bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Capillary gel electrophoresis: a simple method for identification of mutations and polymorphisms in the CEBPA gene in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Juhl‐Christensen Caroline , Bomberg Marianne , Melsvik Dorte , Hokland Peter , Nyvold Charlotte Guldborg 
Published: July 2008

AbstractIntroduction:  The CEBPA gene encodes a transcription factor, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP)α. Expression of the wildtype protein is essential for the lineage specific differentiation of myelocytic haematopoietic precursors into mature neutrophils. Eight percentage of all AML patients harbour at least one mutation in this gene, increasing up to 15% in the group, where standard karyotypic analysis do not reveal chromosomal aberrations.Objective:  We designed a method, which discriminates as little as single base insertions or deletions accounting for 90% of all CEBPA mutations. The TAD2C length polymorphism was also identified using this set up.Patients and Methods:  Diagnostic bone marrow or peripheral blood from 446 adults and 39 children diagnosed with AML from 1980 to 2006 was analysed for mutations by PCR and capillary gel electrophoresis.Results:  We analysed pretreatment samples from 485 AML patients and 57 healthy volunteers and identified sequence variations in 35/446 adults and 1/39 children. We were immediately able to distinguish N‐ and C‐terminal insertions and deletions as well as normally occurring polymorphisms. Abnormal PCR products were reprocessed and analysed by direct sequencing. We found stringent accordance between the two methods and reached the same frequency of mutations and polymorphisms as known from the literature.Conclusion:  We conclude that capillary gel electrophoresis can be used as an accurate and high throughput diagnostic procedure for mutational status in the CEBPA gene identifying not only the same mutational frequency as in the published reports but also the TAD2C polymorphism in addition.
Therapeutic targeting of Janus kinases
Authors: Pesu Marko , Laurence Arian , Kishore Nandini , Zwillich Samuel H. , Chan Gary , O'Shea John J. 
Published: July 2008

SummaryCytokines play pivotal roles in immunity and inflammation, and targeting cytokines and their receptors is an effective means of treating such disorders. Type I and II cytokine receptors associate with Janus family kinases (JAKs) to effect intracellular signaling. These structurally unique protein kinases play essential and specific roles in immune cell development and function. One JAK, JAK3, has particularly selective functions. Mutations of this kinase underlie severe combined immunodeficiency, indicative of its critical role in the development and function of lymphocytes. Because JAK3 appears not to have functions outside of hematopoietic cells, this kinase has been viewed as an excellent therapeutic target for the development of a new class of immunosuppressive drugs. In fact, several companies are developing JAK3 inhibitors, and Phase II studies are underway. Mutations of Tyk2 cause autosomal recessive hyperIgE syndrome, and in principle, Tyk2 inhibitors might also be useful as immunosuppressive drugs. JAK2 gain‐of‐function mutations (V617F) underlie a subset of disorders collectively referred to as myeloproliferative diseases and phase 2 trials using JAK inhibitors are underway in this setting. Thus, we are learning a great deal about the feasibility and effectiveness of targeting Janus kinases, and it appears likely that this will be a fruitful strategy in a variety of settings.
Periodontal status in patients with pemphigus vulgaris*
Authors: Akman A , Kacaroglu H , Yilmaz E , Alpsoy E 
Published: July 2008

Objective:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the periodontal status of pemphigus vulgaris (PV) patients and compare it with that of healthy controls. We also analysed the association between the periodontal condition and the clinical severity of the disease in PV patients.Study design:  Twenty patients (nine women, 11 men; mean ± s.d. age, 42.9±9.8 years) with PV and 22 healthy subjects (eight women, 14 men; mean ± s.d. age, 40.5 ± 12.1 years) were included in the study. The periodontal status of all subjects was evaluated according to the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN). PV patients were also assessed for Clinical Severity Score (CSS).Results:  The mean CPITN values were observed to be higher in PV patients (2.8 ± 0.7) compared with those of healthy controls (1.0 ± 0.8) (P < 0.001). Nevertheless, there was no statistically significant difference in CPITN values according to the CSS (P = 0.4). The number of carious teeth was significantly higher in PV patients than that in healthy subjects.Conclusions:  Our results showed that periodontal status is worse in PV patients. Moreover, PV might contribute to the development and / or progression of periodontitis. PV patients should be encouraged for long‐term periodontal follow up.
Impact of paediatric surgery training on the attitudes and experience of frontline general surgeons in common paediatric surgical emergencies
Authors: Leung Michael Wai‐Yip , Liu Kelvin Kam‐Wing , Chao Nicholas Sih‐Yin , Wong Beatrice Pui‐Yiu , Chung Kwong‐Wai , Kwok Wing‐Kin 
Published: July 2008

