bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Acyl CoenzymeA:Monoacylglycerol Acyltransferase 3 (MGAT3) Gene is a Pseudogene in Mice but Encodes a Functional Enzyme in Rats
Authors: Yue Yong Gang , Chen Yan Qun , Zhang Youyan , Wang He , Qian Yue‐Wei , Arnold Jeffrey S. , Calley John N. , Li Shuyu D. , Perry William L. , Zhang Hong Y. , Konrad Robert J. , Cao Guoqing 
Published: February 2011

AbstractTriglyceride (TAG) absorption involves its initial hydrolysis to fatty acids and monoacylglycerol (MAG), which are resynthesized back to diacylglycerol (DAG) and TAG within enterocytes. The resynthesis of DAG is facilitated by fatty acyl‐CoA dependent monoacylglycerol acyltransferases (MGATs). Three MGAT enzymes have been isolated in humans and the expression of MGAT2 and MGAT3 in the intestines suggests their functional role in the TAG absorption. In this paper, we report that the Mogat3 gene appears to be a pseudogene in mice while it is a functional gene in rats. Examination of the mouse genomic Mogat3 sequence revealed multiple changes that would result in a translational stop codon or frameshifts. The rat Mogat3 gene, however, is predicted to encode a functional enzyme of 362 amino acids. Expression of rat MGAT3 in human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells led to the formation of a 36‐kDa protein that displayed significant MGAT but not DGAT activity. Tissue expression analysis of rat MGAT3 by real‐time PCR analysis indicated that rat MGAT3 has a high level of expression in intestines and pancreas. Our results thus provide the molecular basis to understand the relative functional role of MGAT2 and MGAT3 and also for future exploration of MGAT3 function in animal models.
Separation of FFA from Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil Hydrolysate by Means of Membrane Processing
Authors: Jala Ram Chandra Reddy , Guo Zheng , Xu Xuebing 
Published: February 2011

AbstractDifferent types of commercial porous and non‐porous polymeric membranes have been investigated for their capabilities to separate free fatty acids (FFA) from hydrolysate of partially hydrogenated soybean oil. A regenerated cellulose (RC, PLAC) membrane exhibited the most prominent difference in rejection between FFA and glycerides and the highest flux (27 kg h−1 m−2) in hydrolysate ethanol solution. The results also showed that, besides the pore size of membrane, the membrane flux depended largely on the property matching between membrane and solvent, as observed (40 kg h−1 m−2) flux was achieved with methanol but no flux detected with hexane for PLAC. The polyvinyl alcohol (PVA, NTR‐729 HF) and Polyamide (PA, NTR‐759HR) membranes gave the second and third highest flux (10.1 and 5.7 kg h−1 m−2, respectively), where solute rejections for NTR‐759HR were 95.9% for triacylglycerols (TG), 83.3% for diacylglycerols (DG); 87.7% for monoacylglycerols (MG) and 22.9% for FFA, respectively. A discontinuous membrane filtration using an RC membrane with ethanol changed the composition of hydrolysate from 32.2:34.2:7.9:25.7 TG/DG/MG/FFA to 47.8:36.0:10.2:6.0. The results from this work proved that FFA can be efficiently separated from a hydrolysis mixture of oil using an RC membrane in methanol and ethanol.
CT imaging of blunt chest trauma
Authors: Oikonomou Anastasia , Prassopoulos Panos 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background
Thoracic injury overall is the third most common cause of trauma following injury to the head and extremities. Thoracic trauma has a high morbidity and mortality, accounting for approximately 25% of trauma-related deaths, second only to head trauma. More than 70% of cases of blunt thoracic trauma are due to motor vehicle collisions, with the remainder caused by falls or blows from blunt objects.

Methods
The mechanisms of injury, spectrum of abnormalities and radiological findings encountered in blunt thoracic trauma are categorised into injuries of the pleural space (pneumothorax, hemothorax), the lungs (pulmonary contusion, laceration and herniation), the airways (tracheobronchial lacerations, Macklin effect), the oesophagus, the heart, the aorta, the diaphragm and the chest wall (rib, scapular, sternal fractures and sternoclavicular dislocations). The possible coexistence of multiple types of injury in a single patient is stressed, and therefore systematic exclusion after thorough investigation of all types of injury is warranted.

