bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel Split‐Thickness Skin Graft Donor Site
Authors: Ghanem Tamer A. , Wax Mark K. 
Published: August 2009

OBJECTIVETo eliminate morbidity of the thigh split‐thickness skin graft (STSG) donor site in forearm flaps, the feasibility of harvesting from an alternate site was assessed.STUDY DESIGNCase series with planned data collection.SETTINGA tertiary care academic setting.SUBJECTS AND METHODSData were collected from patients undergoing forearm flap reconstruction over 13 months. The forearm flap harvesting procedure was modified to incorporate STSG harvest directly from the flap skin paddle.RESULTSThere were 66 patients in this cohort, with mean age of 62.6 years. There were 58 fasciocutaneous radial forearm free flaps (RFFFs), three osteocutaneous RFFF, three ulnar flaps, and two reverse‐flow RFFFs. The majority of flaps were used for mucosal coverage (n = 54), but 12 flaps were used for external skin coverage. The mean forearm defect was 36.5 cm2 (12–77 cm2). Harvesting from the forearm skin paddle was successful in 64 patients (97%). Two patients required a thigh STSG; both patients were octogenarians with frail skin.CONCLUSIONA thigh STSG donor site, with its associated morbidities, can be eliminated in 97 percent of patients undergoing forearm flaps. Older patients with frail skin may require a thigh donor site.
The Significance of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux in Benign Vocal Mucosal Lesions
Authors: Chung Jae Ho , Tae Kyung , Lee Yong Seop , Jeong Jin Hyeok , Cho Seok Hyun , Kim Kyung Rae , Park Chul Won , Han Dong Soo 
Published: August 2009

OBJECTIVETo determine the significance of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) in benign vocal mucosal lesions.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGA case‐control study at the tertiary referral medical center.SUBJECTS AND METHODSFrom April 2003 to December 2006, we studied 110 patients with benign vocal mucosal lesions who had undergone 24‐hour ambulatory double pH monitoring. The control group included 200 patients who had undergone ambulatory 24‐hour double‐probe pH monitoring due to laryngopharyngeal reflux‐related symptoms without specific findings of benign vocal mucosal lesions. Reflux symptom index and reflux finding score were measured. We compared the prevalence of pathologic laryngopharyngeal reflux and various parameters of the pH monitoring such as total reflux number, fraction time of pH below 4 in various positions, and DeMeester scores.RESULTSThe prevalence of pathologic laryngopharyngeal reflux was 65 percent in the control group, 66 percent in vocal nodule group, 75 percent in the vocal polyp group, and 90 percent in the Reinke's edema group. Patients with Reinke's edema had a significantly higher prevalence of pathologic laryngopharyngeal reflux than controls (P = 0.016). LPR was associated with a significantly increased risk of Reinke's edema (odds ratio: 4.846, 95% confidence interval 1.093∼21.492). Total reflux number and DeMeester scores in the Reinke's edema group and fraction time of pH below 4 in the supine position in the vocal polyp group were significantly higher than those in the control group.CONCLUSIONLaryngopharyngeal reflux might play a role as an etiologic factor in Reinke's edema and vocal polyps.
Outcomes of Sinus Surgery in Adults with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Khalid Ayesha N. , Mace Jess , Smith Timothy L. 
