bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
S gene mutations of HBV in children with HBV-associated glomerulonephritis
Authors: Lu Hongzhu , Zhu Hui , Zhou Jianhua 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background
Hepatitis B virus-associated glomerulonephritis (HBV-GN) is a kind of immune complex-induced glomerulonephritis. The present study was designed to determine whether mutation of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) S gene is associated with glomerulonephritis in Chinese children.

Methods
Total 53 subjects, including 30 HBV-GN, 5 nephrosis with HBV carriers (control group 1), and 18 HBV carriers (control group 2) were included in this study. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect the HBV-GN S gene mutation.

Results
(1) The serotype of HBV was adw in the majority (52/53) of subjects, and was adr in only 1 subject in the control group 2; (2) the genotype of HBV was the type B in 51 subjects, the type E in 1 HBV-GN child, and the type C in 1 HBV carrier; (3) Seventeen point mutations in the S gene of HBV were identified in 21 of 30 (70%) HBV-GN patients. Among them, 16 of 21 (76.2%) mutations may cause amino acid substitutions of the HBV proteins, which occur predominantly (11/16 mutations) at threonine, serine or tyrosine phosphorylation sites of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) or protein tyrosine kinase (PTK). (4) In addition, single nucleotide mutations without amino acid substitutions (same sense mutation) were found in 2 subjects in each control group and 5 subjects in HBV-GN group.

Conclusions
HBV S gene mutations and the subsequent amino acid substitutions in HBV proteins were found in most children with HBV-GN, suggesting that these mutations may play an important role in the pathogenesis of HBV-GN.
D-Lactate altered mitochondrial energy production in rat brain and heart but not liver
Authors: Ling Binbing , Peng Fei , Alcorn Jane , Lohmann Katharina , Bandy Brian , Zello Gordon A 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background
Substantially elevated blood D-lactate (DLA) concentrations are associated with neurocardiac toxicity in humans and animals. The neurological symptoms are similar to inherited or acquired abnormalities of pyruvate metabolism. We hypothesized that DLA interferes with mitochondrial utilization of L-lactate and pyruvate in brain and heart.

Methods
Respiration rates in rat brain, heart and liver mitochondria were measured using DLA, LLA and pyruvate independently and in combination.

Results
In brain mitochondria, state 3 respiration was 53% and 75% lower with DLA as substrate when compared with LLA and pyruvate, respectively (p < 0.05). Similarly in heart mitochondria, state 3 respiration was 39% and 86% lower with DLA as substrate when compared with LLA or pyruvate, respectively (p < 0.05). However, state 3 respiration rates were similar between DLA, LLA and pyruvate in liver mitochondria. Combined incubation of DLA with LLA or pyruvate markedly impaired state 3 respiration rates in brain and heart mitochondria (p < 0.05) but not in liver mitochondria. DLA dehydrogenase activities were 61% and 51% lower in brain and heart mitochondria compared to liver, respectively, whereas LLA dehydrogenase activities were similar across all three tissues. An LDH inhibitor blocked state 3 respiration with LLA as substrate in all three tissues. A monocarboxylate transporter inhibitor blocked respiration with all three substrates.

