bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trends in the use of Emergency Examination Orders in Queensland since the implementation of the Mental Health Intervention Project
Authors: Meehan Tom , Stedman Terry 
Published: July 2012

Objective: The Mental Health Intervention Project (MHIP) was established in Queensland in 2005 to improve interagency collaboration in the management of mental health crisis situations. The aim of this present study was to assess changes in the use of Emergency Examination Orders (EEOs) by police and ambulance officers since the commencement of the MHIP. Method: Information concerning the use of EEOs was analysed to highlight changes that have occurred since the inception of the MHIP. Results: The use of EEOs by police and ambulance officers increased by 262% since 2002. The proportion of EEOs completed by ambulance officers has increased from 14.5% in 2004 to 38% in 2010. Involuntary assessment was deemed necessary for less than half of the individuals presented by police and ambulance officers. Conclusions: Police continue to generate two-thirds of all EEOs completed. Police and ambulance officers may benefit from additional training in the use of EEOs. Providing alternative accommodation/treatment options for those under the influence of alcohol and other drugs may help to reduce the inappropriate use of EEOs and subsequent demand for Emergency Department services.
Surveillance swabbing for MRSA on neonatal intensive care units – is weekly nasal swabbing the best option?
Authors: Duffy Donovan , Garbash Mehdi , Sharland Mike , Kennea Nigel 
Published: July 2012

Most paediatric meticillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections occur in neonatal units, but evidence for ongoing MRSA surveillance is lacking and practice varies. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal strategy for neonatal MRSA screening according to swab site, gestational age and birth weight. MRSA detection on simultaneous weekly nasal and groin surveillance swabs and suspected infected sites was determined for all admissions to a tertiary neonatal unit over eight years. Twenty one thousand, seven hundred and thirty six surveillance specimens were examined (3,784 admissions). Infants colonised with MRSA were smaller and of lower gestational age compared with uncolonised infants ( p<0.0001). Infants initially positive on groin swabs alone (13/68; 19%) were of significantly greater gestational age and weight at birth compared with infants initially positive on nose swabs/both nose and groin swabs (55/68; 80%). Infants initially identified on groin swabs were all subsequently detected on nasal swabs or discharged within two weeks of age. 18/86 (21%) of MRSA cases were initially detected on swabbing suspected infected sites. Surveillance swabbing identified 43% of infants before MRSA bacteraemia. Eighty five per cent of colonised infants would be detected by weekly nasal swabs and by swabbing suspected infected sites. Groin swabs detect a small number of bigger mature babies who are discharged before two weeks of age.
Attenuated Salmonella typhimurium delivering DNA vaccine encoding duck enteritis virus UL24 induced systemic and mucosal immune responses and conferred good protection against challenge
Authors: Yu Xia , Jia Renyong , Huang Juan , Shu Bin , Zhu Dekang , Liu Qing , Gao Xinghong , Lin Meng , Yin Zhongqiong , Wang Mingshu , Chen Shun , Wang Yin , Chen Xiaoyue , Cheng Anchun 
Published: July 2012

AbstractOrally delivered DNA vaccines against duck enteritis virus (DEV) were developed using live attenuatedSalmonellatyphimurium (SL7207) as a carrier andEscherichia coliheat labile enterotoxin B subunit (LTB) as a mucosal adjuvant. DNA vaccine plasmids pVAX-UL24 and pVAX-LTB-UL24 were constructed and transformed into attenuatedSalmonellatyphimurium SL7207 resulting SL7207 (pVAX-UL24) and SL7207 (pVAX-LTB-UL24) respectively. After ducklings were orally inoculated with SL7207 (pVAX-UL24) or SL7207 (pVAX-LTB-UL24), the anti-DEV mucosal and systemic immune responses were recorded. To identify the optimum dose that confers maximum protection, we used different doses of the candidate vaccine SL7207 (pVAX-LTB-UL24) during oral immunization. The strongest mucosal and systemic immune responses developed in the SL7207 (pVAX-LTB-UL24) (1011 CFU) immunized group. Accordingly, oral immunization of ducklings with SL7207 (pVAX-LTB-UL24) showed superior efficacy of protection (60-80%) against a lethal DEV challenge (1000 LD50), compared with the limited survival rate (40%) of ducklings immunized with SL7207 (pVAX-UL24). Our study suggests that the SL7207 (pVAX-LTB-UL24) can be a candidate DEV vaccine.
Supporting Treatment decision making to Optimise the Prevention of STROKE in Atrial Fibrillation: The STOP STROKE in AF study. Protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Gattellari Melina , Worthington John M , Leung Dominic Y , Zwar Nicholas 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
Suboptimal uptake of anticoagulation for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation has persisted for over 20 years, despite high-level evidence demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing the risk of fatal and disabling stroke.

