bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification, molecular structure and expression of two cloned serotonin receptors from the pond snail, Helisoma trivolvis
Authors: Mapara Sabeen , Parries Shawn , Quarrington Caitlin , Ahn Kee-Chan , Gallin Warren J. , Goldberg Jeffrey I. 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARY
Helisoma trivolvis has served as a model system to study the functions of serotonin (5-HT) from cellular, developmental, physiological and behavioural perspectives. To further explore the serotonin system at the molecular level, and to provide experimental knockout tools for future studies, in this study we identified serotonin receptor genes from the H. trivolvis genome, and characterized the molecular structure and expression profile of the serotonin receptor gene products. Degenerate oligonucleotide primers, based on conserved regions of the Lymnaea stagnalis 5-HT1Lym receptor, were used to amplify G protein-coupled biogenic amine receptor sequences from H. trivolvisgenomic cDNA, resulting in the cloning of two putative serotonin receptors. The deduced gene products both appear to be G protein-coupled serotonin receptors, with well-conserved structure in the functional domains and high variability in the vestibule entrance of the receptor protein. Phylogenetic analysis placed these receptors in the 5-HT1 and 5-HT7families of serotonin receptors. They are thus named the 5-HT1Heland 5-HT7Hel receptors, respectively. In situhybridization and immunofluorescence studies revealed that these genes and gene products are expressed most heavily in the ciliated pedal and mantle epithelia of H. trivolvis embryos. In adults, widespread expression occurred in all ganglia and connectives of the central nervous system. Expression of both receptor proteins was localized exclusively to neurites when examined in situ. In contrast, when isolated neurons were grown in culture, 5-HT1Hel and 5-HT7Hel immunoreactivity were located primarily in the cell body. This is the first study to reveal a 5-HT7 receptor in a molluscan species.
The Dedicated Emergency Surgeon: Towards Consultant-Based Acute Surgical Admissions
Authors: Sorelli PG , El-Masry NS , Dawson PM , Theodorou NA 
Published: February 2008

INTRODUCTION The management of an efficient acute surgical service with conflicting pressures of managing elective and emergency work, compounded by waiting list targets and the maximum 4-h wait for patients in accident and emergency poses a significant challenge. We assess the impact of appointing a dedicated emergency surgeon on the delivery of our emergency surgery service. PATIENTS AND METHODS A comparative retrospective review was undertaken of all surgical admissions (n = 1622) over a 9-month period (between February and November) in the year before and after (2004 and 2005) the appointment of a dedicated emergency surgeon. The impact on service, training and possible financial consequences of this appointment was assessed. RESULTS A total of 798 surgical admissions in 2004 were compared with 824 admissions in 2005 for the 9-month periods of this study. In 2004, 258 patients were operated on compared with 286 in 2005 (NS). There was a significant increase in day-time operating from 57% in 2004 to 74% in 2005 (P < 0.001) and a significant increase in consultant-supervised operations from 14% to 52% (P < 0.001), with a consequent fall in out-of-hours operating (43% to 26%; P < 0.001). In addition, there was a significant increase in early (within 48 h) discharges from 41% to 53% (P < 0.001). The salary of the new appointment is more than offset by the quantifiable savings of approximately £90,000 per annum based on the increased proportion of earlier discharges alone as well as the improved quality of care provided. CONCLUSIONS The appointment of a dedicated emergency surgery consultant has resulted in an increase in day-time consultant-supervised operating, shorter hospital stay for emergency admissions, improved training for surgical trainees, as well as providing potential financial savings for the trust.
