bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
When Microbubble–Polyelectrolyte Complexes Overcharge: A Comparative Study Using Electrophoresis
Authors: Frusawa Hiroshi , Inoue Masaichi 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
We observed the charge reversal of microbubble–polyelectrolyte complexes using microscopic electrophoresis. The measured mobility of microbubbles with the addition of cationic poly(allylamine hydrochloride) exhibited unusual behaviors. The critical concentration of polyelectrolytes added for the charge reversal was not only weakly dependent on chain length but was also much larger than that of colloidal silica–polyelectrolyte complexes. We attribute the nonstoichiometric overcharging to the adsorption–desorption kinetics of hydroxy ions on the surface of genuine microbubbles.
Straight to colonoscopy: the ideal patient pathway for the 2-week suspected cancer referrals?
Authors: Beggs Andrew D , Bhate Ravinda D , Irukulla Shashi , Achiek Mayen , Abulafi A Muti 
Published: March 2011

INTRODUCTION The UK has a higher mortality for colon cancer than the European average. The UK Government introduced a 2-week referral target for patients with colorectal symptoms meeting certain criteria and 62-day target for the delivery of treatment from the date of referral for those patients diagnosed with cancer. Hospitals are expected to meet 100% and 95% of these targets, respectively; therefore, an efficient and effective patient pathway is required to deliver diagnosis and treatment within this period. It is suggested that ‘straight-to-test’ will help this process and we have examined our implementation of ‘straight-to-colonoscopy’ as a method of achieving this aim. PATIENTS AND METHODS We carried out a retrospective audit of 317 patients referred under the 2-week rule over a 1-year period between October 2004 and September 2005 and were eligible for ‘straight-to-colonoscopy'. Demographic data, appropriateness of referral and colonoscopy findings were obtained. The cost effectiveness and impact on waiting period were also analysed. RESULTS A total of 317 patients were seen within 2 weeks. Cancer was found in 23 patients and all were treated within 62 days. Forty-four patients were determined by the specialist to have been referred inappropriately because they did not meet NICE referral guidelines. No cancer was found in any of the inappropriate referrals. The use of straight-to-test colonoscopy lead to cost savings of £26,176 (£82.57/patient) in this group compared to standard practice. There was no increase in waiting times. CONCLUSIONS Straight-to-colonoscopy for urgent suspected cancer referrals is a safe, feasible and cost-effective method for delivery of the 62-day target and did not lead to increase in the endoscopy waiting list.
The role of a multidisciplinary pre-assessment clinic in reducing mortality after complex orthopaedic surgery
Authors: Kamal T , Conway RM , Littlejohn I , Ricketts D 
Published: March 2011

INTRODUCTION This paper describes an audit loop. The aim of this study was to audit the effect of a specialised preoperative anaesthetic assessment clinic after hip and knee arthroplasty and revision arthroplasty. PATIENTS AND METHODS We studied patients undergoing hip and knee surgery (arthroplasty and revision arthroplasty). We collected data concerning postoperative admissions to the high dependency unit (HDU), intensive care unit (ICU) and post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU) (planned and unplanned rates of admission, length of stay). We also noted mortality. In the first part of the study (April 2005 to March 2006) we studied 298 patients. All patients were assessed independently by an anaesthetist on the day of surgery. A multidisciplinary preoperative assessment clinic commenced in April 2006. After this date all patients were assessed preoperatively by a multidisciplinary anaesthetic lead team. In the second part of the study (May 2006 to April 2009) a further 1,147 arthroplasty patients were studied. Data were again collected regarding HDU, ICU, PACU and mortality, as noted above. RESULTS We found statistically significant (p=0.001) reductions in the admissions to PACU (22% down to 10%) and in mortality (6.1% down to 1.2%) after the introduction of the pre-assessment clinic. There was also a statistically significant (p=0.01) reduction in the HDU length of stay (2.1 days to 1.6 days), ICU un-planned admissions (1.3% to 0.4%) and the ICU length of stay (2.3 to 1.9 days). We estimated cost savings of nearly £50,000 in the second part of the study. This is based on the average decrease in HDU and ICU length of stay. CONCLUSIONS We recommend the use of a multidisciplinary pre-assessment clinic for complex orthopaedic surgery.
‘Clinical scaphoid fracture’: is it time to abolish this phrase?
Authors: Shetty S , Sidharthan S , Jacob J , Ramesh B 
Published: March 2011

