bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modern Instrumentation of the Pediatric Occiput and Upper Cervical Spine
Authors: Hedequist Daniel 
Published: August 2014

Background Rigid screw rod techniques for cervical stabilization are widely used in adults. The benefits of rigid internal fixation include increased fusion rates, improvements in deformity correction, and diminished immobilization requirements. Applications of these techniques in children are challenging due to size constraints and the pathologic conditions encountered which require instrumented cervical fusions. Preparation as well as thorough understanding of the anatomy and surgical techniques is paramount to surgical safety in pediatric patients. Questions/Purposes This review article serves as an educational tool regarding the use of modern posterior instrumentation techniques for pediatric cervical deformity. Methods Expert review based on clinical expertise and literature review. Results The use of rigid screw rod instrumentation for the pediatric occiput and upper cervical spine is discussed. Preoperative imaging requirements for pediatric patients undergoing cervical spine surgery are reviewed. Anatomy, morphologic studies, and surgical techniques are discussed for each area of instrumentation. Conclusions Modern posterior cervical instrumentation techniques can be safely applied to the majority of pediatric patients who require an instrumented posterior cervical fusion. Patient safety revolves around thorough preoperative imaging tests, understanding of upper cervical anatomy, and meticulous surgical technique. Modern instrumentation leads to an improvement in fusion rates and a diminishment in immobilization requirements.
The ‘G’ men: a profile of GBL/GHB users in an area of high drug-related mortality
Authors: Durgahee S. , Allen G. , Williams H. 
Published: August 2014

ObjectivesGamma-butyrolactone/gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GBL/GHB) and related analogues are increasingly misused. The study reports on patient characteristics, nature and pattern of use, complications and comorbidity for a cohort of patients presenting to a large Substance Misuse Service in Brighton and Hove City.MethodA retrospective case-note review of routinely collected clinical data on patients with primary GBL/GHB misuse.ResultsIn all, 24 individuals were male and 3 female, with a mean age of 34 years. A total of 21 males identified themselves as gay and 1 female as bisexual. Just over half (15, 56%), respectively, were living in stable accommodation and were in employment or third-level education. In all, 22 (81%) met criteria for physical dependence and two-thirds (18, 67%) had experienced overdose. The group was using large amounts of GBL (mean 53 ml/day) with a significant number (25, 93%) using ‘around the clock’ (every 1–3 hours). Over one-third (10, 37%) had a diagnosis of HIV and with 24 (89%) having a presumptive diagnosis of anxiety disorder.ConclusionsA profile of gay men with relatively stable lifestyles, but nevertheless with a high rate of complication of GBL/GHB use and with a significant comorbidity (HIV and psychological problems) was identified. The need for integrated specialist services and the importance of liaison with Emergency Departments and HIV services is highlighted.
Yield stability of soybean cultivars in response to sowing date in the lower latitude Brazilian Savannah Highlands
Authors: SPEHAR C. R. , FRANCISCO E. R. , PEREIRA E. A. 
Published: August 2014

