bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of mannose-binding lectin-2 genotype and serum levels with prognosis of sepsis
Authors: Huh Jin Won , Song Kyuyoung , Yum Jung-Sun , Hong Sang-Bum , Lim Chae-Man , Koh Younsuck 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
Introduction
Individuals deficient in mannose-binding lectin (MBL), an important component of the innate immune system, show increased susceptibility to infection. We investigated whether polymorphisms in the MBL2 gene and the serum level are associated with the severity and prognosis of sepsis.

Methods
A total of 266 patients with sepsis and 398 healthy controls were enrolled. We analyzed the three single nucleotide polymorphisms (Gly54Asp, -550, and +4) in the MBL2 gene. Serum samples collected on day 1 were analyzed for the levels of MBL.

Results
Patients who were heterozygous (A/B) or homozygous (B/B) at codon 54 (adjusted odds ratio (OR), 0.370; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.207-0.661, P = 0.001) and who were heterozygous (H/L) or homozygous (L/L) at -550 (adjusted OR, 0.476; 95% CI, 0.249-0.910, P = 0.025) were less likely to have septic shock in the sepsis group. Using Cox regression analysis for 28-day mortality, an MBL level ≥ 1.3 microg/mL showed significantly lower 28-day mortality (P = 0.020; hazard ratio, 0.571; 95% CI, 0.355-0.916) in the septic shock group.

Conclusions
Homozygosity at codons 54 (A/A) and -550 (H/H) appears to be associated with the severity, but not the outcome, of sepsis, whereas a low MBL level may be an independent risk factor for mortality. These findings suggest that the genotype and serum level for MBL2 may have different clinical implications.
Management of self-harm in older people
Authors: Toms Nikki D. , Ritchie Craig W. 
Published: November 2009

Aims and MethodThe epidemiology of self-harm in older people is poorly understood and a low incidence rate hampers research efforts. Regional surveillance for this may assist with research and improve clinical services accordingly. This study involved undertaking a scoping exercise to explore current management of self-harm in elderly people in selected North London hospitals, by interviewing healthcare professionals directly involved in their treatment.ResultsThe study showed varied methods of coding clinical information across trusts, with no consistent method of surveillance.Clinical ImplicationsImplications of this exercise involve generation of a summary document that will educate stage two of the project, which is the convention of a working party to implement a surveillance system across the region.
Leadership development: more than on-the-job training
Authors: Buckley Peter F. 
Published: November 2009

