bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictors of surgical site infections among patients undergoing major surgery at Bugando Medical Centre in Northwestern Tanzania
Authors: Mawalla Brian , Mshana Stephen E , Chalya Phillipo L , Imirzalioglu Can , Mahalu William 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
Surgical site infection (SSI) continues to be a major source of morbidity and mortality in developing countries despite recent advances in aseptic techniques. There is no baseline information regarding SSI in our setting therefore it was necessary to conduct this study to establish the prevalence, pattern and predictors of surgical site infection at Bugando Medical Centre Mwanza (BMC), Tanzania.

Methods
This was a cross-sectional prospective study involving all patients who underwent major surgery in surgical wards between July 2009 and March 2010. After informed written consent for the study and HIV testing, all patients who met inclusion criteria were consecutively enrolled into the study. Pre-operative, intra-operative and post operative data were collected using standardized data collection form. Wound specimens were collected and processed as per standard operative procedures; and susceptibility testing was done using disc diffusion technique. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 15 and STATA.

Results
Surgical site infection (SSI) was detected in 65 (26.0%) patients, of whom 56 (86.2%) and 9 (13.8%) had superficial and deep SSI respectively. Among 65 patients with clinical SSI, 56(86.2%) had positive aerobic culture. Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant organism 16/56 (28.6%); of which 3/16 (18.8%) were MRSA. This was followed by Escherichia coli 14/56 (25%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae 10/56 (17.9%). Among the Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates 9(64.3%) and 8(80%) were ESBL producers respectively. A total of 37/250 (14.8%) patients were HIV positive with a mean CD4 count of 296 cells/ml. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, presence of pre-morbid illness (OR = 6.1), use of drain (OR = 15.3), use of iodine alone in skin preparation (OR = 17.6), duration of operation ≥ 3 hours (OR = 3.2) and cigarette smoking (OR = 9.6) significantly predicted surgical site infection (SSI)

Conclusion
SSI is common among patients admitted in surgical wards at BMC and pre-morbid illness, use of drain, iodine alone in skin preparation, prolonged duration of the operation and cigarette smoking were found to predict SSI. Prevention strategies focusing on factors associated with SSI is necessary in order to reduce the rate of SSI in our setting.
Plumbagin inhibits invasion and migration of breast and gastric cancer cells by downregulating the expression of chemokine receptor CXCR4
Authors: Manu Kanjoormana Aryan , Shanmugam Muthu K , Rajendran Peramaiyan , Li Feng , Ramachandran Lalitha , Hay Hui Sin , Kannaiyan Radhamani , Swamy Shivananju Nanjunda , Vali Shireen , Kapoor Shweta , Ramesh Bhargavi , Bist Pradeep , Koay Evelyn S , Lim Lina HK , Ahn Kwang Seok , Kumar Alan Prem , Sethi Gautam 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
Increasing evidence indicates that the interaction between the CXC chemokine receptor-4 (CXCR4) and its ligand CXCL12 is critical in the process of metastasis that accounts for more than 90% of cancer-related deaths. Thus, novel agents that can downregulate the CXCR4/CXCL12 axis have therapeutic potential in inhibiting cancer metastasis.

Methods
In this report, we investigated the potential of an agent, plumbagin (5-hydroxy-2-methyl-1, 4-naphthoquinone), for its ability to modulate CXCR4 expression and function in various tumor cells using Western blot analysis, DNA binding assay, transient transfection, real time PCR analysis, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and cellular migration and invasion assays.

Results
We found that plumbagin downregulated the expression of CXCR4 in breast cancer cells irrespective of their HER2 status. The decrease in CXCR4 expression induced by plumbagin was not cell type-specific as the inhibition also occurred in gastric, lung, renal, oral, and hepatocellular tumor cell lines. Neither proteasome inhibition nor lysosomal stabilization had any effect on plumbagin-induced decrease in CXCR4 expression. Detailed study of the underlying molecular mechanism(s) revealed that the regulation of the downregulation of CXCR4 was at the transcriptional level, as indicated by downregulation of mRNA expression, inhibition of NF-κB activation, and suppression of chromatin immunoprecipitation activity. In addition, using a virtual, predictive, functional proteomics-based tumor pathway platform, we tested the hypothesis that NF-κB inhibition by plumbagin causes the decrease in CXCR4 and other metastatic genes. Suppression of CXCR4 expression by plumbagin was found to correlate with the inhibition of CXCL12-induced migration and invasion of both breast and gastric cancer cells.

