bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unifocal Langerhans cell histiocytosis of the oral mucosa
Authors: Fistarol Susanna , Itin Peter , Häusermann Peter , Oberholzer Martin , Raineri Ines , Lambrecht Thomas , Hitz Lindenmüller Irène 
Published: February 2009

SummaryA 24‐year‐old man was admitted for a painful gingival ulcer. Histology and immunohistochemistry of a lesional biopsy revealed the diagnosis of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH). To rule out multifocal disease, a complete staging was performed. There was no evidence of bony lesions or any other organ involvement. The diagnosis of LCH restricted to the oral mucosa was established. The complete oral lesion was ablated by CO2 laser and subsequently treated topically with triamcinolone acetonide. The patient is still in remission after one year of follow‐up.LCH confined to the oral mucosa is rare. It presents usually as an inflammatory or ulcerative lesion, easily leading to misinterpretation and delayed diagnosis. Patients with limited unifocal mucocutaneous disease, as in the present case, usually have an excellent prognosis. However, the oral lesion may represent an early sign of LCH, predating and progressing to an aggressive life‐threatening multiorgan disease.
Derangement of chick embryo retinal differentiation caused by radiofrequency electromagnetic fields
Authors: Zareen Nusrat , Khan Muhammad Yunus , Minhas Liaqat Ali 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACTThe possible adverse effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (EMF) emitted from mobile phones present a major public concern. Biological electrical activities of the human body are vulnerable to interference from oscillatory aspects of EMF, which affect fundamental cellular activities, in particular, the highly active development process of embryos. Some studies highlight the possible health hazards of EMF, while others contest the hypothesis of biological impact of EMF. The present study was designed to observe the histomorphological effects of EMF emitted by a mobile phone on the retinae of developing chicken embryos. Fertilized chicken eggs were exposed to a ringing mobile set on silent tone placed in the incubator at different ages of development. After exposure for the scheduled duration the retinae of the embryos were dissected out and processed for histological examination. The control and experimental embryos were statistically compared for retinal thickness and epithelial pigmentation grades. Contrasting effects of EMF on the retinal histomorphology were noticed, depending on the duration of exposure. The embryos exposed for 10 post‐incubation days exhibited decreased retinal growth and mild pigmentation of the epithelium. Growth retardation reallocated to growth enhancement on increasing EMF exposure for 15 post‐incubation days, with a shift of pigmentation grade from mild to intense. We conclude that EMF emitted by a mobile phone cause derangement of chicken embryo retinal differentiation.
Effects of estrone on both embryonic and extra‐embryonic regions in mouse embryos during pre‐organogenesis in vitro
Authors: Kajiwara Yuji , Imahori Miki 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACTEndocrine disruptors are known to have the potential to interfere with reproductive systems. It has been reported that early embryogenesis was affected by estrone in chicks. In the present experiment, the effects of estrone on early embryos during pre‐organogenesis were investigated to evaluate the effects and toxicities of endocrine disruptors. Mouse embryos at day 6.5 of gestation were recovered and cultured for 48 h in a medium at a concentration of 10 or 100 ng/mL estrone. After cultivation, the embryos were measured for the diameter of the total conceptus, including both embryo and yolk sac, and head–tail length. The diameters of conceptus in both treated and control groups were not significantly different, but the growth of the conceptus was slightly inhibited in the 10 ng estrone group. The lengths of embryos were significantly decreased in the 10 and 100 ng/mL estrone‐treated groups. Thus, estrone affected embryo growth at pre‐organogenesis, suggesting that the endocrine disruptor could also have some effects and toxicities on mouse embryogenesis.
Development of the meniscus of the knee joint in human fetuses
Authors: Fukazawa Ikuo , Hatta Toshihisa , Uchio Yuji , Otani Hiroki 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACTDiscoid meniscus of the knee joint occurs at a higher incidence in the lateral than in the medial menisci. Although its developmental origin has been suggested, it remains unclear. To verify the developmental etiology, we examined the meniscus of the knee joint in 41 human fetuses (from 14 to 30 weeks of gestation) and 14 adults (from 56 to 91 years of age) comparatively. The articular surfaces of the tibia and meniscus of the left knees in 40 fetuses and 14 adults were photographed and each area was measured by Scion Image (Scion; http://www.scioncorp.com). Morphometric analyses revealed that the proportion of the area of meniscus to that of the plateau was continuously higher in the lateral side than in the medial side. The right knee joints of seven fetuses were histologically observed, and the layered structure of fibers developed earlier in the lateral meniscus than in the medial in fetuses. The observed differential development of lateral and medial sides of the meniscus may be involved in the etiology of discoid meniscus.
Emergency department patient preferences for waiting for a bed
Authors: Bartlett Simone , Fatovich Daniel M 
Published: February 2009

