bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Air column in esophagus and symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Moosavi Alijavad , Raji Hanieh , Teimoori Mojtaba , Ghourchian Shadi 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
During imaging of the normal esophagus, air is often detected. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between the appearance of air bubbles on imaging and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) symptoms.

Methods
The cross-sectional imaging study was conducted at Rasole Akram Hospital, Tehran, Iran. A total of 44 patients underwent X-ray computed tomography (CT) scanning; the presence of air in the esophagus and visible on CT imaging was scrutinized.

Results
The average age of the subjects was 59 and the male to female ratio was 0.83. We found a significant relationship between the presence of GERD symptoms, the size of air bubbles and esophageal dilation (ED) on the CT scan.

Conclusions
Air bubbles in the esophagus may be seen frequently in CT scans, but their size and location can vary. The GERD symptoms can arise when a small diameter air column is present within the esophagus, especially in the middle and lower parts.
Service quality of private hospitals: The Iranian Patients' perspective
Authors: Zarei Asghar , Arab Mohammad , Froushani Abbas Rahimi , Rashidian Arash , Ghazi Tabatabaei S Mahmoud 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
Highly competitive market in the private hospital industry has caused increasing pressure on them to provide services with higher quality. The aim of this study was to determine the different dimensions of the service quality in the private hospitals of Iran and evaluating the service quality from the patients' perspective.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted between October and November 2010 in Tehran, Iran. The study sample was composed of 983 patients randomly selected from 8 private general hospitals. The study questionnaire was the SERVQUAL questionnaire, consisting of 21 items in service quality dimensions.

Results
The result of factor analysis revealed 3 factors, explaining 69% of the total variance. The total mean score of patients' expectation and perception was 4.91(SD = 0.2) and 4.02(SD = 0.6), respectively. The highest expectation and perception related to the tangibles dimension and the lowest expectation and perception related to the empathy dimension. The differences between perception and expectation were significant (p < 0.001). There was a significant difference between the expectations scores based on gender, education level, and previous hospitalization in that same hospital. Also, there was a significant difference between the perception scores based on insurance coverage, average length of stay, and patients' health conditions on discharge.

Conclusion
The results showed that SERVQUAL is a valid, reliable, and flexible instrument to monitor and measure the quality of the services in private hospitals of Iran. Our findings clarified the importance of creating a strong relationship between patients and the hospital practitioners/personnel and the need for hospital staff to be responsive, credible, and empathetic when dealing with patients.
Carbon black nanoparticle instillation induces sustained inflammation and genotoxicity in mouse lung and liver
Authors: Bourdon Julie A , Saber Anne T , Jacobsen Nicklas R , Jensen Keld A , Madsen Anne M , Lamson Jacob S , Wallin Håkan , Møller Peter , Loft Steffen , Yauk Carole L , Vogel Ulla B 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
Widespread occupational exposure to carbon black nanoparticles (CBNPs) raises concerns over their safety. CBNPs are genotoxic in vitro but less is known about their genotoxicity in various organs in vivo.

Methods
We investigated inflammatory and acute phase responses, DNA strand breaks (SB) and oxidatively damaged DNA in C57BL/6 mice 1, 3 and 28 days after a single instillation of 0.018, 0.054 or 0.162 mg Printex 90 CBNPs, alongside sham controls. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was analyzed for cellular composition. SB in BAL cells, whole lung and liver were assessed using the alkaline comet assay. Formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase (FPG) sensitive sites were assessed as an indicator of oxidatively damaged DNA. Pulmonary and hepatic acute phase response was evaluated by Saa3 mRNA real-time quantitative PCR.

Results
Inflammation was strongest 1 and 3 days post-exposure, and remained elevated for the two highest doses (i.e., 0.054 and 0.162 mg) 28 days post-exposure (P < 0.001). SB were detected in lung at all doses on post-exposure day 1 (P < 0.001) and remained elevated at the two highest doses until day 28 (P < 0.05). BAL cell DNA SB were elevated relative to controls at least at the highest dose on all post-exposure days (P < 0.05). The level of FPG sensitive sites in lung was increased throughout with significant increases occurring on post-exposure days 1 and 3, in comparison to controls (P < 0.001-0.05). SB in liver were detected on post-exposure days 1 (P < 0.001) and 28 (P < 0.001). Polymorphonuclear (PMN) cell counts in BAL correlated strongly with FPG sensitive sites in lung (r = 0.88, P < 0.001), whereas no such correlation was observed with SB (r = 0.52, P = 0.08). CBNP increased the expression of Saa3 mRNA in lung tissue on day 1 (all doses), 3 (all doses) and 28 (0.054 and 0.162 mg), but not in liver.

