bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular characterization of the porcine TEAD3 (TEF‐5) gene: examination of a promoter mutation as the causal mutation of a quantitative trait loci affecting the androstenone level in boar fat
Authors: Robic A. , Larzul C. , Grindflek E. , Chevillon P. , Hofer A. , Fève K. , Iannuccelli N. , Milan D. , Prunier A. , Riquet J. 
Published: November 2011

SummaryA quantitative trait loci (QTL) for accumulation of androstenone in fat has been identified in an Large White × Meishan cross in a region of SSC7‐containing TEAD3. In humans, TEAD3 is a transcription activator, known to be able to regulate the transcription of HSD3B. This enzyme is involved in the degradation of androstenone in the liver. In this study, porcine transcripts of TEAD3 were characterized and compared with mammalian transcripts. The complete structure of porcine TEAD3 gene was characterized including two 5′ non‐coding exons and one exon 5 not used in porcine transcripts. Variations were screened in sequences related to TEAD3: in exons, in flanking sequences of exons and in the promoter region. A SNP characterized at 726 bp at 5′ of the first exon was tested on several pig populations without coherent and convincing results concerning its association with androstenone levels. We showed that in the liver of adult boars, the transcripts levels of TEAD3 and HSD3B were correlated. As in humans, it is possible that HSD3B is a target gene of TEAD3 in porcine liver. Nevertheless, no expression variation was observed for TEAD3 or HSD3B in liver between animals with different genotypes at the SNP. We concluded that this SNP was not the causal mutation of this QTL.
Early observations in the use of oral rotavirus vaccination in infants with functional short gut syndrome
Authors: Fang Alice YW , Tingay David G 
Published: November 2011

Aim:  Universal vaccination with an oral live‐attenuated rotavirus vaccine at 2, 4 and 6 months of age was introduced in Australia in July 2007. There are no data on the short‐term effects of vaccination for those infants most at risk of severe complications from rotavirus infection. The aim of this study was to describe the effects of rotavirus vaccination on weight gain and gastrointestinal losses in infants with functional short gut syndrome secondary to an ileostomy.Methods:  A retrospective review of all infants with an ileostomy who received RotaTeq while hospitalised at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne from July 2007 to July 2009 was performed. Daily data were collected from 1 week before to 2 weeks after vaccination. The data included type and volume of feeds, ileostomy losses, need for fluid replacement of ileostomy losses, weight, temperature, urine sodium, stool culture, suspected and confirmed sepsis.Results:  Nine infants (age at first RotaTeq 61–99 days) were identified. The median (range) gestational age was 26 (24, 38) completed weeks and birthweight was 737 (620, 2714) grams. Compared to the day of vaccination, the median (range) ileostomy losses 1 week before, 1 and 2 weeks after vaccination were −1.1 (−13.6, 4.9) mL/kg/day, 2 (−11.1, 25.0) mL/kg/day and 2.4 (−15.7, 27.2) mL/kg/day, respectively. One infant developed severe stomal losses after vaccination. Overall, rotavirus vaccination did not alter weight gain, temperature or urinary sodium.Conclusion:  In this small series, oral live‐attenuated rotavirus vaccination of infants with high‐output ileostomy was tolerated in most cases.
Paediatric resuscitation training: Is e‐learning the answer? A before and after pilot study
Authors: O'Leary Fenton M 
Published: November 2011