Aim:  The present study is a survey of the attitudes and experience of frontline general surgeons in common paediatric surgical emergencies, and their exposure to paediatric surgery (PS) during training.Methods:  Questionnaires were sent to higher trainees and junior specialists in general surgery. Their experience in the management of common paediatric emergency conditions including acute scrotum, toddler appendicitis, infant incarcerated inguinal hernia and intussusception was asked.Results:  Of the surgeons, 60.8% and 41.2% had no exposure to PS in their internship and basic surgical training, respectively. The majority of them managed less than five cases of intussusception (82.4%) and incarcerated inguinal hernia (66.7%); 19.6% and 37.3% indicated that they were competent in managing intussusception and incarcerated inguinal hernia, respectively. The majority believed that general surgeons should know how to manage these common paediatric emergency conditions. However, 56.9% and 78.4% opined that infants with incarcerated inguinal hernia and intussusception, respectively, should be managed in paediatric surgical centres.Conclusions:  Although most frontline general surgeons opined that they should know how to manage common paediatric surgical emergencies, the majority of them did not feel competent to manage infantile intussusception and incarcerated inguinal hernia due to inadequate clinical exposure. They believed that intussusception and incarcerated inguinal hernia should be managed in a paediatric surgical centre.
Pediatric Hyperlipidemia: Child and Adolescent Disease Understandings and Perceptions About Dietary Adherence
Authors: Kools Susan , Kennedy Christine , Engler Marguerite , Engler Mary 
Published: July 2008

PURPOSE.  Pediatric hyperlipidemia increases cardiovascular disease risk. The cornerstone of treatment is a restrictive, lipid‐lowering diet. Child disease understandings and perceptions of dietary adherence were explored, a secondary aim of the Endothelial Assessment of Risk from Lipids in Youth trial. DESIGN AND METHODS.  Focus groups and individual interviews were conducted with participants, ages 9–20 years (n = 50). Data were thematically analyzed.FINDINGS.  Adherence is influenced by individual characteristics (developmental level, knowledge), in the context of social interactions (family modeling, peer relationships, school). PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS.  Dietary practices are developed within social interactions. Interventions promoting adherence must consider children within their social contexts.
Healthcare Providers’ Perceptions of the Factors Contributing to Infant Obesity in a Low‐Income Mexican American Community
Authors: Johnson Susan L. , Clark Lauren , Goree Kristen , O’Connor Mary , Zimmer Lorena Marquez 
Published: July 2008

PURPOSE. To examine healthcare professionals’ perceptions of Mexican American infant feeding practices and obesity.DESIGN AND METHODS. Five provider focus groups (n = 38 providers) were conducted in two agencies in the Denver area on the topic of contributors to childhood obesity in the Mexican American community.RESULTS. Healthcare providers believe obesity in Mexican American infants is related to: (a) a chubby baby being a healthy baby, (b) introducing complementary foods early, (c) extended family members’ infant feeding practices, (d) offering infants high‐calorie foods, and (e) prolonged bottle feeding and sweet beverages. Providers reported ambivalence regarding their role in addressing infant obesity.PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. Healthcare providers working with Mexican American families should deliver consistent, culturally specified messages regarding infant feeding and activity practices.
Pilot Study of an Individually Tailored Educational Program by Mail to Promote Healthy Weight in Chinese American Children
Authors: Chen Jyu‐Lin , Weiss Sandra , Heyman Melvin B. , Vittinghoff Eric , Lustig Robert 
Published: July 2008