Methods
The STOP STROKE in AF study is a national, cluster randomised controlled trial designed to improve the uptake of anticoagulation in primary care. General practitioners from around Australia enrolling in this ‘distance education’ program are mailed written educational materials, followed by an academic detailing session delivered via telephone by a medical peer, during which participants discuss patient de-identified cases. General practitioners are then randomised to receive written specialist feedback about the patient de-identified cases either before or after completing a three-month posttest audit. Specialist feedback is designed to provide participants with support and confidence to prescribe anticoagulation. The primary outcome is the proportion of patients with atrial fibrillation receiving oral anticoagulation at the time of the posttest audit.

Discussion
The STOP STROKE in AF study aims to evaluate a feasible intervention via distance education to prevent avoidable stroke due to atrial fibrillation. It provides a systematic test of augmenting academic detailing with expert feedback about patient management.

Trial registration
Australian Clinical Trials Registry Registration Number: ACTRN12611000076976.
Functional characterization of an arrestin gene on insecticide resistance of Culex pipiens pallens
Authors: Sun Yan , Zou Ping , Yu Xin-You , Chen Chen , Yu Jing , Shi Lin-Na , Hong Shan-Chao , Zhou Dan , Chang Xue-Lian , Wang Wei-Jie , Shen Bo , Zhang Dong-Hui , Ma Lei , Zhu Chang-Liang 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
Continuous and excessive application of insecticides has resulted in the rapid development of insecticide resistance in several mosquito species, including Culex pipiens pallens. Previous studies in our laboratory found that arrestin gene expression was higher in the deltamethrin-resistant (DR) strain than in the deltamethrin-susceptible (DS) strain of Cx. pipiens pallens. Similarly, other studies reported that arrestin was highly expressed in permethrin-resistant Cx. quinquefasciatus and in dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT)-resistant Drosophila melanogaster.

Methods
Full-length cDNAs of an arrestin gene were cloned from Cx. pipiens pallens via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and rapid amplification of cDNA end (RACE). The mRNA levels of the arrestin gene in the whole life cycle of DR and DS strains of Cx. pipiens pallens were investigated via quantitative real-time PCR. In addition, the relationship between arrestin and deltamethrin (DM) resistance were identified using genetic overexpression strategies and arrestin RNAi in mosquito cells. Cell viability was analyzed with cholecystokinin octapeptide after DM treatment. Moreover, the mRNA levels of cytochrome P450 6A1 (CYP6A1) and opsin in the transfected cells and controls were analyzed.

Results
Complete arrestin gene sequence was cloned and expressed throughout the life cycle of Cx. pipiens pallens. Moreover, arrestin was significantly upregulated in the DR strain, compared with that in the DS strain at the egg, pupae, and adult stages. Arrestin overexpression comparably increased the mosquito cell viability, whereas arrestin knockdown by siRNA decreased mosquito cell viability with deltamethrin (DM) treatment. Meanwhile, the mRNA levels of CYP6A1 and opsin were upregulated in mosquito cells transfected with arrestin and downregulated in mosquito cells with arrestin knockdown.