AbstractObjective:  Many EDs have difficulty transferring admitted patients to inpatient beds in a timely manner because of access block. We assessed ED patient preferences for waiting location.Method:  Admitted ED patients at Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia were surveyed over a 4 week period. Patients were questioned about their preferences for waiting location (ED cubicle, ED corridor, ward corridor, no preference). Patients were also asked what they felt was the maximum acceptable time for waiting for a ward bed. We also assessed if patient expectations were met with regards to their waiting times.Results:  A total of 400 patients were surveyed. Of all, 121 patients (30.2%) had no preference for waiting location and 215 patients (53.8%) preferred ED cubicles. If the waiting location option was between EDs and ward corridors, 185 patients (46.2%) had no preference. Of the 215 patients who had a preference, 72.1% preferred to wait in a ward corridor (95% CI 65.5–77.8%) and 27.9% preferred the ED corridor (95% CI 22.1–34.5%). Fifty‐seven per cent of patients expected to get to their ward bed within 6 h. Seventy‐two point one per cent (95% CI 66.3%–77.2%) of patients did not have their expectations met for bed waiting times.Conclusions:  Patients would prefer to wait in ward corridors for their ward bed if there was no ED cubicle available. Waiting in the ED corridor is their least preferred option. Patients usually expect to get to their ward bed within 3 h. However, with high levels of access block, patient expectations for waiting times for a bed are usually not met. These findings could be used to drive system changes that are more patient‐focussed.
Prospective evaluation of selected clinical criteria for cranial computed tomography in non‐trauma adult patients
Authors: Tan Irene , Young Noel , Sindhusake Doungkamol Poppy , Boddy Rachel , Bui Quoc , Nagra Ravinder , Reddy Jyothi 
Published: February 2009

AbstractObjective:  To evaluate the usefulness of previously published criteria by Rothrock et al. and Harris et al. for urgent, cranial CT in non‐trauma presentations.Methods:  A prospective, observational study of consecutive adult patients with non‐trauma presentations to Westmead Emergency Department, undergoing urgent cranial CT over a period of 2 years and 10 months. Clinical data were assessed to determine the presence of the proposed Rothrock and Harris criteria. Clinically significant findings defined by CT were intracerebral haemorrhage, acute infarction, intracranial infection, acute hydrocephalus, cerebral oedema and malignancy.Results:  A total of 1911 patients were studied. Among them, 21.7% (414/1911) of patients had clinically significant findings on CT. Application of the Harris criteria demonstrated a sensitivity of 93.5% (387/414, 95% CI 90.7–95.7) and a false negative rate of 6.5% (27/414, 95% CI 4.3–9.3) with a potential reduction in number of scans by 27.8%. With application of the Rothrock criteria, the possible scan reduction rate was 15% with a sensitivity of 98.8% (409/414, 95% CI 97.2–99.6) and a false negative rate of 1.2% (5/414, 95% CI 0.4–2.8).Conclusion:  The Harris criteria were not validated by our study. The Rothrock criteria are also not confidently validated, but can be a useful guide for emergency physicians to help prioritize high‐risk patients who might have clinically significant cranial CT findings. We have not replicated their very high sensitivity and very low false negative rates.
Review article: Efficacy and safety of methoxyflurane analgesia in the emergency department and prehospital setting
Authors: Grindlay Joanne , Babl Franz E 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThis article reviews the evidence for the analgesic efficacy of methoxyflurane in both prehospital and ED settings, as well as the adverse event profile associated with methoxyflurane use. Although there are no published controlled trials of methoxyflurane in sub‐anaesthetic doses, available data indicate that it is an efficacious analgesic. There is inadequate evidence regarding its use as an agent for procedural pain. Despite the potential for renal impairment evident when it was used in anaesthetic doses, no significant adverse effects have been reported in the literature, neither in patients nor occupationally, when the dose used is limited to that currently recommended.
Patterns of presentation to the Australian and New Zealand Paediatric Emergency Research Network
Authors: Acworth Jason , Babl Franz , Borland Meredith , Ngo Peter , Krieser David , Schutz Jacquie , Pitt Rob , Cotterell Elizabeth , Jamison Sarah , Neutze Jocelyn , Lee Mark 
Published: February 2009

