bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Computational identification of novel chitinase-like proteins in the Drosophila melanogaster genome
Authors: Zhu Qingsong , Deng Youping , Vanka Phaneendra , Brown Susan J. , Muthukrishnan Subbaratnam , Kramer Karl J. 
Published: January 2004

Abstract
Motivation: Multiple chitinases as well as lectins closely related to them have been characterized previously from many insect species and the corresponding genes/cDNAs have been cloned. However, the identification of the entire assortment of genes for chitinase family proteins and their differences in biochemical properties have not been carried out in any individual insect species. The completion of the entire DNA sequence of Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) genome and identification of open reading frames presents an opportunity to study the structures and functions of chitinase-like proteins, and also to identify new members of this family in Drosophila. We are, therefore, interested in studying the functional genomics of chitinase-like gene families in insects.
Methods: We searched the Drosophila protein sequences database using fully characterized insect chitinase sequences and BLASTP software, identified all the putative chitinase-like proteins encoded in Drosophila genome, and predicted their structures using domain analysis tools. A phylogenetic analysis of the chitinase-like proteins from Drosophila and several other insect species was carried out. The structures of these chitinases were modeled using homology modeling software.
Results: Our analysis revealed the presence of 18 chitinase-like proteins in the Drosophila protein database. Among these are seven novel chitinase-like proteins that contain four signature amino acid sequences of chitinases belonging to family 18 glycosylhydrolases, including both acidic and hydrophobic amino acid residues critical for enzyme activity. All the proteins contain at least one catalytic domain with one having four catalytic domains. Phylogenetic analysis of chitinase-like proteins from Drosophila and other insects revealed an evolutionary relationship among all these proteins, which indicated gene duplication and domain shuffling to generate the observed diversity in the encoded proteins. Homology modeling showed that all the Drosophila chitinase-like proteins contain one or more catalytic domains with a (α/β)8 barrel-like structure. Our results suggest that insects utilize multiple family 18 chitinolytic enzymes and also non-enzymatic chitinase-like proteins for degrading/remodeling/binding to chitin in different insect anatomical extracellular structures, such as the cuticle, peritrophic membrane, trachea and mouth parts during insect development, and possibly for other roles including chitin synthesis.
Availability: Perl program and supplementary material are available at http://www.ksu.edu/bioinformatics/supplementary.htm
Phylogenomic inference of protein molecular function: advances and challenges
Authors: Sjölander Kimmen 
Published: January 2004

Abstract
Motivation: Protein families evolve a multiplicity of functions through gene duplication, speciation and other processes. As a number of studies have shown, standard methods of protein function prediction produce systematic errors on these data. Phylogenomic analysis—combining phylogenetic tree construction, integration of experimental data and differentiation of orthologs and paralogs—has been proposed to address these errors and improve the accuracy of functional classification. The explicit integration of structure prediction and analysis in this framework, which we call structural phylogenomics, provides additional insights into protein superfamily evolution.
Results: Results of protein functional classification using phylogenomic analysis show fewer expected false positives overall than when pairwise methods of functional classification are employed. We present an overview of the motivations and fundamental principles of phylogenomic analysis, new methods developed for the key tasks, benchmark datasets for these tasks (when available) and suggest procedures to increase accuracy. We also discuss some of the methods used in the Celera Genomics high-throughput phylogenomic classification of the human genome.
Availability: Software tools from the Berkeley Phylogenomics Group are available at http://phylogenomics.berkeley.edu
Burns as a Complication of the Use of Diathermy
Authors: Vedovato J. W. , Pólvora V. P. , Leonardi D. F. 
Published: January 2004

Abstract
Surgical diathermy is an invaluable aid in modern surgery, and most contemporary diathermy machines are considered safe. The literature has proven to be very sparse in terms of reference to complications, although prolonged courses of treatment are required in individual cases. We report a case of burns that occurred during a saphenous vein coronary bypass graft caused by the inadequate use of the electrosurgical materials. Care should be taken in the use of these resources to avoid complications of this kind.
The Circle of Safety: A Campfire Burn Prevention Campaign Expanding Nationwide
Authors: Maguiña Pirko , Palmieri Tina L. , Curri Terese , Nelson Kate , Greenhalgh David G. 
Published: January 2004

