bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early computed tomography scanning in multisystem trauma: The evidence
Authors: Hunt PAF , Smith CM , Oliver A 
Published: February 2012

The utility of computed tomography as a radiological investigation following multisystem trauma is already well established in current practice. This article examines the existing evidence and rationale behind the use of early computed tomography scanning in the management of the multisystem trauma patient, with a particular emphasis on the use of ‘whole body’ computed tomography scanning as a component of their initial management in the Emergency Department. The use of computed tomography has been shown to be superior to plain radiography for the detection of injuries in important body regions including the spine, thorax, abdomen and pelvis. Computed tomography scan of the head and cervical spine is also well established as the first investigation of choice for significant traumatic brain injury. The potential benefits of whole body computed tomography include reduced time to diagnosis and intervention, as well as significant improvements in clinical outcome and survival. Concerns regarding a whole body computed tomography approach relate to the increased ionising radiation dosage that patients will be exposed to, and perceived risks of the secondary transfer and scanning room environment itself. Potential barriers to the use of whole body computed tomography are also explored and discussed. This article also presents a proposed clinical algorithm derived from the results of a recent Delphi study into whole body computed tomography following blunt multitrauma, along with conclusions and recommendations from the subject matter panel review process.
Managing intimate partner violence at the social services department of a Greek university hospital
Authors: Papadakaki Maria , Kastrinaki Eirini , Drakaki Renanthi , Chliaoutakis Joannes 
Published: February 2012

• Summary: Although abused patients are thought to access the health system at a range of potential entry points, social services are usually the only referral option within the various hospital sectors. In Greece, little is known about the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) and the quality of care provided to cases of abuse at the social services. The current study explored the department’s response to IPV cases in a Greek university hospital. Two different research methods were employed: qualitative and document research. Qualitative data were collected through personal interviews with the 10 social workers employed at the department. Document research involved the review of all registries and social history forms recorded between January 2005 and April 2009 at the department. Two predefined screening criteria were employed to identify IPV cases. Seven socio-demographic variables were abstracted from all IPV cases that met the inclusion criteria. • Findings: Four main themes emerged from the qualitative analysis: 1) knowledge gap and openness to education, 2) poor assessment and recording practices, 3) concerns about intervention in confirmed cases, and 4) mistrust in referral resources. The document research revealed a total of 42 records (3.8%) having an IPV screening record present, out of the 1117 initially reviewed. The majority of the IPV patients were women ( n = 33, 78.6%), encountered at the age group of 28–37 years ( n = 16, 38.1%) and presented mixed types of abuse ( n = 32, 76.2%). • Applications: Developing training opportunities and introducing organizational changes could help social workers to better manage IPV cases in the hospital setting.
Interdisciplinary approach to the demography of Jamaica
Authors: Deason Michael L , Salas Antonio , Newman Simon P , Macaulay Vincent A , st A Morrison Errol Y , Pitsiladis Yannis P 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
The trans-Atlantic slave trade dramatically changed the demographic makeup of the New World, with varying regions of the African coast exploited differently over roughly a 400 year period. When compared to the discrete mitochondrial haplotype distribution of historically appropriate source populations, the unique distribution within a specific source population can prove insightful in estimating the contribution of each population. Here, we analyzed the first hypervariable region of mitochondrial DNA in a sample from the Caribbean island of Jamaica and compared it to aggregated populations in Africa divided according to historiographically defined segments of the continent's coastline. The results from these admixture procedures were then compared to the wealth of historic knowledge surrounding the disembarkation of Africans on the island.

Results
In line with previous findings, the matriline of Jamaica is almost entirely of West African descent. Results from the admixture analyses suggest modern Jamaicans share a closer affinity with groups from the Gold Coast and Bight of Benin despite high mortality, low fecundity, and waning regional importation. The slaves from the Bight of Biafra and West-central Africa were imported in great numbers; however, the results suggest a deficit in expected maternal contribution from those regions.