AbstractObjective:  To describe epidemiological data concerning paediatric ED visits to an Australian and New Zealand research network.Methods:  We conducted a cross‐sectional study of paediatric ED visits to all Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative (PREDICT) sites in 2004. Epidemiological data, including demographics, admission rates and diagnostic grouping, were examined and analysed using descriptive and comparative statistical methods. We compared the data, if possible, with published data from a US paediatric emergency research network (Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network).Results:  A total of 351 440 ED presentations were analysed from 11 PREDICT sites. Mean patient age was 4.6 years and 55% were boys. Presentations were identified as 3% Aboriginal at Australian sites and 44% Maori/Pacific in New Zealand locations. According to Australasian Triage Scale (ATS), 5% were ATS 1 or 2 (to be seen immediately or within 10 min), 27% ATS 3 (to be seen within 30 min) and 67% ATS 4 or 5. Although ED visits peaked in late winter and early spring, admission rates remained unchanged throughout the year with an overall admission rate of 24%. Most frequent diagnoses were acute gastroenteritis, acute viral illness and upper respiratory tract infection. Asthma was the next most common. Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network and PREDICT data showed differences in terms of ethnicity descriptions/distribution and admission rates.Conclusions:  This is the first description of the epidemiology of patient presentations to major paediatric ED in Australia and New Zealand. It details baseline data important to future collaborative studies and for planning health services for children.
Retrospective bias in expert evidence: Effects on patient and doctor safety
Authors: Annunziata Angelo 
Published: February 2009

AbstractRetrospective bias in expert evidence can have many ramifications for the practitioners involved and less directly for patients. The individual doctor's self‐worth can be diminished and timely improvement in the delivery of patient can be delayed or prevented completely. This article explores why retrospective bias occurs and what can be done to minimise its impact.
Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder: A Case Report in a Woman with Lifelong PGAD Where Serendipitous Administration of Varenicline Tartrate Resulted in Symptomatic Improvement
Authors: Korda Joanna B. , Pfaus James G. , Goldstein Irwin 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACTIntroductionPersistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD) in women is associated with feelings of persistent, spontaneous, intrusive, unrelenting, and unwanted physical arousal in the absence of conscious thoughts of sexual desire or sexual interest.AimTo report the case of a 49-year-old woman with lifelong PGAD who was recently prescribed varenicline for smoking cessation and who subsequently experienced amelioration of PGAD symptoms.MethodsPatient self-report and literature review. Written consent was obtained from the patient.ResultsAbatement of lifelong PGAD symptoms occurred within approximately two weeks each time varenicline treatment was initiated. PGAD symptoms returned in approximately 2 weeks each time treatment was suspended.ConclusionsVarenicline is a partial agonist of the α2β4 subtype of nicotinic cholinergic receptor. Its unique pharmacological action stimulates a small amount of brain dopamine release while antagonizing the ability of nicotine to stimulate much larger dopamine release. Genital sexual arousal is controlled in part by the action of hypothalamic and limbic dopamine systems. Based on the mechanism of action of varenicline and the observation of its effectiveness in this case, we hypothesize that: (i) central hyperactive dopamine release is an important component in the pathophysiology of PGAD in this patient; and (ii) use of varenicline resulted in lowering of this hyperstimulated central dopamine release. Objective testing of varenicline’s safety and efficacy in the treatment of other women with PGAD is suggested.
Foraging behavior of adult female Steller sea lions during the breeding season in Southeast Alaska
Authors: Rehberg M. J. , Andrews R. D. , Swain U. G. , Calkins D. G. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractDuring the 1990s, the Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatusSchreber) Western Alaska stock (WS) suffered steep population decline while the Eastern Alaska stock (ES) steadily increased. One bottom‐up forcing hypothesis explaining this decline predicted lactating adult female foraging behavior would be different between stocks. To investigate this effect, we monitored 11 ES females at two breeding rookeries using satellite dive recorders (SDR) during the early breeding seasons of 1992–1993, examined their behavior with respect to prey, physiological limitations, and habitat, and made limited comparisons to observations of WS female behavior reported in the literature. ES females were not operating at the extremes of ability, with most diving within the limits of aerobic metabolism, less than one‐quarter of possible foraging time during trips spent submerged and most foraging trips requiring less than one‐half the lipid store fasting ability of dependent pups. Thus, females may have some capacity to alter behavior to accommodate future changes in foraging conditions, but the extent of this plasticity is unknown. Because recent work suggests WS recovery is impeded by low natality, future studies should test differences between reproductive and non‐reproductive mature females in order to properly assess the contribution of foraging ecology to SSL population dynamics.
Assessing in situ rates of anaerobic hydrocarbon bioremediation
Authors: Gieg Lisa M. , Alumbaugh Robert E. , Field Jennifer , Jones Jesse , Istok Jonathon D. , Suflita Joseph M. 
Published: February 2009

