-infected than those who were not aware of such risks.Objectives/Methods: I examined the association between knowledge of specific HIV transmission modes and prevalent HIV infection with data from the 2009 Mozambique AIDS Indicator Survey.Results: Respondents displayed high awareness of blood exposures and vaginal sex as modes of HIV transmission. However, only about half of respondents were aware of anal sex as a way HIV can be transmitted. After adjustments for demographics and sexual behaviors, respondents who knew that HIV could spread by contact with infected blood or by sharing injection needles or razor blades were less likely to be infected than those who did not know about these risks. Respondents who knew about sexual risks were as, or more, likely to be HIV infected as those who did not know about sexual risks. Also, children of HIV-uninfected mothers were less likely to be infected if their mothers were aware of blood-borne HIV risks than if their mothers were unaware.Conclusion: HIV education campaigns in Mozambique and elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa should include a focus on risks from blood exposures and anal sex.
Freely available compound data sets and software tools for chemoinformatics and computational medicinal chemistry applications
Authors: Hu Ye , Bajorath Jürgen 
Published: May 2013

We have generated a number of compound data sets and programs for different types of applications in pharmaceutical research. These data sets and programs were originally designed for our research projects and are made publicly available. Without consulting original literature sources, it is difficult to understand specific features of data sets and software tools, basic ideas underlying their design, and applicability domains. Currently, 30 different entries are available for download from our website. In this data article, we provide an overview of the data and tools we make available and designate the areas of research for which they should be useful. For selected data sets and methods/programs, detailed descriptions are given. This article should help interested readers to select data and tools for specific computational investigations.
The efficacy of disinfectants on abattoirs’ Candida albicans isolates in Niger Delta region
Authors: Olorode Oluwayemisi A , Okpokwasli G Chijioke 
Published: May 2013

This study was conducted to evaluate the antimicrobial activities of common disinfectants- these are (parachlorometaxylenol) dettol, savlon purit and jik (sodium hypochlorite) on Candida albicans isolated from displaying and cutting tables in five different abattoirs in Port Harcourt (Niger Delta region); the abattoirs include Trans Amadi, Agip, Woji, Rumuokoro, and Rumuodara. This research was carried out between January 2005 and June 2006. Swab samples were collected from abattoirs cutting tables with sterile swab sticks and immediately transferred and cultured in the laboratory on a selective medium Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA). The disinfectants’ concentrations were prepared at 10%, 20%, 40%, and 70%, in triplicates and the mean values calculated. 0.5 Mc Farland turbidity method of standardization and Agar diffusion method were used for disinfectants testing of the isolates. Statistical analysis of the data showed no significant difference in the effectiveness of these disinfectants at (p<0.05). In conclusion, this study has shown that savlon and dettol were the most potent antimicrobial agents at 10% concentration on Candida albicans isolates when compared with purit and jik in this study, hence they are good sanitizing agents to be applied on the abattoirs cutting tables, before meat products can be displayed for sale.
Donor awareness: key to successful voluntary blood donation
Authors: Sareen Rateesh , Gupta Gajendra N , Dutt Akanksha 
Published: May 2013

Context: The current regulatory requirements for donor eligibility pose a challenge to blood centers in recruitment of voluntary blood donors, particularly in a developing country like India where awareness of the general population is low and myths about blood donation are prevalent. This study evaluates the reasons and rates of donor deferral in a tertiary hospital-based blood bank in western India.Aim: To find rates and reasons for deferral of voluntary blood donors in a city in western India.Settings and design: A retrospective study was done on blood donors during a 3-month period. Data collection was done by electronic records of blood donors.Materials and Methods: The study was conducted retrospectively at a tertiary care hospital in western India. All those who donated whole blood between 1st January 2011 and 31st March 2011 were included in the study. Data was collected using local blood bank software.Statistical analysis used: No statistical technique used as it is a data article.Results: 60.5% of donors were young, below 30 years of age. Donors were predominantly male (91.6%). Voluntary donors comprised 88% of the donors. Total deferral rate was 22.36%, with 17.29% permanent deferrals and 82.71% temporary deferrals. Main reasons for deferral were anemia 39.42%, low body weight 14.29%, hypertension 10.73%, age below 18 years 10.73% and history of medication 6.09%. The common causes of deferral between our study and other similar studies are the same.Conclusion: We concluded that majority of the donor population belongs to 18–30-year-old age group. This is encouraging with a voluntary blood donation initiative. Donor self exclusion and strict donor selection criteria application should be addressed by more proactive measures to make blood donation a safe and pleasurable experience.
CA72-4 may contribute to real-time reconnaissance of gastric cancer
Authors: Keller Jutta , Reiss-Sklan Ella , Refael Miri , Andresen Viola , Levy-Herman Yael , Ruvinsky Igor 
Published: May 2013

