bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Randomized controlled trials: what are they and who needs them?
Authors: Pihlstrom Bruce L. , Curran Alice E. , Voelker Helen T. , Kingman Albert 
Published: April 2012

AbstractDentistry is rapidly entering a new era of evidence‐based practice, and society is demanding prevention and treatment that has been proven to be effective in terms of meaningful health outcomes. Practitioners, individual patients and the public need randomized controlled trials because they provide the highest level of scientific evidence to change clinical practice and inform public health policy. Well‐designed randomized controlled trials are conceptually simple but deceptively complex to design, implement and translate into clinical practice. Randomized controlled trials are fundamentally different from observational clinical research because they randomly assign volunteers to receive test or control interventions, they are prospective and the success of the test intervention is based on a meaningful clinical outcome that is specified before the trial begins. To be successful, randomized controlled trials must be carefully designed and powered to answer a specific question that will be generalizable to the population under study. Randomized controlled trials can be designed to evaluate efficacy, effectiveness, superiority, equivalence or noninferiority. Prominent issues and challenges in designing and conducting randomized controlled trials include carefully defining enrollment criteria, establishing an organizational infrastructure, use of a data‐coordinating center, developing a manual of procedures, obtaining informed consent, recruiting and ensuring the safety of volunteer subjects, ensuring data quality, analysis and publication of trial outcomes, and translating results into clinical practice.
Comparative Drug Dose and Drug Combinations in Patients that Present to Hospital Due to Self‐Poisoning
Authors: Armstrong Thomas M. , Davies Matthew S. , Kitching Gary , Waring W. Stephen 
Published: April 2012