Conclusions
DLA was a poor respiratory substrate in brain and heart mitochondria and inhibited LLA and pyruvate usage in these tissues. Further studies are warranted to evaluate whether these findings support, in part, the possible neurological and cardiac toxicity caused by high DLA levels.
Identity, Incentives, and the Value of Information
Authors: Heinle Mirko S. , Hofmann Christian , Kunz Alexis H. 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACT
We examine the impact of identity preferences on the interrelation between incentives and performance measurement. In our model, a manager identifies with an organization and loses utility to the extent that his actions conflict with effort-standards issued by the principal. Contrary to prior arguments in the literature, we find conditions under which a manager who identifies strongly with the organization receives stronger incentives and faces more performance evaluation reports than a manager who does not identify with the organization. Our theory predicts that managers who experience events that boost their identification with the firm can decrease their effort in short-term value creation. We also find that firms are more likely to employ less precise but more congruent performance measures, such as stock prices, when contracting with managers who identify little with the organization. In contrast, they use more precise but less congruent measures, such as accounting earnings, when contracting with managers who identify strongly with the firm.
The Effect of Early Career Experience on Auditors' Assessments of Error Explanations in Analytical Review
Authors: Yen Alex C. 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACT
In this paper, I examine the analytical review judgments of staff-level auditors. Heiman (1988) finds that students do not perform as well as senior-level auditors when performing certain analytical review procedures. I conduct an experiment based on Heiman (1988, 1990) to examine the analytical review judgments of those individuals who fall in between the two groups studied by Heiman—staff-level auditors who have some full-time experience, but are not yet at the senior level. I find that staff-level auditors' judgments are similar to the senior-level auditors' judgments observed in Heiman (1990). The results provide evidence about the readiness of staff-level auditors to perform certain analytical review procedures, which has staffing implications for audit firms looking to maximize audit efficiency without sacrificing audit effectiveness. The results also provide insights about the transition of an auditor from novice to expert.
Data Availability: Available upon request.
La libéralisation commerciale en concurrence imparfaite
Authors: Paulin Elisa 
Published: March 2012

Résumé La plupart des pays en développement et en transition se sont convertis dans un modèle libéral de politique économique préconisé par les institutions de Bretton Woods. Ce modèle qualifié de « consensus de Washington » fixe parmi ses priorités la libéralisation du commerce extérieur et la poursuite d’une croissance par l’exportation. Ce consensus est remis en question par Joseph Stiglitz, prix Nobel d’économie en 2001. Il démontre que ce consensus utilise un nombre trop restreint d’outils avec un objectif trop limité la croissance. Il propose d’élargir les instruments utilisés et les objectifs. Une analyse des théories de l’échange international est proposée. Enfin, le succès d’une politique libérale dépend de sa crédibilité. Elle doit effectivement être crédible pour atteindre ses objectifs.
Rôle intelligence économique et performance boursière des entreprises : le cas de l'évaluation de la démarche de lobbying des entreprises françaises et anglaises par la méthode des études d'évènement
Authors: Rival Madina 
Published: March 2012

Résumé On peut définir l’intelligence économique comme l’ensemble des opérations de surveillance de l’environnement concurrentiel comprenant : veille, protection, manipulation de l’information, influence. Le lobbying permet à de nombreuses entreprises d’influencer des décisions politiques les concernant. Les stratégies de lobbying font désormais partie de toute bonne démarche d’intelligence économique. Elles demeurent pourtant très risquées d’un point de vue financier et difficiles à évaluer. L’objet de cet article est de mesurer la performance boursière des actions de lobbying des entreprises. Il s’agit d’une démarche nouvelle en matière d’intelligence économique. Nous procèderons pour cela à une étude d’événement sur un échantillon d‘entreprises françaises et anglaises. La progression de l’article est conçue en deux temps. Une première partie présente la revue de la littérature sur la méthode des études d’événement et sur son application possible à l’intelligence économique. Une deuxième partie présente la mise en œuvre concrète de cette méthode pour mesurer la performance du lobbying, dernière étape de la démarche d’intelligence économique au sein d’une entreprise.
In Vivo Testing of Knee Stability After Rotating-hinge Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Comparison of 2 Knee Systems
Authors: Friesenbichler Joerg , Glehr Mathias , Sadoghi Patrick , Maurer-Ertl Werner , Ott Florian , Leithner Andreas 
Published: March 2012