INTRODUCTION Most patients with post-traumatic painful wrists and negative radiographs are treated as having a clinical scaphoid fracture. Such cases are usually followed up with repeat radiographs. If the radiographs are inconclusive further imaging is done. However, this traditional approach results in the vast majority of patients being unnecessarily immobilised for an unspecified period, leading to loss of productivity and income to the patient and the community. A number of studies have highlighted the use of early CT or MRI scans to identify these fractures. The aim of this study was to evaluate our current practice in managing patients with suspected fractures of the scaphoid. PATIENTS AND METHODS A retrospective audit was carried out. The period studied was from January to August 2008. Fifty consecutive patients who were investigated for occult fractures of the scaphoid were included. RESULTS 92% of the patients studied had a repeat radiograph in the fracture clinic. 84% of the patients had their wrists immobilised in a cast while awaiting further imaging. Only 6% had confirmed fracture of the scaphoid; all of these healed uneventfully. 76% of patients with negative scans had their wrists immobilised for an average period of 30.63 days. CONCLUSIONS It is time we rethink this dogmatic approach to patients with clinical signs but negative radiographs. We recommend that patients with a painful wrist following an injury and negative radiographs should be referred early to an appropriate clinician and earlier recourse to advanced imaging should be advocated.
Effects of Targeted Reading Instruction on Phonological Awareness and Phonic Decoding in Children with Down Syndrome
Authors: Cologon Kathy , Cupples Linda , Wyver Shirley 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
This research evaluated the effectiveness of reading instruction targeting oral reading and phonological awareness for children with Down syndrome (affecting chromosome 21). The participants were 7 children ranging in age from 2 years, 11 months to 10 years, 8 months. Each child acted as his/her own control, with assessments of language, cognition, phonological awareness, word and short-passage comprehension, and oral reading ability conducted on four occasions (initially, preintervention, postintervention and delayed postintervention) over approximately a 12-month period. The intervention was conducted over 10 weekly sessions and involved individual instruction. The postintervention assessment results provided evidence that phonic reading instruction was generally effective in improving reading skills and phonological awareness of children with Down syndrome.
Observational Assessment and Maternal Reports of Motivation in Children and Adolescents With Down Syndrome
Authors: Gilmore Linda , Cuskelly Monica 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Despite a lack of consistent empirical evidence, there has been an ongoing assumption that intellectual disability is associated with reduced levels of motivation. The participants in this study were 33 children with Down syndrome ages 10–15 years and 33 typically developing 3–8-year-old children. Motivation was measured through observational assessments of curiosity, preference for challenge, and persistence, as well as maternal reports. There were no significant group differences on motivation tasks, but mothers of children with Down syndrome rated their children significantly lower on motivation than did parents of typically developing children. There were some intriguing group differences in the pattern of correlations among observations and parent reports. The findings challenge long-held views that individuals with intellectual disability are invariably deficient in motivation.
The role of nuclear endothelial nitric oxide synthase in the endothelial and prostate microenvironments
Authors: Nanni Simona , Grasselli Annalisa , Benvenuti Valentina , Aiello Aurora , Pantisano Valentina , Re Agnese , Gaetano Carlo , Capogrossi Maurizio C. , Bacchetti Silvia , Pontecorvi Alfredo , Farsetti Antonella 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
This review is based on novel observations from our laboratory on the nuclear translocation and functional role of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in endothelial and prostate cancer (PCa) epithelial cells. Nitric oxide (NO), the product of eNOS, is a free radical involved in the physiology and pathophysiology of living organisms and in a variety of biological processes including the maintenance of vascular homeostasis. Of relevance in this context is the role that estrogens play in the apoptotic process and the migration of endothelial cells through the regulation of target genes such as eNOS itself. It has been shown that both estrogen and NO signaling, mediated respectively by the estrogen receptors (ERs) and eNOS, can strongly counteract endothelial senescence through a common effector, the catalytic subunit of human telomerase. Therefore, this protein has been identified as a key molecule in the aging process which, intriguingly, is considered the only risk factor in the development of PCa and one of the major determinants of cardiovascular diseases. Indeed, in both these contexts we have defined a molecular mechanism involving activation of eNOS and hypoxia-inducible factors in association with ERβ that characterizes the most aggressive form of PCa or influences endothelial cell differentiation. Altogether these data led us to postulate that activation of eNOS is a crucial requirement for the delaying of endothelial senescence as well as for the acquisition of androgen-independence and for tumor progression in the prostate microenvironment.
Blood Pressure Percentiles by Age and Height From Nonoverweight Children and Adolescents in Germany
Authors: Neuhauser Hannelore K. , Thamm Michael , Ellert Ute , Hense Hans Werner , Rosario Angelika Schaffrath 
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVES:
To present oscillometric blood pressure (BP) references from German nonoverweight children and compare them with US references.