SUMMARYAcquisition of high-yielding stable cultivars, a major target for breeding, is achievable by repeated trials across different locations and seasons. The hypothesis is whether evaluation of sowing date and season could be used to assess yield stability for tropical soybean, a photoperiod-sensitive plant. Determinate growth cultivars BRSOY-1, BRSOY-2, BRSOY-3, BRSOY-4, BRSOY-5, BRSOY-6, BRSOY-7, BRSOY-8 and BRSOY-9, of early, mid-cycle and late maturity, were tested at six sowing dates in three growing seasons (2005–2008), in Planaltina, DF Brazil. Data on degree days to first flower and physiological maturity, plant and first pod height, and grain yield were analysed. BRSOY-3, BRSOY-5 and BRSOY-7 were the most stable, measured across 18 environments (year×sowing date), demonstrating selection effectiveness. Determinate growth explained low yields in late-sown treatments, as the photoperiod response reduced the reproductive phase. Late cultivars had photoperiod effect confounded with dry spells at the end of the rainy season. Genotypic stability for high yield in soybean is envisaged as a function of maturity group and long reproductive period. Manipulating the response to maturity and introduction of indeterminate growth habit is expected to increase yields across the sowing period, consolidating tropical soybean production. The method could be used for cultivar release and to define selection schemes aiming at recombinants for delayed maturity.
‘Patria, Honor y Fuerza’: A Study of a Right-Wing Youth Movement in Mexico during the 1930s–1960s
Authors: BREWSTER CLAIRE , BREWSTER KEITH 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThis article focuses on the intricate and developing nature of official politics and grassroots activism in post-revolutionary Mexico. It does so by tracing the trajectory of the Pentathlón Deportivo Militar Universitario, a right-wing youth movement that emerged in Mexico in 1938. By locating the group within both the international and domestic emergence of youth movements in the early twentieth century, the article shows how the study of Pentathlón's formation, objectives and later evolution can significantly enrich our understanding of an important phase in Mexico's post-revolutionary history. Within the context of right wing oppositional politics, analysis of the movement provides a fascinating insight into both the emerging Mexican state's ability to appropriate the radical impulses of the younger generation and the Pentathlón's willingness to accommodate such strategies in order to ensure its own survival.
Resource partitioning between common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and the Israeli bottom trawl fishery? Assessment by stomach contents and tissue stable isotopes analysis
Authors: Scheinin A.P. , Kerem D. , Lojen S. , Liberzon J. , Spanier E. 
Published: August 2014

Common bottlenose dolphin (CBD) and bottom trawlers exploit the same ecological niche. The estimated CBD population along the Israeli coastline consumes roughly 1280 t of prey annually, similar to the mean annual trawl-fishery yield of 1300 t. In the ultra-oligotrophic Levantine Basin, the potential for competition for limited resources therefore exists. We aimed to examine whether the two consumers indeed harvest the same trophic level of the food web and the same members of that level. These questions were addressed by stomach content and stable isotope (δ15N and δ13C) analyses. The database included 26 prey-containing stomachs collected between 1996 and 2008 and muscle tissue samples of 23 dolphins and of 27 species of commercial fish and invertebrates for stable isotopes analysis. The 59.3 kg combined stomach content included at least 754 prey items, 97.3% of which were fish, belonging to 22 identified species. About half (46.4%) of the prey mass had medium-to-high commercial value. The overall similarity of the composition of the pooled biomass and that of the average commercial catch was expressed by a Pianka index of 0.49. Sparidae (sea bream) was the only family important for both consumers. The mean δ15N value of CBD muscle was found to be relatively low compared to other geographical areas and the estimated mean δ15N of its diet fell below that of most commercial species tested. Our findings suggest that CBD and the fisheries only partly share resources, with CBD having an overall minor effect on the bottom trawl fishery, mainly on the Sparidae catch.
Providing health care to improve community perceptions of protected areas
Authors: Chapman Colin A. , van Bavel Bianca , Boodman Carl , Ghai Ria R. , Gogarten Jan F. , Hartter Joel , Mechak Lauren E. , Omeja Patrick A. , Poonawala Sofia , Tuli Dan , Goldberg Tony L. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractImpoverished communities often turn to illegal extraction of resources from protected areas to alleviate economic pressures or to make monetary gains. Such practices can cause ecological damage and threaten animal populations. These communities also often face a high disease burden and typically do not have access to affordable health care. Here we argue that these two seemingly separate challenges may have a common solution. In particular, providing health care to communities adjacent to protected areas may be an efficient and effective way to reduce the disease burden while also improving local perceptions about protected areas, potentially reducing illegal extraction. We present a case study of a health centre on the edge of Kibale National Park, Uganda. The centre has provided care to c. 7,200 people since 2008 and its outreach programme extends to c. 4,500 schoolchildren each year. Contrasting the provision of health care to other means of improving community perceptions of protected areas suggests that health clinics have potential as a conservation tool in some situations and should be considered in future efforts to manage protected areas.
Cryptosporidiumspecies in humans and animals: current understanding and research needs
Authors: RYAN UNA , FAYER RONALD , XIAO LIHUA 
Published: August 2014