Conclusions
When considering the demographic pressures imposed by chattel slavery on Jamaica during the slave era, the results seem incongruous. Ethnolinguistic and ethnographic evidence, however, may explain the apparent non-random levels of genetic perseverance. The application of genetics may prove useful in answering difficult demographic questions left by historically voiceless groups.
Antiadhesive activity of the biosurfactant pseudofactin II secreted by the Arctic bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescensBD5
Authors: Janek Tomasz , Łukaszewicz Marcin , Krasowska Anna 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
Pseudofactin II is a recently identified biosurfactant secreted by Pseudomonas fluorescens BD5, the strain obtained from freshwater from the Arctic Archipelago of Svalbard. Pseudofactin II is a novel compound identified as cyclic lipopeptide with a palmitic acid connected to the terminal amino group of eighth amino acid in peptide moiety. The C-terminal carboxylic group of the last amino acid forms a lactone with the hydroxyl of Thr3.
Adhesion is the first stage of biofilm formation and the best moment for the action of antiadhesive and anti-biofilm compounds. Adsorption of biosurfactants to a surface e.g. glass, polystyrene, silicone modifies its hydrophobicity, interfering with the microbial adhesion and desorption processes. In this study the role and applications of pseudofactin II as a antiadhesive compound has been investigated from medicinal and therapeutic perspectives.

Results
Pseudofactin II lowered the adhesion to three types of surfaces (glass, polystyrene and silicone) of bacterial strains of five species: Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus hirae, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Proteus mirabilis and two Candida albicans strains. Pretreatment of a polystyrene surface with 0.5 mg/ml pseudofactin II inhibited bacterial adhesion by 36-90% and that of C. albicans by 92-99%. The same concentration of pseudofactin II dislodged 26-70% of preexisting biofilms grown on previously untreated surfaces. Pseudofactin II also caused a marked inhibition of the initial adhesion of E. faecalis, E. coli, E. hirae and C. albicans strains to silicone urethral catheters. The highest concentration tested (0.5 mg/ml) caused a total growth inhibition of S. epidermidis, partial (18-37%) inhibition of other bacteria and 8-9% inhibition of C. albicans growth.

Conclusion
Pseudofactin II showed antiadhesive activity against several pathogenic microorganisms which are potential biofilm formers on catheters, implants and internal prostheses. Up to 99% prevention could be achieved by 0.5 mg/ml pseudofactin II. In addition, pseudofactin II dispersed preformed biofilms. Pseudofactin II can be used as a disinfectant or surface coating agent against microbial colonization of different surfaces, e.g. implants or urethral catheters.
Bioinformatic identification of cassava miRNAs differentially expressed in response to infection by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. manihotis
Authors: Pérez-Quintero Álvaro L , Quintero Andrés , Urrego Oscar , Vanegas Pablo , López Camilo 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
microRNAs (miRNAs) are short RNA molecules that control gene expression by silencing complementary mRNA. They play a crucial role in stress response in plants, including biotic stress. Some miRNAs are known to respond to bacterial infection in Arabidopsis thaliana but it is currently unknown whether these responses are conserved in other plants and whether novel species-specific miRNAs could have a role in defense.

Results
This work addresses the role of miRNAs in the Manihot esculenta (cassava)-Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. manihotis (Xam) interaction. Next-generation sequencing was used for analyzing small RNA libraries from cassava tissue infected and non-infected with Xam. A full repertoire of cassava miRNAs was characterized, which included 56 conserved families and 12 novel cassava-specific families. Endogenous targets were predicted in the cassava genome for many miRNA families. Some miRNA families' expression was increased in response to bacterial infection, including miRNAs known to mediate defense by targeting auxin-responding factors as well as some cassava-specific miRNAs. Some bacteria-repressed miRNAs included families involved in copper regulation as well as families targeting disease resistance genes. Putative transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) were identified in the MIRNA genes promoter region and compared to promoter regions in miRNA target genes and protein coding genes, revealing differences between MIRNA gene transcriptional regulation and other genes.

