bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Towards the development of a DNA-sequence based approach to serotyping of Salmonella enterica
Authors: Mortimer Chloe KB , Peters Tansy M , Gharbia Saheer E , Logan Julie MJ , Arnold Catherine 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Background
The fliC and fljB genes in Salmonella code for the phase 1 (H1) and phase 2 (H2) flagellin respectively, the rfb cluster encodes the majority of enzymes for polysaccharide (O) antigen biosynthesis, together they determine the antigenic profile by which Salmonella are identified. Sequencing and characterisation of fliC was performed in the development of a molecular serotyping technique.

Results
FliC sequencing of 106 strains revealed two groups; the g-complex included those exhibiting "g" or "m,t" antigenic factors, and the non-g strains which formed a second more diverse group. Variation in fliC was characterised and sero-specific motifs identified. Furthermore, it was possible to identify differences in certain H antigens that are not detected by traditional serotyping. A rapid short sequencing assay was developed to target serotype-specific sequence motifs in fliC. The assay was evaluated for identification of H1 antigens with a panel of 55 strains.

Conclusion
FliC sequences were obtained for more than 100 strains comprising 29 different H1 alleles. Unique pyrosequencing profiles corresponding to the H1 component of the serotype were generated reproducibly for the 23 alleles represented in the evaluation panel. Short read sequence assays can now be used to identify fliC alleles in approximately 97% of the 50 medically most important Salmonella in England and Wales. Capability for high throughput testing and automation give these assays considerable advantages over traditional methods.
Primary care follow up of patients discharged from the emergency department: a retrospective study
Authors: Vinker Shlomo , Kitai Eliezer , Or Yaacov , Nakar Sasson 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Background
The visit to the emergency department (ED) constitutes a brief, yet an important point in the continuum of medical care. The aim of our study was to evaluate the continuity of care of adult ED visitors.

Methods
We retrospectively reviewed all ED discharge summaries for over a month 's period. The ED chart, referral letter and the patient's primary care file were reviewed. Data collected included: age, gender, date and hour of ED visit, documentation of ED referral and ED discharge letter in the primary care file.

Results
359 visits were eligible for the study. 192 (53.5%) of the patients were women, average age 54.1 ± 18.7 years (mean ± SD). 214 (59.6%) of the visits were during working hours of primary care clinics ("working hours"), while the rest were "out of hours" visits. Only 196 (54.6%) of patients had a referral letter, usually from their family physician. A third (71/214) of "working hours" visits were self referrals, the rate rose to 63.5% (92/145) of "out of hours" visits (p < 0.0001). The ED discharge letter was found in 50% (179/359) of the primary care files. A follow-up visit was documented in only 31% (111/359). Neither follow up visit nor discharge letter were found in 43% of the files (153/359).

Conclusions
We have found a high rate of ED self referrals throughout the day together with low documentation rates of ED visits in the primary care charts. Our findings point to a poor continuity of care of ED attendees.
The effect of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy on small for gestational age and stillbirth: a population based study
Authors: Allen Victoria M , Joseph KS , Murphy Kellie E , Magee Laura A , Ohlsson Arne 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Background
Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy are leading causes of maternal, fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, studies attempting to quantify the effect of hypertension on adverse perinatal outcomes have been mostly conducted in tertiary centres. This population-based study explored the frequency of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy and the associated increase in small for gestational age (SGA) and stillbirth.

Methods
We used information on all pregnant women and births, in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia, between 1988 and 2000. Pregnancies were excluded if delivery occurred < 20 weeks, if birthweight was < 500 grams, if there was a high-order multiple pregnancy (greater than twin gestation), or a major fetal anomaly.

