bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Water conservation in surgery: A comparison of two surgical scrub techniques demonstrating the amount of water saved using a ‘taps on/taps off’ technique
Authors: Petterwood Joshua , Shridhar Vivek 
Published: July 2009

AbstractObjective:  Australia finds itself in the grip of its worst drought on record. The surgical profession has a responsibility to conserve water where possible. We tried to show how much water we saved through the simple measure of turning taps off while not in use during the surgical scrub. Design:  We conducted a prospective analysis of two different scrub techniques at the Gold Coast Hospital in Queensland, Australia. Ten participants completed two 5‐min scrubs using standard ‘elbow on’ taps. In the first, they left the taps running throughout the scrub; in the second, they turned the taps on and off so that water ran only when rinsing the hands. Water was collected and the amount of time the hands spent under running water was recorded. Main outcome measure:  Amount of water used during the surgical scrub. Results:  A mean of 15.5 L was used during the ‘taps on’ scrub, with participants spending a mean of 47 s rinsing the hands. During the ‘taps on/off’ scrub, participants used a mean of 4.5 L, spending 40 s rinsing the hands. This represents a water saving of 11 L or 71% for each scrub (P < 0.001). There was a difference of 7 s in time rinsing the hands (P = 0.16).Conclusion:  A taps on/off technique is a simple and effective way of conserving large amounts of water during the surgical scrub. The technique should be adopted as standard practice.
Change of glomerular filtration rate in healthy adults with aging
Authors: SUN XUEFENG , CHEN YUNSHUANG , CHEN XIANGMEI , WANG JIANZHONG , XI CHUNSHENG , LIN SHUPENG , LIU XIUJUAN 
Published: July 2009

SUMMARYAim:  In order to determine the relationship between glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and age, the associated factors, and the accurate method of GFR in healthy adults, we conducted a cross‐sectional study in community‐dwelling adults in Beijing.Methods:  Renal function of 201 clinically healthy subjects was determined using technetium‐99 m‐labelled diethylene triamine pentacetic acid (99mTc‐DTPA). Estimated GFR was calculated with the Cockcroft–Gault (CG) equation, abbreviated Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation, and plasma clearance of creatinine (Ccr). Serum cystatin C, biomarkers of inflammatory and endothelial cells were analyzed as well. Protein intake, carotid artery intima‐media thickness and plaque formation were assayed as well.Results:  Glomerular filtration rate was negatively associated with age and the correlation coefficient for 99mTc‐GFR, CG‐GFR, MDRD‐GFR, Ccr were −0.643, −0.736, −0.55 and −0.619, respectively (P < 0.001), while the correlation coefficient between cystatin C and age was 0.681 (P < 0.001). Estimated GFR were associated with measured GFR, and the correlation coefficient for Ccr, CG‐GFR and MDRD‐GFR were 0.813, 0.582 and 0.418, respectively (P < 0.001). The area under the receiver–operator curve of Ccr was larger, CG was smaller while MDRD was the smallest, and the difference was significant (P < 0.001). So a predicted equation was presented by cystatin C and C‐reactive protein for the elderly.Conclusion:  In the clinically healthy adults, GFR declined with age. MDRD and CG equation are not suitable to estimate GFR in healthy adults. The predicted equation established by cystatin C and C‐reactive protein may be more accurate.
Dependent Companions
Authors: MILLIGAN TONY 
Published: July 2009

abstractMy primary concern will be to cast light upon the relation between animal guardians (‘pet owners’) and pets as a deep relation. I will proceed with a degree of indirectness by explaining why animal guardians can have an epistemically‐privileged position when it comes to end‐of‐life decisions concerning pets. My contention is that they are best placed to grasp the relevant narrative considerations upon which end‐of‐life deliberation in marginal cases ought to depend. Such narrative‐appreciation is built into the practice of treating animals as pets. By virtue of having such a narrative appreciation, animal guardians can be best placed to grasp the life‐role of pain and suffering.
Abortion, Competing Entitlements, and Parental Responsibility
Authors: RAJCZI ALEX 
Published: July 2009