PURPOSE.  To test the feasibility and impact of an individually tailored educational intervention to promote healthy weight in Chinese American children (ages 8–10). DESIGN.  A pre‐ and post‐test study (N = 57) using standardized instruments to measure children's usual food choices, knowledge of nutrition and physical activity needs, and time spent engaging in physical and sedentary activities.RESULTS.  We found improvement after the intervention in all three areas. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS.  Healthcare providers need to provide parents and children with specific recommendations regarding children's weight statuses, dietary intake, and levels of activity.
ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF FRACTIONS FROM ACID HYDROLYSATES OF ALMOND SHELLS
Authors: MOURE ANDRÉS , DOMÍNGUEZ HERMINIA , PARAJÓ JUAN CARLOS 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT Acid hydrolysis of almond shells was carried out with 2.5 and 5% sulfuric acid, and the ethyl acetate soluble fraction of hydrolysates (EASH) was fractionated on a Sephadex LH‐20 (Amersham Biosciences, Uppsala, Sweden) column. Three fractions were recovered from the crude extract produced by hydrolysis with 2.5% sulfuric acid (EASH‐2.5), and five from the one produced with 5% sulfuric acid (EASH‐5). The recovered fractions were assayed for phenolic content, radical‐scavenging activity (measured by the α,α‐diphenyl‐β‐picrylhydrazyl and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity [TEAC] methods) and reducing capacity (measured by the ferric‐reducing antioxidant power [FRAP] and the reducing power methods). The highest contents of phenolics corresponded to the third fraction (F3) from EASH‐2.5 and to the fourth fraction (F′4) from EASH‐5, whereas fraction 1 (F1) from EASH‐2.5 and fraction 4 from EASH‐5 showed the highest TEAC and FRAP values, and reducing power.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSAcid‐catalyzed hydrolysis for producing xylose is the most common technology for processing almond shells into chemicals, and allows fractionation of this residue into a solid fraction (cellulose and lignin) and a liquid stream containing monomeric sugars, sugar degradation products, extractives and lignin depolymerization compounds. To destine the monomeric sugars as a carbon source for bioconversion purposes, a detoxification step is required. Solvent extraction with ethyl acetate yields a by‐product fraction consisting of compounds with phenolic nature and antioxidant activity, and its utilization would favor the economics of the integral process. The crude ethyl acetate extracts from acid hydrolysates of almond shells showed radical‐scavenging capacity and ability for protecting fish oils and fish oil‐in‐water emulsions from oxidation as efficiently as synthetic antioxidants. Alternatively, the application of the fractions separated in Sephadex gels would be of interest.
Improving Sampling and Response Rates in Children’s Health Research Through Participatory Methods
Authors: Claudio Luz , Stingone Jeanette A 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACTBackground:  Children’s health is an important indicator of community health because children are especially vulnerable to disease. The school setting is ideal for assessing these vulnerabilities and prevalence of disease, yet the methods that produce high participation among students and their families are not usually described or evaluated. This is important because high participation rates increase reliability of data and interpretation of results.Methods:  In order to determine which methods produce the highest response rates in a parent‐report school‐based survey, a child‐focused protocol, consisting of a brief classroom presentation and incentives for participation, was compared to a parent/teacher outreach method and a teacher‐only outreach protocol. Methods were implemented in schools matched on student demographics and neighborhood socioeconomic level. The child‐focused method was found to yield the highest response rate; thus, it was deployed in 26 schools to determine its effectiveness in schools of varying socioeconomic levels.Results:  Response rates were highest using the child‐focused protocol when compared to those resulting from the parent/teacher outreach or the teacher‐only protocols (80.5% vs 74.7%, 83.4% vs 45.8%, respectively). After full deployment, the response rate of the child‐focused protocol was 76.9% (70.8‐82.8%), with 46.9% of classrooms achieving a response rate of 80% or greater. The sample obtained was highly representative in racial/ethnic distribution, as evidenced by its strong correlation with the individual school enrollment, the 5‐ to 12‐year‐old population of surrounding ZIP codes, and the New York City public school population.Conclusion:  Participatory research methods that engage schoolchildren and school staff directly in the research process yield the highest response rates for school‐based studies and provide educational benefits for the school community.
GEOCHEMISTRY OF CRUDE OIL SAMPLES FROM THE IRANIAN SECTOR OF THE PERSIAN GULF
Authors: Rabbani A. R. 
Published: July 2008