Results
The study population included 135,466 pregnancies. Of these, 7.7% had mild pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), 1.3% had severe PIH, 0.2% had HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets), 0.02% had eclampsia, 0.6% had chronic hypertension, and 0.4% had chronic hypertension with superimposed PIH. Women with any hypertension in pregnancy were 1.6 (95% CI 1.5–1.6) times more likely to have a live birth with SGA and 1.4 (95% CI 1.1–1.8) times more likely to have a stillbirth as compared with normotensive women. Adjusted analyses showed that women with gestational hypertension without proteinuria (mild PIH) and with proteinuria (severe PIH, HELLP, or eclampsia) were more likely to have infants with SGA (RR 1.5, 95% CI 1.4–1.6 and RR 3.2, 95% CI 2.8–3.6, respectively). Women with pre-existing hypertension were also more likely to give birth to an infant with SGA (RR 2.5, 95% CI 2.2–3.0) or to have a stillbirth (RR 3.2, 95% CI 1.9–5.4).

Conclusions
This large, population-based study confirms and quantifies the magnitude of the excess risk of small for gestational age and stillbirth among births to women with hypertensive disease in pregnancy.
Genome-wide array comparative genomic hybridization analysis reveals distinct amplifications in osteosarcoma
Authors: Man Tsz-Kwong , Lu Xin-Yan , Jaeweon Kim , Perlaky Laszlo , Harris Charles P , Shah Shishir , Ladanyi Marc , Gorlick Richard , Lau Ching C , Rao Pulivarthi H 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Background
Osteosarcoma is a highly malignant bone neoplasm of children and young adults. It is characterized by extremely complex karyotypes and high frequency of chromosomal amplifications. Currently, only the histological response (degree of necrosis) to therapy represent gold standard for predicting the outcome in a patient with non-metastatic osteosarcoma at the time of definitive surgery. Patients with lower degree of necrosis have a higher risk of relapse and poor outcome even after chemotherapy and complete resection of the primary tumor. Therefore, a better understanding of the underlying molecular genetic events leading to tumor initiation and progression could result in the identification of potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets.

Methods
We used a genome-wide screening method – array based comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH) to identify DNA copy number changes in 48 patients with osteosarcoma. We applied fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to validate some of amplified clones in this study.

Results
Clones showing gains (79%) were more frequent than losses (66%). High-level amplifications and homozygous deletions constitute 28.6% and 3.8% of tumor genome respectively. High-level amplifications were present in 238 clones, of which about 37% of them showed recurrent amplification. Most frequently amplified clones were mapped to 1p36.32 (PRDM16), 6p21.1 (CDC5L, HSPCB, NFKBIE), 8q24, 12q14.3 (IFNG), 16p13 (MGRN1), and 17p11.2 (PMP22 MYCD, SOX1,ELAC27). We validated some of the amplified clones by FISH from 6p12-p21, 8q23-q24, and 17p11.2 amplicons. Homozygous deletions were noted for 32 clones and only 7 clones showed in more than one case. These 7 clones were mapped to 1q25.1 (4 cases), 3p14.1 (4 cases), 13q12.2 (2 cases), 4p15.1 (2 cases), 6q12 (2 cases), 6q12 (2 cases) and 6q16.3 (2 cases).

Conclusions
This study clearly demonstrates the utility of array CGH in defining high-resolution DNA copy number changes and refining amplifications. The resolution of array CGH technology combined with human genome database suggested the possible target genes present in the gained or lost clones.
The National Women's Health Study: assembly and description of a population-based reproductive cohort
Authors: Maconochie Noreen , Doyle Pat , Prior Susan 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Background
Miscarriage is a common event but is remarkably difficult to measure in epidemiological studies. Few large-scale population-based studies have been conducted in the UK.

Methods
This was a population-based two-stage postal survey of reproductive histories of adult women living in the United Kingdom in 2001, sampled from the electronic electoral roll. In Stage 1 a short "screening" questionnaire was sent to over 60,000 randomly selected women in order to identify those aged 55 and under who had ever been pregnant or ever attempted to achieve a pregnancy, from whom a brief reproductive history was requested. Stage 2 involved a more lengthy questionnaire requesting detailed information on every pregnancy (and fertility problems), and questions relating to socio-demographic, behavioural and other factors for the most recent pregnancy in order to examine risk factors for miscarriage. Data on stillbirth, multiple birth and maternal age are compared to national data in order to assess response bias.

