bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Screening of SLC26A4 gene in autoimmune thyroid diseases
Authors: Kallel R. , Niasme‐Grare M. , Belguith‐Maalej S. , Mnif M. , Abid M. , Ayadi H. , Masmoudi S. , Jonard L. , Hadj Kacem H. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryThe Pendred syndrome (PS) gene, SLC26A4, was involved in the genetic susceptibility of autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) in Tunisian population. Recently, functional assays have shown a differential expression of SLC26A4 gene between Graves’ disease (GD) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). Here, by the mean of DHPLC and HRM, we explored the 21 exons and their flanking intronic sequences of 128 patients affected with GD (n = 64) or HT (n = 64). The pathogenic effect of identified variations on splice was investigated using the web server HSF. Eighteen allelic variations were identified and ranged on missense, sens and splice variations. Nine identified variations (c.‐66C>G, c.898A>C, c.1002‐9A>C, c.1061T>C, c.1544 + 9G>T, c.1545‐5T>G, c.1790T>C, c.1826T>G, c.2139T>G) were previously reported in hearing impairment studies. Forty‐seven per cent (30/64) of GD patients and 37,5% (24/64) of HT patients present at least one variant in the explored sequences. Moreover, the analysis of the variant distribution between HT (9 (5′UTR), 12 exonic and 13 intronic) and GD (18 (5′UTR), 13 exonic and 5 intronic) patients showed a significant difference (χ² = 6.54, 2df, P = 0.03). Interestingly, missense changes (I300L, p.M283I, F354S and p.L597S) affected conserved residues of pendrin. On the other hand, the HSF analyses ascertain that some variants identified in HT disease are predicted to have a pathogenic effect on splice. In conclusion, our analysis of SLC26A4 sequence variations suggested a distinct genetics basis between HT and GD patients, which should be confirmed on a large cohort.
Patient and visitor assault on nurses and midwives: An exploratory study of employer ‘protective’ factors
Authors: Farrell Gerald A. , Shafiei Touran , Chan Siew‐Pang 
Published: December 2012

AbstractMost Australian public health‐care services have established a range of initiatives designed to help ‘protect’ nurses and midwives from patient and visitor assault (PVA); however, few studies have specifically examined their effectiveness. The present study is part of a larger survey that explored nurses' and midwives' experiences of PVA using the Department of Human Services, Victoria (2007) definition of occupational violence and bullying. Participants were asked about the presence of ‘protective’ factors in their workplace and the importance of having these factors to prevent and manage workplace aggression. Binary logistic regression was applied to ascertain the association between ‘protective’ factors and the occurrence of PVA, with adjusted odds ratios and their reported 95% confidence intervals for ascertaining the significance of the associations. The study found more ‘protection’ from assault when there was a high standard of patient facilities, sufficient staffing, effective enforcement of policies, and when staff were provided with personal protective equipment. Working in private health care, and being a registered nurse, also conferred ‘protection’. A higher occurrence of staff assault was associated with specific clinical settings, and being on rotation and on night duty. Findings point to important insights into factors associated with ‘protection’ for PVA.
Evaluation of a commercial enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for detection of antibodies against the H5 subtype of Influenza A virus in waterfowl
Authors: Lebarbenchon Camille , Pantin‐Jackwood Mary , Kistler Whitney M. , Page Luttrell M. , Spackman Erica , Stallknecht David E. , Brown Justin D. 
Published: December 2012

The ID Screen Influenza H5 Antibody Competition enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was tested for the detection of antibodies to the H5 subtype of influenza A (IA) virus in waterfowl. Assays were conducted with sera obtained from Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) and Pekin Ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domestica), experimentally infected with eight low pathogenic (LP) and nine highly pathogenic (HP) H5N1 IA viral strains. Three incubation periods (1, 4 and 18 hours) and two dilutions (1:2 and 1:5) were tested. All serum samples from LP H5‐infected birds tested positive; however, improved detection rates were observed for viruses belonging to the HP H5N1 clade 2.2.1 as compared with those belonging to clade 2.1.3.
Histological effects of occlusive dressing on healing of incisional skin wounds
Authors: Yamamoto Naoto , Kiyosawa Tomoharu 
Published: December 2012