Aim:  To determine whether an e‐learning resuscitation programme was able to improve the knowledge and competence of doctors and nurses in providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation to children in a simulated cardiac arrest.Method:  A prospective before and after pilot study comprising of a simulated paediatric resuscitation before and after participants undertook an e‐learning programme. Participants were emergency department doctors and new graduate nurses from The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Australia. Primary outcome measures were the ability to perform successful basic life support (BLS) and advanced life support (ALS) according to published guidelines. Secondary outcome measures were the individual steps in performing the overall resuscitation and subjective feedback from participants.Results:  Fifty‐six clinicians were enrolled in the study (29 doctors and 27 nurses). Thirty‐seven were re‐tested (25 doctors and 12 nurses). The mean time between tests was 49 days (17 standard deviation). The e‐learning module led to an improvement in participants' ability to perform BLS by 51% (P < 0.001) and ALS by 57% (P= 0.001) overall resulting in an overall competence of 89% (BLS) and 65% (ALS). There were also significant improvements in time to rhythm recognition (P= 0.006), time to first defibrillation (P= 0.009) and participants' self‐reported knowledge and confidence in BLS and ALS (P < 0.001).Conclusions:  E‐learning does improve both the knowledge and competence of doctors and nurses in providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation to children in the simulation environment.
Evaluation of the asthma control test: A reliable determinant of disease stability and a predictor of future exacerbations
Authors: KO FANNY W.S. , HUI DAVID S.C. , LEUNG TING‐FAN , CHU HONG‐YIN , WONG GARY W.K. , TUNG ALVIN H.M. , NGAI JENNY C.N. , NG SUSANNA S.S. , LAI CHRISTOPHER K.W. 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  This study assessed the asthma control test (ACT) cut‐off values for asthma control according to the Global Initiative for Asthma guideline in adults and the effectiveness of ACT scores in predicting exacerbations and serial changes in ACT scores over time in relation to treatment decisions.Methods:  Subjects completed ACT together with same‐day spirometry and fractional concentration of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) measurement at baseline and at 3 months. Physicians, blinded to the ACT scores and FeNO values, assessed the patient's asthma control in the past month and adjusted the asthma medications according to management guidelines. Asthma exacerbations and urgent health‐care utilization (HCU) at 6 months were recorded.Results:  Three hundred seventy‐nine (120 men) asthmatics completed the study. The ACT cut‐off for uncontrolled and partly controlled asthma were ≤19 (sensitivity 0.74, specificity 0.67, % correctly classified 69.5) and ≤22, respectively (sensitivity 0.73, specificity 0.71, % correctly classified 72.1). Baseline ACT score had an odds ratio of 2.34 (95% confidence interval: 1.48–3.69) and 2.66 (1.70–4.18) for urgent HCU and exacerbations, respectively, at 6 months (P < 0.0001). However, baseline FeNO and spirometry values had no association with urgent HCU and exacerbations. The 3‐month ACT score of ≤20 correlated best with step‐up of asthma medications (sensitivity 0.65, specificity 0.81, % correctly classified 72.8). For serial changes of ACT scores over 3 months, the cut‐off value was best at ≤3 for treatment decisions with low sensitivity (0.23) and % correctly classified (57.3%) values.Conclusions:  Single measurement of ACT is useful for assessing asthma control, prediction of exacerbation and changes in treatment decisions.
A Hybrid Geocoding Methodology for Spatio‐Temporal Data
Authors: Murray Alan T. , Grubesic Tony H. , Wei Ran , Mack Elizabeth A. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractAs tools for collecting data continue to evolve and improve, the information available for research is expanding rapidly. Increasingly, this information is of a spatio‐temporal nature, which enables tracking of phenomena through both space and time. Despite the increasing availability of spatio‐temporal data, however, the methods for processing and analyzing these data are lacking. Existing geocoding techniques are no exception. Geocoding enables the geographic location of people and events to be known and tracked. However, geocoded information is highly generalized and subject to various interpolation errors. In addition, geocoding for spatio‐temporal data is especially challenging because of the inherent dynamism of associated data. This article presents a methodology for geocoding spatio‐temporal data in ArcGIS that utilizes several additional supporting procedures to enhance spatial accuracy, including the use of supplementary land use information, aerial photographs and local knowledge. This hybrid methodology allows for the tracking of phenomenon through space and over time. It is also able to account for reporting inconsistencies, which is a common feature of spatio‐temporal data. The utility of this methodology is demonstrated using an application to spatio‐temporal address records for a highly mobile group of convicted felons in Hamilton County, Ohio.
Creating Residential and Tenure Histories from Multi‐Year White Pages
Authors: Beard Kate , Smitherman Paul 
Published: November 2011

