bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimating age‐specific influenza‐related hospitalization rates during the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 in Davidson Co, TN
Authors: Jules Astride , Grijalva Carlos G. , Zhu Yuwei , Talbot Keipp H. , Williams John V. , Dupont William D. , Edwards Kathryn M. , Schaffner William , Shay David K. , Griffin Marie R. 
Published: February 2012

Please cite this paper as: Jules et al. (2012) Estimating age‐specific influenza‐related hospitalization rates during the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 in Davidson Co, TN. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 6(3), e63–e71.Background  In April 2009, a pandemic caused by a novel influenza strain, the A(H1N1)pdm09 virus, started. Few age‐specific estimates of hospitalizations associated with the first year of circulation of the pandemic virus are available.Objectives  To estimate age‐specific hospitalization rates associated with laboratory‐confirmed A(H1N1)pdm09 virus in Davidson County, TN, from May 2009 to March 2010.Patients/methods  Two separate strategies were applied: capture–recapture and surveillance‐sampling methods. For the capture–recapture estimates, we linked data collected via two independent prospective population‐based surveillance systems: The Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness Network (Flu‐VE) tested consenting county patients hospitalized with respiratory symptoms at selected hospitals using real‐time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT‐PCR); the Emerging Infections Program identified county patients with positive influenza tests in all area hospitals. For the surveillance‐sampling estimates, we applied the age‐specific proportions of influenza‐positive patients (from Flu‐VE) to the number of acute respiratory illness hospitalizations obtained from the Tennessee Hospital Discharge Data system.Results  With capture–recapture, we estimated 0·89 (95% CI, 0·72–1·49), 0·62 (0·42–1·11), 1·78 (0·99–3·63), and 0·76 (0·50–1·76) hospitalizations per 1000 residents aged <5, 5–17, 18–49, and ≥50 years, respectively. Surveillance‐sampling estimated rates were 0·78 (0·46–1·22), 0·32 (0·14–0·69), 0·99 (0·64–1·52), and 1·43 (0·80–2·48) hospitalizations per 1000 residents aged <5, 5–17, 18–49, and ≥50 years, respectively. In all age‐groups combined, we estimated approximately 1 influenza‐related hospitalization per 1000 residents.Conclusions  Two independent methods provided consistent results on the burden of pandemic virus in Davidson County and suggested that the overall incidence of A(H1N1)pdm09‐associated hospitalization was 1 per 1000 county residents.
Photolytic and Radiolytic Oxidation of Humic Acid†
Authors: Martin Marcela V. , Ruiz Gustavo T. , Gonzalez Mónica C. , Borsarelli Claudio D. , Mártire Daniel O. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe reactions of Br2˙−, Br˙, HO˙ and N3˙ with Aldrich humic acid (AHA) were investigated. The Br/Br2˙− radicals were obtained in flash‐photolysis experiments (λexc = 266 nm) performed with NaS2O8 solutions in the presence of bromide ions. HO˙and N3˙ radicals were generated by pulse radiolysis of N2O‐saturated solutions. From the combination of a bilinear analysis and computer simulations of the absorbance traces, it was possible to obtain information on the rate constants for the reactions of Br2˙−, Br˙, HO˙ and N3˙ with AHA and on the intermediate species involved in the mechanism. Evidence for the participation of phenoxyl radicals (λmax = 410 nm) is given.
Porphyrin‐Cellulose Nanocrystals: A Photobactericidal Material that Exhibits Broad Spectrum Antimicrobial Activity†
Authors: Carpenter Bradley L. , Feese Elke , Sadeghifar Hasan , Argyropoulos Dimitris S. , Ghiladi Reza A. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractTowards our overall objectives of developing potent antimicrobial materials to combat the escalating threat to human health posed by the transmission of surface‐adhering pathogenic bacteria, we have investigated the photobactericidal activity of cellulose nanocrystals that have been modified with a porphyrin‐derived photosensitizer (PS). The ability of these previously synthesized porphyrin‐cellulose‐nanocrystals (CNC‐Por (1)) to mediate bacterial photodynamic inactivation was investigated as a function of bacterial strain, incubation time and illumination time. Despite forming an insoluble suspension, CNC‐Por (1) showed excellent efficacy toward the photodynamic inactivation of Acinetobacter baumannii, multidrug‐resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDRAB) and methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), with the best results achieving 5–6 log units reduction in colony forming units (CFUs) upon illumination with visible light (400–700 nm; 118 J cm−2). CNC‐Por (1) mediated the inactivation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, although at reduced activity (2–3 log units reduction). Confocal laser scanning microscopy of CNC‐Por (1) after incubation with A. baumannii or S. aureus suggested a lack of internalization of the PS. Research into alternative materials such as CNC‐Por (1) may lead to their application in hospitals and healthcare‐related industries wherein novel materials with the capability of reducing the rates of transmission of a wide range of bacteria, particularly antibiotic resistant strains, are desired.