Results
The response rate was 49% for Stage 1 and 73% for the more targeted Stage 2. A total of 26,050 questionnaires were returned in Stage 1. Of the 17,748 women who were eligible on the grounds of age, 27% reported that they had never been pregnant and had never attempted to conceive a child. The remaining 13,035 women reported a total of 30,661 pregnancies. Comparison of key reproductive indicators (stillbirth and multiple birth rates and maternal age at first birth) with national statistics showed that the data look remarkably similar to the general population.

Conclusions
This study has enabled the assembly of a large population-based dataset of women's reproductive histories which appears unbiased compared to the general UK population and which will enable investigation of hard-to-measure outcomes such as miscarriage and infertility.
Recovery of frog and lizard communities following primary habitat alteration in Mizoram, Northeast India
Authors: Pawar Samraat S , Rawat Gopal S , Choudhury Binod C 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Background
Community recovery following primary habitat alteration can provide tests for various hypotheses in ecology and conservation biology. Prominent among these are questions related to the manner and rate of community assembly after habitat perturbation. Here we use space-for-time substitution to analyse frog and lizard community assembly along two gradients of habitat recovery following slash and burn agriculture (jhum) in Mizoram, Northeast India. One recovery gradient undergoes natural succession to mature tropical rainforest, while the other involves plantation of jhum fallows with teak Tectona grandis monoculture.

Results
Frog and lizard communities accumulated species steadily during natural succession, attaining characteristics similar to those from mature forest after 30 years of regeneration. Lizards showed higher turnover and lower augmentation of species relative to frogs. Niche based classification identified a number of guilds, some of which contained both frogs and lizards. Successional change in species richness was due to increase in the number of guilds as well as the number of species per guild. Phylogenetic structure increased with succession for some guilds. Communities along the teak plantation gradient on the other hand, did not show any sign of change with chronosere age. Factor analysis revealed sets of habitat variables that independently determined changes in community and guild composition during habitat recovery.

Conclusions
The timescale of frog and lizard community recovery was comparable with that reported by previous studies on different faunal groups in other tropical regions. Both communities converged on primary habitat attributes during natural vegetation succession, the recovery being driven by deterministic, nonlinear changes in habitat characteristics. On the other hand, very little faunal recovery was seen even in relatively old teak plantation. In general, tree monocultures are unlikely to support recovery of natural forest communities and the combined effect of shortened jhum cultivation cycles and plantation forestry could result in landscapes without mature forest. Lack of source pools of genetic diversity will then lead to altered vegetation succession and faunal community reassembly. It is therefore important that the value of habitat mosaics containing even patches of primary forest and successional secondary habitats be taken into account.
Thermal modeling of lesion growth with radiofrequency ablation devices
Authors: Chang Isaac A , Nguyen Uyen D 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Background
Temperature is a frequently used parameter to describe the predicted size of lesions computed by computational models. In many cases, however, temperature correlates poorly with lesion size. Although many studies have been conducted to characterize the relationship between time-temperature exposure of tissue heating to cell damage, to date these relationships have not been employed in a finite element model.

Methods
We present an axisymmetric two-dimensional finite element model that calculates cell damage in tissues and compare lesion sizes using common tissue damage and iso-temperature contour definitions. The model accounts for both temperature-dependent changes in the electrical conductivity of tissue as well as tissue damage-dependent changes in local tissue perfusion. The data is validated using excised porcine liver tissues.

Results
The data demonstrate the size of thermal lesions is grossly overestimated when calculated using traditional temperature isocontours of 42°C and 47°C. The computational model results predicted lesion dimensions that were within 5% of the experimental measurements.