AbstractIn epidemiology research, a list of residences a person has occupied as well as a history of tenants for a residence are useful pieces of information for investigating geographically localized risk factors, environmental exposures, and for analyzing disease clusters. This article reports on a methodology for constructing residential and tenure histories using multi‐year white page phone listings. Residential histories associate a person with a list of addresses of residence and the length of occupancy at each address. Tenure histories document the list of persons occupying a residence along with length of occupancy. These histories were created using fuzzy matching on name address pairs between sequential years. Simulated annual phone listing data were used to develop and test the methodology which was then applied to an actual white page phone listing for a study town in Maine. The approach is applied locally and generates partial local residential and tenure histories that capture local migrations. We see these local history sets as building blocks for constructing more geographically extensive histories over time. Geocoded results were compared against numbers of housing units reported in the 2000 and 2010 US Census to assess the proportion of local residences captured by phone listings.
Treatment limitations imposed by antiretroviral drug resistance mutations: implication for choices of first line regimens in resource‐limited settings
Authors: Mtambo A , Chan K , Shen A , Lima V , Hogg R , Montaner J , Moore D 
Published: November 2011

BackgroundRecent studies have suggested that failing nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)‐based regimens may have greater potential to induce the development of resistance mutations, which may limit options for second‐line therapy.MethodsAntiretroviral therapy (ART)‐naïve individuals aged ≥18 years who initiated triple combination ART between January 2000 and June 2006 in British Columbia, Canada were enrolled in the study. We compared genotypic sensitivity scores (GSSs) derived from the development of resistance mutations between participants who initiated ART with ritonavir‐boosted protease inhibitors (PIs) with those who initiated ART with NNRTIs, and determined the effects of these mutations on remaining active drugs.ResultsA total of 1666 participants initiated ART, 818 (49.1%) with NNRTI‐based regimens and 848 (50.9%) with boosted PI‐based regimens. Among participants who developed resistance mutations, those who initiated NNRTI‐based regimens had a lower median GSS than those on boosted PI‐based regimens (9.8 vs. 11.0, respectively; P<0.001). Participants on boosted PI‐based regimens [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 3.68; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.25, 6.01], those with ≥95% adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) (AOR 1.84; 95% CI 1.16, 2.92) and those with baseline CD4 count >200 cells/μL (AOR 3.44; 95% CI 1.73, 6.84) were more likely to have the maximum number of drug options.ConclusionThe use of NNRTI‐based first‐line ART regimens may limit the options for second‐line treatment when the number of available drugs is limited.
Social and behavioural outcomes in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders: a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Russell Ginny , Golding Jean , Norwich Brahm , Emond Alan , Ford Tamsin , Steer Colin 
Published: November 2011