abstractDon Marquis offered the most famous philosophical argument against abortion. His argument contained a novel defence of the idea that foetuses have the same moral status as ordinary adults. The first half of this paper contends that even if Marquis has shown that foetuses have this status, he has not proven that abortion is therefore wrong. Instead his argument falls victim to problems similar to those raised by Judith Thomson, problems that have plagued most anti‐abortion arguments since.Once Marquis's anti‐abortion argument is shown to fail, this raises the question of whether there is some way to circumvent the problems. The second half of the paper argues that this issue hinges on important questions about responsibility for risky behaviour and the duties of parenthood. Because we have yet to develop appropriate theoretical frameworks for judging such questions, we cannot yet know whether Marquis's anti‐abortion argument — and indeed most other anti‐abortion arguments — can be completed.
Multiple roles of the cytoskeleton in autophagy
Authors: Monastyrska Iryna , Rieter Ester , Klionsky Daniel J. , Reggiori Fulvio 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTAutophagy is involved in a wide range of physiological processes including cellular remodeling during development, immuno‐protection against heterologous invaders and elimination of aberrant or obsolete cellular structures. This conserved degradation pathway also plays a key role in maintaining intracellular nutritional homeostasis and during starvation, for example, it is involved in the recycling of unnecessary cellular components to compensate for the limitation of nutrients. Autophagy is characterized by specific membrane rearrangements that culminate with the formation of large cytosolic double‐membrane vesicles called autophagosomes. Autophagosomes sequester cytoplasmic material that is destined for degradation. Once completed, these vesicles dock and fuse with endosomes and/or lysosomes to deliver their contents into the hydrolytically active lumen of the latter organelle where, together with their cargoes, they are broken down into their basic components. Specific structures destined for degradation via autophagy are in many cases selectively targeted and sequestered into autophagosomes.A number of factors required for autophagy have been identified, but numerous questions about the molecular mechanism of this pathway remain unanswered. For instance, it is unclear how membranes are recruited and assembled into autophagosomes. In addition, once completed, these vesicles are transported to cellular locations where endosomes and lysosomes are concentrated. The mechanism employed for this directed movement is not well understood. The cellular cytoskeleton is a large, highly dynamic cellular scaffold that has a crucial role in multiple processes, several of which involve membrane rearrangements and vesicle‐mediated events. Relatively little is known about the roles of the cytoskeleton network in autophagy. Nevertheless, some recent studies have revealed the importance of cytoskeletal elements such as actin microfilaments and microtubules in specific aspects of autophagy. In this review, we will highlight the results of this work and discuss their implications, providing possible working models. In particular, we will first describe the findings obtained with the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, for long the leading organism for the study of autophagy, and, successively, those attained in mammalian cells, to emphasize possible differences between eukaryotic organisms.
A comparison of the oxygen cost of locomotion in children with and without developmental coordination disorder
Authors: CHIA LAY CHERN , GUELFI KYM J , LICARI MELISSA K 
Published: July 2009