Conclusion
When modeling radiofrequency ablation problems, temperature isotherms may not be representative of actual tissue damage patterns.
An Efficient Template Pathway to Synthesis of Ordered Metal Oxide Nanotube Arrays Using Metal Acetylacetonates as Single-Source Molecular Precursors
Authors: Shen Xiao-Ping , Liu Hong-Jiang , Pan Li , Chen Kang-Min , Hong Jian-Ming , Xu Zheng 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
α-Fe2O3 and CuO nanotube arrays were obtained for the first time within the pores of the porous anodic alumina membranes by pyrolyzing Fe(acac)3 (Hacac = 2,4-pentanedione) at 300 °C and Cu(acac)2 at 330 °C, respectively. These nanotubes with an outer diameter of about 100–300 nm and a length of up to tens of microns were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), respectively.
Preparation of Nanoparticles of LiCoO2 Using Laser Ablation in Liquids
Authors: Tsuji Takeshi , Kakita Toshihiko , Hamagami Taro , Kawamura Tetsuya , Yamaki Junichi , Tsuji Masaharu 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
In order to prepare nanoparticles of LiCoO2, laser ablation of LiCoO2 in liquids (water, methanol, and cyclohexane) was carried out at 355 nm. Spherical particles of 10–200 nm in diameters were prepared, while Co3O4 were also produced due to liberation of Li. It was found that liberation of Li decreased in methanol and cyclohexane as compared to that in water.
Synthesis of Mesostructured Materials from K2NbO3F as Starting Material
Authors: Ogasawara Masataka , Kato Sumio , Tsukidate Hiroshi , Akaogi Takahiro , Moriya Yoshio , Nakata Shinichi 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
We synthesized mesostructured materials using layered perovskite K2NbO3F and CnTMACl (n = 12, 14, 16, 18) as starting materials. In the case of n = 16, lamellar phase at pH 9, 10.5 was obtained, while 2D-hexagonal phase at pH 3–7 was observed. This result indicates that the mesophase structure depends on the pH of the reacted solution. The d100 of mesostructured materials increased with increasing length of the alkyl chain. This indicates that the periodicity of the mesostructure can be controlled by selection of the surfactant.
Dendrimer-Encapsulated Oligothiophenes
Authors: Otsubo Tetsuo , Ueno Shinpei , Takimiya Kazuo , Aso Yoshio 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
A series of novel oligothiophenes, trimer, hexamer, nonamer, and dodecamer, attached with benzyl ether dendrons at the molecular sides has been developed. Since the dendron pendants prevent the formation of π-dimers, the electronic absorption spectra of the dodecamer under doping reveal the involvement of chain dimers and bipolarons as other possible charge carrier species for conductive polythiophenes.
Surgical approach for congenital midline cervical cleft
Authors: Bajaj Y. , Dunaway D. , Hartley B.E.J. 
Published: August 2004

This is a report of a case of a rare congenital midline cervical cleft and a description of the surgical approach.Congenital midline cervical cleft is a very rare developmental anomaly. It represents a failure of the branchial arches to fuse in the midline and presents at birth with a ventral midline defect of the skin of the neck. Associated clinical features could include mandibular spurs, cleft mandible, microgenia, thyroglossal cyst, cleft lip or bronchogenic cysts.The authors present a case of a midline cervical cleft that was diagnosed and managed at an early age. They discuss the clinical presentation and embryological development of this rare condition. The operative findings, surgical excision and repair of the long vertical defect by Z-plasty are discussed in detail.The authors report a very satisfactory result following excision and Z-plasty closure of this rare congenital anomaly.
Cervical necrotizing fasciitis with facial nerve paralysis
Authors: Al-Ammar Amed , Maqbool Mir Suhail 
Published: August 2004