Mobile Phones, in Combination with a Computer Locator System, Improve the Response Times of Emergency Medical Services in Central London
Authors: Gossage JA , Frith DP , Carrell TWG , Damiani M , Terris J , Burnand KG 
Published: February 2008

INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to determine whether mobile phones and mobile phone locating devices are associated with improved ambulance response times in central London. PATIENTS AND METHODS All calls from the London Ambulance Service database since 1999 were analysed. In addition, 100 consecutive patients completed a questionnaire on mobile phone use whilst attending the St Thomas's Hospital Emergency Department in central London. RESULTS Mobile phone use for emergencies in central London has increased from 4007 (5% of total) calls in January 1999 to 21,585 (29%) in August 2004. Ambulance response times for mobile phone calls were reduced after the introduction of the mobile phone locating system (mean 469 s versus 444 s; P = 0.0195). The proportion of mobile phone calls made from mobile phones for life-threatening emergencies was higher after injury than for medical emergencies (41% versus 16%, P = 0.0063). Of patients transported to the accident and emergency department by ambulance, 44% contacted the ambulance service by mobile phone. Three-quarters of calls made from outside the home or work-place were by mobile phone and 72% of patients indicated that it would have taken longer to contact the emergency services if they had not used a mobile. CONCLUSIONS Since the introduction of the mobile phone locating system, there has been an improvement in ambulance response times. Mobile locating systems in urban areas across the UK may lead to faster response times and, potentially, improved patient outcomes.
Learning Assessment at Shoulder Surgical Skills Course
Authors: John J , Kuiper JH , Kelly CP 
Published: February 2008

INTRODUCTION Surgical skills courses are an important part of learning during surgical training. The assessments at these courses tend to be subjective and anecdotal. Objective assessment using multiple choice questions (MCQs) quantifies the learning experience for both the organisers and the participants. MATERIALS AND METHODS Participants of the open shoulder surgical skills course conducted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England in 2005 and 2006 underwent assessment using MCQs prior to and after the course. RESULTS The participants were grouped as non-consultants (14) and consultant orthopaedic surgeons (8). All participants improved after attending the course. The average improvement was 17% (range, 4–43%). We compared the two groups while adjusting for the association between pre-course score and score gain. We found a strong correlation between pre-course score and score gain (r = 0.734; P = 0.001). Adjusted for pre-course score, we found that the score gain (learning) for the non-consultants was slightly larger than for the consultants, but this did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.247). CONCLUSIONS All participants had a positive learning experience which did not have a significant correlation to the grade of surgeon.
The Impact of Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease on Surgical Practice
Authors: Lumley John SP 
Published: February 2008

Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD) is characterised by abnormal prion protein that can replicate and replace nervous tissue, with rapid lethal neurodegenerative consequences. The transmissible nature of CJD has been known for half a century and transmission has occurred through neurosurgical procedures. Variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (vCJD) emerged in 1996, and the presence of abnormal prion in lymphatic tissue extended the number of surgical specialties dealing with infected material; transmission through blood transfusion raised the possibilities of a large carrier pool and spread of epidemic proportion. The abnormal prion is difficult to remove and this could influence future decontamination programmes. Contaminated instruments must be withdrawn from surgical practice, and this can interfere with the efficient running of a surgical unit and optimal patient care. There is an urgent need for reliable methods for the detection of abnormal prion, within and outside the body. These will help to clarify the epidemiology of CJD, and to reduce its transmission via blood and tissue. They will also allow determination of the efficacy of new decontamination products in surgical practice, and the value of any treatment of sufferers and carriers of CJD. In the meantime, continued vigilance and informed regulation of all aspects of CJD must remain.
Choline in Whole Blood and Plasma: Sample Preparation and Stability
Authors: Yue Bingfang , Pattison Elizabeth , Roberts William L , Rockwood Alan L , Danne Oliver , Lueders Christian , Möckel Martin 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
Background: Choline is critical for a variety of biological functions and has been investigated as a biomarker for various pathological conditions including acute coronary syndrome.
Methods: A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was used to quantify choline in whole blood and plasma in freshly collected samples prepared with ultrafiltration or protein precipitation. We investigated the effects of preanalytical variables including types of anticoagulants and storage temperature and time.