Aim  The aim of this study was to compare the oxygen cost (V̄o2) of walking and running, as well as aerobic fitness, in children with and without developmental coordination disorder (DCD).Method  Thirty‐one males (17 with DCD and 14 in a comparison group; mean age 8y 7mo, SD 1y 3mo and 8y 5mo, SD 1y 2mo respectively) were tested on two separate occasions at least 1 week apart. On the first visit, motor proficiency was assessed by the McCarron Assessment of Neuromuscular Development instrument, which was followed by the determination of maximal aerobic capacity (V̄o2max). The second visit involved 4‐minute bouts of treadmill walking (at 4.3km/h and 5.8km/h) and running (at 7.8km/h and 8.4km/h). Oxygen consumption, heart rate, respiratory exchange ratio, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), step rate, and qualitative assessment of locomotion were obtained for each speed.Results  Despite poorer locomotion proficiency, there was no significant difference in the oxygen cost of walking or running between males with and without DCD. However, the DCD group had significantly higher RPE while running at 7.8km/h (p=0.011) and had greater difficulty achieving V̄o2max, resulting in significantly lower scores for aerobic fitness.Interpretation  The differences in locomotion proficiency between children with and without DCD are not large enough to affect the oxygen cost of locomotion. However, children with DCD are more likely to withdraw from exercising at higher intensities before achieving peak performance.
Helicobacter pylori VacA Activates NF‐κB in T Cells via the Classical but not Alternative Pathway
Authors: Takeshima Eriko , Tomimori Koh , Takamatsu Reika , Ishikawa Chie , Kinjo Fukunori , Hirayama Toshiya , Fujita Jiro , Mori Naoki 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackground:  Helicobacter pylori secretes vacuolating cytotoxin (VacA) that damages the gastric epithelium by erosion and loosening of tight junctions. VacA has also immunosuppressive effects, inhibiting interleukin (IL)‐2 secretion by interference with the T cell receptor/IL‐2 signaling pathway. This study investigated the effect of VacA on gene expression of T cells.Materials and methods:  Gene expression profile of a T cell line, Jurkat, was analyzed by the cDNA microarray technique after VacA challenge. The expression of specific mRNAs was assessed by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. Interleukin (IL)‐8 concentrations in culture supernatants and cell surface expression of CD69 were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and flow cytometry, respectively. We evaluated nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) activation in Jurkat cells challenged with VacA by luciferase assay, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and Western blot analysis.Results:  VacA produced two or greater fold up‐regulation of expression of 60 genes. Most of these genes were associated with signal transduction, regulation of gene expression, apoptosis, and inflammation. Up‐regulation of four genes (IL8, IL2RA, ICAM1, and CD69) was confirmed. The supernatants of cells incubated with VacA showed significantly higher secretion levels of IL‐8 than those incubated without VacA. VacA also induced the cell surface expression of CD69. Since microarray analysis indicated NF‐κB was involved in the transcriptional activation of the above genes, we examined NF‐κB signaling pathway. VacA activated NF‐κB via classical but not alternative pathway.Conclusions:  VacA has two paradoxical effects on T cells, immunosuppression, and proinflammatory effects. The latter is mediated by NF‐κB activation.
Distinct cagA EPIYA Motifs are Associated with Ethnic Diversity in Malaysia and Singapore
Authors: Schmidt Heather‐Marie A. , Goh Khean‐Lee , Fock Kwong Ming , Hilmi Ida , Dhamodaran Subbiah , Forman David , Mitchell Hazel 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackground:  In vitro studies have shown that the biologic activity of CagA is influenced by the number and class of EPIYA motifs present in its variable region as these motifs correspond to the CagA phosphorylation sites. It has been hypothesized that strains possessing specific combinations of these motifs may be responsible for gastric cancer development. This study investigated the prevalence of cagA and the EPIYA motifs with regard to number, class, and patterns in strains from the three major ethnic groups within the Malaysian and Singaporean populations in relation to disease development.Materials and methods:  Helicobacter pylori isolates from 49 Chinese, 43 Indian, and 14 Malay patients with functional dyspepsia (FD) and 21 gastric cancer (GC) cases were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction for the presence of cagA and the number, type, and pattern of EPIYA motifs. Additionally, the EPIYA motifs of 47 isolates were sequenced.Results:  All 126 isolates possessed cagA, with the majority encoding EPIYA‐A (97.6%) and all encoding EPIYA‐B. However, while the cagA of 93.0% of Indian FD isolates encoded EPIYA‐C as the third motif, 91.8% of Chinese FD isolates and 81.7% of Chinese GC isolates encoded EPIYA‐D (p < .001). Of Malay FD isolates, 61.5% and 38.5% possessed EPIYA‐C and EPIYA‐D, respectively. The majority of isolates possessed three EPIYA motifs; however, Indian isolates were significantly more likely to have four or more (p < .05).Conclusion:  Although, H. pylori strains with distinct cagA‐types are circulating within the primary ethnic groups resident in Malaysia and Singapore, these genotypes appear unassociated with the development of GC in the ethnic Chinese population. The phenomenon of distinct strains circulating within different ethnic groups, in combination with host and certain environmental factors, may help to explain the rates of GC development in Malaysia.
Alcohol Biomarkers in Patients Admitted for Trauma
Authors: Fleming Michael , Bhamb Bhushan , Schurr Michael , Mundt Marlon , Williams Andrea 
Published: July 2009

