bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nature of fecal sterols and intestinal bacterial flora
Authors: Martin W. J. , Ravi Subbiah M. T. , Kottke B. A. , Birk C. C. , Naylor M. C. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractSterol excretion in the spontaneously atherosclerosis‐susceptible White Carneau (WC) pigeon, the Silver King (SK) pigeon and the Show Racer (SR) pigeon was studied by thin layer chromatography (TLC), argentation TLC and gas liquid chromatography. Unlike man and the chicken, these pigeons excreted no coprostanol or coprostanone derivatives of sterols. Moreover incubation of14C‐labeled cholesterol with pigeon feces indicated that, also unlike man and the chicken, these pigeons are unable to convert it to coprostanol. Bacteriologic examination revealed the absence of gram‐negative anaerobic flora and of members of the genusBifidobacterium in both the WC and SR pigeons. On the other hand, one of the two SK pigeons examined showed evidence of the presence of bothBacteroids fragilis andB. bifidum in the upper intestinal tract. Although no qualitative experiments were performed, no unusual characteristics of the aerobic flora were noted in these pigeons. In addition, analysis of human stool specimens indicated a “normal” bowel flora. The flora of the intestinal tract of the chicken is similar to that of the human. Because of this similarity, it appears that differences in environment (living conditions, diets) between the human and the chicken are of little consequence. The results obtained in this study suggest the possibility that the anaerobic gram‐negative flora and sponsible, at least in part, for the chemical conversion of cholesterol to coprostanol.
Modeling of Purification Operations in Biotechnology: Enabling Process Development, Optimization, and Scale‐Up
Authors: Velayudhan Ajoy , Menon Manoj K. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractProcess modeling involves the use of a set of mathematical equations to represent key physical phenomena involved in the process. An appropriately validated model can be used to predict process behavior with limited experimental data, identify critical ranges for process variables, and guide further process development. Although process modeling is extensively used in the chemical process industries, it has not been widely used in purification unit operations in biotechnology. Recent FDA guidelines encourage the use of process modeling during process development, along with multivariate statistical methods, detailed risk assessment, and other quantifiers of uncertainty. This paper will review recent advances in the modeling of key downstream unit operations: chromatography, filtration, and centrifugation. The focus will be on the application of modeling for industrial applications. Relevant papers presented at a session on this topic at the recent American Chemical Society National Meeting in San Francisco will also be reviewed.
Proteinase K-sensitive disease-associated ovine prion protein revealed by conformation-dependent immunoassay
Authors: Thackray Alana M. , Hopkins Lee , Bujdoso Raymond 
Published: January 2007

PrPSc [abnormal disease-specific conformation of PrP (prion-related protein)] accumulates in prion-affected individuals in the form of amorphous aggregates. Limited proteolysis of PrPSc results in a protease-resistant core of PrPSc of molecular mass of 27–30 kDa (PrP27–30). Aggregated forms of PrP co-purify with prion infectivity, although infectivity does not always correlate with the presence of PrP27–30. This suggests that discrimination between PrPC (normal cellular PrP) and PrPSc by proteolysis may underestimate the repertoire and quantity of PrPSc subtypes. We have developed a CDI (conformation-dependent immunoassay) utilizing time-resolved fluorescence to study the conformers of disease-associated PrP in natural cases of sheep scrapie, without using PK (proteinase K) treatment to discriminate between PrPC and PrPSc. The capture-detector CDI utilizes N-terminal- and C-terminal-specific anti-PrP monoclonal antibodies that recognize regions of the prion protein differentially buried or exposed depending on the extent of denaturation of the molecule. PrPSc was precipitated from scrapie-infected brain stem and cerebellum tissue following sarkosyl extraction, with or without the use of sodium phosphotungstic acid, and native and denatured PrPSc detected by CDI. PrPSc was detectable in brain tissue from homozygous VRQ (V136 R154 Q171) and ARQ (A136 R154 Q171) scrapie-infected sheep brains. The highest levels of PrPSc were found in homozygous VRQ scrapie-infected brains. The quantity of PrPSc was significantly reduced, up to 90% in some cases, when samples were treated with PK prior to the CDI. Collectively, our results show that the level of PrPSc in brain samples from cases of natural scrapie display genotypic differences and that a significant amount of this material is PK-sensitive.