Abstract
Camping is a popular family activity, especially during the spring and summer months. Campfires are a common activity among campers. They offer a source of recreation but also pose a risk for severe burns. The rising number of children with campfire burns seen at our institution triggered a quest for a campaign for the prevention of these injuries. A chart review was performed to study the characteristics and the circumstances of burn injuries of all children treated for campfire-related injuries over a 4-year period between 1997 and 2001. Thirty-two children sustained campfire-related burn injuries, with 88% being under the age of 7. The children had either fallen into the campfire or walked into simmering coals. All accidents would have been prevented if the children had kept a safe distance from the campfire. Normal growth charts were used to determine the average height of 7-year-old children as being 48 inches. A campaign was started to encourage families to keep a safe distance of 4 feet from their campfires by drawing a “circle of safety” with a stick on the ground 4 feet away from the fire.
Management of Postburn Recalcitrant Knee Ulcers in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Dhanraj Prema , Asuku Malachy , Oh Seunghee , McCauley Robert L. 
Published: January 2004

Abstract
The sequelae of severe lower-extremity burn injuries in children include ulcerations and unstable scars of the anterior knee. Although the weight-bearing and ambulatory demands on this joint predispose the ulcers to chronicity, recalcitrance to treatment in the absence of systemic factors may be indicative of the presence of less-than-optimal local factors mitigating against healing. In our experience, excessive skin tightness around the knee joint has played a key role in this respect. This retrospective study on 10 patients with 16 recalcitrant knee ulcers demonstrated the inadequacy of the traditional treatment approach of ulcer excision and grafting. However, incisional release of tight skin above the knee joint and resurfacing the defect with split-thickness skin graft (mean size, 118.26 ± 35.32 cm2) eliminated excessive tension and allowed the ulcers to heal spontaneously and permanently. We found this approach useful in select patients, and we are favorably disposed to additional releasing incision and grafting if the need arises in the growing child.
Shedding the Layers: Exploring the Impact of the Burn Camp Experience on Adolescent Campers' Body Image
Authors: Cox Ellen R. , Call Serena B. , Williams Nancy R. , Reeves Patricia M. 
Published: January 2004

Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the impact of the burn camp experience, as it relates to body image, on participating burn-injured adolescents. Focus groups were conducted with 52 burn-injured adolescents at three burn camps in geographically diverse regions of the United States. Data revealed that burn camp is a place where these adolescents feel a sense of belonging and acceptance, a place where they don't have to hide their bodies, and a place where they can learn to integrate their scars into their overall body image in a positive way. Implications of this study include highlighting the contributions that burn camps may provide in helping burn-injured adolescents learn to cope with the devastating disfigurements that often accompany their injuries.
Burn Pain and Anxiety: The Use of Music Relaxation During Rehabilitation
Authors: Ferguson S. L. , Voll K. V. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractPain and anxiety are well-documented problems during the rehabilitation of patients with burns. This study examined the effect of music on anxiety and pain during range of motion. Eleven subjects with partial-thickness or deeper burns were randomly assigned to a control group (without music intervention) or experimental group (with music intervention). Vital signs, pain, and anxiety were recorded before and after treatments. There was no difference in pretest and posttest anxiety across the groups; however, there was a difference in anxiety between the groups. Conversely, there was a difference in pretest and posttest pain across the groups but no difference in pain between the groups. Results showed no significant reduction in anxiety and pain during therapy with music relaxation. Limitations included nonhomogenous groups, small sample size, potentially unrepresentative sample, variation in exercise protocol, and small musical selection. Further research is recommended.
THE 2003 CLINICAL RESEARCH AWARD
Authors: Lawrence John W. , Fauerbach James A. , Heinberg Leslie , Doctor Marion 
Published: January 2004

