bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The TviA auxiliary protein renders the Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi RcsB regulon responsive to changes in osmolarity
Authors: Winter Sebastian E. , Winter Maria G. , Thiennimitr Parameth , Gerriets Valerie A. , Nuccio Sean‐Paul , Rüssmann Holger , Bäumler Andreas J. 
Published: August 2009

SummaryIn response to osmolarity, Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi (S. Typhi) regulates genes required for Vi capsular antigen expression oppositely to those required for motility and invasion. Previous studies suggest that osmoregulation of motility, invasion and capsule expression is mediated through the RcsC/RcsD/RcsB phosphorelay system. Here we performed gene expression profiling and functional studies to determine the role of TviA, an auxiliary protein of the RcsB response regulator, in controlling virulence gene expression in S. Typhi. TviA repressed expression of genes encoding flagella and the invasion‐associated type III secretion system (T3SS‐1) through repression of the flagellar regulators flhDC and fliZ, resulting in reduced invasion, reduced motility and reduced expression of FliC. Both RcsB and TviA repressed expression of flhDC, but only TviA altered flhDC expression in response to osmolarity. Introduction of tviA into S. enterica serotype Typhimurium rendered flhDC transcription sensitive to changes in osmolarity. These data suggest that the auxiliary TviA protein integrates a new regulatory input into the RcsB regulon of S. Typhi, thereby altering expression of genes encoding flagella, the Vi antigen and T3SS‐1 in response to osmolarity.
Serum Soluble Interleukin‐2 Receptor, Beta2‐Microglobulin, Lactate Dehydrogenase and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate in Children with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Authors: Bien E. , Balcerska A. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe study was to determine clinical utility of serum soluble interleukin (IL)‐2 receptor (sIL‐2Rα), β2‐microglobulin (β2‐M), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) as markers of diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of response to therapy in childhood Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL). The markers were measured prospectively before treatment and in complete remission (CR) during and after therapy in 30 children with HL (F/M:19/11; median age: 11.3 years) and once in 50 healthy children (F/M: 24/26; median age: 8.7 years). Median pretreatment levels of all analysed markers were significantly higher than in healthy controls. Increased pretreatment sIL‐2Rα, LDH and ESR correlated with bulky disease; sIL‐2Rα, β2‐M and ESR with presence of B symptoms and sIL‐2Rα and LDH with advanced HL stages. There was a correlation between sIL‐2Rα and LDH and between β2‐M and ESR. The levels and rates of elevated markers reflected well the response to chemotherapy, decreasing significantly when patients achieved CR and further on with therapy continuation. Since all patients survived thus the markers’ value to predict the outcome was not established. Serum sIL‐2Rα, β2‐M, LDH and ESR may act as markers for diagnostics and used in monitoring of therapy effectiveness in childhood HL. The markers were also increased in subgroups of patients with unfavourable clinical features; however, small sample size of the study did not allow to draw conclusion on their prognostic roles. We were also not able to establish the influence of markers on event free survival and overall survival because all children survived independent of initial clinical characteristics and pretreatment levels of sIL‐2Rα, β2‐M, LDH and ESR.
A survey of physicians' reasons to transfuse plasma and platelets in the critically ill: a prospective single‐centre cohort study
Authors: Vlaar A. P. J. , In Der Maur A. L. , Binnekade J. M. , Schultz M. J. , Juffermans N. P. 
