bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mutagenic effect of freezing on nuclear DNA of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Todorova T. , Pesheva M. , Stamenova R. , Dimitrov M. , Venkov P. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractAlthough fragmentation of DNA has been observed in cells undergoing freezing procedures, a mutagenic effect of sub‐zero temperature treatment has not been proved by induction and isolation of mutants in nuclear DNA (nDNA). In this communication we supply evidence for mutagenicity of freezing on nDNA of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells. In the absence of cryoprotectors, cooling for 2 h at +4°C and freezing for 1 h at −10°C and 16 h at −20°C, with a cooling rate of 3°C/min, resulted in induction of frame‐shift and reverse mutations in microsatellite and coding regions of nDNA. The sub‐zero temperature exposure also has a strong recombinogenic effect, evidenced by induction of gene‐conversion and crossing‐over events. Freezing induces mutations and enhances recombination with a frequency equal to or higher than that of methylmethanesulphonate at comparable survival rates. The signals for the appearance of nDNA lesions induced by freezing are detected and transduced by the DNA damage pathway. Extracellular cryoprotectors did not prevent the mutagenic effect of freezing, while accumulation of trehalose inside cells reduced nDNA cryodamage. Freezing of cells is accompanied by generation of high ROS levels, and the oxidative stress raised during the freeze–thaw process is the most likely reason for the DNA damaging effect. Experiments with mitochondrial rho– mutants or scavengers of ROS indicated that mutagenic and recombinogenic effects of sub‐zero temperatures can be decreased but not eliminated by reduction of ROS level. The complete protection against cryodamage in nDNA required simultaneous usage of intracellular cryoprotector and ROS scavenger during the freeze–thaw process. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trauma Quality Improvement in Low and Middle Income Countries of the Asia–Pacific Region: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Stelfox Henry Thomas , Joshipura Manjul , Chadbunchachai Witaya , Ellawala Ranjith N. , O’Reilly Gerard , Nguyen Thai Son , Gruen Russell L. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackgroundQuality Improvement (QI) programs have been shown to be a valuable tool to strengthen care of severely injured patients, but little is known about them in low and middle income countries (LMIC). We sought to explore opportunities to improve trauma QI activities in LMIC, focusing on the Asia–Pacific region.MethodsWe performed a mixed methods research study using both inductive thematic analysis of a meeting convened at the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, Melbourne, Australia, November 21–22, 2010 and a pre‐meeting survey to explore experiences with trauma QI activities in LMIC. Purposive sampling was employed to invite participants with demonstrated leadership in trauma care to provide diverse representation of organizations and countries within Asia–Pacific.ResultsA total of 22 experts participated in the meeting and reported that trauma QI activities varied between countries and organizations: morbidity and mortality conferences (56 %), monitoring complications (31 %), preventable death studies (25 %), audit filters (19 %), and statistical methods for analyzing morbidity and mortality (6 %). Participants identified QI gaps to include paucity of reliable/valid injury data, lack of integrated trauma QI activities, absence of standards of care, lack of training in QI methods, and varying cultures of quality and safety. The group highlighted barriers to QI: limited engagement of leaders, organizational diversity, limited resources, heavy clinical workload, and medico‐legal concerns. Participants proposed establishing the Asia–Pacific Trauma Quality Improvement Network (APTQIN) as a tool to facilitate training and dissemination of QI methods, injury data management, development of pilot QI projects, and advocacy for quality trauma care.ConclusionsOur study provides the first description of trauma QI practices, gaps in existing practices, and barriers to QI in LMIC of the Asia–Pacific region. In this study we identified opportunities for addressing these challenges, and that work will be supported by APTQIN.
