bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of alcohol intoxication in patients admitted due to assault at an Australian major trauma centre: a trauma registry study from 1999 to 2009
Authors: Dinh Michael M , Bein Kendall J , Roncal Susan , Martiniuk Alexandra L C , Boufous Soufiane 
Published: February 2013

ObjectiveTo examine the long term trend in assault admissions at an inner city major trauma centre and determine the association between clinical evidence of alcohol intoxication and major trauma due to assault.MethodsAdult trauma patients admitted due to assault between 1999 and 2009 were identified through the hospital based trauma registry at an inner city major trauma centre in Sydney. Demographic data, incident details, clinical evidence of alcohol intoxication, injury severity scores and injury related outcomes were collected. Population based incidences were calculated and outcomes compared between intoxicated and non-intoxicated patients. Major trauma was defined as a composite outcome of severe injury (injury severity score>15), intensive care admission or in-hospital mortality.ResultsThere were 2380 patients analysed. Clinical evidence of alcohol intoxication was documented in 12% (287/2380) of cases. There was a marked peak in incidence of hospital admissions due to assault which occurred between 2000 and 2002. Overall, the rate of hospital admissions due to assault decreased during the study period (incident rate ratios 0.94, 95% CI 0.90 to 0.99, p<0.001). The odds of major trauma were three times higher in patients with clinical evidence of intoxication compared to those that did not (adjusted OR 2.9, 95% CI 2.1 to 4.0, p<0.001).ConclusionsThere was a peak in hospital admissions due to inner city assault around 2000–2002 associated with an overall decline in hospital admissions at this trauma centre over 10 years. Clinical evidence of alcohol intoxication in patients admitted for assault appears to be associated with more severe injury, including severe head injury.
Poststroke dementia is associated with recurrent ischaemic stroke
Authors: Sibolt Gerli , Curtze Sami , Melkas Susanna , Putaala Jukka , Pohjasvaara Tarja , Kaste Markku , Karhunen Pekka J , Oksala Niku K J , Erkinjuntti Timo 
Published: February 2013

ObjectiveTo investigate whether poststroke dementia (PSD) diagnosed after ischaemic stroke predicts recurrent ischaemic stroke in long-term follow-up.MethodsWe included 486 consecutive patients with ischaemic stroke (388 with first-ever stroke) admitted to Helsinki University Central Hospital who were followed-up for 12 years. Dementia was diagnosed in 115 patients using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 3rd edition (DSM-III) criteria. The effects of risk factors and PSD on survival free of recurrent stroke were estimated using Kaplan–Meier log-rank analyses, and the HRs for stroke recurrence were calculated using Cox proportional hazards models.ResultsIn the entire cohort, patients with PSD had a shorter mean time to recurrent stroke (7.13 years, 95% CI 6.20 to 8.06) than patients without dementia (9.41 years, 8.89 to 9.92; log rank p<0.001). This finding was replicated in patients with first-ever stroke (6.89 years, 5.85 to 7.93 vs 9.68 years, 9.12 to 10.24; p<0.001). In Cox univariate analysis, PSD was associated with increased risk for recurrent stroke both in the entire cohort (HR 2.02; 95% CI 1.47 to 2.77) and in those with first-ever stroke (2.40; 1.68 to 3.42). After adjustment for the significant covariates of age, atrial fibrillation, peripheral arterial disease and hypertension, PSD was associated with increased risk for recurrent stroke both in the entire cohort (1.84; 1.34 to 2.54) and in those with first-ever stroke (2.16; 1.51 to 3.10).ConclusionsPoststroke dementia predicts recurrence of ischaemic stroke in long-term follow-up and should be considered when estimating prognosis.
Pathophysiology of HNPP explored using axonal excitability
Authors: Jankelowitz Stacey K , Burke David 
Published: February 2013