Conclusion
This study presented the first evidence that arrestin might be associated with insecticide resistance in Cx. pipiens pallens.
A case of bovine raw milk contamination with Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Hunt Karen , Drummond Niall , Murphy Mary , Butler Francis , Buckley Jim , Jordan Kieran 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
During routine sampling of bulk raw milk on a dairy farm, the pathogenic bacteria Listeria monocytogenes was found to be a contaminant, at numbers < 100 cfu/ml. A strain with an indistinguishable pulsed-field gel electrophoresis pattern was isolated from the bulk milk two months later. Environmental swabs taken at the dairy environment were negative for the presence of L. monocytogenes, indicating a possible case of excretion of the L. monocytogenes directly into the milk. Milk samples were collected from the individual cows and analysed, resulting in the identification of L. monocytogenes excretion (at 280 cfu/ml) from one of the 4 mammary quarters of one dairy cow out of 180. When the infected cow was isolated from the herd, no L. monocytogenes was detected from the remaining herd. The pulsed-field gel electrophoresis pattern of the strain from the individual cow was indistinguishable from that originally isolated from the bulk milk. The infected cow did not show any clinical signs of disease, nor did the appearance of the milk have any physical abnormalities. Antibiotic treatment of the infected mammary quarter was found to be ineffective. This study shows that there can be risks associated with direct contamination of raw milk with L. monocytogenes.
The effect of halothane and pentobarbital sodium on brain ependymal cilia
Authors: O’Callaghan Chris , Sikand Kulvinder 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
The effect of anesthetic agents on ependymal ciliary function is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of halothane and pentobarbital sodium on brain ependymal ciliary function.

Methods
We used an ex vivo rat brain slice model to measure ependymal ciliary beat frequency by high speed video photography at 37°C.

Results
Exposure to halothane caused a significant reduction in ciliary beat frequency of 2 % (P = 0.006), 15.5 % (P < 0.001), and 21.5 % (P < 0.001) for halothane concentrations of 1.8 %, 3.4 % and 4.4 %, respectively, compared to controls. Following a one-hour wash-out period, there was no significant difference between control samples and cilia that had been exposed to 1.8 % (P = 0.5) and 3.4 % (P = 0.3) halothane. The beat frequency of cilia exposed to 4.4 % halothane had increased following the wash-out period but cilia were still beating significantly more slowly than cilia from the control group (P = <0.001).
Pentobarbitone at concentrations of 25 and 50 μg/ml had no effect on ciliary beat frequency compared to controls (P = 0.6 and 0.4 respectively). A significant (P = 0.002) decrease in ciliary beat frequency was seen following incubation with a pentobarbitone concentration of 250 μg/ml (mean (SD) frequency, 24(8) Hz compared to controls, 38(9) Hz).

Conclusions
Halothane reversibly inhibits the rate at which ependymal cilia beat. Pentobarbitone has no effect on ciliary activity at levels used for anesthesia. It is unclear whether the slowing of ependymal ciliary by halothane is responsible for some of the secondary central nervous system effects of volatile anesthetic agents.
Microtubule-targeting drugs rescue axonal swellings in cortical neurons from spastin knock-out mice
Authors: Fassier Coralie , Tarrade Anne , Peris Leticia , Courageot Sabrina , Mailly Philippe , Dalard Cécile , Delga Stéphanie , Roblot Natacha , Lefevre Julien , Job Didier , Hazan Jamilé , Curmi Patrick A. , Melki Judith 
Published: July 2012

SummaryMutations in SPG4, encoding the microtubule-severing protein spastin, are responsible for the most frequent form of hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), a heterogeneous group of genetic diseases characterized by degeneration of the corticospinal tracts. We previously reported that mice harboring a deletion in Spg4, generating a premature stop codon, develop progressive axonal degeneration characterized by focal axonal swellings associated with impaired axonal transport. To further characterize the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying this mutant phenotype, we have here assessed microtubule dynamics and axonal transport in primary cultures of cortical neurons from spastin mutant mice. We show an early and marked impairment of microtubule dynamics all along the axons of spastin-deficient cortical neurons, which is likely to be responsible for the occurrence of axonal swellings and cargo stalling. Our analysis also reveals that a modulation of microtubule dynamics by microtubule-targeting drugs rescues the mutant phenotype of cortical neurons. Altogether, these results contribute to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of SPG4-linked HSP and ascertain the influence of microtubule-targeted drugs on the early axonal phenotype in a mouse model of the disease.
Postnatal maternal separation modifies the response to an obesogenic diet in adulthood
Authors: Paternain Laura , Martisova Eva , Milagro Fermín I. , Ramírez María J. , Martínez J. Alfredo , Campión Javier 
Published: July 2012