AbstractSelf‐poisoning is a common reason for acute presentation to hospital. Commonly involved drugs have been reported, but few data exist concerning the different combinations of agents or comparative doses ingested. The present study sought to better characterise the typical patterns of drug overdose that may present via the emergency department. Consecutive adults ≥16 years of age that presented to York Hospital owing to self‐poisoning were studied for 2010–2011 inclusive. The primary outcome measure was reported dose, expressed as a multiple of the defined daily dose (DDD) to allow comparison between different agents. There were 1024 patients, including 622 women (60.7%), and median age was 32 years (range, 16 to 92 years). Overdose in men was associated with a higher overall quantity of drugs: arithmetic mean of 20 DDD multiples (95% CI, 15–26) versus 13 (11–15), p = 0.001. Overdose involved a single agent only in 538 patients (52.5%). The mean paracetamol dose was 4.0 (95% CI, 3.7–4.3) DDD multiples; the doses of antidepressants (19.4, 17.0–21.7, p < 0.0001) and benzodiazepines (18.0, 12.8–23.2, p < 0.0001) were comparatively higher. The types of agents involved in self‐poisoning and common combinations of agents are characterised. Psychotropic medications were ingested in comparatively larger quantities than analgesic agents and had worse clinical outcome. Further work is required to understand the factors that determine the quantity of drug ingested in patients at risk of drug overdose so as to minimise the risk of significant toxicity.
Enablers and barriers to dietary practices contributing to bone health among early adolescent Somali girls living in Minnesota
Authors: Benbenek Mary Mescher , Garwick Ann W. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractPurpose.  To explore the dietary factors that contribute to bone health among first generation Somali girls and to determine the social and cultural contexts that shape these health behaviors.Design and Methods.  Findings presented are from a larger, descriptive qualitative study that used a series of focus groups with four cohorts of 11‐ to 14‐year‐old Somali girls (n= 39) living in two Minnesota communities.Results.  Cultural tradition, developmental stage, acculturation, and environment were major factors contributing to the intake of calcium and vitamin D‐rich foods.Practice Implications.  Findings provide the foundation for the development of culturally relevant promotion of foods rich in calcium and vitamin D.
OCCURRENCE OF VIBRIO SPP. IN LOBSTER AND CRAB FROM THE PERSIAN GULF
Authors: RAISSY MEHDI , MOUMENI MANOUCHEHR , ANSARI MAHSA , RAHIMI EBRAHIM 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTA total of 132 samples, including 100 lobsters and the 32 crab samples, were studied. A biochemical protocol was applied for the identification of the Vibrio isolates. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to confirm the isolated strains and to detect the tdh and trh genes of Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Vibrio spp. were detected in 25% of the samples analyzed in this study. Among the Vibrio isolates, Vibrio vulnificus was the species most frequently detected (13.6%), followed by Vibrio alginolyticus (9.09%), Vibrio mimicus (4.5%), Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio harveyi (3.03%). Vibrio cholerae was not found in the samples. PCR showed that none of the V. parahaemolyticus strains isolated contained the gene for thermostable direct hemolysin (tdh) and TDH‐related hemolysin (trh). The isolates demonstrated strong resistance to commonly used antibiotics. The results indicate that lobster and crab from the Persian Gulf regularly contain pathogens relevant to public health.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSLobster and crab are important fishery products of Persian Gulf coastal provinces of Iran. A large portion of the products were exported to other countries, especially European Union countries. Vibrio spp. such as Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio vulnificus and Vibrio cholera are the major seafood‐borne gastroenteritis‐causing bacteria and are frequently associated with the consumption of improperly cooked seafood. The epidemiology of vibriosis in Iran is essentially unknown, and, to the authors' knowledge, the prevalence rate of Vibrio spp. in lobster and crab in Iran has never been reported. This study suggests that lobster and crab from the Persian Gulf can represent health risks for human.
PERCEIVED RISK OF FOODBORNE DISEASE BY SCHOOL FOOD HANDLERS AND PRINCIPALS: THE INFLUENCE OF FREQUENT TRAINING
Authors: DA CUNHA DIOGO THIMOTEO , STEDEFELDT ELKE , DE ROSSO VERIDIANA VERA 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTThe aim of this paper was to evaluate risk perception of foodborne disease by school food handlers and principals. A structured questionnaire, designed to evaluate the risk perception of foodborne disease, was applied in public school food and nutrition units in nine cities in Brazil. It was found that school food handlers and school principals had “average perceived risk” and there was no risk perception difference between them. Statistically significant differences were verified between the “recent or frequently trained” group and “never or trained more than a year ago” group of food handlers for three risk situations and overall risk score (P ≤ 0.05). It was concluded that training of the school food handlers can influence their understanding of food risk more than their education level. Risk assessment should be used to improve the training strategies. The legally mandated training is essential to guarantee food safety knowledge for school food handlers.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe paper presents the risk perception of foodborne disease in school's food handlers and principals of Brazilian National School Feeding Program. This program attends all public basic education schools, totalizing 45,6 million of students in Brazil. The school meal is an important component of student development. Considering this, assessment of food safety and the risk perception of foodborne disease and optimistic bias by school food handlers is necessary to guarantee adequate and safe meals. A paper assessing the risk perception of school food handlers using a random stratified sample had not been reported previously in the scientific literature. The understanding of risk perception can lead to better planning of training strategies and interventions.
THE BIODIVERSITY OF THERMODURIC BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM WHEY
Authors: WALSH C. , MEADE J. , MCGILL K. , FANNING S. 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTThermoduric gram‐positive bacteria are indigenous in milk, cheese, whey and other dairy products. They are capable of surviving heat processes and can result in quality defects and a shortened product shelf life. In Ireland, premium products such as whey protein concentrate (WPC) are often adversely affected by these microorganisms, particularly during the winter months. A high bacterial count in the WPC can result in the product being sold at a lower grade, with an overall loss of revenue for the manufacturer.This study recovered thermoduric bacterial isolates (n = 140) from an Irish WPC process during the months of November–February. Using molecular 16S rRNA gene identification, Bacillus licheniformis, Microbacterium lacticum, Staphylococcus warneri, Enterococcus durans and Bacillus subtilis were recorded as the predominant microorganisms in this process line. This is the first known study to report the detection of Microbacterium phyllosphaerae, Neisseria subflava, Rothia aeria and Streptococcus mitis in dairy produce or indeed in any food product. The identification of bacteria at various stages of the WPC production process will support future measures in reducing/removing microorganisms from the process line in question and assist the dairy manufacturer in tackling this costly problem.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThrough the use of 16S rRNA gene typing, we have accurately identified the bacteria that were present at various stages of the WPC production process in this facility. Molecular methods are not routinely used in this setting. Nonetheless, they can confer important advantages in terms of their accuracy and speed. These findings support a translated improvement in bacterial identification, allowing us to not only trace but also to strategically reduce/eliminate certain microflora from the production process. The latter step can have the effect of reducing the overall bacterial load of the matrix while simultaneously improving its shelf‐life characteristics. These findings will assist in the development of measures to improve the quality and safety of WPC production at this plant. This study highlights the potential benefits of using molecular techniques in a food processing environment.
Altered re‐excitation thresholds and conduction of extrasystolic action potentials contribute to arrhythmogenicity in murine models of long QT syndrome
Authors: Duehmke R. M. , Pearcey S. , Stefaniak J. D. , Guzadhur L. , Jeevaratnam K. , Costopoulos C. , Pedersen T. H. , Grace A. A. , Huang C. L.‐H. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractAim
QT interval prolongation reflecting delayed action potential (AP) repolarization is associated with polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and early after depolarizations potentially initiating extrasystolic APs if of sufficient amplitude. The current experiments explored contributions of altered re‐excitation thresholds for, and conduction of, such extrasystolic APs to arrhythmogenesis in Langendorff‐perfused, normokalaemic, control wild‐type hearts and two experimental groups modelling long QT (LQT). The two LQT groups consisted of genetically modified, Scn5a
+/Δ

