bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Appendicitis Inflammatory Response Score: A Tool for the Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis that Outperforms the Alvarado Score
Authors: Andersson Manne , Andersson Roland E. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBackgroundThe clinical diagnosis of appendicitis is a subjective synthesis of information from variables with ill‐defined diagnostic value. This process could be improved by using a scoring system that includes objective variables that reflect the inflammatory response. This study describes the construction and evaluation of a new clinical appendicitis score.MethodsData were collected prospectively from 545 patients admitted for suspected appendicitis at four hospitals. The score was constructed from eight variables with independent diagnostic value (right‐lower‐quadrant pain, rebound tenderness, muscular defense, WBC count, proportion neutrophils, CRP, body temperature, and vomiting) in 316 randomly selected patients and evaluated on the remaining 229 patients. Ordered logistic regression was used to obtain a high discriminating power with focus on advanced appendicitis. Diagnostic performance was compared with the Alvarado score.ResultsThe ROC area of the new score was 0.97 for advanced appendicitis and 0.93 for all appendicitis compared with 0.92 (p = 0.0027) and 0.88 (p = 0.0007), respectively, for the Alvarado score. Sixty‐three percent of the patients were classified into the low‐ or high‐probability group with an accuracy of 97.2%, leaving 37% for further investigation. Seventy‐three percent of the nonappendicitis patients, 67% of the advanced appendicitis, and 37% of all appendicitis patients were correctly classified into the low‐ and high‐probability zone, respectively.ConclusionThis simple clinical score can correctly classify the majority of patients with suspected appendicitis, leaving the need for diagnostic imaging or diagnostic laparoscopy to the smaller group of patients with an indeterminate scoring result.
Surgical Education in Greece
Authors: Kostakis Alkiviadis , Mantas Dimitris 
Published: June 2008

AbstractNowadays, many important changes to residents’ education are being introduced, including the regulation of working hours, the waiting time to start specialization, the training programs in new technologies, the heterogeneity of trainers and educational centers, and the existence of many different subspecializations. In Greece we have not yet established all the arrangements needed to meet the European Community’s legislation concerning working hours apart from the extremely long waiting time to begin surgical training. There is an enormous heterogeneity among hospitals that provide surgical specialties, but there is no educational program that all residents have to follow to complete their training. Only in major university or general hospitals are the residents enrolled in a specific educational program and complete an adequate number of surgical procedures. With respect to training in new technologies, there is a lack of experienced surgical departments around Greece that provide this type of education to all residents. Of course, efforts have been made to meet the international educational criteria and there are many major general hospitals that can provide an adequate and up‐to‐date surgical education, although much still needs to be done to meet the international standards.
CCL2 is a key mediator of microglia activation in neuropathic pain states
Authors: Thacker Michael A. , Clark Anna K. , Bishop Thomas , Grist John , Yip Ping K. , Moon Lawrence D.F. , Thompson Stephen W.N. , Marchand Fabien , McMahon Stephen B. 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACTWhile neuroimmune interactions are increasingly recognized as important in nociceptive processing, the nature and functional significance of these interactions is not well defined. There are multiple reports that the activation of spinal microglia is a critical event in the generation of neuropathic pain behaviors but the mediators of this activation remain disputed. Here we show that the chemokine CCL2, produced by both damaged and undamaged primary sensory neurons in neuropathic pain states in rats, is released in an activity dependent manner from the central terminals of these fibres. We also demonstrate that intraspinal CCL2 in naïve rats leads to activation of spinal microglia and neuropathic pain‐like behavior. An essential role for spinal CCL2 is demonstrated by the inhibition of neuropathic pain behavior and microglial activation by a specific neutralising antibody to CCL2 administered intrathecally. Thus, the neuronal expression of CCL2 provides a mechanism for immune activation, which in turn regulates the sensitivity of pain signaling systems in neuropathic pain states.