Conclusions
Overall, our results indicate, for the first time, that plumbagin is a novel blocker of CXCR4 expression and thus has the potential to suppress metastasis of cancer.
Indoor localization based on cellular telephony RSSI fingerprints containing very large numbers of carriers
Authors: Oussar Yacine , Ahriz Iness , Denby Bruce , Dreyfus Gérard 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
A new approach to indoor localization is presented, based upon the use of Received Signal Strength (RSS) fingerprints containing data from very large numbers of cellular base stations--up to the entire GSM band of over 500 channels. Machine learning techniques are employed to extract good quality location information from these high-dimensionality input vectors. Experimental results in a domestic and an office setting are presented, in which data were accumulated over a 1-month period in order to assure time robustness. Room-level classification efficiencies approaching 100% were obtained, using Support Vector Machines in one-versus-one and one-versus-all configurations. Promising results using semi-supervised learning techniques, in which only a fraction of the training data is required to have a room label, are also presented. While indoor RSS localization using WiFi, as well as some rather mediocre results with low-carrier count GSM fingerprints, have been discussed elsewhere, this is to our knowledge the first study to demonstrate that good quality indoor localization information can be obtained, in diverse settings, by applying a machine learning strategy to RSS vectors that contain the entire GSM band.
The counseling african americans to control hypertension (caatch) trial: baseline demographic, clinical, psychosocial, and behavioral characteristics
Authors: Fernandez Senaida , Tobin Jonathan N , Cassells Andrea , Diaz-Gloster Marleny , Kalida Chamanara , Ogedegbe Gbenga 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
Effectiveness of combined physician and patient-level interventions for blood pressure (BP) control in low-income, hypertensive African Americans with multiple co-morbid conditions remains largely untested in community-based primary care practices. Demographic, clinical, psychosocial, and behavioral characteristics of participants in the Counseling African American to Control Hypertension (CAATCH) Trial are described. CAATCH evaluates the effectiveness of a multi-level, multi-component, evidence-based intervention compared with usual care (UC) in improving BP control among poorly controlled hypertensive African Americans who receive primary care in Community Health Centers (CHCs).

Methods
Participants included 1,039 hypertensive African Americans receiving care in 30 CHCs in the New York Metropolitan area. Baseline data on participant demographic, clinical (e.g., BP, anti-hypertensive medications), psychosocial (e.g., depression, medication adherence, self-efficacy), and behavioral (e.g., exercise, diet) characteristics were gathered through direct observation, chart review, and interview.

Results
The sample was primarily female (71.6%), middle-aged (mean age = 56.9 ± 12.1 years), high school educated (62.4%), low-income (72.4% reporting less than $20,000/year income), and received Medicaid (35.9%) or Medicare (12.6%). Mean systolic and diastolic BP were 150.7 ± 16.7 mm Hg and 91.0 ± 10.6 mm Hg, respectively. Participants were prescribed an average of 2.5 ± 1.9 antihypertensive medications; 54.8% were on a diuretic; 33.8% were on a beta blocker; 41.9% were on calcium channel blockers; 64.8% were on angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). One-quarter (25.6%) of the sample had resistant hypertension; one-half (55.7%) reported medication non-adherence. Most (79.7%) reported one or more co-morbid medical conditions. The majority of the patients had a Charlson Co-morbidity score ≥ 2. Diabetes mellitus was common (35.8%), and moderate/severe depression was present in 16% of participants. Participants were sedentary (835.3 ± 1,644.2 Kcal burned per week), obese (59.7%), and had poor global physical health, poor eating habits, high health literacy, and good overall mental health.