Published: August 2009

OBJECTIVESAdults with cystic fibrosis (CF) represent a challenging subset of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). While data suggest that endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) may benefit pediatric CF patients, there remains a paucity of data regarding the impact of endoscopic sinus surgery on adult CF patients with CRS. Our purpose was to evaluate objective and quality‐of‐life measures in adult CF patients with CRS following ESS.STUDY DESIGNNested case‐control study.SETTINGTertiary care center.METHODSTwenty patients with CF were evaluated and matched to 20 controls without concomitant CF. Preoperative CT and preoperative/postoperative endoscopic findings were recorded as objective measures. Changes in two disease‐specific quality‐of‐life (QoL) instruments were also evaluated both preoperatively and postoperatively.RESULTSMean postoperative follow‐up was similar for cases and controls (13.1 ± 7.9 months vs 14.0 ± 6.0 months, respectively). Preoperative CT scores (16.9 ± 4.5 vs 10.9 ± 5.9, P = 0.001) and endoscopy scores (9.3 ± 5.8 vs 5.7 ± 4.6, P = 0.049) were significantly worse in CF patients. Postoperative endoscopy scores were significantly worse for CRS patients with CF (P = 0.001), although the degree of improvement on endoscopy within each group was no different (P = 0.071). Additionally, both groups experienced similar improvement in QoL after ESS (all P ≥ 0.134).CONCLUSIONSWhile baseline measures of disease severity are worse in the CF population, our data support objective and QoL improvements for adult patients with comorbid CF comparable to patients without CF.
Validation of the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale in rural Tanzania
Authors: Knueppel Danielle , Demment Montague , Kaiser Lucia 
Published: August 2009

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of the present study was to test the construct validity, internal consistency and convergent validity of the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) in measuring household food insecurity in rural Tanzania, and to determine socio-economic characteristics associated with household food insecurity.DesignKey informant interviews and a cross-sectional survey were conducted in February and March 2008.SettingRural Iringa, Tanzania.SubjectsKey informant interviews were conducted with twenty-one purposively selected male and female village leaders. For the household surveys, a sample of 237 households with mothers (caregivers) and at least one child between 1 and 5 years of age were included.ResultsApproximately 20·7 % of the households were categorized as food-secure, 8·4 % as mildly food-insecure, 22·8 % as moderately food-secure and 48·1 % as severely food-insecure. Two main factors emerged from the rotated principal component factor analysis: (i) insufficient food quality; and (ii) insufficient food intake. Both factors explained 69 % of the total variance. The full food insecurity scale and the two subscales had good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0·83–0·90). Food security, as measured by HFIAS, was positively associated with maternal education, husband’s education, household wealth status, being of an agricultural rather than pastoral tribe and animal-source food consumption; it was negatively associated with maternal age and household size.ConclusionsThe HFIAS measurement instrument shows validity and reliability in measuring household food insecurity among poor households in rural Tanzania.
Validity and reliability of an FFQ for use with adolescents in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Authors: Hong Tang K , Dibley Michael J , Sibbritt David 
Published: August 2009

AbstractObjectiveThe present study evaluates the reliability and validity of an FFQ designed for use with adolescents in urban Vietnam.DesignA cohort study was conducted between December 2003 and June 2004. The FFQ was administered three times over a 6-month period (FFQ 1–3) and nutrient intakes were compared to those obtained from four 24 h recalls collected over the same period (24 h recalls 1–4) using crude, energy-adjusted and de-attenuated correlation coefficients. The level of agreement between the two measurements was also evaluated with Bland–Altman analysis. The percentage of nutrient intakes classified within one quintile, as well as quadratic-weighted kappa statistics, were calculated.SettingHo Chi Minh City, Vietnam.SubjectsA total of 180 students were recruited in three junior high schools.ResultsCoefficients ranged from 0·22 for retinol to 0·78 for fibre for short-term reliability, and from 0·30 for retinol to 0·81 for zinc for long-term reliability. Coefficients for nutrient intakes between the mean of the three FFQ and mean of four 24 h recalls were mostly around 0·40, but higher for energy-adjusted nutrients. After allowing for within-person variation, the mean coefficient was 0·52 for macronutrients and 0·46 for micronutrients. There were a relatively high proportion of nutrient intakes classified within one quintile and a small number grossly misclassified. Kappa values shows ‘fair’ to ‘good’ agreement for all food/nutrient categories, while the Bland–Altman plots indicated that the FFQ is accurate in assessing nutrient intake at a group level.ConclusionsThis newly developed FFQ is a valid tool for measuring nutrient intake in adolescents in urban Vietnam.