Nifedipine versus terbutaline for tocolysis in external cephalic version
Authors: Mohamed Ismail Nor Azlin , Ibrahim Maryasalwati , Mohd Naim Norzilawati , Mahdy Zaleha Abdullah , Jamil Mohammad Abdul , Mohd Razi Zainul Rashid 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo study the efficacy of nifedipine compared with terbutaline as a tocolytic agent in external cephalic version (ECV).MethodsA prospective, randomized, comparative trial was carried out in a tertiary hospital. Women with singleton term breech pregnancies were randomized for nifedipine (group A) and terbutaline (group B) tocolysis for ECV in an outpatient setting. The efficacy, side effects, and complications were analyzed and compared.ResultsA total of 86 women were recruited with 43 women in each group. The overall success rate was 48.8% and this reduced the rate of cesarean delivery for breech presentation by 32.5% in our center. ECV was successful in 39.5% of women in group A and 58.1% in group B. Fewer side effects were experienced by the women in group A compared with group B, although this was not significant.ConclusionNifedipine can be used as an alternative for tocolysis in ECV when there are maternal contraindications to beta‐sympathomimetics.
Middle Stone Age starch acquisition in the Niassa Rift, Mozambique
Authors: Mercader Julio , Bennett Tim , Raja Mussa 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe quest for direct lines of evidence for Paleolithic plant consumption during the African Middle Stone Age has led scientists to study residues and use-wear on flaked stone tools. Past work has established lithic function through multiple lines of evidence and the spatial breakdown of use-wear and microscopic traces on tool surfaces. This paper focuses on the quantitative analysis of starch assemblages and the botanical identification of grains from flake and core tools to learn about human ecology of carbohydrate use around the Niassa woodlands, in the Mozambican Rift. The processing of starchy plant parts is deduced from the occurrence of starch assemblages that presumably got attached to stone tool surfaces by actions associated with extractive or culinary activities. Specifically, we investigate starch grains from stone tools recently excavated in northern Mozambique at the site of Mikuyu; which presumably spans the middle to late Pleistocene and represents similar sites found along the Malawi/Niassa corridor that links East, Southern, and Central Africa. Starch was extracted and processed with a diverse tool kit consisting of scrapers, cores, points, flakes, and other kinds of tools. The microbotanical data suggests consumption of seeds, legumes, caryopses, piths, underground storage organs, nuts, and mesocarps from more than a dozen families. Our data suggest a great antiquity for starch use in Africa as well as an expanded diet and intensification.
Effect of sodium iron ethylenediaminetetra-acetate (NaFeEDTA) on haemoglobin and serum ferritin in iron-deficient populations: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials
Authors: Wang Bo , Zhan Siyan , Xia Yinyin , Lee Liming 
Published: June 2008

We aimed to synthesise evidence to assess the effect and safety of NaFeEDTA on Hb and serum ferritin in Fe-deficient populations. We performed a systematic review, identifying potential studies by searching the electronic databases of Medline, Cochrane Library, Embase, WHO Library and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. We also hand-searched relevant conference proceedings and reference lists. Finally, we contacted experts in the field. The selection criteria included randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials of NaFeEDTA compared with placebo. Hb, serum ferritin and adverse effects were outcomes of interest. Inclusion decisions, quality assessment and data extraction were performed by two reviewers independently. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. All included studies assessed the effect of NaFeEDTA on Hb concentration, four studies assessed the effect on serum ferritin concentration, and one study on serum Zn concentration. After the intervention, Hb concentration and serum ferritin concentration were both higher in the NaFeEDTA group compared with the control group. For Hb, data from six studies could be pooled and the pooled estimate (weighted mean difference) was 8·56 (95 % CI 2·21, 14·90) g/l (P = 0·008). For serum ferritin, data from four studies could be pooled and the pooled difference was 1·58 (95 % CI 1·20, 2·09) μg/l (P < 0·001). Subgroup analysis indicated that a lower baseline Hb level was associated with a greater increase in Hb concentration. No significant difference in serum Zn concentration was found. We concluded that NaFeEDTA increased both Hb concentration and serum ferritin concentration substantially in Fe-deficient populations, and could be an effective Fe preparation to combat Fe deficiency.