ObjectiveHereditary liability to pressure palsies (HNPP) is an autosomal dominant disorder of myelination resulting in susceptibility to pressure palsies from compression or stretching of peripheral nerves.Patients and methodsThis study examined axonal excitability at two sites (one distal and one proximal) in five patients with biopsy and genetically proven HNPP to understand the pathophysiology of the disease. Comparisons were made with age-matched control subjects as well as five Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1A patients to contrast the findings and explain the different phenotypes of diseases affecting the same gene.ResultsChanges in axonal excitability were found in HNPP subjects, but these were not uniform along the nerve: at the wrist there were prominent alterations in threshold electrotonus, whereas at the elbow there were only subtle alterations in the recovery cycle and the response to strong long-lasting hyperpolarisation. Threshold was raised at both sites, but the nerves were probably not hyperpolarised. Not unexpectedly, changes in CMT1A subjects were more marked than those in HNPP subjects and were uniform along the nerve.ConclusionsStructural abnormalities at the node of Ranvier are sufficient to explain the changes in axonal excitability in HNPP, and these abnormalities would predispose the nerves to conduction block when subjected to pressure or stretch.
The prevalence of potentially inappropriate medication prescribing in elderly patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Jones Sarah Amy , Bhandari Sunil 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Introduction
Potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) prescribing is a global problem. Limited data are available on the prevalence of PIMs in elderly patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We examined the PIM prevalence in elderly patients with CKD, the most common drugs implicated and the levels of polypharmacy in this group.

Methods
A retrospective case record analysis of patients with CKD above the age of 70 years was carried out on 100 consecutive inpatients between January 2008 and June 2008 at a University Teaching Hospital. PIMs were defined using the modified Beers' criteria and latest British National Formulary (BNF) guidance for prescribing in patients with renal impairment using creatinine clearance calculated by the Cockroft–Gault formula.

Results
The mean age of the cohort was 80 years with a female predominance (62%). The mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 17.2 ml/min/1.73 m2. 56 patients had one or more PIMs prescribed during the acute admission period. 81 out of the 622 medications prescribed were ‘inappropriate’; therefore, the prevalence of PIMs prescribed was 13%. Antibiotics and antihypertensives accounted for the majority of PIMs. Each patient received an average of six drugs.

Conclusions
The prevalence of PIMs in elderly inpatients with CKD is high. Inclusion of drugs prescribed acutely and use of the BNF to identify PIMs as well as the Beers' criteria may account for this. Use of screening tools may lead to better identification of PIMs in this high risk group. Routine calculation and documentation of eGFR on the medication chart on admission may help reduce PIMs.
EFFECTS ON BONE UNION AND PREVENTION OF TENDON ADHESION BY NEW POROUS ANTI-ADHESIVE POLY L-LACTIDE-CO-ε-CAPROLACTONE MEMBRANE IN A RABBIT MODEL
Authors: Sato Takuya , Shimizu Hiroyuki , Beppu Moroe , Takagi Masayuki 
Published: February 2013

To prevent adhesion between the tendon and the plate in hand surgery, a porous poly L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone (P(LA/CL)) membrane was developed as a biologically absorbable anti-adhesion material. Our study aims to confirm the efficacy of this new P(LA/CL) membrane and its influences on the osteotomy site by performing a fundamental experiment assessing the possibility of clinical application. We prepared a rabbit model of tendon-plate adhesion, and evaluated the efficacy of the P(LA/CL) membrane to pullout tendon strength, to be scored in terms of macroscopic, pathological results. Another rabbit model of osteotomy was prepared to confirm the P(LA/CL) membrane influences on bone union by radiological, mechanical and pathological evaluation. The result showed to be significantly lower adhesion in the P(LA/CL) membrane group than in the control group. Also there were no differences between the P(LA/CL) membrane group and control group in the results for bone union.
Proton: Its rise, Fall, and Future Prospects
Authors: Tong Jane Terpstra , Terpstra Robert H. , Lim Ngat Chin 
Published: February 2013