Published: August 2009

summary.Data on the rationality of transfusion practice of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and platelets in the critically ill are sparse and may contribute to efforts to reduce transfusion rates. To provide insight into determinants of the decision of intensive care unit (ICU)‐physicians to transfuse, a survey study was performed. The reasons of ICU‐physicians to transfuse FFP and platelets were determined during a 10‐week period. Transfusion triggers were assessed, as well as correction of prolonged coagulation test results. Of 310 admissions, 44 patients (14%) received a transfusion of FFP and 35 patients (11%) received a platelet transfusion. In 67% patients, FFPs were transfused in bleeding patients and in 33% in non‐bleeding patients. FFP was transfused at a prothrombin time (PT) of 19 s (17–22). After FFP transfusion, PT levels of 15–18, 18–20 and 20–26 s decreased with a median of 0.7, 1.9 and 3.5 s, respectively. On average, 3.2 FFP units were ordered, of which 28% was not transfused. The major reason to transfuse platelets was bleeding. Platelets were transfused at a platelet count of 95 (36–116) × 109 L−1 in bleeding and 13 (10–18) × 109 L−1 in non‐bleeding patients. On average, 1.4 platelet units were ordered, of which 20% was not transfused. The agreement between physicians reporting a major bleeding and a definition of bleeding was poor (κ < 0.10 for FFP and 0.20 for platelets). In conclusion, one‐third of FFP transfusions was given to non‐bleeding patients. FFP transfusion failed to normalize prolonged coagulation test results in the majority of the patients. Transfusion of platelets was restrictive in non‐bleeding patients and liberal in bleeding patients. Education on indications of FFP transfusion and improved identification of bleeding may reduce transfusion rates.
Geochemistry of late Cenozoic lavas on Kunashir Island, Kurile Arc
Authors: Martynov Alexey Y. , Kimura Jun‐Ichi , Martynov Yuri A. , Rybin Alexsander V. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractMiddle Miocene to Quaternary lavas on Kunashir Island in the southern zone of the Kurile Arc were examined for major, trace, and Sr–Nd–Pb isotope compositions. The lavas range from basalt through to rhyolite and the mafic lavas show typical oceanic island arc signatures without significant crustal or sub‐continental lithosphere contamination. The lavas exhibit across‐arc variation, with increasingly greater fluid‐immobile incompatible element contents from the volcanic front to the rear‐arc; this pattern, however, does not apply to some other incompatible elements such as B, Sb, and halogens. All Sr–Nd–Pb isotope compositions reflect a depleted source with Indian Ocean mantle domain characteristics. The Nd and Pb isotope ratios are radiogenic in the volcanic front, whereas Sr isotope ratios are less radiogenic. These Nd isotope ratios covary with incompatible element ratios such as Th/Nd and Nb/Zr, indicating involvement of a slab‐derived sediment component by addition of melt or supercritical fluid capable of mobilizing these high field‐strength elements and rare earth elements from the slab. Fluid mobile elements, such as Ba, are also elevated in all basalt suites, suggesting involvement of slab fluid derived from altered oceanic crust. The Kurile Arc lavas are thus affected both by slab sediment and altered basaltic crust components. This magma plumbing system has been continuously active from the Middle Miocene to the present.
Late Cretaceous‐Cenozoic exhumation of the Yanji area, northeast China: Constraints from fission‐track thermochronology
Authors: Li Xiaoming , Gong Guilun , Yang Xiaoyong , Zeng Qiaosong 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe Yanji area, located at the border of China, Russia, and Korea, where the Phanerozoic granitoids have been widely exposed, was considered part of the orogenic collage between the North China Block in the south and the Jiamusi–Khanka Massifs in the northeast. In this study, the cooling and inferred uplift and denudation history since the late Mesozoic are intensively studied by carrying out apatite and zircon fission‐track analyses, together with electron microprobe analyses (EMPA) of chemical compositions of apatite from the granitoid samples in the Yanji area. The results show that: (i) zircon and apatite fission‐track ages range 91.7–99.6 Ma and 76.5–85.4 Ma, respectively; (ii) all apatite fission‐track length distributions are unimodal and yield mean lengths of 12–13.2 µm, and the apatites are attributed to chlorine‐bearing fluorapatite as revealed by EMPA results; and (iii) the thermal history modeling results based on apatite fission‐track grain ages and length distributions indicate that the time–temperature paths display similar patterns and the cooling has been accelerated for each sample since ca 15 Ma. Thus, we conclude that sequential cooling, involving two rapid (95–80 Ma and ca 15–0 Ma) and one slow (80–15 Ma) cooling, has taken place through the exhumation of the Yanji area since the late Cretaceous. The maximum exhumation is more than 5 km under a steady‐state geothermal gradient of 35°C/km. Combined with the tectonic setting, this exhumation is possibly related to the subduction of the Pacific Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate since the late Cretaceous.