Synergy of BMI and family history on diabetes: the Humboldt Study
Authors: Chen Yue , Rennie Donna C , Dosman James A 
Published: August 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the joint effect of family history and BMI on diabetes.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingA rural community in Saskatchewan, Canada.SubjectsThe analysis was based on data from 2081 adults, 18–79 years of age, who participated in the Humboldt Study conducted in 2003. Doctor-diagnosed diabetes and family history of diabetes of biological parents and siblings were self-reported. Body weight and height were objectively measured. The interaction of family history and BMI on diabetes was assessed on an additive scale.ResultsThe prevalence of diabetes was 7·9 %, and BMI and history of diabetes were two important predictors. The adjusted prevalence ratios were 1·76 (95 % CI 1·37, 2·27) and 2·59 (95 % CI 2·05, 3·31) for those with a BMI of 25·0–29·9 kg/m2 and of at least 30 kg/m2, respectively, compared with a BMI of less than 25 kg/m2, and was 2·41 (95 % CI 2·08, 2·80) for those with a family history of diabetes v. those without. The data indicated an additive interaction of family history and BMI on diabetes.ConclusionsWhen exposed to both family history and overweight/obesity, individuals would have an increased risk that was greater than the sum of their single effects. Reduction of BMI would also reduce the risk of diabetes associated family history.
Mass media nutrition information sources and associations with fruit and vegetable consumption among adolescents
Authors: Freisling Heinz , Haas Karin , Elmadfa Ibrahim 
Published: August 2009

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of the present study was to examine associations between exposure to nutrition information as covered in mass media and daily fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption among adolescents.DesignCross-sectional nutrition survey.SettingVocational schools in Vienna, Austria.SubjectsA sample of 2949 ethnically diverse adolescents with mean age 17·3 (sd 1·7) years. An FFQ was used to assess usual FV consumption. Data on mass media exposure and sociodemographic characteristics were collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to control for potentially confounding variables.ResultsAdolescents who reported exposure to nutrition information provided by booklets, the Internet or newspaper articles were more likely to eat FV daily. For example, the OR for daily fruit consumption (ORfru) was 1·6 (P < 0·001) when exposure to the Internet was reported after adjustment for age, gender, ethnicity, BMI and salary. No such associations were found for radio, television and magazines as sources of nutrition information. A negative impact on daily FV consumption was found for exposure to radio commercials (ORfru = 0·74, P = 0·04 and ORveg = 0·67, P = 0·03). Exposure to TV commercials had a negative impact on vegetable consumption (ORveg = 0·81, P = 0·05).ConclusionsNewspaper articles, the Internet and booklets as a source of nutrition information are positively associated with daily FV consumption among adolescents, whereas radio commercials have a negative impact. Dissemination of ‘healthy eating’ slogans should make use of print media and the Internet.
Usefulness of the metabolic syndrome criteria as predictors of insulin resistance among obese Korean women
Authors: Lee Kayoung 
Published: August 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the ability of each metabolic syndrome (MetS) criterion, defined by the International Diabetes Federation, to predict insulin resistance (IR).DesignA cross-sectional study. IR was defined as homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) ≥3·04. The MetS criteria considered were TAG ≥ 1·69 mmol/l, HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) <1·29 mmol/l, blood pressure (BP) ≥130/85 mmHg and fasting glucose (FG) ≥5·6 mmol/l.SettingBusan, South Korea.SubjectsNinety-six apparently healthy Korean women (mean age 42 (sd 10·6) years) with abdominal obesity (waist circumference (WC) ≥80 cm) were studied.ResultsOf the ninety-six obese women, 11 % were insulin-resistant and 33 % fulfilled the criteria for IDF-defined MetS. Glucose and TAG were more likely to predict IR than BP and HDL-C when assessed using receiver-operating characteristic curves, multiple regression and multiple logistic regression analyses. Of the variation in HOMA-IR, TAG, FG, WC and age explained 42 %. High FG was independently associated with the presence of IR (OR = 8·6, 95 % CI 1·8, 41·8) even after adjusting for other components of MetS. The positive predictive value and positive likelihood ratio to detect IR were the highest for the FG criterion (33 % and 3·9, respectively), followed by TAG (28 %, 3·0), BP (19 %, 1·8) and HDL-C criteria (18 %, 1·7). The IDF definition of MetS exhibited a positive predictive value of 29 % and a positive likelihood ratio of 3·1.ConclusionsOf the MetS criteria, high FG and high TAG seem to be more suitable for identifying obese women with IR than high BP and low HDL-C.