Conclusions
A majority of patients in the CAATCH trial exhibited adverse lifestyle behaviors, and had significant medical and psychosocial barriers to adequate BP control. Trial outcomes will shed light on the effectiveness of evidence-based interventions for BP control when implemented in real-world medical settings that serve high numbers of low-income hypertensive African-Americans with multiple co-morbidity and significant barriers to behavior change.
Impaired spatial and contextual memory formation in galectin-1 deficient mice
Authors: Sakaguchi Masanori , Arruda-Carvalho Maithe , Kang Na Hyea , Imaizumi Yoichi , Poirier Françoise , Okano Hideyuki , Frankland Paul W 
Published: September 2011

AbstractGalectins are a 15 member family of carbohydrate-binding proteins that have been implicated in cancer, immunity, inflammation and development. While galectins are expressed in the central nervous system, little is known about their function in the adult brain. Previously we have shown that galectin-1 (gal-1) is expressed in the adult hippocampus, and, in particular, in putative neural stem cells in the subgranular zone. To evaluate how gal-1 might contribute to hippocampal memory function here we studiedgalectin-1null mutant (gal-1-/-) mice. Compared to their wildtype littermate controls, gal-1-/-mice exhibited impaired spatial learning in the water maze and contextual fear learning. Interestingly, tone fear conditioning was normal in gal-1-/-mice suggesting that loss ofgal-1might especially impact hippocampal learning and memory. Furthermore, gal-1-/-mice exhibited normal motor function, emotion and sensory processing in a battery of other behavioral tests, suggesting that non-mnemonic performance deficits are unlikely to account for the spatial and contextual learning deficits. Together, these data reveal a role for galectin-carbohydrate signalling in hippocampal memory function.
PRACTICAL AIRBORNE EM (AEM) INTERPRETATION USING A SPHERE MODEL
Authors: Lodha G. S. , West G. F. 
Published: September 2011

The most popular model for quantitative interpretation of airborne EM data is the conductive half‐plane. This is a good shape for representing many long‐strike conductors, but a different model is needed for interpreting localized anomalies. A conductive sphere is an obvious choice. Although the mathematical solution has been available for decades and dozens of papers have been published on the subject, no sets of type curves or interpretation diagrams for this simple model and actual EM prospecting system are yet available in the open literature. For this paper, response profiles for an airborne EM system of “double dipole” type (coil axes in the direction of flight) have been computed from the mathematical solution using all necessary terms of the series. The anomaly profiles are of simple shape and it has been found that the profile half‐width has a constant relationship with the depth to the center of the sphere. The profile half‐widths along with the in‐phase and quadrature anomaly amplitudes allow a direct interpretation of depth, radius, and conductivity of the sphere. Where the sphere is also permeable, interpretation of the accompanying magnetic survey profile can allow this extra parameter to be taken into account. Finally, sample AEM profiles from the New Insco deposit are interpreted. True depth as obtained from drilling lies between the depth interpreted by two extreme models, viz., a sphere and a half‐plane.
Jumping to conclusions: the psychology of delusional reasoning
Authors: Garety Philippa , Freeman Daniel , Jolley Suzanne , Ross Kerry , Waller Helen , Dunn Graham 
Published: September 2011

SummaryDelusions are a key symptom of psychosis and they are frequently distressing and disabling. Existing treatments, both pharmacological and psychological, are only partially effective. It is important to develop new treatment approaches based on theoretically derived and empirically tested processes. Delusions are associated with a reasoning bias: the jumping to conclusions (JTC) bias involves gathering limited information to reach decisions. It is proposed that this bias influences appraisals of psychotic experiences leading to the formation and persistence of delusions. Existing treatments do not influence JTC. A new intensive treatment approach – ‘reasoning training’ – is described. It aims to encourage participants to gather information, consider alternative explanations for events and review the evidence before reaching a decision. Preliminary data suggest that it is possible to change the JTC bias and that this improves belief flexibility and may reduce delusional conviction. The concepts and methods of this new approach have implications for clinical practice.
Alcohol-related brain damage: a 21st-century management
conundrum
Authors: Wilson Kenneth 
Published: September 2011