Conclusions
Taken together these results suggest that miRNAs in cassava play a role in defense against Xam, and that the mechanism is similar to what's known in Arabidopsis and involves some of the same families.
Mechanisms underlying skeletal muscle insulin resistance induced by fatty acids: importance of the mitochondrial function
Authors: Martins Amanda R , Nachbar Renato T , Gorjao Renata , Vinolo Marco A , Festuccia William T , Lambertucci Rafael H , Cury-Boaventura Maria F , Silveira Leonardo R , Curi Rui , Hirabara Sandro M 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Insulin resistance condition is associated to the development of several syndromes, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome. Although the factors linking insulin resistance to these syndromes are not precisely defined yet, evidence suggests that the elevated plasma free fatty acid (FFA) level plays an important role in the development of skeletal muscle insulin resistance. Accordantly, in vivo and in vitro exposure of skeletal muscle and myocytes to physiological concentrations of saturated fatty acids is associated with insulin resistance condition. Several mechanisms have been postulated to account for fatty acids-induced muscle insulin resistance, including Randle cycle, oxidative stress, inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction. Here we reviewed experimental evidence supporting the involvement of each of these propositions in the development of skeletal muscle insulin resistance induced by saturated fatty acids and propose an integrative model placing mitochondrial dysfunction as an important and common factor to the other mechanisms.
Cellular transcripts of chicken brain tissues in response to H5N1 and Newcastle disease virus infection
Authors: Balasubramaniam Vinod RMT , Wai Tham H , Omar Abdul R , Othman Iekhsan , Hassan Sharifah S 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
Highly-pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 and Newcastle disease (ND) viruses are the two most important poultry viruses in the world, with the ability to cause classic central nervous system dysfunction in poultry and migratory birds. To elucidate the mechanisms of neurovirulence caused by these viruses, a preliminary study was design to analyze host's cellular responses during infections of these viruses.

Methods
An improved mRNA differential display technique (Gene Fishing™) was undertaken to analyze differentially expressed transcripts regulated during HPAI H5N1 and velogenic neurotropic NDV infections of whole brain of chickens. The identification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was made possible as this technique uses annealing control primers that generate reproducible, authentic and long PCR products that are detectable on agarose gels.

Results
Twenty-three genes were identified to be significantly regulated during infections with both viruses, where ten of the genes have been selected for validation using a TaqMan® based real time quantitative PCR assay. Some of the identified genes demonstrated to be key factors involving the cytoskeletal system, neural signal transduction and protein folding during stress. Interestingly, Septin 5, one of the genes isolated from HPAI H5N1-infected brain tissues has been reported to participate in the pathogenic process of Parkinson's disease.

Conclusions
In this limited study, the differentially expressed genes of infected brain tissues regulated by the viruses were found not to be identical, thus suggesting that their neurovirulence and neuropathogenesis may not share similar mechanisms and pathways.
Molecular characterization of human calicivirus associated with acute diarrheal disease in mexican children
Authors: Gómez-Santiago Fabián , Ribas-Aparicio Rosa María , García-Lozano Herlinda 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
Human caliciviruses (HuCV) are emerging enteric pathogens that are a common cause of diarrhea in humans worldwide. Due to the paucity of information on the molecular characterization of HuCV circulating in Mexico, the aim of this work was to investigate the diversity and molecular epidemiology of the HuCV infection associated with acute diarrheal disease in Mexican children aged up to 5 years.