METHODS:
From children and adolescents, aged 3 to 17 years, from the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS 2003–2006), we obtained standardized BP measurements by using an oscillometric device validated in children. Gender-specific systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) BP percentiles, which simultaneously accounted for age and height by use of advanced statistical methods, were derived from nonoverweight children to avoid overweight prevalence in the reference population influencing BP references.

RESULTS:
The age- and gender-specific 95th percentiles from nonoverweight children (n = 12 199) were lower by up to 3 mm Hg for SBP and up to 2 mm Hg for DBP compared with the total sample (N = 14 349). KiGGS percentiles from nonoverweight children accounting simultaneously for age and height were mostly lower than in the US reference sample but higher for SBP in boys aged 14 years or older. At median height, the age-specific differences in 95th percentiles of SBP ranged from −4 to 4 mm Hg in boys and −2 to 1 mm Hg in girls and, for DBP, from −6 to 2 mm Hg in boys and −5 to 2 mm Hg in girls.

CONCLUSIONS:
Compared with current US references, the proposed German BP reference values are not influenced by the prevalence of overweight children in the reference population, they are based on a validated oscillometric device, and they take advantage of improved statistical methods.
Abusive Head Trauma in Children: A Comparison of Male and Female Perpetrators
Authors: Esernio-Jenssen Debra , Tai Julia , Kodsi Sylvia 
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the effect of perpetrator gender on victim presentation and outcomes, and perpetrator legal outcomes for abusive head trauma (AHT).

METHODS:
We performed a retrospective chart review of AHT cases from 1998 to 2008. Patient clinical data and information regarding perpetrator legal outcome was obtained. Relationship of brain injury and retinal hemorrhages (RHs) and differences in categorical variables of perpetrator gender were compared by using Fisher's exact test. Differences in continuous variables between perpetrator gender were compared by using the Mann-Whitney Test.

RESULTS:
There were 34 cases of AHT with identified perpetrators, 17 of each gender. Mean age of the victims was 9.4 months (SD: 7.8). Thirty-two (94%) had intracranial hemorrhages, 14 (41%) had both primary and secondary brain injury, 28 (82%) had RHs, and 6 (18%) died. The severity of RH was related to the severity of brain injuries (P = .01). The median age for female perpetrators (34 years) was higher than that for males (27 years; P = .001). Six categorical variables were associated with male perpetrator gender: acute presenting symptoms of cardiopulmonary or respiratory arrest (P = .025), worse clinical outcome (P = .012), neurosurgical intervention (P = .037), death (P = .018), perpetrator confession (P = .0001), and conviction (P = .005).

CONCLUSIONS:
There were significant perpetrator gender differences of AHT in children. Male perpetrators were younger and more likely to confess and be convicted. Victims of male perpetrators had more serious acute presentations and neurosurgical intervention and suffered worse clinical outcomes.
Cognitive Function After Intrauterine Growth Restriction and Very Preterm Birth
Authors: Morsing Eva , Åsard Malena , Ley David , Stjernqvist Karin , Maršál Karel 
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the effects of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) with absent or reversed end-diastolic blood flow in the umbilical artery and very preterm birth on cognitive outcome at 5 to 8 years of age.

METHODS:
We studied 34 children with IUGR born at a median of 26.9 gestational weeks (GWs) (range: 24–29 GWs) (PT-IUGR), 34 matched preterm appropriate-for-gestational age (PT-AGA) children, and 34 term AGA children (T-AGA) by using the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, and Brown's attention-deficit disorder (ADD) scales.