This case focuses on the challenges faced by a Malaysian state-owned automobile manufacturer, Proton. In so doing, it exemplifies the political context in which businesses, both domestic and foreign, operate in Malaysia. What makes Proton unique is its origin as the brainchild of Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohammad, Malaysia's fourth Prime Minister. Mahathir was one of the longest-serving leaders in Asia when he resigned in 2003. Over his 22-year reign, Mahathir and his government made several fundamental changes to Malaysia's institutions and his legacy is still reflected in the current social, political and economic institutions. One of the more controversial economic programs he championed was the National Car Project, under which Proton was established. When Mahathir decided to industrialise Malaysia's economy, he did not look to the west for direction, but instead turned to the east — Japan. He adopted the Japanese economic development model that emphasises hands-on government involvement in the economy. To form Proton, he selected Japanese Mitsubishi Motors as the joint venture partner and within two years Proton was rolling out its own vehicles, which in effect were the “rebadged” version of Mitsubishi's Lancer. To ensure there were customers for Proton vehicles, the government raised import tariffs, making it very expensive to buy foreign imports. It also made Proton the official supplier for almost all government passenger vehicles. Under the protection policies of Mahathir, Proton grew to dominate the domestic market. However, it was unable to succeed in obtaining the desired technology from its Japanese partner, or in developing the ability to survive independently and compete effectively, especially in the international market. Part of Proton's weakness stemmed from its social agenda, which favoured bumiputera suppliers, even at the expense of cost and quality efficiency. Proton therefore serves as a good example to illustrate what can happen to a business when it is over-protected, and when business decisions are not made on merit-based principles. Proton's weaknesses were further exposed when the government allowed the establishment of a second national automaker, Perodua, in 1993. The recent free-trade policies adopted by the ASEAN countries, and also by China and India, have put even more pressure on Proton to transform. But the question is how?
Sajo Group's Long Journey: Re-entering a Mature Market
Authors: Park Namgyoo K. , Lee Jeonghwan 
Published: February 2013

This case study looked into Sajo Group's re-entrance into the already-mature canned tuna industry. Commonly, re-establishing brand identity that once disappeared from customers' memories is normally considered harder than launching a new brand. Even still, Sajo ambitiously decided to bring back “Sajo's Canned Tuna”. Sajo faced a management crisis from over-expenditure and failure to expand the market after launching Sajo's Canned Tuna. In order to overcome this, Sajo sold its factory and dissolved its sales organization responsible for direct sales of the product. Although many similar companies exited from the mature fishing and seafood industry when the competition became severe, Sajo remained in the business. The company conducted many M&A transactions focusing on what they knew well and in which they maintained strength. Well-managed M&As enabled Sajo to enhance its business through structural integration, thereby functioning as a new stepping stone for the company's leap back into the market. When Sajo decided to end its sales consignment strategy and resume direct sales of Sajo's Canned Tuna, Sajo secured a supply of high-quality, raw tuna, realizing economies of scale, and re-organized their sales network by merging with Sajohaepyo. Sajo also improved its products' competitive quality by obtaining HACCP certification as well as differentiating its marketing and promotion strategies from those of its competitors. Further, Sajo sought to improve its in-store presence percentage, which had dropped to almost 50%, while trying to persuade shop-owners to rearrange displays that were predominantly taken by Dongwon and Ottogi. Sajo also resumed advertising and sales promotions. As a result, Sajo was able to achieve over 200% increase in market share in two years, thereby elevating the company to the number two spot in the industry. Although Sajo had substantially improved the company's sustainability in both the fishing and seafood industry, its competitors, Dongwon's aggressive marketing strategies and Ottogi's strong sales network are sure to continue to be serious threats. It is time for Sajo to plan additional strategies in order to overcome its competitors' attacks.
Notes on southern Africa Jerusalem crickets (Orthoptera: Stenopelmatidae: Sia)
Authors: WEISSMAN DAVID B. , BAZELET CORINNA S. 
Published: February 2013