Results
The superiority of CT over chest radiography in diagnosing chest trauma is well documented. Moreover, with the advent of MDCT the imaging time for trauma patients has been significantly reduced to several seconds, allowing more time for appropriate post-diagnosis care.

Conclusion
High-quality multiplanar and volumetric reformatted CT images greatly improve the detection of injuries and enhance the understanding of mechanisms of trauma-related abnormalities.
Paternal Incarceration and Support for Children in Fragile Families
Authors: Geller Amanda , Garfinkel Irwin , Western Bruce 
Published: February 2011

AbstractHigh U.S. incarceration rates have motivated recent research on the negative effects of imprisonment on later employment, earnings, and family relationships. Because most men in jail and prison are fathers, a large number of children may be placed at considerable risk by policies of incarceration. This article examines one dimension of the economic risk faced by children of incarcerated fathers: the reduction in the financial support that they receive. We use a population-based sample of urban children to examine the effects of incarceration on this support. Both cross-sectional and longitudinal regressions indicate that formerly incarcerated men are less likely to contribute to their families, and those who do contribute provide significantly less. The negative effects of incarceration on fathers’ financial support are due not only to the low earnings of formerly incarcerated men but also to their increased likelihood to live apart from their children. Men contribute far less through child support (formal or informal) than they do when they share their earnings within their household, suggesting that the destabilizing effects of incarceration on family relationships place children at significant economic disadvantage.
A positron emission tomography study of wind‐up pain in chronic postherniotomy pain
Authors: Kupersl Ron , Lonsdalel Markus Nowak , Aasvangl Eske , Kehletl Henrik 
Published: February 2011

AbstractMany neuropathic pain conditions are characterized by abnormal responses to noxious or innocuous mechanical stimulation, including wind‐up pain. Whereas previous brain imaging studies have explored the cerebral correlates of hyperalgesia and allodynia, no studies are available on mechanical‐induced wind‐up pain in neuropathic pain patients. We therefore used positron emission tomography (PET) to investigate the cerebral response pattern of mechanical wind‐up pain in a homogenous group of 10 neuropathic pain patients with long‐standing postherniotomy pain in the groin area. Patients were scanned in the following conditions: (1) rest; (2) wind‐up pain, induced by 2 Hz von Frey stimulation in the painful area; (3) non‐painful 2 Hz von Frey stimulation in the homologous contralateral area and (4) tonic pressure pain in the homologous contralateral area. A direct comparison between wind‐up pain and non‐painful von Frey stimulation revealed that the former more strongly activated contralateral secondary somatosensory cortex, insula, anterior cingulate cortex, right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, thalamus and cerebellum. In addition, wind‐up pain also activated the sublenticular extended amygdala (SLEA) and the brain stem. A direct comparison between wind‐up pain and pressure pain revealed that both activated a largely overlapping network. Since no de novo brain areas were activated by wind‐up pain, our data suggest that the processes specific to wind‐up pain do not occur at the cerebral level.
The burden of symptoms predicts early retirement: A twin cohort study on fibromyalgia‐associated symptoms
Authors: Markkulal Ritva , Kalsol Eija , Huunan‐Seppäläl Antti , Koskenvuol Markku , Koskenvuol Karoliina , Leino‐Arjasl Päivi , Kapriol Jaakko 
Published: February 2011