Objective:  To compare social and behavioural outcomes between children formally diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) with those of children who displayed autistic traits at preschool age, but remained undiagnosed as teenagers.Method:  A secondary analysis of data from a birth cohort study, the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (N = 13,944), in SW England. Children clinically diagnosed with ASD were identified from their medical records (n = 71). A comparison group, who displayed autistic traits at age 3–4, but without ASD diagnosis were also identified (n = 142). Social and behavioural outcomes in adolescence were compared between the two groups.Results:  Children with ASD diagnoses were more impaired as teenagers that those in the comparison group on a range of measures of autistic‐like behaviour. The developmental trajectory of prosocial behaviour showed that differences between the case and comparison groups increased dramatically in the preschool and early primary years, but that after 6 years the trajectories were similar.Conclusions:  The divergence of the clinically diagnosed group and the nondiagnosed group in measures of autistic‐like behaviour increased with age. This study provides evidence that it may be difficult to distinguish preschool age children who exhibit autistic‐like symptoms but improve, from those who go on to develop lifelong impairment.
Alternate Night Nocturnal Hemodialysis: The Australian Experience
Authors: Kerr Peter G. , Agar John W. M. , Hawley Carmel M. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractAlternate night nocturnal hemodialysis (HD) is a popular modality in Australia. This modality grew out of a desire to increase the availability and accessibility of nocturnal HD without incurring excessive costs. It has proven popular with staff, patients, and administrators. There are limited data to support the benefits of this modality and undoubtedly, more data are required. As in 5–6 times per week nocturnal HD, the major benefits appear to be in phosphate control, volume control, and patient wellbeing. Economically, this approach to nocturnal HD costs much the same as conventional home HD, with only one extra dialysis session every 2 weeks. This review expands on some aspects of this dialysis modality and how it is practiced in Australia.
Evaluation of a Disaster‐Surge Training for Public Health Nurses
Authors: Chiu Michelle , Polivka Barbara J. , Stanley Sharon A. R. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the effect of a blended educational intervention (in‐class and independent learning modules) developed to enhance Ohio PHN confidence in 25 disaster surge competencies that address the PHN role and skills in Preparedness, Response, and Recovery.Design and SampleThis was a quasi‐experimental one group pre and post design. Participants (N = 54) completed pre‐ and postintervention surveys to evaluate intervention impact on self‐perceived confidence and need for further training in the 25 competencies.MeasuresParallel pre and post surveys assessed participant evaluation of confidence and need for further competency training. Paired t tests and repeated measures ANOVA compared pre‐ and postsurvey results.ResultsConfidence in Preparedness, Response, and Recovery PHN disaster surge competencies significantly increased, whereas self‐perceived need for further competency training correspondingly significantly decreased.ConclusionsA blended learning approach to disaster surge training effectively improved PHNs confidence in competency achievement and reduced perceived need for further training.
The Cost of Duplicative Regulation: Evidence From Risk Retention Groups
Authors: Leverty J. Tyler 
Published: November 2011

AbstractA vast majority of insurers are regulated by each state in which they conduct business; however, a small subset of specialized firms, risk retention groups (RRGs), are largely exempt from most aspects of duplicative regulation no matter how many states they operate. This article analyzes the differences between RRGs and standard insurers specializing in commercial liability insurance to determine the cost of duplicative regulation. The costs associated with multi‐state regulation are significantly higher than those for single‐entity regulation. These high regulatory compliance costs reduce the technical efficiency of firms, deter firms from operating in additional states, and increase the price of insurance.
Precautionary Effort: A New Look
Authors: Eeckhoudt Louis , Huang Rachel J. , Tzeng Larry Y. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractWhile the concept of precautionary saving is well documented, that of precautionary effort has received relatively limited attention. In this note, we set up a two period model in order to analyze the conditions under which the introduction (or deterioration) of an independent background risk increases effort.
Intact and Predamaged Boron Carbide Strength under Moderate Confinement Pressures
Authors: Chocron Sidney , Anderson Charles E. , Dannemann Kathryn A. , Nicholls Arthur E. , King Nikki L. 
Published: November 2011

This article summarizes the characterization work performed on intact and predamaged boron carbide tested in compression under confinement in a pressure vessel or using a thick steel confining sleeve. The focus is on the effect of pressure (up to 2 GPa hydrostatic pressure) on the strength. The techniques used for characterization are described. The failure curves obtained are presented and written as Drucker‐Prager and Mohr‐Coulomb failure criteria. Optical and stereomicroscopy were used to evaluate and document damage. Finally, the results are discussed and compared to the literature. It is shown that data obtained with very different techniques (confined compression, plate impact, and divergent plate impact) overlap, increasing the confidence in the results.
Dielectric Response of BaTiO3 Thin Film with Grain Size at Nanometer Scale
Authors: Tyunina M. , Malič B. , Plekh M. , Kosec M. 
Published: November 2011