Rotating-hinge knee prostheses are used for reconstruction in cases of severe articular compromise and major bone loss. Biomechanical studies revealed that rotating-hinge designs with long and cylindrical pegs are more stable than devices with short and more tapered ones. Twenty-five patients underwent clinical examination using ultrasound, radiographs, and 3 different rating systems to examine the in vivo stability and functional outcome of 2 rotating-hinge knee systems.
Overall, the study revealed that a stable reconstruction could be achieved with both tested devices, with good functional outcome. The results for medial and lateral lift-off during flexion and extension in ultrasonography were comparable, whereas the measured distraction of the Limb Preservation System (LPS/M.B.T.; DePuy, Warsaw, Indiana) was lower compared with the S-ROM Noiles prostheses (DePuy).
The implant, the new formed capsule, and the remaining soft tissues have to maintain joint stability. Soft tissue reconstruction, especially the medial gastrocnemius flap, and the newly formed periprosthetic scar seems to prevent distraction of several millimeters. In addition, determining the lift-off with ultrasonography showed that the shape of the peg does not influence implant’s stability against lateral directed forces.
Avascular Necrosis of the Hamate Treated With Capitohamate and Lunatohamate Intercarpal Fusion
Authors: Mazis George A. , Sakellariou Vasileios I. , Kokkalis Zinon T. 
Published: March 2012

This article describes a case of a 58-year-old man with no significant underlying disease who had chronic pain due to osteonecrosis of the hamate. Following physical examination, imaging, and laboratory findings, he underwent surgical exploration via a limited dorsal approach. The hamate bone did not have a normal anatomical appearance or structure. It was marble-like in appearance, soft, friable, and lacking physiologic contour and bone strength. We removed the dorsal aspect of the hamate piecemeal. The articular surfaces of the adjacent carpal bones (capitate and lunate) were excised, and the lesion was packed with iliac autograft. Three months postoperatively, fusion of the remaining hamate and the adjacent capitate and lunate carpal bones was evident, and the patient reported mild wrist pain, moderate grip strength improvement, and mild improvement of wrist range of motion and stiffness.
Currently, no standard treatment algorithm exists for patients with avascular necrosis of the hamate. However, delayed diagnosis of this clinical entity can be debilitating. A high index of clinical suspicion and an early course of treatment offers considerable benefits to patients with osteonecrosis of the hamate.
Brace Treatment Resulting in Overcorrection of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Hohman Donald W. , Ferrick Michael R. , Qvick Lars Mikael 
Published: March 2012

Brace treatment for idiopathic scoliosis in skeletally immature children is the only effective nonoperative modality for the control of curve progression. The Charleston bending brace is a custom-molded spinal orthosis that holds the patient in a completely corrected or overcorrected position while worn at night.
A 9-year-old girl presented with 10° right upper thoracic and 7° left lower thoracic curves and was Risser sign 0. Nighttime treatment with a Charleston bending brace was initiated when the left lower thoracic curve progressed to 19°. After 27 months of nighttime brace wear, the lower thoracic curve was 21° to the right. Further investigation, including magnetic resonance imaging of the spine, failed to diagnose an identifiable explanation for this atypical occurrence. Conservative treatment may improve radiographic and cosmetic appearance. Overcorrection of the curve, although not likely, is possible when part-time or nighttime bracing is implemented as a means of conservative management.
Comparative Evaluation of Suture-assisted and Fibrin Glue–assisted Scleral Fixated Intraocular Lens Implantation
Authors: Ganekal Sunil , Venkataratnam Sathyamurthy , Dorairaj Syril , Jhanji Vishal 
Published: March 2012

PURPOSE:
To compare the visual outcomes and complications after suture-assisted and fibrin glue-assisted scleral fixated intraocular (IOL) implantation.

METHODS:
Scleral fixated IOL implantation was performed in patients with inadequate capsular support. Intraocular lens fixation was achieved using sutures or fibrin glue. Main parameters evaluated were visual outcomes and complications.

RESULTS:

Fifty patients were included in the study (n=25 suture, n=25 glue). The most common indication for scleral fixated IOL implantation was cataract surgery complicated with posterior capsule rupture (29/50 [58%]). No significant differences were noted between demographic characteristics, surgical indications, and preoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) in either group (
P
=.680). No intraoperative complications related to IOL fixation were encountered in any case. At last follow-up (6 months), CDVA was 20/40 or better in 88% and 84% of patients in the suture and glue groups, respectively. Postoperative inflammation (48% vs 16%) and glaucoma (40% vs 16%) were seen more frequently in eyes with sutures as compared to eyes with glue. Overall, a significantly higher number of complications were encountered in eyes with suture fixation (14/25 [56%]) compared to eyes with glue fixation (7/25 [28%]) (
P
=.045).