The HADES mission concept – astrobiological survey of Jupiter's icy moon Europa
Authors: Böttcher Thomas , Huber Liliane , Le Corre Lucille , Leitner Johannes , McCarthy David , Nilsson Ricky , Teixeira Carlos , Vaquer Araujo Sergi , Wilson Rebecca C. , Adjali Fatah , Altenburg Martin , Briani Giacomo , Buchas Peter , Le Postollec Aurélie , Meier Teresa 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe HADES Europa mission concept aims to provide a framework for an astrobiological in-depth investigation of the Jupiter moon Europa, relying on existing technologies and feasibility. This mission study proposes a system consisting of an orbiter, lander and cryobot as a platform for detailed exploration of Europa. While the orbiter will investigate the presence of a liquid ocean and characterize Europa's internal structure, the lander will survey local dynamics of the ice layer and the surface environment. The lander releases a cryobot, that melts into the ice, will sample the pristine subsurface and is expected to provide data on organic and gaseous content and putative bio-signatures. In summary, we present the scientific objectives for an astrobiological investigation of Europa, resulting in a mission concept with a detailed evaluation of scientific instrumentation, mission sequences, basic design of the spacecraft, technology needs and cost estimations.
Results of a Wildlife Toxicology Workshop held by Smithsonian Institution: Identification & Prioritization of Problem Statements
Authors: Grim K. Christiana , Jankowski Mark , Aguirre Alonso , Beasley Val , Fairbrother Anne , Gerould Sarah , Rattner Barnett , Rowles Teri , Monfort Steve , Tan Shirlee 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
Background/Question/Methods
On March 13-15, 2007 nearly 50 scientists and administrators from the US and Canada participated in a Smithsonian-sponsored Wildlife Toxicology Workshop. Invitees were from academic, government, conservation and private organizations and were selected to represent the diverse disciplines that encompass wildlife toxicology. The workshop addressed scientific and policy issues, strengths and weaknesses of current research strategies, interdisciplinary and science-based approaches in the study of complex contaminant issues, mechanisms for disseminating data to policy-makers, and the development of a partner network to meet the challenges facing wildlife toxicology over the next decade. Prior to the meeting, participants were asked to submit issues deemed to be of highest concern which shaped four thematic groups for discussion: Wildlife Toxicology in Education, Risk Assessment, Multiple Stressors/Complex Mixtures, and Sub-Lethal and Population-Level Effects.

Results/Conclusions
From these discussion groups, 18 problem statements were developed and prioritized outlining the most important issues to address now and into the future. Along with each problem statement participants developed potential solutions and action steps geared to move each issue forward. The workshop served as a stepping-stone for action in the field of wildlife toxicology. These problem statements and the resulting action items are presented to the inter-disciplinary wildlife toxicology community for adoption, and future work and action items in these areas are encouraged. For example, it was found that ecologists would be essential in addressing the implications of sublethal or lethal effects of contaminants on wildlife at the population, community and ecosystem scales. The workshop outcome looks to generate conversation and collaboration that will lead to the development of innovative research, future mechanisms for funding, workshops, working groups, and listserves within the wildlife toxicology community.