Abstract
This study examined the relationship among burn scarring, severity and visibility, and body esteem. Previous work addressing this question has relied on case studies and small samples. We mailed a survey to 2500 members of a national burn survivor support group. Survivors were asked to complete and return the mailed survey or complete the survey on line at our Web site. Three hundred sixty-one survivors completed all questionnaires in the survey relevant to this study, which included measures of burn characteristics, social stigmatization, social support, depression, and body esteem. The sample characteristics were as follows: 52% were women, the mean age was 44.1 years, the mean age burned was 26 years, 88% were European American, 5% were African American, 4% were multiracial, 3% were other, the average TBSA was 48%, and the mean educational level was high school graduate. We measured scar visibility by asking survivors to rate “how often are your burn scars visible to others” on a six-point scale. We also asked them to rate the presence or absence of scars on 15 body parts, total TBSA, and number of surgeries. The correlation between visible scarring and different aspects of body esteem, that is, self-satisfaction with appearance (−.19) and perception of others reaction to your appearance (−.27), was statistically significant but low. Visible scarring was unrelated to self-satisfaction with weight (.01). Visible scarring had a low but significant correlation with perceived stigmatization (.23) and was not correlated with depression (0.01). Other measures of scarring also had low correlations with social and emotional outcome variables. Because scar severity and visibility are hypothesized to be particularly relevant to body esteem, we performed a multiple regression predicting body esteem. We entered the variables in three blocks: burn characteristics, demographic characteristics, and social and emotional characteristics. Burn characteristics accounted for less than 20% of the variance. R square for the final equation equaled .62, with social adjustment and depression accounting for the largest portion of the variance. In this sample, burn scar visibility and severity did not have a strong relationship with social and emotional adjustment variables. More effort must be placed into developing psychosocial interventions that help survivors accept scars, reduce depression, and build a strong loving support system.
Contact Palm Burns in Toddlers from Glass Enclosed Fireplaces
Authors: Dunst C. M. , Scott E. C. , Kraatz J. J. , Anderson P. M. , Twomey J. A. , Peltier G. L. 
Published: January 2004

Abstract
We have seen an alarming increase in the incidence of pediatric palm burns associated with gas fireplaces. The increasing popularity of these units places more children at risk. Medical records of patients under the age of 5 years who sustained hand burns from contact with the glass enclosure of gas fireplaces from 1996 through 2002 were reviewed. Thirty-nine patients were identified, with a mean age of 12.8 months. A 15-fold increase in incidence was observed. Thirty-three patients suffered superficial second-degree burns that were treated conservatively. Twenty-one percent of children developed significant wound complications requiring intensive therapy including extension splinting or surgery. Pediatric burns resulting from palmar contact with the glass enclosures of gas fireplaces have emerged as an avoidable new danger within the home. Although most of these injuries heal with conservative treatment alone, many require surgery or other intensive management to regain acceptable function.
Combination of Surgery and Intralesional Verapamil Injection in the Treatment of the Keloid
Authors: Copcu Eray , Sivrioglu Nazan , Oztan Yucel 
Published: January 2004

Abstract
Keloid scars are one of the most challenging problems for physicians and surgeons. These scars have been treated in many ways, with varying success. Verapamil is a widely used calcium channel antagonist, and it has been shown that calcium channel blockers inhibit the synthesis/secretion of extracellular matrix molecules, including collagen, glycosaminoglycans, and fibronectin, and increase collagenase. In this study, we performed total keloid excision in combination with reconstruction with W-plasty or skin grafting and injection of verapamil hydrochloride into the lesions of 21 patients with keloids. Patients were followed for minimum of 2 years, and the treatment outcome was evaluated based on the cosmetic appearances, symptomatic improvements, and the results of microscopic examinations. Also, patient satisfaction was scored with a visual analog scale. Two years after the operations, two patients had keloid in lesser diameter than the original lesions, two patients had lesions that were hypertrophic scars in appearance, and four patients had pruritus. One patient had keloid on the donor site. The rate of patient satisfaction was 6.4 on a scale of 1 to 10. We reviewed the treatment of keloid in this study and obtained one of the lower rates of complication in the literature. We believe that surgical excision with W-plasty or skin grafting and intralesional verapamil injection may be a good alternative in the treatment of keloid.
Digital Photography: Enhancing Communication Between Burn Therapists and Nurses
Authors: Van Lan B. , Sicotte K. M. , Lassiter R. R. , Jablonski K. A. , Crean D. A. , Jeng J. C. , Jordan M. H. 
Published: January 2004