SummaryAlcohol-related brain damage has a growing impact on service provision.
Despite the benefit of therapeutic interventions and a relatively good
prognosis in the context of service provision, few services exist. Both
national and local initiatives are required in order to provide psychosocial
rehabilitation for this marginalised group of patients.
Endothelin-1 Stimulates Proliferation of First-Trimester Trophoblasts via the A- and B-Type Receptor and Invasion via the B-Type Receptor
Authors: Cervar-Zivkovic M. , Dieber-Rotheneder M. , Barth S. , Hahn T. , Kohnen G. , Huppertz B. , Lang U. , Desoye G. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractContext:Endothelin-1 (ET-1) stimulates proliferation and invasion of first-trimester human trophoblast cells.Objective:To test the hypothesis that ET-1 effects are mediated by different receptor subtypes [ET receptor (ETR)-A and ETR-B].Design:The location of ETR in trophoblast cell columns (wk 6–12) was investigated by immunohistochemistry and autoradiography. Trophoblasts were isolated from first-trimester human placentas and proliferative and invasive subpopulations separated using an integrin α6 antibody. Cells were incubated for 24 h with 10 μm ET-1 and different ETR antagonists: PD142893 (unselective), BQ-610 (ETR-A), and RES-701-1 (ETR-B). After ETR down-regulation by antisense oligonucleotides, proliferation (thymidine incorporation, protein synthesis) and invasion (Matrigel invasion) were measured. ETR expression in isolated cells was analyzed by Western blotting and semiquantitative RT-PCR.Results:Both ETR are expressed in both subpopulations in the cell column with predominance of ETR-A in the proximal part and proliferative subpopulation, whereas ETR-B is present at similar levels in both subpopulations. These results were confirmed at the mRNA level. ET-1 increased proliferation (maximum 267% of control) and invasion (maximum 288% of control) of first-trimester trophoblasts. The mitogenic ET-1 effect was inhibited (P &lt; 0.05) by 40–80% with each receptor antagonist and by 44 and 40%, respectively, by ETR-A and ETR-B antisense oligonucleotides. The invasion-promoting effect was almost completely blocked in the presence of the ETR-B antagonists.Conclusion:The effect of ET-1 on cell proliferation in first-trimester trophoblasts is mediated by both ETR, whereas its effect on invasion is mediated predominantly by ETR-B. These effects are in line with the receptor subtype location.
Phoretic Arthropods of the Red Imported Fire Ant in Central Louisiana
Authors: Moser J C , Blomquist S R 
Published: September 2011