SummaryThe effective psychiatric leader in clinical administration must possess organisational knowledge, financial acumen, negotiation and conflict resolution skills, and a broad knowledge of our field. Team building, motivating others, mentorship, and the ability to hire excellent colleagues are all important attributes of leadership. It is opportune for our profession to promote training and skill acquisition in leadership development.
Synergy of Total PLAC4 RNA Concentration and Measurement of the RNA Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism Allelic Ratio for the Noninvasive Prenatal Detection of Trisomy 21
Authors: Tsui Nancy BY , Akolekar Ranjit , Chiu Rossa WK , Chow Katherine CK , Leung Tak Y , Lau Tze K , Nicolaides Kypros H , Lo YM Dennis 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
Background: Maternal plasma mRNA encoded by the PLAC4 gene (placenta-specific 4), which is transcribed from chromosome 21 in placental cells, is a potential marker for the noninvasive assessment of chromosome 21 dosage in the fetus. We evaluated the diagnostic sensitivities and specificities of 2 trisomy 21–screening approaches that use maternal plasma PLAC4 mRNA.
Methods: We studied maternal plasma samples from 153 pregnant women carrying euploid and trisomy 21 fetuses. For the samples in which the fetuses were heterozygous for the studied PLAC4 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), we measured the ratio between 2 alleles of the SNP in maternal plasma PLAC4 mRNA (RNA-SNP) by mass spectrometric (MS) and digital PCR methods. For pregnancies involving fetuses homozygous for the SNP, we quantified the total PLAC4 mRNA concentration in maternal plasma by real-time PCR and digital PCR.
Results: For the RNA-SNP approach, we achieved a diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of 100% (95% CI, 40.2%–100%) and 89.7% (95% CI, 78.8%–96.1%), respectively, for both the MS and the digital PCR methods. For the mRNA-quantification approach, the areas under the ROC curves were 0.859 (95% CI, 0.741–0.903) and 0.833 (95% CI, 0.770–0.923) for plasma PLAC4 mRNA concentrations measured by the real-time PCR and the digital PCR methods, respectively.
Conclusions: For prenatal screening of trisomy 21, the quantification of the total PLAC4 mRNA concentration can be used in a synergistic manner with the RNA-SNP allelic ratio approach to increase the population coverage of cases in which diagnostic information can be obtained.
Determination of Plastic and Liquid Limits Using the Reverse Extrusion Technique
Authors: Kayabali Kamil , Tufenkci Osman Oguz 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
Consistency limits are fundamental properties of fine grained soils. The techniques used today to determine these parameters are operator dependent; their repeatability is low. In order to overcome and/or reduce those factors affecting the results of conventional testing methods, the reverse extrusion technique was evaluated. Thirty-one inorganic soil samples were used in the experiments. In order to produce a reliable basis for the plastic and liquid limits, a relatively broad database was constituted using the conventional consistency limit tests. Extrusion pressures were then obtained and plotted for different water contents for each sample. A linear relationship was observed among the water content and the logarithm of the extrusion pressure. The extrusion pressures corresponding to the average plastic and liquid limits of the conventional method show a normal distribution about certain values. A more reliable, economical, and robust device with greater repeatability is proposed. The presented approach shows promise in providing a better index parameter to characterize fine grained soils.
Racial and Socioeconomic Disparities in Residential Proximity to Polluting Industrial Facilities: Evidence From the Americans' Changing Lives Study
Authors: Mohai Paul , Lantz Paula M. , Morenoff Jeffrey , House James S. , Mero Richard P. 
Published: November 2009

Objectives. We sought to demonstrate the advantages of using individual-level survey data in quantitative environmental justice analyses and to provide new evidence regarding racial and socioeconomic disparities in the distribution of polluting industrial facilities. Methods. Addresses of respondents in the baseline sample of the Americans' Changing Lives Study and polluting industrial facilities in the Environmental Protection Agency's Toxic Release Inventory were geocoded, allowing assessments of distances between respondents' homes and polluting facilities. The associations between race and other sociodemographic characteristics and living within 1 mile (1.6 km) of a polluting facility were estimated via logistic regression. Results. Blacks and respondents at lower educational levels and, to a lesser degree, lower income levels were significantly more likely to live within a mile of a polluting facility. Racial disparities were especially pronounced in metropolitan areas of the Midwest and West and in suburban areas of the South. Conclusions. Our results add to the historical record demonstrating significant disparities in exposures to environmental hazards in the US population and provide a paradigm for studying changes over time in links to health.
The Economic Cost of Environmental Factors Among North Carolina Children Living in Substandard Housing
Authors: Chenoweth David , Estes Chris , Lee Christopher 
Published: November 2009

Objectives. We quantified the economic cost of selected environmental factors among North Carolina children living in substandard housing.Methods. We gathered data on direct medical care costs for specific childhood medical conditions associated with environmental factors commonly found in substandard housing. Medical claims data for 2006 and 2007 were obtained from BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Indirect costs were based in part on nonmedical data obtained from several previous studies.Results. Total (direct and indirect) costs for the conditions assessed exceeded $92 million in 2006 and $108 million in 2007. Neurobehavioral conditions contributed to more than 52% of all costs, followed by lead poisoning (20%) and respiratory conditions (12%). Neurobehavioral conditions were the largest contributor to direct medical costs (44%), followed by respiratory conditions (38%) and accidental burns and falls (10%).Conclusions. Direct and indirect costs associated with environmental factors appear to be increasing at about twice the rate of medical inflation. More aggressive policies and funding are needed to reduce the substantial financial impact of childhood illnesses associated with substandard housing in North Carolina.
The Health Impacts of Housing Improvement: A Systematic Review of Intervention Studies From 1887 to 2007
Authors: Thomson Hilary , Thomas Sian , Sellstrom Eva , Petticrew Mark 
Published: November 2009