Conclusions
Deposition of CBNPs in lung induces inflammatory and genotoxic effects in mouse lung that persist considerably after the initial exposure. Our results demonstrate that CBNPs may cause genotoxicity both in the primary exposed tissue, lung and BAL cells, and in a secondary tissue, the liver.
Deregulation of apoptosis-related genes is associated with PRV1 overexpression and JAK2 V617F allele burden in Essential Thrombocythemia and Myelofibrosis
Authors: Tognon Raquel , Gasparotto Elainy PL , Neves Renata P , Nunes Natália S , Ferreira Aline F , Palma Patrícia VB , Kashima Simone , Covas Dimas T , Santana Mary , Souto Elizabeth X , Zanichelli Maria Aparecida , Simões Belinda P , de Souza Ana Maria , Castro Fabíola A 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
Essential Thrombocythemia (ET) and Primary Myelofibrosis (PMF) are Chronic Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN) characterized by clonal myeloproliferation/myeloaccumulation without cell maturation impairment. The JAK2 V617F mutation and PRV1 gene overexpression may contribute to MPN physiopathology. We hypothesized that deregulation of the apoptotic machinery may also play a role in the pathogenesis of ET and PMF. In this study we evaluated the apoptosis-related gene and protein expression of BCL2 family members in bone marrow CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) and peripheral blood leukocytes from ET and PMF patients. We also tested whether the gene expression results were correlated with JAK2 V617F allele burden percentage, PRV1 overexpression, and clinical and laboratory parameters.

Results
By real time PCR assay, we observed that A1, MCL1, BIK and BID, as well as A1, BCLW and BAK gene expression were increased in ET and PMF CD34+ cells respectively, while pro-apoptotic BAX and anti-apoptotic BCL2 mRNA levels were found to be lower in ET and PMF CD34+ cells respectively, in relation to controls. In patients' leukocytes, we detected an upregulation of anti-apoptotic genes A1, BCL2, BCL-X

L
and BCLW. In contrast, pro-apoptotic BID and BIM

EL
expression were downregulated in ET leukocytes. Increased BCL-XL protein expression in PMF leukocytes and decreased BID protein expression in ET leukocytes were observed by Western Blot. In ET leukocytes, we found a correlation between JAK2 V617F allele burden and BAX, BIK and BAD gene expression and between A1, BAX and BIK and PRV1 gene expression. A negative correlation between PRV1 gene expression and platelet count was observed, as well as a positive correlation between PRV1 gene expression and splenomegaly.