CONCLUSIONS:
Although visual outcomes were similar at the end of 6 months in eyes that underwent suture- and glue-assisted scleral fixated IOL implantation, fibrin glue was associated with fewer complications.
An aetiological & clinicopathological study on cutaneous vasculitis
Authors: Khetan Pooja , Sethuraman Gomathy , Khaitan Binod K. , Sharma Vinod K. , Gupta Rajeeva , Dinda Amit K. , Sreenivas V. , Singh Manoj K. 
Published: March 2012

Background & objectives:
Cutaneous vasculitis has protean clinical manifestations. It may be idiopathic or associated with a spectrum of conditions such as infections, drugs, etc. Skin is involved in both small vessel vasculitis (SVV) and medium vessel vasculitis (MVV). Overlapping features are seen between SVV and MVV. The histopathological features may not always relate with the clinical lesions. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the aetiological factors and clinicopathological association in patients with cutaneous vasculitis.

Methods:
In this cross-sectional study, detailed history and clinical examination were done on patients with biopsy proven cutaneous vasculitis. Two skin biopsies were taken from each patient for routine histopathology and direct immunofluorescence.

Results:
Of the 61 patients studied, hypersensitivity vasculitis (HSV) [23 (37.7%)] and Henoch Schonlein purpura (HSP) [16 (26.2%)] were the two most common forms. Systemic involvement was seen in 32 (52.45%) patients. Drugs were implicated in 12 (19.7%) cases, infections in 7 (11.4%) and connective tissue disorders in 4 (6.5%) cases. Histologically SVV was the most common pattern, seen in all the clinically diagnosed patients with SVV (47), and in 12 of the 14 clinically diagnosed patients with MVV. Direct immunofluorescence showed positivity for at least one immunoreactant in 62 per cent of the patients and the most common deposit was C3 followed by IgG, IgA and IgM.

Interpretation & conclusions:
Majority of our patients with cutaneous vasculitis were idiopathic. Histologically, SVV was seen in most of our patients. No association was seen between history of drug intake and tissue eosinophilia and also between histologically severe vasculitis and clinical severity. The presence of immunoreactant IgA was not specific for HSP.
Molecular description of plasmid-mediated AmpC β-lactamases among nosocomial isolates of Escherichia coli & Klebsiella pneumoniae from six different hospitals in India
Authors: Mohamudha Parveen R. , Harish B.N. , Parija S.C. 
Published: March 2012

Background & objectives:
Plasmid mediated AmpC β-lactamase (PMABL) resistance in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. is an emerging problem worldwide. Phenotypic methods are commonly used for detection of PMABL production in Gram-negative isolates, but molecular data about the prevalence of plasmid-mediated AmpC-type resistance at the national level are needed. Hence, a prospective study was undertaken to determine the occurrence of PMABL gene and its types among clinical isolates of E. coli and K. pneumoniae obtained from six different hospitals in India.

Methods:
A total of 241 nosocomial isolates of K. pneumoniae (n=109) and E.coli (n=132) from six geographically distant hospitals in India were included. These were screened for cefoxitin resistance. AmpC disk test and modified three dimensional extraction test were used for phenotypic detection of PMABL production. Molecular types were determined by a multiplex PCR.

Results:
Among the 241 isolates, 187 (77.5%) were found to be cefoxitin resistant (K. pneumoniae n=83, E. coli n=104). AmpC activity was detectable in 153 (63.4%) isolates, (K. pneumoniae n=69, E. coli n=84). By PCR, the plasmid encoded AmpC genes were found in 92 (38.1%) isolates and the molecular types of the genes detected predominantly were DHA, CIT followed by MOX and ACC types.