Internal reflection pattern of Korea Strait shelf mud (Nakdong River subaqueous delta) off southeast Korea and implications for Holocene relative base‐level change
Authors: Lee Gwang H. , Kim Dae C. , Park Mi K. , Park Soo C. , Kim Han J. , Jou Hyeong T. , Khim Boo K. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe Korea Strait shelf mud (KSSM) (Nakdong River subaqueous delta) is the most conspicuous Holocene sedimentary feature in the inner shelf off southeast Korea. Analysis of multi‐channel sparker profiles and 14C ages of sediment cores reveals that the KSSM consists of three seismic units at the depocenter (>60 m thick): (i) the thin transgressive bottom (>ca 8000 cal bp); (ii) thick (>40 m) obliquely progradational middle (ca 8000–ca 2600 cal bp); and (iii) thin transgressive top (ca 2600 cal bp–present) units. The relative base level, predicted from the internal reflection pattern of the KSSM, remained significantly deeper (up to >70 m) than global sealevel during much of the Holocene. The apparent gradual drop (∼20 m) of the relative base level during the deposition of the middle unit, followed by a rise, further suggests that base level does not conform to sealevel and is more sensitive than the relative sealevel is to the local oceanographic regime and processes.
Neoproterozoic podiform chromitites in serpentinites of the Abu Meriewa–Hagar Dungash district, Eastern Desert, Egypt: Geotectonic implications and metamorphism
Authors: Abu El Ela Fawzy F. , Farahat Esam S. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractPodiform chromitites hosted in serpentinites (after harzburgite and dunite) and talc‐carbonate rocks from the Abu Meriewa–Hagar Dungash district (MHD), Eastern Desert of Egypt, together with metagabbros, pillow metavolcanics, and metasediments, form an ophiolitic mélange formed during the Neoproterozoic Pan‐African Orogeny. The chromitites show massive, disseminated, and nodular textures. Chromite cores in chromitites have high and restricted ranges of Cr# (0.65–0.75) and Mg# (0.64–0.83), implying primary compositions not affected by metamorphism. Therefore, they are used as reliable indicators of parent magma composition and tectonic affinities of these highly metamorphosed rocks. On the contrary, the altered rims are high‐Cr, low‐Fe3+spinel (rather than ferritchromit) enriched in Cr, Fe, and Mn, and depleted in Al and Mg (Cr# = 0.75–0.97, Mg# = 0.29–0.79), due to equilibration with interstitial silicates during regional metamorphism up to transitional greenschist–amphibolite facies at about 500–550°C. The primary chromite compositions suggest derivation from a high‐Mg tholeiitic, to possibly boninitic, parental magma in a supra‐subduction zone (arc–marginal basin) environment, similar to the spatially associated metavolcanic rocks. The MHD chromitites are most probably formed by melt–rock interaction mechanisms. The high Cr# of the investigated chromites suggests high degrees of partial melting of a depleted harzburgite source by interaction with primitive basaltic melt of deeper origin followed by mixing. Such Cr‐rich chromites are common in chromitites from the Eastern Desert of Egypt, implying broad thermal anomalies, possibly linked to an important geodynamic feature of the Arabian–Nubian Shield (ANS) evolution. This could revive interest in models that involve asthenospheric uprise, related to plume interaction or most probably due to oblique convergence of arc terranes during early evolution of the ANS.
Factors influencing breastfeeding in children less than 2 years of age in Lao PDR
Authors: Putthakeo Pornpai , Ali Moazzam , Ito Chiaki , Vilayhong Panome , Kuroiwa Chushi 
Published: August 2009

Aim:  This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of, and factors influencing, exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) at 6 months and continued breastfeeding (CBF) at 2 years.Methods:  Between January and February 2007, a cross‐sectional study was conducted using a semi‐structured questionnaire in 40 villages in the Vientiane capital and the Vientiane province of Lao PDR. A total of 400 mothers with children less than 2 years old were recruited by multistage random sampling. Based on the 1991 World Health Organization Breastfeeding Indicators, children were classified into three groups, 6–23‐month‐old children for assessing EBF at 6 months, 12–15‐month‐old children for CBF at 1 year and 20–23‐month‐old children for CBF at 2 years.Results:  The prevalence of EBF at 6 months and CBF at 2 years were 19.4% (n= 283) and 18.6% (n= 43), respectively. Some of the factors influencing EBF at 6 months in a univariate logistic regression model included: location of residence, (OR: 19.19, 95% CI 6.96–57.01), ethnicity (OR: 3.15, 95% CI 1.63–6.08), encouragement of the child's father (OR: 9.03, 95%CI 1.21–67.57) and inter‐spousal communication (OR: 5.20, 95% CI 2.34–11.56). A majority of the mothers (75.0%) had watched television advertisements for infant formula from Thailand, and 48.4% reported that they wanted to buy formula milk after having watched them.Conclusion:  This study showed a low prevalence of EBF at 6 months in the studied area in Lao PDR. Some of the factors that had a strong impact on EBF at 6 months included: location of residence, ethnicity, father's involvement, early breastfeeding plan, Mother's Card in antenatal care and television advertisement. There may be opportunities for government to review a range of policies relating to paternal involvement, antenatal care and formula advertising that could help to improve EBF rate.