Results: We observed no significant differences in whole-blood choline concentration in EDTA-anticoagulated vs heparin-anticoagulated samples: mean (SD) difference 0.9% (3.2%), P = 0.80. For plasma, choline concentrations with heparin in 5 of 12 volunteers were &gt;10% higher than with EDTA, P = 0.01. One freeze-thaw cycle led to significant mean (SD) increases in choline concentrations in heparin whole blood, 19.3% (11.4%), P &lt;0.01, and the effect was not significant for other sample types studied (P &gt;0.33). For freshly collected samples stored at ambient temperature, choline concentrations in all types of samples increased with storage time. For EDTA whole blood, EDTA plasma, and heparin plasma, the choline concentration increased for the first 60 min and then stabilized. For heparin whole blood, the choline concentration continued to increase linearly with storage time for &gt;4 h, at which time the choline concentrations were increased by approximately 50%.
Conclusions: Sample collection, storage, and sample preparation procedures are critical for clinical measurements of choline in whole blood and plasma.
Undiagnosed Respiratory Viruses in Children
Authors: Arnold John C. , Singh Kumud K. , Spector Stephen A. , Sawyer Mark H. 
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVE. An estimated 12 to 32 million upper respiratory infections occur in young children each year. In addition, 20% to 53% of infants will have ≥1 episode of lower respiratory infection in the first year of life. The current methods of diagnosing respiratory viruses are limited in scope and sensitivity. Polymerase chain reaction is a more sensitive method than antigen detection and is often used for newly discovered viruses. Using polymerase chain reaction, we sought to diagnose adenoviruses, human bocavirus, and human metapneumovirus at our children's hospital.
METHODS. Nasal-swab specimens submitted for antigen detection of respiratory viruses were collected and processed by using polymerase chain reaction to detect adenoviruses, human bocavirus, and human metapneumovirus. Inpatient and emergency department records were reviewed for clinical and demographic data.
RESULTS. Approximately 1500 specimens were collected over 21 months; they contained adenoviruses, human bocavirus, and human metapneumovirus in 5.9%, 5.6%, and 5.2% of children, respectively. Using polymerase chain reaction and antigen detection, a viral agent was identified in as many as 62% of the specimens. Lower respiratory tract disease was present most frequently in patients infected with human metapneumovirus (63%) and least frequently in those infected with adenoviruses (45%). We detected adenoviruses by polymerase chain reaction in 59 patients for whom the antigen-detection test results were negative. A paroxysmal cough led to clinical suspicion of Bordetella pertussis infection in 19% of patients infected with human bocavirus.
CONCLUSIONS. Adenoviruses, human bocavirus, and human metapneumovirus were each present in ∼5% of specimens submitted for respiratory virus rapid testing. The lower respiratory tract was more commonly affected in patients with human bocavirus and human metapneumovirus infections. Adenovirus was often undiagnosed by antigen detection. Other findings included the presence of a pertussis-like illness associated with human bocavirus.
Effect of Computer Order Entry on Prevention of Serious Medication Errors in Hospitalized Children
Authors: Walsh Kathleen E. , Landrigan Christopher P. , Adams William G. , Vinci Robert J. , Chessare John B. , Cooper Maureen R. , Hebert Pamela M. , Schainker Elisabeth G. , McLaughlin Thomas J. , Bauchner Howard 
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVE. Although initial research suggests that computerized physician order entry reduces pediatric medication errors, no comprehensive error surveillance studies have evaluated the effect of computerized physician order entry on children. Our objective was to evaluate comprehensively the effect of computerized physician order entry on the rate of inpatient pediatric medication errors.
METHODS. Using interrupted time-series regression analysis, we reviewed all charts, orders, and incident reports for 40 admissions per month to the NICU, PICU, and inpatient pediatric wards for 7 months before and 9 months after implementation of commercial computerized physician order entry in a general hospital. Nurse data extractors, who were unaware of study objectives, used an established error surveillance method to detect possible errors. Two physicians who were unaware of when the possible error occurred rated each possible error.