Conclusions
Our results suggest the participation of intrinsic apoptosis pathway in the MPN physiopathology. In addition, PRV1 and JAK2 V617F allele burden were linked to deregulation of the apoptotic machinery.
What factors affect the carriage of epinephrine auto‐injectors by teenagers?
Authors: Macadam Clare , Barnett Julie , Roberts Graham , Stiefel Gary , King Rosemary , Erlewyn‐Lajeunesse Michel , Holloway Judith A , Lucas Jane S 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackgroundTeenagers with allergies are at particular risk of severe and fatal reactions, but epinephrine auto‐injectors are not always carried as prescribed. We investigated barriers to carriage.MethodsPatients aged 12‐18 years old under a specialist allergy clinic, who had previously been prescribed an auto‐injector were invited to participate. Semi‐structured interviews explored the factors that positively or negatively impacted on carriage.ResultsTwenty teenagers with food or venom allergies were interviewed. Only two patients had used their auto‐injector in the community, although several had been treated for severe reactions in hospital. Most teenagers made complex risk assessments to determine whether to carry the auto‐injector. Most but not all decisions were rational and were at least partially informed by knowledge. Factors affecting carriage included location, who else would be present, the attitudes of others and physical features of the auto‐injector. Teenagers made frequent risk assessments when deciding whether to carry their auto‐injectors, and generally wanted to remain safe. Their decisions were complex, multi‐faceted and highly individualised.ConclusionsRather than aiming for 100% carriage of auto‐injectors, which remains an ambitious ideal, personalised education packages should aim to empower teenagers to make and act upon informed risk assessments.
Phenotypic characterization and 16S rDNA identification of culturable non-obligate halophilic bacterial communities from a hypersaline lake, La Sal del Rey, in extreme South Texas (USA)
Authors: Phillips Kristen , Zaidan Frederic , Elizondo Omar R , Lowe Kristine L 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackgroundLa Sal del Rey ("the King's Salt") is one of several naturally-occurring salt lakes in Hidalgo County, Texas and is part of the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge. The research objective was to isolate and characterize halophilic microorganisms from La Sal del Rey. Water samples were collected from the lake and a small creek that feeds into the lake. Soil samples were collected from land adjacent to the water sample locations. Sample salinity was determined using a refractometer. Samples were diluted and cultured on a synthetic saline medium to grow halophilic bacteria. The density of halophiles was estimated by viable plate counts. A collection of isolates was selected, gram-stained, tested for catalase, and characterized using API 20E®test strips. Isolates were putatively identified by sequencing the 16S rDNA. Carbon source utilization by the microbial community from each sample site was examined using EcoPlate™ assays and the carbon utilization total activity of the community was determined.ResultsResults showed that salinity ranged from 4 parts per thousand (ppt) at the lake water source to 420 ppt in water samples taken just along the lake shore. The density of halophilic bacteria in water samples ranged from 1.2 × 102- 5.2 × 103colony forming units per ml (cfu ml-1) whereas the density in soil samples ranged from 4.0 × 105- 2.5 × 106colony forming units per gram (cfu g-1). In general, as salinity increased the density of the bacterial community decreased. Microbial communities from water and soil samples were able to utilize 12 - 31 carbon substrates. The greatest number of substrates utilized was by water-borne communities compared to soil-based communities, especially at lower salinities. The majority of bacteria isolated were gram-negative, catalase-positive, rods. Biochemical profiles constructed from API 20E®test strips showed that bacterial isolates from low-salinity water samples (4 ppt) showed the greatest phenotypic diversity with regards to the types and number of positive tests from the strip. Isolates taken from water samples at the highest salinity (420 ppt) tended to be less diverse and have only a limited number of positive tests. Sequencing of 16S DNA displayed the presence of members of bacterial generaBacillus,Halomonas,Pseudomonas,Exiguobacteriumand others. The genusBacilluswas most commonly identified. None of the isolates were members of the Archaea probably due to dilution of salts in the samples.ConclusionsThe La Sal del Rey ecosystem supports a robust and diverse bacterial community despite the high salinity of the lake and soil. However, salinity does appear to a limiting factor with regards to the density and diversity of the bacterial communities that inhabit the lake and surrounding area.
Platelet-activating factor receptor plays a role in the pathogenesis of graft-versus-host disease by regulating leukocyte recruitment, tissue injury, and lethality
Authors: Castor Marina G M , Rezende Bárbara M , Resende Carolina B , Bernardes Priscila T T , Cisalpino Daniel , Vieira Angélica T , Souza Danielle G , Silva Tarcília A , Teixeira Mauro M , Pinho Vanessa 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTPAF is a potent lipid mediator involved in several manifestations of acute inflammation, including leukocyte influx, leukocyte interaction with endothelium, and production of inflammatory cytokines. The present study evaluated the relevance of PAFR for the pathogenesis of acute GVHD using a model of adoptive transfer of splenocytes from WT or PAFR−/− C57BL/6J to B6D2F1 mice. Mice, which received PAFR−/− splenocytes or treatment with the PAFR antagonist, showed reduced clinical signs of disease and no mortality. In GVHD mice receiving PAFR−/− splenocytes, there was deceased bacterial translocation and tissue injury. Furthermore, production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, CCL2, CCL3, and CCL5) and accumulation of CD8+ cells in intestine and liver were reduced in mice transplanted with the PAFR−/− splenocyte. Mechanistically, an absence or pharmacological blockade of PAFR was associated with decreased rolling and adhesion of leukocytes to the mesenteric microcirculation, as assessed by intravital microscopy. Despite decreased GVHD, there was maintained GVL activity when PAFR−/− leukocytes were transferred into WT mice. In conclusion, PAFR on donor leukocytes plays a critical role in GVHD by mediating leukocyte influx and cytokine production in target tissues. PAFR antagonist may potentially be useful in the treatment of GVHD in bone marrow-transplanted patients.
Value of the US BI-RADS final assessment following mastectomy: BI-RADS 4 and 5 lesions
Authors: Gweon Hye Mi , Son Eun Ju , Youk Ji Hyun , Kim Jeong-Ah , Chung Jin 
Published: February 2012