Results
Of the 131/414 (32%) HuCV positive-specimens analyzed, 128 were identified as Norovirus (NoV) and three as Sapovirus (SaV). Of the NoV positive specimens, 118/128 (92%) were NoV GII and 10/128(8%) were untypeable by RT-PCR in both polymerase and capsid genes, whereas one SaV isolate was further confirmed by sequencing as GI.2. Phylogenetic analysis based on polymerase partial gene sequences from 89/131 (68%) HuCV isolates showed that 86/89 (97%) belong to NoV GII.4 with three main variant clusters of this genotype, 2/89 (2%) to NoV GII.2, and 1/89 (1%) to SaV GI.2. Furthermore, partial sequencing of the capsid gene VP1 of 63/131 (48%) strains indicated that 61/63 (97%) correlated with NoV GII.4, whereas only 2/63 (3%) clustered to NoV GII.2. HuCV infections were detected throughout the year, and the highest number of cases positive for NoV was found in children between 7 and 18 months of age (60%).

Conclusions
This study highlights the usefulness of analyzing both polymerase and capsid genes for molecular characterization of HuCV and demonstrates the relatedness and predominance of NoV GII.4 with acute diarrheal disease in young Mexican children, thus contributing to better understanding of the molecular epidemiology of this disease.
Efficacy of early neonatal vitamin A supplementation in reducing mortality during infancy in Ghana, India and Tanzania: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors:   NEOVITA Study Author Group, Bahl Rajiv , Bhandari Nita , Dube Brinda , Edmond Karen , Fawzi Wafaie , Fontaine Olivier , Kaur Jasmine , Kirkwood Betty R , Martines Jose , Masanja Honorati , Mazumder Sarmila , Msham Salum , Newton Sam , Oleary Maureen , Ruben Julia , Shannon Caitlin , Smith Emily , Taneja Sunita , Yoshida Sachiyo 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
Vitamin A supplementation of 6-59 month old children is currently recommended by the World Health Organization based on evidence that it reduces mortality. There has been considerable interest in determining the benefits of neonatal vitamin A supplementation, but the results of existing trials are conflicting. A technical consultation convened by WHO pointed to the need for larger scale studies in Asia and Africa to inform global policy on the use of neonatal vitamin A supplementation. Three trials were therefore initiated in Ghana, India and Tanzania to determine if vitamin A supplementation (50,000 IU) given to neonates once orally on the day of birth or within the next two days will reduce mortality in the period from supplementation to 6 months of age compared to placebo.

Methods/Design
The trials are individually randomized, double masked, and placebo controlled. The required sample size is 40,200 in India and 32,000 each in Ghana and Tanzania. The study participants are neonates who fulfil age eligibility, whose families are likely to stay in the study area for the next 6 months, who are able to feed orally, and whose parent(s) provide informed written consent to participate in the study. Neonates randomized to the intervention group receive 50,000 IU vitamin A and the ones randomized to the control group receive placebo at the time of enrolment. Mortality and morbidity information are collected through periodic home visits by a study worker during infancy. The primary outcome of the study is mortality from supplementation to 6 months of age. The secondary outcome of the study is mortality from supplementation to 12 months of age. The three studies will be analysed independent of each other. Subgroup analysis will be carried out to determine the effect by birth weight, sex, and timing of DTP vaccine, socioeconomic groups and maternal large-dose vitamin A supplementation.

Discussion
The three ongoing studies are the largest studies evaluating the efficacy of vitamin A supplementation to neonates. Policy formulation will be based on the results of efficacy of the intervention from the ongoing randomized controlled trials combined with results of previous studies.

Trial Registration

Ghana: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) - ACTRN12610000582055
; India: CLINICALTRIALS.GOV - NCT01138449
; Tanzania: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) - ACTRN12610000636055.
The effect of low level laser on condylar growth during mandibular advancement in rabbits
Authors: Abtahi Mostafa , Poosti Maryam , Saghravanian Nasrollah , Sadeghi Kamran , Shafaee Hooman 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Introduction
It has been shown that Low Level Laser (LLL) has a positive effect on bone formation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of low level laser on condylar growth during mandibular advancement in rabbits.