AbstractOcclusive dressing is widely accepted and used to manage skin ulcers. However, with respect to its application to incisional wounds, most studies have been conducted about the clinical effects on incisional healing of surgical sites. Studies of the histological effects of occlusive dressing for incisional wounds have been few. The aim of this study was to clarify the histological effects of occlusive dressings on healing of incisional skin wounds. Rat dorsal skin was incised down to the panniculus and sutured immediately. Dressing types included 2‐octyl cyanoacrylate and hydrocolloid materials as occlusive dressings and no‐dressing as the open therapy. Histological examination and dermoscopic observation were performed 1, 2, 4 and 7 days after surgery. The findings from each dressing type were compared. In the open therapy group, the upper portion of the edge of incision was necrosed minimally and finally healed with wide scar formation. However, in the occlusive dressing groups, micronecrosis of the incision edge seen in the no‐dressing group was not observed, healing was more rapid and the remaining scar was finer. Occlusive dressing can prevent micronecrosis of the incision edge, resulting in rapid and excellent healing. This study shows that the efficacy of and supports the use of occlusive dressing in incisional wound management.
Scientist or science‐stuffed? Discourses of science in North American medical education
Authors: Whitehead Cynthia 
Published: December 2012

Context:  The dominance of biomedical science in medical education has been contested throughout the past century, with recurring calls for more social science and humanities content. The centrality of biomedicine is frequently traced back to Abraham Flexner’s 1910 report, ‘Medical Education in the United States and Canada’. However, Flexner advocated for a scientist‐doctor, rather than a curriculum filled with science content. Examination of the discourses of science since Flexner allows us to explore the place of various knowledge forms in medical education.Methods:  A Foucauldian critical discourse analysis was performed, examining the discourses of scientific medicine in Flexner’s works and North American medical education articles in subsequent decades. Foucault’s methodological principles were used to identify statements, keywords and metaphors that emerged in the development of the discourses of scientific medicine, with particular attention to recurring arguments and shifts in the meaning and use of terms.Results:  Flexner’s scientist‐doctor was an incisive thinker who drew upon multiple forms of knowledge. In the post‐Flexner medical education reforms, the perception of science as a discursive object embedded in the curriculum became predominant over that of the scientist as the discursive subject who uses science. Science was then considered core curricular content and was discursively framed as impossibly vast. A parallel discourse, one of the insufficiency of biomedical science for the proper training of doctors, has existed over the past century, even as the humanities and social sciences have remained on the margins in medical school curricula.Conclusions:  That discourses of scientific medicine have reinforced the centrality of biomedicine in medical education helps to explain the persistent marginalisation of other important knowledge domains. Medical educators need to be aware of the effects of these discourses on understandings of medical knowledge, particularly when contemplating curricular reform.
The consequences of authentic early experience for medical students: creation of mētis
Authors: Yardley Sarah , Brosnan Caragh , Richardson Jane 
Published: December 2012