AbstractObjective: To assess whether symptoms of fibromyalgia (FM) predict disability retirement or mortality.Methods: All Finnish Twin Cohort members and diagnosed FM‐patients who had answered the same health questionnaire in 1990–1992 were studied. A sample of 10,608 working aged individuals of the cohort was classified in homogenous groups based on symptom profile with latent class analysis, using a battery of questions addressing FM‐associated symptoms validated between FM‐patients and twins. This resulted in three classes: no or few symptoms (LC1), some symptoms (LC2), and high load of FM‐symptoms (LC3). In a 14‐year follow‐up, 1990–2004, information on disability retirement was obtained from official pension registers. Further linkage with Population Register Centre data for 1990–2009 yielded information on the vital status of the cohort subjects. Those with malignancies or inflammatory rheumatic diseases were excluded.Results: Cumulative incidence of early disability retirement was 9.5% among all 8448 individuals (after exclusions), and 26% in LC3. Adjusted hrs for early retirement were 1.0 (reference class) in LC1, 1.5 (95%CI 1.2–1.7) in LC2, and 2.9 (2.4–3.6) in LC3 for all causes and 1.8 (1.4–2.5) in LC2 and 5.0 (3.6–6.9) in LC3 for musculoskeletal disorders. In 173,675 person‐years, the high symptom class (LC3) had a 43% (95% CI 17–75%) increased overall mortality risk, which was fully accounted for by adjustment for lifestyle factors, mainly smoking.Conclusion: Symptoms associated with FM strongly correlate with early disability retirement. Lifestyle problems associated with high symptom load need prompt management to avoid increased risk of mortality.
Task shifting and sharing in Tigray, Ethiopia, to achieve comprehensive emergency obstetric care
Authors: Gessessew Amanuel , Barnabas Gebre Ab , Prata Ndola , Weidert Karen 
Published: February 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the contribution of nonphysician clinicians (NPCs) to comprehensive emergency obstetric care (CEmOC) in Tigray, Ethiopia.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of the obstetric records of all women treated from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2008, at the 11 hospitals and 2 health centers with CEmOC status in Tigray. Data were collected using 2 questionnaires, one concerning the facility and the other concerning the patient.ResultsDuring the studied period 25,629 deliveries and 11,059 obstetric procedures (3369 of which were major surgical interventions) were performed at these 13 institutions. Overall, NPCs performed 63.3% of these procedures, which included 1574 (55.5%) of a total of 2835 cesarean deliveries. Whereas the cesarean deliveries performed by physicians were more often elective, those performed by NPCs were more often indicated by an emergency. Maternal deaths, fetal deaths, and length of hospital stay did not statistically differ by type of attending staff.ConclusionNot only do NPCs perform a significant proportion of emergency obstetric procedures in Tigray, but the postoperative outcomes achieved under their care are similar to those attained by physicians. Strengthening NPC training programs in emergency obstetric surgery should further reduce maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity in Ethiopia.
Complications of mid‐urethral slings for treatment of stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Pushkar Dmitry Y. , Godunov Boris N. , Gvozdev Michail , Kasyan Gevorg R. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the incidence of complications associated with the use of retropubic tension‐free vaginal tape (TVT) and transobturator tension‐free vaginal tape (TVT‐O) for the management of stress urinary incontinence (SUI).MethodsIn a cross‐sectional study, 1081 patients were treated for SUI via mid‐urethral slings, and the outcomes of those treated via TVT and those treated via TVT‐O were compared. Patients who suffered from recurrent or mixed urinary incontinence were excluded.ResultsGroup 1 included patients treated via TVT (n = 207) and group 2 included those treated with TVT‐O (n = 570). There was a higher incidence of bladder perforation (5.4% versus 0.6%; P = 0.001) and hematoma formation (9.1% versus 1.5%; P = 0.001) in group 1 than in group 2. Compared with group 1, there was higher incidence of vaginal wall perforation in group 2 (0.0% versus 3.8%, P = 0.044). The rate of intraoperative complications was not related to patient age, body mass index, or parity. Of the patients who did not leak urine during a cough test 1 month after surgery, 90.9% still had a negative cough test at the long‐term follow‐up.ConclusionTVT‐O was superior to TVT with regard to the incidence of bladder perforation and hematoma formation, but it resulted in more vaginal wall injuries.
Immediate provisional restoration of a single‐tooth implant in the esthetic zone: A case report
Authors: Fu Po‐Sung , Wu Yi‐Min , Tsai Ching‐Fang , Huang Ta‐Ko , Chen Wen‐Cheng , Hung Chun‐Cheng 
Published: February 2011