Objective: Data from prospective studies indicate a positive impact of gastric cancer screening programs on mortality associated with the disease. Unfortunately, endoscopic procedures, widely regarded as uncomfortable, face low patient compliance, thus underscoring the need for reliable biological markers capable of detection of tumor growth in bodily fluids. Furthermore, in light of the emerging patient-friendly, still devoid of histopathological capabilities, capsule endoscopy, gastric fluid may prove valuable for biomarker-assisted cancer diagnosis. We set out to determine whether CA72-4 measurement in gastric fluid may be of benefit for detection of gastric cancer.Design: Open prospective study.Setting: Sample collection was performed at a tertiary referral center for patients with gastroenterological diseases; immunological analysis was performed at the R&D facility of a commercial biotechnology company. Studies were part of an EU-FP6 project (NEMO).Patients: 176 patients referred for endoscopy due to gastrointestinal complaints.Interventions: Gastric juice was aspirated endoscopically according to standard operating procedures, volume and pH were measured immediately and samples stored at -80°C.Outcome measures: Concentration of CA72-4 tumor marker was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results: Median CA72-4 levels were about 4-fold higher in cancer patients compared with patients with normal gastric findings, gastric inflammation, intestinal metaplasia or other diseases (p=0.001). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that elevated CA72-4 was significantly predicted by gastric carcinoma adjusted for H. pylori status, age, smoking status, PPI dose, and pH of aspirate (R2=0.27, p<0.0001). In this model, diagnosis of gastric carcinoma had by far the greatest influence. At a cut-off level of 100 U/ml, CA72-4 had 75% sensitivity and 89% specificity for detection of gastric cancer.Conclusions: Based on our findings, CA72-4 level assessment in gastric fluid, featuring yet unmatched accuracy of malignant neoplasia detection may prove beneficial for gastric cancer screening.
Corticoid-associated complications in elderly
Authors: Ben Dhaou Besma Ben , Boussema Fatma , Aydi Zohra , Baili Lilia , Tira Hédi , Rokbani Lilia 
Published: May 2013

Background: Corticosteroids are widely prescribed products in the elderly particularly in systemic diseases and have been indispensable in controlling a variety of disease states. The various complications associated with this drug class warrant caution and monitoring with each formulation, especially with an older patient population.Aim: The aim of our study was to evaluate the frequency and type of side effects and complications of long-term corticosteroid therapy in the elderly.Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 23 patients aged 65 and older hospitalized in the Internal Medicine Department of the Habib Thameur hospital from January 2000 to December 2004. Corticoid-related adverse effects were recorded throughout the follow-up period.Results: There were 20 women and 3 men aged 66 to 87 years with a mean age of 75.7 years. The diagnoses were 8 cases of temporal arteritis, 7 cases of rheumatoid arthritis, 3 cases of multiple myeloma, 2 scleroderma, 1 case of systemic lupus erythematosus, 1 case of retroperitoneal fibrosis and 1 case of psoriatic arthritis. We selected 66 complications. Infectious complications were found in 26 cases (39.3%), 11 cases (16.7%) of iatrogenic diabetes, arterial hypertension in 9 cases (13%), skeletal complications in two cases, psychiatric complications in two cases, ophthalmologic complications in one case.Conclusion: Despite lifestyle rules and adjunctive therapy, complications seem to be frequent. To minimize the disadvantages of prolonged corticosteroid treatment, regular monitoring and careful screening is imperative to detect and handle them in time.
Case Report: Vocal cord collapse during phrenic nerve-paced respiration in congenital central hypoventilation syndrome
Authors: Domanski Mark C , Preciado Diego A 
Published: May 2013