The Old World Jerusalem cricket (JC) subfamily Siinae contains one genus, Sia, with two subgenera: Sia (Sia) with two fully winged species from southeast Asia, and Sia (Maxentius) with four wingless species from southern Africa. Because there is a dearth of published data about the behavior and biology of these insects, we present new field and laboratory research on southern African Sia (Maxentius), gather museum and literature information, and present guidelines for collecting and rearing specimens. While we make no taxonomic decisions, this review should be useful for future studies, including a needed taxonomic revision. We also compare results from these southern African JCs with recent investigations on relatedNew Worldtaxa, where fascinating biological traits and extensive cryptic biodiversity have been uncovered. DNA analysis reveals that these Old and New World JCs are polyphyletic.
When is a Program Ready for Rigorous Impact Evaluation? The Role of a Falsifiable Logic Model
Authors: Epstein Diana , Klerman Jacob Alex 
Published: February 2013

Background: Recent reviews suggest that many plausible programs are found to have at best small impacts not commensurate with their cost, and often have no detectable positive impacts at all. Even programs with initial rigorous impact evaluation (RIE) that show them to be effective often fail a second test with an expanded population or at multiple sites. Objective: This article argues that more rapid movement to RIE is a partial cause of the low success rate of RIE and proposes a constructive response: process evaluations that compare program intermediate outcomes—in the treatment group, during the operation of the program—against a more falsifiable extension of the conventional logic model. Conclusion: Our examples suggest that such process evaluations would allow funders to deem many programs unlikely to show impacts and therefore not ready for random assignment evaluation—without the high cost and long time lines of an RIE. The article then develops the broader implications of such a process analysis step for broader evaluation strategy.
Isolation and genomic characterization of SfI, a serotype-converting bacteriophage of Shigella flexneri
Authors: Sun Qiangzheng , Lan Ruiting , Wang Yiting , Wang Jianping , Wang Yan , Li Peijing , Du Pengcheng , Xu Jianguo 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
All Shigella flexneri serotypes except serotype 6 share a common O-antigen tetrasaccharide backbone and nearly all variations between serotypes are due to glucosyl and/or O-acetyl modifications of the common O unit mediated by glycosyltransferases encoded by serotype-converting bacteriophages. Several S. flexneri serotype-converting phages including SfV, SfX, Sf6 and SfII have been isolated and characterized. However, S. flexneri serotype-converting phage SfI which encodes a type I modification of serotype 1 (1a, 1b, 1c and 1d) had not yet been characterized.

Results
The SfI phage was induced and purified from a S. flexneri serotype 1a clinical strain 019. Electron microscopy showed that the SfI phage has a hexagonal head and a long contractile tail, characteristic of the members of Myoviridae family. SfI can convert serotype Y to serotype 1a and serotype X to serotype 1d, but cannot convert 10 other S. flexneri serotypes (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, Xv) tested, suggesting that SfI has a narrow host range. Similar to other S. flexneri serotype-converting phages, SfI integrates into the tRNA-thrW gene adjacent to proA of the host chromosome when lysogenized. The complete sequence of the SfI genome was 38,389 bp, encoding 66 open reading frames and two tRNA genes. Phage SfI shares significant homology with S. flexneri phage SfV, Escherichia coli prophage e14 and lambda, and is classified into the lambdoid phage family. SfI was found to use a cos mechanism for DNA packaging similar to that of phage SfV.

Conclusions
SfI contains features of lambdoid phages and is closely related to S. flexneri phage SfV, E. coli prophage e14 and lambda. The characterization of SfI enhances our understanding of serotype conversion of S. flexneri.
Discovery and characterization of a highly efficient enantioselective mandelonitrile hydrolase from Burkholderia cenocepacia J2315 by phylogeny-based enzymatic substrate specificity prediction
Authors: Wang Hualei , Sun Huihui , Wei Dongzhi 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
A nitrilase-mediated pathway has significant advantages in the production of optically pure (R)-(−)-mandelic acid. However, unwanted byproduct, low enantioselectivity, and specific activity reduce its value in practical applications. An ideal nitrilase that can efficiently hydrolyze mandelonitrile to optically pure (R)-(−)-mandelic acid without the unwanted byproduct is needed.