Objectives. We conducted a systematic review of the health impacts of housing improvement. Methods. Forty-two bibliographic databases were searched for housing intervention studies from 1887 to 2007. Studies were appraised independently by H. T. and S. T. or E. S. for sources of bias. The data were tabulated and synthesized narratively, taking into account study quality. Results. Forty-five relevant studies were identified. Improvements in general, respiratory, and mental health were reported following warmth improvement measures, but these health improvements varied across studies. Varied health impacts were reported following housing-led neighborhood renewal. Studies from the developing world suggest that provision of basic housing amenities may lead to reduced illness. There were few reports of adverse health impacts following housing improvement. Some studies reported that the housing improvement was associated with positive impacts on socioeconomic determinants of health. Conclusions. Housing improvements, especially warmth improvements, can generate health improvements; there is little evidence of detrimental health impacts. The potential for health benefits may depend on baseline housing conditions and careful targeting of the intervention. Investigation of socioeconomic impacts associated with housing improvement is needed to investigate the potential for longer-term health impacts.
The Influence of Traffic on Air Quality in an Urban Neighborhood: A Community–University Partnership
Authors: Buonocore Jonathan J. , Lee Harrison J. , Levy Jonathan I. 
Published: November 2009

Objectives. We evaluated the spatial and temporal patterns of traffic-related air pollutants in an urban neighborhood to determine factors contributing to elevated concentrations and to inform environmental justice concerns. Methods. In the summer of 2007, we continuously monitored multiple air pollutants at a community site in the Mission Hill neighborhood of Boston, Massachussetts, and local high school students conducted mobile continuous monitoring throughout the neighborhood. We used regression models to explain variability in concentrations, considering various attributes of traffic, proximity to major roadways, and meteorology. Results. Different attributes of traffic explained variability in fixed-site concentrations of ultrafine particles, fine particulate matter, and black carbon, with diurnal patterns and meteorological effects indicative of a greater local effect on ultrafine particles and black carbon. Mobile monitoring demonstrated that multiple traffic variables predict elevated levels of ultrafine particles, with concentrations of ultrafine particles decreasing by 50% within 400 meters of 2 major roadways. Conclusions. Unlike fine particulate matter, ultrafine particles demonstrate significant spatial and temporal variability within an urban neighborhood, contributing to environmental justice concerns, and patterns can be well characterized with a community-based participatory research design.
A Computerized, Self-Administered Questionnaire to Evaluate Posttraumatic Stress Among Firefighters After the World Trade Center Collapse
Authors: Corrigan Malachy , McWilliams Rita , Kelly Kerry J. , Niles Justin , Cammarata Claire , Jones Kristina , Wartenberg Daniel , Hallman William K. , Kipen Howard M. , Glass Lara , Schorr John K. , Feirstein Ira , Prezant David J. 
Published: November 2009

Objectives. We sought to determine the frequency of psychological symptoms and elevated posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) risk among New York City firefighters after the World Trade Center (WTC) attack and whether these measures were associated with Counseling Services Unit (CSU) use or mental health–related medical leave over the first 2.5 years after the attack. Methods. Shortly after the WTC attack, a computerized, binary-response screening questionnaire was administered. Exposure assessment included WTC arrival time and “loss of a co-worker while working at the collapse.” We determined elevated PTSD risk using thresholds derived from Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision, and a sensitivity-specificity analysis. Results. Of 8487 participants, 76% reported at least 1 symptom, 1016 (12%) met criteria for elevated PTSD risk, and 2389 (28%) self-referred to the CSU, a 5-fold increase from before the attack. Higher scores were associated with CSU use, functional job impairment, and mental health–related medical leave. Exposure–response gradients were significant for all outcomes. Conclusions. This screening tool effectively identified elevated PTSD risk, higher CSU use, and functional impairment among firefighters and therefore may be useful in allocating scarce postdisaster mental health resources.
Flow-Rate Estimation From Wellhead-Pressure and Temperature Data
Authors: Izgec B.. , Hasan A.R.. R. , Lin D , Kabir C.S.. S. 
Published: November 2009