Summary
An early-life adverse environment has been involved in the susceptibility to different diseases in adulthood such as mental disorders, diabetes and obesity. We analyzed the effects of a high-fat-sucrose diet (HFS) for 35 days in adult female rats, which had experienced 180 minutes daily of maternal separation (MS) during lactancy. Changes in the obesity phenotype, biochemical profile, glucocorticoid metabolism biomarkers, and the expression of different obesity- and glucocorticoid metabolism-related genes were analyzed in periovaric adipose tissue. HFS intake increased body weight, adiposity and serum leptin levels, while MS decreased fat pad masses but only in rats fed HFS. MS reduced insulin resistance markers but only in chow-fed rats. Corticosterone and estradiol serum levels did not change in this experimental model. A multiple gene expression analysis revealed that the expression of Adiponutrin (Adpn) was increased due to MS, and an interaction between HFS diet intake and MS was observed in the mRNA levels of Leptin (Lep) and Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha (Ppargc1a). These results revealed that early-life stress produces a different response to an HFS diet later in life involving different phenotype and transcriptomic changes.
Continuity of care in the transition from child to adult diabetes services: A realistic evaluation study
Authors: Allen Davina , Cohen David , Hood Kerry , Robling Mike , Atwell Christine , Lane Claire , Lowes Lesley , Channon Sue , Gillespie David , Groves Sam , Harvey John , Gregory John 
Published: July 2012

Objectives: To identify the continuity mechanisms central to a smooth transition from child to adult diabetes care, the service components through which these can be achieved and their inter-relations in different contexts. Methods: A realistic evaluation study of five models of transition in England comprising: organizational analysis (semi-structured interviews with 38 health care professionals and selected observations); case studies of 46 young people under-going transition and 39 carers (three qualitative interviews over a 12-18 month period, medical record review and clinical interviews); surveys of 82 (32% response rate at least once and 11% response rate at two time points) young people in the population approaching, undergoing or less than 12 months post-transition, and their carers (questionnaires included psychosocial outcome measures); and a costs and consequences analysis. Results: Seven continuities contribute to smooth transition: relational, longitudinal, management, informational, flexible, developmental and cultural. Relational, longitudinal, flexible and cultural continuity are the most important. Models with high levels of relational, longitudinal, flexible and cultural continuity achieve smooth transition with relatively informal, low-cost informational and management continuity mechanisms. Models with low levels of relational and longitudinal continuity need to invest in more formal interventions to facilitate management, flexible and informational continuity so that smooth transition is not compromised. Conclusions: Focusing on continuity mechanisms, their inter-relations and the effectiveness of different constellations of service components in achieving smooth transition has furnished evidence to inform the development of innovative models which build on the logic of these findings but are sensitive to local context. Further studies are needed to confirm the quantitative findings from a broader range of services and patients.
Characterization of mixed-mode I/II fracture properties of adhesively bonded yellow-poplar by a dual actuator test frame instrument
Authors: Nicoli Edoardo , Dillard David A. , Frazier Charles E. , Zink-Sharp Audrey 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Experimental results for the fracture behavior under mixed-mode in-plane loading conditions of adhesively bonded wood specimens are reported. The material systems considered involved yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), a hardwood of the Magnoliaceae family, as adherends bonded with two different adhesives, a moisture-cure polyurethane (PU) and a phenol/resorcinol/formaldehyde (PRF) resin. A dual actuator test frame permitted fine scanning of fracture behavior over a full range of mixed-mode I/II levels for double cantilever beam (DCB) geometry specimens. These tests showed that, in the considered material systems, the critical strain energy release rate,
c, tends to increase as the mode-mixity of the loading increases. In particular, the increase is steeper in proximity to pure mode II loading for the PRF bonded specimens. The experimental values of
c obtained were fairly scattered, as is common when testing wood systems. This variability is due in part to the natural variability of wood but also to other factors such as the orientation of the grain in the bonded beams and variations of bondline thickness. In particular, measurements of adhesive layer thickness were performed. This analysis was implemented with microscopic examination of samples cut from untested DCB specimens, where the bondline had not been disrupted by the test. Although the wood parts were power planed prior to bonding, rather large variations of the adhesive layer thickness were observed: on the order of 1–100 μm for specimens bonded with the PU resin and 10–50 μm for specimens bonded with the PRF resin, which showed somewhat more consistent fracture behavior.
Within-process and seasonal changes during industrial production of high-density fibreboard. Part 2: PLS modelling of chemical alterations, refining conditions and panel thickness swell
Authors: Weigl Martin , Maschl Gerald , Wimmer Rupert , Mitter Roland 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Wood species, carbohydrate composition and the content of extractives were determined from extracted wood chips and refiner fibres over 1 year of sampling at an industrial high-density fibreboard (HDF) plant. Correlations were found among processing variables (discharge screw flow, digester and refiner pressure, and refiner power consumption) and the analysed composition of raw materials and semi-finished product based on partial least squares regression (PLSR) analysis. Moreover, correlations between the degree of hemicellulose degradation and process variables were found. Panel thickness swell (PTS) was found to be affected by several raw and fibre material characteristics (based on PLSR), in which PTS was lower in the case of good fibre quality. These results demonstrate the potential impact of variable raw material properties on product properties and processing conditions in an industrial environment.
Dissolution and acetylation of ball-milled lignocellulosic biomass in ionic liquids at room temperature: application to nuclear magnetic resonance analysis of cell-wall components
Authors: Qu Chen , Kishimoto Takao , Hamada Masahiro , Nakajima Noriyuki 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis of entire plant cell walls without isolating their components gained importance over the last decade. Recently, a dissolution method and an NMR analysis of entire plant cell walls were reported, in which finely ball-milled lignocellulosic biomass was dissolved at 100°C in the ionic liquid (IL) 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride. In the present study, several ILs were examined with or without co-solvent to find milder dissolution conditions to mitigate possible degradation processes. Co-solvents, including N,N-dimethylacetamide, pyridine, and dimethyl sulfoxide, increased the solubilization efficiency of ILs. For example, ball-milled fir wood was completely dissolved in 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Amim]Cl) at 30°C in the presence of these co-solvents. The heteronuclear single-quantum coherence NMR spectra of acetylated fir, birch, and bamboo cell walls, which were recovered from [Amim]Cl/pyridine (1:1, w/w) solution, had a high analytical power.
How small can “Nano” be in a “Nanolaser”?
Authors: Khurgin Jacob B. , Sun Greg 
Published: July 2012