Calcium intake and the 10-year incidence of self-reported vertebral fractures in women and men: The Japan Public Health Centre-based Prospective Study
Authors: Nakamura Kazutoshi , Kurahashi Norie , Ishihara Junko , Inoue Manami , Tsugane Shoichiro ,   for the Japan Public Health Centre-based Prospective Study Group
Published: June 2008

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of low Ca intake on the 10-year incidence of vertebral fractures in cohorts I and II of the Japan Public Health Centre-based Prospective Study. The baseline studies were conducted in 1990–1994, with the follow-up studies conducted after 10 years. We analysed 33 970 subjects aged 40–59 years in cohort I and 41 664 subjects aged 40–69 years in cohort II. At baseline, the intake of Ca was assessed as a predictor, using validated FFQ. A meta-analysis was performed to estimate a summary relative risk (RR) for the two cohort studies. The 10-year cumulative incidences of self-reported vertebral fractures were 0·38 % for cohort I and 0·56 % for cohort II. In women, lower Ca intake was associated with a higher incidence of vertebral fractures (P for trend = 0·001), with the lowest quartile of Ca intake having a significantly higher incidence (0·89/1000 persons per year or RR 2·10 (95 % CI 1·25, 3·55)) than that (0·42/1000 persons per year) of the highest. In addition, the RR calculated using energy-adjusted Ca intake (by the residual method) as an outcome was 1·92 (95 % CI 1·28, 2·88). However, no such association was observed in men. An increase of Ca intake should be considered as a preventive strategy for vertebral fractures in peri- and post-menopausal women with a low Ca intake.
Correlation of plume morphologies on joint surfaces with their fracture mechanic implications
Authors: BAHAT D. , RABINOVITCH A. , FRID V. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe fractography and conditions of propagation of joints that cut Devonian siltstones in the Appalachian Plateau, New York, and Eocene chalks from the Beer Sheva Syncline, Israel, are investigated. The joints cutting the siltstones are marked by S-type and C-type plumes, and the joints cutting the Lower Eocene and Middle Eocene chalks are marked by coarse and delicate plumes, respectively. The four plume types propagated under sub-critical (slow propagation) conditions. On the semi-quantitative fracture velocity (v) versus the tensile stress intensity (KI) curves, the S and C plume types fall in the KI=0.073–0.79 MPa m1/2 and v=2×10−4–10−2 m/s and KI=0.073–0.79 MPa m1/2 and v=10−6–10−4 m/s ranges respectively. The coarse and delicate plumes fall in the KI=0.03–0.17 MPa m1/2 and v=10−6–4×10−5 m/s and KI=0.03–0.17 MPa m1/2 and v=10−4–5×10−3 m/s ranges, respectively. Generally, slow plumes are relatively short, show periodicity, and typically exhibit superposition of arrest marks. On the other hand, faster plumes are longer and continuous, occur particularly in thinner layers, and show no superposition of arrest marks. There is a clear distinction between two en échelon segmentation end-members in the joint fringe, the ‘discontinuous breakdown type’ and the ‘continuous breakdown type’. There are also ‘transitional’ variations between the end-members. Only curved ‘discontinuous breakdown type’ boundaries of en échelon fringes can be equated with mirror boundaries.
The dependence of open cylindrical magnetoactive p-Ge and p-Si plasma waveguide mode cutoff frequencies on hole concentrations
Authors: NICKELSON L. , ASMONTAS S. , MALISAUSKAS V. , MARTAVICIUS R. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractIn this article we give the solution of Maxwell's equations for the open circular cylindrical magnetoactive semiconductor plasma (-gyrotropy) waveguides. We describe the method that allowed us to arrive at a dispersion equation for the electrodynamical analyses of open circular cylindrical plasma (OCCP) waveguides. We numerically investigate the main and two higher modes' dispersion characteristics of p-Ge and p-Si waveguides placed in an external constant longitudinal magnetic field at several concentrations of two component hole charge carriers. We analyse the cutoff frequency and other electrodynamical characteristics of helicon modes with the left-handed (e+iϕ) circular polarization. We discover that the cutoff frequencies of the main mode and the working frequency range of OCCP p-Ge and p-Si waveguides are moving continuously towards the direction of higher frequencies when the hole concentration is increasing. We determine that the central frequency of the p-Si plasma waveguide is higher and its broadbandwidth is larger compared with the analogical p-Ge waveguide. We also numerically investigate the helicon mode cutoff frequencies of the infinitive p-Ge and p-Si plasma at several concentrations of two component hole charge carriers. We compare the cutoff frequencies of the helicon modes propagating in the infinite plasma and in the OCCP waveguides.