Summary
Flow-rate metering has a less-than-satisfactory track record in the industry. Modern sensors offer a solution to this vexing problem. This paper offers two methods for estimating flow rates, predominantly from temperature data to complement-rate measurements. One approach consists of modeling the entire wellbore and requires both wellhead pressure (WHP) and wellhead temperature (WHT), whereas the other uses transient temperature formulation at a single point in the wellbore to compute the total production rate.
In the entire-wellbore approach, we use a wellbore model handling steady flow of fluids but unsteady-state heat transfer to estimate production rate, given wellhead pressure and temperature. The model rigorously accounts various thermal properties of the fluid and the formation, including Joule-Thompson (J-T) (Thompson and Joule 1853) heating and/or cooling. In the single-point approach, a single-point-temperature measurement made anywhere in the wellbore, including at the wellhead, is needed to estimate the mass rate at a given timestep. The method entails full transient treatment of the coupled fluid-and heat-flow problem at hand.
Examples from both gas and oil wells are shown to illustrate the application of the proposed methodology. Good correspondence between the measured and calculated results demonstrates the robustness of the proposed methods. These methods provide important rate information in various settings. For instance, in mature assets they can fill in the information void between tests or replace suspect rate data. Even well-instrumented wells can benefit because the methods can act as a verification tool, particularly in assets where integrated asset models are used to fine tune rate allocation. In addition, the single-point approach can provide the much needed rate information during pressure-transient tests.
Bariatric Surgery Reduces Oxidative Stress by Blunting 24-h Acute Glucose Fluctuations in Type 2 Diabetic Obese Patients
Authors: Marfella Raffaele , Barbieri Michelangela , Ruggiero Roberto , Rizzo Maria Rosaria , Grella Rodolfo , Mozzillo Anna Licia , Docimo Ludovico , Paolisso Giuseppe 
Published: November 2009

OBJECTIVE
We evaluated the efficacy of malabsorptive bariatric surgery on daily blood glucose fluctuations and oxidative stress in type 2 diabetic obese patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
The 48-h continuous subcutaneous glucose monitoring was assessed in type 2 diabetic patients before and 1 month after biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) (n = 36), or after diet-induced equivalent weight loss (n = 20). The mean amplitude of glycemic excursions and oxidative stress (nitrotyrosine) were evaluated during continuous subcutaneous glucose monitoring. During a standardized meal, glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1, glucagon, and insulin were measured.