Genomic regions in crop–wild hybrids of lettuce are affected differently in different environments: implications for crop breeding
Authors: Hartman Yorike , Hooftman Danny A. P. , Uwimana Brigitte , van de Wiel Clemens C. M. , Smulders Marinus J. M. , Visser Richard G. F. , van Tienderen Peter H. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractMany crops contain domestication genes that are generally considered to lower fitness of crop–wild hybrids in the wild environment. Transgenes placed in close linkage with such genes would be less likely to spread into a wild population. Therefore, for environmental risk assessment of GM crops, it is important to know whether genomic regions with such genes exist, and how they affect fitness. We performed quantitative trait loci (QTL) analyses on fitness(‐related) traits in two different field environments employing recombinant inbred lines from a cross between cultivated Lactuca sativa and its wild relative Lactuca serriola. We identified a region on linkage group 5 where the crop allele consistently conferred a selective advantage (increasing fitness to 212% and 214%), whereas on linkage group 7, a region conferred a selective disadvantage (reducing fitness to 26% and 5%), mainly through delaying flowering. The probability for a putative transgene spreading would therefore depend strongly on the insertion location. Comparison of these field results with greenhouse data from a previous study using the same lines showed considerable differences in QTL patterns. This indicates that care should be taken when extrapolating experiments from the greenhouse, and that the impact of domestication genes has to be assessed under field conditions.
Life history change in response to fishing and an introduced predator in the East African cyprinid Rastrineobola argentea
Authors: Sharpe Diana M. T. , Wandera Silvester B. , Chapman Lauren J. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractFishing and introduced species are among the most important stressors affecting freshwaters and can also be strong selective agents. We examined the combined effects of commercial fishing and an introduced predator (Nile perch, Lates niloticus) on life history traits in an African cyprinid fish (Rastrineobola argentea) native to the Lake Victoria basin in East Africa. To understand whether these two stressors have driven shifts in life history traits of R. argentea, we tested for associations between life history phenotypes and the presence/absence of stressors both spatially (across 10 Ugandan lakes) and temporally (over four decades in Lake Victoria). Overall, introduced Nile perch and fishing tended to be associated with a suite of life history responses in R. argentea, including: decreased body size, maturation at smaller sizes, and increased reproductive effort (larger eggs; and higher relative fecundity, clutch volume, and ovary weight). This is one of the first well‐documented examples of fisheries‐induced phenotypic change in a tropical, freshwater stock; the magnitude of which raises some concerns for the long‐term sustainability of this fishery, now the most important (by mass) in Lake Victoria.
Nitric Oxide‐Mediated Endothlium‐Dependent Vasodilation Is Impaired with Borderline High‐LDL Cholesterol
Authors: Diehl Kyle J. , Stauffer Brian L. , Greiner Jared J. , Weil Brian R. , DeSouza Christopher A. 