KPQ
and hypokalaemic wild‐type murine hearts.MethodsHearts were paced from their right ventricles and monophasic AP electrode recordings obtained from their left ventricular epicardia, with recording and pacing electrodes separated by 1 cm. An adaptive programmed electrical stimulation protocol applied pacing (S1) stimulus trains followed by premature (S2) extrastimuli whose amplitudes were progressively increased with progressive decrements in S1S2 interval to maintain stimulus capture. Such protocols culminated in either arrhythmic or refractory endpoints.ResultsArrhythmic outcomes were associated with (1) lower conduction velocities in their initiating extrasystolic APs than refractory outcomes and (2) higher conduction velocities in the LQT groups than in controls. Furthermore, (3) the endpoints were reached at longer S1S2 coupling intervals and with smaller stimulus amplitudes in the LQT groups compared with controls. This was despite (4) similar relationships between conduction velocity and S1S2 coupling interval and between re‐excitation thresholds and S1S2 coupling interval in all three experimental groups.ConclusionsArrhythmias induced by extrasystolic APs in the LQT groups thus occur under conditions of higher conduction velocity and greater sensitivity to extrastimuli than in controls.
Postoperative pain and perioperative analgesic administration in dogs: practices, attitudes and beliefs of Queensland veterinarians
Authors: Weber GH , Morton JM , Keates H 
Published: April 2012

Objective The aim of this study was to describe the practices, attitudes and beliefs of Queensland veterinarians in relation to postoperative pain and perioperative analgesia in dogs.Methods One veterinarian from each of the 50 randomly selected Queensland veterinary practices was enrolled after selection by convenience sampling.Results The study response rate was 94.3%. Demeanour, vocalisation and heart rate were the most common postoperative pain assessment tools used, even though the most sensitive tools were considered to be demeanour, heart rate and respiratory rate. Only 20% of respondents used formalised pain scoring systems. Preoperative analgesic administration was always used by 72% of respondents. There was marked variability in the frequency with which analgesia was administered perioperatively for ovariohysterectomy. Only 24% of veterinarians discharged animals with ongoing analgesia even though 38% agreed that pain is still present 7 days postoperatively. Multimodal analgesia was used by 82% of respondents. Epidural and local anaesthetic analgesic techniques were not being utilised by any respondents.Conclusions These results indicate that management of postoperative pain in dogs in Queensland is frequently suboptimal and, at times, is not consistent with the veterinarian's attitudes and beliefs. Continuing education into analgesic use and pain evaluation may be effective in addressing this.
Waterbird movement across the Great Dividing Range and implications for arbovirus irruption into southern Victoria
Authors: Guay P‐J , Azuolas JK , Warner S 
Published: April 2012