Cutting the trees to save the forest: The Finch Pruyn working forest
Authors: Neugarten Rachel , Wolf Steven , Stedman Rich 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe past two decades have seen sales of millions of acres of commercial forest land in the United States. Changed ownership often results in altered forest management, parcelization or development. Such changes have profound implications for forest species and ecosystems, as well as the timber industry, recreational opportunities, and local and regional economies. An emerging strategy seeks to protect lands through complex public-private partnerships involving state agencies, conservation organizations, and commercial investors. By definition, these partnerships have both environmental and socioeconomic goals; as such, they represent contemporary experiments in sustainable development applied to forested landscapes. As this approach is a recent innovation, its benefits for nature and people have yet to be demonstrated, and the general applicability of this integrated approach to conservation is unknown. Our objective is to identify context-specific objectives and indicators to support integrated monitoring and adaptive management for the former Finch Pruyn lands, which encompass 161,000 acres in the Adirondack region of New York State. This interdisciplinary project involves social science faculty and students from Cornell University and cooperation from conservation scientists from The Nature Conservancy. Through a review of the literature on criteria and indicators for sustainable forestry, we developed an analytical framework for measuring ecological, social, and economic implications of forest management practices. Through key informant interviews, we identified context-specific objectives and indicators for the Finch Pruyn lands, including forest health, species protection, expanded recreation opportunities and community economic vitality. Our approach allows us to compare existing commitments to collection of monitoring data to ideal data sets as defined by actors occupying various structural positions. Identification of potential gaps in monitoring represents an opportunity for dialogue, reallocation of resources and enrollment of new strategic partners. Over time, these global and local indicators can support an adaptive framework through which flows of information inform management in an iterative process. Preliminary results indicate that this project entails several innovations that may contribute to its success, including the development of a comprehensive ecological baseline and the explicit engagement of local claims to livelihoods and access. We make several recommendations for future working forest agreements, such as the need to define clear environmental and socioeconomic goals at the outset, and, when private philanthropy is central to project viability, the incorporation of monitoring costs into initial fundraising targets. We believe these lessons are applicable to conservation development projects in the Northern Forest region and beyond.
Weight gain restriction during pregnancy is safe for both the mother and neonate
Authors: CLAESSON ING‐MARIE , BRYNHILDSEN JAN , CEDERGREN MARIE , JEPPSSON ANNIKA , SYDSJÖ ADAM , JOSEFSSON ANN 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe objective of this study was to investigate whether pregnancy, delivery, and neonatal outcome among obese pregnant women who took part in an intervention study for weight restriction differed from a group of obese pregnant women attending regular antenatal care. The intervention group consisted of 155 obese pregnant women and 193 obese pregnant women who formed a control group. We found that a weight gain restriction of less than 7 kg during pregnancy is safe for both the mother and the neonate.
Using a mutual information-based site transition network to map the genetic evolution of influenza A/H3N2 virus
Authors: Xia Zhen , Jin Gulei , Zhu Jun , Zhou Ruhong 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
Motivation: Mapping the antigenic and genetic evolution pathways of influenza A is of critical importance in the vaccine development and drug design of influenza virus. In this article, we have analyzed more than 4000 A/H3N2 hemagglutinin (HA) sequences from 1968 to 2008 to model the evolutionary path of the influenza virus, which allows us to predict its future potential drifts with specific mutations.
Results: The mutual information (MI) method was used to design a site transition network (STN) for each amino acid site in the A/H3N2 HA sequence. The STN network indicates that most of the dynamic interactions are positioned around the epitopes and the receptor binding domain regions, with strong preferences in both the mutation sites and amino acid types being mutated to. The network also shows that antigenic changes accumulate over time, with occasional large changes due to multiple co-occurring mutations at antigenic sites. Furthermore, the cluster analysis by subdividing the STN into several subnetworks reveals a more detailed view about the features of the antigenic change: the characteristic inner sites and the connecting inter-subnetwork sites are both responsible for the drifts. A novel five-step prediction algorithm based on the STN shows a reasonable accuracy in reproducing historical HA mutations. For example, our method can reproduce the 2003–2004 A/H3N2 mutations with ∼70% accuracy. The method also predicts seven possible mutations for the next antigenic drift in the coming 2009–2010 season. The STN approach also agrees well with the phylogenetic tree and antigenic maps based on HA inhibition assays.
Availability: All code and data are available at http://ibi.zju.edu.cn/birdflu/
Contact: ruhongz@us.ibm.com
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.