SummaryIdentifying metabolites associated with anaerobic hydrocarbon biodegradation is a reliable way to garner evidence for the intrinsic bioremediation of problem contaminants. While such metabolites have been detected at numerous sites, the in situ rates of anaerobic hydrocarbon decay remain largely unknown. Yet, realistic rate information is critical for predicting how long individual contaminants will persist and remain environmental threats. Here, single‐well push–pull tests were conducted at two fuel‐contaminated aquifers to determine the in situ biotransformation rates of a suite of hydrocarbons added as deuterated surrogates, including toluene‐d8, o‐xylene‐d10, m‐xylene‐d10, ethylbenzene‐d5 (or ‐d10), 1, 2, 4‐trimethylbenzene‐d12, 1, 3, 5‐trimethylbenzene‐d12, methylcyclohexane‐d14 and n‐hexane‐d14. The formation of deuterated fumarate addition and downstream metabolites was quantified and found to be somewhat variable among wells in each aquifer, but generally within an order of magnitude. Deuterated metabolites formed in one aquifer at rates that ranged from 3 to 50 µg l−1 day−1, while the comparable rates at another aquifer were slower and ranged from 0.03 to 15 µg l−1 day−1. An important observation was that the deuterated hydrocarbon surrogates were metabolized in situ within hours or days at both sites, in contrast to many laboratory findings suggesting that long lag periods of weeks to months before the onset of anaerobic biodegradation are typical. It seems clear that highly reduced conditions are not detrimental to the intrinsic bioremediation of fuel‐contaminated aquifers.
The construction of a whole‐cell biosensor for phosphonoacetate, based on the LysR‐like transcriptional regulator PhnR from Pseudomonas fluorescens 23F
Authors: Kulakova Anna N. , Kulakov Leonid A. , McGrath John W. , Quinn John P. 
Published: February 2009