In ceramic BaTiO3 thin film prepared by chemical solution deposition, the influence of small grain size (10–150 nm) and grain boundaries on ferroelectric behavior is investigated by the studies of low‐frequency dielectric response. The apparent permittivity is suggested to result from an ensemble of grains possessing different properties and volume fractions, and having a nonferroelectric boundary layer. The effective permittivity of the boundary layer is found to be close to that of an interfacial layer in epitaxial thin‐film ferroelectrics, indicating possible fundamental resemblance of these layers. The maximum effective permittivity of the grain interiors is estimated to be about 1500. The observed small intrinsic grain permittivity, small Curie constant, broad dielectric peaks, and high‐temperature dielectric hysteresis are discussed in terms of size‐induced changes of the phase diagram.
Bone microarchitecture at oral implant sites in ectodermal dysplasia (ED): a comparison between males and females
Authors: Silthampitag Patcharawan , Klineberg Iven , Austin Bruce , Jones Allan S. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to analyse the microarchitecture of bone in association with implant placement in young ectodermal dysplasia (ED) patients. The general hypothesis was that the structural and morphological features of bone microarchitecture are different between males and females, which may influence clinical outcomes.Materials and MethodsThe bone harvesting is not additionally invasive, as the procedure was made at the time and site of implant placement. Twenty one samples (8 female, 13 male) were harvested from nine ED participants whose age ranged between 14 and 21 years and specified by the site of harvesting. Micro‐CT analysis at 5 µm resolution was conducted on each sample. Specialized CT analysis of the three‐dimensional (3‐D) bone microstructure was made to compare structural parameters. In addition, two bone samples (one male, one female) were sent to the University of Michigan and analysed at 9 µm resolution.ResultsNo significant difference was found between male and female samples. Bone analysis of particular sites revealed that bone‐specific surface (BS/BV) was found to be significantly higher in male than in female samples, whilst the mean values of 10 parameters, the grey scale value histograms and 3‐D visualization showed that female samples had higher compact density than male samples.ConclusionMicrostructural analyses indicated that female ED bone was more compact and with greater trabecular connectedness than male bone. These features may enhance resistance to external force transfer of mastication compared with male bone. Further bone samples from other jaw bone areas will provide information on whether there are regional differences in jawbone quality and quantity, which may influence implant treatment outcomes, as well as follow‐up analyses of treatment outcomes.
Effect of PDGF‐BB and beta‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) on bone formation around dental implants: a pilot study in sheep
Authors: Choo Tina , Marino Victor , Bartold P. Mark 
Published: November 2011

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this investigation was to examine the effect of a combination of purified recombinant human platelet‐derived growth factor (rhPDGF‐BB) mixed with a synthetic beta‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) on bone healing around dental implants with critical size circumferential defects.Material and methodsThree critical size circumferential defects were prepared in the ilium of six sheep. Three dental implants were placed into the centre of each defect and the 3.25 mm circumferential gap was filled with (a) blood clot alone; (b) β‐TCP; (c) rhPDGF‐BB (0.3 mg/ml) with β‐TCP. All the defects in each group were covered with a Bio‐Gide® resorbable barrier membrane. The sheep were sacrificed at 2 and 4 weeks and histological and histomorphometric analyses were performed to determine the percentage of new mineralized bone formation and residual β‐TCP graft particles in the defects.ResultsDefects filled with rhPDGF‐BB/β‐TCP showed the highest rate of bone formation after 2 and 4 weeks with limited degradation of the β‐TCP particles over 4 weeks. Defects filled with β‐TCP showed the least bone fill after 2 and 4 weeks, and faster degradation of the β‐TCP particles over 4 weeks compared with defects filled with rhPDGF‐BB/β‐TCP. Percentage of new mineralized bone was comparable in defects to blood clot alone and β‐TCP after 4 weeks of healing, but there was a collapse in the defect area in defects with blood clot alone. In comparison, the space was maintained when β‐TCP was used in defects at 4 weeks.ConclusionsDefects which had β‐TCP alone showed an inhibition in bone healing at 2 and 4 weeks; however, the combination of rhPDGF‐BB with β‐TCP enhanced bone regeneration in these peri‐implant bone defects at the same time intervals.