Interpretation & conclusions:
A high percentage of plasmid-encoded AmpC enzymes was noted in E. coli and K. pneumonia isolates obtained from different parts of the country. Phenotypic methods alone may not reflect the true number of PMABL producers. Genotypic methods need to be employed in national surveillance studies.
LC‐MS Data Processing with MAVEN: A Metabolomic Analysis and Visualization Engine
Authors: Clasquin Michelle F. , Melamud Eugene , Rabinowitz Joshua D. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractMAVEN is an open‐source software program for interactive processing of LC‐MS‐based metabolomics data. MAVEN enables rapid and reliable metabolite quantitation from multiple reaction monitoring data or high‐resolution full‐scan mass spectrometry data. It automatically detects and reports peak intensities for isotope‐labeled metabolites. Menu‐driven, click‐based navigation allows visualization of raw and analyzed data. Here we provide a User Guide for MAVEN. Step‐by‐step instructions are provided for data import, peak alignment across samples, identification of metabolites that differ strongly between biological conditions, quantitation and visualization of isotope‐labeling patterns, and export of tables of metabolite‐specific peak intensities. Together, these instructions describe a workflow that allows efficient processing of raw LC‐MS data into a form ready for biological analysis. Curr. Protoc. Bioinform. 37:14.11.1‐14.11.23. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Negotiating weight and body image in the UAE: Strategies among young emirati women
Authors: Trainer Sarah 
Published: March 2012

AbstractObjectives:The goal of this study was to evaluate weight, nutritional status, and attitudes toward weight and health among a cohort of young women drawn from local populations in the United Arab Emirates.Methods:This sample was composed of 103 female Emiratis, aged 18–30. Eighty of the women were students at Zayed University (ZU) in Dubai and 23 were students at UAE University (UAEU) in Al Ain. Research was divided into two phases. Methods included the collection of weight and height measurements (to analyze BMIs) and body fat percentages; 24‐h food and activity recalls; semistructured, structured, and unstructured interviews; and participant observation.Results:The distribution of BMIs in this sample was skewed toward underweight and normal weight in the ZU sample and split evenly between underweight‐to‐normal and overweight‐to‐obese in the UAEU sample, a finding that stands in contrast to the high rates of overweight and obesity reported in other age cohorts in local populations. This lower distribution of BMIs was correlated with widely expressed concern over body image, whereas reported interest in nutrition was much lower. Dietary patterns reflected attempts to manage weight. There was a marked trend toward nutritionally poor diets and sedentary living.Conclusions:Obesity and overweight among young women in the Emirati population do not appear to be as significant a problem as they are in older populations. However, several other health‐related causes for concern emerged in this study, including extreme dieting strategies, insufficient micronutrient and protein intake, and widespread inactivity. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cigarette smoking in building trades workers: The impact of work environment
Authors: Chin Dal Lae , Hong OiSaeng , Gillen Marion , Bates Michael N. , Okechukwu Cassandra A. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackgroundBlue‐collar workers smoke at higher rates than white‐collar workers and the general population. Occupational factors may contribute to smoking behavior in this group. However, little is known about the role of occupational factors in explaining cigarette‐smoking patterns.MethodsThis study used cross‐sectional data from the MassBUILT smoking cessation intervention study. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate the association of occupational factors with current cigarette smoking among 1,817 building trades workers.ResultsCurrent cigarette smoking was significantly associated with the following occupational factors: union commitment (OR = 1.06; 95% CI: 1.00–1.12); exposure to dust (OR = 1.50; 95% CI: 1.15–1.95), exposure to chemicals (OR = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.11–1.79); and concern about exposure to occupational hazards (OR = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.91–0.95).ConclusionThe findings highlight the need to explicate the pathways by which occupational factors may contribute to current smoking behavior among building trades workers. Smoking cessation programs for this population should consider work‐related occupational factors along with individual approaches. Am. J. Ind. Med. 55:429–439, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.