The epidemiology of health conditions of newly arrived refugee children: A review of patients attending a specialist health clinic in Sydney
Authors: Sheikh Mohamud , Pal Abhijit , Wang Shu , MacIntyre C Raina , Wood Nicholas J , Isaacs David , Gunasekera Hasantha , Raman Shanti , Hale Katherine , Howell Alison 
Published: August 2009

Aim:  To determine the prevalence of common diseases in newly arrived refugee children, resettled in Sydney, by region of birth. To identify health needs of refugee children in Australia.Methods:  We prospectively screened for common diseases in refugee children attending a specialist paediatric refugee clinic, the Children's Hospital, Westmead, between May 2005 and December 2006. Screening tests included full blood count, Mantoux, vitamin D level, hepatitis B serology, syphilis serology, Schistosomiasis serology and malarial antigens.Results:  There were 239 patients, the majority (75%) from Africa, with 127 girls and 112 boys. Thirty‐six percent were 0–7 years old, 45% were 8–12 years old and 19% were 13–17 years old. Of those tested, 16% had Schistosomiasis, 5% had malaria and 4% were hepatitis B carriers. Of 216 children who had Mantoux tests, 33% were ≥10 mm and 24% were ≥15 mm, including four children with active disease (2 lymphadenitis, 1 pulmonary and 1 gastric). Vitamin D deficiency was the most common diagnosis: 61% had serum 25(OH)D3 <50 nmol/L. Anaemia was present in 15%. Disease prevalence was higher in children from Africa than Asia or the Middle East, and most of the children were asymptomatic. Given that we have only seen about 10% of the refugee children resettled in New South Wales, our results may not be generalisable to all refugees.Conclusion:  Our findings suggest that screening refugee children for common treatable conditions, even if they are asymptomatic, is paramount. In addition to infectious diseases screening, nutritional deficiencies should routinely be screened for.
Financial costs for parents with a baby in a neonatal nursery
Authors: Argus Brenda M , Dawson Jennifer A , Wong Connie , Morley Colin J , Davis Peter G 
Published: August 2009

Aim:  To determine the additional financial cost to families of babies admitted to the nurseries of The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.Methods:  Prospective case series of consecutive babies admitted to the Special and Intensive Care Nurseries at The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. Data were collected from diaries completed by parents who recorded expenses related to having their baby in hospital. Fifty nine families of babies born <34 weeks' gestation who were hospitalised for at least 2 weeks.Results:  The median expenditure per family per week was Australian (A) $243 and the median length of stay in the nurseries was 7 weeks. The major costs were related to food and transport. Expenses related to the expression/storage of breast milk and accommodation were also considerable consuming 11% and 14%, respectively of the weekly amount spent. Of the 23 families who reported lost or reduced income, the median amount lost per week per family was A$324.Conclusion:  The financial burden on families with babies admitted to a tertiary neonatal unit is substantial. The median cost per week was approximately one quarter of the average gross weekly income and included lost income as well as additional expenses. It is important that institutions and health‐care systems recognise the magnitude of this additional burden on vulnerable families.