SUMMARYCryptosporidiumis increasingly recognized as one of the major causes of moderate to severe diarrhoea in developing countries. With treatment options limited, control relies on knowledge of the biology and transmission of the members of the genus responsible for disease. Currently, 26 species are recognized as valid on the basis of morphological, biological and molecular data. Of the nearly 20Cryptosporidiumspecies and genotypes that have been reported in humans,Cryptosporidium hominisandCryptosporidium parvumare responsible for the majority of infections. Livestock, particularly cattle, are one of the most important reservoirs of zoonotic infections. Domesticated and wild animals can each be infected with severalCryptosporidiumspecies or genotypes that have only a narrow host range and therefore have no major public health significance. Recent advances in next-generation sequencing techniques will significantly improve our understanding of the taxonomy and transmission ofCryptosporidiumspecies, and the investigation of outbreaks and monitoring of emerging and virulent subtypes. Important research gaps remain including a lack of subtyping tools for manyCryptosporidiumspecies of public and veterinary health importance, and poor understanding of the genetic determinants of host specificity ofCryptosporidiumspecies and impact of climate change on the transmission ofCryptosporidium.
Sensitive diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis by lesion swab sampling coupled to qPCR
Authors: ADAMS EMILY R. , GOMEZ MARIA ADELAIDA , SCHESKE LAURA , RIOS RUBY , MARQUEZ RICARDO , COSSIO ALEXANDRA , ALBERTINI AUDREY , SCHALLIG HENK , SARAVIA NANCY GORE 
Published: August 2014

SUMMARYVariation in clinical accuracy of molecular diagnostic methods for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is commonly observed depending on the sample source, the method of DNA recovery and the molecular test. Few attempts have been made to compare these variables. Two swab and aspirate samples from lesions of patients with suspected CL (n = 105) were evaluated alongside standard diagnosis by microscopic detection of amastigotes or culture of parasites from lesion material. Three DNA extraction methods were compared: Qiagen on swab and aspirate specimens, Isohelix on swabs and Boil/Spin of lesion aspirates. Recovery ofLeishmaniaDNA was evaluated for each sample type by real-time polymerase chain reaction detection of parasitic 18S rDNA, and the diagnostic accuracy of the molecular method determined. Swab sampling combined with Qiagen DNA extraction was the most efficient recovery method forLeishmaniaDNA, and was the most sensitive (98%; 95% CI: 91–100%) and specific (84%; 95% CI: 64–95%) approach. Aspirated material was less sensitive at 80% (95% CI: 70–88%) and 61% (95% CI: 50–72%) when coupled to Qiagen or Boil-Spin DNA extraction, respectively. Swab sampling of lesions was painless, simple to perform and coupled with standardized DNA extraction enhances the feasibility of molecular diagnosis of CL.
White-matter relaxation time and myelin water fraction differences in young adults with autism
Authors: Deoni S. C. L. , Zinkstok J. R. , Daly E. , Ecker C. ,   MRC AIMS Consortium, Williams S. C. R. , Murphy D. G. M. 
Published: August 2014