Ultrahigh Pressure Liquid Chromatographic Determination of Tocopherols in B100 Biodiesel
Authors: Pauls R. E. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractA reversed‐phase gradient ultrahigh pressure liquid chromatographic method with a water–acetonitrile mobile phase and UV detection has been developed to rapidly determine the concentration of the major tocopherol components in B100. The described method requires minimal sample preparation and provides short analysis times compatible with the needs of small to mid‐size laboratories involved in B100 analyses. The objectives of this work were twofold. We wished to develop an analytical method both to rapidly screen B100 samples for their tocopherol content and to provide additional information on the source (from the distribution of tocopherols) and the nature of the processing of the B100 (absence of tocopherols would suggest distillation). Information on the tocopherol content of the B100 can be used to assess the inherent antioxidant content of the B100 and the extent to which additional stabilizers are required. The method determines the concentration of alpha, gamma and delta tocopherols and has a chromatographic run time of 4.5 min with minimal sample preparation. Calibration curves were linear over the range of 5–350 μg/mL and had correlation coefficients exceeding 0.999. The short term precision of the method was evaluated, and relative standard deviations were typically 2 % or less. Recovery of spiked tocopherols averaged 97 %.
Perioperative morbidity associated with medically necessary panniculectomy in gynecologic oncology surgery
Authors: Singh Sareena , Laughingwell Raeph , Rosenblum Norman G. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the data and outcomes of combining medically necessary panniculectomy with gynecologic oncology surgery and to discuss the associated perioperative and postoperative complications.MethodsIn a retrospective study of women with a body mass index (BMI) of greater than or equal to 35 who underwent gynecologic oncology surgery at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, between January 2005 and August 2011, patients were divided into 2 cohorts: those who had surgery with concurrent panniculectomy, and those who had surgery via standard laparotomy. Postoperative complications and lymph node (LN) yield were compared between the groups.ResultsPatient characteristics were comparable in both cohorts, except that the panniculectomy group had a greater BMI. Surgery combined with panniculectomy led to longer operating room times. Wound complications did not differ between the 2 groups. Panniculectomy did not affect LN yield or the development of venous thromboembolism.ConclusionThe data were reasonably consistent with previous studies. Although wound complications occurred, most were managed conservatively; as a result, overall morbidity was acceptable. Panniculectomy has been previously shown to facilitate lymphadenectomy and increase LN yield; however, the present results did not substantiate this conclusion. More research is required to determine which patients are optimal candidates for combined procedures.
Intravenous infusion of paracetamol versus intravenous pethidine as an intrapartum analgesic in the first stage of labor
Authors: Elbohoty Ahmed E.H. , Abd‐Elrazek Hiam , Abd‐El‐Gawad Magdi , Salama Fikria , El‐Shorbagy Mahmoud , Abd‐El‐Maeboud Karim H.I. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and adverse effects of an intravenous infusion of 1000 mg of paracetamol as compared with an intravenous injection of 50 mg of pethidine hydrochloride for intrapartum analgesia.MethodsIn a randomized prospective study at Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt, between April and August 2010, 102 low‐risk primiparous women in active labor were allocated to received either paracetamol (n = 52) or pethidine hydrochloride (n = 50). The primary outcome was the efficacy of the drug to supply adequate analgesia as measured by a change in the visual analog scale (VAS) pain intensity score at various times after drug administration. The secondary outcomes included the need for additional rescue analgesia and the presence of adverse maternal or fetal events.ResultsAs recorded by the VAS score, there was significant pain reduction at 15 minutes, and at 1 and 2 hours in both groups (P < 0.001). The reduction in pain was significantly greater in the pethidine group only at 15 minutes (P = 0.004). None of the women in the paracetamol group had adverse effects, as compared with 64% of the women receiving pethidine.ConclusionThe effectiveness of intravenous paracetamol was comparable to that of intravenous pethidine, but paracetamol had fewer maternal adverse effects.
Commentary on “Mediation analysis and categorical variables: The final frontier” by Dawn Iacobucci
Authors: MacKinnon David P. , Cox Matthew G. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe commentary discusses several topics in Dr. Iacobucci's article on mediation analysis with categorical variables including the lack of equivalency of mediated effect measures, ab, and c–c′, that are algebraically equivalent in ordinary least squares regression models. The commentary raises the issue of correlated mediation coefficients and presents formulas to include the correlation in the test of significance. References to new developments in causal mediation analysis for categorical variables are given and the importance of programs of research to establish a mediation theory is emphasized.