AbstractImmediate implant restoration of single implants may demonstrate a positive effect on peri‐implant soft tissue. Placement of a provisional restoration following implant surgery can create soft tissue contours that resemble normal gingival topography before placement of the definitive prosthesis. This article describes a staged approach of the mandibular permanent right central incisor, which was congenital missing. The proper space for restoration of the missing incisor was created through orthodontic treatment. The scheduled implant site was reconstructed using autogenous bone harvested from the chin region. After a healing period of four months, an implant was installed with the connection of a fixed provisional crown to a prefabricated temporary abutment. The soft tissue around the implant healed according to the contours of the provisional restoration and the emergence profile was used to duplicate the definitive restoration. Peri‐implant esthetics was achieved through the staged approach and immediate restoration of the implant.
Primary erythromelalgia with leukonychia combined with ulcerations and infection by Monilia guilliermondii
Authors: Yuan Zhengyong , He Changxiao 
Published: February 2011

AbstractAn 8‐year‐old girl presented with recurrent redness, warming, and pain of the lower extremities for more than 4 years, with exacerbation and accompanying swelling for the past 1 year and ulcers for 1 month. The episodes were triggered by exertion and heat. Her family history revealed that her mother had experienced similar symptoms. Physical examination showed proximal white nails and the distal border in normal color. There was some ulceration in the dorsum of the feet with thick, yellowish secretions, covered by some crusted lesions. Laboratory culture result showed that there were many Monilia guilliermondii in the ulcer specimen. Finally, she was diagnosed with juvenile onset of primary erythromelalgia and was given symptomatic treatment for neuropathic pain and pedal ulcers.
Effect of chlorhexidine gluconate and benzydamine hydrochloride mouth spray on clinical signs and quality of life of patients with streptococcal tonsillopharyngitis: multicentre, prospective, randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Cingi C , Songu M , Ural A , Erdogmus N , Yildirim M , Cakli H , Bal C 
Published: February 2011