A New Hope: India, the United Nations and the Making of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Authors: BHAGAVAN MANU 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThis paper explores India's role in the development and design of the United Nations (UN), refracted through the Commission that drafted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Through an analysis of sovereignty, citizenship, nationality and human rights from the 1940s to 1956, the paper discusses what India hoped the UN to be, and more generally what they intended for the new world order and for themselves. The paper challenges existing interpretations of international affairs in this period. It seeks to reform our understanding of Jawaharlal Nehru's intellectual vision, and in the process attempts to recast the very concept of post-coloniality.
Sporogony of Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae in the brown trout Salmo trutta and the role of the tertiary cell during the vertebrate phase of myxozoan life cycles
Authors: MORRIS D. J. , ADAMS A. 
Published: June 2008

SUMMARYTetracapsuloides bryosalmonae is the myxozoan that causes the commercially and ecologically important proliferative kidney disease of salmonid fish species. Immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy were used to examine the development of this parasite within the kidney of the brown trout Salmo trutta. The main replicative phase of T. bryosalmonae is a cell doublet composed of a primary cell and a single secondary cell. Engulfment of one secondary cell by another to form a secondary-tertiary doublet (S-T doublet) heralded the onset of sporogony whereupon the parasite migrated to the kidney tubule lumen. Within the tubule, the parasite transformed into a pseudoplasmodium and anchored to the tubule epithelial cells via pseudopodial extensions. Within each pseudoplasmodium developed a single spore, composed of 4 valve cells, 2 polar capsules and 1 sporoplasm. The pseudoplasmodia formed clusters suggesting that large numbers of spores develop within the fish. This examination of T. bryosalmonae suggests that the main replicative phase of freshwater myxozoans within vertebrates is via direct replication of cell doublets rather than through the rupturing of extrasporogonic stages, while tertiary cell formation relates only to sporogony. Taken in conjunction with existing phylogenetic data, 5 distinct sporogonial sequences are identified for the Myxozoa.
Using optimization to create self-stable human-like running
Authors: Mombaur Katja 
Published: June 2008

SUMMARYThis paper demonstrates how numerical optimization techniques can efficiently be used to create self-stable running motions for a human-like robot model. Exploitation of self-stability is considered to be a crucial factor for biological running and might be the key for success to make bipedal and humanoid robots run in the future. We investigate a two-dimensional simulation model of running with nine bodies (trunk, thighs, shanks, feet, and arms) powered by external moments at all internal joints. Using efficient optimal control techniques and stability optimization, we were able to determine model parameters and actuator inputs that lead to fully open-loop stable running motions.
Graph Colouring with No Large Monochromatic Components
Authors: LINIAL NATHAN , MATOUŠEK JIŘÍ , SHEFFET OR , TARDOS GÁBOR 
Published: June 2008

For a graphGand an integertwe letmcct(G) be the smallestmsuch that there exists a colouring of the vertices ofGbytcolours with no monochromatic connected subgraph having more thanmvertices. Letbe any non-trivial minor-closed family of graphs. We show thatmcc2(G) =O(n2/3) for anyn-vertex graphG∈. This bound is asymptotically optimal and it is attained for planar graphs. More generally, for every such, and every fixedtwe show thatmcct(G)=O(n2/(t+1)). On the other hand, we have examples of graphsGwith noKt+3minor and withmcct(G)=Ω(n2/(2t−1)).It is also interesting to consider graphs of bounded degrees. Haxell, Szabó and Tardos provedmcc2(G) ≤ 20000 for every graphGof maximum degree 5. We show that there aren-vertex 7-regular graphsGwithmcc2(G)=Ω(n), and more sharply, for every ϵ > 0 there existscϵ> 0 andn-vertex graphs of maximum degree 7, average degree at most 6 + ϵ for all subgraphs, and withmcc2(G) ≥cϵn. For 6-regular graphs it is known only that the maximum order of magnitude ofmcc2is between$\sqrt n$andn.We also offer a Ramsey-theoretic perspective of the quantitymcct(G).