SummaryThe phnA gene that encodes the carbon‐phosphorus bond cleavage enzyme phosphonoacetate hydrolase is widely distributed in the environment, suggesting that its phosphonate substrate may play a significant role in biogeochemical phosphorus cycling. Surprisingly, however, no biogenic origin for phosphonoacetate has yet been established. To facilitate the search for its natural source we have constructed a whole‐cell phosphonoacetate biosensor. The gene encoding the LysR‐type transcriptional activator PhnR, which controls expression of the phosphonoacetate degradative operon in Pseudomonas fluorescens 23F, was inserted in the broad‐host‐range promoter probe vector pPROBE‐NT, together with the promoter region of the structural genes. Cells of Escherichia coli DH5α that contained the resultant construct, pPANT3, exhibited phosphonoacetate‐dependent green fluorescent protein fluorescence in response to threshold concentrations of as little as 0.5 µM phosphonoacetate, some 100 times lower than the detection limit of currently available non‐biological analytical methods; the pPANT3 biosensor construct in Pseudomonas putida KT2440 was less sensitive, although with shorter response times. From a range of other phosphonates and phosphonoacetate analogues tested, only phosphonoacetaldehyde and arsonoacetate induced green fluorescent protein fluorescence in the E. coli DH5α (pPANT3) biosensor, although at much‐reduced sensitivities (50 µM phosphonoacetaldehyde and 500 µM arsonoacetate).
Field metabolomics and laboratory assessments of anaerobic intrinsic bioremediation of hydrocarbons at a petroleum‐contaminated site
Authors: Parisi Victoria A. , Brubaker Gaylen R. , Zenker Matthew J. , Prince Roger C. , Gieg Lisa M. , Da Silva Marcio L.B. , Alvarez Pedro J. J. , Suflita Joseph M. 
Published: February 2009

SummaryField metabolomics and laboratory assays were used to assess the in situ anaerobic attenuation of hydrocarbons in a contaminated aquifer underlying a former refinery. Benzene, ethylbenzene, 2‐methylnaphthalene, 1,2,4‐ and 1,3,5‐trimethylbenzene were targeted as contaminants of greatest regulatory concern (COC) whose intrinsic remediation has been previously reported. Metabolite profiles associated with anaerobic hydrocarbon decay revealed the microbial utilization of alkylbenzenes, including the trimethylbenzene COC, PAHs and several n‐alkanes in the contaminated portions of the aquifer. Anaerobic biodegradation experiments designed to mimic in situ conditions showed no loss of exogenously amended COC; however, a substantive rate of endogenous electron acceptor reduction was measured (55 ± 8 µM SO4 day−1). An assessment of hydrocarbon loss in laboratory experiments relative to a conserved internal marker revealed that non‐COC hydrocarbons were being metabolized. Purge and trap analysis of laboratory assays showed a substantial loss of toluene, m‐ and o‐xylene, as well as several alkanes (C6–C12). Multiple lines of evidence suggest that benzene is persistent under the prevailing site anaerobic conditions. We could find no in situ benzene intermediates (phenol or benzoate), the parent molecule proved recalcitrant in laboratory assays and low copy numbers of Desulfobacterium were found, a genus previously implicated in anaerobic benzene biodegradation. This study also showed that there was a reasonable correlation between field and laboratory findings, although with notable exception. Thus, while the intrinsic anaerobic bioremediation was clearly evident at the site, non‐COC hydrocarbons were preferentially metabolized, even though there was ample literature precedence for the biodegradation of the target molecules.
The outer membrane protein TolC is required for phytoalexin resistance and virulence of the fire blight pathogen Erwinia amylovora
Authors: Al‐Karablieh Nehaya , Weingart Helge , Ullrich Matthias S. 
Published: February 2009

Summary Erwinia amylovora causes fire blight on several plant species such as apple and pear, which produce diverse phytoalexins as defence mechanisms. An evolutionary successful pathogen thus must develop resistance mechanisms towards these toxic compounds. The E. amylovora outer membrane protein, TolC, might mediate phytoalexin resistance through its interaction with the multidrug efflux pump, AcrAB. To prove this, a tolC mutant and an acrB/tolC double mutant were constructed. The minimal inhibitory concentrations of diverse antimicrobials and phytoalexins were determined for these mutants and compared with that of a previously generated acrB mutant. The tolC and arcB/tolC mutants were considerably more susceptible than the wild type but showed similar levels as the acrB mutant. The results clearly indicated that neither TolC nor AcrAB significantly interacted with other transport systems during the efflux of the tested toxic compounds. Survival and virulence assays on inoculated apple plants showed that pathogenicity and the ability of E. amylovora to colonize plant tissue were equally impaired by mutations of tolC and acrB/tolC. Our results allowed the conclusion that TolC plays an important role as a virulence and fitness factor of E. amylovora by mediating resistance towards phytoalexins through its exclusive interaction with AcrAB.