Materials and methods
Continuous forward mandibular advancement was performed in fourteen male Albino rabbits with the mean age of 8 weeks and the mean weight of 1.5 ± 0.5 kg, with acrylic inclined planes. The rabbits were randomly assigned into two groups after 4 weeks. LLL (KLO3: wave length 630 nm) was irradiated at 3 points around the TMJ, through the skin in the first group. The exposure was performed for 3 minutes at each point (a total of 9 minutes) once a day for 3 weeks. The control group was not exposed to any irradiation. The rabbits in both groups were sacrificed after two months and the histological evaluation of TMJ was performed to compare fibrous tissue, cartilage, and new bone formation in condylar region in both groups. Disc displacement was also detected in both groups. Student's t-test, Exact Fisher and Chi square tests were used for the statistical analysis.

Results
The formation of fibrous tissue was significantly lower, while bone formation was significantly greater in lased group as compared with control group. The thickness of cartilage did not differ significantly between two groups.

Conclusion
Irradiation of LLL (KLO3) during mandibular advancement in rabbits, increases bone formation in condylar region, while neither increase in the cartilage thickness nor fibrous tissues was observed.
Increasing the sensitivity of controlled-source electromagnetics with synthetic aperture
Authors: Fan Y. , Snieder R. , Slob E. , Hunziker J. , Singer J. , Sheiman J. , Rosenquist M. 
Published: February 2012

Controlled-source electromagnetics (CSEM) has been used as a derisking tool in the hydrocarbon exploration industry. We apply the concept of synthetic aperture to the low-frequency electromagnetic field in CSEM. Synthetic aperture sources have been used in radar imaging for many years. Using the synthetic aperture concept, big synthetic sources can be constructed by adding the response to small sources (building blocks) in different ways, and consequently, big sources with different radiation patterns can be created. We show that the detectability of hydrocarbons is significantly enhanced by applying synthetic aperture to CSEM data. More challenging targets such as deep reservoirs (4 km below sea floor) can be detected. The synthetic aperture technique also increases the sensitivity of the field to subsurface targets in the towing streamer acquisition. We also show that a pseudovertical source (orthogonally distributed dipole pairs) can be constructed synthetically, and that the detection capability of this pseudovertical source is increased by applying field steering. The synthetic aperture concept opens a new line of research in CSEM, with the freedom to design suitable synthetic aperture sources for a given purpose.
Creation of Functional and Structured Polymer Particles by Self-Organized Precipitation (SORP)
Authors: Yabu Hiroshi 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
In this account, we review recent developments in the preparation of various functional and nanostructured polymer particles by precipitation-based methods. First, we present an overview of recent polymer particle preparation methods including methods for precipitation-based particle preparation. Next, we introduce the self-organized precipitation and its advantages. We discuss the morphological control of polymer particles based on the types of polymer materials used for particle preparation. We also introduce the preparation of organic–inorganic composite particles. Finally, we discuss the future outlook of nanostructured polymer particles.
Should I Repeat My 1:2s QC Rejection?
Authors: Parvin Curtis A , Kuchipudi Lakshmi , Yundt-Pacheco John C 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Repeating a QC that is outside 2SD from the mean (1:2s rule) appears to be a common practice. Although this form of repeat sampling is frowned on by many, the comparative power of the approach has not been formally evaluated.

METHODS
We computed power functions mathematically and by computer simulation for 4 different 1:2s repeat-sampling strategies, as well as the 1:2s rule, the 1:3s rule, and 2 common QC multirules.

RESULTS
The false-rejection rates for the repeat-sampling strategies were similarly low to those of the 1:3s QC rule. The error detection rates for the repeat-sampling strategies approached those of the 1:2s QC rule for moderate to large out-of-control error conditions. In most cases, the power of the repeat-sampling strategies was superior to the power of the QC multirules we evaluated. The increase in QC utilization rate ranged from 4% to 13% for the repeat-sampling strategies investigated.

CONCLUSIONS
The repeat-sampling strategies provide an effective tactic to take advantage of the desirable properties of both the 1:2s and 1:3s QC rules. Additionally, the power of the repeat-sampling strategies compares favorably with the power of 2 common QC multirules. These improvements come with a modest increase in the average number of controls tested.