Normal nasal patency: problems in obtaining standard reference values for the surgeon
Authors: Moore M , Eccles R 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThis review examines why there is no normal range of nasal patency available to the surgeon when assessing nasal obstruction, and discusses the factors that influence nasal patency. Current normal ranges are examined and criticised because of the variability of normal values and the poor sampling methods used. Instability of physiological nasal patency is related to factors such as the nasal cycle and the nose's direct exposure to the external environment. Decongestion of the nose is proposed as a way of stabilising anatomical nasal patency, and measurements of patency in this state may be more useful to the surgeon. Population studies are needed to establish a normal range, but these studies must control for factors such as age, height, sex, and nasal shape and size related to climatic adaptation. Rather than classify populations according to unscientific categories such as race, anthropometric measures such as the nasal index are proposed.
Branchial cleft anomalies: accuracy of pre-operative diagnosis, clinical presentation and management
Authors: Guldfred L-A , Philipsen B B , Siim C 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjective:To examine the accuracy of the pre-operative diagnosis of branchial cleft anomalies, and also to describe their occurrence, clinical presentation and management.Methods:Retrospective review of the records of patients diagnosed with a branchial cleft anomaly between 1997 and 2006.Results:One hundred and twenty-six patients were included. Pre-operative diagnosis had a positive predictive value of 0.856 (95 per cent confidence interval, 0.771–0.918) and a sensitivity of 0.944 (95 per cent confidence interval, 0.869–0.979). These patients' demographic data, investigations, findings and management are presented, along with a possible strategy for dealing with solitary cystic masses in the neck.Conclusion:As pre-operative diagnosis has a positive predictive value of 86 per cent, cystic lesions in the neck should be presumed to be carcinomatous until proven otherwise. Branchial fistulae and sinuses seem to be a disease of childhood, while branchial cysts occur mainly in adults. Branchial cleft anomalies are equally frequent in men and women, and equally distributed on the left and right side of the neck.
A retrospective case review of isolated sinonasal amyloidosis
Authors: Naidoo Y S , Gupta R , Sacks R 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjective:We report an extremely rare case of isolated primary sinonasal amyloidosis.Method:A case report and comprehensive literature review are presented. Common symptoms, signs and treatment options are examined, and used to derive an algorithm with which the practising otolaryngologist can diagnose and manage this condition.Results:Only 15 cases of true primary idiopathic amyloid restricted to the sinonasal tract have previously been reported. Isolated sinonasal amyloid presents with common rhinological symptoms which mimic chronic rhinosinusitis, i.e. nasal obstruction, nasal discharge, epistaxis, ‘glue ear’ and post-nasal drip. The lesion itself can appear as a simple inflammatory polyp. In children, the symptoms are easily attributed to enlarged adenoids. Although there is a concern that surgically induced trauma to the paranasal mucosa might incite reactive amyloid deposition, this seems not to be the case, and surgery provides symptomatic relief in the majority of patients.Conclusion:This article is the first to report the characteristic features of isolated primary sinonasal amyloidosis. The evidence suggests that meticulous surgery can produce substantial symptomatic improvement in these patients.
Endoscopic resection of skull base tumours utilising the ultrasonic dissector
Authors: Lubbe D E , Fisher-Jeffes N , Semple P 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjective:We report the use and benefits of the ultrasonic dissector in the resection of difficult skull base lesions.Method:Five case reports are presented, and the utilisation of ultrasonic dissectors in otorhinolaryngology is reviewed.Results:The ultrasonic dissector was found to be a useful tool during the endoscopic resection of poorly accessible skull base tumours. Safe dissection and complete removal of all five lesions were achieved without any vascular injury. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the use of the ultrasonic dissector for the resection of sinonasal and skull base tumours.Conclusion:The ultrasonic dissector was found to be particularly useful during the endoscopic transnasal approach to the petrous apex. During minimally invasive endonasal surgery, benefits include the length of the instrument, speed and precision of dissection, and low risk of vascular injury.