BackgroundIncreasing evidence suggests that autism is associated with abnormal white-matter (WM) anatomy and impaired brain ‘connectivity’. While myelin plays a critical role in synchronized brain communication, its aetiological role in autistic symptoms has only been indirectly addressed by WM volumetric, relaxometry and diffusion tensor imaging studies. A potentially more specific measure of myelin content, termed myelin water fraction (MWF), could provide improved sensitivity to myelin alteration in autism.MethodWe performed a cross-sectional imaging study that compared 14 individuals with autism and 14 age- and IQ-matched controls. T1 relaxation times (T1), T2 relaxation times (T2) and MWF values were compared between autistic subjects, diagnosed using the Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-R), with current symptoms assessed using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and typical healthy controls. Correlations between T1, T2 and MWF values with clinical measures [ADI-R, ADOS, and the Autism Quotient (AQ)] were also assessed.ResultsIndividuals with autism showed widespread WM T1 and MWF differences compared to typical controls. Within autistic individuals, worse current social interaction skill as measured by the ADOS was related to reduced MWF although not T1. No significant differences or correlations with symptoms were observed with respect to T2.ConclusionsAutistic individuals have significantly lower global MWF and higher T1, suggesting widespread alteration in tissue microstructure and biochemistry. Areas of difference, including thalamic projections, cerebellum and cingulum, have previously been implicated in the disorder; however, this is the first study to specifically indicate myelin alteration in these regions.
Health Policy in Cambodia: To What Extent Is an Aid-Dependent Country Able to Determine Its Own Policy?
Authors: DIAZ PEDREGAL VIRGINIE , DESTREMAU BLANDINE , CRIEL BART 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThis article analyses the design and implementation process of arrangements for health care provision and access to health care in Cambodia. It points to the complexity of shaping a coherent social policy in a low-income country heavily dependent on international aid.At a theoretical level, we confirm that ideas, interests and institutions are all important factors in the construction of Cambodian health care schemes. However, we demonstrate that trying to hierarchically organise these three elements to explain policy making is not fruitful.Regarding the methodology, interviews with forty-eight selected participants produced the qualitative material for this study. A documentary review was also an important source of data and information.The study produces two sets of results. First, Cambodian policy aimed at the development of health care arrangements results from a series of negotiations between a wide range of stakeholders with different objectives and interests. International stakeholders, such as donors and technical organisations, are major players in the policy arena where health policy is constructed. Cambodian civil society, however, is rarely involved in the negotiations.Second, the Cambodian government makes political decisions incrementally. The long-term vision of the Cambodian authorities for improving health care provision and access is quite clear, but, nevertheless, day-to-day decisions and actions are constantly negotiated between stakeholders. As a result, donors and non-government organisations (NGOs) working in the field find it difficult to anticipate policies.To conclude, despite real autonomy in the decision-making process, the Cambodian government still has to prove its capacity to master a number of risks, such as the (so far under-regulated) development of the private health care sector.
A novel movement-based operation method for dual-arm rescue construction machinery
Authors: Fang Cheng , Ding Xilun 
Published: August 2014

SUMMARYThe issue of the operation method for dual-arm rescue construction machinery is investigated in this paper. To increase its operational efficiency and to save more time at rescue sites, some operating strategies of the human arm are employed to design a novel operation method for construction machinery. On the basis of that, a novel and anthropomorphic task-motion planning and performing framework for rescue construction machinery is established. Firstly, the main tasks construction machinery encounter are summarized, and then, these tasks are decomposed to several manipulation and movement sequences. Finally, several frequently used movements, which consist of some basic movement elements, are designed to be intuitive movement primitives coordinating related movement elements simultaneously to improve the operational efficiency, which forms a novel operation method for rescue construction machinery. Additionally, in order to avoid the potential collision between the dual arms, a self-collision avoidance surveillance method is proposed to guarantee the safety of the novel operation method. An application case is presented to introduce the proposed method specifically, and a typical simulation of a dual-arm grip-and-cut task is carried out to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the framework.
Characterizing Social and Recreational Programming in Assisted Living
Authors: Hanson Heather M. , Hoppmann Christiane A. , Condon Karen , Davis Jane , Feldman Fabio , Friesen Mavis , Leung Pet Ming , White Angela D. , Sims-Gould Joanie , Ashe Maureen C. 
Published: August 2014

RÉSUMÉLes objectifs de cette étude en trois phases étaient (1) de caractériser les opportunités existantes dans les programmes de loisirs pour les locataires résidant avec aide à la vie autonome (AVA)* et (2) de recueillir les perceptions sur les facteurs qui influent sur la planification et la prestation des programmes. Au cours d'une collaboration d'un an, nous avons utilisé un cadre de l'application des connaissances intégrées qui a ciblé 51 sites AVA subventionnés par l'État de deux autorités de la santé en Colombie-Britannique. Nous avons effectué une revue des activités, une enquête auprès du personnel et des symposia interactifs pour identifier les facteurs qui ont permis ou restreint les programmes de loisirs. D'après les informations obtenues, nous avons déterminé que tous les sites AVA livraient programmes de loisirs. Bien que les possibilités d'exercice et de l'activité physique ont été perçus comme ayant une grande importance, la plupart des activités étaient de nature sociale. Le personnel a signalé leur confiance dans la prestation de ce type de programmation et a estimé qu'il répondait aux besoins holistiques des locataires, y compris leur bien-être mental, favorisant un sentiment d'appartenance à la communauté. Futures pistes pour augmenter l'activité physique pour les locataires AVA devraient aborder les caractéristiques de l'individu, du site, et de l’organisation.
Primary Care–Based Memory Clinics: Expanding Capacity for Dementia Care
Authors: Lee Linda , Hillier Loretta M. , Heckman George , Gagnon Micheline , Borrie Michael J. , Stolee Paul , Harvey David 
Published: August 2014