RESULTS. In 627 pediatric admissions, with 12 672 medication orders written over 3234 patient-days, 156 medication errors were detected, including 70 nonintercepted serious medication errors (22/1000 patient-days). Twenty-three errors resulted in patient injury (7/1000 patient-days). In time-series analysis, there was a 7% decrease in level of the rates of nonintercepted serious medication errors. There was no change in the rate of injuries as a result of error after computerized physician order entry implementation.
CONCLUSIONS. The rate of nonintercepted serious medication errors in this pediatric population was reduced by 7% after the introduction of a commercial computerized physician order entry system, much less than previously reported for adults, and there was no change in the rate of injuries as a result of error. Several human-machine interface problems, particularly surrounding selection and dosing of pediatric medications, were identified. Additional refinements could lead to greater effects on error rates.
Maternal Microchimerism in Underlying Pathogenesis of Biliary Atresia: Quantification and Phenotypes of Maternal Cells in the Liver
Authors: Muraji Toshihiro , Hosaka Naoki , Irie Naoki , Yoshida Makiko , Imai Yukihiro , Tanaka Kohichi , Takada Yasutsugu , Sakamoto Seisuke , Haga Hironori , Ikehara Susumu 
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVE. The goal was to examine whether microchimerism plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of biliary atresia; we analyzed the localization of maternal microchimeric cells and their phenotypes.
METHODS. Liver biopsy specimens from 8 male infants with biliary atresia and 6 control subjects with other liver diseases were investigated for maternal chimeric cells and their phenotypes through double-staining fluorescence in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical analyses.
RESULTS. Significantly larger numbers of maternal XX+ cells were found in the portal area and sinusoids of patients with biliary atresia, in comparison with control patients. In phenotypic analyses of XX+ cells, CD8+ T cells, CD45+ cells, and cytokeratin-positive cells were found, and the numbers and proportions among total CD8+ T cells were significantly higher than those in control patients.
CONCLUSIONS. Significantly more maternal chimeric CD8+ T cells in the livers of patients with biliary atresia suggest that maternal immunologic insults represent the underlying pathogenesis in biliary atresia. The findings support the recently postulated mechanisms of alloautoimmune and/or autoalloimmune responses.
Psychotropic Medication Use Among Medicaid-Enrolled Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Mandell David S. , Morales Knashawn H. , Marcus Steven C. , Stahmer Aubyn C. , Doshi Jalpa , Polsky Daniel E. 
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVE. The objective of this study was to provide national estimates of psychotropic medication use among Medicaid-enrolled children with autism spectrum disorders and to examine child and health system characteristics associated with psychotropic medication use.
METHODS. This cross-sectional study used Medicaid claims for calendar year 2001 from all 50 states and Washington, DC, to examine 60641 children with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. Logistic regression with random effects was used to examine the child, county, and state factors associated with psychotropic medication use.
RESULTS. Of the sample, 56% used at least 1 psychotropic medication, 20% of whom were prescribed ≥3 medications concurrently. Use was common even in children aged 0 to 2 years (18%) and 3 to 5 years (32%). Neuroleptic drugs were the most common psychotropic class (31%), followed by antidepressants (25%) and stimulants (22%). In adjusted analyses, male, older, and white children; those who were in foster care or in the Medicaid disability category; those who received additional psychiatric diagnoses; and those who used more autism spectrum disorder services were more likely to have used psychotropic drugs. Children who had a diagnosis of autistic disorder or who lived in counties with a lower percentage of white residents or greater urban density were less likely to use such medications.
CONCLUSIONS. Psychotropic medication use is common among even very young children with autism spectrum disorders. Factors unrelated to clinical presentation seem highly associated with prescribing practices. Given the limited evidence base, there is an urgent need to assess the risks, benefits, and costs of medication use and understand the local and national policies that affect medication use.