Living as a drug addict in Oslo, Norway – a study focusing on nutrition and health
Authors: Sæland M , Haugen M , Eriksen F-L , Smehaugen A , Wandel M , Böhmer T , Oshaug A 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate nutritional status and related living conditions among drug addicts in Oslo.DesignA cross-sectional study of nutritional status evaluated by anthropometric and biochemical measurements; a structured interview concerning education, living conditions, income source, drug history and sex practice; and biochemical testing of sexually transmitted infections.SettingThe present study was conducted between November 2001 and April 2003 in locations where the drug addicts reside in Oslo.SubjectsA total of 123 male and seventy-two female addicts using drugs by injections regularly.ResultsWe found that 20 % of the women were moderately underweight (BMI in kg/m2) (16·5 < BMI < 18·5), 7 % were severely underweight (BMI ≤ 16·5) and 3 % of the men were moderately underweight (16·5 < BMI < 18·5). BMI was positively correlated with days institutionalised and number of eating events per day. Respondents sleeping rough had significantly reduced BMI compared to those in hostels and shelters. The concentrations of Hb, serum ferritin and albumin supported a higher prevalence of malnutrition among the women. Hepatitis C was found in 85 %, active hepatitis B in 6 % and less than 2 % were HIV positive. Also, 84 % received public financial support, 38 % of the women had prostitution as a significant income source, while burglary was most prevalent among the men; 20 % were pushing drugs.ConclusionMalnutrition among the drug addicts varied from 5 % to 30 %, independent of drug history, education and income. Moderate and severe underweight was most prevalent among the women. Being previously institutionalised and having increased number of eating events increased BMI. Sleeping rough correlated with reduced body weight. Hepatitis C infection was common; hepatitis B and HIV were rare.
MPIDB: the microbial protein interaction database
Authors: Goll Johannes , Rajagopala Seesandra V. , Shiau Shen C. , Wu Hank , Lamb Brian T. , Uetz Peter 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
Summary: The microbial protein interaction database (MPIDB) aims to collect and provide all known physical microbial interactions. Currently, 22 530 experimentally determined interactions among proteins of 191 bacterial species/strains can be browsed and downloaded. These microbial interactions have been manually curated from the literature or imported from other databases (IntAct, DIP, BIND, MINT) and are linked to 24 060 experimental evidences (PubMed ID, PSI-MI methods). In contrast to these databases, interactions in MPIDB are further supported by 8150 additional evidences based on interaction conservation, co-purification and 3D domain contacts (iPfam, 3did).
Availability: http://www.jcvi.org/mpidb/
Contact: jgoll@jcvi.org
Wax-ester mobilization by female Calanus finmarchicus (Gunnerus) during spring ascendance and advection to the Faroe Shelf
Authors: Madsen Matias L. , Gaard Eilif , Hansen Benni W. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractMadsen, M. L., Gaard, E., and Hansen, B. W. 2008. Wax-ester mobilization by female Calanus finmarchicus (Gunnerus) during spring ascendance and advection to the Faroe Shelf. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 1112–1121. Time of ascendance and initiation of reproduction in Calanus finmarchicus is closely correlated with the phytoplankton spring bloom. However, significant egg production can take place before the bloom, fuelled by mobilizing stored wax-ester lipids. Calanus finmarchicus from stations on the Faroe Shelf were compared with specimens collected off the shelf. Biological parameters such as gut contents, egg production, developmental stage, and lipid content were determined and correlated with phytoplankton concentration and spatial distribution along two transects in late April 2003 across the shelf northeast and southwest of the Faroe Islands. Grazing by C. finmarchicus on phytoplankton was significantly lower northeast of the Faroe plateau. However, the egg production was generally high for a pre-bloom situation, with significantly higher rates of egg production on the shelf than off it, along both transects. Wax-ester content of female C. finmarchicus was significantly higher and more variable at off-shelf stations than on the shelf (<2 µg female−1). From this, we suggest that off-shelf C. finmarchicus had recently emerged from overwintering depths, in contrast to individuals from stations on the shelf, which had been in the upper water masses for some time. Females (from off-shelf stations) most likely supported the initial egg production from their wax-ester reserves.