bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ten-year experiences with Tracheostomy at a University teaching hospital in Northwestern Tanzania: A retrospective review of 214 cases
Authors: Gilyoma Japhet M , Balumuka Darius D , Chalya Phillipo L 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackgroundTracheostomy remains a very important life saving surgical procedure worldwide and particularly in our environment where patients present late in upper airway obstruction. Little work has been done on this subject in our environment and therefore it was necessary to conduct this study to describe our own experiences with tracheostomy, outlining the common indications and outcome of tracheostomized patients in our setting and compare our results with those from other centers in the world.MethodsThis was a 10-year retrospective study which was conducted at Bugando Medical Centre from January 2001 to December 2010. Data were retrieved from patients' files kept in the Medical record department and analyzed using SPSS computer software version 15.0. Ethical approval to conduct the study was obtained from relevant authority before the commencement of the study.ResultsA total of 214 patients were studied. The male to female ratio was 3.1: 1. The majority of patients were in the 3rddecade of life. The most common indication for tracheostomy was upper airway obstruction secondary to traumatic causes in 55.1% of patients, followed by upper airway obstruction due to neoplastic causes in 39.3% of cases. The majority of tracheostomies (80.4%) were performed as an emergency. Transverse skin crease incision was employed in all the cases. Post-tracheostomy complication rate was 21.5%. Complication rate was significantly higher in emergency tracheostomy than in electives (P< 0.001). The duration of temporary tracheostomy ranged from 8 days to 46 months, with a median duration of 4 months. Tracheostomy decannulation was successively performed in 72.4% of patients who survived. Mortality rate was 13.6%. The mortality was due to their underlying illnesses, none had tracheostomy-related mortality.ConclusionUpper airway obstruction secondary to trauma and laryngeal tumors still remains the most common indication for tracheostomy in our centre and tracheostomy is still a life saving procedure in the surgical management of airway despite complications which are seen more commonly in paediatric patients. Most of tracheostomy related complications can be avoided by meticulous attention to the details of the technique and postoperative tracheostomy care by skilled and trained staff.
Critical assessment of human metabolic pathway databases: a stepping stone for future integration
Authors: Stobbe Miranda D , Houten Sander M , Jansen Gerbert A , van Kampen Antoine HC , Moerland Perry D 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
Multiple pathway databases are available that describe the human metabolic network and have proven their usefulness in many applications, ranging from the analysis and interpretation of high-throughput data to their use as a reference repository. However, so far the various human metabolic networks described by these databases have not been systematically compared and contrasted, nor has the extent to which they differ been quantified. For a researcher using these databases for particular analyses of human metabolism, it is crucial to know the extent of the differences in content and their underlying causes. Moreover, the outcomes of such a comparison are important for ongoing integration efforts.

Results
We compared the genes, EC numbers and reactions of five frequently used human metabolic pathway databases. The overlap is surprisingly low, especially on reaction level, where the databases agree on 3% of the 6968 reactions they have combined. Even for the well-established tricarboxylic acid cycle the databases agree on only 5 out of the 30 reactions in total. We identified the main causes for the lack of overlap. Importantly, the databases are partly complementary. Other explanations include the number of steps a conversion is described in and the number of possible alternative substrates listed. Missing metabolite identifiers and ambiguous names for metabolites also affect the comparison.

Conclusions
Our results show that each of the five networks compared provides us with a valuable piece of the puzzle of the complete reconstruction of the human metabolic network. To enable integration of the networks, next to a need for standardizing the metabolite names and identifiers, the conceptual differences between the databases should be resolved. Considerable manual intervention is required to reach the ultimate goal of a unified and biologically accurate model for studying the systems biology of human metabolism. Our comparison provides a stepping stone for such an endeavor.
Laudation to Prof. Dr. Hans-Toni Ratte--towards conceptual, theory-based ecological science and its transfer to the applied field of ecotoxicology
Authors: Brock Theo , Giesy John P , Heimbach Fred , Hollert Henner , Roß-Nickoll Martina , Schäffer Andreas , Steinhäuser Klaus Günther 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
In order to thank Prof. Dr. Hans-Toni Ratte on the occasion of his retirement for his outstanding experimental and modelling merits in the field of ecotoxicology and ecology and his personal 65th anniversary on November 25th this article will present a laudation.
Integrating body language movements in augmented reality learning environment
Authors: Hsiao Kuei-Fang , Rashvand Habib F 
Published: November 2011