Impact of Intrascalar Blood on Hearing
Authors: Radeloff Andreas , Unkelbach Marc H. , Tillein Jochen , Braun Susanne , Helbig Silke , Gstöttner Wolfgang , Adunka Oliver F. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractObjective/Hypothesis: The objective of this controlled animal study was to evaluate the effects of intrascalar blood on hearing.Material and Methods: Eight guinea pigs underwent intrascalar administration of their own blood in one ear and control solution in the contralateral ear. Solutions were applied through cochleostomy to the scala tympani. Compound action potential (CAP) thresholds were determined before administration and at different intervals for 2 months thereafter.Results: Immediate deterioration of thresholds was seen mainly in the high‐frequency range, averaging 27 dB and 20 dB in the study and control groups, respectively. At day 3, threshold shifts recovered in the control group but remained in the low‐frequency range in the study group. An extensive recovery was seen in both groups. However, permanent threshold shifts persisted. There was an enhanced shift of thresholds of up to 7 dB in the study group.Conclusions: Even small amounts of intrascalar blood seem to cause transient and permanent detrimental effects on cochlear function. In procedures involving opening of the otic capsule—like stapes surgery and cochlear implantation with hearing preservation—minimizing surgical blood admixture to intracochlear compartments seems therefore fundamental.
Electromyographic Findings After Different Selective Neck Dissections
Authors: Tsuji Tetsuya , Tanuma Akira , Onitsuka Tetsuro , Ebihara Mitsuru , Iida Yoshiyuki , Kimura Akio , Liu Meigen 
Published: January 2007

AbstractObjectives: The objective was to compare electrophysiologic investigations of the upper trapezius muscle (UT) after different selective neck dissections (SND) and analyze the differences between types of SND and the preservation and excision of the cervical nerves (the C2–4 rami of the cervical plexus).Study Design: Retrospective study of 54 patients (average age, 65.1 ± 9.6 yr, 45 males) with 70 SND.Methods: Patients underwent needle electromyography (EMG) of the UT by 4 months after surgery. The findings were rated according to the 5 point EMG scale system from 1 (total denervation: positive sharp wave or fibrillation potential at rest and electrical silence at voluntary contraction) to 5 (normal pattern).Results: The average EMG scale was 1.7 ± 1.1, 58.6% for score 1 and only 5.7% for score 5. There was not a significant difference in the EMG scale between the types of SND, whereas the group in which the cervical nerves were excised was significantly lower than in that in which it was preserved. The average EMG scales in the former and latter were 1.5 ± 0.8 and 2.0 ± 1.3, 68.8%.Conclusions: The study data confirm that complete or incomplete denervation of the UT was caused by axonal injury of the spinal accessory nerve, even though it was spared, because of traction of the nerve during neck dissection. Second, the excision of the C2 to 4 rami of the cervical plexus caused worse damage of the UT. It is suggested that it is important to preserve the cervical nerves to avoid denervation of the UT.