Context  Authentic early experience (AEE) describes experiences provided to new medical students to undertake ‘human contact’ to enhance learning. Although the concept of AEE is not new, and was commonplace prior to the Flexner Report of 1910, little is known about how or why meaning and knowledge are constructed through early student placements in medical, social and voluntary workplaces. Variance among settings means AEE is a collection of non‐uniform, complex educational interventions which require students to make repeated transitions between different workplaces and their university institution. The purpose of this paper is to develop theory in this context.Methods  We report on a study undertaken in a UK medical school using interviews and discussion groups to generate data from students, workplace supervisors and school faculty staff. We used narrative analysis to access knowledge and meaning construction, in combination with analytic tools drawn from thematic and interpretative approaches to phenomena. We sought to refine theoretical understanding through the application of mētis, a socio‐cultural theory novel to the field of medical education.Results  Scott’s concept of mētis provides a useful theoretical framework for understanding how AEE works for students in terms of their creation of meaning and how they choose to use it in relation to formally recognised knowledge. Knowledge and meaning, generated as a consequence of AEE, contained dichotomies and paradoxes. Students improvised, in the face of unpredictability and uncertainty, to create a form of mētis that allowed them to handle the perceived competing demands of AEE settings and the medical school.Discussion  We demonstrate how meaning making can be conceived of as student mētis arising from social processes in students’ learning interactions. We suggest that the development of collaborative working with students could potentiate positive forms of student mētis, thereby maximising desirable educational consequences. Further work is required to establish effective ways to do this.
Nitrogen dynamics in oak model ecosystems subjected to air warming and drought on two different soils
Authors: Kuster T. M. , Schleppi P. , Hu B. , Schulin R. , Günthardt‐Goerg M. S. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBeing tolerant to heat and drought, oaks are promising candidates for future forestry in view of climate change inCentralEurope. Air warming is expected to increase, and drought decrease soilNavailability and thusNsupply to trees. Here, we conducted a model ecosystem experiment, in which mixed stands of young oaks (Quercus robur,Q. petraeaandQ. pubescens) were grown on two different soils and subjected to four climate treatments during three growing seasons: air warming by 1–2 °C, drought periods (average precipitation reduction of 43–60%), a combination of these two treatments, and a control. In contrast to our hypotheses, neither air warming nor drought significantly affectedNavailability, whereas total amounts, vertical distribution and availability of soilNshowed substantial differences between the two soils. While air warming had no effect on tree growth andNaccumulation, the drought treatment reduced tree growth and increased, or tended to increase,Naccumulation in the reduced biomass, indicating that growth was not limited byN. Furthermore,15N‐labelling revealed that this accumulation was associated with an increased uptake of nitrate. On the basis of our results, climate change effects onNdynamics are expected to be less important in oak stands than reduced soil water availability.
Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the auricle in a child
Authors: Crozier Emily , Rihani Jordan , Koral Korgun , Cope‐Yokoyama Sandy , Rakheja Dinesh , Ulualp Seckin O 
Published: December 2012

AbstractWe describe the diagnosis and management of a child with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the auricle and emphasize both clinical and radiological findings of this rare condition. A nine‐year‐old boy presented for evaluation of a slowly enlarging left auricle mass. The mass was nodular, violaceous, semi‐translucent, and hyperpigmented with an overlying pseudo‐vesicular plaque. The mass appeared to involve the left cavum concha, root of the helix, superior aspect of the external auditory canal, the tragus and extend to a deep preauricular component. MR imaging documented a lobulated soft tissue mass surrounding the external auditory canal with superficial involvement of the pinna. Incisional biopsy of the mass suggested embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. The tumor was completely removed by total auriculectomy and lateral temporal bone resection. The final diagnosis was embryonal habdomyosarcoma. Although rare, otolaryngologists, pediatricians, and radiologists need to consider rhabdomyosarcoma in the differential diagnosis of auricle mass in children.
Effects of exchange transfusion on cytokine profiles in necrotizing enterocolitis
Authors: Sugiura Tokio , Kouwaki Masanori , Goto Kenji , Endo Takeshi , Ito Koichi , Koyama Norihisa , Togari Hajime 
Published: December 2012