AbstractDue to excessive use of computer and other low activity learning systems in many schools the physical health status of young students is deteriorating at an alarming rate throughout the world and more seriously in Taiwan upon recent national survey. We address this growing global problem with student learning process in mind in this study we examine making a better use of information technology in virtual really under our new augmented reality (AR) enhanced learning method. Under our AR design/approach we make use of body language by integrating learners' interactions with the computer in their learning based set of physical activities in a way that the effectiveness of the method/technique increases their academic performance through a preference selectivity system. Our results collected from in-school extensive experiments and analysis of the results using recently developed seven multimedia learning subscale factors show that those students who begin with more challenging preferences show more interest and also they gain significantly more in their academic achievements than others.
A human-centric integrated approach to web information search and sharing
Authors: Shtykh Roman Y , Jin Qun 
Published: November 2011

AbstractIn this paper we argue a user has to be in the center of information seeking task, as in any other task where the user is involved. In addition, an essential part of user-centrism is considering a user not only in his/her individual scope, but expanding it to the user's community participation quintessence. Through our research we make an endeavor to develop a holistic approach from how to harnesses relevance feedback from users in order to estimate their interests, construct user profiles reflecting those interests to applying them for information acquisition in online collaborative information seeking context. Here we discuss a human-centric integrated approach for Web information search and sharing incorporating the important user-centric elements, namely a user's individual context and 'social' factor realized with collaborative contributions and co-evaluations, into Web information search.
Human epidermal growth factor receptor bispecific ligand trap RB200: abrogation of collagen-induced arthritis in combination with tumour necrosis factor blockade
Authors: Gompels Luke L , Malik Nasser M , Madden Leigh , Jin Pei , Feldmann Marc , Shepard H Michael , Paleolog Ewa M 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease associated with inflammation and destruction of bone and cartilage. Although inhibition of TNFα is widely used to treat RA, a significant number of patients do not respond to TNFα blockade, and therefore there is a compelling need to continue to identify alternative therapeutic strategies for treating chronic inflammatory diseases such as RA. The anti-epidermal growth factor (anti-EGF) receptor antibody trastuzumab has revolutionised the treatment of patients with EGF receptor-positive breast cancer. Expression of EGF ligands and receptors (known as HER) has also been documented in RA. The highly unique compound RB200 is a bispecific ligand trap that is composed of full-length extracellular domains of HER1 and HER3 EGF receptors. Because of its pan-HER specificity, RB200 inhibits responses mediated by HER1, HER2 and HER3 in vitro and in vivo. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of RB200 combined with TNF blockade in a murine collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model of RA.

Methods
Arthritic mice were treated with RB200 alone or in combination with the TNF receptor fusion protein etanercept. We performed immunohistochemistry to assess CD31 and in vivo fluorescent imaging using anti-E-selectin antibody labelled with fluorescent dye to elucidate the effect of RB200 on the vasculature in CIA.

Results
RB200 significantly abrogated CIA by reducing paw swelling and clinical scores. Importantly, low-dose RB200 combined with a suboptimal dose of etanercept led to complete abrogation of arthritis. Moreover, the combination of RB200 with etanercept abrogated the intensity of the E-selectin-targeted signal to the level seen in control animals not immunised to CIA.