Background  Waterbirds are the major hosts of various arboviruses. Murray Valley encephalitis virus (MVEV) is an arbovirus native to northern Australia, the major hosts of which are Phalacrocoraciformes (cormorants), Ciconiiformes (herons) and other waterbirds. MVEV is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes and can cause acute encephalomyelitis. In Victoria, MVEV is restricted to the northern side of the Great Dividing Range (GDR), suggesting that waterbirds cannot cross the high country.Methods and results  We tested this hypothesis by analysing data on waterbird banding and recovery and discovered that 12 species can cross the GDR.Conclusion  Waterbirds have the potential to carry arboviruses, including MVEV, into southern Victoria.
Socioeconomic status and self‐reported oral health in Iranian adolescents: the role of selected oral health behaviors and psychological factors
Authors: Ravaghi Vahid , Underwood Martin , Marinho Valeria , Eldridge Sandra 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjectives: This study investigated health inequality for self‐reported oral health outcomes among adolescents. The role of oral health behaviors and psychological factors in explaining oral health inequality was investigated using the hypothesis of mediation.Methods: This was a cross‐sectional study that used self‐completed questionnaires. This study sampled 639 (315 male and 324 female) 15‐ to 17‐year‐old adolescents (second and third grade high school students) of both sexes in the city of Sanandaj in the province of Kurdistan, western Iran. Socioeconomic indicators of the study were subjective socioeconomic status, wealth index, and parental education. Oral health behaviors were measured as toothbrushing frequency, dental flossing frequency, and dental visits. Psychological factors were self‐esteem, anxiety, and depression. Self‐reported oral health outcomes were single item self‐rated oral health and the experience of dental pain. Regression analysis was used to test four conditions for the hypothesis of mediation.Results: The results showed that the inequality is present in oral health for some pairs of relationships between socioeconomic status and oral health outcomes. Adjustment for oral health behaviors and psychological factors, individually and simultaneously, led to loss of statistical significance for some pairs of the relationships. However, adjustment for oral health behaviors and psychological factors led to only small changes in the associations between socioeconomic status and self‐reported oral health outcomes.Conclusions: This study found a graded oral health inequality, but no strong evidence to support the hypothesis that oral health behaviors and psychological factors mediate oral health inequality for self‐reported oral health outcomes.
Caregiver acceptability and preferences for preventive dental treatments for young African‐American children
Authors: Adams Sally H. , Rowe Corie R. , Gansky Stuart A. , Cheng Nancy F. , Barker Judith C. , Hyde Susan 
Published: April 2012

AbstractOur prior research focused on parental treatment acceptability (TA) and treatment preferences (TPs) for preventive dental treatments for young Hispanic children. We adapted the interview for administration to parents of young African‐American children.Objective: In a sample of African‐American parents, determine parental TA and TP for five dental treatments to prevent early childhood caries.Methods: Interviewed 48 parents/caregivers of African‐American children attending Head Start, assessing TA and TP for three treatments for children: toothbrushing (TB) with fluoride toothpaste, fluoride varnish (FV), and xylitol in food (XF); and two treatments for mothers: xylitol gum (XG) and chlorhexidine (CHX) rinse. The interview included verbal information, illustrated treatment cards, photos/video clips, and samples. Parents provided TA of each treatment (one to five scale), TP between each of 10 pairs of the five treatments, and open‐ended reasons for their preferences. TPs were summed (zero to four) to create overall preference.Results: All treatments were acceptable (means 4.4‐4.9). TB was more acceptable than FV and XF (P < 0.05). Summed TP revealed a strong preference for TB (mean 3.1) above other treatments (all P < 0.01). Primary reasons for preferring TB were the following: promotes healthy habits; child focused; and effectiveness.Conclusions: All treatments were acceptable, however, parents/guardians strongly preferred TB. Parents' emphasis on healthy habits and child‐focused treatment supports efforts for oral health education programs in early childhood settings. Some parents expressed concerns about FV, XF, and CHX. Results may be useful in planning prevention programs for young children in African‐American communities.
Short‐ and long‐term results following standing fracture repair in 34 horses
Authors: Payne R. J. , Compston P. C. 
Published: April 2012