AbstractTo study the effect of exchange transfusion on cytokine profiles in a patient with necrotizing enterocolitis, the levels of 12 cytokines and serum calprotectin were measured among exchange transfusion. A male extremely low birth weight infant was in non‐compensated shock and diagnosed stage 3 necrotizing enterocolitis. Exchange transfusion was performed for critical condition, refractory hypotension and disseminated intravascular coagulation. After exchange transfusion, the patient's blood pressure increased and stabilized. Then an enterostomy was performed and revealed necrosis of the ascending colon. Of the cytokines examined, interleukin‐8 and serum calprotectin were high before exchange transfusion and decreased after exchange transfusion.
Factors associated with menopausal age inIranian women:TehranLipid andGlucoseStudy
Authors: Farahmand Maryam , Tehrani Fahimeh Ramezani , Pourrajabi Leila , Najafi Masood , Azizi Fereidoun 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAimMenopause, considered a special event in a woman's life, has a wide age range, 40–60 years, and there is no consensus regarding the factors influencing it. We aimed to assess factors affecting the menopausal age in a population of women participants of theTehranLipid andGlucoseStudy.Material and MethodsFor the present study, 1114 women were selected from among participants of theTehranLipid andGlucoseStudy. Following implementation of our inclusion criteria, their reproductive histories and demographic background as well as anthropometric parameters were assessed, and ordinal regression analysis was conducted usingspssversion 15.ResultsThe mean estimated age at menopause ± standard deviationwas 49.6 ± 4.5 years. Menopausal age was considerably lower among women with a history of smoking (P = 0.05), and it increased with increasing age of menarche (P = 0.04) and number of children (P = 0.05). There was no significant correlation between the mean age of menopause and the educational level and anthropometric parameters.ConclusionThe smoking status, parity and the age of menarche are the influencing factors of age at menopause among the Iranian population.
Determination of gestational age in twin pregnancy: Which fetal crown–rump length should be used?
Authors: Chaudhuri Kanika , Su Lin‐Lin , Wong Peng‐Cheang , Chan Yiong‐Huak , Choolani Mahesh A. , Chia Dawn , Biswas Arijit 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAimFor twin pregnancy, discrepancies in the crown–rump length (CRL) between two fetuses often exist. Evidence is lacking regarding which fetal CRL should be used for estimation of gestational age (GA). Our aim was to determine whether the larger, smaller or the mean CRL is more accurate in determining the GA in the first trimester of pregnancy.MethodsThis is a retrospective study of twin pregnancies conceived by assisted reproduction. The oocyte retrieval date was used for determination of the true gestational age. CRL dating charts by Robinson, Hadlock and Chitty were used for reference. The values of the larger, smaller and mean CRL were compared with the reference CRL for the corresponding GA, which was obtained from each of the three reference charts. The differences between the reference CRL and measured CRL were calculated. The percentages of which CRL, the larger, smaller or the mean, was closest to the expected reference values were calculated.ResultsA total of 52 pairs of twins were included in the study. According to Robinson's chart, the proportion of larger, smaller and mean CRL values that were closest to the reference value was found in 11.5%, 75.0% and 5.8% of cases respectively. The larger, smaller and the mean CRLs were closest to the reference CRL in the Hadlock chart for 28.9%, 44.2% and 19.2% of cases, respectively, and closest to the reference CRL in the Chitty chart for 17.3%, 59.6% and 15.4% of cases, respectively.ConclusionThe smaller CRL is more accurate in the estimation of the GA for twin pregnancy compared to the larger or mean CRL values.
Cord blood ischemia‐modified albumin: Is it associated with abnormal Doppler findings in complicated pregnancies and predictive of perinatal asphyxia?
Authors: Kumral Abdullah , Okyay Emre , Guclu Serkan , Gencpinar Pinar , Islekel Gul Huray , Oguz Serife Suna , Kant Melis , Demirel Gamze , Duman Nuray , Ozkan Hasan 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAimTo evaluate the significance of the cord blood ischemia‐modified albumin (IMA) level as a diagnostic marker for perinatal asphyxia and to determine the associations of IMA levels with the complexity of pregnancy and abnormal Doppler findings, regardless of perinatal asphyxia.MethodsThis prospective study included 169 newborns, sixteen of whom had perinatal asphyxia and 33 who were from complicated pregnancies. Doppler measurements were obtained from the uterine, umbilical and middle cerebral arteries, and the cerebro/placental ratio (C/P). IMA was measured by means of commercially available ELISA kits and was expressed as picomoles per milliliter.ResultsIschemia‐modified albumin levels were significantly higher in neonates of complicated pregnancies as compared to uncomplicated pregnancies (P < 0.0001). They were higher in newborns with perinatal asphyxia as compared to healthy controls (P = 0.015). The C/P ratio‐pulsatility index (PI) showed a significant difference between normal and complicated pregnancies without perinatal asphyxia (P < 0.0001). IMA levels were significantly increased in cases with abnormal C/P ratio‐PI.ConclusionsElevated cord blood IMA levels may be accepted as a useful marker in perinatal asphyxia. Abnormal Doppler examinations are associated with elevated IMA levels in complicated pregnancies.
Rare case of primary peritoneal pregnancy infiltrated into the Gerota's fascia of the right kidney
Authors: Chishima Fumihisa , Kato‐Suzuki Erina , Ichikawa Go , Hayashi Chuyu , Ohni Sumie , Yamamoto Tatsuo 
Published: December 2012