Background:  To assess the value of blood alcohol levels (BAL) and carbohydrate‐deficient transferrin (CDT) in trauma patients.Methods:  A prospective study was conducted among 213 patients admitted to a university hospital after trauma. Outcomes of interest included the development of alcohol withdrawal, infections, respiratory problems, cardiac events, thromboembolism, and length of stay.Results:  The majority (78%) of the trauma patients in the study was males over the age of 18. Seventy‐five percent were reported drinking an alcohol‐containing beverage in the previous 30 days, 34% had ≥5 heavy drinking days, and 18.7% met current DSM‐IV criteria for alcohol abuse and 13.1% current criteria for dependence. Twenty‐two percent (n = 48) had a positive BAL and 14% (n = 30) a CDT level >2.5%. Twelve percent (n = 27) of the sample developed alcohol withdrawal and 55% (n = 113) had one or more adverse health events during their hospitalization. The development of alcohol withdrawal was associated with an admission CDT >2.5% (χ2: 4.77, p < 0.029) and/or a positive BAL (χ2: 54.01, p < 0.001). The alcohol biomarkers identified 13 male and 3 female high‐risk patients (7.4% of the total sample) who denied excessive alcohol use, and who would have been missed if these markers were not used. A composite morbidity trauma score composed of 25 adverse health events was associated with a positive BAL (p < 0.022).Conclusion:  The study provides additional empirical evidence that supports the use of BAL in all patients admitted for trauma. The usefulness of CDT in trauma patients remains unclear and will require larger samples in more critically ill patients.
Surgical regenerative treatment of peri‐implantitis lesions using a nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite or a natural bone mineral in combination with a collagen membrane: a four‐year clinical follow‐up report
Authors: Schwarz Frank , Sahm Narja , Bieling Katrin , Becker Jürgen 
Published: July 2009

AbstractObjectives: The present case series aimed at investigating the 4‐year clinical outcomes following surgical regenerative therapy of peri‐implantitis lesions using either a nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (NHA) or a natural bone mineral in combination with a collagen membrane (NBM+CM).Materials and Methods: Twenty patients suffering from moderate peri‐implantitis (n=20 intrabony defects) were randomly treated with (1) access flap surgery (AFS) and the application of NHA (n=9), or with AFS and the application of NBM+CM (n=11). Clinical and radiographic (R) parameters were recorded at baseline (R) and after 36 and 48 (R) months of non‐submerged healing.Results: One patient from the NBM+CM group was discontinued from the study due to severe pus formation at 36 months. Compared with NHA, the application of NBM+CM resulted in higher mean PD reductions (NBM+CM: 2.5 ± 0.9 mm versus NHA: 1.1 ± 0.3 mm) and clinical attachment‐level gains (NBM+CM: 2.0 ± 1.0 mm versus NHA: 0.6 ± 0.5 mm) at 48 months. A radiographic bone fill was observed for five sites in the NHA group, and eight sites in the NBM+CM group.Conclusion: While the application of NBM+CM resulted in clinical improvements over a period of 4 years, the long‐term outcome obtained with NHA without barrier membrane must be considered as poor.
Functional analysis of pyrimidine biosynthesis enzymes using the anticancer drug 5‐fluorouracil inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Kim Seongseop , Park Dae‐Hun , Kim Tai Hoon , Hwang Moogak , Shim Jaegal 
Published: July 2009

Pyrimidine biosynthesis enzymes function in many cellular processes and are closely associated with pyrimidine antagonists used in cancer chemotherapy. These enzymes are well characterized from bacteria to mammals, but not in a simple metazoan. To study the pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway inCaenorhabditis elegans, we screened for mutants exhibiting resistance to the anticancer drug 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU). In several strains, mutations were identified in ZK783.2, the worm homolog of human uridine phosphorylase (UP). UP is a member of the pyrimidine biosynthesis family of enzymes and is a key regulator of uridine homeostasis.C. elegansUP homologous protein (UPP‐1) exhibited both uridine and thymidine phosphorylase activityin vitro. Knockdown of other pyrimidine biosynthesis enzyme homologs, such as uridine monophosphate kinase and uridine monophosphate synthetase, also resulted in 5‐FU resistance. Uridine monophosphate kinase and uridine monophosphate synthetase proteins are redundant, and show different, tissue‐specific expression patterns inC. elegans.Whereas pyrimidine biosynthesis pathways are highly conserved between worms and humans, no human thymidine phosphorylase homolog has been identified inC. elegans.UPP‐1 functions as a key regulator of the pyrimidine salvage pathway inC. elegans, as mutation ofupp‐1results in strong 5‐FU resistance.
Lowered albumin extravasation rate in heart but not in other organs in β3‐integrin‐deficient mice
Authors: Svendsen Ø. S. , Lidén Å. , Rubin K. , Reed R. K. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractAim:  The vascular protein permeability is dependent on the integrity of the vascular wall. The heart capillaries in male mice lacking β3 integrins have an immature phenotype. Previously, we have demonstrated a role for αvβ3 integrins in control of interstitial fluid pressure (Pif) and thereby in the fluid flux during inflammation. We wanted to explore a possible role for αvβ3 integrins in controlling capillary protein permeability during control situation and inflammation.Methods:  We performed double‐tracer and microdialysis experiments on β3‐integrin‐deficient mice and wild type control mice. We also measured blood pressure and heart rate in the two mice strains.Results:  We found reduced albumin extravasation (during 25 min) in the heart capillaries (0.053 ± 0.003 vs. 0.087 ± 0.009 mL g−1 dw, P < 0.05), and an increased cardiac mass/body weight (5.3 × 10−3 ± 0.3 × 10−3 vs. 3.8 × 10−3 ± 0.1 × 10−3, P < 0.01) in the β3‐integrin‐deficient mice (n = 6) compared with the controls (n = 6). Heart rate and blood pressure were the same in mice with and without β3‐integrins. No difference in permeability was found in other tissues studied, or under local inflammation.Conclusion:  These results show a function for the αvβ3 integrin in the regulation of protein permeability, selective for the heart capillaries.
Asymmetric sensorineural hearing thresholds in the non‐noise‐exposed UK population: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Lutman M.E. , Coles R.R.A. 
Published: July 2009