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a very aggressive infection with associated high mortality. Risk factors of acquiring this infection may include diabetes mellitus, surgery, trauma, and infection. This infection necessitates prompt recognition and aggressive management in order to avoid its unfavourable outcomes. Associated nerve paralysis may indicate the involvement of deeper tissue.The present report highlights a case of cervical NF that was complicated by facial nerve paralysis, a feature that has rarely been reported.
Meta-Analysis of Interventions for Medication Adherence to Antihypertensives
Authors: Takiya Liza N , Peterson Andrew M , Finley Rebecca S 
Published: August 2004

OBJECTIVE To identify methods targeted at improving adherence to antihypertensives and determine their effect on adherence using meta-analytic techniques. METHODS A literature search from 1970 to December 2000 using MEDLINE, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, PsychLit, ERIC, and EMBASE was performed using the terms compliance, adherence, and medication. Randomized articles with an intervention directed at a patient/caregiver, a comparator group, and a minimum of 10 subjects in each intervention group were identified by 3 independent reviewers. Articles that did not report sample size data or adequate results of the intervention were excluded. Sixteen citations focusing on antihypertensive adherence were identified. Of the 16 citations, 6 studied either more than one intervention in the same population or different interventions in different patient populations, yielding 24 cohorts with 2446 patients. RESULTS Fifty-eight percent of the methods focused on behavioral interventions (BIs), 29% studied the effect of a combination of behavioral and educational interventions (BEIs), and 13% utilized educational interventions (EIs) alone. Overall, the study groups were nonhomogenous (Q = 183.92; p < 0.001). However, when the groups were separated by the intervention type, the BIs were homogenous (Q = 1.19; p = 1.00) with an overall effect size (ES) of 0.04 (95% CI −0.01 to −0.09), indicating a trend toward improved adherence. Fifty percent of the BIs were performed in the physician's office; however, setting did not influence the intervention's impact (p = 0.13). Within the BIs, no single intervention improved adherence over others. CONCLUSIONS Based on the interventions included in this meta-analysis, there is no single intervention that improves adherence to antihypertensives over others; therefore, a patient-specific approach should be modeled.
Management of Hypertriglyceridemia in Patients Receiving Interferon for Malignant Melanoma
Authors: Wong Siu-Fun , Jakowatz James G , Taheri Reza 
Published: August 2004

OBJECTIVE To describe 3 cases of hypertriglyceridemia associated with the use of interferon alfa (IFN-α) for the treatment of malignant melanoma and propose a management plan for dyslipidemia associated with interferon therapy CASE SUMMARIES Three case reports of hypertriglyceridemia with or without elevation of total cholesterol level associated with the use of adjuvant IFN-α for the treatment of malignant melanoma are described. These patients received IFN-α-based adjuvant therapy with doses ranging from 5–20 million units/m 2 for 1–2 years' duration. The onset and severity of dyslipidemia appeared to occur randomly. Pre-existing cardiovascular disorders did not seem to play a role. The patients were treated with atorvastatin, gemfibrozil, and a combination of lovastatin with niacin, depending on their lipid panel results. DISCUSSION Based on our case reports and published data, hypertriglyceridemia is more frequently associated with longer duration of interferon therapy, although the time of onset is not clearly defined. Presence or absence of baseline dyslipidemia does not seem to play a role in the development of hypertriglyceridemia associated with interferon, and its occurrence and severity are not dependent on the dose. Lifestyle modifications should be encouraged in patients who develop dyslipidemia, and drug treatment should be considered. If drug therapy is indicated, fibric acid derivatives should be considered as first-line therapy. Even at lower doses, this class of drug seems to be effective in managing severe triglyceride elevations in these patients. The Naranjo probability scale of these cases ranged from possible to probable. CONCLUSIONS Hypertriglyceridemia is a rare but potentially severe adverse consequence of interferon therapy. Patients with malignant melanoma who develop dyslipidemia while receiving interferon should be considered for antidyslipidemic management.