Published: February 2012

Abstract The experimental aims of this study were to determine: (1) whether nitric oxide‐mediated endothelium‐dependent vasodilation is blunted in adult humans with borderline high plasma low‐density lipoprotein (LDL)‐cholesterol compared with adults with optimal/near optimal LDL‐cholesterol levels; and, if so: (2) whether the magnitude of impairment in adults with borderline high LDL‐cholesterol is similar to adults with high LDL‐cholesterol. Forearm blood flow responses to intraarterial infusions of acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside were measured in 50 middle‐aged (43–64 year) adults: 20 in the optimal/near optimal LDL‐cholesterol range (<130 mg/dL); 20 with borderline high LDL‐cholesterol (130–159 mg/dL); and 10 with high LDL‐cholesterol ($160 mg/dL). In addition, blood flow responses to acetylcholine were determined in the absence and presence of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase inhibitor NG‐monomethyl‐L‐arginine (L‐NMMA). Vasodilation to acetylcholine was ∼20% lower (p < 0.05) in the borderline high (from 4.3 ± 0.2 to 12.3 ± 0.8 mL/100 mL tissue/min) and high (from 4.3 ± 0.3 to 12.0 ± 0.5 mL/100 mL tissue/min) LDL‐cholesterol groups compared with the optimal/near optimal (from 4.4 ± 0.2 to 14.5 ± 0.5 mL/100 mL tissue/min) LDL‐cholesterol group. L‐NMMA significantly reduced (∼30%) the vasodilator response to acetylcholine in the optimal/near optimal LDL‐cholesterol group but not the borderline high or high LDL‐cholesterol groups. Borderline high LDL‐cholesterol is associated with impaired nitric oxide‐mediated endothelium‐dependent vasodilation. Clin Trans Sci 2012; Volume #: 1–6
The Role of Human Agents in Facilitating Clinical and Translational Science
Authors: David Johnson J. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe fundamental problem confronting policymakers who desire to facilitate the development of clinical and translational science (CTS) comes in bringing people with disparate interests, vocabularies, cultures, goals, and so forth together for a common purpose. A variety of roles have been suggested for individuals who may play key parts in this overall process: opinion leaders, change agents, boundary spanners, structural hole brokers, and, finally, collaborative knowledge brokers. This essay will systematically review these key roles; focusing on the strengths and weaknesses of each to illustrate their part in approaches to solving this problem. The implications of this perspective will be discussed in terms of the role that human agents can play in facilitating CTS. Clin Trans Sci 2012; Volume 5: 356–361
Developing Robust, Sustainable, Implementation Systems Using Rigorous, Rapid and Relevant Science
Authors: Glasgow Russell E. , Chambers David 
Published: February 2012

Abstract Background: Current approaches to medical science generally have not resulted in rapid, robust integration into feasible, sustainable real world healthcare programs and policies. Implementation science risks falling short of expectations if it aligns with historical norms. Fundamentally different scientific approaches are needed to accelerate such integration.Methods: We propose that the key goal of implementation science should be to study the development, spread and sustainability of broadly applicable and practical programs, treatments, guidelines, and policies that are contextually relevant and robust across diverse settings, delivery staff, and subgroups. We recommend key conceptual and methodological characteristics needed to accomplish these goals.Results: The methods to produce such advances should be rapid, rigorous, transparent, and contextually relevant. We recommend approaches that incorporate a systems perspective, investigate generalizability, are transparent, and employ practical measures and participatory approaches.Conclusions: To produce different outcomes, we need to think and act differently. Implications of such an implementation science approach include fundamental changes that should be relevant to Clinical Translational Science Award investigators, comparative effectiveness researchers, those interested in pragmatic trials, grant funders, and community partners. Clin Trans Sci 2012; Volume #: 1–8
Effects of Exercise on microRNA Expression in Young Males Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
Authors: Radom‐Aizik Shlomit , Zaldivar Frank , Leu Szu‐Yun , Adams Gregory R. , Oliver Stacy , Cooper Dan M. 