Abstract
Burn rehabilitation therapists rely on nursing staff to follow through with the positioning and splinting programs. To communicate more effectively, a communication tool that consisted of digital photos and written instructions was created. Microsoft Word® and Nikon View® software were used to design the communication tool. The purpose of the study was to assess the perceived effectiveness of a communication tool between burn therapists and burn nurses for splinting and positioning. Thirty-two surveys were distributed to burn nursing staff to assess their perception of the communication tool (digital photographs with written instructions) compared with previous methods of instructions (without digital photographs). Seventy-three percent of nurses felt the communication tool with verbal instructions were the best methods of communicating splinting and positioning needs. All respondents felt that the rehabilitation staff should continue to use the communication tool.
THE 2003 CARL A. MOYER AWARD
Authors: Light T. D. , Jeng James C. , Jain A. K. , Jablonski K. A. , Kim D. E. , Phillips T. M. , Rizzo A. G. , Jordan M. H. 
Published: January 2004

Abstract
Real-time metabolic monitoring of varied vascular beds provides the raw data necessary to conduct ultraprecise burn shock resuscitation based on second-by-second assessment of regional tissue perfusion. It also illustrates shortcomings of current clinical practices. Arterial base deficit was continuously monitored during 11 clinical resuscitations of patients suffering burn shock using a Paratrend monitor. Separately, in a 30% TBSA rat burn model (N = 70), three Paratrend monitors simultaneously recorded arterial blood gas and tissue pCO2 of the burn wound and colonic mucosa during resuscitation at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 ml/kg/%TBSA. Paratrend data were analyzed in conjunction with previously reported laser Doppler images of actual burn wound capillary perfusion. With current clinical therapy, continuous monitoring of arterial base deficit revealed repetitive cycles of resolution/worsening/resolution during burn shock resuscitation. In the rat model, tissue pCO2 in both burn wounds and splanchnic circulation differed depending on the rate of fluid resuscitation (P &lt; .01 between sham and 0 ml/kg/%TBSA and between 2 ml/kg/%TBSA and 4 ml/kg/%TBSA). Burn wound pCO2 values correlated well with laser Doppler determination of actual capillary perfusion (ρ = −.48, P &lt; .01). The following conclusions were reached: 1) Gratuitous and repetitive ischemia-reperfusion-ischemia cycles plague current clinical therapy as demonstrated by numerous “false starts” in the resolution of arterial base deficit; 2) in a rat model, real-time monitoring of burn wound and splanchnic pCO2 demonstrate a dose-response relationship with rate of fluid administration; and 3) burn wound and splanchnic pCO2 are highly correlated with direct measurement of burn wound capillary perfusion by laser Doppler imager. Either technique can serve as a resuscitation endpoint for real-time feedback-controlled ultraprecise resuscitation.
Psychological Problems Reported by Young Adults Who Were Burned as Children
Authors: Meyer W. J. , Blakeney P. , Russell W. , Thomas C. , Robert R. , Berniger F. , Holzer C. 
Published: January 2004