AbstractA 33‐year‐old, gravida 3, para 2, woman was transferred to our hospital, with acute abdominal pain. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed a cystic lesion accompanied by ring‐enhancement between the liver and right kidney with fluid collection in the pelvic cavity. Serum hCG value was 3100 mIU/mL. Transvaginal sonography revealed a pseudo‐gestational sac in a thickened endometrium. With a preoperative diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy at 7 weeks of gestation, laparotomy was performed. Following careful removal of clots between the liver and right kidney that contained a gestational sac, continuous bleeding from a defect in the Gerota's fascia of the right kidney was noted. The postoperative course was uneventful and the serum hCG concentration decreased markedly. This case demonstrates that the Gerota's fascia is a possible site of ectopic pregnancy, and that CT can identify a pregnancy in the Gerota's fascia as well as in the liver and spleen.
Fibrinogen concentrate substitution therapy for obstetric hemorrhage complicated by coagulopathy
Authors: Kikuchi Mariko , Itakura Atsuo , Miki Akinori , Nishibayashi Manabu , Ikebuchi Kenji , Ishihara Osamu 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of fibrinogen concentrate therapy for women with obstetric hemorrhage complicated by dilutional or consumptive coagulopathy by retrospectively reviewing the medical records of relevant patients from a single tertiary center.Material and MethodsEighteen cases of coagulopathy (8 dilutional, 10 consumptive) administered fibrinogen concentrate at our center over the past 5 years for treating hypofibrinogenemia were identified. Hemoglobin levels, platelet counts, fibrinogen levels, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and D‐dimer levels were examined before and after fibrinogen substitution. Units of red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, and pooled platelet concentrates transfused; blood loss volume; patient outcomes; and adverse events were obtained from medical and laboratory records.ResultsThe overall response to fibrinogen concentrate was considered good in 12 cases, moderate in four, and poor in two. The response rate was good or moderate in 88% (7/8) of dilutional coagulopathy cases and 89% (9/10) of consumptive coagulopathy cases. Fibrinogen levels significantly increased after fibrinogen substitution therapy (approximately 40 mg/L per g fibrinogen concentrate) in both groups. Although prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time improved after substitution, hemoglobin levels, platelet counts, and D‐dimer levels remained unchanged. No serious adverse event was causally associated with fibrinogen substitution therapy.ConclusionFibrinogen concentrate substitution therapy for obstetric hemorrhage increases fibrinogen levels and appears to be effective in managing dilutional or consumptive coagulopathy.
Ergonomic use of the fourth arm to oversew the dorsal vascular complex (DVC) during robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP)
Authors: Karim Omer , Rao Amrith , Marsdin Emma , Kavia Rajesh , Parnham Arie , Motiwala Hanif , Laniado Marc 
Published: December 2012

Objective
To demonstrate an ergonomic fourth arm technique to oversew the dorsal vascular complex (DVC) during robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP).
Patients and Methods
Balloon of a Foley catheter inflated in the bulbar urethra.
Fourth arm cranial traction via suture in the tip of the catheter.
DVC oversewn under direct vision.
Results
Oversew of DVC with minimal patient‐side surgical assistance.
About a 50% reduction in apical positive margin rate.
Conclusion
A useful, ergonomic method of oversewing the DVC during RALP.
Flexible Latent‐State Modelling of Old Faithful's Eruption Inter‐Arrival Times in 2009
Authors: Langrock Roland 
Published: December 2012

SummaryThis paper is concerned with the analysis of a time series comprising the eruption inter‐arrival times of the Old Faithful geyser in 2009. The series is much longer than other well‐documented ones and thus gives a more comprehensive insight into the dynamics of the geyser. Basic hidden Markov models with gamma state‐dependent distributions and several extensions are implemented. In order to better capture the stochastic dynamics exhibited by Old Faithful, the different non‐standard models under consideration seek to increase the flexibility of the basic models in various ways: (i) by allowing non‐geometric distributions for the times spent in the different states; (ii) by increasing the memory of the underlying Markov chain, with or without assuming additional structure implied by mixture transition distribution models; and (iii) by incorporating feedback from the observation process on the latent process. In each case it is shown how the likelihood can be formulated as a matrix product which can be conveniently maximized numerically.