Impact of Re‐resection for Inadequate Margins on the Prognosis of Upper Aerodigestive Tract Cancer Treated by Laser Microsurgery
Authors: Jäckel Martin C. , Ambrosch Petra , Martin Alexios , Steiner Wolfgang 
Published: January 2007

AbstractObjectives: Positive or uncertain surgical margins left untreated have a distinct prognostic relevance in squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract. An advantage of transoral laser microsurgery is that it can be easily repeated if inadequate resection margins are found postoperatively. The present study investigates the impact of laser surgical reresection on the outcome of patients.Study Design: The authors conducted a retrospective unicenter study.Methods: A review of 1,467 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract who were initially treated by transoral laser microsurgery with curative intent between August 1986 and December 2002 was conducted. Locoregional control as well as TNM adjusted and overall survival were analyzed using the Kaplan‐Meier method.Results: Three hundred eighty‐six patients have required reresection to obtain clear surgical margins, in 70 of whom residual carcinoma has been detected in revision specimens. Patients without need for revision and those in whom revision specimens were found tumor‐free had an almost identical locoregional control (P = .4611). In patients with positive revision specimens, however, locoregional control was significantly worsened (P = .0058). Neither the need for reresection nor the detection of further tumor tissue in revision specimens affected TNM adjusted or overall survival.Conclusions: Survival of patients was similar whether clear resection margins were reached within the first surgical step or with revision surgery. However, patients in whom reresection specimens contained residual carcinoma had an increased risk of locoregional failure and should undergo a further reresection or at least a very close follow up.
Effects of High versus Standard Early Protein Intake on Growth of Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Maggio Luca , Cota Francesco , Gallini Francesca , Lauriola Valeria , Zecca Chiara , Romagnoli Costantino 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACTObjectives:Early provision of protein has been shown to limit catabolism and could improve growth. Our objective was to determine whether early aggressive protein intake improved growth outcomes of extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants.Patients and Methods:ELBW infants were included in the study if they had no major congenital anomalies or renal failure and were still hospitalized at 36 weeks postmenstrual age. In 25 infants (HP) the early protein intake was planned to be 20% greater than in 31 historical controls (SP).Results:The 2 groups were similar in the baseline characteristics. The mean protein intake during the first 14 days of life was significantly greater in the HP group (3.1 ± 0.2 vs 2.5 ± 0.2 g/kg/d; P<0.0001). HP group showed lower postnatal weight loss (−3.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI] −5.9, −0.2) and earlier regain of birth weight (−4.1 days; 95% CI −6.6, −1.7). Mean blood urea nitrogen and bicarbonate levels were similar; mean serum glucose level was lower in the HP group (−21,7 mg/dL; 95% CI −41.9,−1.5). HP infants had a reduced fall in weight z score (−0.57; 95% CI −1.01, −0.12) and in length z score (−0.51; 95% CI −0.97, −0.05) from birth to discharge.Conclusion:Early high protein intake was associated with improved weight and length growth outcomes at discharge. These findings highlight the benefits of aggressive protein intake immediately after birth.
Double‐blind, Placebo‐controlled Trial Comparing Effects of Supplementation of Two Micronutrient Sprinkles on Fatty Acid Status in Cambodian Infants
Authors: Agostoni Carlo , Giovannini Marcello , Sala Debora , Usuelli Michele , Livio Luca , Francescato Gaia , Braga Marta , Riva Enrica , Martiello Antonella , Colombo Claudio , Marangoni Franca , Galli Claudio 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACTBackground:Infants in developing countries require early dietary interventions to prevent nutritional deficiencies, above all protein, energy, iron and zinc. To what extent these interventions may affect the fatty acid (FA) status is still unknown.Objectives:To examine and compare the effects of 2 micronutrient “sprinkles” supplementations (iron 12.5 mg + folic acid 150 μg, iron/folate and iron 12.5 mg + folic acid 150 μg + zinc 5 mg + vitamins A, C and D3, mineral/micronutrient [MMN]) versus placebo on the FA status of Cambodian infants.Methods:A total of 204 infants age 6 mo and living in Kompong Chhnang Province, Cambodia, were randomly assigned to receive daily supplementation of MMN (n = 68) and iron/folate (n = 68) or placebo (n = 68) for a 12‐mo period in powder form as sprinkles. At the end of the intervention period, FAs in the range of 16 to 24 C were determined in blood drops absorbed on a strip collected from 182 subjects, and values among the 3 intervention subgroups and those of 21 Italian 18‐mo‐old, normal‐growing infants as the reference group were compared.Results:At the end of the supplementation trial, higher levels of the 2 essential FAs (EFAs) (linoleic acid, 18:2n‐6, and α‐linolenic acid, 18:3n‐3) were found in the MMN group. No differences occurred for the major longer chain derivatives of both EFAs arachidonic acid (20:4n‐6) and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n‐3). In MMN supplemented Cambodians, blood levels of linoleic acid approached those of Italian infants, and in addition their α‐linolenic acid levels were improved. Cambodian infants, mostly still breast‐fed through the second year of life, showed significantly higher levels of long‐chain derivatives of both the n‐6 and the n‐3 series compared with Italians.Conclusions:Supplementation with iron, folic acid, zinc and vitamins was associated with an increase of linoleic acid and α‐linolenic acid levels in Cambodian infants versus placebo, without significant changes in the concentrations of their longer chain derivatives, resulting in a FA status closer to Italian counterparts for the essential polyunsaturated FA levels. The iron/folate–treated infants showed no differences compared with the other 2 groups. Studies are needed to differentiate the potential effects of the supplemented micronutrients on the FA status.