RESULTS:
The PT-IUGR group had mean (SD) scores on the verbal IQ (VIQ) and full-scale IQ (FSIQ) of 83.8 (17.3) and 78.9 (16.6), respectively, compared with the PT-AGA group, which had scores of 96.0 (14.5) and 90.1 (14.2) (P = .003 and P &lt; .007), and the T-AGA group, which had scores of 101.3 (12) and 102.9 (13.2) (P &lt; .001 and P &lt; 001), respectively. The VIQ difference remained significant after adjustment for parental level of education, gestational age at birth, and neonatal morbidity. Performance IQ (PIQ) did not differ between the PT-IUGR and PT-AGA groups; their mean PIQs were lower than that of the T-AGA group (P &lt; .001). Boys in the PT-IUGR group scored lower than girls in VIQ and FSIQ (P = .005 and .007, respectively). Behavior and ADD scores did not differ between the preterm groups.

CONCLUSIONS:
Children born very preterm after IUGR have an increased risk for cognitive impairment at early school age compared with children delivered very preterm for other reasons. Differences in cognitive outcome were restricted to boys who may have been especially vulnerable to the influence of IUGR and very preterm birth.
Diurnal birds of prey from Letea Forest (The Danube Delta Biosphere Reservation, Romania)
Authors: Pocora Viorel 
Published: March 2011

Diurnal birds of prey from Letea Forest (The Danube Delta Biosphere Reservation, Romania)
Letea Forest has always represented a favorable place for the nesting of preying birds. In the past 3 decades, in Letea Forest, as well as in the entire Danube Delta, the number of species of birds of prey has fallen dramatically. In the current paperwork we tried to analyze the situation of the species of diurnal birds of prey identified in Letea Forest. During the study, that took place between November 2003 until September 2009, there were 24 species of preying birds observed, from which 6 are nesting species (Circus aeruginosus, Haliaeetus albicilla, Falco vespertinus, F. subbuteo, F. tinnunculus, Buteo buteo and Pernis apivorus), and the rest are winter guests, passing species and species with accidental presence in the study area.
Morphological, Electrophysiological, and Metabolic Characteristics of Skeletal Muscle in People with End-Stage Renal Disease: A Critical Review
Authors: Sawant Anuradha , Garland S. Jayne , House Andrew A. , Overend Tom J. 
Published: March 2011