Conclusions
The human pan-EGF receptor bispecific ligand trap RB200, when combined with low-dose etanercept, abrogates CIA, suggesting that inhibition of events downstream of EGF receptor activation, in combination with TNFα inhibitors, may hold promise as a future therapy for patients with RA.
Detection of autoantibodies to citrullinated BiP in rheumatoid arthritis patients and pro-inflammatory role of citrullinated BiP in collagen-induced arthritis
Authors: Shoda Hirofumi , Fujio Keishi , Shibuya Mihoko , Okamura Tomohisa , Sumitomo Shuji , Okamoto Akiko , Sawada Tetsuji , Yamamoto Kazuhiko 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Introduction

Anti-citrullinated protein/peptide antibodies (ACPAs) are highly specific to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and are thought to have a close relationship with the pathogenesis of arthritis. Several proteins, including fibrinogen, vimentin, and alpha-enolase, were reported as ACPA-target antigens, and their importance in RA pathogenesis was widely proposed. We identified citrullinated immunoglobulin binding protein (citBiP) as another ACPA target in RA patients and examined its pro-inflammatory role in arthritis.

Methods

We measured the levels of anti-citBiP, anti-BiP, and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibodies in the serum of RA patients (n = 100), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients (n = 60), and healthy controls (n = 30) using ELISA and immunoblotting. Epitope mapping was performed using 27 citBiP-derived peptides. In the mouse study, after DBA/1J mice were immunized with BiP or citBiP, serum titers of ACPAs were measured by ELISA and immunohistochemistry. The development of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) was observed in BiP- or citBiP-pre-immunized mice.

Results

The serum levels of anti-BiP and anti-citBiP antibodies were significantly increased in RA patients, although only anti-BiP antibodies were slightly increased in SLE patients. Interestingly, anti-citBiP antibody levels were higher than anti-BiP antibody levels in 72% of RA patients, whereas no significant increase in anti-citBiP antibody levels was detected in SLE patients and healthy controls. The serum levels of anti-CCP antibodies were correlated with those of anti-citBiP antibodies in RA patients (R2 = 0.41). Several citrulline residues of citBiP were determined to be major epitopes of anti-citBiP antibodies, one of which showed cross-reactivity with CCP. Immunization of DBA/1J mice with citBiP induced several kinds of ACPAs, including anti-CCP and anti-citrullinated fibrinogen antibodies. Pre-immunization with citBiP exacerbated CIA, and anti-CCP antibody levels were increased in citBiP-pre-immunized CIA mice.

Conclusions

CitBiP is a newly described ACPA target that may play a pro-inflammatory role in arthritis.
Collecting core data in severely injured patients using a consensus trauma template: an international multicentre study
Authors: Ringdal Kjetil Gorseth , Lossius Hans Morten , Jones J Mary , Lauritsen Jens M , Coats Timothy J , Palmer Cameron S , Lefering Rolf , Di Bartolomeo Stefano , Dries David J , Søreide Kjetil ,   The Utstein Trauma Data Collaborators
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Introduction
No worldwide, standardised definitions exist for documenting, reporting and comparing data from severely injured trauma patients. This study evaluated the feasibility of collecting the data variables of the international consensus-derived Utstein Trauma Template.

Methods
Trauma centres from three different continents were invited to submit Utstein Trauma Template core data during a defined period, for up to 50 consecutive trauma patients. Directly admitted patients with a New Injury Severity Score (NISS) equal to or above 16 were included. Main outcome variables were data completeness, data differences and data collection difficulty.

Results
Centres from Europe (n = 20), North America (n = 3) and Australia (n = 1) submitted data on 965 patients, of whom 783 were included. Median age was 41 years (interquartile range (IQR) 24 to 60), and 73.1% were male. Median NISS was 27 (IQR 20 to 38), and blunt trauma predominated (91.1%). Of the 36 Utstein variables, 13 (36%) were collected by all participating centres. Eleven (46%) centres applied definitions of the survival outcome variable that were different from those of the template. Seventeen (71%) centres used the recommended version of the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS). Three variables (age, gender and AIS) were documented in all patients. Completeness > 80% was achieved for 28 variables, and 20 variables were > 90% complete.