RESULTS
Fasting and postprandial glucose decreased equally in surgical and diet groups. A marked increase in GLP-1 occurred during the interprandial period in surgical patients toward the diet group (P &lt; 0.01). Glucagon was more suppressed during the interprandial period in surgical patients compared with the diet group (P &lt; 0.01). Mean amplitude of glycemic excursions and nitrotyrosine levels decreased more after BPD than after diet (P &lt; 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS
Oxidative stress reduction after biliopancreatic diversion seems to be related to the regulation of glucose fluctuations resulting from intestinal bypass.
Comparison of antioxidant capacity and phenolic compounds of berries, chokecherry and seabuckthorn
Authors: Li Wende , Hydamaka Arnold , Lowry Lynda , Beta Trust 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
Antioxidant capacity and phenolic compounds (phenolic acids and anthocyanins) of four berry fruits (strawberry, Saskatoon berry, raspberry and wild blueberry), chokecherry and seabuckthorn were compared in the present study. Total phenolic content and total anthocyanin content ranged from 22.83 to 131.88 g/kg and 3.51 to 13.13 g/kg, respectively. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl free radical scavenging activity ranged from 29.97 to 78.86%. Chokecherry had the highest antioxidant capacity when compared with berry fruits and seabuckthorn. The highest caffeic acid, gallic acid and trans-cinnamic acid levels were found in chokecherry (6455 mg/kg), raspberry (1129 mg/kg) and strawberry (566 mg/kg), respectively. Caffeic acid was also the major phenolic acid in Saskatoon berry (2088 mg/kg) and wild blueberry (1473 mg/kg). The findings that chokecherry has very high antioxidant capacity and caffeic acid levels, are useful for developing novel value-added antioxidant products and also provide evidence essential for breeding novel cultivars of fruit plants with strong natural antioxidants.
PAMAM dendrimers — diverse biomedical applications. Facts and unresolved questions
Authors: Labieniec Magdalena , Watala Cezary 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
In this mini-review a number of novel outcomes, originating from studies in the field of PAMAM dendrimers, are presented and discussed. Owing to the multi-disciplinary nature of dendrimer chemistry it seems important to focus on the relevant topical research of PAMAM dendrimers, including their function, toxicity, surface modifications, and also possible new applications of these spherical polymers. We also consider the possibilities of specific functionalisation of PAMAM dendrimers — both novel ideas and those that have already been reported; as well as their cell-mediated effects (toxic and non-toxic). Then the reactivity of dendrimers’ terminal groups, and their anticipated protective role against modifications of biomacromolecules, are discussed with regard to future developments in biomedical research.
Dielectric and orientational properties of nematogenic 4-n-octyl(4′-cyanophenyl)benzoate
Authors: Bauman D. , Jadżyn J. , Wolarz E. , Modlińska A. , Dąbrowski R. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractExperimental studies of the dielectric properties in the nematic and isotropic phases of 4-cyanophenyl-4′-n-octylbenzoate (8CPB) have been performed in the frequency range from 50 kHz to 100 MHz. The relaxation process related to the rotation around the short molecular axis has been analysed. The results obtained have revealed that in the vicinity of the I-N phase transition, the molecular subdiffusional rotation process occurs. It is connected with the pretransitional effects which are observed both in the static and dynamic dielectric measurements. On the basis of the temperature dependence of the relaxation time in the nematic and isotropic phases, the orientational order parameter 〈P2〉 has been determined. The values of 〈P2〉 obtained in this way have been compared with those evaluated from the measurements of the polarized electronic absorption of the dichroic dye, dissolved as guest probe in the mesogenic host.
Diagnosis of laryngeal dysplasia in five horses using magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography
Authors: Garrett K. S. , Woodie J. B. , Embertson R. M. , Pease A. P. 
Published: November 2009

SummaryReasons for performing study: Laryngeal dysplasia due to suspected maldevelopment of the fourth branchial arch has been reported previously in the horse and has been associated with rostral displacement of the palatopharyngeal arch and/or right laryngeal dysfunction. These studies all described the endoscopic and/or anatomicalpost mortemidentification of the disease, but ultrasonography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of this disease have not been described.Hypothesis: MRI and ultrasound findings accurately reflect the anatomical features of presumptive fourth branchial arch abnormality and allow accurateante mortemdiagnosis of this condition and, therefore, appropriate management.Methods: Between February 2008 and January 2009, all horses examined at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital diagnosed with rostral displacement of the palatopharyngeal arch and/or right laryngeal dysfunction using upper airway endoscopy (n = 5) underwent ultrasonography and MRI of the laryngeal region.Results: All 5 horses that met the inclusion criteria were identified and all underwent laryngeal MRI and ultrasound examinations. Features consistent with laryngeal dysplasia, including lack of the cricothyroid articulation, dorsal extension of the thyroid cartilagelamina, and absence or hypoplasia of thecricopharyngeusmuscle, were seen in all cases using both types of imaging.Conclusions and potential relevance: MRI and ultrasonography permit definitivepremortemdiagnosis of laryngeal dysplasia. Upper airway abnormalities identified using endoscopy can be more fully characterised using MRI and ultrasonography allowing more appropriate recommendations to be made. Preoperative imaging may also prevent inappropriate surgical intervention.