Tracheal resection for thyroid cancer
Authors: Shenoy A M , Burrah R , Rao V , Chavan P , Halkud R , Gowda V B , Ranganath N , Shivakumar T , Prashanth V 
Published: April 2012

AbstractIntroduction:Thyroid cancers infiltrating the upper aerodigestive tract are not uncommon. The management of these cases can be demanding, with a high level of surgical skill required to achieve adequate primary resection and reconstruction.Materials and methods:This study was a single institution series of seven patients, managed over two years, who underwent tracheal resection for advanced thyroid cancer. All patients were older than 45 years (range, 45–65 years) and were predominantly male (six of seven). All patients presented to us with a swelling in the neck. Fine needle aspiration cytology detected thyroid cancer in all patients. None of the patients required a tracheostomy prior to surgery; however, they all had varying levels of airway compromise. One patient had lung metastasis at presentation. In all patients, the airway was successfully secured with fibre-optic assisted intubation prior to surgery. All patients underwent a total thyroidectomy with tracheal resection and anastomosis. Montgomery's suprahyoid release was utilised to achieve adequate laryngeal drop. None of the patients required a tracheostomy in the post-operative period. All patients received adjuvant therapy with either radioiodine ablation and/or radiotherapy.Conclusion:Tracheal resection and primary reconstruction is a feasible surgical procedure for patients with thyroid cancer infiltrating the upper aerodigestive tract, with good clinical outcomes. However, the morbidity of the procedure mandates careful case selection, airway management and meticulous surgical technique.
Grey Nomads travelling in Queensland, Australia: social and health needs
Authors: HILLMAN WENDY 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTAt any time of the year, and particularly in the colder months of the southern part of the Australian continent, many caravans and mobile homes can be seen on the roads of northern Australia, and Queensland, in particular. Mainly during June, July, August and September, Grey Nomads frequent the northern half of Australia, to escape the colder climate of southern Australia. The term Grey Nomad is applied to the section of the older Australian population who use their retirement years as a time to experience travel once freed from the constraints of work and family commitments. This paper draws on research conducted about the health and social needs of Grey Nomads holidaying in a Central Queensland, Australia, coastal location. Open-ended, semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 20 participants. Contingency plans concerning wellness, wellbeing and medical conditions all formed a part of the Grey Nomads’ daily existence while travelling. Many important and lasting friendships and social support networks were formed during the journeying and sojourning phases of the travel. Many of the Grey Nomads interviewed felt the need to keep in contact with home, even though they willingly chose to leave it, and to be ‘away’. Just as the Grey Nomad cohort have concerns and solutions about their health and related issues, so too, they have concerns for social networks and family connectedness while travelling in Australia.
Effect of leaf-cutting ant nests on plant growth in an oligotrophic Amazon rain forest
Authors: Saha Amartya K. , Carvalho Karine S. , Sternberg Leonel da S. L. , Moutinho Paulo 
Published: April 2012

Abstract:This study examined whether high nutrient concentrations associated with leaf-cutting ant nests influence plant growth and plant water relations in Amazon rain forests. Three nests of Atta cephalotes were selected along with 31 Amaioua guianensis and Protium sp. trees that were grouped into trees near and distant (>10 m) from nests. A 15N leaf-labelling experiment confirmed that trees located near nests accessed nutrients from nests. Trees near nests exhibited higher relative growth rates (based on stem diameter increases) on average compared with trees further away; however this was significant for A. guianensis (near nest 0.224 y−1 and far from nest 0.036 y−1) but not so for Protium sp. (0.146 y−1 and 0.114 y−1 respectively). Water relations were similarly species-specific; for A. guianensis, near-nest individuals showed significantly higher sap flow rates (16 vs. 5 cm h−1), higher predawn/midday water potentials (−0.66 vs. −0.98 MPa) and lower foliar δ13C than trees further away indicating greater water uptake in proximity to the nests while the Protium sp. showed no significant difference except for carbon isotopes. This study thus shows that plant response to high nutrient concentrations in an oligotrophic ecosystem varies with species. Lower seedling abundance and species richness on nests as compared with further away suggests that while adult plants access subterranean nutrient pools, the nest surfaces themselves do not encourage plant establishment and growth.