Objectives:  To estimate the distribution of inter‐aural sensorineural hearing threshold level differences in the non‐noise‐exposed adult population of the UK.Setting:  A two‐stage population study carried out in 1979–1986, initially by postal questionnaire, followed up in a proportion of participants by clinical and audiological examination.Participants:  Volunteers (n = 48 313) initially selected at random from the electoral registers of four cities, subsequently selected at random from questionnaire respondents stratified by answers to questions about hearing.Main outcomes measure:  Inter‐aural hearing threshold level differences measured audiometrically, as a function of age and gender.Results:  Tables of inter‐aural threshold level differences provided as a resource with potential medicolegal, clinical and research applications. Based on the average of the frequencies 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz, ≈ 1% of the general UK population aged 18–80 years have an asymmetry of 15 dB or more. The prevalence is greater in older than in younger people.Conclusions:  Inter‐aural threshold differences greater than attributable to measurement error are not uncommon in the adult population, even after screening for conductive hearing loss and substantial noise exposure. They are typically of unknown origin.
Validation of the Clinical COPD Questionnaire as a psychophysical outcome measure in adult laryngotracheal stenosis
Authors: Nouraei S.A.R. , Randhawa P.S. , Koury E.F. , Abdelrahim A. , Butler C.R. , Venkataraman A. , Howard D.J. , Sandhu G.S. 
Published: July 2009

Objectives:  To validate the Clinical Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Questionnaire (CCQ), a patient‐administered instrument developed for bronchopulmonary disease as a disease‐specific psychophysical outcome measure for adult laryngotracheal stenosis.Design:  Prospective observational study.Settings:  Tertiary/National referral airway reconstruction centre.Participants:  Thirty‐three tracheostomy‐free patients undergoing endoscopic laryngotracheoplasty.Main outcome measures:  CCQ and the Medical Research Council (MRC) Dyspnoea scale, a previously validated but more limited scale, were administered to patients 2 weeks before surgery, preoperatively, and 2 weeks after endoscopic laryngotracheoplasty. Pulmonary function was assessed preoperatively. Internal consistency was assessed with Cronbach α statistics and test–retest reliability was determined using intraclass correlation. Correlations between CCQ and MRC scale, and pulmonary function were used to assess convergent and divergent validity respectively. Instrument responsiveness was assessed by correlating total and domain‐specific CCQ scores with anatomical disease severity and post‐treatment effect size.Results:  There were 12 males and 21 females. Mean age was 44 ± 15 years. Cronbach α coefficient and intraclass correlation coefficient were 0.88 and 0.95 respectively. Total and domain‐specific CCQ scores significantly correlated with the MRC scores (P < 0.001) and significant correlations between CCQ and peak expiratory flow rate and FEV1 were identified (P < 0.03). There were statistically significant changes in total and domain‐specific CCQ scores when different stenosis severities were compared. Clinical COPD Questionnaire scores also changed significantly and congruently following surgery (P < 0.05 in both cases).Discussion:  Clinical COPD Questionnaire is a valid and sensitive instrument for assessing symptom severity and levels of function and well‐being in adult patients with laryngotracheal stenosis and can be used as a patient‐centred disease‐specific outcome measure for this condition.