Published: February 2012

Abstract MicroRNAs are increasingly seen as targets of drug discovery because they influence gene function acting both to silence and subtly modulate protein translation. Little is known about effects of dynamic physiological states on microRNA regulation in humans. We hypothesized that microRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) would be affected by brief exercise. Twelve young men performed brief bouts of heavy exercise. PBMC microRNA was analyzed before and immediately after exercise using the Agilent Human microRNA V2 Microarray. Exercise altered expression level of 34 microRNAs (FDR < 0.05). Many of them play roles in inflammatory processes (e.g., miR‐125b[↓], down‐regulated by proinflammatory factor LPS; and miR‐132[↑], 125b[↓] and let‐7e[↓] involved inTLR4 signaling). Using previous exercise data in PBMCs, we linked the microRNA changes to specific gene pathways. This analysis identified 12 pathways including the TGF‐β and MAPK signaling. We also compared exercise‐associated microRNA changes in PBMCs with the exercise‐associated microRNAs previously identified in neutrophils. Nine microRNAs were affected in both PBMCs and neutrophils, but only six changed in the same direction. A commonly occurring physiologic perturbation, brief heavy exercise, changes microRNA profiles in PBMCs, many of which are related to inflammatory processes. The pattern of change suggests that exercise differentially influences microRNAs in leukocyte subtypes. Clin Trans Sci 2012; Volume #: 1–7
Current State of Information Technologies for the Clinical Research Enterprise across Academic Medical Centers
Authors: Murphy Shawn N. , Dubey Anil , Embi Peter J. , Harris Paul A. , Richter Brent G. , Turisco Fran , Weber Griffin M. , Tcheng James E. , Keogh Diane 
Published: February 2012

AbstractInformation technology (IT) to support clinical research has steadily grown over the past 10 years. Many new applications at the enterprise level are available to assist with the numerous tasks necessary in performing clinical research. However, it is not clear how rapidly this technology is being adopted or whether it is making an impact upon how clinical research is being performed. The Clinical Research Forum’s IT Roundtable performed a survey of 17 representative academic medical centers (AMCs) to understand the adoption rate and implementation strategies within this field. The results were compared with similar surveys from 4 and 6 years ago. We found the adoption rate for four prominent areas of IT‐supported clinical research had increased remarkably, specifically regulatory compliance, electronic data capture for clinical trials, data repositories for secondary use of clinical data, and infrastructure for supporting collaboration. Adoption of other areas of clinical research IT was more irregular with wider differences between AMCs. These differences appeared to be partially due to a set of openly available applications that have emerged to occupy an important place in the landscape of clinical research enterprise‐level support at AMC’s. Clin Trans Sci 2012; Volume #: 1–4
Exendin‐4 ameliorates diabetic symptoms through activation of glucokinase
Authors: Dhanesha Nirav , Joharapurkar Amit , Shah Gaurang , Dhote Vipin , Kshirsagar Samadhan , Bahekar Rajesh , Jain Mukul 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackground:  Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) and its stable analogue exendin‐4 maintain glucose homeostasis by modulating insulin secretion from pancreatic β‐cells and controlling hepatic glucose output. Glucokinase (GK), by catalysing the first step in glycolysis, plays an important role in glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion and hepatic glucose metabolism. In the present study, we investigated the effects of exendin‐4 on GK in high fat‐fed and alloxan‐treated diabetic mice.Methods:  The effects of alloxan (5, 10 and 20 μmol/L) on insulin release from isolated murine islets, as well as glycogen synthesis by isolated murine hepatocytes, were assessed. The effects of exendin‐4 (10 nmol/kg, twice daily for 4 weeks) were assessed in high fat‐fed, alloxan (50 mg/kg, i.v.)‐treated C57 mice. Glucokinase activity was assessed in the same model.Results:  Pretreatment with exendin‐4 attenuated alloxan‐induced decreases in insulin release and glycogen synthesis in islets and hepatocytes. The alloxan‐induced decrease in the GK activity in islets and hepatocytes was also ameliorated by exendin‐4 treatment. Pretreatment with the GLP‐1 receptor antagonist exendin‐9 (100 nmol/L) blocked the effects of exendin‐4 on the liver and pancreas. Treatment of high‐fat fed, alloxan‐treated diabetic mice with exendin‐4 (10 nmol/L, i.p.) reduced the severity of diabetic symptoms. Specifically, exendin‐4 treatment reduced serum glucose by 50% and %HbA1c by 24% compared with control and significantly decreased HOMA‐IR by 39% and increased HOMA‐β by 150%. In addition, exendin‐4 treatment significantly reduced body weight by 6.8% and serum triglycerides by 35%.Conclusions:  The results indicate that glucose‐stimulated insulin release and glycogen synthesis are decreased by alloxan due to reduced GK activity. These findings provide further insight into the mechanism by which exendin‐4 regulates glucose homeostasis.
Successful treatment of a tracheal squamous cell carcinoma with a combination of cryoablation and photodynamic therapy
Authors: Nam Sung‐Jin , Oak Chul‐Ho , Jang Tae‐Won , Jung Mann‐Hong , Chun Bong‐Kwon 
Published: February 2012

AbstractMalignant tumors of the trachea are rare, and account for less than 0.1% of all malignancies. Because there are no guidelines based on randomized clinical trials, the choice of treatment modalities and optimal sequences have not yet been established. In most cases of malignant airway obstruction, a single modality is chosen as the treatment of choice for management, but complete ablation becomes increasingly problematic with minimal residual lesions that require additional treatment. There were few case reports of the combined use of cryoablation and photodynamic therapy to treat tracheal cancer. Therefore, we present our experience of successful tracheal cancer treatment using this combination therapy. A bronchoscopic complete regression was obtained using these two modalities, and the procedures proved to be a safe and effective treatment option based on a one‐year follow‐up.