Abstract
This study assessed long-term psychosocial sequelae of young adult pediatric burn survivors. Subjects were 101 young adults (43 females and 58 males) between the ages of 18 and 28 years who were at least 2 years (average, 14 years) postburn at least 30% TBSA (mean = 54 ± 20%). Educational status was 25% high school dropouts, 28% high school graduation only, 32% some college, and 5% completed college. Seventy-seven percent either worked or attended school; 28% had had a long-term partner. When assessed by Achenbach's Young Adult Self-Report (YASR) scale and compared with its published reference group, the males reported differences only in the somatic complaints, but the females endorsed significantly more externalizing and total problems, specifically withdrawn behaviors, somatic complaints, thought problems, aggressive behavior, and delinquent behavior. Despite these problems suffered by some female pediatric burn survivors, the overall outcome revealed that most pediatric burn survivors are making the transition into adulthood with minimal unexpected difficulty.
The Impact of Exchange Rate Volatility on UK Exports to EU Countries
Authors: De vita Glauco , Abbott Andrew 
Published: January 2004

AbstractThis paper investigates the impact of exchange rate volatility on UK exports to European Union (EU) countries by means of a newly developed ARDL bounds testing procedure to cointegration. Using monthly data disaggregated by market of destination and sectors for the period 1993ml to 2001m6, our results indicate that UK exports to the EU14, at both aggregate and sectoral level, are generally income elastic, relative price inelastic and largely unaffected by short‐term exchange rate volatility. Re‐estimation of the model using a long‐term measure of volatility, however, provides evidence supporting the hypothesis that exchange rate uncertainty has a negative and significant influence on UK exports to EU countries.
Ricardian Consumers With Non‐Keynesian (And Possibly Ricardian) Propensities
Authors: Pemberton James 
Published: January 2004

Abstract Barsky, Mankiw and Zeldes (1986) have argued that uncertainty about future income can generate strong ‘Keynesian’ responses to tax changes by consumers who have far‐sighted ‘Ricardian’ preferences. The paper argues that this conclusion relies on an inappropriate treatment of future tax policies. Using a more appropriate framework generates behaviour which may instead be approximately Ricardian, and which, if it deviates from the Ricardian benchmark, usually does so in an anti‐Keynesian direction. If Keynesian behaviour is observed, therefore, it requires a different explanation.
Productive Efficiency and Salary Distribution: The Case of US Major League Baseball
Authors: Todd jewell R. , Molina David J. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractRecent theoretical research suggests that a firm's salary structure can affect the firm's productivity. We investigate the relationship between payroll inequality and production using US Major League Baseball data. Employing panel data methods, this study finds that salary inequality has a significantly negative effect on team success. A general result is that team success in term of wins does not seem to be correlated with efficiency; specifically, some of the least successful teams are also some of the most efficient. In addition, salary inequality does not appear to be correlated with efficiency. Furthermore, revenues generated by teams are not necessarily correlated with team efficiency.
Reconstruction of the maxillary midline papilla following a combined orthodontic–periodontic treatment in adult periodontal patients
Authors: Cardaropoli Daniele , Re Stefania , Corrente Giuseppe , Abundo Roberto 
Published: January 2004

AbstractObjective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of a combined orthodontic–periodontic treatment in determining the reconstruction of midline papilla lost following periodontitis.Material and Methods: Twenty‐eight patients, with infrabony defect and extrusion of one maxillary central incisor, were treated. At baseline, all patients presented opening of the interdental diastema and loss of the papilla. At 7–10 days after open‐flap surgery, the intrusive movement started. For each patient, probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL) and papilla presence index (PI) were assessed at baseline, end of treatment and after 1 year. PI was also evaluated independently in patients with narrow or wide periodontal biotype (NPB–WPB).Results: All parameters showed statistical improvement between the initial and final measurements, and showed no changes at follow‐up time. The mean residual PPD was 2.50 mm, with a decrease of 4.29 mm, while the mean CAL gain was 5.93 mm. Twenty‐three out of 28 patients improved the PI score at the end of therapy. No statistical difference was recorded in PI values between groups NPB and WPB.Conclusion: The presented clinical protocol resulted in the improvement of all parameters examined. At the end of orthodontic treatment, a predictable reconstruction of the interdental papilla was reported, both in patients with thin or wide gingiva.