Purpose: Fatigue is one of the most frequent debilitating symptoms reported by people with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on haemodialysis (HD) therapy. A wide range of underlying abnormalities, including skeletal muscle weakness, have been implicated as causes of this fatigue. Skeletal muscle weakness is well established in this population, and such muscle weakness is amenable to physical therapy treatment. The purpose of this review was to identify morphological, electrophysiological, and metabolic characteristics of skeletal muscles in people with ESRD/HD that may cause skeletal muscle weakness. Method: Electronic databases were searched for relevant literature from inception to March 2010. Inclusion criteria were English language; adult subjects with ESRD/HD; and the use of muscle biopsy, electromyography, and nuclear magnetic spectroscopy (31P-NMRS) techniques to evaluate muscle characteristics. Results: In total, 38 studies were included. All studies of morphological characteristics reported type II fibre atrophy. Electrophysiological characteristics included both neuropathic and myopathic skeletal muscle changes. Studies of metabolic characteristics revealed higher cytosolic inorganic phosphate levels and reduced effective muscle mass. Conclusion: The results indicate an array of changes in the morphological, electrophysiological, and metabolic characteristics of skeletal muscle structure in people with ESRD/HD that may lead to muscle weakness.
A microseismic approach to locate survivors trapped under rubble
Authors: Arosio Diego 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTThe detection of microseismic noise generated by survivors trapped by debris is a method already used by Search and Rescue (S&R) teams. Present seismic S&R equipment works exclusively on energy analysis whilst ignoring information associated with propagation delays. We explore the potential of using traveltime analysis compared to energy analysis for both 2D and 3D location. Results obtained from three different debris field scenarios used for training S&R teams demonstrate that using travel‐time information is more reliable than using energy information alone. A joint analysis of both signal parameters is suggested as an appropriate strategy to improve the reliability of locating survivors. Traveltimes can also potentially extend the location into the third dimension by returning an approximate estimate of the survivor depth below ground level. The main obstacles to achieving this goal are the inhomogeneity of the debris pile, the need for a real‐time response and the limited spatial extension of the sensor array. Despite these difficulties, results obtained in the field, with an algorithm based on energy focusing by means of cross‐correlation and semblance operators, show an accuracy within the limit of the seismic resolution. A new searching strategy is defined and the procedure reduces the investigation time taken by current seismic S&R systems by a factor of three.
NFIL3 Is a Regulator of IL-12 p40 in Macrophages and Mucosal Immunity
Authors: Kobayashi Taku , Matsuoka Katsuyoshi , Sheikh Shehzad Z. , Elloumi Houda Z. , Kamada Nobuhiko , Hisamatsu Tadakazu , Hansen Jonathan J. , Doty Kevin R. , Pope Scott D. , Smale Stephen T. , Hibi Toshifumi , Rothman Paul B. , Kashiwada Masaki , Plevy Scott E. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Regulation of innate inflammatory responses against the enteric microbiota is essential for the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis. Key participants in innate defenses are macrophages. In these studies, the basic leucine zipper protein, NFIL3, is identified as a regulatory transcription factor in macrophages, controlling IL-12 p40 production induced by bacterial products and the enteric microbiota. Exposure to commensal bacteria and bacterial products induced NFIL3 in cultured macrophages and in vivo. The Il12b promoter has a putative DNA-binding element for NFIL3. Basal and LPS-activated NFIL3 binding to this site was confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation. LPS-induced Il12b promoter activity was inhibited by NFIL3 expression and augmented by NFIL3-short hairpin RNA in an Il12b-bacterial artificial chromosome-GFP reporter macrophage line. Il12b inhibition by NFIL3 does not require IL-10 expression, but a C-terminal minimal repression domain is necessary. Furthermore, colonic CD11b+ lamina propria mononuclear cells from Nfil3−/− mice spontaneously expressed Il12b mRNA. Importantly, lower expression of NFIL3 was observed in CD14+ lamina propria mononuclear cells from Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis patients compared with control subjects. Likewise, no induction of Nfil3 was observed in colons of colitis-prone Il10−/− mice transitioned from germ-free to a conventional microbiota. In conclusion, these experiments characterize NFIL3 as an Il12b transcriptional inhibitor. Interactions of macrophages with the enteric microbiota induce NFIL3 to limit their inflammatory capacity. Furthermore, altered intestinal NFIL3 expression may have implications for the pathogenesis of experimental and human inflammatory bowel diseases.
Monterrey y sus organizaciones mediáticas. Un retorno al estudio de la ideología a través de cuatro comunicadores
Authors: Frankenberg Lorena 
Published: March 2011

Este trabajo presenta un análisis sobre el discurso ideológico que ha permeado los textos mediáticos noticiosos de la ciudad de Monterrey a partir de la narrativa biográfica de cuatro comunicadores, que en la década de los ochenta, ocuparon puestos estratégicos en los principales medios de comunicación. El trabajo tiene como finalidad retornar al estudio de la ideología promovido en sus inicios por los Estudios Culturales. La pregunta que guía esta investigación es ¿de qué manera la postura ideológica de los grupos dominantes de una ciudad primordialmente industrial y con una fuerte elite económica, se entrelaza con una audiencia que se involucra principalmente con textos mediáticos que reafirmen su sistema de valores para conformar una identidad ciudadana? Se revela así el proceso de codificación que ha moldeado y reafirmado el sistema de valores y creencias propios de la sociedad. Entre los hallazgos más importantes se encuentran el destacar que ha habido una línea dominante influenciada por el grupo empresarial regiomontano tanto en el periodismo impreso como en los medios electrónicos y que el único intento por revertir esta tendencia y ofrecer una pluralidad de pensamiento se dio en el periódico El Porvenir en esta misma época, la cual coincidió con su fracaso financiero. En los resultados se muestra la clara relación circular entre los medios, las audiencias y las estructuras de reproducción del discurso ideológico de la elite regiomontana, donde unos y otros se retroalimentan.