Background Clinical examination is not entirely sufficient for evaluation of the postoperative site for follow-up of patients with mastectomy. A few studies have reported that postoperative follow-up US evaluation allows early detection and proper management of local tumor recurrence. Purpose To evaluate the diagnostic performance of the American College of Radiology (ACR) ultrasonographic (US) Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) categories 4 and 5 breast lesions at the mastectomy site. Material and Methods Our institutional review board approved this study and waived the need for informed consent. We retrospectively reviewed the consecutive post-mastectomy US exams for palpable and non-palpable lesions in the post-mastectomy chest wall that were categorized as BI-RADS 4 (subcategorized 4a, 4b, and 4c) or 5 between January 2007 and April 2010. The positive predictive value (PPV) for final assessment was evaluated. Results From 2681 post-mastectomy US examinations, we obtained a study population of 50 patients with 50 lesions (20 palpable, 30 non-palpable). There were nine (45%) malignancies among the palpable lesions and six (20%) malignancies among the non-palpable lesions. The palpability showed no significant correlation with malignancy in overall subcategorization ( P >0.05). The PPVs of categories 4 and 5 were 14.3% for category 4a, 62.5% for category 4b, 100% for category 4c, and 100% for category 5. Conclusion The ACR US BI-RADS categorization of 4a, 4b, 4c, and 5 for breast lesions at the mastectomy site is a feasible method for predicting local recurrence. All lesions should be managed according to US characteristics during evaluation of local recurrence at the mastectomy site, regardless of palpability.
Development of an obstetric medicine email discussion list
Authors: Carson Michael P 
Published: February 2012

Background The Clinical Forum on the North American Society of Obstetric Medicine (NASOM) website was underutilized. From 2006 to 2007 there were 16 Clinical Forum posts with 12 responses, and none were added after 2007. This report describes the development of an email discussion list using an information ‘push’ format to facilitate discussion among Obstetric Medicine physicians. Methods An email list of North American and International SOM members was compiled and distributed. Email list usage was tallied and a survey was sent to list members. Results The email discussion list had 18 discussions in the first year with 79 responses, and membership grew from 96 to 209 members from five continents. There have been 44 discussion topics over three years. Common topics related to haematology, thrombosis and cardiac issues. Ninety-one percent felt that the list improved communication among members. Conclusion The frequent usage, large number of responses and survey results suggest that the email list successfully improved communication among SOM members.
Phleboliths from venous malformations of the head and neck
Authors: Eivazi B , Fasunla A J , Güldner C , Masberg P , Werner J A , Teymoortash A 
Published: February 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis Phleboliths in venous malformations (VM) of the head and neck are often observed and may cause significant symptoms. Only a few articles refer to the morphology and composition of the phleboliths in VM. The objective of this study was to analyse and to demonstrate their composition and morphology. Methods Patients with VM presenting to a vascular anomalies centre during a three-year period were identified. The incidence of phleboliths was analysed followed by morphological and structural analysis with cone beam tomography and X-ray diffraction. Results Phleboliths were identified in 28/98 patients with VM of the head and neck. Seven patients underwent conventional surgery to reduce the volume of the VM or to remove the phleboliths, which were localized in the cheek (3 cases), submandibular region (2 cases), infrahyoidal neck or upper eyelid (1 case each). The structural analysis showed that more advanced lamination and an increasing radiopacity of the cortex was observed in larger phleboliths. X-ray powder diffraction analysis revealed that the main constituent in the pulverized phleboliths was carbonate-fluorohydroxylapatite. Conclusion This study shows in a vivid way that phleboliths from VM of the head and neck area show a laminar structure and consist of apatite, without any indication of differences in their chemical composition. Treatment of localized intravascular coagulopathy in VM might be able to prevent the formation and the progression of phleboliths. Hypothetically, another option might be lithotripsy.
Audit Committee Compensation, Fairness, and the Resolution of Accounting Disagreements
Authors: Bierstaker James L. , Cohen Jeffrey R. , DeZoort F. Todd , Hermanson Dana R. 
Published: February 2012