Objective: Phrenic nerve pacing can be used to treat congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS). We report how the lack of normal vocal cord tone during phrenic paced respiration can result in passive vocal cord collapse and produce obstructive symptoms.Methods: We describe a case of passive vocal cord collapse during phrenic nerve paced respiration in a patient with CCHS. As far as we know, this is the first report of this etiology of airway obstruction. The patient, a 7-year-old with CCHS and normal waking vocal cord movement, continued to require nightly continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) despite successful utilization of phrenic nerve pacers. On direct laryngoscopy, the patient’s larynx was observed while the diaphragmatic pacers were sequentially engaged.Results: No abnormal vocal cord stimulation was witnessed during engaging of either phrenic nerve stimulator. However, the lack of normal inspiratory vocal cord abduction during phrenic nerve-paced respiration resulted in vocal cord collapse and partial obstruction due to passive adduction of the vocal cords through the Bernoulli effect. Bilateral phrenic nerve stimulation resulted in more vocal cord collapse than unilateral stimulation.Conclusions: The lack of vocal cord abduction on inspiration presents a limit to phrenic nerve pacers.
Effect of obesity on ovarian reserve parameters in mid-reproductive age women
Authors: Altaee Hanan , Al-Madfai Zaid Abdul Majeed , Alkhafaji Zainab Hassan 
Published: May 2013

Background: The initiation and maintenance of reproductive functions are related to an optimal body weight in women. Body weight affects the ovarian reserve, which is basically an estimate of how many oocytes (eggs) are left in the ovaries.Objective: To study the relationship between obesity and serum and ultrasound markers of ovarian reserve in mid-reproductive age women (21–35 years old).Patients and methods: Twenty participants (“obese”) had a body mass index (BMI) of 30 to 35 kg/m2 and another 20 participants (“non-obese”) had a BMI 20–29 kg/m2. The obese women had a mean age of 27.9 years and the non-obese women had a mean age of 29.5 years. Blood samples were collected from all participants, anthropometric measurements were calculated, and transvaginal ultrasonography was performed to measure the antral follicle count (AFC) during the early follicular phase. The blood samples were assayed for antimüllerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol (E2).Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding ovarian reserve markers and there is no significant correlation between these markers and BMI, except for serum E2 in the obese group.Conclusion: Obesity has no effect on the levels of serum FSH, AMH, or AFC indicating that obesity is unlikely to affect ovarian reserve in the mid-reproductive age group.
Respiratory events in patients undergoing laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery
Authors: Ziemann-Gimmel Patrick , Hensel Priscilla , Abdo Salam , Koppman John , Marema Robert 
Published: May 2013

Background: The incidence of morbid obesity is increasing and has led to an increase in bariatric procedures and previous studies have shown that 71% of these patients suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Patients with OSA have a higher rate of postoperative complications. We investigated if patients with OSA undergoing laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery have an increased risk of postoperative respiratory events. In this observational study we examined the data of 89 consecutive patients undergoing gastric bypass surgery.Methods: All patients scheduled for gastric bypass surgery between 7/28/2010 and 02/15/2011 were enrolled and managed according to our routine clinical protocol (48 with OSA / 41 without OSA (NOSA)). Depending on the patient’s preoperative compliance with CPAP therapy, they were further assigned into a compliant (OSAc) and noncompliant (OSAn) group. A respiratory event was defined as a deviation from the regular postoperative management.Results: Both OSA and NOSA groups were similar based on clinical characteristics and narcotic consumption. Fourteen patients (29.2%) suffered from a respiratory event in the OSA group and 8 patients (19.5%) in the NOSA group (p=0.29). Patients compliant with continuous positive airway pressure CPAP had a similar complication rate to patients without OSA (p=0.96). 53.8% of patients with OSA that were noncompliant with CPAP therapy (OSAn) had a respiratory event in the direct postoperative period. This is statistically significant in comparison to patients diagnosed with OSA that are compliant with CPAP (OSAc) (p=0.03)Conclusion: It may be beneficial to encourage OSA patients to use CPAP preoperatively to reduce postoperative respiratory events. Furthermore, adequately treated OSA may not be an independent risk factor for postoperative respiratory events.
Case Report: Pellucid-like keratoconus
Authors: Sinjab Mazen M , Youssef Lara N 
Published: May 2013