Whole‐specimen histopathology: a method to produce whole‐mount breast serial sections for 3‐D digital histopathology imaging
Authors: Clarke G M , Eidt S , Sun L , Mawdsley G , Zubovits J T , Yaffe M J 
Published: January 2007

Aims:  To develop a method for preparing diagnostic‐quality, whole‐mount serial sections of breast specimens while preserving 3‐D conformation. This required supporting the fresh specimen prior to breadloafing and refining the conventional tissue processing method. The overall goal is to use digital images of whole‐specimen histopathology to improve the estimation of extent of disease.Methods and results:  To maintain a 3‐D conformation, the specimen is suspended in 3.5% agar at 55°C. The block is sliced at 5‐mm intervals. Sectioning is performed after extended fixation in 4% formaldehyde from paraformaldehyde in 0.1 m Millonig's buffer, followed by paraffin processing using a non‐routine schedule and extended paraffin infiltration. Whole‐mount serial breast sections are produced with features of equal or superior quality to that which can be achieved using conventional methods. The method is compatible with some immunohistochemical stains but requires further optimization for others.Conclusions:  The technique is currently suitable for research applications. With the reduction in processing time achievable with microwave‐assisted processing, there is the potential for its use as a routine clinical method. This tool may improve the accuracy of margin estimates and identification of multifocality in breast cancer; further evaluation is necessary.
Relational ethics and advocacy in nursing: literature review
Authors: MacDonald Hannah 
Published: January 2007

AbstractTitle. Relational ethics and advocacy in nursing: literature reviewAim. The purpose of this paper is to analyse themes from accounts of nurses’ experiences with advocacy that may expand our understanding of advocacy in nursing practice.Background. Although the ethical obligation to advocate is universal, a lack of clarity persists about the nature of advocacy in nursing practice.Method. This discussion of advocacy is based on a synthesis of qualitative studies that focus on nurses’ experiences with advocacy in practice. Empirical studies were retrieved through searches on the CINAHL and Academic Search Premier databases for the years 1993–2005. The search terms used were advocacy, advocate role, ethics, nursing practice and qualitative research.Findings. Empirical studies related to the role of advocacy in nursing are limited in number. Nurses’ experiences with advocacy reveal important themes in relation to factors that influence the application of advocacy in nursing practice. Evidence suggests that the nature and context of relationships plays a significant role in influencing the enactment of advocacy.Conclusion. The application of advocacy in nursing practice is complex. The philosophy of relational ethics emphasizes the contextual features of relationships. An examination of relational ethics as it applies to advocacy in nursing brings us closer to a deeper understanding of the process by which nurses make advocacy choices in practice, and raises implications for the development of advocacy in nurses’ practice. Advocacy is universally considered a moral obligation in nursing practice, and thus advancement of our knowledge about its nature in nursing is relevant to nursing across multiple contexts and cultures.