Safety and Immunogenicity of Concurrent Administration of Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine With Measles-Mumps-Rubella and Varicella Vaccines to Infants 12 to 15 Months of Age
Authors: Nolan Terry , Bernstein David I. , Block Stan L. , Hilty Milo , Keyserling Harry L. , Marchant Colin , Marshall Helen , Richmond Peter , Yogev Ram , Cordova Julie , Cho Iksung , Mendelman Paul M. ,   for the LAIV Study Group
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVE. This study evaluated the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of live attenuated influenza vaccine administered concurrently with measles-mumps-rubella vaccine and varicella vaccine to healthy children 12 to 15 months of age.
METHODS. Children were assigned randomly to receive (1) measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, varicella vaccine, and intranasal placebo on day 0, followed by 1 dose of live attenuated influenza vaccine on days 42 and 72; (2) measles-mumps-rubella, varicella, and live attenuated influenza vaccines on day 0, followed by a second dose of live attenuated influenza vaccine on day 42 and intranasally administered placebo on day 72; or (3) 1 dose of live attenuated influenza vaccine on days 0 and 42, followed by measles-mumps-rubella and varicella vaccines on day 72. Serum samples were collected before vaccination on days 0, 42, and 72. Reactogenicity events and adverse events were collected through day 41 after concurrent vaccinations and through day 10 after administration of live attenuated influenza vaccine or placebo alone.
RESULTS. Among 1245 (99.5%) evaluable children, seroresponse rates and geometric mean titers for measles-mumps-rubella vaccine and varicella vaccine were similar with concurrent administration of live attenuated influenza vaccine or placebo (seroresponse rates of ≥96% for measles-mumps-rubella vaccine and ≥82% for varicella vaccine in both groups). Hemagglutinin-inhibiting antibody geometric mean titers and seroconversion rates to influenza strains in live attenuated influenza virus vaccine were similar after the vaccine was administered alone (seroconversion rates of 98%, 92%, and 44% for H3, B, and H1 strains, respectively) or with measles-mumps-rubella and varicella vaccines (seroconversion rates of 98%, 96%, and 43%). The incidences of reactogenicity events and adverse events were similar among treatment groups.
CONCLUSIONS. Concurrent administration of live attenuated influenza vaccine with measles-mumps-rubella vaccine and varicella vaccine provided equivalent immunogenicity, compared with separate administration, and was well tolerated.
Risk Factors for Developing Apnea After Immunization in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Klein Nicola P. , Massolo Maria L. , Greene John , Dekker Cornelia L. , Black Steven , Escobar Gabriel J. ,   for the Vaccine Safety Datalink
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVES. Among hospitalized NICU infants, preimmunization apnea is a well-recognized predictor of postimmunization apnea. However, predictors for postimmunization apnea among NICU infants without preimmunization apnea have not been investigated.
METHODS. Using a large NICU database in the Northern California Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, we abstracted NICU charts of infants who were hospitalized for ≥53 days and who were also immunized, capturing preimmunization (24 hours before immunization) and postimmunization (48 hours after immunization) events. We assessed factors associated with postimmunization apnea by using multivariate logistic regression.
RESULTS. Of 16 146 infants admitted to the NICU, 557 received ≥1 vaccine and 497 met the criteria for study entry. All infants with preimmunization apnea (n = 27) and all except 3 infants with postimmunization apnea (n = 65) had gestational ages of &lt;31 weeks. Multivariate analyses revealed preimmunization apnea as the most important predictor of postimmunization apnea, although higher 12-hour Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology II and age of &lt;67 days (mean cohort age) were also associated. Multivariate analysis exclusively among infants without preimmunization apnea similarly found elevated Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology II, age of &lt;67 days, and weight of &lt;2000 g to be associated with postimmunization apnea. Forty-nine infants without preimmunization apnea and with ≥1 apnea predictor were discharged within 48 hours after immunization; 2 were subsequently readmitted because of apnea.
CONCLUSIONS. For infants in the NICU without apnea during the 24 hours immediately before immunization, younger age, smaller size, and more severe illness at birth are important predictors of postimmunization apnea.