Trade Costs and Economic Development
Authors: Fratianni Michele , Marchionne Francesco 
Published: February 2012

abstractIn our study, we tested the hypothesis of the bidirectional causality between trade costs and economic development using data on Italian provinces. Using different methods to control for multilateral resistance, we applied a gravity equation to estimate sectoral exports to 188 countries over the period 1995–2004. Provincial trade costs were constructed as the sum of five province‐specific elasticities, including distance, adjacency, and common money. We found that Italian provinces are heterogeneous with respect to trade costs. These costs are influenced by lagged provincial per capita income and industrial structure. In turn, trade costs influence future provincial per capita income. This bidirectional relationship between trade costs and income is broadly consistent with the two‐way causation process emphasized by the New Geographical Economics.
Learning Complex Grammar in the Virtual Classroom: A Comparison of Processing Instruction, Structured Input, Computerized Visual Input Enhancement, and Traditional Instruction
Authors: Russell Victoria 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThis study investigated the effects of processing instruction (PI) and structured input (SI) on the acquisition of the subjunctive in adjectival clauses by 92 second‐semester distance learners of Spanish. Computerized visual input enhancement (VIE) was combined with PI and SI in an attempt to increase the salience of the targeted grammatical form for Web‐based delivery. VIE was operationalized as word animation of subjunctive forms. Four experimental groups (+PI +VIE, +PI ‐VIE, +SI +VIE, +SI ‐VIE) were compared with traditional instruction (TI), and the results indicate that for interpretation and production tasks, there were no signifi cant differences between TI and the experimental groups. However, for interpretation tasks on the immediate posttest, the +PI+VIE group outperformed the +SI‐VIE group. In addition, responses from the Posttreatment Questionnaire revealed that learners who received PI, with or without VIE, expressed a preference for the PI materials over their regular course materials, which fell under the TI paradigm.
Flexural deformities of the distal interphalangeal joint (clubfeet)
Authors: O'Grady S. E. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryA true clubfoot results from a flexural deformity of the distal interphalangeal joint that is characterised by a shortening of the deep digital flexor tendon musculotendinous unit. Flexural deformities are a problem not only in foals but are also responsible for the clubfoot conformation seen in mature horses. Treatment is most successful when the cause is investigated and therapy initiated as early as possible, and when the biomechanical properties of the foot are thoroughly understood. Flexural deformities in foals and mature horses are addressed through appropriate farriery, often combined with surgery.
Case Study: A Woman Who Hemorrhages 24 Hours Post Tonsillectomy
Authors: Buckley Joan 
Published: February 2012

PURPOSE.  This case study focused on the emergency nursing care of a 32‐year‐old female, less than 24 hours post operatively from a tonsillectomy. The purpose is to identify the priority nursing diagnoses, patient outcomes, and nursing interventions that guided nursing care during this emergency.DATA SOURCES.  Data were obtained through the author's clinical practice in emergency nursing and literature sources.DATA SYNTHESIS.  NANDA International Classification, the Nursing Outcomes Classification, and the Nursing Interventions Classification were used to identify the appropriate nursing diagnosis, patient outcomes, and nursing interventions of an adult with a postoperative hemorrhage.CONCLUSIONS.  This case study provides emergency nurses and students with the pertinent nursing diagnoses, patient outcomes, and nursing interventions for persons with post‐op hemorrhage after tonsillectomy.
Case Report of the Reliability 1,3-β-d-Glucan Monitoring during Treatment of Peritoneal Candidiasis in a Child Receiving Continuous Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Ginocchio Francesca , Verrina Enrico , Furfaro Elisa , Cannavò Rossella , Bandettini Roberto , Castagnola Elio 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTFungal peritonitis is an unusual but severe complication of continuous peritoneal dialysis. The role of 1,3-β-d-glucan is unknown in early diagnosis and in treatment monitoring of peritoneal candidiasis. This case report shows the utility of 1,3-β-d-glucan monitoring in management ofCandidaperitonitis in a child undergoing continuous peritoneal dialysis.