SUMMARY
An emerging body of research examines the relation of incentive-based audit committee compensation with accounting outcomes (e.g., Archambeault et al. 2008; Magilke et al. 2009). We extend this literature by examining the effects of audit committee compensation and perceived fairness to shareholders on actual public company audit committee members' judgments in accounting disagreements. Fifty-six highly experienced public company audit committee members participated in an experiment involving an accounting disagreement between management and the external auditor, with three types of audit committee compensation (i.e., cash only, cash and short-term stock options, or cash and long-term stock options) manipulated between subjects. We further measured the participants' perceptions of the fairness to shareholders if the auditor's adjustment is not recorded. We find evidence that audit committee members are more likely to support the auditor in an accounting disagreement when audit committee compensation includes long-term stock options and when members perceive that the failure to record the auditor's adjustment is less fair to shareholders. Moreover, we find that the relation between long-term incentive compensation and support for the auditor is fully mediated by a sense of fairness to shareholders. We offer implications and suggestions for future research.
The Joint Influence of the Extent and Nature of Audit Evidence, Materiality Thresholds, and Misstatement Type on Achieved Audit Risk
Authors: Budescu David V. , Peecher Mark E. , Solomon Ira 
Published: February 2012

SUMMARY
We use simulation to investigate the joint effects of materiality, evidence extent, evidence nature, and misstatement type on achieved audit risk, i.e., the risk of undetected material financial statement misstatement due to error or fraud. Our primary results are fourfold. First, contrary to conventional audit wisdom, we show that elevating the extent of testing decreases achieved audit risk only under certain conditions and may well increase it. Second, reducing materiality (attempting to perform a more precise audit) can either enhance or jeopardize audit effectiveness. Third, learning about the quality of the internal controls over financial reporting not only can help the auditor to perform an integrated audit, but also helps the auditor to reach better judgments about the extent to which and how evidence from the auditee organization's management and/or information systems may be distorted as a result of misstatement, reducing the risk that the auditor would be misled by such evidence. Fourth, when financial statements are biased intentionally due to fraud, it is especially important for the external auditor to supplement more traditional audit tests with tests that produce evidence that is less likely to be biased by management. Auditors who do not understand these four results run a heightened risk of compromising audit effectiveness.
Impression Management in Sustainability Reports: An Empirical Investigation of the Use of Graphs
Authors: Cho Charles H. , Michelon Giovanna , Patten Dennis M. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT
The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether firms use graphs in their sustainability reports in order to present a more favorable view of their social and environmental performance. Further, because prior research indicates that companies use social and environmental disclosure as a tool to reduce their exposure to social and political pressures (the legitimacy argument), we also examine whether differences in the extent of impression management are associated with differences in social and environmental performance. Based on an analysis of graphs in sustainability reports for a sample of 77 U.S. companies for 2006, we find considerable evidence of favorable selectivity bias in the choice of items graphed, and moderate evidence that where distortion in graphing occurs, it also has a favorable bias. Our results regarding the relation between impression management and performance are mixed. Whereas we find that graphs of social items in sustainability reports for companies with worse social performance exhibit more impression management, no significant relation between environmental performance and impression management in the use of environmental graphs is found. Overall, our results provide additional evidence that corporate sustainability reporting, as it currently exists, appears to be more about fostering positive public relations than providing a meaningful accounting of the social and environmental impacts of the firm.