AbstractObjective:To assess the effect of chlorhexidine gluconate and benzydamine hydrochloride mouth spray, used in conjunction with antibiotic treatment, on the intensity of clinical signs and quality of life of patients with group A streptococcal tonsillopharyngitis.Methods:Patients (n = 147) with streptococcal tonsillopharyngitis were recruited and randomly allocated to either the treatment group (penicillin plus chlorhexidine and benzydamine;n = 72) or control group (penicillin plus placebo;n = 75). Blinded assessments were conducted before and after 10 days' treatment, using an intensity rating scale for clinical sign severity, a visual analogue scale for subjective health state, the Short Form 36 Health Questionnaire for quality of life, and a customised questionnaire for side effects.Results:The treatment group showed a statistically significant reduction in the intensity of clinical signs, compared with the control group. On treatment day 7, there was no significant difference in quality of life between the treatment and control groups. The treatment drugs were well tolerated, and no serious adverse events were observed.Conclusion:Chlorhexidine gluconate and benzydamine hydrochloride mouth spray, added to standard antibiotic treatment, significantly alleviate the intensity of clinical signs in patients with streptococcal pharyngitis. Further research is needed using larger sample sizes or alternative control groups.
Maize remittances, smallholder livelihoods and maize consumption in Malawi
Authors: Andersson Agnes 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACTThis article explores the phenomenon of in-kind remittances of maize and its implications for rural household livelihoods and food consumption. Interviews with a sample of 391 households in eight villages in Malawi are used to substantiate the discussion. Explanations for in-kind remittances are sought in the micro-level interaction between the formal market realm, informalised exchange systems and the household. Remittances are not connected to lower commercialisation levels, suggesting that the explanation for remittances should be sought in the production and consumption patterns of the households. Remittances function as an important redistributive mechanism for food across space. The role of smallholder food production for urban livelihoods as well as the subsistence responsibilities of rural households are underestimated if agrarian household level linkages from rural to urban areas are not recognised in national production and consumption surveys and among policy makers.
The AU: a new arena for Anglo-French cooperation in Africa?
Authors: Chafer Tony 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACTAt their 1998 Saint-Malo summit, the UK and French governments promised to set aside a century of rivalry and cooperate more closely on Africa. They also signalled their intention to develop a continent-wide focus on Africa, which would include building up the capacity of regional organisations. They were helped in this latter goal by the winding up of the OAU and its replacement by the AU in 2002. This article therefore examines the extent and nature of Anglo-French cooperation vis-à-vis the AU. It sets out briefly the history of UK and French neglect of the OAU, reviews the key developments that pushed for a more coordinated stance on the AU, and then – drawing on extensive interviews in London, Paris, Brussels, Addis Ababa and Dakar – evaluates the extent of Anglo-French cooperation. It concludes by noting the uneven nature of Anglo-French cooperation vis-à-vis the AU and assesses the reasons for this.
Family care-giving and decisions about entry to care: a rural perspective
Authors: RYAN ASSUMPTA , MCKENNA HUGH , SLEVIN OLIVER 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACTThe aim of this qualitative study was to explore rural family carers' experiences of the nursing home placement of an older relative. The study was undertaken in a large Health and Social Care Trust in Northern Ireland using a grounded theory approach. Purposive sampling was used to initiate data collection and thereafter theoretical sampling was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 29 relatives of nursing home residents and the resultant data were recorded, transcribed and analysed using constant comparisons. The software package, QSR NVivo, was used to facilitate data management and retrieval. Older people had deep attachments to their homes and entry to care was a last resort. Rural family carers had close relationships with health- and social-care practitioners and felt supported in the decision-making process. The choice of home was a foregone conclusion for carers who had a strong sense of familiarity with the nursing homes in their area. This familiarity was influenced by the relatively rural communities in which respondents resided and by an efficient ‘grapevine’, which seemed to thrive in these small communities. This familiarity, in turn, influenced the choice of nursing home, timing of the placement and responses of family carers. The findings indicate that issues such as rurality and familiarity warrant a more detailed exploration in future research on entry to care.
Terrorism and Armed Conflict: Insights from a Law & Literature Perspective
Authors: BIANCHI ANDREA 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThis article examines some selected issues relating to terrorism and international humanitarian law (IHL): the characterization of the nature of armed conflicts in which armed groups, qualified as ‘terrorist’, are involved; terrorism as a war crime; and the determination of the status and treatment (including detention) of terrorist suspects apprehended in the course of an armed conflict. The analysis emphasizes the importance of legal categories and legal qualifications of factual situations for the purpose of determining the applicable law as well as the crucial importance of taking societal practice into account when evaluating the state of the law in any given area. The main focus of the article, however, is on providing a few basic insights, drawn from the law & literature movement, on international humanitarian law and terrorism. Short of any epistemological ambition, literature is used as a remainder that the law is not a set of neutral rules, elaborated and applied independently of context and historical background; that the human condition remains central; and that legal regulation cannot be oblivious to it. Finally, mention is made of interpretive techniques, developed in the field of literary studies, that may help establish social consensus on the interpretation of IHL grey areas.
Territorial Integrity Narrowly Interpreted: Reasserting the Classical Inter-State Paradigm of International Law
Authors: CORTEN OLIVIER 
Published: February 2011

AbstractParagraph 80 of the Kosovo AO reflects a very traditional conception of international law. By insisting on the inter-state character of the principle of territorial integrity, the Court refused to challenge the classical argument of the ‘neutrality’ of international law in regard to secession. The Court also refused any reinterpretation of Article 2(4) of the UN Charter. As already stated in the Wall Advisory Opinion, the prohibition of the use of force is only applicable between states. It does not apply between states and non-state actors, whether secessionist or not. Similarly, the Court refused the argument of ‘remedial secession’, at least as far as it would imply a right to violate the principle of territorial integrity of a state by a secessionist group. Indeed, if the latter principle is not applicable in such situations, it logically cannot be violated and there is therefore no right to infringe it. Finally, the Court refused to consider Kosovo as a ‘special case’ or a sui generis situation. According to the Court, this situation must be governed by the traditional rules of general international law. This implies that Kosovo did not violate international law by proclaiming independence. But this also implies that a declaration of independence by a secessionist group inside Kosovo would not be contrary to international law. Moreover, it can be pointed out that if Kosovo is not a state (a hypothesis perfectly compatible with the advisory opinion), then general international law would not preclude Serbia from invoking the argument of ‘legal neutrality’ to support such a secessionist group.