Conclusions
The Utstein Template was feasible across international trauma centres for the majority of its data variables, with the exception of certain physiological and time variables. Major differences were found in the definition of survival and in AIS coding. The current results give a clear indication of the attainability of information and may serve as a stepping-stone towards creation of a European trauma registry.
Sepsis induces albuminuria and alterations in the glomerular filtration barrier: a morphofunctional study in the rat
Authors: Adembri Chiara , Sgambati Eleonora , Vitali Luca , Selmi Valentina , Margheri Martina , Tani Alessia , Bonaccini Laura , Nosi Daniele , Caldini Anna L , Formigli Lucia , De Gaudio Angelo R 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Increased vascular permeability represents one of the hallmarks of sepsis. In the kidney, vascular permeability is strictly regulated by the 'glomerular filtration barrier' (GFB), which is comprised of glomerular endothelium, podocytes, their interposed basement membranes and the associated glycocalyx. Although it is likely that the GFB and its glycocalyx are altered during sepsis, no study has specifically addressed this issue. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether albuminuria -- the hallmark of GFB perm-selectivity -- occurs in the initial stage of sepsis and whether it is associated with morphological and biochemical changes of the GFB.

Methods
Cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) was used to induce sepsis in the rat. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha levels in plasma and growth of microorganisms in the peritoneal fluid were evaluated at 0, 3 and 7 hours after CLP or sham-operation. At the same times, kidney specimens were collected and structural and ultrastructural alterations in the GFB were assessed. In addition, several components of GFB-associated glycocalyx, syndecan-1, hyluronan (HA) and sialic acids were evaluated by immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry and lectin histochemistry techniques. Serum creatinine and creatinine clearance were measured to assess kidney function and albuminuria for changes in GFB permeability. Analysis of variance followed by Tukey's multiple comparison test was used.

Results
Septic rats showed increased TNF-alpha levels and growth of microorganisms in the peritoneal fluid. Only a few renal corpuscles had major ultrastructural and structural alterations and no change in serum creatinine or creatinine clearance was observed. Contrarily, urinary albumin significantly increased after CLP and was associated with diffuse alteration in the glycocalyx of the GFB, which consisted in a decrease in syndecan-1 expression and in HA and sialic acids contents. Sialic acids were also changed in their structure, exhibiting a higher degree of acetylation.

Conclusions
In its initial phase, sepsis is associated with a significant alteration in the composition of the GFB-associated glycocalyx, with loss of GFB perm-selectivity as documented by albumin leakage into urine.
Genome-wide patterns of genetic variation in sweet and grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor)
Authors: Zheng Lei-Ying , Guo Xiao-Sen , He Bing , Sun Lian-Jun , Peng Yao , Dong Shan-Shan , Liu Teng-Fei , Jiang Shuye , Ramachandran Srinivasan , Liu Chun-Ming , Jing Hai-Chun 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Background
Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is globally produced as a source of food, feed, fiber and fuel. Grain and sweet sorghums differ in a number of important traits, including stem sugar and juice accumulation, plant height as well as grain and biomass production. The first whole genome sequence of a grain sorghum is available, but additional genome sequences are required to study genome-wide and intraspecific variation for dissecting the genetic basis of these important traits and for tailor-designed breeding of this important C4 crop.

Results
We resequenced two sweet and one grain sorghum inbred lines, and identified a set of nearly 1,500 genes differentiating sweet and grain sorghum. These genes fall into ten major metabolic pathways involved in sugar and starch metabolisms, lignin and coumarin biosynthesis, nucleic acid metabolism, stress responses and DNA damage repair. In addition, we uncovered 1,057,018 SNPs, 99,948 indels of 1 to 10 bp in length and 16,487 presence/absence variations as well as 17,111 copy number variations. The majority of the large-effect SNPs, indels and presence/absence variations resided in the genes containing leucine rich repeats, PPR repeats and disease resistance R genes possessing diverse biological functions or under diversifying selection, but were absent in genes that are essential for life.