High‐resolution (biomarker) geochemistry combined with other geochemical data has been used to investigate the genetic relationships of 14 crude oil samples from the Iranian sector of the Persian Gulf, and to provide information on the lithologies, palaeo‐depositional environments and probable ages of the respective source rocks. Oil samples from the Resalat, Salman, Sirri A, Sirri C, Sirri D and Sirri E fields in the SE of the Gulf, and the Foroozan, Bahregansar, Hendijan, Abouzar, Doroud and Nowrouz fields in the NW of the Gulf were investigated.Results indicate that the studied oils belong to three genetic groups:

Group 1 oils (Resalat and Salman fields) were sourced from Jurassic or older, shaly source rocks deposited in a relatively oxic environment;
Group 2 oils (Nowrouz, Doroud and Foroozan oilfields) originated from Jurassic or older carbonate‐rich source rocks deposited in an anoxic environment;
Group 3 oils, which, according to biomarker parameters, were probably sourced from Middle Cretaceous calcareous shales. Two subgroups are recognised: subgroup 3A oils were sampled from oilfields located in the NW of the Gulf (Hendijan, Bahregansar and Abouzar), and subgroup 3B oils came from the south (Sirri A, Sirri C, Sirri D and Sirri E fields).
Rural Trauma: Is Trauma Designation Associated With Better Hospital Outcomes?
Authors: Bowman Stephen M. , Zimmerman Frederick J. , Sharar Sam R. , Baker Margaret W. , Martin Diane P. 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT:
Context:

While trauma designation has been associated with lower risk of death in large urban settings, relatively little attention has been given to this issue in small rural hospitals.

Purpose:

To examine factors related to in‐hospital mortality and delayed transfer in small rural hospitals with and without trauma designation. Methods: Analysis of data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample for discharges between 1998 and 2003 of patients hospitalized with moderate to major traumatic injury in nonfederal, short‐stay rural hospitals with annual discharges of 1,500 or fewer patients (N = 9,590). Logistic regression was used to control for patient and hospital characteristics, stratifying by hospital volume. Main outcome measures were in‐hospital death and transfer to another acute care facility after initial admission. Findings: A total of 333 patients (3.5%) died in‐hospital. After adjusting for patient, injury and hospital characteristics, in‐hospital death was more likely among patients treated at the non‐designated hospitals with fewer than 500 discharges per year (OR 2.35; 95% CI 1.25‐4.41) than among patients treated at similar trauma‐designated hospitals. Patients admitted to non‐designated hospitals were more likely to be transferred after admission, although this finding was significant only in the larger‐volume hospitals with discharges of 500‐1,500 per year (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.08‐1.83). Conclusions: Associations between trauma designation and outcomes in rural hospitals warrant further study to determine whether expanding designation to more rural hospitals might lead to further improvement in trauma outcomes.
Innovative Peer Review Model for Rural Physicians: System Design and Implementation
Authors: Williams Josie R. , Mechler Kathy , Akins Ralitsa B. 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT:
Context:

The peer review process in small rural hospitals is complicated by limited numbers of physicians, conflict of interest, issues related to appropriate utilization of new technology, possibility for conflicting recommendations, and need for external expertise. Purpose: The purpose of this project was to design, test, and implement a virtual peer review system for small rural hospitals in Texas. We sought to define the characteristics of a virtual peer review system in the context of rural health care, and to explore the benefits from peer review administration within a rural network supported by a university. Methods: Physicians from small rural hospitals participated in pilot testing of the system. Policies and procedures reflecting the innovative character of the new peer review process were developed based on legal/regulatory requirements and desired educational focus of the process. An information technology system to support the virtual peer review was selected, tested, and deployed. Findings: The system tests suggested feasibility of the procedures, reliability of the communication lines, and functional anonymity of the hospitals and physicians participating in the virtual peer review. Participating institutions and individual physicians expressed satisfaction with the reliability and user friendliness of the system as demonstrated during the pilot tests. Conclusions: Hospital licensing and accreditation require a process to monitor and evaluate the care of patients. Utilizing means of virtual communication is a viable option for small rural hospitals. This process is dependable, user‐friendly and provides functional anonymity to participating hospitals and physicians. The peer review system has successfully functioned since 2004.
The Next Generation Road Weather Information System: A New Paradigm for Road and Rail Severe Weather Prediction in the UK
Authors: Thornes John , Chapman Lee 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe use of road weather information systems for the winter maintenance of roads is now widespread around the world. However, road weather forecasts are normally only made available for a limited number of road sensor sites in a region. For example, in Birmingham, UK, there is one forecast site for 26 salting routes. XRWIS is the next generation road weather information system that forecasts for every 20 m along each salting route (typically 50 km long) using a geographical information system, sky‐view factor analysis and mesoscale weather forecasts. Treatment requirements for each salting route are then visualised in simple ‘traffic‐light’ style colours. In a recent winter‐long trial in Devon, UK, up to 78 salting runs on six salting routes could have been prevented saving up to £80,000 in labour and materials. Other potential applications of XRWIS include the prediction of low rail adhesion in winter, due to ice, frost and snow, and track buckling in summer.
Performance evaluation of the Sysmex XS‐1000i automated haematology analyser
Authors: GHYS T. , MALFAIT R. , VAN den BOSSCHE J. 
Published: July 2008

SummaryThe Sysmex® XS‐1000i is a compact new, fully automated haematology analyser, designed to generate complete blood counts with five‐part leucocyte differential. In our study, a Sysmex XS‐1000i instrument was evaluated according to Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) and International Council for Standardization in Haematology (ICSH) guidelines. Precision, carry‐over and linearity were determined. Using a total of 700 patient samples, results from the Sysmex XS‐1000i were compared with those from a Sysmex XE‐2100, an Abbott Cell Dyn 4000 and the manual reference leucocyte differential. Using quality control material, total and within‐run imprecision was less than 3% except for platelets. The system demonstrated good linearity over the entire reporting range and no carry‐over (<0.5%). The Sysmex XS‐1000i showed good correlation with XE‐2100, CD‐4000 and the manual reference leucocyte differential. Overall flagging sensitivity and specificity were 91% and 48%, respectively. In conclusion, the Sysmex XS‐1000i demonstrated good analytical performance, is able to generate a complete blood count with five‐part differential on low blood volumes and has considerable back‐up capacity.
Risk factors for oral postoperative infection in patients with diabetes
Authors: Barasch Andrei , Safford Monika M. , Litaker Mark S. , Gilbert Gregg H. 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACTThe prevalence of diabetes mellitus in the general population has been increasing sharply. Currently, much is feared but little is known about postoperative complications of oral surgery among persons with diabetes. Existing dental education and practice guidelines cite excess infectious risk among patients with diabetes; however, empiric evidence to support such concerns is lacking. In fact, dentists commonly prescribe antibiotics when dental surgical procedures involve bone. This practice may contribute to the rising problem of microbial resistance and may increase overall healthcare costs. The growing number of dental patients with diabetes warrants strengthening the evidence base to guide their dental care and prevent possible morbid complications.
clonality V.0.4: a randomization‐based program to test for heterozygosity‐genet size relationships in clonal organisms
Authors: PRUGNOLLE FRANCK , CHOISY MARC , DE MEEÛS THIERRY 
Published: July 2008

Abstract clonality V.0.4 is a program for testing heterozygosity‐genet size relationships in clonal organisms using a randomization procedure. The software has been developed under the Borland Delphi developing environment and a Windows‐executable version is freely downloadable from http://gemi.mpl.ird.fr/SiteSGASS/Prugnolle/ClonalityPage.html. The program compares the observed FIS of the population with the FIS expected if genets (multilocus genotypes present in multiple copies within the population) were chosen randomly from the set of different multilocus genotypes. The randomization procedure is performed with the same number of genets and the same number of repetitions per genet as what is observed in the original data set.