AbstractMore than 4,665 phoretic arthropods comprising 29 species were collected from alates of the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, preparing to fly from nests in Pineville, LA. A wide variety of taxonomic groups were represented, including two insect and 17 mite families. Most arthropods fell into two classes: 1) those that may be truly phoretic with more than four specimens collected (13 species) and 2) those seeming to be accidentally phoretic with one to three specimens collected (16 species). The latter group may be the result of gathering “accidental” mites from adjacent sources, such as grass, soil, tree bark; thus, practically any very small arthropod may use phoresy as a dispersal mechanism. The arthropod with perhaps the highest total numbers was Cyphoderus similis Folsom, a wingless insect, and the only known Collembola phoretic species. Eight new species of mites found in this study were recently described, with several other species future candidates for descriptions. Results indicate the more common species may actively persist in nests for the entire year. At least 11 species from six families may feed on fungi within nests. These and common associates from other families carry hyperphoretic spores of fungi that live inside fire ant nests. All three of the laelapid associates may be important predators or parasitoids of individuals within the nests. The collembolan is possibly a general feeder, and Histiostoma spp. are filter feeders that consume microorganisms. S. invicta is native to Argentina, and we speculate that some of the common mites associated with this ant species also may have originated in Argentina.
Seasonal Abundance and Population Structure of Brown Stink Bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in Farmscapes Containing Corn, Cotton, Peanut, and Soybean
Authors: Herbert J J , Toews M D 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
Stink bugs are economically important pests of food and fiber production throughout the southeastern United States. In cotton, stink bugs feed on developing bolls thereby decreasing yield and fiber quality. The brown stink bug, Euschistus servus (Say) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is a common species that is found throughout the southeast and feeds on a variety of wild and agronomic hosts. In this study, the population dynamics and reproductive biology of E. servus were assessed in 1.62–2.83-ha farmscapes planted with corn (Zea mays L.), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Farmscapes were sampled weekly using whole plant sampling for corn and sweep net sampling in cotton, peanut, and soybean. In 2010, but not 2009, nymphs were classified by instar, and adults were dissected to rate gonads as nonrepro-ductive, intermediate, or reproductive. Regardless of year, stink bugs observed in corn during the spring and early summer and were a mixture of all three reproductive stages. The number of E. servus nymphs and adults was low in all crops during the summer (July, August, and early September). In late September, the number of fifth instars rose sharply followed by an increase in the number of nonreproductive adults, which implies that these adults resulted from reproduction as opposed to immigration. Incidence of late instars and nonreproductive adults was extremely low for corn, cotton, and peanut, and these host plants did not seem to be highly suitable reproductive hosts. Results from this study are useful for pest management programs that focus on reducing stink bug populations on a landscape scale.
Natural History and Ecological Correlates of Fungus-Growing Ants (Formicidae: Attini) in the Neotropical Cerrado Savanna
Authors: Leal Inara R , Silva Paulo S D , Oliveira Paulo S 
Published: September 2011

AbstractFungus-growing ants (Formicidae: Attini) comprise a diverse and ecologically important group in Neotropical habitats. Compared with leaf-cutters, however, relatively little is known about the biology of less conspicuous attine species. Here, we compare nest size and structure, colony size and demographic composition, and worker size and polymorphism among the genera Cyphomyrmex, Mycetarotes, Mycocepurus, Myrmicocrypta, Sericomyrmex, and Trachymyrmex. In total, 25 ant colonies (one species per genus) were investigated at one site in the Brazilian savanna. Results indicate a consistent variation in nest size and structural complexity (architecture), colony and worker size, and a tendency to polymorphism among the studied genera. In addition, nest mound volume was found to be a good predictor of both worker number and volume of the fungus garden. Based on morphometric analyses, Sericomyrmex and Trachymyrmex together formed a distinct group from the other genera. The transition from the ancestral agricultural system toward the derived leaf-cutting habit also is followed by remarkable changes in nest size and architecture, colony size, and worker size and polymorphism. Our results support other recent studies that consider Sericomyrmex and Trachymyrmex as possessing transitional habits, distinct both from species that cultivate fungus by using mostly nonplant items (insect feces and corpses) as well as from typical leaf-cutters Atta and Acromyrmex. This is the first study to detect correlations of nest traits with worker number and size of fungus garden in the less conspicuous attines. Results highlight the importance of combining data on natural history and morphometry to understand the evolutionary history of fungus-growing ants.
Individual Accounting Faculty Research Rankings by Topical Area and Methodology
Authors: Pickerd Jeffrey , Stephens Nathaniel M. , Summers Scott L. , Wood David A. 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACT
This paper ranks individual accounting researchers based on their research productivity in the most recent six, 12, and 20 years. We extend prior individual faculty rankings by providing separate individual faculty research rankings for each topical area commonly published in accounting journals (accounting information systems [AIS], audit, financial, managerial, and tax). In addition, we provide individual faculty research rankings for each research methodology commonly used by accounting researchers (analytical, archival, and experimental). These findings will be of interest to potential doctoral students and current faculty, as well as accounting department, business school, and university administrators as they make decisions based on individual faculty members' research productivity.
JEL Classifications: M4, M40, M41, M42, M49.
Data Availability: Requests for data may be made to the authors.