SummaryReasons for performing study:Standing fracture repair in the horse is a recently described surgical procedure and currently there are few follow‐up data. This case series contains 2 novel aspects in the standing horse: repair of incomplete sagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx and medial condylar repair from a lateral aspect.Objectives:To describe outcome in a case series of horses that had lower limb fractures repaired under standing sedation at Rossdales Equine Hospital.Method:Case records for all horses that had a fracture surgically repaired, by one surgeon at Rossdales Equine Hospital, under standing sedation and local anaesthesia up until June 2011, were retrieved. Hospital records, owner/trainer telephone questionnaire and the Racing Post website were used to evaluate follow‐up.Results:Thirty‐four horses satisfied the inclusion criteria. Fracture sites included the proximal phalanx (incomplete sagittal fracture, n = 14); the third metacarpal bone (lateral condyle, n = 12, and medial condyle, n = 7); and the third metatarsal bone (lateral condyle, n = 1). One horse required euthanasia due to caecal rupture 10 days post operatively. Twenty horses (66.7% of those with available follow‐up) have returned to racing. Where available, mean time from operation to return to racing was 226 days (range 143–433 days).Conclusions:Standing fracture repair produced similar results to fracture repair under general anaesthesia in terms of both the number of horses that returned to racing and the time between surgery and race.Potential relevance:Repair of lower limb fracture in the horse under standing sedation is a procedure that has the potential for tangible benefits, including avoidance of the inherent risks of general anaesthesia. The preliminary findings in this series of horses are encouraging and informative when discussing options available prior to fracture repair.
Reduction of motion artifacts during in vivo two‐photon imaging of brain through heartbeat triggered scanning
Authors: Paukert Martin , Bergles Dwight E. 
Published: April 2012

Key points
Two‐photon fluorescence microscopy enables analysis of the structure and dynamic activity of different cell types in the brains of living animals at high temporal and spatial resolution.
Our ability to accurately resolve small structures, including dendrites and organelles in vivo, is hampered by pulsations in brain tissue that are caused by vital functions such as breathing and beating of the heart.
Here we show that beating of the heart is the major cause of brain pulsations in the cerebral cortex and find that synchronizing imaging scans to cardiac cycles significantly reduces motion artifacts.
We introduce a strategy (interlaced scanning) that enables electrocardiogram (ECG)‐triggered scanning of large brain volumes, and provide software for implementation of ECG‐triggered scanning on conventional two‐photon microscopes.
Abstract  Two‐photon imaging of fluorescence in brain enables analysis of the structure and dynamic activity of neurons and glial cells in living animals. However, vital functions such as beating of the heart cause pulsations in brain tissue, leading to image distortion and loss of resolution. We find that synchronizing imaging scans to the cardiac cycle reduces motion artifacts, significantly improving the resolution of cellular structures. By interlacing multiple heartbeat triggered imaging scans, it was possible to image large brain volumes with negligible distortion. This approach can be readily incorporated into conventional microscopes to achieve substantial reductions in motion artifacts during two‐photon imaging.
Worldwide Appraisal and Update (2010) of Telavancin Activity Tested against a Collection of Gram-Positive Clinical Pathogens from Five Continents
Authors: Mendes Rodrigo E. , Sader Helio S. , Farrell David J. , Jones Ronald N. 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACT

A total of 15,480 Gram-positive pathogens were collected from 89 sites in the United States, Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, and Latin America in 2010. Telavancin was active against indicated
Staphylococcus aureus
(MIC
50/90
, 0.12/0.25 μg/ml), vancomycin-susceptible
Enterococcus faecalis
(MIC
50/90
, 0.5/0.5 μg/ml), and beta-hemolytic (MIC
50/90
, 0.06/0.12 μg/ml) and viridans group streptococcus (MIC
50/90
, 0.03/0.06 μg/ml) isolates. These MIC results showed potency for telavancin equal to or greater than that of comparators. These
in vitro
data confirm a continued potent activity of telavancin when tested against contemporary Gram-positive clinical isolates.