Breakfast consumption and CVD risk factors in European adolescents: the HELENA (Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence) Study
Authors: Hallström Lena , Labayen Idoia , Ruiz Jonatan R , Patterson Emma , Vereecken Carine A , Breidenassel Christina , Gottrand Frédéric , Huybrechts Inge , Manios Yannis , Mistura Lorenza , Widhalm Kurt , Kondaki Katerina , Moreno Luis A , Sjöström Michael 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the association between breakfast consumption and CVD risk factors in European adolescents.DesignCross-sectional. Breakfast consumption was assessed by the statement ‘I often skip breakfast’ and categorized into ‘consumer’, ‘occasional consumer’ and ‘skipper’. Blood pressure, weight, height, waist circumference, skinfold thickness, total cholesterol (TC), HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), TAG, insulin and glucose were measured and BMI, TC:HDL-C, LDL-C:HDL-C and homeostasis model assessment–insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) were calculated.SettingThe European Union-funded HELENA (Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence) Study.SubjectsEuropean adolescents, aged 12·50–17·49 years, from ten cities within the HELENA study (n2929,n925 with blood sample, 53 % females).ResultsIn males, significant differences across breakfast consumption category (‘consumer’, ‘occasional consumer’ and ‘skipper’) were seen for age, BMI, skinfold thickness, waist circumference, cardiorespiratory fitness, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, TC:HDL-C, LDL-C:HDL-C, glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR and LDL-C; in females, for cardiorespiratory fitness, skinfold thickness, BMI, insulin and HOMA-IR. In overweight/obese males significant differences were also seen for TC and LDL-C, whereas no differences were observed in non-overweight males or in females regardless of weight status.ConclusionsOur findings among European adolescents confirm previous data indicating that adolescents who regularly consume breakfast have lower body fat content. The results also show that regular breakfast consumption is associated with higher cardiorespiratory fitness in adolescents, and with a healthier cardiovascular profile, especially in males. Eating breakfast regularly may also negate somewhat the effect of excess adiposity on TC and LDL-C, especially in male adolescents.
Maternal dietary patterns and associated nutrient intakes during each trimester of pregnancy
Authors: McGowan Ciara A , McAuliffe Fionnuala M 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the main dietary patterns of pregnant women during each of the three trimesters of pregnancy and to examine associated nutrient intakes.DesignParticipants completed a 3 d food diary during each trimester of pregnancy. Thirty-six food groups were created and dietary patterns were derived using k-means cluster analysis.SettingNational Maternity Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.SubjectsTwo hundred and eighty-five healthy pregnant women aged between 20 and 41 years.ResultsTwo dietary patterns were identified at each time point. They were labelled ‘Unhealthy’ (n 143, 150 and 155 at trimester 1, 2 and 3, respectively) and ‘Health Conscious’ (n 142, 135 and 130 at trimester 1, 2 and 3, respectively). Women in the ‘Health Conscious’ cluster were significantly older, had lower BMI and were higher educated than those in the ‘Unhealthy’ cluster. Of those in the ‘Unhealthy’ cluster in the first trimester (n 143), 103 (72·0 %) continued in this dietary pattern into trimester 2 and eighty-one (56·6 %) continued into trimester 3. Of those in the ‘Health Conscious’ cluster in trimester 1 (n 142), ninety-five (66·9 %) continued in this dietary pattern into trimester 2 and sixty-nine (48·6 %) continued into trimester 3.ConclusionsCluster analysis produced two clearly defined dietary patterns at each stage of pregnancy. Knowledge of maternal dietary patterns is important for the development of pregnancy-specific dietary guidelines. Identifying women with an ‘Unhealthy’ dietary pattern in early pregnancy affords the opportunity for a dietary intervention which may positively impact both maternal and infant health.