Infections following lawnmower and farm machinery‐related injuries in children
Authors: Harkness Ben , Andresen David , Kesson Alison , Isaacs David 
Published: August 2009

Aims:  Because of the paucity of previous data, we report the organisms causing infection in children with injuries from lawnmowers and farm machinery.Methods:  Retrospective study of children admitted to the Children's Hospital at Westmead for lawnmower and farm machinery‐related injuries from 1998 to 2007.Results:  Twenty‐four patients were admitted for lawnmower‐related injuries. They had a bimodal age distribution, with peaks at 2–4 years and 14 years. Twenty‐one (87.5%) were boys. Positive wound cultures were obtained in 16.7% and included Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative organisms. Eight patients were admitted for farm machinery‐related injuries. Two patients (25%) returned positive wound cultures with multiple organisms including bacteria, fungi and mycobacteria and were diagnosed with osteomyelitis caused by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Scedosporium prolificans, respectively.Conclusion:  The rate of infection in our small series of children with lawnmower and farm machinery‐related injuries was comparable to previous reports. We found a wide range of causative organisms, often inherently antibiotic resistant, and we add a case of invasive fungal infection to previous case reports. Because of the wide range of organisms, empirical antibiotic therapy is difficult and our data emphasise the need for cultures to direct ongoing therapy.
Relating intimate partner violence to heath‐care utilisation and injuries among Pacific children in Auckland: The Pacific Islands Families Study
Authors: Schluter Philip J. , Paterson Janis 
Published: August 2009

Aim:  Despite well‐known emotional and behavioural sequela, few studies investigate health‐care utilisation and injury impacts of children exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV). This study examines the association between mothers' IPV experience and general practitioner (GP) and hospital presentations by their children within the first 6 years of life.Methods:  In 2000, a cohort of Pacific infants born in Auckland was established. At 6 weeks, 2 years and 6 years post‐partum, maternal home interviews were conducted and IPV experience elicited using the Conflict Tactic Scale, together with reports of children's GP and hospital visitations.Results:  At 6 weeks, 2 years and 6 years, 1098, 921 and 799 participating mothers were in intimate relationships. Severe physical IPV was reported by 22.1, 23.0 and 7.1% of mothers, respectively, and minor IPV was reported by another 18.7, 16.9 and 6.1%, respectively. Compared with children without maternal physical IPV exposure, children of mothers disclosing severe physical IPV were 1.19 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08–1.31) times as likely to visit GPs, and children of mothers disclosing minor physical IPV were 1.13 (95% CI: 1.02–1.25) times as likely to visit GPs, after adjusting for socio‐demographic, maternal mental health and other confounding factors. No significant association was found between maternal IPV and children's hospital visits, or GP or hospital visits for injury.Conclusions:  IPV is common for many mothers of Pacific children, and is associated with significantly more GP visits for exposed children. Identification of maternal IPV during mothers' and children's GP and hospital visits may help guide services to prevent future presentations to children.
Furniture injuries in children
Authors: Cho Jin H , Adams Susan , Holland Andrew J A 
Published: August 2009

Aims:  To determine the incidence, type and severity of furniture‐related injuries in children in the Sydney region.Methods:  Retrospective analysis of presentations to the emergency departments of two paediatric tertiary hospitals in Sydney over a 4‐year period from January 2000 to December 2003 with furniture‐related injuries. Deaths of children because of furniture‐related injuries reported to the Coroner, from 2000–2002, were also reviewed. The main outcome measures were circumstances of injury, type and number of injuries, morbidity, and mortality.Results:  52 children presented with furniture‐related injuries. The median age was 2.5 years (range 9 months–15 years), with a male‐to‐female ratio of 3:2. Falling televisions accounted for 22 (42%) of the injuries. Median Injury Severity Score was 1 (range 1–25). One child died. The most common regions injured were the limbs and the head. Thirty‐one children (60%) required medical imaging, 28 (54%) required admission to hospital and 6 were allowed home in under 12 h. Of the 22 patients admitted for longer than 12 h, 14% required intensive care. Median length of stay was 1 day (range 0–15 days). Eighteen patients (35%) suffered scarring or long‐term limitations as a result of their injuries. From 2000 to 2002 there were four additional deaths in NSW because of furniture‐related injuries, two because of a falling television.Conclusion:  Furniture‐related injuries represent a cause of serious trauma and death in Australian children. There remains a need for the stability and security of televisions and large furniture items to be improved.