RÉSUMÉLa mise en oeuvre en l’Ontario de 15 cliniques interprofessionnelles des troubles de la mémoire à base de soins primaires représente un modèle unique de gestion de cas en équipe, visant à accroître la capacité de traitement de la démence au niveau des soins primaires. Chaque clinique a suivi les patients; dans un sous-ensemble des cliniques, des graphiques ont été vérifiés par les gériatres, les membres de la clinique ont été interrogés, et les patients, les soignants et les médecins traitants ont rempli des questionnaires de satisfaction. Dans toutes les cliniques, 582 patients ont été évalués, et 8,9 pour cent ont été adressés à un spécialiste. Les patients et les soignants étaient très satisfaits des soins reçus, de même que les médecins traitants de la famille, qui ont déclaré une augmentation de la capacité à gérer la démence. La vérification des dossiers des gériatres a révélé un niveau élevé d'accord avec le diagnostic et la gestion. Cette étude a démontré l'acceptabilité, la faisabilité et l'efficacité préliminaire du modèle de clinique des troubles de la mémoire de soins primaires. Dirigée par les médecins de famille spécialement formés, il a fourni un accès en temps opportun à la haute qualité des soins de la démence collaboratives, affectant recours aux services de santé par une utilisation plus efficace des maigres ressources spécialisées en gériatrie.
The relative validity and repeatability of an FFQ for estimating intake of zinc and its absorption modifiers in young and older Saudi adults
Authors: Alsufiani Hadeil M , Yamani Fatmah , Kumosani Taha A , Ford Dianne , Mathers John C 
Published: August 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the relative validity and repeatability of a sixty-four-item FFQ for estimating dietary intake of Zn and its absorption modifiers in Saudi adults. In addition, we used the FFQ to investigate the effect of age and gender on these intakes.DesignTo assess validity, all participants completed the FFQ (FFQ1) and a 3 d food record. After 1 month, the FFQ was administered for a second time (FFQ2) to assess repeatability.SettingJeddah, Saudi Arabia.SubjectsOne hundred males and females aged 20–30 years and 60–70 years participated.ResultsMean intakes of Zn and protein from FFQ1 were significantly higher than those from the food record while there were no detectable differences between tools for measurement of phytic acid intake. Estimated intakes of Zn, protein and phytate by both approaches were strongly correlated (P<0·001). Bland–Altman analysis showed for protein that the difference in intake as measured by the two methods was similar across the range of intakes while for Zn and phytic acid, the difference increased with increasing mean intake. Zn and protein intakes from FFQ1 and FFQ2 were highly correlated (r>0·68,P<0·001) but were significantly lower at the second measurement (FFQ2). Older adults consumed less Zn and protein compared with young adults. Intakes of all dietary components were lower in females than in males.ConclusionsThe FFQ developed and tested in the current study demonstrated reasonable relative validity and high repeatability and was capable of detecting differences in intakes between age and gender groups.
The major urinary protein system in the rat
Authors: Gómez-Baena Guadalupe , Armstrong Stuart D. , Phelan Marie M. , Hurst Jane L. , Beynon Robert J. 
Published: August 2014

The genomes of rats and mice both contain a cluster of multiple genes that encode small (18–20 kDa) eight-stranded β-barrel lipocalins that are expressed in multiple secretory tissues, some of which enter urine via hepatic biosynthesis. These proteins have been given different names, but are mostly generically referred to as MUPs (major urinary proteins). The mouse MUP cluster is increasingly well understood, and, in particular, a number of roles for MUPs in chemical communication between conspecifics have been established. By contrast, the literature on the rat orthologues is much less well developed and is fragmented. In the present review, we summarize current knowledge on the MUPs from the Norway (or brown) rat, Rattus norvegicus.