AbstractWe show that the lasing threshold of the single mode metal-semiconductor nano-laser (spaser) is determined only by the photon absorption rate in the metal and exhibits very weak dependence on the composition, shape, size (as long as it is less than half-wavelength) and temperature of the gain medium. This threshold current is on the order of a few tens of micro-amperes for most semiconductor-metal combinations which leads to unattainably high threshold current densities for a substantially subwavelength laser (spaser). Therefore, in our view, surface plasmon emitting diodes, (SPEDs), operating far below “spasing” threshold may be a more viable option for the chip scale integrated nanophotonics.
Influence of the Reaction Conditions on the Ester Content and Characterization of Biodiesel via Ethylic Route
Authors: Ferreira Sérgio L. , dos Santos Antonio M. , de Souza Gustavo R. , Polito Wagner L. 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
There exist many motivations of environmental and energetic order regarding the most frequent use of renewable fuels. Biodiesel is one of the renewable alternatives to diesel oil, and its application has been increasing in Brazil and other countries. In Brazil, there is a positive propensity towards oleaginous cultivation and biodiesel appears as a proposal for the environmental, energetic, and social solution. The present paper deals with the influence of some conditions on the biodiesel production process via ethylic route using alkaline catalysis. Different reaction conditions, such as ethanol/oil molar ratio, reaction time, and temperature were used in the optimization of the biodiesel synthesis. The optimum conditions for the transesterification of soybean oil with anhydrous ethanol and KOH as a catalyst were obtained at 90°C reaction temperature, 8:1 molar ratio of ethanol to soybean oil and 1.0 wt.% catalyst concentration. Moreover, it is possible to observe that the ester content increases with long reaction times and high temperatures.