Conclusions
This is a first report of the identification of genome-wide patterns of genetic variation in sorghum. High-density SNP and indel markers reported here will be a valuable resource for future gene-phenotype studies and the molecular breeding of this important crop and related species.
Evaluation of the pain in varicose vein surgery under tumescent local anaesthesia using sodium bicarbonate as excipient without any intravenous sedation
Authors: Creton D , RÉA B , Pittaluga P , Chastanet S , Allaert F A 
Published: November 2011

Objective In order to simplify varicose vein surgery, we studied the possibility of tumescent local anaesthesia (TLA) using sodium bicarbonate 1.4% as excipient without any intravenous sedation. Methods For three months, 215 patients were included in two centres for ambulatory varicose vein surgery performed without any intravenous sedation. Clinical results and pain were evaluated according to the type and duration of surgery. Results Mean perioperative pain was evaluated at 2.7 on a visual scale (0–10). In 91% of the cases, surgery was deemed to be slightly painful. Preoperative pain was not linked to the technical means of surgery but to the psychological and organizational environment of the centre. Conclusions In many of the cases, varicose vein surgery could be performed under TLA without any intravenous sedation. Ambulatory varicose vein surgery without any intravenous sedation could be highly cost-effective.
Galectin-3 and the Development of Heart Failure after Acute Coronary Syndrome: Pilot Experience from PROVE IT-TIMI 22
Authors: Grandin E Wilson , Jarolim Petr , Murphy Sabina A , Ritterova Lea , Cannon Christopher P , Braunwald Eugene , Morrow David A 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Galectin-3 is a β-galactoside–binding lectin that has been implicated in cardiac fibrosis and remodeling, is increased in models of failure-prone hearts, and has prognostic value in patients with heart failure (HF). The relationship between galectin-3 and the development of HF after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is unknown.

METHODS
In a nested case-control study among patients with ACS in PROVE IT-TIMI 22, we identified 100 cases with a hospitalization for new or worsening HF. Controls were matched (1:1) for age, sex, ACS type, and randomized treatment. Serum galectin-3 was measured at baseline (within 7 days post-ACS).

RESULTS
Patients who developed HF had higher baseline galectin-3 [median 16.7 μg/L (25th, 75th percentile 14.0, 20.6) vs 14.6 μg/L (12.0, 17.6), P = 0.004]. Patients with baseline galectin-3 above the median had an odds ratio of 2.1 (95% CI 1.2–3.6) for developing HF, P = 0.010. Galectin-3 showed a graded relationship with risk of HF. Cases were more likely to have hypertension, diabetes, prior MI, and prior HF; after adjustment for these factors, this graded relationship with galectin-3 quartile and HF remained significant [adjusted OR 1.4 (95% CI 1.1–1.9), P = 0.020]. When BNP was added to the model, the relationship between galectin-3 and HF was attenuated [adjusted OR 1.3 (95% CI: 0.96–1.9), P = 0.08].

CONCLUSIONS
The finding that galectin-3 is associated with the risk of developing HF following ACS adds to emerging evidence supporting galectin-3 as a biomarker of adverse remodeling contributing to HF as well as a potential therapeutic target.
What Protects Youths From Externalising and Internalising Problems? A Critical Review of Research Findings and Implications for Practice
Authors: Eriksson Ida , Cater Åsa , Andershed Anna-Karin , Andershed Henrik 
Published: November 2011

AbstractProblems in childhood and adolescence, such as pronounced externalising and internalising problems, are associated with a relatively high risk for long-lasting psychosocial difficulties. Therefore, it is essential to understand what protects youth from externalising and internalising problems. The present article has three purposes: (1) To review previous research reviews concerning which factors that have been identified as protecting youth from externalising and internalising problems, (2) to identify and suggest key areas of focus for future research, and (3) to discuss implications of this knowledge for practice. From the 29 included reviews, it can be concluded that an extensive list of factors have been identified as being potentially protective in youths. These factors exist in the individual and the family, as well as outside the family. However, from this review of reviews, it is also evident that many important questions remain unanswered. Answers to these questions would help make interventions for youths at risk more effective. How to use the existing research results concerning protective factors in guidance and counselling with youths is discussed.