Results
A novel nitrilase (BCJ2315) was discovered from Burkholderia cenocepacia J2315 through phylogeny-based enzymatic substrate specificity prediction (PESSP). This nitrilase is a mandelonitrile hydrolase that could efficiently hydrolyze mandelonitrile to (R)-(−)-mandelic acid, with a high enantiomeric excess of 98.4%. No byproduct was observed in this hydrolysis process. BCJ2315 showed the highest identity of 71% compared with other nitrilases in the amino acid sequence. BCJ2315 possessed the highest activity toward mandelonitrile and took mandelonitrile as the optimal substrate based on the analysis of substrate specificity. The kinetic parameters V
max, K
m, K
cat, and K
cat/K
m toward mandelonitrile were 45.4 μmol/min/mg, 0.14 mM, 15.4 s-1, and 1.1×105 M-1s-1, respectively. The recombinant Escherichia coli M15/BCJ2315 had a strong substrate tolerance and could completely hydrolyze mandelonitrile (100 mM) with fewer amounts of wet cells (10 mg/ml) within 1 h.

Conclusions
PESSP is an efficient method for discovering an ideal mandelonitrile hydrolase. BCJ2315 has high affinity and catalytic efficiency toward mandelonitrile. This nitrilase has great advantages in the production of optically pure (R)-(−)-mandelic acid because of its high activity and enantioselectivity, strong substrate tolerance, and having no unwanted byproduct. Thus, BCJ2315 has great potential in the practical production of optically pure (R)-(−)-mandelic acid in the industry.
Feather keratin hydrolysates obtained from microbial keratinases: effect on hair fiber
Authors: Villa Ana Lúcia Vazquez , Aragão Márcia Regina Senrra , dos Santos Elisabete Pereira , Mazotto Ana Maria , Zingali Russolina B , de Souza Edilma Paraguai , Vermelho Alane Beatriz 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Hair is composed mainly of keratin protein and a small amount of lipid. Protein hydrolysates, in particular those with low molecular weight distribution have been known to protect hair against chemical and environmental damage. Many types of protein hydrolysates from plants and animals have been used in hair and personal care such as keratin hydrolysates obtained from nails, horns and wool. Most of these hydrolysates are obtained by chemical hydrolysis and hydrothermal methods, but recently hydrolyzed hair keratin, feather keratin peptides, and feather meal peptides have been obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis using Bacillus spp in submerged fermentation.

Results
Keratin peptides were obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis of keratinases using Bacillus subtilis AMR. The microorganism was grown on a feather medium, pH 8.0 (1% feathers) and supplemented with 0.01% of yeast extract, for 5 days, at 28°C with agitation. The supernatant containing the hydrolysates was colleted by centrifugation and ultra filtered in an AMICON system using nano–membranes (Millipore – YC05). The Proteins and peptides were analyzed using HPTLC and MALDI-TOF-MS. Commercial preparations of keratin hydrolysates were used as a comparative standard. After five days the feather had been degraded (90-95%) by the peptidases and keratinases of the microorganism. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry showed multiple peaks that correspond to peptides in the range of 800 to 1079 Daltons and the commercial hydrolysate was in the range of 900 to 1400 Da. HPTLC showed lower molecular mass peptides and amino acids in the enzymatic hydrolysate when compared with the commercial hydrolysate . A mild shampoo and a rinse off conditioner were formulated with the enzymatic hydrolysate and applied to hair fibers to evaluate the hydration, with and without heat, using a Corneometer® CM 825. The hydration was more efficient with heat, suggesting a more complete incorporation of hydrolysates into the fibers. Scanning Electron Microscopy showed deposits of organic matter in the junction of the cuticles that probably collaborates to the sealing of the cuticles, increasing the brightness and softness.

Conclusions
These results show that the enzymatic method to produce keratin peptides for hair care products is an attractive and eco- friendly method with a great potential in the cosmetic industry.