Cutaneous manifestations of Costello syndrome
Authors: Nguyen Victoria , Buka Robert L. , Roberts Brandie J. , Eichenfield Lawrence F. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractCutaneous findings are common in Costello syndrome, but have not been extensively reviewed in the dermatology literature. We present the cutaneous and histopathologic findings from two cases of Costello syndrome and review previously described cutaneous features of this syndrome. Both patients had manifestations of Costello syndrome with thick, lax skin on the dorsal aspects of hands and feet, deep palmar and plantar creases, curly hair, hyperkeratoses, acanthosis nigricans, papillomas, and multiple pigmented lesions. One patient had multiple syringomas on the forearms, a finding not previously reported. Pigmented lesions have previously been reported as nevi in the literature though no biopsies have been reported. We conclude that thick, loose skin on the dorsal aspects of hands and feet and deep palmar and plantar creases are cardinal manifestations of Costello syndrome and benign tumors of ectodermal origin such as papillomas, calcified epitheliomas, dermoid cysts, mammary fibroadenosis, and syringomas are important features of this syndrome.
Neonatal presentations to a Mixed Emergency Department
Authors: Ung Setthy , Woolfenden Sue , Holdgate Anna , Lee Marian , Leung Melissa 
Published: January 2007

Aims:  To investigate the characteristics of neonates presenting to a metropolitan Mixed Emergency Department (MED). To examine whether there are maternal and neonatal characteristics which increase the risk of presentation to the ED in the neonatal period.Methods:  A retrospective chart review was performed of all neonatal presentations occurring between July 2002 and June 2003 to Liverpool Hospital Emergency Department, a Level 6 MED located in south‐western Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, seeing approximately 45 000 presentations annually of which 20% are paediatric. Comparisons of maternal and neonatal characteristics were made with Liverpool Hospital, Area Health Service and New South Wales Mothers and Babies data, and with other paediatric presentations to the MED.Results:  179 neonates made 194 neonatal presentations. Compared with all paediatric presentations, the neonatal triage category assignment, admission and transfer proportions were significantly higher, although just over half had ‘primary care type illnesses’. Mothers of neonates presenting to this MED were more likely to be younger and first time mothers in comparison to the general population of mothers and newborns. This study did not find an over‐representation of neonates who were discharged within 48 h after birth.Conclusion:  The implications of these results for practice include a consideration of the availability and appropriateness of after‐hours service available to new mothers. Further studies investigating parental reasons for neonatal ED presentation are recommended.
Sleep problems in young infants and maternal mental and physical health
Authors: Bayer Jordana K , Hiscock Harriet , Hampton Anne , Wake Melissa 
Published: January 2007

Aim:  Sleep problems in the second 6 months of life are common and associated with maternal depression. This paper extends previous research to (i) establish the prevalence of sleep problems in younger infants from a broader socio‐economic spectrum, (ii) examine the relationship between infant sleep problems and maternal physical, as well as mental, health, and (iii) explore mothers’ sleep quality as a potential mediator of this relationship.Methods:  Design: Cross‐sectional, community survey in Melbourne, Australia. Sample: Mothers of 3‐ to 6‐month‐old infants (mean 4.6 months) recruited from well‐child clinics in six sociodemographically diverse metropolitan local government areas. Outcome measures: Maternal mental and physical health; standardised questionnaire on infant sleep patterns; maternal report of an infant sleep problem (yes/no).Results:  The survey was completed by 692 mothers; 237 (34%) reported an infant sleep problem, of whom 73 (31%) rated the problem as severe. Sleep patterns characterising a problem included the infant waking seven nights per week, nursing the infant to sleep at the beginning of the night, the infant sleeping in the parent’s room, and parental disagreement regarding managing infant sleep. There was no relationship between sleep problems and socio‐economic levels. Mothers reporting infant sleep problems had poorer mental and physical health compared with those not reporting sleep problems.Conclusion:  Sleep problems are common in early infancy across metropolitan socio‐economic levels and are associated with poorer maternal health and well‐being. Preventive strategies for infant sleep problems need to begin early in primary care to improve mothers’ health.