Purpose: To study the tomographic features of pellucid-like keratoconus (PLK), and to report a new sign on the pachymetry map (PM) in pellucid marginal degeneration (PMD).Patients and methods: A retrospective descriptive case series was performed in Damascus University in 2011. Clinical and tomographic findings of 15 eyes (9 patients) that had the claw pattern of the anterior sagital map (ASM) were reviewed. Patients were distributed into two groups: (1) 4 eyes were considered PMD since they had inferior corneal thinning on both slitlamp biomicroscopy and PM; (2) 11 eyes were considered as PLK since they did not show inferior corneal thinning. Patients were studied using slitlamp biomicroscopy and Scheimpflug-based tomography (Pentacam HR). The ASM, anterior elevation map (AEM) and PM were analyzed and compared to study the “kissing birds” sign, the “bell” sign, and cone location.Results: Patients’ average age was 25.93±8.05 (16–44 years). In total, 60% of patients were male. In group 1, the AEM in the best fit sphere (BFS) mode revealed no kissing birds sign, and the cone was central in 1 eye (25%) and paracentral in 3 eyes (75%). PM showed the bell sign in 4 eyes (100%). In group 2, the AEM in the BFS mode revealed the kissing birds sign in 2 eyes (18.2%), and the cone was central in 1 eye (9.1%), paracentral in 8 eyes (72.7%) and peripheral in 2 eyes (18.2%). PM didn’t show the bell sign in any eye.Conclusion: The claw pattern on the ASM is not a hallmark of PMD; it can be seen in PLK. Cone location does not relate to diagnosis. The “bell” sign on the PM is a deferential diagnostic sign in PMD.
The distribution of circulating microRNA and their relation to coronary disease
Authors: Freedman Jane E , Ercan Bahadir , Morin Kristine M , Liu Ching-Ti , Tamer Lulufer , Ayaz Lokman , Kanadasi Mehmet , Cicek Dilek , Seyhan Ali Ihsan , Akilli Rabia Eker , Camci Celalettin , Cengiz Beyhan , Oztuzcu Serdar , Tanriverdi Kahraman 
Published: May 2013

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNAs that regulate gene expression by suppressing protein translation and may influence RNA expression. MicroRNAs are detected in extracellular locations such as plasma; however, the extent of miRNA expression in plasma its relation to cardiovascular disease is not clear and many clinical studies have utilized array-based platforms with poor reproducibility.Methods and Results: Initially, to define distribution of miRNA in human blood; whole blood, platelets, mononuclear cells, plasma, and serum from 5 normal individuals were screened for 852 miRNAs using high-throughput micro-fluidic quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). In total; 609, 448, 658, 147, and 178 miRNAs were found to be expressed in moderate to high levels in whole blood, platelets, mononuclear cells, plasma, and serum, respectively, with some miRNAs uniquely expressed. To determine the cardiovascular relevance of blood miRNA expression, plasma miRNA (n=852) levels were measured in 83 patients presenting for cardiac catheterization. Eight plasma miRNAs were found to have over 2-fold increased expression in patients with significant coronary disease (≥70% stenosis) as compared to those with minimal coronary disease (less than 70% stenosis) or normal coronary arteries. Expression of miR-494, miR-490-3p, and miR-769-3p were found to have significantly different levels of expression. Using a multivariable regression model including cardiovascular risk factors and medications, hsa-miR-769-3p was found to be significantly correlated with the presence of significant coronary atherosclerosis.Conclusions: This study utilized a superior high-throughput qRT-PCR based method and found that miRNAs are found to be widely expressed in human blood with differences expressed between cellular and extracellular fractions. Importantly, specific miRNAs from circulating plasma are associated with the presence of significant coronary disease.
Adult onset recurrent seizures as the first presentation of primary hypoparathyroidism
Authors: Correia Pamela , Ranjan Rajeev , Agrawal Chandrashekhar 
Published: May 2013

Introduction: Hypoparathyroidism leading to hypocalcemia is an important treatable cause of recurrent seizures. Primary hypoparathyroidism presenting for the first time as seizures in adulthood is quite infrequent. Patients may present with hypocalcemic seizures even in the absence of subtle hypocalcemic signs.Case report: A 30 year old male, was presented to the emergency facility in an unconscious condition. He was intubated on the way to the hospital as he had suffered from two episodes of ventricular tachycardia. He had previous history of recurrent seizures for 6 years inspite of multiple anticonvulsants including phenytoin sodium, sodium valproate, and levetiracetam. The seizure frequency increased in the last year and he would have 5-6 episodes/ month. A MRI brain scan and EEG at the onset were both normal, as was the general examination but he had history of bilateral cataracts. There were no signs of tetany. Investigations revealed a normal hemoglobin and glucose level with normal electrolytes and both TLC and DLC levels were also normal. He had a serum calcium level of 3.3 mg% with a serum parathyroid hormone level of 1pg/ml, serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels of 6.6ng/ml and hypomagnesemia. NCCT head scan showed bilateral basal ganglia, and deep white matter calcification.Conclusions: 1) Ironically, increasing reliance on high end investigations such as a MRI brain scan could lead to certain conditions being missed; conditions that could be easily identifiable by the humble CT scan. 2) All treatable metabolic conditions should be excluded at first before commencing with anticonvulsants; this will restrict patients from burdensome polytherapy and related side effects.